-A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
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-Now , fair Hippolyta , our nuptial hour
-Draws on apace : four happy days bring in
-Another moon ; but O ! methinks how slow
-This old moon wanes ; she lingers my desires ,
-Like to a step dame , or a dowager
-Long withering out a young man's revenue .
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-Four days will quickly steep themselves in night ;
-Four nights will quickly dream away the time ;
-And then the moon , like to a silver bow
-New-bent in heaven , shall behold the night
-Of our solemnities .
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-Go , Philostrate ,
-Stir up the Athenian youth to merriments ;
-Awake the pert and nimble spirit of mirth ;
-Turn melancholy forth to funerals ;
-The pale companion is not for our pomp .
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-Hippolyta , I woo'd thee with my sword ,
-And won thy love doing thee injuries ;
-But I will wed thee in another key ,
-With pomp , with triumph , and with revelling .
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-Happy be Theseus , our renowned duke !
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-Thanks , good Egeus : what's the news with thee ?
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-Full of vexation come I , with complaint
-Against my child , my daughter Hermia .
-Stand forth , Demetrius . My noble lord ,
-This man hath my consent to marry her .
-Stand forth , Lysander : and , my gracious duke ,
-This man hath bewitch'd the bosom of my child :
-Thou , thou , Lysander , thou hast given her rimes ,
-And interchang'd love-tokens with my child ;
-Thou hast by moonlight at her window sung ,
-With feigning voice , verses of feigning love ;
-And stol'n the impression of her fantasy
-With bracelets of thy hair , rings , gawds , conceits ,
-Knacks , trifles , nosegays , sweetmeats , messengers
-Of strong prevailment in unharden'd youth ;
-With cunning hast thou filch'd my daughter's heart ;
-Turn'd her obedience , which is due to me ,
-To stubborn harshness . And , my gracious duke ,
-Be it so she will not here before your Grace
-Consent to marry with Demetrius ,
-I beg the ancient privilege of Athens ,
-As she is mine , I may dispose of her ;
-Which shall be either to this gentleman ,
-Or to her death , according to our law
-Immediately provided in that case .
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-What say you , Hermia ? be advis'd , fair maid .
-To you , your father should be as a god ;
-One that compos'd your beauties , yea , and one
-To whom you are but as a form in wax
-By him imprinted , and within his power
-To leave the figure or disfigure it .
-Demetrius is a worthy gentleman .
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-So is Lysander .
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-In himself he is ;
-But , in this kind , wanting your father's voice ,
-The other must be held the worthier .
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-I would my father look'd but with my eyes .
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-Rather your eyes must with his judgment look .
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-I do entreat your Grace to pardon me .
-I know not by what power I am made bold ,
-Nor how it may concern my modesty
-In such a presence here to plead my thoughts ;
-But I beseech your Grace , that I may know
-The worst that may befall me in this case ,
-If I refuse to wed Demetrius .
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-Either to die the death , or to abjure
-For ever the society of men .
-Therefore , fair Hermia , question your desires ;
-Know of your youth , examine well your blood ,
-Whe'r , if you yield not to your father's choice ,
-You can endure the livery of a nun ,
-For aye to be in shady cloister mew'd ,
-To live a barren sister all your life ,
-Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon .
-Thrice blessed they that master so their blood ,
-To undergo such maiden pilgrimage ;
-But earthlier happy is the rose distill'd ,
-Than that which withering on the virgin thorn
-Grows , lives , and dies , in single blessedness .
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-So will I grow , so live , so die , my lord ,
-Ere I will yield my virgin patent up
-Unto his lordship , whose unwished yoke
-My soul consents not to give sovereignty .
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-Take time to pause ; and , by the next new moon ,
-The sealing-day betwixt my love and me
-For everlasting bond of fellowship ,
-Upon that day either prepare to die
-For disobedience to your father's will ,
-Or else to wed Demetrius , as he would ;
-Or on Diana's altar to protest
-For aye austerity and single life .
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-Relent , sweet Hermia ; and , Lysander , yield
-Thy crazed title to my certain right .
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-You have her father's love , Demetrius ;
-Let me have Hermia's : do you marry him .
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-Scornful Lysander ! true , he hath my love ,
-And what is mine my love shall render him ;
-And she is mine , and all my right of her
-I do estate unto Demetrius .
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-I am , my lord , as well deriv'd as he ,
-As well possess'd ; my love is more than his ;
-My fortunes every way as fairly rank'd
-If not with vantage , as Demetrius' ;
-And , which is more than all these boasts can be ,
-I am belov'd of beauteous Hermia .
-Why should not I then prosecute my right ?
-Demetrius , I'll avouch it to his head ,
-Made love to Nedar's daughter , Helena ,
-And won her soul ; and she , sweet lady , dotes ,
-Devoutly dotes , dotes in idolatry ,
-Upon this spotted and inconstant man .
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-I must confess that I have heard so much ,
-And with Demetrius thought to have spoke thereof ;
-But , being over-full of self-affairs ,
-My mind did lose it . But , Demetrius , come ;
-And come , Egeus ; you shall go with me ,
-I have some private schooling for you both .
-For you , fair Hermia , look you arm yourself
-To fit your fancies to your father's will ,
-Or else the law of Athens yields you up ,
-Which by no means we may extenuate ,
-To death , or to a vow of single life .
-Come , my Hippolyta : what cheer , my love ?
-Demetrius and Egeus , go along :
-I must employ you in some business
-Against our nuptial , and confer with you
-Of something nearly that concerns yourselves .
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-With duty and desire we follow you .
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-How now , my love ! Why is your cheek so pale ?
-How chance the roses there do fade so fast ?
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-Belike for want of rain , which I could well
-Beteem them from the tempest of mine eyes .
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-Ay me ! for aught that ever I could read ,
-Could ever hear by tale or history ,
-The course of true love never did run smooth ;
-But , either it was different in blood ,
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-O cross ! too high to be enthrall'd to low .
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-Or else misgraffed in respect of years ,
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-O spite ! too old to be engag'd to young .
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-Or else it stood upon the choice of friends ,
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-O hell ! to choose love by another's eye .
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-Or , if there were a sympathy in choice ,
-War , death , or sickness did lay siege to it ,
-Making it momentany as a sound ,
-Swift as a shadow , short as any dream ,
-Brief as the lightning in the collied night ,
-That , in a spleen , unfolds both heaven and earth ,
-And ere a man hath power to say , 'Behold !'
-The jaws of darkness do devour it up :
-So quick bright things come to confusion .
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-If then true lovers have been ever cross'd ,
-It stands as an edict in destiny :
-Then let us teach our trial patience ,
-Because it is a customary cross ,
-As due to love as thoughts and dreams and sighs ,
-Wishes and tears , poor fancy's followers .
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-A good persuasion : therefore , hear me , Hermia .
-I have a widow aunt , a dowager
-Of great revenue , and she hath no child :
-From Athens is her house remote seven leagues ;
-And she respects me as her only son .
-There , gentle Hermia , may I marry thee ,
-And to that place the sharp Athenian law
-Cannot pursue us . If thou lov'st me then ,
-Steal forth thy father's house to-morrow night ,
-And in the wood , a league without the town ,
-Where I did meet thee once with Helena ,
-To do observance to a morn of May ,
-There will I stay for thee .
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-My good Lysander !
-I swear to thee by Cupid's strongest bow ,
-By his best arrow with the golden head ,
-By the simplicity of Venus' doves ,
-By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves ,
-And by that fire which burn'd the Carthage queen ,
-When the false Troyan under sail was seen ,
-By all the vows that ever men have broke ,
-In number more than ever women spoke ,
-In that same place thou hast appointed me ,
-To-morrow truly will I meet with thee .
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-Keep promise , love . Look , here comes Helena .
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-God speed fair Helena ! Whither away ?
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-Call you me fair ? that fair again unsay .
-Demetrius loves your fair : O happy fair !
-Your eyes are lode-stars ! and your tongue's sweet air
-More tuneable than lark to shepherd's ear ,
-When wheat is green , when hawthorn buds appear .
-Sickness is catching : O ! were favour so ,
-Yours would I catch , fair Hermia , ere I go ;
-My ear should catch your voice , my eye your eye ,
-My tongue should catch your tongue's sweet melody .
-Were the world mine , Demetrius being bated ,
-The rest I'd give to be to you translated .
-O ! teach me how you look , and with what art
-You sway the motion of Demetrius' heart .
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-I frown upon him , yet he loves me still .
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-O ! that your frowns would teach my smiles such skill .
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-I give him curses , yet he gives me love .
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-O ! that my prayers could such affection move .
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-The more I hate , the more he follows me .
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-The more I love , the more he hateth me .
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-His folly , Helena , is no fault of mine .
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-None , but your beauty : would that fault were mine !
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-Take comfort : he no more shall see my face ;
-Lysander and myself will fly this place .
-Before the time I did Lysander see ,
-Seem'd Athens as a paradise to me :
-O ! then , what graces in my love do dwell ,
-That he hath turn'd a heaven unto a hell .
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-Helen , to you our minds we will unfold .
-To-morrow night , when Ph be doth behold
-Her silver visage in the wat'ry glass ,
-Decking with liquid pearl the bladed grass ,
-A time that lovers' flights doth still conceal ,
-Through Athens' gates have we devis'd to steal .
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-And in the wood , where often you and I
-Upon faint primrose-beds were wont to lie ,
-Emptying our bosoms of their counsel sweet ,
-There my Lysander and myself shall meet ;
-And thence from Athens turn away our eyes ,
-To seek new friends and stranger companies .
-Farewell , sweet playfellow : pray thou for us ;
-And good luck grant thee thy Demetrius !
-Keep word , Lysander : we must starve our sight
-From lovers' food till morrow deep midnight .
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-I will , my Hermia .
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-Helena , adieu :
-As you on him , Demetrius dote on you !
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-How happy some o'er other some can be !
-Through Athens I am thought as fair as she ;
-But what of that ? Demetrius thinks not so ;
-He will not know what all but he do know ;
-And as he errs , doting on Hermia's eyes ,
-So I , admiring of his qualities .
-Things base and vile , holding no quantity ,
-Love can transpose to form and dignity .
-Love looks not with the eyes , but with the mind ,
-And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind .
-Nor hath Love's mind of any judgment taste ;
-Wings and no eyes figure unheedy haste :
-And therefore is Love said to be a child ,
-Because in choice he is so oft beguil'd .
-As waggish boys in game themselves forswear ,
-So the boy Love is perjur'd every where ;
-For ere Demetrius look'd on Hermia's eyne ,
-He hail'd down oaths that he was only mine ;
-And when this hail some heat from Hermia felt ,
-So he dissolv'd , and showers of oaths did melt .
-I will go tell him of fair Hermia's flight :
-Then to the wood will he to-morrow night
-Pursue her ; and for this intelligence
-If I have thanks , it is a dear expense :
-But herein mean I to enrich my pain ,
-To have his sight thither and back again .
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-Is all our company here ?
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-You were best to call them generally , man by man , according to the scrip .
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-Here is the scroll of every man's name , which is thought fit , through all Athens , to play in our interlude before the duke and the duchess on his wedding-day at night .
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-First , good Peter Quince , say what the play treats on ; then read the names of the actors , and so grow to a point .
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-Marry , our play is , The most lamentable comedy , and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby .
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-A very good piece of work , I assure you , and a merry . Now , good Peter Quince , call forth your actors by the scroll . Masters , spread yourselves .
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-Answer as I call you . Nick Bottom , the weaver .
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-Ready . Name what part I am for , and proceed .
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-You , Nick Bottom , are set down for Pyramus .
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-What is Pyramus ? a lover , or a tyrant ?
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-A lover , that kills himself most gallantly for love .
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-That will ask some tears in the true performing of it : if I do it , let the audience look to their eyes ; I will move storms , I will condole in some measure . To the rest : yet my chief humour is for a tyrant . I could play Ercles rarely , or a part to tear a cat in , to make all split .
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-The raging rocks
-And shivering shocks
-Shall break the locks
-Of prison gates :
-And Phibbus' car
-Shall shine from far
-And make and mar
-The foolish Fates .
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-This was lofty ! Now name the rest of the players . This is Ercles' vein , a tyrant's vein ; a lover is more condoling .
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-Francis Flute , the bellows-mender .
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-Here , Peter Quince .
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-You must take Thisby on you .
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-What is Thisby ? a wandering knight ?
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-It is the lady that Pyramus must love .
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-Nay , faith , let not me play a woman ; I have a beard coming .
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-That's all one : you shall play it in a mask , and you may speak as small as you will .
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-An I may hide my face , let me play Thisby too . I'll speak in a monstrous little voice , 'Thisne , Thisne !' 'Ah , Pyramus , my lover dear ; thy Thisby dear , and lady dear !'
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-No , no ; you must play Pyramus ; and Flute , you Thisby .
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-Well , proceed .
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-Robin Starveling , the tailor .
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-Here , Peter Quince .
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-Robin Starveling , you must play Thisby's mother . Tom Snout , the tinker .
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-Here , Peter Quince .
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-You , Pyramus's father ; myself , Thisby's father ; Snug , the joiner , you the lion's part : and , I hope , here is a play fitted .
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-Have you the lion's part written ? pray you , if it be , give it me , for I am slow of study .
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-You may do it extempore , for it is nothing but roaring .
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-Let me play the lion too . I will roar , that I will do any man's heart good to hear me ; I will roar , that I will make the duke say , 'Let him roar again , let him roar again .'
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-An you should do it too terribly , you would fright the duchess and the ladies , that they would shriek ; and that were enough to hang us all .
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-That would hang us , every mother's son .
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-I grant you , friends , if that you should fright the ladies out of their wits , they would have no more discretion but to hang us ; but I will aggravate my voice so that I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove ; I will roar you as 'twere any nightingale .
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-You can play no part but Pyramus ; for Pyramus is a sweet-faced man ; a proper man , as one shall see in a summer's day ; a most lovely , gentleman-like man ; therefore , you must needs play Pyramus .
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-Well , I will undertake it . What beard were I best to play it in ?
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-Why , what you will .
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-I will discharge it in either your straw-colour beard , your orange-tawny beard , your purple-in-grain beard , or your French-crown colour beard , your perfect yellow .
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-Some of your French crowns have no hair at all , and then you will play bare-faced . But masters , here are your parts ; and I am to entreat you , request you , and desire you , to con them by to-morrow night , and meet me in the palace wood , a mile without the town , by moonlight : there will we rehearse ; for if we meet in the city , we shall be dogged with company , and our devices known . In the meantime I will draw a bill of properties , such as our play wants . I pray you , fail me not .
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-We will meet ; and there we may rehearse more obscenely and courageously . Take pains ; be perfect ; adieu .
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-At the duke's oak we meet .
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-Enough ; hold , or cut bow-strings .
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-How now , spirit ! whither wander you ?
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-Over hill , over dale ,
-Thorough bush , thorough brier ,
-Over park , over pale ,
-Thorough flood , thorough fire ,
-I do wander every where ,
-Swifter than the moone's sphere ;
-And I serve the fairy queen ,
-To dew her orbs upon the green :
-The cowslips tall her pensioners be ;
-In their gold coats spots you see ;
-Those be rubies , fairy favours ,
-In their freckles live their savours :
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-I must go seek some dew-drops here ,
-And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear .
-Farewell , thou lob of spirits : I'll be gone ;
-Our queen and all her elves come here anon .
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-The king doth keep his revels here to-night .
-Take heed the queen come not within his sight ;
-For Oberon is passing fell and wrath ,
-Because that she as her attendant hath
-A lovely boy , stol'n from an Indian king ;
-She never had so sweet a changeling ;
-And jealous Oberon would have the child
-Knight of his train , to trace the forests wild ;
-But she , perforce , withholds the loved boy ,
-Crowns him with flowers , and makes him all her joy .
-And now they never meet in grove , or green ,
-By fountain clear , or spangled starlight sheen ,
-But they do square ; that all their elves , for fear ,
-Creep into acorn-cups and hide them there .
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-Either I mistake your shape and making quite ,
-Or else you are that shrewd and knavish sprite
-Call'd Robin Goodfellow : are you not he
-That frights the maidens of the villagery ;
-Skim milk , and sometimes labour in the quern ,
-And bootless make the breathless housewife churn ;
-And sometime make the drink to bear no barm ;
-Mislead night-wanderers , laughing at their harm ?
-Those that Hobgoblin call you and sweet Puck ,
-You do their work , and they shall have good luck :
-Are you not he ?
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-Fairy , thou speak'st aright ;
-I am that merry wanderer of the night .
-I jest to Oberon , and make him smile
-When I a fat and bean-fed horse beguile ,
-Neighing in likeness of a filly foal :
-And sometime lurk I in a gossip's bowl ,
-In very likeness of a roasted crab ;
-And , when she drinks , against her lips I bob
-And on her wither'd dewlap pour the ale .
-The wisest aunt , telling the saddest tale ,
-Sometime for three-foot stool mistaketh me ;
-Then slip I from her bum , down topples she ,
-And 'tailor' cries , and falls into a cough ;
-And then the whole quire hold their hips and loff ;
-And waxen in their mirth , and neeze , and swear
-A merrier hour was never wasted there .
-But , room , fairy ! here comes Oberon .
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-And here my mistress . Would that he were gone !
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-Ill met by moonlight , proud Titania .
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-What ! jealous Oberon . Fairies , skip hence :
-I have forsworn his bed and company .
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-Tarry , rash wanton ! am not I thy lord ?
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-Then , I must be thy lady ; but I know
-When thou hast stol'n away from fairy land ,
-And in the shape of Corin sat all day ,
-Playing on pipes of corn , and versing love
-To amorous Phillida . Why art thou here ,
-Come from the furthest steppe of India ?
-But that , forsooth , the bouncing Amazon ,
-Your buskin'd mistress and your warrior love ,
-To Theseus must be wedded , and you come
-To give their bed joy and prosperity .
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-How canst thou thus for shame , Titania ,
-Glance at my credit with Hippolyta ,
-Knowing I know thy love to Theseus ?
-Didst thou not lead him through the glimmering night
-From Perigouna , whom he ravished ?
-And make him with fair gle break his faith ,
-With Ariadne , and Antiopa ?
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-These are the forgeries of jealousy :
-And never , since the middle summer's spring ,
-Met we on hill , in dale , forest , or mead ,
-By paved fountain , or by rushy brook ,
-Or in the beached margent of the sea ,
-To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind ,
-But with thy brawls thou hast disturb'd our sport .
-Therefore the winds , piping to us in vain ,
-As in revenge , have suck'd up from the sea
-Contagious fogs ; which , falling in the land ,
-Have every pelting river made so proud
-That they have overborne their continents :
-The ox hath therefore stretch'd his yoke in vain ,
-The ploughman lost his sweat , and the green corn
-Hath rotted ere his youth attain'd a beard :
-The fold stands empty in the drowned field ,
-And crows are fatted with the murrion flock ;
-The nine men's morris is fill'd up with mud ,
-And the quaint mazes in the wanton green
-For lack of tread are undistinguishable :
-The human mortals want their winter here :
-No night is now with hymn or carol blest :
-Therefore the moon , the governess of floods ,
-Pale in her anger , washes all the air ,
-That rheumatic diseases do abound :
-And thorough this distemperature we see
-The seasons alter : hoary-headed frosts
-Fall in the fresh lap of the crimson rose ,
-And on old Hiems' thin and icy crown
-An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds
-Is , as in mockery , set . The spring , the summer ,
-The childing autumn , angry winter , change
-Their wonted liveries , and the mazed world ,
-By their increase , now knows not which is which .
-And this same progeny of evil comes
-From our debate , from our dissension :
-We are their parents and original .
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-Do you amend it then ; it lies in you .
-Why should Titania cross her Oberon ?
-I do but beg a little changeling boy ,
-To be my henchman .
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-Set your heart at rest ;
-The fairy land buys not the child of me .
-His mother was a votaress of my order :
-And , in the spiced Indian air , by night ,
-Full often hath she gossip'd by my side ,
-And sat with me on Neptune's yellow sands ,
-Marking the embarked traders on the flood ;
-When we have laugh'd to see the sails conceive
-And grow big-bellied with the wanton wind ;
-Which she , with pretty and with swimming gait
-Following ,her womb then rich with my young squire ,
-Would imitate , and sail upon the land ,
-To fetch me trifles , and return again ,
-As from a voyage , rich with merchandise .
-But she , being mortal , of that boy did die ;
-And for her sake I do rear up her boy ,
-And for her sake I will not part with him .
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-How long within this wood intend you stay ?
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-Perchance , till after Theseus' weddingday .
-If you will patiently dance in our round ,
-And see our moonlight revels , go with us ;
-If not , shun me , and I will spare your haunts .
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-Give me that boy , and I will go with thee .
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-Not for thy fairy kingdom . Fairies , away !
-We shall chide downright , if I longer stay .
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-Well , go thy way : thou shalt not from this grove
-Till I torment thee for this injury .
-My gentle Puck , come hither . Thou remember'st
-Since once I sat upon a promontory ,
-And heard a mermaid on a dolphin's back
-Uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath ,
-That the rude sea grew civil at her song ,
-And certain stars shot madly from their spheres
-To hear the sea-maid's music .
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-I remember .
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-That very time I saw , but thou couldst not ,
-Flying between the cold moon and the earth ,
-Cupid all arm'd : a certain aim he took
-At a fair vestal throned by the west ,
-And loos'd his love-shaft smartly from his bow ,
-As it should pierce a hundred thousand hearts ;
-But I might see young Cupid's fiery shaft
-Quench'd in the chaste beams of the wat'ry moon ,
-And the imperial votaress passed on ,
-In maiden meditation , fancy-free .
-Yet mark'd I where the bolt of Cupid fell :
-It fell upon a little western flower ,
-Before milk-white , now purple with love's wound ,
-And maidens call it , Love-in-idleness .
-Fetch me that flower ; the herb I show'd thee once :
-The juice of it on sleeping eyelids laid
-Will make or man or woman madly dote
-Upon the next live creature that it sees .
-Fetch me this herb ; and be thou here again
-Ere the leviathan can swim a league .
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-I'll put a girdle round about the earth
-In forty minutes .
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-Having once this juice
-I'll watch Titania when she is asleep ,
-And drop the liquor of it in her eyes :
-The next thing then she waking looks upon ,
-Be it on lion , bear , or wolf , or bull ,
-On meddling monkey , or on busy ape ,
-She shall pursue it with the soul of love :
-And ere I take this charm off from her sight ,
-As I can take it with another herb ,
-I'll make her render up her page to me .
-But who comes here ? I am invisible ,
-And I will overhear their conference .
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-I love thee not , therefore pursue me not .
-Where is Lysander and fair Hermia ?
-The one I'll slay , the other slayeth me .
-Thou told'st me they were stol'n into this wood ;
-And here am I , and wood within this wood ,
-Because I cannot meet my Hermia .
-Hence ! get thee gone , and follow me no more .
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-You draw me , you hard-hearted adamant :
-But yet you draw not iron , for my heart
-Is true as steel : leave you your power to draw ,
-And I shall have no power to follow you .
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-Do I entice you ? Do I speak you fair ?
-Or , rather , do I not in plainest truth
-Tell you I do not nor I cannot love you ?
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-And even for that do I love you the more .
-I am your spaniel ; and , Demetrius ,
-The more you beat me , I will fawn on you :
-Use me but as your spaniel , spurn me , strike me ,
-Neglect me , lose me ; only give me leave ,
-Unworthy as I am , to follow you .
-What worser place can I beg in your love ,
-And yet a place of high respect with me ,
-Than to be used as you use your dog ?
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-Tempt not too much the hatred of my spirit ,
-For I am sick when I do look on you .
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-And I am sick when I look not on you .
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-You do impeach your modesty too much ,
-To leave the city , and commit yourself
-Into the hands of one that loves you not ;
-To trust the opportunity of night
-And the ill counsel of a desert place
-With the rich worth of your virginity .
-
-Your virtue is my privilege : for that
-It is not night when I do see your face ,
-Therefore I think I am not in the night ;
-Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company ,
-For you in my respect are all the world :
-Then how can it be said I am alone ,
-When all the world is here to look on me ?
-
-I'll run from thee and hide me in the brakes ,
-And leave thee to the mercy of wild beasts .
-
-The wildest hath not such a heart as you .
-Run when you will , the story shall be chang'd ;
-Apollo flies , and Daphne holds the chase ;
-The dove pursues the griffin ; the mild hind
-Makes speed to catch the tiger : bootless speed ,
-When cowardice pursues and valour flies .
-
-I will not stay thy questions : let me go ;
-Or , if thou follow me , do not believe
-But I shall do thee mischief in the wood .
-
-Ay , in the temple , in the town , the field ,
-You do me mischief . Fie , Demetrius !
-Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex .
-We cannot fight for love , as men may do ;
-We should be woo'd and were not made to woo .
-
-I'll follow thee and make a heaven of hell ,
-To die upon the hand I love so well .
-
-
-Fare thee well , nymph : ere he do leave this grove ,
-Thou shalt fly him , and he shall seek thy love .
-
-Hast thou the flower there ? Welcome , wanderer .
-
-Ay , there it is .
-
-I pray thee , give it me .
-I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows ,
-Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows
-Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine ,
-With sweet musk-roses , and with eglantine :
-There sleeps Titania some time of the night ,
-Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight ;
-And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin ,
-Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in :
-And with the juice of this I'll streak her eyes ,
-And make her full of hateful fantasies .
-Take thou some of it , and seek through this grove :
-A sweet Athenian lady is in love
-With a disdainful youth : anoint his eyes ;
-But do it when the next thing he espies
-May be the lady . Thou shalt know the man
-By the Athenian garments he hath on .
-Effect it with some care , that he may prove
-More fond on her than she upon her love .
-And look thou meet me ere the first cock crow .
-
-Fear not , my lord , your servant shall do so .
-
-
-Come , now a roundel and a fairy song ;
-Then , for the third of a minute , hence ;
-Some to kill cankers in the musk-rose buds ,
-Some war with rere-mice for their leathern wings ,
-To make my small elves coats , and some keep back
-The clamorous owl , that nightly hoots , and wonders
-At our quaint spirits . Sing me now asleep ;
-Then to your offices , and let me rest .
-
-The Fairies sing .
-
-
-I .
-
-You spotted snakes with double tongue ,
-Thorny hedge-hogs , be not seen ;
-Newts , and blind-worms , do no wrong ;
-Come not near our fairy queen .
-Philomel , with melody ,
-Sing in our sweet lullaby :
-Lulla , lulla , lullaby ; lulla , lulla , lullaby :
-Never harm ,
-Nor spell , nor charm ,
-Come our lovely lady nigh ;
-So , good night , with lullaby .
-
-II .
-
-Weaving spiders come not here ;
-Hence , you long-legg'd spinners , hence !
-Beetles black , approach not near ;
-Worm nor snail , do no offence .
-Philomel , with melody , &c .
-
-
-Hence , away ! now all is well .
-One aloof stand sentinel .
-
-What thou seest when thou dost wake ,
-Do it for thy true-love take ;
-Love and languish for his sake :
-Be it ounce , or cat , or bear ,
-Pard , or boar with bristled hair ,
-In thy eye that shall appear
-When thou wak'st , it is thy dear .
-Wake when some vile thing is near .
-
-Fair love , you faint with wandering in the wood ;
-And to speak troth , I have forgot our way :
-We'll rest us , Hermia , if you think it good ,
-And tarry for the comfort of the day .
-
-Be it so , Lysander : find you out a bed ,
-For I upon this bank will rest my head .
-
-One turf shall serve as pillow for us both ;
-One heart , one bed , two bosoms , and one troth .
-
-Nay , good Lysander ; for my sake , my dear ,
-Lie further off yet , do not lie so near .
-
-O ! take the sense , sweet , of my innocence ,
-Love takes the meaning in love's conference .
-I mean that my heart unto yours is knit ,
-So that but one heart we can make of it ;
-Two bosoms interchained with an oath ;
-So then two bosoms and a single troth .
-Then by your side no bed-room me deny ,
-For , lying so , Hermia , I do not lie .
-
-Lysander riddles very prettily :
-Now much beshrew my manners and my pride ,
-If Hermia meant to say Lysander lied .
-But , gentle friend , for love and courtesy
-Lie further off ; in human modesty ,
-Such separation as may well be said
-Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid ,
-So far be distant ; and , good night , sweet friend .
-Thy love ne'er alter till thy sweet life end !
-
-Amen , amen , to that fair prayer , say I ;
-And then end life when I end loyalty !
-
-Here is my bed : sleep give thee all his rest !
-
-With half that wish the wisher's eyes be press'd !
-
-
-Through the forest have I gone ,
-But Athenian found I none ,
-On whose eyes I might approve
-This flower's force in stirring love .
-Night and silence ! who is here ?
-Weeds of Athens he doth wear :
-This is he , my master said ,
-Despised the Athenian maid ;
-And here the maiden , sleeping sound ,
-On the dank and dirty ground .
-Pretty soul ! she durst not lie
-Near this lack-love , this kill-courtesy .
-
-Churl , upon thy eyes I throw
-All the power this charm doth owe .
-When thou wak'st , let love forbid
-Sleep his seat on thy eyelid :
-So awake when I am gone ;
-For I must now to Oberon .
-
-
-Stay , though thou kill me , sweet Demetrius .
-
-I charge thee , hence , and do not haunt me thus .
-
-O ! wilt thou darkling leave me ? do not so .
-
-Stay , on thy peril : I alone will go .
-
-
-O ! I am out of breath in this fond chase .
-The more my prayer , the lesser is my grace .
-Happy is Hermia , wheresoe'er she lies ;
-For she hath blessed and attractive eyes .
-How came her eyes so bright ? Not with salt tears :
-If so , my eyes are oftener wash'd than hers .
-No , no , I am as ugly as a bear ;
-For beasts that meet me run away for fear ;
-Therefore no marvel though Demetrius
-Do , as a monster , fly my presence thus .
-What wicked and dissembling glass of mine
-Made me compare with Hermia's sphery eyne ?
-But who is here ? Lysander ! on the ground !
-Dead ? or asleep ? I see no blood , no wound .
-Lysander , if you live , good sir , awake .
-
-And run through fire I will for thy sweet sake .
-Transparent Helena ! Nature shows art ,
-That through thy bosom makes me see thy heart .
-Where is Demetrius ? O ! how fit a word
-Is that vile name to perish on my sword .
-
-Do not say so , Lysander ; say not so .
-What though he love your Hermia ? Lord ! what though ?
-Yet Hermia still loves you : then be content .
-
-Content with Hermia ! No : I do repent
-The tedious minutes I with her have spent .
-Not Hermia , but Helena I love :
-Who will not change a raven for a dove ?
-The will of man is by his reason sway'd ,
-And reason says you are the worthier maid .
-Things growing are not ripe until their season ;
-So I , being young , till now ripe not to reason ;
-And touching now the point of human skill ,
-Reason becomes the marshal to my will ,
-And leads me to your eyes ; where I o'erlook
-Love's stories written in love's richest book .
-
-Wherefore was I to this keen mockery born ?
-When at your hands did I deserve this scorn ?
-Is't not enough , is't not enough , young man ,
-That I did never , no , nor never can ,
-Deserve a sweet look from Demetrius' eye ,
-But you must flout my insufficiency ?
-Good troth , you do me wrong , good sooth , you do ,
-In such disdainful manner me to woo .
-But fare you well : perforce I must confess
-I thought you lord of more true gentleness .
-O ! that a lady of one man refus'd ,
-Should of another therefore be abus'd .
-
-
-She sees not Hermia . Hermia , sleep thou there ;
-And never mayst thou come Lysander near .
-For , as a surfeit of the sweetest things
-The deepest loathing to the stomach brings ;
-Or , as the heresies that men do leave
-Are hated most of those they did deceive :
-So thou , my surfeit and my heresy ,
-Of all be hated , but the most of me !
-And , all my powers , address your love and might
-To honour Helen , and to be her knight .
-
-
-Help me , Lysander , help me ! do thy best
-To pluck this crawling serpent from my breast .
-Ay me , for pity ! what a dream was here !
-Lysander , look how I do quake with fear :
-Methought a serpent eat my heart away ,
-And you sat smiling at his cruel prey .
-Lysander ! what ! remov'd ?Lysander ! lord !
-What ! out of hearing ? gone ? no sound , no word ?
-Alack ! where are you ? speak , an if you hear ;
-Speak , of all loves ! I swound almost with fear .
-No ! then I well perceive you are not nigh :
-Either death or you I'll find immediately .
-
-Are we all met ?
-
-Pat , pat ; and here's a marvellous convenient place for our rehearsal . This green plot shall be our stage , this hawthorn-brake our tiring-house ; and we will do it in action as we will do it before the duke .
-
-Peter Quince ,
-
-What sayst thou , bully Bottom ?
-
-There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisby that will never please . First , Pyramus must draw a sword to kill himself , which the ladies cannot abide . How answer you that ?
-
-By'r lakin , a parlous fear .
-
-I believe we must leave the killing out , when all is done .
-
-Not a whit : I have a device to make all well . Write me a prologue ; and let the prologue seem to say , we will do no harm with our swords , and that Pyramus is not killed indeed ; and , for the more better assurance , tell them that I , Pyramus , am not Pyramus , but Bottom the weaver : this will put them out of fear .
-
-Well , we will have such a prologue , and it shall be written in eight and six .
-
-No , make it two more : let it be written in eight and eight .
-
-Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion ?
-
-I fear it , I promise you .
-
-Masters , you ought to consider with yourselves : to bring in ,God shield us !a lion among ladies , is a most dreadful thing ; for there is not a more fearful wild-fowl than your lion living , and we ought to look to it .
-
-Therefore , another prologue must tell he is not a lion .
-
-Nay , you must name his name , and half his face must be seen through the lion's neck ; and he himself must speak through , saying thus , or to the same defect , 'Ladies ,' or , 'Fair ladies ,' 'I would wish you ,' or , 'I would request you ,' or , 'I would entreat you , not to fear , not to tremble : my life for yours . If you think I come hither as a lion , it were pity of my life : no , I am no such thing : I am a man as other men are ;' and there indeed let him name his name , and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner .
-
-Well , it shall be so . But there is two hard things , that is , to bring the moonlight into a chamber ; for , you know , Pyramus and Thisby meet by moonlight .
-
-Doth the moon shine that night we play our play ?
-
-A calendar , a calendar ! look in the almanack ; find out moonshine , find out moonshine .
-
-Yes , it doth shine that night .
-
-Why , then may you leave a casement of the great chamber-window , where we play , open ; and the moon may shine in at the casement .
-
-Ay ; or else one must come in with a bush of thorns and a lanthorn , and say he comes to disfigure , or to present , the person of Moonshine . Then , there is another thing : we must have a wall in the great chamber ; for Pyramus and Thisby , says the story , did talk through the chink of a wall .
-
-You can never bring in a wall . What say you , Bottom ?
-
-Some man or other must present Wall ; and let him have some plaster , or some loam , or some rough-cast about him , to signify wall ; and let him hold his fingers thus , and through that cranny shall Pyramus and Thisby whisper .
-
-If that may be , than all is well . Come , sit down , every mother's son , and rehearse your parts . Pyramus , you begin : when you have spoken your speech , enter into that brake ; and so every one according to his cue .
-
-
-What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering here ,
-So near the cradle of the fairy queen ?
-What ! a play toward ; I'll be an auditor ;
-An actor too perhaps , if I see cause .
-
-Speak , Pyramus .Thisby , stand forth .
-
-Thisby , the flowers have odious savours sweet ,
-
-Odorous , odorous .
-
-odours savours sweet :
-So hath thy breath , my dearest Thisby dear . But hark , a voice ! stay thou but here awhile ,
-And by and by I will to thee appear .
-
-
-A stranger Pyramus than e'er play'd here !
-
-
-Must I speak now ?
-
-Ay , marry , must you ; for you must understand , he goes but to see a noise that he heard , and is to come again .
-
-Most radiant Pyramus , most lily-white of hue ,
-Of colour like the red rose on triumphant brier ,
-Most brisky juvenal , and eke most lovely Jew ,
-As true as truest horse that yet would never tire ,
-I'll meet thee , Pyramus , at Ninny's tomb .
-
-'Ninus' tomb ,' man . Why , you must not speak that yet ; that you answer to Pyramus : you speak all your part at once , cues and all . Pyramus , enter : your cue is past ; it is 'never tire .'
-
-O !As true as truest horse , that yet would never tire .
-
-
-If I were , fair Thisby , I were only thine .
-
-O monstrous ! O strange ! we are haunted .
-Pray , masters ! fly , masters !Help !
-
-
-I'll follow you , I'll lead you about a round ,
-Through bog , through bush , through brake , through brier :
-Sometime a horse I'll be , sometime a hound ,
-A hog , a headless bear , sometime a fire ;
-And neigh , and bark , and grunt , and roar , and burn ,
-Like horse , hound , hog , bear , fire , at every turn .
-
-
-Why do they run away ? this is a knavery of them to make me afeard .
-
-
-O Bottom , thou art changed ! what do I see on thee ?
-
-What do you see ? you see an ass-head of your own , do you ?
-
-Bless thee , Bottom ! bless thee ! thou art translated .
-
-
-I see their knavery : this is to make an ass of me ; to fright me , if they could . But I will not stir from this place , do what they can : I will walk up and down here , and I will sing , that they shall hear I am not afraid .
-
-The ousel-cock , so black of hue ,
-With orange-tawny bill ,
-The throstle with his note so true ,
-The wren with little quill .
-
-
-What angel wakes me from my flowery bed ?
-
-
-The finch , the sparrow , and the lark ,
-The plain-song cuckoo gray ,
-Whose note full many a man doth mark ,
-And dares not answer , nay ;
-
-for indeed , who would set his wit to so foolish a bird ? who would give a bird the lie , though he cry 'cuckoo' never so ?
-
-I pray thee , gentle mortal , sing again :
-Mine ear is much enamour'd of thy note ;
-So is mine eye enthralled to thy shape ;
-And thy fair virtue's force , perforce , doth move me ,
-On the first view , to say , to swear , I love thee .
-
-Methinks , mistress , you should have little reason for that : and yet , to say the truth , reason and love keep little company together now-a-days . The more the pity , that some honest neighbours will not make them friends . Nay , I can gleek upon occasion .
-
-Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful .
-
-Not so , neither ; but if I had wit enough to get out of this wood , I have enough to serve mine own turn .
-
-Out of this wood do not desire to go :
-Thou shalt remain here , whe'r thou wilt or no .
-I am a spirit of no common rate ;
-The summer still doth tend upon my state ;
-And I do love thee : therefore , go with me ;
-I'll give thee fairies to attend on thee ,
-And they shall fetch thee jewels from the deep ,
-And sing , while thou on pressed flowers dost sleep :
-And I will purge thy mortal grossness so
-That thou shalt like an airy spirit go .
-Pease-blossom ! Cobweb ! Moth ! and Mustardseed !
-
-
-Ready .
-
-And I .
-
-And I .
-
-And I .
-
-Where shall we go ?
-
-Be kind and courteous to this gentleman ;
-Hop in his walks , and gambol in his eyes ;
-Feed him with apricocks and dewberries ,
-With purple grapes , green figs , and mulberries .
-The honey-bags steal from the humble-bees ,
-And for night-tapers crop their waxen thighs ,
-And light them at the fiery glow-worm's eyes ,
-To have my love to bed , and to arise ;
-And pluck the wings from painted butterflies
-To fan the moonbeams from his sleeping eyes :
-Nod to him , elves , and do him courtesies .
-
-Hail , mortal !
-
-Hail !
-
-Hail !
-
-Hail !
-
-I cry your worships mercy , heartily : I beseech your worship's name .
-
-Cobweb .
-
-I shall desire you of more acquaintance , good Master Cobweb : if I out my finger , I shall make bold with you . Your name , honest gentleman ?
-
-Pease-blossom .
-
-I pray you , commend me to Mistress Squash , your mother , and to Master Peascod , your father . Good Master Pease-blossom , I shall desire you of more acquaintance too . Your name , I beseech you , sir ?
-
-Mustard-seed .
-
-Good Master Mustard-seed , I know your patience well : that same cowardly , giant-like ox-beef hath devoured many a gentleman of your house . I promise you , your kindred hath made my eyes water ere now . I desire you of more acquaintance , good Master Mustard-seed .
-
-Come , wait upon him ; lead him to my bower .
-The moon methinks , looks with a watery eye ;
-And when she weeps , weeps every little flower ,
-Lamenting some enforced chastity .
-Tie up my love's tongue , bring him silently .
-
-
-I wonder if Titania be awak'd ;
-Then , what it was that next came in her eye ,
-Which she must dote on in extremity .
-Here comes my messenger .
-
-
-How now , mad spirit !
-
-What night-rule now about this haunted grove ?
-
-My mistress with a monster is in love .
-Near to her close and consecrated bower ,
-While she was in her dull and sleeping hour ,
-A crew of patches , rude mechanicals ,
-That work for bread upon Athenian stalls ,
-Were met together to rehearse a play
-Intended for great Theseus' nuptial day .
-The shallowest thick-skin of that barren sort ,
-Who Pyramus presented in their sport
-Forsook his scene , and enter'd in a brake ,
-When I did him at this advantage take ;
-An ass's nowl I fixed on his head :
-Anon his Thisbe must be answered ,
-And forth my mimick comes . When they him spy ,
-As wild geese that the creeping fowler eye ,
-Or russet-pated choughs , many in sort ,
-Rising and cawing at the gun's report ,
-Sever themselves , and madly sweep the sky ;
-So , at his sight , away his fellows fly ,
-And , at our stamp , here o'er and o'er one falls ;
-He murder cries , and help from Athens calls .
-Their sense thus weak , lost with their fears thus strong ,
-Made senseless things begin to do them wrong ;
-For briers and thorns at their apparel snatch ;
-Some sleeves , some hats , from yielders all things catch .
-I led them on in this distracted fear ,
-And left sweet Pyramus translated there ;
-When in that moment , so it came to pass ,
-Titania wak'd and straightway lov'd an ass .
-
-This falls out better than I could devise .
-But hast thou yet latch'd the Athenian's eyes
-With the love-juice , as I did bid thee do ?
-
-I took him sleeping ,that is finish'd too ,
-And the Athenian woman by his side ;
-That , when he wak'd , of force she must be ey'd .
-
-
-Stand close : this is the same Athenian .
-
-This is the woman ; but not this the man .
-
-O ! why rebuke you him that loves you so ?
-Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe .
-
-Now I but chide ; but I should use thee worse ,
-For thou , I fear , hast given me cause to curse .
-If thou hast slain Lysander in his sleep ,
-Being o'er shoes in blood , plunge in knee deep ,
-And kill me too .
-The sun was not so true unto the day
-As he to me . Would he have stol'n away
-From sleeping Hermia ? I'll believe as soon
-This whole earth may be bor'd , and that the moon
-May through the centre creep , and so displease
-Her brother's noontide with the Antipodes .
-It cannot be but thou hast murder'd him ;
-So should a murderer look , so dead , so grim .
-
-So should the murder'd look , and so should I ,
-Pierc'd through the heart with your stern cruelty ;
-Yet you , the murderer , look as bright , as clear ,
-As yonder Venus in her glimmering sphere .
-
-What's this to my Lysander ? where is he ?
-Ah ! good Demetrius , wilt thou give him me ?
-
-I had rather give his carcass to my hounds .
-
-Out , dog ! out , cur ! thou driv'st me past the bounds
-Of maiden's patience . Hast thou slain him then ?
-Henceforth be never number'd among men !
-O ! once tell true , tell true , e'en for my sake ;
-Durst thou have look'd upon him being awake ,
-And hast thou kill'd him sleeping ? O brave touch !
-Could not a worm , an adder , do so much ?
-An adder did it ; for with doubler tongue
-Than thine , thou serpent , never adder stung .
-
-You spend your passion on a mispris'd mood :
-I am not guilty of Lysander's blood ,
-Nor is he dead , for aught that I can tell .
-
-I pray thee , tell me then that he is well .
-
-An if I could , what should I get therefore ?
-
-A privilege never to see me more .
-And from thy hated presence part I so ;
-See me no more , whe'r he be dead or no .
-
-
-There is no following her in this fierce vein :
-Here therefore for awhile I will remain .
-So sorrow's heaviness doth heavier grow
-For debt that bankrupt sleep doth sorrow owe ;
-Which now in some slight measure it will pay ,
-If for his tender here I make some stay .
-
-
-What hast thou done ? thou hast mistaken quite ,
-And laid the love-juice on some true-love's sight :
-Of thy misprision must perforce ensue
-Some true-love turn'd , and not a false turn'd true .
-
-Then fate o'er-rules , that , one man holding troth ,
-A million fail , confounding oath on oath .
-
-About the wood go swifter than the wind ,
-And Helena of Athens look thou find :
-All fancy-sick she is , and pale of cheer
-With sighs of love , that cost the fresh blood dear .
-By some illusion see thou bring her here :
-I'll charm his eyes against she do appear .
-
-I go , I go ; look how I go ;
-Swifter than arrow from the Tartar's bow .
-
-Flower of this purple dye ,
-Hit with Cupid's archery ,
-Sink in apple of his eye .
-When his love he doth espy ,
-Let her shine as gloriously
-As the Venus of the sky .
-When thou wak'st , if she be by ,
-Beg of her for remedy .
-
-
-Captain of our fairy band ,
-Helena is here at hand ,
-And the youth , mistook by me ,
-Pleading for a lover's fee .
-Shall we their fond pageant see ?
-Lord , what fools these mortals be !
-
-Stand aside : the noise they make
-Will cause Demetrius to awake .
-
-Then will two at once woo one ;
-That must needs be sport alone ;
-And those things do best please me
-That befall preposterously .
-
-Why should you think that I should woo in scorn ?
-Scorn and derision never come in tears :
-Look , when I vow , I weep ; and vows so born ,
-In their nativity all truth appears .
-How can these things in me seem scorn to you ,
-Bearing the badge of faith to prove them true ?
-
-You do advance your cunning more and more .
-When truth kills truth , O devilish-holy fray !
-These vows are Hermia's : will you give her o'er ?
-Weigh oath with oath , and you will nothing weigh :
-Your vows , to her and me , put in two scales ,
-Will even weigh , and both as light as tales .
-
-I had no judgment when to her I swore .
-
-Nor none , in my mind , now you give her o'er .
-
-Demetrius loves her , and he loves not you .
-
-O Helen ! goddess , nymph , perfect , divine !
-To what , my love , shall I compare thine eyne ?
-Crystal is muddy . O ! how ripe in show
-Thy lips , those kissing cherries , tempting grow ,
-This pure congealed white , high Taurus' snow ,
-Fann'd with the eastern wind , turns to a crow
-When thou hold'st up thy hand . O ! let me kiss
-That princess of pure white , this seal of bliss .
-
-O spite ! O hell ! I see you all are bent
-To set against me for your merriment :
-If you were civil and knew courtesy ,
-You would not do me thus much injury .
-Can you not hate me , as I know you do ,
-But you must join in souls to mock me too ?
-If you were men , as men you are in show ,
-You would not use a gentle lady so ;
-To vow , and swear , and superpraise my parts ,
-When I am sure you hate me with your hearts .
-You both are rivals , and love Hermia ,
-And now both rivals , to mock Helena :
-A trim exploit , a manly enterprise ,
-To conjure tears up in a poor maid's eyes
-With your derision ! none of noble sort
-Would so offend a virgin , and extort
-A poor soul's patience , all to make you sport .
-
-You are unkind , Demetrius ; be not so ;
-For you love Hermia ; this you know I know :
-And here , with all good will , with all my heart ,
-In Hermia's love I yield you up my part ;
-And yours of Helena to me bequeath ,
-Whom I do love , and will do to my death .
-
-Never did mockers waste more idle breath .
-
-Lysander , keep thy Hermia ; I will none :
-If e'er I lov'd her , all that love is gone .
-My heart with her but as guest wise sojourn'd ,
-And now to Helen it is home return'd ,
-There to remain .
-
-Helen , it is not so .
-
-Disparage not the faith thou dost not know ,
-Lest to thy peril thou aby it dear .
-Look ! where thy love comes : yonder is thy dear .
-
-
-Dark night , that from the eye his function takes ,
-The ear more quick of apprehension makes ;
-Wherein it doth impair the seeing sense ,
-It pays the hearing double recompense .
-Thou art not by mine eye , Lysander , found ;
-Mine ear , I thank it , brought me to thy sound .
-But why unkindly didst thou leave me so ?
-
-Why should he stay , whom love doth press to go ?
-
-What love could press Lysander from my side ?
-
-Lysander's love , that would not let him bide ,
-Fair Helena , who more engilds the night
-Than all yon fiery oes and eyes of light .
-Why seek'st thou me ? could not this make thee know ,
-The hate I bear thee made me leave thee so ?
-
-You speak not as you think : it cannot be .
-
-Lo ! she is one of this confederacy .
-Now I perceive they have conjoin'd all three
-To fashion this false sport in spite of me .
-Injurious Hermia ! most ungrateful maid !
-Have you conspir'd , have you with these contriv'd
-To bait me with this foul derision ?
-Is all the counsel that we two have shar'd ,
-The sister-vows , the hours that we have spent ,
-When we have chid the hasty-footed time
-For parting us , O ! is it all forgot ?
-All school-days' friendship , childhood innocence ?
-We , Hermia , like two artificial gods ,
-Have with our neelds created both one flower ,
-Both on one sampler , sitting on one cushion ,
-Both warbling of one song , both in one key ,
-As if our hands , our sides , voices , and minds ,
-Had been incorporate . So we grew together ,
-Like to a double cherry , seeming parted ,
-But yet an union in partition ;
-Two lovely berries moulded on one stem ;
-So , with two seeming bodies , but one heart ;
-Two of the first , like coats in heraldry ,
-Due but to one , and crowned with one crest .
-And will you rent our ancient love asunder ,
-To join with men in scorning your poor friend ?
-It is not friendly , 'tis not maidenly :
-Our sex , as well as I , may chide you for it ,
-Though I alone do feel the injury .
-
-I am amazed at your passionate words .
-I scorn you not : it seems that you scorn me .
-
-Have you not set Lysander , as in scorn ,
-To follow me and praise my eyes and face ,
-And made your other love , Demetrius ,
-Who even but now did spurn me with his foot ,
-To call me goddess , nymph , divine and rare ,
-Precious , celestial ? Wherefore speaks he this
-To her he hates ? and wherefore doth Lysander
-Deny your love , so rich within his soul ,
-And tender me , forsooth , affection ,
-But by your setting on , by your consent ?
-What though I be not so in grace as you ,
-So hung upon with love , so fortunate ,
-But miserable most to love unlov'd ?
-This you should pity rather than despise .
-
-I understand not what you mean by this .
-
-Ay , do , persever , counterfeit sad looks ,
-Make mouths upon me when I turn my back ;
-Wink each at other ; hold the sweet jest up :
-This sport , well carried , shall be chronicled .
-If you have any pity , grace , or manners ,
-You would not make me such an argument .
-But , fare ye well : 'tis partly mine own fault ,
-Which death or absence soon shall remedy .
-
-Stay , gentle Helena ! hear my excuse :
-My love , my life , my soul , fair Helena !
-
-O excellent !
-
-Sweet , do not scorn her so .
-
-If she cannot entreat , I can compel .
-
-Thou canst compel no more than she entreat :
-Thy threats have no more strength than her weak prayers .
-Helen , I love thee ; by my life , I do :
-I swear by that which I will lose for thee ,
-To prove him false that says I love thee not .
-
-I say I love thee more than he can do .
-
-If thou say so , withdraw , and prove it too .
-
-Quick , come !
-
-Lysander , whereto tends all this ?
-
-Away , you Ethiop !
-
-No , no , he'll . . .
-Seem to break loose ; take on , as you would follow ,
-But yet come not : you are a tame man , go !
-
-Hang off , thou cat , thou burr ! vile thing , let loose ,
-Or I will shake thee from me like a serpent .
-
-Why are you grown so rude ? what change is this ,
-Sweet love ,
-
-Thy love ! out , tawny Tartar , out !
-Out , loathed medicine ! hated poison , hence !
-
-Do you not jest ?
-
-Yes , sooth ; and so do you .
-
-Demetrius , I will keep my word with thee .
-
-I would I had your bond , for I perceive
-A weak bond holds you : I'll not trust your word .
-
-What ! should I hurt her , strike her , kill her dead ?
-Although I hate her , I'll not harm her so .
-
-What ! can you do me greater harm than hate ?
-Hate me ! wherefore ? O me ! what news , my love ?
-Am not I Hermia ? Are not you Lysander ?
-I am as fair now as I was erewhile .
-Since night you lov'd me ; yet , since night you left me :
-Why , then you left me ,O , the gods forbid !
-In earnest , shall I say ?
-
-Ay , by my life ;
-And never did desire to see thee more .
-Therefore be out of hope , of question , doubt ;
-Be certain , nothing truer : 'tis no jest ,
-That I do hate thee and love Helena .
-
-O me ! you juggler ! you canker-blossom !
-You thief of love ! what ! have you come by night
-And stol'n my love's heart from him ?
-
-Fine , i' faith !
-Have you no modesty , no maiden shame ,
-No touch of bashfulness ? What ! will you tear
-Impatient answers from my gentle tongue ?
-Fie , fie ! you counterfeit , you puppet you !
-
-Puppet ! why , so : ay , that way goes the game .
-Now I perceive that she hath made compare
-Between our statures : she hath urg'd her height ;
-And with her personage , her tall personage ,
-Her height , forsooth , she hath prevail'd with him .
-And are you grown so high in his esteem ,
-Because I am so dwarfish and so low ?
-How low am I , thou painted maypole ? speak ;
-How low am I ? I am not yet so low
-But that my nails can reach unto thine eyes .
-
-I pray you , though you mock me , gentlemen ,
-Let her not hurt me : I was never curst ;
-I have no gift at all in shrewishness ;
-I am a right maid for my cowardice :
-Let her not strike me . You perhaps may think ,
-Because she is something lower than myself ,
-That I can match her .
-
-Lower ! hark , again .
-
-Good Hermia , do not be so bitter with me .
-I evermore did love you , Hermia ,
-Did ever keep your counsels , never wrong'd you ;
-Save that , in love unto Demetrius ,
-I told him of your stealth unto this wood .
-He follow'd you ; for love I follow'd him ;
-But he hath chid me hence , and threaten'd me
-To strike me , spurn me , nay , to kill me too :
-And now , so you will let me quiet go ,
-To Athens will I bear my folly back ,
-And follow you no further : let me go :
-You see how simple and how fond I am .
-
-Why , get you gone . Who is't that hinders you ?
-
-A foolish heart , that I leave here behind .
-
-What ! with Lysander ?
-
-With Demetrius .
-
-Be not afraid : she shall not harm thee , Helena .
-
-No , sir ; she shall not , though you take her part .
-
-O ! when she's angry , she is keen and shrewd .
-She was a vixen when she went to school :
-And though she be but little , she is fierce .
-
-'Little' again ! nothing but 'low' and 'little !'
-Why will you suffer her to flout me thus ?
-Let me come to her .
-
-Get you gone , you dwarf ;
-You minimus , of hindering knot-grass made ;
-You bead , you acorn !
-
-You are too officious
-In her behalf that scorns your services .
-Let her alone ; speak not of Helena ;
-Take not her part , for , if thou dost intend
-Never so little show of love to her ,
-Thou shalt aby it .
-
-Now she holds me not ;
-Now follow , if thou dar'st , to try whose right ,
-Or thine or mine , is most in Helena .
-
-Follow ! nay , I'll go with thee , cheek by jole .
-
-
-You , mistress , all this coil is 'long of you :
-Nay , go not back .
-
-I will not trust you , I ,
-Nor longer stay in your curst company .
-Your hands than mine are quicker for a fray ,
-My legs are longer though , to run away .
-
-
-I am amaz'd , and know not what to say .
-
-
-This is thy negligence : still thou mistak'st ,
-Or else commit'st thy knaveries wilfully .
-
-Believe me , king of shadows , I mistook .
-Did not you tell me I should know the man
-By the Athenian garments he had on ?
-And so far blameless proves my enterprise ,
-That I have 'nointed an Athenian's eyes ;
-And so far am I glad it so did sort ,
-As this their jangling I esteem a sport .
-
-Thou see'st these lovers seek a place to fight :
-Hie therefore , Robin , overcast the night ;
-The starry welking cover thou anon
-With drooping fog as black as Acheron ;
-And lead these testy rivals so astray ,
-As one come not within another's way .
-Like to Lysander sometime frame thy tongue ,
-Then stir Demetrius up with bitter wrong ;
-And sometime rail thou like Demetrius ;
-And from each other look thou lead them thus ,
-Till o'er their brows death-counterfeiting sleep
-With leaden legs and batty wings doth creep :
-Then crush this herb into Lysander's eye ;
-Whose liquor hath this virtuous property ,
-To take from thence all error with his might ,
-And make his eyeballs roll with wonted sight .
-When they next wake , all this derision
-Shall seem a dream and fruitless vision ;
-And back to Athens shall the lovers wend ,
-With league whose date till death shall never end .
-Whiles I in this affair do thee employ ,
-I'll to my queen and beg her Indian boy ;
-And then I will her charmed eye release
-From monster's view , and all things shall be peace .
-
-My fairy lord , this must be done with haste ,
-For night's swift dragons cut the clouds full fast ,
-And yonder shines Aurora's harbinger ;
-At whose approach , ghosts , wandering here and there ,
-Troop home to churchyards : damned spirits all ,
-That in cross-ways and floods have burial ,
-Already to their wormy beds are gone ;
-For fear lest day should look their shames upon ,
-They wilfully themselves exile from light ,
-And must for aye consort with black-brow'd night .
-
-But we are spirits of another sort .
-I with the morning's love have oft made sport ;
-And , like a forester , the groves may tread ,
-Even till the eastern gate , all fiery-red ,
-Opening on Neptune with fair blessed beams ,
-Turns into yellow gold his salt green-streams .
-But , notwithstanding , haste ; make no delay :
-We may effect this business yet ere day .
-
-Up and down , up and down ;
-I will lead them up and down :
-I am fear'd in field and town ;
-Goblin , lead them up and down .
-
-Here comes one .
-
-
-Where art thou , proud Demetrius ? speak thou now .
-
-Here , villain ! drawn and ready . Where art thou ?
-
-I will be with thee straight .
-
-Follow me , then ,
-To plainer ground .
-
-Lysander ! speak again .
-Thou runaway , thou coward , art thou fled ?
-Speak ! In some bush ? Where dost thou hide thy head ?
-
-Thou coward ! art thou bragging to the stars ,
-Telling the bushes that thou look'st for wars ,
-And wilt not come ? Come , recreant ; come , thou child ;
-I'll whip thee with a rod : he is defil'd
-That draws a sword on thee .
-
-Yea , art thou there ?
-
-Follow my voice : we'll try no manhood here .
-
-He goes before me and still dares me on :
-When I come where he calls , then he is gone .
-The villain is much lighter-heel'd than I :
-I follow'd fast , but faster he did fly ;
-That fallen am I in dark uneven way ,
-And here will rest me .
-
-Come , thou gentle day !
-For if but once thou show me thy grey light ,
-I'll find Demetrius and revenge this spite .
-
-Ho ! ho ! ho ! Coward , why com'st thou not ?
-
-Abide me , if thou dar'st ; for well I wot
-Thou runn'st before me , shifting every place ,
-And dar'st not stand , nor look me in the face .
-Where art thou now ?
-
-Come hither : I am here .
-
-Nay then , thou mock'st me . Thou shalt buy this dear ,
-If ever I thy face by daylight see :
-Now , go thy way . Faintness constraineth me
-To measure out my length on this cold bed :
-By day's approach look to be visited .
-
-O weary night ! O long and tedious night ,
-Abate thy hours ! shine , comforts , from the east !
-That I may back to Athens by daylight ,
-From these that my poor company detest :
-And sleep , that sometimes shuts up sorrow's eye ,
-Steal me awhile from mine own company .
-
-Yet but three ? Come one more ;
-Two of both kinds make up four .
-Here she comes , curst and sad :
-Cupid is a knavish lad ,
-Thus to make poor females mad .
-
-Never so weary , never so in woe ,
-Bedabbled with the dew and torn with briers ,
-I can no further crawl , no further go ;
-My legs can keep no pace with my desires .
-Here will I rest me till the break of day .
-Heavens shield Lysander , if they mean a fray !
-
-On the ground
-Sleep sound :
-I'll apply
-To your eye ,
-Gentle lover , remedy
-
-When thou wak'st ,
-Thou tak'st
-True delight
-In the sight
-Of thy former lady's eye :
-And the country proverb known ,
-That every man should take his own ,
-In your waking shall be shown :
-Jack shall have Jill ;
-Nought shall go ill ;
-The man shall have his mare again ,
-And all shall be well .
-
-
-Come , sit thee down upon this flowery bed ,
-While I thy amiable cheeks do coy ,
-And stick musk-roses in thy sleek smooth head ,
-And kiss thy fair large ears , my gentle joy .
-
-Where's Pease-blossom ?
-
-Ready .
-
-Scratch my head , Pease-blossom . Where's Mounsieur Cobweb ?
-
-Ready .
-
-Mounsieur Cobweb , good mounsieur , get your weapons in your hand , and kill me a red-hipped humble-bee on the top of a thistle ; and , good mounsieur , bring me the honey-bag . Do not fret yourself too much in the action , mounsieur ; and , good mounsieur , have a care the honey-bag break not ; I would be loath to have you overflown with a honey-bag , signior . Where's Mounsieur Mustard-seed ?
-
-Ready .
-
-Give me your neaf , Mounsieur Mustard-seed . Pray you , leave your curtsy , good mounsieur .
-
-What's your will ?
-
-Nothing , good mounsieur , but to help Cavalery Cobweb to scratch . I must to the barber's , mounsieur , for methinks I am marvellous hairy about the face ; and I am such a tender ass , if my hair do but tickle me , I must scratch .
-
-What , wilt thou hear some music , my sweet love ?
-
-I have a reasonable good ear in music : let us have the tongs and the bones .
-
-Or say , sweet love , what thou desir'st to eat .
-
-Truly , a peck of provender : I could munch your good dry oats . Methinks I have a great desire to a bottle of hay : good hay , sweet hay , hath no fellow .
-
-I have a venturous fairy that shall seek
-The squirrel's hoard , and fetch thee thence new nuts .
-
-I had rather have a handful or two of dried pease . But , I pray you , let none of your people stir me : I have an exposition of sleep come upon me .
-
-Sleep thou , and I will wind thee in my arms .
-Fairies , be gone , and be all ways away .
-
-So doth the woodbine the sweet honeysuckle
-Gently entwist ; the female ivy so
-Enrings the barky fingers of the elm .
-O ! how I love thee ; how I dote on thee !
-
-Welcome , good Robin . See'st thou this sweet sight ?
-Her dotage now I do begin to pity :
-For , meeting her of late behind the wood ,
-Seeking sweet favours for this hateful fool ,
-I did upbraid her and fall out with her ;
-For she his hairy temples then had rounded
-With coronet of fresh and fragrant flowers ;
-And that same dew , which sometime on the buds
-Was wont to swell like round and orient pearls ,
-Stood now within the pretty flowerets' eyes
-Like tears that did their own disgrace bewail .
-When I had at my pleasure taunted her ,
-And she in mild terms begg'd my patience ,
-I then did ask of her her changeling child ;
-Which straight she gave me , and her fairy sent
-To bear him to my bower in fairy land .
-And now I have the boy , I will undo
-This hateful imperfection of her eyes :
-And , gentle Puck , take this transformed scalp
-From off the head of this Athenian swain ,
-That he , awaking when the other do ,
-May all to Athens back again repair ,
-And think no more of this night's accidents
-But as the fierce vexation of a dream .
-But first I will release the fairy queen .
-
-
-Be as thou wast wont to be ;
-See as thou wast wont to see :
-Dian's bud o'er Cupid's flower
-Hath such force and blessed power .
-
-Now , my Titania ; wake you , my sweet queen .
-
-My Oberon ! what visions have I seen !
-Methought I was enamour'd of an ass .
-
-There lies your love .
-
-How came these things to pass ?
-O ! how mine eyes do loathe his visage now .
-
-Silence , awhile . Robin , take off this head .
-Titania , music call ; and strike more dead
-Than common sleep of all these five the sense .
-
-Music , ho ! music ! such as charmeth sleep .
-
-
-When thou wak'st , with thine own fool's eyes peep .
-
-Sound , music !
-
-Come , my queen , take hands with me ,
-And rock the ground whereon these sleepers be .
-Now thou and I are new in amity ,
-And will to-morrow midnight solemnly
-Dance in Duke Theseus' house triumphantly ,
-And bless it to all fair prosperity .
-There shall the pairs of faithful lovers be
-Wedded , with Theseus , all in jollity .
-
-
-Fairy king , attend , and mark :
-I do hear the morning lark .
-
-Then , my queen , in silence sad ,
-Trip we after the night's shade ;
-We the globe can compass soon ,
-Swifter than the wandering moon .
-
-Come , my lord ; and in our flight
-Tell me how it came this night
-That I sleeping here was found
-With these mortals on the ground .
-
-
-Go , one of you , find out the forester ;
-For now our observation is perform'd ;
-And since we have the vaward of the day ,
-My love shall hear the music of my hounds .
-Uncouple in the western valley ; let them go :
-Dispatch , I say , and find the forester .
-We will , fair queen , up to the mountain's top ,
-And mark the musical confusion
-Of hounds and echo in conjunction .
-
-I was with Hercules and Cadmus once ,
-When in a wood of Crete they bay'd the bear
-With hounds of Sparta : never did I hear
-Such gallant chiding ; for , besides the groves ,
-The skies , the fountains , every region near
-Seem'd all one mutual cry . I never heard
-So musical a discord , such sweet thunder .
-
-My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind ,
-So flew'd , so sanded ; and their heads are hung
-With ears that sweep away the morning dew ;
-Crook-knee'd , and dew-lapp'd like Thessalian bulls ;
-Slow in pursuit , but match'd in mouth like bells ,
-Each under each . A cry more tuneable
-Was never holla'd to , nor cheer'd with horn ,
-In Crete , in Sparta , nor in Thessaly :
-Judge , when you hear . But , soft ! what nymphs are these ?
-
-My lord , this is my daughter here asleep ;
-And this , Lysander ; this Demetrius is ;
-This Helena , old Nedar's Helena :
-I wonder of their being here together .
-
-No doubt they rose up early to observe
-The rite of May , and , hearing our intent ,
-Came here in grace of our solemnity .
-But speak , Egeus , is not this the day
-That Hermia should give answer of her choice ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-Go , bid the huntsmen wake them with their horns .
-
-
-Good morrow , friends . Saint Valentine is past :
-
-Begin these wood-birds but to couple now ?
-
-Pardon , my lord .
-
-
-I pray you all , stand up .
-I know you two are rival enemies :
-How comes this gentle concord in the world ,
-That hatred is so far from jealousy ,
-To sleep by hate , and fear no enmity ?
-
-My lord , I shall reply amazedly ,
-Half sleep , half waking : but as yet , I swear ,
-I cannot truly say how I came here ;
-But , as I think ,for truly would I speak ,
-And now I do bethink me , so it is ,
-I came with Hermia hither : our intent
-Was to be gone from Athens , where we might ,
-Without the peril of the Athenian law
-
-Enough , enough , my lord ; you have enough :
-I beg the law , the law , upon his head .
-They would have stol'n away ; they would , Demetrius ,
-Thereby to have defeated you and me ;
-You of your wife , and me of my consent ,
-Of my consent that she should be your wife .
-
-My lord , fair Helen told me of their stealth ,
-Of this their purpose hither , to this wood ;
-And I in fury hither follow'd them ,
-Fair Helena in fancy following me .
-But , my good lord , I wot not by what power ,
-But by some power it is ,my love to Hermia ,
-Melted as doth the snow , seems to me now
-As the remembrance of an idle gaud
-Which in my childhood I did dote upon ;
-And all the faith , the virtue of my heart ,
-The object and the pleasure of mine eye ,
-Is only Helena . To her , my lord ,
-Was I betroth'd ere I saw Hermia :
-But , like in sickness , did I loathe this food ;
-But , as in health , come to my natural taste ,
-Now do I wish it , love it , long for it ,
-And will for evermore be true to it .
-
-Fair lovers , you are fortunately met :
-Of this discourse we more will hear anon .
-Egeus , I will overbear your will ,
-For in the temple , by and by , with us ,
-These couples shall eternally be knit :
-And , for the morning now is something worn ,
-Our purpos'd hunting shall be set aside .
-Away with us , to Athens : three and three ,
-We'll hold a feast in great solemnity .
-Come , Hippolyta .
-
-
-These things seem small and undistinguishable ,
-Like far-off mountains turned into clouds .
-
-Methinks I see these things with parted eye ,
-When everything seems double .
-
-So methinks :
-And I have found Demetrius , like a jewel ,
-Mine own , and not mine own .
-
-Are you sure
-That we are awake ? It seems to me
-That yet we sleep , we dream . Do you not think
-The duke was here , and bid us follow him ?
-
-Yea ; and my father .
-
-And Hippolyta .
-
-And he did bid us follow to the temple .
-
-Why then , we are awake . Let's follow him ;
-And by the way let us recount our dreams .
-
-
-When my cue comes , call me , and I will answer : my next is , 'Most fair Pyramus .' Heigh-ho ! Peter Quince ! Flute , the bellows-mender ! Snout , the tinker ! Starveling ! God's my life ! stolen hence , and left me asleep ! I have had a most rare vision . I have had a dream , past the wit of man to say what dream it was : man is but an ass , if he go about to expound this dream . Methought I was there is no man can tell what . Methought I was ,and methought I had ,but man is but a patched fool , if he will offer to say what methought I had . The eye of man hath not heard , the ear of man hath not seen , man's hand is not able to taste , his tongue to conceive , nor his heart to report , what my dream was . I will get Peter Quince to write a ballad of this dream : it shall be called Bottom's Dream , because it hath no bottom ; and I will sing it in the latter end of a play , before the duke : peradventure , to make it the more gracious , I shall sing it at her death .
-
-
-Have you sent to Bottom's house ? is he come home yet ?
-
-He cannot be heard of . Out of doubt he is transported .
-
-If he come not , then the play is marred : it goes not forward , doth it ?
-
-It is not possible : you have not a man in all Athens able to discharge Pyramus but he .
-
-No ; he hath simply the best wit of any handicraft man in Athens .
-
-Yea , and the best person too ; and he is a very paramour for a sweet voice .
-
-You must say , 'paragon :' a paramour is , God bless us ! a thing of naught .
-
-
-Masters , the duke is coming from the temple , and there is two or three lords and ladies more married : if our sport had gone forward , we had all been made men .
-
-O sweet bully Bottom ! Thus hath he lost sixpence a day during his life ; he could not have 'scaped sixpence a day : an the duke had not given him sixpence a day for playing Pyramus , I'll be hanged ; he would have deserved it : sixpence a day in Pyramus , or nothing .
-
-
-Where are these lads ? where are these hearts ?
-
-Bottom ! O most courageous day ! O most happy hour !
-
-Masters , I am to discourse wonders : but ask me not what ; for if I tell you , I am no true Athenian . I will tell you everything , right as it fell out .
-
-Let us hear , sweet Bottom .
-
-Not a word of me . All that I will tell you is , that the duke hath dined . Get your apparel together , good strings to your beards , new ribbons to your pumps ; meet presently at the palace ; every man look o'er his part ; for the short and the long is , our play is preferred . In any case , let Thisby have clean linen ; and let not him that plays the lion pare his nails , for they shall hang out for the lion's claws . And , most dear actors , eat no onions nor garlic , for we are to utter sweet breath , and I do not doubt but to hear them say , it is a sweet comedy . No more words : away ! go ; away .
-
-'Tis strange , my Theseus , that these lovers speak of .
-
-More strange than true . I never may believe
-These antique fables , nor these fairy toys .
-Lovers and madmen have such seething brains ,
-Such shaping fantasies , that apprehend
-More than cool reason ever comprehends .
-The lunatic , the lover , and the poet ,
-Are of imagination all compact :
-One sees more devils than vast hell can hold ,
-That is , the madman ; the lover , all as frantic ,
-Sees Helen's beauty in a brow of Egypt :
-The poet's eye , in a fine frenzy rolling ,
-Doth glance from heaven to earth , from earth to heaven ;
-And , as imagination bodies forth
-The forms of things unknown , the poet's pen
-Turns them to shapes , and gives to airy nothing
-A local habitation and a name .
-Such tricks hath strong imagination ,
-That , if it would but apprehend some joy ,
-It comprehends some bringer of that joy ;
-Or in the night , imagining some fear ,
-How easy is a bush suppos'd a bear !
-
-But all the story of the night told over ,
-And all their minds transfigur'd so together ,
-More witnesseth than fancy's images ,
-And grows to something of great constancy ,
-But , howsoever , strange and admirable .
-
-Here come the lovers , full of joy and mirth .
-
-
-Joy , gentle friends ! joy , and fresh days of love
-
-Accompany your hearts !
-
-More than to us
-Wait in your royal walks , your board , your bed !
-
-Come now ; what masques , what dances shall we have ,
-To wear away this long age of three hours
-Between our after-supper and bed-time ?
-Where is our usual manager of mirth ?
-What revels are in hand ? Is there no play ,
-To ease the anguish of a torturing hour ?
-Call Philostrate .
-
-Here , mighty Theseus .
-
-Say , what abridgment have you for this evening ?
-What masque ? what music ? How shall we beguile
-The lazy time , if not with some delight ?
-
-There is a brief how many sports are ripe ;
-Make choice of which your highness will see first .
-
-
-The battle with the Centaurs , to be sung
-By an Athenian eunuch to the harp .
-We'll none of that : that have I told my love ,
-In glory of my kinsman Hercules .
-The riot of the tipsy Bacchanals ,
-Tearing the Thracian singer in their rage .
-That is an old device ; and it was play'd
-When I from Thebes came last a conqueror .
-The thrice three Muses mourning for the death
-Of Learning , late deceas'd in beggary .
-That is some satire keen and critical ,
-Not sorting with a nuptial ceremony .
-A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus
-And his love Thisbe ; very tragical mirth .
-Merry and tragical ! tedious and brief !
-That is , hot ice and wonderous strange snow .
-How shall we find the concord of this discord ?
-
-A play there is , my lord , some ten words long ,
-Which is as brief as I have known a play ;
-But by ten words , my lord , it is too long ,
-Which makes it tedious ; for in all the play
-There is not one word apt , one player fitted .
-And tragical , my noble lord , it is ;
-For Pyramus therein doth kill himself .
-Which when I saw rehears'd , I must confess ,
-Made mine eyes water ; but more merry tears
-The passion of loud laughter never shed .
-
-What are they that do play it ?
-
-Hard-handed men , that work in Athens here ,
-Which never labour'd in their minds till now ,
-And now have toil'd their unbreath'd memories
-With this same play , against your nuptial .
-
-And we will hear it .
-
-No , my noble lord ;
-It is not for you : I have heard it over ,
-And it is nothing , nothing in the world ;
-Unless you can find sport in their intents ,
-Extremely stretch'd and conn'd with cruel pain ,
-To do you service .
-
-I will hear that play ;
-For never anything can be amiss ,
-When simpleness and duty tender it .
-Go , bring them in : and take your places , ladies .
-
-
-I love not to see wretchedness o'ercharg'd ,
-And duty in his service perishing .
-
-Why , gentle sweet , you shall see no such thing .
-
-He says they can do nothing in this kind .
-
-The kinder we , to give them thanks for nothing .
-Our sport shall be to take what they mistake :
-And what poor duty cannot do , noble respect
-Takes it in might , not merit .
-Where I have come , great clerks have purposed
-To greet me with premeditated welcomes ;
-Where I have seen them shiver and look pale ,
-Make periods in the midst of sentences ,
-Throttle their practis'd accent in their fears ,
-And , in conclusion , dumbly have broke off ,
-Not paying me a welcome . Trust me , sweet ,
-Out of this silence yet I pick'd a welcome ;
-And in the modesty of fearful duty
-I read as much as from the rattling tongue
-Of saucy and audacious eloquence .
-Love , therefore , and tongue-tied simplicity
-In least speak most , to my capacity .
-
-
-So please your Grace , the Prologue is address'd .
-
-Let him approach .
-
-
-If we offend , it is with our good will .
-That you should think , we come not to offend ,
-But with good will . To show our simple skill ,
-That is the true beginning of our end .
-Consider then we come but in despite .
-We do not come as minding to content you ,
-Our true intent is . All for your delight ,
-We are not here . That you should here repent you ,
-The actors are at hand ; and , by their show ,
-You shall know all that you are like to know .
-
-
-This fellow doth not stand upon points .
-
-He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt ; he knows not the stop . A good moral , my lord : it is not enough to speak , but to speak true .
-
-Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder ; a sound , but not in government .
-
-His speech was like a tangled chain ; nothing impaired , but all disordered . Who is next ?
-
-
-Gentles , perchance you wonder at this show ;
-But wonder on , till truth make all things plain .
-This man is Pyramus , if you would know ;
-This beauteous lady Thisby is , certain .
-This man , with lime and rough-cast , doth present
-Wall , that vile Wall which did these lovers sunder ;
-And through Wall's chink , poor souls , they are content
-To whisper , at the which let no man wonder .
-This man , with lanthorn , dog , and bush of thorn ,
-Presenteth Moonshine ; for , if you will know ,
-By moonshine did these lovers think no scorn
-To meet at Ninus' tomb , there , there to woo .
-This grisly beast , which Lion hight by name ,
-The trusty Thisby , coming first by night ,
-Did scare away , or rather did affright ;
-And , as she fied , her mantle she did fall ,
-Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain .
-Anon comes Pyramus , sweet youth and tall ,
-And finds his trusty Thisby's mantle slain :
-Whereat , with blade , with bloody blameful blade ,
-He bravely broach'd his boiling bloody breast ;
-And Thisby , tarrying in mulberry shade ,
-His dagger drew , and died . For all the rest ,
-Let Lion , Moonshine , Wall , and lovers twain ,
-At large discourse , while here they do remain .
-
-
-I wonder , if the lion be to speak .
-
-No wonder , my lord : one lion may , when many asses do .
-Wall . In this same interlude it doth befall
-That I , one Snout by name , present a wall ;
-And such a wall , as I would have you think ,
-That had in it a crannied hole or chink ,
-Through which the lovers , Pyramus and Thisby ,
-Did whisper often very secretly .
-This loam , this rough-cast , and this stone doth show
-That I am that same wall ; the truth is so ;
-And this the cranny is , right and sinister ,
-Through which the fearful lovers are to whisper .
-
-Would you desire lime and hair to speak better ?
-
-It is the wittiest partition that ever I heard discourse , my lord .
-
-Pyramus draws near the wall : silence !
-
-
-O grim-look'd night ! O night with hue so black !
-O night , which ever art when day is not !
-O night ! O night ! alack , alack , alack !
-I fear my Thisby's promise is forgot .
-And thou , O wall ! O sweet , O lovely wall !
-That stand'st between her father's ground and mine ;
-Thou wall , O wall ! O sweet , and lovely wall !
-Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne .
-
-Thanks , courteous wall : Jove shield thee well for this !
-But what see I ? No Thisby do I see .
-O wicked wall ! through whom I see no bliss ;
-Curs'd be thy stones for thus deceiving me !
-
-The wall , methinks , being sensible , should curse again .
-
-No , in truth , sir , he should not . 'Deceiving me ,' is Thisby's cue : she is to enter now , and I am to spy her through the wall . You shall see , it will fall pat as I told you . Yonder she comes .
-
-
-O wall ! full often hast thou heard my moans ,
-For parting my fair Pyramus and me :
-My cherry lips have often kiss'd thy stones ,
-Thy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee .
-
-I see a voice : now will I to the chink ,
-To spy an I can hear my Thisby's face .
-Thisby .
-
-My love ! thou art my love , I think .
-
-Think what thou wilt , I am thy lover's grace ;
-And , like Limander , am I trusty still .
-
-And I like Helen , till the Fates me kill .
-
-Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true .
-
-As Shafalus to Procrus , I to you .
-
-O ! kiss me through the hole of this vile wall .
-
-I kiss the wall's hole , not your lips at all
-
-Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway ?
-
-'Tide life , 'tide death , I come without delay .
-
-
-Thus have I , Wall , my part discharged so ;
-And , being done , thus Wall away doth go .
-
-
-Now is the mural down between the two neighbours .
-
-No remedy , my lord , when walls are so wilful to hear without warning .
-
-This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard .
-
-The best in this kind are but shadows , and the worst are no worse , if imagination amend them .
-
-It must be your imagination then , and not theirs .
-
-If we imagine no worse of them than they of themselves , they may pass for excellent men . Here come two noble beasts in , a man and a lion .
-
-
-You , ladies , you , whose gentle hearts do fear
-The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor ,
-May now perchance both quake and tremble here ,
-When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar .
-Then know that I , one Snug the joiner , am
-A lion-fell , nor else no lion's dam :
-For , if I should as lion come in strife
-Into this place , 'twere pity on my life .
-
-A very gentle beast , and of a good conscience .
-
-The very best at a beast , my lord , that e'er I saw .
-
-This lion is a very fox for his valour .
-
-True ; and a goose for his discretion .
-
-Not so , my lord ; for his valour cannot carry his discretion , and the fox carries the goose .
-
-His discretion , I am sure , cannot carry his valour , for the goose carries not the fox . It is well : leave it to his discretion , and let us listen to the moon .
-
-This lanthorn doth the horned moon present ;
-
-He should have worn the horns on his head .
-
-He is no crescent , and his horns are invisible within the circumference .
-
-This lanthorn doth the horned moon present ;
-Myself the man i' the moon do seem to be .
-
-This is the greatest error of all the rest .
-The man should be put into the lanthorn : how is it else the man i' the moon ?
-
-He dares not come there for the candle ; for , you see , it is already in snuff .
-
-I am aweary of this moon : would he would change !
-
-It appears , by his small light of discretion , that he is in the wane ; but yet , in courtesy , in all reason , we must stay the time .
-
-Proceed , Moon .
-
-All that I have to say , is , to tell you that the lanthorn is the moon ; I , the man in the moon ; this thorn-bush , my thorn-bush ; and this dog , my dog .
-
-Why , all these should be in the lanthorn ; for all these are in the moon . But , silence ! here comes Thisbe .
-
-
-This is old Ninny's tomb . Where is my love ?
-
-Oh .
-
-
-Well roared , Lion .
-
-Well run , Thisbe .
-
-Well shone , Moon . Truly , the moon shines with a good grace .
-
-
-Well moused , Lion .
-
-And then came Pyramus .
-
-And so the lion vanished .
-
-
-Sweet moon , I thank thee for thy sunny beams ;
-I thank thee , moon , for shining now so bright ,
-For , by thy gracious , golden , glittering streams ,
-I trust to taste of truest Thisby's sight .
-
-But stay , O spite !
-But mark , poor knight ,
-What dreadful dole is here !
-Eyes , do you see ?
-How can it be ?
-O dainty duck ! O dear !
-Thy mantle good ,
-What ! stain'd with blood !
-Approach , ye Furies fell !
-O Fates , come , come ,
-Cut thread and thrum ;
-Quail , crush , conclude , and quell !
-
-
-This passion , and the death of a dear friend , would go near to make a man look sad .
-
-Beshrew my heart , but I pity the man .
-
-O ! wherefore , Nature , didst thou lions frame ?
-Since lion vile hath here deflower'd my dear ?
-Which is no , no which was the fairest dame
-That liv'd , that lov'd , that lik'd , that look'd with cheer .
-
-
-Come tears , confound ;
-Out , sword , and wound
-The pap of Pyramus :
-Ay , that left pap ,
-Where heart doth hop :
-Thus die I , thus , thus , thus .
-
-Now am I dead ,
-Now am I fled ;
-My soul is in the sky :
-Tongue , lose thy light !
-Moon , take thy flight !
-
-Now die , die , die , die , die .
-
-No die , but an ace , for him ; for he is but one .
-
-Less than an ace , man , for he is dead ; he is nothing .
-
-With the help of a surgeon , he might yet recover , and prove an ass .
-
-How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes back and finds her lover ?
-
-She will find him by starlight . Here she comes ; and her passion ends the play .
-
-
-Methinks she should not use a long one for such a Pyramus : I hope she will be brief .
-
-A mote will turn the balance , which Pyramus , which Thisbe , is the better : he for a man , God warrant us ; she for a woman , God bless us .
-
-She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes .
-
-And thus she moans , videlicet :
-
-
-Asleep , my love ?
-What , dead , my dove ?
-O Pyramus , arise !
-Speak , speak ! Quite dumb ?
-Dead , dead ! A tomb
-Must cover thy sweet eyes .
-These lily lips ,
-This cherry nose ,
-These yellow cowslip cheeks ,
-Are gone , are gone :
-Lovers , make moan !
-His eyes were green as leeks .
-O , Sisters Three ,
-Come , come to me ,
-With hands as pale as milk ;
-Lay them in gore ,
-Since you have shore
-With shears his thread of silk .
-Tongue , not a word :
-Come , trusty sword :
-Come , blade , my breast imbrue :
-
-And farewell , friends ;
-Thus Thisby ends :
-Adieu , adieu , adieu .
-
-Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead .
-
-Ay , and Wall too .
-
-No , I assure you ; the wall is down that parted their fathers . Will it please you to see the epilogue , or to hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company ?
-
-No epilogue , I pray you ; for your play needs no excuse . Never excuse ; for when the players are all dead , there need none to be blamed . Marry , if he that writ it had played Pyramus , and hanged himself in Thisbe's garter , it would have been a fine tragedy : and so it is , truly , and very notably discharged . But come , your Bergomask : let your epilogue alone .
-
-The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve ;
-Lovers , to bed ; 'tis almost fairy time .
-I fear we shall out-sleep the coming morn ,
-As much as we this night have overwatch'd .
-This palpable-gross play hath well beguil'd
-The heavy gait of night . Sweet friends , to bed .
-A fortnight hold we this solemnity ,
-In nightly revels , and new jollity .
-
-Now the hungry lion roars ,
-And the wolf behowls the moon ;
-Whilst the heavy ploughman snores ,
-All with weary task fordone .
-Now the wasted brands do glow ,
-Whilst the screech-owl , screeching loud ,
-Puts the wretch that lies in woe
-In remembrance of a shroud .
-Now it is the time of night
-That the graves , all gaping wide ,
-Every one lets forth his sprite ,
-In the church-way paths to glide :
-And we fairies , that do run
-By the triple Hecate's team ,
-From the presence of the sun ,
-Following darkness like a dream ,
-Now are frolic ; not a mouse
-Shall disturb this hallow'd house :
-I am sent with broom before ,
-To sweep the dust behind the door .
-
-
-Through the house give glimmering light
-By the dead and drowsy fire ;
-Every elf and fairy sprite
-Hop as light as bird from brier ;
-And this ditty after me
-Sing and dance it trippingly .
-
-First , rehearse your song by rote ,
-To each word a warbling note :
-Hand in hand , with fairy grace ,
-Will we sing , and bless this place .
-
-
-Now , until the break of day ,
-Through this house each fairy stray .
-To the best bride-bed will we ,
-Which by us shall blessed be ;
-And the issue there create
-Ever shall be fortunate .
-So shall all the couples three
-Ever true in loving be ;
-And the blots of Nature's hand
-Shall not in their issue stand :
-Never mole , hare-lip , nor scar ,
-Nor mark prodigious , such as are
-Despised in nativity ,
-Shall upon their children be .
-With this field-dew consecrate ,
-Every fairy take his gait ,
-And each several chamber bless ,
-Through this palace , with sweet peace ;
-Ever shall in safety rest ,
-And the owner of it blest .
-Trip away ;
-Make no stay ;
-Meet me all by break of day .
-
-
-If we shadows have offended ,
-Think but this , and all is mended ,
-That you have but slumber'd here
-While these visions did appear .
-And this weak and idle theme ,
-No more yielding but a dream ,
-Gentles , do not reprehend :
-If you pardon , we will mend .
-And , as I'm an honest Puck ,
-If we have unearned luck
-Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue ,
-We will make amends ere long ;
-Else the Puck a liar call :
-So , good night unto you all .
-Give me your hands , if we be friends ,
-And Robin shall restore amends .
-
-ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL
-
-In delivering my son from me , I bury a second husband .
-
-And I , in going , madam , weep o'er my father's death anew ; but I must attend his majesty's command , to whom I am now in ward , evermore in subjection .
-
-You shall find of the king a husband , madam ; you , sir , a father . He that so generally is at all times good , must of necessity hold his virtue to you , whose worthiness would stir it up where it wanted rather than lack it where there is such abundance .
-
-What hope is there of his majesty's amendment ?
-
-He hath abandoned his physicians , madam ; under whose practices he hath persecuted time with hope , and finds no other advantage in the process but only the losing of hope by time .
-
-This young gentlewoman had a father ,O , that 'had !' how sad a passage 'tis !whose skill was almost as great as his honesty ; had it stretched so far , would have made nature immortal , and death should have play for lack of work . Would , for the king's sake , he were living ! I think it would be the death of the king's disease .
-
-How called you the man you speak of , madam ?
-
-He was famous , sir , in his profession , and it was his great right to be so : Gerard de Narbon .
-
-He was excellent indeed , madam : the king very lately spoke of him admiringly and mourningly . He was skilful enough to have lived still , if knowledge could be set up against mortality .
-
-What is it , my good lord , the king languishes of ?
-
-A fistula , my lord .
-
-I heard not of it before .
-
-I would it were not notorious . Was this gentlewoman the daughter of Gerard de Narbon ?
-
-His sole child , my lord ; and bequeathed to my overlooking . I have those hopes of her good that her education promises : her dispositions she inherits , which makes fair gifts fairer ; for where an unclean mind carries virtuous qualities , there commendations go with pity ; they are virtues and traitors too : in her they are the better for their simpleness ; she derives her honesty and achieves her goodness .
-
-Your commendations , madam , get from her tears .
-
-'Tis the best brine a maiden can season her praise in . The remembrance of her father never approaches her heart but the tyranny of her sorrows takes all livelihood from her cheek . No more of this , Helena , go to , no more ; lest it be rather thought you affect a sorrow , than have it .
-
-I do affect a sorrow indeed , but I have it too .
-
-Moderate lamentation is the right of the dead , excessive grief the enemy to the living .
-
-If the living be enemy to the grief , the excess makes it soon mortal .
-
-Madam , I desire your holy wishes .
-
-How understand we that ?
-
-Be thou blest , Bertram ; and succeed thy father
-In manners , as in shape ! thy blood and virtue
-Contend for empire in thee ; and thy goodness
-Share with thy birthright ! Love all , trust a few ,
-Do wrong to none : be able for thine enemy
-Rather in power than use , and keep thy friend
-Under thy own life's key : be check'd for silence ,
-But never tax'd for speech . What heaven more will
-That thee may furnish , and my prayers pluck down ,
-Fall on thy head ! Farewell , my lord ;
-'Tis an unseason'd courtier ; good my lord ,
-Advise him .
-
-He cannot want the best
-That shall attend his love .
-
-Heaven bless him ! Farewell , Bertram .
-
-
-The best wishes that can be forged in your thoughts be servants to you ! Be comfortable to my mother , your mistress , and make much of her .
-
-Farewell , pretty lady : you must hold the credit of your father .
-
-
-O ! were that all . I think not on my father ;
-And these great tears grace his remembrance more
-Than those I shed for him . What was he like ?
-I have forgot him : my imagination
-Carries no favour in't but Bertram's .
-I am undone : there is no living , none ,
-If Bertram be away . It were all one
-That I should love a bright particular star
-And think to wed it , he is so above me :
-In his bright radiance and collateral light
-Must I be comforted , not in his sphere .
-The ambition in my love thus plagues itself :
-The hind that would be mated by the lion
-Must die for love . 'Twas pretty , though a plague ,
-To see him every hour ; to sit and draw
-His arched brows , his hawking eye , his curls ,
-In our heart's table ; heart too capable
-Of every line and trick of his sweet favour :
-But now he's gone , and my idolatrous fancy
-Must sanctify his reliques . Who comes here ?
-One that goes with him : I love him for his sake ;
-And yet I know him a notorious liar ,
-Think him a great way fool , solely a coward ;
-Yet these fix'd evils sit so fit in him ,
-That they take place , when virtue's steely bones
-Look bleak in the cold wind : withal , full oft we see
-Cold wisdom waiting on superfluous folly .
-
-
-Save you , fair queen !
-
-And you , monarch !
-
-No .
-
-And no .
-
-Are you meditating on virginity ?
-
-Ay . You have some stain of soldier in you ; let me ask you a question . Man is enemy to virginity ; how may we barricado it against him ?
-
-Keep him out .
-
-But he assails ; and our virginity , though valiant in the defence , yet is weak . Unfold to us some war-like resistance .
-
-There is none : man , sitting down before you , will undermine you and blow you up .
-
-Bless our poor virginity from underminers and blowers up ! Is there no military policy , how virgins might blow up men ?
-
-Virginity being blown down , man will quicklier be blown up : marry in blowing him down again , with the breach yourselves made , you lose your city . It is not politic in the commonwealth of nature to preserve virginity . Loss of virginity is rational increase , and there was never virgin got till virginity was first lost . That you were made of is metal to make virgins . Virginity , by being once lost , may be ten times found : by being ever kept , it is ever lost .'Tis too cold a companion : away with't !
-
-I will stand for't a little , though therefore I die a virgin .
-
-There's little can be said in't ; 'tis against the rule of nature . To speak on the part of virginity is to accuse your mothers , which is most infallible disobedience . He that hangs himself is a virgin : virginity murders itself , and should be buried in highways , out of all sanctified limit , as a desperate offendress against nature . Virginity breeds mites , much like a cheese , consumes itself to the very paring , and so dies with feeding his own stomach . Besides , virginity is peevish , proud , idle , made of self-love , which is the most inhibited sin in the canon . Keep it not ; you cannot choose but lose by't ! Out with't ! within the year it will make itself two , which is a goodly increase , and the principal itself not much the worse . Away with't !
-
-How might one do , sir , to lose it to her own liking ?
-
-Let me see : marry , ill , to like him that ne'er it likes . 'Tis a commodity that will lose the gloss with lying ; the longer kept , the less worth : off with't , while 'tis vendible ; answer the time of request . Virginity , like an old courtier , wears her cap out of fashion ; richly suited , but unsuitable : just like the brooch and the toothpick , which wear not now . Your date is better in your pie and your porridge than in your cheek : and your virginity , your old virginity , is like one of our French withered pears ; it looks ill , it eats drily ; marry , 'tis a withered pear ; it was formerly better ; marry , yet 'tis a withered pear . Will you anything with it ?
-
-Not my virginity yet .
-There shall your master have a thousand loves ,
-A mother , and a mistress , and a friend ,
-A ph nix , captain , and an enemy ,
-A guide , a goddess , and a sovereign ,
-A counsellor , a traitress , and a dear ;
-His humble ambition , proud humility ,
-His jarring concord , and his discord dulcet ,
-His faith , his sweet disaster ; with a world
-Of pretty , fond , adoptious christendoms ,
-That blinking Cupid gossips . Now shall he
-I know not what he shall . God send him well !
-The court's a learning-place , and he is one
-
-What one , i' faith ?
-
-That I wish well . 'Tis pity
-
-What's pity ?
-
-That wishing well had not a body in't ,
-Which might be felt ; that we , the poorer born ,
-Whose baser stars do shut us up in wishes ,
-Might with effects of them follow our friends ,
-And show what we alone must think , which never
-Returns us thanks .
-
-
-Monsieur Parolles , my lord calls for you .
-
-
-Little Helen , farewell : if I can remember thee , I will think of thee at court .
-
-Monsieur Parolles , you were born under a charitable star .
-
-Under Mars , I .
-
-I especially think , under Mars .
-
-Why under Mars ?
-
-The wars have so kept you under that you must needs be born under Mars .
-
-When he was predominant .
-
-When he was retrograde , I think rather .
-
-Why think you so ?
-
-You go so much backward when you fight .
-
-That's for advantage .
-
-So is running away , when fear proposes the safety : but the composition that your valour and fear makes in you is a virtue of a good wing , and I like the wear well .
-
-I am so full of businesses I cannot answer thee acutely . I will return perfect courtier ; in the which , my instruction shall serve to naturalize thee , so thou wilt be capable of a courtier's counsel , and understand what advice shall thrust upon thee ; else thou diest in thine unthankfulness , and thine ignorance makes thee away : farewell . When thou hast leisure , say thy prayers ; when thou hast none , remember thy friends . Get thee a good husband , and use him as he uses thee : so , farewell .
-
-
-Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie
-Which we ascribe to heaven : the fated sky
-Gives us free scope ; only doth backward pull
-Our slow designs when we ourselves are dull .
-What power is it which mounts my love so high ;
-That makes me see , and cannot feed mine eye ?
-The mightiest space in fortune nature brings
-To join like likes , and kiss like native things .
-Impossible be strange attempts to those
-That weigh their pains in sense , and do suppose
-What hath been cannot be : who ever strove
-To show her merit , that did miss her love ?
-The king's disease ,my project may deceive me ,
-But my intents are fix'd and will not leave me .
-
-
-The Florentines and Senoys are by the ears ;
-Have fought with equal fortune , and continue
-A braving war .
-
-So 'tis reported , sir .
-
-Nay , 'tis most credible : we here receive it
-A certainty , vouch'd from our cousin Austria ,
-With caution that the Florentine will move us
-For speedy aid ; wherein our dearest friend
-Prejudicates the business , and would seem
-To have us make denial .
-
-His love and wisdom ,
-Approv'd so to your majesty , may plead
-For amplest credence .
-
-He hath arm'd our answer ,
-And Florence is denied before he comes :
-Yet , for our gentlemen that mean to see
-The Tuscan service , freely have they leave
-To stand on either part .
-
-It well may serve
-A nursery to our gentry , who are sick
-For breathing and exploit .
-
-What's he comes here ?
-
-
-It is the Count Rousillon , my good lord ,
-Young Betram .
-
-Youth , thou bear'st thy father's face ;
-Frank nature , rather curious than in haste ,
-Hath well compos'd thee . Thy father's moral parts
-Mayst thou inherit too ! Welcome to Paris .
-
-My thanks and duty are your majesty's .
-
-I would I had that corporal soundness now ,
-As when thy father and myself in friendship
-First tried our soldiership ! He did look far
-Into the service of the time and was
-Discipled of the bravest : he lasted long ;
-But on us both did haggish age steal on ,
-And wore us out of act . It much repairs me
-To talk of your good father . In his youth
-He had the wit which I can well observe
-To-day in our young lords ; but they may jest
-Till their own scorn return to them unnoted
-Ere they can hide their levity in honour .
-So like a courtier , contempt nor bitterness
-Were in his pride or sharpness ; if they were ,
-His equal had awak'd them ; and his honour ,
-Clock to itself , knew the true minute when
-Exception bid him speak , and at this time
-His tongue obey'd his hand : who were below him
-He us'd as creatures of another place ,
-And bow'd his eminent top to their low ranks ,
-Making them proud of his humility ,
-In their poor praise he humbled . Such a man
-Might be a copy to these younger times ,
-Which , follow'd well , would demonstrate them now
-But goers backward .
-
-His good remembrance , sir ,
-Lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb ;
-So in approof lives not his epitaph
-As in your royal speech .
-
-Would I were with him ! He would always say ,
-Methinks I hear him now : his plausive words
-He scatter'd not in ears , but grafted them ,
-To grow there and to bear . 'Let me not live ,'
-Thus his good melancholy oft began ,
-On the catastrophe and heel of pastime ,
-When it was out ,'Let me not live ,' quoth he ,
-'After my flame lacks oil , to be the snuff
-Of younger spirits , whose apprehensive senses
-All but new things disdain ; whose judgments are
-Mere fathers of their garments ; whose constancies
-Expire before their fashions .' This he wish'd :
-I , after him , do after him wish too ,
-Since I nor wax nor honey can bring home ,
-I quickly were dissolved from my hive ,
-To give some labourers room .
-
-You are lov'd , sir ;
-They that least lend it you shall lack you first .
-
-I fill a place , I know't . How long is't , count ,
-Since the physician at your father's died ?
-He was much fam'd .
-
-Some six months since , my lord .
-
-If he were living , I would try him yet :
-Lend me an arm : the rest have worn me out
-With several applications : nature and sickness
-Debate it at their leisure . Welcome , count ;
-My son's no dearer .
-
-Thank your majesty .
-
-
-I will now hear : what say you of this gentlewoman ?
-
-Madam , the care I have had to even your content , I wish might be found in the calendar of my past endeavours ; for then we wound our modesty and make foul the clearness of our deservings , when of ourselves we publish them .
-
-What does this knave here ? Get you gone , sirrah : the complaints I have heard of you I do not all believe : 'tis my slowness that I do not ; for I know you lack not folly to commit them , and have ability enough to make such knaveries yours .
-
-'Tis not unknown to you , madam , I am a poor fellow .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-No , madam , 'tis not so well that I am poor , though many of the rich are damned . But , if I may have your ladyship's good will to go to the world , Isbel the woman and I will do as we may .
-
-Wilt thou needs be a beggar ?
-
-I do beg your good will in this case .
-
-In what case ?
-
-In Isbel's case and mine own . Service is no heritage ; and I think I shall never have the blessing of God till I have issue o' my body , for they say barnes are blessings .
-
-Tell me thy reason why thou wilt marry .
-
-My poor body , madam , requires it : I am driven on by the flesh ; and he must needs go that the devil drives .
-
-Is this all your worship's reason ?
-
-Faith , madam , I have other holy reasons , such as they are .
-
-May the world know them ?
-
-I have been , madam , a wicked creature , as you and all flesh and blood are ; and , indeed , I do marry that I may repent .
-
-Thy marriage , sooner than thy wickedness .
-
-I am out o' friends , madam ; and I hope to have friends for my wife's sake .
-
-Such friends are thine enemies , knave .
-
-You're shallow , madam , in great friends ; for the knaves come to do that for me which I am aweary of . He that ears my land spares my team , and gives me leave to in the crop : if I be his cuckold , he's my drudge . He that comforts my wife is the cherisher of my flesh and blood ; he that cherishes my flesh and blood loves my flesh and blood ; he that loves my flesh and blood is my friend : ergo , he that kisses my wife is my friend . If men could be contented to be what they are , there were no fear in marriage ; for young Charbon the puritan , and old Poysam the papist , howsome'er their hearts are severed in religion , their heads are both one ; they may joul horns together like any deer i' the herd .
-
-Wilt thou ever be a foul-mouthed and calumnious knave ?
-
-A prophet I , madam ; and I speak the truth the next way :
-
-For I the ballad will repeat ,
-Which men full true shall find ;
-Your marriage comes by destiny ,
-Your cuckoo sings by kind .
-
-
-Get you gone , sir : I'll talk with you more anon .
-
-May it please you , madam , that he bid Helen come to you : of her I am to speak .
-
-Sirrah , tell my gentlewoman I would speak with her ; Helen I mean .
-
-
-Was this fair face the cause , quoth she ,
-Why the Grecians sacked Troy ?
-Fond done , done fond ,
-Was this King Priam's joy ?
-With that she sighed as she stood ,
-With that she sighed as she stood ,
-And gave this sentence then ;
-Among nine bad if one be good ,
-Among nine bad if one be good ,
-There's yet one good in ten .
-
-
-What ! one good in ten ? you corrupt the song , sirrah .
-
-One good woman in ten , madam ; which is a purifying o' the song . Would God would serve the world so all the year ! we'd find no fault with the tithe-woman if I were the parson . One in ten , quoth a' ! An we might have a good woman born but for every blazing star , or at an earthquake ,'twould mend the lottery well : a man may draw his heart out ere a' pluck one .
-
-You'll be gone , sir knave , and do as I command you !
-
-That man should be at woman's command , and yet no hurt done ! Though honesty be no puritan , yet it will do no hurt ; it will wear the surplice of humility over the black gown of a big heart . I am going , forsooth : the business is for Helen to come hither .
-
-
-Well , now .
-
-I know , madam , you love your gentlewoman entirely .
-
-Faith , I do : her father bequeathed her to me ; and she herself , without other advantage , may lawfully make title to as much love as she finds : there is more owing her than is paid , and more shall be paid her than she'll demand .
-
-Madam , I was very late more near her than I think she wished me : alone she was , and did communicate to herself her own words to her own ears ; she thought , I dare vow for her , they touched not any stranger sense . Her matter was , she loved your son : Fortune , she said , was no goddess , that had put such difference betwixt their two estates ; Love no god , that would not extend his might , only where qualities were level ; Dian no queen of virgins , that would suffer her poor knight surprised , without rescue in the first assault or ransom afterward . This she delivered in the most bitter touch of sorrow that e'er I heard virgin exclaim in ; which I held my duty speedily to acquaint you withal , sithence in the loss that may happen , it concerns you something to know it .
-
-You have discharged this honestly : keep it to yourself . Many likelihoods informed me of this before , which hung so tottering in the balance that I could neither believe nor misdoubt . Pray you , leave me : stall this in your bosom ; and I thank you for your honest care . I will speak with you further anon .
-
-Even so it was with me when I was young :
-If ever we are nature's , these are ours ; this thorn
-Doth to our rose of youth rightly belong ;
-Our blood to us , this to our blood is born :
-It is the show and seal of nature's truth ,
-Where love's strong passion is impress'd in youth :
-By our remembrances of days foregone ,
-Such were our faults ; or then we thought them none .
-
-Her eye is sick on't : I observe her now .
-
-What is your pleasure , madam ?
-
-You know , Helen ,
-I am a mother to you .
-
-Mine honourable mistress .
-
-Nay , a mother :
-Why not a mother ? When I said , 'a mother ,'
-Methought you saw a serpent : what's in 'mother'
-That you start at it ? I say , I am your mother ;
-And put you in the catalogue of those
-That were enwombed mine : 'tis often seen
-Adoption strives with nature , and choice breeds
-A native slip to us from foreign seeds ;
-You ne'er oppress'd me with a mother's groan ,
-Yet I express to you a mother's care .
-God's mercy , maiden ! does it curd thy blood
-To say I am thy mother ? What's the matter ,
-That this distemper'd messenger of wet ,
-The many-colour'd Iris , rounds thine eye ?
-Why ? that you are my daughter ?
-
-That I am not .
-
-I say , I am your mother .
-
-Pardon , madam ;
-The Count Rousillon cannot be my brother :
-I am from humble , he from honour'd name ;
-No note upon my parents , his all noble :
-My master , my dear lord he is ; and I
-His servant live , and will his vassal die .
-He must not be my brother .
-
-Nor I your mother ?
-
-You are my mother , madam : would you were ,
-So that my lord your son were not my brother ,
-Indeed my mother ! or were you both our mothers ,
-I care no more for than I do for heaven ,
-So I were not his sister . Can't no other ,
-But , I your daughter , he must be my brother ?
-
-Yes , Helen , you might be my daughter-in-law :
-God shield you mean it not ! daughter and mother
-So strive upon your pulse . What , pale again ?
-My fear hath catch'd your fondness : now I see
-The mystery of your loneliness , and find
-Your salt tears' head : now to all sense 'tis gross
-You love my son : invention is asham'd ,
-Against the proclamation of thy passion ,
-To say thou dost not : therefore tell me true ;
-But tell me then , 'tis so ; for , look , thy cheeks
-Confess it , th' one to th' other ; and thine eyes
-See it so grossly shown in thy behaviours
-That in their kind they speak it : only sin
-And hellish obstinacy tie thy tongue ,
-That truth should be suspected . Speak , is't so ?
-If it be so , you have wound a goodly clew ;
-If it be not , forswear't : howe'er , I charge thee ,
-As heaven shall work in me for thine avail ,
-To tell me truly .
-
-Good madam , pardon me !
-
-Do you love my son ?
-
-Your pardon , noble mistress !
-
-Love you my son ?
-
-Do not you love him , madam ?
-
-Go not about ; my love hath in't a bond
-Whereof the world takes note : come , come , disclose
-The state of your affection , for your passions
-Have to the full appeach'd .
-
-Then , I confess ,
-Here on my knee , before high heaven and you
-That before you , and next unto high heaven ,
-I love your son .
-My friends were poor , but honest ; so's my love :
-Be not offended , for it hurts not him
-That he is lov'd of me : I follow him not
-By any token of presumptuous suit ;
-Nor would I have him till I do deserve him ;
-Yet never know how that desert should be .
-I know I love in vain , strive against hope ;
-Yet , in this captious and intenible sieve
-I still pour in the waters of my love ,
-And lack not to lose still . Thus , Indian-like ,
-Religious in mine error , I adore
-The sun , that looks upon his worshipper ,
-But knows of him no more . My dearest madam ,
-Let not your hate encounter with my love
-For loving where you do : but , if yourself ,
-Whose aged honour cites a virtuous youth ,
-Did ever in so true a flame of liking
-Wish chastely and love dearly , that your Dian
-Was both herself and Love ; O ! then , give pity
-To her , whose state is such that cannot choose
-But lend and give where she is sure to lose ;
-That seeks not to find that her search implies ,
-But , riddle-like , lives sweetly where she dies .
-
-Had you not lately an intent , speak truly ,
-To go to Paris ?
-
-Madam , I had .
-
-Wherefore ? tell true .
-
-I will tell truth ; by grace itself I swear .
-You know my father left me some prescriptions
-Of rare and prov'd effects , such as his reading
-And manifest experience had collected
-For general sovereignty ; and that he will'd me
-In heedfull'st reservation to bestow them ,
-As notes whose faculties inclusive were
-More than they were in note . Amongst the rest ,
-There is a remedy , approv'd , set down
-To cure the desperate languishings whereof
-The king is render'd lost .
-
-This was your motive
-For Paris , was it ? speak .
-
-My lord your son made me to think of this ;
-Else Paris , and the medicine , and the king ,
-Had from the conversation of my thoughts
-Haply been absent then .
-
-But think you , Helen ,
-If you should tender your supposed aid ,
-He would receive it ? He and his physicians
-Are of a mind ; he , that they cannot help him ,
-They , that they cannot help . How shall they credit
-A poor unlearned virgin , when the schools ,
-Embowell'd of their doctrine , have left off
-The danger to itself ?
-
-There's something in't ,
-More than my father's skill , which was the great'st
-Of his profession , that his good receipt
-Shall for my legacy be sanctified
-By the luckiest stars in heaven : and , would your honour
-But give me leave to try success , I'd venture
-The well-lost life of mine on his Grace's cure ,
-By such a day , and hour .
-
-Dost thou believe't ?
-
-Ay , madam , knowingly .
-
-Why , Helen , thou shalt have my leave and love ,
-Means , and attendants , and my loving greetings
-To those of mine in court . I'll stay at home
-And pray God's blessing into thy attempt .
-Be gone to-morrow ; and be sure of this ,
-What I can help thee to thou shalt not miss .
-
-
-Farewell , young lords : these war-like principles
-Do not throw from you : and you , my lords , farewell :
-Share the advice betwixt you ; if both gain , all
-The gift doth stretch itself as 'tis receiv'd ,
-And is enough for both .
-
-'Tis our hope , sir ,
-After well enter'd soldiers , to return
-And find your Grace in health .
-
-No , no , it cannot be ; and yet my heart
-Will not confess he owes the malady
-That doth my life besiege . Farewell , young lords ;
-Whether I live or die , be you the sons
-Of worthy Frenchmen : let higher Italy
-Those bated that inherit but the fall
-Of the last monarchy see that you come
-Not to woo honour , but to wed it ; when
-The bravest questant shrinks , find what you seek
-That fame may cry you loud : I say , farewell .
-
-Health , at your bidding , serve your majesty !
-
-Those girls of Italy , take heed of them :
-They say , our French lack language to deny
-If they demand : beware of being captives ,
-Before you serve .
-
-Our hearts receive your warnings .
-
-Farewell . Come hither to me .
-
-
-O my sweet lord , that you will stay behind us !
-
-'Tis not his fault , the spark .
-
-O ! 'tis brave wars .
-
-Most admirable : I have seen those wars .
-
-I am commanded here , and kept a coil with
-'Too young ,' and 'the next year ,' and ''tis too early .'
-
-An thy mind stand to't , boy , steal away bravely .
-
-I shall stay here the forehorse to a smock ,
-Creaking my shoes on the plain masonry ,
-Till honour be bought up and no sword worn
-But one to dance with ! By heaven ! I'll steal away .
-
-There's honour in the theft .
-
-Commit it , count .
-
-I am your accessary ; and so farewell .
-
-I grow to you , and our parting is a tortured body .
-
-Farewell , captain .
-
-Sweet Monsieur Parolles !
-
-Noble heroes , my sword and yours are kin . Good sparks and lustrous , a word , good metals : you shall find in the regiment of the Spinii , one Captain Spurio , with his cicatrice , an emblem of war , here on his sinister cheek : it was this very sword entrenched it : say to him , I live , and observe his reports for me
-
-We shall , noble captain .
-
-
-Mars dote on you for his novices ! What will ye do ?
-
-Stay ; the king .
-
-
-Use a more spacious ceremony to the noble lords ; you have restrained yourself within the list of too cold an adieu : be more expressive to them ; for they wear themselves in the cap of the time , there do muster true gait , eat , speak , and move under the influence of the most received star ; and though the devil lead the measure , such are to be followed . After them , and take a more dilated farewell .
-
-And I will do so .
-
-Worthy fellows ; and like to prove most sinewy swordmen .
-
-Pardon , my lord , for me and for my tidings .
-
-I'll fee thee to stand up .
-
-Then here's a man stands that has brought his pardon .
-I would you had kneel'd , my lord , to ask me mercy ,
-And that at my bidding you could so stand up .
-
-I would I had ; so I had broke thy pate ,
-And ask'd thee mercy for't .
-
-Good faith , across : but , my good lord , 'tis thus ;
-Will you be cur'd of your infirmity ?
-
-No .
-
-O ! will you eat no grapes , my royal fox ?
-Yes , but you will my noble grapes an if
-My royal fox could reach them . I have seen a medicine
-That's able to breathe life into a stone ,
-Quicken a rock , and make you dance canary
-With spritely fire and motion ; whose simple touch
-Is powerful to araise King Pepin , nay ,
-To give great Charlemain a pen in's hand
-And write to her a love-line .
-
-What 'her' is this ?
-
-Why , Doctor She . My lord , there's one arriv'd
-If you will see her : now , by my faith and honour ,
-If seriously I may convey my thoughts
-In this my light deliverance , I have spoke
-With one , that in her sex , her years , profession ,
-Wisdom , and constancy , hath amaz'd me more
-Than I dare blame my weakness . Will you see her ,
-For that is her demand , and know her business ?
-That done , laugh well at me .
-
-Now , good Lafeu ,
-Bring in the admiration , that we with thee
-May spend our wonder too , or take off thine
-By wond'ring how thou took'st it .
-
-Nay , I'll fit you ,
-And not be all day neither .
-
-
-Thus he his special nothing ever prologues .
-
-
-Nay , come your ways .
-
-This haste hath wings indeed .
-
-Nay , come your ways ;
-This is his majesty , say your mind to him :
-A traitor you do look like ; but such traitors
-His majesty seldom fears : I am Cressid's uncle ,
-That dare leave two together . Fare you well .
-
-
-Now , fair one , does your business follow us ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-Gerard de Narbon was my father ;
-In what he did profess well found .
-
-I knew him .
-
-The rather will I spare my praises towards him ;
-Knowing him is enough . On's bed of death
-Many receipts he gave me ; chiefly one ,
-Which , as the dearest issue of his practice ,
-And of his old experience the only darling ,
-He bade me store up as a triple eye ,
-Safer than mine own two , more dear . I have so ;
-And , hearing your high majesty is touch'd
-With that malignant cause wherein the honour
-Of my dear father's gift stands chief in power ,
-I come to tender it and my appliance ,
-With all bound humbleness .
-
-We thank you , maiden ;
-But may not be so credulous of cure ,
-When our most learned doctors leave us , and
-The congregated college have concluded
-That labouring art can never ransom nature
-From her inaidable estate ; I say we must not
-So stain our judgment , or corrupt our hope ,
-To prostitute our past-cure malady
-To empirics , or to dissever so
-Our great self and our credit , to esteem
-A senseless help when help past sense we deem .
-
-My duty then , shall pay me for my pains :
-I will no more enforce mine office on you ;
-Humbly entreating from your royal thoughts
-A modest one , to bear me back again .
-
-I cannot give thee less , to be call'd grateful .
-Thou thought'st to help me , and such thanks I give
-As one near death to those that wish him live ;
-But what at full I know , thou know'st no part ,
-I knowing all my peril , thou no art .
-
-What I can do can do no hurt to try ,
-Since you set up your rest 'gainst remedy .
-He that of greatest works is finisher
-Oft does them by the weakest minister :
-So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown ,
-When judges have been babes ; great floods have flown
-From simple sources ; and great seas have dried
-When miracles have by the greatest been denied .
-Oft expectation fails , and most oft there
-Where most it promises ; and oft it hits
-Where hope is coldest and despair most fits .
-
-I must not hear thee : fare thee well , kind maid .
-Thy pains , not us'd , must by thyself be paid :
-Proffers not took reap thanks for their reward .
-
-Inspired merit so by breath is barr'd .
-It is not so with Him that all things knows ,
-As 'tis with us that square our guess by shows ;
-But most it is presumption in us when
-The help of heaven we count the act of men .
-Dear sir , to my endeavours give consent ;
-Of heaven , not me , make an experiment .
-I am not an impostor that proclaim
-Myself against the level of mine aim ;
-But know I think , and think I know most sure ,
-My art is not past power nor you past cure .
-
-Art thou so confident ? Within what space
-Hop'st thou my cure ?
-
-The great'st grace lending grace ,
-Ere twice the horses of the sun shall bring
-Their fiery torcher his diurnal ring ,
-Ere twice in murk and occidental damp
-Moist Hesperus hath quench'd his sleepy lamp ,
-Or four and twenty times the pilot's glass
-Hath told the thievish minutes how they pass ,
-What is infirm from your sound parts shall fly ,
-Health shall live free , and sickness freely die .
-
-Upon thy certainty and confidence
-What dar'st thou venture ?
-
-Tax of impudence ,
-A strumpet's boldness , a divulged shame ,
-Traduc'd by odious ballads : my maiden's name
-Sear'd otherwise ; nay worse if worse extended
-With vilest torture let my life be ended .
-
-Methinks in thee some blessed spirit doth speak ,
-His powerful sound within an organ weak ;
-And what impossibility would slay
-In common sense , sense saves another way .
-Thy life is dear ; for all that life can rate
-Worth name of life in thee hath estimate ;
-Youth , beauty , wisdom , courage , virtue , all
-That happiness and prime can happy call :
-Thou this to hazard needs must intimate
-Skill infinite or monstrous desperate .
-Sweet practiser , thy physic I will try ,
-That ministers thine own death if I die .
-
-If I break time , or flinch in property
-Of what I spoke , unpitied let me die ,
-And well deserv'd . Not helping , death's my fee ;
-But , if I help , what do you promise me ?
-
-Make thy demand .
-
-But will you make it even ?
-
-Ay , by my sceptre , and my hopes of heaven .
-
-Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly hand
-What husband in thy power I will command :
-Exempted be from me the arrogance
-To choose from forth the royal blood of France ,
-My low and humble name to propagate
-With any branch or image of thy state ;
-But such a one , thy vassal , whom I know
-Is free for me to ask , thee to bestow .
-
-Here is my hand ; the premises observ'd ,
-Thy will by my performance shall be serv'd :
-So make the choice of thy own time , for I ,
-Thy resolv'd patient , on thee still rely .
-More should I question thee , and more I must ,
-Though more to know could not be more to trust ,
-From whence thou cam'st , how tended on ; but rest
-Unquestion'd welcome and undoubted blest .
-Give me some help here , ho ! If thou proceed
-As high as word , my deed shall match thy deed .
-
-
-Come on , sir ; I shall now put you to the height of your breeding .
-
-I will show myself highly fed and lowly taught . I know my business is but to the court .
-
-To the court ! why what place make you special , when you put off that with such contempt ? 'But to the court !'
-
-Truly , madam , if God have lent a man any manners , he may easily put it off at court : he that cannot make a leg , put off's cap , kiss his hand , and say nothing , has neither leg , hands , lip , nor cap ; and indeed such a fellow , to say precisely , were not for the court . But , for me , I have an answer will serve all men .
-
-Marry , that's a bountiful answer that fits all questions .
-
-It is like a barber's chair that fits all buttocks ; the pin-buttock , the quatch-buttock , the brawn-buttock , or any buttock .
-
-Will your answer serve fit to all questions ?
-
-As fit as ten groats is for the hand of an attorney , as your French crown for your taffeta punk , as Tib's rush for Tom's forefinger , as a pancake for Shrove-Tuesday , a morris for Mayday , as the nail to his hole , the cuckold to his horn , as a scolding quean to a wrangling knave , as the nun's lip to the friar's mouth ; nay , as the pudding to his skin .
-
-Have you , I say , an answer of such fitness for all questions ?
-
-From below your duke to beneath your constable , it will fit any question .
-
-It must be an answer of most monstrous size that must fit all demands .
-
-But a trifle neither , in good faith , if the learned should speak truth of it . Here it is , and all that belongs to't : ask me if I am a courtier ; it shall do you no harm to learn .
-
-To be young again , if we could . I will be a fool in question , hoping to be the wiser by your answer . I pray you , sir , are you a courtier ?
-
-O Lord , sir ! there's a simple putting off . More , more , a hundred of them .
-
-Sir , I am a poor friend of yours , that loves you .
-
-O Lord , sir ! Thick , thick , spare not me .
-
-I think , sir , you can eat none of this homely meat .
-
-O Lord , sir ! Nay , put me to't , I warrant you .
-
-You were lately whipped , sir , as I think .
-
-O Lord , sir ! Spare not me .
-
-Do you cry , 'O Lord , sir !' at your whipping , and 'Spare not me ?' Indeed your 'O Lord , sir !' is very sequent to your whipping : you would answer very well to a whipping , if you were but bound to't .
-
-I ne'er had worse luck in my life in my 'O Lord , sir !' I see things may serve long , but not serve ever .
-
-I play the noble housewife with the time ,
-To entertain't so merrily with a fool .
-
-O Lord , sir ! why , there't serves well again .
-
-An end , sir : to your business . Give Helen this ,
-And urge her to a present answer back :
-Commend me to my kinsmen and my son .
-This is not much .
-
-Not much commendation to them .
-
-Not much employment for you : you understand me ?
-
-Most fruitfully : I am there before my legs .
-
-Haste you again .
-
-
-They say miracles are past ; and we have our philosophical persons , to make modern and familiar , things supernatural and causeless . Hence is it that we make trifles of terrors , ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge , when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear .
-
-Why , 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that hath shot out in our latter times .
-
-And so 'tis .
-
-To be relinquished of the artists ,
-
-So I say .
-
-Both of Galen and Paracelsus .
-
-So I say .
-
-Of all the learned and authentic fellows ,
-
-Right ; so I say .
-
-That gave him out incurable ,
-
-Why , there 'tis ; so say I too .
-
-Not to be helped ,
-
-Right ; as 'twere , a man assured of a
-
-Uncertain life , and sure death .
-
-Just , you say well : so would I have said .
-
-I may truly say it is a novelty to the world .
-
-It is , indeed : if you will have it in showing , you shall read it in what do you call there
-
-A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly actor .
-
-That's it I would have said ; the very same .
-
-Why , your dolphin is not lustier : 'fore me , I speak in respect
-
-Nay , 'tis strange , 'tis very strange , that is the brief and the tedious of it ; and he is of a most facinorous spirit , that will not acknowledge it to be the
-
-Very hand of heaven
-
-Ay , so I say .
-
-In a most weak and debile minister , great power , great transcendence : which should , indeed , give us a further use to be made than alone the recovery of the king , as to be generally thankful .
-
-I would have said it ; you say well . Here comes the king .
-
-
-Lustig , as the Dutchman says : I'll like a maid the better , whilst I have a tooth in my head . Why , he's able to lead her a coranto .
-
-Mort du vinaigre ! Is not this Helen ?
-
-'Fore God , I think so .
-
-Go , call before me all the lords in court .
-
-Sit , my preserver , by thy patient's side :
-And with this healthful hand , whose banish'd sense
-Thou hast repeal'd , a second time receive
-The confirmation of my promised gift ,
-Which but attends thy naming .
-
-
-Fair maid , send forth thine eye : this youthful parcel
-Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing ,
-O'er whom both sov'reign power and father's voice
-I have to use : thy frank election make ;
-
-Thou hast power to choose , and they none to forsake .
-
-To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
-Fall , when Love please ! marry , to each , but one .
-
-I'd give bay Curtal , and his furniture ,
-My mouth no more were broken than these boys'
-And writ as little beard .
-
-Peruse them well :
-Not one of those but had a noble father .
-
-Gentlemen ,
-Heaven hath through me restor'd the king to health .
-
-We understand it , and thank heaven for you .
-
-I am a simple maid ; and therein wealthiest
-That I protest I simply am a maid .
-Please it your majesty , I have done already :
-The blushes in my cheeks thus whisper me ,
-'We blush , that thou shouldst choose ; but , be refus'd ,
-Let the white death sit on thy cheek for ever ;
-We'll ne'er come there again .'
-
-Make choice ; and see ,
-Who shuns thy love , shuns all his love in me .
-
-Now , Dian , from thy altar do I fly ,
-And to imperial Love , that god most high ,
-Do my sighs stream . Sir , will you hear my suit ?
-
-And grant it .
-
-Thanks , sir ; all the rest is mute .
-
-I had rather be in this choice than throw ames-ace for my life .
-
-The honour , sir , that flames in your fair eyes ,
-Before I speak , too threateningly replies :
-Love make your fortunes twenty times above
-Her that so wishes , and her humble love !
-
-No better , if you please .
-
-My wish receive ,
-Which great Love grant ! and so I take my leave .
-
-Do all they deny her ? An they were sons of mine , I'd have them whipp'd or I would send them to the Turk to make eunuchs of .
-
-Be not afraid that I your hand should take ;
-I'll never do you wrong for your own sake :
-Blessing upon your vows ! and in your bed
-Find fairer fortune , if you ever wed !
-
-These boys are boys of ice , they'll none have her : sure , they are bastards to the English ; the French ne'er got 'em .
-
-You are too young , too happy , and too good ,
-To make yourself a son out of my blood .
-
-Fair one , I think not so .
-
-There's one grape yet . I am sure thy father drunk wine . But if thou be'st not an ass , I am a youth of fourteen : I have known thee already .
-
-I dare not say I take you ; but I give
-Me and my service , ever whilst I live ,
-Into your guiding power . This is the man .
-
-Why then , young Bertram , take her ; she's thy wife .
-
-My wife , my liege ! I shall beseech your highness
-In such a business give me leave to use
-The help of mine own eyes .
-
-Know'st thou not , Bertram ,
-What she has done for me ?
-
-Yes , my good lord ;
-But never hope to know why I should marry her .
-
-Thou know'st she has rais'd me from my sickly bed .
-
-But follows it , my lord , to bring me down
-Must answer for your raising ? I know her well :
-She had her breeding at my father's charge .
-A poor physician's daughter my wife ! Disdain
-Rather corrupt me ever !
-
-'Tis only title thou disdain'st in her , the which
-I can build up . Strange is it that our bloods ,
-Of colour , weight , and heat , pour'd all together ,
-Would quite confound distinction , yet stand off
-In differences so mighty . If she be
-All that is virtuous , save what thou dislik'st ,
-A poor physician's daughter , thou dislik'st
-Of virtue for the name ; but do not so :
-From lowest place when virtuous things proceed ,
-The place is dignified by the doer's deed :
-Where great additions swell's , and virtue none ,
-It is a dropsied honour . Good alone
-Is good without a name : vileness is so :
-The property by what it is should go ,
-Not by the title . She is young , wise , fair ;
-In these to nature she's immediate heir ,
-And these breed honour : that is honour's scorn
-Which challenges itself as honour's born ,
-And is not like the sire : honours thrive
-When rather from our acts we them derive
-Than our foregoers . The mere word's a slave ,
-Debosh'd on every tomb , on every grave
-A lying trophy , and as oft is dumb
-Where dust and damn'd oblivion is the tomb
-Of honour'd bones indeed . What should be said ?
-If thou canst like this creature as a maid ,
-I can create the rest : virtue and she
-Is her own dower ; honour and wealth from me .
-
-I cannot love her , nor will strive to do't .
-
-Thou wrong'st thyself if thou shouldst strive to choose .
-
-That you are well restor'd , my lord , I'm glad :
-Let the rest go .
-
-My honour's at the stake , which to defeat
-I must produce my power . Here , take her hand ,
-Proud scornful boy , unworthy this good gift ,
-That dost in vile misprision shackle up
-My love and her desert ; thou canst not dream
-We , poising us in her defective scale ,
-Shall weigh thee to the beam ; that wilt not know ,
-It is in us to plant thine honour where
-We please to have it grow . Check thy contempt :
-Obey our will , which travails in thy good :
-Believe not thy disdain , but presently
-Do thine own fortunes that obedient right
-Which both thy duty owes and our power claims ;
-Or I will throw thee from my care for ever
-Into the staggers and the careless lapse
-Of youth and ignorance ; both my revenge and hate
-Loosing upon thee , in the name of justice ,
-Without all terms of pity . Speak ; thine answer .
-
-Pardon , my gracious lord ; for I submit
-My fancy to your eyes . When I consider
-What great creation and what dole of honour
-Flies where you bid it , I find that she , which late
-Was in my nobler thoughts most base , is now
-The praised of the king ; who , so ennobled ,
-Is , as 'twere , born so .
-
-Take her by the hand ,
-And tell her she is thine : to whom I promise
-A counterpoise , if not to thy estate
-A balance more replete .
-
-I take her hand .
-
-Good fortune and the favour of the king
-Smile upon this contract ; whose ceremony
-Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief ,
-And be perform'd to-night : the solemn feast
-Shall more attend upon the coming space ,
-Expecting absent friends . As thou lov'st her ,
-Thy love's to me religious ; else , does err .
-
-
-Do you hear , monsieur ? a word with you .
-
-Your pleasure , sir ?
-
-Your lord and master did well to make his recantation .
-
-Recantation ! My lord ! my master !
-
-Ay ; is it not a language I speak ?
-
-A most harsh one , and not to be understood without bloody succeeding . My master !
-
-Are you companion to the Count Rousillon ?
-
-To any count ; to all counts ; to what is man .
-
-To what is count's man : count's master is of another style .
-
-You are too old , sir ; let it satisfy you , you are too old .
-
-I must tell thee , sirrah , I write man ; to which title age cannot bring thee .
-
-What I dare too well do , I dare not do .
-
-I did think thee , for two ordinaries , to be a pretty wise fellow : thou didst make tolerable vent of thy travel ; it might pass : yet the scarfs and the bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me from believing thee a vessel of too great a burden . I have now found thee ; when I lose thee again , I care not ; yet art thou good for nothing but taking up , and that thou'rt scarce worth .
-
-Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity upon thee ,
-
-Do not plunge thyself too far in anger , lest thou hasten thy trial ; which if Lord have mercy on thee for a hen ! So , my good window of lattice , fare thee well : thy casement I need not open , for I look through thee . Give me thy hand .
-
-My lord , you give me most egregious indignity .
-
-Ay , with all my heart ; and thou art worthy of it .
-
-I have not , my lord , deserved it .
-
-Yes , good faith , every dram of it ; and I will not bate thee a scruple .
-
-Well , I shall be wiser .
-
-E'en as soon as thou canst , for thou hast to pull at a smack o' the contrary . If ever thou be'st bound in thy scarf and beaten , thou shalt find what it is to be proud of thy bondage . I have a desire to hold my acquaintance with thee , or rather my knowledge , that I may say in the default , he is a man I know .
-
-My lord , you do me most insupportable vexation .
-
-I would it were hell-pains for thy sake , and my poor doing eternal : for doing I am past ; as I will by thee , in what motion age will give me leave .
-
-
-Well , thou hast a son shall take this disgrace off me ; scurvy , old , filthy , scurvy lord ! Well , I must be patient ; there is no fettering of authority . I'll beat him , by my life , if I can meet him with any convenience , an he were double and double a lord . I'll have no more pity of his age than I would have of I'll beat him , an if I could but meet him again !
-
-
-Sirrah , your lord and master's married ; there's news for you : you have a new mistress .
-
-I most unfeignedly beseech your lordship to make some reservation of your wrongs : he is my good lord : whom I serve above is my master .
-
-Who ? God ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-The devil it is that's thy master . Why dost thou garter up thy arms o' this fashion ? dost make hose of thy sleeves ? do other servants so ? Thou wert best set thy lower part where thy nose stands . By mine honour , if I were but two hours younger , I'd beat thee : methinks thou art a general offence , and every man should beat thee : I think thou wast created for men to breathe themselves upon thee .
-
-This is hard and undeserved measure , my lord .
-
-Go to , sir ; you were beaten in Italy for picking a kernel out of a pomegranate ; you are a vagabond and no true traveller : you are more saucy with lords and honourable personages than the heraldry of your birth and virtue gives you commission . You are not worth another word , else I'd call you knave . I leave you .
-
-
-Good , very good ; it is so then : good , very good . Let it be concealed awhile .
-
-
-Undone , and forfeited to cares for ever !
-
-What is the matter , sweet heart ?
-
-Although before the solemn priest I have sworn ,
-I will not bed her .
-
-What , what , sweet heart ?
-
-O my Parolles , they have married me !
-I'll to the Tuscan wars , and never bed her .
-
-France is a dog-hole , and it no more merits
-The tread of a man's foot . To the wars !
-
-There's letters from my mother : what the import is
-I know not yet .
-
-Ay , that would be known . To the wars , my boy ! to the wars !
-He wears his honour in a box , unseen ,
-That hugs his kicky-wicky here at home ,
-Spending his manly marrow in her arms ,
-Which should sustain the bound and high curvet
-Of Mars's fiery steed . To other regions !
-France is a stable ; we that dwell in't jades ;
-Therefore , to the war !
-
-It shall be so : I'll send her to my house ,
-Acquaint my mother with my hate to her ,
-And wherefore I am fled ; write to the king
-That which I durst not speak : his present gift
-Shall furnish me to those Italian fields ,
-Where noble fellows strike . War is no strife
-To the dark house and the detested wife .
-
-Will this capriccio hold in thee ? art sure ?
-
-Go with me to my chamber , and advise me .
-I'll send her straight away : to-morrow
-I'll to the wars , she to her single sorrow .
-
-Why , these balls bound ; there's noise in it . 'Tis hard :
-A young man married is a man that's marr'd :
-Therefore away , and leave her bravely ; go :
-The king has done you wrong : but , hush ! 'tis so .
-
-
-My mother greets me kindly : is she well ?
-
-She is not well ; but yet she has her health ; she's very merry ; but yet she is not well : but thanks be given , she's very well , and wants nothing i' the world ; but yet she is not well .
-
-If she be very well , what does she ail that she's not very well ?
-
-Truly , she's very well indeed , but for two things .
-
-What two things ?
-
-One , that she's not in heaven , whither
-God send her quickly ! the other , that she's in earth , from whence God send her quickly !
-
-
-Bless you , my fortunate lady !
-
-I hope , sir , I have your good will to have mine own good fortunes .
-
-You had my prayers to lead them on ; and to keep them on , have them still . O ! my knave , how does my old lady ?
-
-So that you had her wrinkles , and I her money , I would she did as you say .
-
-Why , I say nothing .
-
-Marry , you are the wiser man ; for many a man's tongue shakes out his master's undoing . To say nothing , to do nothing , to know nothing , and to have nothing , is to be a great part of your title ; which is within a very little of nothing .
-
-Away ! thou'rt a knave .
-
-You should have said , sir , before a knave thou'rt a knave ; that is , before me thou'rt a knave : this had been truth , sir .
-
-Go to , thou art a witty fool ; I have found thee .
-
-Did you find me in yourself , sir ? or were you taught to find me ? The search , sir , was profitable ; and much fool may you find in you , even to the world's pleasure and the increase of laughter .
-
-A good knave , i' faith , and well fed .
-Madam , my lord will go away to-night ;
-A very serious business calls on him .
-The great prerogative and rite of love ,
-Which , as your due , time claims , he does acknowledge ,
-But puts it off to a compell'd restraint ;
-Whose want , and whose delay , is strew'd with sweets ,
-Which they distil now in the curbed time ,
-To make the coming hour o'erflow with joy ,
-And pleasure drown the brim .
-
-What's his will else ?
-
-That you will take your instant leave o' the king ,
-And make this haste as your own good proceeding ,
-Strengthen'd with what apology you think
-May make it probable need .
-
-What more commands he ?
-
-That , having this obtain'd , you presently
-Attend his further pleasure .
-
-In everything I wait upon his will .
-
-I shall report it so .
-
-I pray you . Come , sirrah .
-
-
-But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier .
-
-Yes , my lord , and of very valiant approof .
-
-You have it from his own deliverance .
-
-And by other warranted testimony .
-
-Then my dial goes not true : I took this lark for a bunting .
-
-I do assure you , my lord , he is very great in knowledge , and accordingly valiant .
-
-I have then sinned against his experience and transgressed against his valour ; and my state that way is dangerous , since I cannot yet find in my heart to repent . Here he comes ; I pray you , make us friends ; I will pursue the amity .
-
-
-These things shall be done , sir .
-
-Pray you , sir , who's his tailor ?
-
-Sir ?
-
-O ! I know him well . Ay , sir ; he , sir , is a good workman , a very good tailor .
-
-Is she gone to the king ?
-
-She is .
-
-Will she away to-night ?
-
-As you'll have her .
-
-I have writ my letters , casketed my treasure ,
-Given orders for our horses ; and to-night ,
-When I should take possession of the bride ,
-End ere I do begin .
-
-A good traveller is something at the latter end of a dinner ; but one that lies three thirds , and uses a known truth to pass a thousand nothings with , should be once heard and thrice beaten . God save you , captain .
-
-Is there any unkindness between my lord and you , monsieur ?
-
-I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord's displeasure .
-
-You have made shift to run into't , boots and spurs and all , like him that leaped into the custard ; and out of it you'll run again , rather than suffer question for your residence .
-
-It may be you have mistaken him , my lord .
-
-And shall do so ever , though I took him at his prayers . Fare you well , my lord ; and believe this of me , there can be no kernel in this light nut ; the soul of this man is his clothes . Trust him not in matter of heavy consequence ; I have kept of them tame , and know their natures . Farewell , monsieur : I have spoken better of you than you have or will to deserve at my hand ; but we must do good against evil .
-
-
-An idle lord , I swear .
-
-I think not so .
-
-Why , do you not know him ?
-
-Yes , I do know him well ; and common speech
-Gives him a worthy pass . Here comes my clog .
-
-
-I have , sir , as I was commanded from you ,
-Spoke with the king , and have procur'd his leave
-For present parting ; only , he desires
-Some private speech with you .
-
-I shall obey his will .
-You must not marvel , Helen , at my course ,
-Which holds not colour with the time , nor does
-The ministration and required office
-On my particular : prepar'd I was not
-For such a business ; therefore am I found
-So much unsettled . This drives me to entreat you
-That presently you take your way for home ;
-And rather muse than ask why I entreat you ;
-For my respects are better than they seem ,
-And my appointments have in them a need
-Greater than shows itself at the first view
-To you that know them not . This to my mother .
-
-'Twill be two days ere I shall see you , so
-I leave you to your wisdom .
-
-Sir , I can nothing say ,
-But that I am your most obedient servant .
-
-Come , come , no more of that .
-
-And ever shall
-With true observance seek to eke out that
-Wherein toward me my homely stars have fail'd
-To equal my great fortune .
-
-Let that go :
-My haste is very great . Farewell : hie home .
-
-Pray sir , your pardon .
-
-Well , what would you say ?
-
-I am not worthy of the wealth I owe ,
-Nor dare I say 'tis mine , and yet it is ;
-But , like a timorous thief , most fain would steal
-What law does vouch mine own .
-
-What would you have ?
-
-Something , and scarce so much : nothing , indeed .
-I would not tell you what I would , my lord :
-Faith , yes ;
-Strangers and foes do sunder , and not kiss .
-
-I pray you , stay not , but in haste to horse .
-
-I shall not break your bidding , good my lord .
-
-Farewell .
-
-Go thou toward home ; where I will never come
-Whilst I can shake my sword or hear the drum .
-Away ! and for our flight .
-
-Bravely , coragio !
-
-So that from point to point now have you heard
-The fundamental reasons of this war ,
-Whose great decision hath much blood let forth ,
-And more thirsts after .
-
-Holy seems the quarrel
-Upon your Grace's part ; black and fearful
-On the opposer .
-
-Therefore we marvel much our cousin France
-Would in so just a business shut his bosom
-Against our borrowing prayers .
-
-Good my lord ,
-The reasons of our state I cannot yield ,
-But like a common and an outward man ,
-That the great figure of a council frames
-By self-unable motion : therefore dare not
-Say what I think of it , since I have found
-Myself in my incertain grounds to fail
-As often as I guess'd .
-
-Be it his pleasure .
-
-But I am sure the younger of our nature ,
-That surfeit on their ease , will day by day
-Come here for physic .
-
-Welcome shall they be ,
-And all the honours that can fly from us
-Shall on them settle . You know your places well ;
-When better fall , for your avails they fell .
-To-morrow to the field .
-
-
-It hath happened all as I would have had it , save that he comes not along with her .
-
-By my troth , I take my young lord to be a very melancholy man .
-
-By what observance , I pray you ?
-
-Why , he will look upon his boot and sing ; mend the ruff and sing ; ask questions and sing ; pick his teeth and sing . I know a man that had this trick of melancholy sold a goodly manor for a song .
-
-Let me see what he writes , and when he means to come .
-
-I have no mind to Isbel since I was at court . Our old ling and our Isbels o' the country are nothing like your old ling and your Isbels o' the court : the brains of my Cupid's knocked out , and I begin to love , as an old man loves money , with no stomach .
-
-What have we here ?
-
-E'en that you have there .
-
-
-I have sent you a daughter-in-law : she hath recovered the king , and undone me . I have wedded her , not bedded her ; and sworn to make the 'not' eternal . You shall hear I am ran away : know it before the report come . If there be breadth enough in the world , I will hold a long distance . My duty to you .
-Your unfortunate son ,
-This is not well : rash and unbridled boy ,
-To fly the favours of so good a king !
-To pluck his indignation on thy head
-By the misprising of a maid too virtuous
-For the contempt of empire !
-
-
-O madam ! yonder is heavy news within between two soldiers and my young lady .
-
-What is the matter ?
-
-Nay , there is some comfort in the news , some comfort ; your son will not be killed so soon as I thought he would .
-
-Why should he be killed ?
-
-So say I , madam , if he run away , as I hear he does : the danger is in standing to't ; that's the loss of men , though it be the getting of children . Here they come will tell you more ; for my part , I only hear your son was run away .
-
-Save you , good madam .
-
-Madam , my lord is gone , for ever gone .
-
-Do not say so .
-
-Think upon patience . Pray you , gentlemen ,
-I have felt so many quirks of joy and grief ,
-That the first face of neither , on the start ,
-Can woman me unto 't : where is my son , I pray you ?
-
-Madam , he's gone to serve the Duke of Florence :
-We met him thitherward ; for thence we came ,
-And , after some dispatch in hand at court ,
-Thither we bend again .
-
-Look on his letter , madam ; here's my passport .
-When thou canst get the ring upon my finger , which never shall come off , and show me a child begotten of thy body that I am father to , then call me husband : but in such a 'then' I write a 'never .'
-This is a dreadful sentence .
-
-Brought you this letter , gentlemen ?
-
-Ay , madam ;
-And for the contents' sake are sorry for our pains .
-
-I prithee , lady , have a better cheer ;
-If thou engrossest all the griefs are thine ,
-Thou robb'st me of a moiety : he was my son ,
-But I do wash his name out of my blood ,
-And thou art all my child . Towards Florence is he ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-And to be a soldier ?
-
-Such is his noble purpose ; and , believe't ,
-The duke will lay upon him all the honour
-That good convenience claims .
-
-Return you thither ?
-
-Ay , madam , with the swiftest wing of speed .
-
-Till I have no wife , I have nothing in France .
-'Tis bitter .
-
-Find you that there ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-'Tis but the boldness of his hand , haply , which his heart was not consenting to .
-
-Nothing in France until he have no wife !
-There's nothing here that is too good for him
-But only she ; and she deserves a lord
-That twenty such rude boys might tend upon ,
-And call her hourly mistress . Who was with him ?
-
-A servant only , and a gentleman
-Which I have some time known .
-
-Parolles , was it not ?
-
-Ay , my good lady , he .
-
-A very tainted fellow , and full of wickedness .
-My son corrupts a well-derived nature
-With his inducement .
-
-Indeed , good lady ,
-The fellow has a deal of that too much ,
-Which holds him much to have .
-
-Y'are welcome , gentlemen .
-I will entreat you , when you see my son ,
-To tell him that his sword can never win
-The honour that he loses : more I'll entreat you
-Written to bear along .
-
-We serve you , madam ,
-In that and all your worthiest affairs .
-
-Not so , but as we change our courtesies .
-Will you draw near ?
-
-
-'Till I have no wife , I have nothing in France .'
-Nothing in France until he has no wife !
-Thou shalt have none , Rousillon , none in France ;
-Then hast thou all again . Poor lord ! is't I
-That chase thee from thy country , and expose
-Those tender limbs of thine to the event
-Of the non-sparing war ? and is it I
-That drive thee from the sportive court , where thou
-Wast shot at with fair eyes , to be the mark
-Of smoky muskets ? O you leaden messengers ,
-That ride upon the violent speed of fire ,
-Fly with false aim ; move the still-piecing air ,
-That sings with piercing ; do not touch my lord !
-Whoever shoots at him , I set him there ;
-Whoever charges on his forward breast ,
-I am the caitiff that do hold him to't ;
-And , though I kill him not , I am the cause
-His death was so effected : better 'twere
-I met the ravin lion when he roar'd
-With sharp constraint of hunger ; better 'twere
-That all the miseries which nature owes
-Were mine at once . No , come thou home , Rousillon ,
-Whence honour but of danger wins a scar ,
-As oft it loses all : I will be gone ;
-My being here it is that holds thee hence :
-Shall I stay here to do't ? no , no , although
-The air of paradise did fan the house ,
-And angels offic'd all : I will be gone ,
-That pitiful rumour may report my flight ,
-To consolate thine ear . Come , night ; end , day !
-For with the dark , poor thief , I'll steal away .
-
-
-The general of our horse thou art ; and we ,
-Great in our hope , lay our best love and credence
-Upon thy promising fortune .
-
-Sir , it is
-A charge too heavy for my strength , but yet
-We'll strive to bear it for your worthy sake
-To the extreme edge of hazard .
-
-Then go thou forth ,
-And fortune play upon thy prosp'rous helm
-As thy auspicious mistress !
-
-This very day ,
-Great Mars , I put myself into thy file :
-Make me but like my thoughts , and I shall prove
-A lover of thy drum , hater of love .
-
-
-Alas ! and would you take the letter of her ?
-Might you not know she would do as she has done ,
-By sending me a letter ? Read it again .
-
-I am Saint Jaques' pilgrim , thither gone :
-
-Ambitious love hath so in me offended
-That bare-foot plod I the cold ground upon
-With sainted vow my faults to have amended .
-Write , write , that from the bloody course of war ,
-My dearest master , your dear son , may hie :
-Bless him at home in peace , whilst I from far
-His name with zealous fervour sanctify :
-His taken labours bid him me forgive ;
-I , his despiteful Juno , sent him forth
-From courtly friends , with camping foes to live ,
-Where death and danger dog the heels of worth :
-He is too good and fair for Death and me ;
-Whom I myself embrace , to set him free .
-
-
-Ah , what sharp stings are in her mildest words !
-Rinaldo , you did never lack advice so much ,
-As letting her pass so : had I spoke with her ,
-I could have well diverted her intents ,
-Which thus she hath prevented .
-
-Pardon me , madam :
-If I had given you this at over-night
-She might have been o'erta'en ; and yet she writes ,
-Pursuit would be but vain .
-
-What angel shall
-Bless this unworthy husband ? he cannot thrive ,
-Unless her prayers , whom heaven delights to hear ,
-And loves to grant , reprieve him from the wrath
-Of greatest justice . Write , write , Rinaldo ,
-To this unworthy husband of his wife ;
-Let every word weigh heavy of her worth
-That he does weigh too light : my greatest grief ,
-Though little he do feel it , set down sharply .
-Dispatch the most convenient messenger :
-When haply he shall hear that she is gone ,
-He will return ; and hope I may that she ,
-Hearing so much , will speed her foot again ,
-Led hither by pure love . Which of them both
-Is dearest to me I have no skill in sense
-To make distinction . Provide this messenger .
-My heart is heavy and mine age is weak ;
-Grief would have tears , and sorrow bids me speak .
-
-
-Nay , come ; for if they do approach the city we shall lose all the sight .
-
-They say the French Count has done most honourable service .
-
-It is reported that he has taken their greatest commander , and that with his own hand he slew the duke's brother . We have lost our labour ; they are gone a contrary way : hark ! you may know by their trumpets .
-
-Come ; let's return again , and suffice ourselves with the report of it . Well , Diana , take heed of this French earl : the honour of a maid is her name , and no legacy is so rich as honesty .
-
-I have told my neighbour how you have been solicited by a gentleman his companion .
-
-I know that knave ; hang him ! one Parolles : a filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young earl . Beware of them , Diana ; their promises , enticements , oaths , tokens , and all these engines of lust , are not the things they go under : many a maid hath been seduced by them ; and the misery is , example , that so terrible shows in the wrack of maidenhood , cannot for all that dissuade succession , but that they are limed with the twigs that threaten them . I hope I need not to advise you further ; but I hope your own grace will keep you where you are , though there were no further danger known but the modesty which is so lost .
-
-You shall not need to fear me .
-
-I hope so . Look , here comes a pilgrim :
-I know she will lie at my house ; thither they send one another . I'll question her .
-
-God save you , pilgrim ! whither are you bound ?
-
-To Saint Jaques le Grand .
-Where do the palmers lodge , I do beseech you ?
-
-At the Saint Francis , here beside the port .
-
-Is this the way ?
-
-Ay , marry , is't . Hark you !
-
-They come this way . If you will tarry , holy pilgrim ,
-But till the troops come by ,
-I will conduct you where you shall be lodg'd :
-The rather , for I think I know your hostess
-As ample as myself .
-
-Is it yourself ?
-
-If you shall please so , pilgrim .
-
-I thank you , and will stay upon your leisure .
-
-You came , I think , from France ?
-
-I did so .
-
-Here you shall see a countryman of yours
-That has done worthy service .
-
-His name , I pray you .
-
-The Count Rousillon : know you such a one ?
-
-But by the ear , that hears most nobly of him ;
-His face I know not .
-
-Whatsoe'er he is ,
-He's bravely taken here . He stole from France ,
-As 'tis reported , for the king had married him
-Against his liking . Think you it is so ?
-
-Ay , surely , mere the truth : I know his lady .
-
-There is a gentleman that serves the count
-Reports but coarsely of her .
-
-What's his name ?
-
-Monsieur Parolles .
-
-O ! I believe with him ,
-In argument of praise , or to the worth
-Of the great count himself , she is too mean
-To have her name repeated : all her deserving
-Is a reserved honesty , and that
-I have not heard examin'd .
-
-Alas , poor lady !
-'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife
-Of a detesting lord .
-
-Ay , right ; good creature , wheresoe'er she is ,
-Her heart weighs sadly . This young maid might do her
-A shrewd turn if she pleas'd .
-
-How do you mean ?
-May be the amorous count solicits her
-In the unlawful purpose .
-
-He does , indeed ;
-And brokes with all that can in such a suit
-Corrupt the tender honour of a maid :
-But she is arm'd for him and keeps her guard
-In honestest defence .
-
-The gods forbid else !
-
-
-So , now they come .
-That is Antonio , the duke's eldest son ;
-That , Escalus .
-
-Which is the Frenchman ?
-
-He ;
-That with the plume : 'tis a most gallant fellow ;
-I would he lov'd his wife . If he were honester ,
-He were much goodlier ; is't not a handsome gentleman ?
-
-I like him well .
-
-'Tis pity he is not honest . Yond's that same knave
-That leads him to these places : were I his lady
-I would poison that vile rascal .
-
-Which is he ?
-
-That jack-an-apes with scarfs . Why is he melancholy ?
-
-Perchance he's hurt i' the battle .
-
-Lose our drum ! well .
-
-He's shrewdly vexed at something .
-Look , he has spied us .
-
-Marry , hang you !
-
-And your courtesy , for a ring-carrier !
-
-
-The troop is past . Come , pilgrim , I will bring you
-Where you shall host : of enjoin'd penitents
-There's four or five , to great Saint Jaques bound ,
-Already at my house .
-
-I humbly thank you .
-Please it this matron and this gentle maid
-To eat with us to-night , the charge and thanking
-Shall be for me ; and , to requite you further ,
-I will bestow some precepts of this virgin
-Worthy the note .
-
-We'll take your offer kindly .
-
-
-Nay , good my lord , put him to't : let him have his way .
-
-If your lordship find him not a hilding , hold me no more in your respect .
-
-On my life , my lord , a bubble .
-
-Do you think I am so far deceived in him ?
-
-Believe it , my lord , in mine own direct knowledge , without any malice , but to speak of him as my kinsman , he's a most notable coward , an infinite and endless liar , an hourly promise-breaker , the owner of no one good quality worthy your lordship's entertainment .
-
-It were fit you knew him ; lest , reposing too far in his virtue , which he hath not , he might at some great and trusty business in a main danger fail you .
-
-I would I knew in what particular action to try him .
-
-None better than to let him fetch off his drum , which you hear him so confidently undertake to do .
-
-I , with a troop of Florentines , will suddenly surprise him : such I will have whom I am sure he knows not from the enemy . We will bind and hood wink him so , that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried into the leaguer of the adversaries , when we bring him to our own tents . Be but your lordship present at his examination : if he do not , for the promise of his life and in the highest compulsion of base fear , offer to betray you and deliver all the intelligence in his power against you , and that with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath , never trust my judgment in anything .
-
-O ! for the love of laughter , let him fetch his drum : he says he has a stratagem for't . When your lordship sees the bottom of his success in't , and to what metal this counterfeit lump of ore will be melted , if you give him not John Drum's entertainment , your inclining cannot be removed . Here he comes .
-
-O ! for the love of laughter , hinder not the honour of his design : let him fetch off his drum in any hand .
-
-
-How now , monsieur ! this drum sticks sorely in your disposition .
-
-A pox on't ! let it go : 'tis but a drum .
-
-'But a drum !' Is't 'but a drum ?' A drum so lost ! There was excellent command , to charge in with our horse upon our own wings , and to rend our own soldiers !
-
-That was not to be blamed in the command of the service : it was a disaster of war that C sar himself could not have prevented if he had been there to command .
-
-Well , we cannot greatly condemn our success : some dishonour we had in the loss of that drum ; but it is not to be recovered .
-
-It might have been recovered .
-
-It might ; but it is not now .
-
-It is to be recovered . But that the merit of service is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer , I would have that drum or another , or hic jacet .
-
-Why , if you have a stomach to't , monsieur , if you think your mystery in stratagem can bring this instrument of honour again into its native quarter , be magnanimous in the enterprise and go on ; I will grace the attempt for a worthy exploit : if you speed well in it , the duke shall both speak of it , and extend to you what further becomes his greatness , even to the utmost syllable of your worthiness .
-
-By the hand of a soldier , I will undertake it .
-
-But you must not now slumber in it .
-
-I'll about it this evening : and I will presently pen down my dilemmas , encourage myself in my certainty , put myself into my mortal preparation , and by midnight look to hear further from me .
-
-May I be bold to acquaint his Grace you are gone about it ?
-
-I know not what the success will be , my lord ; but the attempt I vow .
-
-I know thou'rt valiant ; and , to the possibility of thy soldiership , will subscribe for thee . Farewell .
-
-I love not many words .
-
-
-No more than a fish loves water . Is not this a strange fellow , my lord , that so confidently seems to undertake this business , which he knows is not to be done ; damns himself to do , and dares better be damned than to do't ?
-
-You do not know him , my lord , as we do : certain it is , that he will steal himself into a man's favour , and for a week escape a great deal of discoveries ; but when you find him out you have him ever after .
-
-Why , do you think he will make no deed at all of this that so seriously he does address himself unto ?
-
-None in the world ; but return with an invention and clap upon you two or three probable lies . But we have almost embossed him , you shall see his fall to-night ; for , indeed , he is not for your lordship's respect .
-
-We'll make you some sport with the fox ere we case him . He was first smoked by the old Lord Lafeu : when his disguise and he is parted , tell me what a sprat you shall find him ; which you shall see this very night .
-
-I must go look my twigs : he shall be caught .
-
-Your brother he shall go along with me .
-
-As't please your lordship : I'll leave you .
-
-
-Now will I lead you to the house , and show you
-The lass I spoke of .
-
-But you say she's honest .
-
-That's all the fault . I spoke with her but once ,
-And found her wondrous cold ; but I sent to her ,
-By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind ,
-Tokens and letters which she did re-send ;
-And this is all I have done . She's a fair creature ;
-Will you go see her ?
-
-With all my heart , my lord .
-
-
-If you misdoubt me that I am not she ,
-I know not how I shall assure you further ,
-But I shall lose the grounds I work upon .
-
-Though my estate be fall'n , I was well born ,
-Nothing acquainted with these businesses ;
-And would not put my reputation now
-In any staining act .
-
-Nor would I wish you .
-First , give me trust , the county is my husband ,
-And what to your sworn counsel I have spoken
-Is so from word to word ; and then you cannot ,
-By the good aid that I of you shall borrow ,
-Err in bestowing it .
-
-I should believe you :
-For you have show'd me that which well approves
-You're great in fortune .
-
-Take this purse of gold ,
-And let me buy your friendly help thus far ,
-Which I will over-pay and pay again
-When I have found it . The county woos your daughter ,
-Lays down his wanton siege before her beauty ,
-Resolv'd to carry her : let her in fine consent ,
-As we'll direct her how 'tis best to bear it .
-Now , his important blood will nought deny
-That she'll demand : a ring the county wears ,
-That down ward hath succeeded in his house
-From son to son , some four or five descents
-Since the first father wore it : this ring he holds
-In most rich choice ; yet , in his idle fire ,
-To buy his will , it would not seem too dear ,
-Howe'er repented after .
-
-Now I see
-The bottom of your purpose .
-
-You see it lawful then . It is no more ,
-But that your daughter , ere she seems as won ,
-Desires this ring , appoints him an encounter ,
-In fine , delivers me to fill the time ,
-Herself most chastely absent . After this ,
-To marry her , I'll add three thousand crowns
-To what is past already .
-
-I have yielded .
-Instruct my daughter how she shall persever ,
-That time and place with this deceit so lawful
-May prove coherent . Every night he comes
-With musics of all sorts and songs compos'd
-To her unworthiness : it nothing steads us
-To chide him from our eaves , for he persists
-As if his life lay on't .
-
-Why then to-night
-Let us assay our plot ; which , if it speed ,
-Is wicked meaning in a lawful deed ,
-And lawful meaning in a lawful act ,
-Where both not sin , and yet a sinful fact .
-But let's about it .
-
-He can come no other way but by this hedge-corner . When you sally upon him , speak what terrible language you will : though you understand it not yourselves , no matter ; for we must not seem to understand him , unless some one among us , whom we must produce for an interpreter .
-
-Good captain , let me be the interpreter .
-
-Art not acquainted with him ? knows he not thy voice ?
-
-No , sir , I warrant you .
-
-But what linsey-woolsey hast thou to speak to us again ?
-
-Even such as you speak to me .
-
-He must think us some band of strangers i' the adversary's entertainment . Now , he hath a smack of all neighbouring languages ; therefore we must every one be a man of his own fancy , not to know what we speak one to another ; so we seem to know , is to know straight our purpose : chough's language , gabble enough , and good enough . As for you , interpreter , you must seem very politic . But couch , ho ! here he comes , to beguile two hours in a sleep , and then to return and swear the lies he forges .
-
-
-Ten o'clock : within these three hours 'twill be time enough to go home . What shall I say I have done ? It must be a very plausive invention that carries it . They begin to smoke me , and disgraces have of late knocked too often at my door . I find my tongue is too foolhardy ; but my heart hath the fear of Mars before it and of his creatures , not daring the reports of my tongue .
-
-This is the first truth that e'er thine own tongue was guilty of .
-
-What the devil should move me to undertake the recovery of this drum , being not ignorant of the impossibility , and knowing I had no such purpose ? I must give myself some hurts and say I got them in exploit . Yet slight ones will not carry it : they will say , 'Came you off with so little ?' and great ones I dare not give . Wherefore , what's the instance ? Tongue , I must put you into a butter-woman's mouth , and buy myself another of Bajazet's mute , if you prattle me into these perils .
-
-Is it possible he should know what he is , and be that he is ?
-
-I would the cutting of my garments would serve the turn or the breaking of my Spanish sword .
-
-We cannot afford you so .
-
-Or the baring of my beard , and to say it was in stratagem .
-
-'Twould not do .
-
-Or to drown my clothes , and say I was stripped .
-
-Hardly serve .
-
-Though I swore I leaped from the window of the citadel
-
-How deep ?
-
-Thirty fathom .
-
-Three great oaths would scarce make that be believed .
-
-I would I had any drum of the enemy's :
-I would swear I recovered it .
-
-Thou shalt hear one anon .
-
-A drum now of the enemy's !
-
-
-Throca movousus , cargo , cargo , cargo .
-
-Cargo , cargo , villianda par corbo , cargo .
-
-
-O ! ransom , ransom ! Do not hide mine eyes .
-
-Boskos thromuldo boskos .
-
-I know you are the Muskos' regiment ;
-And I shall lose my life for want of language .
-If there be here German , or Dane , low Dutch ,
-Italian , or French , let him speak to me :
-I will discover that which shall undo
-The Florentine .
-
-Boskos vauvado :
-I understand thee , and can speak thy tongue :
-Kerelybonto : Sir ,
-Betake thee to thy faith , for seventeen poniards
-Are at thy bosom .
-
-O !
-
-O ! pray , pray , pray .
-Manka revania dulche .
-
-Oscorbidulchos volivorco .
-
-The general is content to spare thee yet ;
-And , hoodwink'd as thou art , will lead thee on
-To gather from thee : haply thou may'st inform
-Something to save thy life .
-
-O ! let me live ,
-And all the secrets of our camp I'll show ,
-Their force , their purposes ; nay , I'll speak that
-Which you will wonder at .
-
-But wilt thou faithfully ?
-
-If I do not , damn me .
-
-Acordo linta .
-Come on ; thou art granted space .
-
-
-Go , tell the Count Rousillon , and my brother ,
-We have caught the woodcock , and will keep him muffled
-Till we do hear from them .
-
-Captain , I will .
-
-A' will betray us all unto ourselves :
-Inform on that .
-
-So I will , sir .
-
-Till then , I'll keep him dark and safely lock'd .
-
-
-They told me that your name was Fontibell .
-
-No , my good lord , Diana .
-
-Titled goddess ;
-And worth it , with addition ! But , fair soul ,
-In your fine frame hath love no quality ?
-If the quick fire of youth light not your mind ,
-You are no maiden , but a monument :
-When you are dead , you should be such a one
-As you are now , for you are cold and stern ;
-And now you should be as your mother was
-When your sweet self was got .
-
-She then was honest .
-
-So should you be .
-
-No :
-My mother did but duty ; such , my lord ,
-As you owe to your wife .
-
-No more o' that !
-I prithee do not strive against my vows .
-I was compell'd to her ; but I love thee
-By love's own sweet constraint , and will for ever
-Do thee all rights of service .
-
-Ay , so you serve us
-Till we serve you ; but when you have our roses ,
-You barely leave our thorns to prick ourselves
-And mock us with our bareness .
-
-How have I sworn !
-
-'Tis not the many oaths that make the truth ,
-But the plain single vow that is vow'd true .
-What is not holy , that we swear not by ,
-But take the Highest to witness : then , pray you , tell me ,
-If I should swear by God's great attributes
-I lov'd you dearly , would you believe my oaths ,
-When I did love you ill ? this has no holding ,
-To swear by him whom I protest to love ,
-That I will work against him : therefore your oaths
-Are words and poor conditions , but unseal'd ;
-At least in my opinion .
-
-Change it , change it .
-Be not so holy-cruel : love is holy ;
-And my integrity ne'er knew the crafts
-That you do charge men with . Stand no more off ,
-But give thyself unto my sick desires ,
-Who then recover : say thou art mine , and ever
-My love as it begins shall so persever .
-
-I see that men make ropes in such a scarr
-That we'll forsake ourselves . Give me that ring .
-
-I'll lend it thee , my dear ; but have no power
-To give it from me .
-
-Will you not , my lord ?
-
-It is an honour 'longing to our house ,
-Bequeathed down from many ancestors ,
-Which were the greatest obloquy i' the world
-In me to lose .
-
-Mine honour's such a ring :
-My chastity's the jewel of our house ,
-Bequeathed down from many ancestors ,
-Which were the greatest obloquy i' the world
-In me to lose . Thus your own proper wisdom
-Brings in the champion honour on my part
-Against your vain assault .
-
-Here , take my ring :
-My house , mine honour , yea , my life , be thine ,
-And I'll be bid by thee .
-
-When midnight comes , knock at my chamber-window :
-I'll order take my mother shall not hear .
-Now will I charge you in the band of truth ,
-When you have conquer'd my yet maiden bed ,
-Remain there but an hour , nor speak to me .
-My reasons are most strong ; and you shall know them
-When back again this ring shall be deliver'd :
-And on your finger in the night I'll put
-Another ring , that what in time proceeds
-May token to the future our past deeds .
-Adieu , till then ; then , fail not . You have won
-A wife of me , though there my hope be done .
-
-A heaven on earth I have won by wooing thee .
-
-
-For which live long to thank both heaven and me !
-You may so in the end .
-My mother told me just how he would woo
-As if she sat in 's heart ; she says all men
-Have the like oaths : he had sworn to marry me
-When his wife's dead ; therefore I'll lie with him
-When I am buried . Since Frenchmen are so braid ,
-Marry that will , I live and die a maid :
-Only in this disguise I think't no sin
-To cozen him that would unjustly win .
-
-
-You have not given him his mother's letter ?
-
-I have delivered it an hour since : there is something in't that stings his nature , for on the reading it he changed almost into another man .
-
-He has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so good a wife and so sweet a lady .
-
-Especially he hath incurred the everlasting displeasure of the king , who had even tuned his bounty to sing happiness to him . I will tell you a thing , but you shall let it dwell darkly with you .
-
-When you have spoken it , 'tis dead , and I am the grave of it .
-
-He hath perverted a young gentlewoman here in Florence , of a most chaste renown ; and this night he fleshes his will in the spoil of her honour : he hath given her his monumental ring , and thinks himself made in the unchaste composition .
-
-Now , God delay our rebellion ! as we are ourselves , what things are we !
-
-Merely our own traitors : and as in the common course of all treasons , we still see them reveal themselves , till they attain to their abhorred ends , so he that in this action contrives against his own nobility , in his proper stream o'erflows himself .
-
-Is it not most damnable in us , to be trumpeters of our unlawful intents ? We shall not then have his company to-night ?
-
-Not till after midnight , for he is dieted to his hour .
-
-That approaches apace : I would gladly have him see his company anatomized , that he might take a measure of his own judgments , wherein so curiously he had set this counterfeit .
-
-We will not meddle with him till he come , for his presence must be the whip of the other .
-
-In the meantime what near you of these wars ?
-
-I hear there is an overture of peace .
-
-Nay , I assure you , a peace concluded .
-
-What will Count Rousillon do then ? will he travel higher , or return again into France ?
-
-I perceive by this demand , you are not altogether of his council .
-
-Let it be forbid , sir ; so should I be a great deal of his act .
-
-Sir , his wife some two months since fled from his house : her pretence is a pilgrimage to Saint Jaques le Grand ; which holy undertaking with most austere sanctimony she accomplished ; and , there residing , the tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her grief ; in fine , made a groan of her last breath , and now she sings in heaven .
-
-How is this justified ?
-
-The stronger part of it by her own letters , which make her story true , even to the point of her death : her death itself , which could not be her office to say is come , was faithfully confirmed by the rector of the place .
-
-Hath the count all this intelligence ?
-
-Ay , and the particular confirmations , point from point , to the full arming of the verity .
-
-I am heartily sorry that he'll be glad of this .
-
-How mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses !
-
-And how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tears ! The great dignity that his valour hath here acquired for him shall at home be encountered with a shame as ample .
-
-The web of our life is of a mingled yarn , good and ill together : our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not ; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherished by our virtues .
-
-How now ! where's your master ?
-
-He met the duke in the street , sir , of whom he hath taken a solemn leave : his lordship will next morning for France . The duke hath offered him letters of commendations to the king .
-
-They shall be no more than needful there , if they were more than they can commend .
-
-They cannot be too sweet for the king's tartness . Here's his lordship now .
-
-How now , my lord ! is't not after midnight ?
-
-I have to-night dispatched sixteen businesses , a month's length a-piece , by an abstract of success : I have conge'd with the duke , done my adieu with his nearest , buried a wife , mourned for her , writ to my lady mother I am returning , entertained my convoy ; and between these main parcels of dispatch effected many nicer needs : the last was the greatest , but that I have not ended yet .
-
-If the business be of any difficulty , and this morning your departure hence , it requires haste of your lordship .
-
-I mean , the business is not ended , as fearing to hear of it hereafter . But shall we have this dialogue between the fool and the soldier ? Come , bring forth this counterfeit model : he has deceived me , like a double-meaning prophesier .
-
-Bring him forth .
-
-Has sat i' the stocks all night , poor gallant knave .
-
-No matter ; his heels have deserved it , in usurping his spurs so long . How does he carry himself ?
-
-I have told your lordship already , the stocks carry him . But to answer you as you would be understood ; he weeps like a wench that had shed her milk : he hath confessed himself to Morgan ,whom he supposes to be a friar ,from the time of his remembrance to this very instant disaster of his setting i' the stocks : and what think you he hath confessed ?
-
-Nothing of me , has a' ?
-
-His confession is taken , and it shall be read to his face : if your lordship be in't , as I believe you are , you must have the patience to hear it .
-
-
-A plague upon him ! muffled ! he can say nothing of me : hush ! hush !
-
-Hoodman comes ! Porto tartarossa .
-
-He calls for the tortures : what will you say without 'em ?
-
-I will confess what I know without constraint : if ye pinch me like a pasty , I can say no more .
-
-Bosko chimurcho .
-
-Boblibindo chicurmurco .
-
-You are a merciful general . Our general bids you answer to what I shall ask you out of a note .
-
-And truly , as I hope to live .
-
-First , demand of him how many horse the duke is strong . What say you to that ?
-
-Five or six thousand ; but very weak and unserviceable : the troops are all scattered , and the commanders very poor rogues , upon my reputation and credit , and as I hope to live .
-
-Shall I set down your answer so ?
-
-Do : I'll take the sacrament on't , how and which way you will .
-
-All's one to him . What a past-saving slave is this !
-
-You are deceived , my lord : this is Monsieur Parolles , the gallant militarist ,that was his own phrase ,that had the whole theorick of war in the knot of his scarf , and the practice in the chape of his dagger .
-
-I will never trust a man again for keeping his sword clean ; nor believe he can have everything in him by wearing his apparel neatly .
-
-Well , that's set down .
-
-Five or six thousand horse , I said ,I will say true ,or thereabouts , set down , for I'll speak truth .
-
-He's very near the truth in this .
-
-But I con him no thanks for't , in the nature he delivers it .
-
-Poor rogues , I pray you , say .
-
-Well , that's set down .
-
-I humbly thank you , sir . A truth's a truth ; the rogues are marvellous poor .
-
-Demand of him , of what strength they are a-foot . What say you to that ?
-
-By my troth , sir , if I were to live this present hour , I will tell true . Let me see : Spurio , a hundred and fifty ; Sebastian , so many ; Corambus , so many ; Jaques , so many ; Guiltian , Cosmo , Lodowick , and Gratii , two hundred fifty each ; mine own company , Chitopher , Vaumond , Bentii , two hundred fifty each : so that the muster-file , rotten and sound , upon my life , amounts not to fifteen thousand poll ; half of the which dare not shake the snow from off their cassocks , lest they shake themselves to pieces .
-
-What shall be done to him ?
-
-Nothing , but let him have thanks . Demand of him my condition , and what credit I have with the duke .
-
-Well , that's set down . You shall demand of him , whether one Captain Dumain be i' the camp , a Frenchman ; what his reputation is with the duke ; what his valour , honesty , and expertness in wars ; or whether he thinks it were not possible , with well-weighing sums of gold , to corrupt him to a revolt . What say you to this ? what do you know of it ?
-
-I beseech you , let me answer to the particular of the inter'gatories : demand them singly .
-
-Do you know this Captain Dumain ?
-
-I know him : a' was a botcher's 'prentice in Paris , from whence he was whipped for getting the shrieve's fool with child ; a dumb innocent , that could not say him nay .
-
-
-Nay , by your leave , hold your hands ; though I know his brains are forfeit to the next tile that falls .
-
-Well , is this captain in the Duke of Florence's camp ?
-
-Upon my knowledge he is , and lousy .
-
-Nay , look not so upon me ; we shall hear of your lordship anon .
-
-What is his reputation with the duke ?
-
-The duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of mine , and writ to me this other day to turn him out o' the band : I think I have his letter in my pocket .
-
-Marry , we'll search .
-
-In good sadness , I do not know : either it is there , or it is upon a file with the duke's other letters in my tent .
-
-Here 'tis ; here's a paper ; shall I read it to you ?
-
-I do not know if it be it or no .
-
-Our interpreter does it well .
-
-Excellently .
-
-Dian , the count's a fool , and full of gold
-
-That is not the duke's letter , sir ; that is an advertisement to a proper maid in Florence , one Diana , to take heed of the allurement of one Count Rousillon , a foolish idle boy , but for all that very ruttish . I pray you , sir , put it up again .
-
-Nay , I'll read it first , by your favour .
-
-My meaning in't , I protest , was very honest in the behalf of the maid ; for I knew the young count to be a dangerous and lascivious boy , who is a whale to virginity , and devours up all the fry it finds .
-
-Damnable both-sides rogue !
-
-When he swears oaths , bid him drop gold , and take it ;
-After he scores , he never pays the score :
-Half won is match well made ; match , and well make it ;
-He ne'er pays after-debts ; take it before ,
-And say a soldier , Dian , told thee this ,
-Men are to mell with , boys are not to kiss ;
-For count of this , the count's a fool , I know it ,
-Who pays before , but not when he does owe it .
-
-Thine , as he vow'd to thee in thine ear ,
-
-He shall be whipped through the army with this rime in's forehead .
-
-This is your devoted friend , sir ; the manifold linguist and the armipotent soldier .
-
-I could endure anything before but a cat , and now he's a cat to me .
-
-I perceive , sir , by our general's looks , we shall be fain to hang you .
-
-My life , sir , in any case ! not that I am afraid to die ; but that , my offences being many , I would repent out the remainder of nature . Let me live , sir , in a dungeon , i' the stocks , or anywhere , so I may live .
-
-We'll see what may be done , so you confess freely : therefore , once more to this Captain Dumain . You have answered to his reputation with the duke and to his valour : what is his honesty ?
-
-He will steal , sir , an egg out of a cloister ; for rapes and ravishments he parallels Nessus ; he professes not keeping of oaths ; in breaking 'em he is stronger than Hercules ; he will lie , sir , with such volubility , that you would think truth were a fool ; drunkenness is his best virtue , for he will be swine-drunk , and in his sleep he does little harm , save to his bed-clothes about him ; but they know his conditions , and lay him in straw . I have but little more to say , sir , of his honesty : he has everything that an honest man should not have ; what an honest man should have , he has nothing .
-
-I begin to love him for this .
-
-For this description of thine honesty ? A pox upon him for me ! he is more and more a cat .
-
-What say you to his expertness in war ?
-
-Faith , sir , he has led the drum before the English tragedians ,to belie him I will not ,and more of his soldiership I know not ; except , in that country , he had the honour to be the officer at a place there called Mile-end , to instruct for the doubling of files : I would do the man what honour I can , but of this I am not certain .
-
-He hath out-villained villany so far , that the rarity redeems him .
-
-A pox on him ! he's a cat still .
-
-His qualities being at this poor price , I need not ask you , if gold will corrupt him to revolt .
-
-Sir , for a cardecu he will sell the fee-simple of his salvation , the inheritance of it ; and cut the entail from all remainders , and a perpetual succession for it perpetually .
-
-What's his brother , the other Captain Dumain ?
-
-Why does he ask him or me ?
-
-What's he ?
-
-E'en a crow o' the same nest ; not altogether so great as the first in goodness , but greater a great deal in evil . He excels his brother for a coward , yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is . In a retreat he out-runs any lackey ; marry , in coming on he has the cramp .
-
-If your life be saved , will you undertake to betray the Florentine ?
-
-Ay , and the captain of his horse , Count Rousillon .
-
-I'll whisper with the general , and know his pleasure .
-
-I'll no more drumming ; a plague of all drums ! Only to seem to deserve well , and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy the count , have I run into this danger . Yet who would have suspected an ambush where I was taken ?
-
-There is no remedy , sir , but you must die . The general says , you , that have so traitorously discovered the secrets of your army , and made such pestiferous reports of men very nobly held , can serve the world for no honest use ; therefore you must die . Come , headsman , off with his head .
-
-O Lord , sir , let me live , or let me see my death !
-
-That shall you , and take your leave of all your friends .
-
-So , look about you : know you any here ?
-
-Good morrow , noble captain .
-
-God bless you , Captain Parolles .
-
-God save you , noble captain .
-
-Captain , what greeting will you to my Lord Lafeu ? I am for France .
-
-Good captain , will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to Diana in behalf of the Count Rousillon ? an I were not a very coward I'd compel it of you ; but fare you well .
-
-
-You are undone , captain ; all but your scarf ; that has a knot on't yet .
-
-Who cannot be crushed with a plot ?
-
-If you could find out a country where but women were that had received so much shame , you might begin an impudent nation . Fare ye well , sir ; I am for France too : we shall speak of you there .
-
-
-Yet am I thankful : if my heart were great
-'Twould burst at this . Captain I'll be no more ;
-But I will eat and drink , and sleep as soft
-As captain shall : simply the thing I am
-Shall make me live . Who knows himself a braggart ,
-Let him fear this ; for it will come to pass
-That every braggart shall be found an ass .
-Rust , sword ! cool , blushes ! and Parolles , live
-Safest in shame ! being fool'd , by foolery thrive !
-There's place and means for every man alive .
-I'll after them .
-
-
-That you may well perceive I have not wrong'd you ,
-One of the greatest in the Christian world
-Shall be my surety ; 'fore whose throne 'tis needful ,
-Ere I can perfect mine intents , to kneel .
-Time was I did him a desired office ,
-Dear almost as his life ; which gratitude
-Through flinty Tartar's bosom would peep forth ,
-And answer , thanks . I duly am inform'd
-His Grace is at Marseilles ; to which place
-We have convenient convoy . You must know ,
-I am supposed dead : the army breaking ,
-My husband hies him home ; where , heaven aiding ,
-And by the leave of my good lord the king ,
-We'll be before our welcome .
-
-Gentle madam ,
-You never had a servant to whose trust
-Your business was more welcome .
-
-Nor you , mistress ,
-Ever a friend whose thoughts more truly labour
-To recompense your love . Doubt not but heaven
-Hath brought me up to be your daughter's dower ,
-As it hath fated her to be my motive
-And helper to a husband . But , O strange men !
-That can such sweet use make of what they hate ,
-When saucy trusting of the cozen'd thoughts
-Defiles the pitchy night : so lust doth play
-With what it loathes for that which is away .
-But more of this hereafter . You , Diana ,
-Under my poor instructions yet must suffer
-Something in my behalf .
-
-Let death and honesty
-Go with your impositions , I am yours
-Upon your will to suffer .
-
-Yet , I pray you :
-But with the word the time will bring on summer ,
-When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns ,
-And be as sweet as sharp . We must away ;
-Our waggon is prepar'd , and time revives us :
-All's well that ends well : still the fine's the crown ;
-Whate'er the course , the end is the renown .
-
-
-No , no , no ; your son was misled with a snipt-taffeta fellow there , whose villanous saffron would have made all the unbaked and doughy youth of a nation in his colour : your daughter-in-law had been alive at this hour , and your son here at home , more advanced by the king than by that red-tailed humble-bee I speak of .
-
-I would I had not known him ; it was the death of the most virtuous gentlewoman that ever nature had praise for creating . If she had partaken of my flesh , and cost me the dearest groans of a mother , I could not have owed her a more rooted love .
-
-'Twas a good lady , 'twas a good lady : we may pick a thousand salads ere we light on such another herb .
-
-Indeed , sir , she was the sweet-marjoram of the salad , or , rather the herb of grace .
-
-They are not salad-herbs , you knave ; they are nose-herbs .
-
-I am no great Nebuchadnezzar , sir ; I have not much skill in grass .
-
-Whether dost thou profess thyself , a knave , or a fool ?
-
-A fool , sir , at a woman's service , and a knave at a man's .
-
-Your distinction ?
-
-I would cozen the man of his wife , and do his service .
-
-So you were a knave at his service , indeed .
-
-And I would give his wife my bauble , sir , to do her service .
-
-I will subscribe for thee , thou art both knave and fool .
-
-At your service .
-
-No , no , no .
-
-Why , sir , if I cannot serve you , I can serve as great a prince as you are .
-
-Who's that ? a Frenchman ?
-
-Faith , sir , a' has an English name ; but his phisnomy is more hotter in France than there .
-
-What prince is that ?
-
-The black prince , sir ; alias , the prince of darkness ; alias , the devil .
-
-Hold thee , there's my purse . I give thee not this to suggest thee from thy master thou talkest of : serve him still .
-
-I am a woodland fellow , sir , that always loved a great fire ; and the master I speak of , ever keeps a good fire . But , sure , he is the prince of the world ; let his nobility remain in's court . I am for the house with the narrow gate , which I take to be too little for pomp to enter : some that humble themselves may ; but the many will be too chill and tender , and they'll be for the flowery way that leads to the broad gate and the great fire .
-
-Go thy ways , I begin to be aweary of thee ; and I tell thee so before , because I would not fall out with thee . Go thy ways : let my horses be well looked to , without any tricks .
-
-If I put any tricks upon 'em , sir , they shall be jade's tricks , which are their own right by the law of nature .
-
-
-A shrewd knave and an unhappy .
-
-So he is . My lord that's gone made himself much sport out of him : by his authority he remains here , which he thinks is a patent for his sauciness ; and , indeed , he has no pace , but runs where he will .
-
-I like him well ; 'tis not amiss . And I was about to tell you , since I heard of the good lady's death , and that my lord your son was upon his return home , I moved the king my master to speak in the behalf of my daughter ; which , in the minority of them both , his majesty , out of a self-gracious remembrance , did first propose . His highness hath promised me to do it ; and to stop up the displeasure he hath conceived against your son , there is no fitter matter . How does your ladyship like it ?
-
-With very much content , my lord ; and I wish it happily effected .
-
-His highness comes post from Marseilles , of as able body as when he numbered thirty : he will be here to-morrow , or I am deceived by him that in such intelligence hath seldom failed .
-
-It rejoices me that I hope I shall see him ere I die . I have letters that my son will be here to-night : I shall beseech your lordship to remain with me till they meet together .
-
-Madam , I was thinking with what manners I might safely be admitted .
-
-You need but plead your honourable privilege .
-
-Lady , of that I have made a bold charter ; but I thank my God it holds yet .
-
-
-O madam ! yonder's my lord your son with a patch of velvet on's face : whether there be a scar under it or no , the velvet knows ; but 'tis a goodly patch of velvet . His left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a half , but his right cheek is worn bare .
-
-A scar nobly got , or a noble scar , is a good livery of honour ; so belike is that .
-
-But it is your carbonadoed face .
-
-Let us go see your son , I pray you : I long to talk with the young noble soldier .
-
-Faith , there's a dozen of 'em , with delicate fine hats and most courteous feathers , which bow the head and nod at every man .
-
-But this exceeding posting , day and night ,
-Must wear your spirits low ; we cannot help it :
-But since you have made the days and nights as one ,
-To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs ,
-Be bold you do so grow in my requital
-As nothing can unroot you . In happy time ;
-
-
-This man may help me to his majesty's ear ,
-
-If he would spend his power . God save you , sir .
-
-And you .
-
-Sir , I have seen you in the court of France .
-
-I have been sometimes there .
-
-I do presume , sir , that you are not fallen
-From the report that goes upon your goodness ;
-And therefore , goaded with most sharp occasions ,
-Which lay nice manners by , I put you to
-The use of your own virtues , for the which
-I shall continue thankful .
-
-What's your will ?
-
-That it will please you
-To give this poor petition to the king ,
-And aid me with that store of power you have
-To come into his presence .
-
-The king's not here .
-
-Not here , sir !
-
-Not , indeed :
-He hence remov'd last night , and with more haste
-Than is his use .
-
-Lord , how we lose our pains !
-
-All's well that ends well yet ,
-Though time seems so adverse and means unfit .
-I do beseech you , whither is he gone ?
-
-Marry , as I take it , to Rousillon ;
-Whither I am going .
-
-I do beseech you , sir ,
-Since you are like to see the king before me ,
-Commend the paper to his gracious hand ;
-Which I presume shall render you no blame
-But rather make you thank your pains for it .
-I will come after you with what good speed
-Our means will make us means .
-
-This I'll do for you .
-
-And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd ,
-Whate'er falls more . We must to horse again :
-Go , go , provide .
-
-
-Good Monsieur Lavache , give my Lord Lafeu this letter . I have ere now , sir , been better known to you , when I have held familiarity with fresher clothes ; but I am now , sir , muddied in Fortune's mood , and smell somewhat strong of her strong displeasure .
-
-Truly , Fortune's displeasure is but sluttish if it smell so strongly as thou speakest of : I will henceforth eat no fish of Fortune's buttering . Prithee , allow the wind .
-
-Nay , you need not to stop your nose , sir : I spake but by a metaphor .
-
-Indeed , sir , if your metaphor stink , I will stop my nose ; or against any man's metaphor . Prithee , get thee further .
-
-Pray you , sir , deliver me this paper .
-
-Foh ! prithee , stand away : a paper from Fortune's close-stool to give to a nobleman ! Look , here he comes himself .
-
-
-Here is a purr of Fortune's , sir , or of Fortune's cat but not a musk-cat that has fallen into the unclean fishpond of her displeasure , and , as he says , is muddied withal . Pray you , sir , use the carp as you may , for he looks like a poor , decayed , ingenious , foolish , rascally knave . I do pity his distress in my similes of comfort , and leave him to your lordship .
-
-My lord , I am a man whom Fortune hath cruelly scratched .
-
-And what would you have me to do ? 'tis too late to pare her nails now . Wherein have you played the knave with Fortune that she should scratch you , who of herself is a good lady , and would not have knaves thrive long under her ? There's a cardecu for you . Let the justices make you and Fortune friends ; I am for other business .
-
-I beseech your honour to hear me one single word .
-
-You beg a single penny more : come , you shall ha't ; save your word .
-
-My name , my good lord , is Parolles .
-
-You beg more than one word then . Cox my passion ! give me your hand . How does your drum ?
-
-O , my good lord ! you were the first that found me .
-
-Was I , in sooth ? and I was the first that lost thee .
-
-It lies in you , my lord , to bring me in some grace , for you did bring me out .
-
-Out upon thee , knave ! dost thou put upon me at once both the office of God and the devil ? one brings thee in grace and the other brings thee out .
-
-The king's coming ; I know by his trumpets . Sirrah , inquire further after me ; I had talk of you last night : though you are a fool and a knave , you shall eat : go to , follow .
-
-I praise God for you .
-
-
-We lost a jewel of her , and our esteem
-Was made much poorer by it : but your son ,
-As mad in folly , lack'd the sense to know
-Her estimation home .
-
-'Tis past , my liege ;
-And I beseech your majesty to make it
-Natural rebellion , done i' the blaze of youth ;
-When oil and fire , too strong for reason's force ,
-O'erbears it and burns on .
-
-My honour'd lady ,
-I have forgiven and forgotten all ,
-Though my revenges were high bent upon him ,
-And watch'd the time to shoot .
-
-This I must say ,
-But first I beg my pardon ,the young lord
-Did to his majesty , his mother , and his lady ,
-Offence of mighty note , but to himself
-The greatest wrong of all : he lost a wife
-Whose beauty did astonish the survey
-Of richest eyes , whose words all ears took captive ,
-Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serve
-Humbly call'd mistress .
-
-Praising what is lost
-Makes the remembrance dear . Well , call him hither ;
-We are reconcil'd , and the first view shall kill
-All repetition . Let him not ask our pardon :
-The nature of his great offence is dead ,
-And deeper than oblivion we do bury
-The incensing relics of it : let him approach ,
-A stranger , no offender ; and inform him
-So 'tis our will he should .
-
-I shall , my liege .
-
-
-What says he to your daughter ? have you spoke ?
-
-All that he is hath reference to your highness .
-
-Then shall we have a match . I have letters sent me ,
-That set him high in fame .
-
-
-He looks well on't .
-
-I am not a day of season ,
-For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hail
-In me at once ; but to the brightest beams
-Distracted clouds give way : so stand thou forth ;
-The time is fair again .
-
-My high-repented blames ,
-Dear sovereign , pardon to me .
-
-All is whole ;
-Not one word more of the consumed time .
-Let's take the instant by the forward top ,
-For we are old , and on our quick'st decrees
-The inaudible and noiseless foot of time
-Steals ere we can effect them . You remember
-The daughter of this lord ?
-
-Admiringly , my liege :
-At first I stuck my choice upon her , ere my heart
-Durst make too bold a herald of my tongue ,
-Where the impression of mine eye infixing ,
-Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me ,
-Which warp'd the line of every other favour ;
-Scorn'd a fair colour , or express'd it stolen ;
-Extended or contracted all proportions
-To a most hideous object : thence it came
-That she , whom all men prais'd , and whom myself ,
-Since I have lost , have lov'd , was in mine eye
-The dust that did offend it .
-
-Well excus'd :
-That thou didst love her , strikes some scores away
-From the great compt . But love that comes too late ,
-Like a remorseful pardon slowly carried ,
-To the great sender turns a sour offence ,
-Crying , 'That's good that's gone .' Our rasher faults
-Make trivial price of serious things we have ,
-Not knowing them until we know their grave :
-Oft our displeasures , to ourselves unjust ,
-Destroy our friends and after weep their dust :
-Our own love waking cries to see what's done ,
-While shameful hate sleeps out the afternoon .
-Be this sweet Helen's knell , and now forget her .
-Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin :
-The main consents are had ; and here we'll stay
-To see our widower's second marriage-day .
-
-Which better than the first , O dear heaven , bless !
-Or , ere they meet , in me , O nature , cesse !
-
-Come on , my son , in whom my house's name
-Must be digested , give a favour from you
-To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter ,
-That she may quickly come .
-
-And every hair that's on't , Helen , that's dead ,
-Was a sweet creature ; such a ring as this ,
-The last that e'er I took her leave at court ,
-I saw upon her finger .
-
-Hers it was not .
-
-Now , pray you , let me see it ; for mine eye ,
-While I was speaking , oft was fasten'd to't .
-This ring was mine ; and , when I gave it Helen ,
-I bade her , if her fortunes ever stood
-Necessitied to help , that by this token
-I would relieve her . Had you that craft to reave her
-Of what should stead her most ?
-
-My gracious sovereign ,
-Howe'er it pleases you to take it so ,
-The ring was never hers .
-
-Son , on my life ,
-I have seen her wear it ; and she reckon'd it
-At her life's rate .
-
-I am sure I saw her wear it .
-
-You are deceiv'd , my lord , she never saw it :
-In Florence was it from a casement thrown me ,
-Wrapp'd in a paper , which contain'd the name
-Of her that threw it . Noble she was , and thought
-I stood engag'd : but when I had subscrib'd
-To mine own fortune , and inform'd her fully
-I could not answer in that course of honour
-As she had made the overture , she ceas'd ,
-In heavy satisfaction , and would never
-Receive the ring again .
-
-Plutus himself ,
-That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine ,
-Hath not in nature's mystery more science
-Than I have in this ring : 'twas mine , 'twas Helen's ,
-Whoever gave it you . Then , if you know
-That you are well acquainted with yourself ,
-Confess 'twas hers , and by what rough enforcement
-You got it from her . She call'd the saints to surety ,
-That she would never put it from her finger
-Unless she gave it to yourself in bed ,
-Where you have never come , or sent it us
-Upon her great disaster .
-
-She never saw it .
-
-Thou speak'st it falsely , as I love mine honour ;
-And mak'st conjectural fears to come into me
-Which I would fain shut out . If it should prove
-That thou art so inhuman ,'twill not prove so ;
-And yet I know not : thou didst hate her deadly ,
-And she is dead ; which nothing , but to close
-Her eyes myself , could win me to believe ,
-More than to see this ring . Take him away .
-
-My fore-past proofs , howe'er the matter fall ,
-Shall tax my fears of little vanity ,
-Having vainly fear'd too little . Away with him !
-We'll sift this matter further .
-
-If you shall prove
-This ring was ever hers , you shall as easy
-Prove that I husbanded her bed in Florence ,
-Where yet she never was .
-
-
-I am wrapp'd in dismal thinkings .
-
-
-Gracious sovereign ,
-Whether I have been to blame or no , I know not :
-Here's a petition from a Florentine ,
-Who hath , for four or five removes come short
-To tender it herself . I undertook it ,
-Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speech
-Of the poor suppliant , who by this I know
-Is here attending : her business looks in her
-With an importing visage , and she told me ,
-In a sweet verbal brief , it did concern
-Your highness with herself .
-
-"Upon his many protestations to marry me when his wife was dead , I blush to say it , he won me . Now is the Count Rousillon a widower : his vows are forfeited to me , and my honour's paid to him . He stole from Florence , taking no leave , and I follow him to his country for justice . Grant it me , O king ! in you it best lies ; otherwise a seducer flourishes , and a poor maid is undone . DIANA CAPILET ."
-
-I will buy me a son-in-law in a fair , and toll for this : I'll none of him .
-
-The heavens have thought well on thee , Lafeu ,
-To bring forth this discovery . Seek these suitors :
-Go speedily and bring again the count .
-
-I am afeard the life of Helen , lady ,
-Was foully snatch'd .
-
-Now , justice on the doers !
-
-
-I wonder , sir , sith wives are monsters to you ,
-And that you fly them as you swear them lordship ,
-Yet you desire to marry .
-
-What woman's that ?
-
-I am , my lord , a wretched Florentine ,
-Derived from the ancient Capilet :
-My suit , as I do understand , you know ,
-And therefore know how far I may be pitied .
-
-I am her mother , sir , whose age and honour
-Both suffer under this complaint we bring ,
-And both shall cease , without your remedy .
-
-Come hither , county ; do you know these women ?
-
-My lord , I neither can nor will deny
-But that I know them : do they charge me further ?
-
-Why do you look so strange upon your wife ?
-
-She's none of mine , my lord .
-
-If you shall marry ,
-You give away this hand , and that is mine ;
-You give away heaven's vows , and those are mine ;
-You give away myself , which is known mine ;
-For I by vow am so embodied yours
-That she which marries you must marry me ;
-Either both or none .
-
-Your reputation comes too short for my daughter : you are no husband for her .
-
-My lord , this is a fond and desperate creature ,
-Whom sometime I have laugh'd with : let your highness
-Lay a more noble thought upon mine honour
-Than for to think that I would sink it here .
-
-Sir , for my thoughts , you have them ill to friend ,
-Till your deeds gain them : fairer prove your honour ,
-Than in my thought it lies .
-
-Good my lord ,
-Ask him upon his oath , if he does think
-He had not my virginity .
-
-What sayst thou to her ?
-
-She's impudent , my lord ;
-And was a common gamester to the camp .
-
-He does me wrong , my lord ; if I were so ,
-He might have bought me at a common price :
-Do not believe him . O ! behold this ring ,
-Whose high respect and rich validity
-Did lack a parallel ; yet for all that
-He gave it to a commoner o' the camp ,
-If I be one .
-
-He blushes , and 'tis it :
-Of six preceding ancestors , that gem
-Conferr'd by testament to the sequent issue ,
-Hath it been ow'd and worn . This is his wife :
-That ring's a thousand proofs .
-
-Methought you said
-You saw one here in court could witness it .
-
-I did , my lord , but loath am to produce
-So bad an instrument : his name's Parolles .
-
-I saw the man to-day , if man he be .
-
-Find him , and bring him hither .
-
-
-What of him ?
-He's quoted for a most perfidious slave ,
-With all the spots of the world tax'd and debosh'd ,
-Whose nature sickens but to speak a truth .
-Am I or that or this for what he'll utter ,
-That will speak anything ?
-
-She hath that ring of yours .
-
-I think she has : certain it is I lik'd her ,
-And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth .
-She knew her distance and did angle for me ,
-Madding my eagerness with her restraint ,
-As all impediments in fancy's course
-Are motives of more fancy ; and , in fine ,
-Her infinite cunning , with her modern grace ,
-Subdued me to her rate ; she got the ring ,
-And I had that which any inferior might
-At market-price have bought .
-
-I must be patient ;
-You , that have turn'd off a first so noble wife ,
-May justly diet me . I pray you yet ,
-Since you lack virtue I will lose a husband ,
-Send for your ring ; I will return it home ,
-And give me mine again .
-
-I have it not .
-
-What ring was yours , I pray you ?
-
-Sir , much like
-The same upon your finger .
-
-Know you this ring ? this ring was his of late .
-
-And this was it I gave him , being a-bed .
-
-The story then goes false you threw it him
-Out of a casement .
-
-I have spoke the truth .
-
-
-My lord , I do confess the ring was hers .
-
-You boggle shrewdly , every feather starts you .
-Is this the man you speak of ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Tell me , sirrah , but tell me true , I charge you ,
-Not fearing the displeasure of your master ,
-Which , on your just proceeding I'll keep off ,
-By him and by this woman here what know you ?
-
-So please your majesty , my master hath been an honourable gentleman : tricks he hath had in him , which gentlemen have .
-
-Come , come , to the purpose : did he love this woman ?
-
-Faith , sir , he did love her ; but how ?
-
-How , I pray you ?
-
-He did love her , sir , as a gentleman loves a woman .
-
-How is that ?
-
-He loved her , sir , and loved her not .
-
-As thou art a knave , and no knave .
-What an equivocal companion is this !
-
-I am a poor man , and at your majesty's command .
-
-He is a good drum , my lord , but a naughty orator .
-
-Do you know he promised me marriage ?
-
-Faith , I know more than I'll speak .
-
-But wilt thou not speak all thou knowest ?
-
-Yes , so please your majesty . I did go between them , as I said ; but more than that , he loved her , for , indeed , he was mad for her , and talked of Satan , and of limbo , and of Furies , and I know not what : yet I was in that credit with them at that time , that I knew of their going to bed , and of other motions , as promising her marriage , and things which would derive me ill will to speak of : therefore I will not speak what I know .
-
-Thou hast spoken all already , unless thou canst say they are married : but thou art too fine in thy evidence ; therefore stand aside . This ring , you say , was yours ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-Where did you buy it ? or who gave it you ?
-
-It was not given me , nor I did not buy it .
-
-Who lent it you ?
-
-It was not lent me neither .
-
-Where did you find it , then ?
-
-I found it not .
-
-If it were yours by none of all these ways ,
-How could you give it him ?
-
-I never gave it him .
-
-This woman's an easy glove , my lord : she goes off and on at pleasure .
-
-This ring was mine : I gave it his first wife .
-
-It might be yours or hers , for aught I know .
-
-Take her away ; I do not like her now .
-To prison with her ; and away with him .
-Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring
-Thou diest within this hour .
-
-I'll never tell you .
-
-Take her away .
-
-I'll put in bail , my liege .
-
-I think thee now some common customer .
-
-By Jove , if ever I knew man , 'twas you .
-
-Wherefore hast thou accus'd him all this while ?
-
-Because he's guilty , and he is not guilty .
-He knows I am no maid , and he'll swear to't ;
-I'll swear I am a maid , and he knows not .
-Great king , I am no strumpet , by my life ;
-I am either maid , or else this old man's wife .
-
-
-She does abuse our ears : to prison with her !
-
-Good mother , fetch my bail .
-
-Stay , royal sir ;
-The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for ,
-And he shall surety me . But for this lord ,
-Who hath abus'd me , as he knows himself ,
-Though yet he never harm'd me , here I quit him :
-He knows himself my bed he hath defil'd ,
-And at that time he got his wife with child :
-Dead though she be , she feels her young one kick :
-So there's my riddle : one that's dead is quick ;
-And now behold the meaning .
-
-
-Is there no exorcist
-Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes ?
-Is't real that I see ?
-
-No , my good lord ;
-'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see ;
-The name and not the thing .
-
-Both , both . O ! pardon .
-
-O my good lord ! when I was like this maid ,
-I found you wondrous kind . There is your ring ;
-And , look you , here's your letter ; this it says :
-When from my finger you can get this ring ,
-And are by me with child , &c . This is done :
-Will you be mine , now you are doubly won ?
-
-If she , my liege , can make me know this clearly ,
-I'll love her dearly , ever , ever dearly .
-
-If it appear not plain , and prove untrue ,
-Deadly divorce step between me and you !
-O ! my dear mother ; do I see you living ?
-
-Mine eyes smell onions ; I shall weep anon .
-
-Good Tom Drum , lend me a handkercher : so , I thank thee . Wait on me home , I'll make sport with thee : let thy curtsies alone , they are scurvy ones .
-
-Let us from point to point this story know ,
-To make the even truth in pleasure flow .
-
-
-If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower ,
-Choose thou thy husband , and I'll pay thy dower ;
-For I can guess that by thy honest aid
-Thou keptst a wife herself , thyself a maid .
-Of that , and all the progress , more and less ,
-Resolvedly more leisure shall express :
-All yet seems well ; and if it end so meet ,
-The bitter past , more welcome is the sweet .
-
-Spoken by the The king's a beggar , now the play is done :
-All is well ended if this suit be won
-That you express content ; which we will pay ,
-With strife to please you , day exceeding day :
-Ours be your patience then , and yours our parts ;
-Your gentle hands lend us , and take our hearts .
-
-AS YOU LIKE IT
-
-As I remember , Adam , it was upon this fashion bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns , and , as thou sayest , charged my brother on his blessing , to breed me well : and there begins my sadness . My brother Jaques he keeps at school , and report speaks goldenly of his profit : for my part , he keeps me rustically at home , or , to speak more properly , stays me here at home unkept ; for call you that keeping for a gentleman of my birth , that differs not from the stalling of an ox ? His horses are bred better ; for , besides that they are fair with their feeding , they are taught their manage , and to that end riders dearly hired : but I , his brother , gain nothing under him but growth , for the which his animals on his dunghills are as much bound to him as I . Besides this nothing that he so plentifully gives me , the something that nature gave me , his countenance seems to take from me : he lets me feed with his hinds , bars me the place of a brother , and , as much as in him lies , mines my gentility with my education . This is it , Adam , that grieves me ; and the spirit of my father , which I think is within me , begins to mutiny against this servitude . I will no longer endure it , though yet I know no wise remedy how to avoid it .
-
-Yonder comes my master , your brother .
-
-Go apart , Adam , and thou shalt hear how he will shake me up .
-
-
-Now , sir ! what make you here ?
-
-Nothing : I am not taught to make anything .
-
-What mar you then , sir ?
-
-Marry , sir , I am helping you to mar that which God made , a poor unworthy brother of yours , with idleness .
-
-Marry , sir , be better employed , and be naught awhile .
-
-Shall I keep your hogs , and eat husks with them ? What prodigal portion have I spent , that I should come to such penury ?
-
-Know you where you are , sir ?
-
-O ! sir , very well : here in your orchard .
-
-Know you before whom , sir ?
-
-Ay , better than he I am before knows me . I know you are my eldest brother ; and , in the gentle condition of blood , you should so know me . The courtesy of nations allows you my better , in that you are the first-born ; but the same tradition takes not away my blood , were there twenty brothers betwixt us . I have as much of my father in me as you ; albeit , I confess , your coming before me is nearer to his reverence .
-
-What , boy !
-
-Come , come , elder brother , you are too young in this .
-
-Wilt thou lay hands on me , villain ?
-
-I am no villain ; I am the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys ; he was my father , and he is thrice a villain that says such a father begot villains . Wert thou not my brother , I would not take this hand from thy throat till this other had pulled out thy tongue for saying so : thou hast railed on thyself .
-
-Sweet masters , be patient : for your father's remembrance , be at accord .
-
-Let me go , I say .
-
-I will not , till I please : you shall hear me . My father charged you in his will to give me good education : you have trained me like a peasant , obscuring and hiding from me all gentleman-like qualities . The spirit of my father grows strong in me , and I will no longer endure it ; therefore allow me such exercises as may become a gentleman , or give me the poor allottery my father left me by testament ; with that I will go buy my fortunes .
-
-And what wilt thou do ? beg , when that is spent ? Well , sir , get you in : I will not long be troubled with you ; you shall have some part of your will : I pray you , leave me .
-
-I will no further offend you than becomes me for my good .
-
-Get you with him , you old dog .
-
-Is 'old dog' my reward ? Most true , I have lost my teeth in your service . God be with my old master ! he would not have spoke such a word .
-
-
-Is it even so ? begin you to grow upon me ? I will physic your rankness , and yet give no thousand crowns neither . Holla , Dennis !
-
-
-Calls your worship ?
-
-Was not Charles the duke's wrestler here to speak with me ?
-
-So please you , he is here at the door , and importunes access to you .
-
-Call him in .
-
-'Twill be a good way ; and to-morrow the wrestling is .
-
-
-Good morrow to your worship .
-
-Good Monsieur Charles , what's the new news at the new court ?
-
-There's no news at the court , sir , but the old news : that is , the old duke is banished by his younger brother the new duke ; and three or four loving lords have put themselves into voluntary exile with him , whose lands and revenues enrich the new duke ; therefore he gives them good leave to wander .
-
-Can you tell if Rosalind , the duke's daughter , be banished with her father ?
-
-O , no ; for the duke's daughter , her cousin , so loves her ,being ever from their cradles bred together ,that she would have followed her exile , or have died to stay behind her . She is at the court , and no less beloved of her uncle than his own daughter ; and never two ladies loved as they do .
-
-Where will the old duke live ?
-
-They say he is already in the forest of Arden , and a many merry men with him ; and there they live like the old Robin Hood of England . They say many young gentlemen flock to him every day , and fleet the time carelessly , as they did in the golden world .
-
-What , you wrestle to-morrow before the new duke ?
-
-Marry , do I , sir ; and I came to acquaint you with a matter . I am given , sir , secretly to understand that your younger brother Orlando hath a disposition to come in disguised against me to try a fall . To-morrow , sir , I wrestle for my credit , and he that escapes me without some broken limb shall acquit him well . Your brother is but young and tender ; and , for your love , I would be loath to foil him as I must , for my own honour , if he come in : therefore , out of my love to you , I came hither to acquaint you withal , that either you might stay him from his intendment , or brook such disgrace well as he shall run into , in that it is a thing of his own search and altogether against my will .
-
-Charles , I thank thee for thy love to me , which thou shalt find I will most kindly requite . I had myself notice of my brother's purpose herein , and have by underhand means laboured to dissuade him from it , but he is resolute . I'll tell thee , Charles , it is the stubbornest young fellow of France ; full of ambition , an envious emulator of every man's good parts , a secret and villanous contriver against me his natural brother : therefore use thy discretion . I had as lief thou didst break his neck as his finger . And thou wert best look to't ; for if thou dost him any slight disgrace , or if he do not mightily grace himself on thee , he will practise against thee by poison , entrap thee by some treacherous device , and never leave thee till he hath ta'en thy life by some indirect means or other ; for , I assure thee ,and almost with tears I speak it ,there is not one so young and so villanous this day living . I speak but brotherly of him ; but should I anatomize him to thee as he is , I must blush and weep , and thou must look pale and wonder .
-
-I am heartily glad I came hither to you . If he come to-morrow , I'll give him his payment : if ever he go alone again , I'll never wrestle for prize more ; and so God keep your worship !
-
-
-Farewell , good Charles . Now will I stir this gamester . I hope I shall see an end of him ; for my soul , yet I know not why , hates nothing more than he . Yet he's gentle , never schooled and yet learned , full of noble device , of all sorts enchantingly beloved , and , indeed so much in the heart of the world , and especially of my own people , who best know him , that I am altogether misprised . But it shall not be so long ; this wrestler shall clear all : nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither , which now I'll go about .
-
-I pray thee , Rosalind , sweet my coz , be merry .
-
-Dear Celia , I show more mirth than I am mistress of , and would you yet I were merrier ? Unless you could teach me to forget a banished father , you must not learn me how to remember any extraordinary pleasure .
-
-Herein I see thou lovest me not with the full weight that I love thee . If my uncle , thy banished father , had banished thy uncle , the duke my father , so thou hadst been still with me , I could have taught my love to take thy father for mine : so wouldst thou , if the truth of thy love to me were so righteously tempered as mine is to thee .
-
-Well , I will forget the condition of my estate , to rejoice in yours .
-
-You know my father hath no child but I , nor none is like to have ; and , truly , when he dies , thou shalt be his heir : for what he hath taken away from thy father perforce , I will render thee again in affection ; by mine honour , I will ; and when I break that oath , let me turn monster . Therefore , my sweet Rose , my dear Rose , be merry .
-
-From henceforth I will , coz , and devise sports . Let me see ; what think you of falling in love ?
-
-Marry , I prithee , do , to make sport withal : but love no man in good earnest ; nor no further in sport neither , than with safety of a pure blush thou mayst in honour come off again .
-
-What shall be our sport then ?
-
-Let us sit and mock the good housewife Fortune from her wheel , that her gifts may henceforth be bestowed equally .
-
-I would we could do so , for her benefits are mightily misplaced , and the bountiful blind woman doth most mistake in her gifts to women .
-
-'Tis true ; for those that she makes fair she scarce makes honest , and those that she makes honest she makes very ill-favouredly .
-
-Nay , now thou goest from Fortune's office to Nature's : Fortune reigns in gifts of the world , not in the lineaments of Nature .
-
-
-No ? when Nature hath made a fair creature , may she not by Fortune fall into the fire ? Though Nature hath given us wit to flout at Fortune , hath not Fortune sent in this fool to cut off the argument ?
-
-Indeed , there is Fortune too hard for Nature , when Fortune makes Nature's natural the cutter-off of Nature's wit .
-
-Peradventure this is not Fortune's work neither , but Nature's ; who , perceiving our natural wits too dull to reason of such goddesses , hath sent this natural for our whetstone : for always the dulness of the fool is the whetstone of the wits . How now , wit ! whither wander you ?
-
-Mistress , you must come away to your father .
-
-Were you made the messenger ?
-
-No , by mine honour ; but I was bid to come for you .
-
-Where learned you that oath , fool ?
-
-Of a certain knight that swore by his honour they were good pancakes , and swore by his honour the mustard was naught : now , I'll stand to it , the pancakes were naught and the mustard was good , and yet was not the knight forsworn .
-
-How prove you that , in the great heap of your knowledge ?
-
-Ay , marry : now unmuzzle your wisdom .
-
-Stand you both forth now : stroke your chins , and swear by your beards that I am a knave .
-
-By our beards , if we had them , thou art .
-
-By my knavery , if I had it , then I were ; but if you swear by that that is not , you are not forsworn : no more was this knight , swearing by his honour , for he never had any ; or if he had , he had sworn it away before ever he saw those pancakes or that mustard .
-
-Prithee , who is't that thou meanest ?
-
-One that old Frederick , your father , loves .
-
-My father's love is enough to honour him . Enough ! speak no more of him ; you'll be whipped for taxation one of these days .
-
-The more pity , that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly .
-
-By my troth , thou sayest true ; for since the little wit that fools have was silenced , the little foolery that wise men have makes a great show . Here comes Monsieur Le Beau .
-
-With his mouth full of news .
-
-Which he will put on us , as pigeons feed their young .
-
-Then we shall be news-cramm'd .
-
-All the better ; we shall be more marketable .
-
-Bon jour , Monsieur Le Beau : what's the news ?
-
-Fair princess , you have lost much good sport .
-
-Sport ! Of what colour ?
-
-What colour , madam ! How shall
-I answer you ?
-
-As wit and fortune will .
-
-Or as the Destinies decree .
-
-Well said : that was laid on with a trowel .
-
-Nay , if I keep not my rank ,
-
-Thou losest thy old smell .
-
-You amaze me , ladies : I would have told you of good wrestling , which you have lost the sight of .
-
-Yet tell us the manner of the wrestling .
-
-I will tell you the beginning ; and , if it please your ladyships , you may see the end , for the best is yet to do ; and here , where you are , they are coming to perform it .
-
-Well , the beginning , that is dead and buried .
-
-There comes an old man and his three sons ,
-
-I could match this beginning with an old tale .
-
-Three proper young men , of excellent growth and presence ;
-
-With bills on their necks , 'Be it known unto all men by these presents .'
-
-The eldest of the three wrestled with Charles , the duke's wrestler ; which Charles in a moment threw him and broke three of his ribs , that there is little hope of life in him : so he served the second , and so the third . Yonder they lie ; the poor old man , their father , making such pitiful dole over them that all the beholders take his part with weeping .
-
-Alas !
-
-But what is the sport , monsieur , that the ladies have lost ?
-
-Why , this that I speak of .
-
-Thus men may grow wiser every day : it is the first time that ever I heard breaking of ribs was sport for ladies .
-
-Or I , I promise thee .
-
-But is there any else longs to feel this broken music in his sides ? is there yet another dotes upon rib-breaking ? Shall we see this wrestling , cousin ?
-
-You must , if you stay here ; for here is the place appointed for the wrestling , and they are ready to perform it .
-
-Yonder , sure , they are coming : let us now stay and see it .
-
-
-Come on : since the youth will not be entreated , his own peril on his forwardness .
-
-Is yonder the man ?
-
-Even he , madam .
-
-Alas ! he is too young : yet he looks successfully .
-
-How now , daughter and cousin ! are you crept hither to see the wrestling ?
-
-Ay , my liege , so please you give us leave .
-
-You will take little delight in it , I can tell you , there is such odds in the man : in pity of the challenger's youth I would fam dissuade him , but he will not be entreated . Speak to him , ladies ; see if you can move him .
-
-Call him hither , good Monsieur le Beau .
-
-Do so : I'll not be by .
-
-
-Monsieur the challenger , the princes call for you .
-
-I attend them with all respect and duty .
-
-Young man , have you challenged Charles the wrestler ?
-
-No , fair princess ; he is the general challenger : I come but in , as others do , to try with him the strength of my youth .
-
-Young gentleman , your spirits are too bold for your years . You have seen cruel proof of this man's strength : if you saw yourself with your eyes or knew yourself with your judgment , the fear of your adventure would counsel you to a more equal enterprise . We pray you , for your own sake , to embrace your own safety and give over this attempt .
-
-Do , young sir : your reputation shall not therefore be misprised . We will make it our suit to the duke that the wrestling might not go forward .
-
-I beseech you , punish me not with your hard thoughts , wherein I confess me much guilty , to deny so fair and excellent ladies anything . But let your fair eyes and gentle wishes go with me to my trial : wherein if I be foiled , there is but one shamed that was never gracious ; if killed , but one dead that is willing to be so . I shall do my friends no wrong , for I have none to lament me ; the world no injury , for in it I have nothing ; only in the world I fill up a place , which may be better supplied when I have made it empty .
-
-The little strength that I have , I would it were with you .
-
-And mine , to eke out hers .
-
-Fare you well . Pray heaven I be deceived in you !
-
-Your heart's desires be with you !
-
-Come , where is this young gallant that is so desirous to lie with his mother earth ?
-
-Ready , sir ; but his will hath in it a more modest working .
-
-You shall try but one fall .
-
-No , I warrant your Grace , you shall not entreat him to a second , that have so mightily persuaded him from a first .
-
-You mean to mock me after ; you should not have mocked me before : but come your ways .
-
-Now Hercules be thy speed , young man !
-
-I would I were invisible , to catch the strong fellow by the leg .
-
-
-O excellent young man !
-
-If I had a thunderbolt in mine eye , I can tell who should down .
-
-
-No more , no more .
-
-Yes , I beseech your Grace : I am not yet well breathed .
-
-How dost thou , Charles ?
-
-He cannot speak , my lord .
-
-Bear him away . What is thy name , young man ?
-
-
-Orlando , my liege ; the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys .
-
-I would thou hadst been son to some man else :
-The world esteem'd thy father honourable ,
-But I did find him still mine enemy :
-Thou shouldst have better pleas'd me with this deed ,
-Hadst thou descended from another house .
-But fare thee well ; thou art a gallant youth :
-I would thou hadst told me of another father .
-
-
-Were I my father , coz , would I do this ?
-
-I am more proud to be Sir Rowland's son ,
-His youngest son ; and would not change that calling ,
-To be adopted heir to Frederick .
-
-My father lov'd Sir Rowland as his soul ,
-And all the world was of my father's mind :
-Had I before known this young man his son ,
-I should have given him tears unto entreaties ,
-Ere he should thus have ventur'd .
-
-Gentle cousin ,
-Let us go thank him and encourage him :
-My father's rough and envious disposition
-Sticks me at heart . Sir , you have well deserv'd :
-If you do keep your promises in love
-But justly , as you have exceeded all promise ,
-Your mistress shall be happy .
-
-Gentleman ,
-
-Wear this for me , one out of suits with fortune ,
-That could give more , but that her hand lacks means .
-Shall we go , coz ?
-
-Ay . Fare you well , fair gentleman .
-
-Can I not say , I thank you ? My better parts
-Are all thrown down , and that which here stands up
-Is but a quintain , a mere lifeless block .
-
-He calls us back : my pride fell with my fortunes ;
-I'll ask him what he would . Did you call , sir ?
-Sir , you have wrestled well , and overthrown
-More than your enemies .
-
-Will you go , coz ?
-
-Have with you . Fare you well .
-
-
-What passion hangs these weights upon my tongue ?
-I cannot speak to her , yet she urg'd conference .
-O poor Orlando , thou art overthrown !
-Or Charles or something weaker masters thee .
-
-
-Good sir , I do in friendship counsel you
-To leave this place . Albeit you have deserv'd
-High commendation , true applause and love ,
-Yet such is now the duke's condition
-That he misconstrues all that you have done .
-The duke is humorous : what he is indeed ,
-More suits you to conceive than I to speak of .
-
-I thank you , sir ; and pray you , tell me this ;
-Which of the two was daughter of the duke ,
-That here was at the wrestling ?
-
-Neither his daughter , if we judge by manners :
-But yet , indeed the smaller is his daughter :
-The other is daughter to the banish'd duke ,
-And here detain'd by her usurping uncle ,
-To keep his daughter company ; whose loves
-Are dearer than the natural bond of sisters .
-But I can tell you that of late this duke
-Hath ta'en displeasure 'gainst his gentle niece ,
-Grounded upon no other argument
-But that the people praise her for her virtues ,
-And pity her for her good father's sake ;
-And , on my life , his malice 'gainst the lady
-Will suddenly break forth . Sir , fare you well :
-Hereafter , in a better world than this ,
-I shall desire more love and knowledge of you .
-
-I rest much bounden to you : fare you well .
-
-Thus must I from the smoke into the smother ;
-From tyrant duke unto a tyrant brother .
-But heavenly Rosalind !
-
-
-Why , cousin ! why , Rosalind ! Cupid have mercy ! Not a word ?
-
-Not one to throw at a dog .
-
-No , thy words are too precious to be cast away upon curs ; throw some of them at me ; come , lame me with reasons .
-
-Then there were two cousins laid up ; when the one should be lamed with reasons and the other mad without any .
-
-But is all this for your father ?
-
-No , some of it is for my child's father :
-O , how full of briers is this working-day world !
-
-They are but burrs , cousin , thrown upon thee in holiday foolery : if we walk not in the trodden paths , our very petticoats will catch them .
-
-I could shake them off my coat : these burrs are in my heart .
-
-Hem them away .
-
-I would try , if I could cry 'hem ,' and have him .
-
-Come , come ; wrestle with thy affections .
-
-O ! they take the part of a better wrestler than myself !
-
-O , a good wish upon you ! you will try in time , in despite of a fall . But , turning these jests out of service , let us talk in good earnest : is it possible , on such a sudden , you should fall into so strong a liking with old Sir Rowland's youngest son ?
-
-The duke my father loved his father dearly .
-
-Doth it therefore ensue that you should love his son dearly ? By this kind of chase , I should hate him , for my father hated his father dearly ; yet I hate not Orlando .
-
-No , faith , hate him not , for my sake .
-
-Why should I not ? doth he not deserve well ?
-
-Let me love him for that ; and do you love him , because I do . Look , here comes the duke .
-
-With his eyes full of anger .
-
-
-Mistress , dispatch you with your safest haste ,
-And get you from our court .
-
-Me , uncle ?
-
-You , cousin :
-Within these ten days if that thou be'st found
-So near our public court as twenty miles ,
-Thou diest for it .
-
-I do beseech your Grace ,
-Let me the knowledge of my fault bear with me .
-If with myself I hold intelligence ,
-Or have acquaintance with mine own desires ,
-If that I do not dream or be not frantic ,
-As I do trust I am not ,then , dear uncle ,
-Never so much as in a thought unborn
-Did I offend your highness .
-
-Thus do all traitors :
-If their purgation did consist in words ,
-They are as innocent as grace itself :
-Let it suffice thee that I trust thee not .
-
-Yet your mistrust cannot make me a traitor :
-Tell me whereon the likelihood depends .
-
-Thou art thy father's daughter ; there's enough .
-
-So was I when your highness took his dukedom ;
-So was I when your highness banish'd him .
-Treason is not inherited , my lord ;
-Or , if we did derive it from our friends ,
-What's that to me ? my father was no traitor :
-Then , good my liege , mistake me not so much
-To think my poverty is treacherous .
-
-Dear sovereign , hear me speak .
-
-Ay , Celia ; we stay'd her for your sake ;
-Else had she with her father rang'd along .
-
-I did not then entreat to have her stay :
-It was your pleasure and your own remorse .
-I was too young that time to value her ;
-But now I know her : if she be a traitor ,
-Why so am I ; we still have slept together ,
-Rose at an instant , learn'd , play'd , eat together ;
-And wheresoe'er we went , like Juno's swans ,
-Still we went coupled and inseparable .
-
-She is too subtle for thee ; and her smoothness ,
-Her very silence and her patience ,
-Speak to the people , and they pity her .
-Thou art a fool : she robs thee of thy name ;
-And thou wilt show more bright and seem more virtuous
-When she is gone . Then open not thy lips :
-Firm and irrevocable is my doom
-Which I have pass'd upon her ; she is banish'd .
-
-Pronounce that sentence then , on me , my liege :
-I cannot live out of her company .
-
-You are a fool . You , niece , provide yourself :
-If you outstay the time , upon mine honour ,
-And in the greatness of my word , you die .
-
-
-O my poor Rosalind ! whither wilt thou go ?
-Wilt thou change fathers ? I will give thee mine .
-I charge thee , be not thou more griev'd than I am .
-
-I have more cause .
-
-Thou hast not , cousin ;
-Prithee , be cheerful ; know'st thou not , the duke
-Hath banish'd me , his daughter ?
-
-That he hath not .
-
-No , hath not ? Rosalind lacks then the love
-Which teacheth thee that thou and I am one :
-Shall we be sunder'd ? shall we part , sweet girl ?
-No : let my father seek another heir .
-Therefore devise with me how we may fly ,
-Whither to go , and what to bear with us :
-And do not seek to take your change upon you ,
-To bear your griefs yourself and leave me out ;
-For , by this heaven , now at our sorrows pale ,
-Say what thou canst , I'll go along with thee .
-
-Why , whither shall we go ?
-
-To seek my uncle in the forest of Arden .
-
-Alas , what danger will it be to us ,
-Maids as we are , to travel forth so far !
-Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold .
-
-I'll put myself in poor and mean attire ,
-And with a kind of umber smirch my face ;
-The like do you : so shall we pass along
-And never stir assailants .
-
-Were it not better ,
-Because that I am more than common tall ,
-That I did suit me all points like a man ?
-A gallant curtle-axe upon my thigh ,
-A boar-spear in my hand ; and ,in my heart
-Lie there what hidden woman's fear there will ,
-We'll have a swashing and a martial outside ,
-As many other mannish cowards have
-That do outface it with their semblances .
-
-What shall I call thee when thou art a man ?
-
-I'll have no worse a name than Jove's own page ,
-And therefore look you call me Ganymede .
-But what will you be call'd ?
-
-Something that hath a reference to my state :
-No longer Celia , but Aliena .
-
-But , cousin , what if we assay'd to steal
-The clownish fool out of your father's court ?
-Would he not be a comfort to our travel ?
-
-He'll go along o'er the wide world with me ;
-Leave me alone to woo him . Let's away ,
-And get our jewels and our wealth together ,
-Devise the fittest time and safest way
-To hide us from pursuit that will be made
-After my flight . Now go we in content
-To liberty and not to banishment .
-
-Now , my co-mates and brothers in exile ,
-Hath not old custom made this life more sweet
-Than that of painted pomp ? Are not these woods
-More free from peril than the envious court ?
-Here feel we but the penalty of Adam ,
-The seasons' difference ; as , the icy fang
-And churlish chiding of the winter's wind ,
-Which , when it bites and blows upon my body ,
-Even till I shrink with cold , I smile and say
-'This is no flattery : these are counsellors
-That feelingly persuade me what I am .'
-Sweet are the uses of adversity ,
-Which like the toad , ugly and venomous ,
-Wears yet a precious jewel in his head ;
-And this our life exempt from public haunt ,
-Finds tongues in trees , books in the running brooks ,
-Sermons in stones , and good in every thing .
-I would not change it .
-
-Happy is your Grace ,
-That can translate the stubbornness of fortune
-Into so quiet and so sweet a style .
-
-Come , shall we go and kill us venison ?
-And yet it irks me , the poor dappled fools ,
-Being native burghers of this desert city ,
-Should in their own confines with forked heads
-Have their round haunches gor'd .
-
-Indeed , my lord ,
-The melancholy Jaques grieves at that ;
-And , in that kind , swears you do more usurp
-Than doth your brother that hath banish'd you .
-To-day my Lord of Amiens and myself
-Did steal behind him as he lay along
-Under an oak whose antique root peeps out
-Upon the brook that brawls along this wood ;
-To the which place a poor sequester'd stag ,
-That from the hunters' aim had ta'en a hurt ,
-Did come to languish ; and , indeed , my lord ,
-The wretched animal heav'd forth such groans
-That their discharge did stretch his leathern coat
-Almost to bursting , and the big round tears
-Cours'd one another down his innocent nose
-In piteous chase ; and thus the hairy fool ,
-Much marked of the melancholy Jaques ,
-Stood on the extremest verge of the swift brook ,
-Augmenting it with tears .
-
-But what said Jaques ?
-Did he not moralize this spectacle ?
-
-O , yes , into a thousand similes .
-First , for his weeping into the needless stream ;
-'Poor deer ,' quoth he , 'thou mak'st a testament
-As worldlings do , giving thy sum of more
-To that which had too much :' then , being there alone ,
-Left and abandon'd of his velvet friends ;
-''Tis right ,' quoth he ; 'thus misery doth part
-The flux of company :' anon , a careless herd ,
-Full of the pasture , jumps along by him
-And never stays to greet him ; 'Ay ,' quoth Jaques ,
-'Sweep on , you fat and greasy citizens ;
-'Tis just the fashion ; wherefore do you look
-Upon that poor and broken bankrupt there ?'
-Thus most invectively he pierceth through
-The body of the country , city , court ,
-Yea , and of this our life ; swearing that we
-Are mere usurpers , tyrants , and what's worse ,
-To fright the animals and to kill them up
-In their assign'd and native dwelling-place .
-
-And did you leave him in this contemplation ?
-
-We did , my lord , weeping and commenting
-Upon the sobbing deer .
-
-Show me the place .
-I love to cope him in these sullen fits ,
-For then he's full of matter .
-
-I'll bring you to him straight .
-
-
-Can it be possible that no man saw them ?
-It cannot be : some villains of my court
-Are of consent and sufferance in this .
-
-I cannot hear of any that did see her .
-The ladies , her attendants of her chamber ,
-Saw her a-bed ; and , in the morning early
-They found the bed untreasur'd of their mistress .
-
-My lord , the roynish clown , at whom so oft
-Your Grace was wont to laugh , is also missing .
-Hisperia , the princess' gentlewoman ,
-Confesses that she secretly o'erheard
-Your daughter and her cousin much commend
-The parts and graces of the wrestler
-That did but lately foil the sinewy Charles ;
-And she believes , wherever they are gone ,
-That youth is surely in their company .
-
-Send to his brother ; fetch that gallant hither ;
-If he be absent , bring his brother to me ;
-I'll make him find him . Do this suddenly ,
-And let not search and inquisition quail
-To bring again these foolish runaways .
-
-
-Who's there ?
-
-What ! my young master ? O my gentle master !
-O my sweet master ! O you memory
-Of old Sir Rowland ! why , what make you here ?
-Why are you virtuous ? Why do people love you ?
-And wherefore are you gentle , strong , and valiant ?
-Why would you be so fond to overcome
-The bony priser of the humorous duke ?
-Your praise is come too swiftly home before you .
-Know you not , master , to some kind of men
-Their graces serve them but as enemies ?
-No more do yours : your virtues , gentle master ,
-Are sanctified and holy traitors to you .
-O , what a world is this , when what is comely
-Envenoms him that bears it !
-
-Why , what's the matter ?
-
-O unhappy youth !
-Come not within these doors ; within this roof
-The enemy of all your graces lives .
-Your brother ,no , no brother ; yet the son ,
-Yet not the son , I will not call him son
-Of him I was about to call his father ,
-Hath heard your praises , and this night he means
-To burn the lodging where you use to lie ,
-And you within it : if he fail of that ,
-He will have other means to cut you off .
-I overheard him and his practices .
-This is no place ; this house is but a butchery :
-Abhor it , fear it , do not enter it .
-
-Why , whither , Adam , wouldst thou have me go ?
-
-No matter whither , so you come not here .
-
-What ! wouldst thou have me go and beg my food ?
-Or with a base and boisterous sword enforce
-A thievish living on the common road ?
-This I must do , or know not what to do :
-Yet this I will not do , do how I can ;
-I rather will subject me to the malice
-Of a diverted blood and bloody brother .
-
-But do not so . I have five hundred crowns ,
-The thrifty hire I sav'd under your father ,
-Which I did store to be my foster-nurse
-When service should in my old limbs lie lame ,
-And unregarded age in corners thrown .
-Take that ; and He that doth the ravens feed ,
-Yea , providently caters for the sparrow ,
-Be comfort to my age ! Here is the gold ;
-All this I give you . Let me be your servant :
-Though I look old , yet I am strong and lusty ;
-For in my youth I never did apply
-Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood ,
-Nor did not with unbashful forehead woo
-The means of weakness and debility ;
-Therefore my age is as a lusty winter ,
-Frosty , but kindly . Let me go with you ;
-I'll do the service of a younger man
-In all your business and necessities .
-
-O good old man ! how well in thee appears
-The constant service of the antique world ,
-When service sweat for duty , not for meed !
-Thou art not for the fashion of these times ,
-Where none will sweat but for promotion ,
-And having that , do choke their service up
-Even with the having : it is not so with thee .
-But , poor old man , thou prun'st a rotten tree ,
-That cannot so much as a blossom yield ,
-In lieu of all thy pains and husbandry .
-But come thy ways , we'll go along together ,
-And ere we have thy youthful wages spent ,
-We'll light upon some settled low content .
-
-Master , go on , and I will follow thee
-To the last gasp with truth and loyalty .
-From seventeen years till now almost fourscore
-Here lived I , but now live here no more .
-At seventeen years many their fortunes seek ;
-But at fourscore it is too late a week :
-Yet fortune cannot recompense me better
-Than to die well and not my master's debtor .
-
-
-O Jupiter ! how weary are my spirits .
-
-I care not for my spirits if my legs were not weary .
-
-I could find it in my heart to disgrace my man's apparel and to cry like a woman ; but I must comfort the weaker vessel , as doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat : therefore , courage , good Aliena .
-
-I pray you , bear with me : I cannot go no further .
-
-For my part , I had rather bear with you than bear you ; yet I should bear no cross if I did bear you , for I think you have no money in your purse .
-
-Well , this is the forest of Arden .
-
-Ay , now am I in Arden ; the more fool I : when I was at home , I was in a better place : but travellers must be content .
-
-Ay , be so , good Touchstone . Look you , who comes here ; a young man and an old in solemn talk .
-
-
-That is the way to make her scorn you still .
-
-O Corin , that thou knew'st how I do love her !
-
-I partly guess , for I have lov'd ere now .
-
-No , Corin ; being old , thou canst not guess ,
-Though in thy youth thou wast as true a lover
-As ever sigh'd upon a midnight pillow :
-But if thy love were ever like to mine ,
-As sure I think did never man love so ,
-How many actions most ridiculous
-Hast thou been drawn to by thy fantasy ?
-
-Into a thousand that I have forgotten .
-
-O ! thou didst then ne'er love so heartily .
-If thou remember'st not the slightest folly
-That ever love did make thee run into ,
-Thou hast not lov'd :
-Or if thou hast not sat as I do now ,
-Wearing thy hearer with thy mistress' praise ,
-Thou hast not lov'd :
-Or if thou hast not broke from company
-Abruptly , as my passion now makes me ,
-Thou hast not lov'd . O Phebe , Phebe , Phebe !
-
-
-Alas , poor shepherd ! searching of thy wound ,
-I have by hard adventure found mine own .
-
-And I mine . I remember , when I was in love I broke my sword upon a stone , and bid him take that for coming a-night to Jane Smile ; and I remember the kissing of her batler , and the cow's dugs that her pretty chopped hands had milked ; and I remember the wooing of a peascod instead of her , from whom I took two cods , and giving her them again , said with weeping tears , 'Wear these for my sake .' We that are true lovers run into strange capers ; but as all is mortal in nature , so is all nature in love mortal in folly .
-
-Thou speakest wiser than thou art ware of .
-
-Nay , I shall ne'er be ware of mine own wit till I break my shins against it .
-
-Jove , Jove ! this shepherd's passion
-Is much upon my fashion .
-
-And mine ; but it grows something stale with me .
-
-I pray you , one of you question yond man ,
-If he for gold will give us any food :
-I faint almost to death .
-
-Holla , you clown !
-
-Peace , fool : he's not thy kinsman .
-
-Who calls ?
-
-Your betters , sir .
-
-Else are they very wretched .
-
-Peace , I say . Good even to you , friend .
-
-And to you , gentle sir , and to you all .
-
-I prithee , shepherd , if that love or gold
-Can in this desert place buy entertainment ,
-Bring us where we may rest ourselves and feed .
-Here's a young maid with travel much oppress'd ,
-And faints for succour .
-
-Fair sir , I pity her ,
-And wish , for her sake more than for mine own ,
-My fortunes were more able to relieve her ;
-But I am shepherd to another man ,
-And do not shear the fleeces that I graze :
-My master is of churlish disposition
-And little recks to find the way to heaven
-By doing deeds of hospitality .
-Besides , his cote , his flocks , and bounds of feed
-Are now on sale ; and at our sheepcote now ,
-By reason of his absence , there is nothing
-That you will feed on ; but what is , come see ,
-And in my voice most welcome shall you be .
-
-What is he that shall buy his flock and pasture ?
-
-That young swain that you saw here but erewhile ,
-That little cares for buying anything .
-
-I pray thee , if it stand with honesty ,
-Buy thou the cottage , pasture , and the flock ,
-And thou shalt have to pay for it of us .
-
-And we will mend thy wages . I like this place ,
-And willingly could waste my time in it .
-
-Assuredly the thing is to be sold :
-Go with me : if you like upon report
-The soil , the profit , and this kind of life ,
-I will your very faithful feeder be ,
-And buy it with your gold right suddenly .
-
-
-Under the greenwood tree
-Who loves to lie with me ,
-And turn his merry note
-Unto the sweet bird's throat ,
-Come hither , come hither , come hither :
-Here shall he see
-No enemy
-But winter and rough weather .
-
-More , more , I prithee , more .
-
-It will make you melancholy , Monsieur Jaques .
-
-I thank it . More ! I prithee , more . I can suck melancholy out of a song as a weasel sucks eggs . More ! I prithee , more .
-
-My voice is ragged ; I know I cannot please you .
-
-I do not desire you to please me ; I do desire you to sing . Come , more ; another stanzo : call you them stanzos ?
-
-What you will , Monsieur Jaques .
-
-Nay , I care not for their names ; they owe me nothing . Will you sing ?
-
-More at your request than to please myself .
-
-Well then , if ever I thank any man , I'll thank you : but that they call compliment is like the encounter of two dog-apes , and when a man thanks me heartily , methinks I have given him a penny and he renders me the beggarly thanks . Come , sing ; and you that will not , hold your tongues .
-
-Well , I'll end the song . Sirs , cover the while ; the duke will drink under this tree . He hath been all this day to look you .
-
-And I have been all this day to avoid him . He is too disputable for my company : I think of as many matters as he , but I give heaven thanks , and make no boast of them . Come , warble ; come .
-
-Who doth ambition shun ,
-
-And loves to live i' the sun ,
-Secking the food he eats ,
-And pleas'd with what he gets .
-Come hither , come hither , come hither :
-Here shall he see
-No enemy
-But winter and rough weather .
-
-I'll give you a verse to this note , that I made yesterday in despite of my invention .
-
-And I'll sing it .
-
-Thus it goes :
-
-If it do come to pass
-That any man turn ass ,
-Leaving his wealth and ease ,
-A stubborn will to please ,
-Ducdame , ducdame , ducdame :
-Here shall he see
-Gross fools as he ,
-An if he will come to me .
-
-
-What's that 'ducdame ?'
-
-'Tis a Greek invocation to call fools into a circle . I'll go sleep if I can ; if I cannot , I'll rail against all the first-born of Egypt .
-
-And I'll go seek the duke : his banquet is prepared .
-
-
-Dear master , I can go no further : O ! I die for food . Here lie I down , and measure out my grave . Farewell , kind master .
-
-Why , how now , Adam ! no greater heart in thee ? Live a little ; comfort a little ; cheer thyself a little . If this uncouth forest yield anything savage , I will either be food for it , or bring it for food to thee . Thy conceit is nearer death than thy powers . For my sake be comfortable , hold death awhile at the arm's end , I will here be with thee presently , and if I bring thee not something to eat , I will give thee leave to die ; but if thou diest before I come , thou art a mocker of my labour . Well said ! thou lookest cheerly , and I'll be with thee quickly . Yet thou liest in the bleak air : come I will bear thee to some shelter , and thou shalt not die for lack of a dinner , if there live anything in this desert . Cheerly , good Adam .
-
-
-I think he be transform'd into a beast ,
-For I can nowhere find him like a man .
-
-My lord , he is but even now gone hence :
-Here was he merry , hearing of a song .
-
-If he , compact of jars , grow musical ,
-We shall have shortly discord in the spheres .
-Go , seek him : tell him I would speak with him .
-
-He saves my labour by his own approach .
-
-
-Why , how now , monsieur ! what a life is this ,
-That your poor friends must woo your company ?
-What , you look merrily !
-
-A fool , a fool ! I met a fool i' the forest ,
-A motley fool ; a miserable world !
-As I do live by food , I met a fool ;
-Who laid him down and bask'd him in the sun ,
-And rail'd on Lady Fortune in good terms ,
-In good set terms , and yet a motley fool .
-'Good morrow , fool ,' quoth I . 'No , sir ,' quoth he ,
-'Call me not fool till heaven hath sent me fortune .'
-And then he drew a dial from his poke ,
-And , looking on it with lack-lustre eye ,
-Says very wisely , 'It is ten o'clock ;
-Thus may we see ,' quoth he , 'how the world wags :
-'Tis but an hour ago since it was nine ,
-And after one hour more 'twill be eleven ;
-And so , from hour to hour we ripe and ripe ,
-And then from hour to hour we rot and rot ,
-And thereby hangs a tale .' When I did hear
-The motley fool thus moral on the time ,
-My lungs began to crow like chanticleer ,
-That fools should be so deep-contemplative ,
-And I did laugh sans intermission
-An hour by his dial . O noble fool !
-A worthy fool ! Motley's the only wear .
-
-What fool is this ?
-
-O worthy fool ! One that hath been a courtier ,
-And says , if ladies be but young and fair ,
-They have the gift to know it ; and in his brain ,
-Which is as dry as the remainder biscuit
-After a voyage ,he hath strange places cramm'd
-With observation , the which he vents
-In mangled forms . O that I were a fool !
-I am ambitious for a motley coat .
-
-Thou shalt have one .
-
-It is my only suit ;
-Provided that you weed your better judgments
-Of all opinion that grows rank in them
-That I am wise . I must have liberty
-Withal , as large a charter as the wind ,
-To blow on whom I please ; for so fools have :
-And they that are most galled with my folly ,
-They most must laugh . And why , sir , must they so ?
-The 'why' is plain as way to parish church :
-He that a fool doth very wisely hit
-Doth very foolishly , although he smart ,
-Not to seem senseless of the bob ; if not ,
-The wise man's folly is anatomiz'd
-Even by the squandering glances of the fool .
-Invest me in my motley ; give me leave
-To speak my mind , and I will through and through
-Cleanse the foul body of th' infected world ,
-If they will patiently receive my medicine .
-
-Fie on thee ! I can tell what thou wouldst do .
-
-What , for a counter , would I do , but good ?
-
-Most mischievous foul sin , in chiding sin :
-For thou thyself hast been a libertine ,
-As sensual as the brutish sting itself ;
-And all the embossed sores and headed evils ,
-That thou with licence of free foot hast caught ,
-Wouldst thou disgorge into the general world .
-
-Why , who cries out on pride ,
-That can therein tax any private party ?
-Doth it not flow as hugely as the sea ,
-Till that the weary very means do ebb ?
-What woman in the city do I name ,
-When that I say the city-woman bears
-The cost of princes on unworthy shoulders ?
-Who can come in and say that I mean her ,
-When such a one as she such is her neighbour ?
-Or what is he of basest function ,
-That says his bravery is not on my cost ,
-Thinking that I mean him ,but therein suits
-His folly to the mettle of my speech ?
-There then ; how then ? what then ? Let me see wherein
-My tongue hath wrong'd him : if it do him right ,
-Then he hath wrong'd himself ; if he be free ,
-Why then , my taxing like a wild goose flies ,
-Unclaim'd of any man . But who comes here ?
-
-
-Forbear , and eat no more .
-
-Why , I have eat none yet .
-
-Nor shalt not , till necessity be serv'd .
-
-Of what kind should this cock come of ?
-
-Art thou thus bolden'd , man , by thy distress ,
-Or else a rude despiser of good manners ,
-That in civility thou seem'st so empty ?
-
-You touch'd my vein at first : the thorny point
-Of bare distress hath ta'en from me the show
-Of smooth civility ; yet I am inland bred
-And know some nurture . But forbear , I say :
-He dies that touches any of this fruit
-Till I and my affairs are answered .
-
-An you will not be answered with reason ,
-I must die .
-
-What would you have ? Your gentleness shall force
-More than your force move us to gentleness .
-
-I almost die for food ; and let me have it .
-
-Sit down and feed , and welcome to our table .
-
-Speak you so gently ? Pardon me , I pray you :
-I thought that all things had been savage here ,
-And therefore put I on the countenance
-Of stern commandment . But whate'er you are
-That in this desert inaccessible ,
-Under the shade of melancholy boughs ,
-Lose and neglect the creeping hours of time ;
-If ever you have look'd on better days ,
-If ever been where bells have knoll'd to church ,
-If ever sat at any good man's feast ,
-If ever from your eyelids wip'd a tear ,
-And know what 'tis to pity , and be pitied ,
-Let gentleness my strong enforcement be :
-In the which hope I blush , and hide my sword .
-
-True is it that we have seen better days ,
-And have with holy bell been knoll'd to church ,
-And sat at good men's feasts , and wip'd our eyes
-Of drops that sacred pity hath engender'd ;
-And therefore sit you down in gentleness
-And take upon command what help we have
-That to your wanting may be minister'd .
-
-Then but forbear your food a little while ,
-Whiles , like a doe , I go to find my fawn
-And give it food . There is an old poor man ,
-Who after me hath many a weary step
-Limp'd in pure love : till he be first suffic'd ,
-Oppress'd with two weak evils , age and hunger ,
-I will not touch a bit .
-
-Go find him out ,
-And we will nothing waste till you return .
-
-I thank ye ; and be bless'd for your good comfort !
-
-
-Thou seest we are not all alone unhappy :
-This wide and universal theatre
-Presents more woful pageants than the scene
-Wherein we play in .
-
-All the world's a stage ,
-And all the men and women merely players :
-They have their exits and their entrances ;
-And one man in his time plays many parts ,
-His acts being seven ages . At first the infant ,
-Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms .
-And then the whining school-boy , with his satchel ,
-And shining morning face , creeping like snail
-Unwillingly to school . And then the lover ,
-Sighing like furnace , with a woful ballad
-Made to his mistress' eyebrow . Then a soldier ,
-Full of strange oaths , and bearded like the pard ,
-Jealous in honour , sudden and quick in quarrel ,
-Seeking the bubble reputation
-Even in the cannon's mouth . And then the justice ,
-In fair round belly with good capon lin'd ,
-With eyes severe , and beard of formal cut ,
-Full of wise saws and modern instances ;
-And so he plays his part . The sixth age shifts
-Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon ,
-With spectacles on nose and pouch on side ,
-His youthful hose well sav'd , a world too wide
-For his shrunk shank ; and his big manly voice ,
-Turning again toward childish treble , pipes
-And whistles in his sound . Last scene of all ,
-That ends this strange eventful history ,
-Is second childishness and mere oblivion ,
-Sans teeth , sans eyes , sans taste , sans everything .
-
-
-Welcome . Set down your venerable burden ,
-And let him feed .
-
-I thank you most for him .
-
-So had you need :
-I scarce can speak to thank you for myself .
-
-Welcome ; fall to : I will not trouble you
-As yet , to question you about your fortunes .
-Give us some music ; and , good cousin , sing .
-
-Blow , blow , thou winter wind ,
-Thou art not so unkind
-As man's ingratitude ;
-Thy tooth is not so keen ,
-Because thou art not seen ,
-Although thy breath be rude .
-Heigh-ho ! sing , heigh-ho ! unto the green holly :
-Most friendship is feigning , most loving mere folly .
-Then heigh-ho ! the holly !
-This life is most jolly .
-Freeze , freeze , thou bitter sky ,
-That dost not bite so nigh
-As benefits forgot :
-Though thou the waters warp ,
-Thy sting is not so sharp
-As friend remember'd not .
-Heigh-ho ! sing , heigh-ho ! unto the green holly :
-Most friendship is feigning , most loving mere folly .
-Then heigh-ho ! the holly !
-This life is most jolly .
-
-If that you were the good Sir Rowland's son ,
-As you have whisper'd faithfully you were ,
-And as mine eye doth his effigies witness
-Most truly limn'd and living in your face ,
-Be truly welcome hither : I am the duke
-That lov'd your father : the residue of your fortune ,
-Go to my cave and tell me . Good old man ,
-Thou art right welcome as thy master is .
-Support him by the arm . Give me your hand ,
-And let me all your fortunes understand .
-
-Not seen him since ! Sir , sir , that cannot be :
-But were I not the better part made mercy ,
-I should not seek an absent argument
-Of my revenge , thou present . But look to it :
-Find out thy brother , wheresoe'er he is ;
-Seek him with candle ; bring him , dead or living ,
-Within this twelvemonth , or turn thou no more
-To seek a living in our territory .
-Thy lands and all things that thou dost call thine
-Worth seizure , do we seize into our hands ,
-Till thou canst quit thee by thy brother's mouth
-Of what we think against thee .
-
-O that your highness knew my heart in this !
-I never lov'd my brother in my life .
-
-More villain thou . Well , push him out of doors ;
-And let my officers of such a nature
-Make an extent upon his house and lands .
-Do this expediently and turn him going .
-
-
-Hang there , my verse , in witness of my love :
-And thou , thrice-crowned queen of night , survey
-With thy chaste eye , from thy pale sphere above ,
-Thy huntress' name , that my full life doth sway .
-O Rosalind ! these trees shall be my books ,
-And in their barks my thoughts I'll character ,
-That every eye , which in this forest looks ,
-Shall see thy virtue witness'd everywhere .
-Run , run , Orlando : carve on every tree
-The fair , the chaste , and unexpressive she .
-
-And how like you this shepherd's life , Master Touchstone ?
-
-Truly , shepherd , in respect of itself , it is a good life ; but in respect that it is a shepherd's life , it is naught . In respect that it is solitary , I like it very well ; but in respect that it is private , it is a very vile life . Now , in respect it is in the fields , it pleaseth me well ; but in respect it is not in the court , it is tedious . As it is a spare life , look you , it fits my humour well ; but as there is no more plenty in it , it goes much against my stomach . Hast any philosophy in thee , shepherd ?
-
-No more but that I know the more one sickens the worse at ease he is ; and that he that wants money , means , and content , is without three good friends ; that the property of rain is to wet , and fire to burn ; that good pasture makes fat sheep , and that a great cause of the night is lack of the sun ; that he that hath learned no wit by nature nor art may complain of good breeding , or comes of a very dull kindred .
-
-Such a one is a natural philosopher . Wast ever in court , shepherd ?
-
-No , truly .
-
-Then thou art damned .
-
-Nay , I hope .
-
-Truly , thou art damned like an ill-roasted egg , all on one side .
-
-For not being at court ? Your reason .
-
-Why , if thou never wast at court , thou never sawest good manners ; if thou never sawest good manners , then thy manners must be wicked ; and wickedness is sin , and sin is damnation . Thou art in a parlous state , shepherd .
-
-Not a whit , Touchstone : those that are good manners at the court , are as ridiculous in the country as the behaviour of the country is most mockable at the court . You told me you salute not at the court , but you kiss your hands ; that courtesy would be uncleanly if courtiers were shepherds .
-
-Instance , briefly ; come , instance .
-
-Why , we are still handling our ewes , and their fells , you know , are greasy .
-
-Why , do not your courtier's hands sweat ? and is not the grease of a mutton as wholesome as the sweat of a man ? Shallow , shallow . A better instance , I say ; come .
-
-Besides , our hands are hard .
-
-Your lips will feel them the sooner : shallow again . A more sounder instance ; come .
-
-And they are often tarred over with the surgery of our sheep ; and would you have us kiss tar ? The courtier's hands are perfumed with civet .
-
-Most shallow man ! Thou worms-meat , in respect of a good piece of flesh , indeed ! Learn of the wise , and perpend : civet is of a baser birth than tar , the very uncleanly flux of a cat . Mend the instance , shepherd .
-
-You have too courtly a wit for me : I'll rest .
-
-Wilt thou rest damned ? God help thee , shallow man ! God make incision in thee ! thou art raw .
-
-Sir , I am a true labourer : I earn that I eat , get that I wear , owe no man hate , envy no man's happiness , glad of other men's good , content with my harm ; and the greatest of my pride is to see my ewes graze and my lambs suck .
-
-That is another simple sin in you , to bring the ewes and the rams together , and to offer to get your living by the copulation of cattle ; to be bawd to a bell-wether , and to betray a she-lamb of a twelvemonth to a crooked-pated , old , cuckoldy ram , out of all reasonable match . If thou be'st not damned for this , the devil himself will have no shepherds : I cannot see else how thou shouldst 'scape .
-
-Here comes young Master Ganymede , my new mistress's brother .
-
-From the east to western Ind ,
-No jewel is like Rosalind
-Her worth , being mounted on the wind ,
-Through all the world bears Rosalind .
-All the pictures fairest lin'd
-Are but black to Rosalind .
-Let no face be kept in mind ,
-But the fair of Rosalind .
-
-
-I'll rime you so , eight years together , dinners and suppers and sleeping hours excepted : it is the right butter-women's rank to market .
-
-Out , fool !
-
-For a taste :
-
-If a hart do lack a hind ,
-Let him seek out Rosalind .
-If the cat will after kind ,
-So be sure will Rosalind .
-Winter-garments must be lin'd ,
-So must slender Rosalind .
-They that reap must sheaf and bind ,
-Then to cart with Rosalind .
-Sweetest nut hath sourest rind ,
-Such a nut is Rosalind .
-He that sweetest rose will find
-Must find love's prick and Rosalind .
-
-This is the very false gallop of verses : why do you infect yourself with them ?
-
-Peace ! you dull fool : I found them on a tree .
-
-Truly , the tree yields bad fruit .
-
-I'll graff it with you , and then I shall graff it with a medlar : then it will be the earliest fruit i' the country ; for you'll be rotten ere you be half ripe , and that's the right virtue of the medlar .
-
-You have said ; but whether wisely or no , let the forest judge .
-
-
-Peace !
-Here comes my sister , reading : stand aside .
-
-
-Why should this a desert be ?
-For it is unpeopled ? No ;
-Tongues I'll hang on every tree ,
-That shall civil sayings show .
-Some , how brief the life of man
-Runs his erring pilgrimage ,
-That the stretching of a span
-Buckles in his sum of age ;
-Some , of violated vows
-'Twixt the souls of friend and friend :
-But upon the fairest boughs ,
-Or at every sentence' end ,
-Will I Rosalinda write ;
-Teaching all that read to know
-The quintessence of every sprite
-Heaven would in little show .
-Therefore Heaven Nature charg'd
-That one body should be fill'd
-With all graces wide enlarg'd :
-Nature presently distill'd
-Helen's cheek , but not her heart ,
-Cleopatra's majesty ,
-Atalanta's better part ,
-Sad Lucretia's modesty .
-Thus Rosalind of many parts
-By heavenly synod was devis'd
-Of many faces , eyes , and hearts ,
-To have the touches dearest priz'd .
-Heaven would that she these gifts should have ,
-And I to live and die her slave .
-
-
-O most gentle pulpiter ! what tedious homily of love have you wearied your parishioners withal , and never cried , 'Have patience , good people !'
-
-How now ! back , friends ! Shepherd , go off a little : go with him , sirrah .
-
-Come , shepherd , let us make an honourable retreat ; though not with bag and baggage , yet with scrip and scrippage .
-
-
-Didst thou hear these verses ?
-
-O , yes , I heard them all , and more too ; for some of them had in them more feet than the verses would bear .
-
-That's no matter : the feet might bear the verses .
-
-Ay , but the feet were lame , and could not bear themselves without the verse , and therefore stood lamely in the verse .
-
-But didst thou hear without wondering , how thy name should be hanged and carved upon these trees ?
-
-I was seven of the nine days out of the wonder before you came ; for look here what I found on a palm-tree : I was never so be-rimed since Pythagoras' time , that I was an Irish rat , which I can hardly remember .
-
-Trow you who hath done this ?
-
-Is it a man ?
-
-And a chain , that you once wore , about his neck . Change you colour ?
-
-I prithee , who ?
-
-O Lord , Lord ! it is a hard matter for friends to meet ; but mountains may be removed with earthquakes , and so encounter .
-
-Nay , but who is it ?
-
-Is it possible ?
-
-Nay , I prithee now , with most petitionary vehemence , tell me who it is .
-
-O wonderful , wonderful , and most wonderful wonderful ! and yet again wonderful ! and after that , out of all whooping !
-
-Good my complexion ! dost thou think , though I am caparison'd like a man , I have a doublet and hose in my disposition ? One inch of delay more is a South-sea of discovery ; I prithee , tell me who is it quickly , and speak apace . I would thou couldst stammer , that thou mightst pour this concealed man out of thy mouth , as wine comes out of a narrow-mouth'd bottle ; either too much at once , or none at all . I prithee , take the cork out of thy mouth , that I may drink thy tidings .
-
-So you may put a man in your belly .
-
-Is he of God's making ? What manner of man ? Is his head worth a hat , or his chin worth a beard ?
-
-Nay , he hath but a little beard .
-
-Why , God will send more , if the man will be thankful . Let me stay the growth of his beard , if thou delay me not the knowledge of his chin .
-
-It is young Orlando , that tripped up the wrestler's heels and your heart both , in an instant .
-
-Nay , but the devil take mocking : speak , sad brow and true maid .
-
-I' faith , coz , 'tis he .
-
-Orlando ?
-
-Orlando .
-
-Alas the day ! what shall I do with my doublet and hose ? What did he when thou sawest him ? What said he ? How looked he ? Wherein went he ? What makes he here ? Did he ask for me ? Where remains he ? How parted he with thee , and when shalt thou see him again ? Answer me in one word .
-
-You must borrow me Gargantua's mouth first : 'tis a word too great for any mouth of this age's size . To say ay and no to these particulars is more than to answer in a catechism .
-
-But doth he know that I am in this forest and in man's apparel ? Looks he as freshly as he did the day he wrestled ?
-
-It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the propositions of a lover ; but take a taste of my finding him , and relish it with good observance . I found him under a tree , like a dropped acorn .
-
-It may well be called Jove's tree , when it drops forth such fruit .
-
-Give me audience , good madam .
-
-Proceed .
-
-There lay he , stretch'd along like a wounded knight .
-
-Though it be pity to see such a sight , it well becomes the ground .
-
-Cry 'holla !' to thy tongue , I prithee ; it curvets unseasonably . He was furnish'd like a hunter .
-
-O , ominous ! he comes to kill my heart .
-
-I would sing my song without a burthen : thou bringest me out of tune .
-
-Do you not know I am a woman ? when I think , I must speak . Sweet , say on .
-
-You bring me out . Soft ! comes he not here ?
-
-'Tis he : slink by , and note him .
-
-
-I thank you for your company ; but , good faith , I had as lief have been myself alone .
-
-And so had I ; but yet , for fashion' sake , I thank you too for your society .
-
-God be wi' you : let's meet as little as we can .
-
-I do desire we may be better strangers .
-
-I pray you , mar no more trees with writing love-songs in their barks .
-
-I pray you mar no more of my verses with reading them ill-favouredly .
-
-Rosalind is your love's name ?
-
-Yes , just .
-
-I do not like her name .
-
-There was no thought of pleasing you when she was christened .
-
-What stature is she of ?
-
-Just as high as my heart .
-
-You are full of pretty answers . Have you not been acquainted with goldsmiths' wives , and conn'd them out of rings ?
-
-Not so ; but I answer you right painted cloth , from whence you have studied your questions .
-
-You have a nimble wit : I think 'twas made of Atalanta's heels . Will you sit down with me ? and we two will rail against our mistress the world , and all our misery .
-
-I will chide no breather in the world but myself , against whom I know most faults .
-
-The worst fault you have is to be in love .
-
-'Tis a fault I will not change for your best virtue . I am weary of you .
-
-By my troth , I was seeking for a fool when I found you .
-
-He is drowned in the brook : look but in , and you shall see him .
-
-There I shall see mine own figure .
-
-Which I take to be either a fool or a cipher .
-
-I'll tarry no longer with you . Farewell , good Signior Love .
-
-I am glad of your departure . Adieu , good Monsieur Melancholy .
-
-
-I will speak to him like a saucy lackey , and under that habit play the knave with him . Do you hear , forester ?
-
-Very well : what would you ?
-
-I pray you , what is't o'clock ?
-
-You should ask me , what time o' day ; there's no clock in the forest .
-
-Then there is no true lover in the forest ; else sighing every minute and groaning every hour would detect the lazy foot of Time as well as a clock .
-
-And why not the swift foot of Time ? had not that been as proper ?
-
-By no means , sir . Time travels in divers paces with divers persons . I'll tell you who Time ambles withal , who Time trots withal , who Time gallops withal , and who he stands still withal .
-
-I prithee , who doth he trot withal ?
-
-Marry , he trots hard with a young maid between the contract of her marriage and the day it is solemnized ; if the interim be but a se'nnight , Time's pace is so hard that it seems the length of seven year .
-
-Who ambles Time withal ?
-
-With a priest that lacks Latin , and a rich man that hath not the gout ; for the one sleeps easily because he cannot study , and the other lives merrily because he feels no pain ; the one lacking the burden of lean and wasteful learning , the other knowing no burden of heavy tedious penury . These Time ambles withal .
-
-Who doth he gallop withal ?
-
-With a thief to the gallows ; for though he go as softly as foot can fall he thinks himself too soon there .
-
-Who stays it still withal ?
-
-With lawyers in the vacation ; for they sleep between term and term , and then they perceive not how Time moves .
-
-Where dwell you , pretty youth ?
-
-With this shepherdess , my sister ; here in the skirts of the forest , like fringe upon a petticoat .
-
-Are you native of this place ?
-
-As the cony , that you see dwell where she is kindled .
-
-Your accent is something finer than you could purchase in so removed a dwelling .
-
-I have been told so of many : but indeed an old religious uncle of mine taught me to speak , who was in his youth an inland man ; one that knew courtship too well , for there he fell in love . I have heard him read many lectures against it ; and I thank God , I am not a woman , to be touched with so many giddy offences as he hath generally taxed their whole sex withal .
-
-Can you remember any of the principal evils that he laid to the charge of women ?
-
-There were none principal ; they were all like one another as half-pence are ; every one fault seeming monstrous till his fellow fault came to match it .
-
-I prithee , recount some of them .
-
-No , I will not cast away my physic , but on those that are sick . There is a man haunts the forest , that abuses our young plants with carving 'Rosalind' on their barks ; hangs odes upon hawthorns , and elegies on brambles ; all , forsooth , deifying the name of Rosalind : if I could meet that fancy-monger , I would give him some good counsel , for he seems to have the quotidian of love upon him .
-
-I am he that is so love-shaked . I pray you , tell me your remedy .
-
-There is none of my uncle's marks upon you : he taught me how to know a man in love ; in which cage of rushes I am sure you are not prisoner .
-
-What were his marks ?
-
-A lean cheek , which you have not ; a blue eye and sunken , which you have not ; an unquestionable spirit , which you have not ; a beard neglected , which you have not : but I pardon you for that , for , simply , your having in beard is a younger brother's revenue . Then , your hose should be ungartered , your bonnet unbanded , your sleeve unbuttoned , your shoe untied , and everything about you demonstrating a careless desolation . But you are no such man : you are rather point-device in your accoutrements ; as loving yourself than seeming the lover of any other .
-
-Fair youth , I would I could make thee believe I love .
-
-Me believe it ! you may as soon make her that you love believe it ; which , I warrant , she is apter to do than to confess she does ; that is one of the points in the which women still give the lie to their consciences . But , in good sooth , are you he that hangs the verses on the trees , wherein Rosalind is so admired ?
-
-I swear to thee , youth , by the white hand of Rosalind , I am that he , that unfortunate he .
-
-But are you so much in love as your rimes speak ?
-
-Neither rime nor reason can express how much .
-
-Love is merely a madness , and , I tell you , deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do ; and the reason why they are not so punished and cured is , that the lunacy is so ordinary that the whippers are in love too . Yet I profess curing it by counsel .
-
-Did you ever cure any so ?
-
-Yes , one ; and in this manner . He was to imagine me his love , his mistress ; and I set him every day to woo me : at which time would I , being but a moonish youth , grieve , be effeminate , changeable , longing and liking ; proud , fantastical , apish , shallow , inconstant , full of tears , full of smiles , for every passion something , and for no passion truly anything , as boys and women are , for the most part , cattle of this colour ; would now like him , now loathe him ; then entertain him , then forswear him ; now weep for him , then spit at him ; that I drave my suitor from his mad humour of love to a living humour of madness , which was , to forswear the full stream of the world , and to live in a nook merely monastic . And thus I cured him ; and this way will I take upon me to wash your liver as clean as a sound sheep's heart , that there shall not be one spot of love in't .
-
-I would not be cured , youth .
-
-I would cure you , if you would but call me Rosalind , and come every day to my cote and woo me .
-
-Now , by the faith of my love , I will : tell me where it is .
-
-Go with me to it and I'll show it you ; and by the way you shall tell me where in the forest you live . Will you go ?
-
-With all my heart , good youth .
-
-Nay , you must call me Rosalind . Come , sister , will you go ?
-
-
-Come apace , good Audrey : I will fetch up your goats , Audrey . And how , Audrey ? am I the man yet ? doth my simple feature content you ?
-
-Your features ! Lord warrant us ! what features ?
-
-I am here with thee and thy goats , as the most capricious poet , honest Ovid , was among the Goths .
-
-O knowledge ill-inhabited , worse than Jove in a thatch'd house !
-
-When a man's verses cannot be understood , nor a man's good wit seconded with the forward child Understanding , it strikes a man more dead than a great reckoning in a little room . Truly , I would the gods had made thee poetical .
-
-I do not know what 'poetical' is . Is it honest in deed and word ? Is it a true thing ?
-
-No , truly , for the truest poetry is the most feigning ; and lovers are given to poetry , and what they swear in poetry may be said as lovers they do feign .
-
-Do you wish then that the gods had made me poetical ?
-
-I do , truly ; for thou swearest to me thou art honest : now , if thou wert a poet , I might have some hope thou didst feign .
-
-Would you not have me honest ?
-
-No , truly , unless thou wert hard-favour'd ; for honesty coupled to beauty is to have honey a sauce to sugar .
-
-A material fool .
-
-Well , I am not fair , and therefore I pray the gods make me honest .
-
-Truly , and to cast away honesty upon a foul slut were to put good meat into an unclean dish .
-
-I am not a slut , though I thank the gods I am foul .
-
-Well , praised be the gods for thy foulness ! sluttishness may come hereafter . But be it as it may be , I will marry thee ; and to that end I have been with Sir Oliver Martext , the vicar of the next village , who hath promised to meet me in this place of the forest , and to couple us .
-
-I would fain see this meeting .
-
-Well , the gods give us joy !
-
-Amen . A man may , if he were of a fearful heart , stagger in this attempt ; for here we have no temple but the wood , no assembly but horn-beasts . But what though ? Courage ! As horns are odious , they are necessary . It is said , 'many a man knows no end of his goods :' right ; many a man has good horns , and knows no end of them . Well , that is the dowry of his wife ; 'tis none of his own getting . Horns ? Even so . Poor men alone ? No , no ; the noblest deer hath them as huge as the rascal . Is the single man therefore blessed ? No : as a walled town is more worthier than a village , so is the forehead of a married man more honourable than the bare brow of a bachelor ; and by how much defence is better than no skill , by so much is a horn more precious than to want . Here comes Sir Oliver .
-
-Sir Oliver Martext , you are well met : will you dispatch us here under this tree , or shall we go with you to your chapel ?
-
-Is there none here to give the woman ?
-
-I will not take her on gift of any man .
-
-Truly , she must be given , or the marriage is not lawful .
-
-Proceed , proceed : I'll give her .
-
-Good even , good Master What-ye-call't . how do you , sir ? You are very well met : God 'ild you for your last company : I am very glad to see you : even a toy in hand here , sir : nay , pray be covered .
-
-Will you be married , motley ?
-
-As the ox hath his bow , sir , the horse his curb , and the falcon her bells , so man hath his desires ; and as pigeons bill , so wedlock would be nibbling .
-
-And will you , being a man of your breeding , be married under a bush , like a beggar ? Get you to church , and have a good priest that can tell you what marriage is : this fellow will but join you together as they join wainscot ; then one of you will prove a shrunk panel , and like green timber , warp , warp .
-
-I am not in the mind but I were better to be married of him than of another : for he is not like to marry me well , and not being well married , it will be a good excuse for me hereafter to leave my wife .
-
-Go thou with me , and let me counsel thee .
-
-Come , sweet Audrey :
-We must be married , or we must live in bawdry .
-Farewell , good Master Oliver : not
-
-O sweet Oliver !
-O brave Oliver !
-Leave me not behind thee :
-
-but ,
-
-Wind away ,
-Begone , I say ,
-I will not to wedding with thee .
-
-'Tis no matter : ne'er a fantastical knave of them all shall flout me out of my calling .
-
-
-Never talk to me : I will weep .
-
-Do , I prithee ; but yet have the grace to consider that tears do not become a man .
-
-But have I not cause to weep ?
-
-As good cause as one would desire ; therefore weep .
-
-His very hair is of the dissembling colour .
-
-Something browner than Judas's ; marry , his kisses are Judas's own children .
-
-I' faith , his hair is of a good colour .
-
-An excellent colour : your chesnut was ever the only colour .
-
-And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of holy bread .
-
-He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana : a nun of winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously ; the very ice of chastity is in them .
-
-But why did he swear he would come this morning , and comes not ?
-
-Nay , certainly , there is no truth in him .
-
-Do you think so ?
-
-Yes : I think he is not a pick-purse nor a horse-stealer ; but for his verity in love , I do think him as concave as a covered goblet or a worm-eaten nut .
-
-Not true in love ?
-
-Yes , when he is in ; but I think he is not in .
-
-You have heard him swear downright he was .
-
-'Was' is not 'is :' besides , the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster ; they are both the confirmers of false reckonings . He attends here in the forest on the duke your father .
-
-I met the duke yesterday and had much question with him . He asked me of what parentage I was ; I told him , of as good as he ; so he laughed , and let me go . But what talk we of fathers , when there is such a man as Orlando ?
-
-O , that's a brave man ! he writes brave verses , speaks brave words , swears brave oaths , and breaks them bravely , quite traverse , athwart the heart of his lover ; as a puisny tilter , that spurs his horse but on one side , breaks his staff like a noble goose . But all's brave that youth mounts and folly guides . Who comes here ?
-
-
-Mistress and master , you have oft inquir'd
-After the shepherd that complain'd of love ,
-Who you saw sitting by me on the turf ,
-Praising the proud disdainful shepherdess
-That was his mistress .
-
-Well , and what of him ?
-
-If you will see a pageant truly play'd ,
-Between the pale complexion of true love
-And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain ,
-Go hence a little , and I shall conduct you ,
-If you will mark it .
-
-O ! come , let us remove :
-The sight of lovers feedeth those in love .
-Bring us to this sight , and you shall say
-I'll prove a busy actor in their play .
-
-
-Sweet Phebe , do not scorn me ; do not , Phebe :
-Say that you love me not , but say not so
-In bitterness . The common executioner ,
-Whose heart the accustom'd sight of death makes hard ,
-Falls not the axe upon the humbled neck
-But first begs pardon : will you sterner be
-Than he that dies and lives by bloody drops ?
-
-
-I would not be thy executioner :
-I fly thee , for I would not injure thee .
-Thou tell'st me there is murder in mine eye :
-'Tis pretty , sure , and very probable ,
-That eyes , that are the frail'st and softest things ,
-Who shut their coward gates on atomies ,
-Should be call'd tyrants , butchers , murderers !
-Now I do frown on thee with all my heart ;
-And , if mine eyes can wound , now let them kill thee ;
-Now counterfeit to swound ; why now fall down ;
-Or , if thou canst not , O ! for shame , for shame ,
-Lie not , to say mine eyes are murderers .
-Now show the wound mine eye hath made in thee ;
-Scratch thee but with a pin , and there remains
-Some scar of it ; lean but upon a rush ,
-The cicatrice and capable impressure
-Thy palm some moment keeps ; but now mine eyes ,
-Which I have darted at thee , hurt thee not ,
-Nor , I am sure , there is no force in eyes
-That can do hurt .
-
-O dear Phebe ,
-If ever ,as that ever may be near ,
-You meet in some fresh cheek the power of fancy ,
-Then shall you know the wounds invisible
-That love's keen arrows make .
-
-But , till that time
-Come not thou near me ; and , when that time comes ,
-Afflict me with thy mocks , pity me not ;
-As , till that time I shall not pity thee .
-
-And why , I pray you ? Who might be your mother ,
-That you insult , exult , and all at once ,
-Over the wretched ? What though you have no beauty ,
-As by my faith , I see no more in you
-Than without candle may go dark to bed ,
-Must you be therefore proud and pitiless ?
-Why , what means this ? Why do you look on me ?
-I see no more in you than in the ordinary
-Of nature's sale-work . Od's my little life !
-I think she means to tangle my eyes too .
-No , faith , proud mistress , hope not after it :
-'Tis not your inky brows , your black silk hair ,
-Your bugle eyeballs , nor your cheek of cream ,
-That can entame my spirits to your worship .
-You foolish shepherd , wherefore do you follow her ,
-Like foggy south puffing with wind and rain ?
-You are a thousand times a properer man
-Than she a woman : 'tis such fools as you
-That make the world full of ill-favour'd children :
-'Tis not her glass , but you , that flatters her ;
-And out of you she sees herself more proper
-Than any of her lineaments can show her .
-But , mistress , know yourself : down on your knees ,
-And thank heaven , fasting , for a good man's love :
-For I must tell you friendly in your ear ,
-Sell when you can ; you are not for all markets .
-Cry the man mercy ; love him ; take his offer :
-Foul is most foul , being foul to be a scoffer .
-So take her to thee , shepherd . Fare you well .
-
-Sweet youth , I pray you , chide a year together :
-I had rather hear you chide than this man woo .
-
-He's fallen in love with her foulness , and she'll fall in love with my anger . If it be so , as fast as she answers thee with frowning looks , I'll sauce her with bitter words . Why look you so upon me ?
-
-For no ill will I bear you .
-
-I pray you , do not fall in love with me ,
-For I am falser than vows made in wine :
-Besides , I like you not . If you will know my house ,
-'Tis at the tuft of olives here hard by .
-Will you go , sister ? Shepherd , ply her hard .
-Come , sister . Shepherdess , look on him better ,
-And be not proud : though all the world could see ,
-None could be so abus'd in sight as he .
-Come , to our flock .
-
-
-Dead shepherd , now I find thy saw of might :
-'Who ever lov'd that lov'd not at first sight ?'
-
-Sweet Phebe ,
-
-Ha ! what sayst thou , Silvius ?
-
-Sweet Phebe , pity me .
-
-Why , I am sorry for thee , gentle Silvius .
-
-Wherever sorrow is , relief would be :
-If you do sorrow at my grief in love ,
-By giving love your sorrow and my grief
-Were both extermin'd .
-
-Thou hast my love : is not that neighbourly ?
-
-I would have you .
-
-Why , that were covetousness .
-Silvius , the time was that I hated thee ;
-And yet it is not that I bear thee love :
-But since that thou canst talk of love so well ,
-Thy company , which erst was irksome to me ,
-I will endure , and I'll employ thee too ;
-But do not look for further recompense
-Than thine own gladness that thou art employ'd .
-
-So holy and so perfect is my love ,
-And I in such a poverty of grace ,
-That I shall think it a most plenteous crop
-To glean the broken ears after the man
-That the main harvest reaps : loose now and then
-A scatter'd smile , and that I'll live upon .
-
-Know'st thou the youth that spoke to me erewhile ?
-
-Not very well , but I have met him oft ;
-And he hath bought the cottage and the bounds
-That the old carlot once was master of .
-
-Think not I love him , though I ask for him .
-'Tis but a peevish boy ; yet he talks well ;
-But what care I for words ? yet words do well ,
-When he that speaks them pleases those that hear .
-It is a pretty youth : not very pretty :
-But , sure , he's proud ; and yet his pride becomes him :
-He'll make a proper man : the best thing in him
-Is his complexion ; and faster than his tongue
-Did make offence his eye did heal it up .
-He is not very tall ; yet for his years he's tall :
-His leg is but so so ; and yet 'tis well :
-There was a pretty redness in his lip ,
-A little riper and more lusty red
-Than that mix'd in his cheek ; 'twas just the difference
-Betwixt the constant red and mingled damask .
-There be some women , Silvius , had they mark'd him
-In parcels as I did , would have gone near
-To fall in love with him ; but , for my part ,
-I love him not nor hate him not ; and yet
-Have more cause to hate him than to love him :
-For what had he to do to chide at me ?
-He said mine eyes were black and my hair black ;
-And , now I am remember'd , scorn'd at me .
-I marvel why I answer'd not again :
-But that's all one ; omittance is no quittance .
-I'll write to him a very taunting letter ,
-And thou shalt bear it : wilt thou , Silvius ?
-
-Phebe , with all my heart .
-
-I'll write it straight ;
-The matter's in my head and in my heart :
-I will be bitter with him and passing short .
-Go with me , Silvius .
-
-I prithee , pretty youth , let me be better acquainted with thee .
-
-They say you are a melancholy fellow .
-
-I am so ; I do love it better than laughing .
-
-Those that are in extremity of either are abominable fellows , and betray themselves to every modern censure worse than drunkards .
-
-Why , 'tis good to be sad and say nothing .
-
-Why , then , 'tis good to be a post .
-
-I have neither the scholar's melancholy , which is emulation ; nor the musician's , which is fantastical ; nor the courtier's , which is proud ; nor the soldier's , which is ambitious ; nor the lawyer's , which is politic ; nor the lady's , which is nice ; nor the lover's , which is all these : but it is a melancholy of mine own , compounded of many simples , extracted from many objects , and indeed the sundry contemplation of my travels , which , by often rumination , wraps me in a most humorous sadness .
-
-A traveller ! By my faith , you have great reason to be sad . I fear you have sold your own lands to see other men's ; then , to have seen much and to have nothing , is to have rich eyes and poor hands .
-
-Yes , I have gained my experience .
-
-And your experience makes you sad : I had rather have a fool to make me merry than experience to make me sad : and to travel for it too !
-
-
-Good day , and happiness , dear Rosalind !
-
-Nay then , God be wi' you , an you talk in blank verse .
-
-
-Farewell , Monsieur Traveller : look you lisp , and wear strange suits , disable all the benefits of your own country , be out of love with your nativity , and almost chide God for making you that countenance you are ; or I will scarce think you have swam in a gondola . Why , how now , Orlando ! where have you been all this while ? You a lover ! An you serve me such another trick , never come in my sight more .
-
-My fair Rosalind , I come within an hour of my promise .
-
-Break an hour's promise in love ! He that will divide a minute into a thousand parts , and break but a part of the thousandth part of a minute in the affairs of love , it may be said of him that Cupid hath clapped him o' the shoulder , but I'll warrant him heart-whole .
-
-Pardon me , dear Rosalind .
-
-Nay , an you be so tardy , come no more in my sight : I had as lief be wooed of a snail .
-
-Of a snail !
-
-Ay , of a snail ; for though he comes slowly , he carries his house on his head ; a better jointure , I think , than you make a woman : besides , he brings his destiny with him .
-
-What's that ?
-
-Why , horns ; that such as you are fain to be beholding to your wives for : but he comes armed in his fortune and prevents the slander of his wife .
-
-Virtue is no horn-maker ; and my Rosalind is virtuous .
-
-And I am your Rosalind ?
-
-It pleases him to call you so ; but he hath a Rosalind of a better leer than you .
-
-Come , woo me , woo me ; for now I am in a holiday humour , and like enough to consent . What would you say to me now , an I were your very very Rosalind ?
-
-I would kiss before I spoke .
-
-Nay , you were better speak first , and when you were gravelled for lack of matter , you might take occasion to kiss . Very good orators , when they are out , they will spit ; and for lovers lacking ,God warn us !matter , the cleanliest shift is to kiss .
-
-How if the kiss be denied ?
-
-Then she puts you to entreaty , and there begins new matter .
-
-Who could be out , being before his beloved mistress ?
-
-Marry , that should you , if I were your mistress ; or I should think my honesty ranker than my wit .
-
-What , of my suit ?
-
-Not out of your apparel , and yet out of your suit . Am not I your Rosalind ?
-
-I take some joy to say you are , because I would be talking of her .
-
-Well , in her person I say I will not have you .
-
-Then in mine own person I die .
-
-No , faith , die by attorney . The poor world is almost six thousand years old , and in all this time there was not any man died in his own person , videlicet , in a love-cause . Troilus had his brains dashed out with a Grecian club ; yet he did what he could to die before , and he is one of the patterns of love . Leander , he would have lived many a fair year , though Hero had turned nun , if it had not been for a hot mid-summer night ; for , good youth , he went but forth to wash him in the Hellespont , and being taken with the cramp was drowned ; and the foolish coroners of that age found it was 'Hero of Sestos .' But these are all lies : men have died from time to time , and worms have eaten them , but not for love .
-
-I would not have my right Rosalind of this mind ; for , I protest , her frown might kill me .
-
-By this hand , it will not kill a fly . But come , now I will be your Rosalind in a more coming-on disposition ; and ask me what you will , I will grant it .
-
-Then love me , Rosalind .
-
-Yes , faith will I , Fridays and Saturdays and all .
-
-And wilt thou have me ?
-
-Ay , and twenty such .
-
-What sayest thou ?
-
-Are you not good ?
-
-I hope so .
-
-Why then , can one desire too much of a good thing ?Come , sister , you shall be the priest and marry us .Give me your hand , Orlando . What do you say , sister ?
-
-Pray thee , marry us .
-
-I cannot say the words .
-
-You must begin ,'Will you , Orlando ,'
-
-Go to .Will you , Orlando , have to wife this Rosalind ?
-
-I will .
-
-Ay , but when ?
-
-Why now ; as fast as she can marry us .
-
-Then you must say , 'I take thee , Rosalind , for wife .'
-
-I take thee , Rosalind , for wife .
-
-I might ask you for your commission ; but , I do take thee , Orlando , for my husband : there's a girl goes before the priest ; and , certainly , a woman's thought runs before her actions .
-
-So do all thoughts ; they are winged .
-
-Now tell me how long you would have her after you have possessed her ?
-
-For ever and a day .
-
-Say 'a day ,' without the 'ever .' No , no , Orlando ; men are April when they woo , December when they wed : maids are May when they are maids , but the sky changes when they are wives . I will be more jealous of thee than a Barbary cock-pigeon over his hen ; more clamorous than a parrot against rain ; more new-fangled than an ape ; more giddy in my desires than a monkey : I will weep for nothing , like Diana in the fountain , and I will do that when you are disposed to be merry ; I will laugh like a hyen , and that when thou art inclined to sleep .
-
-But will my Rosalind do so ?
-
-By my life , she will do as I do .
-
-O ! but she is wise .
-
-Or else she could not have the wit to do this : the wiser , the waywarder : make the doors upon a woman's wit , and it will out at the casement ; shut that , and 'twill out at the key-hole ; stop that , 'twill fly with the smoke out at the chimney .
-
-A man that hath a wife with such a wit , he might say , 'Wit , whither wilt ?'
-
-Nay , you might keep that check for it till you met your wife's wit going to your neighbour's bed .
-
-And what wit could wit have to excuse that ?
-
-Marry , to say she came to seek you there . You shall never take her without her answer , unless you take her without her tongue . O ! that woman that cannot make her fault her husband's occasion , let her never nurse her child herself , for she will breed it like a fool .
-
-For these two hours , Rosalind , I will leave thee .
-
-Alas ! dear love , I cannot lack thee two hours .
-
-I must attend the duke at dinner : by two o'clock I will be with thee again .
-
-Ay , go your ways , go your ways ; I knew what you would prove , my friends told me as much , and I thought no less : that flattering tongue of yours won me : 'tis but one cast away , and so , come , death ! Two o'clock is your hour ?
-
-Ay , sweet Rosalind .
-
-By my troth , and in good earnest , and so God mend me , and by all pretty oaths that are not dangerous , if you break one jot of your promise or come one minute behind your hour , I will think you the most pathetical break-promise , and the most hollow lover , and the most unworthy of her you call Rosalind , that may be chosen out of the gross band of the unfaithful . Therefore , beware my censure , and keep your promise .
-
-With no less religion than if thou wert indeed my Rosalind : so , adieu .
-
-Well , Time is the old justice that examines all such offenders , and let Time try . Adieu .
-
-
-You have simply misused our sex in your love-prate : we must have your doublot and hose plucked over your head , and show the world what the bird hath done to her own nest .
-
-O coz , coz , coz , my pretty little coz , that thou didst know how many fathom deep I am in love ! But it cannot be sounded : my affection hath an unknown bottom , like the bay of Portugal .
-
-Or rather , bottomless ; that as fast as you pour affection in , it runs out .
-
-No ; that same wicked bastard of Venus , that was begot of thought , conceived of spleen , and born of madness , that blind rascally boy that abuses every one's eyes because his own are out , let him be judge how deep I am in love . I'll tell thee , Aliena , I cannot be out of the sight of Orlando : I'll go find a shadow and sigh till he come .
-
-And I'll sleep .
-
-
-Which is he that killed the deer ?
-
-Sir , it was I .
-
-Let's present him to the duke , like a
-Roman conqueror ; and it would do well to set the deer's horns upon his head for a branch of victory . Have you no song , forester , for this purpose ?
-
-Yes , sir .
-
-Sing it : 'tis no matter how it be in tune so it make noise enough .
-
-What shall he have that kill'd the deer ?
-His leather skin and horns to wear .
-Then sing him home
-
-Take thou no scorn to wear the horn ;
-It was a crest ere thou wast born :
-Thy father's father wore it ,
-And thy father bore it :
-The horn , the horn , the lusty horn
-Is not a thing to laugh to scorn
-
-
-How say you now ? Is it not past two o'clock ? And here much Orlando !
-
-I warrant you , with pure love and a troubled brain , he hath ta'en his bow and arrows , and is gone forth to sleep . Look , who comes here .
-
-
-My errand is to you , fair youth .
-My gentle Phebe did bid me give you this :
-
-I know not the contents ; but , as I guess
-By the stern brow and waspish action
-Which she did use as she was writing of it ,
-It bears an angry tenour : pardon me ;
-I am but as a guiltless messenger .
-
-Patience herself would startle at this letter ,
-And play the swaggerer : bear this , bear all :
-She says I am not fair ; that I lack manners ;
-She calls me proud , and that she could not love me
-Were man as rare as ph nix . 'Od's my will !
-Her love is not the hare that I do hunt :
-Why writes she so to me ? Well , shepherd , well ,
-This is a letter of your own device .
-
-No , I protest , I know not the contents :
-Phebe did write it .
-
-Come , come , you are a fool ,
-And turn'd into the extremity of love .
-I saw her hand : she has a leathern hand ,
-A freestone-colour'd hand ; I verily did think
-That her old gloves were on , but 'twas her hands :
-She has a housewife's hand ; but that's no matter :
-I say she never did invent this letter ;
-This is a man's invention , and his hand .
-
-Sure , it is hers .
-
-Why , 'tis a boisterous and a cruel style ,
-A style for challengers ; why , she defies me ,
-Like Turk to Christian : woman's gentle brain
-Could not drop forth such giant-rude invention ,
-Such Ethiop words , blacker in their effect
-Than in their countenance . Will you hear the letter ?
-
-So please you , for I never heard it yet ;
-Yet heard too much of Phebe's cruelty .
-
-She Phebes me . Mark how the tyrant writes .
-
-Art thou god to shepherd turn'd ,
-That a maiden's heart hath burn'd ?
-
-Can a woman rail thus ?
-
-Call you this railing ?
-
-Why , thy godhead laid apart ,
-Warr'st thou with a woman's heart ?
-
-Did you ever hear such railing ?
-
-Whiles the eye of man did woo me ,
-That could do no vengeance to me .
-
-Meaning me a beast .
-
-If the scorn of your bright eyne
-Have power to raise such love in mine ,
-Alack ! in me what strange effect
-Would they work in mild aspect .
-Whiles you chid me , I did love ,
-How then might your prayers move !
-He that brings this love to thee
-Little knows this love in me ;
-And by him seal up thy mind ;
-Whether that thy youth and kind
-Will the faithful offer take
-Of me and all that I can make ;
-Or else by him my love deny ,
-And then I'll study how to die .
-
-
-Call you this chiding ?
-
-Alas , poor shepherd !
-
-Do you pity him ? no , he deserves no pity . Wilt thou love such a woman ? What , to make thee an instrument and play false strains upon thee ! not to be endured ! Well , go your way to her , for I see love hath made thee a tame snake , and say this to her : that if she love me , I charge her to love thee : if she will not , I will never have her , unless thou entreat for her . If you be a true lover , hence , and not a word , for here comes more company .
-
-Good morrow , fair ones . Pray you if you know ,
-Where in the purlieus of this forest stands
-A sheepcote fenc'd about with olive-trees ?
-
-West of this place , down in the neighbour bottom :
-The rank of osiers by the murmuring stream
-Left on your right hand brings you to the place .
-But at this hour the house doth keep itself ;
-There's none within .
-
-If that an eye may profit by a tongue ,
-Then should I know you by description ;
-Such garments , and such years : 'The boy is fair ,
-Of female favour , and bestows himself
-Like a ripe sister : but the woman low ,
-And browner than her brother .' Are not you
-The owner of the house I did inquire for ?
-
-It is no boast , being ask'd , to say , we are .
-
-Orlando doth commend him to you both ,
-And to that youth he calls his Rosalind
-He sends this bloody napkin . Are you he ?
-
-I am : what must we understand by this ?
-
-Some of my shame ; if you will know of me
-What man I am , and how , and why , and where
-This handkercher was stain'd .
-
-I pray you , tell it .
-
-When last the young Orlando parted from you
-He left a promise to return again
-Within an hour ; and , pacing through the forest ,
-Chewing the food of sweet and bitter fancy ,
-Lo , what befell ! he threw his eye aside ,
-And mark what object did present itself :
-Under an oak , whose boughs were moss'd with age ,
-And high top bald with dry antiquity ,
-A wretched ragged man , o'ergrown with hair ,
-Lay sleeping on his back : about his neck
-A green and gilded snake had wreath'd itself ,
-Who with her head nimble in threats approach'd
-The opening of his mouth ; but suddenly ,
-Seeing Orlando , it unlink'd itself ,
-And with indented glides did slip away
-Into a bush ; under which bush's shade
-A lioness , with udders all drawn dry ,
-Lay couching , head on ground , with catlike watch ,
-When that the sleeping man should stir ; for 'tis
-The royal disposition of that beast
-To prey on nothing that doth seem as dead :
-This seen , Orlando did approach the man ,
-And found it was his brother , his elder brother .
-
-O ! I have heard him speak of that same brother ;
-And he did render him the most unnatural
-That liv'd 'mongst men .
-
-And well he might so do ,
-For well I know he was unnatural .
-
-But , to Orlando : did he leave him there ,
-Food to the suck'd and hungry lioness ?
-
-Twice did he turn his back and purpos'd so ;
-But kindness , nobler ever than revenge ,
-And nature , stronger than his just occasion ,
-Made him give battle to the lioness ,
-Who quickly fell before him : in which hurtling
-From miserable slumber I awak'd .
-
-Are you his brother ?
-
-Was it you he rescu'd ?
-
-Was't you that did so oft contrive to kill him ?
-
-'Twas I ; but 'tis not I . I do not shame
-To tell you what I was , since my conversion
-So sweetly tastes , being the thing I am .
-
-But , for the bloody napkin ?
-
-By and by .
-When from the first to last , betwixt us two ,
-Tears our recountments had most kindly bath'd ,
-As how I came into that desert place :
-In brief , he led me to the gentle duke ,
-Who gave me fresh array and entertainment ,
-Committing me unto my brother's love ;
-Who led me instantly unto his cave ,
-There stripp'd himself ; and here , upon his arm
-The lioness had torn some flesh away ,
-Which all this while had bled ; and now he fainted ,
-And cried , in fainting , upon Rosalind .
-Brief , I recover'd him , bound up his wound ;
-And , after some small space , being strong at heart ,
-He sent me hither , stranger as I am ,
-To tell this story , that you might excuse
-His broken promise ; and to give this napkin ,
-Dy'd in his blood , unto the shepherd youth
-That he in sport doth call his Rosalind .
-
-Why , how now , Ganymede ! sweet Ganymede !
-
-Many will swoon when they do look on blood .
-
-There is more in it . Cousin ! Ganymede !
-
-Look , he recovers .
-
-I would I were at home .
-
-We'll lead you thither . I pray you , will you take him by the arm ?
-
-Be of good cheer , youth . You a man ! You lack a man's heart .
-
-I do so , I confess it . Ah , sirrah ! a body would think this was well counterfeited . I pray you , tell your brother how well I counterfeited . Heigh-ho !
-
-This was not counterfeit : there is too great testimony in your complexion that it was a passion of earnest .
-
-Counterfeit , I assure you .
-
-Well then , take a good heart and counterfeit to be a man .
-
-So I do ; but , i' faith , I should have been a woman by right .
-
-Come ; you look paler and paler : pray you , draw homewards . Good sir , go with us .
-
-That will I , for I must bear answer back How you excuse my brother , Rosalind .
-
-I shall devise something . But , I pray you , commend my counterfeiting to him . Will you go ?
-
-We shall find a time , Audrey : patience , gentle Audrey .
-
-Faith , the priest was good enough , for all the old gentleman's saying .
-
-A most wicked Sir Oliver , Audrey ; a most vile Martext . But , Audrey , there is a youth here in the forest lays claim to you .
-
-Ay , I know who 'tis : he hath no interest in me in the world . Here comes the man you mean .
-
-
-It is meat and drink to me to see a clown . By my troth , we that have good wits have much to answer for : we shall be flouting ; we cannot hold .
-
-Good even , Audrey .
-
-God ye good even , William .
-
-And good even to you , sir .
-
-Good even , gentle friend . Cover thy head , cover thy head ; nay , prithee , be covered . How old are you , friend ?
-
-Five-and-twenty , sir .
-
-A ripe age . Is thy name William ?
-
-William , sir .
-
-A fair name . Wast born i' the forest here ?
-
-Ay , sir , I thank God .
-
-'Thank God ;' a good answer . Art rich ?
-
-Faith , sir , so so .
-
-'So so ,' is good , very good , very excellent good : and yet it is not ; it is but so so . Art thou wise ?
-
-Ay , sir , I have a pretty wit .
-
-Why , thou sayest well . I do now remember a saying , 'The fool doth think he is wise , but the wise man knows himself to be a fool .' The heathen philosopher , when he had a desire to eat a grape , would open his lips when he put it into his mouth ; meaning thereby that grapes were made to eat and lips to open . You do love this maid ?
-
-I do , sir .
-
-Give me your hand . Art thou learned ?
-
-No , sir .
-
-Then learn this of me : to have , is to have ; for it is a figure in rhetoric , that drink , being poured out of a cup into a glass , by filling the one doth empty the other ; for all your writers do consent that ipse is he : now , you are not ipse , for I am he .
-
-Which he , sir ?
-
-He , sir , that must marry this woman . Therefore , you clown , abandon ,which is in the vulgar , leave ,the society ,which in the boorish is , company ,of this female ,which in the common is , woman ; which together is , abandon the society of this female , or , clown , thou perishest ; or , to thy better understanding , diest ; or , to wit , I kill thee , make thee away , translate thy life into death , thy liberty into bondage . I will deal in poison with thee , or in bastinado , or in steel ; I will bandy with thee in faction ; I will o'errun thee with policy ; I will kill thee a hundred and fifty ways : therefore tremble , and depart .
-
-Do , good William .
-
-God rest you merry , sir .
-
-Our master and mistress seek you : come , away , away !
-
-Trip , Audrey ! trip , Audrey ! I attend , I attend .
-
-
-Is't possible that on so little acquaintance you should like her ? that , but seeing , you should love her ? and , loving , woo ? and , wooing , she should grant ? and will you persever to enjoy her ?
-
-Neither call the giddiness of it in question , the poverty of her , the small acquaintance , my sudden wooing , nor her sudden consenting ; but say with me , I love Aliena ; say with her , that she loves me ; consent with both , that we may enjoy each other : it shall be to your good ; for my father's house and all the revenue that was old Sir Rowland's will I estate upon you , and here live and die a shepherd .
-
-You have my consent . Let your wedding be to-morrow : thither will I invite the duke and all's contented followers . Go you and prepare Aliena ; for , look you , here comes my Rosalind .
-
-
-God save you , brother .
-
-And you , fair sister .
-
-
-O ! my dear Orlando , how it grieves me to see thee wear thy heart in a scarf .
-
-It is my arm .
-
-I thought thy heart had been wounded with the claws of a lion .
-
-Wounded it is , but with the eyes of a lady .
-
-Did your brother tell you how I counterfeited to swound when he showed me your handkercher ?
-
-Ay , and greater wonders than that .
-
-O ! I know where you are . Nay , 'tis true : there was never anything so sudden but the fight of two rams , and C sar's thrasonical brag of 'I came , saw , and overcame :' for your brother and my sister no sooner met , but they looked ; no sooner looked but they loved ; no sooner loved but they sighed ; no sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason ; no sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy : and in these degrees have they made a pair of stairs to marriage which they will climb incontinent , or else be incontinent before marriage . They are in the very wrath of love , and they will together : clubs cannot part them .
-
-They shall be married to-morrow , and I will bid the duke to the nuptial . But , O ! how bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man's eyes . By so much the more shall I to-morrow be at the height of heart-heaviness , by how much I shall think my brother happy in having what he wishes for .
-
-Why then , to-morrow I cannot serve your turn for Rosalind ?
-
-I can live no longer by thinking .
-
-I will weary you then no longer with idle talking . Know of me then ,for now I speak to some purpose ,that I know you are a gentleman of good conceit . I speak not this that you should bear a good opinion of my knowledge , insomuch I say I know you are ; neither do I labour for a greater esteem than may in some little measure draw a belief from you , to do yourself good , and not to grace me . Believe then , if you please , that I can do strange things . I have , since I was three years old , conversed with a magician , most profound in his art and yet not damnable . If you do love Rosalind so near the heart as your gesture cries it out , when your brother marries Aliena , shall you marry her . I know into what straits of fortune she is driven ; and it is not impossible to me , if it appear not inconvenient to you , to set her before your eyes to-morrow , human as she is , and without any danger .
-
-Speakest thou in sober meanings ?
-
-By my life , I do ; which I tender dearly , though I say I am a magician . Therefore , put you in your best array ; bid your friends ; for if you will be married to-morrow , you shall ; and to Rosalind , if you will . Look , here comes a lover of mine , and a lover of hers .
-
-
-Youth , you have done me much ungentleness ,
-To show the letter that I writ to you .
-
-I care not if I have : it is my study
-To seem despiteful and ungentle to you .
-You are there follow'd by a faithful shepherd :
-Look upon him , love him ; he worships you .
-
-Good shepherd , tell this youth what 'tis to love .
-
-It is to be all made of sighs and tears ;
-And so am I for Phebe .
-
-And I for Ganymede .
-
-And I for Rosalind .
-
-And I for no woman .
-
-It is to be all made of faith and service ;
-And so am I for Phebe .
-
-And I for Ganymede .
-
-And I for Rosalind .
-
-And I for no woman .
-
-It is to be all made of fantasy ,
-All made of passion , and all made of wishes ;
-All adoration , duty , and observance ;
-All humbleness , all patience , and impatience ;
-All purity , all trial , all obeisance ;
-And so am I for Phebe .
-
-And so am I for Ganymede .
-
-And so am I for Rosalind .
-
-And so am I for no woman .
-
-If this be so , why blame you me to love you ?
-
-If this be so , why blame you me to love you ?
-
-If this be so , why blame you me to love you ?
-
-Who do you speak to , 'Why blame you me to love you ?'
-
-To her that is not here , nor doth not hear .
-
-Pray you , no more of this : 'tis like the howling of Irish wolves against the moon .
-
-
-As you love Phebe , meet : and as I love no woman , I'll meet . So , fare you well : I have left you commands .
-
-I'll not fail , if I live .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Nor I .
-
-
-To-morrow is the joyful day , Audrey ; to-morrow will we be married .
-
-I do desire it with all my heart , and I hope it is no dishonest desire to desire to be a woman of the world . Here come two of the banished duke's pages .
-
-
-Well met , honest gentleman .
-
-By my troth , well met . Come , sit , sit , and a song .
-
-We are for you : sit i' the middle .
-
-Shall we clap into't roundly , without hawking or spitting , or saying we are hoarse , which are the only prologues to a bad voice ?
-
-I'faith , i'faith ; and both in a tune , like two gipsies on a horse .
-
-It was a lover and his lass ,
-With a hey , and a ho , and a hey nonino ,
-That o'er the green corn-field did pass ,
-In the spring time , the only pretty ring time ,
-When birds do sing , hey ding a ding , ding ;
-Sweet lovers love the spring .
-Between the acres of the rye ,
-With a hey , and a ho , and a hey nonino ,
-These pretty country folks would lie ,
-In the spring time , &c .
-This carol they began that hour ,
-With a hey , and a ho , and a hey nonino ,
-How that a life was but a flower
-In the spring time , &c .
-And therefore take the present time ,
-With a hey , and a ho , and a hey nonino ;
-For love is crowned with the prime
-In the spring time , &c .
-
-Truly , young gentlemen , though there was no great matter in the ditty , yet the note was very untuneable .
-
-You are deceived , sir : we kept time ; we lost not our time .
-
-By my troth , yes ; I count it but time lost to hear such a foolish song . God be wi' you ; and God mend your voices ! Come , Audrey .
-
-
-Dost thou believe , Orlando , that the boy
-Can do all this that he hath promised ?
-
-I sometimes do believe , and sometimes do not ;
-As those that fear they hope , and know they fear .
-
-
-Patience once more , whiles our compact is urg'd .
-
-
-You say , if I bring in your Rosalind ,
-You will bestow her on Orlando here ?
-
-That would I , had I kingdoms to give with her .
-
-And you say , you will have her when I bring her ?
-
-That would I , were I of all kingdoms king .
-
-You say , that you'll marry me , if I be willing ?
-
-That will I , should I die the hour after .
-
-But if you do refuse to marry me ,
-You'll give yourself to this most faithful shepherd ?
-
-So is the bargain .
-
-You say , that you'll have Phebe , if she will ?
-
-Though to have her and death were both one thing .
-
-I have promis'd to make all this matter even .
-Keep you your word , O duke , to give your daughter ;
-You yours , Orlando , to receive his daughter ;
-Keep your word , Phebe , that you'll marry me ,
-Or else , refusing me , to wed this shepherd ;
-Keep your word , Silvius , that you'll marry her ,
-If she refuse me : and from hence I go ,
-To make these doubts all even .
-
-
-I do remember in this shepherd boy
-Some lively touches of my daughter's favour .
-
-My lord , the first time that I ever saw him ,
-Methought he was a brother to your daughter ;
-But , my good lord , this boy is forest-born ,
-And hath been tutor'd in the rudiments
-Of many desperate studies by his uncle ,
-Whom he reports to be a great magician ,
-Obscured in the circle of this forest .
-
-
-There is , sure , another flood toward , and these couples are coming to the ark . Here comes a pair of very strange beasts , which in all tongues are called fools .
-
-Salutation and greeting to you all !
-
-Good my lord , bid him welcome . This is the motley-minded gentleman that I have so often met in the forest : he hath been a courtier , he swears .
-
-If any man doubt that , let him put me to my purgation . I have trod a measure ; I have flattered a lady ; I have been politic with my friend , smooth with mine enemy ; I have undone three tailors ; I have had four quarrels , and like to have fought one .
-
-And how was that ta'en up ?
-
-Faith , we met , and found the quarrel was upon the seventh cause .
-
-How seventh cause ? Good my lord , like this fellow .
-
-I like him very well .
-
-God 'ild you , sir ; I desire you of the like . I press in here , sir , amongst the rest of the country copulatives , to swear , and to forswear , according as marriage binds and blood breaks . A poor virgin , sir , an ill-favoured thing , sir , but mine own : a poor humour of mine , sir , to take that that no man else will . Rich honesty dwells like a miser , sir , in a poor house , as your pearl in your foul oyster .
-
-By my faith , he is very swift and sententious .
-
-According to the fool's bolt , sir , and such dulcet diseases .
-
-But , for the seventh cause ; how did you find the quarrel on the seventh cause ?
-
-Upon a lie seven times removed :bear your body more seeming , Audrey :as thus , sir . I did dislike the cut of a certain courtier's beard : he sent me word , if I said his beard was not cut well , he was in the mind it was : this is called 'the retort courteous .' If I sent him word again , it was not well cut , he would send me word , he cut it to please himself : this is called the 'quip modest .' If again , it was not well cut , he disabled my judgment : this is called the 'reply churlish .' If again , it was not well cut , he would answer , I spake not true : this is called the 'reproof valiant :' if again , it was not well cut , he would say , I lie : this is called the 'countercheck quarrelsome' : and so to the 'lie circumstantial ,' and the 'lie direct .'
-
-And how oft did you say his beard was not well cut ?
-
-I durst go no further than the 'lie circumstantial ,' nor he durst not give me the 'lie direct ;' and so we measured swords and parted .
-
-Can you nominate in order now the degrees of the lie ?
-
-O sir , we quarrel in print ; by the book , as you have books for good manners : I will name you the degrees . The first , the 'retort courteous ;' the second , the 'quip modest ;' the third , the 'reply churlish ;' the fourth , the 'reproof valiant ;' the fifth , the 'countercheck quarrelsome ;' the sixth , the 'lie with circumstance ;' the seventh , the 'lie direct .' All these you may avoid but the lie direct ; and you may avoid that too , with an 'if .' I knew when seven justices could not take up a quarrel ; but when the parties were met themselves , one of them thought but of an 'if ,' as 'If you said so , then I said so ;' and they shook hands and swore brothers . Your 'if' is the only peace-maker ; much virtue in 'if .'
-
-Is not this a rare fellow , my lord ? he's as good at any thing , and yet a fool .
-
-He uses his folly like a stalking-horse , and under the presentation of that he shoots his wit .
-
-
-Then is there mirth in heaven ,
-When earthly things made even
-Atone together .
-Good duke , receive thy daughter ;
-Hymen from heaven brought her ;
-Yea , brought her hither ,
-That thou mightst join her hand with his ,
-Whose heart within her bosom is .
-
-To you I give myself , for I am yours .
-
-
-To you I give myself , for I am yours .
-
-If there be truth in sight , you are my daughter .
-
-If there be truth in sight , you are my Rosalind .
-
-If sight and shape be true ,
-Why then , my love adieu !
-
-I'll have no father , if you be not he .
-
-
-I'll have no husband , if you be not he :
-
-
-Nor ne'er wed woman , if you be not she .
-
-
-Peace , ho ! I bar confusion :
-'Tis I must make conclusion
-Of these most strange events :
-Here's eight that must take hands
-To join in Hymen's bands ,
-If truth holds true contents .
-
-
-You and you no cross shall part :
-
-
-You and you are heart in heart :
-
-
-You to his love must accord ,
-Or have a woman to your lord :
-
-
-You and you are sure together ,
-As the winter to foul weather .
-Whiles a wedlock hymn we sing ,
-Feed yourselves with questioning ,
-That reason wonder may diminish ,
-How thus we met , and these things finish .
-
-
-Wedding is great Juno's crown :
-O blessed bond of board and bed !
-'Tis Hymen peoples every town ;
-High wedlock then be honoured .
-Honour , high honour , and renown ,
-To Hymen , god of every town !
-
-O my dear niece ! welcome thou art to me :
-Even daughter , welcome in no less degree .
-
-I will not eat my word , now thou art mine ;
-Thy faith my fancy to thee doth combine .
-
-
-Let me have audience for a word or two :
-I am the second son of old Sir Rowland ,
-That bring these tidings to this fair assembly .
-Duke Frederick , hearing how that every day
-Men of great worth resorted to this forest ,
-Address'd a mighty power , which were on foot
-In his own conduct , purposely to take
-His brother here and put him to the sword :
-And to the skirts of this wild wood he came ,
-Where , meeting with an old religious man ,
-After some question with him , was converted
-Both from his enterprise and from the world ;
-His crown bequeathing to his banish'd brother ,
-And all their lands restor'd to them again
-That were with him exil'd . This to be true ,
-I do engage my life .
-
-Welcome , young man ;
-Thou offer'st fairly to thy brothers' wedding :
-To one , his lands withheld ; and to the other
-A land itself at large , a potent dukedom .
-First , in this forest , let us do those ends
-That here were well begun and well begot ;
-And after , every of this happy number
-That have endur'd shrewd days and nights with us ,
-Shall share the good of our returned fortune ,
-According to the measure of their states .
-Meantime , forget this new-fall'n dignity ,
-And fall into our rustic revelry .
-Play , music ! and you , brides and bridegrooms all ,
-With measure heap'd in joy , to the measures fall .
-
-Sir , by your patience . If I heard you rightly ,
-The duke hath put on a religious life ,
-And thrown into neglect the pompous court ?
-
-He hath .
-
-To him will I : out of these convertites
-There is much matter to be heard and learn'd .
-
-
-You to your former honour I bequeath ;
-Your patience and your virtue well deserve it :
-
-
-You to a love that your true faith doth merit :
-
-
-You to your land , and love , and great allies :
-
-
-You to a long and well-deserved bed :
-
-
-And you to wrangling ; for thy loving voyage
-Is but for two months victual'd . So , to your pleasures :
-I am for other than for dancing measures .
-
-Stay , Jaques , stay .
-
-To see no pastime , I : what you would have
-I'll stay to know at your abandon'd cave .
-
-
-Proceed , proceed : we will begin these rites ,
-As we do trust they'll end , in true delights .
-
-It is not the fashion to see the lady the epilogue ; but it is no more unhandsome than to see the lord the prologue . If it be true that good wine needs no bush , 'tis true that a good play needs no epilogue ; yet to good wine they do use good bushes , and good plays prove the better by the help of good epilogues . What a case am I in then , that am neither a good epilogue , nor cannot insinuate with you in the behalf of a good play ! I am not furnished like a beggar , therefore to beg will not become me : my way is , to conjure you ; and I'll begin with the women . I charge you , O women ! for the love you bear to men , to like as much of this play as please you : and I charge you , O men ! for the love you bear to women ,as I perceive by your simpering none of you hate them ,that between you and the women , the play may please . If I were a woman I would kiss as many of you as had beards that pleased me , complexions that liked me , and breaths that I defied not ; and , I am sure , as many as have good beards , or good faces , or sweet breaths , will , for my kind offer , when I make curtsy , bid me farewell .
-
-CYMBELINE
-
-You do not meet a man but frowns ; our bloods
-No more obey the heavens than our courtiers
-Still seem as does the king .
-
-But what's the matter ?
-
-His daughter , and the heir of 's kingdom , whom
-He purpos'd to his wife's sole son ,a widow
-That late he married ,hath referr'd herself
-Unto a poor but worthy gentleman . She's wedded ;
-Her husband banish'd , she imprison'd : all
-Is outward sorrow , though I think the king
-Be touch'd at very heart .
-
-None but the king ?
-
-He that hath lost her too ; so is the queen ,
-That most desir'd the match ; but not a courtier ,
-Although they wear their faces to the bent
-Of the king's looks , hath a heart that is not
-Glad at the thing they scowl at .
-
-And why so ?
-
-He that hath miss'd the princess is a thing
-Too bad for bad report ; and he that hath her ,
-I mean that married her , alack ! good man !
-And therefore banish'd is a creature such
-As , to seek through the regions of the earth
-For one his like , there would be something failing
-In him that should compare . I do not think
-So fair an outward and such stuff within
-Endows a man but he .
-
-You speak him far .
-
-I do extend him , sir , within himself ,
-Crush him together rather than unfold
-His measure duly .
-
-What's his name and birth ?
-
-I cannot delve him to the root : his father
-Was called Sicilius , who did join his honour
-Against the Romans with Cassibelan ,
-But had his titles by Tenantius whom
-He serv'd with glory and admir'd success ,
-So gain'd the sur-addition Leonatus ;
-And had , besides this gentleman in question ,
-Two other sons , who in the wars o' the time
-Died with their swords in hand ; for which their father
-Then old and fond of issue took such sorrow
-That he quit being , and his gentle lady ,
-Big of this gentleman , our theme , deceas'd
-As he was born . The king , he takes the babe
-To his protection ; calls him Posthumus Leonatus ;
-Breeds him and makes him of his bedchamber ,
-Puts to him all the learnings that his time
-Could make him the receiver of ; which he took ,
-As we do air , fast as 'twas minister'd ,
-And in's spring became a harvest ; liv'd in court ,
-Which rare it is to do most prais'd , most lov'd ;
-A sample to the youngest , to the more mature
-A glass that feated them , and to the graver
-A child that guided dotards ; to his mistress ,
-For whom he now is banish'd , her own price
-Proclaims how she esteem'd him and his virtue ;
-By her election may be truly read
-What kind of man he is .
-
-I honour him ,
-Even out of your report . But pray you , tell me ,
-Is she sole child to the king ?
-
-His only child .
-He had twosons ,if this be worth your hearing ,
-Mark it ,the eldest of them at three years old ,
-I' the swathing clothes the other , from their nursery
-Were stol'n ; and to this hour no guess in knowledge
-Which way they went .
-
-How long is this ago ?
-
-Some twenty years .
-
-That a king's children should be so convey'd ,
-So slackly guarded , and the search so slow ,
-That could not trace them !
-
-Howsoe'er 'tis strange ,
-Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at ,
-Yet is it true , sir .
-
-I do well believe you .
-
-We must forbear . Here comes the gentleman ,
-The queen , and princess .
-
-No , be assur'd you shall not find me , daughter ,
-After the slander of most step-mothers ,
-Evil-ey'd unto you ; you're my prisoner , but
-Your gaoler shall deliver you the keys
-That lock up your restraint . For you , Posthumus ,
-So soon as I can win the offended king ,
-I will be known your advocate ; marry , yet
-The fire of rage is in him , and 'twere good
-You lean'd unto his sentence with what patience
-Your wisdom may inform you .
-
-Please your highness ,
-I will from hence to-day .
-
-You know the peril :
-I'll fetch a turn about the garden , pitying
-The pangs of barr'd affections , though the king
-Hath charg'd you should not speak together .
-
-
-O !
-Dissembling courtesy . How fine this tyrant
-Can tickle where she wounds ! My dearest husband ,
-I something fear my father's wrath ; but nothing ,
-Always reserv'd my holy duty ,what
-His rage can do on me . You must be gone ;
-And I shall here abide the hourly shot
-Of angry eyes , not comforted to live ,
-But that there is this jewel in the world
-That I may see again .
-
-My queen ! my mistress !
-O lady , weep no more , lest I give cause
-To be suspected of more tenderness
-Than doth become a man . I will remain
-The loyal'st husband that did e'er plight troth .
-My residence in Rome at one Philario's ,
-Who to my father was a friend , to me
-Known but by letter ; thither write , my queen ,
-And with mine eyes I'll drink the words you send ,
-Though ink be made of gall .
-
-
-Be brief , I pray you ;
-If the king come , I shall incur I know not
-How much of his displeasure .
-
-Yet I'll move him
-To walk this way . I never do him wrong ,
-But he does buy my injuries to be friends ,
-Pays dear for my offences .
-
-
-Should we be taking leave
-As long a term as yet we have to live ,
-The loathness to depart would grow . Adieu !
-
-Nay , stay a little :
-Were you but riding forth to air yourself
-Such parting were too petty . Look here , love ;
-This diamond was my mother's ; take it , heart ;
-But keep it till you woo another wife ,
-When Imogen is dead .
-
-How ! how ! another ?
-You gentle gods , give me but this I have ,
-And sear up my embracements from a next
-With bonds of death !Remain , remain thou here
-
-While sense can keep it on ! And , sweetest , fairest ,
-As I my poor self did exchange for you ,
-To your so infinite loss , so in our trifles
-I still win of you ; for my sake wear this ;
-It is a manacle of love ; I'll place it
-Upon this fairest prisoner .
-
-
-O the gods !
-When shall we see again ?
-
-
-Alack ! the king !
-
-Thou basest thing , avoid ! hence , from my sight !
-If after this command thou fraught the court
-With thy unworthiness , thou diest . Away !
-Thou'rt poison to my blood .
-
-The gods protect you
-And bless the good remainders of the court !
-I am gone .
-
-
-There cannot be a pinch in death
-More sharp than this is .
-
-O disloyal thing ,
-That shouldst repair my youth , thou heap'st instead
-A year's age on me .
-
-I beseech you , sir ,
-Harm not yourself with your vexation ;
-I am senseless of your wrath ; a touch more rare
-Subdues all pangs , all fears .
-
-Past grace ? obedience ?
-
-Past hope , and in despair ; that way , past grace .
-
-That mightst have had the sole son of my queen !
-
-O bless'd , that I might not ! I chose an eagle
-And did avoid a puttock .
-
-Thou took'st a beggar ; wouldst have made my throne
-A seat for baseness .
-
-No ; I rather added
-A lustre to it .
-
-O thou vile one !
-
-Sir ,
-It is your fault that I have lov'd Posthumus ;
-You bred him as my playfellow , and he is
-A man worth any woman , overbuys me
-Almost the sum he pays .
-
-What ! art thou mad ?
-
-Almost , sir ; heaven restore me ! Would I were
-A neat-herd's daughter , and my Leonatus
-Our neighbour shepherd's son !
-
-Thou foolish thing !
-
-
-They were again together ; you have done
-Not after our command . Away with her ,
-
-And pen her up .
-
-Beseech your patience . Peace !
-Dear lady daughter , peace ! Sweet sovereign ,
-Leave us to ourselves , and make yourself some comfort
-Out of your best advice .
-
-Nay , let her languish
-A drop of blood a day ; and , being aged ,
-Die of this folly !
-
-
-Fie ! you must give way :
-
-Here is your servant . How now , sir ! What news ?
-
-My lord your son drew on my master .
-
-Ha !
-No harm , I trust , is done ?
-
-There might have been ,
-But that my master rather play'd than fought ,
-And had no help of anger ; they were parted
-By gentlemen at hand .
-
-I am very glad on 't .
-
-Your son's my father's friend ; he takes his part .
-To draw upon an exile ! O brave sir !
-I would they were in Afric both together ,
-Myself by with a needle , that I might prick
-The goer-back . Why came you from your master ?
-
-On his command : he would not suffer me
-To bring him to the haven ; left these notes
-Of what commands I should be subject to ,
-When 't pleas'd you to employ me .
-
-This hath been
-Your faithful servant ; I dare lay mine honour
-He will remain so .
-
-I humbly thank your highness .
-
-Pray , walk awhile .
-
-About some half-hour hence ,
-I pray you , speak with me . You shall at least
-Go see my lord aboard ; for this time leave me .
-
-
-Sir , I would advise you to shift a shirt ; the violence of action hath made you reek as a sacrifice . Where air comes out , air comes in ; there's none abroad so wholesome as that you vent .
-
-If my shirt were bloody , them to shift it . Have I hurt him ?
-
-No faith ; not so much as his patience .
-
-Hurt him ! his body's a passable carcass if he be not hurt ; it is a throughfare for steel if it be not hurt .
-
-His steel was in debt ; it went o' the backside the town .
-
-The villain would not stand me .
-
-No ; but he fled forward still , toward your face .
-
-Stand you ! You have land enough of your own ; but he added to your having , gave you some ground .
-
-As many inches as you have oceans . Puppies !
-
-I would they had not come between us .
-
-So would I till you had measured how long a fool you were upon the ground .
-
-And that she should love this fellow and refuse me !
-
-If it be a sin to make a true election , she is damned .
-
-Sir , as I told you always , her beauty and her brain go not together ; she's a good sign , but I have seen small reflection of her wit .
-
-She shines not upon fools , lest the reflection should hurt her .
-
-Come , I'll to my chamber . Would there had been some hurt done !
-
-I wish not so ; unless it had been the fall of an ass , which is no great hurt .
-
-You'll go with us ?
-
-I'll attend your lordship .
-
-Nay , come , let's go together .
-
-Well , my lord .
-
-
-I would thou grew'st unto the shores of the haven ,
-And question'dst every sail : if he should write ,
-And I not have it , 'twere a paper lost ,
-As offer'd mercy is . What was the last
-That he spake to thee ?
-
-It was his queen , his queen !
-
-Then wav'd his handkerchief ?
-
-And kiss'd it , madam .
-
-Senseless linen , happier therein than I !
-And that was all ?
-
-No , madam ; for so long
-As he could make me with this eye or ear
-Distinguish him from others , he did keep
-The deck , with glove , or hat , or handkerchief ,
-Still waving , as the fits and stirs of 's mind
-Could best express how slow his soul sail'd on ,
-How swift his ship .
-
-Thou shouldst have made him
-As little as a crow , or less , ere left
-To after-eye him .
-
-Madam , so I did .
-
-I would have broke mine eye-strings , crack'd them , but
-To look upon him , till the diminution
-Of space had pointed him sharp as my needle ,
-Nay , follow'd him , till he had melted from
-The smallness of a gnat to air , and then
-Have turn'd mine eye , and wept . But , good Pisanio ,
-When shall we hear from him ?
-
-Be assur'd , madam ,
-With his next vantage .
-
-I did not take my leave of him , but had
-Most pretty things to say ; ere I could tell him
-How I would think on him at certain hours
-Such thoughts and such , or I could make him swear
-The shes of Italy should not betray
-Mine interest and his honour , or have charg'd him ,
-At the sixth hour of morn , at noon , at mid-night ,
-To encounter me with orisons , for then
-I am in heaven for him ; or ere I could
-Give him that parting kiss which I had set
-Betwixt two charming words , comes in my father ,
-And like the tyrannous breathing of the north
-Shakes all our buds from growing .
-
-
-The queen , madam ,
-Desires your highness' company .
-
-Those things I bid you do , get them dispatch'd .
-I will attend the queen .
-
-Madam , I shall .
-
-
-Believe it , sir , I have seen him in Britain ; he was then of a crescent note , expected to prove so worthy as since he hath been allowed the name of ; but I could then have looked on him without the help of admiration , though the catalogue of his endowments had been tabled by his side and I to peruse him by items .
-
-You speak of him when he was less furnished than now he is with that which makes him both without and within .
-
-I have seen him in France : we had very many there could behold the sun with as firm eyes as he .
-
-This matter of marrying his king's daughter ,wherein he must be weighed rather by her value than his own ,words him , I doubt not , a great deal from the matter .
-
-And then , his banishment .
-
-Ay , and the approbation of those that weep this lamentable divorce under her colours are wonderfully to extend him ; be it but to fortify her judgment , which else an easy battery might lay flat , for taking a beggar without less quality . But how comes it , he is to sojourn with you ? How creeps acquaintance ?
-
-His father and I were soldiers together ; to whom I have been often bound for no less than my life . Here comes the Briton : let him be so entertained amongst you as suits , with gentlemen of your knowing , to a stranger of his quality .
-
-I beseech you all , be better known to this gentleman , whom I commend to you , as a noble friend of mine ; how worthy he is I will leave to appear hereafter , rather than story him in his own hearing .
-
-Sir , we have known together in Orleans .
-
-Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies , which I will be ever to pay and yet pay still .
-
-Sir , you o'er-rate my poor kindness . I was glad I did atone my countryman and you ; it had been pity you should have been put together with so mortal a purpose as then each bore , upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature .
-
-By your pardon , sir , I was then a young traveller ; rather shunned to go even with what I heard than in my every action to be guided by others' experiences ; but , upon my mended judgment ,if I offend not to say it is mended ,my quarrel was not altogether slight .
-
-Faith , yes , to be put to the arbitrement of swords , and by such two that would by all likelihood have confounded one the other , or have fallen both .
-
-Can we , with manners , ask what was the difference ?
-
-Safely , I think . 'Twas a contention in public , which may , without contradiction , suffer the report . It was much like an argument that fell out last night , where each of us fell in praise of our country mistresses ; this gentleman at that time vouching and upon warrant of bloody affirmation his to be more fair , virtuous , wise , chaste , constant , qualified , and less attemptable , than any the rarest of our ladies in France .
-
-That lady is not now living , or this gentleman's opinion by this worn out .
-
-She holds her virtue still and I my mind .
-
-You must not so far prefer her 'fore ours of Italy .
-
-Being so far provoked as I was in France , I would abate her nothing , though I profess myself her adorer , not her friend .
-
-As fair and as good a kind of hand-in-hand comparison had been something too fair and too good for any lady in Britain . If she went before others I have seen , as that diamond of yours outlustres many I have beheld , I could not but believe she excelled many ; but I have not seen the most precious diamond that is , nor you the lady .
-
-I praised her as I rated her ; so do I my stone .
-
-What do you esteem it at ?
-
-More than the world enjoys .
-
-Either your unparagoned mistress is dead , or she's outprized by a trifle .
-
-You are mistaken ; the one may be sold , or given ; or if there were wealth enough for the purchase , or merit for the gift ; the other is not a thing for sale , and only the gift of the gods .
-
-Which the gods have given you ?
-
-Which , by their graces , I will keep .
-
-You may wear her in little yours , but , you know , strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds . Your ring may be stolen , too ; so your brace of unprizeable estimations , the one is but frail and the other causal ; a cunning thief , or a that way accomplished courtier , would hazard the winning both of first and last .
-
-Your Italy contains none so accomplished a courtier to convince the honour of my mistress , if , in the holding or loss of that , you term her frail . I do nothing doubt you have store of thieves ; notwithstanding I fear not my ring .
-
-Let us leave here , gentlemen .
-
-Sir , with all my heart . This worthy signior , I thank him , makes no stranger of me ; we are familiar at first .
-
-With five times so much conversation I should get ground of your fair mistress , make her go back , even to the yielding , had I admittance and opportunity to friend .
-
-No , no .
-
-I dare thereupon pawn the moiety of my estate to your ring , which , in my opinion , o'ervalues it something ; but I make my wager rather against your confidence than her reputation ; and , to bar your offence herein too , I durst attempt it against any lady in the world .
-
-You are a great deal abused in too bold a persuasion ; and I doubt not you sustain what you're worthy of by your attempt .
-
-What's that ?
-
-A repulse ; though your attempt , as you call it , deserves more ,a punishment too .
-
-Gentlemen , enough of this ; it came in too suddenly ; let it die as it was born , and , I pray you , be better acquainted .
-
-Would I had put my estate and my neighbour's on the approbation of what I have spoke !
-
-What lady would you choose to assail ?
-
-Yours ; whom in constancy you think stands so safe . I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring , that , commend me to the court where your lady is , with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference , and I will bring from thence that honour of hers which you imagine so reserved .
-
-I will wage against your gold , gold to it : my ring I hold dear as my finger ; 'tis part of it .
-
-You are afraid , and therein the wiser . If you buy ladies' flesh at a million a dram , you cannot preserve it from tainting . But I see you have some religion in you , that you fear .
-
-This is but a custom in your tongue ; you bear a graver purpose , I hope .
-
-I am the master of my speeches , and would undergo what's spoken , I swear .
-
-Will you ? I shall but lend my diamond till your return . Let there be covenants drawn between 's : my mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of your unworthy thinking ; I dare you to this match . Here's my ring .
-
-I will have it no lay .
-
-By the gods , it is one . If I bring you no sufficient testimony that I have enjoyed the dearest bodily part of your mistress , my ten thousand ducats are yours ; so is your diamond too : if I come off , and leave her in such honour as you have trust in , she your jewel , this your jewel , and my gold are yours ; provided I have your commendation for my more free entertainment .
-
-I embrace these conditions ; let us have articles betwixt us . Only , thus far you shall answer : if you make your voyage upon her and give me directly to understand that you have prevailed , I am no further your enemy ; she is not worth our debate : if she remain unseduced ,you not making it appear otherwise ,for your ill opinion , and the assault you have made to her chastity , you shall answer me with your sword .
-
-Your hand ; a covenant . We will have these things set down by lawful counsel , and straight away for Britain , lest the bargain should catch cold and starve . I will fetch my gold and have our two wagers recorded .
-
-Agreed .
-
-
-Will this hold , think you ?
-
-Signior Iachimo will not from it . Pray , let us follow 'em .
-
-
-Whiles yet the dew 's on ground , gather those flowers :
-Make haste ; who has the note of them ?
-
-I , madam .
-
-Dispatch .
-
-Now , Master doctor , have you brought those drugs ?
-
-Pleaseth your highness , ay ; here they are , madam :
-
-But I beseech your Grace , without offence ,
-My conscience bids me ask ,wherefore you have
-Commanded of me these most poisonous compounds ,
-Which are the movers of a languishing death ,
-But though slow , deadly ?
-
-I wonder , doctor ,
-Thou ask'st me such a question : have I not been
-Thy pupil long ? Hast thou not learn'd me how
-To make perfumes ? distil ? preserve ? yea , so
-That our great king himself doth woo me oft
-For my confections ? Having thus far proceeded ,
-Unless thou think'st me devilish ,is 't not meet
-That I did amplify my judgment in
-Other conclusions ? I will try the forces
-Of these thy compounds on such creatures as
-We count not worth the hanging ,but none human ,
-To try the vigour of them and apply
-Allayments to their act , and by them gather
-Their several virtues and effects .
-
-Your highness
-Shall from this practice but make hard your heart ;
-Besides , the seeing these effects will be
-Both noisome and infectious .
-
-O ! content thee .
-
-
-Here comes a flattering rascal ; upon him
-Will I first work : he's for his master ,
-And enemy to my son . How now , Pisanio :
-Doctor , your service for this time is ended ;
-
-Take your own way .
-
-I do suspect you , madam ;
-But you shall do no harm .
-
-Hark thee , a word .
-
-I do not like her . She doth think she has
-Strange lingering poisons ; I do know her spirit ,
-And will not trust one of her malice with
-A drug of such damn'd nature . Those she has
-Will stupify and dull the sense awhile ;
-Which first , perchance , she'll prove on cats and dogs ,
-Then afterward up higher ; but there is
-No danger in what show of death it makes ,
-More than the locking-up the spirits a time ,
-To be more fresh , reviving . She is fool'd
-With a most false effect ; and I the truer ,
-So to be false with her .
-
-No further service , doctor ,
-Until I send for thee .
-
-I humbly take my leave .
-
-
-Weeps she still , sayst thou ? Dost thou think in time
-She will not quench , and let instructions enter
-Where folly now possesses ? Do thou work :
-When thou shalt bring me word she loves my son ,
-I'll tell thee on the instant thou art then
-As great as is thy master ; greater , for
-His fortunes all lie speechless , and his name
-Is at last gasp ; return he cannot , nor
-Continue where he is ; to shift his being
-Is to exchange one misery with another ,
-And every day that comes comes to decay
-A day's work in him . What shalt thou expect ,
-To be depender on a thing that leans ,
-Who cannot be new built , nor has no friends ,
-So much as but to prop him ?
-
-Thou tak'st up
-Thou know'st not what ; but take it for thy labour :
-It is a thing I made , which hath the king
-Five times redeem'd from death ; I do not know
-What is more cordial : nay , I prithee , take it ;
-It is an earnest of a further good
-That I mean to thee . Tell thy mistress how
-The case stands with her ; do 't as from thyself .
-Think what a chance thou changest on , but think
-Thou hast thy mistress still , to boot , my son ,
-Who shall take notice of thee . I'll move the king
-To any shape of thy preferment such
-As thou'lt desire ; and then myself , I chiefly ,
-That set thee on to this desert , am bound
-To load thy merit richly . Call my women ;
-Think on my words .
-
-A sly and constant knave ,
-Not to be shak'd ; the agent for his master ,
-And the remembrancer of her to hold
-The hand-fast to her lord . I have given him that
-Which , if he take , shall quite unpeople her
-Of leigers for her sweet , and which she after ,
-Except she bend her humour , shall be assur'd
-To taste of too .
-
-
-So , so ;well done , well done .
-The violets , cowslips , and the prime-roses
-Bear to my closet . Fare thee well , Pisanio :
-Think on my words .
-
-And shall do :
-But when to my good lord I prove untrue ,
-I'll choke myself ; there's all I'll do for you .
-
-
-A father cruel , and a step-dame false ;
-A foolish suitor to a wedded lady ,
-That hath her husband banish'd : O ! that husband ,
-My supreme crown of grief ! and those repeated
-Vexations of it ! Had I been thief-stol'n ,
-As my two brothers , happy ! but most miserable
-Is the desire that's glorious : bless'd be those ,
-How mean so'er , that have their honest wills ,
-Which seasons comfort . Who may this be ? Fie !
-
-
-Madam , a noble gentleman of Rome ,
-Comes from my lord with letters .
-
-Change you , madam ?
-The worthy Leonatus is in safety ,
-And greets your highness dearly .
-
-
-Thanks , good sir :
-You are kindly welcome .
-
-All of her that is out of door most rich !
-If she be furnish'd with a mind so rare ,
-She is alone the Arabian bird , and I
-Have lost the wager . Boldness be my friend !
-Arm me , audacity , from head to foot !
-Or , like the Parthian , I shall flying fight ;
-Rather , directly fly .
-
-He is one of the noblest note , to whose kindnesses I am most infinitely tied . Reflect upon him accordingly , as you value your truest
-So far I read aloud ;
-But even the very middle of my heart
-Is warm'd by the rest , and takes it thankfully .
-You are as welcome , worthy sir , as I
-Have words to bid you ; and shall find it so
-In all that I can do .
-
-Thanks , fairest lady .
-What ! are men mad ? Hath nature given them eyes
-To see this vaulted arch , and the rich crop
-Of sea and land , which can distinguish 'twixt
-The fiery orbs above and the twinn'd stones
-Upon the number'd beach ? and can we not
-Partition make with spectacles so precious
-'Twixt fair and foul ?
-
-What makes your admiration ?
-
-It cannot be i' the eye ; for apes and monkeys
-'Twixt two such shes would chatter this way and
-Contemn with mows the other ; nor i' the judgment ,
-For idiots in this case of favour would
-Be wisely definite ; nor i' the appetite ;
-Sluttery to such neat excellence oppos'd
-Should make desire vomit emptiness ,
-Not so allur'd to feed .
-
-What is the matter , trow ?
-
-The cloyed will ,
-That satiate yet unsatisfied desire , that tub
-Both fill'd and running ,ravening first the lamb ,
-Longs after for the garbage .
-
-What , dear sir ,
-Thus raps you ? are you well ?
-
-Thanks , madam , well .
-
-
-Beseech you , sir ,
-Desire my man's abode where I did leave him ;
-He's strange and peevish .
-
-I was going , sir ,
-To give him welcome .
-
-
-Continues well my lord his health , beseech you ?
-
-Well , madam .
-
-Is he dispos'd to mirth ? I hope he is .
-
-Exceeding pleasant ; none a stranger there
-So merry and so gamesome : he is call'd
-The Briton reveller .
-
-When he was here
-He did incline to sadness , and oft-times
-Not knowing why .
-
-I never saw him sad .
-There is a Frenchman his companion , one ,
-An eminent monsieur , that , it seems , much loves
-A Gallian girl at home ; he furnaces
-The thick sighs from him , whiles the jolly Briton
-Your lord , I mean laughs from 's free lungs , cries , 'O !
-Can my sides hold , to think that man , who knows
-By history , report , or his own proof ,
-What woman is , yea , what she cannot choose
-But must be , will his free hours languish for
-Assured bondage ?'
-
-Will my lord say so ?
-
-Ay , madam , with his eyes in flood with laughter :
-It is a recreation to be by
-And hear him mock the Frenchman ; but , heavens know ,
-Some men are much to blame .
-
-Not he , I hope .
-
-Not he ; but yet heaven's bounty towards him might
-Be us'd more thankfully . In himself , 'tis much ;
-In you ,which I account his beyond all talents ,
-Whilst I am bound to wonder , I am bound
-To pity too .
-
-What do you pity , sir ?
-
-Two creatures , heartily .
-
-Am I one , sir ?
-You look on me : what wrack discern you in me
-Deserves your pity ?
-
-Lamentable ! What !
-To hide me from the radiant sun and solace
-I' the dungeon by a snuff !
-
-I pray you , sir ,
-Deliver with more openness your answers
-To my demands . Why do you pity me ?
-
-That others do ,
-I was about to say , enjoy your But
-It is an office of the gods to venge it ,
-Not mine to speak on 't .
-
-You do seem to know
-Something of me , or what concerns me ; pray you ,
-Since doubting things go ill often hurts more
-Than to be sure they do ; for certainties
-Either are past remedies , or , timely knowing ,
-The remedy then born ,discover to me
-What both you spur and stop .
-
-Had I this cheek
-To bathe my lips upon ; this hand , whose touch ,
-Whose every touch , would force the feeler's soul
-To the oath of loyalty ; this object , which
-Takes prisoner the wild motion of mine eye ,
-Firing it only here ; should I damn'd then
-Slaver with lips as common as the stairs
-That mount the Capitol ; join gripes with hands
-Made hard with hourly falsehood ,falsehood , as
-With labour ;then by-peeping in an eye ,
-Base and illustrous as the smoky light
-That's fed with stinking tallow ; it were fit
-That all the plagues of hell should at one time
-Encounter such revolt .
-
-My lord , I fear ,
-Has forgot Britain .
-
-And himself . Not I ,
-Inclin'd to this intelligence , pronounce
-The beggary of his change ; but 'tis your graces
-That from my mutest conscience to my tongue
-Charms this report out .
-
-Let me hear no more .
-
-O dearest soul ! your cause doth strike my heart
-With pity , that doth make me sick . A lady
-So fair ,and fasten'd to an empery
-Would make the great'st king double ,to be partner'd
-With tom-boys hir'd with that self-exhibition
-Which your own coffers yield ! with diseas'd ventures
-That play with all infirmities for gold
-Which rottenness can lend nature ! such boil'd stuff
-As well might poison poison ! Be reveng'd ;
-Or she that bore you was no queen , and you
-Recoil from your great stock .
-
-Reveng'd !
-How should I be reveng'd ? If this be true ,
-As I have such a heart , that both mine ears
-Must not in haste abuse ,if it be true ,
-How should I be reveng'd ?
-
-Should be make me
-Live like Diana's priest , betwixt cold sheets ,
-Whiles he is vaulting variable ramps ,
-In your despite , upon your purse ? Revenge it .
-I dedicate myself to your sweet pleasure ,
-More noble than that runagate to your bed ,
-And will continue fast to your affection ,
-Still close as sure .
-
-What ho , Pisanio !
-
-Let me my service tender on your lips .
-
-Away ! I do condemn mine ears that have
-So long attended thee . If thou wert honourable ,
-Thou wouldst have told this tale for virtue , not
-For such an end thou seek'st ; as base as strange .
-Thou wrong'st a gentleman , who is as far
-From thy report as thou from honour , and
-Solicit'st here a lady that disdains
-Thee and the devil alike . What ho , Pisanio !
-The king my father shall be made acquainted
-Of thy assault ; if he shall think it fit ,
-A saucy stranger in his court to mart
-As in a Romish stew and to expound
-His beastly mind to us , he hath a court
-He little cares for and a daughter who
-He not respects at all . What ho , Pisanio !
-
-O happy Leonatus ! I may say :
-The credit that thy lady hath of thee
-Deserves thy trust , and thy most perfect goodness
-Her assur'd credit . Blessed live you long !
-A lady to the worthiest sir that ever
-Country call'd his ; and you his mistress , only
-For the most worthiest fit . Give me your pardon .
-I have spoken this , to know if your affiance
-Were deeply rooted , and shall make your lord
-That which he is , new o'er ; and he is one
-The truest manner'd ; such a holy witch
-That he enchants societies into him ;
-Half all men's hearts are his .
-
-You make amends .
-
-He sits 'mongst men like a descended god :
-He hath a kind of honour sets him off ,
-More than a mortal seeming . Be not angry ,
-Most mighty princess , that I have adventur'd
-To try your taking of a false report ; which hath
-Honour'd with confirmation your great judgment
-In the election of a sir so rare ,
-Which you know cannot err . The love I bear him
-Made me to fan you thus ; but the gods made you ,
-Unlike all others , chaffless . Pray , your pardon .
-
-All's well , sir . Take my power i' the court for yours .
-
-My humble thanks . I had almost forget
-To entreat your Grace but in a small request ,
-And yet of moment too , for it concerns
-Your lord , myself , and other noble friends ,
-Are partners in the business .
-
-Pray , what is 't ?
-
-Some dozen Romans of us and your lord ,
-The best feather of our wing , have mingled sums
-To buy a present for the emperor ;
-Which I , the factor for the rest , have done
-In France ; 'tis plate of rare device , and jewels
-Of rich and exquisite form ; their values great ;
-And I am something curious , being strange ,
-To have them in safe stowage . May it please you
-To take them in protection ?
-
-Willingly ;
-And pawn mine honour for their safety : since
-My lord hath interest in them , I will keep them
-In my bedchamber .
-
-They are in a trunk ,
-Attended by my men ; I will make bold
-To send them to you , only for this night ;
-I must aboard to-morrow .
-
-O ! no , no .
-
-Yes , I beseech , or I shall short my word
-By lengthening my return . From Gallia
-I cross'd the seas on purpose and on promise
-To see your Grace .
-
-I thank you for your pains ;
-But not away to-morrow !
-
-O ! I must , madam :
-Therefore I shall beseech you , if you please
-To greet your lord with writing , do 't to-night :
-I have outstood my time , which is material
-To the tender of our present .
-
-I will write .
-Send your trunk to me ; it shall safe be kept ,
-And truly yielded you . You're very welcome .
-
-Was there ever man had such luck ! when I kissed the jack , upon an up-cast to be hit away ! I had a hundred pound on 't ; and then a whoreson jackanapes must take me up for swearing , as if I borrowed mine oaths of him and might not spend them at my pleasure .
-
-What got he by that ? You have broke his pate with your bowl .
-
-If his wit had been like him that broke it , it would have run all out .
-
-When a gentleman is disposed to swear , it is not for any standers-by to curtail his oaths , ha ?
-
-No , my lord ;
-
-nor crop the ears of them .
-
-Whoreson dog ! I give him satisfaction !
-Would he had been one of my rank !
-
-To have smelt like a fool .
-
-I am not vexed more at any thing in the earth . A pox on 't ! I had rather not be so noble as I am . They dare not fight with me because of the queen my mother . Every Jack-slave hath his bellyful of fighting , and I must go up and down like a cock that nobody can match .
-
-You are cock and capon too ; and you crow , cock , with your comb on .
-
-Sayest thou ?
-
-It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence to .
-
-No , I know that ; but it is fit I should commit offence to my inferiors .
-
-Ay , it is fit for your lordship only .
-
-Why , so I say .
-
-Did you hear of a stranger that's come to court to-night ?
-
-A stranger , and I not know on 't !
-
-He's a strange fellow himself , and knows it not .
-
-There's an Italian come ; and 'tis thought , one of Leonatus' friends .
-
-Leonatus ! a banished rascal ; and he's another , whatsoever he be . Who told you of this stranger ?
-
-One of your lordship's pages .
-
-Is it fit I went to look upon him ? Is there no derogation in 't ?
-
-You cannot derogate , my lord .
-
-Not easily , I think .
-
-You are a fool , granted ; therefore your issues , being foolish , do not derogate .
-
-Come , I'll go see this Italian . What I have lost to-day at bowls I'll win to-night of him . Come , go .
-
-I'll attend your lordship .
-
-That such a crafty devil as is his mother
-Should yield the world this ass ! a woman that
-Bears all down with her brain , and this her son
-Cannot take two from twenty for his heart
-And leave eighteen . Alas ! poor princess ,
-Thou divine Imogen , what thou endur'st
-Betwixt a father by thy step-dame govern'd ,
-A mother hourly coining plots , a wooer
-More hateful than the foul expulsion is
-Of thy dear husband , than that horrid act
-Of the divorce he'd make . The heavens hold firm
-The walls of thy dear honour ; keep unshak'd
-That temple , thy fair mind ; that thou mayst stand ,
-To enjoy thy banish'd lord and this great land !
-
-
-Who's there ? my woman Helen ?
-
-Please you , madam .
-
-What hour is it ?
-
-Almost midnight , madam .
-
-I have read three hours then ; mine eyes are weak ;
-Fold down the leaf where I have left ; to bed :
-Take not away the taper , leave it burning ,
-And if thou canst awake by four o' the clock ,
-I prithee , call me . Sleep has seized me wholly .
-
-To your protection I commend me , gods !
-From fairies and the tempters of the night
-Guard me , beseech ye !
-
-
-The crickets sing , and man's o'erlabour'd sense
-Repairs itself by rest . Our Tarquin thus
-Did softly press the rushes ere he waken'd
-The chastity he wounded . Cytherea ,
-How bravely thou becom'st thy bed ! freshlily ,
-And whiter than the sheets ! That I might touch !
-But kiss : one kiss ! Rubies unparagon'd ,
-How dearly they do 't ! 'Tis her breathing that
-Perfumes the chamber thus ; the flame of the taper
-Bows toward her , and would under-peep her lids ,
-To see the enclosed lights , now canopied
-Under these windows , white and azure lac'd
-With blue of heaven's own tinct . But my design ,
-To note the chamber : I will write all down :
-Such and such pictures ; there the window ; such
-Th' adornment of her bed ; the arras , figures ,
-Why , such and such ; and the contents o' the story .
-Ah ! but some natural notes about her body ,
-Above ten thousand meaner moveables
-Would testify , to enrich mine inventory .
-O sleep ! thou ape of death , lie dull upon her ;
-And be her senses but as a monument
-Thus in a chapel lying . Come off , come off ;
-
-As slippery as the Gordian knot was hard !
-'Tis mine ; and this will witness outwardly ,
-As strongly as the conscience does within ,
-To the madding of her lord . On her left breast
-A mole cinque-spotted , like the crimson drops
-I' the bottom of a cowslip : here's a voucher ;
-Stronger than ever law could make : this secret
-Will force him think I have pick'd the lock and ta'en
-The treasure of her honour . No more . To what end ?
-Why should I write this down , that's riveted ,
-Screw'd to my memory ? She hath been reading late
-The tale of Tereus ; here the leaf's turn'd down
-Where Philomel gave up . I have enough :
-To the trunk again , and shut the spring of it .
-Swift , swift , you dragons of the night , that dawning
-May bare the raven's eye ! I lodge in fear ;
-Though this a heavenly angel , hell is here .
-
-One , two , three : time , time !
-
-
-Your lordship is the most patient man in loss , the most coldest that ever turned up ace .
-
-It would make any man cold to lose .
-
-But not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordship . You are most hot and furious when you win .
-
-Winning will put any man into courage .
-If I could get this foolish Imogen , I should have gold enough . It's almost morning , is 't not ?
-
-Day , my lord .
-
-I would this music would come . I am advised to give her music o' mornings ; they say it will penetrate .
-
-
-Come on ; tune . If you can penetrate her with your fingering , so ; we'll try with tongue too : if none will do , let her remain ; but I'll never give o'er . First , a very excellent good-conceited thing ; after , a wonderful sweet air , with admirable rich words to it : and then let her consider .
-
-
-Hark ! hark ! the lark at heaven's gate sings ,
-And Ph bus 'gins arise ,
-His steeds to water at those springs
-On chalic'd flowers that lies ,
-And winking Mary-buds begin
-To ope their golden eyes :
-With every thing that pretty is ,
-My lady sweet , arise .
-Arise , arise !
-
-
-So , get you gone . If this penetrate , I will consider your music the better ; if it do not , it is a vice in her ears , which horse-hairs and calves'-guts , nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to boot , can never amend .
-
-Here comes the king .
-
-I am glad I was up so late , for that's the reason I was up so early ; he cannot choose but take this service I have done fatherly .
-
-Good morrow to your majesty and to my gracious mother .
-
-Attend you here the door of our stern daughter ?
-Will she not forth ?
-
-I have assail'd her with musics , but she vouchsafes no notice .
-
-The exile of her minion is too new ,
-She hath not yet forgot him ; some more time
-Must wear the print of his remembrance out ,
-And then she's yours .
-
-You are most bound to the king ,
-Who lets go by no vantages that may
-Prefer you to his daughter . Frame yourself
-To orderly soliciting , and be friended
-With aptness of the season ; make denials
-Increase your services ; so seem as if
-You were inspir'd to do those duties which
-You tender to her ; that you in all obey her
-Save when command to your dismission tends ,
-And therein you are senseless .
-
-Senseless ! not so .
-
-
-So like you , sir , ambassadors from Rome ;
-The one is Caius Lucius .
-
-A worthy fellow ,
-Albeit he comes on angry purpose now ;
-But that's no fault of his : we must receive him
-According to the honour of his sender ;
-And towards himself , his goodness forespent on us ,
-We must extend our notice . Our dear son ,
-When you have given good morning to your mistress ,
-Attend the queen and us ; we shall have need
-To employ you towards this Roman . Come , our queen .
-
-
-If she be up , I'll speak with her ; if not ,
-Let her lie still , and dream . By your leave , ho !
-
-I know her women are about her . What
-If I do line one of their hands ? 'Tis gold
-Which buys admittance ; oft it doth ; yea , and makes
-Diana's rangers false themselves , yield up
-Their deer to the stand o' the stealer ; and 'tis gold
-Which makes the true man kill'd and saves the thief ;
-Nay , sometime hangs both thief and true man . What
-Can it not do and undo ? I will make
-One of her women lawyer to me , for
-I yet not understand the case myself .
-By your leave .
-
-Who's there , that knocks ?
-
-A gentleman .
-
-No more ?
-
-Yes , and a gentlewoman's son .
-
-That's more
-Than some whose tailors are as dear as yours
-Can justly boast of . What's your lordship's pleasure ?
-
-Your lady's person : is she ready ?
-
-Ay ,
-To keep her chamber .
-
-There's gold for you ; sell me your good report .
-
-How ! my good name ? or to report of you
-What I shall think is good ?The princess !
-
-
-Good morrow , fairest ; sister , your sweet hand .
-
-
-Good morrow , sir . You lay out too much pains
-For purchasing but trouble ; the thanks I give
-Is telling you that I am poor of thanks
-And scarce can spare them .
-
-Still , I swear I love you .
-
-If you but said so , 'twere as deep with me :
-If you swear still , your recompense is still
-That I regard it not .
-
-This is no answer .
-
-But that you shall not say I yield being silent
-I would not speak . I pray you , spare me : faith ,
-I shall unfold equal discourtesy
-To your best kindness . One of your great knowing
-Should learn , being taught , forbearance .
-
-To leave you in your madness , 'twere my sin :
-I will not .
-
-Fools cure not mad folks .
-
-Do you call me fool ?
-
-As I am mad , I do :
-If you'll be patient , I'll no more be mad ;
-That cures us both . I am much sorry , sir ,
-You put me to forget a lady's manners ,
-By being so verbal ; and learn now , for all ,
-That I , which know my heart , do here pronounce
-By the very truth of it , I care not for you ;
-And am so near the lack of charity ,
-To accuse myself ,I hate you ; which I had rather
-You felt than make 't my boast .
-
-You sin against
-Obedience , which you owe your father . For
-The contract you pretend with that base wretch ,
-One bred of alms and foster'd with cold dishes ,
-With scraps o' the court , it is no contract , none ;
-And though it be allow'd in meaner parties
-Yet who than he more mean ?to knit their souls
-On whom there is no more dependancy
-But brats and beggary in self-figur'd knot ;
-Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement by
-The consequence o' the crown , and must not soil
-The precious note of it with a base slave ,
-A hilding for a livery , a squire's cloth ,
-A pantler , not so eminent .
-
-Profane fellow !
-Wert thou the son of Jupiter , and no more
-But what thou art besides , thou wert too base
-To be his groom ; thou wert dignified enough ,
-Even to the point of envy , if 'twere made
-Comparative for your virtues , to be styl'd
-The under-hangman of his kingdom , and hated
-For being preferr'd so well .
-
-The south-fog rot him !
-
-He never can meet more mischance than come
-To be but nam'd of thee . His meanest garment
-That ever hath but clipp'd his body , is dearer
-In my respect than all the hairs above thee ,
-Were they all made such men . How now , Pisanio !
-
-
-'His garment !' Now , the devil
-
-To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently ,
-
-'His garment !'
-
-I am sprighted with a fool ,
-Frighted , and anger'd worse . Go , bid my woman
-Search for a jewel that too casually
-Hath left mine arm ; it was thy master's , 'shrew me
-If I would lose it for a revenue
-Of any king's in Europe . I do think
-I saw 't this morning ; confident I am
-Last night 'twas on mine arm , I kiss'd it ;
-I hope it be not gone to tell my lord
-That I kiss aught but he .
-
-'Twill not be lost .
-
-I hope so ; go , and search .
-
-
-You have abus'd me :
-'His meanest garment !'
-
-Ay , I said so , sir :
-If you will make 't an action , call witness to 't .
-
-I will inform your father .
-
-Your mother too :
-She's my good lady , and will conceive , I hope ,
-But the worst of me . So I leave you , sir ,
-To the worst of discontent .
-
-
-I'll be reveng'd .
-'His meanest garment !' Well .
-
-
-Fear it not , sir ; I would I were so sure
-To win the king as I am bold her honour
-Will remain hers .
-
-What means do you make to him ?
-
-Not any , but abide the change of time ,
-Quake in the present winter's state and wish
-That warmer days would come ; in these sear'd hopes ,
-I barely gratify your love ; they failing ,
-I must die much your debtor .
-
-Your very goodness and your company
-O'erpays all I can do . By this , your king
-Hath heard of great Augustus ; Caius Lucius
-Will do 's commission throughly , and I think
-He'll grant the tribute , send the arrearages ,
-Or look upon our Romans , whose remembrance
-Is yet fresh in their grief .
-
-I do believe
-Statist though I am none , nor like to be
-That this will prove a war ; and you shall hear
-The legions now in Gallia sooner landed
-In our not-fearing Britain , than have tidings
-Of any penny tribute paid . Our countrymen
-Are men more order'd than when Julius C sar
-Smil'd at their lack of skill , but found their courage
-Worthy his frowning at : their discipline ,
-Now winged ,with their courage will make known
-To their approvers they are people such
-That mend upon the world .
-
-See ! Iachimo !
-
-
-The swiftest harts have posted you by land ,
-And winds of all the corners kiss'd your sails ,
-To make your vessel nimble .
-
-Welcome , sir .
-
-I hope the briefness of your answer made
-The speediness of your return .
-
-Your lady
-Is one of the fairest that I have look'd upon .
-
-And therewithal the best ; or let her beauty
-Look through a casement to allure false hearts
-And be false with them .
-
-Here are letters for you .
-
-Their tenour good , I trust .
-
-'Tis very like .
-
-Was Caius Lucius in the Britain court
-When you were there ?
-
-He was expected then ,
-But not approach'd .
-
-All is well yet .
-Sparkles this stone as it was wont ? or is't not
-Too dull for your good wearing ?
-
-If I have lost it ,
-I should have lost the worth of it in gold .
-I'll make a journey twice as far to enjoy
-A second night of such sweet shortness which
-Was mine in Britain ; for the ring is won .
-
-The stone's too hard to come by .
-
-Not a whit ,
-Your lady being so easy .
-
-Make not , sir ,
-Your loss your sport : I hope you know that we
-Must not continue friends .
-
-Good sir , we must ,
-If you keep covenant . Had I not brought
-The knowledge of your mistress home , I grant
-We were to question further , but I now
-Profess myself the winner of her honour ,
-Together with your ring ; and not the wronger
-Of her or you , having proceeded but
-By both your wills .
-
-If you can make 't apparent
-That you have tasted her in bed , my hand
-And ring is yours ; if not , the foul opinion
-You had of her pure honour gains or loses
-Your sword or mine or masterless leaves both
-To who shall find them .
-
-Sir , my circumstances
-Being so near the truth as I will make them ,
-Must first induce you to believe : whose strength
-I will confirm with oath ; which , I doubt not ,
-You'll give me leave to spare , when you shall find
-You need it not .
-
-Proceed .
-
-First , her bedchamber ,
-Where I confess I slept not , but profess
-Had that was well worth watching ,it was hang'd
-With tapestry of silk and silver ; the story
-Proud Cleopatra , when she met her Roman ,
-And Cydnus swell'd above the banks , or for
-The press of boats or pride ; a piece of work
-So bravely done , so rich , that it did strive
-In workmanship and value ; which I wonder'd
-Could be rarely and exactly wrought ,
-Since the true life on 't was
-
-This is true ;
-And this you might have heard of here , by me ,
-Or by some other .
-
-More particulars
-Must justify my knowledge .
-
-So they must ,
-Or do your honour injury .
-
-The chimney
-Is south the chamber , and the chimney-piece
-Chaste Dian bathing ; never saw I figures
-So likely to report themselves ; the cutter
-Was as another nature , dumb ; outwent her ,
-Motion and breath left out .
-
-This is a thing
-Which you might from relation likewise reap ,
-Being , as it is , much spoke of .
-
-The roof o' the chamber
-With golden cherubins is fretted ; her andirons
-I had forgot them were two winking Cupids
-Of silver , each on one foot standing , nicely
-Depending on their brands .
-
-This is her honour !
-Let it be granted you have seen all this ,and praise
-Be given to your remembrance ,the description
-Of what is in her chamber nothing saves
-The wager you have laid .
-
-Then , if you can ,
-Be pale : I beg but leave to air this jewel ; see !
-
-And now 'tis up again ; it must be married
-To that your diamond ; I'll keep them .
-
-Jove !
-Once more let me behold it . Is it that
-Which I left with her ?
-
-Sir ,I thank her ,that :
-She stripp'd it from her arm ; I see her yet ;
-Her pretty action did outsell her gift ,
-And yet enrich'd it too . She gave it me , and said
-She priz'd it once .
-
-May be she pluck'd it off
-To send it me .
-
-She writes so to you , doth she ?
-
-O ! no , no , no , 'tis true . Here , take this too ;
-
-It is a basilisk unto mine eye ,
-Kills me to look on 't . Let there be no honour
-Where there is beauty ; truth where semblance ; love
-Where there's another man ; the vows of women
-Of no more bondage be to where they are made
-Than they are to their virtues , which is nothing .
-O ! above measure false .
-
-Have patience , sir ,
-And take your ring again ; 'tis not yet won :
-It may be probable she lost it ; or
-Who knows if one of her women , being corrupted ,
-Hath stol'n it from her ?
-
-Very true ;
-And so I hope he came by 't . Back my ring .
-Render to me some corporal sign about her ,
-More evident than this ; for this was stol'n .
-
-By Jupiter , I had it from her arm .
-
-Hark you , he swears ; by Jupiter he swears .
-'Tis true ; nay , keep the ring ; 'tis true : I am sure
-She would not lose it ; her attendants are
-All sworn and honourable ; they induc'd to steal it !
-And by a stranger ! No , he hath enjoy'd her ;
-The cognizance of her incontinency
-Is this ; she hath bought the name of whore thus dearly .
-There , take thy hire ; and all the fiends of hell
-Divide themselves between you !
-
-Sir , be patient :
-This is not strong enough to be believ'd
-Of one persuaded well of
-
-Never talk on 't ;
-She hath been colted by him .
-
-If you seek
-For further satisfying , under her breast ,
-Worthy the pressing , lies a mole , right proud
-Of that most delicate lodging : by my life ,
-I kiss'd it , and it gave me present hunger
-To feed again , though full . You do remember
-This stain upon her ?
-
-Ay , and it doth confirm
-Another stain , as big as hell can hold ,
-Were there no more but it .
-
-Will you hear more ?
-
-Spare your arithmetic ; never count the turns ;
-Once , and a million !
-
-I'll be sworn ,
-
-No swearing .
-If you will swear you have not done 't , you lie ;
-And I will kill thee if thou dost deny
-Thou'st made me cuckold .
-
-I'll deny nothing .
-
-O ! that I had her here , to tear her limb-meal .
-I will go there and do 't , i' the court , before
-Her father . I'll do something
-
-
-Quite besides
-The government of patience ! You have won :
-Let's follow him , and pervert the present wrath
-He hath against himself .
-
-With all my heart .
-
-
-Is there no way for men to be , but women
-Must be half-workers ? We are all bastards ; all ,
-And that most venerable man which I
-Did call my father was I know not where
-When I was stamp'd ; some coiner with his tools
-Made me a counterfeit ; yet my mother seem'd
-The Dian of that time ; so doth my wife
-The nonpareil of this . O ! vengeance , vengeance ;
-Me of my lawful pleasure she restrain'd
-And pray'd me oft forbearance ; did it with
-A pudency so rosy the sweet view on 't
-Might well have warm'd old Saturn ; that I thought her
-As chaste as unsunn'd snow . O ! all the devils !
-This yellow Iachimo , in an hour ,was 't not ?
-Or less at first ?perchance he spoke not , but
-Like a full-acorn'd boar , a German one ,
-Cried 'O !' and mounted ; found no opposition
-But what he look'd for should oppose and she
-Should from encounter guard . Could I find out
-The woman's part in me ! For there's no motion
-That tends to vice in man but I affirm
-It is the woman's part ; be it lying , note it ,
-The woman's ; flattering , hers ; deceiving , hers ;
-Lust and rank thoughts , hers , hers ; revenges , hers ;
-Ambitions , covetings , change of prides , disdain ,
-Nice longing , slanders , mutability ,
-All faults that man may name , nay , that hell knows ,
-Why , hers , in part , or all ; but rather , all ;
-For even to vice
-They are not constant , but are changing still
-One vice but of a minute old for one
-Not half so old as that . I'll write against them ,
-Detest them , curse them . Yet 'tis greater skill
-In a true hate to pray they have their will :
-The very devils cannot plague them better .
-
-Now say what would Augustus C sar with us ?
-
-When Julius C sar whose remembrance yet
-Lives in men's eyes , and will to ears and tongues
-Be theme and hearing ever was in this Britain ,
-And conquer'd it , Cassibelan , thine uncle ,
-Famous in C sar's praises , no whit less
-Than in his feats deserving it ,for him
-And his succession , granted Rome a tribute ,
-Yearly three thousand pounds , which by thee lately
-Is left untender'd .
-
-And , to kill the marvel ,
-Shall be so ever .
-
-There be many C sars
-Ere such another Julius . Britain is
-A world by itself , and we will nothing pay
-For wearing our own noses .
-
-That opportunity ,
-Which then they had to take from 's , to resume ,
-We have again . Remember , sir , my liege ,
-The kings your ancestors , together with
-The natural bravery of your isle , which stands
-As Neptune's park , ribbed and paled in
-With rocks unscaleable and roaring waters ,
-With sands , that will not bear your enemies' boats ,
-But suck them up to the topmast . A kind of conquest
-C sar made here , but made not here his brag
-Of 'came , and saw , and overcame :' with shame
-The first that ever touch'd him he was carried
-From off our coast , twice beaten ; and his shipping
-Poor ignorant baubles !on our terrible seas ,
-Like egg-shells mov'd upon their surges , crack'd
-As easily 'gainst our rocks : for joy whereof
-The fam'd Cassibelan , who was once at point
-O giglot fortune !to master C sar's sword ,
-Made Lud's town with rejoicing-fires bright ,
-And Britons stiut with courage .
-
-Come , there's no more tribute to be paid . Our kingdom is stronger than it was at that time ; and , as I said , there is no moe such C sars ; other of them may have crooked noses , but to owe such straight arms , none .
-
-Son , let your mother end .
-
-We have yet many among us can gripe as hard as Cassibelan ; I do not say I am one , but I have a hand . Why tribute ? why should we pay tribute ? If C sar can hide the sun from us with a blanket , or put the moon in his pocket , we will pay him tribute for light ; else , sir , no more tribute , pray you now .
-
-You must know ,
-Till the injurious Romans did extort
-This tribute from us , we were free ; C sar's ambition
-Which swell'd so much that it did almost stretch
-The sides o' the world against all colour here
-Did put the yoke upon 's ; which to shake off
-Becomes a war-like people , whom we reckon
-Ourselves to be . We do say then to C sar
-Our ancestor was that Mulmutius which
-Ordain'd our laws , whose use the sword of C sar
-Hath too much mangled ; whose repair and franchise
-Shall , by the power we hold , be our good deed ,
-Though Rome be therefore angry . Mulmutius made our laws ,
-Who was the first of Britain which did put
-His brows within a golden crown , and call'd
-Himself a king .
-
-I am sorry , Cymbeline ,
-That I am to pronounce Augustus C sar
-C sar , that hath more kings his servants than
-Thyself domestic officers thine enemy .
-Receive it from me , then : war and confusion
-In C sar's name pronounce I 'gainst thee : look
-For fury not to be resisted . Thus defied ,
-I thank thee for myself .
-
-Thou art welcome , Caius .
-Thy C sar knighted me ; my youth I spent
-Much under him ; of him I gather'd honour ;
-Which he , to seek of me again , perforce ,
-Behoves me keep at utterance . I am perfect
-That the Pannonians and Dalmatians for
-Their liberties are now in arms ; a precedent
-Which not to read would show the Britons cold :
-So C sar shall not find them .
-
-Let proof speak .
-
-His majesty bids you welcome . Make pastime with us a day or two , or longer ; if you seek us afterwards in other terms , you shall find us in our salt-water girdle ; if you beat us out of it , it is yours ; if you fall in the adventure , our crows shall fare the better for you ; and there's an end .
-
-So , sir .
-
-I know your master's pleasure and he mine :
-All the remain is 'Welcome !'
-
-
-How ! of adultery ! Wherefore write you not
-What monster's her accuser ? Leonatus !
-O master ! what a strange infection
-Is fall'n into thy ear ! What false Italian
-As poisonous-tongu'd as handed hath prevail'd
-On thy too ready hearing ? Disloyal ! No :
-She's punish'd for her truth , and undergoes ,
-More goddess-like than wife-like , such assaults
-As would take in some virtue . O my master !
-Thy mind to her is now as low as were
-Thy fortunes . How ! that I should murder her ?
-Upon the love and truth and vows which I
-Have made to thy command ? I , her ? her blood ?
-If it be so to do good service , never
-Let me be counted serviceable . How look I ,
-That I should seem to lack humanity
-So much as this fact comes to ?Do't : the letter
-That I have sent her by her own command
-Shall give thee opportunity :O damn'd paper !
-Black as the ink that's on thee . Senseless bauble ,
-Art thou a feodary for this act , and look'st
-So virgin-like without ? Lo ! here she comes .
-I am ignorant in what I am commanded .
-
-
-How now , Pisanio !
-
-Madam , here is a letter from my lord .
-
-Who ? thy lord ? that is my lord , Leonatus .
-O ! learn'd indeed were that astronomer
-That knew the stars as I his characters ;
-He'd lay the future open . You good gods ,
-Let what is here contain'd relish of love ,
-Of my lord's health , of his content , yet not
-That we two are asunder ; let that grieve him ,
-Some griefs are med'cinable ; that is one of them ,
-For it doth physic love ,of his content ,
-All but in that ! Good wax , thy leave . Bless'd be
-You bees that make these locks of counsel ! Lovers
-And men in dangerous bonds pray not alike ;
-Though forfeiters you cast in prison , yet
-You clasp young Cupid's tables . Good news , gods !
-Justice , and your father's wrath , should he take me in his dominion , could not be so cruel to me , as you , O the dearest of creatures , would not even renew me with your eyes . Take notice that I am in Cambria , at Milford-Haven ; what your own love will out of this advise you , follow . So , he wishes you all happiness , that remains loyal to his vow , and your , increasing in love ,
-O ! for a horse with wings ! Hear'st thou , Pisanio ?
-He is at Milford-Haven ; read , and tell me
-How far 'tis thither . If one of mean affairs
-May plod it in a week , why may not I
-Glide thither in a day ? Then , true Pisanio ,
-Who long'st , like me , to see thy lord ; who long'st ,
-O ! let me 'bate ,but not like me ; yet long'st ,
-But in a fainter kind :O ! not like me ,
-For mine's beyond beyond ; say , and speak thick ;
-Love's counsellor should fill the bores of hearing ,
-To the smothering of the sense ,how far it is
-To this same blessed Milford ; and , by the way ,
-Tell me how Wales was made so happy as
-T' inherit such a haven ; but , first of all ,
-How we may steal from hence , and , for the gap
-That we shall make in time , from our hencegoing
-And our return , to excuse ; but first , how get hence .
-Why should excuse be born or ere begot ?
-We'll talk of that hereafter . Prithee , speak ,
-How many score of miles may we well ride
-'Twixt hour and hour ?
-
-One score 'twixt sun and sun ,
-Madam , 's enough for you , and too much too .
-
-Why , one that rode to 's execution , man ,
-Could never go so slow : I have heard of riding wagers ,
-Where horses have been nimbler than the sands
-That run i' the clock's behalf . But this is foolery ;
-Go bid my woman feign a sickness ; say
-She'll home to her father ; and provide me presently
-A riding-suit , no costlier than would fit
-A franklin's housewife .
-
-Madam , you're best consider .
-
-I see before me , man ; nor here , nor here ,
-Nor what ensues , but have a fog in them ,
-That I cannot look through . Away , I prithee ;
-Do as I bid thee . There's no more to say ;
-Accessible is none but Milford way .
-
-
-A goodly day not to keep house , with such
-Whose roof's as low as ours ! Stoop , boys ; this gate
-Instructs you how to adore the heavens , and bows you
-To a morning's holy office ; the gates of monarchs
-Are arch'd so high that giants may jet through
-And keep their impious turbans on , without
-Good morrow to the sun . Hail , thou fair heaven !
-We house i' the rock , yet use thee not so hardly
-As prouder livers do .
-
-Hail , heaven !
-
-Hail , heaven !
-
-Now for our mountain sport . Up to yond hill ;
-Your legs are young ; I'll tread these flats . Consider ,
-When you above perceive me like a crow ,
-That it is place which lessens and sets off ;
-And you may then revolve what tales I have told you
-Of courts , of princes , of the tricks in war ;
-This service is not service , so being done ,
-But being so allow'd ; to apprehend thus
-Draws us a profit from all things we see ,
-And often , to our comfort , shall we find
-The sharded beetle in a safer hold
-Than is the full wing'd eagle . O ! this life
-Is nobler than attending for a check ,
-Richer than doing nothing for a bribe ,
-Prouder than rustling in unpaid-for silk ;
-Such gain the cap of him that makes 'em fine ,
-Yet keeps his book uncross'd ; no life to ours .
-
-Out of your proof you speak ; we , poor unfledg'd ,
-Have never wing'd from view o' the nest , nor know not
-What air's from home . Haply this life is best ,
-If quiet life be best ; sweeter to you
-That have a sharper known , well corresponding
-With your stiff age ; but unto us it is
-A cell of ignorance , travelling a-bed ,
-A prison for a debtor , that not dares
-To stride a limit .
-
-What should we speak of
-When we are old as you ? when we shall hear
-The rain and wind beat dark December , how
-In this our pinching cave shall we discourse
-The freezing hours away ? We have seen nothing ;
-We are beastly , subtle as the fox for prey ,
-Like war-like as the wolf for what we eat ;
-Our valour is to chase what flies ; our cage
-We make a quire , as doth the prison'd bird ,
-And sing our bondage freely .
-
-How you speak !
-Did you but know the city's usuries
-And felt them knowingly ; the art o' the court ,
-As hard to leave as keep , whose top to climb
-Is certain falling , or so slippery that
-The fear's as bad as falling ; the toil of the war ,
-A pain that only seems to seek out danger
-I' the name of fame and honour ; which dies i' the search ,
-And hath as oft a slanderous epitaph
-As record of fair act ; nay , many times ,
-Doth ill deserve by doing well ; what's worse ,
-Must curtsy at the censure : O boys ! this story
-The world may read in me ; my body's mark'd
-With Roman swords , and my report was once
-First with the best of note ; Cymbeline lov'd me ,
-And when a soldier was the theme , my name
-Was not far off ; then was I as a tree
-Whose boughs did bend with fruit , but , in one night ,
-A storm or robbery , call it what you will ,
-Shook down my mellow hangings , nay , my leaves ,
-And left me bare to weather .
-
-Uncertain favour !
-
-My fault being nothing ,as I have told you oft ,
-But that two villains , whose false oaths prevail'd
-Before my perfect honour , swore to Cymbeline
-I was confederate with the Romans ; so
-Follow'd my banishment , and this twenty years
-This rock and these demesnes have been my world ,
-Where I have liv'd at honest freedom , paid
-More pious debts to heaven than in all
-The fore-end of my time . But , up to the mountains !
-This is not hunter's language . He that strikes
-The venison first shall be the lord o' the feast ;
-To him the other two shall minister ;
-And we will fear no poison which attends
-In place of greater state . I'll meet you in the valleys .
-
-How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature !
-These boys know little they are sons to the king ;
-Nor Cymbeline dreams that they are alive .
-They think they are mine ; and , though train'd up thus meanly
-I' the cave wherein they bow , their thoughts do hit
-The roofs of palaces , and nature prompts them
-In simple and low things to prince it much
-Beyond the trick of others . This Polydore ,
-The heir of Cymbeline and Britain , who
-The king his father call'd Guiderius ,Jove !
-When on my three-foot stool I sit and tell
-The war-like feats I have done , his spirits fly out
-Into my story : say , 'Thus mine enemy fell ,
-And thus I set my foot on 's neck ;' even then
-The princely blood flows in his cheek , he sweats ,
-Strains his young nerves , and puts himself in posture
-That acts my words . The younger brother , Cadwal ,
-Once Arviragus ,in as like a figure ,
-Strikes life into my speech and shows much more
-His own conceiving . Hark ! the game is rous'd .
-O Cymbeline ! heaven and my conscience knows
-Thou didst unjustly banish me ; whereon ,
-At three and two years old , I stole these babes ,
-Thinking to bar thee of succession , as
-Thou reft'st me of my lands . Euriphile ,
-Thou wast their nurse ; they took thee for their mother ,
-And every day do honour to her grave :
-Myself , Belarius , that am Morgan call'd ,
-They take for natural father . The game is up .
-
-
-Thou told'st me , when we came from horse , the place
-Was near at hand : ne'er long'd my mother so
-To see me first , as I have now . Pisanio ! man !
-Where is Posthumus ? What is in thy mind ,
-That makes thee stare thus ? Wherefore breaks that sigh
-From the inward of thee ? One , but painted thus ,
-Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd
-Beyond self-explication ; put thyself
-Into a haviour of less fear , ere wildness
-Vanquish my staider senses . What's the matter ?
-Why tender'st thou that paper to me with
-A look untender ? If 't be summer news ,
-Smile to 't before ; if winterly , thou need'st
-But keep that count'nance still . My husband's hand !
-That drug-damn'd Italy hath out-craftied him ,
-And he's at some hard point . Speak , man ; thy tongue
-May take off some extremity , which to read
-Would be even mortal to me .
-
-Please you , read ;
-And you shall find me , wretched man , a thing
-The most disdain'd of fortune .
-
-Thy mistress , Pisanio , hath played the strumpet in my bed ; the testimonies whereof lie bleeding in me . I speak not out of weak surmises , but from proof as strong as my grief and as certain as I expect my revenge . That part thou , Pisanio , must act for me , if thy faith be not tainted with the breach of hers . Let thine own hands take away her life ; I shall give thee opportunity at Milford-Haven ; she hath my letter for the purpose ; where , if thou fear to strike , and to make me certain it is done , thou art the pandar to her dishonour and equally to me disloyal .
-
-What shall I need to draw my sword ? the paper
-Hath cut her throat already . No , 'tis slander ,
-Whose edge is sharper than the sword , whose tongue
-Outvenoms all the worms of Nile , whose breath
-Rides on the posting winds and doth belie
-All corners of the world ; kings , queens , and states ,
-Maids , matrons , nay , the secrets of the grave
-This viperous slander enters . What cheer , madam ?
-
-False to his bed ! What is it to be false ?
-To lie in watch there and to think on him ?
-To weep 'twixt clock and clock ? if sleep charge nature ,
-To break it with a fearful dream of him ,
-And cry myself awake ? that's false to 's bed , is it ?
-
-Alas ! good lady .
-
-I false ! Thy conscience witness ! Iachimo ,
-Thou didst accuse him of incontinency ;
-Thou then look'dst like a villain ; now methinks
-Thy favour's good enough . Some jay of Italy ,
-Whose mother was her painting , hath betray'd him :
-Poor I am stale , a garment out of fashion ,
-And , for I am richer than to hang by the walls ,
-I must be ripp'd ; to pieces with me ! O !
-Men's vows are women's traitors ! All good seeming ,
-By thy revolt , O husband ! shall be thought
-Put on for villany ; not born where 't grows ,
-But worn a bait for ladies .
-
-Good madam , hear me .
-
-True honest men being heard , like false neas ,
-Were in his time thought false , and Sinon's weeping
-Did scandal many a holy tear , took pity
-From most true wretchedness ; so thou , Posthumus ,
-Wilt lay the leaven on all proper men ;
-Goodly and gallant shall be false and perjur'd
-From thy great fail . Come , fellow , be thou honest ;
-Do thou thy master's bidding . When thou seest him ,
-A little witness my obedience ; look !
-I draw the sword myself ; take it , and hit
-The innocent mansion of my love , my heart .
-Fear not , 'tis empty of all things but grief ;
-Thy master is not there , who was indeed
-The riches of it : do his bidding ; strike .
-Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause ,
-But now thou seem'st a coward .
-
-Hence , vile instrument !
-Thou shalt not damn my hand .
-
-Why , I must die ;
-And if I do not by thy hand , thou art
-No servant of thy master's . Against self-slaughter
-There is a prohibition so divine
-That cravens my weak hand . Come , here's my heart .
-Something's afore 't ; soft , soft ! we'll no defence ;
-Obedient as the scabbard . What is here ?
-The scriptures of the loyal Leonatus
-All turn'd to heresy ! Away , away !
-Corrupters of my faith ; you shall no more
-Be stomachers to my heart . Thus may poor fools
-Believe false teachers ; though those that are betray'd
-Do feel the treason sharply , yet the traitor
-Stands in worse case of woe .
-And thou , Posthumus , thou that didst set up
-My disobedience 'gainst the king my father ,
-And make me put into contempt the suits
-Of princely fellows , shalt hereafter find
-It is no act of common passage , but
-A strain of rareness ; and I grieve myself
-To think , when thou shalt be disedg'd by her
-That now thou tir'st on , how thy memory
-Will then be pang'd by me . Prithee , dispatch ;
-The lamb entreats the butcher ; where's thy knife ?
-Thou art too slow to do thy master's bidding ,
-When I desire it too .
-
-O , gracious lady !
-Since I receiv'd command to do this business
-I have not slept one wink .
-
-Do 't , and to bed then .
-
-I'll wake mine eyeballs blind first .
-
-Wherefore then
-Didst undertake it ? Why hast thou abus'd
-So many miles with a pretence ? this place ?
-Mine action and thine own ? our horses' labour ?
-The time inviting thee ? the perturb'd court ,
-For my being absent ?whereunto I never
-Purpose return .Why hast thou gone so far ,
-To be unbent when thou hast ta'en thy stand ,
-The elected deer before thee ?
-
-But to win time
-To lose so bad employment , in the which
-I have consider'd of a course . Good lady ,
-Hear me with patience .
-
-Talk thy tongue weary ; speak :
-I have heard I am a strumpet , and mine ear ,
-Therein false struck , can take no greater wound ,
-Nor tent to bottom that . But speak .
-
-Then , madam ,
-I thought you would not back again .
-
-Most like ,
-Bringing me here to kill me .
-
-Not so , neither ;
-But if I were as wise as honest , then
-My purpose would prove well . It cannot be
-But that my master is abus'd ; some villain ,
-Some villain , ay , and singular in his art ,
-Hath done you both this cursed injury .
-
-Some Roman courtezan .
-
-No , on my life .
-I'll give but notice you are dead and send him
-Some bloody sign of it ; for 'tis commanded
-I should do so : you shall be miss'd at court ,
-And that will well confirm it .
-
-Why , good fellow ,
-What shall I do the while ? where bide ? how live ?
-Or in my life what comfort , when I am
-Dead to my husband ?
-
-If you'll back to the court ,
-
-No court , no father ; nor no more ado
-With that harsh , noble , simple nothing Cloten !
-That Cloten , whose love-suit hath been to me
-As fearful as a siege .
-
-If not at court ,
-Then not in Britain must you bide .
-
-Where then ?
-Hath Britain all the sun that shines ? Day , night ,
-Are they not but in Britain ? I' the world's volume
-Our Britain seems as of it , but not in 't ;
-In a great pool a swan's nest : prithee , think
-There's livers out of Britain .
-
-I am most glad
-You think of other place . The ambassador ,
-Lucius the Roman , comes to Milford-Haven
-To-morrow ; now , if you could wear a mind
-Dark as your fortune is , and but disguise
-That which , t' appear itself , must not yet be
-But by self-danger , you should tread a course
-Pretty , and full of view ; yea , haply , near
-The residence of Posthumus ; so nigh at least
-That though his actions were not visible , yet
-Report should render him hourly to your ear
-As truly as he moves .
-
-O ! for such means :
-Though peril to my modesty , not death on 't ,
-I would adventure .
-
-Well , then , here's the point :
-You must forget to be a woman ; change
-Command into obedience ; fear and niceness
-The handmaids of all women , or more truly
-Woman it pretty self into a waggish courage ;
-Ready in gibes , quick-answer'd , saucy , and
-As quarrelous as the weasel ; nay , you must
-Forget that rarest treasure of your cheek ,
-Exposing it but , O ! the harder heart ,
-Alack ! no remedy to the greedy touch
-Of common-kissing Titan , and forget
-Your laboursome and dainty trims , wherein
-You made great Juno angry .
-
-Nay , be brief :
-I see into thy end , and am almost
-A man already .
-
-First , make yourself but like one .
-Forethinking this , I have already fit
-'Tis in my cloak-bag doublet , hat , hose , all
-That answer to them ; would you in their serving ,
-And with what imitation you can borrow
-From youth of such a season , 'fore noble Lucius
-Present yourself , desire his service , tell him
-Wherein you are happy ,which you'll make him know ,
-If that his head have ear in music ,doubtless
-With joy he will embrace you , for he's honourable ,
-And , doubling that , most holy . Your means abroad ,
-You have me , rich ; and I will never fail
-Beginning nor supplyment .
-
-Thou art all the comfort
-The gods will diet me with . Prithee , away ;
-There's more to be consider'd , but we'll even
-All that good time will give us ; this attempt
-I'm soldier to , and will abide it with
-A prince's courage . Away , I prithee .
-
-Well , madam , we must take a short farewell ,
-Lest , being miss'd , I be suspected of
-Your carriage from the court . My noble mistress ,
-Here is a box , I had it from the queen ,
-What's in 't is precious ; if you are sick at sea ,
-Or stomach-qualm'd at land , a dram of this
-Will drive away distemper . To some shade ,
-And fit you to your manhood . May the gods
-Direct you to the best !
-
-Amen . I thank thee
-
-
-Thus far ; and so farewell .
-
-Thanks , royal sir .
-My emperor hath wrote , I must from hence ;
-And am right sorry that I must report ye
-My master's enemy .
-
-Our subjects , sir ,
-Will not endure his yoke ; and for ourself
-To show less sovereignty than they , must needs
-Appear unking-like .
-
-So , sir : I desire of you
-A conduct over land to Milford-Haven .
-Madam , all joy befall your Grace .
-
-And you !
-
-My lords , you are appointed for that office ;
-The due of honour in no point omit .
-So , farewell , noble Lucius .
-
-Your hand , my lord .
-
-Receive it friendly ; but from this time forth
-I wear it as your enemy .
-
-Sir , the event
-Is yet to name the winner . Fare you well .
-
-Leave not the worthy Lucius , good my lords ,
-Till he have cross'd the Severn . Happiness !
-
-
-He goes hence frowning ; but it honours us
-That we have given him cause .
-
-'Tis all the better ;
-Your valiant Britons have their wishes in it .
-
-Lucius hath wrote already to the emperor
-How it goes here . It fits us therefore ripely
-Our chariots and horsemen be in readiness ;
-The powers that he already hath in Gallia
-Will soon be drawn to head , from whence he moves
-His war for Britain .
-
-'Tis not sleepy business ;
-But must be look'd to speedily and strongly .
-
-Our expectation that it would be thus
-Hath made us forward . But , my gentle queen ,
-Where is our daughter ? She hath not appear'd
-Before the Roman , nor to us hath tender'd
-The duty of the day ; she looks us like
-A thing more made of malice than of duty :
-We have noted it . Call her before us , for
-We have been too slight in sufferance .
-
-
-Royal sir .
-Since the exile of Posthumus , most retir'd
-Hath her life been ; the cure whereof , my lord ,
-'Tis time must do . Beseech your majesty ,
-Forbear sharp speeches to her ; she's a lady
-So tender of rebukes that words are strokes ,
-And strokes death to her .
-
-
-Where is she , sir ? How
-Can her contempt be answer'd ?
-
-Please you , sir ,
-Her chambers are all lock'd , and there's no answer
-That will be given to the loudest noise we make .
-
-My lord , when last I went to visit her ,
-She pray'd me to excuse her keeping close ,
-Whereto constrain'd by her infirmity ,
-She should that duty leave unpaid to you ,
-Which daily she was bound to proffer ; this
-She wish'd me to make known , but our great court
-Made me to blame in memory .
-
-Her doors lock'd !
-Not seen of late ! Grant , heavens , that which I fear
-Prove false !
-
-
-Son , I say , follow the king .
-
-That man of hers , Pisanio , her old servant ,
-I have not seen these two days .
-
-Go , look after .
-
-Pisanio , thou that stand'st so for Posthumus !
-He hath a drug of mine ; I pray his absence
-Proceed by swallowing that , for he believes
-It is a thing most precious . But for her ,
-Where is she gone ? Haply , despair hath sciz'd her ,
-Or , wing'd with fervour of her love , she's flown
-To her desir'd Posthumus . Gone she is
-To death or to dishonour , and my end
-Can make good use of either ; she being down ,
-I have the placing of the British crown .
-
-How now , my son !
-
-'Tis certain she is fled .
-Go in and cheer the king ; he rages , none
-Dare come about him .
-
-All the better ; may
-This night forestall him of the coming day !
-
-
-I love and hate her ; for she's fair and royal ,
-And that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite
-Than lady , ladies , woman ; from every one
-The best she hath , and she , of all compounded ,
-Outsells them all . I love her therefore ; but
-Disdaining me and throwing favours on
-The low Posthumus slanders so her judgment
-That what's else rare is chok'd , and in that point
-I will conclude to hate her , nay , indeed ,
-To be reveng'd upon her . For , when fools
-Shall
-
-
-Who is here ? What ! are you packing , sirrah ?
-Come hither . Ah ! you precious pandar . Villain ,
-Where is thy lady ? In a word ; or else
-
-Thou art straightway with the fiends .
-
-O ! good my lord .
-
-Where is thy lady ? or , by Jupiter
-I will not ask again . Close villain ,
-I'll have this secret from thy heart , or rip
-Thy heart to find it . Is she with Posthumus ?
-From whose so many weights of baseness cannot
-A dram of worth be drawn .
-
-Alas ! my lord ,
-How can she be with him ? When was she miss'd ?
-He is in Rome .
-
-Where is she , sir ? Come nearer ,
-No further halting ; satisfy me home
-What is become of her ?
-
-O ! my all-worthy lord .
-
-All-worthy villain !
-Discover where thy mistress is at once .
-At the next word ; no more of 'worthy lord !'
-Speak , or thy silence on the instant is
-Thy condemnation and thy death .
-
-Then , sir ,
-This paper is the history of my knowledge
-Touching her flight .
-
-
-Let's see 't . I will pursue her
-Even to Augustus' throne .
-
-Or this , or perish .
-She's far enough ; and what he learns by this
-May prove his travel , not her danger .
-
-Hum !
-
-I'll write to my lord she's dead . O Imogen !
-Safe mayst thou wander , safe return agen !
-
-Sirrah , is this letter true ?
-
-Sir , as I think .
-
-It is Posthumus' hand ; I know 't . Sirrah , if thou wouldst not be a villain , but do me true service , undergo those employments wherein I should have cause to use thee with a serious industry , that is , what villany soe'er I bid thee do , to perform it directly and truly , I would think thee an honest man ; thou shouldst neither want my means for thy relief nor my voice for thy preferment .
-
-Well , my good lord .
-
-Wilt thou serve me ? For since patiently and constantly thou hast stuck to the bare fortune of that beggar Posthumus , thou canst not , in the course of gratitude , but be a diligent follower of mine . Wilt thou serve me ?
-
-Sir , I will .
-
-Give me thy hand ; here's my purse . Hast any of thy late master's garments in thy possession ?
-
-I have , my lord , at my lodging , the same suit he wore when he took leave of my lady and mistress .
-
-The first service thou dost me , fetch that suit hither : let it be thy first service ; go .
-
-I shall , my lord .
-
-
-Meet thee at Milford-Haven !I forgot to ask him one thing ; I'll remember 't anon ,even there , thou villain Posthumus , will I kill thee . I would these garments were come . She said upon a time ,the bitterness of it I now belch from my heart ,that she held the very garment of Posthumus in more respect than my noble and natural person , together with the adornment of my qualities . With that suit upon my back will I ravish her : first kill him , and in her eyes ; there shall she see my valour , which will then be a torment to her contempt . He on the ground , my speech of insultment ended on his dead body , and when my lust hath dined ,which , as I say , to vex her , I will execute in the clothes that she so praised ,to the court I'll knock her back , foot her home again . She hath despised me rejoicingly , and I'll be merry in my revenge .
-
-Be those the garments ?
-
-Ay , my noble lord .
-
-How long is 't since she went to Milford-Haven ?
-
-She can scarce be there yet .
-
-Bring this apparel to my chamber ; that is the second thing that I have commanded thee : the third is , that thou wilt be a voluntary mute to my design . Be but duteous , and true preferment shall tender itself to thee . My revenge is now at Milford ; would I had wings to follow it !
-Come , and be true .
-
-
-Thou bidd'st me to my loss ; for true to thee
-Were to prove false , which I will never be ,
-To him that is most true . To Milford go ,
-And find not her whom thou pursu'st . Flow , flow ,
-You heavenly blessings , on her ! This fool's speed
-Be cross'd with slowness ; labour be his meed !
-
-
-I see a man's life is a tedious one ;
-I have tir'd myself , and for two nights together
-Have made the ground my bed ; I should be sick
-But that my resolution helps me . Milford ,
-When from the mountain-top Pisanio show'd thee ,
-Thou wast within a ken . O Jove ! I think
-Foundations fly the wretched ; such , I mean ,
-Where they should be reliev'd . Two beggars told me
-I could not miss my way ; will poor folks lie ,
-That have afflictions on them , knowing 'tis
-A punishment or trial ? Yes ; no wonder ,
-When rich ones scarce tell true . To lapse in fulness
-Is sorer than to lie for need , and falsehood
-Is worse in kings than beggars . My dear lord !
-Thou art one o' the false ones . Now I think on thee ,
-My hunger's gone , but even before I was
-At point to sink for food . But what is this ?
-Here is a path to 't ; 'tis some savage hold ;
-I were best not call , I dare not call , yet famine ,
-Ere clean it o'erthrow nature , makes it valiant .
-Plenty and peace breeds cowards , hardness ever
-Of hardiness is mother . Ho ! Who's here ?
-If any thing that's civil , speak ; if savage ,
-Take or lend . Ho ! No answer ? Then I'll enter .
-Best draw my sword ; and if mine enemy
-But fear the sword like me , he'll scarcely look on 't .
-Such a foe , good heavens !
-
-You , Polydore , have prov'd best woodman , and
-Are master of the feast ; Cadwal and I
-Will play the cook and servant , 'tis our match ;
-The sweat of industry would dry and die
-But for the end it works to . Come ; our stomachs
-Will make what's homely savoury ; weariness
-Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
-Finds the down pillow hard . Now , peace be here ,
-Poor house , that keep'st thyself !
-
-I am throughly weary .
-
-I am weak with toil , yet strong in appetite .
-
-There is cold meat i' the cave ; we'll browse on that ,
-Whilst what we have kill'd be cook'd .
-
-Stay ; come not in ;
-But that it eats our victuals , I should think
-Here were a fairy .
-
-What's the matter , sir ?
-
-By Jupiter , an angel ! or , if not ,
-An earthly paragon ! Behold divineness
-No elder than a boy !
-
-
-Good masters , harm me not :
-Before I enter'd here , I call'd ; and thought
-To have begg'd or bought what I have took . Good troth ,
-I have stol'n nought , nor would not , though I had found
-Gold strew'd i' the floor . Here's money for my meat ;
-I would have left it on the board so soon
-As I had made my meal , and parted
-With prayers for the provider .
-
-Money , youth ?
-
-All gold and silver rather turn to dirt !
-As 'tis no better reckon'd but of those
-Who worship dirty gods .
-
-I see you're angry .
-Know , if you kill me for my fault , I should
-Have died had I not made it .
-
-Whither bound ?
-
-To Milford-Haven .
-
-What's your name ?
-
-Fidele , sir . I have a kinsman who
-Is bound for Italy ; he embark'd at Milford :
-To whom being going , almost spent with hunger ,
-I am fall'n in this offence .
-
-Prithee , fair youth ,
-Think us no churis , nor measure our good minds
-By this rude place we live in . Well encounter'd !
-'Tis almost night ; you shall have better cheer
-Ere you depart , and thanks to stay and eat it .
-Boys , bid him welcome .
-
-Were you a woman , youth ,
-I should woo hard but be your groom . In honesty ,
-I bid for you , as I do buy .
-
-I'll make 't my comfort
-He is a man ; I'll love him as my brother ;
-And such a welcome as I'd give to him
-After a long absence , such is yours : most welcome !
-Be sprightly , for you fall 'mongst friends .
-
-'Mongst friends ,
-If brothers .
-
-Would it had been so , that they
-Had been my father's sons ; then had my prize
-Been less , and so more equal ballasting
-To thee , Posthumus .
-
-He wrings at some distress .
-
-Would I could free 't !
-
-Or I , whate'er it be ,
-What pain it cost , what danger . Gods !
-
-Hark , boys
-
-
-Great men ,
-That had a court no bigger than this cave ,
-That did attend themselves and had the virtue
-Which their own conscience seal'd them ,laying by
-That nothing-gift of differing multitudes ,
-Could not out-peer these twain . Pardon me , gods !
-I'd change my sex to be companion with them ,
-Since Leonatus' false .
-
-It shall be so .
-Boys , we'll go dress our hunt . Fair youth , come in :
-Discourse is heavy , fasting ; when we have supp'd ,
-We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story ,
-So far as thou wilt speak it .
-
-Pray , draw near .
-
-The night to the owl and morn to the lark less welcome .
-
-Thanks , sir .
-
-I pray , draw near .
-
-
-This is the tenour of the emperor's writ :
-That since the common men are now in action
-'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians ,
-And that the legions now in Gallia are
-Full weak to undertake our wars against
-The fall'n-off Britons , that we do incite
-The gentry to this business . He creates
-Lucius pro-consul ; and to you the tribunes ,
-For this immediate levy , he commends
-His absolute commission . Long live C sar !
-
-Is Lucius general of the forces ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Remaining now in Gallia ?
-
-With those legions
-Which I have spoke of , whereunto your levy
-Must be supplyant ; the words of your commission
-Will tie you to the numbers and the time
-Of their dispatch .
-
-We will discharge our duty .
-
-I am near to the place where they should meet , if Pisanio have mapped it truly . How fit his garments serve me ! Why should his mistress , who was made by him that made the tailor , not be fit too ? the rather ,saving reverence of the word ,for 'tis said a woman's fitness comes by fits . Therein I must play the workman . I dare speak it to myself ,for it is not vain-glory , for a man and his glass to confer in his own chamber ,I mean , the lines of my body are as well drawn as his ; no less young , more strong , not beneath him in fortunes , beyond him in the advantage of the time , above him in birth , alike conversant in general services , and more remarkable in single oppositions ; yet this imperceiverant thing loves him in my despite . What mortality is ! Posthumus , thy head , which now is growing upon thy shoulders , shall within this hour be off , thy mistress enforced , thy garments cut to pieces before thy face ; and all this done , spurn her home to her father , who may haply be a little angry for my so rough usage , but my mother , having power of his testiness , shall turn all into my commendations . My horse is tied up safe ; out , sword , and to a sore purpose ! Fortune , put them into my hand ! This is the very description of their meeting-place ; and the fellow dares not deceive me .
-
-
-You are not well ; remain here in the cave ;
-We'll come to you after hunting .
-
-Brother , stay here ;
-Are we not brothers ?
-
-So man and man should be ,
-But clay and clay differs in dignity ,
-Whose dust is both alike . I am very sick .
-
-Go you to hunting ; I'll abide with him .
-
-So sick I am not , yet I am not well ;
-But not so citizen a wanton as
-To seem to die ere sick . So please you , leave me ;
-Stick to your journal course ; the breach of custom
-Is breach of all . I am ill ; but your being by me
-Cannot amend me ; society is no comfort
-To one not sociable . I am not very sick ,
-Since I can reason of it ; pray you , trust me here ,
-I'll rob none but myself , and let me die ,
-Stealing so poorly .
-
-I love thee ; I have spoke it ;
-How much the quantity , the weight as much ,
-As I do love my father .
-
-What ! how ! how !
-
-If it be sin to say so , sir , I yoke me
-In my good brother's fault : I know not why
-I love this youth ; and I have heard you say ,
-Love's reason's without reason : the bier at door ,
-And a demand who is 't shall die , I'd say
-'My father , not this youth .'
-
-O noble strain !
-O worthiness of nature ! breed of greatness !
-Cowards father cowards , and base things sire base :
-Nature hath meal and bran , contempt and grace .
-I'm not their father ; yet who this should be ,
-Doth miracle itself , lov'd before me .
-'Tis the ninth hour o' the morn .
-
-Brother , farewell .
-
-I wish ye sport .
-
-You health . So please you , sir .
-
-These are kind creatures . Gods , what lies I have heard !
-Our courtiers say all's savage but at court :
-Experience , O ! thou disprov'st report .
-The imperious seas breed monsters , for the dish
-Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish .
-I am sick still , heart-sick . Pisanio ,
-I'll now taste of thy drug .
-
-
-I could not stir him ;
-He said he was gentle , but unfortunate ;
-Dishonestly afflicted , but yet honest .
-
-Thus did he answer me ; yet said hereafter
-I might know more .
-
-To the field , to the field !
-
-
-We'll leave you for this time ; go in and rest .
-
-We'll not be long away .
-
-Pray , be not sick ,
-For you must be our housewife .
-
-Well or ill ,
-I am bound to you .
-
-And shalt be ever .
-
-This youth , howe'er distress'd , appears he hath had
-Good ancestors .
-
-How angel-like he sings !
-
-But his neat cookery ! he cut our roots
-In characters ,
-And sauc'd our broths as Juno had been sick
-And he her dieter .
-
-Nobly he yokes
-A smiling with a sigh , as if the sigh
-Was that it was , for not being such a smile ;
-The smile mocking the sigh , that it would fly
-From so divine a temple , to commix
-With winds that sailors rail at .
-
-I do note
-That grief and patience rooted in him , both
-Mingle their spurs together .
-
-Grow , patience !
-And let the stinking-elder , grief , untwine
-His perishing root with the increasing vine !
-
-It is great morning . Come , away !Who's there ?
-
-
-I cannot find those runagates ; that villain
-Hath mock'd me . I am faint .
-
-'Those runagates !'
-Means he not us ? I partly know him ; 'tis
-Cloten , the son o' the queen . I fear some ambush .
-I saw him not these many years , and yet
-I know 'tis he . We are held as outlaws : hence !
-
-He is but one . You and my brother search
-What companies are near ; pray you , away ;
-Let me alone with him .
-
-
-Soft ! What are you
-That fly me thus ? some villain mountainers ?
-I have heard of such . What slave art thou ?
-
-A thing
-More slavish did I ne'er than answering
-A 'slave' without a knock .
-
-Thou art a robber ,
-A law-breaker , a villain . Yield thee , thief .
-
-To who ? to thee ? What art thou ? Have not I
-An arm as big as thine ? a heart as big ?
-Thy words , I grant , are bigger , for I wear not
-My dagger in my mouth . Say what thou art ,
-Why I should yield to thee ?
-
-Thou villain base ,
-Know'st me not by my clothes ?
-
-No , nor thy tailor , rascal ,
-Who is thy grandfather : he made those clothes ,
-Which , as it seems , make thee .
-
-Thou precious varlet ,
-My tailor made them not .
-
-Hence then , and thank
-The man that gave them thee . Thou art some fool ;
-I am loath to beat thee .
-
-Thou injurious thief ,
-Hear but my name , and tremble .
-
-What's thy name ?
-
-Cloten , thou villain .
-
-Cloten , thou double villain , be thy name ,
-I cannot tremble at it ; were it Toad , or Adder , Spider ,
-'Twould move me sooner .
-
-To thy further fear ,
-Nay , to thy mere confusion , thou shalt know
-I am son to the queen .
-
-I'm sorry for 't , not seeming
-So worthy as thy birth .
-
-Art not afeard ?
-
-Those that I reverence those I fear , the wise ;
-At fools I laugh , not fear them .
-
-Die the death :
-When I have slain thee with my proper hand ,
-I'll follow those that even now fled hence ,
-And on the gates of Lud's town set your heads :
-Yield , rustic mountaineer .
-
-No companies abroad .
-
-None in the world . You did mistake him , sure .
-
-I cannot tell ; long is it since I saw him ,
-But time hath nothing blurr'd those lines of favour
-Which then he wore ; the snatches in his voice ,
-And burst of speaking , were as his . I am absolute
-'Twas very Cloten .
-
-In this place we left them :
-I wish my brother make good time with him ,
-You say he is so fell .
-
-Being scarce made up ,
-I mean , to man , he had not apprehension
-Of roaring terrors ; for defect of judgment
-Is oft the cease of fear . But see , thy brother .
-
-
-This Cloten was a fool , an empty purse ,
-There was no money in 't . Not Hercules
-Could have knock'd out his brains , for he had none ;
-Yet I not doing this , the fool had borne
-My head as I do his .
-
-What hast thou done ?
-
-I am perfect what : cut off one Cloten's head ,
-Son to the queen , after his own report ;
-Who call'd me traitor , mountaineer , and swore ,
-With his own single hand he'd take us in ,
-Displace our heads where thank the gods !they grow ,
-And set them on Lud's town .
-
-We are all undone .
-
-Why , worthy father , what have we to lose ,
-But that he swore to take , our lives ? The law
-Protects not us ; then why should we be tender
-To let an arrogant piece of flesh threat us ,
-Play judge and executioner all himself ,
-For we do fear the law ? What company
-Discover you abroad ?
-
-No single soul
-Can we set eye on ; but in all safe reason
-He must have some attendants . Though his humour
-Was nothing but mutation , ay , and that
-From one bad thing to worse ; not frenzy , not
-Absolute madness could so far have rav'd
-To bring him here alone . Although , perhaps ,
-It may be heard at court that such as we
-Cave here , hunt here , are outlaws , and in time
-May make some stronger head ; the which he hearing ,
-As it is like him ,might break out , and swear
-He'd fetch us in ; yet is 't not probable
-To come alone , either he so undertaking ,
-Or they so suffering ; then , on good ground we fear ,
-If we do fear this body hath a tail
-More perilous than the head .
-
-Let ordinance
-Come as the gods foresay it ; howsoe'er ,
-My brother hath done well .
-
-I had no mind
-To hunt this day ; the boy Fidele's sickness
-Did make my way long forth .
-
-With his own sword ,
-Which he did wave against my throat , I have ta'en
-His head from him ; I'll throw 't into the creek
-Behind our rock , and let it to the sea ,
-And tell the fishes he's the queen's son , Cloten :
-That's all I reck .
-
-
-I fear 'twill be reveng'd .
-Would , Polydore , thou hadst not done 't ! though valour
-Becomes thee well enough .
-
-Would I had done 't
-So the revenge alone pursu'd me ! Polydore ,
-I love thee brotherly , but envy much
-Thou hast robb'd me of this deed ; I would revenges ,
-That possible strength might meet , would seek us through
-And put us to our answer .
-
-Well , 'tis done .
-We'll hunt no more to-day , nor seek for danger
-Where there's no profit . I prithee , to our rock ;
-You and Fidele play the cooks ; I'll stay
-Till hasty Polydore return , and bring him
-To dinner presently .
-
-Poor sick Fidele !
-I'll willingly to him ; to gain his colour
-I'd let a parish of such Clotens blood ,
-And praise myself for charity .
-
-
-O thou goddess !
-Thou divine Nature , how thyself thou blazon'st
-In these two princely boys . They are as gentle
-As zephyrs , blowing below the violet ,
-Not wagging his sweet head ; and yet as rough ,
-Their royal blood enchaf'd , as the rud'st wind ,
-That by the top doth take the mountain pine ,
-And make him stoop to the vale . 'Tis wonder
-That an invisible instinct should frame them
-To royalty unlearn'd , honour untaught ,
-Civility not seen from other , valour
-That wildly grows in them , but yields a crop
-As if it had been sow'd ! Yet still it's strange
-What Cloten's being here to us portends ,
-Or what his death will bring us .
-
-
-Where's my brother ?
-I have sent Cloten's clotpoll down the stream ,
-In embassy to his mother ; his body's hostage
-For his return .
-
-
-My ingenious instrument !
-Hark ! Polydore , it sounds ; but what occasion
-Hath Cadwal now to give it motion ? Hark !
-
-Is he at home ?
-
-He went hence even now .
-
-What does he mean ? since death of my dear'st mother
-It did not speak before . All solemn things
-Should answer solemn accidents . The matter ?
-Triumphs for nothing and lamenting toys
-Is jollity for apes and grief for boys .
-Is Cadwal mad ?
-
-
-Look ! here he comes ,
-And brings the dire occasion in his arms
-Of what we blame him for .
-
-The bird is dead
-That we have made so much on . I had rather
-Have skipp'd from sixteen years of age to sixty ,
-To have turn'd my leaping-time into a crutch ,
-Than have seen this .
-
-O , sweetest , fairest lily !
-My brother wears thee not the one half so well
-As when thou grew'st thyself .
-
-O melancholy !
-Who ever yet could sound thy bottom ? find
-The ooze , to show what coast thy sluggish crare
-Might easiliest harbour in ? Thou blessed thing !
-Jove knows what man thou mightst have made ; but I ,
-Thou diedst , a most rare boy , of melancholy .
-How found you him ?
-
-Stark , as you see :
-Thus smiling , as some fly had tickled slumber ,
-Not as death's dart , being laugh'd at ; his right cheek
-Reposing on a cushion .
-
-Where ?
-
-O' the floor ,
-His arms thus leagu'd ; I thought he slept , and put
-My clouted brogues from off my feet , whose rudeness
-Answer'd my steps too loud .
-
-Why , he but sleeps :
-If he be gone , he'll make his grave a bed ;
-With female fairies will his tomb be haunted ,
-And worms will not come to thee .
-
-With fairest flowers
-While summer lasts and I live here , Fidele ,
-I'll sweeten thy sad grave ; thou shalt not lack
-The flower that's like thy face , pale primrose , nor
-The azur'd hare-bell , like thy veins , no , nor
-The leaf of eglantine , whom not to slander ,
-Out-sweeten'd not thy breath : the ruddock would ,
-With charitable bill ,O bill ! sore-shaming
-Those rich-left heirs , that let their fathers lie
-Without a monument ,bring thee all this ;
-Yea , and furr'd moss besides , when flowers are none ,
-To winter-ground thy corse .
-
-Prithee , have done ,
-And do not play in wench-like words with that
-Which is so serious . Let us bury him ,
-And not protract with admiration what
-Is now due debt . To the grave !
-
-Say , where shall 's lay him ?
-
-By good Euriphile , our mother .
-
-Be 't so :
-And let us , Polydore , though now our voices
-Have got the mannish crack , sing him to the ground ,
-As once our mother ; use like note and words ,
-Save that Euriphile must be Fidele .
-
-Cadwal ,
-I cannot sing ; I'll weep , and word it with thee ;
-For notes of sorrow out of tune are worse
-Than priests and fanes that lie .
-
-We'll speak it then .
-
-Great griefs , I see , medicine the less , for Cloten
-Is quite forgot . He was a queen's son , boys ,
-And though he came our enemy , remember
-He was paid for that ; though mean and mighty rotting
-Together , have one dust , yet reverence
-That angel of the world doth make distinction
-Of place 'tween high and low . Our foe was princely ,
-And though you took his life , as being our foe ,
-Yet bury him as a prince .
-
-Pray you , fetch him hither .
-Thersites' body is as good as Ajax'
-When neither are alive .
-
-If you'll go fetch him ,
-We'll say our song the whilst . Brother , begin .
-
-
-Nay , Cadwal , we must lay his head to the east ;
-My father hath a reason for 't .
-
-'Tis true .
-
-Come on then , and remove him .
-
-So , begin .
-
-
-Fear no more the heat o' the sun ,
-Nor the furious winter's rages ;
-Thou thy worldly task hast done ,
-Home art gone , and ta'en thy wages ;
-Golden lads and girls all must ,
-As chimney-sweepers , come to dust .
-
-Fear no more the frown o' the great ,
-Thou art past the tyrant's stroke :
-Care no more to clothe and eat ;
-To thee the reed is as the oak :
-The sceptre , learning , physic , must
-All follow this , and come to dust .
-
-Fear no more the lightning-flash ,
-
-Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone ;
-
-Fear not slander , censure rash ;
-
-Thou hast finish'd joy and moan
-
-All lovers young , all lovers must
-Consign to thee , and come to dust .
-
-No exorciser harm thee !
-
-Nor no witchcraft charm thee !
-
-Ghost unlaid forbear thee !
-
-Nothing ill come near thee !
-
-Quiet consummation have ;
-And renowned be thy grave !
-
-We have done our obsequies . Come , lay him down .
-
-Here's a few flowers , but 'bout mid-night , more ;
-The herbs that have on them cold dew o' the night
-Are strewings fitt'st for graves . Upon their faces
-You were as flowers , now wither'd ; even so
-These herblets shall , which we upon you strew .
-Come on , away ; apart upon our knees .
-The ground that gave them first has them again ;
-Their pleasures here are past , so is their pain .
-
-
-Yes , sir , to Milford-Haven ; which is the way ?
-I thank you . By yond bush ? Pray , how far thither ?
-'Ods pittikins ! can it be six mile yet ?
-I have gone all night : Faith , I'll lie down and sleep .
-
-
-But , soft ! no bed-fellow ! O gods and goddesses !
-These flowers are like the pleasures of the world ;
-This bloody man , the care on 't . I hope I dream ;
-For so I thought I was a cave-keeper ,
-And cook to honest creatures ; but 'tis not so ,
-'Twas but a bolt of nothing , shot at nothing ,
-Which the brain makes of fumes . Our very eyes
-Are sometimes like our judgments , blind . Good faith ,
-I tremble still with fear ; but if there be
-Yet left in heaven as small a drop of pity
-As a wren's eye , fear'd gods , a part of it !
-The dream's here still ; even when I wake , it is
-Without me , as within me ; not imagin'd , felt .
-A headless man ! The garments of Posthumus !
-I know the shape of 's leg , this is his hand ,
-His foot Mercurial , his Martial thigh ,
-The brawns of Hercules , but his Jovial face
-Murder in heaven ? How ! 'Tis gone . Pisanio ,
-All curses madded Hecuba gave the Greeks ,
-And mine to boot , be darted on thee ! Thou ,
-Conspir'd with that irregulous devil , Cloten ,
-Hast here cut off my lord . To write and read
-Be henceforth treacherous ! Damn'd Pisanio
-Hath with his forged letters , damn'd Pisanio ,
-From this most bravest vessel of the world
-Struck the main-top ! O Posthumus ! alas !
-Where is thy head ? where's that ? Ay me ! where's that ?
-Pisanio might have kill'd thee at the heart ,
-And left this head on . How should this be ? Pisanio ?
-'Tis he and Cloten ; malice and lucre in them
-Have laid this woe here . O ! 'tis pregnant , pregnant !
-The drug he gave me , which he said was precious
-And cordial to me , have I not found it
-Murderous to the senses ? That confirms it home ;
-This is Pisanio's deed , and Cloten's : O !
-Give colour to my pale cheek with thy blood ,
-That we the horrider may seem to those
-Which chance to find us . O ! my lord , my lord .
-
-To them the legions garrison'd in Gallia ,
-After your will , have cross'd the sea , attending
-You here at Milford-Haven with your ships :
-They are in readiness .
-
-But what from Rome ?
-
-The senate hath stirr'd up the confiners
-And gentlemen of Italy , most willing spirits ,
-That promise noble service ; and they come
-Under the conduct of bold Iachimo ,
-Sienna's brother .
-
-When expect you them ?
-
-With the next benefit o' the wind .
-
-This forwardness
-Makes our hopes fair . Command our present numbers
-Be muster'd ; bid the captains look to 't . Now , sir ,
-What have you dream'd of late of this war's purpose ?
-
-Last night the very gods show'd me a vision ,
-I fast and pray'd for their intelligence ,thus :
-I saw Jove's bird , the Roman eagle , wing'd
-From the spongy south to this part of the west ,
-There vanish'd in the sunbeams ; which portends ,
-Unless my sins abuse my divination ,
-Success to the Roman host .
-
-Dream often so ,
-And never false . Soft , ho ! what trunk is here
-Without his top ? The ruin speaks that sometime
-It was a worthy building . How ! a page !
-Or dead or sleeping on him ? But dead rather ,
-For nature doth abhor to make his bed
-With the defunct , or sleep upon the dead .
-Let's see the boy's face .
-
-He's alive , my lord .
-
-He'll , then , instruct us of this body . Young one ,
-Inform us of thy fortunes , for it seems
-They crave to be demanded . Who is this
-Thou mak'st thy bloody pillow ? Or who was he
-That , otherwise than noble nature did ,
-Hath alter'd that good picture ? What's thy interest
-In this sad wrack ? How came it ? Who is it ?
-What art thou ?
-
-I am nothing ; or if not ,
-Nothing to be were better . This was my master ,
-A very valiant Briton and a good ,
-That here by mountaineers lies slain . Alas !
-There are no more such masters ; I may wander
-From east to occident , cry out for service ,
-Try many , all good , serve truly , never
-Find such another master .
-
-'Lack , good youth !
-Thou mov'st no less with thy complaining than
-Thy master in bleeding . Say his name , good friend .
-
-Richard du Champ .
-
-If I do lie and do
-No harm by it , though the gods hear , I hope
-They'll pardon it .Say you , sir ?
-
-Thy name ?
-
-Fidele , sir .
-
-Thou dost approve thyself the very same ;
-Thy name well fits thy faith , thy faith thy name .
-Wilt take thy chance with me ? I will not say
-Thou shalt be so well master'd , but be sure
-No less belov'd . The Roman emperor's letters ,
-Sent by a consul to me , should not sooner
-Than thine own worth prefer thee . Go with me .
-
-I'll follow , sir . But first , an 't please the gods ,
-I'll hide my master from the flies , as deep
-As these poor pickaxes can dig ; and when
-With wild wood-leaves and weeds I ha' strew'd his grave ,
-And on it said a century of prayers ,
-Such as I can , twice o'er , I'll weep and sigh ;
-And , leaving so his service , follow you ,
-So please you entertain me .
-
-Ay , good youth ,
-And rather father thee than master thee .
-My friends ,
-The boy hath taught us manly duties ; let us
-Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can ,
-And make him with our pikes and partisans
-A grave ; come , arm him . Boy , he is preferr'd
-By thee to us , and he shall be interr'd
-As soldiers can . Be cheerful ; wipe thine eyes :
-Some falls are means the happier to arise .
-
-
-Again ; and bring me word how 'tis with her .
-
-A fever with the absence of her son ,
-A madness , of which her life's in danger . Heavens !
-How deeply you at once do touch me . Imogen ,
-The great part of my comfort , gone ; my queen
-Upon a desperate bed , and in a time
-When fearful wars point at me ; her son gone ,
-So needful for this present : it strikes me , past
-The hope of comfort . But for thee , fellow ,
-Who needs must know of her departure and
-Dost seem so ignorant , we'll enforce it from thee
-By a sharp torture .
-
-Sir , my life is yours ,
-I humbly set it at your will ; but , for my mistress ,
-I nothing know where she remains , why gone ,
-Nor when she purposes return . Beseech your highness ,
-Hold me your loyal servant .
-
-Good my liege ,
-The day that she was missing he was here ;
-I dare be bound he's true and shall perform
-All parts of his subjection loyally . For Cloten ,
-There wants no diligence in seeking him ,
-And will , no doubt , be found .
-
-The time is troublesome .
-
-
-We'll slip you for a season ; but our jealousy
-Does yet depend .
-
-So please-your majesty ,
-The Roman legions , all from Gallia drawn ,
-Are landed on your coast , with a supply
-Of Roman gentlemen , by the senate sent .
-
-Now for the counsel of my son and queen !
-I am amaz'd with matter .
-
-Good my liege ,
-Your preparation can affront no less
-Than what you hear of ; come more , for more you're ready :
-The want is , but to put those powers in motion
-That long to move .
-
-I thank you . Let's withdraw ;
-And meet the time as it seeks us . We fear not
-What can from Italy annoy us , but
-We grieve at chances here . Away !
-
-
-I heard no letter from my master since
-I wrote him Imogen was slain ; 'tis strange ;
-Nor hear I from my mistress , who did promise
-To yield me often tidings ; neither know I
-What is betid to Cloten ; but remain
-Perplex'd in all : the heavens still must work .
-Wherein I am false I am honest ; not true to be true :
-These present wars shall find I love my country ,
-Even to the note o' the king , or I'll fall in them .
-All other doubts , by time let them be clear'd ;
-Fortune brings in some boats that are not steer'd .
-
-
-The noise is round about us .
-
-Let us from it .
-
-What pleasure , sir , find we in life , to lock it
-From action and adventure ?
-
-Nay , what hope
-Have we in hiding us ? this way , the Romans
-Must or for Britons slay us , or receive us
-For barbarous and unnatural revolts
-During their use , and slay us after .
-
-Sons ,
-We'll higher to the mountains ; there secure us .
-To the king's party there's no going ; newness
-Of Cloten's death ,we being not known , not muster'd
-Among the bands ,may drive us to a render
-Where we have liv'd , and so extort from 's that
-Which we have done , whose answer would be death
-Drawn on with torture .
-
-This is , sir , a doubt
-In such a time nothing becoming you ,
-Nor satisfying us .
-
-It is not likely
-That when they hear the Roman horses neigh ,
-Behold their quarter'd fires , have both their eyes
-And ears so cloy'd importantly as now ,
-That they will waste their time upon our note ,
-To know from whence we are .
-
-O ! I am known
-Of many in the army ; many years ,
-Though Cloten then but young , you see , not wore him
-From my remembrance . And , besides , the king
-Hath not deserv'd my service nor your loves
-Who find in my exile the want of breeding ,
-The certainty of this hard life ; aye hopeless
-To have the courtesy your cradle promis'd ,
-But to be still hot summer's tanlings and
-The shrinking slaves of winter .
-
-Than be so
-Better to cease to be . Pray , sir , to the army :
-I and my brother are not known ; yourself ,
-So out of thought , and thereto so o'ergrown ,
-Cannot be question'd .
-
-By this sun that shines ,
-I'll thither : what thing is it that I never
-Did see man die ! scarce ever look'd on blood
-But that of coward hares , hot goats , and venison !
-Never bestrid a horse , save one that had
-A rider like myself , who ne'er wore rowel
-Nor iron on his heel ! I am asham'd
-To look upon the holy sun , to have
-The benefit of his bless'd beams , remaining
-So long a poor unknown .
-
-By heavens ! I'll go :
-If you will bless me , sir , and give me leave ,
-I'll take the better care ; but if you will not ,
-The hazard therefore due fall on me by
-The hands of Romans .
-
-So say I ; amen .
-
-No reason I , since of your lives you set
-So slight a valuation , should reserve
-My crack'd one to more care . Have with you , boys !
-If in your country wars you chance to die ,
-That is my bed too , lads , and there I'll lie :
-Lead , lead .
-
-The time seems long ; their blood thinks scorn ,
-Till it fly out and show them princes born .
-
-Yea , bloody cloth , I'll keep thee , for I wish'd
-Thou shouldst be colour'd thus . You married ones ,
-If each of you should take this course , how many
-Must murder wives much better than themselves
-For wrying but a little ! O Pisanio !
-Every good servant does not all commands ;
-No bond but to do just ones . Gods ! if you
-Should have ta'en vengeance on my faults , I never
-Had liv'd to put on this ; so had you sav'd
-The noble Imogen to repent , and struck
-Me , wretch more worth your vengeance . But , alack !
-You snatch some hence for little faults ; that's love ,
-To have them fall no more ; you some permit
-To second ills with ills , each elder worse ,
-And make them dread it , to the doers' thrift .
-But Imogen is your own ; do your best wills ,
-And make me bless'd to obey . I am brought hither
-Among the Italian gentry , and to fight
-Against my lady's kingdom ; 'tis enough
-That , Britain , I have kill'd thy mistress-piece !
-I'll give no wound to thee . Therefore good heavens ,
-Hear patiently my purpose : I'll disrobe me
-Of these Italian weeds , and suit myself
-As does a Briton peasant ; so I'll fight
-Against the part I come with , so I'll die
-For thee , O Imogen ! even for whom my life
-Is , every breath , a death : and thus , unknown ,
-Pitied nor hated , to the face of peril
-Myself I'll dedicate . Let me make men know
-More valour in me than my habits show .
-Gods ! put the strength o' the Leonati in me .
-To shame the guise o' the world , I will begin
-The fashion , less without and more within .
-
-
-The heaviness and guilt within my bosom
-Takes off my manhood : I have belied a lady ,
-The princess of this country , and the air on 't
-Revengingly enfeebles me ; or could this carl ,
-A very drudge of nature's , have subdu'd me
-In my profession ? Knighthoods and honours , borne
-As I wear mine , are titles but of scorn .
-If that thy gentry , Britain , go before
-This lout as he exceeds our lords , the odds
-Is that we scarce are men and you are gods .
-
-
-Stand , stand ! We have the advantage of the ground .
-The lane is guarded ; nothing routs us but
-The villany of our fears .
-
-Stand , stand , and fight !
-
-Stand , stand , and fight !
-
-Away , boy , from the troops , and save thyself ;
-For friends kill friends , and the disorder's such
-As war were hoodwink'd .
-
-'Tis their fresh supplies .
-
-It is a day turn'd strangely : or betimes
-Let's re-inforce , or fly .
-
-
-Cam'st thou from where they made the stand ?
-
-I did :
-Though you , it seems , come from the fliers .
-
-I did .
-
-No blame be to you , sir ; for all was lost ,
-But that the heavens fought . The king himself
-Of his wings destitute , the army broken ,
-And but the backs of Britons seen , all flying
-Through a strait lane ; the enemy full-hearted ,
-Lolling the tongue with slaughtering , having work
-More plentiful than tools to do 't , struck down
-Some mortally , some slightly touch'd , some falling
-Merely through fear ; that the strait pass was damm'd
-With dead men hurt behind , and cowards living
-To die with lengthen'd shame .
-
-Where was this lane ?
-
-Close by the battle , ditch'd , and wall'd with turf ;
-Which gave advantage to an ancient soldier ,
-An honest one , I warrant ; who deserv'd
-So long a breeding as his white beard came to ,
-In doing this for his country ; athwart the lane ,
-He , with two striplings ,lads more like to run
-The country base than to commit such slaughter ,
-With faces fit for masks , or rather fairer
-Than those for preservation cas'd , or shame ,
-Made good the passage ; cried to those that fled ,
-'Our Britain's harts die flying , not our men :
-To darkness fleet souls that fly backwards . Stand !
-Or we are Romans , and will give you that
-Like beasts which you shun beastly , and may save ,
-But to look back in frown : stand , stand !' These three ,
-Three thousand confident , in act as many ,
-For three performers are the file when all
-The rest do nothing ,with this word , 'Stand , stand !'
-Accommodated by the place , more charming
-With their own nobleness ,which could have turn'd
-A distaff to a lance ,gilded pale looks ,
-Part shame , part spirit renew'd ; that some , turn'd coward
-But by example ,O ! a sin of war ,
-Damn'd in the first beginners ,'gan to look
-The way that they did , and to grin like lions
-Upon the pikes o' the hunters . Then began
-A stop i' the chaser , a retire , anon ,
-A rout , confusion thick ; forthwith they fly
-Chickens , the way which they stoop'd eagles ; slaves ,
-The strides they victors made . And now our cowards
-Like fragments in hard voyages became
-The life o' the need ; having found the back door open
-Of the unguarded hearts , Heavens ! how they wound ;
-Some slain before ; some dying ; some their friends
-O'er-borne i' the former wave ; ten , chas'd by one ,
-Are now each one the slaughter-man of twenty ;
-Those that would die or ere resist are grown
-The mortal bugs o' the field .
-
-This was strange chance :
-A narrow lane , an old man , and two boys !
-
-Nay , do not wonder at it ; you are made
-Rather to wonder at the things you hear
-Than to work any . Will you rime upon 't ,
-And vent it for a mockery ? Here is one :
-'Two boys , an old man twice a boy , a lane ,
-Preserv'd the Britons , was the Romans' bane .'
-
-Nay , be not angry , sir .
-
-'Lack ! to what end ?
-Who dares not stand his foe , I'll be his friend ;
-For if he'll do , as he is made to do ,
-I know he'll quickly fly my friendship too .
-You have put me into rime .
-
-Farewell ; you're angry .
-
-
-Still going ?This is a lord ! O noble misery !
-To be i' the field , and ask , 'what news ?' of me !
-To-day how many would have given their honours
-To have sav'd their carcases ! took heel to do 't ,
-And yet died too ! I , in mine own woe charm'd ,
-Could not find death where I did hear him groan ,
-Nor feel him where he struck : being an ugly monster ,
-'Tis strange he hides him in fresh cups , soft beds ,
-Sweet words ; or hath more ministers than we
-That draw his knives i' the war . Well , I will find him ;
-For being now a favourer to the Briton ,
-No more a Briton , I have resum'd again
-The part I came in ; fight I will no more ,
-But yield me to the veriest hind that shall
-Once touch my shoulder . Great the slaughter is
-Here made by the Roman ; great the answer be
-Britons must take . For me , my ransom's death ;
-On either side I come to spend my breath ,
-Which neither here I'll keep nor bear agen ,
-But end it by some means for Imogen .
-
-
-Great Jupiter be prais'd ! Lucius is taken .
-'Tis thought the old man and his sons were angels .
-
-There was a fourth man , in a silly habit ,
-That gave th' affront with them .
-
-So 'tis reported ;
-But none of 'em can be found . Stand ! who is there ?
-
-A Roman ,
-Who had not now been drooping here , if seconds
-Had answer'd him .
-
-Lay hands on him ; a dog !
-A lag of Rome shall not return to tell
-What crows have peck'd them here . He brags his service
-As if he were of note : bring him to the king .
-
-
-You shall not now be stol'n , you have locks upon you :
-So graze as you find pasture .
-
-Ay , or a stomach .
-
-
-Most welcome , bondage ! for thou art a way ,
-I think , to liberty . Yet am I better
-Than one that's sick o' the gout , since he had rather
-Groan so in perpetuity than be cur'd
-By the sure physician death ; who is the key
-To unbar these locks . My conscience , thou art fetter'd
-More than my shanks and wrists : you good gods , give me
-The penitent instrument to pick that bolt ;
-Then , free for ever ! Is 't enough I am sorry ?
-So children temporal fathers do appease ;
-Gods are more full of mercy . Must I repent ?
-I cannot do it better than in gyves ,
-Desir'd more than constrain'd ; to satisfy ,
-If of my freedom 'tis the main part , take
-No stricter render of me than my all .
-I know you are more clement than vile men ,
-Who of their broken debtors take a third ,
-A sixth , a tenth , letting them thrive again
-On their abatement : that's not my desire ;
-For Imogen's dear life take mine ; and though
-'Tis not so dear , yet 'tis a life ; you coin'd it ;
-'Tween man and man they weigh not every stamp ;
-Though light , take pieces for the figure's sake :
-You rather mine , being yours ; and so great powers ,
-If you will take this audit , take this life ,
-And cancel these cold bonds . O Imogen !
-I'll speak to thee in silence .
-
-
-No more , thou thunder-master , show
-Thy spite on mortal flies :
-With Mars fall out , with Juno chide ,
-That thy adulteries
-Rates and revenges .
-Hath my poor boy done aught but well ,
-Whose face I never saw ?
-I died whilst in the womb he stay'd
-Attending nature's law :
-Whose father then as men report ,
-Thou orphans' father art
-Thou shouldst have been , and shielded him
-From this earth-vexing smart .
-
-Lucina lent not me her aid ,
-But took me in my throes ;
-That from me was Posthumus ript ,
-Came crying 'mongst his foes ,
-A thing of pity !
-
-Great nature , like his ancestry ,
-Moulded the stuff so fair ,
-That he deserv'd the praise o' the world ,
-As great Sicilius' heir .
-
-When once he was mature for man ,
-In Britain where was he
-That could stand up his parallel ,
-Or fruitful object be
-In eye of Imogen , that best
-Could deem his dignity ?
-
-With marriage wherefore was he mock'd ,
-To be exil'd , and thrown
-From Leonati's seat , and cast
-From her his dearest one ,
-Sweet Imogen ?
-
-Why did you suffer Iachimo ,
-Slight thing of Italy ,
-To taint his nobler heart and brain
-With needless jealousy ;
-And to become the geck and scorn
-O' the other's villany ?
-
-For this from stiller seats we came ,
-Our parents and us twain ,
-That striking in our country's cause
-Fell bravely and were slain ;
-Our fealty and Tenantius' right
-With honour to maintain .
-
-Like hardiment Posthumus hath
-To Cymbeline perform'd :
-Then Jupiter , thou king of gods ,
-Why hast thou thus adjourn'd
-The graces for his merits due ,
-Being all to dolours turn'd ?
-
-Thy crystal window ope ; look out ;
-No longer exercise
-Upon a valiant race thy harsh
-And potent injuries .
-
-Since , Jupiter , our son is good ,
-Take off his miseries .
-
-Peep through thy marble mansion ; help !
-Or we poor ghosts will cry
-To the shining synod of the rest
-Against thy deity .
-
-Help , Jupiter ! or we appeal ,
-And from thy justice fly .
-
-
-No more , you petty spirits of region low , Offend our hearing ; hush ! How dare you ghosts
-Accuse the thunderer , whose bolt , you know ,
-Sky-planted , batters all rebelling coasts ?
-Poor shadows of Elysium , hence ; and rest
-Upon your never-withering banks of flowers :
-Be not with mortal accidents opprest ;
-No care of yours it is ; you know 'tis ours .
-Whom best I love I cross ; to make my gift ,
-The more delay'd , delighted . Be content ;
-Your low-laid son our godhead will uplift :
-His comforts thrive , his trials well are spent .
-Our Jovial star reign'd at his birth , and in
-Our temple was he married . Rise , and fade !
-He shall be lord of Lady Imogen ,
-And happier much by his affliction made .
-This tablet lay upon his breast , wherein
-Our pleasure his full fortune doth confine ;
-And so , away : no further with your din
-Express impatience , lest you stir up mine .
-Mount , eagle , to my palace crystalline .
-
-
-He came in thunder ; his celestial breath
-Was sulphurous to smell ; the holy eagle
-Stoop'd , as to foot us ; his ascension is
-More sweet than our bless'd fields ; his royal bird
-Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak ,
-As when his god is pleas'd .
-
-Thanks , Jupiter !
-
-The marble pavement closes ; he is enter'd
-His radiant roof . Away ! and , to be blest ,
-Let us with care perform his great behest .
-
-
-Sleep , thou hast been a grandsire , and begot
-A father to me ; and thou hast created
-A mother and two brothers . But O scorn !
-Gone ! they went hence so soon as they were born :
-And so I am awake . Poor wretches , that depend
-On greatness' favour dream as I have done ;
-Wake , and find nothing . But , alas ! I swerve :
-Many dream not to find , neither deserve ,
-And yet are steep'd in favours ; so am I ,
-That have this golden chance and know not why .
-What fairies haunt this ground ? A book ? O rare one !
-Be not , as is our fangled world , a garment
-Nobler than that it covers : let thy effects
-So follow , to be most unlike our courtiers ,
-As good as promise .
-Whenas a lion's whelp shall , to himself unknown , without seeking find , and be embraced by a piece of tender air ; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopped branches , which , being dead many years , shall after revive , be jointed to the old stock , and freshly grow , then shall Posthumus end his miseries , Britain be fortunate , and flourish in peace and plenty .
-'Tis still a dream , or else such stuff as madmen
-Tongue and brain not ; either both or nothing ;
-Or senseless speaking , or a speaking such
-As sense cannot untie . Be what it is ,
-The action of my life is like it , which
-I'll keep , if but for sympathy .
-
-
-Come , sir , are you ready for death ?
-
-Over-roasted rather ; ready long ago .
-
-Hanging is the word , sir : if you be ready for that , you are well cooked .
-
-So , if I prove a good repast to the spectators , the dish pays the shot .
-
-A heavy reckoning for you , sir ; but the comfort is , you shall be called to no more payments , fear no more tavern-bills , which are often the sadness of parting , as the procuring of mirth . You come in faint for want of meat , depart reeling with too much drink , sorry that you have paid too much ; and sorry that you are paid too much ; purse and brain both empty ; the brain the heavier for being too light , the purse too light , being drawn of heaviness of this contradiction you shall now be quit . O ! the charity of a penny cord ; it sums up thousands in a trice : you have no true debitor and creditor but it ; of what's past , is , and to come , the discharge . Your neck , sir , is pen , book and counters ; so the acquittance follows .
-
-I am merrier to die than thou art to live .
-
-Indeed , sir , he that sleeps feels not the toothache ; but a man that were to sleep your sleep , and a hangman to help him to bed , I think he would change places with his officer ; for look you , sir , you know not which way you shall go .
-
-Yes , indeed do I , fellow .
-
-Your death has eyes in 's head , then ; I have not seen him so pictured : you must either be directed by some that take upon them to know , or take upon yourself that which I am sure you do not know , or jump the after inquiry on your own peril : and how you shall speed in your journey's end , I think you'll never return to tell one .
-
-I tell thee , fellow , there are none want eyes to direct them the way I am going but such as wink and will not use them .
-
-What an infinite mock is this , that a man should have the best use of eyes to see the way of blindness ! I am sure hanging's the way of winking .
-
-
-Knock off his manacles ; bring your prisoner to the king .
-
-Thou bring'st good news ; I am called to be made free .
-
-I'll be hang'd , then .
-
-Thou shalt be then freer than a gaoler ; no bolts for the dead .
-
-
-Unless a man would marry a gallows and beget young gibbets , I never saw one so prone . Yet , on my conscience , there are verier knaves desire to live , for all he be a Roman ; and there be some of them too , that die against their wills ; so should I , if I were one . I would we were all of one mind , and one mind good ; O ! there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses . I speak against my present profit , but my wish hath a preferment in 't .
-
-
-Stand by my side , you whom the gods have made
-Preservers of my throne . Woe is my heart
-That the poor soldier that so richly fought ,
-Whose rags sham'd gilded arms , whose naked breast
-Stepp'd before targes of proof , cannot be found :
-He shall be happy that can find him , if
-Our grace can make him so .
-
-I never saw
-Such noble fury in so poor a thing ;
-Such precious deeds in one that promis'd nought
-But beggary and poor looks .
-
-No tidings of him ?
-
-He hath been search'd among the dead and living ,
-But no trace of him .
-
-To my grief , I am
-The heir of his reward ; which I will add
-
-To you , the liver , heart , and brain of Britain ,
-By whom , I grant , she lives . 'Tis now the time
-To ask of whence you are : report it .
-
-Sir ,
-In Cambria are we born , and gentlemen :
-Further to boast were neither true nor modest ,
-Unless I add , we are honest .
-
-Bow your knees .
-Arise , my knights o' the battle : I create you
-Companions to our person , and will fit you
-With dignities becoming your estates .
-
-
-There's business in these faces . Why so sadly
-Greet you our victory ? you look like Romans ,
-
-And not o' the court of Britain .
-
-Hail , great king !
-To sour your happiness , I must report
-The queen is dead .
-
-Whom worse than a physician
-Would this report become ? But I consider ,
-By medicine life may be prolong'd , yet death
-Will seize the doctor too . How ended she ?
-
-With horror , madly dying , like her life ;
-Which , being cruel to the world , concluded
-Most cruel to herself . What she confess'd
-I will report , so please you : these her women
-Can trip me if I err ; who with wet cheeks
-Were present when she finish'd .
-
-Prithee , say .
-
-First , she confess'd she never lov'd you , only
-Affected greatness got by you , not you ;
-Married your royalty , was wife to your place ;
-Abhorr'd your person .
-
-She alone knew this ;
-And , but she spoke it dying , I would not
-Believe her lips in opening it . Proceed .
-
-Your daughter , whom she bore in hand to love
-With such integrity , she did confess
-Was as a scorpion to her sight ; whose life ,
-But that her flight prevented it , she had
-Ta'en off by poison .
-
-O most delicate fiend !
-Who is't can read a woman ? Is there more ?
-
-More , sir , and worse . She did confess she had
-For you a mortal mineral ; which , being took ,
-Should by the minute feed on life , and ling'ring ,
-By inches waste you ; in which time she purpos'd ,
-By watching , weeping , tendance , kissing , to
-O'ercome you with her show ; yea , and in time
-When she had fitted you with her craft to work
-Her son into the adoption of the crown ;
-But failing of her end by his strange absence ,
-Grew shameless-desperate ; open'd , in despite
-Of heaven and men , her purposes ; repented
-The evils she hatch'd were not effected : so ,
-Despairing died .
-
-Heard you all this , her women ?
-
-We did , so please your highness .
-
-Mine eyes
-Were not in fault , for she was beautiful ;
-Mine ears , that heard her flattery ; nor my heart ,
-That thought her like her seeming : it had been vicious
-To have mistrusted her : yet , O my daughter !
-That it was folly in me , thou mayst say ,
-And prove it in thy feeling . Heaven mend all !
-
-Thou com'st not , Caius , now for tribute ; that
-The Britons have raz'd out , though with the loss
-Of many a bold one ; whose kinsmen have made suit
-That their good souls may be appeas'd with slaughter
-Of you their captives , which ourself have granted :
-
-So , think of your estate .
-
-Consider , sir , the chance of war : the day
-Was yours by accident ; had it gone with us ,
-We should not , when the blood was cool , have threaten'd
-Our prisoners with the sword . But since the gods
-Will have it thus , that nothing but our lives
-May be call'd ransom , let it come ; sufficeth ,
-A Roman with a Roman's heart can suffer ;
-Augustus lives to think on 't ; and so much
-For my peculiar care . This one thing only
-I will entreat ; my boy , a Briton born ,
-Let him be ransom'd ; never master had
-A page so kind , so duteous , diligent ,
-So tender over his occasions , true ,
-So feat , so nurse-like . Let his virtue join
-With my request , which I'll make bold your highness
-Cannot deny ; he hath done no Briton harm ,
-Though he have serv'd a Roman . Save him , sir ,
-And spare no blood beside .
-
-I have surely seen him ;
-His favour is familiar to me . Boy ,
-Thou hast look'd thyself into my grace ,
-And art mine own . I know not why nor wherefore ,
-To say , 'live , boy :' ne'er thank thy master ; live :
-And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt ,
-Fitting my bounty and thy state , I'll give it ;
-Yea , though thou do demand a prisoner ,
-The noblest ta'en .
-
-I humbly thank your highness .
-
-I do not bid thee beg my life , good lad ;
-And yet I know thou wilt .
-
-No , no ; alack !
-There's other work in hand . I see a thing
-Bitter to me as death ; your life , good master ,
-Must shuffle for itself .
-
-The boy disdains me ,
-He leaves me , scorns me ; briefly die their joys
-That place them on the truth of girls and boys .
-Why stands he so perplex'd ?
-
-What wouldst thou , boy ?
-I love thee more and more ; think more and more
-What's best to ask . Know'st him thou look'st on ? speak ;
-Wilt have him live ? Is he thy kin ? thy friend ?
-
-He is a Roman ; no more kin to me
-Than I to your highness ; who , being born your vassal ,
-Am something nearer .
-
-Wherefore ey'st him so ?
-
-I'll tell you , sir , in private , if you please
-To give me hearing .
-
-Ay , with all my heart ,
-And lend my best attention . What's thy name ?
-
-Fidele , sir .
-
-Thou'rt my good youth , my page ;
-I'll be thy master : walk with me ; speak freely .
-
-
-Is not this boy reviv'd from death ?
-
-One sand another
-Not more resembles ;that sweet rosy lad
-Who died , and was Fidele . What think you ?
-
-The same dead thing alive .
-
-Peace , peace ! see further ; he eyes us not ; forbear ;
-Creatures may be alike ; were 't he , I am sure
-He would have spoke to us .
-
-But we saw him dead .
-
-Be silent ; let's see further .
-
-It is my mistress :
-Since she is living , let the time run on
-To good , or bad .
-
-
-Come , stand thou by our side :
-Make thy demand aloud .
-
-Sir , step you forth ;
-Give answer to this boy , and do it freely ,
-Or , by our greatness and the grace of it ,
-Which is our honour , bitter torture shall
-Winnow the truth from falsehood . On , speak to him .
-
-My boon is , that this gentleman may render
-Of whom he had this ring .
-
-What's that to him ?
-
-That diamond upon your finger , say
-How came it yours ?
-
-Thou'lt torture me to leave unspoken that
-Which , to be spoke , would torture thee .
-
-How ! me ?
-
-I am glad to be constrain'd to utter that
-Which torments me to conceal . By villany
-I got this ring ; 'twas Leonatus' jewel ,
-Whom thou didst banish , and which more may grieve thee ,
-As it doth me a nobler sir ne'er liv'd
-'Twixt sky and ground . Wilt thou hear more , my lord ?
-
-All that belongs to this .
-
-That paragon , thy daughter ,
-For whom my heart drops blood , and my false spirits
-Quail to remember ,Give me leave ; I faint .
-
-My daughter ! what of her ? Renew thy strength ;
-I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
-Than die ere I hear more . Strive , man , and speak .
-
-Upon a time ,unhappy was the clock
-That struck the hour !it was in Rome ,accurs'd
-The mansion where !'twas at a feast O , would
-Our viands had been poison'd , or at least
-Those which I heav'd to head !the good Posthumus ,
-What should I say ? he was too good to be
-Where ill men were ; and was the best of all
-Amongst the rar'st of good ones ;sitting sadly
-Hearing us praise our loves of Italy
-For beauty that made barren the swell'd boast
-Of him that best could speak ; for feature laming
-The shrine of Venus , or straight-pight Minerva ,
-Postures beyond brief nature ; for condition ,
-A shop of all the qualities that man
-Loves woman for ; besides that hook of wiving ,
-Fairness which strikes the eye .
-
-I stand on fire .
-Come to the matter .
-
-All too soon I shall ,
-Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly . This Posthumus
-Most like a noble lord in love , and one
-That had a royal lover took his hint ;
-And , not dispraising whom we prais'd ,therein
-He was as calm as virtue ,he began
-His mistress' picture ; which by his tongue being made ,
-And then a mind put in 't , either our brags
-Were crack'd of kitchen trulls , or his description
-Prov'd us unspeaking sots .
-
-Nay , nay , to the purpose .
-
-Your daughter's chastity , there it begins .
-He spake of her as Dian had hot dreams ,
-And she alone were cold ; whereat I , wretch ,
-Made scruple of his praise , and wager'd with him
-Pieces of gold 'gainst this , which then he wore
-Upon his honour'd finger , to attain
-In suit the place of his bed , and win this ring
-By hers and mine adultery . He , true knight ,
-No lesser of her honour confident
-Than I did truly find her , stakes this ring ;
-And would so , had it been a carbuncle
-Of Ph bus' wheel ; and might so safely , had it
-Been all the worth of 's car . Away to Britain
-Post I in this design . Well may you , sir ,
-Remember me at court , where I was taught
-Of your chaste daughter the wide difference
-'Twixt amorous and villanous . Being thus quench'd
-Of hope , not longing , mine Italian brain
-'Gan in your duller Britain operate
-Most vilely ; for my vantage , excellent ;
-And , to be brief , my practice so prevail'd ,
-That I return'd with simular proof enough
-To make the noble Leonatus mad ,
-By wounding his belief in her renown
-With tokens thus , and thus ; averring notes
-Of chamber-hanging , pictures , this her bracelet ;
-Oh cunning ! how I got it !nay , some marks
-Of secret on her person , that he could not
-But think her bond of chastity quite crack'd ,
-I having ta'en the forfeit . Whereupon ,
-Methinks I see him now ,
-
-Ay , so thou dost ,
-Italian fiend !Ay me , most credulous fool ,
-Egregious murderer , thief , any thing
-That's due to all the villains past , in being ,
-To come . O ! give me cord , or knife , or poison ,
-Some upright justicer . Thou king , send out
-For torturers ingenious ; it is I
-That all the abhorred things o' the earth amend
-By being worse than they . I am Posthumus ,
-That kill'd thy daughter ; villain-like , I lie ;
-That caus'd a lesser villain than myself ,
-A sacrilegious thief , to do 't ; the temple
-Of virtue was she ; yea , and she herself .
-Spit , and throw stones , cast mire upon me , set
-The dogs o' the street to bay me ; every villain
-Be call'd Posthumus Leonatus ; and
-Be villany less than 'twas ! O Imogen !
-My queen , my life , my wife ! O Imogen ,
-Imogen , Imogen !
-
-Peace , my lord ! hear , hear !
-
-Shall 's have a play of this ? Thou scornful page ,
-There lie thy part .
-
-
-O , gentlemen , help !
-Mine , and your mistress ! O ! my Lord Posthumus ,
-You ne'er kill'd Imogen till now . Help , help !
-Mine honour'd lady !
-
-Does the world go round ?
-
-How come these staggers on me ?
-
-Wake , my mistress !
-
-If this be so , the gods do mean to strike me
-To death with mortal joy .
-
-How fares my mistress ?
-
-O ! get thee from my sight :
-Thou gav'st me poison : dangerous fellow , hence !
-Breathe not where princes are .
-
-The tune of Imogen !
-
-Lady ,
-The gods throw stones of sulphur on me , if
-That box I gave you was not thought by me
-A precious thing : I had it from the queen .
-
-New matter still ?
-
-It poison'd me .
-
-O gods !
-I left out one thing which the queen confess'd ,
-Which must approve thee honest : 'If Pisanio
-Have ,' said she , 'given his mistress that confection
-Which I gave him for cordial , she is serv'd
-As I would serve a rat .'
-
-What's this , Cornelius ?
-
-The queen , sir , very oft importun'd me
-To temper poisons for her , still pretending
-The satisfaction of her knowledge only
-In killing creatures vile , as cats and dogs ,
-Of no esteem ; I , dreading that her purpose
-Was of more danger , did compound for her
-A certain stuff , which , being ta'en , would cease
-The present power of life , but in short time
-All offices of nature should again
-Do their due functions . Have you ta'en of it ?
-
-Most like I did , for I was dead .
-
-My boys ,
-There was our error .
-
-This is , sure , Fidele .
-
-Why did you throw your wedded lady from you ?
-Think that you are upon a rock ; and now
-Throw me again .
-
-
-Hang there like fruit , my soul ,
-Till the tree die !
-
-How now , my flesh , my child !
-What , mak'st thou me a dullard in this act ?
-Wilt thou not speak to me ?
-
-Your blessing , sir .
-
-Though you did love this youth , I blame ye not ;
-You had a motive for 't .
-
-My tears that fall
-Prove holy water on thee ! Imogen ,
-Thy mother's dead .
-
-I am sorry for 't , my lord .
-
-O , she was naught ; and long of her it was
-That we meet here so strangely ; but her son
-Is gone , we know not how , nor where .
-
-My lord ,
-Now fear is from me , I'll speak troth . Lord Cloten ,
-Upon my lady's missing , came to me
-With his sword drawn , foam'd at the mouth , and swore
-If I discover'd not which way she was gone ,
-It was my instant death . By accident ,
-I had a feigned letter of my master's
-Then in my pocket , which directed him
-To seek her on the mountains near to Milford ;
-Where , in a frenzy , in my master's garments ,
-Which he enforc'd from me , away he posts
-With unchaste purpose and with oath to violate
-My lady's honour ; what became of him
-I further know not .
-
-Let me end the story :
-I slew him there .
-
-Marry , the gods forfend !
-I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
-Pluck a hard sentence : Prithee , valiant youth ,
-Deny 't again .
-
-I have spoke it , and I did it .
-
-He was a prince .
-
-A most incivil one . The wrongs he did me
-Were nothing prince-like ; for he did provoke me
-With language that would make me spurn the sea
-If it could so roar to me . I cut off 's head ;
-And am right glad he is not standing here
-To tell this tale of mine .
-
-I am sorry for thee :
-By thine own tongue thou art condemn'd , and must
-Endure our law . Thou'rt dead .
-
-That headless man
-I thought had been my lord .
-
-Bind the offender ,
-And take him from our presence .
-
-Stay , sir king :
-This man is better than the man he slew ,
-As well descended as thyself ; and hath
-More of thee merited than a band of Clotens
-Had ever scar for .
-
-Let his arms alone ;
-They were not born for bondage .
-
-Why , old soldier ,
-Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for ,
-By tasting of our wrath ? How of descent
-As good as we ?
-
-In that he spake too far .
-
-And thou shalt die for 't .
-
-We will die all three :
-But I will prove that two on 's are as good
-As I have given out him . My sons , I must
-For mine own part unfold a dangerous speech ,
-Though , haply , well for you .
-
-Your danger's ours .
-
-And our good his .
-
-Have at it , then , by leave .
-Thou hadst , great king , a subject who was call'd
-Belarius .
-
-What of him ? he is
-A banish'd traitor .
-
-He it is that hath
-Assum'd this age : indeed , a banish'd man ;
-I know not how a traitor .
-
-Take him hence :
-The whole world shall not save him .
-
-Not too hot :
-First pay me for the nursing of thy sons ;
-And let it be confiscate all so soon
-As I have receiv'd it .
-
-Nursing of my sons !
-
-I am too blunt and saucy ; here's my knee :
-Ere I arise I will prefer my sons ;
-Then spare not the old father . Mighty sir ,
-These two young gentlemen , that call me father ,
-And think they are my sons , are none of mine ;
-They are the issue of your loins , my liege ,
-And blood of your begetting .
-
-How ! my issue !
-
-So sure as you your father's . I , old Morgan ,
-Am that Belarius whom you sometime banish'd :
-Your pleasure was my mere offence , my punishment
-Itself , and all my treason ; that I suffer'd
-Was all the harm I did . These gentle princes
-For such and so they are these twenty years
-Have I train'd up ; those arts they have as I
-Could put into them ; my breeding was , sir , as
-Your highness knows . Their nurse , Euriphile ,
-Whom for the theft I wedded , stole these children
-Upon my banishment : I mov'd her to 't ,
-Having receiv'd the punishment before ,
-For that which I did then ; beaten for loyalty
-Excited me to treason . Their dear loss ,
-The more of you 'twas felt the more it shap'd
-Unto my end of stealing them . But , gracious sir ,
-Here are your sons again ; and I must lose
-Two of the sweet'st companions in the world .
-The benediction of these covering heavens
-Fall on their heads like dew ! for they are worthy
-To inlay heaven with stars .
-
-Thou weep'st , and speak'st .
-The service that you three have done is more
-Unlike than this thou tell'st . I lost my children :
-If these be they , I know not how to wish
-A pair of worthier sons .
-
-Be pleas'd awhile .
-This gentleman , whom I call Polydore ,
-Most worthy prince , as yours , is true Guiderius ;
-This gentleman , my Cadwal , Arviragus ,
-Your younger princely son ; he , sir , was lapp'd
-In a most curious mantle , wrought by the hand
-Of his queen mother , which , for more probation ,
-I can with ease produce .
-
-Guiderius had
-Upon his neck a mole , a sanguine star ;
-It was a mark of wonder .
-
-This is he ,
-Who hath upon him still that natural stamp .
-It was wise nature's end in the donation ,
-To be his evidence now .
-
-O ! what , am I
-A mother to the birth of three ? Ne'er mother
-Rejoic'd deliverance more . Blest pray you be ,
-That , after this strange starting from your orbs ,
-You may reign in them now . O Imogen !
-Thou hast lost by this a kingdom .
-
-No , my lord ;
-I have got two worlds by 't . O my gentle brothers !
-Have we thus met ? O , never say hereafter
-But I am truest speaker : you call'd me brother ,
-When I was but your sister ; I you brothers
-When ye were so indeed .
-
-Did you e'er meet ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-And at first meeting lov'd ;
-Continu'd so , until we thought he died .
-
-By the queen's dram she swallow'd .
-
-O rare instinct !
-When shall I hear all through ? This fierce abridgment
-Hath to it circumstantial branches , which
-Distinction should be rich in . Where ? how liv'd you ?
-And when came you to serve our Roman captive ?
-How parted with your brothers ? how first met them ?
-Why fied you from the court , and whither ? These ,
-And your three motives to the battle , with
-I know not how much more , should be demanded ,
-And all the other by-dependances ,
-From chance to chance , but nor the time nor place
-Will serve our long inter'gatories . See ,
-Posthumus anchors upon Imogen ,
-And she , like harmless lightning , throws her eye
-On him , her brothers , me , her master , hitting
-Each object with a joy : the counterchange
-Is severally in all . Let's quit this ground ,
-And smoke the temple with our sacrifices .
-
-
-Thou art my brother ; so we'll hold thee ever .
-
-You are my father too ; and did relieve me ,
-To see this gracious season .
-
-All o'erjoy'd
-Save these in bonds ; let them be joyful too ,
-For they shall taste our comfort .
-
-My good master ,
-I will yet do you service .
-
-Happy be you !
-
-The forlorn soldier , that so nobly fought
-He would have well becom'd this place and grac'd
-The thankings of a king .
-
-I am , sir ,
-The soldier that did company these three
-In poor beseeming ; 'twas a fitment for
-The purpose I then follow'd . That I was he ,
-Speak , Iachimo ; I had you down and might
-Have made you finish .
-
-I am down again ;
-But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee ,
-As then your force did . Take that life , beseech you ,
-Which I so often owe , but your ring first ,
-And here the bracelet of the truest princess
-That ever swore her faith .
-
-Kneel not to me :
-The power that I have on you is to spare you ;
-The malice towards you to forgive you . Live ,
-And deal with others better .
-
-Nobly doom'd :
-We'll learn our freeness of a son-in-law ;
-Pardon's the word to all .
-
-You holp us , sir ,
-As you did mean indeed to be our brother ;
-Joy'd are we that you are .
-
-Your servant , princes . Good my lord of Rome ,
-Call forth your soothsayer . As I slept , methought
-Great Jupiter , upon his eagle back'd ,
-Appear'd to me , with other spritely shows
-Of mine own kindred : when I wak'd , I found
-This label on my bosom ; whose containing
-Is so from sense in hardness that I can
-Make no collection of it ; let him show
-His skill in the construction .
-
-Philarmonus !
-
-Here , my good lord .
-
-Read , and declare the meaning
-
-Whenas a lion's whelp shall , to himself unknown , without seeking find , and be embraced by a piece of tender air ; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopped branches , which , being dead many years , shall after revive , be jointed to the old stock , and freshly grow : then shall Posthumus end his miseries , Britain be fortunate , and flourish in peace and plenty .
-Thou , Leonatus , art the lion's whelp ;
-The fit and apt construction of thy name ,
-Being Leo-natus , doth import so much .
-
-
-The piece of tender air , thy virtuous daughter ,
-Which we call mollis aer ; and mollis aer
-We term it mulier ; which mulier , I divine ,
-Is this most constant wife ; who , even now ,
-Answering the letter of the oracle ,
-Unknown to you ,
-
-unsought , were clipp'd about
-With this most tender air .
-
-This hath some seeming .
-
-The lofty cedar , royal Cymbeline ,
-Personates thee , and thy lopp'd branches point
-Thy two sons forth ; who , by Belarius stolen ,
-For many years thought dead , are now reviv'd
-To the majestic cedar join'd , whose issue
-Promises Britain peace and plenty .
-
-Well ;
-My peace we will begin . And , Caius Lucius ,
-Although the victor , we submit to C sar ,
-And to the Roman empire ; promising
-To pay our wonted tribute , from the which
-We were dissuaded by our wicked queen ;
-Whom heavens in justice both on her and hers
-Have laid most heavy hand .
-
-The fingers of the powers above do tune
-The harmony of this peace . The vision
-Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
-Of this yet scarce-cold battle , at this instant
-Is full accomplish'd ; for the Roman eagle ,
-From south to west on wing soaring aloft ,
-Lessen'd herself , and in the beams o' the sun
-So vanish'd : which foreshow'd our princely eagle ,
-The imperial C sar , should again unite
-His favour with the radiant Cymbeline ,
-Which shines here in the west .
-
-Laud we the gods ;
-And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
-From our bless'd altars . Publish we this peace
-To all our subjects . Set we forward : let
-A Roman and a British ensign wave
-Friendly together ; so through Lud's town march :
-And in the temple of great Jupiter
-Our peace we'll ratify ; seal it with feasts .
-Set on there . Never was a war did cease ,
-Ere bloody hands were wash'd , with such a peace .
-
-LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
-
-Let fame , that all hunt after in their lives ,
-Live register'd upon our brazen tombs ,
-And then grace us in the disgrace of death ;
-When , spite of cormorant devouring Time ,
-The endeavour of this present breath may buy
-That honour which shall bate his scythe's keen edge ,
-And make us heirs of all eternity .
-Therefore , brave conquerors ,for so you are ,
-That war against your own affections
-And the huge army of the world's desires ,
-Our late edict shall strongly stand in force :
-Navarre shall be the wonder of the world ;
-Our court shall be a little academe ,
-Still and contemplative in living art .
-You three , Berowne , Dumaine , and Longaville ,
-Have sworn for three years' term to live with me ,
-My fellow-scholars , and to keep those statutes
-That are recorded in this schedule here :
-Your oaths are pass'd ; and now subscribe your names ,
-That his own hand may strike his honour down
-That violates the smallest branch herein .
-If you are arm'd to do , as sworn to do ,
-Subscribe to your deep oaths , and keep it too .
-
-I am resolv'd ; 'tis but a three years' fast :
-The mind shall banquet , though the body pine :
-Fat paunches have lean pates , and dainty bits
-Make rich the ribs , but bankrupt quite the wits .
-
-My loving lord , Dumaine is mortified :
-The grosser manner of these world's delights
-He throws upon the gross world's baser slaves :
-To love , to wealth , to pomp , I pine and die ;
-With all these living in philosophy .
-
-I can but say their protestation over ;
-So much , dear liege , I have already sworn ,
-That is , to live and study here three years .
-But there are other strict observances ;
-As , not to see a woman in that term ,
-Which I hope well is not enrolled there :
-And one day in a week to touch no food ,
-And but one meal on every day beside ;
-The which I hope is not enrolled there :
-And then , to sleep but three hours in the night ,
-And not be seen to wink of all the day ,
-When I was wont to think no harm all night
-And make a dark night too of half the day ,
-Which I hope well is not enrolled there .
-O ! these are barren tasks , too hard to keep ,
-Not to see ladies , study , fast , not sleep .
-
-Your oath is pass'd to pass away from these .
-
-Let me say no , my liege , an if you please .
-I only swore to study with your Grace ,
-And stay here in your court for three years' space .
-
-You swore to that , Berowne , and to the rest .
-
-By yea and nay , sir , then I swore in jest .
-What is the end of study ? let me know .
-
-Why , that to know which else we should not know .
-
-Things hid and barr'd , you mean , from common sense ?
-
-Ay , that is study's god-like recompense .
-
-Come on then ; I will swear to study so ,
-To know the thing I am forbid to know ;
-As thus : to study where I well may dine ,
-When I to feast expressly am forbid ;
-Or study where to meet some mistress fine ,
-When mistresses from common sense are hid ;
-Or , having sworn too hard-a-keeping oath ,
-Study to break it , and not break my troth .
-If study's gain be thus , and this be so ,
-Study knows that which yet it doth not know .
-Swear me to this , and I will ne'er say no .
-
-These be the stops that hinder study quite ,
-And train our intellects to vain delight .
-
-Why , all delights are vain ; but that most vain
-Which , with pain purchas'd doth inherit pain :
-As , painfully to pore upon a book ,
-To seek the light of truth ; while truth the while
-Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look :
-Light seeking light doth light of light beguile :
-So , ere you find where light in darkness lies ,
-Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes .
-Study me how to please the eye indeed ,
-By fixing it upon a fairer eye ,
-Who dazzling so , that eye shall be his heed ,
-And give him light that it was blinded by .
-Study is like the heaven's glorious sun ,
-That will not be deep-search'd with saucy looks ;
-Small have continual plodders ever won ,
-Save base authority from others' books .
-These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights
-That give a name to every fixed star ,
-Have no more profit of their shining nights
-Than those that walk and wot not what they are .
-Too much to know is to know nought but fame ;
-And every godfather can give a name .
-
-How well he's read , to reason against reading !
-
-Proceeded well , to stop all good proceeding !
-
-He weeds the corn , and still lets grow the weeding .
-
-The spring is near , when green geese are a-breeding .
-
-How follows that ?
-
-Fit in his place and time .
-
-In reason nothing .
-
-Something then , in rime .
-
-Berowne is like an envious sneaping frost
-That bites the first-born infants of the spring .
-
-Well , say I am : why should proud summer boast
-Before the birds have any cause to sing ?
-Why should I joy in an abortive birth ?
-At Christmas I no more desire a rose
-Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth ;
-But like of each thing that in season grows .
-So you , to study now it is too late ,
-Climb o'er the house to unlock the little gate .
-
-Well , sit you out : go home , Berowne : adieu !
-
-No , my good lord ; I have sworn to stay with you :
-And though I have for barbarism spoke more
-Than for that angel knowledge you can say ,
-Yet confident I'll keep to what I swore ,
-And bide the penance of each three years' day .
-Give me the paper ; let me read the same ;
-And to the strict'st decrees I'll write my name .
-
-How well this yielding rescues thee from shame !
-
-Item , That no woman shall come within a mile of my court . Hath this been proclaimed ?
-
-Four days ago .
-
-Let's see the penalty . On pain of losing her tongue . Who devised this penalty ?
-
-Marry , that did I .
-
-Sweet lord , and why ?
-
-To fright them hence with that dread penalty .
-
-A dangerous law against gentility !
-
-Item . If any man be seen to talk with a woman within the term of three years , he shall endure such public shame as the rest of the court can possibly devise .
-This article , my liege , yourself must break ;
-For well you know here comes in embassy
-The French king's daughter with yourself to speak
-A maid of grace and complete majesty
-About surrender up of Aquitaine
-To her decrepit , sick , and bed-rid father :
-Therefore this article is made in vain ,
-Or vainly comes th' admired princess hither .
-
-What say you , lords ? why , this was quite forgot .
-
-So study evermore is overshot :
-While it doth study to have what it would ,
-It doth forget to do the thing it should ;
-And when it hath the thing it hunteth most ,
-'Tis won as towns with fire ; so won , so lost .
-
-We must of force dispense with this decree ;
-She must lie here on mere necessity .
-
-Necessity will make us all forsworn
-Three thousand times within this three years' space ;
-For every man with his affects is born ,
-Not by might master'd , but by special grace .
-If I break faith this word shall speak for me ,
-I am forsworn 'on mere necessity .'
-So to the laws at large I write my name :
-
-And he that breaks them in the least degree
-Stands in attainder of eternal shame :
-Suggestions are to others as to me ;
-But I believe , although I seem so loath ,
-I am the last that will last keep his oath .
-But is there no quick recreation granted ?
-
-Ay , that there is . Our court , you know , is haunted
-With a refined traveller of Spain ;
-A man in all the world's new fashion planted ,
-That hath a mint of phrases in his brain ;
-One whom the music of his own vain tongue
-Doth ravish like enchanting harmony ;
-A man of complements , whom right and wrong
-Have chose as umpire of their mutiny :
-This child of fancy , that Armado hight ,
-For interim to our studies shall relate
-In high-born words the worth of many a knight
-From tawny Spain lost in the world's debate .
-How you delight , my lords , I know not , I ;
-But , I protest , I love to hear him lie ,
-And I will use him for my minstrelsy .
-
-Armado is a most illustrious wight ,
-A man of fire-new words , fashion's own knight .
-
-Costard the swain and he shall be our sport ;
-And , so to study , three years is but short .
-
-
-Which is the duke's own person ?
-
-This , fellow . What wouldst ?
-
-I myself reprehend his own person , for I am his Grace's tharborough : but I would see his own person in flesh and blood .
-
-This is he .
-
-Signior Arm Arm commends you . There's villany abroad : this letter will tell you more .
-
-Sir , the contempts thereof are as touching me .
-
-A letter from the magnificent Armado .
-
-How long soever the matter , I hope in God for high words .
-
-A high hope for a low heaven : God grant us patience !
-
-To hear , or forbear laughing ?
-
-To hear meekly , sir , and to laugh moderately ; or to forbear both .
-
-Well , sir , be it as the style shall give us cause to climb in the merriness .
-
-The matter is to me , sir , as concerning Jaquenetta . The manner of it is , I was taken with the manner .
-
-In what manner ?
-
-In manner and form following , sir ; all those three : I was seen with her in the manor-house , sitting with her upon the form , and taken following her into the park ; which , put together , is , in manner and form following . Now , sir , for the manner ,it is the manner of a man to speak to a woman , for the form ,in some form .
-
-For the following , sir ?
-
-As it shall follow in my correction ; and God defend the right !
-
-Will you hear this letter with attention ?
-
-As we would hear an oracle .
-
-Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after the flesh .
-
-Great deputy , the welkin's vicegerent , and sole dominator of Navarre , my soul's earth's God , and body's fostering patron ,
-
-Not a word of Costard yet .
-
-So it is ,
-
-It may be so ; but if he say it is so , he is , in telling true , but so .
-
-Peace !
-
-Be to me and every man that dares not fight .
-
-No words !
-
-Of other men's secrets , I beseech you .
-
-So it is , besieged with sable-coloured melancholy , I did commend the black-oppressing humour to the most wholesome physic of thy health-giving air ; and , as I am a gentleman , betook myself to walk . The time when ? About the sixth hour ; when beasts most graze , birds best peck , and men sit down to that nourishment which is called supper : so much for the time when . Now for the ground which ; which , I mean , I walked upon : it is ycleped thy park . Then for the place where ; where , I mean , I did encounter that most obscene and preposterous event , that draweth from my snow-white pen the ebon-coloured ink , which here thou viewest , beholdest , surveyest , or seest . But to the place where , it standeth north-north-east and by east from the west corner of thy curious-knotted garden : there did I see that low-spirited swain , that base minnow of thy mirth ,
-
-Me .
-
-that unlettered small-knowing soul ,
-
-Me .
-
-that shallow vessel ,
-
-Still me .
-
-which , as I remember , hight Costard ,
-
-O me .
-
-sorted and consorted , contrary to thy established proclaimed edict and continent canon , with with ,O ! with but with this I passion to say wherewith ,
-
-With a wench .
-
-with a child of our grandmother Eve , a female ; or , for thy more sweet understanding , a woman . Him , I ,as my everesteemed duty pricks me on ,have sent to thee , to receive the meed of punishment , by thy sweet Grace's officer , Antony Dull ; a man of good repute , carriage , bearing , and estimation .
-
-Me , an't please you ; I am Antony Dull .
-
-For Jaquenetta ,so is the weaker vessel called which I apprehended with the aforesaid swain ,I keep her as a vessel of thy law's fury ; and shall , at the least of thy sweet notice , bring her to trial . Thine , in all compliments of devoted and heart-burning heat of duty ,
-
-This is not so well as I looked for , but the best that ever I heard .
-
-Ay , the best for the worst . But , sirrah , what say you to this ?
-
-Sir , I confess the wench .
-
-Did you hear the proclamation ?
-
-I do confess much of the hearing it , but little of the marking of it .
-
-It was proclaimed a year's imprisonment to be taken with a wench .
-
-I was taken with none , sir : I was taken with a damosel .
-
-Well , it was proclaimed 'damosel .'
-
-This was no damosel neither , sir : she was a 'virgin .'
-
-It is so varied too ; for it was proclaimed 'virgin .'
-
-If it were , I deny her virginity : I was taken with a maid .
-
-This maid will not serve your turn , sir .
-
-This maid will serve my turn , sir .
-
-Sir , I will pronounce your sentence : you shall fast a week with bran and water .
-
-I had rather pray a month with mutton and porridge .
-
-And Don Armado shall be your keeper .
-My Lord Berowne , see him deliver'd o'er :
-And go we , lords , to put in practice that
-Which each to other hath so strongly sworn .
-
-
-I'll lay my head to any good man's hat ,
-These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn .
-Sirrah , come on .
-
-I suffer for the truth , sir : for true it is I was taken with Jaquenetta , and Jaquenetta is a true girl ; and therefore welcome the sour cup of prosperity ! Affliction may one day smile again ; and till then , sit thee down , sorrow !
-
-
-Boy , what sign is it when a man of great spirit grows melancholy ?
-
-A great sign , sir , that he will look sad .
-
-Why , sadness is one and the self-same thing , dear imp .
-
-No , no ; O Lord , sir , no .
-
-How canst thou part sadness and melancholy , my tender juvenal ?
-
-By a familiar demonstration of the working , my tough senior .
-
-Why tough senior ? why tough senior ?
-
-Why tender juvenal ? why tender juvenal ?
-
-I spoke it , tender juvenal , as a congruent epitheton appertaining to thy young days , which we may nominate tender .
-
-And I , tough senior , as an appertinent title to your old time , which we may name tough .
-
-Pretty , and apt .
-
-How mean you , sir ? I pretty , and my saying apt ? or I apt , and my saying pretty ?
-
-Thou pretty , because little .
-
-Little pretty , because little . Wherefore apt ?
-
-And therefore apt , because quick .
-
-Speak you this in my praise , master ?
-
-In thy condign praise .
-
-I will praise an eel with the same praise .
-
-What ! that an eel is ingenious ?
-
-That an eel is quick .
-
-I do say thou art quick in answers : thou heatest my blood .
-
-I am answered , sir .
-
-I love not to be crossed .
-
-He speaks the mere contrary : crosses love not him .
-
-I have promised to study three years with the duke .
-
-You may do it in an hour , sir .
-
-Impossible .
-
-How many is one thrice told ?
-
-I am ill at reckoning ; it fitteth the spirit of a tapster .
-
-You are a gentleman and a gamester , sir .
-
-I confess both : they are both the varnish of a complete man .
-
-Then , I am sure you know how much the gross sum of deuce-ace amounts to .
-
-It doth amount to one more than two .
-
-Which the base vulgar do call three .
-
-True .
-
-Why , sir , is this such a piece of study ? Now , here's three studied , ere you'll thrice wink ; and how easy it is to put 'years' to the word 'three ,' and study three years in two words , the dancing horse will tell you .
-
-A most fine figure !
-
-To prove you a cipher .
-
-I will hereupon confess I am in love ; and as it is base for a soldier to love , so am I in love with a base wench . If drawing my sword against the humour of affection would deliver me from the reprobate thought of it , I would take Desire prisoner , and ransom him to any French courtier for a new devised curtsy . I think scorn to sigh : methinks I should outswear Cupid . Comfort me , boy : what great men have been in love ?
-
-Hercules , master .
-
-Most sweet Hercules ! More authority , dear boy , name more ; and , sweet my child , let them be men of good repute and carriage .
-
-Samson , master : he was a man of good carriage , great carriage , for he carried the towngates on his back like a porter ; and he was in love .
-
-O well-knit Samson ! strong-jointed Samson ! I do excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst me in carrying gates . I am in love too . Who was Samson's love , my dear Moth ?
-
-A woman , master .
-
-Of what complexion ?
-
-Of all the four , or the three , or the two , or one of the four .
-
-Tell me precisely of what complexion .
-
-Of the sea-water green , sir .
-
-Is that one of the four complexions ?
-
-As I have read , sir ; and the best of them too .
-
-Green indeed is the colour of lovers ; but to have a love of that colour , methinks Samson had small reason for it . He surely affected her for her wit .
-
-It was so , sir , for she had a green wit .
-
-My love is most immaculate white and red .
-
-Most maculate thoughts , master , are masked under such colours .
-
-Define , define , well-educated infant .
-
-My father's wit , and my mother's tongue , assist me !
-
-Sweet invocation of a child ; most pretty and pathetical !
-
-
-If she be made of white and red ,
-Her faults will ne'er be known ,
-For blushing cheeks by faults are bred ,
-And fears by pale white shown :
-Then if she fear , or be to blame ,
-By this you shall not know ,
-For still her cheeks possess the same
-Which native she doth owe .
-
-A dangerous rime , master , against the reason of white and red .
-
-Is there not a ballad , boy , of the King and the Beggar ?
-
-The world was very guilty of such a ballad some three ages since ; but I think now 'tis not to be found ; or , if it were , it would neither serve for the writing nor the tune .
-
-I will have that subject newly writ o'er , that I may example my digression by some mighty precedent . Boy , I do love that country girl that I took in the park with the rational hind Costard : she deserves well .
-
-To be whipped ; and yet a better love than my master .
-
-Sing , boy : my spirit grows heavy in love .
-
-And that's great marvel , loving a light wench .
-
-I say , sing .
-
-Forbear till this company be past .
-
-
-Sir , the duke's pleasure is , that you keep Costard safe : and you must let him take no delight nor no penance , but a' must fast three days a week . For this damsel , I must keep her at the park ; she is allowed for the day-woman .
-Fare you well .
-
-I do betray myself with blushing . Maid !
-
-Man ?
-
-I will visit thee at the lodge .
-
-That's hereby .
-
-I know where it is situate .
-
-Lord , how wise you are !
-
-I will tell thee wonders .
-
-With that face ?
-
-I love thee .
-
-So I heard you say .
-
-And so farewell .
-
-Fair weather after you !
-
-Come , Jaquenetta , away !
-
-
-Villain , thou shalt fast for thy offences ere thou be pardoned .
-
-Well , sir , I hope , when I do it , I shall do it on a full stomach .
-
-Thou shalt be heavily punished .
-
-I am more bound to you than your fellows , for they are but lightly rewarded .
-
-Take away this villain : shut him up .
-
-Come , you transgressing slave : away !
-
-Let me not be pent up , sir : I will fast , being loose .
-
-No , sir ; that were fast and loose : thou shalt to prison .
-
-Well , if ever I do see the merry days of desolation that I have seen , some shall see
-
-What shall some see ?
-
-Nay , nothing , Master Moth , but what they look upon . It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their words ; and therefore I will say nothing : I thank God I have as little patience as another man , and therefore I can be quiet .
-
-
-I do affect the very ground , which is base , where her shoe , which is baser , guided by her foot , which is basest , doth tread . I shall be forsworn ,which is a great argument of falsehood ,if I love . And how can that be true love which is falsely attempted ? Love is a familiar ; Love is a devil : there is no evil angel but Love . Yet was Samson so tempted , and he had an excellent strength ; yet was Solomon so seduced , and he had a very good wit . Cupid's butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules' club , and therefore too much odds for a Spaniard's rapier . The first and second clause will not serve my turn ; the passado he respects not , the duello he regards not : his disgrace is to be called boy , but his glory is , to subdue men . Adieu , valour ! rust , rapier ! be still , drum ! for your manager is in love ; yea , he loveth . Assist me some extemporal god of rime , for I am sure I shall turn sonneter . Devise , wit ; write , pen ; for I am for whole volumes in folio .
-
-Now , madam , summon up your dearest spirits :
-Consider whom the king your father sends ,
-To whom he sends , and what's his embassy :
-Yourself , held precious in the world's esteem ,
-To parley with the sole inheritor
-Of all perfections that a man may owe ,
-Matchless Navarre ; the plea of no less weight
-Than Aquitaine , a dowry for a queen .
-Be now as prodigal of all dear grace
-As Nature was in making graces dear
-When she did starve the general world beside ,
-And prodigally gave them all to you .
-
-Good Lord Boyet , my beauty , though but mean ,
-Needs not the painted flourish of your praise :
-Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye ,
-Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues .
-I am less proud to hear you tell my worth
-Than you much willing to be counted wise
-In spending your wit in the praise of mine .
-But now to task the tasker : good Boyet ,
-You are not ignorant , all-telling fame
-Doth noise abroad , Navarre hath made a vow ,
-Till painful study shall out-wear three years ,
-No woman may approach his silent court :
-Therefore to us seemth it a needful course ,
-Before we enter his forbidden gates ,
-To know his pleasure ; and in that behalf ,
-Bold of your worthiness , we single you
-As our best-moving fair solicitor .
-Tell him , the daughter of the King of France ,
-On serious business , craving quick dispatch ,
-Importunes personal conference with his Grace .
-Haste , signify so much ; while we attend ,
-Like humble-visag'd suitors , his high will .
-
-Proud of employment , willingly I go .
-
-All pride is willing pride , and yours is so .
-
-Who are the votaries , my loving lords ,
-That are vow-fellows with this virtuous duke ?
-
-Lord Longaville is one .
-
-Know you the man ?
-
-I know him , madam : at a marriage feast ,
-Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir
-Of Jacques Falconbridge , solemnized
-In Normandy , saw I this Longaville .
-A man of sovereign parts he is esteem'd ;
-Well fitted in the arts , glorious in arms :
-Nothing becomes him ill that he would well .
-The only soil of his fair virtue's gloss ,
-If virtue's gloss will stain with any soil ,
-Is a sharp wit match'd with too blunt a will ;
-Whose edge hath power to cut , whose will still wills
-It should none spare that come within his power .
-
-Some merry mocking lord , belike ; is't so ?
-
-They say so most that most his humours know .
-
-Such short-liv'd wits do wither as they grow .
-Who are the rest ?
-
-The young Dumaine , a well-accomplish'd youth ,
-Of all that virtue love for virtue lov'd :
-Most power to do most harm , least knowing ill ,
-For he hath wit to make an ill shape good ,
-And shape to win grace though he had no wit .
-I saw him at the Duke Alen on's once ;
-And much too little of that good I saw
-Is my report to his great worthiness .
-
-Another of these students at that time
-Was there with him , if I have heard a truth :
-Berowne they call him ; but a merrier man ,
-Within the limit of becoming mirth ,
-I never spent an hour's talk withal .
-His eye begets occasion for his wit ;
-For every object that the one doth catch
-The other turns to a mirth-moving jest ,
-Which his fair tongue , conceit's expositor ,
-Delivers in such apt and gracious words ,
-That aged ears play truant at his tales ,
-And younger hearings are quite ravished ;
-So sweet and voluble is his discourse .
-
-God bless my ladies ! are they all in love ,
-That every one her own hath garnished
-With such bedecking ornaments of praise ?
-
-Here comes Boyet .
-
-
-Now , what admittance , lord ?
-
-Navarre had notice of your fair approach ;
-And he and his competitors in oath
-Were all address'd to meet you , gentle lady ,
-Before I came . Marry , thus much I have learnt ;
-He rather means to lodge you in the field ,
-Like one that comes here to besiege his court ,
-Than seek a dispensation for his oath ,
-To let you enter his unpeeled house .
-Here comes Navarre .
-
-Fair princess , welcome to the court of Navarre .
-
-'Fair ,' I give you back again ; and 'welcome' I have not yet : the roof of this court is too high to be yours , and welcome to the wide fields too base to be mine .
-
-You shall be welcome , madam , to my court .
-
-I will be welcome , then : conduct me thither .
-
-Hear me , dear lady ; I have sworn an oath .
-
-Our Lady help my lord ! he'll be forsworn .
-
-Not for the world , fair madam , by my will .
-
-Why , will shall break it ; will , and nothing else .
-
-Your ladyship is ignorant what it is .
-
-Were my lord so , his ignorance were wise ,
-Where now his knowledge must prove ignorance .
-I hear your grace hath sworn out house-keeping :
-'Tis deadly sin to keep that oath , my lord ,
-And sin to break it .
-But pardon me , I am too sudden-bold :
-To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me .
-Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my coming ,
-And suddenly resolve me in my suit .
-
-
-Madam , I will , if suddenly I may .
-
-You will the sooner that I were away ,
-For you'll prove perjur'd if you make me stay .
-
-Did not I dance with you in Brabant once ?
-
-Did not I dance with you in Brabant once ?
-
-I know you did .
-
-How needless was it then
-To ask the question !
-
-You must not be so quick .
-
-'Tis 'long of you that spur me with such questions .
-
-Your wit's too hot , it speeds too fast , 'twill tire .
-
-Not till it leave the rider in the mire .
-
-What time o' day ?
-
-The hour that fools should ask .
-
-Now fair befall your mask !
-
-Fair fall the face it covers !
-
-And send you many lovers !
-
-Amen , so you be none .
-
-Nay , then I will be gone .
-
-Madam , your father here doth intimate
-The payment of a hundred thousand crowns ;
-Being but the one half of an entire sum
-Disbursed by my father in his wars .
-But say that he , or we ,as neither have ,
-Receiv'd that sum , yet there remains unpaid
-A hundred thousand more ; in surety of the which ,
-One part of Aquitaine is bound to us ,
-Although not valu'd to the money's worth .
-If then the king your father will restore
-But that one half which is unsatisfied ,
-We will give up our right in Aquitaine ,
-And hold fair friendship with his majesty .
-But that it seems , he little purposeth ,
-For here he doth demand to have repaid
-A hundred thousand crowns ; and not demands ,
-On payment of a hundred thousand crowns ,
-To have his title live in Aquitaine ;
-Which we much rather had depart withal ,
-And have the money by our father lent ,
-Than Aquitaine , so gelded as it is .
-Dear princess , were not his requests so far
-From reason's yielding , your fair self should make
-A yielding 'gainst some reason in my breast ,
-And go well satisfied to France again .
-
-You do the king my father too much wrong
-And wrong the reputation of your name ,
-In so unseeming to confess receipt
-Of that which hath so faithfully been paid .
-
-I do protest I never heard of it ;
-And if you prove it , I'll repay it back
-Or yield up Aquitaine .
-
-We arrest your word .
-Boyet , you can produce acquittances
-For such a sum from special officers
-Of Charles his father .
-
-Satisfy me so .
-
-So please your Grace , the packet is not come
-Where that and other specialties are bound :
-To-morrow you shall have a sight of them .
-
-It shall suffice me : at which interview
-All liberal reason I will yield unto .
-Meantime , receive such welcome at my hand
-As honour , without breach of honour , may
-Make tender of to thy true worthiness .
-You may not come , fair princess , in my gates ;
-But here without you shall be so receiv'd ,
-As you shall deem yourself lodg'd in my heart ,
-Though so denied fair harbour in my house .
-Your own good thoughts excuse me , and farewell :
-To-morrow shall we visit you again .
-
-Sweet health and fair desires consort your Grace !
-
-Thy own wish wish I thee in every place !
-
-
-Lady , I will commend you to mine own heart .
-
-Pray you , do my commendations ; I would be glad to see it .
-
-I would you heard it groan .
-
-Is the fool sick ?
-
-Sick at the heart .
-
-Alack ! let it blood .
-
-Would that do it good ?
-
-My physic says , 'ay .'
-
-Will you prick't with your eye ?
-
-No point , with my knife .
-
-Now , God save thy life !
-
-And yours from long living !
-
-I cannot stay thanksgiving .
-
-
-Sir , I pray you , a word : what lady is that same ?
-
-The heir of Alen on , Katharine her name .
-
-A gallant lady . Monsieur , fare you well .
-
-
-I beseech you a word : what is she in the white ?
-
-A woman sometimes , an you saw her in the light .
-
-Perchance light in the light . I desire her name .
-
-She hath but one for herself ; to desire that , were a shame .
-
-Pray you , sir , whose daughter ?
-
-Her mother's , I have heard .
-
-God's blessing on your beard !
-
-Good sir , be not offended .
-She is an heir of Falconbridge .
-
-Nay , my choler is ended .
-She is a most sweet lady .
-
-Not unlike , sir ; that may be .
-
-
-What's her name , in the cap ?
-
-Rosaline , by good hap .
-
-Is she wedded or no ?
-
-To her will , sir , or so .
-
-You are welcome , sir . Adieu .
-
-Farewell to me , sir , and welcome to you .
-
-
-That last is Berowne , the merry mad-cap lord :
-Not a word with him but a jest .
-
-And every jest but a word .
-
-It was well done of you to take him at his word .
-
-I was as willing to grapple , as he was to board .
-
-Two hot sheeps , marry !
-
-And wherefore not ships ?
-No sheep , sweet lamb , unless we feed on your lips .
-
-You sheep , and I pasture : shall that finish the jest ?
-
-So you grant pasture for me .
-
-
-Not so , gentle beast .
-My lips are no common , though several they be .
-
-Belonging to whom ?
-
-To my fortunes and me .
-
-Good wits will be jangling ; but , gentles , agree .
-This civil war of wits were much better us'd
-On Navarre and his book-men , for here 'tis abus'd .
-
-If my observation ,which very seldom lies ,
-By the heart's still rhetoric disclosed with eyes ,
-Deceive me not now , Navarre is infected .
-
-With what ?
-
-With that which we lovers entitle affected .
-
-Your reason .
-
-Why , all his behaviours did make their retire
-To the court of his eye , peeping thorough desire ;
-His heart , like an agate , with your print impress'd ,
-Proud with his form , in his eye pride express'd :
-His tongue , all impatient to speak and not see ,
-Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be ;
-All senses to that sense did make their repair ,
-To feel only looking on fairest of fair ,
-Methought all his senses were lock'd in his eye ,
-As jewels in crystal for some prince to buy ;
-Who , tend'ring their own worth from where they were glass'd ,
-Did point you to buy them , along as you pass'd .
-His face's own margent did quote such amazes ,
-That all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazes .
-I'll give you Aquitaine , and all that is his ,
-An' you give him for my sake but one loving kiss .
-
-Come to our pavilion : Boyet is dispos'd .
-
-But to speak that in words which his eye hath disclos'd .
-I only have made a mouth of his eye ,
-By adding a tongue which I know will not he .
-
-Thou art an old love-monger , and speak'st skilfully .
-
-He is Cupid's grandfather and learns news of him .
-
-Then was Venus like her mother , for her father is but grim .
-
-Do you hear , my mad wenches ?
-
-No .
-
-What , then , do you see ?
-
-Ay , our way to be gone .
-
-You are too hard for me .
-
-Warble , child ; make passionate my sense of hearing .
-
-Concolinel ,
-
-Sweet air ! Go , tenderness of years ; take this key , give enlargement to the swain , bring him festinately hither ; I must employ him in a letter to my love .
-
-Master , will you win your love with a French brawl ?
-
-How meanest thou ? brawling in French ?
-
-No , my complete master ; but to jig off a tune at the tongue's end , canary to it with your feet , humour it with turning up your eyelids , sigh a note and sing a note , sometime through the throat , as if you swallowed love by singing love , sometime through the nose , as if you snuffed up love by smelling love ; with your hat penthouse-like o'er the shop of your eyes ; with your arms crossed on your thin belly-doublet like a rabbit on a spit ; or your hands in your pocket like a man after the old painting ; and keep not too long in one tune , but a snip and away . These are complements , these are humours , these betray nice wenches , that would be betrayed without these ; and make them men of note ,do you note me ?that most are affected to these .
-
-How hast thou purchased this experience ?
-
-By my penny of observation .
-
-But O but O ,
-
-'The hobby-horse is forgot .'
-
-Callest thou my love 'hobby-horse ?'
-
-No , master ; the hobby-horse is but a colt , and your love perhaps , a hackney . But have you forgot your love ?
-
-Almost I had .
-
-Negligent student ! learn her by heart .
-
-By heart , and in heart , boy .
-
-And out of heart , master : all those three I will prove .
-
-What wilt thou prove ?
-
-A man , if I live ; and this , by , in , and without , upon the instant : by heart you love her , because your heart cannot come by her ; in heart you love her , because your heart is in love with her ; and out of heart you love her , being out of heart that you cannot enjoy her .
-
-I am all these three .
-
-And three times as much more , and yet nothing at all .
-
-Fetch hither the swain : he must carry me a letter .
-
-A message well sympathized : a horse to be ambassador for an ass .
-
-Ha , ha ! what sayest thou ?
-
-Marry , sir , you must send the ass upon the horse , for he is very slow-gaited . But I go .
-
-The way is but short : away !
-
-As swift as lead , sir .
-
-Thy meaning , pretty ingenious ?
-Is not lead a metal heavy , dull , and slow ?
-
-Minime , honest master ; or rather , master , no .
-
-I say , lead is slow .
-
-You are too swift , sir , to say so :
-Is that lead slow which is fir'd from a gun ?
-
-Sweet smoke of rhetoric !
-He reputes me a cannon ; and the bullet , that's he :
-I shoot thee at the swain .
-
-Thump then , and I flee .
-
-
-A most acute juvenal ; volable and free of grace !
-By thy favour , sweet welkin , I must sigh in thy face :
-Most rude melancholy , valour gives thee place .
-My herald is return'd .
-
-
-A wonder , master ! here's a costard broken in a shin .
-
-Some enigma , some riddle : come , thy l'envoy ; begin .
-
-No egma , no riddle , no l'envoy ; no salve in the mail , sir . O ! sir , plantain , a plain plantain : no l'envoy , no l'envoy : no salve , sir , but a plantain .
-
-By virtue , thou enforcest laughter ; thy silly thought , my spleen ; the heaving of my lungs provokes me to ridiculous smiling : O ! pardon me , my stars . Doth the inconsiderate take salve for l'envoy , and the word l'envoy for a salve ?
-
-Do the wise think them other ? is not l'envoy a salve ?
-
-No , page : it is an epilogue or discourse , to make plain
-Some obscure precedence that hath tofore been sain .
-I will example it :
-
-The fox , the ape , and the humble-bee
-Were still at odds , being but three .
-
-There's the moral . Now the l'envoy .
-
-I will add the l'envoy . Say the moral again .
-
-
-The fox , the ape , and the humble-bee ,
-Were still at odds , being but three .
-
-Until the goose came out of door ,
-And stay'd the odds by adding four .
-
-Now will I begin your moral , and do you follow with my l'envoy .
-
-The fox , the ape , and the humble-bee ,
-Were still at odds , being but three .
-
-Until the goose came out of door ,
-Staying the odds by adding four .
-
-
-A good l'envoy , ending in the goose .
-Would you desire more ?
-
-The boy hath sold him a bargain , a goose , that's flat .
-Sir , your pennyworth is good an your goose be fat .
-To sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loose :
-Let me see ; a fat l'envoy ; ay , that's a fat goose .
-
-Come hither , come hither . How did this argument begin ?
-
-By saying that a costard was broken in a shin .
-Then call'd you for the l'envoy .
-
-True , and I for a plantain : thus came your argument in ;
-Then the boy's fat l'envoy , the goose that you bought ;
-And he ended the market .
-
-But tell me ; how was there a costard broken in a shin ?
-
-I will tell you sensibly .
-
-Thou hast no feeling of it , Moth : I will speak that l'envoy :
-I , Costard , running out , that was safely within ,
-Fell over the threshold and broke my shin .
-
-We will talk no more of this matter .
-
-Till there be more matter in the shin .
-
-Sirrah Costard , I will enfranchise thee .
-
-O ! marry me to one Frances : I smell some l'envoy , some goose , in this .
-
-By my sweet soul , I mean setting thee at liberty , enfreedoming thy person : thou wert immured , restrained , captivated , bound .
-
-True , true , and now you will be my purgation and let me loose .
-
-I give thee thy liberty , set thee from durance ; and in lieu thereof , impose upon thee nothing but this :
-
-Bear this significant to the country maid Jaquenetta . [Giving money .] There is remuneration ; for the best ward of mine honour is rewarding my dependents . Moth , follow .
-
-
-Like the sequel , I . Signior Costard , adieu .
-
-My sweet ounce of man's flesh ! my incony Jew !
-
-Now will I look to his remuneration . Remuneration ! O ! that's the Latin word for three farthings : three farthings , remuneration . 'What's the price of this inkle ?' 'One penny .' 'No , I'll give you a remuneration :' why , it carries it Remuneration ! why , it is a fairer name than French crown . I will never buy and sell out of this word .
-
-
-O ! my good knave Costard , exceedingly well met .
-
-Pray you , sir , how much carnation riband may a man buy for a remuneration ?
-
-What is a remuneration ?
-
-Marry , sir , halfpenny farthing .
-
-Why then , three-farthing-worth of silk .
-
-I thank your worship . God be wi' you !
-
-Stay , slave ; I must employ thee :
-As thou wilt win my favour , good my knave ,
-Do one thing for me that I shall entreat .
-
-When would you have it done , sir ?
-
-O , this afternoon .
-
-Well , I will do it , sir ! fare you well .
-
-O , thou knowest not what it is .
-
-I shall know , sir , when I have done it .
-
-Why , villain , thou must know first .
-
-I will come to your worship to-morrow morning .
-
-It must be done this afternoon . Hark , slave , it is but this :
-The princess comes to hunt here in the park ,
-And in her train there is a gentle lady :
-When tongues speak sweetly , then they name her name ,
-And Rosaline they call her : ask for her
-And to her white hand see thou do commend
-This seal'd-up counsel .
-
-There's thy guerdon : go .
-
-Gardon , O sweet gardon ! better than remuneration ; a 'leven-pence farthing better .
-Most sweet gardon ! I will do it , sir , in print
-Gardon ! remuneration !
-
-
-And I ,
-Forsooth , in love ! I , that have been love's whip ;
-A very beadle to a humorous sigh ;
-A critic , nay , a night-watch constable ,
-A domineering pedant o'er the boy ,
-Than whom no mortal so magnificent !
-This wimpled , whining , purblind , wayward boy ,
-This senior-junior , giant-dwarf , Dan Cupid ;
-Regent of love-rimes , lord of folded arms ,
-The anointed sovereign of sighs and groans ,
-Liege of all loiterers and malecontents ,
-Dread prince of plackets , king of codpieces ,
-Sole imperator and great general
-Of trotting 'paritors : O my little heart !
-And I to be a corporal of his field ,
-And wear his colours like a tumbler's hoop !
-What I ! I love ! I sue ! I seek a wife !
-A woman that is like a German clock ,
-Still a-repairing , ever out of frame ,
-And never going aright , being a watch ,
-But being watch'd that it may still go right !
-Nay , to be perjur'd , which is worst of all ;
-And , among three , to love the worst of all ;
-A wightly wanton with a velvet brow ,
-With two pitch balls stuck in her face for eyes ;
-Ay , and , by heaven , one that will do the deed
-Though Argus were her eunuch and her guard :
-And I to sigh for her ! to watch for her !
-To pray for her ! Go to ; it is a plague
-That Cupid will impose for my neglect
-Of his almighty dreadful little might .
-Well , I will love , write , sigh , pray , sue , and groan :
-Some men must love my lady , and some Joan .
-
-Was that the king , that spurr'd his horse so hard
-Against the steep uprising of the hill ?
-
-I know not ; but I think it was not he .
-
-Whoe'er a' was , a' show'd a mounting mind .
-Well , lords , to-day we shall have our dispatch ;
-On Saturday we will return to France .
-Then , forester , my friend , where is the bush
-That we must stand and play the murderer in ?
-
-Hereby , upon the edge of yonder coppice ;
-A stand where you may make the fairest shoot .
-
-I thank my beauty , I am fair that shoot ,
-And thereupon thou speak'st the fairest shoot .
-
-Pardon me , madam , for I meant not so .
-
-What , what ? first praise me , and again say no ?
-O short-liv'd pride ! Not fair ? alack for woe !
-
-Yes , madam , fair .
-
-Nay , never paint me now :
-Where fair is not , praise cannot mend the brow .
-Here , good my glass :
-
-Take this for telling true :
-Fair payment for foul words is more than due .
-
-Nothing but fair is that which you inherit .
-
-See , see ! my beauty will be sav'd by merit .
-O heresy in fair , fit for these days !
-A giving hand , though foul , shall have fair praise .
-But come , the bow : now mercy goes to kill ,
-And shooting well is then accounted ill .
-Thus will I save my credit in the shoot :
-Not wounding , pity would not let me do't ;
-If wounding , then it was to show my skill ,
-That more for praise than purpose meant to kill .
-And out of question so it is sometimes ,
-Glory grows guilty of detested crimes ,
-When , for fame's sake , for praise , an outward part ,
-We bend to that the working of the heart ;
-As I for praise alone now seek to spill
-The poor deer's blood , that my heart means no ill .
-
-Do not curst wives hold that self-sovereignty
-Only for praise' sake , when they strive to be
-Lords o'er their lords ?
-
-Only for praise ; and praise we may afford
-To any lady that subdues a lord .
-
-
-Here comes a member of the commonwealth .
-
-God dig-you-den all ! Pray you , which is the head lady ?
-
-Thou shalt know her , fellow , by the rest that have no heads .
-
-Which is the greatest lady , the highest ?
-
-The thickest , and the tallest .
-
-The thickest , and the tallest ! it is so ; truth is truth .
-An your waist , mistress , were as slender as my wit ,
-One o'these maids' girdles for your waist should be fit .
-Are not you the chief woman ? you are the thickest here .
-
-What's your will , sir ? what's your will ?
-
-I have a letter from Monsieur Berowne to one Lady Rosaline .
-
-O ! thy letter , thy letter ; he's a good friend of mine .
-Stand aside , good bearer . Boyet , you can carve ;
-Break up this capon .
-
-I am bound to serve .
-This letter is mistook ; it importeth none here :
-It is writ to Jaquenetta .
-
-We will read it , I swear .
-Break the neck of the wax , and every one give ear .
-
-By heaven , that thou art fair , is most infallible ; true , that thou art beauteous ; truth itself , that thou art lovely . More fairer than fair , beautiful than beauteous , truer than truth itself , have commiseration on thy heroical vassal ! The magnanimous and most illustrate king Cophetua set eye upon the pernicious and indubitate beggar Zenelophon , and he it was that might rightly say veni , vidi , vici ; which to anatomize in the vulgar O base and obscure vulgar !videlicet , he came , saw , and overcame : he came , one ; saw , two ; overcame , three . Who came ? the king : Why did he come ? to see : Why did he see ? to overcome : To whom came he ? to the beggar : What saw he ? the beggar . Whom overcame he ? the beggar . The conclusion is victory : on whose side ? the king's ; the captive is enriched : on whose side ? the beggar's . The catastrophe is a nuptial : on whose side ? the king's , no , on both in one , or one in both . I am the king , for so stands the comparison ; thou the beggar , for so witnesseth thy lowliness . Shall I command thy love ? I may : Shall I enforce thy love ? I could : Shall I entreat thy love ? I will . What shalt thou exchange for rags ? robes ; for tittles ? titles ; for thyself ? me . Thus , expecting thy reply , I profane my lips on thy foot , my eyes on thy picture , and my heart on thy every part .
-Thine , in the dearest design of Industry , DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO .
-Thus dost thou hear the Nemean lion roar
-'Gainst thee , thou lamb , that standest as his prey :
-Submissive fall his princely feet before ,
-And he from forage will incline to play .
-But if thou strive , poor soul , what art thou then ?
-Food for his rage , repasture for his den .
-
-What plume of feathers is he that indited this letter ?
-What vane ? what weathercock ? did you ever hear better ?
-
-I am much deceiv'd but I remember the style .
-
-Else your memory is bad , going o'er it erewhile .
-
-This Armado is a Spaniard , that keeps here in court ;
-A phantasime , a Monarcho , and one that makes sport
-To the prince and his book-mates .
-
-Thou , fellow , a word .
-Who gave thee this letter ?
-
-I told you ; my lord .
-
-To whom shouldst thou give it ?
-
-From my lord to my lady .
-
-From which lord , to which lady ?
-
-From my lord Berowne , a good master of mine ,
-To a lady of France , that he call'd Rosaline .
-
-Thou hast mistaken his letter . Come , lords , away .
-Here , sweet , put up this : 'twill be thine another day .
-
-
-Who is the suitor ? who is the suitor ?
-
-Shall I teach you to know ?
-
-Ay , my continent of beauty .
-
-Why , she that bears the bow .
-Finely put off !
-
-My lady goes to kill horns ; but , if thou marry ,
-Hang me by the neck if horns that year miscarry .
-Finely put on !
-
-Well then , I am the shooter .
-
-And who is your deer ?
-
-If we choose by the horns , yourself : come not near .
-Finely put on , indeed !
-
-You still wrangle with her , Boyet , and she strikes at the brow .
-
-But she herself is hit lower : have I hit her now ?
-
-Shall I come upon thee with an old saying , that was a man when King Pepin of France was a little boy , as touching the hit it ?
-
-So may I answer thee with one as old , that was a woman when Queen Guinever of Britain was a little wench , as touching the hit it .
-
-
-Thou canst not hit it , hit it , hit it ,
-Thou canst not hit it , my good man .
-
-An I cannot , cannot , cannot ,
-An I cannot , another can .
-
-By my troth , most pleasant : how both did fit it !
-
-A mark marvellous well shot , for they both did hit it .
-
-A mark ! O ! mark but that mark ; a mark , says my lady !
-Let the mark have a prick in't , to mete at , if it may be .
-
-Wide o' the bow hand ! i' faith your hand is out .
-
-Indeed a' must shoot nearer , or he'll ne'er hit the clout .
-
-An' if my hand be out , then belike your hand is in .
-
-Then will she get the upshoot by cleaving the pin .
-
-Come , come , you talk greasily ; your lips grow foul .
-
-She's too hard for you at pricks , sir : challenge her to bowl .
-
-I fear too much rubbing . Good night , my good owl .
-
-
-By my soul , a swain ! a most simple clown !
-Lord , lord how the ladies and I have put him down !
-O' my troth , most sweet jests ! most incony vulgar wit !
-When it comes so smoothly off , so obscenely , as it were , so fit ,
-Armado , o' the one side , O ! a most dainty man .
-To see him walk before a lady , and to bear her fan !
-To see him kiss his hand ! and how most sweetly a' will swear !
-And his page o' t'other side , that handful of wit !
-Ah ! heavens , it is a most pathetical nit .
-
-
-Sola , sola !
-
-
-Very reverend sport , truly : and done in the testimony of a good conscience .
-
-The deer was , as you know , sanguis , in blood ; ripe as a pomewater , who now hangeth like a jewel in the ear of c lo , the sky , the welkin , the heaven ; and anon falleth like a crab on the face of terra , the soil , the land , the earth .
-
-Truly , Master Holofernes , the epithets are sweetly varied , like a scholar at the least : but , sir , I assure ye , it was a buck of the first head .
-
-Sir Nathaniel , haud credo .
-
-'Twas not a haud credo ; 'twas a pricket .
-
-Most barbarous intimation ! yet a kind of insinuation , as it were , in via , in way , of explication ; facere , as it were , replication , or , rather , ostentare , to show , as it were , his inclination ,after his undressed , unpolished , uneducated , unpruned , untrained , or , rather , unlettered , or , ratherest , unconfirmed fashion ,to insert again my haud credo for a deer .
-
-I said the deer was not a haud credo ; 'twas a pricket .
-
-Twice sod simplicity , bis coctus !
-O ! thou monster Ignorance , how deformed dost thou look !
-
-Sir , he hath not fed of the dainties that are bred of a book ;
-he hath not eat paper , as it were ; he hath not drunk ink : his intellect is not replenished ; he is only an animal , only sensible in the duller parts :
-And such barren plants are set before us , that we thankful should be ,
-Which we of taste and feeling are , for those parts that do fructify in us more than he ;
-For as it would ill become me to be vain , indiscreet , or a fool :
-So , were there a patch set on learning , to see him in a school :
-But , omne bene , say I ; being of an old Father's mind ,
-Many can brook the weather that love not the wind .
-
-You two are book-men : can you tell by your wit ,
-What was a month old at Cain's birth , that's not five weeks old as yet ?
-
-Dictynna , goodman Dull : Dictynna , goodman Dull .
-
-What is Dictynna ?
-
-A title to Ph be , to Luna , to the moon .
-
-The moon was a month old when Adam was no more ;
-And raught not to five weeks when he came to five-score .
-The allusion holds in the exchange .
-
-'Tis true indeed : the collusion holds in the exchange .
-
-God comfort thy capacity ! I say , the allusion holds in the exchange .
-
-And I say the pollusion holds in the exchange , for the moon is never but a month old ; and I say beside that 'twas a pricket that the princess killed .
-
-Sir Nathaniel , will you hear an extemporal epitaph on the death of the deer ? and , to humour the ignorant , I have call'd the deer the princess killed , a pricket .
-
-Perge , good Master Holofernes , perge ; so it shall please you to abrogate scurrility .
-
-I will something affect the letter ; for it argues facility .
-
-The preyful princess pierc'd and prick'd a pretty pleasing pricket ;
-Some say a sore ; but not a sore , till now made sore with shooting .
-The dogs did yell ; put l to sore , then sorel jumps from thicket ;
-Or pricket , sore , or else sorel ; the people fall a hooting .
-If sore be sore , then l to sore makes fifty sores one sorel !
-Of one sore I a hundred make , by adding but one more l .
-
-
-A rare talent !
-
-If a talent be a claw , look how he claws him with a talent .
-
-This is a gift that I have , simple , simple ; a foolish extravagant spirit , full of forms , figures , shapes , objects , ideas , apprehensions , motions , revolutions : these are begot in the ventricle of memory , nourished in the womb of pia mater , and delivered upon the mellowing of occasion . But the gift is good in those in whom it is acute , and I am thankful for it .
-
-Sir , I praise the Lord for you , and so may my parishioners ; for their sons are well tutored by you , and their daughters profit very greatly under you : you are a good member of the commonwealth .
-
-Mehercle ! if their sons be ingenuous , they shall want no instruction ; if their daughters be capable , I will put it to them . But , vir sapit qui pauca loquitur . A soul feminine saluteth us .
-
-
-God give you good morrow , Master parson .
-
-Master parson , quasi pers-on . An if one should be pierced , which is the one ?
-
-Marry , Master schoolmaster , he that is likest to a hogshead .
-
-Piercing a hogshead ! a good lustre of conceit in a turf of earth ; fire enough for a flint , pearl enough for a swine : 'tis pretty ; it is well .
-
-Good Master parson
-
-be so good as read me this letter : it was given me by Costard , and sent me from Don Armado : I beseech you , read it .
-
-Fauste , precor gelida quando pecus omne sub umbra Ruminat , and so forth . Ah ! good old Mantuan . I may speak of thee as the traveller doth of Venice :
-
-Venetia , Venetia ,
-Chi non te vede , non te pretia .
-
-Old Mantuan ! old Mantuan ! Who understandeth thee not , loves thee not . Ut , re , sol , la , mi , fa . Under pardon , sir , what are the contents ? or , rather , as Horace says in his What , my soul , verses ?
-
-Ay , sir , and very learned .
-
-Let me hear a staff , a stanze , a verse : lege , domine .
-
-
-If love make me forsworn , how shall I swear to love ?
-Ah ! never faith could hold , if not to beauty vow'd ;
-Though to myself forsworn , to thee I'll faithful prove ;
-Those thoughts to me were oaks , to thee like osiers bow'd
-Study his bias leaves and makes his book thine eyes .
-Where all those pleasures live that art would comprehend :
-If knowledge be the mark , to know thee shall suffice
-Well learned is that tongue that well can thee commend ;
-All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder ;
-Which is to me some praise that I thy parts admire
-Thy eye Jove's lightning bears , thy voice his dreadful thunder ,
-Which , not to anger bent , is music and sweet fire .
-Celestial as thou art , O ! pardon love this wrong .
-That sings heaven's praise with such an earthly tongue !
-
-
-You find not the apostrophas , and so miss the accent : let me supervise the canzonet . Here are only numbers ratified ; but , for the elegancy , facility , and golden cadence of poesy , caret . Ovidius Naso was the man : and why , indeed , Naso , but for smelling out the odoriferous flowers of fancy , the jerks of invention ? Imitari is nothing ; so doth the hound his master , the ape his keeper , the 'tired horse his rider . But , damosella virgin , was this directed to you ?
-
-Ay , sir ; from one Monsieur Berowne , one of the strange queen's lords .
-
-I will overglance the superscript . To the snow-white hand of the most beauteous Lady Rosaline . I will look again on the intellect of the letter , for the nomination of the party writing to the person written unto : Your ladyship's , in all desired employment ,
-
-
-Good Costard , go with me . Sir , God save your life !
-
-Have with thee , my girl .
-
-
-Sir , you have done this in the fear of God , very religiously ; and , as a certain Father saith
-
-Sir , tell not me of the Father ; I do fear colourable colours . But to return to the verses : did they please you , Sir Nathaniel ?
-
-Marvellous well for the pen .
-
-I do dine to-day at the father's of a certain pupil of mine ; where , if before repast it shall please you to gratify the table with a grace , I will , on my privilege I have with the parents of the foresaid child or pupil , undertake your ben venuto ; where I will prove those verses to be very unlearned , neither savouring of poetry , wit , nor invention . I beseech your society .
-
-And thank you too ; for society saith the text is the happiness of life .
-
-And , certes , the text most infallibly concludes it .[To
-
-The king he is hunting the deer ; I am coursing myself : they have pitched a toil ; I am toiling in a pitch ,pitch that defiles : defile ! a foul word ! Well , sit thee down , sorrow ! for so they say the fool said , and so say I , and I the fool : well proved , wit ! By the Lord , this love is as mad as Ajax : it kills sheep : it kills me , I a sheep : well proved again o' my side ! I will not love ; if I do , hang me ; i' faith , I will not . O ! but her eye ,by this light , but for her eye , I would not love her ; yes , for her two eyes . Well , I do nothing in the world but lie , and lie in my throat . By heaven , I do love , and it hath taught me to rime , and to be melancholy ; and here is part of my rime , and here my melancholy . Well , she hath one o' my sonnets already : the clown bore it , the fool sent it , and the lady hath it : sweet clown , sweeter fool , sweetest lady ! By the world , I would not care a pin if the other three were in . Here comes one with a paper : God give him grace to groan !
-
-Ah me !
-
-Shot , by heaven ! Proceed , sweet Cupid : thou hast thumped him with thy bird-bolt under the left pap . In faith , secrets !
-
-
-So sweet a kiss the golden sun gives not
-To those fresh morning drops upon the rose ,
-As thy eye-beams , when their fresh rays have smote
-The night of dew that on my cheeks down flows :
-Nor shines the silver moon one half so bright
-Through the transparent bosom of the deep ,
-As doth thy face through tears of mine give light ,
-Thou shin'st in every tear that I do weep .
-No drop but as a coach doth carry thee ;
-So ridest thou triumphing in my woe .
-Do but behold the tears that swell in me ,
-And they thy glory through my grief will show
-But do not love thyself , then thou wilt keep
-My tears for glasses , and still make me weep .
-O queen of queens ! how far thou dost excel ,
-No thought can think , nor tongue of mortal tell
-
-How shall she know my griefs ? I'll drop the paper :
-Sweet leaves , shade folly . Who is he comes here ?
-
-What , Longaville ! and reading ! listen , ear .
-
-
-Now , in thy likeness , one more fool appear !
-
-Ay me ! I am forsworn .
-
-Why , he comes in like a perjure , wearing papers .
-
-In love , I hope : sweet fellowship in shame !
-
-One drunkard loves another of the name .
-
-Am I the first that have been perjur'd so ?
-
-I could put thee in comfort : not by two that I know :
-Thou mak'st the triumviry , the corner-cap of society ,
-The shape of love's Tyburn , that hangs up simplicity .
-
-I fear these stubborn lines lack power to move .
-O sweet Maria , empress of my love !
-These numbers will I tear , and write in prose .
-
-O ! rimes are guards on wanton Cupid's hose :
-Disfigure not his slop .
-
-This same shall go .
-
-Did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye ,
-'Gainst whom the world cannot hold argument ,
-Persuade my heart to this false perjury ?
-Vows for thee broke deserve not punishment .
-A woman I forswore ; but I will prove ,
-Thou being a goddess , I forswore not thee :
-My vow was earthly , thou a heavenly love ;
-Thy grace , being gain'd , cures all disgrace in me .
-Vows are but breath , and breath a vapour is :
-Then thou , fair sun , which on my earth dost shine ,
-Exhal'st this vapour-vow ; in thee it is :
-If broken , then , it is no fault of mine :
-If by me broke , what fool is not so wise
-To lose an oath to win a paradise !
-
-
-This is the liver-vein , which makes flesh a deity ;
-A green goose a goddess ; pure , pure idolatry .
-God amend us , God amend ! we are much out o' the way .
-
-By whom shall I send this ?Company ! stay .
-
-
-All hid , all hid ; an old infant play .
-Like a demi-god here sit I in the sky ,
-And wretched fools' secrets heedfully o'er-eye .
-More sacks to the mill ! O heavens ! I have my wish .
-
-Dumaine transform'd : four woodcocks in a dish !
-
-O most divine Kate !
-
-O most profane coxcomb !
-
-By heaven , the wonder of a mortal eye !
-
-By earth , she is but corporal ; there you lie .
-
-Her amber hairs for foul have amber quoted .
-
-An amber-colour'd raven was well noted .
-
-As upright as the cedar .
-
-Stoop , I say ;
-Her shoulder is with child .
-
-As fair as day .
-
-Ay , as some days ; but then no sun must shine .
-
-O ! that I had my wish .
-
-And I had mine !
-
-And I mine too , good Lord !
-
-Amen , so I had mine . Is not that a good word ?
-
-I would forget her ; but a fever she
-Reigns in my blood , and will remember'd be .
-
-A fever in your blood ! why , then incision
-Would let her out in saucers : sweet misprision !
-
-Once more I'll read the ode that I have writ .
-
-Once more I'll mark how love can vary wit .
-
-
-On a day , alack the day !
-Love , whose month is ever May ,
-Spied a blossom passing fair
-Playing in the wanton air :
-Through the velvet leaves the wind ,
-All unseen , 'gan passage find ;
-That the lover , sick to death ,
-Wish'd himself the heaven's breath .
-Air , quoth he , thy cheeks may blow ;
-Air , would I might triumph so !
-But alack ! my hand is sworn
-Ne'er to pluck thee from thy thorn :
-Vow , alack ! for youth unmeet ,
-Youth so apt to pluck a sweet .
-Do not call it sin in me ,
-That I am forsworn for thee ;
-Thou for whom e'en Jove would swear
-Juno but an Ethiop were ;
-And deny himself for Jove ,
-Turning mortal for thy love .
-
-This will I send , and something else more plain ,
-That shall express my true love's fasting pain .
-O ! would the King , Berowne , and Longaville
-Were lovers too . Ill , to example ill ,
-Would from my forehead wipe a perjur'd note ;
-For none offend where all alike do dote .
-
-Dumaine , thy love is far from charity ,
-That in love's grief desir'st society :
-You may look pale , but I should blush , I know ,
-To be o'erheard and taken napping so .
-
-Come , sir , you blush : as his your case is such ;
-You chide at him , offending twice as much :
-You do not love Maria ; Longaville
-Did never sonnet for her sake compile ,
-Nor never lay his wreathed arms athwart
-His loving bosom to keep down his heart .
-I have been closely shrouded in this bush ,
-And mark'd you both , and for you both did blush .
-I heard your guilty rimes , observ'd your fashion ,
-Saw sighs reek from you , noted well your passion :
-Ay me ! says one ; O Jove ! the other cries ;
-One , her hairs were gold , crystal the other's eyes :
-
-
-You would for paradise break faith and troth ;
-
-
-And Jove , for your love , would infringe an oath .
-What will Berowne say , when that he shall hear
-A faith infringed , which such zeal did swear ?
-How will he scorn ! how will he spend his wit !
-How will he triumph , leap and laugh at it !
-For all the wealth that ever I did see ,
-I would not have him know so much by me .
-
-Now step I forth to whip hypocrisy .
-
-Ah ! good my liege , I pray thee , pardon me :
-Good heart ! what grace hast thou , thus to reprove
-These worms for loving , that art most in love ?
-Your eyes do make no coaches ; in your tears
-There is no certain princess that appears :
-You'll not be perjur'd , 'tis a hateful thing :
-Tush ! none but minstrels like of sonneting .
-But are you not asham'd ? nay , are you not ,
-All three of you , to be thus much o'ershot ?
-You found his mote ; the king your mote did see ;
-But I a beam do find in each of three .
-O ! what a scene of foolery have I seen ,
-Of sighs , of groans , of sorrow , and of teen ;
-O me ! with what strict patience have I sat ,
-To see a king transformed to a gnat ;
-To see great Hercules whipping a gig ,
-And profound Solomon to tune a jig ,
-And Nestor play at push-pin with the boys ,
-And critic Timon laugh at idle toys !
-Where lies thy grief ? O ! tell me , good Dumaine ,
-And , gentle Longaville , where lies thy pain ?
-And where my liege's ? all about the breast :
-A caudle , ho !
-
-Too bitter is thy jest .
-Are we betray'd thus to thy over-view ?
-
-Not you to me , but I betray'd by you :
-I , that am honest ; I , that hold it sin
-To break the vow I am engaged in ;
-I am betray'd , by keeping company
-With men like men , men of inconstancy .
-When shall you see me write a thing in rime ?
-Or groan for Joan ? or spend a minute's time
-In pruning me ? When shall you hear that I
-Will praise a hand , a foot , a face , an eye ,
-A gait , a state , a brow , a breast , a waist , leg , a limb ?
-
-Soft ! Whither away so fast ? true man or a thief that gallops so ?
-
-I post from love ; good lover , let me go .
-
-
-God bless the king !
-
-What present hast thou there ?
-
-Some certain treason .
-
-What makes treason here ?
-
-Nay , it makes nothing , sir .
-
-If it mar nothing neither ,
-The treason and you go in peace away together .
-
-I beseech your Grace , let this letter be read :
-Our parson misdoubts it ; 'twas treason , he said .
-
-Berowne , read it over
-
-There hadst thou it ?
-
-Of Costard .
-
-Where hadst thou it ?
-
-Of Dun Adramadio , Dun Adramadio .
-
-
-How now ! what is in you ? why dost thou tear it ?
-
-A toy , my liege , a toy : your Grace needs not fear it .
-
-It did move him to passion , and therefore let's hear it .
-
-It is Berowne's writing , and here is his name .
-
-Ah , you whoreson logger-head , you were born to do me shame .
-Guilty , my lord , guilty ; I confess , I confess .
-
-What ?
-
-That you three fools lack'd me fool to make up the mess ;
-He , he , and you , and you my liege , and I ,
-Are pick-purses in love , and we deserve to die .
-O ! dismiss this audience , and I shall tell you more .
-
-Now the number is even .
-
-True , true ; we are four .
-Will these turtles be gone ?
-
-Hence , sirs ; away !
-
-Walk aside the true folk , and let the traitors stay .
-
-
-Sweet lords , sweet lovers , O ! let us embrace .
-As true we are as flesh and blood can be :
-The sea will ebb and flow , heaven show his face ;
-Young blood doth not obey an old decree :
-We cannot cross the cause why we were born ;
-Therefore , of all hands must we be forsworn .
-
-What ! did these rent lines show some love of thine ?
-
-'Did they ,' quoth you ? Who sees the heavenly Rosaline ,
-That , like a rude and savage man of Inde ,
-At the first opening of the gorgeous east ,
-Bows not his vassal head , and , strucken blind ,
-Kisses the base ground with obedient breast ?
-What peremptory eagle-sighted eye
-Dares look upon the heaven of her brow ,
-That is not blinded by her majesty ?
-
-What zeal , what fury hath inspir'd thee now ?
-My love , her mistress , is a gracious moon ;
-She , an attending star , scarce seen a light .
-
-My eyes are then no eyes , nor I Berowne :
-O ! but for my love , day would turn to night .
-Of all complexions the cull'd sovereignty
-Do meet , as at a fair , in her fair cheek ;
-Where several worthies make one dignity ,
-Where nothing wants that want itself doth seek .
-Lend me the flourish of all gentle tongues ,
-Fie , painted rhetoric ! O ! she needs it not :
-To things of sale a seller's praise belongs ;
-She passes praise ; then praise too short doth blot .
-A wither'd hermit , five-score winters worn ,
-Might shake off fifty , looking in her eye :
-Beauty doth varnish age , as if new-born ,
-And gives the crutch the cradle's infancy .
-O ! 'tis the sun that maketh all things shine .
-
-By heaven , thy love is black as ebony .
-
-Is ebony like her ? O wood divine !
-A wife of such wood were felicity .
-O ! who can give an oath ? where is a book ?
-That I may swear beauty doth beauty lack ,
-If that she learn not of her eye to look :
-No face is fair that is not full so black .
-
-O paradox ! Black is the badge of hell ,
-The hue of dungeons and the scowl of night ;
-And beauty's crest becomes the heavens well .
-
-Devils soonest tempt , resembling spirits of light .
-O ! if in black my lady's brows be deck'd ,
-It mourns that painting and usurping hair
-Should ravish doters with a false aspect ;
-And therefore is she born to make black fair .
-Her favour turns the fashion of the days ,
-For native blood is counted painting now :
-And therefore red , that would avoid dispraise ,
-Paints itself black , to imitate her brow .
-
-To look like her are chimney-sweepers black .
-
-And since her time are colliers counted bright .
-
-And Ethiops of their sweet complexion crack .
-
-Dark needs no candles now , for dark is light .
-
-Your mistresses dare never come in rain ,
-For fear their colours should be wash'd away .
-
-'Twere good yours did ; for , sir , to tell you plain ,
-I'll find a fairer face not wash'd to-day .
-
-I'll prove her fair , or talk till doomsday here .
-
-No devil will fright thee then so much as she .
-
-I never knew man hold vile stuff so dear .
-
-Look , here's thy love :
-
-my foot and her face see .
-
-O ! if the streets were paved with thine eyes ,
-Her feet were much too dainty for such tread .
-
-O vile ! then , as she goes , what upward lies
-The street should see as she walk'd over head .
-
-But what of this ? Are we not all in love ?
-
-Nothing so sure ; and thereby all forsworn .
-
-Then leave this chat ; and good Berowne , now prove
-Our loving lawful , and our faith not torn .
-
-Ay , marry , there ; some flattery for this evil .
-
-O ! some authority how to proceed ;
-Some tricks , some quillets , how to cheat the devil .
-
-Some salve for perjury .
-
-O , 'tis more than need .
-Have at you , then , affection's men-at-arms :
-Consider what you first did swear unto ,
-To fast , to study , and to see no woman ;
-Flat treason 'gainst the kingly state of youth .
-Say , can you fast ? your stomachs are too young ,
-And abstinence engenders maladies .
-And where that you have vow'd to study , lords ,
-In that each of you hath forsworn his book ,
-Can you still dream and pore and thereon look ?
-For when would you , my lord , or you , or you ,
-Have found the ground of study's excellence
-Without the beauty of a woman's face ?
-From women's eyes this doctrine I derive :
-They are the ground , the books , the academes ,
-From whence doth spring the true Promethean fire .
-Why , universal plodding poisons up
-The nimble spirits in the arteries ,
-As motion and long-during action tires
-The sinewy vigour of the traveller .
-Now , for not looking on a woman's face ,
-You have in that forsworn the use of eyes ,
-And study too , the causer of your vow ;
-For where is any author in the world
-Teaches such beauty as a woman's eye ?
-Learning is but an adjunct to ourself ,
-And where we are our learning likewise is :
-Then when ourselves we see in ladies' eyes ,
-Do we not likewise see our learning there ?
-O ! we have made a vow to study , lords ,
-And in that vow we have forsworn our books :
-For when would you , my liege , or you , or you ,
-In leaden contemplation have found out
-Such fiery numbers as the prompting eyes
-Of beauty's tutors have enrich'd you with ?
-Other slow arts entirely keep the brain ,
-And therefore , finding barren practisers ,
-Scarce show a harvest of their heavy toil ;
-But love , first learned in a lady's eyes ,
-Lives not alone immured in the brain ,
-But , with the motion of all elements ,
-Courses as swift as thought in every power ,
-And gives to every power a double power ,
-Above their functions and their offices .
-It adds a precious seeing to the eye ;
-A lover's eyes will gaze an eagle blind ;
-A lover's ear will hear the lowest sound ,
-When the suspicious head of theft is stopp'd :
-Love's feeling is more soft and sensible
-Than are the tender horns of cockled snails :
-Love's tongue proves dainty Bacchus gross in taste .
-For valour , is not Love a Hercules ,
-Still climbing trees in the Hesperides ?
-Subtle as Sphinx ; as sweet and musical
-As bright Apollo's lute , strung with his hair ;
-And when Love speaks , the voice of all the gods
-Makes heaven drowsy with the harmony .
-Never durst poet touch a pen to write
-Until his ink were temper'd with Love's sighs ;
-O ! then his lines would ravish savage ears ,
-And plant in tyrants mild humility .
-From women's eyes this doctrine I derive :
-They sparkle still the right Promethean fire ;
-They are the books , the arts , the academes ,
-That show , contain , and nourish all the world ;
-Else none at all in aught proves excellent .
-Then fools you were these women to forswear ,
-Or , keeping what is sworn , you will prove fools .
-For wisdom's sake , a word that all men love ,
-Or for love's sake , a word that loves all men ,
-Or for men's sake , the authors of these women ;
-Or women's sake , by whom we men are men ,
-Let us once lose our oaths to find ourselves ,
-Or else we lose ourselves to keep our oaths .
-It is religion to be thus forsworn ;
-For charity itself fulfils the law ;
-And who can sever love from charity ?
-
-Saint Cupid , then ! and , soldiers , to the field !
-
-Advance your standards , and upon them , lords !
-Pell-mell , down with them ! but be first advis'd ,
-In conflict that you get the sun of them .
-
-Now to plain-dealing ; lay these glozes by ;
-Shall we resolve to woo these girls of France ?
-
-And win them too : therefore let us devise
-Some entertainment for them in their tents .
-
-First , from the park let us conduct them thither ;
-Then homeward every man attach the hand
-Of his fair mistress : in the afternoon
-We will with some strange pastime solace them ,
-Such as the shortness of the time can shape ;
-For revels , dances , masks , and merry hours ,
-Forerun fair Love , strewing her way with flowers .
-
-Away , away ! no time shall be omitted ,
-That will betime , and may by us be fitted .
-
-Allons ! allons ! Sow'd cockle reap'd no corn ;
-And justice always whirls in equal measure :
-Light wenches may prove plagues to men forsworn ;
-If so , our copper buys no better treasure .
-
-Satis quod sufficit .
-
-I praise God for you , sir : your reasons at dinner have been sharp and sententious ; pleasant without scurrility , witty without affection , audacious without impudency , learned without opinion , and strange without heresy . I did converse this quondam day with a companion of the king's , who is intituled , nominated , or called , Don Adriano de Armado .
-
-Novi hominem tanquam te : his humour is lofty , his discourse peremptory , his tongue field , his eye ambitious , his gait majestical , and his general behaviour vain , ridiculous , and thrasonical . He is too picked , too spruce , too affected , too odd , as it were , too peregrinate , as I may call it .
-
-A most singular and choice epithet .
-
-
-He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument . I abhor such fanatical phantasimes , such insociable and point-devise companions ; such rackers of orthography , as to speak dout , fine , when he should say , doubt ; det , when he should pronounce , debt ,d , e , b , t , not d , e , t : he clepeth a calf , cauf ; half , hauf ; neighbour vocatur nebour , neigh abbreviated ne . This is abhominable , which he would call abominable ,it insinuateth me of insanie : anne intelligis , domine ? To make frantic , lunatic .
-
-Laus Deo bone intelligo .
-
-Bone ? bone , for bene : Priscian a little scratched ; 'twill serve .
-
-
-Videsne quis venit ?
-
-Video , et gaudeo .
-
-Chirrah !
-
-Quare Chirrah , not sirrah ?
-
-Men of peace , well encountered .
-
-Most military sir , salutation .
-
-They have been at a great feast of languages , and stolen the scraps .
-
-O ! they have lived long on the almsbasket of words . I marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for a word ; for thou art not so long by the head as honorificabilitudinitatibus : thou art easier swallowed than a flap-dragon .
-
-Peace ! the peal begins .
-
-Monsieur , are you not lettered ?
-
-Yes , yes ; he teaches boys the hornbook . What is a , b , spelt backward , with the horn on his head ?
-
-Ba , pueritia , with a horn added .
-
-Ba ! most silly sheep with a horn . You hear his learning .
-
-Quis , quis , thou consonant ?
-
-The third of the five vowels , if you repeat them ; or the fifth , if I .
-
-I will repeat them ,a , e , i ,
-
-The sheep ; the other two concludes it ,o , u .
-
-Now , by the salt wave of the Mediterraneum , a sweet touch , a quick venew of wit ! snip , snap , quick and home ! it rejoiceth my intellect : true wit !
-
-Offered by a child to an old man ; which is wit-old .
-
-What is the figure ? what is the figure ?
-
-Horns .
-
-Thou disputest like an infant ; go , whip thy gig .
-
-Lend me your horn to make one , and I will whip about your infamy circum circa . A gig of a cuckold's horn .
-
-An I had but one penny in the world , thou shouldst have it to buy gingerbread . Hold , there is the very remuneration I had of thy master , thou halfpenny purse of wit , thou pigeon-egg of discretion . O ! an the heavens were so pleased that thou wert but my bastard , what a joyful father wouldst thou make me . Go to ; thou hast it ad dunghill , at the fingers' ends , as they say .
-
-O ! I smell false Latin ; dunghill for unguem .
-
-Arts-man , pr ambula : we will be singled from the barbarous . Do you not educate youth at the charge-house on the top of the mountain ?
-
-Or mons , the hill .
-
-At your sweet pleasure , for the mountain .
-
-I do , sans question .
-
-Sir , it is the king's most sweet pleasure and affection to congratulate the princess at her pavilion in the posteriors of this day , which the rude multitude call the afternoon .
-
-The posterior of the day , most generous sir , is liable , congruent , and measurable for the afternoon : the word is well culled , chose , sweet and apt , I do assure you , sir ; I do assure .
-
-Sir , the king is a noble gentleman , and my familiar , I do assure ye , very good friend . For what is inward between us , let it pass : I do beseech thee , remember thy curtsy ; I beseech thee , apparel thy head : and among other importunate and most serious designs , and of great import indeed , too , but let that pass : for I must tell thee , it will please his Grace , by the world , sometime to lean upon my poor shoulder , and with his royal finger , thus dally with my excrement , with my mustachio : but , sweet heart , let that pass . By the world , I recount no fable : some certain special honours it pleaseth his greatness to impart to Armado , a soldier , a man of travel , that hath seen the world : but let that pass . The very all of all is , but , sweet heart , I do implore secrecy , that the king would have me present the princess , sweet chuck , with some delightful ostentation , or show , or pageant , or antick , or fire-work . Now , understanding that the curate and your sweet self are good at such eruptions and sudden breaking out of mirth , as it were , I have acquainted you withal , to the end to crave your assistance .
-
-Sir , you shall present before her the Nine Worthies . Sir Nathaniel , as concerning some entertainment of time , some show in the posterior of this day , to be rendered by our assistance , at the king's command , and this most gallant , illustrate , and learned gentleman , before the princess ; I say , none so fit as to present the Nine Worthies .
-
-Where will you find men worthy enough to present them ?
-
-Joshua , yourself ; myself , or this gallant gentleman , Judas Maccab us ; this swain , because of his great limb , or joint , shall pass Pompey the Great ; the page , Hercules ,
-
-Pardon , sir ; error : he is not quantity enough for that Worthy's thumb : he is not so big as the end of his club .
-
-Shall I have audience ? he shall present Hercules in minority : his enter and exit shall be strangling a snake ; and I will have an apology for that purpose .
-
-An excellent device ! so , if any of the audience hiss , you may cry , 'Well done , Hercules ! now thou crushest the snake !' that is the way to make an offence gracious , though few have the grace to do it .
-
-For the rest of the Worthies ?
-
-I will play three myself .
-
-Thrice-worthy gentleman !
-
-Shall I tell you a thing ?
-
-We attend .
-
-We will have , if this fadge not , an antick . I beseech you , follow .
-
-Via , goodman Dull ! thou hast spoken no word all this while .
-
-Nor understood none neither , sir .
-
-Allons ! we will employ thee .
-
-I'll make one in a dance , or so ; or I will play the tabor to the Worthies , and let them dance the hay .
-
-Most dull , honest Dull , to our sport , away !
-
-
-Sweet hearts , we shall be rich ere we depart ,
-If fairings come thus plentifully in : lady wall'd about with diamonds !
-Look you what I have from the loving king .
-
-Madam , came nothing else along with that ?
-
-Nothing but this ! yes , as much love in rime
-As would be cramm'd up in a sheet of paper ,
-Writ o' both sides the leaf , margent and all ,
-That he was fain to seal on Cupid's name .
-
-That was the way to make his godhead wax ;
-For he hath been five thousand years a boy .
-
-Ay , and a shrewd unhappy gallows too .
-
-You'll ne'er be friends with him : a' kill'd your sister .
-
-He made her melancholy , sad , and heavy ;
-And so she died : had she been light , like you ,
-Of such a merry , nimble , stirring spirit ,
-She might ha' been a grandam ere she died ;
-And so may you , for a light heart lives long .
-
-What's your dark meaning , mouse , of this light word ?
-
-A light condition in a beauty dark .
-
-We need more light to find your meaning out .
-
-You'll mar the light by taking it in snuff ;
-Therefore , I'll darkly end the argument .
-
-Look , what you do , you do it still i' the dark .
-
-So do not you , for you are a light wench .
-
-Indeed I weigh not you , and therefore light .
-
-You weigh me not . O ! that's you care not for me .
-
-Great reason ; for , 'past cure is still past care .'
-
-Well bandied both ; a set of wit well play'd .
-But Rosaline , you have a favour too :
-Who sent it ? and what is it ?
-
-I would you knew :
-An if my face were but as fair as yours ,
-My favour were as great ; be witness this .
-Nay , I have verses too , I thank Berowne :
-The numbers true ; and , were the numb'ring too ,
-I were the fairest goddess on the ground :
-I am compar'd to twenty thousand fairs .
-O ! he hath drawn my picture in his letter .
-
-Anything like ?
-
-Much in the letters , nothing in the praise .
-
-Beauteous as ink ; a good conclusion .
-
-Fair as a text B in a copy-book .
-
-'Ware pencils ! how ? let me not die your debtor .
-My red dominical , my golden letter :
-O , that your face were not so full of O's !
-
-A pox of that jest ! and beshrew all shrows !
-
-But what was sent to you from fair Dumaine ?
-
-Madam , this glove .
-
-Did he not send you twain ?
-
-Yes , madam ; and moreover ,
-Some thousand verses of a faithful lover :
-A huge translation of hypocrisy ,
-Vilely compil'd , profound simplicity .
-
-This , and these pearls to me sent Longaville :
-The letter is too long by half a mile .
-
-I think no less . Dost thou not wish in heart
-The chain were longer and the letter short ?
-
-Ay , or I would these hands might never part .
-
-We are wise girls to mock our lovers so .
-
-They are worse fools to purchase mocking so .
-That same Berowne I'll torture ere I go .
-O that I knew he were but in by the week !
-How I would make him fawn , and beg , and seek ,
-And wait the season , and observe the times ,
-And spend his prodigal wits in bootless rimes ,
-And shape his service wholly to my hests ,
-And make him proud to make me proud that jests !
-So perttaunt-like would I o'ersway his state
-That he should be my fool , and I his fate .
-
-None are so surely caught , when they are catch'd ,
-As wit turn'd fool : folly , in wisdom hatch'd ,
-Hath wisdom's warrant and the help of school
-And wit's own grace to grace a learned fool .
-
-The blood of youth burns not with such excess
-As gravity's revolt to wantonness .
-
-Folly in fools bears not so strong a note
-As foolery in the wise , when wit doth dote ;
-Since all the power thereof it doth apply
-To prove , by wit , worth in simplicity .
-
-
-Here comes Boyet , and mirth is in his face .
-
-O ! I am stabb'd with laughter . Where's her Grace ?
-
-Thy news , Boyet ?
-
-Prepare , madam , prepare !
-Arm , wenches , arm ! encounters mounted are
-Against your peace : Love doth approach disguis'd ,
-Armed in arguments ; you'll be surpris'd :
-Muster your wits ; stand in your own defence ;
-Or hide your heads like cowards , and fly hence .
-
-Saint Denis to Saint Cupid ! What are they
-That charge their breath against us ? say , scout , say .
-
-Under the cool shade of a sycamore
-I thought to close mine eyes some half an hour ,
-When , lo ! to interrupt my purpos'd rest ,
-Toward that shade I might behold addrest
-The king and his companions : warily
-I stole into a neighbour thicket by ,
-And overheard what you shall overhear ;
-That , by and by , disguis'd they will be here .
-Their herald is a pretty knavish page ,
-That well by heart hath conn'd his embassage :
-Action and accent did they teach him there ;
-'Thus must thou speak , and thus thy body bear .'
-And ever and anon they made a doubt
-Presence majestical would put him out ;
-'For ,' quoth the king , 'an angel shalt thou see ;
-Yet fear not thou , but speak audaciously .'
-The boy replied , 'An angel is not evil ;
-I should have fear'd her had she been a devil .'
-With that all laugh'd and clapp'd him on the shoulder ,
-Making the bold wag by their praises bolder .
-One rubb'd his elbow thus , and fleer'd , and swore
-A better speech was never spoke before ;
-Another , with his finger and his thumb ,
-Cry'd 'Via ! we will do't , come what will come ;'
-The third he caper'd and cried , 'All goes well ;'
-The fourth turn'd on the toe , and down he fell .
-With that , they all did tumble on the ground ,
-With such a zealous laughter , so profound ,
-That in this spleen ridiculous appears ,
-To check their folly , passion's solemn tears .
-
-But what , but what , come they to visit us ?
-
-They do , they do ; and are apparell'd thus ,
-Like Muscovites or Russians , as I guess .
-Their purpose is to parle , to court and dance ;
-And every one his love-feat will advance
-Unto his several mistress , which they'll know
-By favours several which they did bestow .
-
-And will they so ? the gallants shall be task'd :
-For , ladies , we will every one be mask'd ,
-And not a man of them shall have the grace ,
-Despite of suit , to see a lady's face .
-Hold , Rosaline , this favour thou shalt wear ,
-And then the king will court thee for his dear :
-Hold , take thou this , my sweet , and give me thine ,
-So shall Berowne take me for Rosaline ,
-And change you favours too ; so shall your loves
-Woo contrary , deceiv'd by these removes .
-
-Come on , then ; wear the favours most in sight .
-
-But in this changing what is your intent ?
-
-The effect of my intent is , to cross theirs :
-They do it but in mocking merriment ;
-And mock for mock is only my intent .
-Their several counsels they unbosom shall
-To loves mistook and so be mock'd withal
-Upon the next occasion that we meet ,
-With visages display'd , to talk and greet .
-
-But shall we dance , if they desire us to't ?
-
-No , to the death , we will not move a foot :
-Nor to their penn'd speech render we no grace ;
-But while 'tis spoke each turn away her face .
-
-Why , that contempt will kill the speaker's heart ,
-And quite divorce his memory from his part .
-
-Therefore I do it ; and I make no doubt ,
-The rest will ne'er come in , if he be out .
-There's no such sport as sport by sport o'erthrown ,
-To make theirs ours and ours none but our own :
-So shall we stay , mocking intended game ,
-And they , well mock'd , depart away with shame .
-
-
-The trumpet sounds : be mask'd ; the maskers come .
-
-
-All hail , the richest beauties on the earth !
-
-Beauties no richer than rich taffeta .
-
-A holy parcel of the fairest dames ,
-
-That ever turn'd their backs to mortal views !
-
-'Their eyes ,' villain , 'their eyes .'
-
-That ever turn'd their eyes to mortal views !
-Out
-
-True ; 'out ,' indeed .
-
-'Out of your favours , heavenly spirits , vouchsafe
-Not to behold'
-
-'Once to behold ,' rogue .
-
-'Once to behold with your sun-beamed eyes ,
-with your sun-beamed eyes'
-
-They will not answer to that epithet ;
-You were best call it 'daughter-beamed eyes .'
-
-They do not mark me , and that brings me out .
-
-Is this your perfectness ? be gone , you rogue !
-
-
-What would these strangers ? know their minds , Boyet :
-If they do speak our language , 'tis our will
-That some plain man recount their purposes :
-Know what they would .
-
-What would you with the princess ?
-
-Nothing but peace and gentle visitation .
-
-What would they , say they ?
-
-Nothing but peace and gentle visitation .
-
-Why , that they have ; and bid them so be gone .
-
-She says , you have it , and you may be gone .
-
-Say to her , we have measur'd many miles ,
-To tread a measure with her on this grass .
-
-They say , that they have measur'd many a mile ,
-To tread a measure with you on this grass .
-
-It is not so . Ask them how many inches
-Is in one mile : if they have measur'd many ,
-The measure then of one is easily told .
-
-If to come hither you have measur'd miles ,
-And many miles , the princess bids you tell
-How many inches do fill up one mile .
-
-Tell her we measure them by weary steps .
-
-She hears herself .
-
-How many weary steps ,
-Of many weary miles you have o'ergone ,
-Are number'd in the travel of one mile ?
-
-We number nothing that we spend for you :
-Our duty is so rich , so infinite ,
-That we may do it still without accompt .
-Vouchsafe to show the sunshine of your face ,
-That we , like savages , may worship it .
-
-My face is but a moon , and clouded too .
-
-Blessed are clouds , to do as such clouds do !
-Vouchsafe , bright moon , and these thy stars , to shine ,
-Those clouds remov'd , upon our wat'ry eyne .
-
-O vain petitioner ! beg a greater matter ;
-Thou now request'st but moonshine in the water .
-
-Then , in our measure but vouchsafe one change .
-Thou bid'st me beg ; this begging is not strange .
-
-Play , music , then ! Nay , you must do it soon .
-
-Not yet ! no dance ! thus change I like the moon .
-
-Will you not dance ? How come you thus estrang'd ?
-
-You took the moon at full , but now she's chang'd .
-
-Yet still she is the moon , and I the man .
-The music plays ; vouchsafe some motion to it .
-
-Our ears vouchsafe it .
-
-But your legs should do it .
-
-Since you are strangers , and come here by chance ,
-We'll not be nice : take hands : we will not dance .
-
-Why take we hands then ?
-
-Only to part friends .
-Curtsy , sweet hearts ; and so the measure ends .
-
-More measure of this measure : be not nice .
-
-We can afford no more at such a price .
-
-Prize you yourselves ? what buys your company ?
-
-Your absence only .
-
-That can never be .
-
-Then cannot we be bought : and so , adieu ;
-Twice to your visor , and half once to you !
-
-If you deny to dance , let's hold more chat .
-
-In private , then .
-
-I am best pleas'd with that .
-
-
-White-handed mistress , one sweet word with thee .
-
-Honey , and milk , and sugar ; there are three .
-
-Nay then , two treys , an if you grow so nice ,
-Metheglin , wort , and malmsey : well run , dice !
-There's half a dozen sweets .
-
-Seventh sweet , adieu :
-Since you can cog , I'll play no more with you .
-
-One word in secret .
-
-Let it not be sweet .
-
-Thou griev'st my gall .
-
-Gall ! bitter .
-
-Therefore meet .
-
-
-Will you vouchsafe with me to change a word ?
-
-Name it .
-
-Fair lady ,
-
-Say you so ? Fair lord ,
-Take that for your fair lady .
-
-Please it you ,
-As much in private , and I'll bid adieu .
-
-
-What ! was your visor made without a tongue ?
-
-I know the reason , lady , why you ask .
-
-O ! for your reason ; quickly , sir ; I long .
-
-You have a double tongue within your mask ,
-And would afford my speechless visor half .
-
-'Veal ,' quoth the Dutchman . Is not 'veal' a calf ?
-
-A calf , fair lady !
-
-No , a fair lord calf .
-
-Let's part the word .
-
-No , I'll not be your half :
-Take all , and wean it : it may prove an ox .
-
-Look , how you butt yourself in these sharp mocks .
-Will you give horns , chaste lady ? do not so .
-
-Then die a calf , before your horns do grow .
-
-One word in private with you , ere I die .
-
-Bleat softly then ; the butcher hears you cry .
-
-
-The tongues of mocking wenches are as keen
-As is the razor's edge invisible ,
-Cutting a smaller hair than may be seen ,
-Above the sense of sense ; so sensible
-Seemeth their conference ; their conceits have wings
-Fleeter than arrows , bullets , wind , thought , swifter things .
-
-Not one word more , my maids : break off , break off .
-
-By heaven , all dry-beaten with pure scoff !
-
-Farewell , mad wenches : you have simple wits .
-
-Twenty adieus , my frozen Muscovits .
-
-Are these the breed of wits so wonder'd at ?
-
-Tapers they are , with your sweet breaths puff'd out .
-
-Well-liking wits they have ; gross , gross ; fat , fat .
-
-O poverty in wit , kingly-poor flout !
-Will they not , think you , hang themselves to-night ?
-Or ever , but in visors , show their faces ?
-This pert Berowne was out of countenance quite .
-
-O ! they were all in lamentable cases .
-The king was weeping-ripe for a good word .
-
-Berowne did swear himself out of all suit .
-
-Dumaine was at my service , and his sword :
-'No point ,' quoth I : my servant straight was mute .
-
-Lord Longaville said , I came o'er his heart ;
-And trow you what he call'd me ?
-
-Qualm , perhaps .
-
-Yes , in good faith .
-
-Go , sickness as thou art !
-
-Well , better wits have worn plain statutecaps .
-But will you hear ? the king is my love sworn .
-
-And quick Berowne hath plighted faith to me .
-
-And Longaville was for my service born .
-
-Dumaine is mine , as sure as bark on tree .
-
-Madam , and pretty mistresses , give ear :
-Immediately they will again be here
-In their own shapes ; for it can never be
-They will digest this harsh indignity .
-
-Will they return ?
-
-They will , they will , God knows ;
-And leap for joy , though they are lame with blows :
-Therefore change favours ; and , when they repair ,
-Blow like sweet roses in this summer air .
-
-How blow ? how blow ? speak to be understood .
-
-Fair ladies mask'd , are roses in their bud :
-Dismask'd , their damask sweet commixture shown ,
-Are angels vailing clouds , or roses blown .
-
-Avaunt perplexity ! What shall we do
-If they return in their own shapes to woo ?
-
-Good madam , if by me you'll be advis'd ,
-Let's mock them still , as well known as disguis'd .
-Let us complain to them what fools were here ,
-Disguis'd like Muscovites , in shapeless gear ;
-And wonder what they were , and to what end
-Their shallow shows and prologue vilely penn'd ,
-And their rough carriage so ridiculous ,
-Should be presented at our tent to us .
-
-Ladies , withdraw : the gallants are at hand .
-
-Whip to your tents , as roes run over land .
-
-Fair sir , God save you ! Where is the princess ?
-
-Gone to her tent . Please it your majesty ,
-Command me any service to her thither ?
-
-That she vouchsafe me audience for one word .
-
-I will ; and so will she , I know , my lord .
-
-
-This fellow pecks up wit , as pigeons pease ,
-And utters it again when God doth please :
-He is wit's pedlar , and retails his wares
-At wakes and wassails , meetings , markets , fairs ;
-And we that sell by gross , the Lord doth know ,
-Have not the grace to grace it with such show .
-This gallant pins the wenches on his sleeve ;
-Had he been Adam , he had tempted Eve :
-He can carve too , and lisp : why , this is he
-That kiss'd his hand away in courtesy ;
-This is the ape of form , monsieur the nice ,
-That , when he plays at tables , chides the dice
-In honourable terms : nay , he can sing
-A mean most meanly , and in ushering
-Mend him who can : the ladies call him , sweet ;
-The stairs , as he treads on them , kiss his feet .
-This is the flower that smiles on every one ,
-To show his teeth as white as whales-bone ;
-And consciences , that will not die in debt ,
-Pay him the due of honey-tongu'd Boyet .
-
-A blister on his sweet tongue , with my heart ,
-That put Armado's page out of his part !
-
-
-See where it comes ! Behaviour , what wert thou ,
-Till this man show'd thee ? and what art thou now ?
-
-All hail , sweet madam , and fair time of day !
-
-'Fair ,' in 'all hail ,' is foul , as I conceive .
-
-Construe my speeches better , if you may .
-
-Then wish me better : I will give you leave .
-
-We came to visit you , and purpose now
-To lead you to our court : vouchsafe it then .
-
-This field shall hold me , and so hold your vow :
-Nor God , nor I , delights in perjur'd men .
-
-Rebuke me not for that which you provoke :
-The virtue of your eye must break my oath .
-
-You nick-name virtue ; vice you should have spoke ;
-For virtue's office never breaks men's troth .
-Now , by my maiden honour , yet as pure
-As the unsullied lily , I protest ,
-A world of torments though I should endure ,
-I would not yield to be your house's guest ;
-So much I hate a breaking cause to be
-Of heavenly oaths , vow'd with integrity .
-
-O ! you have liv'd in desolation here ,
-Unseen , unvisited , much to our shame .
-
-Not so , my lord ; it is not so , I swear ;
-We have had pastime here and pleasant game .
-A mess of Russians left us but of late .
-
-How , madam ! Russians ?
-
-Ay , in truth , my lord ;
-Trim gallants , full of courtship and of state .
-
-Madam , speak true . It is not so , my lord :
-My lady , to the manner of the days ,
-In courtesy gives undeserving praise .
-We four , indeed , confronted were with four
-In Russian habit : here they stay'd an hour ,
-And talk'd apace ; and in that hour , my lord ,
-They did not bless us with one happy word .
-I dare not call them fools ; but this I think ,
-When they are thirsty , fools would fam have drink .
-
-This jest is dry to me . Fair gentle sweet ,
-Your wit makes wise things foolish : when we greet ,
-With eyes best seeing , heaven's fiery eye ,
-By light we lose light : your capacity
-Is of that nature that to your huge store
-Wise things seem foolish and rich things but poor .
-
-This proves you wise and rich , for in my eye
-
-I am a fool , and full of poverty .
-
-But that you take what doth to you belong ,
-It were a fault to snatch words from my tongue .
-
-O ! I am yours , and all that I possess .
-
-All the fool mine ?
-
-I cannot give you less .
-
-Which of the visors was it that you wore ?
-
-Where ? when ? what visor ? why demand you this ?
-
-There , then , that visor ; that superfluous case
-That hid the worse , and show'd the better face .
-
-We are descried : they'll mock us now downright .
-
-Let us confess , and turn it to a jest .
-
-Amaz'd , my lord ? Why looks your highness sad ?
-
-Help ! hold his brows ! he'll swound .
-Why look you pale ?
-Sea-sick , I think , coming from Muscovy .
-
-Thus pour the stars down plagues for perjury .
-Can any face of brass hold longer out ?
-Here stand I , lady ; dart thy skill at me ;
-Bruise me with scorn , confound me with a flout ;
-Thrust thy sharp wit quite through my ignorance ;
-Cut me to pieces with thy keen conceit ;
-And I will wish thee never more to dance ,
-Nor never more in Russian habit wait .
-O ! never will I trust to speeches penn'd ,
-Nor to the motion of a school-boy's tongue ,
-Nor never come in visor to my friend ,
-Nor woo in rime , like a blind harper's song ,
-Taffeta phrases , silken terms precise ,
-Three-pil'd hyperboles , spruce affectation ,
-Figures pedantical ; these summer flies
-Have blown me full of maggot ostentation :
-I do forswear them ; and I here protest ,
-By this white glove ,how white the hand ,
-God knows ,
-Henceforth my wooing mind shall be express'd
-In russet yeas and honest kersey noes :
-And , to begin , wench ,so God help me , la !
-My love to thee is sound , sans crack or flaw .
-
-Sans 'sans ,' I pray you .
-
-Yet I have a trick
-Of the old rage : bear with me , I am sick ;
-I'll leave it by degrees . Soft ! let us see :
-Write , 'Lord have mercy on us' on those three ;
-They are infected , in their hearts it lies ;
-They have the plague , and caught it of your eyes :
-These lords are visited ; you are not free ,
-For the Lord's tokens on you do I see .
-
-No , they are free that gave these tokens to us .
-
-Our states are forfeit : seek not to undo us .
-
-It is not so . For how can this be true ,
-That you stand forfeit , being those that sue ?
-
-Peace ! for I will not have to do with you .
-
-Nor shall not , if I do as I intend .
-
-Speak for yourselves : my wit is at an end .
-
-Teach us , sweet madam , for our rude transgression
-Some fair excuse .
-
-The fairest is confession .
-Were you not here , but even now , disguis'd ?
-
-Madam , I was .
-
-And were you well advis'd ?
-
-I was , fair madam .
-
-When you then were here ,
-What did you whisper in your lady's ear ?
-
-That more than all the world I did respect her .
-
-When she shall challenge this , you will reject her .
-
-Upon mine honour , no .
-
-Peace ! peace ! forbear ;
-Your oath once broke , you force not to forswear .
-
-Despise me , when I break this oath of mine .
-
-I will ; and therefore keep it . Rosaline ,
-What did the Russian whisper in your ear ?
-
-Madam , he swore that he did hold me dear
-As precious eyesight , and did value me
-Above this world ; adding thereto , moreover ,
-That he would wed me , or else die my lover .
-
-God give thee joy of him ! the noble lord
-Most honourably doth uphold his word .
-
-What mean you , madam ? by my life , my troth ,
-I never swore this lady such an oath .
-
-By heaven you did ; and to confirm it plain ,
-You gave me this : but take it , sir , again .
-
-My faith and this the princess I did give :
-I knew her by this jewel on her sleeve .
-
-Pardon me , sir , this jewel did she wear ;
-And Lord Berowne , I thank him , is my dear .
-What , will you have me , or your pearl again ?
-
-Neither of either ; I remit both twain .
-I see the trick on't : here was a consent ,
-Knowing aforehand of our merriment ,
-To dash it like a Christmas comedy .
-Some carry-tale , some please-man , some slight zany ,
-Some mumble-news , some trencher-knight , some Dick ,
-That smiles his cheek in years , and knows the trick
-To make my lady laugh when she's dispos'd ,
-Told our intents before ; which once disclos'd ,
-The ladies did change favours , and then we ,
-Following the signs , woo'd but the sign of she .
-Now , to our perjury to add more terror ,
-We are again forsworn , in will and error .
-Much upon this it is :
-
-and might not you
-Forestall our sport , to make us thus untrue ?
-Do not you know my lady's foot by the squire ,
-And laugh upon the apple of her eye ?
-And stand between her back , sir , and the fire ,
-Holding a trencher , jesting merrily ?
-You put our page out : go , you are allow'd ;
-Die when you will , a smock shall be your shroud .
-You leer upon me , do you ? there's an eye
-Wounds like a leaden sword .
-
-Full merrily
-Hath this brave manage , this career , been run .
-
-Lo ! he is tilting straight . Peace ! I have done .
-
-Welcome , pure wit ! thou partest a fair fray .
-
-O Lord , sir , they would know
-Whether the three Worthies shall come in or no .
-
-What , are there but three ?
-
-No , sir ; but it is vara fine ,
-For every one pursents three .
-
-And three times thrice is nine .
-
-Not so , sir ; under correction , sir , I hope , it is not so .
-You cannot beg us , sir , I can assure you , sir ; we know what we know :
-I hope , sir , three times thrice , sir ,
-
-Is not nine .
-
-Under correction , sir , we know whereuntil it doth amount .
-
-By Jove , I always took three threes for nine .
-
-O Lord , sir ! it were pity you should get your living by reckoning , sir .
-
-How much is it ?
-
-O Lord , sir ! the parties themselves , the actors , sir , will show whereuntil it doth amount : for mine own part , I am , as they say , but to parfect one man in one poor man , Pompion the Great , sir .
-
-Art thou one of the Worthies ?
-
-It pleased them to think me worthy of Pompion the Great : for mine own part , I know not the degree of the Worthy , but I am to stand for him .
-
-Go , bid them prepare .
-
-We will turn it finely off , sir ; we will take some care .
-
-
-Berowne , they will shame us ; let them not approach .
-
-We are shame-proof , my lord ; and 'tis some policy
-To have one show worse than the king's and his company .
-
-I say they shall not come .
-
-Nay , my good lord , let me o'errule you now .
-That sport best pleases that doth least know how ;
-Where zeal strives to content , and the contents
-Die in the zeal of those which it presents ;
-Their form confounded makes most form in mirth ,
-When great things labouring perish in their birth .
-
-A right description of our sport , my lord .
-
-
-Anointed , I implore so much expense of thy royal sweet breath as will utter a brace of words .
-
-
-Doth this man serve God ?
-
-Why ask you ?
-
-He speaks not like a man of God's making ,
-
-That's all one , my fair , sweet , honey monarch ; for , I protest , the schoolmaster is exceeding fantastical ; too-too vain ; too-too vain : but we will put it , as they say , to fortuna de la guerra . I wish you the peace of mind , most royal couplement !
-
-
-Here is like to be a good presence of Worthies . He presents Hector of Troy ; the swain , Pompey the Great ; the parish curate , Alexander ; Armado's page , Hercules ; the pedant , Judas Maccab us :
-And if these four Worthies in their first show thrive ,
-These four will change habits and present the other five .
-
-There is five in the first show .
-
-You are deceived , 'tis not so .
-
-The pedant , the braggart , the hedgepriest , the fool , and the boy :
-Abate throw at novum , and the whole world again
-Cannot pick out five such , take each one in his vein .
-
-The ship is under sail , and here she comes amain .
-
-
-I Pompey am ,
-
-You lie , you are not he .
-
-I Pompey am ,
-
-With libbard's head on knee .
-
-Well said , old mocker : I must needs be friends with thee .
-
-I Pompey am , Pompey surnam'd the Big ,
-
-'The Great .'
-
-It is 'Great ,' sir ; Pompey surnam'd the Great ;
-That oft in field , with targe and shield , did make my foe to sweat :
-And travelling along this coast , I here am come by chance ,
-And lay my arms before the legs of this sweet lass of France .
-If your ladyship would say , 'Thanks , Pompey ,' I had done .
-
-Great thanks , great Pompey .
-
-'Tis not so much worth ; but I hope I was perfect . I made a little fault in 'Great .'
-
-My hat to a halfpenny , Pompey proves the best Worthy .
-
-
-When in the world I liv'd , I was the world's commander ;
-By east , west , north , and south , I spread my conquering might :
-My scutcheon plain declares that I am Alisander ,
-
-Your nose says , no , you are not ; for it stands too right .
-
-Your nose smells 'no ,' in this , most tender-smelling knight .
-
-The conqueror is dismay'd . Proceed , good Alexander .
-
-When in the world I liv'd , I was the world's commander ;
-
-Most true ; 'tis right : you were so , Alisander .
-
-Pompey the Great ,
-
-Your servant , and Costard .
-
-Take away the conqueror , take away Alisander .
-
-
-There , an't shall please you : a foolish mild man ; an honest man , look you , and soon dashed ! He is a marvellous good neighbour , faith , and a very good bowler ; but , for Alisander ,alas , you see how 'tis ,a little o'erparted . But there are Worthies a-coming will speak their mind in some other sort .
-
-Stand aside , good Pompey .
-
-
-Great Hercules is presented by this imp ,
-Whose club kill'd Cerberus , that three-headed canis ;
-And , when he was a babe , a child , a shrimp ,
-Thus did he strangle serpents in his manus .
-Quoniam , he seemeth in minority ,
-Ergo , I come with this apology .
-Keep some state in thy exit , and vanish .
-
-Judas I am .
-
-A Judas !
-
-Not Iscariot , sir .
-Judas I am , ycleped Maccab us .
-
-Judas Maccab us clipt is plain Judas .
-
-A kissing traitor . How art thou prov'd Judas ?
-
-Judas I am .
-
-The more shame for you , Judas .
-
-What mean you , sir ?
-
-To make Judas hang himself .
-
-Begin , sir ; you are my elder .
-
-Well follow'd : Judas was hanged on an elder .
-
-I will not be put out of countenance .
-
-Because thou hast no face .
-
-What is this ?
-
-A cittern-head .
-
-The head of a bodkin .
-
-A death's face in a ring .
-
-The face of an old Roman coin , scarce seen .
-
-The pommel of C sar's falchion .
-
-The carved-bone face on a flask .
-
-Saint George's half-cheek in a brooch .
-
-Ay , and in a brooch of lead .
-
-Ay , and worn in the cap of a toothdrawer .
-And now forward ; for we have put thee in countenance .
-
-You have put me out of countenance .
-
-False : we have given thee faces .
-
-But you have outfaced them all .
-
-An thou wert a lion , we would do so .
-
-Therefore , as he is an ass , let him go .
-And so adieu , sweet Jude ! nay , why dost thou stay ?
-
-For the latter end of his name .
-
-For the ass to the Jude ? give it him :Jud-as , away !
-
-This is not generous , not gentle , not humble .
-
-A light for Monsieur Judas ! it grows dark , he may stumble .
-
-Alas ! poor Maccab us , how hath he been baited .
-
-
-Hide thy head , Achilles : here comes Hector in arms .
-
-Though my mocks come home by me , I will now be merry .
-
-Hector was but a Troyan in respect of this .
-
-But is this Hector ?
-
-I think Hector was not so clean-timbered .
-
-His calf is too big for Hector .
-
-More calf , certain .
-
-No ; he is best indued in the small .
-
-This cannot be Hector .
-
-He's a god or a painter ; for he makes faces .
-
-The armipotent Mars , of lances the almighty ,
-Gave Hector a gift ,
-
-A gilt nutmeg .
-
-A lemon .
-
-Stuck with cloves .
-
-No , cloven .
-
-Peace !
-The armipotent Mars , of lances the almighty , Gave Hector a gift , the heir of Ilion ;
-A man so breath'd , that certain he would fight ye
-From morn till night , out of his pavilion .
-I am that flower ,
-
-That mint .
-
-That columbine .
-
-Sweet Lord Longaville , rein thy tongue .
-
-I must rather give it the rein , for it runs against Hector .
-
-Ay , and Hector's a greyhound .
-
-The sweet war-man is dead and rotten ; sweet chucks , beat not the bones of the buried ; when he breathed , he was a man . But I will forward with my device .
-
-Sweet royalty , bestow on me the sense of hearing .
-
-Speak , brave Hector ; we are much delighted .
-
-I do adore thy sweet Grace's slipper .
-
-Loves her by the foot .
-
-He may not by the yard .
-
-This Hector far surmounted Hannibal ,
-
-The party is gone ; fellow Hector , she is gone ; she is two months on her way .
-
-What meanest thou ?
-
-Faith , unless you play the honest Troyan , the poor wench is cast away : she's quick ; the child brags in her belly already : 'tis yours .
-
-Dost thou infamonize me among potentates ? Thou shalt die .
-
-Then shall Hector be whipped for Jaquenetta that is quick by him , and hanged for Pompey that is dead by him .
-
-Most rare Pompey !
-
-Renowned Pompey !
-
-Greater than great , great , great , great Pompey ! Pompey the Huge !
-
-Hector trembles .
-
-Pompey is moved . More Ates , more Ates ! stir them on ! stir them on !
-
-Hector will challenge him .
-
-Ay , if a' have no more man's blood in's belly than will sup a flea .
-
-By the north pole , I do challenge thee .
-
-I will not fight with a pole , like a northern man : I'll slash ; I'll do it by the sword . I bepray you , let me borrow my arms again .
-
-Room for the incensed Worthies !
-
-I'll do it in my shirt .
-
-Most resolute Pompey !
-
-Master , let me take you a button-hole lower . Do you not see Pompey is uncasing for the combat ? What mean you ? you will lose your reputation .
-
-Gentlemen and soldiers , pardon me ; I will not combat in my shirt .
-
-You may not deny it ; Pompey hath made the challenge .
-
-Sweet bloods , I both may and will .
-
-What reason have you for't ?
-
-The naked truth of it is , I have no shirt . I go woolward for penance .
-
-True , and it was enjoined him in Rome for want of linen ; since when , I'll be sworn , he wore none but a dish-clout of Jaquenetta's , and that a' wears next his heart for a favour .
-
-
-God save you , madam !
-
-Welcome , Marcade ;
-But that thou interrupt'st our merriment .
-
-I am sorry , madam ; for the news I bring
-Is heavy in my tongue . The king your father
-
-Dead , for my life !
-
-Even so : my tale is told .
-
-Worthies , away ! The scene begins to cloud .
-
-For my own part , I breathe free breath . I have seen the day of wrong through the little hole of discretion , and I will right myself like a soldier .
-
-
-How fares your majesty ?
-
-Boyet , prepare : I will away to-night .
-
-Madam , not so : I do beseech you , stay .
-
-Prepare , I say . I thank you , gracious lords ,
-For all your fair endeavours ; and entreat ,
-Out of a new-sad soul , that you vouchsafe
-In your rich wisdom to excuse or hide
-The liberal opposition of our spirits ,
-If over-boldly we have borne ourselves
-In the converse of breath ; your gentleness
-Was guilty of it . Farewell , worthy lord !
-A heavy heart bears not a nimble tongue ,
-Excuse me so , coming so short of thanks
-For my great suit so easily obtain'd .
-
-The extreme part of time extremely forms
-All causes to the purpose of his speed ,
-And often , at his very loose , decides
-That which long process could not arbitrate :
-And though the mourning brow of progeny
-Forbid the smiling courtesy of love
-The holy suit which fain it would convince ;
-Yet , since love's argument was first on foot ,
-Let not the cloud of sorrow justle it
-From what it purpos'd ; since , to wail friends lost
-Is not by much so wholesome-profitable
-As to rejoice at friends but newly found .
-
-I understand you not : my griefs are double .
-
-Honest plain words best pierce the ear of grief ;
-And by these badges understand the king .
-For your fair sakes have we neglected time ,
-Play'd foul play with our oaths . Your beauty , ladies ,
-Hath much deform'd us , fashioning our humours
-Even to the opposed end of our intents ;
-And what in us hath seem'd ridiculous ,
-As love is full of unbefitting strains ;
-All wanton as a child , skipping and vain ;
-Form'd by the eye , and , therefore , like the eye ,
-Full of stray shapes , of habits and of forms ,
-Varying in subjects , as the eye doth roll
-To every varied object in his glance :
-Which parti-coated presence of loose love
-Put on by us , if , in your heavenly eyes ,
-Have misbecome our oaths and gravities ,
-Those heavenly eyes , that look into these faults ,
-Suggested us to make . Therefore , ladies ,
-Our love being yours , the error that love makes
-Is likewise yours : we to ourselves prove false ,
-By being once false for ever to be true
-To those that make us both ,fair ladies , you :
-And even that falsehood , in itself a sin ,
-Thus purifies itself and turns to grace .
-
-We have receiv'd your letters full of love ;
-Your favours , the embassadors of love ;
-And , in our maiden council , rated them
-At courtship , pleasant jest , and courtesy ,
-As bombast and as lining to the time .
-But more devout than this in our respects
-Have we not been ; and therefore met your loves
-In their own fashion , like a merriment .
-
-Our letters , madam , show'd much more than jest .
-
-So did our looks .
-
-We did not quote them so .
-
-Now , at the latest minute of the hour ,
-Grant us your loves .
-
-A time , methinks , too short
-To make a world-without-end bargain in .
-No , no , my lord , your Grace is perjur'd much ,
-Full of dear guiltiness ; and therefore this :
-If for my love ,as there is no such cause ,
-You will do aught , this shall you do for me :
-Your oath I will not trust ; but go with speed
-To some forlorn and naked hermitage ,
-Remote from all the pleasures of the world ;
-There stay , until the twelve celestial signs
-Have brought about their annual reckoning .
-If this austere insociable life
-Change not your offer made in heat of blood ;
-If frosts and fasts , hard lodging and thin weeds ,
-Nip not the gaudy blossoms of your love ,
-But that it bear this trial and last love ;
-Then , at the expiration of the year ,
-Come challenge me , challenge me by these deserts ,
-And , by this virgin palm now kissing thine ,
-I will be thine ; and , till that instant , shut
-My woful self up in a mourning house ,
-Raining the tears of lamentation
-For the remembrance of my father's death .
-If this thou do deny , let our hands part ;
-Neither intitled in the other's heart .
-
-If this , or more than this , I would deny ,
-To flatter up these powers of mine with rest ,
-The sudden hand of death close up mine eye !
-Hence ever then my heart is in thy breast .
-
-And what to me , my love ? and what to me ?
-
-You must be purged too , your sins are rack'd :
-You are attaint with faults and perjury ;
-Therefore , if you my favour mean to get ,
-A twelvemonth shall you spend , and never rest ,
-But seek the weary beds of people sick .
-
-But what to me , my love ? but what to me ?
-
-A wife ! A beard , fair health , and honesty ;
-With three-fold love I wish you all these three .
-
-O ! shall I say , I thank you , gentle wife ?
-
-Not so , my lord . A twelvemonth and a day
-I'll mark no words that smooth-fac'd wooers say :
-Come when the king doth to my lady come ;
-Then , if I have much love , I'll give you some .
-
-I'll serve thee true and faithfully till then .
-
-Yet swear not , lest you be forsworn again .
-
-What says Maria ?
-
-At the twelvemonth's end
-I'll change my black gown for a faithful friend .
-
-I'll stay with patience ; but the time is long .
-
-The liker you ; few taller are so young .
-
-Studies my lady ? mistress , look on me .
-Behold the window of my heart , mine eye ,
-What humble suit attends thy answer there ;
-Impose some service on me for thy love .
-
-Oft have I heard of you , my Lord Berowne ,
-Before I saw you , and the world's large tongue
-Proclaims you for a man replete with mocks ;
-Full of comparisons and wounding flouts ,
-Which you on all estates will execute
-That lie within the mercy of your wit :
-To weed this wormwood from your fruitful brain ,
-And therewithal to win me , if you please ,
-Without the which I am not to be won ,
-You shall this twelvemonth term , from day to day ,
-Visit the speechless sick , and still converse
-With groaning wretches ; and your task shall be ,
-With all the fierce endeavour of your wit
-To enforce the pained impotent to smile .
-
-To move wild laughter in the throat of death ?
-It cannot be ; it is impossible :
-Mirth cannot move a soul in agony .
-
-Why , that's the way to choke a gibing spirit ,
-Whose influence is begot of that loose grace
-Which shallow laughing hearers give to fools .
-A jest's prosperity lics in the ear
-Of him that hears it , never in the tongue
-Of him that makes it : then , if sickly ears ,
-Deaf'd with the clamours of their own dear groans ,
-Will hear your idle scorns , continue them ,
-And I will have you and that fault withal ;
-But if they will not , throw away that spirit ,
-And I shall find you empty of that fault ,
-Right joyful of your reformation .
-
-A twelvemonth ! well , befall what will befall ,
-I'll jest a twelvemonth in a hospital .
-
-Ay , sweet my lord ; and so I take my leave .
-
-No , madam ; we will bring you on your way .
-
-Our wooing doth not end like an old play ;
-Jack hath not Jill ; these ladies' courtesy
-Might well have made our sport a comedy .
-
-Come , sir , it wants a twelvemonth and a day ,
-And then 'twill end .
-
-That's too long for a play .
-
-
-Sweet majesty , vouchsafe me ,
-
-Was not that Hector ?
-
-The worthy knight of Troy .
-
-I will kiss thy royal finger , and take leave . I am a votary ; I have vowed to Jaquenetta to hold the plough for her sweet love three years . But , most esteemed greatness , will you hear the dialogue that the two learned men have compiled in praise of the owl and the cuckoo ? it should have followed in the end of our show .
-
-Call them forth quickly ; we will do so .
-
-Holla ! approach .
-
-
-This side is Hiems , Winter ; this Ver , the Spring ; the one maintained by the owl , the other by the cuckoo . Ver , begin .
-
-SPRING .
-
-
-I
-
-When daisies pied and violets blue
-And lady-smocks all silver-white
-And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue
-Do paint the meadows with delight ,
-The cuckoo then , on every tree ,
-Mocks married men ; for thus sings he ,
-Cuckoo ,
-Cuckoo , cuckoo : O , word of fear ,
-Unpleasing to a married ear !
-
-II .
-
-When shepherds pipe on oaten straws ,
-And merry larks are ploughmen's clocks ,
-When turtles tread , and rooks , and daws ,
-And maidens bleach their summer smocks ,
-The cuckoo then , on every tree ,
-Mocks married men ; for thus sings he ,
-Cuckoo ;
-Cuckoo , cuckoo : O , word of fear ,
-Unpleasing to a married ear !
-
-WINTER .
-
-
-III .
-
-When icicles hang by the wall ,
-And Dick the shepherd blows his nail ,
-And Tom bears logs into the hall ,
-And milk comes frozen home in pail ,
-When blood is nipp'd , and ways be foul ,
-Then nightly sings the staring owl ,
-Tu-who ;
-Tu-whit , tu-who a merry note ,
-While greasy Joan doth keel the pot .
-
-IV
-
-When all aloud the wind doth blow ,
-And coughing drowns the parson's saw ,
-And birds sit brooding in the snow ,
-And Marian's nose looks red and raw ,
-When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl ,
-Then nightly sings the staring owl ,
-Tu-who ;
-Tu-whit , tu-who a merry note ,
-While greasy Joan doth keel the pot .
-
-
-The words of Mercury are harsh after the songs of Apollo . You , that way : we , this way .
-
-MEASURE FOR MEASURE
-
-Escalus .
-
-My lord ?
-
-Of government the properties to unfold ,
-Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse ,
-Since I am put to know that your own science
-Exceeds , in that , the lists of all advice
-My strength can give you : then no more remains ,
-But that , to your sufficiency , as your worth is able ,
-And let them work . The nature of our people ,
-Our city's institutions , and the terms
-For common justice , you're as pregnant in ,
-As art and practice hath enriched any
-That we remember . There is our commission ,
-
-From which we would not have you warp . Call hither ,
-I say , bid come before us Angelo .
-
-What figure of us think you he will bear ?
-For you must know , we have with special soul
-Elected him our absence to supply ,
-Lent him our terror , drest him with our love ,
-And given his deputation all the organs
-Of our own power : what think you of it ?
-
-If any in Vienna be of worth
-To undergo such ample grace and honour ,
-It is Lord Angelo .
-
-Look where he comes .
-
-
-Always obedient to your Grace's will ,
-I come to know your pleasure .
-
-Angelo ,
-There is a kind of character in thy life ,
-That , to th' observer doth thy history
-Fully unfold . Thyself and thy belongings
-Are not thine own so proper , as to waste
-Thyself upon thy virtues , they on thee .
-Heaven doth with us as we with torches do ,
-Not light them for themselves ; for if our virtues
-Did not go forth of us , 'twere all alike
-As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touch'd
-But to fine issues , nor Nature never lends
-The smallest scruple of her excellence ,
-But , like a thrifty goddess , she determines
-Herself the glory of a creditor ,
-Both thanks and use . But I do bend my speech
-To one that can my part in him advertise ;
-Hold , therefore , Angelo :
-
-In our remove be thou at full ourself ;
-Mortality and mercy in Vienna
-Live in thy tongue and heart . Old Escalus ,
-Though first in question , is thy secondary .
-Take thy commission .
-
-
-Now , good my lord ,
-Let there be some more test made of my metal ,
-Before so noble and so great a figure
-Be stamp'd upon it .
-
-No more evasion :
-We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice
-Proceeded to you ; therefore take your honours .
-Our haste from hence is of so quick condition
-That it prefers itself , and leaves unquestion'd
-Matters of needful value . We shall write to you ,
-As time and our concernings shall importune ,
-How it goes with us ; and do look to know
-What doth befall you here . So , fare you well :
-To the hopeful execution do I leave you
-Of your commissions .
-
-Yet , give leave , my lord ,
-That we may bring you something on the way .
-
-My haste may not admit it ;
-Nor need you , on mine honour , have to do
-With any scruple : your scope is as mine own ,
-So to enforce or qualify the laws
-As to your soul seems good . Give me your hand ;
-I'll privily away : I love the people ,
-But do not like to stage me to their eyes .
-Though it do well , I do not relish well
-Their loud applause and Aves vehement ,
-Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
-That does affect it . Once more , fare you well .
-
-The heavens give safety to your purposes !
-
-Lead forth and bring you back in happiness !
-
-I thank you . Fare you well .
-
-
-I shall desire you , sir , to give me leave
-To have free speech with you ; and it concerns me
-To look into the bottom of my place :
-A power I have , but of what strength and nature
-I am not yet instructed .
-
-'Tis so with me . Let us withdraw together ,
-And we may soon our satisfaction have
-Touching that point .
-
-I'll wait upon your honour .
-
-
-If the Duke with the other dukes come not to composition with the King of Hungary , why then , all the dukes fall upon the king .
-
-Heaven grant us its peace , but not the King of Hungary's !
-
-Amen .
-
-Thou concludest like the sanctimonious pirate , that went to sea with the Ten Commandments , but scraped one out of the table .
-
-'Thou shalt not steal ?'
-
-Ay , that he razed .
-
-Why , 'twas a commandment to command the captain and all the rest from their functions : they put forth to steal . There's not a soldier of us all , that , in the thanksgiving before meat , doth relish the petition well that prays for peace .
-
-I never heard any soldier dislike it .
-
-I believe thee , for I think thou never wast where grace was said .
-
-No ? a dozen times at least .
-
-What , in metre ?
-
-In any proportion or in any language .
-
-I think , or in any religion .
-
-Ay ; why not ? Grace is grace , despite of all controversy : as , for example , thou thyself art a wicked villain , despite of all grace .
-
-Well , there went but a pair of shears between us .
-
-I grant ; as there may between the lists and the velvet : thou art the list .
-
-And thou the velvet : thou art good velvet ; thou art a three-piled piece , I warrant thee . I had as lief be a list of an English kersey as be piled , as thou art piled , for a French velvet . Do I speak feelingly now ?
-
-I think thou dost ; and , indeed , with most painful feeling of thy speech : I will , out of thine own confession , learn to begin thy health ; but , whilst I live , forget to drink after thee .
-
-I think I have done myself wrong , have I not ?
-
-Yes , that thou hast , whether thou art tainted or free .
-
-Behold , behold , where Madam Mitigation comes ! I have purchased as many diseases under her roof as come to
-
-To what , I pray ?
-
-Judge .
-
-To three thousand dolours a year .
-
-Ay , and more .
-
-A French crown more .
-
-Thou art always figuring diseases in me ; but thou art full of error : I am sound .
-
-Nay , not as one would say , healthy ; but so sound as things that are hollow : thy bones are hollow ; impiety has made a feast of thee .
-
-
-How now ! which of your hips has the most profound sciatica ?
-
-Well , well ; there's one yonder arrested and carried to prison was worth five thousand of you all .
-
-Who's that , I pray thee ?
-
-Marry , sir , that's Claudio , Signior Claudio .
-
-Claudio to prison ! 'tis not so .
-
-Nay , but I know 'tis so : I saw him arrested ; saw him carried away ; and , which is more , within these three days his head to be chopped off .
-
-But , after all this fooling , I would not have it so . Art thou sure of this ?
-
-I am too sure of it ; and it is for getting Madam Julietta with child .
-
-Believe me , this may be : he promised to meet me two hours since , and he was ever precise in promise-keeping .
-
-Besides , you know , it draws something near to the speech we had to such a purpose .
-
-But most of all , agreeing with the proclamation .
-
-Away ! let's go learn the truth of it .
-
-
-Thus , what with the war , what with the sweat , what with the gallows and what with poverty , I am custom-shrunk .
-
-How now ! what's the news with you ?
-
-Yonder man is carried to prison .
-
-Well : what has he done ?
-
-A woman .
-
-But what's his offence ?
-
-Groping for trouts in a peculiar river .
-
-What , is there a maid with child by him ?
-
-No ; but there's a woman with maid by him . You have not heard of the proclamation , have you ?
-
-What proclamation , man ?
-
-All houses of resort in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down
-
-And what shall become of those in the city ?
-
-They shall stand for seed : they had gone down too , but that a wise burgher put in for them .
-
-But shall all our houses of resort in the suburbs be pulled down ?
-
-To the ground , mistress .
-
-Why , here's a change indeed in the commonwealth ! What shall become of me ?
-
-Come ; fear not you : good counsellors lack no clients : though you change your place , you need not change your trade ; I'll be your tapster still . Courage ! there will be pity taken on you ; you that have worn your eyes almost out in the service , you will be considered .
-
-What's to do here , Thomas tapster ?
-Let's withdraw .
-
-Here comes Signior Claudio , led by the provost to prison ; and there's Madam Juliet .
-
-Fellow , why dost thou show me thus to the world ?
-Bear me to prison , where I am committed .
-
-I do it not in evil disposition ,
-But from Lord Angelo by special charge .
-
-Thus can the demi-god Authority
-Make us pay down for our offence' by weight .
-The words of heaven ; on whom it will , it will ;
-On whom it will not , so : yet still 'tis just .
-
-
-Why , how now , Claudio ! whence comes this restraint ?
-
-From too much liberty , my Lucio , liberty :
-As surfeit is the father of much fast ,
-So every scope by the immoderate use
-Turns to restraint . Our natures do pursue
-Like rats that ravin down their proper bane ,
-A thirsty evil , and when we drink we die .
-
-If I could speak so wisely under an arrest , I would send for certain of my creditors . And yet , to say the truth , I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment . What's thy offence , Claudio ?
-
-What but to speak of would offend again .
-
-What , is't murder ?
-
-No .
-
-Lechery ?
-
-Call it so .
-
-Away , sir ! you must go .
-
-One word , good friend . Lucio , a word with you .
-
-
-A hundred , if they'll do you any good .
-Is lechery so looked after ?
-
-Thus stands it with me : upon a true contract
-I got possession of Julietta's bed :
-You know the lady ; she is fast my wife ,
-Save that we do the denunciation lack
-Of outward order : this we came not to ,
-Only for propagation of a dower
-Remaining in the coffer of her friends ,
-From whom we thought it meet to hide our love
-Till time had made them for us . But it chances
-The stealth of our most mutual entertainment
-With character too gross is writ on Juliet .
-
-With child , perhaps ?
-
-Unhappily , even so .
-And the new deputy now for the duke ,
-Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness ,
-Or whether that the body public be
-A horse whereon the governor doth ride ,
-Who , newly in the seat , that it may know
-He can command , lets it straight feel the spur ;
-Whether the tyranny be in his place ,
-Or in his eminence that fills it up ,
-I stagger in :but this new governor
-Awakes me all the enrolled penalties
-Which have , like unscour'd armour , hung by the wall
-So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round ,
-And none of them been worn ; and , for a name ,
-Now puts the drowsy and neglected act
-Freshly on me : 'tis surely for a name .
-
-I warrant it is : and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders that a milkmaid , if she be in love , may sigh it off . Send after the duke and appeal to him .
-
-I have done so , but he's not to be found .
-I prithee , Lucio , do me this kind service .
-This day my sister should the cloister enter ,
-And there receive her approbation :
-Acquaint her with the danger of my state ;
-Implore her , in my voice , that she make friends
-To the strict deputy ; bid herself assay him :
-I have great hope in that ; for in her youth
-There is a prone and speechless dialect ,
-Such as move men ; beside , she hath prosperous art
-When she will play with reason and discourse ,
-And well she can persuade .
-
-I pray she may : as well for the encouragement of the like , which else would stand under grievous imposition , as for the enjoying of thy life , who I would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack . I'll to her .
-
-I thank you , good friend Lucio .
-
-Within two hours .
-
-Come , officer , away !
-
-
-No , holy father ; throw away that thought :
-Believe not that the dribbling dart of love
-Can pierce a complete bosom . Why I desire thee
-To give me secret harbour , hath a purpose
-More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends
-Of burning youth .
-
-May your Grace speak of it ?
-
-My holy sir , none better knows than you
-How I have ever lov'd the life remov'd ,
-And held in idle price to haunt assemblies
-Where youth , and cost , and witless bravery keeps .
-I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo
-A man of stricture and firm abstinence
-My absolute power and place here in Vienna ,
-And he supposes me travell'd to Poland ;
-For so I have strew'd it in the common ear ,
-And so it is receiv'd . Now , pious sir ,
-You will demand of me why I do this ?
-
-Gladly , my lord .
-
-We have strict statutes and most biting laws ,
-The needful bits and curbs to headstrong steeds ,
-Which for this fourteen years we have let sleep ;
-Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave ,
-That goes not out to prey . Now , as fond fathers ,
-Having bound up the threat'ning twigs of birch ,
-Only to stick it in their children's sight
-For terror , not to use , in time the rod
-Becomes more mock'd than fear'd ; so our decrees ,
-Dead to infliction , to themselves are dead ,
-And liberty plucks justice by the nose ;
-The baby beats the nurse , and quite athwart
-Goes all decorum .
-
-It rested in your Grace
-T' unloose this tied-up justice when you pleas'd ;
-And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd
-Than in Lord Angelo .
-
-I do fear , too dreadful :
-Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope ,
-'Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them
-For what I bid them do : for we bid this be done ,
-When evil deeds have their permissive pass
-And not the punishment . Therefore , indeed , my father ,
-I have on Angelo impos'd the office ,
-Who may , in the ambush of my name , strike home ,
-And yet my nature never in the sight
-To do it slander . And to behold his sway ,
-I will , as 'twere a brother of your order ,
-Visit both prince and people : therefore , I prithee ,
-Supply me with the habit , and instruct me
-How I may formally in person bear me
-Like a true friar . Moe reasons for this action
-At our more leisure shall I render you ;
-Only , this one : Lord Angelo is precise ;
-Stands at a guard with envy ; scarce confesses
-That his blood flows , or that his appetite
-Is more to bread than stone : hence shall we see ,
-If power change purpose , what our seemers be .
-
-
-And have you nuns no further privileges ?
-
-Are not these large enough ?
-
-Yes , truly : I speak not as desiring more ,
-But rather wishing a more strict restraint
-Upon the sisterhood , the votarists of Saint Clare .
-
-Ho ! Peace be in this place !
-
-Who's that which calls ?
-
-It is a man's voice . Gentle Isabella ,
-Turn you the key , and know his business of him :
-You may , I may not ; you are yet unsworn .
-When you have vow'd , you must not speak with men
-But in the presence of the prioress :
-Then , if you speak , you must not show your face ,
-Or , if you show your face , you must not speak .
-He calls again ; I pray you , answer him .
-
-
-Peace and prosperity ! Who is't that calls ?
-
-
-Hail , virgin , if you be , as those cheek-roses
-Proclaim you are no less ! Can you so stead me
-As bring me to the sight of Isabella ,
-A novice of this place , and the fair sister
-To her unhappy brother Claudio ?
-
-Why 'her unhappy brother ?' let me ask ;
-The rather for I now must make you know
-I am that Isabella and his sister .
-
-Gentle and fair , your brother kindly greets you :
-Not to be weary with you , he's in prison .
-
-Woe me ! for what ?
-
-For that which , if myself might be his judge ,
-He should receive his punishment in thanks :
-He hath got his friend with child .
-
-Sir , make me not your story .
-
-It is true .
-I would not , though 'tis my familiar sin
-With maids to seem the lapwing and to jest ,
-Tongue far from heart , play with all virgins so :
-I hold you as a thing ensky'd and sainted ;
-By your renouncement an immortal spirit ,
-And to be talk'd with in sincerity ,
-As with a saint .
-
-You do blaspheme the good in mocking me .
-
-Do not believe it . Fewness and truth , 'tis thus :
-Your brother and his lover have embrac'd :
-As those that feed grow full , as blossoming time
-That from the seedness the bare fallow brings
-To teeming foison , even so her plenteous womb
-Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry .
-
-Some one with child by him ? My cousin Juliet ?
-
-Is she your cousin ?
-
-Adoptedly ; asschool-maids change their names
-By vain , though apt affection .
-
-She it is .
-
-O ! let him marry her .
-
-This is the point .
-The duke is very strangely gone from hence ;
-Bore many gentlemen , myself being one ,
-In hand and hope of action ; but we do learn
-By those that know the very nerves of state ,
-His givings out were of an infinite distance
-From his true-meant design . Upon his place ,
-And with full line of his authority ,
-Governs Lord Angelo ; a man whose blood
-Is very snow-broth ; one who never feels
-The wanton stings and motions of the sense ,
-But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge
-With profits of the mind , study and fast .
-He ,to give fear to use and liberty ,
-Which have for long run by the hideous law ,
-As mice by lions , hath pick'd out an act ,
-Under whose heavy sense your brother's life
-Falls into forfeit : he arrests him on it ,
-And follows close the rigour of the statute ,
-To make him an example . All hope is gone ,
-Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
-To soften Angelo ; and that's my pith of business
-Twixt you and your poor brother .
-
-Doth he so seek his life ?
-
-He's censur'd him
-Already ; and , as I hear , the provost hath
-A warrant for his execution .
-
-Alas ! what poor ability's in me
-To do him good ?
-
-Assay the power you have .
-
-My power ? alas ! I doubt
-
-Our doubts are traitors ,
-And make us lose the good we oft might win ,
-By fearing to attempt . Go to Lord Angelo ,
-And let him learn to know , when maidens sue ,
-Men give like gods ; but when they weep and kneel ,
-All their petitions are as freely theirs
-As they themselves would owe them .
-
-I'll see what I can do .
-
-But speedily .
-
-I will about it straight ;
-No longer staying but to give the Mother
-Notice of my affair . I humbly thank you :
-Commend me to my brother ; soon at night
-I'll send him certain word of my success .
-
-I take my leave of you .
-
-Good sir , adieu .
-
-We must not make a scarecrow of the law ,
-Setting it up to fear the birds of prey ,
-And let it keep one shape , till custom make it
-Their perch and not their terror .
-
-Ay , but yet
-Let us be keen and rather cut a little ,
-Than fall , and bruise to death . Alas ! this gentleman ,
-Whom I would save , had a most noble father .
-Let but your honour know ,
-Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue ,
-That , in the working of your own affections ,
-Had time coher'd with place or place with wishing ,
-Or that the resolute acting of your blood
-Could have attain'd the effect of your own purpose ,
-Whether you had not , some time in your life ,
-Err'd in this point which now you censure him ,
-And pull'd the law upon you .
-
-'Tis one thing to be tempted , Escalus ,
-Another thing to fall . I not deny ,
-The jury , passing on the prisoner's life ,
-May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
-Guiltier than him they try ; what's open made to justice ,
-That justice seizes : what know the laws
-That thieves do pass on thieves ? 'Tis very pregnant ,
-The jewel that we find , we stoop and take it
-Because we see it ; but what we do not see
-We tread upon , and never think of it .
-You may not so extenuate his offence
-For I have had such faults ; but rather tell me ,
-When I , that censure him , do so offend ,
-Let mine own judgment pattern out my death ,
-And nothing come in partial . Sir , he must die .
-
-Be it as your wisdom will .
-
-Where is the provost ?
-
-Here , if it like your honour .
-
-See that Claudio
-Be executed by nine to-morrow morning :
-Bring him his confessor , let him be prepar'd ;
-For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage .
-
-
-Well , heaven forgive him , and forgive us all !
-Some rise by sin , and some by virtue fall :
-Some run from brakes of ice , and answer none ,
-And some condemned for a fault alone .
-
-
-Come , bring them away : if these be good people in a common-weal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses , I know no law : bring them away .
-
-How now , sir ! What's your name , and what's the matter ?
-
-If it please your honour , I am the poor duke's constable , and my name is Elbow : I do lean upon justice , sir ; and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors .
-
-Benefactors ! Well ; what benefactors are they ? are they not malefactors ?
-
-If it please your honour , I know not well what they are ; but precise villains they are , that I am sure of , and void of all profanation in the world that good Christians ought to have .
-
-This comes off well : here's a wise officer .
-
-Go to : what quality are they of ? Elbow is your name ? why dost thou not speak , Elbow ?
-
-He cannot , sir : he's out at elbow .
-
-What are you , sir ?
-
-He , sir ! a tapster , sir ; parcel-bawd ; one that serves a bad woman , whose house , sir , was , as they say , plucked down in the suburbs ; and now she professes a hot-house , which , I think , is a very ill house too .
-
-How know you that ?
-
-My wife , sir , whom I detest before heaven and your honour ,
-
-How ! thy wife ?
-
-Ay , sir ; whom , I thank heaven , is an honest woman ,
-
-Dost thou detest her therefore ?
-
-I say , sir , I will detest myself also , as well as she , that this house , if it be not a bawd's house , it is pity of her life , for it is a naughty house .
-
-How dost thou know that , constable ?
-
-Marry , sir , by my wife ; who , if she had been a woman cardinally given , might have been accused in fornication , adultery , and all uncleanliness there .
-
-By the woman's means ?
-
-Ay , sir , by Mistress Overdone's means ; but as she spit in his face , so she defied him .
-
-Sir , if it please your honour , this is not so .
-
-Prove it before these varlets here , thou honourable man , prove it .
-
-Do you hear how he misplaces ?
-
-Sir , she came in , great with child , and longing ,saving your honour's reverence ,for stewed prunes . Sir , we had but two in the house , which at that very distant time stood , as it were , in a fruit-dish , a dish of some three-pence ; your honours have seen such dishes ; they are not China dishes , but very good dishes .
-
-Go to , go to : no matter for the dish , sir .
-
-No , indeed , sir , not of a pin ; you are therein in the right : but to the point . As I say , this Mistress Elbow , being , as I say , with child , and being great-bellied , and longing , as I said , for prunes , and having but two in the dish , as I said , Master Froth here , this very man , having eaten the rest , as I said , and , as I say , paying for them very honestly ; for , as you know , Master Froth , I could not give you three-pence again .
-
-No , indeed .
-
-Very well : you being then , if you be remembered , cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes ,
-
-Ay , so I did , indeed .
-
-Why , very well : I telling you then , if you be remembered , that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you wot of , unless they kept very good diet , as I told you ,
-
-All this is true .
-
-Why , very well then .
-
-Come , you are a tedious fool : to the purpose . What was done to Elbow's wife , that he hath cause to complain of ? Come me to what was done to her .
-
-Sir , your honour cannot come to that yet .
-
-No , sir , nor I mean it not .
-
-Sir , but you shall come to it , by your honour's leave . And , I beseech you , look into Master Froth here , sir ; a man of fourscore pound a year , whose father died at Hallowmas . Was't not at Hallowmas , Master Froth ?
-
-All-hallownd eve .
-
-Why , very well : I hope here be truths . He , sir , sitting , as I say , in a lower chair , sir ; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes , where indeed , you have a delight to sit , have you not ?
-
-I have so , because it is an open room and good for winter .
-
-Why , very well then : I hope here be truths .
-
-This will last out a night in Russia ,
-When nights are longest there : I'll take my leave ,
-And leave you to the hearing of the cause ,
-Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all .
-
-I think no less . Good morrow to your lordship .
-
-Now , sir , come on : what was done to Elbow's wife , once more ?
-
-Once , sir ? there was nothing done to her once .
-
-I beseech you , sir , ask him what this man did to my wife .
-
-I beseech your honour , ask me .
-
-Well , sir , what did this gentleman to her ?
-
-I beseech you , sir , look in this gentleman's face . Good Master Froth , look upon his honour ; 'tis for a good purpose . Doth your honour mark his face ?
-
-Ay , sir , very well .
-
-Nay , I beseech you , mark it well .
-
-Well , I do so .
-
-Doth your honour see any harm in his face ?
-
-Why , no .
-
-I'll be supposed upon a book , his face is the worst thing about him . Good , then ; if his face be the worst thing about him , how could Master Froth do the constable's wife any harm ? I would know that of your honour .
-
-He's in the right . Constable , what say you to it ?
-
-First , an' it like you , the house is a respected house ; next , this is a respected fellow , and his mistress is a respected woman .
-
-By this hand , sir , his wife is a more respected person than any of us all .
-
-Varlet , thou liest : thou liest , wicked varlet . The time is yet to come that she was ever respected with man , woman , or child .
-
-Sir , she was respected with him before he married with her .
-
-Which is the wiser here ? Justice , or Iniquity ? Is this true ?
-
-O thou caitiff ! O thou varlet ! O thou wicked Hannibal ! I respected with her before I was married to her ? If ever I was respected with her , or she with me , let not your worship think me the poor duke's officer . Prove this , thou wicked Hannibal , or I'll have mine action of battery on thee .
-
-If he took you a box o' th' ear , you might have your action of slander too .
-
-Marry , I thank your good worship for it . What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff ?
-
-Truly , officer , because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldest discover if thou couldst , let him continue in his courses till thou knowest what they are .
-
-Marry , I thank your worship for it . Thou seest , thou wicked varlet , now , what's come upon thee : thou art to continue now , thou varlet , thou art to continue .
-
-Where were you born , friend ?
-
-Here in Vienna , sir .
-
-Are you of fourscore pounds a year ?
-
-Yes , an't please you , sir .
-
-So .
-
-What trade are you of , sir ?
-
-A tapster ; a poor widow's tapster .
-
-Your mistress' name ?
-
-Mistress Overdone .
-
-Hath she had any more than one husband ?
-
-Nine , sir ; Overdone by the last .
-
-Nine !Come hither to me , Master Froth . Master Froth , I would not have you acquainted with tapsters ; they will draw you , Master Froth , and you will hang them . Get you gone , and let me hear no more of you .
-
-I thank your worship . For mine own part , I never come into any room in a taphouse , but I am drawn in .
-
-Well : no more of it , Master Froth : farewell .
-
-Come you hither to me , Master tapster . What's your name , Master tapster ?
-
-Pompey .
-
-What else ?
-
-Bum , sir .
-
-Troth , and your bum is the greatest thing about you , so that , in the beastliest sense , you are Pompey the Great . Pompey , you are partly a bawd , Pompey , howsoever you colour it in being a tapster , are you not ? come , tell me true : it shall be the better for you .
-
-Truly , sir , I am a poor fellow that would live .
-
-How would you live , Pompey ? by being a bawd ? What do you think of the trade , Pompey ? is it a lawful trade ?
-
-If the law would allow it , sir .
-
-But the law will not allow it , Pompey ; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna .
-
-Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city ?
-
-No , Pompey .
-
-Truly , sir , in my humble opinion , they will to't then . If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves , you need not to fear the bawds .
-
-There are pretty orders beginning , I can tell you : it is but heading and hanging .
-
-If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together , you'll be glad to give out a commission for more heads . If this law hold in Vienna ten year , I'll rent the fairest house in it after threepence a bay . If you live to see this come to pass , say , Pompey told you so .
-
-Thank you , good Pompey ; and , in requital of your prophecy , hark you : I advise you , let me not find you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever ; no , not for dwelling where you do : if I do , Pompey , I shall beat you to your tent , and prove a shrewd C sar to you . In plain dealing , Pompey , I shall have you whipt . So , for this time , Pompey , fare you well .
-
-I thank your worship for your good counsel ;
-
-but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine .
-Whip me ! No , no ; let carman whip his jade ;
-The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade .
-
-
-Come hither to me , Master Elbow ; come hither , Master constable . How long have you been in this place of constable ?
-
-Seven year and a half , sir .
-
-I thought , by your readiness in the office , you had continued in it some time . You say , seven years together ?
-
-And a half , sir .
-
-Alas ! it hath been great pains to you ! They do you wrong to put you so oft upon 't . Are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it ?
-
-Faith , sir , few of any wit in such matters . As they are chosen , they are glad to choose me for them : I do it for some piece of money , and go through with all .
-
-Look you bring me in the names of some six or seven , the most sufficient of your parish .
-
-To your worship's house , sir ?
-
-To my house . Fare you well .
-
-What's o'clock , think you ?
-
-Eleven , sir .
-
-I pray you home to dinner with me .
-
-I humbly thank you .
-
-It grieves me for the death of Claudio ;
-But there is no remedy .
-
-Lord Angelo is severe .
-
-It is but needful :
-Mercy is not itself , that oft looks so ;
-Pardon is still the nurse of second woe .
-But yet , poor Claudio ! There's no remedy .
-Come , sir .
-
-
-He's hearing of a cause : he will come straight :
-I'll tell him of you .
-
-Pray you , do .
-
-I'll know
-His pleasure ; may be he will relent . Alas !
-He hath but as offended in a dream :
-All sects , all ages smack of this vice , and he
-To die for it !
-
-
-Now , what's the matter , provost ?
-
-Is it your will Claudio shall die to-morrow ?
-
-Did I not tell thee , yea ? hadst thou not order ?
-Why dost thou ask again ?
-
-Lest I might be too rash .
-Under your good correction , I have seen ,
-When , after execution , Judgment hath
-Repented o'er his doom .
-
-Go to ; let that be mine :
-Do you your office , or give up your place ,
-And you shall well be spar'd .
-
-I crave your honour's pardon .
-What shall be done , sir , with the groaning Juliet ?
-She's very near her hour .
-
-Dispose of her
-To some more fitter place ; and that with speed .
-
-
-Here is the sister of the man condemn'd
-Desires access to you .
-
-Hath he a sister ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; a very virtuous maid ,
-And to be shortly of a sisterhood ,
-If not already .
-
-Well , let her be admitted .
-
-See you the fornicatress be remov'd :
-Let her have needful , but not lavish , means ;
-There shall be order for't .
-
-
-God save your honour !
-
-
-Stay a little while .
-
-You're welcome : what's your will ?
-
-I am a woful suitor to your honour ,
-Please but your honour hear me .
-
-Well ; what's your suit ?
-
-There is a vice that most I do abhor ,
-And most desire should meet the blow of justice ,
-For which I would not plead , but that I must ;
-For which I must not plead , but that I am
-At war 'twixt will and will not .
-
-Well ; the matter ?
-
-I have a brother is condemn'd to die :
-I do beseech you , let it be his fault ,
-And not my brother .
-
-Heaven give thee moving graces !
-
-Condemn the fault , and not the actor of it ?
-Why , every fault's condemn'd ere it be done .
-Mine were the very cipher of a function ,
-To fine the faults whose fine stands in record ,
-And let go by the actor .
-
-O just , but severe law !
-I had a brother , then .Heaven keep your honour !
-
-
-Give't not o'er so : to him again , entreat him ;
-Kneel down before him , hang upon his gown ;
-You are too cold ; if you should need a pin ,
-You could not with more tame a tongue desire it .
-To him . I say !
-
-Must he needs die ?
-
-Maiden , no remedy .
-
-Yes ; I do think that you might pardon him ,
-And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy .
-
-I will not do't .
-
-But can you , if you would ?
-
-Look , what I will not , that I cannot do .
-
-But might you do't , and do the world no wrong ,
-If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse
-As mine is to him ?
-
-He's sentenc'd : 'tis too late .
-
-You are too cold .
-
-Too late ? why , no ; I , that do speak a word ,
-May call it back again . Well , believe this ,
-No ceremony that to great ones 'longs ,
-Not the king's crown , nor the deputed sword ,
-The marshal's truncheon , nor the judge's robe ,
-Become them with one half so good a grace
-As mercy does .
-If he had been as you , and you as he ,
-You would have slipt like him ; but he , like you ,
-Would not have been so stern .
-
-Pray you , be gone .
-
-I would to heaven I had your potency ,
-And you were Isabel ! should it then be thus ?
-No ; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge ,
-And what a prisoner .
-
-Ay , touch him ; there's the vein .
-
-Your brother is a forfeit of the law ,
-And you but waste your words .
-
-Alas ! alas !
-Why , all the souls that were were forfeit once ;
-And He that might the vantage best have took ,
-Found out the remedy . How would you be ,
-If He , which is the top of judgment , should
-But judge you as you are ? O ! think on that ,
-And mercy then will breathe within your lips ,
-Like man new made .
-
-Be you content , fair maid ;
-It is the law , not I , condemn your brother :
-Were he my kinsman , brother , or my son ,
-It should be thus with him : he must die to-morrow .
-
-To-morrow ! O ! that's sudden ! Spare him , spare him !
-He's not prepar'd for death . Even for our kitchens
-We kill the fowl of season : shall we serve heaven
-With less respect than we do minister
-To our gross selves ? Good , good my lord , bethink you :
-Who is it that hath died for this offence ?
-There's many have committed it .
-
-Ay , well said .
-
-The law hath not been dead , though it hath slept :
-Those many had not dar'd to do that evil ,
-If that the first that did th' edict infringe
-Had answer'd for his deed : now 'tis awake ,
-Takes note of what is done , and , like a prophet ,
-Looks in a glass , that shows what future evils ,
-Either new , or by remissness new-conceiv'd ,
-And so in progress to be hatch'd and born ,
-Are now to have no successive degrees ,
-But , ere they live , to end .
-
-Yet show some pity .
-
-I show it most of all when I show justice ;
-For then I pity those I do not know ,
-Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall ,
-And do him right , that , answering one foul wrong ,
-Lives not to act another . Be satisfied :
-Your brother dies to-morrow : be content .
-
-So you must be the first that gives this sentence ,
-And he that suffers . O ! it is excellent
-To have a giant's strength , but it is tyrannous
-To use it like a giant .
-
-That's well said .
-
-Could great men thunder
-As Jove himself does , Jove would ne'er be quiet ,
-For every pelting , petty officer
-Would use his heaven for thunder ; nothing but thunder .
-Merciful heaven !
-Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt
-Split'st the unwedgeable and gnarled oak
-Than the soft myrtle ; but man , proud man ,
-Drest in a little brief authority ,
-Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd ,
-His glassy essence , like an angry ape ,
-Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
-As make the angels weep ; who , with our spleens ,
-Would all themselves laugh mortal .
-
-O , to him , to him , wench ! He will relent :
-He's coming : I perceive't .
-
-Pray heaven she win him !
-
-We cannot weigh our brother with ourself :
-Great men may jest with saints ; 'tis wit in them ,
-But , in the less foul profanation .
-
-Thou'rt in the right , girl : more o' that .
-
-That in the captain's but a choleric word ,
-Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy .
-
-Art advis'd o' that ? more on 't .
-
-Why do you put these sayings upon me ?
-
-Because authority , though it err like others ,
-Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself ,
-That skins the vice o' the top . Go to your bosom ;
-Knock there , and ask your heart what it doth know
-That's like my brother's fault : if it confess
-A natural guiltiness such as is his ,
-Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue
-Against my brother's life .
-
-She speaks , and 'tis
-Such sense that my sense breeds with it . Fare you well .
-
-Gentle my lord , turn back .
-
-I will bethink me . Come again to-morrow .
-
-Hark how I'll bribe you . Good my lord , turn back .
-
-How ! bribe me ?
-
-Ay , with such gifts that heaven shall share with you .
-
-You had marr'd all else .
-
-Not with fond sicles of the tested gold ,
-Or stones whose rates are either rich or poor
-As fancy values them ; but with true prayers
-That shall be up at heaven and enter there
-Ere sun-rise : prayers from preserved souls ,
-From fasting maids whose minds are dedicate
-To nothing temporal .
-
-Well ; come to me to-morrow .
-
-Go to ; 'tis well : away !
-
-Heaven keep your honour safe !
-
-Amen :
-For I am that way going to temptation ,
-Where prayers cross .
-
-At what hour to-morrow
-Shall I attend your lordship ?
-
-At any time 'fore noon .
-
-Save your honour !
-
-
-From thee ; even from thy virtue !
-What's this ? what's this ? Is this her fault or mine ?
-The tempter or the tempted , who sins most ?
-Ha !
-Not she ; nor doth she tempt : but it is I ,
-That , lying by the violet in the sun ,
-Do as the carrion does , not as the flower ,
-Corrupt with virtuous season . Can it be
-That modesty may more betray our sense
-Than woman's lightness ? Having waste ground enough ,
-Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary ,
-And pitch our evils there ? O , fie , fie , fie !
-What dost thou , or what art thou , Angelo ?
-Dost thou desire her foully for those things
-That make her good ? O , let her brother live !
-Thieves for their robbery have authority
-When judges steal themselves . What ! do I love her ,
-That I desire to hear her speak again ,
-And feast upon her eyes ? What is't I dream on ?
-O cunning enemy , that , to catch a saint ,
-With saints dost bait thy hook ! Most dangerous
-Is that temptation that doth goad us on
-To sin in loving virtue : never could the strumpet ,
-With all her double vigour , art and nature ,
-Once stir my temper ; but this virtuous maid
-Subdues me quite . Ever till now ,
-When men were fond , I smil'd and wonder'd how .
-
-
-Hail to you , provost ! so I think you are .
-
-I am the provost . What's your will , good friar ?
-
-Bound by my charity and my bless'd order ,
-I come to visit the afflicted spirits
-Here in the prison : do me the common right
-To let me see them and to make me know
-The nature of their crimes , that I may minister
-To them accordingly .
-
-I would do more than that , if more were needful .
-Look , here comes one : a gentlewoman of mine ,
-Who , falling in the flaws of her own youth ,
-Hath blister'd her report . She is with child ,
-And he that got it , sentenc'd ; a young man
-More fit to do another such offence ,
-Than die for this .
-
-
-When must he die ?
-
-As I do think , to-morrow .
-
-
-I have provided for you : stay a while ,
-And you shall be conducted .
-
-Repent you , fair one , of the sin you carry ?
-
-I do , and bear the shame most patiently .
-
-I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience ,
-And try your penitence , if it be sound ,
-Or hollowly put on .
-
-I'll gladly learn .
-
-Love you the man that wrong'd you ?
-
-Yes , as I love the woman that wrong'd him .
-
-So then it seems your most offenceful act
-Was mutually committed ?
-
-Mutually .
-
-Then was your sin of heavier kind than his .
-
-I do confess it , and repent it , father .
-
-'Tis meet so , daughter : but lest you do repent ,
-As that the sin hath brought you to this shame ,
-Which sorrow is always toward ourselves , not heaven ,
-Showing we would not spare heaven as we love it ,
-But as we stand in fear ,
-
-I do repent me , as it is an evil ,
-And take the shame with joy .
-
-There rest .
-Your partner , as I hear , must die to-morrow ,
-And I am going with instruction to him .
-God's grace go with you ! Benedicite !
-
-
-Must die to-morrow ! O injurious love ,
-That respites me a life , whose very comfort
-Is still a dying horror !
-
-'Tis pity of him .
-
-
-When I would pray and think , I think and pray
-To several subjects : heaven hath my empty words ,
-Whilst my invention , hearing not my tongue ,
-Anchors on Isabel : heaven in my mouth ,
-As if I did but only chew his name ,
-And in my heart the strong and swelling evil
-Of my conception . The state , whereon I studied ,
-Is like a good thing , being often read ,
-Grown fear'd and tedious ; yea , my gravity ,
-Wherein , let no man hear me , I take pride ,
-Could I with boot change for an idle plume ,
-Which the air beats for vain . O place ! O form !
-How often dost thou with thy case , thy habit ,
-Wrench awe from fools , and tie the wiser souls
-To thy false seeming ! Blood , thou art blood :
-Let's write good angel on the devil's horn ,
-'Tis not the devil's crest .
-
-How now ! who's there ?
-
-One Isabel , a sister ,
-Desires access to you .
-
-Teach her the way .
-
-O heavens !
-Why does my blood thus muster to my heart ,
-Making both it unable for itself ,
-And dispossessing all my other parts
-Of necessary fitness ?
-So play the foolish throngs with one that swounds ;
-Come all to help him , and so stop the air
-By which he should revive : and even so
-The general , subject to a well-wish'd king ,
-Quit their own part , and in obsequious fondness
-Crowd to his presence , where their untaught love
-Must needs appear offence .
-
-How now , fair maid !
-
-I am come to know your pleasure .
-
-That you might know it , would much better please me ,
-Than to demand what 'tis . Your brother cannot live .
-
-Even so . Heaven keep your honour !
-
-Yet may he live awhile ; and , it may be ,
-As long as you or I : yet he must die .
-
-Under your sentence ?
-
-Yea .
-
-When , I beseech you ? that in his reprieve ,
-Longer or shorter , he may be so fitted
-That his soul sicken not .
-
-Ha ! fie , these filthy vices ! It were as good
-To pardon him that hath from nature stolen
-A man already made , as to remit
-Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image
-In stamps that are forbid : 'tis all as easy
-Falsely to take away a life true made ,
-As to put metal in restrained means
-To make a false one .
-
-'Tis set down so in heaven , but not in earth .
-
-Say you so ? then I shall pose you quickly .
-Which had you rather , that the most just law
-Now took your brother's life ; or , to redeem him ,
-Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness
-As she that he hath stain'd ?
-
-Sir , believe this ,
-I had rather give my body than my soul .
-
-I talk not of your soul . Our compell'd sins
-Stand more for number than for accompt .
-
-How say you ?
-
-Nay , I'll not warrant that ; for I can speak
-Against the thing I say . Answer to this :
-I , now the voice of the recorded law ,
-Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life :
-Might there not be a charity in sin
-To save this brother's life ?
-
-Please you to do't ,
-I'll take it as a peril to my soul ;
-It is no sin at all , but charity .
-
-Pleas'd you to do't , at peril of your soul ,
-Were equal poise of sin and charity .
-
-That I do beg his life , if it be sin ,
-Heaven let me bear it ! you granting of my suit ,
-If that be sin , I'll make it my morn prayer
-To have it added to the faults of mine ,
-And nothing of your answer .
-
-Nay , but hear me .
-Your sense pursues not mine : either you are ignorant ,
-Or seem so craftily ; and that's not good .
-
-Let me be ignorant , and in nothing good ,
-But graciously to know I am no better .
-
-Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright
-When it doth tax itself ; as these black masks
-Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder
-Than beauty could , display'd . But mark me ;
-To be received plain , I'll speak more gross :
-Your brother is to die .
-
-So .
-
-And his offence is so , as it appears
-Accountant to the law upon that pain .
-
-True .
-
-Admit no other way to save his life ,
-As I subscribe not that , nor any other ,
-But in the loss of question ,that you , his sister ,
-Finding yourself desir'd of such a person ,
-Whose credit with the judge , or own great place ,
-Could fetch your brother from the manacles
-Of the all-building law ; and that there were
-No earthly mean to save him , but that either
-You must lay down the treasures of your body
-To this suppos'd , or else to let him suffer ;
-What would you do ?
-
-As much for my poor brother , as myself :
-That is , were I under the terms of death ,
-Th' impression of keen whips I'd wear as rubies ,
-And strip myself to death , as to a bed
-That , longing , have been sick for , ere I'd yield
-My body up to shame .
-
-Then must your brother die .
-
-And 'twere the cheaper way :
-Better it were a brother died at once ,
-Than that a sister , by redeeming him ,
-Should die for ever .
-
-Were not you then as cruel as the sentence
-That you have slander'd so ?
-
-Ignomy in ransom and free pardon
-Are of two houses : lawful mercy
-Is nothing kin to foul redemption .
-
-You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant ;
-And rather prov'd the sliding of your brother
-A merriment than a vice .
-
-O , pardon me , my lord ! it oft falls out ,
-To have what we would have , we speak not what we mean .
-I something do excuse the thing I hate ,
-For his advantage that I dearly love .
-
-We are all frail .
-
-Else let my brother die ,
-If not a feodary , but only he
-Owe and succeed thy weakness .
-
-Nay , women are frail too .
-
-Ay , as the glasses where they view themselves ,
-Which are as easy broke as they make forms .
-Women ! Help heaven ! men their creation mar
-In profiting by them . Nay , call us ten times frail ,
-For we are soft as our complexions are ,
-And credulous to false prints .
-
-I think it well :
-And from this testimony of your own sex ,
-Since I suppose we are made to be no stronger
-Than faults may shake our frames ,let me be bold ;
-I do arrest your words . Be that you are ,
-That is , a woman ; if you be more , you're none ;
-If you be one , as you are well express'd
-By all external warrants , show it now ,
-By putting on the destin'd livery .
-
-I have no tongue but one : gentle my lord ,
-Let me entreat you speak the former language .
-
-Plainly conceive , I love you .
-
-My brother did love Juliet ; and you tell me
-That he shall die for't .
-
-He shall not , Isabel , if you give me love .
-
-I know your virtue hath a licence in't .
-Which seems a little fouler than it is ,
-To pluck on others .
-
-Believe me , on mine honour ,
-My words express my purpose .
-
-Ha ! little honour to be much believ'd ,
-And most pernicious purpose ! Seeming , seeming !
-I will proclaim thee , Angelo ; look for't :
-Sign me a present pardon for my brother ,
-Or with an outstretch'd throat I'll tell the world aloud
-What man thou art .
-
-Who will believe thee , Isabel ?
-My unsoil'd name , the austereness of my life ,
-My vouch against you , and my place i' the state ,
-Will so your accusation overweigh ,
-That you shall stifle in your own report
-And smell of calumny . I have begun ;
-And now I give my sensual race the rein :
-Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite ;
-Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes ,
-That banish what they sue for ; redeem thy brother
-By yielding up thy body to my will ,
-Or else he must not only die the death ,
-But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
-To lingering sufferance . Answer me to-morrow ,
-Or , by the affection that now guides me most ,
-I'll prove a tyrant to him . As for you ,
-Say what you can , my false o'erweighs your true .
-
-
-To whom should I complain ? Did I tell this ,
-Who would believe me ? O perilous mouths !
-That bear in them one and the self-same tongue ,
-Either of condemnation or approof ,
-Bidding the law make curt'sy to their will ;
-Hooking both right and wrong to th' appetite ,
-To follow as it draws . I'll to my brother :
-Though he hath fallen by prompture of the blood ,
-Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour ,
-That , had he twenty heads to tender down
-On twenty bloody blocks , he'd yield them up ,
-Before his sister should her body stoop
-To such abhorr'd pollution .
-Then , Isabel , live chaste , and , brother , die :
-More than our brother is our chastity .
-I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request ,
-And fit his mind to death , for his soul's rest .
-
-So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo ?
-
-The miserable have no other medicine
-But only hope :
-I have hope to live , and am prepar'd to die .
-
-Be absolute for death ; either death or life
-Shall thereby be the sweeter . Reason thus with life :
-If I do lose thee , I do lose a thing
-That none but fools would keep : a breath thou art ,
-Servile to all the skyey influences ,
-That dost this habitation , where thou keep'st ,
-Hourly afflict . Merely , thou art death's fool ;
-For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun ,
-And yet run'st toward him still . Thou art not noble :
-For all th' accommodations that thou bear'st
-Are nurs'd by baseness . Thou art by no means valiant ;
-For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
-Of a poor worm . Thy best of rest is sleep ,
-And that thou oft provok'st ; yet grossly fear'st
-Thy death , which is no more . Thou art not thyself ;
-For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains
-That issue out of dust . Happy thou art not ;
-For what thou hast not , still thou striv'st to get ,
-And what thou hast , forget'st . Thou art not certain ;
-For thy complexion shifts to strange effects ,
-After the moon . If thou art rich , thou'rt poor ;
-For , like an ass whose back with ingots bows ,
-Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey ,
-And death unloads thee . Friend hast thou none ;
-For thine own bowels , which do call thee sire ,
-The mere effusion of thy proper loins ,
-Do curse the gout , serpigo , and the rheum ,
-For ending thee no sooner . Thou hast nor youth nor age ;
-But , as it were , an after-dinner's sleep ,
-Dreaming on both ; for all thy blessed youth
-Becomes as aged , and doth beg the alms
-Of palsied eld ; and when thou art old and rich ,
-Thou hast neither heat , affection , limb , nor beauty ,
-To make thy riches pleasant . What's yet in this
-That bears the name of life ? Yet in this life
-Lie hid moe thousand deaths : yet death we fear ,
-That makes these odds all even .
-
-I humbly thank you .
-To sue to live , I find I seek to die ,
-And , seeking death , find life : let it come on .
-
-What ho ! Peace here ; grace and good company !
-
-Who's there ? come in : the wish deserves a welcome .
-
-Dear sir , ere long I'll visit you again .
-
-Most holy sir , I thank you .
-
-
-My business is a word or two with Claudio .
-
-And very welcome . Look , signior ; here's your sister .
-
-Provost , a word with you .
-
-As many as you please .
-
-Bring me to hear them speak , where I may be conceal'd .
-
-
-Now , sister , what's the comfort ?
-
-Why , as all comforts are ; most good , most good indeed .
-Lord Angelo , having affairs to heaven ,
-Intends you for his swift ambassador ,
-Where you shall be an everlasting leiger :
-Therefore , your best appointment make with speed ;
-To-morrow you set on .
-
-Is there no remedy ?
-
-None , but such remedy , as to save a head
-To cleave a heart in twain .
-
-But is there any ?
-
-Yes , brother , you may live :
-There is a devilish mercy in the judge ,
-If you'll implore it , that will free your life ,
-But fetter you till death .
-
-Perpetual durance ?
-
-Ay , just ; perpetual durance , a restraint ,
-Though all the world's vastidity you had ,
-To a determin'd scope .
-
-But in what nature ?
-
-In such a one as , you consenting to't ,
-Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear ,
-And leave you naked .
-
-Let me know the point .
-
-O , I do fear thee , Claudio ; and I quake ,
-Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain ,
-And six or seven winters more respect
-Than a perpetual honour . Dar'st thou die ?
-The sense of death is most in apprehension ,
-And the poor beetle , that we tread upon ,
-In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
-As when a giant dies .
-
-Why give you me this shame ?
-Think you I can a resolution fetch
-From flowery tenderness ? If I must die ,
-I will encounter darkness as a bride ,
-And hug it in mine arms .
-
-There spake my brother : there my father's grave
-Did utter forth a voice . Yes , thou must die :
-Thou art too noble to conserve a life
-In base appliances . This outward-sainted deputy ,
-Whose settled visage and deliberate word
-Nips youth i' the head , and follies doth enmew
-As falcon doth the fowl , is yet a devil ;
-His filth within being cast , he would appear
-A pond as deep as hell .
-
-The prenzie Angelo ?
-
-O , 'tis the cunning livery of hell ,
-The damned'st body to invest and cover
-In prenzie guards ! Dost thou think , Claudio ?
-If I would yield him my virginity ,
-Thou mightst be freed .
-
-O heavens ! it cannot be .
-
-Yes , he would give't thee , from this rank offence ,
-So to offend him still . This night's the time
-That I should do what I abhor to name ,
-Or else thou diest to-morrow .
-
-Thou shalt not do't .
-
-O ! were it but my life ,
-I'd throw it down for your deliverance
-As frankly as a pin .
-
-Thanks , dear Isabel .
-
-Be ready , Claudio , for your death to-morrow .
-
-Yes . Has he affections in him ,
-That thus can make him bite the law by the nose ,
-When he would force it ? Sure , it is no sin ;
-Or of the deadly seven it is the least .
-
-Which is the least ?
-
-If it were damnable , he being so wise ,
-Why would he for the momentary trick
-Be perdurably fin'd ? O Isabel !
-
-What says my brother ?
-
-Death is a fearful thing .
-
-And shamed life a hateful .
-
-Ay , but to die , and go we know not where ;
-To lie in cold obstruction and to rot ;
-This sensible warm motion to become
-A kneaded clod ; and the delighted spirit
-To bathe in fiery floods , or to reside
-In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice ;
-To be imprison'd in the viewless winds ,
-And blown with restless violence round about
-The pendant world ; or to be worse than worst
-Of those that lawless and incertain thoughts
-Imagine howling : 'tis too horrible !
-The weariest and most loathed worldly life
-That age , ache , penury and imprisonment
-Can lay on nature is a paradise
-To what we fear of death .
-
-Alas ! alas !
-
-Sweet sister , let me live :
-What sin you do to save a brother's life ,
-Nature dispenses with the deed so far
-That it becomes a virtue .
-
-O you beast !
-O faithless coward ! O dishonest wretch !
-Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice ?
-Is't not a kind of incest , to take life
-From thine own sister's shame ? What should I think ?
-Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair ;
-For such a warped slip of wilderness
-Ne'er issu'd from his blood . Take my defiance ;
-Die , perish ! Might but my bending down
-Reprieve thee from thy fate , it should proceed .
-I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death ,
-No word to save thee .
-
-Nay , hear me , Isabel .
-
-O , fie , fie , fie !
-Thy sin's not accidental , but a trade .
-Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd :
-'Tis best that thou diest quickly .
-
-
-O hear me , Isabella .
-
-
-Vouchsafe a word , young sister , but one word .
-
-What is your will ?
-
-Might you dispense with your leisure , I would by and by have some speech with you : the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit .
-
-I have no superfluous leisure : my stay must be stolen out of other affairs ; but I will attend you a while .
-
-Son , I have overheard what hath past between you and your sister . Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her ; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the disposition of natures . She , having the truth of honour in her , hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive : I am confessor to Angelo , and I know this to be true ; therefore prepare yourself to death . Do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible : to-morrow you must die ; go to your knees and make ready .
-
-Let me ask my sister pardon . I am so out of love with life that I will sue to be rid of it .
-
-Hold you there : farewell .
-
-
-Provost , a word with you .
-
-What's your will , father ?
-
-That now you are come , you will be gone . Leave me awhile with the maid : my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company .
-
-In good time .
-
-
-The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good : the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness ; but grace , being the soul of your complexion , shall keep the body of it ever fair . The assault that Angelo hath made to you , fortune hath conveyed to my understanding ; and , but that frailty hath examples for his falling , I should wonder at Angelo . How would you do to content this substitute , and to save your brother ?
-
-I am now going to resolve him ; I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born . But O , how much is the good duke deceived in Angelo ! If ever he return and I can speak to him . I will open my lips in vain , or discover his government .
-
-That shall not be much amiss : yet , as the matter now stands , he will avoid your accusation ; 'he made trial of you only .' Therefore , fasten your ear on my advisings : to the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself . I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit , redeem your brother from the angry law , do no stain to your own gracious person , and much please the absent duke , if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business .
-
-Let me hear you speak further . I have spirit to do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit .
-
-Virtue is bold , and goodness never fearful . Have you not heard speak of Mariana , the sister of Frederick , the great soldier who miscarried at sea ?
-
-I have heard of the lady , and good words went with her name .
-
-She should this Angelo have married ; was affianced to her by oath , and the nuptial appointed : between which time of the contract , and limit of the solemnity , her brother Frederick was wracked at sea , having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister . But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman : there she lost a noble and renowned brother , in his love toward her ever most kind and natural ; with him the portion and sinew of her fortune , her marriage-dowry with both , her combinate husband , this well-seeming Angelo .
-
-Can this be so ? Did Angelo so leave her ?
-
-Left her in her tears , and dried not one of them with his comfort ; swallowed his vows whole , pretending in her discoveries of dishonour : in few , bestowed her on her own lamentation , which she yet wears for his sake ; and he , a marble to her tears , is washed with them , but relents not .
-
-What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world ! What corruption in this life , that it will let this man live ! But how out of this can she avail ?
-
-It is a rupture that you may easily heal ; and the cure of it not only saves your brother , but keeps you from dishonour in doing it .
-
-Show me how , good father .
-
-This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection : his unjust unkindness , that in all reason should have quenched her love , hath , like an impediment in the current , made it more violent and unruly . Go you to Angelo : answer his requiring with a plausible obedience : agree with his demands to the point ; only refer yourself to this advantage , first , that your stay with him may not be long , that the time may have all shadow and silence in it , and the place answer to convenience . This being granted in course , and now follows all , we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment , go in your place ; if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter , it may compel him to her recompense ; and here by this is your brother saved , your honour untainted , the poor Mariana advantaged , and the corrupt deputy scaled . The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt . If you think well to carry this , as you may , the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof . What think you of it ?
-
-The image of it gives me content already , and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection .
-
-It lies much in your holding up . Haste you speedily to Angelo : if for this night he entreat you to his bed , give him promise of satisfaction . I will presently to St . Luke's ; there , at the moated grange , resides this dejected Mariana : at that place call upon me , and dispatch with Angelo , that it may be quickly .
-
-I thank you for this comfort . Fare you well , good father .
-
-
-Nay , if there be no remedy for it , but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts , we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard .
-
-O heavens ! what stuff is here ?
-
-'Twas never merry world , since , of two usuries , the merriest was put down , and the worser allowed by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm ; and furred with fox and lamb skins too , to signify that craft , being richer than innocency , stands for the facing .
-
-Come your way , sir . Bless you , good father friar .
-
-And you , good brother father . What offence hath this man made you , sir ?
-
-Marry , sir , he hath offended the law : and , sir , we take him to be a thief too , sir ; for we have found upon him , sir , a strange picklock , which we have sent to the deputy .
-
-Fie , sirrah : a bawd , a wicked bawd !
-The evil that thou causest to be done ,
-That is thy means to live . Do thou but think
-What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back
-From such a filthy vice : say to thyself ,
-From their abominable and beastly touches
-I drink , I eat , array myself , and live .
-Canst thou believe thy living is a life ,
-So stinkingly depending ? Go mend , go mend .
-
-Indeed , it does stink in some sort , sir ; but yet , sir , I would prove
-
-Nay , if the devil have given thee proofs for sin ,
-Thou wilt prove his . Take him to prison , officer ;
-Correction and instruction must both work
-Ere this rude beast will profit .
-
-He must before the deputy , sir ; he has given him warning . The deputy cannot abide a whoremaster : if he be a whoremonger , and comes before him , he were as good go a mile on his errand .
-
-That we were all , as some would seem to be ,
-From our faults , as faults from seeming , free !
-
-His neck will come to your waist ,a cord , sir .
-
-I spy comfort : I cry , bail . Here's a gentleman and a friend of mine .
-
-
-How now , noble Pompey ! What , at the wheels of C sar ? Art thou led in triumph ? What , is there none of Pygmalion's images , newly made woman , to he had now , for putting the hand in the pocket and extracting it clutched ? What reply ? ha ? What say'st thou to this tune , matter and method ? Is't not drowned i' the last rain , ha ? What sayest thou Trot ? Is the world as it was , man ? Which is the way ? Is it sad , and few words , or how ? The trick of it ?
-
-Still thus , and thus , still worse !
-
-How doth my dear morsel , thy mistress ? Procures she still , ha ?
-
-Troth , sir , she hath eaten up all her beef , and she is herself in the tub .
-
-Why , 'tis good ; it is the right of it ; it must be so : ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd : an unshunned consequence ; it must be so . Art going to prison , Pompey ?
-
-Yes , faith , sir .
-
-Why , 'tis not amiss , Pompey . Farewell . Go , say I sent thee thither . For debt , Pompey ? or how ?
-
-For being a bawd , for being a bawd .
-
-Well , then , imprison him . If imprisonment be the due of a bawd , why , 'tis his right : bawd is he , doubtless , and of antiquity too ; bawd-born . Farewell , good Pompey . Commend me to the prison , Pompey . You will turn good husband now , Pompey ; you will keep the house .
-
-I hope , sir , your good worship will be my bail .
-
-No , indeed will I not , Pompey ; it is not the wear . I will pray , Pompey , to increase your bondage : if you take it not patiently , why , your mettle is the more . Adieu , trusty Pompey . Bless you , friar .
-
-And you .
-
-Does Bridget paint still , Pompey , ha ?
-
-Come your ways , sir ; come .
-
-You will not bail me then , sir ?
-
-Then , Pompey , nor now . What news abroad , friar ? What news ?
-
-Come your ways , sir ; come .
-
-Go to kennel , Pompey ; go .
-
-What news , friar , of the duke ?
-
-I know none . Can you tell me of any ?
-
-Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia ; other some , he is in Rome : but where is he , think you ?
-
-I know not where ; but wheresoever , I wish him well .
-
-It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state , and usurp the beggary he was never born to . Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence ; he puts transgression to't .
-
-He does well in't .
-
-A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him : something too crabbed that way , friar .
-
-It is too general a vice , and severity must cure it .
-
-Yes , in good sooth , the vice is of a great kindred ; it is well allied ; but it is impossible to extirp it quite , friar , till eating and drinking be put down . They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman after this downright way of creation : is it true , think you ?
-
-How should he be made , then ?
-
-Some report a sea-maid spawn'd him ; some that he was begot between two stock-fishes . But it is certain that when he makes water his urine is congealed ice ; that I know to be true ; and he is a motion generative ; that's infallible .
-
-You are pleasant , sir , and speak apace .
-
-Why , what a ruthless thing is this in him , for the rebellion of a cod-piece to take away the life of a man ! Would the duke that is absent have done this ? Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards , he would have paid for the nursing a thousand : he had some feeling of the sport ; he knew the service , and that instructed him to mercy .
-
-I never heard the absent duke much detected for women ; he was not inclined that way .
-
-O , sir , you are deceived .
-
-'Tis not possible .
-
-Who ? not the duke ? yes , your beggar of fifty , and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish ; the duke had crotchets in him . He would be drunk too ; that let me inform you .
-
-You do him wrong , surely .
-
-Sir , I was an inward of his . A shy fellow was the duke ; and , I believe I know the cause of his withdrawing .
-
-What , I prithee , might be the cause ?
-
-No , pardon ; 'tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips ; but this I can let you understand , the greater file of the subject held the duke to be wise .
-
-Wise ! why , no question but he was .
-
-A very superficial , ignorant , unweighing fellow .
-
-Either this is envy in you , folly , or mistaking : the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must , upon a warranted need , give him a better proclamation . Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings forth , and he shall appear to the envious a scholar , a statesman and a soldier . Therefore you speak unskilfully ; or , if your knowledge be more , it is much darkened in your malice .
-
-Sir , I know him , and I love him .
-
-Love talks with better knowledge , and knowledge with dearer love .
-
-Come , sir , I know what I know .
-
-I can hardly believe that , since you know not what you speak . But , if ever the duke return ,as our prayers are he may ,let me desire you to make your answer before him : if it be honest you have spoke , you have courage to maintain it . I am bound to call upon you ; and , I pray you , your name ?
-
-Sir , my name is Lucio , well known to the duke .
-
-He shall know you better , sir , if I may live to report you .
-
-I fear you not .
-
-O ! you hope the duke will return no more , or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite . But indeed I can do you little harm ; you'll forswear this again .
-
-I'll be hanged first : thou art deceived in me , friar . But no more of this . Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no ?
-
-Why should he die , sir ?
-
-Why ? for filling a bottle with a tundish . I would the duke we talk of were returned again : this ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency ; sparrows must not build in his house-eaves , because they are lecherous . The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered ; he would never bring them to light : would he were returned ! Marry , this Claudio is condemned for untrussing . Farewell , good friar ; I prithee , pray for me . The duke , I say to thee again , would eat mutton on Fridays . He's not past it yet , and I say to thee , he would mouth with a beggar , though she smelt brown bread and garlic : say that I said so . Farewell .
-
-
-No might nor greatness in mortality
-Can censure 'scape : back-wounding calumny
-The whitest virtue strikes . What king so strong
-Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue ?
-But who comes here ?
-
-
-Go ; away with her to prison !
-
-Good my lord , be good to me ; your honour is accounted a merciful man ; good my lord .
-
-Double and treble admonition , and still forfeit in the same kind ? This would make mercy swear , and play the tyrant .
-
-A bawd of eleven years' continuance , may it please your honour .
-
-My lord , this is one Lucio's information against me . Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by him in the duke's time ; he promised her marriage ; his child is a year and a quarter old , come Philip and Jacob : I have kept it myself , and see how he goes about to abuse me !
-
-That fellow is a fellow of much licence : let him be called before us . Away with her to prison ! Go to ; no more words .
-
-Provost , my brother Angelo will not be altered ; Claudio must die to-morrow . Let him be furnished with divines , and have all charitable preparation : if my brother wrought by my pity , it should not be so with him .
-
-So please you , this friar hath been with him , and advised him for the entertainment of death .
-
-Good even , good father .
-
-Bliss and goodness on you !
-
-Of whence are you ?
-
-Not of this country , though my chance is now
-To use it for my time : I am a brother
-Of gracious order , late come from the See ,
-In special business from his Holiness .
-
-What news abroad i' the world ?
-
-None , but there is so great a fever on goodness , that the dissolution of it must cure it : novelty is only in request ; and it is as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course , as it is virtuous to be constant in any undertaking : there is scarce truth enough alive to make societies secure , but security enough to make fellowships accursed . Much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world . This news is old enough , yet it is every day's news . I pray you , sir , of what disposition was the duke ?
-
-One that , above all other strifes , contended especially to know himself .
-
-What pleasure was he given to ?
-
-Rather rejoicing to see another merry , than merry at anything which professed to make him rejoice : a gentleman of all temperance . But leave we him to his events , with a prayer they may prove prosperous ; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared . I am made to understand , that you have lent him visitation .
-
-He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge , but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice ; yet had he framed to himself , by the instruction of his frailty , many deceiving promises of life , which I , by my good leisure have discredited to him , and now is he resolved to die .
-
-You have paid the heavens your function , and the prisoner the very debt of your calling . I have laboured for the poor gentleman to the extremest shore of my modesty ; but my brother justice have I found so severe , that he hath forced me to tell him he is indeed Justice .
-
-If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding , it shall become him well ; wherein if he chance to fail , he hath sentenced himself .
-
-I am going to visit the prisoner . Fare you well .
-
-Peace be with you !
-
-He , who the sword of heaven will bear
-Should be as holy as severe ;
-Pattern in himself to know ,
-Grace to stand , and virtue go ;
-More nor less to others paying
-Than by self offences weighing .
-Shame to him whose cruel striking
-Kills for faults of his own liking !
-Twice treble shame on Angelo ,
-To weed my vice and let his grow !
-O , what may man within him hide ,
-Though angel on the outward side !
-How many likeness made in crimes ,
-Making practice on the times ,
-To draw with idle spiders' strings
-Most pond'rous and substantial things !
-Craft against vice I must apply :
-With Angelo to-night shall lie
-His old betrothed but despis'd :
-So disguise shall , by the disguis'd ,
-Pay with falsehood false exacting ,
-And perform an old contracting .
-
-Take , O take those lips away ,
-That so sweetly were forsworn ;
-And those eyes , the break of day ,
-Lights that do mislead the morn :
-But my kisses bring again ,
-bring again ,
-Seals of love , but seal'd in vain ,
-seal'd in vain .
-
-
-Break off thy song , and haste thee quick away :
-Here comes a man of comfort , whose advice
-Hath often still'd my brawling discontent .
-
-I cry you mercy , sir ; and well could wish
-You had not found me here so musical :
-Let me excuse me , and believe me so ,
-
-My mirth it much displeas'd , but pleas'd my woe .
-
-'Tis good ; though music oft hath such a charm
-To make bad good , and good provoke to harm .
-I pray you tell me , hath anybody inquired for me here to-day ? much upon this time have I promised here to meet .
-
-You have not been inquired after : I have sat here all day .
-
-I do constantly believe you . The time is come even now . I shall crave your forbearance a little ; may be I will call upon you anon , for some advantage to yourself .
-
-I am always bound to you .
-
-Very well met , and well come .
-What is the news from this good deputy ?
-
-He hath a garden circummur'd with brick ,
-Whose western side is with a vineyard back'd ;
-And to that vineyard is a planched gate ,
-That makes his opening with this bigger key ;
-This other doth command a little door
-Which from the vineyard to the garden leads ;
-There have I made my promise
-Upon the heavy middle of the night
-To call upon him .
-
-But shall you on your knowledge find this way ?
-
-I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't :
-With whispering and most guilty diligence ,
-In action all of precept , he did show me
-The way twice o'er .
-
-Are there no other tokens
-Between you 'greed concerning her observance ?
-
-No , none , but only a repair i' the dark ;
-And that I have possess'd him my most stay
-Can be but brief ; for I have made him know
-I have a servant comes with me along ,
-That stays upon me , whose persuasion is
-I come about my brother .
-
-'Tis well borne up .
-I have not yet made known to Mariana
-A word of this . What ho ! within ! come forth .
-
-
-I pray you , be acquainted with this maid ;
-
-She comes to do you good .
-
-I do desire the like .
-
-Do you persuade yourself that I respect you ?
-
-Good friar , I know you do , and oft have found it .
-
-Take then this your companion by the hand ,
-Who hath a story ready for your ear .
-I shall attend your leisure : but make haste ;
-The vaporous night approaches .
-
-Will't please you walk aside ?
-
-
-O place and greatness ! millions of false eyes
-Are stuck upon thee : volumes of report
-Run with these false and most contrarious quests
-Upon thy doings : thousand escapes of wit
-Make thee the father of their idle dream ,
-And rack thee in their fancies !
-
-Welcome ! How agreed ?
-
-She'll take the enterprise upon her , father ,
-If you advise it .
-
-It is not my consent ,
-But my entreaty too .
-
-Little have you to say
-When you depart from him , but , soft and low ,
-'Remember now my brother .'
-
-Fear me not .
-
-Nor , gentle daughter , fear you not at all .
-He is your husband on a pre-contract :
-To bring you thus together , 'tis no sin ,
-Sith that the justice of your title to him
-Doth flourish the deceit . Come , let us go :
-Our corn's to reap , for yet our tithe's to sow .
-
-
-Come hither , sirrah . Can you cut off a man's head ?
-
-If the man be a bachelor , sir , I can ; but if he be a married man , he is his wife's head , and I can never cut off a woman's head .
-
-Come , sir , leave me your snatches , and yield me a direct answer . To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine . Here is in our prison a common executioner , who in his office lacks a helper : if you will take it on you to assist him , it shall redeem you from your gyves ; if not , you shall have your full time of imprisonment , and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping , for you have been a notorious bawd .
-
-Sir , I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind ; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman . I would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow partner .
-
-What ho , Abhorson ! Where's Abhorson , there ?
-
-
-Do you call , sir ?
-
-Sirrah , here's a fellow will help you to-morrow in your execution . If you think it meet , compound with him by the year , and let him abide here with you ; if not , use him for the present , and dismiss him . He cannot plead his estimation with you ; he hath been a bawd .
-
-A bawd , sir ? Fie upon him ! he will discredit our mystery .
-
-Go to , sir ; you weigh equally ; a feather will turn the scale .
-
-
-Pray , sir , by your good favour for surely , sir , a good favour you have , but that you have a hanging look ,do you call , sir , your occupation a mystery ?
-
-Ay , sir ; a mystery .
-
-Painting , sir , I have heard say , is a mystery ; and your whores , sir , being members of my occupation , using painting , do prove my occupation a mystery : but what mystery there should be in hanging , if I should be hanged , I cannot imagine .
-
-Sir , it is a mystery .
-
-Proof ?
-
-Every true man's apparel fits your thief .
-
-If it be too little for your thief , your true man thinks it big enough ; if it be too big for your thief , your thief thinks it little enough : so , every true man's apparel fits your thief .
-
-
-Are you agreed ?
-
-Sir , I will serve him ; for I do find that your hangman is a more penitent trade than your bawd , he doth often ask forgiveness .
-
-You , sirrah , provide your block and your axe to-morrow four o'clock .
-
-Come on , bawd ; I will instruct thee in my trade ; follow .
-
-I do desire to learn , sir ; and , I hope , if you have occasion to use me for your own turn , you shall find me yare ; for , truly , sir , for your kindness I owe you a good turn .
-
-Call hither Barnardine and Claudio :
-
-The one has my pity ; not a jot the other ,
-Being a murderer , though he were my brother .
-
-
-Look , here's the warrant , Claudio , for thy death :
-'Tis now dead midnight , and by eight to-morrow
-
-Thou must be made immortal . Where's Barnardine ?
-
-As fast lock'd up in sleep as guiltless labour
-When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones ;
-He will not wake .
-
-Who can do good on him ?
-Well , go ; prepare yourself .
-
-But hark , what noise ?
-Heaven give your spirits comfort !
-
-By and by .
-I hope it is some pardon or reprieve
-For the most gentle Claudio .
-
-Welcome , father .
-
-The best and wholesom'st spirits of the night
-Envelop you , good provost ! Who call'd here of late ?
-
-None since the curfew rung .
-
-Not Isabel ?
-
-No .
-
-They will , then , ere't be long .
-
-What comfort is for Claudio ?
-
-There's some in hope .
-
-It is a bitter deputy .
-
-Not so , not so : his life is parallel'd
-Even with the stroke and line of his great justice :
-He doth with holy abstinence subdue
-That in himself which he spurs on his power
-To qualify in others : were he meal'd with that
-Which he corrects , then were he tyrannous ;
-But this being so , he's just .
-
-Now are they come .
-
-This is a gentle provost : seldom when
-The steeled gaoler is the friend of men .
-
-How now ! What noise ? That spirit's possess'd with haste
-That wounds the unsisting postern with these strokes .
-
-
-There he must stay until the officer
-Arise to let him in ; he is call'd up .
-
-Have you no countermand for Claudio yet ,
-But he must die to-morrow ?
-
-None , sir , none .
-
-As near the dawning , provost , as it is ,
-You shall hear more ere morning .
-
-Happily
-You something know ; yet , I believe there comes
-No countermand : no such example have we .
-Besides , upon the very siege of justice ,
-Lord Angelo hath to the public ear
-Profess'd the contrary .
-
-This is his lordship's man .
-
-And here comes Claudio's pardon .
-
-My lord hath sent you this note ; and by me this further charge , that you swerve not from the smallest article of it , neither in time , matter , or other circumstance . Good morrow ; for , as I take it , it is almost day .
-
-I shall obey him .
-
-
-This is his pardon , purchased by such sin
-For which the pardoner himself is in ;
-Hence hath offence his quick celerity ,
-When it is borne in high authority .
-When vice makes mercy , mercy's so extended ,
-That for the fault's love is the offender friended .
-Now , sir , what news ?
-
-I told you ; Lord Angelo , belike thinking me remiss in mine office , awakens me with this unwonted putting on ; methinks strangely , for he hath not used it before .
-
-Pray you , let's hear .
-
-Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary , let Claudio be executed by four of the clock ; and , in the afternoon , Barnardine . For my better satisfaction , let me have Claudio's head sent me by five . Let this be duly performed ; with a thought that more depends on it than we must yet deliver . Thus fail not to do your office , as you will answer it at your peril .
-What say you to this , sir ?
-
-What is that Barnardine who is to be executed this afternoon ?
-
-A Bohemian born , but here nursed up and bred ; one that is a prisoner nine years old .
-
-How came it that the absent duke had not either delivered him to his liberty or executed him ? I have heard it was ever his manner to do so .
-
-His friends still wrought reprieves for him ; and , indeed , his fact , till now in the government of Lord Angelo , came not to an undoubtful proof .
-
-It is now apparent ?
-
-Most manifest , and not denied by himself .
-
-Hath he borne himself penitently in prison ? How seems he to be touched ?
-
-A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep ; careless , reckless , and fearless of what's past , present , or to come ; insensible of mortality , and desperately mortal .
-
-He wants advice .
-
-He will hear none . He hath evermore had the liberty of the prison : give him leave to escape hence , he would not : drunk many times a day , if not many days entirely drunk . We have very oft awaked him , as if to carry him to execution , and showed him a seeming warrant for it : it hath not moved him at all .
-
-More of him anon . There is written in your brow , provost , honesty and constancy ; if I read it not truly , my ancient skill beguiles me ; but , in the boldness of my cunning I will lay myself in hazard . Claudio , whom here you have warrant to execute , is no greater forfeit to the law than Angalo who hath sentenced him . To make you understand this in a manifested effect , I crave but four days' respite , for the which you are to do me both a present and a dangerous courtesy .
-
-Pray , sir , in what ?
-
-In the delaying death .
-
-Alack ! how may I do it , having the hour limited , and an express command , under penalty , to deliver his head in the view of Angelo ? I may make my case as Claudio's to cross this in the smallest .
-
-By the vow of mine order I warrant you , if my instructions may be your guide . Let this Barnardine be this morning executed , and his head borne to Angelo .
-
-Angelo hath seen them both , and will discover the favour .
-
-O ! death's a great disguiser , and you may add to it . Shave the head , and tie the beard ; and say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bared before his death : you know the course is common . If anything fall to you upon this , more than thanks and good fortune , by the saint whom I profess , I will plead against it with my life .
-
-Pardon me , good father ; it is against my oath .
-
-Were you sworn to the duke or to the deputy ?
-
-To him , and to his substitutes .
-
-You will think you have made no offence , if the duke avouch the justice of your dealing ?
-
-But what likelihood is in that ?
-
-Not a resemblance , but a certainty . Yet since I see you fearful , that neither my coat , integrity , nor persuasion can with ease attempt you , I will go further than I meant , to pluck all fears out of you . Look you , sir ; here is the hand and seal of the duke : you know the character , I doubt not , and the signet is not strange to you .
-
-I know them both .
-
-The contents of this is the return of the duke : you shall anon over-read if at your pleasure , where you shall find within these two days , he will be here . This is a thing that Angelo knows not , for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour ; perchance of the duke's death ; perchance , his entering into some monastery ; but , by chance , nothing of what is writ . Look , the unfolding star calls up the shepherd . Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be : all difficulties are but easy when they are known . Call your executioner , and off with Barnardine's head : I will give him a present shrift and advise him for a better place . Yet you are amaz'd , but this shall absolutely resolve you . Come away ; it is almost clear dawn .
-
-
-I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of profession : one would think it were Mistress Overdone's own house , for here be many of her old customers . First , here's young Master Rash ; he's in for a commodity of brown paper and old ginger , nine-score and seventeen pounds , of which he made five marks , ready money : marry , then ginger was not much in request , for the old women were all dead . Then is there here one Master Caper , at the suit of Master Three-pile the mercer , for some four suits of peach-colour'd satin , which now peaches him a beggar . Then have we young Dizy , and young Master Deep-vow , and Master Copperspur , and Master Starve-lackey the rapier and dagger man , and young Drop-heir that kill'd lusty Pudding , and Master Forthlight , the tilter , and brave Master Shoe-tie the great traveller , and wild Half-can that stabbed Pots , and , I think , forty more ; all great doers in our trade , and are now 'for the Lord's sake .'
-
-
-Sirrah , bring Barnardine hither .
-
-Master Barnardine ! you must rise and be hanged , Master Barnardine .
-
-What ho ! Barnardine !
-
-A pox o' your throats !
-Who makes that noise there ? What are you ?
-
-Your friends , sir ; the hangman . You must be so good , sir , to rise and be put to death .
-
-Away ! you rogue , away !
-I am sleepy .
-
-Tell him he must awake , and that quickly too .
-
-Pray , Master Barnardine , awake till you are executed , and sleep afterwards .
-
-Go in to him , and fetch him out .
-
-He is coming , sir , he is coming ; I hear his straw rustle .
-
-Is the axe upon the block , sirrah ?
-
-Very ready , sir .
-
-
-How now , Abhorson ! what's the news with you ?
-
-Truly , sir , I would desire you to clap into your prayers ; for , look you , the warrant's come .
-
-You rogue , I have been drinking all night ; I am not fitted for't .
-
-O , the better , sir ; for he that drinks all night , and is hang'd betimes in the morning , may sleep the sounder all the next day .
-
-Look you , sir ; here comes your ghostly father : do we jest now , think you ?
-
-
-Sir , induced by my charity , and hearing how hastily you are to depart , I am come to advise you , comfort you , and pray with you .
-
-Friar , not I : I have been drinking hard all night , and I will have more time to prepare me , or they shall beat out my brains with billets . I will not consent to die this day , that's certain .
-
-O , sir , you must ; and therefore , I beseech you look forward on the journey you shall go .
-
-I swear I will not die to-day for any man's persuasion .
-
-But hear you .
-
-Not a word : if you have anything to say to me , come to my ward ; for thence will not I to day .
-
-Unfit to live or die . O , gravel heart !
-After him fellows : bring him to the block .
-
-
-Now , sir , how do you find the prisoner ?
-
-A creature unprepar'd , unmeet for death ;
-And , to transport him in the mind he is
-Were damnable .
-
-Here in the prison , father ,
-There died this morning of a cruel fever
-One Ragozine , a most notorious pirate ,
-A man of Claudio's years ; his beard and head
-Just of his colour . What if we do omit
-This reprobate till he were well inclin'd ,
-And satisfy the deputy with the visage
-Of Ragozine , more like to Claudio ?
-
-O , 'tis an accident that heaven provides !
-Dispatch it presently : the hour draws on
-Prefix'd by Angelo . See this be done ,
-And sent according to command , whiles I
-Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die .
-
-This shall be done , good father , presently .
-But Barnardine must die this afternoon :
-And how shall we continue Claudio ,
-To save me from the danger that might come
-If he were known alive ?
-
-Let this be done :
-Put them in secret holds , both Barnardine and Claudio :
-Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting
-To the under generation , you shall find
-Your safety manifested .
-
-I am your free dependant .
-
-Quick , dispatch ,
-And send the head to Angelo .
-
-Now will I write letters to Angelo ,
-The provost , he shall bear them ,whose contents
-Shall witness to him I am near at home ,
-And that , by great injunctions , I am bound
-To enter publicly : him I'll desire
-To meet me at the consecrated fount
-A league below the city ; and from thence ,
-By cold gradation and well-balanc'd form ,
-We shall proceed with Angelo .
-
-
-Here is the head ; I'll carry it myself .
-
-Convenient is it . Make a swift return ,
-For I would commune with you of such things
-That want no ear but yours .
-
-I'll make all speed .
-
-
-Peace , ho , be here !
-
-The tongue of Isabel . She's come to know
-If yet her brother's pardon be come hither ;
-But I will keep her ignorant of her good ,
-To make her heavenly comforts of despair ,
-When it is least expected .
-
-
-Ho ! by your leave .
-
-Good morning to you , fair and gracious daughter .
-
-The better , given me by so holy a man .
-Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon ?
-
-He hath releas'd him , Isabel , from the world :
-His head is off and sent to Angelo .
-
-Nay , but it is not so .
-
-It is no other : show your wisdom , daughter ,
-In your close patience .
-
-O ! I will to him and pluck out his eyes !
-
-You shall not be admitted to his sight .
-
-Unhappy Claudio ! Wretched Isabel !
-Injurious world ! Most damned Angelo !
-
-This nor hurts him nor profits you a jot ;
-Forbear it therefore ; give your cause to heaven .
-Mark what I say , which you shall find
-By every syllable a faithful verity .
-The duke comes home to-morrow ; nay , dry your eyes :
-One of our covent , and his confessor ,
-Gives me this instance : already he hath carried
-Notice to Escalus and Angelo ,
-Who do prepare to meet him at the gates ,
-There to give up their power . If you can , pace your wisdom
-In that good path that I would wish it go ,
-And you shall have your bosom on this wretch ,
-Grace of the Duke , revenges to your heart ,
-And general honour .
-
-I am directed by you .
-
-This letter then to Friar Peter give ;
-'Tis that he sent me of the duke's return :
-Say , by this token , I desire his company
-At Mariana's house to-night . Her cause and yours ,
-I'll perfect him withal , and he shall bring you
-Before the duke ; and to the head of Angelo
-Accuse him home , and home . For my poor self ,
-I am combined by a sacred vow
-And shall be absent . Wend you with this letter .
-Command these fretting waters from your eyes
-With a light heart : trust not my holy order ,
-If I pervert your course . Who's here ?
-
-
-Good even . Friar , where is the provost ?
-
-Not within , sir .
-
-O pretty Isabella , I am pale at mine heart to see thine eyes so red : thou must be patient . I am fain to dine and sup with water and bran ; I dare not for my head fill my belly ; one fruitful meal would set me to't . But they say the duke will be here to-morrow . By my troth , Isabel , I loved thy brother : if the old fantastical duke of dark corners had been at home , he had lived .
-
-
-Sir , the duke is marvellous little beholding to your reports ; but the best is , he lives not in them .
-
-Friar , thou knowest not the duke so well as I do : he's a better woodman than thou takest him for .
-
-Well , you'll answer this one day .
-Fare ye well .
-
-Nay , tarry ; I'll go along with thee : I can tell thee pretty tales of the duke .
-
-You have told me too many of him already , sir , if they be true ; if not true , none were enough .
-
-I was once before him for getting a wench with child .
-
-Did you such a thing ?
-
-Yes , marry , did I ; but I was fain to forswear it : they would else have married me to the rotten medlar .
-
-Sir , your company is fairer than honest .
-Rest you well .
-
-By my troth , I'll go with thee to the lane's end . If bawdy talk offend you , we'll have very little of it . Nay , friar , I am a kind of burr ; I shall stick .
-
-
-Every letter he hath writ hath disvouched other .
-
-In most uneven and distracted manner .
-His actions show much like to madness : pray heaven his wisdom be not tainted ! And why meet him at the gates , and redeliver our authorities there ?
-
-I guess not .
-
-And why should we proclaim it in an hour before his entering , that if any crave redress of injustice , they should exhibit their petitions in the street ?
-
-He shows his reason for that : to have a dispatch of complaints , and to deliver us from devices hereafter , which shall then have no power to stand against us .
-
-Well , I beseech you , let it be proclaim'd :
-Betimes i' the morn I'll call you at your house ;
-Give notice to such men of sort and suit
-As are to meet him .
-
-I shall , sir : fare you well .
-
-Good night .
-
-This deed unshapes me quite , makes me unpregnant
-And dull to all proceedings . A deflower'd maid ,
-And by an eminent body that enforc'd
-The law against it ! But that her tender shame
-Will not proclaim against her maiden loss ,
-How might she tongue me ! Yet reason dares her no :
-For my authority bears so credent bulk ,
-That no particular scandal once can touch :
-But it confounds the breather . He should have liv'd ,
-Save that his riotous youth , with dangerous sense ,
-Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge ,
-By so receiving a dishonour'd life
-With ransom of such shame . Would yet he had liv'd !
-Alack ! when once our grace we have forgot ,
-Nothing goes right : we would , and we would not .
-
-
-These letters at fit time deliver me .
-
-The provost knows our purpose and our plot .
-The matter being afoot , keep your instruction ,
-And hold you ever to our special drift ,
-Though sometimes you do blench from this to that ,
-As cause doth minister . Go call at Flavius' house ,
-And tell him where I stay : give the like notice
-To Valentinus , Rowland , and to Crassus ,
-And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate ;
-But send me Flavius first .
-
-It shall be speeded well .
-
-I thank thee , Varrius ; thou hast made good haste .
-Come , we will walk . There's other of our friends
-Will greet us here anon , my gentle Varrius .
-
-
-To speak so indirectly I am loath :
-I would say the truth ; but to accuse him so ,
-That is your part : yet I'm advis'd to do it ;
-He says , to veil full purpose .
-
-Be rul'd by him .
-
-Besides , he tells me that if peradventure
-He speak against me on the adverse side ,
-I should not think it strange ; for 'tis a physic
-That's bitter to sweet end .
-
-I would , Friar Peter
-
-O , peace ! the friar is come .
-
-
-Come ; I have found you out a stand most fit ,
-Where you may have such vantage on the duke ,
-He shall not pass you . Twice have the trumpets sounded :
-The generous and gravest citizens
-Have hent the gates , and very near upon
-The duke is ent'ring : therefore hence , away !
-
-My very worthy cousin , fairly met !
-Our old and faithful friend , we are glad to see you .
-
-Happy return be to your royal Grace !
-
-Happy return be to your royal Grace !
-
-Many and hearty thankings to you both .
-We have made inquiry of you ; and we hear
-Such goodness of your justice , that our soul
-Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks ,
-Forerunning more requital .
-
-You make my bonds still greater .
-
-O ! your desert speaks loud ; and I should wrong it ,
-To lock it in the wards of covert bosom ,
-When it deserves , with characters of brass ,
-A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time
-And razure of oblivion . Give me your hand ,
-And let the subject see , to make them know
-That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
-Favours that keep within . Come , Escalus ,
-You must walk by us on our other hand ;
-And good supporters are you .
-
-
-Now is your time : speak loud and kneel before him .
-
-Justice , O royal duke ! Vail your regard
-Upon a wrong'd , I'd fain have said , a maid !
-O worthy prince ! dishonour not your eye
-By throwing it on any other object
-Till you have heard me in my true complaint
-And given me justice , justice , justice , justice !
-
-Relate your wrongs : in what ? by whom ? Be brief ;
-Here is Lord Angelo , shall give you justice :
-Reveal yourself to him .
-
-O worthy duke !
-You bid me seek redemption of the devil .
-Hear me yourself ; for that which I must speak
-Must either punish me , not being believ'd ,
-Or wring redress from you . Hear me , O , hear me , here !
-
-My lord , her wits , I fear me , are not firm :
-She hath been a suitor to me for her brother
-Cut off by course of justice ,
-
-By course of justice !
-
-And she will speak most bitterly and strange .
-
-Most strange , but yet most truly , will I speak .
-That Angelo's forsworn , is it not strange ?
-That Angelo's a murderer , is't not strange ?
-That Angelo is an adulterous thief ,
-A hypocrite , a virgin-violator ;
-Is it not strange , and strange ?
-
-Nay , it is ten times strange .
-
-It is not truer he is Angelo
-Than this is all as true as it is strange ;
-Nay , it is ten times true ; for truth is truth
-To the end of reckoning .
-
-Away with her ! poor soul ,
-She speaks this in the infirmity of sense .
-
-O prince , I conjure thee , as thou believ'st
-There is another comfort than this world ,
-That thou neglect me not , with that opinion
-That I am touch'd with madness . Make not impossible
-That which but seems unlike . 'Tis not impossible
-But one , the wicked'st caitiff on the ground ,
-May seem as shy , as grave , as just , as absolute
-As Angelo ; even so may Angelo ,
-In all his dressings , characts , titles , forms ,
-Be an arch-villain . Believe it , royal prince :
-If he be less , he's nothing ; but he's more ,
-Had I more name for badness .
-
-By mine honesty ,
-If she be mad ,as I believe no other ,
-Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense ,
-Such a dependency of thing on thing ,
-As e'er I heard in madness .
-
-O gracious duke !
-Harp not on that ; nor do not banish reason
-For inequality ; but let your reason serve
-To make the truth appear where it seems hid ,
-And hide the false seems true .
-
-Many that are not mad
-Have , sure , more lack of reason . What would you say ?
-
-I am the sister of one Claudio ,
-Condemn'd upon the act of fornication
-To lose his head ; condemn'd by Angelo .
-I , in probation of a sisterhood ,
-Was sent to by my brother ; one Lucio
-As then the messenger ,
-
-That's I , an't like your Grace :
-I came to her from Claudio , and desir'd her
-To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo
-For her poor brother's pardon .
-
-That's he indeed .
-
-You were not bid to speak .
-
-No , my good lord ;
-Nor wish'd to hold my peace .
-
-I wish you now , then ;
-Pray you , take note of it ; and when you have
-A business for yourself , pray heaven you then
-Be perfect .
-
-I warrant your honour .
-
-The warrant's for yourself : take heed to it .
-
-This gentleman told somewhat of my tale ,
-
-Right .
-
-It may be right ; but you are in the wrong
-To speak before your time . Proceed .
-
-I went
-To this pernicious caitiff deputy .
-
-That's somewhat madly spoken .
-
-Pardon it ;
-The phrase is to the matter .
-
-Mended again : the matter ; proceed .
-
-In brief , to set the needless process by ,
-How I persuaded , how I pray'd , and kneel'd ,
-How he refell'd me , and how I replied ,
-For this was of much length ,the vile conclusion
-I now begin with grief and shame to utter .
-He would not , but by gift of my chaste body
-To his concupiscible intemperate lust ,
-Release my brother ; and , after much debatement ,
-My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour ,
-And I did yield to him . But the next morn betimes ,
-His purpose surfeiting , he sends a warrant
-For my poor brother's head .
-
-This is most likely !
-
-O , that it were as like as it is true !
-
-By heaven , fond wretch ! thou know'st not what thou speak'st ,
-Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour
-In hateful practice . First , his integrity
-Stands without blemish ; next , it imports no reason
-That with such vehemency he should pursue
-Faults proper to himself : if he had so offended ,
-He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself ,
-And not have cut him off . Some one hath set you on :
-Confess the truth , and say by whose advice
-Thou cam'st here to complain .
-
-And is this all ?
-Then , O you blessed ministers above ,
-Keep me in patience ; and , with ripen'd time
-Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up
-In countenance ! Heaven shield your Grace from woe ,
-As I , thus wrong'd , hence unbelieved go !
-
-I know you'd fain be gone . An officer !
-To prison with her ! Shall we thus permit
-A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
-On him so near us ? This needs must be a practice .
-Who knew of your intent and coming hither ?
-
-One that I would were here , Friar Lodowick .
-
-A ghostly father , belike . Who knows that Lodowick ?
-
-My lord , I know him ; 'tis a meddling friar ;
-I do not like the man : had he been lay , my lord ,
-For certain words he spake against your Grace
-In your retirement , I had swing'd him soundly .
-
-Words against me ! This' a good friar , belike !
-And to set on this wretched woman here
-Against our substitute ! Let this friar be found .
-
-But yesternight , my lord , she and that friar ,
-I saw them at the prison : a saucy friar ,
-A very scurvy fellow .
-
-Bless'd be your royal Grace !
-I have stood by , my lord , and I have heard
-Your royal ear abus'd . First , hath this woman
-Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute ,
-Who is as free from touch or soil with her ,
-As she from one ungot .
-
-We did believe no less .
-Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of ?
-
-I know him for a man divine and holy ;
-Not scurvy , nor a temporary meddler ,
-As he's reported by this gentleman ;
-And , on my trust , a man that never yet
-Did , as he vouches , misreport your Grace .
-
-My lord , most villanously ; believe it .
-
-Well ; he in time may come to clear himself ,
-But at this instant he is sick , my lord ,
-Of a strange fever . Upon his mere request ,
-Being come to knowledge that there was complaint
-Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo , came I hither ,
-To speak , as from his mouth , what he doth know
-Is true and false ; and what he with his oath
-And all probation will make up full clear ,
-Whensoever he's convented . First , for this woman ,
-To justify this worthy nobleman ,
-So vulgarly and personally accus'd ,
-Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes ,
-Till she herself confess it .
-
-Good friar , let's hear it .
-
-Do you not smile at this , Lord Angelo ?
-O heaven , the vanity of wretched fools !
-Give us some seats . Come , cousin Angelo ;
-In this I'll be impartial ; be you judge
-Of your own cause . Is this the witness , friar ?
-First , let her show her face , and after speak .
-
-Pardon , my lord ; I will not show my face
-Until my husband bid me .
-
-What , are you married ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-Are you a maid ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-A widow , then ?
-
-Neither , my lord .
-
-Why , you
-Are nothing , then : neither maid , widow , nor wife ?
-
-My lord , she may be a punk ; for many of them are neither maid , widow , nor wife .
-
-Silence that fellow : I would he had some cause
-To prattle for himself .
-
-Well , my lord .
-
-My lord , I do confess I ne'er was married ;
-And I confess besides I am no maid :
-I have known my husband yet my husband knows not
-That ever he knew me .
-
-He was drunk then my lord : it can be no better .
-
-For the benefit of silence , would thou wert so too !
-
-Well , my lord .
-
-This is no witness for Lord Angelo .
-
-Now I come to't , my lord :
-She that accuses him of fornication ,
-In self-same manner doth accuse my husband ;
-And charges him , my lord , with such a time ,
-When , I'll depose , I had him in mine arms ,
-With all th' effect of love .
-
-Charges she moe than me ?
-
-Not that I know .
-
-No ? you say your husband .
-
-Why , just , my lord , and that is Angelo ,
-Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body
-But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's .
-
-This is a strange abuse . Let's see thy face .
-
-My husband bids me ; now I will unmask .
-
-This is that face , thou cruel Angelo ,
-Which once thou swor'st was worth the looking on :
-This is the hand which , with a vow'd contract ,
-Was fast belock'd in thine : this is the body
-That took away the match from Isabel ,
-And did supply thee at thy garden-house
-In her imagin'd person .
-
-Know you this woman ?
-
-Carnally , she says .
-
-Sirrah , no more !
-
-Enough , my lord .
-
-My lord , I must confess I know this woman ;
-And five years since there was some speech of marriage
-Betwixt myself and her , which was broke off ,
-Partly for that her promised proportions
-Came short of composition ; but , in chief
-For that her reputation was disvalu'd
-In levity : since which time of five years
-I never spake with her , saw her , nor heard from her ,
-Upon my faith and honour .
-
-Noble prince ,
-As there comes light from heaven and words from breath ,
-As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue ,
-I am affianc'd this man's wife as strongly
-As words could make up vows : and , my good lord ,
-But Tuesday night last gone in 's garden-house
-He knew me as a wife . As this is true ,
-Let me in safety raise me from my knees
-Or else for ever be confixed here ,
-A marble monument .
-
-I did but smile till now :
-Now , good my lord , give me the scope of justice ;
-My patience here is touch'd . I do perceive
-These poor informal women are no more
-But instruments of some more mightier member
-That sets them on . Let me have way , my lord ,
-To find this practice out .
-
-Ay , with my heart ;
-And punish them unto your height of pleasure .
-Thou foolish friar , and thou pernicious woman ,
-Compact with her that's gone , think'st thou thy oaths ,
-Though they would swear down each particular saint ,
-Were testimonies against his worth and credit
-That's seal'd in approbation ? You , Lord Escalus ,
-Sit with my cousin ; lend him your kind pains
-To find out this abuse , whence 'tis deriv'd .
-There is another friar that set them on ;
-Let him be sent for .
-
-Would he were here , my lord ; for he indeed
-Hath set the women on to this complaint :
-Your provost knows the place where he abides
-And he may fetch him .
-
-Go do it instantly .
-
-And you , my noble and well-warranted cousin ,
-Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth ,
-Do with your injuries as seems you best ,
-In any chastisement : I for awhile will leave you ;
-But stir not you , till you have well determin'd
-Upon these slanderers .
-
-My lord , we'll do it throughly .
-
-Signior Lucio , did not you say you knew that
-Friar Lodowick to be a dishonest person ?
-
-Cucullus non facit monachum : honest in nothing , but in his clothes ; and one that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the duke .
-
-We shall entreat you to abide here till he come and enforce them against him . We shall find this friar a notable fellow .
-
-As any in Vienna , on my word .
-
-Call that same Isabel here once again :
-I would speak with her .
-
-
-Pray you , my lord , give me leave to question ; you shall see how I'll handle her .
-
-Not better than he , by her own report .
-
-Say you ?
-
-Marry , sir , I think , if you handled her privately , she would sooner confess : perchance , publicly , she'll be ashamed .
-
-I will go darkly to work with her .
-
-That's the way : for women are light at midnight .
-
-
-Come on , mistress : here's a gentlewoman denies all that you have said .
-
-My lord , here comes the rascal I spoke of ; here with the provost .
-
-In very good time : speak not you to him , till we call upon you .
-
-
-Mum .
-
-Come , sir . Did you set these women on to slander Lord Angelo ? they have confessed you did .
-
-'Tis false .
-
-How ! know you where you are ?
-
-Respect to your great place ! and let the devil
-Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne .
-Where is the duke ? 'tis he should hear me speak .
-
-The duke's in us , and we will hear you speak :
-Look you speak justly .
-
-Boldly , at least . But , O , poor souls !
-Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox ?
-Good night to your redress ! Is the duke gone ?
-Then is your cause gone too . The duke's unjust ,
-Thus to retort your manifest appeal ,
-And put your trial in the villain's mouth
-Which here you come to accuse .
-
-This is the rascal : this is he I spoke of .
-
-Why , thou unreverend and unhallow'd friar !
-Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these women
-To accuse this worthy man , but , in foul mouth ,
-And in the witness of his proper ear ,
-To call him villain ?
-And then to glance from him to the duke himself .
-To tax him with injustice ? take him hence ;
-To the rack with him ! We'll touse you joint by joint ,
-But we will know his purpose . What ! 'unjust' ?
-
-Be not so hot ; the duke
-Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he
-Dare rack his own : his subject am I not ,
-Nor here provincial . My business in this state
-Made me a looker-on here in Vienna ,
-Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble
-Till it o'er-run the stew : laws for all faults ,
-But faults so countenanc'd , that the strong statutes
-Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop ,
-As much in mock as mark .
-
-Slander to the state ! Away with him to prison !
-
-What can you vouch against him , Signior Lucio ?
-Is this the man that you did tell us of ?
-
-'Tis he , my lord . Come hither , goodman bald-pate : do you know me ?
-
-I remember you , sir , by the sound of your voice : I met you at the prison , in the absence of the duke .
-
-O ! did you so ? And do you remember what you said of the duke ?
-
-Most notedly , sir .
-
-Do you so , sir ? And was the duke a flesh-monger , a fool , and a coward , as you then reported him to be ?
-
-You must , sir , change persons with me , ere you make that my report : you , indeed , spoke so of him ; and much more , much worse .
-
-O thou damnable fellow ! Did not I pluck thee by the nose for thy speeches ?
-
-I protest I love the duke as I love myself .
-
-Hark how the villain would close now , after his treasonable abuses !
-
-Such a fellow is not to be talk'd withal .
-Away with him to prison ! Where is the provost ?
-Away with him to prison ! Lay bolts enough on him , let him speak no more . Away with those giglots too , and with the other confederate companion !
-
-
-Stay , sir ; stay awhile .
-
-What ! resists he ? Help him , Lucio .
-
-Come , sir ; come , sir ; come , sir ; foh ! sir . Why , you bald-pated , lying rascal , you must be hooded , must you ? show your knave's visage , with a pox to you ! show your sheepbiting face , and be hanged an hour ! Will't not off ?
-
-
-Thou art the first knave that e'er made a duke .
-First , provost , let me bail these gentle three .
-
-
-Sneak not away , sir ; for the friar and you
-Must have a word anon . Lay hold on him .
-
-This may prove worse than hanging .
-
-What you have spoke I pardon ; sit you down :
-We'll borrow place of him .
-
-Sir , by your leave .
-Hast thou or word , or wit , or impudence ,
-That yet can do thee office ? If thou hast ,
-Rely upon it till my tale be heard ,
-And hold no longer out .
-
-O my dread lord !
-I should be guiltier than my guiltiness ,
-To think I can be undiscernible
-When I perceive your Grace , like power divine ,
-Hath look'd upon my passes . Then , good prince ,
-No longer session hold upon my shame ,
-But let my trial be mine own confession :
-Immediate sentence then and sequent death
-Is all the grace I beg .
-
-Come hither , Mariana ,
-Say , wast thou e'er contracted to this woman ?
-
-I was , my lord .
-
-Go take her hence , and marry her instantly .
-Do you the office , friar ; which consummate ,
-Return him here again . Go with him , provost .
-
-
-My lord , I am more amaz'd at his dishonour
-Than at the strangeness of it .
-
-Come hither , Isabel .
-Your friar is now your prince : as I was then
-Advertising and holy to your business ,
-Not changing heart with habit , I am still
-Attorney'd at your service .
-
-O , give me pardon ,
-That I , your vassal , have employ'd and pain'd
-Your unknown sovereignty !
-
-You are pardon'd , Isabel :
-And now , dear maid , be you as free to us .
-Your brother's death , I know , sits at your heart ;
-And you may marvel why I obscur'd myself ,
-Labouring to save his life , and would not rather
-Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power
-Than let him so be lost . O most kind maid !
-It was the swift celerity of his death ,
-Which I did think with slower foot came on ,
-That brain'd my purpose : but , peace be with him !
-That life is better life , past fearing death ,
-Than that which lives to fear : make it your comfort ,
-So happy is your brother .
-
-I do , my lord .
-
-
-For this new-married man approaching here ,
-Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd
-Your well-defended honour , you must pardon
-For Mariana's sake . But as he adjudg'd your brother ,
-Being criminal , in double violation
-Of sacred chastity , and of promise-breach ,
-Thereon dependent , for your brother's life ,
-The very mercy of the law cries out
-Most audible , even from his proper tongue ,
-'An Angelo for Claudio , death for death !'
-Haste still pays haste , and leisure answers leisure ,
-Like doth quit like , and Measure still for Measure .
-Then , Angelo , thy fault's thus manifested ,
-Which , though thou wouldst deny , denies thee vantage .
-We do condemn thee to the very block
-Where Claudio stoop'd to death , and with like haste .
-Away with him !
-
-O , my most gracious lord !
-I hope you will not mock me with a husband .
-
-It is your husband mock'd you with a husband .
-Consenting to the safeguard of your honour ,
-I thought your marriage fit ; else imputation ,
-For that he knew you , might reproach your life
-And choke your good to come . For his possessions ,
-Although by confiscation they are ours ,
-We do instate and widow you withal ,
-To buy you a better husband .
-
-O my dear lord !
-I crave no other , nor no better man .
-
-Never crave him ; we are definitive .
-
-Gentle my liege ,
-
-You do but lose your labour .
-Away with him to death !
-
-Now , sir , to you .
-
-O my good lord ! Sweet Isabel , take my part :
-Lend me your knees , and , all my life to come ,
-I'll lend you all my life to do you service ,
-
-Against all sense you do importune her :
-Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact ,
-Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break ,
-And take her hence in horror .
-
-Isabel ,
-Sweet Isabel , do yet but kneel by me :
-Hold up your hands , say nothing , I'll speak all .
-They say best men are moulded out of faults ,
-And , for the most , become much more the better
-For being a little bad : so may my husband .
-O , Isabel ! will you not lend a knee ?
-
-He dies for Claudio's death .
-
-Most bounteous sir ,
-Look , if it please you , on this man condemn'd ,
-As if my brother liv'd . I partly think
-A due sincerity govern'd his deeds ,
-Till he did look on me : since it is so ,
-Let him not die . My brother had but justice ,
-In that he did the thing for which he died :
-For Angelo ,
-His act did not o'ertake his bad intent ;
-And must be buried but as an intent
-That perish'd by the way . Thoughts are no subjects ;
-Intents but merely thoughts .
-
-Merely , my lord .
-
-Your suit's unprofitable : stand up , I say .
-I have bethought me of another fault .
-Provost , how came it Claudio was beheaded
-At an unusual hour ?
-
-It was commanded so .
-
-Had you a special warrant for the deed ?
-
-No , my good lord ; it was by private message .
-
-For which I do discharge you of your office :
-Give up your keys .
-
-Pardon me , noble lord :
-I thought it was a fault , but knew it not ,
-Yet did repent me , after more advice ;
-For testimony whereof , one in the prison ,
-That should by private order else have died
-I have reserv'd alive .
-
-What's he ?
-
-His name is Barnardine .
-
-I would thou hadst done so by Claudio .
-Go , fetch him hither : let me look upon him .
-
-
-I am sorry , one so learned and so wise
-As you , Lord Angelo , have still appear'd ,
-Should slip so grossly , both in the heat of blood ,
-And lack of temper'd judgment afterward .
-
-I am sorry that such sorrow I procure ;
-And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart
-That I crave death more willingly than mercy :
-'Tis my deserving , and I do entreat it .
-
-
-Which is that Barnardine ?
-
-This , my lord .
-
-There was a friar told me of this man .
-Sirrah , thou art said to have a stubborn soul ,
-That apprehends no further than this world ,
-And squar'st thy life according . Thou'rt condemn'd :
-But , for those earthly faults , I quit them all ,
-And pray thee take this mercy to provide
-For better times to come . Friar , advise him :
-I leave him to your hand .What muffled fellow's that ?
-
-This is another prisoner that I sav'd ,
-That should have died when Claudio lost his head ,
-As like almost to Claudio as himself .
-
-
-If he be like your brother , for his sake
-Is he pardon'd ; and , for your lovely sake
-Give me your hand and say you will be mine ,
-He is my brother too . But fitter time for that .
-By this , Lord Angelo perceives he's safe :
-Methinks I see a quickening in his eye .
-Well , Angelo , your evil quits you well :
-Look that you love your wife ; her worth worth yours .
-I find an apt remission in myself ,
-And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon .
-
-
-You , sirrah , that knew me for a fool , a coward ,
-One all of luxury , an ass , a madman :
-Wherein have I so deserv'd of you ,
-That you extol me thus ?
-
-'Faith , my lord , I spoke it but according to the trick . If you will hang me for it , you may ; but I had rather it would please you I might be whipped .
-
-Whipp'd first , sir , and hang'd after .
-Proclaim it , provost , round about the city ,
-If any woman's wrong'd by this lewd fellow ,
-As I have heard him swear himself there's one
-Whom he begot with child , let her appear ,
-And he shall marry her : the nuptial finish'd ,
-Let him be whipp'd and hang'd .
-
-I beseech your highness , do not marry me to a whore . Your highness said even now , I made you a duke : good my lord , do not recompense me in making me a cuckold .
-
-Upon mine honour , thou shalt marry her .
-Thy slanders I forgive ; and therewithal
-Remit thy other forfeits . Take him to prison ,
-And see our pleasure herein executed .
-
-Marrying a punk , my lord , is pressing to death , whipping , and hanging .
-
-Slandering a prince deserves it .
-She , Claudio , that you wrong'd , look you restore .
-Joy to you , Mariana ! love her , Angelo :
-I have confess'd her and I know her virtue .
-Thanks , good friend Escalus , for thy much goodness :
-There's more behind that is more gratulate .
-Thanks , provost , for thy care and secrecy ;
-We shall employ thee in a worthier place .
-Forgive him , Angelo , that brought you home
-The head of Ragozine for Claudio's :
-The offence pardons itself . Dear Isabel ,
-I have a motion much imports your good ;
-Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline ,
-What's mine is yours , and what is yours is mine .
-So , bring us to our palace ; where we'll show
-What's yet behind , that's meet you all should know .
-
-MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
-
-I learn in this letter that Don Pedro of Arragon comes this night to Messina .
-
-He is very near by this : he was not three leagues off when I left him .
-
-How many gentlemen have you lost in this action ?
-
-But few of any sort , and none of name .
-
-A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings home full numbers . I find here that Don Pedro hath bestowed much honour on a young Florentine called Claudio .
-
-Much deserved on his part and equally remembered by Don Pedro . He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age , doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion : he hath indeed better bettered expectation than you must expect of me to tell you how .
-
-He hath an uncle here in Messina will be very much glad of it .
-
-I have already delivered him letters , and there appears much joy in him ; even so much that joy could not show itself modest enough without a badge of bitterness .
-
-Did he break out into tears ?
-
-In great measure .
-
-A kind overflow of kindness . There are no faces truer than those that are so washed : how much better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping !
-
-I pray you is Signior Mountanto returned from the wars or no ?
-
-I know none of that name , lady : there was none such in the army of any sort .
-
-What is he that you ask for , niece ?
-
-My cousin means Signior Benedick of Padua .
-
-O ! he is returned , and as pleasant as ever he was .
-
-He set up his bills here in Messina and challenged Cupid at the flight ; and my uncle's fool , reading the challenge , subscribed for Cupid , and challenged him at the bird-bolt . I pray you , how many hath he killed and eaten in these wars ? But how many hath he killed ? for , indeed , I promised to eat all of his killing .
-
-Faith , niece , you tax Signior Benedick too much ; but he'll be meet with you , I doubt it not .
-
-He hath done good service , lady , in these wars .
-
-You had musty victual , and he hath holp to eat it : he is a very valiant trencherman ; he hath an excellent stomach .
-
-And a good soldier too , lady .
-
-And a good soldier to a lady ; but what is he to a lord ?
-
-A lord to a lord , a man to a man , stuffed with all honourable virtues .
-
-It is so , indeed ; he is no less than a stuffed man ; but for the stuffing ,well , we are all mortal .
-
-You must not , sir , mistake my niece There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and her : they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them .
-
-Alas ! he gets nothing by that . In our last conflict four of his five wits went halting off , and now is the whole man governed with one ! so that if he have wit enough to keep himself warm , let him bear it for a difference between himself and his horse ; for it is all the wealth that he hath left to be known a reasonable creature . Who is his companion now ? He hath every month a new sworn brother .
-
-Is't possible ?
-
-Very easily possible : he wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat ; it ever changes with the next block .
-
-I see , lady , the gentleman is not in your books .
-
-No ; an he were , I would burn my study . But , I pray you , who is his companion ? Is there no young squarer now that will make a voyage with him to the devil ?
-
-He is most in the company of the right noble Claudio .
-
-O Lord ! he will hang upon him like a disease : he is sooner caught than the pestilence , and the taker runs presently mad . God help the noble Claudio ! if he have caught the Benedick , it will cost him a thousand pound ere a' be cured .
-
-I will hold friends with you , lady .
-
-Do , good friend .
-
-You will never run mad , niece .
-
-No , not till a hot January .
-
-Don Pedro is approached .
-
-
-Good Signior Leonato , you are come to meet your trouble : the fashion of the world is to avoid cost , and you encounter it .
-
-Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of your Grace , for trouble being gone , comfort should remain ; but when you depart from me , sorrow abides and happiness takes his leave .
-
-You embrace your charge too willingly . I think this is your daughter .
-
-Her mother hath many times told me so .
-
-Were you in doubt , sir , that you asked her ?
-
-Signior Benedick , no ; for then you were a child .
-
-You have it full , Benedick : we may guess by this what you are , being a man . Truly , the lady fathers herself . Be happy , lady , for you are like an honourable father .
-
-If Signior Leonato be her father , she would not have his head on her shoulders for all Messina , as like him as she is .
-
-I wonder that you will still be talking , Signior Benedick : nobody marks you .
-
-What ! my dear Lady Disdain , are you yet living ?
-
-Is it possible Disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick ? Courtesy itself must convert to disdain , if you come in her presence .
-
-Then is courtesy a turncoat . But it is certain I am loved of all ladies , only you excepted ; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart ; for , truly , I love none .
-
-A dear happiness to women : they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor . I thank God and my cold blood , I am of your humour for that : I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me .
-
-God keep your ladyship still in that mind ; so some gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate scratched face .
-
-Scratching could not make it worse , an 'twere such a face as yours were .
-
-Well , you are a rare parrot-teacher .
-
-A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours .
-
-I would my horse had the speed of your tongue , and so good a continuer . But keep your way , i' God's name ; I have done .
-
-You always end with a jade's trick : I know you of old .
-
-This is the sum of all , Leonato : Signior Claudio , and Signior Benedick , my dear friend Leonato hath invited you all . I tell him we shall stay here at the least a month , and he heartily prays some occasion may detain us longer : I dare swear he is no hypocrite , but prays from his heart .
-
-If you swear , my lord , you shall not be forsworn .
-
-Let me bid you welcome , my lord : being reconciled to the prince your brother , I owe you all duty .
-
-I thank you : I am not of many words , but I thank you .
-
-Please it your Grace lead on ?
-
-Your hand , Leonato ; we will go together .
-
-
-Benedick , didst thou note the daughter of Signior Leonato ?
-
-I noted her not ; but I looked on her .
-
-Is she not a modest young lady ?
-
-Do you question me , as an honest man should do , for my simple true judgment ; or would you have me speak after my custom , as being a professed tyrant to their sex ?
-
-No ; I pray thee speak in sober judgment .
-
-Why , i' faith , methinks she's too low for a high praise , too brown for a fair praise , and too little for a great praise : only this commendation I can afford her , that were she other than she is , she were unhandsome , and being no other but as she is , I do not like her .
-
-Thou thinkest I am in sport : I pray thee tell me truly how thou likest her .
-
-Would you buy her , that you inquire after her ?
-
-Can the world buy such a jewel ?
-
-Yea , and a case to put it into . But speak you this with a sad brow , or do you play the flouting Jack , to tell us Cupid is a good hare-finder , and Vulcan a rare carpenter ? Come , in what key shall a man take you , to go in the song ?
-
-In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on .
-
-I can see yet without spectacles and I see no such matter : there's her cousin an she were not possessed with a fury , exceeds her as much in beauty as the first of May doth the last of December . But I hope you have no intent to turn husband , have you ?
-
-I would scarce trust myself , though I had sworn to the contrary , if Hero would be my wife .
-
-Is't come to this , i' faith ? Hath not the world one man but he will wear his cap with suspicion ? Shall I never see a bachelor of three-score again ? Go to , i' faith ; an thou wilt needs thrust thy neck into a yoke , wear the print of it , and sigh away Sundays . Look ! Don Pedro is returned to seek you .
-
-
-What secret hath held you here , that you followed not to Leonato's ?
-
-I would your Grace would constrain me to tell .
-
-I charge thee on thy allegiance .
-
-You hear , Count Claudio : I can be secret as a dumb man ; I would have you think so ; but on my allegiance , mark you this , on my allegiance : he is in love . With who ? now that is your Grace's part . Mark how short his answer is : with Hero , Leonato's short daughter .
-
-If this were so , so were it uttered .
-
-Like the old tale , my lord : 'it is not so , nor 'twas not so ; but , indeed , God forbid it should be so .'
-
-If my passion change not shortly , God forbid it should be otherwise .
-
-Amen , if you love her ; for the lady is very well worthy .
-
-You speak this to fetch me in , my lord .
-
-By my troth , I speak my thought .
-
-And in faith , my lord , I spoke mine .
-
-And by my two faiths and troths , my lord , I spoke mine .
-
-That I love her , I feel .
-
-That she is worthy , I know .
-
-That I neither feel how she should be loved nor know how she should be worthy , is the opinion that fire cannot melt out of me : I will die in it at the stake .
-
-Thou wast ever an obstinate heretic in the despite of beauty .
-
-And never could maintain his part but in the force of his will .
-
-That a woman conceived me , I thank her ; that she brought me up , I likewise give her most humble thanks : but that I will have a recheat winded in my forehead , or hang my bugle in an invisible baldrick , all women shall pardon me . Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any , I will do myself the right to trust none ; and the fine is ,for the which I may go the finer ,I will live a bachelor .
-
-I shall see thee , ere I die , look pale with love .
-
-With anger , with sickness , or with hunger , my lord ; not with love : prove that ever I lose more blood with love than I will get again with drinking , pick out mine eyes with a ballad-maker's pen , and hang me up at the door of a brothel-house for the sign of blind Cupid .
-
-Well , if ever thou dost fall from this faith , thou wilt prove a notable argument .
-
-If I do , hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot at me ; and he that hits me , let him be clapped on the shoulder , and called Adam .
-
-Well , as time shall try :
-'In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke .'
-
-The savage bull may ; but if ever the sensible Benedick bear it , pluck off the bull's horns and set them in my forehead ; and let me be vilely painted , and in such great letters as they write , 'Here is good horse to hire ,' let them signify under my sign 'Here you may see Benedick the married man .'
-
-If this should ever happen , thou wouldst be horn-mad .
-
-Nay , if Cupid have not spent all his quiver in Venice , thou wilt quake for this shortly .
-
-I look for an earthquake too then .
-
-Well , you will temporize with the hours . In the meantime , good Signior Benedick , repair to Leonato's : commend me to him and tell him I will not fail him at supper ; for indeed he hath made great preparation .
-
-I have almost matter enough in me for such an embassage ; and so I commit you
-
-To the tuition of God : from my house , if I had it ,
-
-The sixth of July : your loving friend , Benedick .
-
-Nay , mock not , mock not . The body of your discourse is sometime guarded with fragments , and the guards are but slightly basted on neither : ere you flout old ends any further , examine your conscience : and so I leave you .
-
-
-My liege , your highness now may do me good .
-
-My love is thine to teach : teach it but how ,
-And thou shalt see how apt it is to learn
-Any hard lesson that may do thee good .
-
-Hath Leonato any son , my lord ?
-
-No child but Hero ; she's his only heir .
-Dost thou affect her , Claudio ?
-
-O ! my lord ,
-When you went onward on this ended action ,
-I looked upon her with a soldier's eye ,
-That lik'd , but had a rougher task in hand
-Than to drive liking to the name of love ;
-But now I am return'd , and that war-thoughts
-Have left their places vacant , in their rooms
-Come thronging soft and delicate desires ,
-All prompting me how fair young Hero is ,
-Saying , I lik'd her ere I went to wars .
-
-Thou wilt be like a lover presently ,
-And tire the hearer with a book of words .
-If thou dost love fair Hero , cherish it ,
-And I will break with her , and with her father ,
-And thou shalt have her . Was't not to this end
-That thou began'st to twist so fine a story ?
-
-How sweetly do you minister to love ,
-That know love's grief by his complexion !
-But lest my liking might too sudden seem ,
-I would have salv'd it with a longer treatise .
-
-What need the bridge much broader than the flood ?
-The fairest grant is the necessity .
-Look , what will serve is fit : 'tis once , thou lov'st ,
-And I will fit thee with the remedy .
-I know we shall have revelling to-night :
-I will assume thy part in some disguise ,
-And tell fair Hero I am Claudio ;
-And in her bosom I'll unclasp my heart ,
-And take her hearing prisoner with the force
-And strong encounter of my amorous tale :
-Then , after to her father will I break ;
-And the conclusion is , she shall be thine .
-In practice let us put it presently .
-
-
-How now , brother ! Where is my cousin , your son ? Hath he provided this music ?
-
-He is very busy about it . But , brother , I can tell you strange news that you yet dreaint not of .
-
-Are they good ?
-
-As the event stamps them : but they have a good cover ; they show well outward . The prince and Count Claudio , walking in a thick-pleached alley in my orchard , were thus much overheard by a man of mine : the prince discovered to Claudio that he loved my niece your daughter , and meant to acknowledge it this night in a dance ; and , if he found her accordant , he meant to take the present time by the top and instantly break with you of it .
-
-Hath the fellow any wit that told you this ?
-
-A good sharp fellow : I will send for him ; and question him yourself .
-
-No , no ; we will hold it as a dream till it appear itself : but I will acquaint my daughter withal , that she may be the better prepared for an answer , if peradventure this be true . Go you , and tell her of it .
-
-Cousins , you know what you have to do . O ! I cry you mercy , friend ; go you with me , and I will use your skill . Good cousin , have a care this busy time .
-
-
-What the good-year , my lord ! why are you thus out of measure sad ?
-
-There is no measure in the occasion that breeds ; therefore the sadness is without limit .
-
-You should hear reason .
-
-And when I have heard it , what blessing brings it ?
-
-It not a present remedy , at least a patient sufferance .
-
-I wonder that thou , being ,as thou say'st thou art ,born under Saturn , goest about to apply a moral medicine to a mortifying mischief . I cannot hide what I am : I must be sad when I have cause , and smile at no man's jests ; eat when I have stomach , and wait for no man's leisure ; sleep when I am drowsy , and tend on no man's business ; laugh when I am merry , and claw no man in his humour .
-
-Yea ; but you must not make the full show of this till you may do it without controlment . You have of late stood out against your brother , and he hath ta'en you newly into his grace ; where it is impossible you should take true root but by the fair weather that you make yourself : it is needful that you frame the season for your own harvest .
-
-I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace ; and it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any : in this , though I cannot be said to be a flattering honest man , it must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain . I am trusted with a muzzle and enfranchised with a clog ; therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage . If I had my mouth , I would bite ; if I had my liberty , I would do my liking : in the meantime , let me be that I am , and seek not to alter me .
-
-Can you make no use of your discontent ?
-
-I make all use of it , for I use it only . Who comes here ?
-
-What news , Borachio ?
-
-I came yonder from a great supper : the prince , your brother , is royally entertained by Leonato ; and I can give you intelligence of an intended marriage .
-
-Will it serve for any model to build mischief on ? What is he for a fool that betroths himself to unquietness ?
-
-Marry , it is your brother's right hand .
-
-Who ? the most exquisite Claudio ?
-
-Even he .
-
-A proper squire ! And who , and who ? which way looks he ?
-
-Marry , on Hero , the daughter and heir of Leonato .
-
-A very forward March-chick ! How came you to this ?
-
-Being entertained for a perfumer , as I was smoking a musty room , comes me the prince and Claudio , hand in hand , in sad conference : I whipt me behind the arras , and there heard it agreed upon that the prince should woo Hero for himself , and having obtained her , give her to Count Claudio .
-
-Come , come ; let us thither : this may prove food to my displeasure . That young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow : if I can cross him any way , I bless myself every way . You are both sure , and will assist me ?
-
-To the death , my lord .
-
-To the death , my lord .
-
-Let us to the great supper : their cheer is the greater that I am subdued . Would the cook were of my mind ! Shall we go prove what's to be done ?
-
-We'll wait upon your lordship .
-
-Was not Count John here at supper ?
-
-I saw him not .
-
-How tartly that gentleman looks ! I never can see him but I am heart-burned an hour after .
-
-He is of a very melancholy disposition .
-
-He were an excellent man that were made just in the mid-way between him and Benedick : the one is too like an image , and says nothing ; and the other too like my lady's eldest son , evermore tattling .
-
-Then half Signior Benedick's tongue in Count John's mouth , and half Count John's melancholy in Signior Benedick's face ,
-
-With a good leg and a good foot , uncle , and money enough in his purse , such a man would win any woman in the world , if a' could get her good will .
-
-By my troth , niece , thou wilt never get thee a husband , if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue .
-
-In faith , she's too curst .
-
-Too curst is more than curst : I shall lessen God's sending that way ; for it is said , 'God sends a curst cow short horns ;' but to a cow too curst he sends none .
-
-So , by being too curst , God will send you no horns ?
-
-Just , if he send me no husband ; for the which blessing I am at him upon my knees every morning and evening . Lord ! I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face : I had rather lie in the woollen .
-
-You may light on a husband that hath no beard .
-
-What should I do with him ? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting-gentlewoman ? He that hath a beard is more than a youth , and he that hath no beard is less than a man ; and he that is more than a youth is not for me ; and he that is less than a man , I am not for him : therefore I will even take sixpence in earnest of the bear-ward , and lead his apes into hell .
-
-Well then , go you into hell ?
-
-No ; but to the gate ; and there will the devil meet me , like an old cuckold , with horns on his head , and say , 'Get you to heaven , Beatrice , get you to heaven ; here's no place for you maids :' so deliver I up my apes , and away to Saint Peter for the heavens ; he shows me where the bachelors sit , and there live we as merry as the day is long .
-
-Well , niece , I trust you will be ruled by your father .
-
-Yes , faith ; it is my cousin's duty to make curtsy , and say , 'Father , as it please you :' but yet for all that , cousin , let him be a handsome fellow , or else make another curtsy , and say , 'Father , as it please me .'
-
-Well , niece , I hope to see you one day fitted with a husband .
-
-Not till God make men of some other metal than earth . Would it not grieve a woman to be over-mastered with a piece of valiant dust ? to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl ? No , uncle , I'll none : Adam's sons are my brethren ; and truly , I hold it a sin to match in my kindred .
-
-Daughter , remember what I told you : if the prince do solicit you in that kind , you know your answer .
-
-The fault will be in the music , cousin , if you be not wooed in good time : if the prince be too important , tell him there is measure in everything , and so dance out the answer . For , hear me , Hero : wooing , wedding , and repenting , is as a Scotch jig , a measure , and a cinque-pace : the first suit is hot and hasty , like a Scotch jig , and full as fantastical ; the wedding , mannerly-modest , as a measure , full of state and ancientry ; and then comes Repentance , and , with his bad legs , falls into the cinque-pace faster and faster , till he sink into his grave .
-
-Cousin , you apprehend passing shrewdly .
-
-I have a good eye , uncle : I can see a church by daylight .
-
-The revellers are entering , brother : make good room .
-
-Lady , will you walk about with your friend ?
-
-So you walk softly and look sweetly and say nothing , I am yours for the walk ; and especially when I walk away .
-
-With me in your company ?
-
-I may say so , when I please .
-
-And when please you to say so ?
-
-When I like your favour ; for God defend the lute should be like the case !
-
-My visor is Philemon's roof ; within the house is Jove .
-
-Why , then , your visor should be thatch'd .
-
-Speak low , if you speak love .
-
-
-Well , I would you did like me .
-
-So would not I , for your own sake ; for I have many ill qualities .
-
-Which is one ?
-
-I say my prayers aloud .
-
-I love you the better ; the hearers may cry Amen .
-
-God match me with a good dancer !
-
-Amen .
-
-And God keep him out of my sight when the dance is done ! Answer , clerk .
-
-No more words : the clerk is answered .
-
-I know you well enough : you are Signior Antonio .
-
-At a word , I am not .
-
-I know you by the waggling of your head .
-
-To tell you true , I counterfeit him .
-
-You could never do him so ill-well , unless you were the very man . Here's his dry hand up and down : you are he , you are he .
-
-At a word , I am not .
-
-Come , come ; do you think I do not know you by your excellent wit ? Can virtue hide itself ? Go to , mum , you are he : graces will appear , and there's an end .
-
-Will you not tell me who told you so ?
-
-No , you shall pardon me .
-
-Nor will you not tell me who you are ?
-
-Not now .
-
-That I was disdainful , and that I had my good wit out of the 'Hundred Merry Tales .' Well , this was Signior Benedick that said so .
-
-What's he ?
-
-I am sure you know him well enough .
-
-Not I , believe me .
-
-Did he never make you laugh ?
-
-I pray you , what is he ?
-
-Why , he is the prince's jester : a very dull fool ; only his gift is in devising impossible slanders : none but libertines delight in him ; and the commendation is not in his wit , but in his villany ; for he both pleases men and angers them , and then they laugh at him and beat him . I am sure he is in the fleet : I would he had boarded me !
-
-When I know the gentleman , I'll tell him what you say .
-
-Do , do : he'll but break a comparison or two on me ; which , peradventure not marked or not laughed at , strikes him into melancholy ; and then there's a partridge wing saved , for the fool will eat no supper that night .
-
-We must follow the leaders .
-
-In every good thing .
-
-Nay , if they lead to any ill , I will leave them at the next turning .
-
-
-Sure my brother is amorous on Hero , and hath withdrawn her father to break with him about it . The ladies follow her and but one visor remains .
-
-And that is Claudio : I know him by his bearing .
-
-Are you not Signior Benedick ?
-
-You know me well ; I am he .
-
-Signior , you are very near my brother in his love : he is enamoured on Hero ; I pray you , dissuade him from her ; she is no equal for his birth : you may do the part of an honest man in it .
-
-How know you he loves her ?
-
-I heard him swear his affection .
-
-So did I too ; and he swore he would marry her to-night .
-
-Come , let us to the banquet .
-
-
-Thus answer I in name of Benedick ,
-But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio .
-'Tis certain so ; the prince woos for himself .
-Friendship is constant in all other things
-Save in the office and affairs of love :
-Therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues ;
-Let every eye negotiate for itself
-And trust no agent ; for beauty is a witch
-Against whose charms faith melteth into blood .
-This is an accident of hourly proof ,
-Which I mistrusted not . Farewell , therefore , Hero !
-
-
-Count Claudio ?
-
-Yea , the same .
-
-Come , will you go with me ?
-
-Whither ?
-
-Even to the next willow , about your own business , count . What fashion will you wear the garland of ? About your neck , like a usurer's chain ? or under your arm , like a lieutenant's scarf ? You must wear it one way , for the prince hath got your Hero .
-
-I wish him joy of her .
-
-Why , that's spoken like an honest drovier : so they sell bullocks . But did you think the prince would have served you thus ?
-
-I pray you , leave me .
-
-Ho ! now you strike like the blind man : 'twas the boy that stole your meat , and you'll beat the post .
-
-If it will not be , I'll leave you .
-
-
-Alas ! poor hurt fowl . Now will he creep into sedges . But , that my lady Beatrice should know me , and not know me ! The prince's fool ! Ha ! it may be I go under that title because I am merry . Yea , but so I am apt to do myself wrong ; I am not so reputed : it is the base though bitter disposition of Beatrice that puts the world into her person , and so gives me out . Well , I'll be revenged as I may .
-
-
-Now , signior , where's the count ? Did you see him ?
-
-Troth , my lord , I have played the part of Lady Fame . I found him here as melancholy as a lodge in a warren . I told him , and I think I told him true , that your Grace had got the good will of this young lady ; and I offered him my company to a willow tree , either to make him a garland , as being forsaken , or to bind him up a rod , as being worthy to be whipped .
-
-To be whipped ! What's his fault ?
-
-The flat transgression of a school-boy , who , being overjoy'd with finding a bird's nest , shows it his companion , and he steals it .
-
-Wilt thou make a trust a transgression ? The transgression is in the stealer .
-
-Yet it had not been amiss the rod had been made , and the garland too ; for the garland he might have worn himself , and the rod he might have bestowed on you , who , as I take it , have stolen his bird's nest .
-
-I will but teach them to sing , and restore them to the owner .
-
-If their singing answer your saying , by my faith , you say honestly .
-
-The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to you : the gentleman that danced with her told her she is much wronged by you .
-
-O ! she misused me past the endurance of a block : an oak but with one green leaf on it , would have answered her : my very visor began to assume life and scold with her . She told me , not thinking I had been myself , that I was the prince's jester ; that I was duller than a great thaw ; huddling jest upon jest with such impossible conveyance upon me , that I stood like a man at a mark , with a whole army shooting at me . She speaks poniards , and every word stabs : if her breath were as terrible as her terminations , there were no living near her ; she would infect to the north star . I would not marry her , though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed : she would have made Hercules have turned spit , yea , and have cleft his club to make the fire too . Come , talk not of her ; you shall find her the infernal Ate in good apparel . I would to God some scholar would conjure her , for certainly , while she is here , a man may live as quiet in hell as in a sanctuary ; and people sin upon purpose because they would go thither ; so , indeed , all disquiet , horror and perturbation follow her .
-
-
-Look ! here she comes .
-
-Will your Grace command me any service to the world's end ? I will go on the slightest errand now to the Antipodes that you can devise to send me on ; I will fetch you a toothpicker now from the furthest inch of Asia ; bring you the length of Prester John's foot ; fetch you a hair off the Great Cham's beard ; do you any embassage to the Pigmies , rather than hold three words' conference with this harpy . You have no employment for me ?
-
-None , but to desire your good company .
-
-O God , sir , here's a dish I love not : I cannot endure my Lady Tongue .
-
-
-Come , lady , come ; you have lost the heart of Signior Benedick .
-
-Indeed , my lord , he lent it me awhile ; and I gave him use for it , a double heart for a single one : marry , once before he won it of me with false dice , therefore your Grace may well say I have lost it .
-
-You have put him down , lady , you have put him down .
-
-So I would not he should do me , my lord , lest I should prove the mother of fools . I have brought Count Claudio , whom you sent me to seek .
-
-Why , how now , count ! wherefore are you sad ?
-
-Not sad , my lord .
-
-How then ? Sick ?
-
-Neither , my lord .
-
-The count is neither sad , nor sick , nor merry , nor well ; but civil count , civil as an orange , and something of that jealous complexion .
-
-I' faith , lady , I think your blazon to be true ; though , I'll be sworn , if he be so , his conceit is false . Here , Claudio , I have wooed in thy name , and fair Hero is won ; I have broke with her father , and , his good will obtained ; name the day of marriage , and God give thee joy !
-
-Count , take of me my daughter , and with her my fortunes : his Grace hath made the match , and all grace say Amen to it !
-
-Speak , count , 'tis your cue .
-
-Silence is the perfectest herald of joy : I were but little happy , if I could say how much . Lady , as you are mine , I am yours : I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange .
-
-Speak , cousin ; or , if you cannot , stop his mouth with a kiss , and let not him speak neither .
-
-In faith , lady , you have a merry heart .
-
-Yea , my lord ; I thank it , poor fool , it keeps on the windy side of care . My cousin tells him in his ear that he is in her heart .
-
-And so she doth , cousin .
-
-Good Lord , for alliance ! Thus goes every one to the world but I , and I am sunburnt . I may sit in a corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband !
-
-Lady Beatrice , I will get you one .
-
-I would rather have one of your father's getting . Hath your Grace ne'er a brother like you ? Your father got excellent husbands , if a maid could come by them .
-
-Will you have me , lady ?
-
-No , my lord , unless I might have another for working days : your Grace is too costly to wear every day . But , I beseech your Grace , pardon me ; I was born to speak all mirth and no matter .
-
-Your silence most offends me , and to be merry best becomes you ; for , out of question , you were born in a merry hour .
-
-No , sure , my lord , my mother cried ; but then there was a star danced , and under that was I born . Cousins , God give you joy !
-
-Niece , will you look to those things I told you of ?
-
-I cry you mercy , uncle . By your Grace's pardon .
-
-
-By my troth , a pleasant-spirited lady .
-
-There's little of the melancholy element in her , my lord : she is never sad but when she sleeps ; and not ever sad then , for I have heard my daughter say , she hath often dreamed of unhappiness and waked herself with laughing .
-
-She cannot endure to hear tell of a husband .
-
-O ! by no means : she mocks all her wooers out of suit .
-
-She were an excellent wife for Benedick .
-
-O Lord ! my lord , if they were but a week married , they would talk themselves mad .
-
-Count Claudio , when mean you to go to church ?
-
-To-morrow , my lord . Time goes on crutches till love have all his rites .
-
-Not till Monday , my dear son , which is hence a just seven-night ; and a time too brief too , to have all things answer my mind .
-
-Come , you shake the head at so long a breathing ; but , I warrant thee , Claudio , the time shall not go dully by us . I will in the interim undertake one of Hercules' labours , which is , to bring Signior Benedick and the Lady Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one with the other . I would fain have it a match ; and I doubt not but to fashion it , if you three will but minister such assistance as I shall give you direction .
-
-My lord , I am for you , though it cost me ten nights' watchings .
-
-And I , my lord .
-
-And you too , gentle Hero ?
-
-I will do any modest office , my lord , to help my cousin to a good husband .
-
-And Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know . Thus far can I praise him ; he is of a noble strain , of approved valour , and confirmed honesty . I will teach you how to humour your cousin , that she shall fall in love with Benedick ; and I , with your two helps , will so practise on Benedick that , in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach , he shall fall in love with Beatrice . If we can do this , Cupid is no longer an archer : his glory shall be ours , for we are the only love-gods . Go in with me , and I will tell you my drift .
-
-
-It is so ; the Count Claudio shall marry the daughter of Leonato .
-
-Yea , my lord ; but I can cross it .
-
-Any bar , any cross , any impediment will be medicinable to me : I am sick in displeasure to him , and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges evenly with mine . How canst thou cross this marriage ?
-
-Not honestly , my lord ; but so covertly that no dishonesty shall appear in me .
-
-Show me briefly how .
-
-I think I told your lordship , a year since , how much I am in the favour of Margaret , the waiting-gentlewoman to Hero .
-
-I remember .
-
-I can , at any unseasonable instant of the night , appoint her to look out at her lady's chamber-window .
-
-What life is in that , to be the death of this marriage ?
-
-The poison of that lies in you to temper . Go you to the prince your brother ; spare not to tell him , that he hath wronged his honour in marrying the renowned Claudio ,whose estimation do you mightily hold up ,to a contaminated stale , such a one as Hero .
-
-What proof shall I make of that ?
-
-Proof enough to misuse the prince , to vex Claudio , to undo Hero , and kill Leonato .
-Look you for any other issue ?
-
-Only to despite them , I will endeavour any thing .
-
-Go , then ; find me a meet hour to draw Don Pedro and the Count Claudio alone : tell them that you know that Hero loves me ; intend a kind of zeal both to the prince and Claudio , as in love of your brother's honour , who hath made this match , and his friend's reputation , who is thus like to be cozened with the semblance of a maid ,that you have discovered thus . They will scarcely believe this without trial : offer them instances , which shall bear no less likelihood than to see me at her chamber-window , hear me call Margaret Hero ; hear Margaret term me Claudio ; and bring them to see this the very night before the intended wedding : for in the meantime I will so fashion the matter that Hero shall be absent ; and there shall appear such seeming truth of Hero's disloyalty , that jealousy shall be called assurance , and all the preparation overthrown .
-
-Grow this to what adverse issue it can , I will put it in practice . Be cunning in the working this , and thy fee is a thousand ducats .
-
-Be you constant in the accusation , and my cunning shall not shame me .
-
-I will presently go learn their day of marriage .
-
-
-Boy !
-
-
-Signior ?
-
-In my chamber-window lies a book ; bring it hither to me in the orchard .
-
-I am here already , sir .
-
-I know that ; but I would have thee hence , and here again . [Exit Boy .] I do much wonder that one man , seeing how much another man is a fool when he dedicates his behaviours to love , will , after he hath laughed at such shallow follies in others , become the argument of his own scorn by falling in love : and such a man is Claudio . I have known , when there was no music with him but the drum and the fife ; and now had he rather hear the tabor and the pipe : I have known , when he would have walked ten mile afoot to see a good armour ; and now will he lie ten nights awake , carving the fashion of a new doublet . He was wont to speak plain and to the purpose , like an honest man and a soldier ; and now is he turned orthographer ; his words are a very fantastical banquet , just so many strange dishes . May I be so converted , and see with these eyes ? I cannot tell ; I think not : I will not be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster ; but I'll take my oath on it , till he have made an oyster of me , he shall never make me such a fool . One woman is fair , yet I am well ; another is wise , yet I am well ; another virtuous , yet I am well ; but till all graces be in one woman , one woman shall not come in my grace . Rich she shall be , that's certain ; wise , or I'll none ; virtuous , or I'll never cheapen her ; fair , or I'll never look on her ; mild , or come not near me ; noble , or not I for an angel ; of good discourse , an excellent musician , and her hair shall be of what colour it please God . Ha ! the prince and Monsieur Love ! I will hide me in the arbour .
-
-Come , shall we hear this music ?
-
-Yea , my good lord . How still the evening is ,
-As hush'd on purpose to grace harmony !
-
-See you where Benedick hath hid himself ?
-
-O ! very well , my lord : the music ended ,
-We'll fit the kid-fox with a penny-worth .
-
-Come , Balthazar , we'll hear that song again .
-
-O ! good my lord , tax not so bad a voice
-To slander music any more than once .
-
-It is the witness still of excellency ,
-To put a strange face on his own perfection .
-I pray thee , sing , and let me woo no more .
-
-Because you talk of wooing , I will sing ;
-Since many a wooer doth commence his suit
-To her he thinks not worthy ; yet he woos ;
-Yet will he swear he loves .
-
-Nay , pray thee , come ;
-Or if thou wilt hold longer argument ,
-Do it in notes .
-
-Note this before my notes ;
-There's not a note of mine that's worth the noting .
-
-Why these are very crotchets that he speaks ;
-Notes , notes , forsooth , and nothing !
-
-
-Now , divine air ! now is his soul ravished ! Is it not strange that sheeps' guts should hale souls out of men's bodies ? Well , a horn for my money , when all's done .
-
-Sigh no more , ladies , sigh no more ,
-Men were deceivers ever ;
-One foot in sea , and one on shore ,
-To one thing constant never .
-Then sigh not so ,
-But let them go ,
-And be you blithe and bonny ,
-Converting all your sounds of woe
-Into Hey nonny , nonny .
-Sing no more ditties , sing no mo
-Of dumps so dull and heavy ;
-The fraud of men was ever so ,
-Since summer first was leavy .
-Then sigh not so ,
-But let them go ,
-And be you blithe and bonny ,
-Converting all your sounds of woe
-Into Hey nonny , nonny .
-
-
-By my troth , a good song .
-
-And an ill singer , my lord .
-
-Ha , no , no , faith ; thou singest well enough for a shift .
-
-An he had been a dog that should have howled thus , they would have hanged him ; and I pray God his bad voice bode no mischief . I had as lief have heard the night-raven , come what plague could have come after it .
-
-Yea , marry ; dost thou hear , Balthazar ? I pray thee , get us some excellent music , for to-morrow night we would have it at the Lady Hero's chamber-window .
-
-The best I can , my lord .
-
-Do so : farewell .
-
-Come hither , Leonato : what was it you told me of to-day , that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signior Benedick ?
-
-O ! ay :
-
-Stalk on , stalk on ; the fowl sits . I did never think that lady would have loved any man .
-
-No , nor I neither ; but most wonderful that she should so dote on Signior Benedick , whom she hath in all outward behaviours seemed ever to abhor .
-
-Is't possible ? Sits the wind in that corner ?
-
-By my troth , my lord , I cannot tell what to think of it but that she loves him with an enraged affection : it is past the infinite of thought .
-
-May be she doth but counterfeit .
-
-Faith , like enough .
-
-O God ! counterfeit ! There was never counterfeit of passion came so near the life of passion as she discovers it .
-
-Why , what effects of passion shows she ?
-
-Bait the hook well : this fish will bite .
-
-What effects , my lord ? She will sit you ;
-
-You heard my daughter tell you how .
-
-She did , indeed .
-
-How , how , I pray you ? You amaze me : I would have thought her spirit had been invincible against all assaults of affection .
-
-I would have sworn it had , my lord ; especially against Benedick .
-
-I should think this a gull , but that the white-bearded fellow speaks it : knavery cannot , sure , hide itself in such reverence .
-
-He hath ta'en the infection : hold it up .
-
-Hath she made her affection known to Benedick ?
-
-No ; and swears she never will : that's her torment .
-
-'Tis true , indeed ; so your daughter says : 'Shall I ,' says she , 'that have so oft encountered him with scorn , write to him that I love him ?'
-
-This says she now when she is beginning to write to him ; for she'll be up twenty times a night , and there will she sit in her smock till she have writ a sheet of paper : my daughter tells us all .
-
-Now you talk of a sheet of paper , I remember a pretty jest your daughter told us of .
-
-O ! when she had writ it , and was reading it over , she found Benedick and Beatrice between the sheet ?
-
-That .
-
-O ! she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence ; railed at herself , that she should be so immodest to write to one that she knew would flout her : 'I measure him ,' says she , 'by my own spirit ; for I should flout him , if he writ to me ; yea , though I love him , I should .'
-
-Then down upon her knees she falls , weeps , sobs , beats her heart , tears her hair , prays , curses ; 'O sweet Benedick ! God give me patience !'
-
-She doth indeed ; my daughter says so ; and the ecstasy hath so much overborne her , that my daughter is sometimes afeard she will do a desperate outrage to herself . It is very true .
-
-It were good that Benedick knew of it by some other , if she will not discover it .
-
-To what end ? he would but make a sport of it and torment the poor lady worse .
-
-An he should , it were an alms to hang him . She's an excellent sweet lady , and , out of all suspicion , she is virtuous .
-
-And she is exceeding wise .
-
-In everything but in loving Benedick .
-
-O ! my lord , wisdom and blood combating in so tender a body , we have ten proofs to one that blood hath the victory . I am sorry for her , as I have just cause , being her uncle and her guardian .
-
-I would she had bestowed this dotage on me ; I would have daffed all other respects and made her half myself . I pray you , tell Benedick of it , and hear what a' will say .
-
-Were it good , think you ?
-
-Hero thinks surely she will die ; for she says she will die if he love her not , and she will die ere she make her love known , and she will die if he woo her , rather than she will bate one breath of her accustomed crossness .
-
-She doth well : if she should make tender of her love , 'tis very possible he'll scorn it ; for the man ,as you know all ,hath a contemptible spirit .
-
-he is a very proper man .
-
-He hath indeed a good outward happiness .
-
-'Fore God , and in my mind , very wise .
-
-He doth indeed show some sparks that are like wit .
-
-And I take him to be valiant .
-
-As Hector , I assure you : and in the managing of quarrels you may say he is wise ; for either he avoids them with great discretion , or undertakes them with a most Christian-like fear .
-
-If he do fear God , a' must necessarily keep peace : if he break the peace , he ought to enter into a quarrel with fear and trembling .
-
-And so will he do ; for the man doth fear God , howsoever it seems not in him by some large jests he will make . Well , I am sorry for your niece . Shall we go seek Benedick , and tell him of her love ?
-
-Never tell him , my lord : let her wear it out with good counsel .
-
-Nay , that's impossible : she may wear her heart out first .
-
-Well , we will hear further of it by your daughter : let it cool the while . I love Benedick well , and I could wish he would modestly examine himself , to see how much he is unworthy to have so good a lady .
-
-My lord , will you walk ? dinner is ready .
-
-If he do not dote on her upon this , I will never trust my expectation .
-
-Let there be the same net spread for her ; and that must your daughter and her gentlewoman carry . The sport will be , when they hold one an opinion of another's dotage , and no such matter : that's the scene that I would see , which will be merely a dumbshow . Let us send her to call him in to dinner .
-
-
-This can be no trick : the conference was sadly borne . They have the truth of this from Hero . They seem to pity the lady : it seems , her affections have their full bent . Love me ! why , it must be requited . I hear how I am censured : they say I will bear myself proudly , if I perceive the love come from her ; they say too that she will rather die than give any sign of affection . I did never think to marry : I must not seem proud : happy are they that hear their detractions , and can put them to mending . They say the lady is fair : 'tis a truth , I can bear them witness ; and virtuous : 'tis so , I cannot reprove it ; and wise , but for loving me : by my troth , it is no addition to her wit , nor no great argument of her folly , for I will be horribly in love with her . I may chance have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me , because I have railed so long against marriage ; but doth not the appetite alter ? A man loves the meat in his youth that he cannot endure in his age . Shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets of the brain awe a man from the career of his humour ? No ; the world must be peopled . When I said I would die a bachelor , I did not think I should live till I were married . Here comes Beatrice . By this day ! she's a fair lady : I do spy some marks of love in her .
-
-
-Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner .
-
-Fair Beatrice , I thank you for your pains .
-
-I took no more pains for those thanks than you take pains to thank me : if it had been painful , I would not have come .
-
-You take pleasure then in the message ?
-
-Yea , just so much as you may take upon a knife's point , and choke a daw withal . You have no stomach , signior : fare you well .
-
-
-Ha ! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner ,' there's a double meaning in that . 'I took no more pains for those thanks than you took pains to thank me ,' that's as much as to say , Any pains that I take for you is as easy as thanks . If I do not take pity of her , I am a villain ; if I do not love her , I am a Jew . I will go get her picture .
-
-Good Margaret , run thee to the parlour ;
-There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice
-Proposing with the prince and Claudio :
-Whisper her ear , and tell her , I and Ursula
-Walk in the orchard , and our whole discourse
-Is all of her ; say that thou overheard'st us ,
-And bid her steal into the pleached bower ,
-Where honey-suckles , ripen'd by the sun ,
-Forbid the sun to enter ; like favourites ,
-Made proud by princes , that advance their pride
-Against that power that bred it . There will she hide her ,
-To listen our propose . This is thy office ;
-Bear thee well in it and leave us alone .
-
-I'll make her come , I warrant you , presently .
-
-
-Now , Ursula , when Beatrice doth come ,
-As we do trace this alley up and down ,
-Our talk must only be of Benedick :
-When I do name him , let it be thy part
-To praise him more than ever man did merit .
-My talk to thee must be how Benedick
-Is sick in love with Beatrice : of this matter
-Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made ,
-That only wounds by hearsay .
-
-
-Now begin ;
-For look where Beatrice , like a lapwing , runs
-
-Close by the ground , to hear our conference .
-
-The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish
-Cut with her golden oars the silver stream ,
-And greedily devour the treacherous bait :
-So angle we for Beatrice ; who even now
-Is couched in the woodbine coverture .
-Fear you not my part of the dialogue .
-
-Then go we near her , that her ear lose nothing
-Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it .
-
-No , truly , Ursula , she is too disdainful ;
-I know her spirits are as coy and wild
-As haggerds of the rock .
-
-But are you sure
-That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely ?
-
-So says the prince , and my new-trothed lord .
-
-And did they bid you tell her of it , madam ?
-
-They did entreat me to acquaint her of it ;
-But I persuaded them , if they lov'd Benedick ,
-To wish him wrestle with affection ,
-And never to let Beatrice know of it .
-
-Why did you so ? Doth not the gentleman
-Deserve as full as fortunate a bed
-As ever Beatrice shall couch upon ?
-
-O god of love ! I know he doth deserve
-As much as may be yielded to a man ;
-But nature never fram'd a woman's heart
-Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice ;
-Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes ,
-Misprising what they look on , and her wit
-Values itself so highly , that to her
-All matter else seems weak . She cannot love ,
-Nor take no shape nor project of affection ,
-She is so self-endear'd .
-
-Sure , I think so ;
-And therefore certainly it were not good
-She knew his love , lest she make sport at it .
-
-Why , you speak truth . I never yet saw man ,
-How wise , how noble , young , how rarely featur'd ,
-But she would spell him backward : if fair-fac'd ,
-She would swear the gentleman should be her sister ;
-If black , why , Nature , drawing of an antick ,
-Made a foul blot ; if tall , a lance ill-headed ;
-If low , an agate very vilely cut ;
-If speaking , why , a vane blown with all winds ;
-If silent , why , a block moved with none .
-So turns she every man the wrong side out ,
-And never gives to truth and virtue that
-Which simpleness and merit purchaseth .
-
-Sure , sure , such carping is not commendable .
-
-No ; not to be so odd and from all fashions
-As Beatrice is , cannot be commendable .
-But who dare tell her so ? If I should speak ,
-She would mock me into air : O ! she would laugh me
-Out of myself , press me to death with wit .
-Therefore let Benedick , like cover'd fire ,
-Consume away in sighs , waste inwardly :
-It were a better death than die with mocks ,
-Which is as bad as die with tickling .
-
-Yet tell her of it : hear what she will say .
-
-No ; rather I will go to Benedick ,
-And counsel him to fight against his passion .
-And , truly , I'll devise some honest slanders
-To stain my cousin with . One doth not know
-How much an ill word may empoison liking .
-
-O ! do not do your cousin such a wrong .
-She cannot be so much without true judgment ,
-Having so swift and excellent a wit
-As she is priz'd to have ,as to refuse
-So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick .
-
-He is the only man of Italy ,
-Always excepted my dear Claudio .
-
-I pray you , be not angry with me , madam ,
-Speaking my fancy : Signior Benedick ,
-For shape , for bearing , argument and valour ,
-Goes foremost in report through Italy .
-
-Indeed , he hath an excellent good name .
-
-His excellence did earn it , ere he had it .
-When are you married , madam ?
-
-Why , every day , to-morrow . Come , go in :
-I'll show thee some attires , and have thy counsel
-Which is the best to furnish me to-morrow .
-
-She's lim'd , I warrant you : we have caught her , madam .
-
-If it prove so , then loving goes by haps :
-Some Cupid kills with arrows , some with traps .
-
-
-What fire is in mine ears ? Can this be true ?
-Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much ?
-Contempt , farewell ! and maiden pride , adieu !
-No glory lives behind the back of such .
-And , Benedick , love on ; I will requite thee ,
-Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand :
-If thou dost love , my kindness shall incite thee
-To bind our loves up in a holy band ;
-For others say thou dost deserve , and I
-Believe it better than reportingly .
-
-
-I do but stay till your marriage be consummate , and then go I toward Arragon .
-
-I'll bring you thither , my lord , if you'll vouchsafe me .
-
-Nay , that would be as great a soil in the new gloss of your marriage , as to show a child his new coat and forbid him to wear it . I will only be bold with Benedick for his company ; for , from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot , he is all mirth : he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid's bow-string , and the little hangman dare not shoot at him . He hath a heart as sound as a bell , and his tongue is the clapper ; for what his heart thinks his tongue speaks .
-
-Gallants , I am not as I have been .
-
-So say I : methinks you are sadder .
-
-I hope he be in love .
-
-Hang him , truant ! there's no true drop of blood in him , to be truly touched with love . If he be sad , he wants money .
-
-I have the tooth-ache .
-
-Draw it .
-
-Hang it .
-
-You must hang it first , and draw it afterwards .
-
-What ! sigh for the tooth-ache ?
-
-Where is but a humour or a worm ?
-
-Well , every one can master a grief but he that has it .
-
-Yet say I , he is in love .
-
-There is no appearance of fancy in him , unless it be a fancy that he hath to strange disguises ; as , to be a Dutchman to-day , a Frenchman to-morrow , or in the shape of two countries at once , as a German from the waist downward , all slops , and a Spaniard from the hip upward , no doublet . Unless he have a fancy to this foolery , as it appears he hath , he is no fool for fancy , as you would have it appear he is .
-
-If he be not in love with some woman , there is no believing old signs : a' brushes his hat a mornings ; what should that bode ?
-
-Hath any man seen him at the barber's ?
-
-No , but the barber's man hath been seen with him ; and the old ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis-balls .
-
-Indeed he looks younger than he did , by the loss of a beard .
-
-Nay , a' rubs himself with civet : can you smell him out by that ?
-
-That's as much as to say the sweet youth's in love .
-
-The greatest note of it is his melancholy .
-
-And when was he wont to wash his face ?
-
-Yea , or to paint himself ? for the which , I hear what they say of him .
-
-Nay , but his jesting spirit ; which is now crept into a lute-string , and new-governed by stops .
-
-Indeed , that tells a heavy tale for him . Conclude , conclude he is in love .
-
-Nay , but I know who loves him .
-
-That would I know too : I warrant , one that knows him not .
-
-Yes , and his ill conditions ; and in despite of all , dies for him .
-
-She shall be buried with her face upwards .
-
-Yet is this no charm for the tooth-ache .
-Old signior , walk aside with me : I have studied eight or nine wise words to speak to you , which these hobby-horses must not hear .
-
-
-For my life , to break with him about Beatrice .
-
-'Tis even so . Hero and Margaret have by this played their parts with Beatrice , and then the two bears will not bite one another when they meet .
-
-
-My lord and brother , God save you !
-
-Good den , brother .
-
-If your leisure served , I would speak with you .
-
-In private ?
-
-If it please you ; yet Count Claudio may hear , for what I would speak of concerns him .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Means your lordship to be married to-morrow ?
-
-You know he does .
-
-I know not that , when he knows what I know .
-
-If there be any impediment , I pray you discover it .
-
-You may think I love you not : let that appear hereafter , and aim better at me by that I now will manifest . For my brother , I think he holds you well , and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect your ensuing marriage ; surely suit ill-spent , and labour ill bestowed !
-
-Why , what's the matter ?
-
-I came hither to tell you ; and circumstances shortened ,for she hath been too long a talking of ,the lady is disloyal .
-
-Who , Hero ?
-
-Even she : Leonato's Hero , your Hero , every man's Hero .
-
-Disloyal ?
-
-The word's too good to paint out her wickedness ; I could say , she were worse : think you of a worse title , and I will fit her to it . Wonder not till further warrant : go but with me to-night , you shall see her chamber-window entered , even the night before her wedding-day : if you love her then , to-morrow wed her ; but it would better fit your honour to change your mind .
-
-May this be so ?
-
-I will not think it .
-
-If you dare not trust that you see , confess not that you know . If you will follow me , I will show you enough ; and when you have seen more and heard more , proceed accordingly .
-
-If I see any thing to-night why I should not marry her to-morrow , in the congregation , where I should wed , there will I shame her .
-
-And , as I wooed for thee to obtain her , I will join with thee to disgrace her .
-
-I will disparage her no further till you are my witnesses : bear it coldly but till midnight , and let the issue show itself .
-
-O day untowardly turned !
-
-O mischief strangely thwarting !
-
-O plague right well prevented ! So will you say when you have seen the sequel .
-
-
-Are you good men and true ?
-
-Yea , or else it were pity but they should suffer salvation , body and soul .
-
-Nay , that were a punishment too good for them , if they should have any allegiance in them , being chosen for the prince's watch .
-
-Well , give them their charge , neighbour Dogberry .
-
-First , who think you the most desartless man to be constable ?
-
-Hugh Oatcake , sir , or George Seacoal ; for they can write and read .
-
-Come hither , neighbour Seacoal . God hath blessed you with a good name : to be a well-favoured man is the gift of fortune ; but to write and read comes by nature .
-
-Both which , Master constable ,
-
-You have : I knew it would be your answer . Well , for your favour , sir , why , give God thanks , and make no boast of it ; and for your writing and reading , let that appear when there is no need of such vanity . You are thought here to be the most senseless and fit man for the constable of the watch ; therefore bear you the lanthorn . This is your charge : you shall comprehend all vagrom men ; you are to bid any man stand , in the prince's name .
-
-How , if a' will not stand ?
-
-Why , then , take no note of him , but let him go ; and presently call the rest of the watch together , and thank God you are rid of a knave .
-
-If he will not stand when he is bidden , he is none of the prince's subjects .
-
-True , and they are to meddle with none but the prince's subjects . You shall also make no noise in the streets : for , for the watch to babble and to talk is most tolerable and not to be endured .
-
-We will rather sleep than talk : we know what belongs to a watch .
-
-Why , you speak like an ancient and most quiet watchman , for I cannot see how sleeping should offend ; only have a care that your bills be not stolen . Well , you are to call at all the alehouses , and bid those that are drunk get them to bed .
-
-How if they will not ?
-
-Why then , let them alone till they are sober : if they make you not then the better answer , you may say they are not the men you took them for .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-If you meet a thief , you may suspect him , by virtue of your office , to be no true man ; and , for such kind of men , the less you meddle or make with them , why , the more is for your honesty .
-
-If we know him to be a thief , shall we not lay hands on him ?
-
-Truly , by your office , you may ; but I think they that touch pitch will be defiled . The most peaceable way for you , if you do take a thief , is , to let him show himself what he is and steal out of your company .
-
-You have been always called a merciful man , partner .
-
-Truly , I would not hang a dog by my will , much more a man who hath any honesty in him .
-
-If you hear a child cry in the night , you must call to the nurse and bid her still it .
-
-How if the nurse be asleep and will not hear us ?
-
-Why , then , depart in peace , and let the child wake her with crying ; for the ewe that will not hear her lamb when it baes , will never answer a calf when he bleats .
-
-'Tis very true .
-
-This is the end of the charge . You constable , are to present the prince's own person : if you meet the prince in the night , you may stay him .
-
-Nay , by 'r lady , that I think , a' cannot .
-
-Five shillings to one on't , with any man that knows the statues , he may stay him : marry , not without the prince be willing ; for , indeed , the watch ought to offend no man , and it is an offence to stay a man against his will .
-
-By 'r lady , I think it be so .
-
-Ha , ah , ha ! Well , masters , good night : an there be any matter of weight chances , call up me : keep your fellows' counsels and your own , and good night . Come , neighbour .
-
-Well , masters , we hear our charge : let us go sit here upon the church-bench till two , and then all go to bed .
-
-One word more , honest neighbours . I pray you , watch about Signior Leonato's door ; for the wedding being there to-morrow , there is a great coil to-night . Adieu ; be vigitant , I beseech you .
-
-What , Conrade !
-
-Peace ! stir not .
-
-Conrade , I say !
-
-Here , man , I am at thy elbow .
-
-Mass , and my elbow itched ; I thought there would a scab follow .
-
-I will owe thee an answer for that ; and now forward with thy tale .
-
-Stand thee close then under this penthouse , for it drizzles rain , and I will , like a true drunkard , utter all to thee .
-
-Some treason , masters ; yet stand close .
-
-Therefore know , I have earned of Don John a thousand ducats .
-
-Is it possible that any villany should be so dear ?
-
-Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any villany should be so rich ; for when rich villains have need of poor ones , poor ones may make what price they will .
-
-I wonder at it .
-
-That shows thou art unconfirmed . Thou knowest that the fashion of a doublet , or a hat , or a cloak , is nothing to a man .
-
-Yes , it is apparel .
-
-I mean , the fashion .
-
-Yes , the fashion is the fashion .
-
-Tush ! I may as well say the fool's the fool . But seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion is ?
-
-I know that Deformed ; a' has been a vile thief this seven years ; a' goes up and down like a gentleman : I remember his name .
-
-Didst thou not hear somebody ?
-
-No : 'twas the vane on the house .
-
-Seest thou not , I say , what a deformed thief this fashion is ? how giddily he turns about all the hot bloods between fourteen and five-and-thirty ? sometime fashioning them like Pharaoh's soldiers in the reechy painting ; sometime like god Bel's priests in the old church-window ; sometime like the shaven Hercules in the smirched worm-eaten tapestry , where his cod-piece seems as massy as his club ?
-
-All this I see , and I see that the fashion wears out more apparel than the man . But art not thou thyself giddy with the fashion too , that thou hast shifted out of thy tale into telling me of the fashion ?
-
-Not so , neither ; but know , that I have to-night wooed Margaret , the Lady Hero's gentlewoman , by the name of Hero : she leans me out at her mistress' chamber-window , bids me a thousand times good night ,I tell this tale vilely :I should first tell thee how the prince , Claudio , and my master , planted and placed and possessed by my master Don John , saw afar off in the orchard this amiable encounter .
-
-And thought they Margaret was Hero ?
-
-Two of them did , the prince and Claudio ; but the devil my master , knew she was Margaret ; and partly by his oaths , which first possessed them , partly by the dark night , which did deceive them , but chiefly by my villany , which did confirm any slander that Don John had made , away went Claudio enraged ; swore he would meet her , as he was appointed , next morning at the temple , and there , before the whole congregation , shame her with what he saw o'er night , and send her home again without a husband .
-
-We charge you in the prince's name , stand !
-
-Call up the right Master constable . We have here recovered the most dangerous piece of lechery that ever was known in the commonwealth .
-
-And one Deformed is one of them : I know him , a' wears a lock .
-
-Masters , masters !
-
-You'll be made bring Deformed forth , I warrant you .
-
-Masters ,
-
-Never speak : we charge you let us obey you to go with us .
-
-We are like to prove a goodly commodity , being taken up of these men's bills .
-
-A commodity in question , I warrant you . Come , we'll obey you .
-
-
-Good Ursula , wake my cousin Beatrice , and desire her to rise .
-
-I will , lady .
-
-And bid her come hither .
-
-Well .
-
-
-Troth , I think your other rabato were better .
-
-No , pray thee , good Meg , I'll wear this .
-
-By my troth's not so good ; and I warrant your cousin will say so .
-
-My cousin's a fool , and thou art another : I'll wear none but this .
-
-I like the new tire within excellently , if the hair were a thought browner ; and your gown's a most rare fashion , i' faith . I saw the Duchess of Milan's gown that they praise so .
-
-O ! that exceeds , they say .
-
-By my troth's but a night-gown in respect of yours : cloth o' gold , and cuts , and laced with silver , set with pearls , down sleeves , side sleeves , and skirts round , underborne with a bluish tinsel ; but for a fine , quaint , graceful , and excellent fashion , yours is worth ten on't .
-
-God give me joy to wear it ! for my heart is exceeding heavy .
-
-'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man .
-
-Fie upon thee ! art not ashamed ?
-
-Of what , lady ? of speaking honourably ? is not marriage honourable in a beggar ? Is not your lord honourable without marriage ? I think you would have me say , 'saving your reverence , a husband :' an bad thinking do not wrest true speaking , I'll offend nobody . Is there any harm in 'the heavier for a husband ?' None , I think , an it be the right husband and the right wife ; otherwise 'tis light , and not heavy : ask my Lady Beatrice else ; here she comes .
-
-
-Good morrow , coz .
-
-Good morrow , sweet Hero .
-
-Why , how now ! do you speak in the sick tune ?
-
-I am out of all other tune , methinks .
-
-Clap's into 'Light o' love ;' that goes without a burden : do you sing it , and I'll dance it .
-
-Ye light o' love with your heels ! then , if your husband have stables enough , you'll see he shall lack no barns .
-
-O illegitimate construction ! I scorn that with my heels .
-
-'Tis almost five o'clock , cousin ; 'tis time you were ready . By my troth , I am exceeding ill . Heigh-ho !
-
-For a hawk , a horse , or a husband ?
-
-For the letter that begins them all , H .
-
-Well , an you be not turned Turk , there's no more sailing by the star .
-
-What means the fool , trow ?
-
-Nothing I ; but God send every one their heart's desire !
-
-These gloves the count sent me ; they are an excellent perfume .
-
-I am stuffed , cousin , I cannot smell .
-
-A maid , and stuffed ! there's goodly catching of cold .
-
-O , God help me ! God help me ! how long have you professed apprehension ?
-
-Ever since you left it . Doth not my wit become me rarely !
-
-It is not seen enough , you should wear it in your cap . By my troth , I am sick .
-
-Get you some of this distilled Carduus Benedictus , and lay it to your heart : it is the only thing for a qualm .
-
-There thou prick'st her with a thistle .
-
-Benedictus ! why Benedictus ? you have some moral in this Benedictus .
-
-Moral ! no , by my troth , I have no moral meaning ; I meant , plain holy-thistle . You may think , perchance , that I think you are in love : nay , by'r lady , I am not such a fool to think what I list ; nor I list not to think what I can ; nor , indeed , I cannot think , if I would think my heart out of thinking , that you are in love , or that you will be in love , or that you can be in love . Yet Benedick was such another , and now is he become a man : he swore he would never marry ; and yet now , in despite of his heart , he eats his meat without grudging : and how you may be converted , I know not ; but methinks you look with your eyes as other women do .
-
-What pace is this that thy tongue keeps ?
-
-Not a false gallop .
-
-
-Madam , withdraw : the prince , the count , Signior Benedick , Don John , and all the gallants of the town , are come to fetch you to church .
-
-Help to dress me , good coz , good Meg , good Ursula .
-
-
-What would you with me , honest neighbour ?
-
-Marry , sir , I would have some confidence with you , that decerns you nearly .
-
-Brief , I pray you ; for you see it is a busy time with me .
-
-Marry , this it is , sir .
-
-Yes , in truth it is , sir .
-
-What is it , my good friends ?
-
-Goodman Verges , sir , speaks a little off the matter : an old man , sir , and his wits are not so blunt , as , God help , I would desire they were ; but , in faith , honest as the skin between his brows .
-
-Yes , I thank God , I am as honest as any man living , that is an old man and no honester than I .
-
-Comparisons are odorous : palabras , neighbour Verges .
-
-Neighbours , you are tedious .
-
-It pleases your worship to say so , but we are the poor duke's officers ; but truly , for mine own part , if I were as tedious as a king , I could find in my heart to bestow it all of your worship .
-
-All thy tediousness on me ! ha ?
-
-Yea , an't were a thousand pound more than 'tis ; for I hear as good exclamation on your worship , as of any man in the city , and though I be but a poor man , I am glad to hear it .
-
-And so am I .
-
-I would fain know what you have to say .
-
-Marry , sir , our watch to-night , excepting your worship's presence , ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in Messina .
-
-A good old man , sir ; he will be talking ; as they say , 'when the age is in , the wit is out .' God help us ! it is a world to see ! Well said , i' faith , neighbour Verges : well , God's a good man ; an two men ride of a horse , one must ride behind . An honest soul , i' faith , sir ; by my troth he is , as ever broke bread : but God is to be worshipped : all men are not alike ; alas ! good neighbour .
-
-Indeed , neighbour , he comes too short of you .
-
-Gifts that God gives .
-
-I must leave you .
-
-One word , sir : our watch , sir , hath indeed comprehended two aspicious persons , and we would have them this morning examined before your worship .
-
-Take their examination yourself , and bring it me : I am now in great haste , as may appear unto you .
-
-It shall be suffigance .
-
-Drink some wine ere you go : fare you well .
-
-
-My lord , they stay for you to give your daughter to her husband .
-
-I'll wait upon them : I am ready .
-
-
-Go , good partner , go , get you to Francis Seacoal ; bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol : we are now to examination these men .
-
-And we must do it wisely .
-
-We will spare for no wit , I warrant you ; here's that shall drive some of them to a non-come : only get the learned writer to set down our excommunication , and meet me at the gaol .
-
-Come , Friar Francis , be brief : only to the plain form of marriage , and you shall recount their particular duties afterwards .
-
-You come hither , my lord , to marry this lady ?
-
-No .
-
-To be married to her , friar ; you come to marry her .
-
-Lady , you come hither to be married to this count ?
-
-I do .
-
-If either of you know any inward impediment , why you should not be conjoined , I charge you , on your souls , to utter it .
-
-Know you any , Hero ?
-
-None , my lord .
-
-Know you any , count ?
-
-I dare make his answer ; none .
-
-O ! what men dare do ! what men may do ! what men daily do , not knowing what they do !
-
-How now ! Interjections ? Why then , some be of laughing , as ah ! ha ! he !
-
-Stand thee by , friar . Father , by your leave :
-Will you with free and unconstrained soul
-Give me this maid , your daughter ?
-
-As freely , son , as God did give her me .
-
-And what have I to give you back whose worth
-May counterpoise this rich and precious gift ?
-
-Nothing , unless you render her again .
-
-Sweet prince , you learn me noble thankfulness .
-There , Leonato , take her back again :
-Give not this rotten orange to your friend ;
-She's but the sign and semblance of her honour .
-Behold ! how like a maid she blushes here .
-O ! what authority and show of truth
-Can cunning sin cover itself withal .
-Comes not that blood as modest evidence
-To witness simple virtue ? Would you not swear ,
-All you that see her , that she were a maid ,
-By these exterior shows ? But she is none :
-She knows the heat of a luxurious bed ;
-Her blush is guiltiness , not modesty .
-
-What do you mean , my lord ?
-
-Not to be married ,
-Not to knit my soul to an approved wanton .
-
-Dear my lord , if you , in your own proof ,
-Have vanquish'd the resistance of her youth ,
-And made defeat of her virginity ,
-
-I know what you would say : if I have known her ,
-You'll say she did embrace me as a husband ,
-And so extenuate the 'forehand sin :
-No , Leonato ,
-I never tempted her with word too large ;
-But , as a brother to his sister , show'd
-Bashful sincerity and comely love .
-
-And seem'd I ever otherwise to you ?
-
-Out on thee ! Seeming ! I will write against it :
-You seem to me as Dian in her orb ,
-As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown ;
-But you are more intemperate in your blood
-Than Venus , or those pamper'd animals
-That rage in savage sensuality .
-
-Is my lord well , that he doth speak so wide ?
-
-Sweet prince , why speak not you ?
-
-What should I speak ?
-I stand dishonour'd , that have gone about
-To link my dear friend to a common stale .
-
-Are these things spoken , or do I but dream ?
-
-Sir , they are spoken , and these things are true .
-
-This looks not like a nuptial .
-
-True ! O God !
-
-Leonato , stand I here ?
-Is this the prince ? Is this the prince's brother ?
-Is this face Hero's ? Are our eyes our own ?
-
-All this is so ; but what of this , my lord ?
-
-Let me but move one question to your daughter ;
-And by that fatherly and kindly power
-That you have in her , bid her answer truly .
-
-I charge thee do so , as thou art my child .
-
-O , God defend me ! how am I beset !
-What kind of catechizing call you this ?
-
-To make you answer truly to your name .
-
-Is it not Hero ? Who can blot that name
-With any just reproach ?
-
-Marry , that can Hero :
-Hero itself can blot out Hero's virtue .
-What man was he talk'd with you yesternight
-Out at your window , betwixt twelve and one ?
-Now , if you are a maid , answer to this .
-
-I talk'd with no man at that hour , my lord .
-
-Why , then are you no maiden . Leonato ,
-I am sorry you must hear : upon mine honour ,
-Myself , my brother , and this grieved count ,
-Did see her , hear her , at that hour last night ,
-Talk with a ruffian at her chamber-window ;
-Who hath indeed , most like a liberal villain ,
-Confess'd the vile encounters they have had
-A thousand times in secret .
-
-Fie , fie ! they are not to be nam'd , my lord ,
-Not to be spoke of ;
-There is not chastity enough in language
-Without offence to utter them . Thus , pretty lady ,
-I am sorry for thy much misgovernment .
-
-O Hero ! what a Hero hadst thou been ,
-If half thy outward graces had been plac'd
-About thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart !
-But fare thee well , most foul , most fair ! farewell ,
-Thou pure impiety , and impious purity !
-For thee I'll lock up all the gates of love ,
-And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang ,
-To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm ,
-And never shall it more be gracious .
-
-Hath no man's dagger here a point for me ?
-
-
-Why , how now , cousin ! wherefore sink you down ?
-
-Come , let us go . These things , come thus to light ,
-Smother her spirits up .
-
-
-How doth the lady ?
-
-Dead , I think ! help , uncle !
-Hero ! why , Hero ! Uncle ! Signior Benedick !
-Friar !
-
-O Fate ! take not away thy heavy hand :
-Death is the fairest cover for her shame
-That may be wish'd for .
-
-How now , cousin Hero !
-
-Have comfort , lady .
-
-Dost thou look up ?
-
-Yea ; wherefore should she not ?
-
-Wherefore ! Why , doth not every earthly thing
-Cry shame upon her ? Could she here deny
-The story that is printed in her blood ?
-Do not live , Hero ; do not ope thine eyes ;
-For , did I think thou wouldst not quickly die ,
-Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames ,
-Myself would , on the rearward of reproaches ,
-Strike at thy life . Griev'd I , I had but one ?
-Chid I for that at frugal nature's frame ?
-O ! one too much by thee . Why had I one ?
-Why ever wast thou lovely in mine eyes ?
-Why had I not with charitable hand
-Took up a beggar's issue at my gates ,
-Who smirched thus , and mir'd with infamy ,
-I might have said , 'No part of it is mine ;
-This shame derives itself from unknown loins ?'
-But mine , and mine I lov'd , and mine I prais'd ,
-And mine that I was proud on , mine so much
-That I myself was to myself not mine ,
-Valuing of her ; why , she O ! she is fallen
-Into a pit of ink , that the wide sea
-Hath drops too few to wash her clean again ,
-And salt too little which may season give
-To her foul-tainted flesh .
-
-Sir , sir , be patient .
-For my part , I am so attir'd in wonder ,
-I know not what to say .
-
-O ! on my soul , my cousin is belied !
-
-Lady , were you her bedfellow last night ?
-
-No , truly , not ; although , until last night ,
-I have this twelvemonth been her bedfellow .
-
-Confirm'd , confirm'd ! O ! that is stronger made ,
-Which was before barr'd up with ribs of iron .
-Would the two princes lie ? and Claudio lie ,
-Who lov'd her so , that , speaking of her foulness ,
-Wash'd it with tears ? Hence from her ! let her die .
-
-Hear me a little ;
-For I have only been silent so long ,
-And given way unto this course of fortune ,
-By noting of the lady : I have mark'd
-A thousand blushing apparitions
-To start into her face ; a thousand innocent shames
-In angel whiteness bear away those blushes ;
-And in her eye there hath appear'd a fire ,
-To burn the errors that these princess hold
-Against her maiden truth . Call me a fool ;
-Trust not my reading nor my observations ,
-Which with experimental seal doth warrant
-The tenour of my book ; trust not my age ,
-My reverence , calling , nor divinity ,
-If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
-Under some biting error .
-
-Friar , it cannot be .
-Thou seest that all the grace that she hath left
-Is , that she will not add to her damnation
-A sin of perjury : she not denies it .
-Why seek'st thou then to cover with excuse
-That which appears in proper nakedness ?
-
-Lady , what man is he you are accus'd of ?
-
-They know that do accuse me , I know none ;
-If I know more of any man alive
-Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant ,
-Let all my sins lack mercy ! O , my father !
-Prove you that any man with me convers'd
-At hours unmeet , or that I yesternight
-Maintain'd the change of words with any creature ,
-Refuse me , hate me , torture me to death .
-
-There is some strange misprision in the princes .
-
-Two of them have the very bent of honour ;
-And if their wisdoms be misled in this ,
-The practice of it lives in John the bastard ,
-Whose spirits toil in frame of villanies .
-
-I know not . If they speak but truth of her ,
-These hands shall tear her ; if they wrong her honour ,
-The proudest of them shall well hear of it .
-Time hath not yet so dried this blood of mine .
-Nor age so eat up my invention ,
-Nor fortune made such havoc of my means ,
-Nor my bad life reft me so much of friends ,
-But they shall find , awak'd in such a kind ,
-Both strength of limb and policy of mind ,
-Ability in means and choice of friends ,
-To quit me of them throughly .
-
-Pause awhile ,
-And let my counsel sway you in this case .
-Your daughter here the princes left for dead ;
-Let her awhile be secretly kept in ,
-And publish it that she is dead indeed :
-Maintain a mourning ostentation ;
-And on your family's old monument
-Hang mournful epitaphs and do all rites
-That appertain unto a burial .
-
-What shall become of this ? What will this do ?
-
-Marry , this well carried shall on her behalf
-Change slander to remorse ; that is some good :
-But not for that dream I on this strange course ,
-But on this travail look for greater birth .
-She dying , as it must be so maintain'd ,
-Upon the instant that she was accus'd ,
-Shall be lamented , pitied and excus'd
-Of every hearer ; for it so falls out
-That what we have we prize not to the worth
-Whiles we enjoy it , but being lack'd and lost ,
-Why , then we rack the value , then we find
-The virtue that possession would not show us
-Whiles it was ours . So will it fare with Claudio :
-When he shall hear she died upon his words ,
-The idea of her life shall sweetly creep
-Into his study of imagination ,
-And every lovely organ of her life
-Shall come apparell'd in more precious habit ,
-More moving-delicate , and full of life
-Into the eye and prospect of his soul ,
-Than when she liv'd indeed : then shall he mourn ,
-If ever love had interest in his liver ,
-And wish he had not so accused her ,
-No , though he thought his accusation true .
-Let this be so , and doubt not but success
-Will fashion the event in better shape
-Than I can lay it down in likelihood .
-But if all aim but this be levell'd false ,
-The supposition of the lady's death
-Will quench the wonder of her infamy :
-And if it sort not well , you may conceal her ,
-As best befits her wounded reputation ,
-In some reclusive and religious life ,
-Out of all eyes , tongues , minds , and injuries .
-
-Signior Leonato , let the friar advise you :
-And though you know my inwardness and love
-Is very much unto the prince and Claudio ,
-Yet , by mine honour , I will deal in this
-As secretly and justly as your soul
-Should with your body .
-
-Being that I flow in grief ,
-The smallest twine may lead me .
-
-'Tis well consented : presently away ;
-For to strange sores strangely they strain the cure .
-Come , lady , die to live : this wedding day
-Perhaps is but prolong'd : have patience and endure .
-
-
-Lady Beatrice , have you wept all this while ?
-
-Yea , and I will weep a while longer .
-
-I will not desire that .
-
-You have no reason ; I do it freely .
-
-Surely I do believe your fair cousin is wronged .
-
-Ah ! how much might the man deserve of me that would right her .
-
-Is there any way to show such friendship ?
-
-A very even way , but no such friend .
-
-May a man do it ?
-
-It is a man's office , but not yours .
-
-I do love nothing in the world so well as you : is not that strange ?
-
-As strange as the thing I know not .
-It were as possible for me to say I loved nothing so well as your , but believe me not , and yet I lie not ; I confess nothing , not I deny nothing . I am sorry for my cousin .
-
-By my sword , Beatrice , thou lovest me .
-
-Do not swear by it , and eat it .
-
-I will swear by it that you love me ; and I will make him eat it that says I love not you .
-
-Will you not eat your word ?
-
-With no sauce that can be devised to it . I protest I love thee .
-
-Why then , God forgive me !
-
-What offence , sweet Beatrice ?
-
-You have stayed me in a happy hour :
-I was about to protest I loved you .
-
-And do it with all thy heart .
-
-I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest .
-
-Come , bid me do anything for thee .
-
-Kill Claudio .
-
-Ha ! not for the wide world .
-
-You kill me to deny it . Farewell .
-
-Tarry , sweet Beatrice .
-
-I am gone , though I am here : there is no love in you : nay , I pray you , let me go .
-
-Beatrice ,
-
-In faith , I will go .
-
-We'll be friends first .
-
-You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine enemy .
-
-Is Claudio thine enemy ?
-
-Is he not approved in the height a villain , that hath slandered , scorned , dishonoured my kinswoman ? O ! that I were a man . What ! bear her in hand until they come to take hands , and then , with public accusation , uncovered slander , unmitigated rancour ,O God , that I were a man ! I would eat his heart in the market-place .
-
-Hear me , Beatrice ,
-
-Talk with a man out at a window ! a proper saying !
-
-Nay , but Beatrice ,
-
-Sweet Hero ! she is wronged , she is slandered , she is undone .
-
-Beat
-
-Princes and counties ! Surely , a princely testimony , a goodly Count Comfect ; a sweet gallant , surely ! O ! that I were a man for his sake , or that I had any friend would be a man for my sake ! But manhood is melted into curtsies , valour into compliment , and men are only turned into tongue , and trim ones too : he is now as valiant as Hercules , that only tells a lie and swears it . I cannot be a man with wishing , therefore I will die a woman with grieving .
-
-Tarry , good Beatrice . By this hand , I love thee .
-
-Use it for my love some other way than swearing by it .
-
-Think you in your soul the Count Claudio hath wronged Hero ?
-
-Yea , as sure as I have a thought or a soul .
-
-Enough ! I am engaged , I will challenge him . I will kiss your hand , and so leave you . By this hand , Claudio shall render me a dear account . As you hear of me , so think of me . Go , comfort your cousin : I must say she is dead ; and so , farewell .
-
-
-Is our whole dissembly appeared ?
-
-O ! a stool and a cushion for the sexton .
-
-Which be the malefactors ?
-
-Marry , that am I and my partner .
-
-Nay , that's certain : we have the exhibition to examine .
-
-But which are the offenders that are to be examined ? let them come before Master constable .
-
-Yea , marry , let them come before me .
-What is your name , friend ?
-
-Borachio .
-
-Pray write down Borachio . Yours , sirrah ?
-
-I am a gentleman , sir , and my name is Conrade .
-
-Write down Master gentleman Conrade . Masters , do you serve God ?
-
-Yea , sir , we hope .
-
-Yea , sir , we hope .
-
-Write down that they hope they serve God : and write God first ; for God defend but God should go before such villains ! Masters , it is proved already that you are little better than false knaves , and it will go near to be thought so shortly . How answer you for yourselves ?
-
-Marry , sir , we say we are none .
-
-A marvellous witty fellow , I assure you ; but I will go about with him . Come you hither , sirrah ; a word in your ear : sir , I say to you , it is thought you are false knaves .
-
-Sir , I say to you we are none .
-
-Well , stand aside . 'Fore God , they are both in a tale . Have you writ down , that they are none ?
-
-Master constable , you go not the way to examine : you must call forth the watch that are their accusers .
-
-Yea , marry , that's the eftest way . Let the watch come forth . Masters , I charge you , in the prince's name , accuse these men .
-
-This man said , sir , that Don John , the prince's brother , was a villain .
-
-Write down Prince John a villain .
-Why , this is flat perjury , to call a prince's brother villain .
-
-Master constable ,
-
-Pray thee , fellow , peace : I do not like thy look , I promise thee .
-
-What heard you him say else ?
-
-Marry , that he had received a thousand ducats of Don John for accusing the Lady Hero wrongfully .
-
-Flat burglary as ever was committed .
-
-Yea , by the mass , that it is .
-
-What else , fellow ?
-
-And that Count Claudio did mean , upon his words , to disgrace Hero before the whole assembly , and not marry her .
-
-O villain ! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this .
-
-What else ?
-
-This is all .
-
-And this is more , masters , than you can deny . Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away : Hero was in this manner accused , in this very manner refused , and , upon the grief of this , suddenly died . Master constable , let these men be bound , and brought to Leonato's : I will go before and show him their examination .
-
-
-Come , let them be opinioned .
-
-Let them be in the hands
-
-Off , coxcomb !
-
-God's my life ! where's the sexton ? let him write down the prince's officer coxcomb . Come , bind them . Thou naughty varlet !
-
-Away ! you are an ass ; you are an ass .
-
-Dost thou not suspect my place ? Dost thou not suspect my years ? O that he were here to write me down an ass ! but , masters , remember that I am an ass ; though it be not written down , yet forget not that I am an ass . No , thou villain , thou art full of piety , as shall be proved upon thee by good witness . I am a wise fellow ; and , which is more , an officer ; and , which is more , a householder ; and , which is more , as pretty a piece of flesh as any in Messina ; and one that knows the law , go to ; and a rich fellow enough , go to ; and a fellow that hath had losses ; and one that hath two gowns , and everything handsome about him . Bring him away . O that I had been writ down an ass !
-
-If you go on thus , you will kill yourself ;
-And 'tis not wisdom thus to second grief
-Against yourself .
-
-I pray thee , cease thy counsel ,
-Which falls into mine ears as profitless
-As water in a sieve : give not me counsel ;
-Nor let no comforter delight mine ear
-But such a one whose wrongs do suit with mine :
-Bring me a father that so lov'd his child ,
-Whose joy of her is overwhelm'd like mine ,
-And bid him speak of patience ;
-Measure his woe the length and breadth of mine ,
-And let it answer every strain for strain ,
-As thus for thus and such a grief for such ,
-In every lineament , branch , shape , and form :
-If such a one will smile , and stroke his beard ;
-Bid sorrow wag , cry 'hem' when he should groan ,
-Patch grief with proverbs ; make misfortune drunk
-With candle-wasters ; bring him yet to me ,
-And I of him will gather patience .
-But there is no such man ; for , brother , men
-Can counsel and speak comfort to that grief
-Which they themselves not feel ; but , tasting it ,
-Their counsel turns to passion , which before
-Would give preceptial medicine to rage ,
-Fetter strong madness in a silken thread ,
-Charm ache with air and agony with words .
-No , no ; 'tis all men's office to speak patience
-To those that wring under the load of sorrow ,
-But no man's virtue nor sufficiency
-To be so moral when he shall endure
-The like himself . Therefore give me no counsel :
-My griefs cry louder than advertisement .
-
-Therein do men from children nothing differ .
-
-I pray thee , peace ! I will be flesh and blood ;
-For there was never yet philosopher
-That could endure the toothache patiently ,
-However they have writ the style of gods
-And made a push at chance and sufferance .
-
-Yet bend not all the harm upon yourself ;
-Make those that do offend you suffer too .
-
-There thou speak'st reason : nay , I will do so .
-My soul doth tell me Hero is belied ;
-And that shall Claudio know ; so shall the prince ,
-And all of them that thus dishonour her .
-
-Here come the prince and Claudio hastily .
-
-
-Good den , good den .
-
-Good day to both of you .
-
-Hear you , my lords ,
-
-We have some haste , Leonato .
-
-Some haste , my lord ! well , fare you well , my lord :
-Are you so hasty now ?well , all is one .
-
-Nay , do not quarrel with us , good old man .
-
-If he could right himself with quarrelling ,
-Some of us would lie low .
-
-Who wrongs him ?
-
-Marry , thou dost wrong me ; thou dissembler , thou .
-Nay , never lay thy hand upon thy sword ;
-I fear thee not .
-
-Marry , beshrew my hand ,
-If it should give your age such cause of fear .
-In faith , my hand meant nothing to my sword .
-
-Tush , tush , man ! never fleer and jest at me :
-I speak not like a dotard nor a fool ,
-As , under privilege of age , to brag
-What I have done being young , or what would do ,
-Were I not old . Know , Claudio , to thy head ,
-Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me
-That I am forc'd to lay my reverence by ,
-And , with grey hairs and bruise of many days ,
-Do challenge thee to trial of a man .
-I say thou hast belied mine innocent child :
-Thy slander hath gone through and through her heart ,
-And she lies buried with her ancestors ;
-O ! in a tomb where never scandal slept ,
-Save this of hers , fram'd by thy villany !
-
-My villany ?
-
-Thine , Claudio ; thine , I say .
-
-You say not right , old man .
-
-My lord , my lord ,
-I'll prove it on his body , if he dare ,
-Despite his nice fence and his active practice ,
-His May of youth and bloom of lustihood .
-
-Away ! I will not have to do with you .
-
-Canst thou so daff me ? Thou hast kill'd my child ;
-If thou kill'st me , boy , thou shalt kill a man .
-
-He shall kill two of us , and men indeed :
-But that's no matter ; let him kill one first :
-Win me and wear me ; let him answer me .
-Come , follow me , boy ; come , sir boy , come , follow me .
-Sir boy , I'll whip you from your foining fence ;
-Nay , as I am a gentleman , I will .
-
-Brother ,
-
-Content yourself . God knows I lov'd my niece ;
-And she is dead , slander'd to death by villains ,
-That dare as well answer a man indeed
-As I dare take a serpent by the tongue .
-Boys , apes , braggarts , Jacks , milksops !
-
-Brother Antony ,
-
-Hold you content . What , man ! I know them , yea ,
-And what they weigh , even to the utmost scruple ,
-Scrambling , out-facing , fashion-monging boys ,
-That lie and cog and flout , deprave and slander ,
-Go antickly , show outward hideousness ,
-And speak off half a dozen dangerous words ,
-How they might hurt their enemies , if they durst ;
-And this is all !
-
-But , brother Antony ,
-
-Come , 'tis no matter :
-Do not you meddle , let me deal in this .
-
-Gentlemen both , we will not wake your patience .
-My heart is sorry for your daughter's death ;
-But , on my honour , she was charg'd with nothing
-But what was true and very full of proof .
-
-My lord , my lord
-
-I will not hear you .
-
-No ?
-Come , brother , away . I will be heard .
-
-And shall , or some of us will smart for it .
-
-See , see ; here comes the man we went to seek .
-
-Now , signior , what news ?
-
-Good day , my lord .
-
-Welcome , signior : you are almost come to part almost a fray .
-
-We had like to have had our two noses snapped off with two old men without teeth .
-
-Leonato and his brother . What thinkest thou ? Had we fought , I doubt we should have been too young for them .
-
-In a false quarrel there is no true valour . I came to seek you both .
-
-We have been up and down to seek thee ; for we are high-proof melancholy , and would fain have it beaten away . Wilt thou use thy wit ?
-
-It is in my scabbard ; shall I draw it ?
-
-Dost thou wear thy wit by thy side ?
-
-Never any did so , though very many have been beside their wit . I will bid thee draw , as we do the minstrels ; draw , to pleasure us .
-
-As I am an honest man , he looks pale . Art thou sick , or angry ?
-
-What , courage , man ! What though care killed a cat , thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care .
-
-Sir , I shall meet your wit in the career , an you charge it against me . I pray you choose another subject .
-
-Nay then , give him another staff : this last was broke cross .
-
-By this light , he changes more and more : I think he be angry indeed .
-
-If he be , he knows how to turn his girdle .
-
-Shall I speak a word in your ear ?
-
-God bless me from a challenge !
-
-You are a villain ; I jest not : I will make it good how you dare , with what you dare , and when you dare . Do me right , or I will protest your cowardice . You have killed a sweet lady , and her death shall fall heavy on you . Let me hear from you .
-
-Well I will meet you , so I may have good cheer .
-
-What , a feast , a feast ?
-
-I' faith , I thank him ; he hath bid me to a calf's-head and a capon , the which if I do not carve most curiously , say my knife's naught .
-Shall I not find a woodcock too ?
-
-Sir , your wit ambles well ; it goes easily .
-
-I'll tell thee how Beatrice praised thy wit the other day . I said , thou hadst a fine wit . 'True ,' says she , 'a fine little one .' 'No ,' said I , 'a great wit .' 'Right ,' said she , 'a great gross one .' 'Nay ,' said I , 'a good wit .' 'Just ,' said she , 'it hurts nobody .' 'Nay ,' said I , 'the gentleman is wise .' 'Certain ,' said she , 'a wise gentleman .' 'Nay ,' said I , 'he hath the tongues .' 'That I believe ,' said she . 'for he swore a thing to me on Monday night , which he forswore on Tuesday morning : there's a double tongue ; there's two tongues .' Thus did she , an hour together , trans-shape thy particular virtues ; yet at last she concluded with a sigh , thou wast the properest man in Italy .
-
-For the which she wept heartily and said she cared not .
-
-Yea , that she did ; but yet , for all that , an if she did not hate him deadly , she would love him dearly . The old man's daughter told us all .
-
-All , all ; and moreover , God saw him when he was hid in the garden .
-
-But when shall we set the savage bull's horns on the sensible Benedick's head ?
-
-Yea , and text underneath , 'Here dwells Benedick the married man !'
-
-Fare you well , boy : you know my mind . I will leave you now to your gossip-like humour : you break jests as braggarts do their blades , which , God be thanked , hurt not . My lord , for your many courtesies I thank you : I must discontinue your company . Your brother the bastard is fled from Messina : you have , among you , killed a sweet and innocent lady . For my Lord Lack-beard there , he and I shall meet ; and till then , peace be with him .
-
-
-He is in earnest .
-
-In most profound earnest ; and , I'll warrant you , for the love of Beatrice .
-
-And hath challenged thee ?
-
-Most sincerely .
-
-What a pretty thing man is when he goes in his doublet and hose and leaves off his wit !
-
-He is then a giant to an ape ; but then is an ape a doctor to such a man .
-
-But , soft you ; let me be : pluck up , my heart , and be sad ! Did he not say my brother was fled ?
-
-
-Come , you , sir : if justice cannot tame you , she shall ne'er weigh more reasons in her balance . Nay , an you be a cursing hypocrite once , you must be looked to .
-
-How now ! two of my brother's men bound ! Borachio , one !
-
-Hearken after their offence , my lord .
-
-Officers , what offence have these men done ?
-
-Marry , sir , they have committed false report ; moreover , they have spoken untruths ; secondarily , they are slanders ; sixth and lastly , they have belied a lady ; thirdly , they have verified unjust things ; and to conclude , they are lying knaves .
-
-First , I ask thee what they have done ; thirdly , I ask thee what's their offence ; sixth and lastly , why they are committed ; and , to conclude , what you lay to their charge ?
-
-Rightly reasoned , and in his own division ; and , by my troth , there's one meaning well suited .
-
-Who have you offended , masters , that you are thus bound to your answer ? this learned constable is too cunning to be understood . What's your offence ?
-
-Sweet prince , let me go no further to mine answer : do you hear me , and let this count kill me . I have deceived even your very eyes : what your wisdoms could not discover , these shallow fools have brought to light ; who , in the night overheard me confessing to this man how Don John your brother incensed me to slander the Lady Hero ; how you were brought into the orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero's garments ; how you disgraced her , when you should marry her . My villany they have upon record ; which I had rather seal with my death than repeat over to my shame . The lady is dead upon mine and my master's false accusation ; and , briefly , I desire nothing but the reward of a villain .
-
-Runs not this speech like iron through your blood ?
-
-I have drunk poison whiles he utter'd it .
-
-But did my brother set thee on to this ?
-
-Yea ; and paid me richly for the practice of it .
-
-He is compos'd and fram'd of treachery :
-And fled he is upon this villany .
-
-Sweet Hero ! now thy image doth appear
-In the rare semblance that I lov'd it first .
-
-Come , bring away the plaintiffs : by this time our sexton hath reformed Signior Leonato of the matter . And masters , do not forget to specify , when time and place shall serve , that I am an ass .
-
-Here , here comes Master Signior Leonato , and the sexton too .
-
-
-Which is the villain ? Let me see his eyes ,
-That , when I note another man like him ,
-I may avoid him . Which of these is he ?
-
-If you would know your wronger , look on me .
-
-Art thou the slave that with thy breath hast kill'd
-Mine innocent child ?
-
-Yea , even I alone .
-
-No , not so , villain ; thou beliest thyself :
-Here stand a pair of honourable men ;
-A third is fled , that had a hand in it .
-I thank you , princes , for my daughter's death
-Record it with your high and worthy deeds .
-'Twas bravely done , if you bethink you of it .
-
-I know not how to pray your patience ;
-Yet I must speak . Choose your revenge yourself ;
-Impose me to what penance your invention
-Can lay upon my sin : yet sinn'd I not
-But in mistaking .
-
-By my soul , nor I :
-And yet , to satisfy this good old man ,
-I would bend under any heavy weight
-That he'll enjoin me to .
-
-I cannot bid you bid my daughter live ;
-That were impossible : but , I pray you both ,
-Possess the people in Messina here
-How innocent she died ; and if your love
-Can labour aught in sad invention ,
-Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb ,
-And sing it to her bones : sing it to-night .
-To-morrow morning come you to my house ,
-And since you could not be my son-in-law ,
-Be yet my nephew . My brother hath a daughter ,
-Almost the copy of my child that's dead ,
-And she alone is heir to both of us :
-Give her the right you should have given her cousin ,
-And so dies my revenge .
-
-O noble sir ,
-Your over-kindness doth wring tears from me !
-I do embrace your offer ; and dispose
-For henceforth of poor Claudio .
-
-To-morrow then I will expect your coming ;
-To-night I take my leave . This naughty man
-Shall face to face be brought to Margaret ,
-Who , I believe , was pack'd in all this wrong ,
-Hir'd to it by your brother .
-
-No , by my soul she was not ;
-Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me ;
-But always hath been just and virtuous
-In anything that I do know by her .
-
-Moreover , sir ,which , indeed , is not under white and black ,this plaintiff here , the offender , did call me ass : I beseech you , let it be remembered in his punishment . And also , the watch heard them talk of one Deformed : they say he wears a key in his ear and a lock hanging by it , and borrows money in God's name , the which he hath used so long and never paid , that now men grow hard-hearted , and will lend nothing for God's sake . Pray you , examine him upon that point .
-
-I thank thee for thy care and honest pains .
-
-Your worship speaks like a most thankful and reverend youth , and I praise God for you .
-
-There's for thy pains .
-
-God save the foundation !
-
-Go , I discharge thee of thy prisoner , and I thank thee .
-
-I leave an arrant knave with your worship ; which I beseech your worship to corect yourself , for the example of others . God keep your worship ! I wish your worship well ; God restore you to health ! I humbly give you leave to depart , and if a merry meeting may be wished , God prohibit it ! Come , neighbour .
-
-
-Until to-morrow morning , lords , farewell .
-
-Farewell , my lords : we look for you to-morrow .
-
-We will not fail .
-
-To-night I'll mourn with Hero .
-
-
-Bring you these fellows on . We'll talk with Margaret ,
-How her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow .
-
-
-Pray thee , sweet Mistress Margaret , deserve well at my hands by helping me to the speech of Beatrice .
-
-Will you then write me a sonnet in praise of my beauty ?
-
-In so high a style , Margaret , that no man living shall come over it ; for , in most comely truth , thou deservest it .
-
-To have no man come over me ! why , shall I always keep below stairs ?
-
-Thy wit is as quick as the greyhound's mouth ; it catches .
-
-And yours as blunt as the fencer's foils , which hit , but hurt not .
-
-A most manly wit , Margaret ; it will not hurt a woman : and so , I pray thee , call Beatrice . I give thee the bucklers .
-
-Give us the swords , we have bucklers of our own .
-
-If you use them , Margaret , you must put in the pikes with a vice ; and they are dangerous weapons for maids .
-
-Well , I will call Beatrice to you , who I think hath legs .
-
-And therefore will come .
-
-
-The god of love ,
-That sits above ,
-And knows me , and knows me ,
-How pitiful I deserve ,
-
-I mean , in singing ; but in loving , Leander the good swimmer , Troilus the first employer of pandars , and a whole book full of these quondam carpet-mongers , whose names yet run smoothly in the even road of a blank verse , why , they were never so truly turned over and over as my poor self , in love . Marry , I cannot show it in rime ; I have tried : I can find out no rime to 'lady' but 'baby ,' an innocent rime ; for 'scorn ,' 'horn ,' a hard rime ; for 'school ,' 'fool ,' a babbling rime ; very ominous endings : no , I was not born under a riming planet , nor I cannot woo in festival terms .
-
-Sweet Beatrice , wouldst thou come when I called thee ?
-
-Yea , signior ; and depart when you bid me .
-
-O , stay but till then !
-
-'Then' is spoken ; fare you well now : and yet , ere I go , let me go with that I came for ; which is , with knowing what hath passed between you and Claudio .
-
-Only foul words ; and thereupon I will kiss thee .
-
-Foul words is but foul wind , and foul wind is but foul breath , and foul breath is noisome ; therefore I will depart unkissed .
-
-Thou hast frighted the word out of his right sense , so forcible is thy wit . But I must tell thee plainly , Claudio undergoes my challenge , and either I must shortly hear from him , or I will subscribe him a coward . And , I pray thee now , tell me , for which of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with me ?
-
-For them all together ; which maintained so politic a state of evil that they will not admit any good part to intermingle with them . But for which of my good parts did you first suffer love for me ?
-
-'Suffer love ,' a good epithet ! I do suffer love indeed , for I love thee against my will .
-
-In spite of your heart , I think . Alas , poor heart ! If you spite it for my sake , I will spite it for yours ; for I will never love that which my friend hates .
-
-Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably .
-
-It appears not in this confession : there's not one wise man among twenty that will praise himself .
-
-An old , an old instance , Beatrice , that lived in the time of good neighbours . If a man do not erect in this age his own tomb ere he dies , he shall live no longer in monument than the bell rings and the widow weeps .
-
-And how long is that think you ?
-
-Question : why , an hour in clamour and a quarter in rheum : therefore it is most expedient for the wise ,if Don Worm , his conscience , find no impediment to the contrary ,to be the trumpet of his own virtues , as I am to myself . So much for praising myself , who , I myself will bear witness , is praiseworthy . And now tell me , how doth your cousin ?
-
-Very ill .
-
-And how do you ?
-
-Very ill too .
-
-Serve God , love me , and mend . There will I leave you too , for here comes one in haste .
-
-
-Madam , you must come to your uncle . Yonder's old coil at home : it is proved , my Lady Hero hath been falsely accused , the prince and Claudio mightily abused ; and Don John is the author of all , who is fled and gone . Will you come presently ?
-
-Will you go hear this news , signior ?
-
-I will live in thy heart , die in thy lap , and be buried in thy eyes ; and moreover I will go with thee to thy uncle's .
-
-
-Is this the monument of Leonato ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-Done to death by slanderous tongues
-Was the Hero that here lies :
-Death , in guerdon of her wrongs ,
-Gives her fame which never dies .
-So the life that died with shame
-Lives in doath with glorious fame .
-
-Hang thou there upon the tomb ,
-Praising her when I am dumb .
-Now , music , sound , and sing your solemn hymn .
-
-Pardon , goddess of the night ,
-Those that slew thy virgin knight ;
-For the which , with songs of woe ,
-Round about her tomb they go .
-Midnight , assist our moan ;
-Help us to sigh and groan ,
-Heavily , heavily :
-Graves , yawn and yield your dead ,
-Till death be uttered ,
-Heavily , heavily .
-
-Now , unto thy bones good night !
-Yearly will I do this rite .
-
-Good morrow , masters : put your torches out .
-The wolves have prey'd ; and look , the gentle day ,
-Before the wheels of Ph bus , round about
-Dapples the drowsy east with spots of grey .
-Thanks to you all , and leave us : fare you well
-
-Good morrow , masters : each his several way .
-
-Come , let us hence , and put on other weeds ;
-And then to Leonato's we will go .
-
-And Hymen now with luckier issue speed's ,
-Than this for whom we render'd up this woe !
-
-
-Did I not tell you she was innocent ?
-
-So are the prince and Claudio , who accus'd her
-Upon the error that you heard debated :
-But Margaret was in some fault for this ,
-Although against her will , as it appears
-In the true course of all the question .
-
-Well , I am glad that all things sort so well .
-
-And so am I , being else by faith enforc'd
-To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it .
-
-Well , daughter , and you gentlewomen all ,
-Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves ,
-And when I send for you , come hither mask'd :
-The prince and Claudio promis'd by this hour
-To visit me .
-
-You know your office , brother ;
-You must be father to your brother's daughter ,
-And give her to young Claudio .
-
-Which I will do with confirm'd countenance .
-
-Friar , I must entreat your pains , I think .
-
-To do what , signior ?
-
-To bind me , or undo me ; one of them .
-Signior Leonato , truth it is , good signior ,
-Your niece regards me with an eye of favour .
-
-That eye my daughter lent her : 'tis most true .
-
-And I do with an eye of love requite her .
-
-The sight whereof I think , you had from me ,
-From Claudio , and the prince . But what's your will ?
-
-Your answer , sir , is enigmatical :
-But , for my will , my will is your good will
-May stand with ours , this day to be conjoin'd
-In the state of honourable marriage :
-In which , good friar , I shall desire your help .
-
-My heart is with your liking .
-
-And my help .
-Here come the prince and Claudio .
-
-
-Good morrow to this fair assembly .
-
-Good morrow , prince ; good morrow , Claudio :
-We here attend you . Are you yet determin'd
-To-day to marry with my brother's daughter ?
-
-I'll hold my mind , were she an Ethiop .
-
-Call her forth , brother : here's the friar ready .
-
-
-Good morrow , Benedick . Why , what's the matter ,
-That you have such a February face ,
-So full of frost , of storm and cloudiness ?
-
-I think he thinks upon the savage bull .
-Tush ! fear not , man , we'll tip thy horns with gold ,
-And all Europa shall rejoice at thee ,
-As once Europa did at lusty Jove ,
-When he would play the noble beast in love .
-
-Bull Jove , sir , had an amiable low :
-And some such strange bull leap'd your father's cow ,
-And got a calf in that same noble feat ,
-Much like to you , for you have just his bleat .
-
-For this I owe you : here come other reckonings .
-
-Which is the lady I must seize upon ?
-
-This same is she , and I do give you her .
-
-Why , then she's mine . Sweet , let me see your face .
-
-No , that you shall not , till you take her hand
-Before this friar , and swear to marry her .
-
-Give me your hand : before this holy friar ,
-I am your husband , if you like of me .
-
-And when I liv'd , I was your other wife :
-
-And when you lov'd , you were my other husband .
-
-Another Hero !
-
-Nothing certainer :
-One Hero died defil'd , but I do live ,
-And surely as I live , I am a maid .
-
-The former Hero ! Hero that is dead !
-
-She died , my lord , but whiles her slander liv'd .
-
-All this amazement can I qualify :
-When after that the holy rites are ended ,
-I'll tell you largely of fair Hero's death :
-Meantime , let wonder seem familiar ,
-And to the chapel let us presently .
-
-Soft and fair , friar . Which is Beatrice ?
-
-I answer to that name . What is your will ?
-
-Do not you love me ?
-
-Why , no ; no more than reason .
-
-Why , then , your uncle and the prince and Claudio
-Have been deceived ; for they swore you did .
-
-Do not you love me ?
-
-Troth , no ; no more than reason .
-
-Why , then , my cousin , Margaret , and Ursula ,
-Are much deceiv'd ; for they did swear you did .
-
-They swore that you were almost sick for me .
-
-They swore that you were well-nigh dead for me .
-
-'Tis no such matter . Then , you do not love me ?
-
-No , truly , but in friendly recompense .
-
-Come , cousin , I am sure you love the gentleman .
-
-And I'll be sworn upon 't that he loves her ;
-For here's a paper written in his hand ,
-A halting sonnet of his own pure brain ,
-Fashion'd to Beatrice .
-
-And here's another ,
-Writ in my cousin's hand , stolen from her pocket ,
-Containing her affection unto Benedick .
-
-A miracle ! here's our own hands against our hearts . Come , I will have thee ; but , by this light , I take thee for pity .
-
-I would not deny you ; but , by this good day , I yield upon great persuasion , and partly to save your life , for I was told you were in a consumption .
-
-Peace ! I will stop your mouth .
-
-
-How dost thou , Benedick , the married man ?
-
-I'll tell thee what , prince ; a college of witcrackers cannot flout me out of my humour . Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram ? No ; if a man will be beaten with brains , a' shall wear nothing handsome about him . In brief , since I do purpose to marry , I will think nothing to any purpose that the world can say against it ; and therefore never flout at me for what I have said against it , for man is a giddy thing , and this is my conclusion . For thy part , Claudio , I did think to have beaten thee ; but , in that thou art like to be my kinsman , live unbruised , and love my cousin .
-
-I had well hoped thou wouldst have denied Beatrice , that I might have cudgelled thee out of thy single life , to make thee a double-dealer ; which , out of question , thou wilt be , if my cousin do not look exceeding narrowly to thee .
-
-Come , come , we are friends . Let's have a dance ere we are married , that we may lighten our own hearts and our wives' heels .
-
-We'll have dancing afterward .
-
-First , of my word ; therefore play , music ! Prince , thou art sad ; get thee a wife , get thee a wife : there is no staff more reverend than one tipped with horn .
-
-
-My lord , your brother John is ta'en in flight ,
-And brought with armed men back to Messina .
-
-Think not on him till to-morrow : I'll devise thee brave punishments for him . Strike up , pipers !
-
-PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE
-
-
-To sing a song that old was sung ,
-From ashes ancient Gower is come ,
-Assuming man's infirmities ,
-To glad your ear , and please your eyes .
-It hath been sung at festivals ,
-On ember-eves , and holy-ales ;
-And lords and ladies in their lives
-Have read it for restoratives :
-The purchase is to make men glorious ;
-Et bonum quo antiquius , eo melius .
-If you , born in these latter times ,
-When wit's more ripe , accept my rimes ,
-And that to hear an old man sing
-May to your wishes pleasure bring ,
-I life would wish , and that I might
-Waste it for you like taper-light .
-This Antioch , then , Antiochus the Great
-Built up , this city , for his chiefest seat ,
-The fairest in all Syria ,
-I tell you what mine authors say :
-This king unto him took a fere ,
-Who died and left a female heir ,
-So buxom , blithe , and full of face
-As heaven had lent her all his grace ;
-With whom the father liking took ,
-And her to incest did provoke .
-Bad child , worse father ! to entice his own
-To evil should be done by none .
-By custom what they did begin
-Was with long use account no sin .
-The beauty of this sinful dame
-Made many princes thither frame ,
-To seek her as a bed-fellow ,
-In marriage-pleasures play-fellow :
-Which to prevent , he made a law ,
-To keep her still , and men in awe ,
-That whoso ask'd her for his wife ,
-His riddle told not , lost his life :
-So for her many a wight did die ,
-As yon grim looks do testify .
-What now ensues , to the judgment of your eye
-I give , my cause who best can justify .
-
-
-Young Prince of Tyre , you have at large receiv'd
-The danger of the task you undertake .
-
-I have , Antiochus , and , with a soul
-Embolden'd with the glory of her praise ,
-Think death no hazard in this enterprise .
-
-Bring in our daughter , clothed like a bride ,
-For the embracements even of Jove himself ;
-At whose conception , till Lucina reign'd ,
-Nature this dowry gave , to glad her presence ,
-The senate-house of planets all did sit ,
-To knit in her their best perfections .
-
-See , where she comes apparell'd like the spring ,
-Graces her subjects , and her thoughts the king
-Of every virtue gives renown to men !
-Her face the book of praises , where is read
-Nothing but curious pleasures , as from thence
-Sorrow were ever raz'd , and testy wrath
-Could never be her mild companion .
-You gods , that made me man , and sway in love ,
-That hath inflam'd desire in my breast
-To taste the fruit of you celestial tree
-Or die in the adventure , be my helps ,
-As I am son and servant to your will ,
-To compass such a boundless happiness !
-
-Prince Pericles ,
-
-That would be son to great Antiochus .
-
-Before thee stands this fair Hesperides ,
-With golden fruit , but dangerous to be touch'd ;
-For death-like dragons here affright thee hard :
-Her face , like heaven , enticeth thee to view
-Her countless glory , which desert must gain ;
-And which , without desert , because thine eye
-Presumes to reach , all thy whole heap must die .
-Yon sometime famous princes , like thyself ,
-Drawn by report , adventurous by desire ,
-Tell thee with speechless tongues and semblance pale ,
-That without covering , save yon field of stars ,
-They here stand martyrs , slain in Cupid's wars ;
-And with dead cheeks advise thee to desist
-For going on death's net , whom none resist .
-
-Antiochus , I thank thee , who hath taught
-My frail mortality to know itself ,
-And by those fearful objects to prepare
-This body , like to them , to what I must ;
-For death remember'd should be like a mirror ,
-Who tells us life's but breath , to trust it error .
-I'll make my will then ; and as sick men do ,
-Who know the world , see heaven , but feeling woe ,
-Gripe not at earthly joys as erst they did :
-So I bequeath a happy peace to you
-And all good men , as every prince should do ;
-My riches to the earth from whence they came ,
-
-But my unspotted fire of love to you .
-Thus ready for the way of life or death ,
-I wait the sharpest blow .
-
-Scorning advice , read the conclusion then ;
-Which read and not expounded , 'tis decreed ,
-As these before thee thou thyself shalt bleed .
-
-Of all say'd yet , mayst thou prove prosperous !
-Of all say'd yet , I wish thee happiness !
-
-Like a bold champion , I assume the lists ,
-Nor ask advice of any other thought
-But faithfulness and courage .
-
-I am no viper , yet I feed
-On mother's flesh which did me breed ;
-I sought a husband , in which labour
-I found that kindness in a father .
-He's father , son , and husband mild ,
-I mother , wife , and yet his child .
-How they may be , and yet in two ,
-As you will live , resolve it you .
-
-Sharp physic is the last : but , O you powers !
-That give heaven countless eyes to view men's acts ,
-Why cloud they not their sights perpetually ,
-If this be true , which makes me pale to read it ?
-Fair glass of light , I lov'd you , and could still ,
-Were not this glorious casket stor'd with ill :
-But I must tell you now my thoughts revolt ;
-For he's no man on whom perfections wait
-That , knowing sin within , will touch the gate .
-You're a fair viol , and your sense the strings ,
-Who , finger'd to make men his lawful music ,
-Would draw heaven down and all the gods to hearken ;
-But being play'd upon before your time ,
-Hell only danceth at so harsh a chime .
-Good sooth , I care not for you .
-
-Prince Pericles , touch not , upon thy life ,
-For that's an article within our law ,
-As dangerous as the rest . Your time's expir'd :
-Either expound now or receive your sentence .
-
-Great king ,
-Few love to hear the sins they love to act ;
-'Twould braid yourself too near for me to tell it .
-Who has a book of all that monarchs do ,
-He's more secure to keep it shut than shown ;
-For vice repeated is like the wandering wind ,
-Blows dust in others' eyes , to spread itself ;
-And yet the end of all is bought thus dear ,
-The breath is gone , and the sore eyes see clear
-To stop the air would hurt them . The blind mole casts
-Copp'd hills towards heaven , to tell the earth is throng'd
-By man's oppression ; and the poor worm doth die for 't .
-Kings are earth's gods ; in vice their law's their will ;
-And if Jove stray , who dares say Jove doth ill ?
-It is enough you know ; and it is fit ,
-What being more known grows worse , to smother it .
-All love the womb that their first being bred ,
-Then give my tongue like leave to love my head .
-
-Heaven ! that I had thy head ; he has found the meaning ;
-But I will gloze with him . Young Prince of Tyre ,
-Though by the tenour of our strict edict ,
-Your exposition misinterpreting ,
-We might proceed to cancel of your days ;
-Yet hope , succeeding from so fair a tree
-As your fair self , doth tune us otherwise :
-Forty days longer we do respite you ;
-If by which time our secret be undone ,
-This mercy shows we'll joy in such a son :
-And until then your entertain shall be
-As doth befit our honour and your worth .
-
-
-How courtesy would seem to cover sin ,
-When what is done is like a hypocrite ,
-The which is good in nothing but in sight !
-If it be true that I interpret false ,
-Then were it certain you were not so bad
-As with foul incest to abuse your soul ;
-Where now you're both a father and a son ,
-By your untimely claspings with your child ,
-Which pleasure fits a husband , not a father ;
-And she an eater of her mother's flesh ,
-By the defiling of her parent's bed ;
-And both like serpents are , who though they feed
-On sweetest flowers , yet they poison breed .
-Antioch , farewell ! for wisdom sees , those men
-Blush not in actions blacker than the night ,
-Will shun no course to keep them from the light .
-One sin , I know , another doth provoke ;
-Murder's as near to lust as flame to smoke .
-Poison and treason are the hands of sin ,
-Ay , and the targets , to put off the shame :
-Then , lest my life be cropp'd to keep you clear ,
-By flight I'll shun the danger which I fear .
-
-He hath found the meaning , for which we mean
-To take his head .
-He must not live to trumpet forth my infamy ,
-Nor tell the world Antiochus doth sin
-In such a loathed manner ;
-And therefore instantly this prince must die ,
-For by his fall my honour must keep high .
-Who attends us there ?
-
-
-Doth your highness call ?
-
-Thaliard ,
-You're of our chamber , and our mind partakes
-Her private actions to your secrecy ;
-And for your faithfulness we will advance you .
-Thaliard , behold , here's poison , and here's gold ;
-We hate the Prince of Tyre , and thou must kill him :
-It fits thee not to ask the reason why ,
-Because we bid it . Say , is it done ?
-
-My lord , 'tis done .
-
-Enough .
-
-Let your breath cool yourself , telling your haste .
-
-My lord , Prince Pericles is fled .
-
-
-As thou
-Wilt live , fly after ; and , as an arrow shot
-From a well-experienc'd archer hits the mark
-His eye doth level at , so thou ne'er return
-Unless thou say 'Prince Pericles is dead .'
-
-My lord ,
-If I can get him within my pistol's length ,
-I'll make him sure enough : so , farewell to your highness .
-
-Thaliard , adieu !
-
-Till Pericles be dead ,
-My heart can lend no succour to my head .
-
-
-Let none disturb us .
-Why should this change of thoughts ,
-The sad companion , dull-ey'd melancholy ,
-Be my so us'd a guest , as not an hour
-In the day's glorious walk or peaceful night
-The tomb where grief should sleep can breed me quiet ?
-Here pleasures court mine eyes , and mine eyes shun them ,
-And danger , which I feared , is at Antioch ,
-Whose arm seems far too short to hit me here ;
-Yet neither pleasure's art can joy my spirits ,
-Nor yet the other's distance comfort me .
-Then it is thus : the passions of the mind ,
-That have their first conception by mis-dread ,
-Have after-nourishment and life by care ;
-And what was first but fear what might be done ,
-Grows elder now and cares it be not done .
-And so with me : the great Antiochus ,
-'Gainst whom I am too little to contend ,
-Since he's so great can make his will his act ,
-Will think me speaking , though I swear to silence ;
-Nor boots it me to say I honour him ,
-If he suspect I may dishonour him ;
-And what may make him blush in being known ,
-He'll stop the course by which it might be known .
-With hostile forces he'll o'erspread the land ,
-And with the ostent of war will look so huge ,
-Amazement shall drive courage from the state ,
-Our men be vanquish'd ere they do resist ,
-And subjects punish'd that ne'er thought offence :
-Which care of them , not pity of myself ,
-Who am no more but as the tops of trees ,
-Which fence the roots they grow by and defend them ,
-Make both my body pine and soul to languish ,
-And punish that before that he would punish .
-
-
-Joy and all comfort in your sacred breast !
-
-And keep your mind , till you return to us ,
-Peaceful and comfortable .
-
-Peace , peace ! and give experience tongue .
-They do abuse the king that flatter him ;
-For flattery is the bellows blows up sin ;
-The thing the which is flatter'd , but a spark ,
-To which that blast gives heat and stronger glowing ;
-Whereas reproof , obedient and in order ,
-Fits kings , as they are men , for they may err :
-When Signior Sooth here does proclaim a peace ,
-He flatters you , makes war upon your life .
-Prince , pardon me , or strike me , if you please ;
-I cannot be much lower than my knees .
-
-All leave us else ; but let your cares o'erlook
-What shipping and what lading's in our haven ,
-And then return to us .
-
-Helicanus , thou
-Hast mov'd us ; what seest thou in our looks ?
-
-An angry brow , dread lord .
-
-If there be such a dart in prince's frowns ,
-How durst thy tongue move anger to our face ?
-
-How dare the plants look up to heaven , from whence
-They have their nourishment ?
-
-Thou know'st I have power
-To take thy life from thee .
-
-I have ground the axe myself ;
-Do you but strike the blow .
-
-Rise , prithee , rise ;
-Sit down ; thou art no flatterer :
-I thank thee for it ; and heaven forbid
-That kings should let their ears hear their faults hid !
-Fit counsellor and servant for a prince ,
-Who by thy wisdom mak'st a prince thy servant ,
-What wouldst thou have me do ?
-
-To bear with patience
-Such griefs as you yourself do lay upon yourself .
-
-Thou speak'st like a physician , Helicanus ,
-That minister'st a potion unto me
-That thou wouldst tremble to receive thyself .
-Attend me then : I went to Antioch ,
-Where as thou know'st , against the face of death
-I sought the purchase of a glorious beauty ,
-From whence an issue I might propagate
-Are arms to princes and bring joys to subjects .
-Her face was to mine eye beyond all wonder ;
-The rest , hark in thine ear , as black as incest ;
-Which by my knowledge found , the sinful father
-Seem'd not to strike , but smooth ; but thou know'st this ,
-'Tis time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss .
-Which fear so grew in me I hither fled ,
-Under the covering of a careful night ,
-Who seem'd my good protector ; and , being here ,
-Bethought me what was past , what might succeed .
-I knew him tyrannous ; and tyrants' fears
-Decrease not , but grow faster than the years .
-And should he doubt it , as no doubt he doth ,
-That I should open to the listening air
-How many worthy princes' bloods were shed ,
-To keep his bed of blackness unlaid ope ,
-To lop that doubt he'll fill this land with arms ,
-And make pretence of wrong that I have done him ;
-When all , for mine , if I may call 't , offence ,
-Must feel war's blow , who spares not innocence :
-Which love to all , of which thyself art one ,
-Who now reprov'st me for it ,
-
-Alas ! sir .
-
-Drew sleep out of mine eyes , blood from my cheeks ,
-Musings into my mind , with thousand doubts
-How I might stop this tempest , ere it came ;
-And finding little comfort to relieve them ,
-I thought it princely charity to grieve them .
-
-Well , my lord , since you have given me leave to speak ,
-Freely will I speak . Antiochus you fear ,
-And justly too , I think , you fear the tyrant ,
-Who either by public war or private treason
-Will take away your life .
-Therefore , my lord , go travel for a while ,
-Till that his rage and anger be forgot ,
-Or till the Destinies do cut his thread of life .
-Your rule direct to any ; if to me ,
-Day serves not light more faithful than I'll be .
-
-I do not doubt thy faith ;
-But should he wrong my liberties in my absence ?
-
-We'll mingle our bloods together in the earth ,
-From whence we had our being and our birth .
-
-Tyre , I now look from thee then , and to Tarsus
-Intend my travel , where I'll hear from thee ,
-And by whose letters I'll dispose myself .
-The care I had and have of subjects' good
-On thee I'll lay , whose wisdom's strength can bear it .
-I'll take thy word for faith , not ask thine oath ;
-Who shuns not to break one will sure crack both .
-But in our orbs we'll live so round and safe ,
-That time of both this truth shall ne'er convince ,
-Thou show'dst a subject's shine , I a true prince .
-
-
-So this is Tyre , and this the court . Here must I kill King Pericles ; and if I do not , I am sure to be hanged at home : 'tis dangerous . Well , I perceive he was a wise fellow , and had good discretion , that , being bid to ask what he would of the king , desired he might know none of his secrets : now do I see he had some reason for it ; for if a king bid a man be a villain , he is bound by the indenture of his oath to be one . Hush ! here come the lords of Tyre .
-
-
-You shall not need , my fellow peers of Tyre ,
-Further to question me of your king's departure :
-His seal'd commission , left in trust with me ,
-Doth speak sufficiently he's gone to travel .
-
-How ! the king gone !
-
-If further yet you will be satisfied ,
-Why , as it were unlicens'd of your loves ,
-He would depart , I'll give some light unto you .
-Being at Antioch
-
-What from Antioch ?
-
-Royal Antiochus on what cause I know not
-Took some displeasure at him , at least he judg'd so ;
-And doubting lest that he had err'd or sinn'd ,
-To show his sorrow he'd correct himself ;
-So puts himself unto the shipman's toil ,
-With whom each minute threatens life or death .
-
-Well , I perceive
-I shall not be hang'd now , although I would ;
-But since he's gone , the king it sure must please :
-He 'scap'd the land , to perish at the sea .
-I'll present myself .
-
-Peace to the lords of Tyre .
-
-Lord Thaliard from Antiochus is welcome .
-
-From him I come ,
-With message unto princely Pericles ;
-But since my landing I have understood
-Your lord hath betook himself to unknown travels ,
-My message must return from whence it came .
-
-We have no reason to desire it ,
-Commended to our master , not to us :
-Yet , ere you shall depart , this we desire ,
-As friends to Antioch , we may feast in Tyre .
-
-
-My Dionyza , shall we rest us here ,
-And by relating tales of others' griefs ,
-See if 'twill teach us to forget our own ?
-
-That were to blow at fire in hope to quench it ;
-For who digs hills because they do aspire
-Throws down one mountain to cast up a higher .
-O my distressed lord ! even such our griefs are ;
-Here they're but felt , and seen with mischief's eyes ,
-But like to groves , being topp'd , they higher rise .
-
-O Dionyza ,
-Who wanteth food , and will not say he wants it ,
-Or can conceal his hunger till he famish ?
-Our tongues and sorrows do sound deep
-Our woes into the air ; our eyes do weep
-Till tongues fetch breath that may proclaim them louder ;
-That if heaven slumber while their creatures want ,
-They may awake their helps to comfort them .
-I'll then discourse our woes , felt several years ,
-And wanting breath to speak help me with tears .
-
-I'll do my best , sir .
-
-This Tarsus , o'er which I have the government ,
-A city on whom plenty held full hand ,
-For riches strew'd herself even in the streets ;
-Whose towers bore heads so high they kiss'd the clouds ,
-And strangers ne'er beheld but wonder'd at ;
-Whose men and dames so jetted and adorn'd ,
-Like one another's glass to trim them by :
-Their tables were stor'd full to glad the sight ,
-And not so much to feed on as delight ;
-All poverty was scorn'd , and pride so great ,
-The name of help grew odious to repeat .
-
-O ! 'tis too true ,
-
-But see what heaven can do ! By this our change ,
-These mouths , whom but of late earth , sea , and air
-Were all too little to content and please ,
-Although they gave their creatures in abundance ,
-As houses are defil'd for want of use ,
-They are now starv'd for want of exercise ;
-Those palates who , not yet two summers younger ,
-Must have inventions to delight the taste ,
-Would now be glad of bread , and beg for it ;
-Those mothers who , to nousle up their babes ,
-Thought nought too curious , are ready now
-To eat those little darlings whom they lov'd .
-So sharp are hunger's teeth , that man and wife
-Draw lots who first shall die to lengthen life .
-Here stands a lord , and there a lady weeping ;
-Here many sink , yet those which see them fall
-Have scarce strength left to give them burial .
-Is not this true ?
-
-Our cheeks and hollow eyes do witness it .
-
-O ! let those cities that of plenty's cup
-And her prosperities so largely taste ,
-With their superfluous riots , hear these tears :
-The misery of Tarsus may be theirs .
-
-
-Where's the lord governor ?
-
-Here .
-Speak out thy sorrows which thou bring'st in haste ,
-For comfort is too far for us to expect .
-
-We have descried , upon our neighbouring shore ,
-A portly sail of ships make hitherward .
-
-I thought as much .
-One sorrow never comes but brings an heir
-That may succeed as his inberitor ;
-And so in ours . Some neighbouring nation ,
-Taking advantage of our misery ,
-Hath stuff'd these hollow vessels with their power ,
-To beat us down , the which are down already ;
-And make a conquest of unhappy me ,
-Whereas no glory's got to overcome .
-
-That's the least fear ; for by the semblance
-Of their white flags display'd , they bring us peace ,
-And come to us as favourers , not as foes .
-
-Thou speak'st like him 's untutor'd to repeat :
-Who makes the fairest show means most deceit .
-But bring they what they will and what they can ,
-What need we fear ?
-The ground's the lowest and we are half way there .
-Go tell their general we attend him here ,
-To know for what he comes , and whence he comes ,
-And what he craves .
-
-I go , my lord .
-
-
-Welcome is peace if he on peace consist ;
-If wars we are unable to resist .
-
-
-Lord governor , for so we hear you are ,
-Let not our ships and number of our men ,
-Be like a beacon fir'd to amaze your eyes .
-We have heard your miseries as far as Tyre ,
-And seen the desolation of your streets :
-Nor come we to add sorrow to your tears ,
-But to relieve them of their heavy load ;
-And these our ships , you happily may think
-Are like the Trojan horse was stuff'd within
-With bloody veins , expecting overthrow ,
-Are stor'd with corn to make your needy bread ,
-And give them life whom hunger starv'd half dead .
-
-The gods of Greece protect you !
-And we'll pray for you .
-
-Arise , I pray you , rise :
-We do not look for reverence , but for love ,
-And harbourage for ourself , our ships , and men .
-
-The which when any shall not gratify ,
-Or pay you with unthankfulness in thought ,
-Be it our wives , our children , or ourselves ,
-The curse of heaven and men succeed their evils !
-Till when the which , I hope , shall ne'er be seen
-Your Grace is welcome to our town and us .
-
-Which welcome we'll accept ; feast here awhile ,
-Until our stars that frown lend us a smile .
-
-Here have you seen a mighty king
-His child , I wis , to incest bring ;
-A better prince and benign lord ,
-That will prove awful both in deed and word .
-Be quiet , then , as men should be ,
-Till he hath pass'd necessity .
-I'll show you those in troubles reign ,
-Losing a mite , a mountain gain .
-The good in conversation ,
-To whom I give my benison ,
-Is still at Tarsus , where each man
-Thinks all is writ he speken can ;
-And , to remember what he does ,
-Build his statue to make him glorious :
-But tidings to the contrary
-Are brought your eyes ; what need speak I ?
-
-
-Good Helicane hath stay'd at home ,
-Not to eat honey like a drone
-From others' labours ; for though he strive
-To killen bad , keep good alive ,
-And to fulfil his prince' desire ,
-Sends word of all that haps in Tyre :
-How Thaliard came full bent with sin
-And had intent to murder him ;
-And that in Tarsus was not best
-Longer for him to make his rest .
-He , doing so , put forth to seas ,
-Where when men been , there's seldom ease ;
-For now the wind begins to blow ;
-Thunder above and deeps below
-Make such unquiet , that the ship
-Should house him safe is wrack'd and split ;
-And he , good prince , having all lost ,
-By waves from coast to coast is tost .
-All perishen of man , of pelf ,
-Ne aught escapen but himself ;
-Till Fortune , tir'd with doing bad ,
-Threw him ashore , to give him glad ;
-And here he comes . What shall be next ,
-Pardon old Gower , this longs the text .
-
-Yet cease your ire , you angry stars of heaven !
-Wind , rain , and thunder , remember , earthly man
-Is but a substance that must yield to you ;
-And I , as fits my nature , do obey you .
-Alas ! the sea hath cast me on the rocks ,
-Wash'd me from shore to shore , and left me breath
-Nothing to think on but ensuing death :
-Let it suffice the greatness of your powers
-To have bereft a prince of all his fortunes ;
-And having thrown him from your watery grave ,
-Here to have death in peace is all he'll crave .
-
-
-What , ho , Pilch !
-
-Ha ! come and bring away the nets .
-
-What , Patch-breech , I say !
-
-What say you , master ?
-
-Look how thou stirrest now ! come away , or I'll fetch thee with a wannion .
-
-Faith , master , I am thinking of the poor men that were cast away before us even now .
-
-Alas ! poor souls ; it grieved my heart to hear what pitiful cries they made to us to help them , when , well-a-day , we could scarce help ourselves .
-
-Nay , master , said not I as much when I saw the porpus how he bounced and tumbled ? they say they're half fish half flesh ; a plague on them ! they ne'er come but I look to be washed . Master , I marvel how the fishes live in the sea .
-
-Why , as men do a-land ; the great ones eat up the little ones ; I can compare our rich misers to nothing so fitly as to a whale ; a' plays and tumbles , driving the poor fry before him , and at last devours them all at a mouthful . Such whales have I heard on o' the land , who never leave gaping till they've swallowed the whole parish , church , steeple , bells , and all .
-
-A pretty moral .
-
-But master , if I had been the sexton , I would have been that day in the belfry .
-
-Why , man ?
-
-Because he should have swallowed me too ; and when I had been in his belly , I would have kept such a jangling of the bells , that he should never have left till he cast bells , steeple , church , and parish , up again . But if the good King Simonides were of my mind ,
-
-Simonides !
-
-We would purge the land of these drones , that rob the bee of her honey .
-
-How from the finny subject of the sea
-These fishers tell the infirmities of men ;
-And from their watery empire recollect
-All that may men approve or men detect !
-
-
-Peace be at your labour , honest fishermen .
-
-Honest ! good fellow , what's that ? if it be a day fits you , search out of the calendar , and nobody look after it .
-
-Y' may see the sea hath cast me on your coast .
-
-What a drunken knave was the sea , to cast thee in our way !
-
-A man whom both the waters and the wind ,
-In that vast tennis-court , have made the ball
-For them to play upon , entreats you pity him ;
-He asks of you , that never us'd to beg .
-
-No , friend , cannot you beg ? here's them in our country of Greece gets more with begging than we can do with working .
-
-Canst thou catch any fishes then ?
-
-I never practised it .
-
-Nay then thou wilt starve , sure ; for here's nothing to be got now-a-days unless thou canst fish for 't .
-
-What I have been I have forgot to know ,
-But what I am want teaches me to think on ;
-A man throng'd up with cold ; my veins are chill ,
-And have no more of life than may suffice
-To give my tongue that heat to ask your help ;
-Which if you shall refuse , when I am dead ,
-For that I am a man , pray see me buried .
-
-Die , quoth-a ? Now , gods forbid ! I have a gown here ; come , put it on ; keep thee warm . Now , afore me , a handsome fellow ! Come , thou shalt go home , and we'll have flesh for holidays , fish for fasting-days , and moreo'er puddings and flap-jacks ; and thou shalt be welcome .
-
-I thank you , sir .
-
-Hark you , my friend ; you said you could not beg .
-
-I did but crave .
-
-But crave ! Then I'll turn craver too , and so I shall 'scape whipping .
-
-Why , are all your beggars whipped , then ?
-
-O ! not all , my friend , not all ; for if all your beggars were whipped , I would wish no better office than to be beadle . But , master , I'll go draw up the net .
-
-
-How well this honest mirth becomes their labour !
-
-Hark you , sir ; do you know where ye are ?
-
-Not well .
-
-Why , I'll tell you : this is called Pentapolis , and our king the good Simonides .
-
-The good King Simonides do you call him ?
-
-Ay , sir ; and he deserves to be so called for his peaceable reign and good government .
-
-He is a happy king , since he gains from his subjects the name of good by his government . How far is his court distant from this shore ?
-
-Marry , sir , half a day's journey ; and I'll tell you , he hath a fair daughter , and to-morrow is her birthday ; and there are princes and knights come from all parts of the world to just and tourney for her love .
-
-Were my fortunes equal to my desires , I could wish to make one there .
-
-O ! sir , things must be as they may ; and what a man cannot get , he may lawfully deal for his wife's soul ,
-
-
-Help , master , help ! here's a fish hangs in the net , like a poor man's right in the law ; 'twill hardly come out . Ha ! bots on 't , 'tis come at last , and 'tis turned to a rusty armour .
-
-An armour , friends ! I pray you , let me see it .
-Thanks , Fortune , yet , that after all my crosses
-Thou giv'st me somewhat to repair myself ;
-And though it was mine own , part of mine heritage ,
-Which my dead father did bequeath to me ,
-With this strict charge , even as he left his life ,
-'Keep it , my Pericles , it hath been a shield
-'Twixt me and death ;' and pointed to this brace ;
-'For that it sav'd me , keep it ; in like necessity
-The which the gods protect thee from !'t may defend thee .'
-It kept where I kept , I so dearly lov'd it ;
-Till the rough seas , that spare not any man ,
-Took it in rage , though calm'd they have given 't again .
-I thank thee for 't ; my shipwrack now 's no ill ,
-Since I have here my father's gift in 's will .
-
-What mean you , sir ?
-
-To beg of you , kind friends , this coat of worth ,
-For it was sometime target to a king ;
-I know it by this mark . He lov'd me dearly ,
-And for his sake I wish the having of it ;
-And that you'd guide me to your sovereign's court ,
-Where with it I may appear a gentleman ;
-And if that ever my low fortunes better ,
-I'll pay your bounties ; till then rest your debtor .
-
-Why , wilt thou tourney for the lady ?
-
-I'll show the virtue I have borne in arms .
-
-Why , do'e take it ; and the gods give thee good on 't !
-
-Ay , but hark you , my friend ; 'twas we that made up this garment through the rough seams of the water ; there are certain condolements , certain vails . I hope , sir , if you thrive , you'll remember from whence you had it .
-
-Believe it , I will .
-By your furtherance I am cloth'd in steel ;
-And spite of all the rapture of the sea ,
-This jewel holds his biding on my arm :
-Unto thy value will I mount myself
-Upon a courser , whose delightful steps
-Shall make the gazer joy to see him tread .
-Only , my friend , I yet am unprovided
-Of a pair of bases .
-
-We'll sure provide ; thou shalt have my best gown to make thee a pair , and I'll bring thee to the court myself .
-
-Then honour be but a goal to my will ! This day I'll rise , or else add ill to ill .
-
-Are the knights ready to begin the triumph ?
-
-They are , my liege ;
-And stay your coming to present themselves .
-
-Return them , we are ready ; and our daughter ,
-In honour of whose birth these triumphs are ,
-Sits here , like beauty's child , whom nature gat
-For men to see , and seeing wonder at .
-
-
-It pleaseth you , my royal father , to express
-My commendations great , whose merit's less .
-
-'Tis fit it should be so ; for princes are
-A model , which heaven makes like to itself :
-As jewels lose their glory if neglected ,
-So princes their renowns if not respected .
-'Tis now your honour , daughter , to explain
-The labour of each knight in his device .
-
-Which , to preserve mine honour , I'll perform .
-
-
-Who is the first that doth prefer himself ?
-
-A knight of Sparta , my renowned father ;
-And the device he bears upon his shield
-Is a black Ethiop reaching at the sun ;
-The word , Lux tua vita mihi .
-
-He loves you well that holds his life of you .
-
-Who is the second that presents himself ?
-
-A prince of Macedon , my royal father ;
-And the device he bears upon his shield
-Is an arm'd knight that's conquer'd by a lady ;
-The motto thus , in Spanish , Piu por dulzura que por fuerza .
-
-
-And what's the third ?
-
-The third of Antioch ;
-And his device , a wreath of chivalry ;
-The word , Me pomp provexit apex .
-
-
-What is the fourth ?
-
-A burning torch that's turned upside down ;
-The word , Quod me alit me extinguit .
-
-Which shows that beauty hath his power and will ,
-Which can as well inflame as it can kill .
-
-
-The fifth , a hand environed with clouds ,
-Holding out gold that's by the touchstone tried ;
-The motto thus , Sic spectanda fides .
-
-
-And what 's
-The sixth and last , the which the knight himself
-With such a graceful courtesy deliver'd ?
-
-He seems to be a stranger ; but his present is
-A wither'd branch , that's only green at top ;
-The motto , In hac spe vivo .
-
-A pretty moral ;
-From the dejected state wherein he is ,
-He hopes by you his fortune yet may flourish .
-
-He had need mean better than his outward show
-Can any way speak in his just commend ;
-For , by his rusty outside he appears
-To have practis'd more the whipstock than the lance .
-
-He well may be a stranger , for he comes
-To an honour'd triumph strangely furnished .
-
-And on set purpose let his armour rust
-Until this day , to scour it in the dust .
-
-Opinion's but a fool , that makes us scan
-The outward habit by the inward man .
-But stay , the knights are coming ; we'll withdraw
-Into the gallery .
-
-
-Knights ,
-To say you're welcome were superfluous .
-To place upon the volume of your deeds ,
-As in a title-page , your worth in arms ,
-Were more than you expect , or more than's fit ,
-Since every worth in show commends itself .
-Prepare for mirth , for mirth becomes a feast :
-You are princes and my guests .
-
-But you , my knight and guest ;
-To whom this wreath of victory I give ,
-And crown you king of this day's happiness .
-
-'Tis more by fortune , lady , than by merit .
-
-Call it by what you will , the day is yours ;
-And here , I hope , is none that envies it .
-In framing an artist art hath thus decreed ,
-To make some good , but others to exceed ;
-And you're her labour'd scholar . Come , queen o' the feast ,
-For , daughter , so you are ,here take your place ;
-Marshal the rest , as they deserve their grace .
-
-We are honour'd much by good Simonides .
-
-Your presence glads our days ; honour we love ,
-For who hates honour , hates the gods above .
-
-Sir , yonder is your place .
-
-Some other is more fit .
-
-Contend not , sir ; for we are gentlemen
-That neither in our hearts nor outward eyes
-Envy the great nor do the low despise .
-
-You are right courteous knights .
-
-Sit , sir ; sit .
-
-By Jove , I wonder , that is king of thoughts ,
-These cates resist me , she but thought upon .
-
-By Juno , that is queen of marriage ,
-All viands that I eat do seem unsavoury ,
-Wishing him my meat . Sure , he's a gallant gentleman .
-
-He's but a country gentleman ;
-He has done no more than other knights have done ;
-He has broken a staff or so ; so let it pass .
-
-To me he seems like diamond to glass .
-
-Yon king's to me like to my father's picture ,
-Which tells me in that glory once he was ;
-Had princes sit , like stars , about his throne ,
-And he the sun for them to reverence .
-None that beheld him , but like lesser lights
-Did vail their crowns to his supremacy ;
-Where now his son's like a glow-worm in the night ,
-The which hath fire in darkness , none in light :
-Whereby I see that Time's the king of men ;
-He's both their parent , and he is their grave ,
-And gives them what he will , not what they crave .
-
-What , are you merry , knights ?
-
-Who can be other in this royal presence ?
-
-Here , with a cup that's stor'd unto the brim ,
-As you do love , fill to your mistress' lips ,
-We drink this health to you .
-
-We thank your Grace .
-
-Yet pause awhile ;
-Yon knight doth sit too melancholy ,
-As if the entertainment in our court
-Had not a show might countervail his worth .
-Note it not you , Thaisa ?
-
-What is it
-To me , my father ?
-
-O ! attend , my daughter :
-Princes in this should live like gods above ,
-Who freely give to every one that comes
-To honour them ;
-And princes not doing so are like to gnats ,
-Which make a sound , but kill'd are wonder'd at .
-Therefore to make his entrance more sweet ,
-Here say we drink this standing-bowl of wine to him .
-
-Alas ! my father , it befits not me
-Unto a stranger knight to be so bold ;
-He may my proffer take for an offence ,
-Since men take women's gifts for impudence .
-
-How !
-Do as I bid you , or you'll move me else .
-
-Now , by the gods , he could not please me better .
-
-And further tell him , we desire to know of him ,
-Of whence he is , his name , and parentage .
-
-The king , my father , sir , has drunk to you .
-
-I thank him .
-
-Wishing it so much blood unto your life .
-
-I thank both him and you , and pledge him freely .
-
-And further he desires to know of you ,
-Of whence you are , your name and parentage .
-
-A gentleman of Tyre , my name , Pericles ;
-My education been in arts and arms ;
-Who , looking for adventures in the world ,
-Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men ,
-And after shipwrack , driven upon this shore .
-
-He thanks your Grace ; names himself Pericles ,
-A gentleman of Tyre ,
-Who only by misfortune of the seas
-Bereft of ships and men , cast on this shore .
-
-Now , by the gods , I pity his misfortune ,
-And will awake him from his melancholy .
-Come , gentlemen , we sit too long on trifles ,
-And waste the time which looks for other revels .
-Even in your armours , as you are address'd ,
-Will very well become a soldier's dance .
-I will not have excuse , with saying this
-Loud music is too harsh for ladies' heads
-Since they love men in arms as well as beds .
-
-So this was well ask'd , 'twas so well perform'd .
-Come , sir ;
-Here is a lady that wants breathing too :
-And I have often heard , you knights of Tyre
-Are excellent in making ladies trip ,
-And that their measures are as excellent .
-
-In those that practise them they are , my lord .
-
-O ! that's as much as you would be denied
-Of your fair courtesy .
-
-Unclasp , unclasp ;
-Thanks , gentlemen , to all ; all have done well ,
-
-
-But you the best . Pages and lights , to conduct
-These knights unto their several lodgings ! Yours , sir ,
-We have given order to be next our own .
-
-I am at your Grace's pleasure .
-
-Princes , it is too late to talk of love ,
-And that's the mark I know you level at ;
-Therefore each one betake him to his rest ;
-To-morrow all for speeding do their best .
-
-
-No , Escanes , know this of me ,
-Antiochus from incest liv'd not free ;
-For which , the most high gods not minding longer
-To withhold the vengeance that they had in store ,
-Due to this heinous capital offence ,
-Even in the height and pride of all his glory ,
-When he was seated in a chariot
-Of an inestimable value , and his daughter with him ,
-A fire from heaven came and shrivell'd up
-Their bodies , even to loathing ; for they so stunk ,
-That all those eyes ador'd them ere their fall
-Scorn now their hand should give them burial .
-
-'Twas very strange .
-
-And yet but just ; for though
-This king were great , his greatness was no guard
-To bar heaven's shaft , but sin had his reward .
-
-'Tis very true .
-
-
-See , not a man in private conference
-Or council has respect with him but he .
-
-It shall no longer grieve without reproof .
-
-And curs'd be he that will not second it .
-
-Follow me then . Lord Helicane , a word .
-
-With me ? and welcome . Happy day , my lords .
-
-Know that our griefs are risen to the top ,
-And now at length they overflow their banks .
-
-Your griefs ! for what ? wrong not the prince you love .
-
-Wrong not yourself then , noble Helicane ;
-But if the prince do live , let us salute him ,
-Or know what ground's made happy by his breath .
-If in the world he live , we'll seek him out ;
-If in his grave he rest , we'll find him there ;
-And be resolv'd he lives to govern us ,
-Or dead , give 's cause to mourn his funeral ,
-And leaves us to our free election .
-
-Whose death's indeed the strongest in our censure :
-And knowing this kingdom is without a head ,
-Like goodly buildings left without a roof
-Soon fall to ruin , your noble self ,
-That best know'st how to rule and how to reign ,
-We thus submit unto , our sovereign .
-
-Live , noble Helicane !
-
-For honour's cause forbear your suffrages :
-If that you love Prince Pericles , forbear .
-Take I your wish , I leap into the seas ,
-Where's hourly trouble for a minute's ease .
-A twelvemonth longer , let me entreat you
-To forbear the absence of your king ;
-If in which time expir'd he not return ,
-I shall with aged patience bear your yoke .
-But if I cannot win you to this love ,
-Go search like nobles , like noble subjects ,
-And in your search spend your adventurous worth ;
-Whom if you find , and win unto return ,
-You shall like diamonds sit about his crown .
-
-To wisdom he's a fool that will not yield ;
-And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us ,
-We with our travels will endeavour it .
-
-Then you love us , we you , and we'll clasp hands :
-When peers thus knit , a kingdom ever stands .
-
-
-Good morrow to the good Simonides .
-
-Knights , from my daughter this I let you know ,
-That for this twelvemonth she'll not undertake
-A married life .
-Her reason to herself is only known ,
-Which yet from her by no means can I get .
-
-May we not get access to her , my lord ?
-
-Faith , by no means ; she hath so strictly tied
-Her to her chamber that 'tis impossible .
-One twelve moons more she'll wear Diana's livery ;
-This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vow'd ,
-And on her virgin honour will not break it .
-
-Though loath to bid farewell , we take our leaves .
-
-
-So ,
-They're well dispatch'd ; now to my daughter's letter .
-She tells me here , she'll wed the stranger knight ,
-Or never more to view nor day nor light .
-'Tis well , mistress ; your choice agrees with mine ;
-I like that well : how absolute she's in 't ,
-Not minding whether I dislike or no !
-Well , I do commend her choice ;
-And will no longer have it be delay'd .
-Soft ! here he comes : I must dissemble it .
-
-
-All fortune to the good Simonides !
-
-To you as much , sir ! I am beholding to you
-For your sweet music this last night : I do
-Protest my ears were never better fed
-With such delightful pleasing harmony
-
-It is your Grace's pleasure to commend ,
-Not my desert .
-
-Sir , you are music's master .
-
-The worst of all her scholars , my good lord .
-
-Let me ask you one thing .
-What do you think of my daughter , sir ?
-
-A most virtuous princess .
-
-And she is fair too , is she not ?
-
-As a fair day in summer ; wondrous fair .
-
-My daughter , sir , thinks very well of you ;
-Ay , so well , that you must be her master ,
-And she will be your scholar : therefore look to it .
-
-I am unworthy for her schoolmaster .
-
-She thinks not so ; peruse this writing else .
-
-What's here ?
-A letter that she loves the knight of Tyre !
-'Tis the king's subtilty to have my life .
-O ! seek not to entrap me , gracious lord ,
-A stranger and distressed gentleman ,
-That never aim'd so high to love your daughter ,
-But bent all offices to honour her .
-
-Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter , and thou art
-A villain .
-
-By the gods , I have not :
-Never did thought of mine levy offence ;
-Nor never did my actions yet commence
-A deed might gain her love or your displeasure .
-
-Traitor , thou liest .
-
-Traitor !
-
-Ay , traitor .
-
-Even in his throat , unless it be the king ,
-That calls me traitor , I return the lie .
-
-Now , by the gods , I do applaud his courage .
-
-My actions are as noble as my thoughts ,
-That never relish'd of a base descent .
-I came unto your court for honour's cause ,
-And not to be a rebel to her state ;
-And he that otherwise accounts of me ,
-This sword shall prove he's honour's enemy .
-
-No ?
-Here comes my daughter , she can witness it .
-
-
-Then , as you are as virtuous as fair ,
-Resolve your angry father , if my tongue
-Did e'er solicit , or my hand subscribe
-To any syllable that made love to you .
-
-Why , sir , say if you had ,
-Who takes offence at that would make me glad ?
-
-Yea , mistress , are you so peremptory ?
-
-
-I am glad on 't , with all my heart .
-I'll tame you ; I'll bring you in subjection .
-Will you , not having my consent ,
-Bestow your love and your affections
-Upon a stranger ?
-
-who , for aught I know ,
-May be , nor can I think the contrary ,
-As great in blood as I myself .
-
-
-Therefore , hear you , mistress ; either frame
-Your will to mine ; and you , sir , hear you ,
-Either be rul'd by me , or I will make you
-Man and wife :
-Nay , come , your hands and lips must seal it too ;
-And being join'd , I'll thus your hopes destroy ;
-And for a further grief ,God give you joy !
-What ! are you both pleas'd ?
-
-Yes , if you love me , sir .
-
-Even as my life , or blood that fosters it .
-
-What ! are you both agreed ?
-
-Yes , if 't please your majesty .
-
-Yes , if 't please your majesty .
-
-It pleaseth me so well , that I will see you wed ;
-Then with what haste you can get you to bed .
-
-Now sleep yslaked hath the rout ;
-No din but snores the house about ,
-Made louder by the o'er-fed breast
-Of this most pompous marriage-feast .
-The cat , with eyne of burning coal ,
-Now couches fore the mouse's hole ;
-And crickets sing at the oven's mouth ,
-E'er the blither for their drouth .
-Hymen hath brought the bride to bed ,
-Where , by the loss of maidenhead ,
-A babe is moulded . Be attent ;
-And time that is so briefly spent
-With your fine fancies quaintly eche ;
-What's dumb in show I'll plain with speech .
-
-
-By many a dern and painful perch ,
-Of Pericles the careful search
-By the four opposing coigns ,
-Which the world together joins ,
-Is made with all due diligence
-That horse and sail and high expense ,
-Can stead the quest . At last from Tyre ,
-Fame answering the most strange inquire
-To the court of King Simonides
-Are letters brought , the tenour these :
-Antiochus and his daughter dead ;
-The men of Tyrus on the head
-Of Helicanus would set on
-The crown of Tyre , but he will none :
-The mutiny he there hastes t' oppress ;
-Says to 'em , if King Pericles
-Come not home in twice six moons ,
-He , obedient to their dooms ,
-Will take the crown . The sum of this ,
-Brought hither to Pentapolis ,
-Yravished the regions round ,
-And every one with claps can sound ,
-'Our heir-apparent is a king !
-Who dream'd , who thought of such a thing ?'
-Brief , he must hence depart to Tyre :
-His queen , with child , makes her desire ,
-Which who shall cross ?along to go ;
-Omit we all their dole and woe :
-Lychorida , her nurse , she takes ,
-And so to sea . Their vessel shakes
-On Neptune's billow ; half the flood
-Hath their keel cut : but Fortune's mood
-Varies again ; the grisled north
-Disgorges such a tempest forth ,
-That , as a duck for life that dives ,
-So up and down the poor ship drives .
-The lady shrieks , and well-a-near
-Does fall in travail with her fear ;
-And what ensues in this fell storm
-Shall for itself itself perform .
-I nill relate , action may
-Conveniently the rest convey ,
-Which might not what by me is told .
-In your imagination hold
-This stage the ship , upon whose deck
-The sea-tost Pericles appears to speak .
-
-Thou God of this great vast , rebuke these surges ,
-Which wash both heaven and hell ; and thou , that hast
-Upon the winds command , bind them in brass ,
-Having call'd them from the deep . O ! still
-Thy deafening , dreadful thunders ; gently quench
-Thy nimble , sulphurous flashes . O ! how Lychorida ,
-How does my queen ? Thou stormest venomously ;
-Wilt thou spit all thyself ? The seaman's whistle
-Is as a whisper in the ears of death ,
-Unheard . Lychorida ! Lucina , O !
-Divinest patroness , and midwife gentle
-To those that cry by night , convey thy deity
-Aboard our dancing boat ; make swift the pangs
-Of my queen's travails !
-
-Now , Lychorida !
-
-Here is a thing too young for such a place ,
-Who , if it had conceit , would die , as I
-Am like to do : take in your arms this piece
-Of your dead queen .
-
-How , how , Lychorida !
-
-Patience , good sir ; do not assist the storm .
-Here's all that is left living of your queen ,
-A little daughter : for the sake of it ,
-Be manly , and take comfort .
-
-O you gods !
-Why do you make us love your goodly gifts ,
-And snatch them straight away ? We here below ,
-Recall not what we give , and therein may
-Use honour with you .
-
-Patience , good sir ,
-Even for this charge .
-
-Now , mild may be thy life !
-For a more blust'rous birth had never babe :
-Quiet and gentle thy conditions !
-For thou art the rudeliest welcome to this world
-That e'er was prince's child . Happy what follows !
-Thou hast as chiding a nativity
-As fire , air , water , earth , and heaven can make ,
-To herald thee from the womb ; even at the first
-Thy loss is more than can thy portage quit ,
-With all thou canst find here . Now , the good gods
-Throw their best eyes upon 't !
-
-
-What courage , sir ? God save you !
-
-Courage enough . I do not fear the flaw ;
-It hath done to me the worst . Yet for the love
-Of this poor infant , this fresh-new sea-farer ,
-I would it would be quiet .
-
-Slack the bolins there ! thou wilt not , wilt thou ? Blow , and split thyself .
-
-But sea-room , an the brine and cloudy billow kiss the moon , I care not .
-
-Sir , you queen must overboard : the sea works high , the wind is loud , and will not lie till the ship be cleared of the dead .
-
-That's your superstition .
-
-Pardon us , sir ; with us at sea it hath been still observed , and we are strong in custom . Therefore briefly yield her , for she must overboard straight .
-
-As you think meet . Most wretched queen !
-
-Here she lies , sir .
-
-A terrible child-bed hast thou had , my dear ;
-No light , no fire : the unfriendly elements
-Forgot thee utterly ; nor have I time
-To give thee hallow'd to thy grave , but straight
-Must cast thee , scarcely coffin'd , in the ooze ;
-Where , for a monument upon thy bones ,
-And aye-remaining lamps , the belching whale
-And humming water must o'erwhelm thy corpse ,
-Lying with simple shells ! O Lychorida !
-Bid Nestor bring me spices , ink and paper ,
-My casket and my jewels ; and bid Nicander
-Bring me the satin coffer : lay the babe
-Upon the pillow . Hie thee , whiles I say
-A priestly farewell to her : suddenly , woman .
-
-
-Sir , we have a chest beneath the hatches , caulk'd and bitumed ready .
-
-I thank thee . Mariner , say what coast is this ?
-
-We are near Tarsus .
-
-Thither , gentle mariner ,
-Alter thy course for Tyre . When canst thou reach it ?
-
-By break of day , if the wind cease .
-
-O ! make for Tarsus .
-There will I visit Cleon , for the babe
-Cannot hold out to Tyrus ; there I'll leave it
-At careful nursing . Go thy ways , good mariner ;
-I'll bring the body presently .
-
-
-Philemon , ho !
-
-
-Doth my lord call ?
-
-Get fire and meat for these poor men ;
-'T has been a turbulent and stormy night .
-
-I have been in many ; but such a night as this
-Till now I ne'er endur'd .
-
-Your master will be dead ere you return ;
-There's nothing can be minister'd to nature
-That can recover him .
-
-Give this to the 'pothecary ,
-And tell me how it works .
-
-Good morrow , sir .
-
-Good morrow to your lordship .
-
-Gentlemen ,
-Why do you stir so early ?
-
-Sir ,
-Our lodgings , standing bleak upon the sea ,
-Shook as the earth' did quake ;
-The very principals did seem to rend ,
-And all to topple . Pure surprise and fear
-Made me to quit the house .
-
-That is the cause we trouble you so early ;
-'Tis not our husbandry .
-
-O ! you say well .
-
-But I much marvel that your lordship , having
-Rich tire about you , should at these early hours
-Shake off the golden slumber of repose .
-'Tis most strange ,
-Nature should be so conversant with pain ,
-Being thereto not compell'd .
-
-I hold it ever ,
-Virtue and cunning were endowments greater
-Than nobleness and riches ; careless heirs
-May the two latter darken and expend ,
-But immortality attends the former ,
-Making a man a god . 'Tis known I ever
-Have studied physic , through which secret art ,
-By turning o'er authorities , I have
-Together with my practice made familiar
-To me and to my aid the blest infusions
-That dwell in vegetives , in metals , stones ;
-And can speak of the disturbances
-That nature works , and of her cures ; which doth give me
-A more content in course of true delight
-Than to be thirsty after tottering honour ,
-Or tie my treasure up in silken bags ,
-To please the fool and death .
-
-Your honour has through Ephesus pour'd forth
-Your charity , and hundreds call themselves
-Your creatures , who by you have been restor'd :
-And not your knowledge , your personal pain , but even
-Your purse , still open , hath built Lord Cerimon
-Such strong renown as time shall ne'er decay .
-
-
-So ; lift there .
-
-What is that ?
-
-Sir , even now
-Did the sea toss upon our shore this chest :
-'Tis of some wrack .
-
-Set it down ; let's look upon 't .
-
-'Tis like a coffin , sir .
-
-Whate'er it be ,
-'Tis wondrous heavy . Wrench it open straight ;
-If the sea's stomach be o'ercharg'd with gold ,
-'Tis a good constraint of fortune it belches upon us .
-
-'Tis so , my lord .
-
-How close 'tis caulk'd and bitumed !
-Did the sea cast it up ?
-
-I never saw so huge a billow , sir ,
-As toss'd it upon shore .
-
-Come , wrench it open .
-Soft ! it smells most sweetly in my sense .
-
-A delicate odour .
-
-As ever hit my nostril . So , up with it .
-O you most potent gods ! what's here ? a corse !
-
-Most strange !
-
-Shrouded in cloth of state ; balm'd and entreasur'd
-With full bags of spices ! A passport too !
-Apollo , perfect me i' the characters !
-
-Here I give to understand ,
-If e'er this coffin drive a-land ,
-I , King Pericles , have lost
-This queen worth all our mundane cost .
-Who finds her , give her burying ;
-She was the daughter of a king :
-Besides this treasure for a fee ,
-The gods requite his charity !
-
-If thou liv'st , Pericles , thou hast a heart
-That even cracks for woe ! This chanc'd to-night .
-
-Most likely , sir .
-
-Nay , certainly to-night ;
-For look , how fresh she looks . They were too rough
-That threw her in the sea . Make fire within ;
-Fetch hither all the boxes in my closet .
-
-Death may usurp on nature many hours ,
-And yet the fire of life kindle again
-The overpress'd spirits . I heard
-Of an Egyptian , that had nine hours lien dead ,
-Who was by good appliances recovered .
-
-
-Well said , well said ; the fire and cloths .
-The rough and woeful music that we have ,
-Cause it to sound , beseech you .
-The viol once more ;how thou stirr'st , thou block !
-The music there ! I pray you , give her air .
-Gentlemen ,
-This queen will live ; nature awakes , a warmth
-Breathes out of her ; she hath not been entranc'd
-Above five hours . See ! how she 'gins to blow
-
-Into life's flower again .
-
-The heavens
-Through you increase our wonder and set up
-Your fame for ever .
-
-She is alive ! behold ,
-Her eyelids , cases to those heavenly jewels
-Which Pericles hath lost ,
-Begin to part their fringes of bright gold ;
-The diamonds of a most praised water
-Do appear , to make the world twice rich . Live ,
-And make us weep to hear your fate , fair creature ,
-Rare as you seem to be !
-
-
-O dear Diana !
-Where am I ? Where's my lord ? What world is this ?
-
-Is not this strange ?
-
-Most rare .
-
-Hush , gentle neighbours !
-Lend me your hands ; to the next chamber bear her .
-Get linen ; now this matter must be look'd to ,
-For her relapse is mortal , Come , come ;
-And sculapius guide us !
-
-
-Most honour'd Cleon , I must needs be gone ;
-My twelve months are expir'd , and Tyrus stands
-In a litigious peace . You and your lady
-Take from my heart all thankfulness ; the gods
-Make up the rest upon you !
-
-Your shafts of fortune , though they hurt you mortally ,
-Yet glance full wanderingly on us .
-
-O your sweet queen !
-That the strict fates had pleas'd you had brought her hither ,
-To have bless'd mine eyes with her !
-
-We cannot but obey
-The powers above us . Could I rage and roar
-As doth the sea she lies in , yet the end
-Must be as 'tis . My gentle babe Marina whom ,
-For she was born at sea , I have nam'd so here
-I charge your charity withal , and leave her
-The infant of your care , beseeching you
-To give her princely training , that she may be
-Manner'd as she is born .
-
-Fear not , my lord , but think
-Your Grace , that fed my country with your corn
-For which the people's prayers still fall upon you
-Must in your child be thought on . If neglection
-Should therein make me vile , the common body ,
-By you reliev'd , would force me to my duty ;
-But if to that my nature need a spur ,
-The gods revenge it upon me and mine ,
-To the end of generation !
-
-I believe you ;
-Your honour and your goodness teach me to 't ,
-Without your vows . Till she be married , madam ,
-By bright Diana , whom we honour , all
-Unscissar'd shall this hair of mine remain ,
-Though I show ill in 't . So I take my leave .
-Good madam , make me blessed in your care
-In bringing up my child .
-
-I have one myself ,
-Who shall not be more dear to my respect
-Than yours , my lord .
-
-Madam , my thanks and prayers .
-
-We'll bring your Grace e'en to the edge o' the shore ;
-Then give you up to the mask'd Neptune and
-The gentlest winds of heaven .
-
-I will embrace
-Your offer . Come , dearest madam . O ! no tears ,
-Lychorida , no tears :
-Look to your little mistress , on whose grace
-You may depend hereafter . Come , my lord .
-
-
-Madam , this letter , and some certain jewels ,
-Lay with you in your coffer ; which are now
-At your command . Know you the character ?
-
-It is my lord's .
-That I was shipp'd at sea , I well remember ,
-Even on my eaning time ; but whether there
-Deliver'd , by the holy gods ,
-I cannot rightly say . But since King Pericles ,
-My wedded lord , I ne'er shall see again ,
-A vestal livery will I take me to ,
-And never more have joy .
-
-Madam , if this you purpose as you speak ,
-Diana's temple is not distant far ,
-Where you may abide till your date expire .
-Moreover , if you please , a niece of mine
-Shall there attend you .
-
-My recompense is thanks , that's all ;
-Yet my good will is great , though the gift small .
-
-Imagine Pericles arriv'd at Tyre ,
-Welcom'd and settled to his own desire .
-His woeful queen we leave at Ephesus ,
-Unto Diana there a votaress .
-Now to Marina bend your mind ,
-Whom our fast-growing scene must find
-At Tarsus , and by Cleon train'd
-In music , letters ; who hath gain'd
-Of education all the grace ,
-Which makes her bath the heart and places
-Of general wonder . But , alack !
-That monster envy , oft the wrack
-Of earned praise , Marina's life
-Seeks to take off by treason's knife .
-And in this kind hath our Cleon
-One daughter , and a wench full grown ,
-Even ripe for marriage-rite ; this maid
-Hight Philoten , and it is said
-For certain in our story , she
-Would ever with Marina be :
-Be 't when she weav'd the sleided silk
-With fingers , long , small , white as milk ,
-Or when she would with sharp neeld wound
-The cambric , which she made more sound
-By hurting it ; when to the lute
-She sung , and made the night-bird mute ,
-That still records with moan ; or when
-She would with rich and constant pen
-Vail to her mistress Dian ; still
-This Philoten contends in skill
-With absolute Marina : so
-With the dove of Paphos might the crow
-Vie feathers white . Marina gets
-All praises , which are paid as debts ,
-And not as given . This so darks
-In Philoten all graceful marks ,
-That Cleon's wife , with envy rare ,
-A present murderer does prepare
-For good Marina , that her daughter
-Might stand peerless by this slaughter .
-The sooner her vile thoughts to stead ,
-Lychorida , our nurse , is dead :
-And cursed Dionyza hath
-The pregnant instrument of wrath
-Prest for this blow . The unborn event
-I do commend to your content :
-Only I carry winged time
-Post on the lame feet of my rime ;
-Which never could I so convey ,
-Unless your thoughts went on my way .
-Dionyza doth appear ,
-With Leonine , a murderer .
-
-
-Thy oath remember ; thou hast sworn to do 't :
-'Tis but a blow , which never shall be known .
-Thou canst not do a thing i' the world so soon ,
-To yield thee so much profit . Let not conscience ,
-Which is but cold , inflaming love i' thy bosom ,
-Inflame too nicely ; nor let pity , which
-Even women have cast off , melt thee , but he
-A soldier to thy purpose .
-
-I'll do 't ; but yet she is a goodly creature .
-
-The fitter , then , the gods should have her . Here
-She comes weeping for her only mistress' death .
-Thou art resolv'd ?
-
-I am resolv'd .
-
-
-No , I will rob Tellus of her weed ,
-To strew thy green with flowers ; the yellows , blues ,
-The purple violets , and marigolds ,
-Shall as a carpet hang upon thy grave ,
-While summer days do last . Ay me ! poor maid ,
-Born in a tempest , when my mother died ,
-This world to me is like a lasting storm ,
-Whirring me from my friends .
-
-How now , Marina ! why do you keep alone ?
-How chance my daughter is not with you ? Do not
-Consume your blood with sorrowing ; you have
-A nurse of me . Lord ! how your favour's chang'd
-With this unprofitable woe . Come ,
-Give me your flowers , ere the sea mar it .
-Walk with Leonine ; the air is quick there ,
-And it pierces and sharpens the stomach . Come ,
-Leonine , take her by the arm , walk with her .
-
-No , I pray you ;
-I'll not bereave you of your servant .
-
-Come , come ;
-I love the king your father , and yourself ,
-With more than foreign heart . We every day
-Expect him here ; when he shall come and find
-Our paragon to all reports thus blasted ,
-He will repent the breadth of his great voyage ;
-Blame both my lord and me , that we have taken
-No care to your best courses . Go , I pray you ;
-Walk , and be cheerful once again ; reserve
-That excellent complexion , which did steal
-The eyes of young and old . Care not for me ;
-I can go home alone .
-
-Well , I will go ;
-But yet I have no desire to it .
-
-Come , come , I know 'tis good for you .
-Walk half an hour , Leonine , at least .
-Remember what I have said .
-
-I warrant you , madam .
-
-I'll leave you , my sweet lady , for a while ;
-Pray you walk softly , do not heat your blood :
-What ! I must have care of you .
-
-My thanks , sweet madam .
-
-Is this wind westerly that blows ?
-
-South-west .
-
-When I was born , the wind was north .
-
-Was 't so ?
-
-My father , as nurse said , did never fear ,
-But cried 'Good seamen !' to the sailors , galling
-His kingly hands haling ropes ;
-And , clasping to the mast , endur'd a sea
-That almost burst the deck .
-
-When was this ?
-
-When I was born :
-Never were waves nor wind more violent ;
-And from the ladder-tackle washes off
-A canvas-climber . 'Ha !' says one , 'wilt out ?'
-And with a dropping industry they skip
-From stem to stern ; the boatswain whistles , and
-The master calls , and trebles their confusion .
-
-Come ; say your prayers .
-
-What mean you ?
-
-If you require a little space for prayer ,
-I grant it . Pray ; but be not tedious ,
-For the gods are quick of ear , and I am sworn
-To do my work with haste .
-
-Why will you kill me ?
-
-To satisfy my lady .
-
-Why would she have me kill'd ?
-Now , as I can remember , by my troth ,
-I never did her hurt in all my life .
-I never spake bad word , nor did ill turn
-To any living creature ; believe me , la ,
-I never kill'd a mouse , nor hurt a fly ;
-I trod upon a worm against my will ,
-But I wept for it . How have I offended ,
-Wherein my death might yield her any profit ,
-Or my life imply her any danger ?
-
-My commission
-Is not to reason of the deed , but do 't .
-
-You will not do 't for all the world , I hope .
-You are well favour'd , and your looks foreshow
-You have a gentle heart . I saw you lately ,
-When you caught hurt in parting two that fought ;
-Good sooth , it show'd well in you ; do so now ;
-Your lady seeks my life ; come you between ,
-And save poor me , the weaker .
-
-I am sworn ,
-And will dispatch .
-
-
-Hold , villain !
-
-
-A prize ! a prize !
-
-Half-part , mates , half-part .
-Come , let's have her aboard suddenly .
-
-These roguing thieves serve the great pirate Valdes ;
-And they have seiz'd Marina . Let her go ;
-There's no hope she'll return . I'll swear she's dead ,
-And thrown into the sea . But I'll see further ;
-Perhaps they will but please themselves upon her ,
-Not carry her aboard . If she remain ,
-Whom they have ravish'd must by me be slain .
-
-
-Boult .
-
-Sir ?
-
-Search the market narrowly ; Mitylene is full of gallants ; we lost too much money this mart by being too wenchless .
-
-We were never so much out of creatures . We have but poor three , and they can do no more than they can do ; and they with continual action are even as good as rotten .
-
-Therefore , let's have fresh ones , whate'er we pay for them . If there be not a conscience to be used in every trade , we shall never prosper .
-
-Thou sayst true ; 'tis not the bringing up of poor bastards , as , I think , I have brought up some eleven
-
-Ay , to eleven ; and brought them down again . But shall I search the market ?
-
-What else , man ? The stuff we have a strong wind will blow it to pieces , they are so pitifully sodden .
-
-Thou sayst true ; they're too unwholesome , o' conscience . The poor Transylvanian is dead , that lay with the little baggage .
-
-Ay , she quickly pooped him ; she made him roast-meat for worms . But I'll go search the market .
-
-
-Three or four thousand chequins were as pretty a proportion to live quietly , and so give over .
-
-Why to give over , I pray you ? is it a shame to get when we are old ?
-
-O ! our credit comes not in like the commodity , nor the commodity wages not with the danger ; therefore , if in our youths we could pick up some pretty estate , 'twere not amiss to keep our door hatched . Besides , the sore terms we stand upon with the gods will be strong with us for giving over .
-
-Come , other sorts offend as well as we .
-
-As well as we ! ay , and better too ; we offend worse . Neither is our profession any trade ; it's no calling . But here comes Boult .
-
-
-Come your ways . My masters , you say she's a virgin ?
-
-O ! sir , we doubt it not .
-
-Master , I have gone through for this piece , you see : if you like her , so ; if not , I have lost my earnest .
-
-Boult , has she any qualities ?
-
-She has a good face , speaks well , and has excellent good clothes ; there's no further necessity of qualities can make her be refused .
-
-What's her price , Boult ?
-
-I cannot be bated one doit of a thousand pieces .
-
-Well , follow me , my masters , you shall have your money presently . Wife , take her in ; instruct her what she has to do , that she may not be raw in her entertainment .
-
-
-Boult , take you the marks of her , the colour of her hair , complexion , height , age , with warrant of her virginity ; and cry , 'He that will give most , shall have her first .' Such a maiden-head were no cheap thing , if men were as they have been . Get this done as I command you .
-
-Performance shall follow .
-
-
-Alack ! that Leonine was so slack , so slow .
-He should have struck , not spoke ; or that these pirates
-Not enough barbarous had not o'erboard thrown me
-For to seek my mother !
-
-Why lament you , pretty one ?
-
-That I am pretty .
-
-Come , the gods have done their part in you .
-
-I accuse them not .
-
-You are lit into my hands , where you are like to live .
-
-The more my fault
-To 'scape his hands where I was like to die .
-
-Ay , and you shall live in pleasure .
-
-No .
-
-Yes , indeed , shall you , and taste gentlemen of all fashions . You shall fare well ; you shall have the difference of all complexions . What ! do you stop your ears ?
-
-Are you a woman ?
-
-What would you have me be , an I be not a woman ?
-
-An honest woman , or not a woman .
-
-Marry , whip thee , gosling ; I think I shall have something to do with you . Come , you are a young foolish sapling , and must be bowed as I would have you .
-
-The gods defend me !
-
-If it please the gods to defend you by men , then men must comfort you , men must feed you , men must stir you up . Boult's returned .
-
-Now , sir , hast thou cried her through the market ?
-
-I have cried her almost to the number of her hairs ; I have drawn her picture with my voice .
-
-And I prithee , tell me , how dost thou find the inclination of the people , especially of the younger sort ?
-
-Faith , they listened to me , as they would have hearkened to their father's testament . There was a Spaniard's mouth so watered , that he went to bed to her very description .
-
-We shall have him here to-morrow with his best ruff on .
-
-To-night , to-night . But , mistress , do you know the French knight that cowers i' the hams ?
-
-Who ? Monsieur Veroles ?
-
-Ay ; he offered to cut a caper at the proclamation ; but he made a groan at it , and swore he would see her to-morrow .
-
-Well , well ; as for him , he brought his disease hither : here he does but repair it . I know he will come in our shadow , to scatter his crowns in the sun .
-
-Well , if we had of every nation a traveller , we should lodge them with this sign .
-
-Pray you , come hither awhile . You have fortunes coming upon you . Mark me : you must seem to do that fearfully , which you commit willingly ; to despise profit where you have most gain . To weep that you live as ye do makes pity in your lovers ; seldom but that pity begets you a good opinion , and that opinion a mere profit .
-
-I understand you not .
-
-O ! take her home , mistress , take her home ; these blushes of hers must be quenched with some present practice .
-
-Thou sayst true , i' faith , so they must ; for your bride goes to that with shame which is her way to go with warrant .
-
-Faith , some do , and some do not . But , mistress , if I have bargained for the joint ,
-
-Thou mayst cut a morsel off the spit .
-
-I may so ?
-
-Who should deny it ? Come , young one , I like the manner of your garments well .
-
-Ay , by my faith , they shall not be changed yet .
-
-Boult , spend thou that in the town ; report what a sojourner we have ; you'll lose nothing by custom . When nature framed this piece , she meant thee a good turn ; therefore say what a paragon she is , and thou hast the harvest out of thine own report .
-
-I warrant you , mistress , thunder shall not so awake the beds of eels as my giving out her beauty stir up the lewdly-inclined . I'll bring home some to-night .
-
-Come your ways ; follow me .
-
-If fires be hot , knives sharp , or waters deep ,
-Untied I still my virgin knot will keep .
-Diana , aid my purpose !
-
-What have we to do with Diana ?
-Pray you , will you go with us ?
-
-
-Why , are you foolish ? Can it be undone ?
-
-O Dionyza ! such a piece of slaughter
-The sun and moon ne'er look'd upon .
-
-I think
-You'll turn a child again .
-
-Were I chief lord of all this spacious world ,
-I'd give it to undo the deed . O lady !
-Much less in blood than virtue , yet a princess
-To equal any single crown o' the earth
-I' the justice of compare . O villain Leonine !
-Whom thou hast poison'd too ;
-If thou hadst drunk to him 't had been a kindness
-Becoming well thy fact ; what canst thou say
-When noble Pericles shall demand his child ?
-
-That she is dead . Nurses are not the fates ,
-To foster it , nor ever to preserve .
-She died at night ; I'll say so . Who can cross it ?
-Unless you play the pious innocent ,
-And for an honest attribute cry out
-'She died by foul play .'
-
-O ! go to . Well , well ,
-Of all the faults beneath the heavens , the gods
-Do like this worst .
-
-Be one of those that think
-The pretty wrens of Tarsus will fly hence ,
-And open this to Pericles . I do shame
-To think of what a noble strain you are ,
-And of how coward a spirit .
-
-To such proceeding
-Who ever but his approbation added ,
-Though not his prime consent , he did not flow
-From honourable sources .
-
-Be it so , then ;
-Yet none does know but you how she came dead ,
-Nor none can know , Leonine being gone .
-She did distain my child , and stood between
-Her and her fortunes ; none would look on her ,
-But cast their gazes on Marina's face ,
-Whilst ours was blurted at and held a malkin
-Not worth the time of day . It pierc'd me thorough ;
-And though you call my course unnatural ,
-You not your child well loving , yet I find
-It greets me as an enterprise of kindness
-Perform'd to your sole daughter .
-
-Heavens forgive it !
-
-And as for Pericles ,
-What should he say ? We wept after her hearse ,
-And even yet we mourn ; her monument
-Is almost finish'd , and her epitaphs
-In glittering golden characters express
-A general praise to her , and care in us
-At whose expense 'tis done .
-
-Thou art like the harpy ,
-Which , to betray , dost with thine angel's face ,
-Seize with thine eagle's talons .
-
-You are like one that superstitiously
-Doth swear to the gods that winter kills the flies ;
-But yet I know you'll do as I advise .
-
-Thus time we waste , and longest leagues make short ;
-Sail seas in cockles , have an wish but for 't ;
-Making to take your imagination
-From bourn to bourn , region to region .
-By you being pardon'd , we commit no crime
-To use one language in each several clime
-Where our scenes seem to live . I do beseech you
-To learn of me , who stand i' the gaps to teach you ,
-The stages of our story . Pericles
-Is now again thwarting the wayward seas ,
-Attended on by many a lord and knight ,
-To see his daughter , all his life's delight .
-Old Helicanus goes along . Behind
-Is left to govern it , you bear in mind ,
-Old Escanes , whom Helicanus late
-Advanc'd in time to great and high estate .
-Well-sailing ships and bounteous winds have brought
-This king to Tarsus , think his pilot thought ,
-So with his steerage shall your thoughts grow on ,
-To fetch his daughter home , who first is gone .
-Like motes and shadows see them move awhile ;
-Your ears unto your eyes I'll reconcile .
-
-
-See how belief may suffer by foul show !
-This borrow'd passion stands for true old woe ;
-And Pericles , in sorrow all devour'd ,
-With sighs shot through , and biggest tears o'ershower'd ,
-Leaves Tarsus and again embarks . He swears
-Never to wash his face , nor cut his hairs ;
-He puts on sackcloth , and to sea . He bears
-A tempest , which his mortal vessel tears ,
-And yet he rides it out . Now please you wit
-The epitaph is for Marina writ
-By wicked Dionyza .
-
-
-the fairest , sweet'st , and best lies here ,
-who wither'd in her spring of year :
-she was of tyrus the king's daughter ,
-on whom foul death hath made this slaughter .
-marina was she call'd ; and at her birth ,
-thetis , being proud , swallow'd some part o' the earth :
-therefore the earth , fearing to be o'erflow'd ,
-hath thetis' birth-child on the heavens bestow'd :
-wherefore she does , and swears she'll never stint ,
-make raging battery upon shores of flint .
-
-No visor does become black villany
-So well as soft and tender flattery .
-Let Pericles believe his daughter's dead ,
-And bear his courses to be ordered
-By Lady Fortune ; while our scene must play
-His daughter's woe and heavy well-a-day
-In her unholy service . Patience then ,
-And think you now are all in Mitylen .
-
-
-Did you ever hear the like ?
-
-No , nor never shall do in such a place as this , she being once gone .
-
-But to have divinity preached there ! did you ever dream of such a thing ?
-
-No , no . Come , I am for no more bawdy-houses . Shall's go hear the vestals sing ?
-
-I'll do any thing now that is virtuous ; but I am out of the road of rutting for ever .
-
-
-Well , I had rather than twice the worth of her she had ne'er come here .
-
-Fie , fie upon her ! she is able to freeze the god Priapus , and undo a whole generation ; we must either get her ravished , or be rid of her . When she should do for clients her fitment , and do me the kindness of our profession , she has me her quirks , her reasons , her master-reasons , her prayers , her knees ; that she would make a puritan of the devil if he should cheapen a kiss of her .
-
-Faith , I must ravish her , or she'll disfurnish us of all our cavaliers , and make all our swearers priests .
-
-Now , the pox upon her green-sickness for me !
-
-Faith , there's no way to be rid on 't but by the way to the pox . Here comes the Lord Lysimachus , disguised .
-
-We should have both lord and lown if the peevish baggage would but give way to customers .
-
-
-How now ! How a dozen of virginities ?
-
-Now , the gods to-bless your honour !
-
-I am glad to see your honour in good health .
-
-You may so ; 'tis the better for you that your resorters stand upon sound legs . How now ! wholesome iniquity , have you that a man may deal withal , and defy the surgeon ?
-
-We have here one , sir , if she would but there never came her like in Mitylene .
-
-If she'd do the deed of darkness , thou wouldst say .
-
-Your honour knows what 'tis to say well enough .
-
-Well ; call forth , call forth .
-
-For flesh and blood , sir , white and red , you shall see a rose ; and she were a rose indeed if she had but
-
-What , prithee ?
-
-O ! sir , I can be modest .
-
-That dignifies the renown of a bawd no less than it gives a good report to a number to be chaste .
-
-
-Here comes that which grows to the stalk ; never plucked yet , I can assure you .
-
-Is she not a fair creature ?
-
-Faith , she would serve after a long voyage at sea . Well , there's for you ; leave us .
-
-I beseech your honour , give me leave ; a word , and I'll have done presently .
-
-I beseech you do .
-
-First , I would have you note , this is an honourable man .
-
-I desire to find him so , that I may worthily note him .
-
-Next , he's the governor of this country , and a man whom I am bound to .
-
-If he govern the country , you are bound to him indeed ; but how honourable he is in that I know not .
-
-Pray you , without any more virginal fencing , will you use him kindly ? He will line your apron with gold .
-
-What he will do graciously , I will thankfully receive .
-
-Ha' you done ?
-
-My lord , she's not paced yet ; you must take some pains to work her to your manage . Come , we will leave his honour and her together .
-
-Go thy ways .
-
-Now , pretty one , how long have you been at this trade ?
-
-What trade , sir ?
-
-Why , I cannot name 't but I shall offend .
-
-I cannot be offended with my trade . Please you to name it .
-
-How long have you been of this profession ?
-
-E'er since I can remember .
-
-Did you go to 't so young ? Were you a gamester at five or at seven ?
-
-Earlier too , sir , if now I be one .
-
-Why , the house you dwell in proclaims you to be a creature of sale .
-
-Do you know this house to be a place of such resort , and will come into 't ? I hear say you are of honourable parts , and are the governor of this place .
-
-Why , hath your principal made known unto you who I am ?
-
-Who is my principal ?
-
-Why , your herb-woman ; she that sets seeds and roots of shame and iniquity . O ! you have heard something of my power , and so stand aloof for more serious wooing . But I protest to thee , pretty one , my authority shall not see thee , or else look friendly upon thee . Come , bring me to some private place ; come , come .
-
-If you were born to honour , show it now ;
-If put upon you , make the judgment good
-That thought you worthy of it .
-
-How's this ? how's this ? Some more ; be sage .
-
-For me ,
-That am a maid , though most ungentle fortune
-Hath plac'd me in this sty , where , since I came ,
-Diseases have been sold dearer than physic ,
-O ! that the gods
-Would set me free from this unhallow'd place ,
-Though they did change me to the meanest bird
-That flies i' the purer air !
-
-I did not think
-Thou couldst have spoke so well ; ne'er dream'd thou couldst .
-Had I brought hither a corrupted mind ,
-Thy speech had alter'd it . Hold , here's gold for thee ;
-Persever in that clear way thou goest ,
-And the gods strengthen thee !
-
-The good gods preserve you !
-
-For me , be you thoughten
-That I came with no ill intent , for to me
-The very doors and windows savour vilely .
-Farewell . Thou art a piece of virtue , and
-I doubt not but thy training hath been noble .
-Hold , here's more gold for thee .
-A curse upon him , die he like a thief ,
-That robs thee of thy goodness ! If thou dost
-Hear from me , it shall be for thy good .
-
-
-I beseech your honour , one piece for me .
-
-Avaunt ! thou damned door-keeper . Your house ,
-But for this virgin that doth prop it , would
-Sink and overwhelm you . Away !
-
-
-How's this ? We must take another course with you . If your peevish chastity , which is not worth a breakfast in the cheapest country under the cope , shall undo a whole household , let me be gelded like a spaniel . Come your ways .
-
-Whither would you have me ?
-
-I must have your maidenhead taken off , or the common hangman shall execute it . Come your ways . We'll have no more gentlemen driven away . Come your ways , I say .
-
-
-How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-Worse and worse , mistress ; she has here spoken holy words to the Lord Lysimachus .
-
-O ! abominable .
-
-She makes our profession as it were to stink afore the face of the gods .
-
-Marry , hang her up for ever !
-
-The nobleman would have dealt with her like a nobleman , and she sent him away as cold as a snowball ; saying his prayers too .
-
-Boult , take her away ; use her at thy pleasure ; crack the glass of her virginity , and make the rest malleable .
-
-An if she were a thornier piece of ground than she is , she shall be ploughed .
-
-Hark , hark , you gods !
-
-She conjures ; away with her ! Would she had never come within my doors ! Marry , hang you ! She's born to undo us . Will you not go the way of women-kind ? Marry , come up , my dish of chastity with rosemary and bays !
-
-
-Come , mistress ; come your ways with me .
-
-Whither wilt thou have me ?
-
-To take from you the jewel you hold so dear .
-
-Prithee , tell me one thing first .
-
-Come now , your one thing .
-
-What canst thou wish thine enemy to be ?
-
-Why , I could wish him to be my master , or rather , my mistress .
-
-Neither of these are so bad as thou art ,
-Since they do better thee in their command .
-Thou hold'st a place , for which the pained'st fiend
-Of hell would not in reputation change ;
-Thou art the damned door-keeper to every
-Coystril that comes inquiring for his Tib ,
-To the choleric fisting of every rogue
-Thy ear is liable , thy food is such
-As hath been belch'd on by infected lungs .
-
-What would you have me do ? go to the wars , would you ? where a man may serve seven years for the loss of a leg , and have not money enough in the end to buy him a wooden one ?
-
-Do any thing but this thou doest . Empty .
-Old receptacles , or common sewers , of filth ;
-Serve by indenture to the common hangman :
-Any of these ways are yet better than this ;
-For what thou professest , a baboon , could he speak ,
-Would own a name too dear . O ! that the gods
-Would safely deliver me from this place .
-Here , here's gold for thee .
-If that thy master would gain by me ,
-Proclaim that I can sing , weave , sew , and dance ,
-With other virtues , which I'll keep from boast ;
-And I will undertake all these to teach .
-I doubt not but this populous city will
-Yield many scholars .
-
-But can you teach all this you speak of ?
-
-Prove that I cannot , take me home again ,
-And prostitute me to the basest groom
-That doth frequent your house .
-
-Well , I will see what I can do for thee ; if I can place thee , I will .
-
-But , amongst honest women .
-
-Faith , my acquaintance lies little amongst them . But since my master and mistress have bought you , there's no going but by their consent ; therefore I will make them acquainted with your purpose , and I doubt not but I shall find them tractable enough . Come ; I'll do for thee what I can ; come your ways .
-
-
-Marina thus the brothel 'scapes , and chances
-Into an honest house , our story says .
-She sings like one immortal , and she dances
-As goddess-like to her admired lays ;
-Deep clerks she dumbs ; and with her neeld composes
-Nature's own shape , of bud , bird , branch , or berry ,
-That even her art sisters the natural roses ;
-Her inkle , silk , twin with the rubied cherry ;
-That pupils lacks she none of noble race ,
-Who pour their bounty on her ; and her gain
-She gives the cursed bawd . Here we her place ;
-And to her father turn our thoughts again ,
-Where we left him , on the sea . We there him lost ,
-Whence , driven before the winds , he is arriv'd
-Here where his daughter dwells : and on this coast
-Suppose him now at anchor . The city striv'd
-God Neptune's annual feast to keep ; from whence
-Lysimachus our Tyrian ship espies ,
-His banners sable , trimm'd with rich expense ;
-And to him in his barge with fervour hies .
-In your supposing once more put your sight
-Of heavy Pericles ; think this his bark :
-Where what is done in action , more , if might ,
-Shall be discover'd ; please you , sit and hark .
-
-Where's the Lord Helicanus ? he can resolve you .
-O ! here he is .
-Sir , there's a barge put off from Mitylene ,
-And in it is Lysimachus , the governor ,
-Who craves to come aboard . What is your will ?
-
-That he have his . Call up some gentlemen .
-
-Ho , gentlemen ! my lord calls .
-
-
-Doth your lordship call ?
-
-Gentlemen , there's some of worth would come aboard ;
-I pray ye , greet them fairly .
-
-Sir ,
-This is the man that can , in aught you would ,
-Resolve you .
-
-Hail , reverend sir ! The gods preserve you !
-
-And you , sir , to outlive the age I am ,
-And die as I would do .
-
-You wish me well .
-Being on shore , honouring of Neptune's triumphs ,
-Seeing this goodly vessel ride before us ,
-I made to it to know of whence you are .
-
-First , what is your place ?
-
-I am the governor of this place you lie before .
-
-Sir ,
-Our vessel is of Tyre , in it the king ;
-A man who for this three months hath not spoken
-To any one , nor taken sustenance
-But to prorogue his grief .
-
-Upon what ground is his distemperature ?
-
-'Twould be too tedious to repeat ;
-But the main grief springs from the loss
-Of a beloved daughter and a wife .
-
-May we not see him ?
-
-You may ;
-But bootless is your sight : he will not speak
-To any .
-
-Yet let me obtain my wish .
-
-Behold him .
-
-This was a goodly person ,
-Till the disaster that , one mortal night ,
-Drove him to this .
-
-Sir king , all hail ! the gods preserve you !
-Hall , royal sir !
-
-It is in vain ; he will not speak to you .
-
-Sir ,
-We have a maid in Mitylene , I durst wager ,
-Would win some words of him .
-
-'Tis well bethought .
-She questionless with her sweet harmony
-And other chosen attractions , would allure ,
-And make a battery through his deafen'd ports
-Which now are midway stopp'd :
-She is all happy as the fair'st of all ,
-And with her fellow maids is now upon
-The leafy shelter that abuts against
-The island's side .
-
-
-Sure , all's effectless ; yet nothing we'll omit ,
-That bears recovery's name . But , since your kindness
-We have stretch'd thus far , let us beseech you ,
-That for our gold we may provision have ,
-Wherein we are not destitute for want ,
-But weary for the staleness .
-
-O ! sir , a courtesy ,
-Which if we should deny , the most just gods
-For every graff would send a caterpillar ,
-And so afflict our province . Yet once more
-Let me entreat to know at large the cause
-Of your king's sorrow .
-
-Sit , sir , I will recount it to you ;
-But see , I am prevented .
-
-
-O ! here is
-The lady that I sent for . Welcome , fair one !
-Is't not a goodly presence ?
-
-She's a gallant lady .
-
-She's such a one , that were I well assur'd
-Came of a gentle kind and noble stock ,
-I'd wish no better choice , and think me rarely wed .
-Fair one , all goodness that consists in bounty
-Expect even here , where is a kingly patient :
-If that thy prosperous and artificial feat
-Can draw him but to answer thee in aught ,
-Thy sacred physic shall receive such pay
-As thy desires can wish .
-
-Sir , I will use
-My utmost skill in his recovery ,
-Provided
-That none but I and my companion maid
-Be suffer'd to come near him .
-
-Come , let us leave her ;
-And the gods make her prosperous !
-
-
-Mark'd he your music ?
-
-No , nor look'd on us .
-
-See , she will speak to him .
-
-Hail , sir ! my lord , lend ear .
-
-Hum ! ha !
-
-I am a maid ,
-My lord , that ne'er before invited eyes ,
-But have been gaz'd on like a comet ; she speaks ,
-My lord , that , may be , hath endur'd a grief
-Might equal yours , if both were justly weigh'd .
-Though wayward Fortune did malign my state ,
-My derivation was from ancestors
-Who stood equivalent with mighty kings ;
-But time hath rooted out my parentage ,
-And to the world and awkward casualties
-Bound me in servitude .
-
-I will desist ;
-But there is something glows upon my cheek ,
-And whispers in mine ear , 'Go not till he speak .'
-
-My fortunes parentage good parentage
-To equal mine !was it not thus ? what say you ?
-
-I said , my lord , if you did know my parentage ,
-You would not do me violence .
-
-I do think so . Pray you , turn your eyes upon me .
-You are like something that What country-woman ?
-Here of these shores ?
-
-No , nor of any shores ;
-Yet I was mortally brought forth , and am
-No other than I appear .
-
-I am great with woe , and shall deliver weeping .
-My dearest wife was like this maid , and such a one
-My daughter might have been : my queen's square brows ;
-Her stature to an inch ; as wand-like straight ;
-As silver-voic'd ; her eyes as jewel-like ,
-And cas'd as richly ; in pace another Juno ;
-Who starves the ears she feeds , and makes them hungry ,
-The more she gives them speech . Where do you live ?
-
-Where I am but a stranger ; from the deck
-You may discern the place .
-
-Where were you bred ?
-And how achiev'd you these endowments , which
-You make more rich to owe ?
-
-Should I tell my history , it would seem
-Like lies , disdain'd in the reporting .
-
-Prithee , speak ;
-Falseness cannot come from thee , for thou look'st
-Modest as justice , and thou seem'st a palace
-For the crown'd truth to dwell in . I believe thee ,
-And make my senses credit thy relation
-To points that seem impossible ; for thou lookest
-Like one I lov'd indeed . What were thy friends ?
-Didst thou not say when I did push thee back ,
-Which was when I perceiv'd thee ,that thou cam'st
-From good descending ?
-
-So indeed I did .
-
-Report thy parentage . I think thou saidst
-Thou hadst been toss'd from wrong to injury ,
-And that thou thought'st thy griefs might equal mine ,
-If both were open'd .
-
-Some such thing
-I said , and said no more but what my thoughts
-Did warrant me was likely .
-
-Tell thy story ;
-If thine consider'd prove the thousandth part
-Of my endurance , thou art a man , and I
-Have suffer'd like a girl ; yet thou dost look
-Like Patience gazing on kings' graves , and smiling
-Extremity out of act . What were thy friends ?
-How lost thou them ? Thy name , my most kind virgin ?
-Recount , I do beseech thee . Come , sit by me .
-
-My name is Marina .
-
-O ! I am mock'd ,
-And thou by some incensed god sent hither
-To make the world to laugh at me .
-
-Patience , good sir ,
-Or here I'll cease .
-
-Nay , I'll be patient .
-Thou little know'st how thou dost startle me ,
-To call thyself Marina .
-
-The name
-Was given me by one that had some power ;
-My father , and a king .
-
-How ! a king's daughter ?
-And call'd Marina ?
-
-You said you would believe me ;
-But , not to be a troubler of your peace ,
-I will end here .
-
-But are you flesh and blood ?
-Have you a working pulse ? and are no fairy ?
-Motion !Well ; speak on . Where were you born ?
-And wherefore call'd Marina ?
-
-Call'd Marina
-For I was born at sea .
-
-At sea ! what mother ?
-
-My mother was the daughter of a king ;
-Who died the minute I was born ,
-As my good nurse Lychorida hath oft
-Deliver'd weeping .
-
-O ! stop there a little .
-This is the rarest dream that e'er dull sleep
-Did mock sad fools withal ; this cannot be .
-My daughter's buried . Well ; where were you bred ?
-I'll hear you more , to the bottom of your story ,
-And never interrupt you .
-
-You'll scorn to believe me ; 'twere best I did give o'er .
-
-I will believe you by the syllable
-Of what you shall deliver . Yet , give me leave :
-How came you in these parts ? where were you bred ?
-
-The king my father did in Tarsus leave me ,
-Till cruel Cleon , with his wicked wife ,
-Did seek to murder me ; and having woo'd
-A villain to attempt it , who having drawn to do 't ,
-A crew of pirates came and rescu'd me ;
-Brought me to Mitylene . But , good sir ,
-Whither will you have me ? Why do you weep ? It may be
-You think me an impostor ; no , good faith ;
-I am the daughter to King Pericles ,
-If good King Pericles be .
-
-Ho , Helicanus !
-
-Calls my lord ?
-
-Thou art a grave and noble counsellor ,
-Most wise in general ; tell me , if thou canst ,
-What this maid is , or what is like to be ,
-That thus hath made me weep ?
-
-I know not ; but
-Here is the regent , sir , of Mitylene ,
-Speaks nobly of her .
-
-She never would tell
-Her parentage ; being demanded that ,
-She would sit still and weep .
-
-O Helicanus ! strike me , honour'd sir ;
-Give me a gash , put me to present pain ,
-Lest this great sea of joys rushing upon me
-O'erbear the shores of my mortality ,
-And drown me with their sweetness . O ! come hither ,
-Thou that begett'st him that did thee beget ;
-Thou that wast born at sea , buried at Tarsus ,
-And found at sea again . O Helicanus !
-Down on thy knees , thank the holy gods as loud
-As thunder threatens us ; this is Marina .
-What was thy mother's name ? tell me but that ,
-For truth can never be confirm'd enough ,
-Though doubts did ever sleep .
-
-First , sir , I pray ,
-What is your title ?
-
-I am Pericles of Tyre : but tell me now
-My drown'd queen's name , as in the rest you said
-Thou hast been god-like perfect ;
-Thou'rt heir of kingdoms , and another life
-To Pericles thy father .
-
-Is it no more to be your daughter than
-To say my mother's name was Thaisa ?
-Thaisa was my mother , who did end
-The minute I began .
-
-Now , blessing on thee ! rise ; thou art my child ,
-Give me fresh garments . Mine own , Helicanus ;
-She is not dead at Tarsus , as she should have been ,
-By savage Cleon ; she shall tell thee all ;
-When thou shalt kneel , and justify in knowledge
-She is thy very princess . Who is this ?
-
-Sir , 'tis the governor of Mitylene ,
-Who , hearing of your melancholy state ,
-Did come to see you .
-
-I embrace you .
-Give me my robes . I am wild in my beholding .
-O heavens ! bless my girl . But , hark ! what music ?
-Tell Helicanus , my Marina , tell him
-O'er , point by point , for yet he seems to doubt ,
-How sure you are my daughter . But , what music ?
-
-My lord , I hear none .
-
-None !
-The music of the spheres ! List , my Marina .
-
-It is not good to cross him ; give him way .
-
-Rarest sounds ! Do ye not hear ?
-
-My lord , I hear .
-
-
-Most heavenly music :
-It nips me unto list'ning , and thick slumber
-Hangs upon mine eyes ; let me rest .
-
-
-A pillow for his head .
-So , leave him all . Well , my companion friends ,
-If this but answer to my just belief ,
-I'll well remember you .
-
-My temple stands in Ephesus ; hie thee thither ,
-And do upon mine altar sacrifice .
-There , when my maiden priests are met together ,
-Before the people all ,
-Reveal how thou at sea didst lose thy wife ;
-To mourn thy crosses , with thy daughter's , call
-And give them repetition to the life .
-Perform my bidding , or thou liv'st in woe ;
-Do it , and happy ; by my silver bow !
-Awake , and tell thy dream !
-
-
-Celestial Dian , goddess argentine ,
-I will obey thee ! Helicanus !
-
-
-Sir ?
-
-My purpose was for Tarsus , there to strike
-The inhospitable Cleon : but I am
-For other service first : toward Ephesus
-Turn our blown sails ; eftsoons I'll tell thee why .
-
-
-Shall we refresh us , sir , upon your shore ,
-And give you gold for such provision
-As our intents will need ?
-
-Sir ,
-With all my heart ; and when you come ashore ,
-I have another suit .
-
-You shall prevail ,
-Were it to woo my daughter ; for it seems
-You have been noble towards her .
-
-Sir , lend me your arm .
-
-Come , my Marina .
-
-
-Now our sands are almost run ;
-More a little , and then dumb .
-This , my last boon , give me ,
-For such kindness must relieve me ,
-That you aptly will suppose
-What pageantry , what feats , what shows ,
-What minstrelsy , and pretty din ,
-The regent made in Mitylen
-To greet the king . So he thriv'd ,
-That he is promis'd to be wiv'd
-To fair Marina ; but in no wise
-Till he had done his sacrifice ,
-As Dian bade : whereto being bound ,
-The interim , pray you , all confound .
-In feather'd briefness sails are fill'd ,
-And wishes fall out as they're will'd .
-At Ephesus , the temple see ,
-Our king and all his company .
-That he can hither come so soon ,
-Is by your fancy's thankful doom .
-
-Hail , Dian ! to perform thy just command ,
-I here confess myself the King of Tyre ;
-Who , frighted from my country , did wed
-At Pentapolis the fair Thaisa .
-At sea in childbed died she , but brought forth
-A maid-child call'd Marina ; who , O goddess !
-Wears yet thy silver livery . She at Tarsus
-Was nurs'd with Cleon , whom at fourteen years
-He sought to murder ; but her better stars
-Brought her to Mitylene , 'gainst whose shore
-Riding , her fortunes brought the maid aboard us ,
-Where , by her own most clear remembrance , she
-Made known herself my daughter .
-
-Voice and favour !
-You are , you are O royal Pericles !
-
-
-What means the nun ? she dies ! help , gentlemen !
-
-Noble sir ,
-If you have told Diana's altar true ,
-This is your wife .
-
-Reverend appearer , no ;
-I threw her o'erboard with these very arms .
-
-Upon this coast , I warrant you .
-
-'Tis most certain .
-
-Look to the lady . O ! she's but o'erjoy'd .
-Early in blustering morn this lady was
-Thrown upon this shore . I op'd the coffin ,
-Found there rich jewels ; recover'd her , and plac'd her
-Here in Diana's temple .
-
-May we see them ?
-
-Great sir , they shall be brought you to my house ,
-Whither I invite you . Look ! Thaisa is
-Recovered .
-
-O ! let me look !
-If he be none of mine , my sanctity
-Will to my sense bend no licentious ear ,
-But curb it , spite of seeing . O ! my lord ,
-Are you not Pericles ? Like him you speak ,
-Like him you are . Did you not name a tempest ,
-A birth , and death ?
-
-The voice of dead Thaisa !
-
-That Thaisa am I , supposed dead
-And drown'd .
-
-Immortal Dian !
-
-Now I know you better .
-When we with tears parted Pentapolis ,
-The king my father gave you such a ring .
-
-
-This , this : no more , you gods ! your present kindness
-Makes my past miseries sport : you shall do well ,
-That on the touching of her lips I may
-Melt and no more be seen . O ! come , be buried
-A second time within these arms .
-
-My heart
-Leaps to be gone into my mother's bosom .
-
-
-Look , who kneels here ! Flesh of thy flesh , Thaisa ;
-Thy burden at the sea , and call'd Marina ,
-For she was yielded there .
-
-Bless'd , and mine own !
-
-Hail , madam , and my queen !
-
-I know you not .
-
-You have heard me say , when I did fly from Tyre ,
-I left behind an ancient substitute ;
-Can you remember what I call'd the man ?
-I have nam'd him oft .
-
-'Twas Helicanus then .
-
-Still confirmation !
-Embrace him , dear Thaisa ; this is he .
-Now do I long to hear how you were found ,
-How possibly preserv'd , and whom to thank ,
-Besides the gods , for this great miracle .
-
-Lord Cerimon , my lord ; this man ,
-Through whom the gods have shown their power ; that can
-From first to last resolve you .
-
-Reverend sir ,
-The gods can have no mortal officer
-More like a god than you . Will you deliver
-How this dead queen re-lives ?
-
-I will , my lord .
-Beseech you , first go with me to my house .
-Where shall be shown you all was found with her ;
-How she came placed here in the temple ;
-No needful thing omitted .
-
-Pure Dian ! bless thee for thy vision ; I
-Will offer night-oblations to thee . Thaisa ,
-This prince , the fair-betrothed of your daughter ,
-Shall marry her at Pentapolis . And now
-This ornament
-Makes me look dismal will I clip to form ;
-And what this fourteen years no rasor touch'd ,
-To grace thy marriage-day I'll beautify .
-
-Lord Cerimon hath letters of good credit , sir ,
-My father's dead .
-
-Heavens make a star of him ! Yet there , my queen ,
-We'll celebrate their nuptials , and ourselves
-Will in that kingdom spend our following days ;
-Our son and daughter shall in Tyrus reign .
-Lord Cerimon , we do our longing stay
-To hear the rest untold . Sir , lead's the way .
-
-In Antiochus and his daughter you have heard
-Of monstrous lust the due and just reward :
-In Pericles , his queen , and daughter , seen
-Although assail'd with fortune fierce and keen
-Virtue preserv'd from fell destruction's blast ,
-Led on by heaven , and crown'd with joy at last .
-In Helicanus may you well descry
-A figure of truth , of faith , of loyalty .
-In reverend Cerimon there well appears
-The worth that learned charity aye wears .
-For wicked Cleon and his wife , when fame
-Had spread their cursed deed , and honour'd name
-Of Pericles , to rage the city turn ,
-That him and his they in his palace burn :
-The gods for murder seemed so content
-To punish them ; although not done , but meant .
-So on your patience evermore attending ,
-New joy wait on you ! Here our play hath ending .
-
-THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
-
-Proceed , Solinus , to procure my fall ,
-And by the doom of death end woes and all .
-
-Merchant of Syracusa , plead no more .
-I am not partial to infringe our laws :
-The enmity and discord which of late
-Sprung from the rancorous outrage of your duke
-To merchants , our well-dealing countrymen ,
-Who , wanting guilders to redeem their lives ,
-Have seal'd his rigorous statutes with their bloods ,
-Excludes all pity from our threat'ning looks .
-For , since the mortal and intestine jars
-'Twixt thy seditious countrymen and us ,
-It hath in solemn synods been decreed ,
-Both by the Syracusians and ourselves ,
-T' admit no traffic to our adverse towns :
-Nay , more , if any , born at Ephesus
-Be seen at Syracusian marts and fairs ;
-Again , if any Syracusian born
-Come to the bay of Ephesus , he dies ,
-His goods confiscate to the duke's dispose ;
-Unless a thousand marks be levied ,
-To quit the penalty and to ransom him .
-Thy substance , valu'd at the highest rate ,
-Cannot amount unto a hundred marks ;
-Therefore , by law thou art condemn'd to die .
-
-Yet this my comfort : when your words are done ,
-My woes end likewise with the evening sun .
-
-Well , Syracusian ; say , in brief the cause
-Why thou departedst from thy native home ,
-And for what cause thou cam'st to Ephesus .
-
-A heavier task could not have been impos'd
-Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable ;
-Yet , that the world may witness that my end
-Was wrought by nature , not by vile offence ,
-I'll utter what my sorrow gives me leave .
-In Syracusa was I born , and wed
-Unto a woman , happy but for me ,
-And by me too , had not our hap been bad .
-With her I liv'd in joy : our wealth increas'd
-By prosperous voyages I often made
-To Epidamnum ; till my factor's death ,
-And the great care of goods at random left ,
-Drew me from kind embracements of my spouse :
-From whom my absence was not six months old ,
-Before herself ,almost at fainting under
-The pleasing punishment that women bear ,
-Had made provision for her following me ,
-And soon and safe arrived where I was .
-There had she not been long but she became
-A joyful mother of two goodly sons ;
-And , which was strange , the one so like the other ,
-As could not be distinguish'd but by names .
-That very hour , and in the self-same inn ,
-A meaner woman was delivered
-Of such a burden , male twins , both alike .
-Those ,for their parents were exceeding poor ,
-I bought , and brought up to attend my sons .
-My wife , not meanly proud of two such boys ,
-Made daily motions for our home return :
-Unwilling I agreed ; alas ! too soon
-We came aboard .
-A league from Epidamnum had we sail'd ,
-Before the always-wind-obeying deep
-Gave any tragic instance of our harm :
-But longer did we not retain much hope ;
-For what obscured light the heavens did grant
-Did but convey unto our fearful minds
-A doubtful warrant of immediate death ;
-Which , though myself would gladly have embrac'd ,
-Yet the incessant weepings of my wife ,
-Weeping before for what she saw must come ,
-And piteous plainings of the pretty babes ,
-That mourn'd for fashion , ignorant what to fear ,
-Forc'd me to seek delays for them and me .
-And this it was , for other means was none :
-The sailors sought for safety by our boat ,
-And left the ship , then sinking-ripe , to us :
-My wife , more careful for the latter-born ,
-Had fasten'd him unto a small spare mast ,
-Such as seafaring men provide for storms ;
-To him one of the other twins was bound ,
-Whilst I had been like heedful of the other .
-The children thus dispos'd , my wife and I ,
-Fixing our eyes on whom our care was fix'd ,
-Fasten'd ourselves at either end the mast ;
-And floating straight , obedient to the stream ,
-Were carried towards Corinth , as we thought .
-At length the sun , gazing upon the earth ,
-Dispers'd those vapours that offended us ,
-And , by the benefit of his wished light
-The seas wax'd calm , and we discovered
-Two ships from far making amain to us ;
-Of Corinth that , of Epidaurus this :
-But ere they came ,O ! let me say no more ;
-Gather the sequel by that went before .
-
-Nay , forward , old man ; do not break off so ;
-For we may pity , though not pardon thee .
-
-O ! had the gods done so , I had not now
-Worthily term'd them merciless to us !
-For , ere the ships could meet by twice five leagues ,
-We were encounter'd by a mighty rock ;
-Which being violently borne upon ,
-Our helpful ship was splitted in the midst ;
-So that , in this unjust divorce of us
-Fortune had left to both of us alike
-What to delight in , what to sorrow for .
-Her part , poor soul ! seeming as burdened
-With lesser weight , but not with lesser woe ,
-Was carried with more speed before the wind ,
-And in our sight they three were taken up
-By fishermen of Corinth , as we thought .
-At length , another ship had seiz'd on us ;
-And , knowing whom it was their hap to save ,
-Gave healthful welcome to their ship-wrack'd guests ;
-And would have reft the fishers of their prey ,
-Had not their bark been very slow of sail ;
-And therefore homeward did they bend their course .
-Thus have you heard me sever'd from my bliss ,
-That by misfortune was my life prolong'd ,
-To tell sad stories of my own mishaps .
-
-And , for the sake of them thou sorrowest for ,
-Do me the favour to dilate at full
-What hath befall'n of them and thee till now .
-
-My youngest boy , and yet my eldest care ,
-At eighteen years became inquisitive
-After his brother ; and importun'd me
-That his attendant for his case was like ,
-Reft of his brother , but retain'd his name
-Might bear him company in the quest of him ;
-Whom whilst I labour'd of a love to see ,
-I hazarded the loss of whom I lov'd .
-Five summers have I spent in furthest Greece ,
-Roaming clean through the bounds of Asia ,
-And , coasting homeward , came to Ephesus ,
-Hopeless to find , yet loath to leave unsought
-Or that or any place that harbours men .
-But here must end the story of my life ;
-And happy were I in my timely death ,
-Could all my travels warrant me they live .
-
-Hapless geon , whom the fates have mark'd
-To bear the extremity of dire mishap !
-Now , trust me , were it not against our laws ,
-Against my crown , my oath , my dignity ,
-Which princes , would they , may not disannul ,
-My soul should sue as advocate for thee .
-But though thou art adjudged to the death
-And passed sentence may not be recall'd
-But to our honour's great disparagement ,
-Yet will I favour thee in what I can :
-Therefore , merchant , I'll limit thee this day
-To seek thy life by beneficial help .
-Try all the friends thou hast in Ephesus ;
-Beg thou , or borrow , to make up the sum ,
-And live ; if no , then thou art doom'd to die .
-Gaoler , take him to thy custody .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-Hopeless and helpless doth geon wend ,
-But to procrastinate his lifeless end .
-
-
-Therefore , give out you are of Epidamnum ,
-Lest that your goods too soon be confiscate .
-This very day , a Syracusian merchant
-Is apprehended for arrival here ;
-And , not being able to buy out his life ,
-According to the statute of the town
-Dies ere the weary sun set in the west .
-There is your money that I had to keep .
-
-Go bear it to the Centaur , where we host ,
-And stay there , Dromio , till I come to thee .
-Within this hour it will be dinner-time :
-Till that , I'll view the manners of the town ,
-Peruse the traders , gaze upon the buildings ,
-And then return and sleep within mine inn ,
-For with long travel I am stiff and weary .
-Get thee away .
-
-Many a man would take you at your word ,
-And go indeed , having so good a mean .
-
-
-A trusty villain , sir , that very oft ,
-When I am dull with care and melancholy ,
-Lightens my humour with his merry jests .
-What , will you walk with me about the town ,
-And then go to my inn and dine with me ?
-
-I am invited , sir , to certain merchants ,
-Of whom I hope to make much benefit ;
-I crave your pardon . Soon at five o'clock ,
-Please you , I'll meet with you upon the mart ,
-And afterward consort you till bed-time :
-My present business calls me from you now .
-
-Farewell till then : I will go lose myself ,
-And wander up and down to view the city .
-
-Sir , I commend you to your own content .
-
-
-He that commends me to mine own content ,
-Commends me to the thing I cannot get .
-I to the world am like a drop of water
-That in the ocean seeks another drop ;
-Who , falling there to find his fellow forth ,
-Unseen , inquisitive , confounds himself :
-So I , to find a mother and a brother ,
-In quest of them , unhappy , lose myself .
-
-
-Here comes the almanack of my true date .
-
-What now ? How chance thou art return'd so soon ?
-
-Return'd so soon ! rather approach'd too late :
-The capon burns , the pig falls from the spit ,
-The clock hath strucken twelve upon the bell ;
-My mistress made it one upon my cheek :
-She is so hot because the meat is cold ;
-The meat is cold because you come not home ;
-You come not home because you have no stomach ;
-You have no stomach , having broke your fast ;
-But we , that know what 'tis to fast and pray ,
-Are penitent for your default to-day .
-
-Stop in your wind , sir : tell me this , I pray :
-Where have you left the money that I gave you ?
-
-O !sixpence , that I had o' Wednesday last
-To pay the saddler for my mistress' crupper ;
-The saddler had it , sir ; I kept it not .
-
-I am not in a sportive humour now .
-Tell me , and dally not , where is the money ?
-We being strangers here , how dar'st thou trust
-So great a charge from thine own custody ?
-
-I pray you , jest , sir , as you sit at dinner .
-I from my mistress come to you in post ;
-If I return , I shall be post indeed ,
-For she will score your fault upon my pate .
-Methinks your maw , like mine , should be your clock
-And strike you home without a messenger .
-
-Come , Dromio , come ; these jests are out of season ;
-Reserve them till a merrier hour than this .
-Where is the gold I gave in charge to thee ?
-
-To me , sir ? why , you gave no gold to me .
-
-Come on , sir knave , have done your foolishness ,
-And tell me how thou hast dispos'd thy charge .
-
-My charge was but to fetch you from the mart
-Home to your house , the Ph nix , sir , to dinner :
-My mistress and her sister stays for you .
-
-Now , as I am a Christian , answer me ,
-In what safe place you have bestow'd my money ;
-Or I shall break that merry sconce of yours
-That stands on tricks when I am undispos'd .
-Where is the thousand marks thou hadst of me ?
-
-I have some marks of yours upon my pate ,
-Some of my mistress' marks upon my shoulders ,
-But not a thousand marks between you both .
-If I should pay your worship those again ,
-Perchance you will not bear them patiently .
-
-Thy mistress' marks ! what mistress , slave , hast thou ?
-
-Your worship's wife , my mistress at the Ph nix ;
-She that doth fast till you come home to dinner ,
-And prays that you will hie you home to dinner .
-
-What ! wilt thou flout me thus unto my face ,
-Being forbid ? There , take you that , sir knave .
-
-
-What mean you , sir ? for God's sake , hold your hands !
-Nay , an you will not , sir , I'll take my heels .
-
-
-Upon my life , by some device or other
-The villain is o'er-raught of all my money .
-They say this town is full of cozenage ;
-As , nimble jugglers that deceive the eye ,
-Dark-working sorcerers that change the mind ,
-Soul-killing witches that deform the body ,
-Disguised cheaters , prating mountebanks ,
-And many such-like liberties of sin :
-If it prove so , I will be gone the sooner .
-I'll to the Centaur , to go seek this slave :
-I greatly fear my money is not safe .
-
-Neither my husband , nor the slave return'd ,
-That in such haste I sent to seek his master !
-Sure , Luciana , it is two o'clock .
-
-Perhaps some merchant hath invited him ,
-And from the mart he's somewhere gone to dinner .
-Good sister , let us dine and never fret :
-A man is master of his liberty :
-Time is their master , and , when they see time ,
-They'll go or come : if so , be patient , sister .
-
-Why should their liberty than ours be more ?
-
-Because their business still lies out o' door .
-
-Look , when I serve him so , he takes it ill .
-
-O ! know he is the bridle of your will .
-
-There's none but asses will be bridled so .
-
-Why , headstrong liberty is lash'd with woe .
-There's nothing situate under heaven's eye
-But hath his bound , in earth , in sea , in sky :
-The beasts , the fishes , and the winged fowls ,
-Are their males' subjects and at their controls .
-Men , more divine , the masters of all these ,
-Lords of the wide world , and wild wat'ry seas ,
-Indu'd with intellectual sense and souls ,
-Of more pre-eminence than fish and fowls ,
-Are masters to their females and their lords :
-Then , let your will attend on their accords .
-
-This servitude makes you to keep unwed .
-
-Not this , but troubles of the marriage-bed .
-
-But , were you wedded , you would bear some sway .
-
-Ere I learn love , I'll practise to obey .
-
-How if your husband start some other where ?
-
-Till he come home again , I would forbear .
-
-Patience unmov'd ! no marvel though she pause ;
-They can be meek that have no other cause .
-A wretched soul , bruis'd with adversity ,
-We bid be quiet when we hear it cry ;
-But were we burden'd with like weight of pain ,
-As much , or more we should ourselves complain :
-So thou , that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee ,
-With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me :
-But if thou live to see like right bereft .
-This fool-begg'd patience in thee will be left .
-
-Well , I will marry one day , but to try .
-Here comes your man : now is your husband nigh .
-
-
-Say , is your tardy master now at hand ?
-
-Nay , he's at two hands with me , and that my two ears can witness .
-
-Say , didst thou speak with him ? Know'st thou his mind ?
-
-Ay , ay , he told his mind upon mine ear .
-Beshrew his hand , I scarce could understand it .
-
-Spake he so doubtfully , thou couldst not feel his meaning ?
-
-Nay , he struck so plainly , I could too well feel his blows ; and withal so doubtfully , that I could scarce understand them .
-
-But say , I prithee , is he coming home ?
-It seems he hath great care to please his wife .
-
-Why , mistress , sure my master is horn-mad .
-
-Horn-mad , thou villain !
-
-I mean not cuckold-mad ; but , sure , he is stark mad .
-When I desir'd him to come home to dinner ,
-He ask'd me for a thousand marks in gold :
-''Tis dinner time ,' quoth I ; 'my gold !' quoth he :
-'Your meat doth burn ,' quoth I ; 'my gold !' quoth he :
-'Will you come home ?' quoth I : 'my gold !' quoth he :
-'Where is the thousand marks I gave thee , villain ?'
-'The pig ,' quoth I , 'is burn'd ;' 'my gold !' quoth he :
-'My mistress , sir ,' quoth I : 'hang up thy mistress !
-I know not thy mistress : out on thy mistress !'
-
-Quoth who ?
-
-Quoth my master :
-'I know ,' quoth he , 'no house , no wife , no mistress .'
-So that my errand , due unto my tongue ,
-I thank him , I bear home upon my shoulders ;
-For , in conclusion , he did beat me there .
-
-Go back again , thou slave , and fetch him home .
-
-Go back again , and be new beaten home ?
-For God's sake , send some other messenger .
-
-Back , slave , or I will break thy pate across .
-
-And he will bless that cross with other beating :
-Between you , I shall have a holy head .
-
-Hence , prating peasant ! fetch thy master home .
-
-Am I so round with you as you with me ,
-That like a football you do spurn me thus ?
-You spurn me hence , and he will spurn me hither :
-If I last in this service , you must case me in leather .
-
-
-Fie , how impatience loureth in your face !
-
-His company must do his minions grace ,
-Whilst I at home starve for a merry look .
-Hath homely age the alluring beauty took
-From my poor cheek ? then , he hath wasted it :
-Are my discourses dull ? barren my wit ?
-If voluble and sharp discourse be marr'd ,
-Unkindness blunts it more than marble hard :
-Do their gay vestments his affections bait ?
-That's not my fault ; he's master of my state :
-What ruins are in me that can be found
-By him not ruin'd ? then is he the ground
-Of my defeatures . My decayed fair
-A sunny look of his would soon repair ;
-But , too unruly deer , he breaks the pale
-And feeds from home : poor I am but his stale .
-
-Self-harming jealousy ! fie ! beat it hence .
-
-Unfeeling fools can with such wrengs dispense .
-I know his eye doth homage otherwhere ,
-Or else what lets it but he would be here ?
-Sister , you know he promis'd me a chain :
-Would that alone , alone he would detain ,
-So he would keep fair quarter with his bed !
-I see , the jewel best enamelled
-Will lose his beauty ; and though gold bides still
-That others touch , yet often touching will
-Wear gold ; and no man that hath a name ,
-By falsehood and corruption doth it shame .
-Since that my beauty cannot please his eye ,
-I'll weep what's left away , and weeping die .
-
-How many fond fools serve mad jealousy !
-
-
-The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up
-Safe at the Centaur ; and the heedful slave
-Is wander'd forth , in care to seek me out .
-By computation , and mine host's report ,
-I could not speak with Dromio since at first
-I sent him from the mart . See , here he comes .
-
-
-How now , sir ! is your merry humour alter'd ?
-As you love strokes , so jest with me again .
-You know no Centaur ? You receiv'd no gold ?
-Your mistress sent to have me home to dinner ?
-My house was at the Ph nix ? Wast thou mad ,
-
-That thus so madly thou didst answer me ?
-
-What answer , sir ? when spake I such a word ?
-
-Even now , even here , not half-an-hour since .
-
-I did not see you since you sent me hence ,
-Home to the Centaur , with the gold you gave me .
-
-Villain , thou didst deny the gold's receipt ,
-And told'st me of a mistress and a dinner ;
-For which , I hope , thou felt'st I was displeas'd .
-
-I am glad to see you in this merry vein :
-What means this jest ? I pray you , master , tell me .
-
-Yea , dost thou jeer , and flout me in the teeth ?
-Think'st thou I jest ? Hold , take thou that , and that .
-
-
-Hold , sir , for God's sake ! now your jest is earnest .
-Upon what bargain do you give it me ?
-
-Because that I familiarly sometimes
-Do use you for my fool , and chat with you ,
-Your sauciness will jest upon my love ,
-And make a common of my serious hours .
-When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport ,
-But creep in crannies when he hides his beams .
-If you will jest with me , know my aspect ,
-And fashion your demeanour to my looks ,
-Or I will beat this method in your sconce .
-
-Sconce , call you it ? so you would leave battering , I had rather have it a head : an you use these blows long , I must get a sconce for my head and insconce it too ; or else I shall seek my wit in my shoulders . But , I pray , sir , why am I beaten ?
-
-Dost thou not know ?
-
-Nothing , sir , but that I am beaten .
-
-Shall I tell you why ?
-
-Ay , sir , and wherefore ; for they say every why hath a wherefore .
-
-Why , first ,for flouting me ; and then , wherefore ,
-For urging it the second time to me .
-
-Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season ,
-When , in the why and the wherefore is neither rime nor reason ?
-Well , sir , I thank you .
-
-Thank me , sir ! for what ?
-
-Marry , sir , for this something that you gave me for nothing .
-
-I'll make you amends next , to give you nothing for something . But say , sir , is it dinner-time ?
-
-No , sir : I think the meat wants that I have
-
-In good time , sir ; what's that ?
-
-Basting .
-
-Well , sir , then 'twill be dry .
-
-If it be , sir , I pray you eat none of it .
-
-Your reason ?
-
-Lest it make you choleric , and purchase me another dry basting .
-
-Well , sir , learn to jest in good time : there's a time for all things .
-
-I durst have denied that , before you were so choleric .
-
-By what rule , sir ?
-
-Marry , sir , by a rule as plain as the plain bald pate of Father Time himself .
-
-Let's hear it .
-
-There's no time for a man to recover his hair that grows bald by nature .
-
-May he not do it by fine and recovery ?
-
-Yes , to pay a fine for a periwig and recover the lost hair of another man .
-
-Why is Time such a niggard of hair , being , as it is , so plentiful an excrement ?
-
-Because it is a blessing that he bestows on beasts : and what he hath scanted men in hair , he hath given them in wit .
-
-Why , but there's many a man hath more hair than wit .
-
-Not a man of those but he hath the wit to lose his hair .
-
-Why , thou didst conclude hairy men plain dealers without wit .
-
-The plainer dealer , the sooner lost : yet be loseth it in a kind of jollity .
-
-For what reason ?
-
-For two ; and sound ones too .
-
-Nay , not sound , I pray you .
-
-Sure ones then .
-
-Nay , not sure , in a thing falsing .
-
-Certain ones , then .
-
-Name them .
-
-The one , to save the money that he spends in tiring ; the other , that at dinner they should not drop in his porridge .
-
-You would all this time have proved there is no time for all things .
-
-Marry , and did , sir ; namely , no time to recover hair lost by nature .
-
-But your reason was not substantial , why there is not time to recover .
-
-Thus I mend it : Time himself is bald , and therefore to the world's end will have bald followers .
-
-I knew 'twould be a bald conclusion .
-But soft ! who wafts us yonder ?
-
-
-Ay , ay , Antipholus , look strange , and frown :
-Some other mistress hath thy sweet aspects ,
-I am not Adriana , nor thy wife .
-The time was once when thou unurg'd wouldst vow
-That never words were music to thine ear ,
-That never object pleasing in thine eye ,
-That never touch well welcome to thy hand ,
-That never meat sweet-savour'd in thy taste ,
-Unless I spake , or look'd , or touch'd , or carv'd to thee .
-How comes it now , my husband , O ! how comes it ,
-That thou art thus estranged from thyself ?
-Thyself I call it , being strange to me ,
-That , undividable , incorporate ,
-Am better than thy dear self's better part .
-Ah ! do not tear away thyself from me ,
-For know , my love , as easy mayst thou fall
-A drop of water in the breaking gulf ,
-And take unmingled thence that drop again ,
-Without addition or diminishing ,
-As take from me thyself and not me too .
-How dearly would it touch thee to the quick ,
-Shouldst thou but hear I were licentious ,
-And that this body , consecrate to thee ,
-By ruffian lust should be contaminate !
-Wouldst thou not spit at me and spurn at me ,
-And hurl the name of husband in my face ,
-And tear the stain'd skin off my harlot-brow ,
-And from my false hand cut the wedding-ring
-And break it with a deep-divorcing vow ?
-I know thou canst ; and therefore , see thou do it .
-I am possess'd with an adulterate blot ;
-My blood is mingled with the crime of lust :
-For if we two be one and thou play false ,
-I do digest the poison of thy flesh ,
-Being strumpeted by thy contagion .
-Keep then fair league and truce with thy true bed ;
-I live unstain'd , thou undishonoured .
-
-Plead you to me , fair dame ? I know you not :
-In Ephesus I am but two hours old ,
-As strange unto your town as to your talk ;
-Who , every word by all my wit being scann'd ,
-Want wit in all one word to understand .
-
-Fie , brother : how the world is chang'd with you !
-When were you wont to use my sister thus ?
-She sent for you by Dromio home to dinner .
-
-By Dromio ?
-
-By me ?
-
-By thee ; and this thou didst return from him ,
-That he did buffet thee , and in his blows ,
-Denied my house for his , me for his wife .
-
-Did you converse , sir , with this gentle-woman ?
-What is the course and drift of your compact ?
-
-I , sir ? I never saw her till this time .
-
-Villain , thou liest ; for even her very words
-Didst thou deliver to me on the mart .
-
-I never spake with her in all my life .
-
-How can she thus then , call us by our names ,
-Unless it be by inspiration ?
-
-How ill agrees it with your gravity
-To counterfeit thus grossly with your slave ,
-A betting him to thwart me in my mood !
-Be it my wrong you are from me exempt ,
-But wrong not that wrong with a more contempt .
-Come , I will fasten on this sleeve of thine ;
-Thou art an elm , my husband , I a vine ,
-Whose weakness , married to thy stronger state ,
-Makes me with thy strength to communicate :
-If aught possess thee from me , it is dross ,
-Usurping ivy , brier , or idle moss ;
-Who , all for want of pruning , with intrusion
-Infect thy sap and live on thy confusion .
-
-To me she speaks ; she moves me for her theme !
-What ! was I married to her in my dream ?
-Or sleep I now and think I hear all this ?
-What error drives our eyes and ears amiss ?
-Until I know this sure uncertainty ,
-I'll entertain the offer'd fallacy .
-
-Dromio , go bid the servants spread for dinner
-
-O , for my beads ! I cross me for a sinner .
-This is the fairy land : O ! spite of spites .
-We talk with goblins , owls , and elvish sprites :
-If we obey them not , this will ensue ,
-They'll suck our breath , or pinch us black and blue .
-
-Why prat'st thou to thyself and answer'st not ?
-Dromio , thou drone , thou snail , thou slug , thou sot !
-
-I am transformed , master , am not I ?
-
-I think thou art , in mind , and so am I .
-
-Nay , master , both in mind and in my shape .
-
-Thou hast thine own form .
-
-No , I am an ape .
-
-If thou art chang'd to aught , 'tis to an ass .
-
-'Tis true ; she rides me and I long for grass .
-'Tis so , I am an ass ; else it could never be
-But I should know her as well as she knows me .
-
-Come , come ; no longer will I be a fool ,
-To put the finger in the eye and weep ,
-Whilst man and master laugh my woes to scorn .
-Come , sir , to dinner . Dromio , keep the gate .
-Husband , I'll dine above with you to-day ,
-And shrive you of a thousand idle pranks .
-Sirrah , if any ask you for your master ,
-Say he dines forth , and let no creature enter .
-Come , sister . Dromio , play the porter well .
-
-Am I in earth , in heaven , or in hell ?
-Sleeping or waking ? mad or well-advis'd ?
-Known unto these , and to myself disguis'd !
-I'll say as they say , and persever so ,
-And in this mist at all adventures go .
-
-Master , shall I be porter at the gate ?
-
-Ay ; and let none enter , lest I break your pate .
-
-Come , come , Antipholus ; we dine too late .
-
-Good Signior Angelo , you must excuse us all ;
-My wife is shrewish when I keep not hours ;
-Say that I linger'd with you at your shop
-To see the making of her carkanet ,
-And that to-morrow you will bring it home .
-But here's a villain , that would face me down
-He met me on the mart , and that I beat him ,
-And charg'd him with a thousand marks in gold ,
-And that I did deny my wife and house .
-Thou drunkard , thou , what didst thou mean by this ?
-
-Say what you will , sir , but I know what I know ;
-That you beat me at the mart , I have your hand to show :
-If the skin were parchment and the blows you gave were ink ,
-Your own handwriting would tell you what I think .
-
-I think thou art an ass .
-
-Marry , so it doth appear
-By the wrongs I suffer and the blows I bear .
-I should kick , being kick'd ; and , being at that pass ,
-You would keep from my heels and beware of an ass .
-
-You are sad , Signior Balthazar : pray God , our cheer
-May answer my good will and your good welcome here .
-
-I hold your dainties cheap , sir , and your welcome dear .
-
-O , Signior Balthazar , either at flesh or fish ,
-A table-full of welcome makes scarce one dainty dish .
-
-Good meat , sir , is common ; that every churl affords .
-
-And welcome more common , for that's nothing but words .
-
-Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast .
-
-Ay , to a niggardly host and more sparing guest :
-But though my cates be mean , take them in good part ;
-Better cheer may you have , but not with better heart .
-But soft ! my door is lock'd . Go bid them let us in .
-
-Maud , Bridget , Marian , Cicely , Gillian , Ginn !
-
-Mome , malt-horse , capon , coxcomb , idiot , patch !
-Either get thee from the door or sit down at the hatch .
-Dost thou conjure for wenches , that thou call'st for such store ,
-When one is one too many ? Go , get thee from the door .
-
-What patch is made our porter ?My master stays in the street .
-
-Let him walk from whence he came , lest he catch cold on's feet .
-
-Who talks within there ? ho ! open the door .
-
-Right , sir ; I'll tell you when , an you'll tell me wherefore .
-
-Wherefore ? for my dinner : I have not din'd to-day .
-
-Nor to-day here you must not ; come again when you may .
-
-What art thou that keep'st me out from the house I owe ?
-
-The porter for this time , sir , and my name is Dromio .
-
-O villain ! thou hast stolen both mine office and my name :
-The one ne'er got me credit , the other mickle blame .
-If thou hadst been Dromio to-day in my place ,
-Thou wouldst have chang'd thy face for a name , or thy name for an ass .
-
-What a coil is there , Dromio ! who are those at the gate ?
-
-Let my master in , Luce .
-
-Faith , no ; he comes too late ;
-And so tell your master .
-
-O Lord ! I must laugh .
-Have at you with a proverb : Shall I set in my staff ?
-
-Have at you with another : that's when ? can you tell ?
-
-If thy name be call'd Luce ,Luce , thou hast answer'd him well .
-
-Do you hear , you minion ? you'll let us in , I trow ?
-
-I thought to have ask'd you .
-
-And you said , no .
-
-So come , help : well struck ! there was blow for blow .
-
-Thou baggage , let me in .
-
-Can you tell for whose sake ?
-
-Master , knock the door hard .
-
-Let him knock till it ache .
-
-You'll cry for this , minion , if I beat the door down .
-
-What needs all that , and a pair of stocks in the town ?
-
-Who is that at the door that keeps all this noise ?
-
-By my troth your town is troubled with unruly boys .
-
-Are you there , wife ? you might have come before .
-
-Your wife , sir knave ! go , get you from the door .
-
-If you went in pain , master , this 'knave' would go sore .
-
-Here is neither cheer , sir , nor welcome : we would fain have either .
-
-In debating which was best , we shall part with neither .
-
-They stand at the door , master : bid them welcome hither .
-
-There is something in the wind , that we cannot get in .
-
-You would say so , master , if your garments were thin .
-Your cake here is warm within ; you stand here in the cold :
-It would make a man mad as a buck to be so bought and sold .
-
-Go fetch me something : I'll break ope the gate .
-
-Break any breaking here , and I'll break your knave's pate .
-
-A man may break a word with you , sir , and words are but wind :
-Ay , and break it in your face , so he break it not behind .
-
-It seems thou wantest breaking : out upon thee , hind !
-
-Here's too much 'out upon thee !' I pray thee , let me in .
-
-Ay , when fowls have no feathers , and fish have no fin .
-
-Well , I'll break in . Go borrow me a crow .
-
-A crow without feather ? Master , mean you so ?
-For a fish without a fin , there's a fowl without a feather :
-If a crow help us in , sirrah , we'll pluck a crow together .
-
-Go get thee gone : fetch me an iron crow .
-
-Have patience , sir ; O ! let it not be so ;
-Herein you war against your reputation ,
-And draw within the compass of suspect
-The unviolated honour of your wife .
-Once this ,your long experience of her wisdom ,
-Her sober virtue , years , and modesty ,
-Plead on her part some cause to you unknown ;
-And doubt not , sir , but she will well excuse
-Why at this time the doors are made against you .
-Be rul'd by me : depart in patience ,
-And let us to the Tiger all to dinner ;
-And about evening come yourself alone ,
-To know the reason of this strange restraint .
-If by strong hand you offer to break in
-Now in the stirring passage of the day ,
-A vulgar comment will be made of it ,
-And that supposed by the common rout
-Against your yet ungalled estimation ,
-That may with foul intrusion enter in
-And dwell upon your grave when you are dead ;
-For slander lives upon succession ,
-For ever housed where it gets possession .
-
-You have prevail'd : I will depart in quiet ,
-And , in despite of mirth , mean to be merry .
-I know a wench of excellent discourse ,
-Pretty and witty , wild and yet , too , gentle :
-There will we dine : this woman that I mean ,
-My wife ,but , I protest , without desert ,
-Hath oftentimes upbraided me withal :
-To her will we to dinner .
-
-Get you home ,
-And fetch the chain ; by this I know 'tis made :
-Bring it , I pray you , to the Porpentine ;
-For there's the house : that chain will I bestow ,
-Be it for nothing but to spite my wife ,
-Upon mine hostess there . Good sir , make haste .
-Since mine own doors refuse to entertain me ,
-I'll knock elsewhere , to see if they'll disdain me .
-
-I'll meet you at that place some hour hence .
-
-Do so . This jest shall cost me some expense .
-
-
-And may it be that you have quite forgot A husband's office ? Shall , Antipholus ,
-Even in the spring of love , thy love-springs rot ?
-Shall love , in building , grow so ruinous ?
-If you did wed my sister for her wealth ,
-Then , for her wealth's sake use her with more kindness :
-Or , if you like elsewhere , do it by stealth ;
-Muffle your false love with some show of blindness ;
-Let not my sister read it in your eye ;
-Be not thy tongue thy own shame's orator ;
-Look sweet , speak fair , become disloyalty ;
-Apparel vice like virtue's harbinger ;
-Bear a fair presence , though your heart be tainted ;
-Teach sin the carriage of a holy saint ;
-Be secret-false : what need she be acquainted ?
-What simple thief brags of his own attaint ?
-'Tis double wrong to truant with your bed ,
-And let her read it in thy looks at board :
-Shame hath a bastard fame , well managed ;
-Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word .
-Alas ! poor women , make us but believe ,
-Being compact of credit , that you love us ;
-Though others have the arm , show us the sleeve ;
-We in your motion turn , and you may move us .
-Then , gentle brother , get you in again ;
-Comfort my sister , cheer her , call her wife :
-'Tis holy sport to be a little vain ,
-When the sweet breath of flattery conquers strife .
-
-Sweet mistress ,what your name is else , I know not ,
-Nor by what wonder you do hit of mine ,
-Less in your knowledge and your grace you show not
-Than our earth's wonder ; more than earth divine .
-Teach me , dear creature , how to think and speak :
-Lay open to my earthy-gross conceit ,
-Smother'd in errors , feeble , shallow , weak ,
-The folded meaning of your words' deceit .
-Against my soul's pure truth why labour you
-To make it wander in an unknown field ?
-Are you a god ? would you create me new ?
-Transform me then , and to your power I'll yield .
-But if that I am I , then well I know
-Your weeping sister is no wife of mine ,
-Nor to her bed no homage do I owe :
-Far more , far more , to you do I decline .
-O ! train me not , sweet mermaid , with thy note ,
-To drown me in thy sister flood of tears :
-Sing , siren , for thyself , and I will dote :
-Spread o'er the silver waves thy golden hairs ,
-And as a bed I'll take them and there lie ;
-And , in that glorious supposition think
-He gains by death that hath such means to die :
-Let Love , being light , be drowned if she sink !
-
-What ! are you mad , that you do reason so ?
-
-Not mad , but mated ; how , I do not know .
-
-It is a fault that springeth from your eye .
-
-For gazing on your beams ; fair sun , being by .
-
-Gaze where you should , and that will clear your sight .
-
-As good to wink , sweet love , as look on night .
-
-Why call you me love ? call my sister so .
-
-Thy sister's sister .
-
-That's my sister .
-
-No ;
-It is thyself , mine own self's better part ;
-Mine eye's clear eye , my dear heart's dearer heart ;
-My food , my fortune , and my sweet hope's aim ,
-My sole earth's heaven , and my heaven's claim .
-
-All this my sister is , or else should be .
-
-Call thyself sister , sweet , for I aim thee .
-Thee will I love and with thee lead my life :
-Thou hast no husband yet nor I no wife .
-Give me thy hand .
-
-O ! soft , sir ; hold you still :
-I'll fetch my sister , to get her good will .
-
-Why , how now , Dromio ! where run'st thou so fast ?
-
-Do you know me , sir ? am I Dromio ? am I your man ? am I myself ?
-
-Thou art Dromio , thou art my man , thou art thyself .
-
-I am an ass , I am a woman's man and besides myself .
-
-What woman's man ? and how besides thyself ?
-
-Marry , sir , besides myself , I am due to a woman ; one that claims me , one that haunts me , one that will have me .
-
-What claim lays she to thee ?
-
-Marry , sir , such claim as you would lay to your horse ; and she would have me as a beast : not that , I being a beast , she would have me ; but that she , being a very beastly creature , lays claim to me .
-
-What is she ?
-
-A very reverent body ; aye , such a one as a man may not speak of , without he say , 'Sir-reverence .' I have but lean luck in the match , and yet is she a wondrous fat marriage .
-
-How dost thou mean a fat marriage ?
-
-Marry , sir , she's the kitchen-wench , and all grease ; and I know not what use to put her to but to make a lamp of her and run from her by her own light . I warrant her rags and the tallow in them will burn a Poland winter ; if she lives till doomsday , she'll burn a week longer than the whole world .
-
-What complexion is she of ?
-
-Swart , like my shoe , but her face nothing like so clean kept : for why she sweats ; a man may go over shoes in the grime of it .
-
-That's a fault that water will mend .
-
-No , sir , 'tis in grain ; Noah's flood could not do it .
-
-What's her name ?
-
-Nell , sir ; but her name and three quarters ,that is , an ell and three quarters ,will not measure her from hip to hip .
-
-Then she bears some breadth ?
-
-No longer from head to foot than from hip to hip : she is spherical , like a globe ; I could find out countries in her .
-
-In what part of her body stands Ireland ?
-
-Marry , sir , in her buttocks : I found it out by the bogs .
-
-Where Scotland ?
-
-I found it by the barrenness ; hard in the palm of the hand .
-
-Where France ?
-
-In her forehead ; armed and reverted , making war against her heir .
-
-Where England ?
-
-I looked for the chalky cliffs , but I could find no whiteness in them : but I guess it stood in her chin , by the salt rheum that ran between France and it .
-
-Where Spain ?
-
-Faith , I saw not ; but I felt it hot in her breath .
-
-Where America , the Indies ?
-
-O , sir ! upon her nose , all o'er embellished with rubies , carbuncles , sapphires , declining their rich aspect to the hot breath of Spain , who sent whole armadoes of caracks to be ballast at her nose .
-
-Where stood Belgia , the Netherlands ?
-
-O , sir ! I did not look so low . To conclude , this drudge , or diviner , laid claim to me ; call'd me Dromio ; swore I was assured to her ; told me what privy marks I had about me , as the mark of my shoulder , the mole in my neck , the great wart on my left arm , that I , amazed , ran from her as a witch .
-And , I think , if my breast had not been made of faith and my heart of steel ,
-She had transform'd me to a curtal dog and made me turn i' the wheel .
-
-Go hie thee presently post to the road :
-An if the wind blow any way from shore ,
-I will not harbour in this town to-night :
-If any bark put forth , come to the mart ,
-Where I will walk till thou return to me .
-If every one knows us and we know none ,
-'Tis time , I think , to trudge , pack , and be gone .
-
-As from a bear a man would run for life ,
-So fly I from her that would be my wife .
-
-
-There's none but witches do inhabit here ,
-And therefore 'tis high time that I were hence .
-She that doth call me husband , even my soul
-Doth for a wife abhor ; but her fair sister ,
-Possess'd with such a gentle sovereign grace ,
-Of such enchanting presence and discourse ,
-Hath almost made me traitor to myself :
-But , lest myself be guilty to self-wrong ,
-I'll stop mine ears against the mermaid's song .
-
-
-Master Antipholus !
-
-Ay , that's my name .
-
-I know it well , sir : lo , here is the chain .
-I thought to have ta'en you at the Porpentine ;
-The chain unfinish'd made me stay thus long .
-
-What is your will that I shall do with this ?
-
-What please yourself , sir : I have made it for you .
-
-Made it for me , sir ! I bespoke it not
-
-Not once , nor twice , but twenty times you have .
-Go home with it and please your wife withal ;
-And soon at supper-time I'll visit you ,
-And then receive my money for the chain .
-
-I pray you , sir , receive the money now ,
-For fear you ne'er see chain nor money more .
-
-You are a merry man , sir : fare you well .
-
-
-What I should think of this , I cannot tell :
-But this I think , there's no man is so vain
-That would refuse so fair an offer'd chain .
-I see , a man here needs not live by shifts ,
-When in the streets he meets such golden gifts .
-I'll to the mart , and there for Dromio stay :
-If any ship put out , then straight away .
-
-You know since Pentecost the sum is due ,
-And since I have not much importun'd you ;
-Nor now I had not , but that I am bound
-To Persia , and want guilders for my voyage :
-Therefore make present satisfaction ,
-Or I'll attach you by this officer .
-
-Even just the sum that I do owe to you
-Is growing to me by Antipholus ;
-And in the instant that I met with you
-He had of me a chain : at five o'clock
-I shall receive the money for the same .
-Pleaseth you walk with me down to his house ,
-I will discharge my bond , and thank you too .
-
-
-That labour may you save : see where he comes .
-
-While I go to the goldsmith's house , go thou
-And buy a rope's end , that I will bestow
-Among my wife and her confederates ,
-For locking me out of my doors by day .
-But soft ! I see the goldsmith . Get thee gone ;
-Buy thou a rope , and bring it home to me .
-
-I buy a thousand pound a year : I buy a rope !
-
-
-A man is well holp up that trusts to you :
-I promised your presence and the chain ;
-But neither chain nor goldsmith came to me .
-Belike you thought our love would last too long ,
-If it were chain'd together , and therefore came not .
-
-Saving your merry humour , here's the note
-How much your chain weighs to the utmost carat .
-The fineness of the gold , and chargeful fashion ,
-Which doth amount to three odd ducats more
-Than I stand debted to this gentleman :
-I pray you see him presently discharg'd ,
-For he is bound to sea and stays but for it .
-
-I am not furnish'd with the present money ;
-Besides , I have some business in the town .
-Good signior , take the stranger to my house ,
-And with you take the chain , and bid my wife
-Disburse the sum on the receipt thereof :
-Perchance I will be there as soon as you .
-
-Then , you will bring the chain to her yourself ?
-
-No ; bear it with you , lest I come not time enough .
-
-Well , sir , I will . Have you the chain about you ?
-
-An if I have not , sir , I hope you have ,
-Or else you may return without your money .
-
-Nay , come , I pray you , sir , give me the chain :
-Both wind and tide stays for this gentleman ,
-And I , to blame , have held him here too long .
-
-Good Lord ! you use this dalliance to excuse
-Your breach of promise to the Porpentine .
-I should have child you for not bringing it ,
-But , like a shrew , you first begin to brawl .
-
-The hour steals on ; I pray you , sir , dispatch .
-
-You hear how he importunes me : the chain !
-
-Why , give it to my wife and fetch your money .
-
-Come , come ; you know I gave it you even now .
-Either send the chain or send by me some token .
-
-Fie ! now you run this humour out of breath .
-Come , where's the chain ? I pray you , let me see it .
-
-My business cannot brook this dalliance .
-Good sir , say whe'r you'll answer me or no :
-If not , I'll leave him to the officer .
-
-I answer you ! what should I answer you ?
-
-The money that you owe me for the chain .
-
-I owe you none till I receive the chain .
-
-You know I gave it you half an hour since .
-
-You gave me none : you wrong me much to say so .
-
-You wrong me more , sir , in denying it :
-Consider how it stands upon my credit .
-
-Well , officer , arrest him at my suit .
-
-I do ;
-And charge you in the duke's name to obey me .
-
-This touches me in reputation .
-Either consent to pay this sum for me ,
-Or I attach you by this officer .
-
-Consent to pay thee that I never had !
-Arrest me , foolish fellow , if thou dar'st .
-
-Here is thy fee : arrest him , officer .
-I would not spare my brother in this case ,
-If he should scorn me so apparently .
-
-I do arrest you , sir : you hear the suit .
-
-I do obey thee till I give thee bail .
-But , sirrah , you shall buy this sport as dear
-As all the metal in your shop will answer .
-
-Sir , sir , I shall have law in Ephesus ,
-To your notorious shame , I doubt it not .
-
-
-Master , there is a bark of Epidamnum
-That stays but till her owner comes aboard ,
-And then she bears away . Our fraughtage , sir ,
-I have convey'd aboard , and I have bought
-The oil , the balsamum , and aqua-vit .
-The ship is in her trim ; the merry wind
-Blows fair from land ; they stay for nought at all
-But for their owner , master , and yourself .
-
-How now ! a madman ! Why , thou peevish sheep ,
-What ship of Epidamnum stays for me ?
-
-A ship you sent me to , to hire waftage .
-
-Thou drunken slave , I sent thee for a rope ;
-And told thee to what purpose , and what end .
-
-You sent me for a rope's end as soon :
-You sent me to the bay , sir , for a bark .
-
-I will debate this matter at more leisure ,
-And teach your ears to list me with more heed .
-To Adriana , villain , hie thee straight ;
-Give her this key , and tell her , in the desk
-That's cover'd o'er with Turkish tapestry ,
-There is a purse of ducats : let her send it .
-Tell her I am arrested in the street ,
-And that shall bail me . Hie thee , slave , be gone !
-On , officer , to prison till it come .
-
-
-To Adriana ! that is where we din'd ,
-Where Dowsabel did claim me for her husband :
-She is too big , I hope , for me to compass .
-Thither I must , although against my will ,
-For servants must their masters' minds fulfil .
-
-
-Ah ! Luciana , did he tempt thee so ?
-Mights thou perceive austerely in his eye
-That he did plead in earnest ? yea or no ?
-Look'd he or red or pale ? or sad or merrily ?
-What observation mad'st thou in this case
-Of his heart's meteors tilting in his face ?
-
-First he denied you had in him no right .
-
-He meant he did me none ; the more my spite .
-
-Then swore he that he was a stranger here .
-
-And true he swore , though yet forsworn he were .
-
-Then pleaded I for you .
-
-And what said he ?
-
-That love I begg'd for you he begg'd of me .
-
-With what persuasion did he tempt thy love ?
-
-With words that in an honest suit might move .
-First , he did praise my beauty , then my speech .
-
-Didst speak him fair ?
-
-Have patience , I beseech .
-
-I cannot , nor I will not hold me still :
-My tongue , though not my heart , shall have his will .
-He is deformed , crooked , old and sere ,
-Ill-fac'd , worse bodied , shapeless every where :
-Vicious , ungentle , foolish , blunt , unkind ,
-Stigmatical in making , worse in mind .
-
-Who would be jealous then , of such a one ?
-No evil lost is wail'd when it is gone .
-
-Ah ! but I think him better than I say ,
-And yet would herein others' eyes were worse .
-Far from her nest the lapwing cries away :
-My heart prays for him , though my tongue do curse .
-
-
-Here , go : the desk ! the purse ! sweet , now , make haste .
-
-How hast thou lost thy breath ?
-
-By running fast .
-
-Where is thy master , Dromio ? is he well ?
-
-No , he's in Tartar limbo , worse than hell .
-A devil in an everlasting garment hath him ,
-One whose hard heart is button'd up with steel ;
-A fiend , a fairy , pitiless and rough ;
-A wolf , nay , worse , a fellow all in buff ;
-A back-friend , a shoulder-clapper , one that countermands
-The passages of alleys , creeks and narrow lands ;
-A hound that runs counter and yet draws dryfoot well ;
-One that , before the judgment , carries poor souls to hell .
-
-Why , man , what is the matter ?
-
-I do not know the matter : he is 'rested on the case .
-
-What , is he arrested ? tell me at whose suit .
-
-I know not at whose suit he is arrested well ;
-But he's in a suit of buff which 'rested him , that can I tell .
-Will you send him , mistress , redemption , the money in his desk ?
-
-Go fetch it , sister .
-
-This I wonder at :
-That he , unknown to me , should be in debt :
-Tell me , was he arrested on a band ?
-
-Not on a band , but on a stronger thing ;
-A chain , a chain . Do you not hear it ring ?
-
-What , the chain ?
-
-No , no , the bell : 'tis time that I were gone :
-It was two ere I left him , and now the clock strikes one .
-
-The hours come back ! that did I never hear .
-
-O yes ; if any hour meet a sergeant , a' turns back for very fear .
-
-As if Time were in debt ! how fondly dost thou reason !
-
-Time is a very bankrupt , and owes more than he's worth to season .
-Nay , he's a thief too : have you not heard men say ,
-That Time comes stealing on by night and day ?
-If Time be in debt and theft , and a sergeant in the way ,
-Hath he not reason to turn back an hour in a day ?
-
-
-Go , Dromio : there's the money , bear it straight ,
-And bring thy master home immediately .
-Come , sister ; I am press'd down with conceit ; Conceit , my comfort and my injury .
-
-
-There's not a man I meet but doth salute me ,
-As if I were their well acquainted friend ;
-And every one doth call me by my name .
-Some tender money to me ; some invite me ;
-Some other give me thanks for kindnesses ;
-Some offer me commodities to buy :
-Even now a tailor call'd me in his shop
-And show'd me silks that he had bought for me ,
-And therewithal , took measure of my body .
-Sure these are but imaginary wiles ,
-And Lapland sorcerers inhabit here .
-
-
-Master , here's the gold you sent me for .
-What ! have you got the picture of old Adam new apparelled ?
-
-What gold is this ? What Adam dost thou mean ?
-
-Not that Adam that kept the Paradise , but that Adam that keeps the prison : he that goes in the calf's skin that was killed for the Prodigal : he that came behind you , sir , like an evil angel , and bid you forsake your liberty .
-
-I understand thee not .
-
-No ? why , 'tis a plain case : he that went , like a base-viol , in a case of leather ; the man , sir , that , when gentlemen are tired , gives them a fob , and 'rests them ; he , sir , that takes pity on decayed men and gives them suits of durance ; he that sets up his rest to do more exploits with his mace than a morris-pike .
-
-What , thou meanest an officer ?
-
-Ay , sir , the sergeant of the band ; he that brings any man to answer it that breaks his band ; one that thinks a man always going to bed , and says , 'God give you good rest !'
-
-Well , sir , there rest in your foolery . Is there any ship puts forth to-night ? may we be gone ?
-
-Why , sir , I brought you word an hour since that the bark Expedition put forth to-night ; and then were you hindered by the sergeant to tarry for the hoy Delay . Here are the angels that you sent for to deliver you .
-
-The fellow is distract , and so am I ;
-And here we wander in illusions :
-Some blessed power deliver us from hence !
-
-
-Well met , well met , Master Antipholus .
-I see , sir , you have found the goldsmith now :
-Is that the chain you promis'd me to-day ?
-
-Satan , avoid ! I charge thee tempt me not !
-
-Master , is this Mistress Satan ?
-
-It is the devil .
-
-Nay , she is worse , she is the devil's dam , and here she comes in the habit of a light wench : and thereof comes that the wenches say , 'God damn me ;' that's as much as to say , 'God make me a light wench .' It is written , they appear to men like angels of light : light is an effect of fire , and fire will burn ; ergo , light wenches will burn . Come not near her .
-
-Your man and you are marvellous merry , sir . Will you go with me ? we'll mend our dinner here .
-
-Master , if you do , expect spoon-meat , so bespeak a long spoon .
-
-Why , Dromio ?
-
-Marry , he must have a long spoon that must eat with the devil .
-
-Avoid thee , fiend ! what tell'st thou me of supping ?
-Thou art , as you are all , a sorceress :
-I conjure thee to leave me and be gone .
-
-Give me the ring of mine you had at dinner ,
-Or , for my diamond , the chain you promis'd ,
-And I'll be gone , sir , and not trouble you .
-
-Some devils ask but the parings of one's nail ,
-A rush , a hair , a drop of blood , a pin ,
-A nut , a cherry-stone ;
-But she , more covetous , would have a chain .
-Master , be wise : an if you give it her ,
-The devil will shake her chain and fright us with it .
-
-I pray you , sir , my ring , or else the chain :
-I hope you do not mean to cheat me so .
-
-Avaunt , thou witch ! Come , Dromio , let us go .
-
-'Fly pride ,' says the peacock : mistress , that you know .
-
-
-Now , out of doubt , Antipholus is mad ,
-Else would he never so demean himself .
-A ring he hath of mine worth forty ducats ,
-And for the same he promis'd me a chain :
-Both one and other he denies me now .
-The reason that I gather he is mad ,
-Besides this present instance of his rage ,
-Is a mad tale he told to-day at dinner ,
-Of his own doors being shut against his entrance
-Belike his wife , acquainted with his fits ,
-On purpose shut the doors against his way .
-My way is now to hie home to his house ,
-And tell his wife , that , being lunatic ,
-He rush'd into my house , and took perforce
-My ring away . This course I fittest choose ,
-For forty ducats is too much to lose .
-
-
-Fear me not , man ; I will not break away :
-I'll give thee , ere I leave thee , so much money ,
-To warrant thee , as I am 'rested for .
-My wife is in a wayward mood to-day ,
-And will not lightly trust the messenger .
-That I should be attach'd in Ephesus ,
-I tell you , 'twill sound harshly in her ears .
-
-
-Here comes my man : I think he brings the money .
-
-How now , sir ! have you that I sent you for ?
-
-Here's that , I warrant you , will pay them all .
-
-But where's the money ?
-
-Why , sir , I gave the money for the rope .
-
-Five hundred ducats , villain , for a rope ?
-
-I'll serve you , sir , five hundred at the rate .
-
-To what end did I bid thee hie thee home ?
-
-To a rope's end , sir ; and to that end am I return'd .
-
-And to that end , sir , I will welcome you .
-
-
-Good sir , be patient .
-
-Nay , 'tis for me to be patient ; I am in adversity .
-
-Good now , hold thy tongue .
-
-Nay , rather persuade him to hold his hands .
-
-Thou whoreson , senseless villain !
-
-I would I were senseless , sir , that I might not feel your blows .
-
-Thou art sensible in nothing but blows , and so is an ass .
-
-I am an ass indeed ; you may prove it by my long ears . I have served him from the hour of my nativity to this instant , and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows . When I am cold , he heats me with beating ; when I am warm , he cools me with beating ; I am waked with it when I sleep ; raised with it when I sit ; driven out of doors with it when I go from home ; welcomed home with it when I return ; nay , I bear it on my shoulders , as a beggar wont her brat ; and , I think , when he hath lamed me , I shall beg with it from door to door .
-
-Come , go along ; my wife is coming yonder .
-
-
-Mistress , respice finem , respect your end ; or rather , to prophesy like the parrot , 'Beware the rope's end .'
-
-Wilt thou still talk ?
-
-
-How say you now ? is not your husband mad ?
-
-His incivility confirms no less .
-Good Doctor Pinch , you are a conjurer ;
-Establish him in his true sense again ,
-And I will please you what you will demand .
-
-Alas ! how fiery and how sharp he looks .
-
-Mark how he trembles in his ecstasy !
-
-Give me your hand and let me feel your pulse .
-
-There is my hand , and let it feel your ear .
-
-
-I charge thee , Satan , hous'd within this man ,
-To yield possession to my holy prayers ,
-And to thy state of darkness hie thee straight :
-I conjure thee by all the saints in heaven .
-
-Peace , doting wizard , peace ! I am not mad .
-
-O ! that thou wert not , poor distressed soul !
-
-You minion , you , are these your customers ?
-Did this companion with the saffron face
-Revel and feast it at my house to-day ,
-Whilst upon me the guilty doors were shut
-And I denied to enter in my house ?
-
-O husband , God doth know you din'd at home ;
-Where would you had remain'd until this time .
-Free from these slanders and this open shame !
-
-Din'd at home ! Thou villain , what say'st thou ?
-
-Sir , sooth to say , you did not dine at home .
-
-Were not my doors lock'd up and I shut out ?
-
-Perdy , your doors were lock'd and you shut out .
-
-And did not she herself revile me there ?
-
-Sans fable , she herself revil'd you there .
-
-Did not her kitchen-maid rail , taunt , and scorn me ?
-
-Certes , she did ; the kitchen-vestal scorn'd you .
-
-And did not I in rage depart from thence ?
-
-In verity you did : my bones bear witness ,
-That since have felt the vigour of his rage .
-
-Is't good to soothe him in these contraries ?
-
-It is no shame : the fellow finds his vein ,
-And , yielding to him humours well his frenzy .
-
-Thou hast suborn'd the goldsmith to arrest me .
-
-Alas ! I sent you money to redeem you ,
-By Dromio here , who came in haste for it .
-
-Money by me ! heart and good will you might ;
-But surely , master , not a rag of money .
-
-Went'st not thou to her for a purse of ducats ?
-
-He came to me , and I deliver'd it .
-
-And I am witness with her that she did .
-
-God and the rope-maker bear me witness
-That I was sent for nothing but a rope !
-
-Mistress , both man and master is possess'd :
-I know it by their pale and deadly looks .
-They must be bound and laid in some dark room .
-
-Say , wherefore didst thou lock me forth to-day ?
-And why dost thou deny the bag of gold ?
-
-I did not , gentle husband , lock thee forth .
-
-And , gentle master , I receiv'd no gold ;
-But I confess , sir , that we were lock'd out .
-
-Dissembling villain ! thou speak'st false in both .
-
-Dissembling harlot ! thou art false in all ;
-And art confederate with a damned pack
-To make a loathsome abject scorn of me ;
-But with these nails I'll pluck out those false eyes
-That would behold in me this shameful sport .
-
-O ! bind him , bind him , let him not come near me .
-
-More company ! the fiend is strong within him .
-
-Ay me ! poor man , how pale and wan he looks !
-
-
-What , will you murder me ? Thou gaoler , thou ,
-I am thy prisoner : wilt thou suffer them
-To make a rescue ?
-
-Masters , let him go :
-He is my prisoner , and you shall not have him .
-
-Go bind this man , for he is frantic too .
-
-
-What wilt thou do , thou peevish officer ?
-Hast thou delight to see a wretched man
-Do outrage and displeasure to himself ?
-
-He is my prisoner : if I let him go ,
-The debt he owes will be requir'd of me .
-
-I will discharge thee ere I go from thee :
-Bear me forthwith unto his creditor ,
-And , knowing how the debt grows , I will pay it .
-Good Master doctor , see him safe convey'd
-Home to my house . O most unhappy day !
-
-O most unhappy strumpet !
-
-Master , I am here enter'd in bond for you .
-
-Out on thee , villain ! wherefore dost thou mad me ?
-
-Will you be bound for nothing ? be mad , good master ; cry , 'the devil !'
-
-God help , poor souls ! how idly do they talk .
-
-Go bear him hence . Sister , go you with me .
-
-Say now , whose suit is he arrested at ?
-
-One Angelo , a goldsmith ; do you know him ?
-
-I know the man . What is the sum he owes ?
-
-Two hundred ducats .
-
-Say , how grows it due ?
-
-Due for a chain your husband had of him .
-
-He did bespeak a chain for me , but had it not .
-
-When as your husband all in rage , to-day
-Came to my house , and took away my ring ,
-The ring I saw upon his finger now ,
-Straight after did I meet him with a chain .
-
-It may be so , but I did never see it .
-Come , gaoler , bring me where the goldsmith is :
-I long to know the truth hereof at large .
-
-
-God , for thy mercy ! they are loose again .
-
-And come with naked swords . Let's call more help
-To have them bound again .
-
-Away ! they'll kill us .
-
-
-I see , these witches are afraid of swords .
-
-She that would be your wife now ran from you .
-
-Come to the Centaur ; fetch our stuff from thence :
-I long that we were safe and sound aboard .
-
-Faith , stay here this night , they will surely do us no harm ; you saw they speak us fair , give us gold : methinks they are such a gentle nation , that , but for the mountain of mad flesh that claims marriage of me , I could find in my heart to stay here still , and turn witch .
-
-I will not stay to-night for all the town ;
-Therefore away , to get our stuff aboard .
-
-I am sorry , sir , that I have hinder'd you ;
-But , I protest , he had the chain of me ,
-Though most dishonestly he doth deny it .
-
-How is the man esteem'd here in the city ?
-
-Of very reverend reputation , sir ,
-Of credit infinite , highly belov'd ,
-Second to none that lives here in the city :
-His word might bear my wealth at any time .
-
-Speak softly : yonder , as I think , he walks .
-
-
-'Tis so ; and that self chain about his neck
-Which he forswore most monstrously to have .
-Good sir , draw near to me , I'll speak to him .
-Signior Antipholus , I wonder much
-That you would put me to this shame and trouble ;
-And not without some scandal to yourself ,
-With circumstance and oaths so to deny
-This chain which now you wear so openly :
-Beside the charge , the shame , imprisonment ,
-You have done wrong to this my honest friend ,
-Who , but for staying on our controversy ,
-Had hoisted sail and put to sea to-day .
-This chain you had of me ; can you deny it ?
-
-I think I had : I never did deny it .
-
-Yes , that you did , sir , and forswore it too .
-
-Who heard me to deny it or forswear it ?
-
-These ears of mine , thou know'st , did hear thee .
-Fie on thee , wretch ! 'tis pity that thou liv'st
-To walk where any honest men resort .
-
-Thou art a villain to impeach me thus :
-I'll prove mine honour and mine honesty
-Against thee presently , if thou dar'st stand .
-
-I dare , and do defy thee for a villain .
-
-Hold ! hurt him not , for God's sake ! he is mad .
-Some get within him , take his sword away .
-Bind Dromio too , and bear them to my house .
-
-Run , master , run ; for God's sake , take a house !
-This is some priory : in , or we are spoil'd .
-
-Be quiet , people . Wherefore throng you hither ?
-
-To fetch my poor distracted husband hence .
-Let us come in , that we may bind him fast ,
-And bear him home for his recovery .
-
-I knew he was not in his perfect wits .
-
-I am sorry now that I did draw on him .
-
-How long hath this possession held the man ?
-
-This week he hath been heavy , sour , sad ,
-And much different from the man he was ;
-But , till this afternoon his passion
-Ne'er brake into extremity of rage .
-
-Hath he not lost much wealth by wrack of sea ?
-Buried some dear friend ? Hath not else his eye
-Stray'd his affection in unlawful love ?
-A sin prevailing much in youthful men ,
-Who give their eyes the liberty of gazing .
-Which of these sorrows is he subject to ?
-
-To none of these , except it be the last ;
-Namely , some love that drew him oft from home .
-
-You should for that have reprehended him .
-
-Why , so I did .
-
-Ay , but not rough enough .
-
-As roughly as my modesty would let me .
-
-Haply , in private .
-
-And in assemblies too .
-
-Ay , but not enough .
-
-It was the copy of our conference :
-In bed , he slept not for my urging it ;
-At board , he fed not for my urging it ;
-Alone , it was the subject of my theme ;
-In company I often glanced it :
-Still did I tell him it was vile and bad .
-
-And thereof came it that the man was mad :
-The venom clamours of a jealous woman
-Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth .
-It seems , his sleeps were hinder'd by thy railing ,
-And thereof comes it that his head is light .
-Thou say'st his meat was sauc'd with thy upbraidings :
-Unquiet meals make ill digestions ;
-Thereof the raging fire of fever bred :
-And what's a fever but a fit of madness ?
-Thou say'st his sports were hinder'd by thy brawls :
-Sweet recreation barr'd , what doth ensue
-But moody moping , and dull melancholy ,
-Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair ,
-And at her heels a huge infectious troop
-Of pale distemperatures and foes to life ?
-In food , in sport , and life-preserving rest
-To be disturb'd , would mad or man or beast :
-The consequence is then , thy jealous fits
-Have scar'd thy husband from the use of wits .
-
-She never reprehended him but mildly
-When he demean'd himself rough , rude , and wildly .
-Why bear you these rebukes and answer not ?
-
-She did betray me to my own reproof .
-Good people , enter , and lay hold on him .
-
-No ; not a creature enters in my house .
-
-Then , let your servants bring my husband forth .
-
-Neither : he took this place for sanctuary ,
-And it shall privilege him from your hands
-Till I have brought him to his wits again ,
-Or lose my labour in assaying it .
-
-I will attend my husband , be his nurse ,
-Diet his sickness , for it is my office ,
-And will have no attorney but myself ;
-And therefore let me have him home with me .
-
-Be patient ; for I will not let him stir
-Till I have us'd the approved means I have ,
-With wholesome syrups , drugs , and holy prayers ,
-To make of him a formal man again .
-It is a branch and parcel of mine oath ,
-A charitable duty of my order ;
-Therefore depart and leave him here with me .
-
-I will not hence and leave my husband here ;
-And ill it doth beseem your holiness
-To separate the husband and the wife .
-
-Be quiet , and depart : thou shalt not have him .
-
-
-Complain unto the duke of this indignity .
-
-Come , go : I will fall prostrate at his feet ,
-And never rise until my tears and prayers
-Have won his Grace to come in person hither ,
-And take perforce my husband from the abbess .
-
-By this , I think , the dial points at five :
-Anon , I'm sure , the duke himself in person
-Comes this way to the melancholy vale ,
-The place of death and sorry execution ,
-Behind the ditches of the abbey here .
-
-Upon what cause ?
-
-To see a reverend Syracusian merchant ,
-Who put unluckily into this bay
-Against the laws and statutes of this town ,
-Beheaded publicly for his offence .
-
-See where they come : we will behold his death .
-
-Kneel to the duke before he pass the abbey .
-
-
-Yet once again proclaim it publicly ,
-If any friend will pay the sum for him ,
-He shall not die ; so much we tender him .
-
-Justice , most sacred duke , against the abbess !
-
-She is a virtuous and a reverend lady :
-It cannot be that she hath done thee wrong .
-
-May it please your Grace , Antipholus , my husband ,
-Whom I made lord of me and all I had ,
-At your important letters , this ill day
-A most outrageous fit of madness took him ,
-That desperately he hurried through the street ,
-With him his bondman , all as mad as he ,
-Doing displeasure to the citizens
-By rushing in their houses , bearing thence
-Rings , jewels , anything his rage did like .
-Once did I get him bound and sent him home ,
-Whilst to take order for the wrongs I went
-That here and there his fury had committed .
-Anon , I wot not by what strong escape ,
-He broke from those that had the guard of him ,
-And with his mad attendant and himself ,
-Each one with ireful passion , with drawn swords
-Met us again , and , madly bent on us
-Chas'd us away , till , raising of more aid
-We came again to bind them . Then they fled
-Into this abbey , whither we pursu'd them ;
-And here the abbess shuts the gates on us ,
-And will not suffer us to fetch him out ,
-Nor send him forth that we may bear him hence .
-Therefore , most gracious duke , with thy command
-Let him be brought forth , and borne hence for help .
-
-Long since thy husband serv'd me in my wars ,
-And I to thee engag'd a prince's word ,
-When thou didst make him master of thy bed ,
-To do him all the grace and good I could .
-Go , some of you , knock at the abbey gate
-And bid the lady abbess come to me .
-I will determine this before I stir .
-
-
-O mistress , mistress ! shift and save yourself !
-My master and his man are both broke loose ,
-Beaten the maids a-row and bound the doctor ,
-Whose beard they have sing'd off with brands of fire ;
-And ever as it blaz'd they threw on him
-Great pails of puddled mire to quench the hair .
-My master preaches patience to him , and the while
-His man with scissors nicks him like a fool ;
-And sure , unless you send some present help ,
-Between them they will kill the conjurer .
-
-Peace , fool ! thy master and his man are here ,
-And that is false thou dost report to us .
-
-Mistress , upon my life , I tell you true ;
-I have not breath'd almost , since I did see it .
-He cries for you and vows , if he can take you ,
-To scotch your face , and to disfigure you .
-
-Hark , hark ! I hear him , mistress : fly , be gone !
-
-Come , stand by me ; fear nothing . Guard with halberds !
-
-Ay me , it is my husband ! Witness you ,
-That he is borne about invisible :
-Even now we hous'd him in the abbey here ,
-And now he's here , past thought of human reason .
-
-
-Justice , most gracious duke ! O ! grant me justice ,
-Even for the service that long since I did thee ,
-When I bestrid thee in the wars and took
-Deep scars to save thy life ; even for the blood
-That then I lost for thee , now grant me justice .
-
-Unless the fear of death doth make me dote ,
-I see my son Antipholus and Dromio !
-
-Justice , sweet prince , against that woman there !
-She whom thou gav'st to me to be my wife ,
-That hath abused and dishonour'd me ,
-Even in the strength and height of injury !
-Beyond imagination is the wrong
-That she this day hath shameless thrown on me .
-
-Discover how , and thou shalt find me just .
-
-This day , great duke , she shut the doors upon me ,
-While she with harlots feasted in my house .
-
-A grievous fault ! Say , woman , didst thou so ?
-
-No , my good lord : myself , he , and my sister
-To-day did dine together . So befall my soul
-As this is false he burdens me withal !
-
-Ne'er may I look on day , nor sleep on night ,
-But she tells to your highness simple truth !
-
-O perjur'd woman ! They are both forsworn :
-In this the madman justly chargeth them !
-
-My liege , I am advised what I say :
-Neither disturb'd with the effect of wine ,
-Nor heady-rash , provok'd with raging ire ,
-Albeit my wrongs might make one wiser mad .
-This woman lock'd me out this day from dinner :
-That goldsmith there , were he not pack'd with her ,
-Could witness it , for he was with me then ;
-Who parted with me to go fetch a chain ,
-Promising to bring it to the Porpentine ,
-Where Balthazar and I did dine together .
-Our dinner done , and he not coming thither ,
-I went to seek him : in the street I met him ,
-And in his company that gentleman .
-There did this perjur'd goldsmith swear me down
-That I this day of him receiv'd the chain ,
-Which , God he knows , I saw not ; for the which
-He did arrest me with an officer .
-I did obey , and sent my peasant home
-For certain ducats : he with none return'd .
-Then fairly I bespoke the officer
-To go in person with me to my house .
-By the way we met
-My wife , her sister , and a rabble more
-Of vile confederates : along with them
-They brought one Pinch , a hungry lean-fac'd villain ,
-A mere anatomy , a mountebank ,
-A threadbare juggler , and a fortune-teller ,
-A needy , hollow-ey'd , sharp-looking wretch ,
-A living-dead man . This pernicious slave ,
-Forsooth , took on him as a conjurer ,
-And , gazing in mine eyes , feeling my pulse ,
-And with no face , as 'twere , out-facing me ,
-Cries out , I was possess'd . Then , altogether
-They fell upon me , bound me , bore me thence ,
-And in a dark and dankish vault at home
-There left me and my man , both bound together ;
-Till , gnawing with my teeth my bonds in sunder ,
-I gain'd my freedom , and immediately
-Ran hither to your Grace ; whom I beseech
-To give me ample satisfaction
-For these deep shames and great indignities .
-
-My lord , in truth , thus far I witness with him ,
-That he din'd not at home , but was lock'd out .
-
-But had he such a chain of thee , or no ?
-
-He had , my lord ; and when he ran in here ,
-These people saw the chain about his neck .
-
-Besides , I will be sworn these ears of mine
-Heard you confess you had the chain of him
-After you first forswore it on the mart ;
-And thereupon I drew my sword on you ;
-And then you fled into this abbey here ,
-From whence , I think , you are come by miracle .
-
-I never came within these abbey walls ;
-Nor ever didst thou draw thy sword on me ;
-I never saw the chain , so help me heaven !
-And this is false you burden me withal .
-
-Why , what an intricate impeach is this !
-I think you all have drunk of Circe's cup .
-If here you hous'd him , here he would have been ;
-If he were mad , he would not plead so coldly ;
-You say he din'd at home ; the goldsmith here
-Denies that saying . Sirrah , what say you ?
-
-Sir , he din'd with her there , at the Porpentine .
-
-He did , and from my finger snatch'd that ring .
-
-'Tis true , my liege ; this ring I had of her .
-
-Saw'st thou him enter at the abbey here ?
-
-As sure , my liege , as I do see your Grace .
-
-Why , this is strange . Go call the abbess hither .
-
-I think you are all mated or stark mad .
-
-Most mighty duke , vouchsafe me speak a word :
-Haply I see a friend will save my life ,
-And pay the sum that may deliver me .
-
-Speak freely , Syracusian , what thou wilt .
-
-Is not your name , sir , called Antipholus ?
-And is not that your bondman Dromio ?
-
-Within this hour I was his bondman , sir ;
-But he , I thank him , gnaw'd in two my cords :
-Now am I Dromio and his man , unbound .
-
-I am sure you both of you remember me .
-
-Ourselves we do remember , sir , by you ;
-For lately we were bound , as you are now .
-You are not Pinch's patient , are you , sir ?
-
-Why look you strange on me ? you know me well .
-
-I never saw you in my life till now .
-
-O ! grief hath chang'd me since you saw me last ,
-And careful hours , with Time's deformed hand ,
-Have written strange defeatures in my face :
-But tell me yet , dost thou not know my voice ?
-
-Neither .
-
-Dromio , nor thou ?
-
-No , trust me , sir , not I .
-
-I am sure thou dost .
-
-Ay , sir ; but I am sure I do not ; and whatsoever a man denies , you are now bound to believe him .
-
-Not know my voice ! O , time's extremity ,
-Hast thou so crack'd and splitted my poor tongue
-In seven short years , that here my only son
-Knows not my feeble key of untun'd cares ?
-Though now this grained face of mine be hid
-In sap-consuming winter's drizzled snow ,
-And all the conduits of my blood froze up ,
-Yet hath my night of life some memory ,
-My wasting lamps some fading glimmer left ,
-My dull deaf ears a little use to hear :
-All these old witnesses , I cannot err ,
-Tell me thou art my son Antipholus .
-
-I never saw my father in my life .
-
-But seven years since , in Syracusa , boy ,
-Thou know'st we parted : but perhaps , my son ,
-Thou sham'st to acknowledge me in misery .
-
-The duke and all that know me in the city
-Can witness with me that it is not so :
-I ne'er saw Syracusa in my life .
-
-I tell thee , Syracusian , twenty years
-Have I been patron to Antipholus ,
-During which time he ne'er saw Syracusa .
-I see thy age and dangers make thee dote .
-
-
-Most mighty duke , behold a man much wrong'd .
-
-
-I see two husbands , or mine eyes deceive me !
-
-One of these men is Genius to the other ;
-And so of these : which is the natural man ,
-And which the spirit ? Who deciphers them ?
-
-I , sir , am Dromio : command him away .
-
-I , sir , am Dromio : pray let me stay .
-
-geon art thou not ? or else his ghost ?
-
-O ! my old master ; who hath bound him here ?
-
-Whoever bound him , I will loose his bonds ,
-And gain a husband by his liberty .
-Speak , old geon , if thou be'st the man
-That hadst a wife once call'd milia ,
-That bore thee at a burden two fair sons .
-O ! if thou be'st the same geon , speak ,
-And speak unto the same milia !
-
-If I dream not , thou art milia :
-If thou art she , tell me where is that son
-That floated with thee on the fatal raft ?
-
-By men of Epidamnum , he and I ,
-And the twin Dromio , all were taken up :
-But by and by rude fishermen of Corinth
-By force took Dromio and my son from them ,
-And me they left with those of Epidamnum .
-What then became of them , I cannot tell ;
-I to this fortune that you see me in .
-
-Why , here begins his morning story right :
-These two Antipholus' , these two so like ,
-And these two Dromios , one in semblance ,
-Besides her urging of her wrack at sea ;
-These are the parents to these children ,
-Which accidentally are met together .
-Antipholus , thou cam'st from Corinth first ?
-
-No , sir , not I ; I came from Syracuse .
-
-Stay , stand apart ; I know not which is which .
-
-I came from Corinth , my most gracious lord ,
-
-And I with him .
-
-Brought to this town by that most famous warrior ,
-Duke Menaphon , your most renowned uncle .
-
-Which of you two did dine with me to-day ?
-
-I , gentle mistress .
-
-And are not you my husband ?
-
-No ; I say nay to that .
-
-And so do I ; yet did she call me so ;
-And this fair gentlewoman , her sister here ,
-Did call me brother .
-
-What I told you then ,
-I hope I shall have leisure to make good ,
-If this be not a dream I see and hear .
-
-That is the chain , sir , which you had of me .
-
-I think it be , sir ; I deny it not .
-
-And you , sir , for this chain arrested me .
-
-I think I did , sir ; I deny it not .
-
-I sent you money , sir , to be your bail ,
-By Dromio ; but I think he brought it not .
-
-No , none by me .
-
-This purse of ducats I receiv'd from you ,
-And Dromio , my man , did bring them me .
-I see we still did meet each other's man ,
-And I was ta'en for him , and he for me ,
-And thereupon these errors are arose .
-
-These ducats pawn I for my father here .
-
-It shall not need : thy father hath his life .
-
-Sir , I must have that diamond from you .
-
-There , take it ; and much thanks for my good cheer .
-
-Renowned duke , vouchsafe to take the pains
-To go with us into the abbey here ,
-And hear at large discoursed all our fortunes ;
-And all that are assembled in this place ,
-That by this sympathized one day's error
-Have suffer'd wrong , go keep us company ,
-And we shall make full satisfaction .
-Thirty-three years have I but gone in travail
-Of you , my sons ; and , till this present hour
-My heavy burdens ne'er delivered .
-The duke , my husband , and my children both ,
-And you the calendars of their nativity ,
-Go to a gossip's feast , and joy with me :
-After so long grief such festivity !
-
-With all my heart I'll gossip at this feast .
-
-
-Master , shall I fetch your stuff from shipboard ?
-
-Dromio , what stuff of mine hast thou embark'd ?
-
-Your goods that lay at host , sir , in the Centaur .
-
-He speaks to me . I am your master , Dromio :
-Come , go with us ; we'll look to that anon :
-Embrace thy brother there ; rejoice with him .
-
-
-There is a fat friend at your master's house ,
-That kitchen'd me for you to-day at dinner :
-She now shall be my sister , not my wife .
-
-Methinks you are my glass , and not my brother :
-I see by you I am a sweet-fac'd youth .
-Will you walk in to see their gossiping ?
-
-Not I , sir ; you are my elder .
-
-That's a question : how shall we try it ?
-
-We'll draw cuts for the senior : till then lead thou first .
-
-Nay , then , thus :
-We came into the world like brother and brother ;
-And now let's go hand in hand , not one before another .
-
-THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
-
-
-In sooth , I know not why I am so sad :
-It wearies me ; you say it wearies you ;
-But how I caught it , found it , or came by it ,
-What stuff 'tis made of , whereof it is born ,
-I am to learn ;
-And such a want-wit sadness makes of me ,
-That I have much ado to know myself .
-
-Your mind is tossing on the ocean ;
-There , where your argosies with portly sail ,
-Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood ,
-Or , as it were , the pageants of the sea ,
-Do overpeer the petty traffickers ,
-That curtsy to them , do them reverence ,
-As they fly by them with their woven wings .
-
-Believe me , sir , had I such venture forth ,
-The better part of my affections would
-Be with my hopes abroad . I should be still
-Plucking the grass to know where sits the wind ;
-Peering in maps for ports , and piers , and roads ;
-And every object that might make me fear
-Misfortune to my ventures , out of doubt
-Would make me sad .
-
-My wind , cooling my broth ,
-Would blow me to an ague , when I thought
-What harm a wind too great might do at sea .
-I should not see the sandy hour-glass run
-But I should think of shallows and of flats ,
-And see my wealthy Andrew dock'd in sand
-Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs
-To kiss her burial . Should I go to church
-And see the holy edifice of stone ,
-And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks ,
-Which touching but my gentle vessel's side
-Would scatter all her spices on the stream ,
-Enrobe the roaring waters with my silks ;
-And , in a word , but even now worth this ,
-And now worth nothing ? Shall I have the thought
-To think on this , and shall I lack the thought
-That such a thing bechanc'd would make me sad ?
-But tell not me : I know Antonio
-Is sad to think upon his merchandise .
-
-Believe me , no : I thank my fortune for it ,
-My ventures are not in one bottom trusted ,
-Nor to one place ; nor is my whole estate
-Upon the fortune of this present year :
-Therefore , my merchandise makes me not sad .
-
-Why , then you are in love .
-
-Fie , fie !
-
-Not in love neither ? Then let's say you are sad ,
-Because you are not merry : and 'twere as easy
-For you to laugh and leap , and say you are merry ,
-Because you are not sad . Now , by two-headed Janus ,
-Nature hath fram'd strange fellows in her time :
-Some that will evermore peep through their eyes
-And laugh like parrots at a bag-piper ,
-And other of such vinegar aspect
-That they'll not show their teeth in way of smile ,
-Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable .
-
-
-Here comes Bassanio , your most noble kinsman ,
-Gratiano , and Lorenzo . Fare ye well :
-We leave you now with better company .
-
-I would have stay'd till I had made you merry ,
-If worthier friends had not prevented me .
-
-Your worth is very dear in my regard .
-I take it , your own business calls on you ,
-And you embrace the occasion to depart .
-
-Good morrow , my good lords .
-
-Good signiors both , when shall we laugh ? say when ?
-You grow exceeding strange : must it be so ?
-
-We'll make our leisures to attend on yours .
-
-
-My Lord Bassanio , since you have found Antonio ,
-We too will leave you ; but , at dinner-time ,
-I pray you , have in mind where we must meet .
-
-I will not fail you .
-
-You look not well , Signior Antonio ;
-You have too much respect upon the world :
-They lose it that do buy it with much care :
-Believe me , you are marvellously chang'd .
-
-I hold the world but as the world , Gratiano ;
-A stage where every man must play a part ,
-And mine a sad one .
-
-Let me play the fool :
-With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come ,
-And let my liver rather heat with wine
-Than my heart cool with mortifying groans .
-Why should a man , whose blood is warm within ,
-Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster ?
-Sleep when he wakes , and creep into the jaundice
-By being peevish ? I tell thee what , Antonio
-I love thee , and it is my love that speaks
-There are a sort of men whose visages
-Do cream and mantle like a standing pond ,
-And do a wilful stillness entertain ,
-With purpose to be dress'd in an opinion
-Of wisdom , gravity , profound conceit ;
-As who should say , 'I am Sir Oracle ,
-And when I ope my lips let no dog bark !'
-O , my Antonio , I do know of these ,
-That therefore only are reputed wise
-For saying nothing ; when , I am very sure ,
-If they should speak , would almost damn those ears
-Which , hearing them , would call their brothers fools .
-I'll tell thee more of this another time :
-But fish not , with this melancholy bait ,
-For this fool-gudgeon , this opinion .
-Come , good Lorenzo . Fare ye well awhile :
-I'll end my exhortation after dinner .
-
-Well , we will leave you then till dinner-time .
-I must be one of these same dumb-wise men ,
-For Gratiano never lets me speak .
-
-Well , keep me company but two years moe ,
-Thou shalt not know the sound of thine own tongue .
-
-Farewell : I'll grow a talker for this gear .
-
-Thanks , i' faith ; for silence is only commendable
-In a neat's tongue dried and a maid not vendible .
-
-
-Is that anything now ?
-
-Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothing , more than any man in all Venice . His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff : you shall seek all day ere you find them , and , when you have them , they are not worth the search .
-
-Well , tell me now , what lady is the same
-To whom you swore a secret pilgrimage ,
-That you to-day promis'd to tell me of ?
-
-'Tis not unknown to you , Antonio ,
-How much I have disabled mine estate ,
-By something showing a more swelling port
-Than my faint means would grant continuance :
-Nor do I now make moan to be abridg'd
-From such a noble rate ; but my chief care
-Is , to come fairly off from the great debts
-Wherein my time , something too prodigal ,
-Hath left me gag'd . To you , Antonio ,
-I owe the most , in money and in love ;
-And from your love I have a warranty
-To unburthen all my plots and purposes
-How to get clear of all the debts I owe .
-
-I pray you , good Bassanio , let me know it ;
-And if it stand , as you yourself still do ,
-Within the eye of honour , be assur'd ,
-My purse , my person , my extremest means ,
-Lie all unlock'd to your occasions .
-
-In my school-days , when I had lost one shaft ,
-I shot his fellow of the self-same flight
-The self-same way with more advised watch ,
-To find the other forth , and by adventuring both ,
-I oft found both . I urge this childhood proof ,
-Because what follows is pure innocence .
-I owe you much , and , like a wilful youth ,
-That which I owe is lost ; but if you please
-To shoot another arrow that self way
-Which you did shoot the first , I do not doubt ,
-As I will watch the aim , or to find both ,
-Or bring your latter hazard back again ,
-And thankfully rest debtor for the first .
-
-You know me well , and herein spend but time
-To wind about my love with circumstance ;
-And out of doubt you do me now more wrong
-In making question of my uttermost
-Than if you had made waste of all I have :
-Then do but say to me what I should do
-That in your knowledge may by me be done ,
-And I am prest unto it : therefore speak .
-
-In Belmont is a lady richly left ,
-And she is fair , and , fairer than that word ,
-Of wondrous virtues : sometimes from her eyes
-I did receive fair speechless messages :
-Her name is Portia ; nothing undervalu'd
-To Cato's daughter , Brutus' Portia :
-Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth ,
-For the four winds blow in from every coast
-Renowned suitors ; and her sunny locks
-Hang on her temples like a golden fleece ;
-Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos' strond ,
-And many Jasons come in quest of her .
-O my Antonio ! had I but the means
-To hold a rival place with one of them ,
-I have a mind presages me such thrift ,
-That I should questionless be fortunate .
-
-Thou knowest that all my fortunes are at sea ;
-Neither have I money , nor commodity
-To raise a present sum : therefore go forth ;
-Try what my credit can in Venice do :
-That shall be rack'd , even to the uttermost ,
-To furnish thee to Belmont , to fair Portia .
-Go , presently inquire , and so will I ,
-Where money is , and I no question make
-To have it of my trust or for my sake .
-
-
-By my troth , Nerissa , my little body is aweary of this great world .
-
-You would be , sweet madam , if your miseries were in the same abundance as your good fortunes are : and yet , for aught I see , they are as sick that surfeit with too much as they that starve with nothing . It is no mean happiness therefore , to be seated in the mean : superfluity comes sooner by white hairs , but competency lives longer .
-
-Good sentences and well pronounced .
-
-They would be better if well followed .
-
-If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do , chapels had been churches , and poor men's cottages princes' palaces . It is a good divine that follows his own instructions : I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done , than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching . The brain may devise laws for the blood , but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree : such a hare is madness the youth , to skip o'er the meshes of good counsel the cripple . But this reasoning is not in the fashion to choose me a husband . O me , the word 'choose !' I may neither choose whom I would nor refuse whom I dislike ; so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father . Is it not hard , Nerissa , that I cannot choose one nor refuse none ?
-
-Your father was ever virtuous , and holy men at their death have good inspirations ; therefore , the lottery that he hath devised in these three chests of gold , silver , and lead , whereof who chooses his meaning chooses you , will , no doubt , never be chosen by any rightly but one who you shall rightly love . But what warmth is there in your affection towards any of these princely suitors that are already come ?
-
-I pray thee , over-name them , and as thou namest them , I will describe them ; and , according to my description , level at my affection .
-
-First , there is the Neapolitan prince .
-
-Ay , that's a colt indeed , for he doth nothing but talk of his horse ; and he makes it a great appropriation to his own good parts that he can shoe him himself . I am much afeard my lady his mother played false with a smith .
-
-Then is there the County Palatine .
-
-He doth nothing but frown , as who should say , 'An you will not have me , choose .' He hears merry tales , and smiles not : I fear he will prove the weeping philosopher when he grows old , being so full of unmannerly sadness in his youth . I had rather be married to a death's-head with a bone in his mouth than to either of these . God defend me from these two !
-
-How say you by the French lord , Monsieur Le Bon ?
-
-God made him , and therefore let him pass for a man . In truth , I know it is a sin to be a mocker ; but , he ! why , he hath a horse better than the Neapolitan's , a better bad habit of frowning than the Count Palatine ; he is every man in no man ; if a throstle sing , he falls straight a-capering ; he will fence with his own shadow : if I should marry him , I should marry twenty husbands . If he would despise me , I would forgive him , for if he love me to madness , I shall never requite him .
-
-What say you , then , to Falconbridge , the young baron of England ?
-
-You know I say nothing to him , for he understands not me , nor I him : he hath neither Latin , French , nor Italian ; and you will come into the court and swear that I have a poor pennyworth in the English . He is a proper man's picture , but , alas ! who can converse with a dumb-show ? How oddly he is suited ! I think he bought his doublet in Italy , his round hose in France , his bonnet in Germany , and his behaviour every where .
-
-What think you of the Scottish lord , his neighbour ?
-
-That he hath a neighbourly charity in him , for he borrowed a box of the ear of the Englishman , and swore he would pay him again when he was able : I think the Frenchman became his surety and sealed under for another .
-
-How like you the young German , the Duke of Saxony's nephew ?
-
-Very vilely in the morning , when he is sober , and most vilely in the afternoon , when he is drunk : when he is best , he is a little worse than a man , and when he is worst , he is little better than a beast . An the worst fall that ever fell , I hope I shall make shift to go without him .
-
-If he should offer to choose , and choose the right casket , you should refuse to perform your father's will , if you should refuse to accept him .
-
-Therefore , for fear of the worst , I pray thee , set a deep glass of Rhenish wine on the contrary casket , for , if the devil be within and that temptation without , I know he will choose it . I will do anything , Nerissa , ere I will be married to a sponge .
-
-You need not fear , lady , the having any of these lords : they have acquainted me with their determinations ; which is , indeed , to return to their home and to trouble you with no more suit , unless you may be won by some other sort than your father's imposition depending on the caskets .
-
-If I live to be as old as Sibylla , I will die as chaste as Diana , unless I be obtained by the manner of my father's will . I am glad this parcel of wooers are so reasonable , for there is not one among them but I dote on his very absence , and I pray God grant them a fair departure .
-
-Do you not remember , lady , in your father's time , a Venetian , a scholar and a soldier , that came hither in the company of the Marquis of Montferrat ?
-
-Yes , yes : it was Bassanio ; as I think , he was so called .
-
-True , madam : he , of all the men that ever my foolish eyes looked upon , was the best deserving a fair lady .
-
-I remember him well , and I remember him worthy of thy praise .
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-The four strangers seek for you , madam , to take their leave ; and there is a forerunner come from a fifth , the Prince of Morocco , who brings word the prince his master will be here to-night .
-
-If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good heart as I can bid the other four farewell , I should be glad of his approach : if he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil , I had rather he should shrive me than wive me . Come , Nerissa . Sirrah , go before .
-Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer , another knocks at the door .
-
-
-Three thousand ducats ; well ?
-
-Ay , sir , for three months .
-
-For three months ; well ?
-
-For the which , as I told you , Antonio shall be bound .
-
-Antonio shall become bound ; well ?
-
-May you stead me ? Will you pleasure me ? Shall I know your answer ?
-
-Three thousand ducats , for three months , and Antonio bound .
-
-Your answer to that .
-
-Antonio is a good man .
-
-Have you heard any imputation to the contrary ?
-
-Ho , no , no , no , no : my meaning in saying he is a good man is to have you understand me that he is sufficient . Yet his means are in supposition : he hath an argosy bound to Tripolis , another to the Indies ; I understand moreover upon the Rialto , he hath a third at Mexico , a fourth for England , and other ventures he hath , squandered abroad . But ships are but boards , sailors but men : there be land-rats and water-rats , land-thieves , and water-thieves ,I mean pirates ,and then there is the peril of waters , winds , and rocks . The man is , notwithstanding , sufficient . Three thousand ducats ; I think , I may take his bond .
-
-Be assured you may .
-
-I will be assured I may ; and , that I may be assured , I will bethink me . May I speak with Antonio ?
-
-If it please you to dine with us .
-
-Yes , to smell pork : to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into . I will buy with you , sell with you , talk with you , walk with you , and so following ; but I will not eat with you , drink with you , nor pray with you . What news on the Rialto ? Who is he comes here ?
-
-
-This is Signior Antonio .
-
-How like a fawning publican he looks !
-I hate him for he is a Christian ;
-But more for that in low simplicity
-He lends out money gratis , and brings down
-The rate of usance here with us in Venice .
-If I can catch him once upon the hip ,
-I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him .
-He hates our sacred nation , and he rails ,
-Even there where merchants most do congregate ,
-On me , my bargains , and my well-won thrift ,
-Which he calls interest . Cursed be my tribe ,
-If I forgive him !
-
-Shylock , do you hear ?
-
-I am debating of my present store ,
-And , by the near guess of my memory ,
-I cannot instantly raise up the gross
-Of full three thousand ducats . What of that ?
-Tubal , a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe ,
-Will furnish me . But soft ! how many months
-Do you desire ?
-
-Rest you fair , good signior ;
-Your worship was the last man in our mouths .
-
-Shylock , albeit I neither lend nor borrow
-By taking nor by giving of excess ,
-Yet , to supply the ripe wants of my friend ,
-I'll break a custom .
-
-Is he yet possess'd
-How much ye would ?
-
-Ay , ay , three thousand ducats .
-
-And for three months .
-
-I had forgot ; three months ; you told me so .
-Well then , your bond ; and let me see . But hear you ;
-Methought you said you neither lend nor borrow
-Upon advantage .
-
-I do never use it .
-
-When Jacob graz'd his uncle Laban's sheep ,
-This Jacob from our holy Abram was ,
-As his wise mother wrought in his behalf ,
-The third possessor : ay , he was the third ,
-
-And what of him ? did he take interest ?
-
-No ; not take interest ; not , as you would say ,
-Directly interest : mark what Jacob did .
-When Laban and himself were compromis'd ,
-That all the eanlings that were streak'd and pied
-Should fall as Jacob's hire , the ewes , being rank ,
-In end of autumn turned to the rams ;
-And , when the work of generation was
-Between these woolly breeders in the act ,
-The skilful shepherd peel'd me certain wands ,
-And , in the doing of the deed of kind ,
-He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes ,
-Who , then conceiving , did in eaning time
-Fall parti-colour'd lambs , and those were Jacob's .
-This was a way to thrive , and he was blest :
-And thrift is blessing , if men steal it not .
-
-This was a venture , sir , that Jacob serv'd for ;
-A thing not in his power to bring to pass ,
-But sway'd and fashion'd by the hand of heaven .
-Was this inserted to make interest good ?
-Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams ?
-
-I cannot tell ; I make it breed as fast : But note me , signior .
-
-Mark you this , Bassanio ,
-The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose .
-An evil soul , producing holy witness ,
-Is like a villain with a smiling cheek ,
-A goodly apple rotten at the heart .
-O , what a goodly outside falsehood hath !
-
-Three thousand ducats ; 'tis a good round sum .
-Three months from twelve , then let me see the rate .
-
-Well , Shylock , shall we be beholding to you ?
-
-Signior Antonio , many a time and oft
-In the Rialto you have rated me
-About my moneys and my usances :
-Still have I borne it with a patient shrug ,
-For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe .
-You call me misbeliever , cut-throat dog ,
-And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine ,
-And all for use of that which is mine own .
-Well then , it now appears you need my help :
-Go to then ; you come to me , and you say ,
-'Shylock , we would have moneys :' you say so ;
-You , that did void your rheum upon my beard ,
-And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur
-Over your threshold : moneys is your suit .
-What should I say to you ? Should I not say ,
-'Hath a dog money ? Is it possible
-A cur can lend three thousand ducats ?' or
-Shall I bend low , and in a bondman's key ,
-With bated breath , and whispering humbleness ,
-Say this :
-'Fair sir , you spet on me on Wednesday last ;
-You spurn'd me such a day ; another time
-You call'd me dog ; and for these courtesies
-I'll lend you thus much moneys ?'
-
-I am as like to call thee so again ,
-To spet on thee again , to spurn thee too .
-If thou wilt lend this money , lend it not
-As to thy friends ,for when did friendship take
-A breed for barren metal of his friend ?
-But lend it rather to thine enemy ;
-Who if he break , thou mayst with better face
-Exact the penalty .
-
-Why , look you , how you storm !
-I would be friends with you , and have your love ,
-Forget the shames that you have stain'd me with ,
-Supply your present wants , and take no doit
-Of usance for my moneys , and you'll not hear me :
-This is kind I offer .
-
-This were kindness .
-
-This kindness will I show .
-Go with me to a notary , seal me there
-Your single bond ; and , in a merry sport ,
-If you repay me not on such a day ,
-In such a place , such sum or sums as are
-Express'd in the condition , let the forfeit
-Be nominated for an equal pound
-Of your fair flesh , to be cut off and taken
-In what part of your body pleaseth me .
-
-Content , i' faith : I'll seal to such a bond ,
-And say there is much kindness in the Jew .
-
-You shall not seal to such a bond for me :
-I'll rather dwell in my necessity .
-
-Why , fear not , man ; I will not forfeit it :
-Within these two months , that's a month before
-This bond expires , I do expect return
-Of thrice three times the value of this bond .
-
-O father Abram ! what these Christians are ,
-Whose own hard dealing teaches them suspect
-The thoughts of others . Pray you , tell me this ;
-If he should break his day , what should I gain
-By the exaction of the forfeiture ?
-A pound of man's flesh , taken from a man ,
-Is not so estimable , profitable neither ,
-As flesh of muttons , beefs , or goats . I say ,
-To buy his favour , I extend this friendship :
-If he will take it , so ; if not , adieu ;
-And , for my love , I pray you wrong me not .
-
-Yes , Shylock , I will seal unto this bond .
-
-Then meet me forthwith at the notary's ;
-Give him direction for this merry bond ,
-And I will go and purse the ducats straight ,
-See to my house , left in the fearful guard
-Of an unthrifty knave , and presently
-I will be with you .
-
-Hie thee , gentle Jew .
-
-This Hebrew will turn Christian : he grows kind .
-
-I like not fair terms and a villain's mind .
-
-Come on : in this there can be no dismay ;
-My ships come home a month before the day .
-
-
-Mislike me not for my complexion ,
-The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd sun ,
-To whom I am a neighbour and near bred .
-Bring me the fairest creature northward born ,
-Where Ph bus' fire scarce thaws the icicles ,
-And let us make incision for your love ,
-To prove whose blood is reddest , his or mine .
-I tell thee , lady , this aspect of mine
-Hath fear'd the valiant : by my love , I swear
-The best regarded virgins of our clime
-Have lov'd it too : I would not change this hue ,
-Except to steal your thoughts , my gentle queen .
-
-In terms of choice I am not solely led
-By nice direction of a maiden's eyes ;
-Besides , the lottery of my destiny
-Bars me the right of voluntary choosing :
-But if my father had not scanted me
-And hedg'd me by his wit , to yield myself
-His wife who wins me by that means I told you ,
-Yourself , renowned prince , then stood as fair
-As any comer I have look'd on yet
-For my affection .
-
-Even for that I thank you :
-Therefore , I pray you , lead me to the caskets
-To try my fortune . By this scimitar ,
-That slew the Sophy , and a Persian prince
-That won three fields of Sultan Solyman ,
-I would outstare the sternest eyes that look ,
-Outbrave the heart most daring on the earth ,
-Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear ,
-Yea , mock the lion when he roars for prey ,
-To win thee , lady . But , alas the while !
-If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
-Which is the better man , the greater throw
-May turn by fortune from the weaker hand :
-So is Alcides beaten by his page ;
-And so may I , blind fortune leading me ,
-Miss that which one unworthier may attain ,
-And die with grieving .
-
-You must take your chance ;
-And either not attempt to choose at all ,
-Or swear before you choose , if you choose wrong ,
-Never to speak to lady afterward
-In way of marriage : therefore be advis'd .
-
-Nor will not : come , bring me unto my chance .
-
-First , forward to the temple : after dinner
-Your hazard shall be made .
-
-Good fortune then !
-To make me blest or cursed'st among men !
-
-
-Certainly my conscience will serve me to run from this Jew my master . The fiend is at mine elbow , and tempts me , saying to me , 'Gobbo , Launcelot Gobbo , good Launcelot ,' or 'good Gobbo ,' or 'good Launcelot Gobbo , use your legs , take the start , run away .' My conscience says , 'No ; take heed , honest Launcelot ; take heed , honest Gobbo ;' or , as aforesaid , 'honest Launcelot Gobbo ; do not run ; scorn running with thy heels .' Well , the most courageous fiend bids me pack : 'Via !' says the fiend ; 'away !' says the fiend ; 'for the heavens , rouse up a brave mind ,' says the fiend , 'and run .' Well , my conscience , hanging about the neck of my heart , says very wisely to me , 'My honest friend Launcelot , being an honest man's son ,' or rather an honest woman's son ;for , indeed , my father did something smack , something grow to , he had a kind of taste ;well , my conscience says , 'Launcelot , budge not .' 'Budge ,' says the fiend . 'Budge not ,' says my conscience . 'Conscience ,' say I , 'you counsel well ;' 'fiend ,' say I , 'you counsel well :' to be ruled by my conscience , I should stay with the Jew my master , who , God bless the mark ! is a kind of devil ; and , to run away from the Jew , I should be ruled by the fiend , who , saving your reverence , is the devil himself . Certainly , the Jew is the very devil incarnal ; and , in my conscience , my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience , to offer to counsel me to stay with the Jew . The fiend gives the more friendly counsel : I will run , fiend ; my heels are at your commandment ; I will run .
-
-
-Master young man , you ; I pray you , which is the way to Master Jew's ?
-
-O heavens ! this is my truebegotten father , who , being more than sandblind , high-gravel blind , knows me not : I will try confusions with him .
-
-Master young gentleman , I pray you , which is the way to Master Jew's ?
-
-Turn up on your right hand at the next turning , but , at the next turning of all , on your left ; marry , at the very next turning , turn of no hand , but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house .
-
-By God's sonties , 'twill be a hard way to hit . Can you tell me whether one Launcelot , that dwells with him , dwell with him or no ?
-
-Talk you of young Master Launcelot ?
-
-Mark me now ; now will I raise the waters . Talk you of young Master Launcelot ?
-
-No master , sir , but a poor man's son : his father , though I say it , is an honest , exceeding poor man , and , God be thanked , well to live .
-
-Well , let his father be what a' will , we talk of young Master Launcelot .
-
-Your worship's friend , and Launcelot , sir .
-
-But I pray you , ergo , old man , ergo , I beseech you , talk you of young Master Launcelot ?
-
-Of Launcelot , an't please your mastership .
-
-Ergo , Master Launcelot . Talk not of Master Launcelot , father ; for the young gentleman ,according to Fates and Destinies and such odd sayings , the Sisters Three and such branches of learning ,is , indeed , deceased ; or , as you would say in plain terms , gone to heaven .
-
-Marry , God forbid ! the boy was the very staff of my age , my very prop .
-
-Do I look like a cudgel or a hovel-post , a staff or a prop ? Do you know me , father ?
-
-Alack the day ! I know you not , young gentleman : but I pray you , tell me , is my boy ,God rest his soul !alive or dead ?
-
-Do you not know me , father ?
-
-Alack , sir , I am sand-blind ; I know you not .
-
-Nay , indeed , if you had your eyes , you might fail of the knowing me : it is a wise father that knows his own child . Well , old man , I will tell you news of your son . Give me your blessing ; truth will come to light ; murder cannot be hid long ; a man's son may , but , in the end , truth will out .
-
-Pray you , sir , stand up . I am sure you are not Launcelot , my boy .
-
-Pray you , let's have no more fooling about it , but give me your blessing : I am Launcelot , your boy that was , your son that is , your child that shall be .
-
-I cannot think you are my son .
-
-I know not what I shall think of that ; but I am Launcelot , the Jew's man , and I am sure Margery your wife is my mother .
-
-Her name is Margery , indeed : I'll be sworn , if thou be Launcelot , thou art mine own flesh and blood . Lord worshipped might he be ! what a beard hast thou got ! thou hast got more hair on thy chin than Dobbin my thill-horse has on his tail .
-
-It should seem then that Dobbin's tail grows backward : I am sure he had more hair on his tail than I have on my face , when I last saw him .
-
-Lord ! how art thou changed . How dost thou and thy master agree ? I have brought him a present . How 'gree you now ?
-
-Well , well : but , for mine own part , as I have set up my rest to run away , so I will not rest till I have run some ground . My master's a very Jew : give him a present ! give him a halter : I am farnished in his service ; you may tell every finger I have with my ribs . Father , I am glad you are come : give me your present to one Master Bassanio , who , indeed , gives rare new liveries . If I serve not him , I will run as far as God has any ground . O rare fortune ! here comes the man : to him , father ; for I am a Jew , if I serve the Jew any longer .
-
-
-You may do so ; but let it be so hasted that supper be ready at the very furthest by five of the clock . See these letters delivered ; put the liveries to making ; and desire Gratiano to come anon to my lodging .
-
-
-To him , father .
-
-God bless your worship !
-
-Gramercy ! wouldst thou aught with me ?
-
-Here's my son , sir , a poor boy ,
-
-Not a poor boy , sir , but the rich Jew's man ; that would , sir ,as my father shall specify ,
-
-He hath a great infection , sir , as one would say , to serve
-
-Indeed , the short and the long is , I serve the Jew , and have a desire , as my father shall specify ,
-
-His master and he , saving your worship's reverence , are scarce cater-cousins ,
-
-To be brief , the very truth is that the Jew having done me wrong , doth cause me ,as my father , being , I hope , an old man , shall frutify unto you ,
-
-I have here a dish of doves that I would bestow upon your worship , and my suit is ,
-
-In very brief , the suit is impertinent to myself , as your worship shall know by this honest old man ; and , though I say it , though old man , yet poor man , my father .
-
-One speak for both . What would you ?
-
-Serve you , sir .
-
-That is the very defect of the matter , sir .
-
-I know thee well ; thou hast obtain'd thy suit :
-Shylock thy master spoke with me this day ,
-And hath preferr'd thee , if it be preferment
-To leave a rich Jew's service , to become
-The follower of so poor a gentleman .
-
-The old proverb is very well parted between my master Shylock and you , sir : you have the grace of God , sir , and he hath enough .
-
-Thou speak'st it well . Go , father , with thy son .
-Take leave of thy old master , and inquire
-My lodging out .
-
-Give him a livery
-More guarded than his fellows' : see it done .
-
-Father , in . I cannot get a service , no ; I have ne'er a tongue in my head . Well ,
-
-if any man in Italy have a fairer table which doth offer to swear upon a book , I shall have good fortune . Go to ; here's a simple line of life : here's a small trifle of wives : alas ! fifteen wives is nothing : a 'leven widows and nine maids is a simple coming-in for one man ; and then to 'scape drowning thrice , and to be in peril of my life with the edge of a feather-bed ; here are simple 'scapes . Well , if Fortune be a woman , she's a good wench for this gear . Father , come ; I'll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling of an eye .
-
-
-I pray thee , good Leonardo , think on this :
-These things being bought , and orderly bestow'd ,
-Return in haste , for I do feast to-night
-My best-esteem'd acquaintance : hie thee , go .
-
-My best endeavours shall be done herein .
-
-
-Where is your master ?
-
-Yonder , sir , he walks .
-
-
-Signior Bassanio !
-
-Gratiano !
-
-I have a suit to you .
-
-You have obtain'd it .
-
-You must not deny me : I must go with you to Belmont .
-
-Why , then you must . But hear thee , Gratiano ;
-Thou art too wild , too rude and bold of voice ;
-Parts that become thee happily enough ,
-And in such eyes as ours appear not faults ;
-But where thou art not known , why , there they show
-Something too liberal . Pray thee , take pain
-To allay with some cold drops of modesty
-Thy skipping spirit , lest , through thy wild behaviour ,
-I be misconstru'd in the place I go to ,
-And lose my hopes .
-
-Signior Bassanio , hear me :
-If I do not put on a sober habit ,
-Talk with respect , and swear but now and then ,
-Wear prayer-books in my pocket , look demurely ,
-Nay more , while grace is saying , hood mine eyes
-Thus with my hat , and sigh , and say 'amen ;'
-Use all the observance of civility ,
-Like one well studied in a sad ostent
-To please his grandam , never trust me more .
-
-Well , we shall see your bearing .
-
-Nay , but I bar to-night ; you shall not gauge me
-By what we do to-night .
-
-No , that were pity :
-I would entreat you rather to put on
-Your boldest suit of mirth , for we have friends
-That purpose merriment . But fare you well :
-I have some business .
-
-And I must to Lorenzo and the rest ;
-But we will visit you at supper-time .
-
-
-I am sorry thou wilt leave my father so :
-Our house is hell , and thou , a merry devil ,
-Didst rob it of some taste of tediousness .
-But fare thee well ; there is a ducat for thee :
-And , Launcelot , soon at supper shalt thou see
-Lorenzo , who is thy new master's guest :
-Give him this letter ; do it secretly ;
-And so farewell : I would not have my father
-See me in talk with thee .
-
-Adieu ! tears exhibit my tongue . Most beautiful pagan , most sweet Jew ! If a Christian did not play the knave and get thee , I am much deceived . But , adieu ! these foolish drops do somewhat drown my manly spirit : adieu !
-
-Farewell , good Launcelot .
-
-Alack , what heinous sin is it in me
-To be asham'd to be my father's child !
-But though I am a daughter to his blood ,
-I am not to his manners . O Lorenzo !
-If thou keep promise , I shall end this strife ,
-Become a Christian , and thy loving wife .
-
-
-Nay , we will slink away in supper-time ,
-Disguise us at my lodging , and return
-All in an hour .
-
-We have not made good preparation .
-
-We have not spoke us yet of torch-bearers .
-
-'Tis vile , unless it may be quaintly order'd ,
-And better , in my mind , not undertook .
-
-'Tis now but four o'clock : we have two hours
-To furnish us .
-
-Friend Launcelot , what's the news ?
-
-An it shall please you to break up this , it shall seem to signify .
-
-I know the hand : in faith , 'tis a fair hand ;
-And whiter than the paper it writ on
-Is the fair hand that writ .
-
-Love news , in faith .
-
-By your leave , sir .
-
-Whither goest thou ?
-
-Marry , sir , to bid my old master , the Jew , to sup to-night with my new master , the Christian .
-
-Hold here , take this : tell gentle Jessica
-I will not fail her ; speak it privately .
-Go , gentlemen ,
-
-Will you prepare you for this masque to-night ?
-I am provided of a torch-bearer .
-
-Ay , marry , I'll be gone about it straight .
-
-And so will I .
-
-Meet me and Gratiano
-At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence .
-
-'Tis good we do so .
-
-
-Was not that letter from fair Jessica ?
-
-I must needs tell thee all . She hath directed
-How I shall take her from her father's house ;
-What gold and jewels she is furnish'd with ;
-What page's suit she hath in readiness .
-If e'er the Jew her father come to heaven ,
-It will be for his gentle daughter's sake ;
-And never dare misfortune cross her foot ,
-Unless she do it under this excuse ,
-That she is issue to a faithless Jew .
-Come , go with me : peruse this as thou goest .
-Fair Jessica shall be my torch-bearer .
-
-
-Well , thou shalt see , thy eyes shall be thy judge ,
-The difference of old Shylock and Bassanio :
-What , Jessical thou shalt not gormandize ,
-As thou hast done with me ;What , Jessical
-And sleep and snore , and rend apparel out
-Why , Jessica , I say !
-
-Why , Jessica !
-
-Who bids thee call ? I do not bid thee call .
-
-Your worship was wont to tell me that
-I could do nothing without bidding .
-
-
-Call you ? What is your will ?
-
-I am bid forth to supper , Jessica :
-There are my keys . But wherefore should I go ?
-I am not bid for love ; they flatter me :
-But yet I'll go in hate , to feed upon
-The prodigal Christian . Jessica , my girl ,
-Look to my house . I am right loath to go :
-There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest ,
-For I did dream of money-bags to-night .
-
-I beseech you , sir , go : my young master doth expect your reproach .
-
-So do I his .
-
-And they have conspired together : I will not say you shall see a masque ; but if you do , then it was not for nothing that my nose fell a-bleeding on Black-Monday last , at six o'clock i' the morning , falling out that year on Ash-Wednesday was four year in the afternoon .
-
-What ! are there masques ? Hear you me , Jessica :
-Lock up my doors ; and when you hear the drum ,
-And the vile squealing of the wry-neck'd fife ,
-Clamber not you up to the casements then ,
-Nor thrust your head into the public street
-To gaze on Christian fools with varnish'd faces ,
-But stop my house's ears , I mean my casements ;
-Let not the sound of shallow foppery enter
-My sober house . By Jacob's staff I swear
-I have no mind of feasting forth to-night ;
-But I will go . Go you before me , sirrah ;
-Say I will come .
-
-I will go before , air . Mistress , look out at window , for all this ;
-
-There will come a Christian by ,
-Will be worth a Jewess' eye .
-
-What says that fool of Hagar's offspring , ha ?
-
-His words were , 'Farewell , mistress ;' nothing else .
-
-The patch is kind enough , but a huge feeder ;
-Snail-slow in profit , and he sleeps by day
-More than the wild cat : drones hive not with me ;
-Therefore I part with him , and part with him
-To one that I would have him help to waste
-His borrow'd purse . Well , Jessica , go in :
-Perhaps I will return immediately :
-Do as I bid you ; shut doors after you :
-'Fast bind , fast find ,'
-A proverb never stale in thrifty mind .
-
-
-Farewell ; and if my fortune be not crost ,
-I have a father , you a daughter , lost .
-
-
-This is the penthouse under which Lorenzo
-Desir'd us to make stand .
-
-His hour is almost past .
-
-And it is marvel he out-dwells his hour ,
-For lovers ever run before the clock .
-
-O ! ten times faster Venus' pigeons fly
-To seal love's bonds new-made , than they are wont
-To keep obliged faith unforfeited !
-
-That ever holds : who riseth from a feast
-With that keen appetite that he sits down ?
-Where is the horse that doth untread again
-His tedious measures with the unbated fire
-That he did pace them first ? All things that are ,
-Are with more spirit chased than enjoy'd .
-How like a younker or a prodigal
-The scarfed bark puts from her native bay ,
-Hugg'd and embraced by the strumpet wind !
-How like the prodigal doth she return ,
-With over-weather'd ribs and ragged sails ,
-Lean , rent , and beggar'd by the strumpet wind !
-
-Here comes Lorenzo : more of this hereafter .
-
-
-Sweet friends , your patience for my long abode ;
-Not I , but my affairs , have made you wait :
-When you shall please to play the thieves for wives ,
-I'll watch as long for you then . Approach ;
-Here dwells my father Jew . Ho ! who's within ?
-
-
-Who are you ? Tell me , for more certainty ,
-Albeit I'll swear that I do know your tongue .
-
-Lorenzo , and thy love .
-
-Lorenzo , certain ; and my love indeed ,
-For whom love I so much ? And now who knows
-But you , Lorenzo , whether I am yours ?
-
-Heaven and thy thoughts are witness that thou art .
-
-Here , catch this casket ; it is worth the pains .
-I am glad 'tis night , you do not look on me ,
-For I am much asham'd of my exchange ;
-But love is blind , and lovers cannot see
-The pretty follies that themselves commit ;
-For if they could , Cupid himself would blush
-To see me thus transformed to a boy .
-
-Descend , for you must be my torch-bearer .
-
-What ! must I hold a candle to my shames ?
-They in themselves , good sooth , are too-too light .
-Why , 'tis an office of discovery , love ,
-And I should be obscur'd .
-
-So are you , sweet ,
-Even in the lovely garnish of a boy .
-But come at once ;
-For the close night doth play the runaway ,
-And we are stay'd for at Bassanio's feast .
-
-I will make fast the doors , and gild myself
-With some more ducats , and be with you straight .
-
-
-Now , by my hood , a Gentile , and no Jew .
-
-Beshrew me , but I love her heartily ;
-For she is wise , if I can judge of her ,
-And fair she is , if that mine eyes be true ,
-And true she is , as she hath prov'd herself ;
-And therefore , like herself , wise , fair , and true ,
-Shall she be placed in my constant soul .
-
-
-What , art thou come ? On , gentlemen ; away !
-Our masquing mates by this time for us stay .
-
-
-Who's there ?
-
-Signior Antonio !
-
-Fie , fie , Gratiano ! where are all the rest ?
-'Tis nine o'clock ; our friends all stay for you .
-No masque to-night : the wind is come about ;
-Bassanio presently will go aboard :
-I have sent twenty out to seek for you .
-
-I am glad on't : I desire no more delight
-Than to be under sail and gone to-night .
-
-
-Go , draw aside the curtains , and discover
-The several caskets to this noble prince .
-Now make your choice .
-
-The first , of gold , which this inscription bears :
-Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire .
-The second , silver , which this promise carries :
-Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves .
-This third , dull lead , with warning all as blunt :
-Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath .
-How shall I know if I do choose the right ?
-
-The one of them contains my picture , prince :
-If you choose that , then I am yours withal .
-
-Some god direct my judgment ! Let me see :
-I will survey the inscriptions back again :
-What says this leaden casket ?
-Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath .
-Must give : For what ? for lead ? hazard for lead ?
-This casket threatens . Men that hazard all
-Do it in hope of fair advantages :
-A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross ;
-I'll then nor give nor hazard aught for lead .
-What says the silver with her virgin hue ?
-Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves .
-As much as he deserves ! Pause there , Morocco ,
-And weigh thy value with an even hand .
-If thou be'st rated by thy estimation ,
-Thou dost deserve enough ; and yet enough
-May not extend so far as to the lady :
-And yet to be afeard of my deserving
-Were but a weak disabling of myself .
-As much as I deserve ! Why , that's the lady :
-I do in birth deserve her , and in fortunes ,
-In graces , and in qualities of breeding ;
-But more than these , in love I do deserve .
-What if I stray'd no further , but chose here ?
-Let's see once more this saying grav'd in gold :
-Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire .
-Why , that's the lady : all the world desires her ;
-From the four corners of the earth they come ,
-To kiss this shrine , this mortal-breathing saint :
-The Hyrcanian deserts and the vasty wilds
-Of wide Arabia are as throughfares now
-For princes to come view fair Portia :
-The watery kingdom , whose ambitious head
-Spits in the face of heaven , is no bar
-To stop the foreign spirits , but they come ,
-As o'er a brook , to see fair Portia .
-One of these three contains her heavenly picture .
-Is't like that lead contains her ? 'Twere damnation
-To think so base a thought : it were too gross
-To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave .
-Or shall I think in silver she's immur'd ,
-Being ten times undervalu'd to tried gold ?
-O sinful thought ! Never so rich a gem
-Was set in worse than gold . They have in England
-A coin that bears the figure of an angel
-Stamped in gold , but that's insculp'd upon ;
-But here an angel in a golden bed
-Lies all within . Deliver me the key :
-Here do I choose , and thrive I as I may !
-
-There , take it , prince ; and if my form lie there ,
-Then I am yours .
-
-
-O hell ! what have we here ?
-A carrion Death , within whose empty eye
-There is a written scroll . I'll read the writing .
-
-All that glisters is not gold ;
-Often have you heard that told :
-Many a man his life hath sold
-But my outside to behold :
-Gilded tombs do worms infold .
-Had you been as wise as bold ,
-Young in limbs , in judgment old ,
-Your answer had not been inscroll'd :
-Fare you well ; your suit is cold .
-
-Cold , indeed ; and labour lost :
-Then , farewell , heat , and welcome , frost !
-Portia , adieu . I have too griev'd a heart
-To take a tedious leave : thus losers part .
-
-
-A gentle riddance . Draw the curtains : go .
-Let all of his complexion choose me so .
-
-
-Why , man , I saw Bassanio under sail :
-With him is Gratiano gone along ;
-And in their ship I'm sure Lorenzo is not .
-
-The villain Jew with outcries rais'd the duke ,
-Who went with him to search Bassanio's ship .
-
-He came too late , the ship was under sail :
-But there the duke was given to understand
-That in a gondola were seen together
-Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica .
-Besides , Antonio certified the duke
-They were not with Bassanio in his ship .
-
-I never heard a passion so confus'd ,
-So strange , outrageous , and so variable ,
-As the dog Jew did utter in the streets :
-'My daughter ! O my ducats ! O my daughter !
-Fled with a Christian ! O my Christian ducats !
-Justice ! the law ! my ducats , and my daughter !
-A sealed bag , two sealed bags of ducats ,
-Of double ducats , stol'n from me by my daughter !
-And jewels ! two stones , two rich and precious stones ,
-Stol'n by my daughter ! Justice ! find the girl !
-She hath the stones upon her , and the ducats .'
-
-Why , all the boys in Venice follow him ,
-Crying , his stones , his daughter , and his ducats .
-
-Let good Antonio look he keep his day ,
-Or he shall pay for this .
-
-Marry , well remember'd .
-I reason'd with a Frenchman yesterday ,
-Who told me ,in the narrow seas that part
-The French and English ,there miscarried
-A vessel of our country richly fraught .
-I thought upon Antonio when he told me ,
-And wish'd in silence that it were not his .
-
-You were best to tell Antonio what you hear ;
-Yet do not suddenly , for it may grieve him .
-
-A kinder gentleman treads not the earth .
-I saw Bassanio and Antonio part :
-Bassanio told him he would make some speed
-Of his return : he answer'd 'Do not so ;
-Slubber not business for my sake , Bassanio ,
-But stay the very riping of the time ;
-And for the Jew's bond which he hath of me ,
-Let it not enter in your mind of love :
-Be merry , and employ your chiefest thoughts
-To courtship and such fair ostents of love
-As shall conveniently become you there :'
-And even there , his eye being big with tears ,
-Turning his face , he put his hand behind him ,
-And with affection wondrous sensible
-He wrung Bassanio's hand ; and so they parted .
-
-I think he only loves the world for him .
-I pray thee , let us go and find him out ,
-And quicken his embraced heaviness
-With some delight or other .
-
-Do we so .
-
-
-Quick , quick , I pray thee ; draw the curtain straight :
-The Prince of Arragon hath ta'en his oath ,
-And comes to his election presently .
-
-
-Behold , there stands the caskets , noble prince :
-If you choose that wherein I am contain'd ,
-Straight shall our nuptial rites be solemniz'd ;
-But if you fail , without more speech , my lord ,
-You must be gone from hence immediately .
-
-I am enjoin'd by oath to observe three things :
-First , never to unfold to any one
-Which casket 'twas I chose ; next , if I fail
-Of the right casket , never in my life
-To woo a maid in way of marriage ;
-Lastly ,
-If I do fail in fortune of my choice ,
-Immediately to leave you and be gone .
-
-To these injunctions every one doth swear
-That comes to hazard for my worthless self .
-
-And so have I address'd me . Fortune now
-To my heart's hope ! Gold , silver , and base lead .
-Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath :
-You shall look fairer , ere I give or hazard .
-What says the golden chest ? ha ! let me see :
-Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire .
-What many men desire ! that 'many' may be meant
-By the fool multitude , that choose by show ,
-Not learning more than the fond eye doth teach ;
-Which pries not to the interior , but , like the martlet ,
-Builds in the weather on the outward wall ,
-Even in the force and road of casualty .
-I will not choose what many men desire ,
-Because I will not jump with common spirits
-And rank me with the barbarous multitude .
-Why , then to thee , thou silver treasure-house ;
-Tell me once more what title thou dost bear :
-Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves .
-And well said too ; for who shall go about
-To cozen fortune and be honourable
-Without the stamp of merit ? Let none presume
-To wear an undeserved dignity .
-O ! that estates , degrees , and offices
-Were not deriv'd corruptly , and that clear honour
-Were purchas'd by the merit of the wearer .
-How many then should cover that stand bare ;
-How many be commanded that command ;
-How much low peasantry would then be glean'd
-From the true seed of honour ; and how much honour
-Pick'd from the chaff and ruin of the times
-To be new varnish'd ! Well , but to my choice :
-Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves .
-I will assume desert . Give me a key for this ,
-And instantly unlock my fortunes here .
-
-
-Too long a pause for that which you find there .
-
-What's here ? the portrait of a blinking idiot ,
-Presenting me a schedule ! I will read it .
-How much unlike art thou to Portia !
-How much unlike my hopes and my deservings !
-Who chooseth me shall have as much as he deserves .
-Did I deserve no more than a fool's head ?
-Is that my prize ? are my deserts no better ?
-
-To offend , and judge , are distinct offices ,
-And of opposed natures .
-
-What is here ?
-
-The fire seven times tried this :
-Seven times tried that judgment is
-That did never choose amiss .
-Some there be that shadows kiss ;
-Such have but a shadow's bliss :
-There be fools alive , I wis ,
-Silver'd o'er ; and so was this .
-Take what wife you will to bed ,
-I will ever be your head :
-So be gone , sir : you are sped .
-
-
-Still more fool I shall appear
-By the time I linger here :
-With one fool's head I came to woo ,
-But I go away with two .
-Sweet , adieu . I'll keep my oath ,
-Patiently to bear my wroth .
-
-Thus hath the candle sing'd the moth .
-O , these deliberate fools ! when they do choose ,
-They have the wisdom by their wit to lose .
-
-The ancient saying is no heresy :
-'Hanging and wiving goes by destiny .'
-
-Come , draw the curtain , Nerissa .
-
-
-Where is my lady ?
-
-Here ; what would my lord ?
-
-Madam , there is alighted at your gate
-A young Venetian , one that comes before
-To signify the approaching of his lord ;
-From whom he bringeth sensible regreets ,
-To wit , besides commends and courteous breath ,
-Gifts of rich value . Yet I have not seen
-So likely an embassador of love .
-A day in April never came so sweet ,
-To show how costly summer was at hand ,
-As this fore-spurrer comes before his lord .
-
-No more , I pray thee : I am half afeard
-Thou wilt say anon he is some kin to thee ,
-Thou spend'st such high-day wit in praising him .
-Come , come , Nerissa ; for I long to see
-Quick Cupid's post that comes so mannerly .
-
-Bassanio , lord Love , if thy will it be !
-
-Now , what news on the Rialto ?
-
-Why , yet it lives there unchecked that Antonio hath a ship of rich lading wracked on the narrow seas ; the Goodwins , I think they call the place ; a very dangerous flat , and fatal , where the carcasses of many a tall ship lie buried , as they say , if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her word .
-
-I would she were as lying a gossip in that as ever knapped ginger , or made her neighbours believe she wept for the death of a third husband . But it is true ,without any slips of prolixity or crossing the plain highway of talk ,that the good Antonio , the honest Antonio ,O , that I had a title good enough to keep his name company !
-
-Come , the full stop .
-
-Ha ! what sayst thou ? Why , the end is , he hath lost a ship .
-
-I would it might prove the end of his losses .
-
-Let me say 'amen' betimes , lest the devil cross my prayer , for here he comes in the likeness of a Jew .
-
-How now , Shylock ! what news among the merchants ?
-
-You knew , none so well , none so well as you , of my daughter's flight .
-
-That's certain : I , for my part , knew the tailor that made the wings she flew withal .
-
-And Shylock , for his own part , knew the bird was fledged ; and then it is the complexion of them all to leave the dam .
-
-She is damned for it .
-
-That's certain , if the devil may be her judge .
-
-My own flesh and blood to rebel !
-
-Out upon it , old carrion ! rebels it at these years ?
-
-I say my daughter is my flesh and blood .
-
-There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between jet and ivory ; more between your bloods than there is between red wine and Rhenish . But tell us , do you hear whether Antonio have had any loss at sea or no ?
-
-There I have another bad match : a bankrupt , a prodigal , who dare scarce show his head on the Rialto ; a beggar , that used to come so smug upon the mart ; let him look to his bond : he was wont to call me usurer ; let him look to his bond : he was wont to lend money for a Christian courtesy ; let him look to his bond .
-
-Why , I am sure , if he forfeit thou wilt not take his flesh : what's that good for ?
-
-To bait fish withal : if it will feed nothing else , it will feed my revenge . He hath disgraced me , and hindered me half a million , laughed at my losses , mocked at my gains , scorned my nation , thwarted my bargains , cooled my friends , heated mine enemies ; and what's his reason ? I am a Jew . Hath not a Jew eyes ? hath not a Jew hands , organs , dimensions , senses , affections , passions ? fed with the same food , hurt with the same weapons , subject to the same diseases , healed by the same means , warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer , as a Christian is ? If you prick us , do we not bleed ? if you tickle us , do we not laugh ? if you poison us , do we not die ? and if you wrong us , shall we not revenge ? If we are like you in the rest , we will resemble you in that . If a Jew wrong a Christian , what is his humility ? Revenge . If a Christian wrong a Jew , what should his sufferance be by Christian example ? Why , revenge . The villany you teach me I will execute , and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction .
-
-
-Gentlemen , my master Antonio is at his house , and desires to speak with you both .
-
-We have been up and down to seek him .
-
-
-Here comes another of the tribe : a third cannot be matched , unless the devil himself turn Jew .
-
-
-How now , Tubal ! what news from Genoa ? Hast thou found my daughter ?
-
-I often came where I did hear of her , but cannot find her .
-
-Why there , there , there ! a diamond gone , cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfort ! The curse never fell upon our nation till now ; I never felt it till now : two thousand ducats in that ; and other precious , precious jewels . I would my daughter were dead at my foot , and the jewels in her ear ! would she were hearsed at my foot , and the ducats in her coffin ! No news of them ? Why , so : and I know not what's spent in the search : Why thou loss upon loss ! the thief gone with so much , and so much to find the thief ; and no satisfaction , no revenge : nor no ill luck stirring but what lights on my shoulders ; no sighs but of my breathing ; no tears but of my shedding .
-
-Yes , other men have ill luck too . Antonio , as I heard in Genoa ,
-
-What , what , what ? ill luck , ill luck ?
-
-hath an argosy cast away , coming from Tripolis .
-
-I thank God ! I thank God ! Is it true ? is it true ?
-
-I spoke with some of the sailors that escaped the wrack .
-
-I thank thee , good Tubal . Good news , good news ! ha , ha ! Where ? in Genoa ?
-
-Your daughter spent in Genoa , as I heard , one night , fourscore ducats .
-
-Thou stick'st a dagger in me : I shall never see my gold again : fourscore ducats at a sitting ! fourscore ducats !
-
-There came divers of Antonio's creditors in my company to Venice , that swear he cannot choose but break .
-
-I am very glad of it : I'll plague him ; I'll torture him : I am glad of it .
-
-One of them showed me a ring that he had of your daughter for a monkey .
-
-Out upon her ! Thou torturest me , Tubal : it was my turquoise ; I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor : I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys .
-
-But Antonio is certainly undone .
-
-Nay , that's true , that's very true . Go , Tubal , fee me an officer ; bespeak him a fortnight before . I will have the heart of him , if he forfeit ; for , were he out of Venice , I can make what merchandise I will . Go , go , Tubal , and meet me at our synagogue ; go , good Tubal ; at our synagogue , Tubal .
-
-
-I pray you , tarry : pause a day or two
-Before you hazard ; for , in choosing wrong .
-I lose your company : therefore , forbear awhile .
-There's something tells me , but it is not love ,
-I would not lose you ; and you know yourself ,
-Hate counsels not in such a quality .
-But lest you should not understand me well ,
-And yet a maiden hath no tongue but thought ,
-I would detain you here some month or two
-Before you venture for me . I could teach you
-How to choose right , but then I am forsworn ;
-So will I never be : so may you miss me ;
-But if you do , you'll make me wish a sin ,
-That I had been forsworn . Beshrew your eyes ,
-They have o'erlook'd me and divided me :
-One half of me is yours , the other half yours ,
-Mine own , I would say ; but if mine , then yours ,
-And so all yours . O ! these naughty times
-Put bars between the owners and their rights ;
-And so , though yours , not yours . Prove it so ,
-Let fortune go to hell for it , not I .
-I speak too long ; but 'tis to peise the time ,
-To eke it and to draw it out in length ,
-To stay you from election .
-
-Let me choose ;
-For as I am , I live upon the rack .
-
-Upon the rack , Bassanio ! then confess
-What treason there is mingled with your love .
-
-None but that ugly treason of mistrust ,
-Which makes me fear th' enjoying of my love :
-There may as well be amity and life
-'Tween snow and fire , as treason and my love .
-
-Ay , but I fear you speak upon the rack ,
-Where men enforced do speak anything .
-
-Promise me life , and I'll confess the truth .
-
-Well then , confess , and live .
-
-'Confess' and 'love'
-Had been the very sum of my confession :
-O happy torment , when my torturer
-Doth teach me answers for deliverance !
-But let me to my fortune and the caskets .
-
-Away then ! I am lock'd in one of them :
-If you do love me , you will find me out .
-Nerissa and the rest , stand all aloof .
-Let music sound while he doth make his choice ;
-Then , if he lose , he makes a swan-like end ,
-Fading in music : that the comparison
-May stand more proper , my eye shall be the stream
-And watery death-bed for him . He may win ;
-And what is music then ? then music is
-Even as the flourish when true subjects bow
-To a new-crowned monarch : such it is
-As are those dulcet sounds in break of day
-That creep into the dreaming bridegroom's ear ,
-And summon him to marriage . Now he goes ,
-With no less presence , but with much more love ,
-Than young Alcides , when he did redeem
-The virgin tribute paid by howling Troy
-To the sea-monster : I stand for sacrifice ;
-The rest aloof are the Dardanian wives ,
-With bleared visages , come forth to view
-The issue of the exploit . Go , Hercules !
-Live thou , I live : with much , much more dismay
-I view the fight than thou that mak'st the fray .
-
-
-Tell me where is fancy bred ,
-Or in the heart or in the head ?
-How begot , how nourished ?
-Reply , reply .
-It is engender'd in the eyes ,
-With gazing fed ; and fancy dies
-In the cradle where it lies
-Let us all ring fancy's knell ;
-I'll begin it ,Ding , dong , bell .
-
-
-Ding , dong , bell .
-
-So may the outward shows be least themselves :
-The world is still deceiv'd with ornament .
-In law , what plea so tainted and corrupt
-But , being season'd with a gracious voice ,
-Obscures the show of evil ? In religion ,
-What damned error , but some sober brow
-Will bless it and approve it with a text ,
-Hiding the grossness with fair ornament ?
-There is no vice so simple but assumes
-Some mark of virtue on his outward parts .
-How many cowards , whose hearts are all as false
-As stairs of sand , wear yet upon their chins
-The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars ,
-Who , inward search'd , have livers white as milk ;
-And these assume but valour's excrement
-To render them redoubted ! Look on beauty ,
-And you shall see 'tis purchas'd by the weight ;
-Which therein works a miracle in nature ,
-Making them lightest that wear most of it :
-So are those crisped snaky golden locks
-Which make such wanton gambols with the wind ,
-Upon supposed fairness , often known
-To be the dowry of a second head ,
-The skull that bred them , in the sepulchre .
-Thus ornament is but the guiled shore
-To a most dangerous sea ; the beauteous scarf
-Veiling an Indian beauty ; in a word ,
-The seeming truth which cunning times put on
-To entrap the wisest . Therefore , thou gaudy gold ,
-Hard food for Midas , I will none of thee ;
-Nor none of thee , thou pale and common drudge
-'Tween man and man : but thou , thou meagre lead ,
-Which rather threat'nest than dost promise aught ,
-Thy plainness moves me more than eloquence ,
-And here choose I : joy be the consequence !
-
-How all the other passions fleet to air ,
-As doubtful thoughts , and rash-embrac'd despair ,
-And shuddering fear , and green-ey'd jealousy .
-O love ! be moderate ; allay thy ecstasy ;
-In measure rain thy joy ; scant this excess ;
-I feel too much thy blessing ; make it less ,
-For fear I surfeit !
-
-What find I here ?
-
-Fair Portia's counterfeit ! What demi-god
-Hath come so near creation ? Move these eyes ?
-Or whether , riding on the balls of mine ,
-Seem they in motion ? Here are sever'd lips ,
-Parted with sugar breath ; so sweet a bar
-Should sunder such sweet friends . Here , in her hairs
-The painter plays the spider , and hath woven
-A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men
-Faster than gnats in cobwebs : but her eyes !
-How could he see to do them ? having made one ,
-Methinks it should have power to steal both his
-And leave itself unfurnish'd : yet look , how far
-The substance of my praise doth wrong this shadow
-In underprizing it , so far this shadow
-Doth limp behind the substance . Here's the scroll ,
-The continent and summary of my fortune .
-
-You that choose not by the view ,
-Chance as fair and choose as true !
-Since this fortune falls to you ,
-Be content and seek no new .
-If you be well pleas'd with this
-And hold your fortune for your bliss ,
-Turn you where your lady is
-And claim her with a loving kiss .
-
-A gentle scroll . Fair lady , by your leave ;
-
-I come by note , to give and to receive .
-Like one of two contending in a prize ,
-That thinks he hath done well in people's eyes ,
-Hearing applause and universal shout ,
-Giddy in spirit , still gazing in a doubt
-Whether those peals of praise be his or no ;
-So , thrice-fair lady , stand I , even so ,
-As doubtful whether what I see be true ,
-Until confirm'd , sign'd , ratified by you .
-
-You see me , Lord Bassanio , where I stand ,
-Such as I am : though for myself alone
-I would not be ambitious in my wish ,
-To wish myself much better ; yet , for you
-I would be trebled twenty times myself ;
-A thousand times more fair , ten thousand times
-More rich ;
-That only to stand high in your account ,
-I might in virtues , beauties , livings , friends ,
-Exceed account : but the full sum of me
-Is sum of nothing ; which , to term in gross ,
-Is an unlesson'd girl , unschool'd , unpractis'd ;
-Happy in this , she is not yet so old
-But she may learn ; happier than this ,
-She is not bred so dull but she can learn ;
-Happiest of all is that her gentle spirit
-Commits itself to yours to be directed ,
-As from her lord , her governor , her king .
-Myself and what is mine to you and yours
-Is now converted : but now I was the lord
-Of this fair mansion , master of my servants ,
-Queen o'er myself ; and even now , but now ,
-This house , these servants , and this same myself
-Are yours , my lord . I give them with this ring ;
-Which when you part from , lose , or give away ,
-Let it presage the ruin of your love ,
-And be my vantage to exclaim on you .
-
-Madam , you have bereft me of all words ,
-Only my blood speaks to you in my veins ;
-And there is such confusion in my powers ,
-As , after some oration fairly spoke
-By a beloved prince , there doth appear
-Among the buzzing pleased multitude ;
-Where every something , being blent together ,
-Turns to a wild of nothing , save of joy ,
-Express'd and not express'd . But when this ring
-Parts from this finger , then parts life from hence :
-O ! then be bold to say Bassanio's dead .
-
-My lord and lady , it is now our time ,
-That have stood by and seen our wishes prosper ,
-To cry , good joy . Good joy , my lord and lady !
-
-My Lord Bassanio and my gentle lady ,
-I wish you all the joy that you can wish ;
-For I am sure you can wish none from me :
-And when your honours mean to solemnize
-The bargain of your faith , I do beseech you ,
-Even at that time I may be married too .
-
-With all my heart , so thou canst get a wife .
-
-I thank your lordship , you have got me one .
-My eyes , my lord , can look as swift as yours :
-You saw the mistress , I beheld the maid ;
-You lov'd , I lov'd for intermission .
-No more pertains to me , my lord , than you .
-Your fortune stood upon the caskets there ,
-And so did mine too , as the matter falls ;
-For wooing here until I sweat again ,
-And swearing till my very roof was dry
-With oaths of love , at last , if promise last ,
-I got a promise of this fair one here
-To have her love , provided that your fortune
-Achiev'd her mistress .
-
-Is this true , Nerissa ?
-
-Madam , it is , so you stand pleas'd withal .
-
-And do you , Gratiano , mean good faith ?
-
-Yes , faith , my lord .
-
-Our feast shall be much honour'd in your marriage .
-
-We'll play with them the first boy for a thousand ducats .
-
-What ! and stake down ?
-
-No ; we shall ne'er win at that sport , and stake down .
-But who comes here ? Lorenzo and his infidel ?
-What ! and my old Venetian friend , Salanio ?
-
-
-Lorenzo , and Salanio , welcome hither ,
-If that the youth of my new interest here
-Have power to bid you welcome . By your leave ,
-I bid my very friends and countrymen ,
-Sweet Portia , welcome .
-
-So do I , my lord :
-They are entirely welcome .
-
-I thank your honour . For my part , my lord ,
-My purpose was not to have seen you here ;
-But meeting with Salanio by the way ,
-He did entreat me , past all saying nay ,
-To come with him along .
-
-I did , my lord ,
-And I have reason for it . Signior Antonio
-Commends him to you .
-
-
-Ere I ope his letter ,
-I pray you , tell me how my good friend doth .
-
-Not sick , my lord , unless it be in mind ;
-Nor well , unless in mind : his letter there
-Will show you his estate .
-
-Nerissa , cheer yon stranger ; bid her welcome .
-Your hand , Salanio . What's the news from Venice ?
-How doth that royal merchant , good Antonio ?
-I know he will be glad of our success ;
-We are the Jasons , we have won the fleece .
-
-I would you had won the fleece that he hath lost .
-
-There are some shrewd contents in yon same paper ,
-That steal the colour from Bassanio's cheek :
-Some dear friend dead , else nothing in the world
-Could turn so much the constitution
-Of any constant man . What , worse and worse !
-With leave , Bassanio ; I am half yourself ,
-And I must freely have the half of anything
-That this same paper brings you .
-
-O sweet Portia !
-Here are a few of the unpleasant'st words
-That ever blotted paper . Gentle lady ,
-When I did first impart my love to you ,
-I freely told you all the wealth I had
-Ran in my veins , I was a gentleman :
-And then I told you true ; and yet , dear lady ,
-Rating myself at nothing , you shall see
-How much I was a braggart . When I told you
-My state was nothing , I should then have told you
-That I was worse than nothing ; for , indeed ,
-I have engag'd myself to a dear friend ,
-Engag'd my friend to his mere enemy ,
-To feed my means . Here is a letter , lady ;
-The paper as the body of my friend ,
-And every word in it a gaping wound ,
-Issuing life-blood . But is it true , Salanio ?
-Hath all his ventures fail'd ? What , not one hit ?
-From Tripolis , from Mexico , and England ,
-From Lisbon , Barbary , and India ?
-And not one vessel 'scape the dreadful touch
-Of merchant-marring rocks ?
-
-Not one , my lord .
-Besides , it should appear , that if he had
-The present money to discharge the Jew ,
-He would not take it . Never did I know
-A creature , that did bear the shape of man ,
-So keen and greedy to confound a man .
-He plies the duke at morning and at night ,
-And doth impeach the freedom of the state ,
-If they deny him justice : twenty merchants ,
-The duke himself , and the magnificoes
-Of greatest port , have all persuaded with him ;
-But none can drive him from the envious plea
-Of forfeiture , of justice , and his bond .
-
-When I was with him , I have heard him swear
-To Tubal and to Chus , his countrymen ,
-That he would rather have Antonio's flesh
-Than twenty times the value of the sum
-That he did owe him ; and I know , my lord ,
-If law , authority , and power deny not ,
-It will go hard with poor Antonio .
-
-Is it your dear friend that is thus in trouble ?
-
-The dearest friend to me , the kindest man ,
-The best-condition'd and unwearied spirit
-In doing courtesies , and one in whom
-The ancient Roman honour more appears
-Than any that draws breath in Italy .
-
-What sum owes he the Jew ?
-
-For me , three thousand ducats .
-
-What , no more ?
-Pay him six thousand , and deface the bond ;
-Double six thousand , and then treble that ,
-Before a friend of this description
-Shall lose a hair thorough Bassanio's fault .
-First go with me to church and call me wife ,
-And then away to Venice to your friend ;
-For never shall you lie by Portia's side
-With an unquiet soul . You shall have gold
-To pay the petty debt twenty times over :
-When it is paid , bring your true friend along .
-My maid Nerissa and myself meantime ,
-Will live as maids and widows . Come , away !
-For you shall hence upon your wedding-day .
-Bid your friends welcome , show a merry cheer ;
-Since you are dear bought , I will love you dear .
-But let me hear the letter of your friend .
-
-Sweet Bassanio , my ships have all miscarried , my creditors grow cruel , my estate is very low , my bond to the Jew is forfeit ; and since , in paying it , it is impossible I should live , all debts are cleared between you and I , if I might but see you at my death . Notwithstanding , use your pleasure : if your love do not persuade you to come , let not my letter .
-
-O love , dispatch all business , and be gone !
-
-Since I have your good leave to go away ,
-I will make haste ; but , till I come again ,
-No bed shall e'er be guilty of my stay ,
-Nor rest be interposer 'twixt us twain .
-
-
-Gaoler , look to him : tell not me of mercy ;
-This is the fool that lent out money gratis :
-Gaoler , look to him .
-
-Hear me yet , good Shylock .
-
-I'll have my bond ; speak not against my bond :
-I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond .
-Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause ,
-But , since I am a dog , beware my fangs :
-The duke shall grant me justice . I do wonder ,
-Thou naughty gaoler , that thou art so fond
-To come abroad with him at his request .
-
-I pray thee , hear me speak .
-
-I'll have my bond ; I will not hear thee speak :
-I'll have my bond , and therefore speak no more .
-I'll not be made a soft and dull-eyed fool ,
-To shake the head , relent , and sigh , and yield
-To Christian intercessors . Follow not ;
-I'll have no speaking ; I will have my bond .
-
-
-It is the most impenetrable cur
-That ever kept with men .
-
-Let him alone :
-I'll follow him no more with bootless prayers .
-He seeks my life ; his reason well I know .
-I oft deliver'd from his forfeitures
-Many that have at times made moan to me ;
-Therefore he hates me .
-
-I am sure the duke
-Will never grant this forfeiture to hold .
-
-The duke cannot deny the course of law :
-For the commodity that strangers have
-With us in Venice , if it be denied ,
-'Twill much impeach the justice of the state ;
-Since that the trade and profit of the city
-Consisteth of all nations . Therefore , go :
-These griefs and losses have so bated me ,
-That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
-To-morrow to my bloody creditor .
-Well , gaoler , on . Pray God , Bassanio come
-To see me pay his debt , and then I care not !
-
-
-Madam , although I speak it in your presence ,
-You have a noble and a true conceit
-Of god-like amity ; which appears most strongly
-In bearing thus the absence of your lord .
-But if you knew to whom you show this honour ,
-How true a gentleman you send relief ,
-How dear a lover of my lord your husband ,
-I know you would be prouder of the work
-Than customary bounty can enforce you .
-
-I never did repent for doing good ,
-Nor shall not now : for in companions
-That do converse and waste the time together ,
-Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love ,
-There must be needs a like proportion
-Of lineaments , of manners , and of spirit ;
-Which makes me think that this Antonio ,
-Being the bosom lover of my lord ,
-Must needs be like my lord . If it be so ,
-How little is the cost I have bestow'd
-In purchasing the semblance of my soul
-From out the state of hellish cruelty !
-This comes too near the praising of myself ;
-Therefore , no more of it : hear other things .
-Lorenzo , I commit into your hands
-The husbandry and manage of my house
-Until my lord's return : for mine own part ,
-I have toward heaven breath'd a secret vow
-To live in prayer and contemplation ,
-Only attended by Nerissa here ,
-Until her husband and my lord's return .
-There is a monastery two miles off ,
-And there will we abide . I do desire you
-Not to deny this imposition ,
-The which my love and some necessity
-Now lays upon you .
-
-Madam , with all my heart :
-I shall obey you in all fair commands .
-
-My people do already know my mind ,
-And will acknowledge you and Jessica
-In place of Lord Bassanio and myself .
-So fare you well till we shall meet again .
-
-Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you !
-
-I wish your ladyship all heart's content .
-
-I thank you for your wish , and am well pleas'd
-To wish it back on you : fare you well , Jessica .
-
-Now , Balthazar ,
-As I have ever found thee honest-true ,
-So let me find thee still . Take this same letter ,
-And use thou all the endeavour of a man
-In speed to Padua : see thou render this
-Into my cousin's hand , Doctor Bellario ;
-And , look , what notes and garments he doth give thee ,
-Bring them , I pray thee , with imagin'd speed
-Unto the traject , to the common ferry
-Which trades to Venice . Waste no time in words ,
-But get thee gone : I shall be there before thee .
-
-Madam , I go with all convenient speed .
-
-
-Come on , Nerissa : I have work in hand
-That you yet know not of : we'll see our husbands
-Before they think of us .
-
-Shall they see us ?
-
-They shall , Nerissa ; but in such a habit
-That they shall think we are accomplished
-With that we lack . I'll hold thee any wager ,
-When we are both accoutred like young men ,
-I'll prove the prettier fellow of the two ,
-And wear my dagger with the braver grace ,
-And speak between the change of man and boy
-With a reed voice , and turn two mincing steps
-Into a manly stride , and speak of frays
-Like a fine bragging youth , and tell quaint lies ,
-How honourable ladies sought my love ,
-Which I denying , they fell sick and died :
-I could not do withal ; then I'll repent ,
-And wish , for all that , that I had not kill'd them :
-And twenty of these puny lies I'll tell ,
-That men shall swear I have discontinu'd school
-Above a twelvemonth . I have within my mind
-A thousand raw tricks of these bragging Jacks ,
-Which I will practise .
-
-Why , shall we turn to men ?
-
-Fie , what a question's that ,
-If thou wert near a lewd interpreter !
-But come : I'll tell thee all my whole device
-When I am in my coach , which stays for us
-At the park gate ; and therefore haste away ,
-For we must measure twenty miles to-day .
-
-
-Yes , truly ; for , look you , the sins of the father are to be laid upon the children ; therefore , I promise you , I fear you . I was always plain with you , and so now I speak my agitation of the matter : therefore be of good cheer ; for , truly , I think you are damned . There is but one hope in it that can do you any good , and that is but a kind of bastard hope neither .
-
-And what hope is that , I pray thee ?
-
-Marry , you may partly hope that your father got you not , that you are not the Jew's daughter .
-
-That were a kind of bastard hope , indeed : so the sins of my mother should be visited upon me .
-
-Truly then I fear you are damned both by father and mother : thus when I shun Scylla , your father , I fall into Charybdis , your mother : well , you are gone both ways .
-
-I shall be saved by my husband ; he hath made me a Christian .
-
-Truly the more to blame he : we were Christians enow before ; e'en as many as could well live one by another . This making of Christians will raise the price of hogs : if we grow all to be pork-eaters , we shall not shortly have a rasher on the coals for money .
-
-I'll tell my husband , Launcelot , what you say : here he comes .
-
-
-I shall grow jealous of you shortly , Launcelot , if you thus get my wife into corners .
-
-Nay , you need not fear us , Lorenzo : Launcelot and I are out . He tells me flatly , there is no mercy for me in heaven , because I am a Jew's daughter : and he says you are no good member of the commonwealth , for , in converting Jews to Christians , you raise the price of pork .
-
-I shall answer that better to the commonwealth than you can the getting up of the negro's belly : the Moor is with child by you , Launcelot .
-
-It is much that the Moor should be more than reason ; but if she be less than an honest woman , she is indeed more than I took her for .
-
-How every fool can play upon the word ! I think the best grace of wit will shortly turn into silence , and discourse grow commendable in none only but parrots . Go in , sirrah : bid them prepare for dinner .
-
-That is done , sir ; they have all stomachs .
-
-Goodly Lord , what a wit-snapper are you ! then bid them prepare dinner .
-
-That is done too , sir ; only , 'cover' is the word .
-
-Will you cover , then , sir ?
-
-Not so , sir , neither ; I know my duty .
-
-Yet more quarrelling with occasion ! Wilt thou show the whole wealth of thy wit in an instant ? I pray thee , understand a plain man in his plain meaning : go to thy fellows ; bid them cover the table , serve in the meat , and we will come in to dinner .
-
-For the table , sir , it shall be served in ; for the meat , sir , it shall be covered ; for your coming in to dinner , sir , why , let it be as humours and conceits shall govern .
-
-
-O dear discretion , how his words are suited !
-The fool hath planted in his memory
-An army of good words : and I do know
-A many fools , that stand in better place ,
-Garnish'd like him , that for a tricksy word
-Defy the matter . How cheer'st thou , Jessica ?
-And now , good sweet , say thy opinion ;
-How dost thou like the Lord Bassanio's wife ?
-
-Past all expressing . It is very meet ,
-The Lord Bassanio live an upright life ,
-For , having such a blessing in his lady ,
-He finds the joys of heaven here on earth ;
-And if on earth he do not mean it , then
-In reason he should never come to heaven .
-Why , if two gods should play some heavenly match ,
-And on the wager lay two earthly women ,
-And Portia one , there must be something else
-Pawn'd with the other , for the poor rude world
-Hath not her fellow .
-
-Even such a husband
-Hast thou of me as she is for a wife .
-
-Nay , but ask my opinion too of that .
-
-I will anon ; first , let us go to dinner .
-
-Nay , let me praise you while I have a stomach .
-
-No , pray thee , let it serve for table-talk ; Then howsoe'er thou speak'st , 'mong other things I shall digest it .
-
-Well , I'll set you forth .
-
-What , is Antonio here ?
-
-Ready , so please your Grace .
-
-I am sorry for thee : thou art come to answer
-A stony adversary , an inhuman wretch
-Uncapable of pity , void and empty
-From any dram of mercy .
-
-I have heard
-Your Grace hath ta'en great pains to qualify
-His rigorous course ; but since he stands obdurate ,
-And that no lawful means can carry me
-Out of his envy's reach , I do oppose
-My patience to his fury , and am arm'd
-To suffer with a quietness of spirit
-The very tyranny and rage of his .
-
-Go one , and call the Jew into the court .
-
-He's ready at the door : he comes , my lord .
-
-
-Make room , and let him stand before our face .
-Shylock , the world thinks , and I think so too ,
-That thou but lead'st this fashion of thy malice
-To the last hour of act ; and then 'tis thought
-Thou'lt show thy mercy and remorse more strange
-Than is thy strange-apparent cruelty ;
-And where thou now exact'st the penalty ,
-Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh ,
-Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture ,
-But , touch'd with human gentleness and love ,
-Forgive a moiety of the principal ;
-Glancing an eye of pity on his losses ,
-That have of late so huddled on his back ,
-Enow to press a royal merchant down ,
-And pluck commiseration of his state
-From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint ,
-From stubborn Turks and Tartars , never train'd
-To offices of tender courtesy .
-We all expect a gentle answer , Jew .
-
-I have possess'd your Grace of what I purpose ;
-And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn
-To have the due and forfeit of my bond :
-If you deny it , let the danger light
-Upon your charter and your city's freedom .
-You'll ask me , why I rather choose to have
-A weight of carrion flesh than to receive
-Three thousand ducats : I'll not answer that :
-But say it is my humour : is it answer'd ?
-What if my house be troubled with a rat ,
-And I be pleas'd to give ten thousand ducats
-To have it ban'd ? What , are you answer'd yet ?
-Some men there are love not a gaping pig ;
-Some , that are mad if they behold a cat ;
-And others , when the bagpipe sings i' the nose ,
-Cannot contain their urine : for affection ,
-Mistress of passion , sways it to the mood
-Of what it likes , or loathes . Now , for your answer :
-As there is no firm reason to be render'd ,
-Why he cannot abide a gaping pig ;
-Why he , a harmless necessary cat ;
-Why he , a wauling bagpipe ; but of force
-Must yield to such inevitable shame
-As to offend , himself being offended ;
-So can I give no reason , nor I will not ,
-More than a lodg'd hate and a certain loathing
-I bear Antonio , that I follow thus
-A losing suit against him . Are you answer'd ?
-
-This is no answer , thou unfeeling man ,
-To excuse the current of thy cruelty .
-
-I am not bound to please thee with my answer .
-
-Do all men kill the things they do not love ?
-
-Hates any man the thing he would not kill ?
-
-Every offence is not a hate at first .
-
-What ! wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice ?
-
-I pray you , think you question with the Jew :
-You may as well go stand upon the beach ,
-And bid the main flood bate his usual height ;
-You may as well use question with the wolf ,
-Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb ;
-You may as well forbid the mountain pines
-To wag their high tops , and to make no noise
-When they are fretted with the gusts of heaven ;
-You may as well do anything most hard ,
-As seek to soften that than which what's harder ?
-His Jewish heart : therefore , I do beseech you ,
-Make no more offers , use no further means ;
-But with all brief and plain conveniency ,
-Let me have judgment , and the Jew his will .
-
-For thy three thousand ducats here is six .
-
-If every ducat in six thousand ducats
-Were in six parts and every part a ducat ,
-I would not draw them ; I would have my bond .
-
-How shalt thou hope for mercy , rendering none ?
-
-What judgment shall I dread , doing no wrong ?
-You have among you many a purchas'd slave ,
-Which , like your asses and your dogs and mules ,
-You use in abject and in slavish parts ,
-Because you bought them : shall I say to you ,
-Let them be free , marry them to your heirs ?
-Why sweat they under burdens ? let their beds
-Be made as soft as yours , and let their palates
-Be season'd with such viands ? You will answer :
-'The slaves are ours :' so do I answer you :
-The pound of flesh which I demand of him ,
-Is dearly bought ; 'tis mine and I will have it .
-If you deny me , fie upon your law !
-There is no force in the decrees of Venice .
-I stand for judgment : answer ; shall I have it ?
-
-Upon my power I may dismiss this court ,
-Unless Bellario , a learned doctor ,
-Whom I have sent for to determine this ,
-Come here to-day .
-
-My lord , here stays without
-A messenger with letters from the doctor ,
-New come from Padua .
-
-Bring us the letters : call the messenger .
-
-Good cheer , Antonio ! What , man , courage yet !
-The Jew shall have my flesh , blood , bones , and all ,
-Ere thou shalt lose for me one drop of blood .
-
-I am a tainted wether of the flock ,
-Meetest for death : the weakest kind of fruit
-Drops earliest to the ground ; and so let me :
-You cannot better be employ'd , Bassanio ,
-Than to live still , and write mine epitaph .
-
-
-Came you from Padua , from Bellario ?
-
-From both , my lord . Bellario greets your Grace .
-
-
-Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly ?
-
-To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there .
-
-Not on thy sole , but on thy soul , harsh Jew ,
-Thou mak'st thy knife keen ; but no metal can ,
-No , not the hangman's axe , bear half the keenness
-Of thy sharp envy . Can no prayers pierce thee ?
-
-No , none that thou hast wit enough to make .
-
-O , be thou damn'd , inexecrable dog !
-And for thy life let justice be accus'd .
-Thou almost mak'st me waver in my faith
-To hold opinion with Pythagoras ,
-That souls of animals infuse themselves
-Into the trunks of men : thy currish spirit
-Govern'd a wolf , who , hang'd for human slaughter ,
-Even from the gallows did his fell soul fleet ,
-And whilst thou lay'st in thy unhallow'd dam ,
-Infus'd itself in thee ; for thy desires
-Are wolfish , bloody , starv'd , and ravenous .
-
-Till thou canst rail the seal from off my bond ,
-Thou but offend'st thy lungs to speak so loud :
-Repair thy wit , good youth , or it will fall
-To cureless ruin . I stand here for law .
-
-This letter from Bellario doth commend
-A young and learned doctor to our court .
-Where is he ?
-
-He attendeth here hard by ,
-To know your answer , whether you'll admit him .
-
-With all my heart : some three or four of you
-Go give him courteous conduct to this place .
-Meantime , the court shall hear Bellario's letter .
-
-Your Grace shall understand that at the receipt of your letter I am very sick ; but in the instant that your messenger came , in loving visitation was with me a young doctor of Rome ; his name is Balthazar . I acquainted him with the cause in controversy between the Jew and Antonio the merchant : we turned o'er many books together : he is furnished with my opinion ; which , bettered with his own learning ,the greatness whereof I cannot enough commend ,comes with him , at my importunity , to fill up your Grace's request in my stead I beseech you , let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation , for I never knew so young a body with so old a head . I leave him to your gracious acceptance , whose trial shall better publish his commendation .
-
-You hear the learn'd Bellario , what he writes :
-And here , I take it , is the doctor come .
-
-Give me your hand . Came you from old Bellario ?
-
-I did , my lord .
-
-You are welcome : take your place .
-Are you acquainted with the difference
-That holds this present question in the court ?
-
-I am informed throughly of the cause .
-Which is the merchant here , and which the Jew ?
-
-Antonio and old Shylock , both stand forth .
-
-Is your name Shylock ?
-
-Shylock is my name .
-
-Of a strange nature is the suit you follow ;
-Yet in such rule that the Venetian law
-Cannot impugn you as you do proceed .
-
-
-You stand within his danger , do you not ?
-
-Ay , so he says .
-
-Do you confess the bond ?
-
-I do .
-
-Then must the Jew be merciful .
-
-On what compulsion must I ? tell me that .
-
-The quality of mercy is not strain'd ,
-It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
-Upon the place beneath : it is twice bless'd ;
-It blesseth him that gives and him that takes :
-'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes
-The throned monarch better than his crown ;
-His sceptre shows the force of temporal power ,
-The attribute to awe and majesty ,
-Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings ;
-But mercy is above this sceptred sway ,
-It is enthroned in the hearts of kings ,
-It is an attribute to God himself ,
-And earthly power doth then show likest God's
-When mercy seasons justice . Therefore , Jew ,
-Though justice be thy plea , consider this ,
-That in the course of justice none of us
-Should see salvation : we do pray for mercy ,
-And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
-The deeds of mercy . I have spoke thus much
-To mitigate the justice of thy plea ,
-Which if thou follow , this strict court of Venice
-Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there .
-
-My deeds upon my head ! I crave the law ,
-The penalty and forfeit of my bond .
-
-Is he not able to discharge the money ?
-
-Yes , here I tender it for him in the court ;
-Yea , twice the sum : if that will not suffice ,
-I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er ,
-On forfeit of my hands , my head , my heart .
-If this will not suffice , it must appear
-That malice bears down truth . And , I beseech you ,
-Wrest once the law to your authority :
-To do a great right , do a little wrong ,
-And curb this cruel devil of his will .
-
-It must not be . There is no power in Venice
-Can alter a decree established :
-'Twill be recorded for a precedent ,
-And many an error by the same example
-Will rush into the state . It cannot be .
-
-A Daniel come to judgment ! yea , a Daniel !
-O wise young judge , how I do honour thee !
-
-I pray you , let me look upon the bond .
-
-Here 'tis , most reverend doctor ; here it is .
-
-Shylock , there's thrice thy money offer'd thee .
-
-An oath , an oath , I have an oath in heaven :
-Shall I lay perjury upon my soul ?
-No , not for Venice .
-
-Why , this bond is forfeit ;
-And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
-A pound of flesh , to be by him cut off
-Nearest the merchant's heart . Be merciful :
-Take thrice thy money ; bid me tear the bond .
-
-When it is paid according to the tenour .
-It doth appear you are a worthy judge ;
-You know the law , your exposition
-Hath been most sound : I charge you by the law ,
-Whereof you are a well-deserving pillar ,
-Proceed to judgment : by my soul I swear
-There is no power in the tongue of man
-To alter me . I stay here on my bond .
-
-Most heartily I do beseech the court
-To give the judgment .
-
-Why then , thus it is :
-You must prepare your bosom for his knife .
-
-O noble judge ! O excellent young man !
-
-For , the intent and purpose of the law
-Hath full relation to the penalty ,
-Which here appeareth due upon the bond .
-
-'Tis very true ! O wise and upright judge !
-How much more elder art thou than thy looks !
-
-Therefore lay bare your bosom .
-
-Ay , 'his breast :'
-So says the bond :doth it not , noble judge ?
-'Nearest his heart :' those are the very words .
-
-It is so . Are there balance here to weigh
-The flesh ?
-
-I have them ready .
-
-Have by some surgeon , Shylock , on your charge ,
-To stop his wounds , lest he do bleed to death .
-
-Is it so nominated in the bond ?
-
-It is not so express'd ; but what of that ?
-'Twere good you do so much for charity .
-
-I cannot find it : 'tis not in the bond .
-
-You , merchant , have you anything to say ?
-
-But little : I am arm'd and well prepar'd .
-Give me your hand , Bassanio : fare you well !
-Grieve not that I am fallen to this for you ;
-For herein Fortune shows herself more kind
-Than is her custom : it is still her use
-To let the wretched man outlive his wealth ,
-To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
-An age of poverty ; from which lingering penance
-Of such a misery doth she cut me off .
-Commend me to your honourable wife :
-Tell her the process of Antonio's end ;
-Say how I lov'd you , speak me fair in death ;
-And , when the tale is told , bid her be judge
-Whether Bassanio had not once a love .
-Repent not you that you shall lose your friend ,
-And he repents not that he pays your debt ;
-For if the Jew do cut but deep enough ,
-I'll pay it instantly with all my heart .
-
-Antonio , I am married to a wife
-Which is as dear to me as life itself ;
-But life itself , my wife , and all the world ,
-Are not with me esteem'd above thy life :
-I would lose all , ay , sacrifice them all ,
-Here to this devil , to deliver you .
-
-Your wife would give you little thanks for that ,
-If she were by to hear you make the offer .
-
-I have a wife , whom , I protest , I love :
-I would she were in heaven , so she could
-Entreat some power to change this currish Jew .
-
-'Tis well you offer it behind her back ;
-The wish would make else an unquiet house .
-
-These be the Christian husbands ! I have a daughter ;
-Would any of the stock of Barabbas
-Had been her husband rather than a Christian !
-We trifle time ; I pray thee , pursue sentence .
-
-A pound of that same merchant's flesh is thine :
-The court awards it , and the law doth give it .
-
-Most rightful judge !
-
-And you must cut this flesh from off his breast :
-The law allows it , and the court awards it .
-
-Most learned judge ! A sentence ! come , prepare !
-
-Tarry a little : there is something else .
-This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood ;
-The words expressly are 'a pound of flesh :'
-Then take thy bond , take thou thy pound of flesh ;
-But , in the cutting it , if thou dost shed
-One drop of Christian blood , thy lands and goods
-Are , by the laws of Venice , confiscate
-Unto the state of Venice .
-
-O upright judge ! Mark , Jew : O learned judge !
-
-Is that the law ?
-
-Thyself shalt see the act ;
-For , as thou urgest justice , be assur'd
-Thou shalt have justice , more than thou desir'st .
-
-O learned judge ! Mark , Jew : a learned judge !
-
-I take this offer then : pay the bond thrice ,
-And let the Christian go .
-
-Here is the money .
-
-Soft !
-The Jew shall have all justice ; soft ! no haste :
-He shall have nothing but the penalty .
-
-O Jew ! an upright judge , a learned judge !
-
-Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh .
-Shed thou no blood ; nor cut thou less , nor more ,
-But just a pound of flesh : if thou tak'st more ,
-Or less , than a just pound , be it but so much
-As makes it light or heavy in the substance ,
-Or the division of the twentieth part
-Of one poor scruple , nay , if the scale do turn
-But in the estimation of a hair ,
-Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate .
-
-A second Daniel , a Daniel , Jew !
-Now , infidel , I have thee on the hip .
-
-Why doth the Jew pause ? take thy forfeiture .
-
-Give me my principal , and let me go .
-
-I have it ready for thee ; here it is .
-
-He hath refus'd it in the open court :
-He shall have merely justice , and his bond .
-
-A Daniel , still say I ; a second Daniel !
-I thank thee , Jew , for teaching me that word .
-
-Shall I not have barely my principal ?
-
-Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture ,
-To be so taken at thy peril , Jew .
-
-Why , then the devil give him good of it !
-I'll stay no longer question .
-
-Tarry , Jew :
-The law hath yet another hold on you .
-It is enacted in the laws of Venice ,
-If it be prov'd against an alien
-That by direct or indirect attempts
-He seek the life of any citizen ,
-The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive
-Shall seize one half his goods ; the other half
-Comes to the privy coffer of the state ;
-And the offender's life lies in the mercy
-Of the duke only , 'gainst all other voice .
-In which predicament , I say , thou stand'st ;
-For it appears by manifest proceeding ,
-That indirectly and directly too
-Thou hast contriv'd against the very life
-Of the defendant ; and thou hast incurr'd
-The danger formerly by me rehears'd .
-Down therefore and beg mercy of the duke .
-
-Beg that thou mayst have leave to hang thyself :
-And yet , thy wealth being forfeit to the state ,
-Thou hast not left the value of a cord ;
-Therefore thou must be hang'd at the state's charge .
-
-That thou shalt see the difference of our spirits ,
-I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it .
-For half thy wealth , it is Antonio's ;
-The other half comes to the general state ,
-Which humbleness may drive into a fine .
-
-Ay , for the state ; not for Antonio .
-
-Nay , take my life and all ; pardon not that :
-You take my house when you do take the prop
-That doth sustain my house ; you take my life
-When you do take the means whereby I live .
-
-What mercy can you render him , Antonio ?
-
-A halter gratis ; nothing else , for God's sake !
-
-So please my lord the duke , and all the court ,
-To quit the fine for one half of his goods ,
-I am content ; so he will let me have
-The other half in use , to render it ,
-Upon his death , unto the gentleman
-That lately stole his daughter :
-Two things provided more , that , for this favour ,
-He presently become a Christian ;
-The other , that he do record a gift ,
-Here in the court , of all he dies possess'd ,
-Unto his son Lorenzo , and his daughter .
-
-He shall do this , or else I do recant
-The pardon that I late pronounced here .
-
-Art thou contented , Jew ? what dost thou say ?
-
-I am content .
-
-Clerk , draw a deed of gift .
-
-I pray you give me leave to go from hence :
-I am not well . Send the deed after me ,
-And I will sign it .
-
-Get thee gone , but do it .
-
-In christening thou shalt have two godfathers ;
-Had I been judge , thou shouldst have had ten more ,
-To bring thee to the gallows , not the font .
-
-
-Sir , I entreat you home with me to dinner .
-
-I humbly do desire your Grace of pardon :
-I must away this night toward Padua ,
-And it is meet I presently set forth .
-
-I am sorry that your leisure serves you not .
-Antonio , gratify this gentleman ,
-For , in my mind , you are much bound to him .
-
-
-Most worthy gentleman , I and my friend
-Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
-Of grievous penalties ; in lieu whereof ,
-Three thousand ducats , due unto the Jew ,
-We freely cope your courteous pains withal .
-
-And stand indebted , over and above ,
-In love and service to you evermore .
-
-He is well paid that is well satisfied ;
-And I , delivering you , am satisfied ,
-And therein do account myself well paid :
-My mind was never yet more mercenary .
-I pray you , know me when we meet again :
-I wish you well , and so I take my leave .
-
-Dear sir , of force I must attempt you further :
-Take some remembrance of us , as a tribute ,
-Not as a fee . Grant me two things , I pray you ,
-Not to deny me , and to pardon me .
-
-You press me far , and therefore I will yield .
-
-
-Give me your gloves , I'll wear them for your sake ;
-
-
-And , for your love , I'll take this ring from you .
-Do not draw back your hand ; I'll take no more ;
-And you in love shall not deny me this .
-
-This ring , good sir ? alas ! it is a trifle ;
-I will not shame myself to give you this .
-
-I will have nothing else but only this ;
-And now methinks I have a mind to it .
-
-There's more depends on this than on the value .
-The dearest ring in Venice will I give you ,
-And find it out by proclamation :
-Only for this , I pray you , pardon me .
-
-I see , sir , you are liberal in offers :
-You taught me first to beg , and now methinks
-You teach me how a beggar should be answer'd .
-
-Good sir , this ring was given me by my wife ;
-And , when she put it on , she made me vow
-That I should never sell nor give nor lose it .
-
-That 'scuse serves many men to save their gifts .
-An if your wife be not a mad-woman ,
-And know how well I have deserv'd the ring ,
-She would not hold out enemy for ever ,
-For giving it to me . Well , peace be with you .
-
-
-My Lord Bassanio , let him have the ring :
-Let his deservings and my love withal
-Be valu'd 'gainst your wife's commandment .
-
-Go , Gratiano ; run and overtake him ;
-Give him the ring , and bring him , if thou canst ,
-Unto Antonio's house . Away ! make haste .
-
-Come , you and I will thither presently ,
-And in the morning early will we both
-Fly toward Belmont . Come , Antonio .
-
-
-Inquire the Jew's house out , give him this deed ,
-And let him sign it . We'll away to-night ,
-And be a day before our husbands home :
-This deed will be well welcome to Lorenzo .
-
-
-Fair sir , you are well o'erta'en .
-My Lord Bassanio upon more advice
-Hath sent you here this ring , and doth entreat
-Your company at dinner .
-
-That cannot be :
-His ring I do accept most thankfully ;
-And so , I pray you , tell him : furthermore ,
-I pray you , show my youth old Shylock's house .
-
-That will I do .
-
-Sir , I would speak with you .
-
-
-I'll see if I can get my husband's ring ,
-Which I did make him swear to keep for ever .
-
-Thou mayst , I warrant . We shall have old swearing
-That they did give the rings away to men ;
-But we'll outface them , and outswear them too .
-Away ! make haste : thou know'st where I will tarry .
-
-Come , good sir , will you show me to this house ?
-
-The moon shines bright : in such a night as this ,
-When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees
-And they did make no noise , in such a night
-Troilus methinks mounted the Troyan walls ,
-And sigh'd his soul toward the Grecian tents ,
-Where Cressid lay that night .
-
-In such a night
-Did Thisbe fearfully o'ertrip the dew ,
-And saw the lion's shadow ere himself ,
-And ran dismay'd away .
-
-In such a night
-Stood Dido with a willow in her hand
-Upon the wild sea-banks , and waft her love
-To come again to Carthage .
-
-In such a night
-Medea gather'd the enchanted herbs
-That did renew old son .
-
-In such a night
-Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew ,
-And with an unthrift love did run from Venice ,
-As far as Belmont .
-
-In such a night
-Did young Lorenzo swear he lov'd her well ,
-Stealing her soul with many vows of faith ,
-And ne'er a true one .
-
-In such a night
-Did pretty Jessica , like a little shrew ,
-Slander her love , and he forgave it her .
-
-I would out-night you , did no body come ;
-But , hark ! I hear the footing of a man .
-
-
-Who comes so fast in silence of the night ?
-
-A friend .
-
-A friend ! what friend ? your name , I pray you , friend .
-
-Stephano is my name ; and I bring word
-My mistress will before the break of day
-Be here at Belmont : she doth stray about
-By holy crosses , where she kneels and prays
-For happy wedlock hours .
-
-Who comes with her ?
-
-None , but a holy hermit and her maid .
-I pray you , is my master yet return'd ?
-
-He is not , nor we have not heard from him .
-But go we in , I pray thee , Jessica ,
-And ceremoniously let us prepare
-Some welcome for the mistress of the house .
-
-
-Sola , sola ! wo ha , ho ! sola , sola !
-
-Who calls ?
-
-Sola ! did you see Master Lorenzo ?
-Master Lorenzo ! sola , sola !
-
-Leave hollaing , man ; here .
-
-Sola ! where ? where ?
-
-Here .
-
-Tell him there's a post come from my master , with his horn full of good news : my master will be here ere morning .
-
-
-Sweet soul , let's in , and there expect their coming .
-And yet no matter ; why should we go in ?
-My friend Stephano , signify , I pray you ,
-Within the house , your mistress is at hand ;
-And bring your music forth into the air .
-
-How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank !
-Here will we sit , and let the sounds of music
-Creep in our ears : soft stillness and the night
-Become the touches of sweet harmony .
-Sit , Jessica : look , how the floor of heaven
-Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold :
-There's not the smallest orb which thou behold'st
-But in his motion like an angel sings ,
-Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins ;
-Such harmony is in immortal souls ;
-But , whilst this muddy vesture of decay
-Doth grossly close it in , we cannot hear it .
-
-Come , ho ! and wake Diana with a hymn :
-With sweetest touches pierce your mistress' ear ,
-And draw her home with music .
-
-
-I am never merry when I hear sweet music .
-
-The reason is , your spirits are attentive :
-For do but note a wild and wanton herd ,
-Or race of youthful and unhandled colts ,
-Fetching mad bounds , bellowing and neighing loud ,
-Which is the hot condition of their blood ;
-If they but hear perchance a trumpet sound ,
-Or any air of music touch their ears ,
-You shall perceive them make a mutual stand ,
-Their savage eyes turn'd to a modest gaze
-By the sweet power of music : therefore the poet
-Did feign that Orpheus drew trees , stones , and floods ;
-Since nought so stockish , hard , and full of rage ,
-But music for the time doth change his nature .
-The man that hath no music in himself ,
-Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds ,
-Is fit for treasons , stratagems , and spoils ;
-The motions of his spirit are dull as night ,
-And his affections dark as Erebus :
-Let no such man be trusted . Mark the music .
-
-
-That light we see is burning in my hall .
-How far that little candle throws his beams !
-So shines a good deed in a naughty world .
-
-When the moon shone , we did not see the candle .
-
-So doth the greater glory dim the less :
-A substitute shines brightly as a king
-Until a king be by , and then his state
-Empties itself , as doth an inland brook
-Into the main of waters . Music ! hark !
-
-It is your music , madam , of the house .
-
-Nothing is good , I see , without respect :
-Methinks it sounds much sweeter than by day .
-
-Silence bestows that virtue on it , madam .
-
-The crow doth sing as sweetly as the lark
-When neither is attended , and I think
-The nightingale , if she should sing by day ,
-When every goose is cackling , would be thought
-No better a musician than the wren .
-How many things by season season'd are
-To their right praise and true perfection !
-Peace , ho ! the moon sleeps with Endymion ,
-And would not be awak'd !
-
-
-That is the voice ,
-Or I am much deceiv'd , of Portia .
-
-He knows me , as the blind man knows the cuckoo ,
-By the bad voice .
-
-Dear lady , welcome home .
-
-We have been praying for our husbands' welfare ,
-Which speed , we hope , the better for our words .
-Are they return'd ?
-
-Madam , they are not yet ;
-But there is come a messenger before ,
-To signify their coming .
-
-Go in , Nerissa :
-Give order to my servants that they take
-No note at all of our being absent hence ;
-Nor you , Lorenzo ; Jessica , nor you .
-
-
-Your husband is at hand ; I hear his trumpet :
-We are no tell-tales , madam ; fear you not .
-
-This night methinks is but the daylight sick ;
-It looks a little paler : 'tis a day ,
-Such as the day is when the sun is hid .
-
-
-We should hold day with the Antipodes ,
-If you would walk in absence of the sun .
-
-Let me give light , but let me not be light ;
-For a light wife doth make a heavy husband ,
-And never be Bassanio so for me :
-But God sort all ! You are welcome home , my lord .
-
-I thank you , madam . Give welcome to my friend :
-This is the man , this is Antonio ,
-To whom I am so infinitely bound .
-
-You should in all sense be much bound to him ,
-For , as I hear , he was much bound for you .
-
-No more than I am well acquitted of .
-
-Sir , you are very welcome to our house :
-It must appear in other ways than words ,
-Therefore I scant this breathing courtesy .
-
-By yonder moon I swear you do me wrong ;
-In faith , I gave it to the judge's clerk :
-Would he were gelt that had it , for my part ,
-Since you do take it , love , so much at heart .
-
-A quarrel , ho , already ! what's the matter ?
-
-About a hoop of gold , a paltry ring
-That she did give me , whose poesy was
-For all the world like cutlers' poetry
-Upon a knife , 'Love me , and leave me not .'
-
-What talk you of the posy , or the value ?
-You swore to me , when I did give it you ,
-That you would wear it till your hour of death ,
-And that it should lie with you in your grave :
-Though not for me , yet for your vehement oaths ,
-You should have been respective and have kept it .
-Gave it a judge's clerk ! no , God's my judge ,
-The clerk will ne'er wear hair on's face that had it .
-
-He will , an if he live to be a man .
-
-Ay , if a woman live to be a man .
-
-Now , by this hand , I gave it to a youth ,
-A kind of boy , a little scrubbed boy ,
-No higher than thyself , the judge's clerk .
-A prating boy , that begg'd it as a fee :
-I could not for my heart deny it him .
-
-You were to blame ,I must be plain with you ,
-To part so slightly with your wife's first gift ;
-A thing stuck on with oaths upon your finger ,
-And riveted so with faith unto your flesh .
-I gave my love a ring and made him swear
-Never to part with it ; and here he stands ,
-I dare be sworn for him he would not leave it
-Nor pluck it from his finger for the wealth
-That the world masters . Now , in faith , Gratiano ,
-You give your wife too unkind a cause of grief :
-An 'twere to me , I should be mad at it .
-
-Why , I were best to cut my left hand off ,
-And swear I lost the ring defending it .
-
-My Lord Bassanio gave his ring away
-Unto the judge that begg'd it , and indeed
-Deserv'd it too ; and then the boy , his clerk ,
-That took some pains in writing , he begg'd mine ;
-And neither man nor master would take aught
-But the two rings .
-
-What ring gave you , my lord ?
-Not that , I hope , that you receiv'd of me .
-
-If I could add a lie unto a fault ,
-I would deny it ; but you see my finger
-Hath not the ring upon it ; it is gone .
-
-Even so void is your false heart of truth .
-By heaven , I will ne'er come in your bed
-Until I see the ring .
-
-Nor I in yours ,
-Till I again see mine .
-
-Sweet Portia ,
-If you did know to whom I gave the ring ,
-If you did know for whom I gave the ring ,
-And would conceive for what I gave the ring ,
-And how unwillingly I left the ring ,
-When naught would be accepted but the ring ,
-You would abate the strength of your displeasure .
-
-If you had known the virtue of the ring ,
-Or half her worthiness that gave the ring ,
-Or your own honour to contain the ring ,
-You would not then have parted with the ring .
-What man is there so much unreasonable ,
-If you had pleas'd to have defended it
-With any terms of zeal , wanted the modesty
-To urge the thing held as a ceremony ?
-Nerissa teaches me what to believe :
-I'll die for't but some woman had the ring .
-
-No , by my honour , madam , by my soul ,
-No woman had it ; but a civil doctor ,
-Which did refuse three thousand ducats of me ,
-And begg'd the ring , the which I did deny him ,
-And suffer'd him to go displeas'd away ;
-Even he that did uphold the very life
-Of my dear friend . What should I say , sweet lady ?
-I was enforc'd to send it after him ;
-I was beset with shame and courtesy ;
-My honour would not let ingratitude
-So much besmear it . Pardon me , good lady ,
-For , by these blessed candles of the night ,
-Had you been there , I think you would have begg'd
-The ring of me to give the worthy doctor .
-
-Let not that doctor e'er come near my house .
-Since he hath got the jewel that I lov'd ,
-And that which you did swear to keep for me ,
-I will become as liberal as you ;
-I'll not deny him anything I have ;
-No , not my body , nor my husband's bed .
-Know him I shall , I am well sure of it :
-Lie not a night from home ; watch me like Argus :
-If you do not , if I be left alone ,
-Now by mine honour , which is yet mine own ,
-I'll have that doctor for my bedfellow .
-
-And I his clerk ; therefore be well advis'd
-How you do leave me to mine own protection .
-
-Well , do you so : let me not take him , then ;
-For if I do , I'll mar the young clerk's pen .
-
-I am the unhappy subject of these quarrels .
-
-Sir , grieve not you ; you are welcome notwithstanding .
-
-Portia , forgive me this enforced wrong ;
-And in the hearing of these many friends ,
-I swear to thee , even by thine own fair eyes ,
-Wherein I see myself ,
-
-Mark you but that !
-In both my eyes he doubly sees himself ;
-In each eye , one : swear by your double self ,
-And there's an oath of credit .
-
-Nay , but hear me :
-Pardon this fault , and by my soul I swear
-I never more will break an oath with thee .
-
-I once did lend my body for his wealth ,
-Which , but for him that had your husband's ring ,
-Had quite miscarried : I dare be bound again ,
-My soul upon the forfeit , that your lord
-Will never more break faith advisedly .
-
-Then you shall be his surety . Give him this ,
-And bid him keep it better than the other .
-
-Here , Lord Bassanio ; swear to keep this ring .
-
-By heaven ! it is the same I gave the doctor !
-
-I had it of him : pardon me , Bassanio ,
-For , by this ring , the doctor lay with me .
-
-And pardon me , my gentle Gratiano ;
-For that same scrubbed boy , the doctor's clerk ,
-In lieu of this last night did lie with me .
-
-Why , this is like the mending of highways
-In summer , where the ways are fair enough .
-What ! are we cuckolds ere we have deserv'd it ?
-
-Speak not so grossly . You are all amaz'd :
-Here is a letter ; read it at your leisure ;
-It comes from Padus , from Bellario :
-There you shall find that Portia was the doctor ,
-Nerissa , there , her clerk : Lorenzo here
-Shall witness I set forth as soon as you
-And even but now return'd ; I have not yet
-Enter'd my house . Antonio , you are welcome ;
-And I have better news in store for you
-Than you expect : unseal this letter soon ;
-There you shall find three of your argosies
-Are richly come to harbour suddenly .
-You shall not know by what strange accident
-I chanced on this letter .
-
-I am dumb .
-
-Were you the doctor and I knew you not ?
-
-Were you the clerk that is to make me cuckold ?
-
-Ay ; but the clerk that never means to do it ,
-Unless he live until he be a man .
-
-Sweet doctor , you shall be my bedfellow :
-When I am absent , then , lie with my wife .
-
-Sweet lady , you have given me life and living ;
-For here I read for certain that my ships
-Are safely come to road .
-
-How now , Lorenzo !
-My clerk hath some good comforts too for you .
-
-Ay , and I'll give them him without a fee .
-There do I give to you and Jessica ,
-From the rich Jew , a special deed of gift ,
-After his death , of all he dies possess'd of .
-
-Fair ladies , you drop manna in the way
-Of starved people .
-
-It is almost morning ,
-And yet I am sure you are not satisfied
-Of these events at full . Let us go in ;
-And charge us there upon inter'gatories ,
-And we will answer all things faithfully .
-
-Let it be so : the first inter'gatory
-That my Nerissa shall be sworn on is ,
-Whe'r till the next night she had rather stay ,
-Or go to bed now , being two hours to day :
-But were the day come , I should wish it dark ,
-That I were couching with the doctor's clerk .
-Well , while I live I'll fear no other thing
-So sore as keeping safe Nerissa's ring .
-
-THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
-
-Sir Hugh , persuade me not ; I will make a Star-chamber matter of it ; if he were twenty Sir John Falstaffs he shall not abuse Robert Shallow , esquire .
-
-In the county of Gloster , justice of peace , and coram .
-
-Ay , cousin Slender , and cust-alorum .
-
-Ay , and rato-lorum too ; and a gentleman born , Master Parson ; who writes himself armigero , in any bill , warrant , quittance , or obligation ,armigero .
-
-Ay , that I do ; and have done any time these three hundred years .
-
-All his successors gone before him hath done't ; and all his ancestors that come after him may : they may give the dozen white luces in their coat .
-
-It is an old coat .
-
-The dozen white louses do become an old coat well ; it agrees well , passant ; it is a familiar beast to man , and signifies love .
-
-The luce is the fresh fish ; the salt fish is an old coat .
-
-I may quarter , coz ?
-
-You may , by marrying .
-
-It is marring indeed , if he quarter it .
-
-Not a whit .
-
-Yes , py'r lady ; if he has a quarter of your coat , there is but three skirts for yourself , in my simple conjectures : but that is all one . If Sir John Falstaff have committed disparagements unto you , I am of the Church , and will be glad to do my benevolence to make atonements and compremises between you .
-
-The Council shall hear it ; it is a riot .
-
-It is not meet the Council hear a riot ; there is no fear of Got in a riot . The Council , look you , shall desire to hear the fear of Got , and not to hear a riot ; take your vizaments in that .
-
-Ha ! o' my life , if I were young again , the sword should end it .
-
-It is petter that friends is the sword , and end it ; and there is also another device in my prain , which , peradventure , prings goot discretions with it . There is Anne Page , which is daughter to Master Thomas Page , which is pretty virginity .
-
-Mistress Anne Page ? She has brown hair , and speaks small like a woman .
-
-It is that fery person for all the orld , as just as you will desire ; and seven hundred pounds of moneys , and gold and silver , is her grandsire , upon his death's-bed ,Got deliver to a joyful resurrections !give , when she is able to overtake seventeen years old . It were a goot motion if we leave our pribbles and prabbles , and desire a marriage between Master Abraham and Mistress Anne Page .
-
-Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred pound ?
-
-Ay , and her father is make her a petter penny .
-
-I know the young gentlewoman ; she has good gifts .
-
-Seven hundred pounds and possibilities is goot gifts .
-
-Well , let us see honest Master Page . Is Falstaff there ?
-
-Shall I tell you a lie ? I do despise a har as I do despise one that is false ; or as I despise one that is not true . The knight , Sir John , is there ; and , I beseech you , be ruled by your well-willers . I will peat the door for Master Page .
-
-What , hoa ! Got pless your house here !
-
-Who's there ?
-
-Here is Got's plessing , and your friend . and Justice Shallow ; and here young Master Slender , that peradventures shall tell you another tale , if matters grow to your likings .
-
-
-I am glad to see your worships well . I thank you for my venison , Master Shallow .
-
-Master Page , I am glad to see you : much good do it your good heart ! I wished your venison better ; it was ill killed . How doth good Mistress Page ?and I thank you always with my heart , la ! with my heart .
-
-Sir , I thank you .
-
-Sir , I thank you ; by yea and no , I do .
-
-I am glad to see you , good Master Slender .
-
-How does your fallow greyhound , sir ? I heard say he was outrun on Cotsall .
-
-It could not be judged , sir .
-
-You'll not confess , you'll not confess .
-
-That he will not : 'tis your fault , 'tis your fault . 'Tis a good dog .
-
-A cur , sir .
-
-Sir , he's a good dog , and a fair dog ; can there be more said ? he is good and fair . Is Sir John Falstaff here ?
-
-Sir , he is within ; and I would I could do a good office between you .
-
-It is spoke as a Christians ought to speak .
-
-He hath wronged me , Master Page .
-
-Sir , he doth in some sort confess it .
-
-If it be confessed , it is not redressed : is not that so , Master Page ? He hath wronged me ; indeed , he hath ;at a word , he hath ,believe me : Robert Shallow , esquire , saith , he is wronged .
-
-Here comes Sir John .
-
-
-Now , Master Shallow , you'll complain of me to the king ?
-
-Knight , you have beaten my men , killed my deer , and broke open my lodge .
-
-But not kissed your keeper's daughter ?
-
-Tut , a pin ! this shall be answered .
-
-I will answer it straight : I have done all this . That is now answered .
-
-The Council shall know this .
-
-'Twere better for you if it were known in counsel : you'll be laughed at .
-
-Pauca verba , Sir John ; goot worts .
-
-Good worts ! good cabbage . Slender , I broke your head : what matter have you against me ?
-
-Marry , sir , I have matter in my head against you ; and against your cony-catching rascals , Bardolph , Nym , and Pistol . They carried me to the tavern , and made me drunk , and afterwards picked my pocket .
-
-You Banbury cheese !
-
-Ay , it is no matter .
-
-How now , Mephistophilus !
-
-Ay , it is no matter .
-
-Slice , I say ! pauca , pauca ; slice ! that's my humour .
-
-Where's Simple , my man ? can you tell , cousin ?
-
-Peace , I pray you . Now let us understand : there is three umpires in this matter , as I understand ; that is Master Page , fidelicet , Master Page ; and there is myself , fidelicet , myself ; and the three party is , lastly and finally , mine host of the Garter .
-
-We three , to hear it and end it between them .
-
-Fery goot : I will make a prief of it in my note-book ; and we will afterwards ork upon the cause with as great discreetly as we can .
-
-Pistol !
-
-He hears with ears .
-
-The tevil and his tam ! what phrase is this , 'He hears with ear ?' Why , it is affectations .
-
-Pistol , did you pick Master Slender's purse ?
-
-Ay , by these gloves , did he ,or I would I might never come in mine own great chamber again else ,of seven groats in mill-sixpences , and two Edward shovel-boards , that cost me two shilling and two pence a-piece of Yead Miller , by these gloves .
-
-Is this true , Pistol ?
-
-No ; it is false , if it is a pick-purse .
-
-Ha , thou mountain foreigner !Sir John and master mine ,
-I combat challenge of this latten bilbo .
-Word of denial in thy labras here !
-Word of denial : froth and scum , thou liest .
-
-By these gloves , then , 'twas he .
-
-Be avised , sir , and pass good humours . I will say , 'marry trap ,' with you , if you run the nuthook's humour on me : that is the very note of it .
-
-By this hat , then , he in the red face had it ; for though I cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk , yet I am not altogether an ass .
-
-What say you , Scarlet and John ?
-
-Why , sir , for my part , I say , the gentleman had drunk himself out of his five sentences .
-
-It is his 'five senses ;' fie , what the ignorance is !
-
-And being fap , sir , was , as they say , cashier'd ; and so conclusions pass'd the careires .
-
-Ay , you spake in Latin then too ; but 'tis no matter . I'll ne'er be drunk whilst I live again , but in honest , civil , godly company , for this trick : if I be drunk , I'll be drunk with those that have the fear of God , and not with drunken knaves .
-
-So Got udge me , that is a virtuous mind .
-
-You hear all these matters denied , gentlemen ; you hear it .
-
-
-Nay , daughter , carry the wine in ; we'll drink within .
-
-
-O heaven ! this is Mistress Anne Page .
-
-How now , Mistress Ford !
-
-Mistress Ford , by my troth , you are very well met : by your leave , good mistress .
-
-
-Wife , bid these gentlemen welcome . Come , we have a hot venison pasty to dinner : come , gentlemen , I hope we shall drink down all unkindness .
-
-
-I had rather than forty shillings I had my Book of Songs and Sonnets here .
-
-How now , Simple ! Where have you been ? I must wait on myself , must I ? You have not the Book of Riddles about you , have you ?
-
-Book of Riddles ! why , did you not lend it to Alice Shortcake upon All-Hallowmas last , a fortnight afore Michaelmas ?
-
-Come , coz ; come , coz ; we stay for you . A word with you , coz ; marry , this , coz : there is , as 'twere a tender , a kind of tender , made afar off by Sir Hugh here : do you understand me ?
-
-Ay , sir , you shall find me reasonable : if it be so , I shall do that that is reason .
-
-Nay , but understand me .
-
-So I do , sir .
-
-Give ear to his motions , Master Slender : I will description the matter to you , if you pe capacity of it .
-
-Nay , I will do as my cousin Shallow says . I pray you pardon me ; he's a justice of peace in his country , simple though I stand here .
-
-But that is not the question ; the question is concerning your marriage .
-
-Ay , there's the point , sir .
-
-Marry , is it , the very point of it ; to Mistress Anne Page .
-
-Why , if it be so , I will marry her upon any reasonable demands .
-
-But can you affection the 'oman ? Let us command to know that of your mouth or of your lips ; for divers philosophers hold that the lips is parcel of the mouth : therefore , precisely , can you carry your good will to the maid ?
-
-Cousin Abraham Slender , can you love her ?
-
-I hope , sir , I will do as it shall become one that would do reason .
-
-Nay , Got's lords and his ladies ! you must speak possitable , if you can carry her your desires towards her .
-
-That you must . Will you , upon good dowry , marry her ?
-
-I will do a greater thing than that , upon your request , cousin , in any reason .
-
-Nay , conceive me , conceive me , sweet coz : what I do , is to pleasure you , coz . Can you love the maid ?
-
-I will marry her , sir , at your request ; but if there be no great love in the beginning , yet heaven may decrease it upon better acquaintance , when we are married and have more occasion to know one another : I hope , upon familiarity will grow more contempt : but if you say , 'Marry her ,' I will marry her ; that I am freely dissolved , and dissolutely .
-
-It is a fery discretion answer ; save , the faul is in the ort 'dissolutely :' the ort is , according to our meaning , 'resolutely .' His meaning is goot .
-
-Ay , I think my cousin meant well .
-
-Ay , or else I would I might be hanged , la !
-
-Here comes fair Mistress Anne .
-
-Would I were young for your sake , Mistress Anne .
-
-The dinner is on the table ; my father desires your worships' company .
-
-I will wait on him , fair Mistress Anne .
-
-Od's plessed will ! I will not be absence at the grace .
-
-
-Will't please your worship to come in , sir ?
-
-No , I thank you , forsooth , heartily ; I am very well .
-
-The dinner attends you , sir .
-
-I am not a-hungry , I thank you forsooth . Go , sirrah , for all you are my man , go wait upon my cousin Shallow .
-
-A justice of peace sometime may be beholding to his friend for a man . I keep but three men and a boy yet , till my mother be dead ; but what though ? yet I live like a poor gentleman born .
-
-I may not go in without your worship : they will not sit till you come .
-
-I' faith , I'll eat nothing ; I thank you as much as though I did .
-
-I pray you , sir , walk in .
-
-I had rather walk here , I thank you . I bruised my shin th' other day with playing at sword and dagger with a master of fence ; three veneys for a dish of stewed prunes ;and , by my troth , I cannot abide the smell of hot meat since . Why do your dogs bark so ? be there bears i' the town ?
-
-I think there are , sir ; I heard them talked of .
-
-I love the sport well ; but I shall as soon quarrel at it as any man in England . You are afraid , if you see the bear loose , are you not ?
-
-Ay , indeed , sir .
-
-That's meat and drink to me , now : I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times , and have taken him by the chain ; but , I warrant you , the women have so cried and shrieked at it , that it passed : but women , indeed , cannot abide 'em ; they are very ill-favoured rough things .
-
-
-Come , gentle Master Slender , come ; we stay for you .
-
-I'll eat nothing , I thank you , sir .
-
-By cock and pie , you shall not choose , sir ! come , come .
-
-Nay , pray you , lead the way .
-
-Come on , sir .
-
-Mistress Anne , yourself shall go first .
-
-Not I , sir ; pray you , keep on .
-
-Truly , I will not go first : truly , la ! I will not do you that wrong .
-
-I pray you , sir .
-
-I'll rather be unmannerly than troublesome . You do yourself wrong , indeed , la !
-
-
-Go your ways , and ask of Doctor Caius' house , which is the way : and there dwells one Mistress Quickly , which is in the manner of his nurse , or his try nurse , or his cook , or his laundry , his washer , and his wringer .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-Nay , it is petter yet . Give her this letter ; for it is a 'oman that altogether's acquaintance with Mistress Anne Page : and the letter is , to desire and require her to solicit your master's desires to Mistress Anne Page . I pray you , be gone : I will make an end of my dinner ; there's pippins and seese to come .
-
-
-Mine host of the Garter !
-
-What says my bully-rook ? Speak scholarly and wisely .
-
-Truly , mine host , I must turn away some of my followers .
-
-Discard , bully Hercules ; cashier : let them wag ; trot , trot .
-
-I sit at ten pounds a week .
-
-Thou'rt an emperor , C sar , Keisar , and Pheezar . I will entertain Bardolph ; he shall draw , he shall tap : said I well , bully Hector ?
-
-Do so , good mine host .
-
-I have spoke ; let him follow .
-
-Let me see thee forth and lime : I am at a word ; follow .
-
-
-Bardolph , follow him . A tapster is a good trade : an old cloak makes a new jerkin ; a withered serving-man , a fresh tapster . Go ; adieu .
-
-It is a life that I have desired . I will thrive .
-
-O base Hungarian wight ! wilt thou the spigot wield ?
-
-
-He was gotten in drink ; is not the humour conceited ?
-
-I am glad I am so acquit of this tinderbox ; his thefts were too open ; his filching was like an unskilful singer ; he kept not time .
-
-The good humour is to steal at a minim's rest .
-
-'Convey ,' the wise it call . 'Steal !' foh ! a fico for the phrase !
-
-Well , sirs , I am almost out at heels .
-
-Why , then , let kibes ensue .
-
-There is no remedy ; I must conycatch , I must shift .
-
-Young ravens must have food .
-
-Which of you know Ford of this town ?
-
-I ken the wight : he is of substance good .
-
-My honest lads , I will tell you what I am about .
-
-Two yards , and more .
-
-No quips now , Pistol ! Indeed , I am in the waist two yards about ; but I am now about no waste ; I am about thrift . Briefly , I do mean to make love to Ford's wife : I spy entertainment in her ; she discourses , she carves , she gives the leer of invitation : I can construe the action of her familiar style ; and the hardest voice of her behaviour , to be Englished rightly , is , 'I am Sir John Falstaff's .'
-
-He hath studied her well , and translated her well , out of honesty into English .
-
-The anchor is deep : will that humour pass ?
-
-Now , the report goes she has all the rule of her husband's purse ; he hath a legion of angels .
-
-As many devils entertain , and 'To her , boy ,' say I .
-
-The humour rises ; it is good : humour me the angels .
-
-I have writ me here a letter to her ; and here another to Page's wife , who even now gave me good eyes too , examined my parts with most judicious illiades : sometimes the beam of her view gilded my foot , sometimes my portly belly .
-
-Then did the sun on dunghill shine .
-
-I thank thee for that humour .
-
-O ! she did so course o'er my exteriors with such a greedy intention , that the appetite of her eye did seem to scorch me up like a burning-glass . Here's another letter to her : she bears the purse too ; she is a region in Guiana , all gold and bounty . I will be 'cheator to them both , and they shall be exchequers to me : they shall be my East and West Indies , and I will trade to them both . Go bear thou this letter to Mistress Page ; and thou this to Mistress Ford . We will thrive , lads , we will thrive .
-
-Shall I Sir Pandarus of Troy become ,
-And by my side wear steel ? then , Lucifer take all !
-
-I will run no base humour : here , take the humour-letter . I will keep the haviour of reputation .
-
-Hold , sirrah , bear you these letters tightly :
-Sail like my pinnace to these golden shores .
-Rogues , hence ! avaunt ! vanish like hailstones , go ;
-Trudge , plod away o'the hoof ; seek shelter , pack !
-Falstaff will learn the humour of this age ,
-French thrift , you rogues : myself and skirted page .
-
-
-Let vultures gripe thy guts ! for gourd and fullam holds ,
-And high and low beguile the rich and poor .
-Tester I'll have in pouch when thou shalt lack ,
-Base Phrygian Turk !
-
-I have operations in my head , which be humours of revenge .
-
-Wilt thou revenge ?
-
-By welkin and her star !
-
-With wit or steel ?
-
-With both the humours , I :
-I will discuss the humour of this love to Page .
-
-
-And I to Ford shall eke unfold
-How Falstaff , varlet vile ,
-His dove will prove , his gold will hold ,
-And his soft couch defile .
-
-
-My humour shall not cool : I will incense Page to deal with poison ; I will possess him with yellowness , for the revolt of mine is dangerous : that is my true humour .
-
-Thou art the Mars of malcontents : I second thee ; troop on .
-
-
-What , John Rugby !
-
-I pray thee , go to the casement , and see if you can see my master , Master Doctor Caius , coming : if he do , i' faith , and find anybody in the house , here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the king's English .
-
-I'll go watch .
-
-Go ; and we'll have a posset for't soon at night , in faith , at the latter end of a sea-coal fire .
-
-An honest , willing , kind fellow , as ever servant shall come in house withal ; and , I warrant you , no tell-tale , nor no breed-bate : his worst fault is , that he is given to prayer ; he is something peevish that way , but nobody but has his fault ; but let that pass . Peter Simple you say your name is ?
-
-Ay , for fault of a better .
-
-And Master Slender's your master ?
-
-Ay , forsooth .
-
-Does he not wear a great round beard like a glover's paring-knife ?
-
-No , forsooth : he hath but a little wheyface , with a little yellow beard a cane-coloured beard .
-
-A softly-sprighted man , is he not ?
-
-Ay , forsooth ; but he is as tall a man of his hands as any is between this and his head : he hath fought with a warrener .
-
-How say you ?O ! I should remember him : does he not hold up his head , as it were , and strut in his gait ?
-
-Yes , indeed , does he .
-
-Well , heaven send Anne Page no worse fortune ! Tell Master Parson Evans I will do what I can for your master : Anne is a good girl , and I wish
-
-
-Out , alas ! here comes my master .
-
-We shall all be shent . Run in here , good young man ; go into this closet .
-
-
-'And down , down , adown-a ,' &c .
-
-Vat is you sing ? I do not like dese toys . Pray you , go and vetch me in my closet une boitine verde ; a box , a green-a box : do intend vat I speak ? a green-a box .
-
-Ay , forsooth ; I'll fetch it you .
-
-I am glad he went not in himself : if he had found the young man , he would have been horn-mad .
-
-Fe , fe , fe , fe ! ma foi , il fait fort chaud . Je m'en vais la cour ,la grande affaire .
-
-Is it this , sir ?
-
-Oui ; mettez le au mon pocket ; d p chez , quickly .Vere is dat knave Rugby ?
-
-What , John Rugby ! John !
-
-
-Here , sir .
-
-You are John Rugby , and you are Jack Rugby : come , take-a your rapier , and come after my heel to de court .
-
-'Tis ready , sir , here in the porch .
-
-By my trot , I tarry too long .Od's me ! Qu'ay j'oubli ? dere is some simples in my closet , dat I vill not for de varld I shall leave behind .
-
-Ay me ! he'll find the young man there , and be mad .
-
-O diable ! diable ! vat is in my closet ?Villain ! larron !
-
-Rugby , my rapier !
-
-Good master , be content .
-
-Verefore shall I be content-a ?
-
-The young man is an honest man .
-
-Vat shall de honest man do in my closet ? dere is no honest man dat shall come in my closet .
-
-I beseech you , be not so phlegmatic . Hear the truth of it : he came of an errand to me from Parson Hugh .
-
-Vell .
-
-Ay , forsooth , to desire her to
-
-Peace , I pray you .
-
-Peace-a your tongue !Speak-a your tale .
-
-To desire this honest gentlewoman , your maid , to speak a good word to Mistress Anne Page for my master in the way of marriage .
-
-This is all , indeed , la ! but I'll ne'er put my finger in the fire , and need not .
-
-Sir Hugh send-a you ?Rugby , baillez me some paper : tarry you a little-a while .
-
-
-I am glad he is so quiet : if he had been throughly moved , you should have heard him so loud , and so melancholy . But , notwithstanding , man , I'll do your master what good I can ; and the very yea and the no is , the French doctor , my master ,I may call him my master , look you , for I keep his house ; and I wash , wring , brew , bake , scour , dress meat and drink , make the beds , and do all myself ,
-
-'Tis a great charge to come under one body's hand .
-
-Are you avis'd o' that ? you shall find it a great charge : and to be up early and down late ; but notwithstanding ,to tell you in your ear ,I would have no words of it ,my master himself is in love with Mistress Anne Page : but notwithstanding that , I know Anne's mind , that's neither here nor there .
-
-You jack'nape , give-a dis letter to Sir Hugh ; by gar , it is a challenge : I vill cut his troat in de Park ; and I vill teach a scurvy jack-a-nape priest to meddle or make . You may be gone ; it is not good you tarry here : by gar , I vill cut all his two stones ; by gar , he shall not have a stone to trow at his dog .
-
-
-Alas ! he speaks but for his friend .
-
-It is no matter-a for dat :do not you tell-a me dat I shall have Anne Page for myself ? By gar , I vill kill de Jack priest ; and I have appointed mine host of de Jartiere to measure our weapon . By gar , I vill myself have Anne Page .
-
-Sir , the maid loves you , and all shall be well . We must give folks leave to prate : what , the good-jer !
-
-Rugby , come to the court vit me . By gar , if I have not Anne Page , I shall turn your head out of my door . Follow my heels , Rugby .
-
-
-You shall have An fool's-head of your own . No , I know Anne's mind for that : never a woman in Windsor knows more of Anne's mind than I do ; nor can do more than I do with her , I thank heaven .
-
-Who's within there ? ho !
-
-Who's there , I trow ? Come near the house , I pray you .
-
-
-How now , good woman ! how dost thou ?
-
-The better , that it pleases your good worship to ask .
-
-What news ? how does pretty Mistress Anne ?
-
-In truth , sir , and she is pretty , and honest , and gentle ; and one that is your friend , I can tell you that by the way ; I praise heaven for it .
-
-Shall I do any good , thinkest thou ? Shall I not lose my suit ?
-
-Troth , sir , all is in his hands above ; but notwithstanding , Master Fenton , I'll be sworn on a book , she loves you . Have not your worship a wart above your eye ?
-
-Yes , marry have I ; what of that ?
-
-Well , thereby hangs a tale . Good faith , it is such another Nan ; but , I detest , an honest maid as ever broke bread : we had an hour's talk of that wart . I shall never laugh but in that maid's company ;but , indeed , she is given too much to allicholy and musing . But for you well , go to .
-
-Well , I shall see her to-day . Hold , there's money for thee ; let me have thy voice in my behalf : if thou seest her before me , commend me .
-
-Will I ? i' faith , that we will : and I will tell your worship more of the wart the next time we have confidence ; and of other wooers .
-
-Well , farewell ; I am in great haste now .
-
-Farewell to your worship .
-
-Truly , an honest gentleman : but Anne loves him not ; for I know Anne's mind as well as another does . Out upon't ! what have I forgot ?
-
-What ! have I 'scaped love-letters in the holiday-time of my beauty , and am I now a subject for them ? Let me see .
-
-Ask me no reason why I love you ; for though Love use Reason for his physician , he admits him not for his counsellor . You are not young , no more am I ; go to then , there's sympathy ; you are merry , so am I , ha ! ha ! then , there's more sympathy , you love sack , and so do I , would you desire better sympathy ? Let it suffice thee , Mistress Page , at the least , if the love of a soldier can suffice , that I love thee I will not say , pity me ,'tis not a soldier-like phrase ; but I say , love me . By me ,
-
-Thine own true knight ,
-By day or night ,
-Or any kind of light ,
-With all his might
-For thee to fight ,
-
-What a Herod of Jewry is this ! O wicked , wicked world ! one that is well-nigh worn to pieces with age , to show himself a young gallant ! What an unweighed behaviour hath this Flemish drunkard picked , with the devil's name ! out of my conversation , that he dares in this manner assay me ? Why , he hath not been thrice in my company ! What should I say to him ? I was then frugal of my mirth :heaven forgive me ! Why , I'll exhibit a bill in the parliament for the putting down of men . How shall I be revenged on him ? for revenged I will be , as sure as his guts are made of puddings .
-
-
-Mistress Page ! trust me , I was going to your house .
-
-And , trust me , I was coming to you . You look very ill .
-
-Nay , I'll ne'er believe that : I have to show to the contrary .
-
-Faith , but you do , in my mind .
-
-Well , I do then ; yet , I say I could show you to the contrary . O , Mistress Page ! give me some counsel .
-
-What's the matter , woman ?
-
-O woman , if it were not for one trifling respect , I could come to such honour !
-
-Hang the trifle , woman ; take the honour . What is it ?dispense with trifles ;what is it ?
-
-If I would but go to hell for an eternal moment or so , I could be knighted .
-
-What ? thou liest . Sir Alice Ford ! These knights will hack ; and so thou shouldst not alter the article of thy gentry .
-
-We burn daylight : here , read , read ; perceive how I might be knighted . I shall think the worse of fat men as long as I have an eye to make difference of men's liking : and yet he would not swear ; praised women's modesty ; and gave such orderly and well-behaved reproof to all uncomeliness , that I would have sworn his disposition would have gone to the truth of his words ; but they do no more adhere and keep place together than the Hundredth Psalm to the tune of 'Green Sleeves .' What tempest , I trow , threw this whale , with so many tuns of oil in his belly , ashore at Windsor ? How shall I be revenged on him ? I think , the best way were to entertain him with hope , till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his own grease . Did you ever hear the like ?
-
-Letter for letter , but that the name of Page and Ford differs ! To thy great comfort in this mystery of ill opinions , here's the twin brother of thy letter : but let thine inherit first ; for , I protest , mine never shall . I warrant , he hath a thousand of these letters , writ with blank space for different names , sure more , and these are of the second edition . He will print them , out of doubt ; for he cares not what he puts into the press , when he would put us two : I had rather be a grantess , and lie under Mount Pelion . Well , I will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste man .
-
-Why , this is the very same ; the very hand , the very words . What doth he think of us ?
-
-Nay , I know not : it makes me almost ready to wrangle with mine own honesty . I'll entertain myself like one that I am not acquainted withal ; for , sure , unless he know some strain in me , that I know not myself , he would never have boarded me in this fury .
-
-Boarding call you it ? I'll be sure to keep him above deck .
-
-So will I : if he come under my hatches , I'll never to sea again . Let's be revenged on him : let's appoint him a meeting ; give him a show of comfort in his suit , and lead him on with a fine-baited delay , till he hath pawned his horses to mine host of the Garter .
-
-Nay , I will consent to act any villany against him , that may not sully the chariness of our honesty . O , that my husband saw this letter ! it would give eternal food to his jealousy .
-
-Why , look , where he comes ; and my good man too : he's as far from jealousy , as I am from giving him cause ; and that , I hope , is an unmeasurable distance .
-
-You are the happier woman .
-
-Let's consult together against this greasy knight . Come hither .
-
-Well , I hope it be not so .
-
-Hope is a curtal dog in some affairs :
-Sir John affects thy wife .
-
-Why , sir , my wife is not young .
-
-He woos both high and low , both rich and poor ,
-Both young and old , one with another , Ford .
-He loves the galimaufry : Ford , perpend .
-
-Love my wife !
-
-With liver burning hot : prevent , or go thou ,
-Like Sir Act on he , with Ringwood at thy heels .
-O ! odious is the name !
-
-What name , sir ?
-
-The horn , I say . Farewell :
-Take heed ; have open eye , for thieves do foot by night :
-Take heed , ere summer comes or cuckoo-birds do sing .
-Away , sir Corporal Nym !
-Believe it , Page ; he speaks sense .
-
-
-I will be patient : I will find out this .
-
-And this is true ; I like not the humour of lying . He hath wronged me in some humours : I should have borne the humoured letter to her , but I have a sword and it shall bite upon my necessity . He loves your wife ; there's the short and the long . My name is Corporal Nym ; I speak , and I avouch 'tis true : my name is Nym , and Falstaff loves your wife . Adieu . I love not the humour of bread and cheese ; and there's the humour of it . Adieu .
-
-
-'The humour of it ,' quoth'a ! here's a fellow frights humour out of his wits .
-
-I will seek out Falstaff .
-
-I never heard such a drawling , affecting rogue .
-
-If I do find it : well .
-
-I will not believe such a Cataian , though the priest o' the town commended him for a true man .
-
-'Twas a good sensible fellow : well .
-
-How now , Meg !
-
-Whither go you , George ?Hark you .
-
-How now , sweet Frank ! why art thou melancholy ?
-
-I melancholy ! I am not melancholy . Get you home , go .
-
-Faith , thou hast some crotchets in thy head now . Will you go , Mistress Page ?
-
-Have with you . You'll come to dinner , George ?
-
-Look , who comes yonder : she shall be our messenger to this paltry knight .
-
-Trust me , I thought on her : she'll fit it .
-
-
-You are come to see my daughter Anne ?
-
-Ay , forsooth ; and , I pray , how does good Mistress Anne ?
-
-Go in with us , and see : we'd have an hour's talk with you .
-
-
-How now , Master Ford !
-
-You heard what this knave told me , did you not ?
-
-Yes ; and you heard what the other told me ?
-
-Do you think there is truth in them ?
-
-Hang 'em , slaves ! I do not think the knight would offer it : but these that accuse him in his intent towards our wives , are a yoke of his discarded men ; very rogues , now they be out of service .
-
-Were they his men ?
-
-Marry , were they .
-
-I like it never the better for that . Does he lie at the Garter ?
-
-Ay , marry , does he . If he should intend this voyage towards my wife , I would turn her loose to him ; and what he gets more of her than sharp words , let it lie on my head .
-
-I do not misdoubt my wife , but I would be loth to turn them together . A man may be too confident : I would have nothing 'lie on my head :' I cannot be thus satisfied .
-
-Look , where my ranting host of the Garter comes . There is either liquor in his pate or money in his purse when he looks so merrily .
-
-How now , mine host !
-
-How now , bully-rook ! thou'rt a gentleman . Cavaliero-justice , I say !
-
-I follow , mine host , I follow . Good even and twenty , good Master Page ! Master Page , will you go with us ? we have sport in hand .
-
-Tell him , cavaliero-justice ; tell him , bully-rook .
-
-Sir , there is a fray to be fought between Sir Hugh the Welsh priest and Caius the French doctor .
-
-Good mine host o' the Garter , a word with you .
-
-What sayest thou , my bully-rook ?
-
-
-Will you go with us to behold it ? My merry host hath had the measuring of their weapons , and , I think , hath appointed them contrary places ; for , believe me , I hear the parson is no jester . Hark , I will tell you what our sport shall be .
-
-
-Hast thou no suit against my knight , my guest-cavalier ?
-
-None , I protest : but I'll give you a pottle of burnt sack to give me recourse to him and tell him my name is Brook , only for a jest .
-
-My hand , bully : thou shalt have egress and regress ; said I well ? and thy name shall be Brook . It is a merry knight . Will you go , mynheers ?
-
-Have with you , mine host .
-
-I have heard , the Frenchman hath good skill in his rapier .
-
-Tut , sir ! I could have told you more . In these times you stand on distance , your passes , stoccadoes , and I know not what : 'tis the heart , Master Page ; 'tis here , 'tis here . I have seen the time with my long sword I would have made you four tall fellows skip like rats .
-
-Here , boys , here , here ! shall we wag ?
-
-Have with you . I had rather hear them scold than fight .
-
-
-Though Page be a secure fool , and stands so firmly on his wife's frailty , yet I cannot put off my opinion so easily . She was in his company at Page's house , and what they made there , I know not . Well , I will look further into't ; and I have a disguise to sound Falstaff . If I find her honest , I lose not my labour ; if she be otherwise , 'tis labour well bestowed .
-
-
-I will not lend thee a penny .
-
-Why , then the world's mine oyster ,
-Which I with sword will open .
-I will retort the sum in equipage .
-
-Not a penny . I have been content , sir , you should lay my countenance to pawn : I have grated upon my good friends for three reprieves for you and your coach-fellow Nym ; or else you had looked through the grate , like a geminy of baboons . I am damned in hell for swearing to gentlemen my friends , you were good soldiers and tall fellows ; and when Mistress Bridget lost the handle of her fan , I took't upon mine honour thou hadst it not .
-
-Didst thou not share ? hadst thou not fifteen pence ?
-
-Reason , you rogue , reason : thinkest thou , I'll endanger my soul gratis ? At a word , hang no more about me ; I am no gibbet for you : go : a short knife and a throng !to your manor of Picht-hatch ! go . You'll not bear a letter for me , you rogue !you stand upon your honour !Why , thou unconfinable baseness , it is as much as I can do to keep the terms of mine honour precise . I , I , I , myself sometimes , leaving the fear of God on the left hand and hiding mine honour in my necessity , am fain to shuffle , to hedge and to lurch ; and yet you , rogue , will ensconce your rags , your cat-a-mountain looks , your red-lattice phrases , and your bold-beating oaths , under the shelter of your honour ! You will not do it , you !
-
-I do relent : what wouldst thou more of man ?
-
-
-Sir , here's a woman would speak with you .
-
-Let her approach .
-
-
-Give your worship good morrow .
-
-Good morrow , good wife .
-
-Not so , an't please your worship .
-
-Good maid , then .
-
-I'll be sworn
-As my mother was , the first hour I was born .
-
-I do believe the swearer . What with me ?
-
-Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two ?
-
-Two thousand , fair woman ; and I'll vouchsafe thee the hearing .
-
-There is one Mistress Ford , sir ,I pray , come a little nearer this ways :I myself dwell with Master Doctor Caius .
-
-Well , on : Mistress Ford , you say ,
-
-Your worship says very true :I pray your worship , come a little nearer this ways .
-
-I warrant thee , nobody hears ; mine own people , mine own people .
-
-Are they so ? God bless them , and make them his servants !
-
-Well : Mistress Ford ; what of her ?
-
-Why , sir , she's a good creature . Lord , Lord ! your worship's a wanton ! Well , heaven forgive you , and all of us , I pray !
-
-Mistress Ford ; come , Mistress Ford ,
-
-Marry , this is the short and the long of it . You have brought her into such a canaries as 'tis wonderful : the best courtier of them all , when the court lay at Windsor , could never have brought her to such a canary ; yet there has been knights , and lords , and gentlemen , with their coaches , I warrant you , coach after coach , letter after letter , gift after gift ; smelling so sweetly all musk , and so rushling , I warrant you , in silk and gold ; and in such alligant terms ; and in such wine and sugar of the best and the fairest , that would have won any woman's heart ; and , I warrant you , they could never get an eye-wink of her . I had myself twenty angels given me this morning ; but I defy all angels , in any such sort , as they say , but in the way of honesty : and , I warrant you , they could never get her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of them all ; and yet there has been earls , nay , which is more , pensioners ; but , I warrant you , all is one with her .
-
-But what says she to me ? be brief , my good she Mercury .
-
-Marry , she hath received your letter ; for the which she thanks you a thousand times ; and she gives you to notify that her husband will be absence from his house between ten and eleven .
-
-Ten and eleven ?
-
-Ay , forsooth ; and then you may come and see the picture , she says , that you wot of : Master Ford , her husband , will be from home . Alas ! the sweet woman leads an ill life with him ; he's a very jealousy man ; she leads a very frampold life with him , good heart .
-
-Ten and eleven . Woman , commend me to her ; I will not fail her .
-
-Why , you say well . But I have another messenger to your worship : Mistress Page hath her hearty commendations to you too : and let me tell you in your ear , she's as fartuous a civil modest wife , and one , I tell you , that will not miss you morning nor evening prayer , as any is in Windsor , whoe'er be the other : and she bade me tell your worship that her husband is seldom from home ; but , she hopes there will come a time . I never knew a woman so dote upon a man : surely , I think you have charms , la ; yes , in truth .
-
-Not I , I assure thee : setting the attraction of my good parts aside , I have no other charms .
-
-Blessing on your heart for't !
-
-But , I pray thee , tell me this : has Ford's wife and Page's wife acquainted each other how they love me ?
-
-That were a jest indeed ! they have not so little grace , I hope : that were a trick , indeed ! But Mistress Page would desire you to send her your little page , of all loves : her husband has a marvellous infection to the little page ; and , truly , Master Page is an honest man . Never a wife in Windsor leads a better life than she does : do what she will , say what she will , take all , pay all , go to bed when she list , rise when she list , all is as she will : and , truly she deserves it ; for if there be a kind woman in Windsor , she is one . You must send her your page ; no remedy .
-
-Why , I will .
-
-Nay , but do so , then : and , look you , he may come and go between you both ; and in any case have a nay-word , that you may know one another's mind , and the boy never need to understand any thing ; for 'tis not good that children should know any wickedness : old folks , you know , have discretion , as they say , and know the world .
-
-Fare thee well : commend me to them both . There's my purse ; I am yet thy debtor .Boy , go along with this woman .
-
-This news distracts me .
-
-This punk is one of Cupid's carriers .
-Clap on more sails ; pursue ; up with your fights ;
-Give fire ! she is my prize , or ocean whelm them all !
-
-
-Sayest thou so , old Jack ? go thy ways ; I'll make more of thy old body than I have done . Will they yet look after thee ? Wilt thou , after the expense of so much money , be now a gainer ? Good body , I thank thee . Let them say 'tis grossly done ; so it be fairly done , no matter .
-
-
-Sir John , there's one Master Brook below would fain speak with you , and be acquainted with you : and hath sent your worship a morning's draught of sack .
-
-Brook is his name ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-Call him in .
-
-Such Brooks are welcome to me , that o'erflow such liquor . Ah , ha ! Mistress Ford and Mistress Page , have I encompassed you ? go to ; via !
-
-
-Bless your , sir !
-
-And you , sir ; would you speak with me ?
-
-I make bold to press with so little preparation upon you .
-
-You're welcome . What's your will ?Give us leave , drawer .
-
-
-Sir , I am a gentleman that have spent much : my name is Brook .
-
-Good Master Brook , I desire more acquaintance of you .
-
-Good Sir John , I sue for yours : not to charge you ; for I must let you understand I think myself in better plight for a lender than you are : the which hath something emboldened me to this unseasoned intrusion ; for , they say , if money go before , all ways do lie open .
-
-Money is a good soldier , sir , and will on .
-
-Troth , and I have a bag of money here troubles me : if you will help to bear it , Sir John , take all , or half , for easing me of the carriage .
-
-Sir , I know not how I may deserve to be your porter .
-
-I will tell you , sir , if you will give me the hearing .
-
-Speak , good Master Brook ; I shall be glad to be your servant .
-
-Sir , I hear you are a scholar ,I will be brief with you , and you have been a man long known to me , though I had never so good means , as desire , to make myself acquainted with you . I shall discover a thing to you , wherein I must very much lay open mine own imperfection ; but , good Sir John , as you have one eye upon my follies , as you hear them unfolded , turn another into the register of your own , that I may pass with a reproof the easier , sith you yourself know how easy it is to be such an offender .
-
-Very well , sir ; proceed .
-
-There is a gentlewoman in this town , her husband's name is Ford .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-I have long loved her , and , I protest to you , bestowed much on her ; followed her with a doting observance ; engrossed opportunities to meet her ; fee'd every slight occasion that could but niggardly give me sight of her ; not only bought many presents to give her , but have given largely to many to know what she would have given . Briefly , I have pursued her as love hath pursued me ; which hath been on the wing of all occasions . But whatsoever I have merited , either in my mind or in my means , meed , I am sure , I have received none ; unless experience be a jewel that I have purchased at an infinite rate ; and that hath taught me to say this ,
-
-Love like a shadow flies when substance love pursues ;
-Pursuing that that flies , and flying what pursues
-
-
-Have you received no promise of satisfaction at her hands ?
-
-Never .
-
-Have you importuned her to such a purpose ?
-
-Never .
-
-Of what quality was your love , then ?
-
-Like a fair house built upon another man's ground ; so that I have lost my edifice by mistaking the place where I erected it .
-
-To what purpose have you unfolded this to me ?
-
-When I have told you that , I have told you all . Some say , that though she appear honest to me , yet in other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that there is shrewd construction made of her . Now , Sir John , here is the heart of my purpose : you are a gentleman of excellent breeding , admirable discourse , of great admittance , authentic in your place and person , generally allowed for your many war-like , court-like , and learned preparations .
-
-O , sir !
-
-Believe it , for you know it . There is money ; spend it , spend it ; spend more ; spend all I have ; only give me so much of your time in exchange of it , as to lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife : use your art of wooing , win her to consent to you ; if any man may , you may as soon as any .
-
-Would it apply well to the vehemency of your affection , that I should win what you would enjoy ? Methinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously .
-
-O , understand my drift . She dwells so securely on the excellency of her honour , that the folly of my soul dares not present itself : she is too bright to be looked against . Now , could I come to her with any detection in my hand , my desires had instance and argument to commend themselves : I could drive her then from the ward of her purity , her reputation , her marriage vow , and a thousand other her defences , which now are too-too strongly embattled against me . What say you to't , Sir John ?
-
-Master Brook , I will first make bold with your money ; next , give me your hand ; and last , as I am a gentleman , you shall , if you will , enjoy Ford's wife .
-
-O good sir !
-
-I say you shall .
-
-Want no money , Sir John ; you shall want none .
-
-Want no Mistress Ford , Master Brook ; you shall want none . I shall be with her , I may tell you , by her own appointment ; even as you came in to me , her assistant or go-between parted from me : I say I shall be with her between ten and eleven ; for at that time the jealous rascally knave her husband will be forth . Come you to me at night ; you shall know how I speed .
-
-I am blest in your acquaintance . Do you know Ford , sir ?
-
-Hang him , poor cuckoldly knave ! I know him not . Yet I wrong him , to call him poor : they say the jealous wittolly knave hath masses of money ; for the which his wife seems to me well-favoured . I will use her as the key of the cuckoldly rogue's coffer ; and there's my harvest-home .
-
-I would you knew Ford , sir , that you might avoid him , if you saw him .
-
-Hang him , mechanical salt-butter rogue ! I will stare him out of his wits ; I will awe him with my cudgel : it shall hang like a meteor o'er the cuckold's horns . Master Brook , thou shalt know I will predominate over the peasant , and thou shalt he with his wife . Come to me soon at night . Ford's a knave , and I will aggravate his style ; thou , Master Brook , shalt know him for knave and cuckold . Come to me soon at night .
-
-
-What a damned Epicurean rascal is this ! My heart is ready to crack with impatience . Who says this is improvident jealousy ? my wife hath sent to him , the hour is fixed , the match is made . Would any man have thought this ? See the hell of having a false woman ! My bed shall be abused , my coffers ransacked , my reputation gnawn at ; and I shall not only receive this villanous wrong , but stand under the adoption of abominable terms , and by him that does me this wrong . Terms ! names ! Amaimon sounds well ; Lucifer , well ; Barbason , well ; yet they are devils' additions , the names of fiends : but Cuckold ! Wittol !Cuckold ! the devil himself hath not such a name . Page is an ass , a secure ass : he will trust his wife ; he will not be jealous . I will rather trust a Fleming with my butter , Parson Hugh the Welshman with my cheese , an Irishman with my aqua-vit bottle , or a thief to walk my ambling gelding , than my wife with herself : then she plots , then she ruminates , then she devises ; and what they think in their hearts they may effect , they will break their hearts but they will effect . God be praised for my jealousy ! Eleven o'clock the hour : I will prevent this , detect my wife , be revenged on Falstaff , and laugh at Page . I will about it ; better three hours too soon than a minute too late . Fie , fie , fie ! cuckold ! cuckold ! cuckold !
-
-
-Jack Rugby !
-
-Sir ?
-
-Vat is de clock , Jack ?
-
-'Tis past the hour , sir , that Sir Hugh promised to meet .
-
-By gar , he has save his soul , dat he is no come : he has pray his Pible vell , dat he is no come . By gar , Jack Rugby , he is dead already , if he be come .
-
-He is wise , sir ; he knew your worship would kill him , if he came .
-
-By gar , de herring is no dead so as I vill kill him . Take your rapier , Jack ; I vill tell you how I vill kill him .
-
-Alas , sir ! I cannot fence .
-
-Villany , take your rapier .
-
-Forbear ; here's company .
-
-
-Bless thee , bully doctor !
-
-Save you , Master Doctor Caius !
-
-Now , good Master doctor !
-
-Give you good morrow , sir .
-
-Vat be all you , one , two , tree , four , come for ?
-
-To see thee fight , to see thee foin , to see thee traverse ; to see thee here , to see thee there ; to see thee pass thy punto , thy stock , thy reverse , thy distance , thy montant . Is he dead , my Ethiopian ? is he dead , my Francisco ? ha , bully ! What says my sculapius ? my Galen ? my heart of elder ? ha ! is he dead , bully stale ? is he dead ?
-
-By gar , he is de coward Jack priest of de vorld ; he is not show his face .
-
-Thou art a Castilian King Urinal ! Hector of Greece , my boy !
-
-I pray you , bear vitness that me have stay six or seven , two , tree hours for him , and he is no come .
-
-He is the wiser man , Master doctor : he is a curer of souls , and you a curer of bodies ; if you should fight , you go against the hair of your professions . Is it not true , Master Page ?
-
-Master Shallow , you have yourself been a great fighter , though now a man of peace .
-
-Bodykins , Master Page , though I now be old and of the peace , if I see a sword out , my finger itches to make one . Though we are justices and doctors and churchmen , Master Page , we have some salt of our youth in us ; we are the sons of women , Master Page .
-
-'Tis true , Master Shallow .
-
-It will be found so , Master Page . Master Doctor Caius , I am come to fetch you home . I am sworn of the peace : you have showed yourself a wise physician , and Sir Hugh hath shown himself a wise and patient churchman . You must go with me , Master doctor .
-
-Pardon , guest-justice .A word , Monsieur Mockwater .
-
-Mock-vater ! vat is dat ?
-
-Mock-water , in our English tongue , is valour , bully .
-
-By gar , den , I have as mush mock-vater as de Englishman . Scurvy jack-dog priest ! by gar , me vill cut his ears .
-
-He will clapper-claw thee tightly , bully .
-
-Clapper-de-claw ! vat is dat ?
-
-That is , he will make thee amends .
-
-By gar , me do look , he shall clapper-de-claw me ; for , by gar , me vill have it .
-
-And I will provoke him to't , or let him wag .
-
-Me tank you for dat .
-
-And moreover , bully ,But first , Master guest , and Master Page , and eke Cavaliero Slender , go you through the town to Frogmore .
-
-
-Sir Hugh is there , is he ?
-
-He is there : see what humour he is in ; and I will bring the doctor about by the fields . Will it do well ?
-
-We will do it .
-
-Adieu , good Master doctor .
-
-
-By gar , me vill kill de priest ; for he speak for a jack-an-ape to Anne Page .
-
-Let him die . Sheathe thy impatience ; throw cold water on thy choler : go about the fields with me through Frogmore : I will bring thee where Mistress Anne Page is , at a farmhouse a-feasting ; and thou shalt woo her . Cried I aim ? said I well ?
-
-By gar , me tank you for dat : by gar , I love you ; and I shall procure-a you de good guest , de earl , de knight , de lords , de gentlemen , my patients .
-
-For the which I will be thy adversary toward Anne Page : said I well ?
-
-By gar , 'tis good ; vell said .
-
-Let us wag , then .
-
-Come at my heels , Jack Rugby .
-
-I pray you now , good Master Slender's serving-man , and friend Simple by your name , which way have you looked for Master Caius , that calls himself doctor of physic ?
-
-Marry , sir , the pittie-ward , the parkward , every way ; old Windsor way , and every way but the town way .
-
-I most fehemently desire you you will also look that way .
-
-I will , sir .
-
-
-Pless my soul ! how full of chollors I am , and trempling of mind ! I shall be glad if he have deceived me . How melancholies I am ! I will knog his urinals about his knave's costard when I have goot opportunities for the 'ork : pless my soul !
-
-
-To shallow rivers , to whose falls
-Melodious birds sing madrigals ;
-There will we make our peds of roses ,
-And a thousand fragrant pasies .
-To shallow
-
-Mercy on me ! I have a great dispositions to cry .
-
-
-Melodious birds sing madrigals ,
-When as I sat in Pabylon ,
-And a thousand vagram posies .
-To shallow ,
-
-Yonder he is coming , this way , Sir Hugh .
-
-He's welcome .
-
-
-To shallow rivers , to whose falls
-
-Heaven prosper the right !what weapons is he ?
-
-No weapons , sir . There comes my master , Master Shallow , and another gentleman , from Frogmore , over the stile , this way .
-
-Pray you , give me my gown ; or else keep it in your arms .
-
-How now , Master Parson ! Good morrow , good Sir Hugh . Keep a gamester from the dice , and a good student from his book , and it is wonderful .
-
-Ah , sweet Anne Page !
-
-Save you , good Sir Hugh !
-
-Pless you from His mercy sake , all of you !
-
-What , the sword and the word ! do you study them both , Master Parson ?
-
-And youthful still in your doublet and hose ! this raw rheumatic day ?
-
-There is reasons and causes for it .
-
-We are come to you to do a good office , Master parson .
-
-Fery well : what is it ?
-
-Yonder is a most reverend gentleman , who , belike having received wrong by some person , is at most odds with his own gravity and patience that ever you saw .
-
-I have lived fourscore years and upward ; I never heard a man of his place , gravity , and learning , so wide of his own respect .
-
-What is he ?
-
-I think you know him ; Master Doctor Caius , the renowned French physician .
-
-Got's will , and his passion of my heart ! I had as lief you would tell me of a mess of porridge .
-
-Why ?
-
-He has no more knowledge in Hibbocrates and Galen ,and he is a knave besides ; a cowardly knave as you would desires to be acquainted withal .
-
-I warrant you , he's the man should fight with him .
-
-O , sweet Anne Page !
-
-It appears so , by his weapons . Keep them asunder : here comes Doctor Caius .
-
-
-Nay , good Master parson , keep in your weapon .
-
-So do you , good Master doctor .
-
-Disarm them , and let them question : let them keep their limbs whole and hack our English .
-
-I pray you , let-a me speak a word vit your ear : verefore vill you not meet-a me ?
-
-Pray you , use your patience : in good time .
-
-By gar , you are de coward , de Jack dog , John ape .
-
-Pray you , let us not be laughing-stogs to other men's humours ; I desire you in friendship , and I will one way or other make you amends : [Aloud .] I will knog your urinals about your knave's cogscomb for missing your meetings and appointments .
-
-Diable !Jack Rugby ,mine host de Jarretierre ,have I not stay for him to kill him ? have I not , at de place I did appoint ?
-
-As I am a Christians soul , now , look you , this is the place appointed : I'll be judgment by mine host of the Garter .
-
-Peace , I say , Gallia and Guallia ; French and Welsh , soul-curer and body-curer !
-
-Ay , dat is very good ; excellent .
-
-Peace , I say ! hear mine host of the Garter . Am I politic ? am I subtle ? am I a Machiavel ? Shall I lose my doctor ? no ; he gives me the potions and the motions . Shall I lose my parson , my priest , my Sir Hugh ? no ; he gives me the proverbs and the no-verbs . Give me thy hand , terrestrial ; so ;give me thy hand celestial ; so . Boys of art , I have deceived you both ; I have directed you to wrong places : your hearts are mighty , your skins are whole , and let burnt sack be the issue . Come , lay their swords to pawn . Follow me , lads of peace ; follow , follow , follow .
-
-Trust me , a mad host !Follow , gentlemen , follow .
-
-O , sweet Anne Page !
-
-
-Ha ! do I perceive dat ? have you make-a de sot of us , ha , ha ?
-
-This is well ; he has made us his vlouting-stog . I desire you that we may be friends and let us knog our prains together to be revenge on this same scall , scurvy , cogging companion , the host of the Garter .
-
-By gar , vit all my heart . He promise to bring me vere is Anne Page : by gar , he deceive me too .
-
-Well , I will smite his noddles . Pray you , follow .
-
-
-Nay , keep your way , little gallant : you were wont to be a follower , but now you are a leader . Whether had you rather lead mine eyes , or eye your master's heels ?
-
-I had rather , forsooth , go before you like a man than follow him like a dwarf .
-
-O ! you are a flattering boy : now I see you'll be a courtier .
-
-
-Well met , Mistress Page . Whither go you ?
-
-Truly , sir , to see your wife : is she at home ?
-
-Ay ; and as idle as she may hang together , for want of company . I think , if your husbands were dead , you two would marry .
-
-Be sure of that ,two other husbands .
-
-Where had you this pretty weathercock ?
-
-I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of . What do you call your knight's name , sirrah ?
-
-Sir John Falstaff .
-
-Sir John Falstaff !
-
-He , he ; I can never hit on's name . There is such a league between my good man and he ! Is your wife at home indeed ?
-
-Indeed she is .
-
-By your leave , sir : I am sick till I see her .
-
-
-Has Page any brains ? hath he any eyes ? hath he any thinking ? Sure , they sleep ; he hath no use of them . Why , this boy will carry a letter twenty mile , as easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve score . He pieces out his wife's inclination ; he gives her folly motion and advantage : and now she's going to my wife , and Falstaff's boy with her . A man may hear this shower sing in the wind : and Falstaff's boy with her ! Good plots ! they are laid ; and our revolted wives share damnation together . Well ; I will take him , then torture my wife , pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page , divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful Act on ; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim .
-
-The clock gives me my cue , and my assurance bids me search ; there I shall find Falstaff . I shall be rather praised for this than mocked ; for it is as positive as the earth is firm , that Falstaff is there : I will go .
-
-
-Well met , Master Ford .
-
-Trust me , a good knot . I have good cheer at home ; and I pray you all go with me .
-
-I must excuse myself , Master Ford .
-
-And so must I , sir : we have appointed to dine with Mistress Anne , and I would not break with her for more money than I'll speak of .
-
-We have lingered about a match between Anne Page and my cousin Slender , and this day we shall have our answer .
-
-I hope I have your good will , father Page .
-
-You have , Master Slender ; I stand wholly for you : but my wife , Master doctor , is for you altogether .
-
-Ay , by gar ; and de maid is love-a me : my nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush .
-
-What say you to young Master Fenton ? he capers , he dances , he has eyes of youth , he writes verses , he speaks holiday , he smells April and May : he will carry't , he will carry't ; 'tis in his buttons ; he will carry't .
-
-Not by my consent , I promise you . The gentleman is of no having : he kept company with the wild prince and Pointz ; he is of too high a region ; he knows too much . No , he shall not knit a knot in his fortunes with the finger of my substance : if he take her , let him take her simply ; the wealth I have waits on my consent , and my consent goes not that way .
-
-I beseech you heartily , some of you go home with me to dinner : besides your cheer , you shall have sport ; I will show you a monster . Master doctor , you shall go ; so shall you , Master Page ; and you , Sir Hugh .
-
-Well , fare you well : we shall have the freer wooing at Master Page's .
-
-
-Go home , John Rugby ; I come anon .
-
-
-Farewell , my hearts : I will to my honest knight Falstaff , and drink canary with him .
-
-
-I think I shall drink in pipewine first with him ; I'll make him dance . Will you go , gentles ?
-
-Have with you to see this monster .
-
-
-What , John ! what , Robert !
-
-Quickly , quickly :Is the buckbasket
-
-I warrant . What , Robin , I say !
-
-
-Come , come , come .
-
-Here , set it down .
-
-Give your men the charge ; we must be brief .
-
-Marry , as I told you before , John , and Robert , be ready here hard by in the brewhouse ; and when I suddenly call you , come forth , and without any pause or staggering , take this basket on your shoulders : that done , trudge with it in all haste , and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet-mead , and there empty it in the muddy ditch , close by the Thames side .
-
-You will do it ?
-
-I have told them over and over ; they lack no direction . Be gone , and come when you are called .
-
-
-Here comes little Robin .
-
-
-How now , my eyas-musket ! what news with you ?
-
-My master , Sir John , is come in at your back-door , Mistress Ford , and requests your company .
-
-You little Jack-a-Lent , have you been true to us ?
-
-Ay , I'll be sworn . My master knows not of your being here , and hath threatened to put me into everlasting liberty if I tell you of it ; for he swears he'll turn me away .
-
-Thou'rt a good boy ; this secrecy of thine shall be a tailor to thee and shall make thee a new doublet and hose . I'll go hide me .
-
-Do so . Go tell thy master I am alone .
-
-Mistress Page , remember you your cue .
-
-I warrant thee ; if I do not act it , hiss me .
-
-
-Go to , then : we'll use this unwholesome humidity , this gross watery pumpion ; we'll teach him to know turtles from jays .
-
-
-'Have I caught my heavenly jewel ?' Why , now let me die , for I have lived long enough : this is the period of my ambition : O this blessed hour !
-
-O , sweet Sir John !
-
-Mistress Ford , I cannot cog , I cannot prate , Mistress Ford . Now shall I sin in my wish : I would thy husband were dead . I'll speak it before the best lord , I would make thee my lady .
-
-I your lady , Sir John ! alas , I should be a pitiful lady .
-
-Let the court of France show me such another . I see how thine eye would emulate the diamond : thou hast the right arched beauty of the brow that becomes the ship-tire , the tire-valiant , or any tire of Venetian admittance .
-
-A plain kerchief , Sir John : my brows become nothing else ; nor that well neither .
-
-By the Lord , thou art a traitor to say so : thou wouldst make an absolute courtier ; and the firm fixture of thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait in a semi-circled farthingale . I see what thou wert , if Fortune thy foe were not , Nature thy friend . Come , thou canst not hide it .
-
-Believe me , there's no such thing in me .
-
-What made me love thee ? let that persuade thee there's something extraordinary in thee . Come , I cannot cog and say thou art this and that , like a many of these lisping hawthornbuds , that come like women in men s apparel , and smell like Bucklersbury in simple-time ; I cannot ; but I love thee ; none but thee ; and thou deservest it .
-
-Do not betray me , sir . I fear you love Mistress Page .
-
-Thou mightst as well say , I love to walk by the Counter-gate , which is as hateful to me as the reek of a lime-kiln .
-
-Well , heaven knows how I love you ; and you shall one day find it .
-
-Keep in that mind ; I'll deserve it .
-
-Nay , I must tell you , so you do , or else I could not be in that mind .
-
-Mistress Ford ! Mistress Ford ! here's Mistress Page at the door , sweating and blowing and looking wildly , and would needs speak with you presently .
-
-She shall not see me : I will ensconce me behind the arras .
-
-Pray you , do so : she's a very tattling woman .
-
-
-What's the matter ? how now !
-
-O Mistress Ford ! what have you done ? You're shamed , you are overthrown , you're undone for ever !
-
-What's the matter , good Mistress Page ?
-
-O well-a-day , Mistress Ford ! having an honest man to your husband , to give him such cause of suspicion !
-
-What cause of suspicion ?
-
-What cause of suspicion ! Out upon you ! how am I mistook in you !
-
-Why , alas , what's the matter ?
-
-Your husband's coming hither , woman , with all the officers of Windsor , to search for a gentleman that he says is here now in the house by your consent , to take an ill advantage of his absence : you are undone .
-
-Speak louder .'Tis not so , I hope .
-
-Pray heaven it be not so , that you have such a man here ! but 'tis most certain your husband's coming with half Windsor at his heels , to search for such a one . I come before to tell you . If you know yourself clear , why , I am glad of it ; but if you have a friend here , convey , convey him out . Be not amazed ; call all your senses to you : defend your reputation , or bid farewell to your good life for ever .
-
-What shall I do ?There is a gentleman , my dear friend ; and I fear not mine own shame so much as his peril : I had rather than a thousand pound he were out of the house .
-
-For shame ! never stand 'you had rather' and 'you had rather :' your husband's here at hand ; bethink you of some conveyance : in the house you cannot hide him . O , how have you deceived me ! Look , here is a basket : if he be of any reasonable stature , he may creep in here ; and throw foul linen upon him , as if it were going to bucking : or it is whiting-time send him by your two men to Datchet-mead .
-
-He's too big to go in there . What shall I do ?
-
-Let me see't , let me see't , O , let me see't ! I'll in , I'll in . Follow your friend's counsel . I'll in .
-
-What , Sir John Falstaff ! Are these your letters , knight ?
-
-I love thee , and none but thee ; help me away : let me creep in here . I'll never
-
-
-Help to cover your master , boy . Call your men , Mistress Ford . You dissembling knight !
-
-What , John ! Robert ! John !
-
-Go take up these clothes here quickly ; where's the cowl-staff ? look , how you drumble ! carry them to the laundress in Datchet-mead ; quickly , come .
-
-Pray you , come near : if I suspect without cause , why then make sport at me ; then let me be your jest ; I deserve it . How now ! what goes here ? whither bear you this ?
-
-To the laundress , forsooth .
-
-Why , what have you to do whither they bear it ? You were best meddle with buck-washing .
-
-Buck ! I would I could wash myself of the buck ! Buck , buck , buck ! Ay , buck ; I warrant you , buck ; and of the season too , it shall appear .
-
-Gentlemen , I have dreamed to-night ; I'll tell you my dream . Here , here , here be my keys : ascend my chambers ; search , seek , find out : I'll warrant we'll unkennel the fox . Let me stop this way first . [Locking the door .] So , now uncape .
-
-Good Master Ford , be contented : you wrong yourself too much .
-
-True , Master Page . Up , gentlemen ; you shall see sport anon : follow me , gentlemen .
-
-
-This is fery fantastical humours and jealousies .
-
-By gar , 'tis no de fashion of France ; it is not jealous in France .
-
-Nay , follow him , gentlemen ; see the issue of his search .
-
-
-Is there not a double excellency in this ?
-
-I know not which pleases me better ; that my husband is deceived , or Sir John .
-
-What a taking was he in when your husband asked who was in the basket !
-
-I am half afraid he will have need of washing ; so throwing him into the water will do him a benefit .
-
-Hang him , dishonest rascal ! I would all of the same strain were in the same distress .
-
-I think my husband hath some special suspicion of Falstaff's being here ; for I never saw him so gross in his jealousy till now .
-
-I will lay a plot to try that ; and we will yet have more tricks with Falstaff : his dissolute disease will scarce obey this medicine .
-
-Shall we send that foolish carrion Mistress Quickly to him , and excuse his throwing into the water ; and give him another hope , to betray him to another punishment ?
-
-We will do it : let him be sent for to-morrow , eight o'clock , to have amends .
-
-
-I cannot find him : may be the knave bragged of that he could not compass .
-
-Heard you that ?
-
-Ay , ay , peace .You use me well , Master Ford , do you ?
-
-Ay , I do so .
-
-Heaven make you better than your thoughts !
-
-Amen !
-
-You do yourself mighty wrong , Master Ford .
-
-Ay , ay ; I must bear it .
-
-If there pe any pody in the house , and in the chambers , and in the coffers , and in the presses , heaven forgive my sins at the day of judgment !
-
-By gar , nor I too , dere is no bodies .
-
-Fie , fie , Master Ford ! are you not ashamed ? What spirit , what devil suggests this imagination ? I would not ha' your distemper in this kind for the wealth of Windsor Castle .
-
-'Tis my fault , Master Page : I suffer for it .
-
-You suffer for a pad conscience : your wife is as honest a 'omans as I will desires among five thousand , and five hundred too .
-
-By gar , I see 'tis an honest woman .
-
-Well ; I promised you a dinner . Come , come , walk in the Park : I pray you , pardon me ; I will hereafter make known to you why I have done this . Come , wife ; come , Mistress Page . I pray you , pardon me ; pray heartily , pardon me .
-
-Let's go in , gentlemen ; but , trust me , we'll mock him . I do invite you to-morrow morning to my house to breakfast ; after , we'll a-birding together : I have a fine hawk for the bush . Shall it be so ?
-
-Any thing .
-
-If there is one , I shall make two in the company .
-
-If dere be one or two , I shall make-a de turd .
-
-Pray you go , Master Page .
-
-I pray you now , remembrance to-morrow on the lousy knave , mine host .
-
-Dat is good ; by gar , vit all my heart .
-
-A lousy knave ! to have his gibes and his mockeries !
-
-
-I see I cannot get thy father's love ;
-Therefore no more turn me to him , sweet Nan .
-
-Alas ! how then ?
-
-Why , thou must be thyself .
-He doth object , I am too great of birth ,
-And that my state being gall'd with my expense ,
-I seek to heal it only by his wealth .
-Besides these , other bars he lays before me ,
-My riots past , my wild societies ;
-And tells me 'tis a thing impossible
-I should love thee but as a property .
-
-May be he tells you true .
-
-No , heaven so speed me in my time to come !
-Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth
-Was the first motive that I woo'd thee , Anne :
-Yet , wooing thee , I found thee of more value
-Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags ;
-And 'tis the very riches of thyself
-That now I aim at .
-
-Gentle Master Fenton ,
-Yet seek my father's love ; still seek it , sir :
-If opportunity and humblest suit
-Cannot attain it , why , then ,hark you hither .
-
-Break their talk , Mistress Quickly : my kinsman shall speak for himself .
-
-I'll make a shaft or a bolt on't . 'Slid , 'tis but venturing .
-
-Be not dismayed .
-
-No , she shall not dismay me : I care not for that , but that I am afeard .
-
-Hark ye ; Master Slender would speak a word with you .
-
-I come to him .
-
-This is my father's choice .
-O , what a world of vile ill-favour'd faults
-Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year !
-
-And how does good Master Fenton ? Pray you , a word with you .
-
-She's coming ; to her , coz . O boy , thou hadst a father !
-
-I had a father , Mistress Anne ; my uncle can tell you good jests of him . Pray you , uncle , tell Mistress Anne the jest , how my father stole two geese out of a pen , good uncle .
-
-Mistress Anne , my cousin loves you .
-
-Ay , that I do ; as well as I love any woman in Glostershire .
-
-He will maintain you like a gentlewoman .
-
-Ay , that I will , come cut and long-tail , under the degree of a squire .
-
-He will make you a hundred and fifty pounds jointure .
-
-Good Master Shallow , let him woo for himself .
-
-Marry , I thank you for it ; I thank you for that good comfort . She calls you , coz : I'll leave you .
-
-Now , Master Slender .
-
-Now , good Mistress Anne .
-
-What is your will ?
-
-My will ? od's heartlings ! that's a pretty jest , indeed ! I ne'er made my will yet , I thank heaven ; I am not such a sickly creature , I give heaven praise .
-
-I mean , Master Slender , what would you with me ?
-
-Truly , for mine own part , I would little or nothing with you . Your father and my uncle have made motions : if it be my luck , so ; if not , happy man be his dole ! They can tell you how things go better than I can : you may ask your father ; here he comes .
-
-
-Now , Master Slender : love him , daughter Anne .
-Why , how now ! what does Master Fenton here ?
-You wrong me , sir , thus still to haunt my house :
-I told you , sir , my daughter is dispos'd of .
-
-Nay , Master Page , be not impatient .
-
-Good Master Fenton , come not to my child .
-
-She is no match for you .
-
-Sir , will you hear me ?
-
-No , good Master Fenton .
-Come , Master Shallow ; come , son Slender , in .
-Knowing my mind , you wrong me , Master Fenton .
-
-
-Speak to Mistress Page .
-
-Good Mistress Page , for that I love your daughter
-In such a righteous fashion as I do ,
-Perforce , against all checks , rebukes and manners ,
-I must advance the colours of my love
-And not retire : let me have your good will .
-
-Good mother , do not marry me to yond fool .
-
-I mean it not ; I seek you a better husband .
-
-That's my master , Master doctor .
-
-Alas ! I had rather be set quick i' the earth ,
-And bowl'd to death with turnips .
-
-Come , trouble not yourself . Good Master Fenton ,
-I will not be your friend nor enemy :
-My daughter will I question how she loves you ,
-And as I find her , so am I affected .
-'Till then , farewell , sir : she must needs go in ;
-Her father will be angry .
-
-Farewell , gentle mistress . Farewell , Nan .
-
-
-This is my doing , now : 'Nay ,' said I , 'will you cast away your child on a fool , and a physician ? Look on Master Fenton .' This is my doing .
-
-I thank thee : and I pray thee , once to-night
-Give my sweet Nan this ring . There's for thy pains .
-
-Now heaven send thee good fortune !
-
-A kind heart he hath : a woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart . But yet I would my master had Mistress Anne ; or I would Master Slender had her ; or , in sooth , I would Master Fenton had her . I will do what I can for them all three , for so I have promised , and I'll be as good as my word ; but speciously for Master Fenton . Well , I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from my two mistresses : what a beast am I to slack it !
-
-
-Bardolph , I say ,
-
-Here , sir .
-
-Go fetch me a quart of sack ; put a toast in't .
-
-Have I lived to be carried in a basket , and to be thrown in the Thames like a barrow of butcher's offal ? Well , if I be served such another trick , I'll have my brains ta'en out , and buttered , and give them to a dog for a new year's gift . The rogues slighted me into the river with as little remorse as they would have drowned a blind bitch's puppies , fifteen i' the litter ; and you may know by my size that I have a kind of alacrity in sinking : if the bottom were as deep as hell , I should down . I had been drowned but that the shore was shelvy and shallow ; a death that I abhor , for the water swells a man , and what a thing should I have been when I had been swelled ! I should have been a mountain of mummy .
-
-
-Here's Mistress Quickly , sir , to speak with you .
-
-Come , let me pour in some sack to the Thames water , for my belly's as cold as if I had swallowed snowballs for pills to cool the reins . Call her in .
-
-Come in , woman .
-
-
-By your leave . I cry you mercy : give your worship good morrow .
-
-Take away these chalices . Go brew me a pottle of sack finely .
-
-With eggs , sir ?
-
-Simple of itself ; I'll no pullet-sperm in my brewage .
-
-How now !
-
-Marry , sir , I come to your worship from Mistress Ford .
-
-Mistress Ford ! I have had ford enough ; I was thrown into the ford ; I have my belly full of ford .
-
-Alas the day ! good heart , that was not her fault : she does so take on with her men ; they mistook their erection .
-
-So did I mine , to build upon a foolish woman's promise .
-
-Well , she laments , sir , for it , that it would yearn your heart to see it . Her husband goes this morning a-birding : she desires you once more to come to her between eight and nine . I must carry her word quickly : she'll make you amends , I warrant you .
-
-Well , I will visit her : tell her so ; and bid her think what a man is : let her consider his frailty , and then judge of my merit .
-
-I will tell her .
-
-Do so . Between nine and ten , sayest thou ?
-
-Eight and nine , sir .
-
-Well , be gone : I will not miss her .
-
-Peace be with you , sir .
-
-
-I marvel I hear not of Master Brook ; he sent me word to stay within . I like his money well . O ! here he comes .
-
-
-Bless you , sir !
-
-Now , Master Brook , you come to know what hath passed between me and Ford's wife ?
-
-That , indeed , Sir John , is my business .
-
-Master Brook , I will not lie to you : I was at her house the hour she appointed me .
-
-And how sped you , sir ?
-
-Very ill-favouredly , Master Brook .
-
-How so , sir ? did she change her determination ?
-
-No , Master Brook ; but the peaking cornuto her husband , Master Brook , dwelling in a continual 'larum of jealousy , comes me in the instant of our encounter , after we had embraced , kissed , protested , and , as it were , spoke the prologue of our comedy ; and at his heels a rabble of his companions , thither provoked and instigated by his distemper , and , forsooth , to search his house for his wife's love .
-
-What ! while you were there ?
-
-While I was there .
-
-And did he search for you , and could not find you ?
-
-You shall hear . As good luck would have it , comes in one Mistress Page ; gives intelligence of Ford's approach ; and in her invention , and Ford's wife's distraction , they conveyed me into a buck-basket .
-
-A buck-basket !
-
-By the Lord , a buck-basket ! rammed me in with foul shirts and smocks , socks , foul stockings , greasy napkins ; that , Master Brook , there was the rankest compound of villanous smell that ever offended nostril .
-
-And how long lay you there ?
-
-Nay , you shall hear , Master Brook , what I have suffered to bring this woman to evil for your good . Being thus crammed in the basket , a couple of Ford's knaves , his hinds , were called forth by their mistress to carry me in the name of foul clothes to Datchet-lane : they took me on their shoulders ; met the jealous knave their master in the door , who asked them once or twice what they had in their basket . I quaked for fear lest the lunatic knave would have searched it ; but Fate , ordaining he should be a cuckold , held his hand . Well ; on went he for a search , and away went I for foul clothes . But mark the sequel , Master Brook : I suffered the pangs of three several deaths : first , an intolerable-fright , to be detected with a jealous rotten bell-wether ; next , to be compassed , like a good bilbo , in the circumference of a peck , hilt to point , heel to head ; and then , to be stopped in , like a strong distillation , with stinking clothes that fretted in their own grease : think of that , a man of my kidney , think of that , that am as subject to heat as butter ; a man of continual dissolution and thaw : it was a miracle to 'scape suffocation . And in the height of this bath , when I was more than half stewed in grease , like a Dutch dish , to be thrown into the Thames , and cooled , glowing hot , in that surge , like a horse-shoe ; think of that , hissing hot , think of that , Master Brook !
-
-In good sadness , sir , I am sorry that for my sake you have suffered all this . My suit then is desperate ; you'll undertake her no more ?
-
-Master Brook , I will be thrown into Etna , as I have been into Thames , ere I will leave her thus . Her husband is this morning gone a-birding : I have received from her another embassy of meeting ; 'twixt eight and nine is the hour , Master Brook .
-
-'Tis past eight already , sir .
-
-Is it ? I will then address me to my appointment . Come to me at your convenient leisure , and you shall know how I speed , and the conclusion shall be crowned with your enjoying her : adieu . You shall have her , Master Brook ; Master Brook , you shall cuckold Ford .
-
-
-Hum ! ha ! is this a vision ? is this a dream ? do I sleep ? Master Ford , awake ! awake , Master Ford ! there's a hole made in your best coat , Master Ford . This 'tis to be married : this 'tis to have linen and buck-baskets ! Well , I will proclaim myself what I am : I will now take the lecher ; he is at my house ; he cannot 'scape me ; 'tis impossible he should ; he cannot creep into a half-penny purse , nor into a pepper-box ; but , lest the devil that guides him should aid him , I will search impossible places . Though what I am I cannot avoid , yet to be what I would not , shall not make me tame : if I have horns to make me mad , let the proverb go with me ; I'll be horn-mad .
-
-Is he at Master Ford's already , thinkest thou ?
-
-Sure he is by this , or will be presently ; but truly , he is very courageous mad about his throwing into the water . Mistress Ford desires you to come suddenly .
-
-I'll be with her by and by : I'll but bring my young man here to school . Look , where his master comes ; 'tis a playing-day , I see .
-
-How now , Sir Hugh ! no school to-day ?
-
-No ; Master Slender is get the boys leave to play .
-
-Blessing of his heart !
-
-Sir Hugh , my husband says my son profits nothing in the world at his book : I pray you , ask him some questions in his accidence .
-
-Come hither , William ; hold up your head ; come .
-
-Come on , sirrah ; hold up your head ; answer your master , be not afraid .
-
-William , how many numbers is in nouns ?
-
-Two .
-
-Truly , I thought there had been one number more , because they say , 'Od's nouns .'
-
-Peace your tattlings ! What is fair , William ?
-
-Pulcher .
-
-Polecats ! there are fairer things than polecats , sure .
-
-You are a very simplicity 'oman : I pray you peace . What is lapis , William ?
-
-A stone .
-
-And what is a stone , William ?
-
-A pebble .
-
-No , it is lapis : I pray you remember in your prain .
-
-Lapis .
-
-That is a good William . What is he , William , that does lend articles ?
-
-Articles are borrowed of the pronoun , and be thus declined , Singulariter , nominativo , hic , h c , hoc .
-
-Nominativo , hig , hag , hog ; pray you , mark : genitivo , hujus . Well , what is your accusative case ?
-
-Accusativo , hinc .
-
-I pray you , have your remembrance , child ; accusativo , hung , hang , hog .
-
-Hang hog is Latin for bacon , I warrant you .
-
-Leave your prabbles , 'oman . What is the focative case , William ?
-
-O vocativo , O .
-
-Remember , William ; focative is caret .
-
-And that's a good root .
-
-'Oman , forbear .
-
-Peace !
-
-What is your genitive case plural , William ?
-
-Genitive case ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Genitive , horum , harum , horum .
-
-Vengeance of Jenny's case ! fie on her ! Never name her , child , if she be a whore .
-
-For shame , 'oman !
-
-You do ill to teach the child such words . He teaches him to hick and to hack , which they'll do fast enough of themselves , and to call 'horum ?' fie upon you !
-
-'Oman , art thou lunatics ? hast thou no understandings for thy cases and the numbers and the genders ? Thou art as foolish Christian creatures as I would desires .
-
-Prithee , hold thy peace .
-
-Show me now , William , some declensions of your pronouns .
-
-Forsooth , I have forgot .
-
-It is qui , qu , quod ; if you forget your quis , your qu s , and your quods , you must be preeches . Go your ways and play ; go .
-
-He is a better scholar than I thought he was .
-
-He is a good sprag memory . Farewell , Mistress Page .
-
-Adieu , good Sir Hugh .
-
-Get you home , boy . Come , we stay too long .
-
-
-Mistress Ford , your sorrow hath eaten up my sufferance . I see you are obsequious in your love , and I profess requital to a hair's breadth ; not only , Mistress Ford , in the simple office of love , but in all the accoutrement , complement and ceremony of it . But are you sure of your husband now ?
-
-He's a-birding , sweet Sir John .
-
-What ho ! gossip Ford ! what ho !
-
-Step into the chamber , Sir John .
-
-How now , sweetheart ! who's at home besides yourself ?
-
-Why , none but mine own people .
-
-Indeed !
-
-No , certainly .
-
-Speak louder .
-
-Truly , I am so glad you have nobody here .
-
-Why ?
-
-Why , woman , your husband is in his old lunes again : he so takes on yonder with my husband ; so rails against all married mankind ; so curses all Eve's daughters , of what complexion soever ; and so buffets himself on the forehead , crying , 'Peer out , peer out !' that any madness I ever yet beheld seemed but tameness , civility and patience , to this his distemper he is in now . I am glad the fat knight is not here .
-
-Why , does he talk of him ?
-
-Of none but him ; and swears he was carried out , the last time he searched for him , in a basket : protests to my husband he is now here , and hath drawn him and the rest of their company from their sport , to make another experiment of his suspicion . But I am glad the knight is not here ; now he shall see his own foolery .
-
-How near is he , Mistress Page ?
-
-Hard by ; at street end ; he will be here anon .
-
-I am undone ! the knight is here .
-
-Why then you are utterly shamed , and he's but a dead man . What a woman are you ! Away with him , away with him ! better shame than murder .
-
-Which way should he go ? how should I bestow him ? Shall I put him into the basket again ?
-
-
-No , I'll come no more i' the basket . May I not go out ere he come ?
-
-Alas ! three of Master Ford's brothers watch the door with pistols , that none shall issue out ; otherwise you might slip away ere he came . But what make you here ?
-
-What shall I do ? I'll creep up into the chimney .
-
-There they always use to discharge their birding-pieces .
-
-Creep into the kiln-hole .
-
-Where is it ?
-
-He will seek there , on my word . Neither press , coffer , chest , trunk , well , vault , but he hath an abstract for the remembrance of such places , and goes to them by his note : there is no hiding you in the house .
-
-I'll go out , then .
-
-If you go out in your own semblance , you die , Sir John . Unless you go out disguised ,
-
-How might we disguise him ?
-
-Alas the day ! I know not . There is no woman's gown big enough for him ; otherwise , he might put on a hat , a muffler , and a kerchief , and so escape .
-
-Good hearts , devise something : any extremity rather than a mischief .
-
-My maid's aunt , the fat woman of Brainford , has a gown above .
-
-On my word , it will serve him ; she's as big as he is : and there's her thrummed hat and her muffler too . Run up , Sir John .
-
-Go , go , sweet Sir John : Mistress Page and I will look some linen for your head .
-
-Quick , quick ! we'll come dress you straight ; put on the gown the while .
-
-
-I would my husband would meet him in this shape : he cannot abide the old woman of Brainford ; he swears she's a witch ; forbade her my house , and hath threatened to beat her .
-
-Heaven guide him to thy husband's cudgel , and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards !
-
-But is my husband coming ?
-
-Ay , in good sadness , is he ; and talks of the basket too , howsoever he hath had intelligence .
-
-We'll try that ; for I'll appoint my men to carry the basket again , to meet him at the door with it , as they did last time .
-
-Nay , but he'll be here presently : let's go dress him like the witch of Brainford .
-
-I'll first direct my men what they shall do with the basket . Go up ; I'll bring linen for him straight .
-
-
-Hang him , dishonest varlet ! we cannot misuse him enough .
-We'll leave a proof , by that which we will do ,
-Wives may be merry , and yet honest too :
-We do not act that often jest and laugh ;
-'Tis old , but true , 'Still swine eats all the draff .'
-
-Go , sirs , take the basket again on your shoulders : your master is hard at door ; if he bid you set it down , obey him . Quickly ; dispatch .
-
-
-Come , come , take it up .
-
-Pray heaven , it be not full of knight again .
-
-I hope not ; I had as lief bear so much lead .
-
-
-Ay , but if it prove true , Master Page , have you any way then to unfool me again ? Set down the basket , villains . Somebody call my wife . Youth in a basket ! O you panderly rascals ! there's a knot , a ging , a pack , a conspiracy against me : now shall the devil be shamed . What , wife , I say ! Come , come forth ! Behold what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching !
-
-Why , this passes ! Master Ford , you are not to go loose any longer ; you must be pinioned .
-
-Why , this is lunatics ! this is mad as a mad dog !
-
-Indeed , Master Ford , this is not well , indeed .
-
-So say I too , sir .
-
-Come hither , Mistress Ford , the honest woman , the modest wife , the virtuous creature , that hath the jealous fool to her husband ! I suspect without cause , mistress , do I ?
-
-Heaven by my witness , you do , if you suspect me in any dishonesty .
-
-Well said , brazen-face ! hold it out . Come forth , sirrah !
-
-
-This passes !
-
-Are you not ashamed ? let the clothes alone .
-
-I shall find you anon .
-
-'Tis unreasonable . Will you take up your wife's clothes ? Come away .
-
-Empty the basket , I say !
-
-Why , man , why ?
-
-Master Page , as I am an honest man , there was one conveyed out of my house yesterday in this basket : why may not he be there again ? In my house I am sure he is ; my intelligence is true ; my jealousy is reasonable . Pluck me out all the linen .
-
-If you find a man there he shall die a flea's death .
-
-Here's no man .
-
-By my fidelity , this is not well , Master Ford ; this wrongs you .
-
-Master Ford , you must pray , and not follow the imaginations of your own heart : this is jealousies .
-
-Well , he's not here I seek for .
-
-No , nor nowhere else but in your brain .
-
-
-Help to search my house this one time : if I find not what I seek , show no colour for my extremity ; let me for ever be your table-sport ; let them say of me , 'As jealous as Ford , that searched a hollow walnut for his wife's leman .' Satisfy me once more ; once more search with me .
-
-What ho , Mistress Page ! come you and the old woman down ; my husband will come into the chamber .
-
-Old woman ! What old woman's that ?
-
-Why , it is my maid's aunt of Brainford .
-
-A witch , a quean , an old cozening quean ! Have I not forbid her my house ? She comes of errands , does she ? We are simple men ; we do not know what's brought to pass under the profession of fortune-telling . She works by charms , by spells , by the figure , and such daubery as this is , beyond our element : we know nothing . Come down , you witch , you hag , you ; come down , I say !
-
-Nay , good , sweet husband ! good gentlemen , let him not strike the old woman .
-
-
-Come , Mother Prat ; come , give me your hand .
-
-I'll 'prat' her .
-
-Out of my door , you witch , you rag , you baggage , you polecat , you ronyon ! out , out ! I'll conjure you , I'll fortune-tell you .
-
-
-Are you not ashamed ? I think you have killed the poor woman .
-
-Nay , he will do it . 'Tis a goodly credit for you .
-
-Hang her , witch !
-
-By yea and no , I think the 'oman is a witch indeed : I like not when a 'oman has a great peard ; I spy a great peard under her muffler .
-
-Will you follow , gentlemen ? I beseech you , follow : see but the issue of my jealousy . If I cry out thus upon no trail , never trust me when I open again .
-
-Let's obey his humour a little further . Come , gentlemen .
-
-
-Trust me , he beat him most pitifully .
-
-Nay , by the mass , that he did not ; he beat him most unpitifully methought .
-
-I'll have the cudgel hallowed and hung o'er the altar : it hath done meritorious service .
-
-What think you ? May we , with the warrant of womanhood and the witness of a good conscience , pursue him with any further revenge ?
-
-The spirit of wantonness is , sure , scared out of him : if the devil have him not in fee-simple , with fine and recovery , he will never , I think , in the way of waste , attempt us again .
-
-Shall we tell our husbands how we have served him ?
-
-Yes , by all means ; if it be but to scrape the figures out of your husband's brains . If they can find in their hearts the poor unvirtuous fat knight shall be any further afflicted , we two will still be the ministers .
-
-I'll warrant they'll have him publicly shamed , and methinks there would be no period to the jest , should he not be publicly shamed .
-
-Come , to the forge with it then ; shape it : I would not have things cool .
-
-
-Sir , the Germans desire to have three of your horses : the duke himself will be to-morrow at court , and they are going to meet him .
-
-What duke should that be comes so secretly ? I hear not of him in the court . Let me speak with the gentlemen ; they speak English ?
-
-Ay , sir ; I'll call them to you .
-
-They shall have my horses , but I'll make them pay ; I'll sauce them : they have had my house a week at command ; I have turned away my other guests : they must come off ; I'll sauce them . Come .
-
-
-'Tis one of the pest discretions of a 'oman as ever I did look upon .
-
-And did he send you both these letters at an instant ?
-
-Within a quarter of an hour .
-
-Pardon me , wife . Henceforth do what thou wilt ;
-I rather will suspect the sun with cold
-Than thee with wantonness : now doth thy honour stand ,
-In him that was of late an heretic ,
-As firm as faith .
-
-'Tis well , 'tis well ; no more .
-Be not as extreme in submission
-As in ofrence ;
-But let our plot go forward : let our wives
-Yet once again , to make us public sport ,
-Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow ,
-Where we may take him and disgrace him for it .
-
-There is no better way than that they spoke of .
-
-How ? to send him word they'll meet him in the Park at midnight ? Fie , fie ! he'll never come .
-
-You say he has been thrown into the rivers , and has been grievously peaten as an old 'oman : methinks there should be terrors in him that he should not come ; methinks his flesh is punished , he shall have no desires .
-
-So think I too .
-
-Devise but how you'll use him when he comes ,
-And let us two devise to bring him thither .
-
-There is an old tale goes that Herne the hunter ,
-Sometime a keeper here in Windsor forest ,
-Doth all the winter-time , at still midnight ,
-Walk round about an oak , with great ragg'd horns ;
-And there he blasts the tree , and takes the cattle ,
-And makes milch-kine yield blood , and shakes a chain
-In a most hideous and dreadful manner :
-You have heard of such a spirit , and well you know
-The superstitious idle-headed eld
-Receiv'd and did deliver to our age
-This tale of Herne the hunter for a truth .
-
-Why , yet there want not many that do fear
-In deep of night to walk by this Herne's oak .
-But what of this ?
-
-Marry , this is our device ;
-That Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us ,
-Disguis'd like Herne with huge horns on his head .
-
-Well , let it not be doubted but he'll come ,
-And in this shape when you have brought him thither ,
-What shall be done with him ? what is your plot ?
-
-That likewise have we thought upon , and thus :
-Nan Page my daughter , and my little son ,
-And three or four more of their growth , we'll dress
-Like urchins , ouphs and fairies , green and white ,
-With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads ,
-And rattles in their hands . Upon a sudden ,
-As Falstaff , she , and I , are newly met ,
-Let them from forth a sawpit rush at once
-With some diffused song : upon their sight ,
-We two in great amazedness will fly :
-Then let them all encircle him about ,
-And , fairy-like , to-pinch the unclean knight ;
-And ask him why , that hour of fairy revel ,
-In their so sacred paths he dares to tread
-In shape profane .
-
-And till he tell the truth ,
-Let the supposed fairies pinch him sound
-And burn him with their tapers .
-
-The truth being known ,
-We'll all present ourselves , dis-horn the spirit ,
-And mock him home to Windsor .
-
-The children must
-Be practis'd well to this , or they'll ne'er do't .
-
-I will teach the children their behaviours ; and I will be like a jack-an-apes also , to burn the knight with my taber .
-
-That will be excellent . I'll go buy them vizards .
-
-My Nan shall be the queen of all the fairies ,
-Finely attired in a robe of white .
-
-That silk will I go buy :
-
-and in that time
-Shall Master Slender steal my Nan away ,
-And marry her at Eton . Go , send to Falstaff straight .
-
-Nay , I'll to him again in name of Brook ;
-He'll tell me all his purpose . Sure , he'll come .
-
-Fear not you that . Go , get us properties ,
-And tricking for our fairies .
-
-Let us about it : it is admirable pleasures and fery honest knaveries .
-
-
-Go , Mistress Ford ,
-Send Quickly to Sir John , to know his mind .
-
-I'll to the doctor : he hath my good will ,
-And none but he , to marry with Nan Page .
-That Slender , though well landed , is an idiot ;
-And him my husband best of all affects :
-The doctor is well money'd , and his friends
-Potent at court : he , none but he , shall have her ,
-Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her .
-
-
-What wouldst thou have , boor ? what , thick-skin ? speak , breathe , discuss ; brief , short , quick , snap .
-
-Marry , sir , I come to speak with Sir John Falstaff from Master Slender .
-
-There's his chamber , his house , his castle , his standing-bed and truckle-bed : 'tis painted about with the story of the Prodigal , fresh and new . Go knock and call : he'll speak like an Anthropophaginian unto thee : knock , I say .
-
-There's an old woman , a fat woman , gone up into his chamber : I'll be so bold as stay , sir , till she come down ; I come to speak with her , indeed .
-
-Ha ! a fat woman ! the knight may be robbed : I'll call . Bully knight ! Bully Sir John ! speak from thy lungs military : art thou there ? it is thine host , thine Ephesian , calls .
-
-How now , mine host !
-
-Here's a Bohemian-Tartar tarries the coming down of thy fat woman . Let her descend , bully ; let her descend ; my chambers are honourable : fie ! privacy ? fie !
-
-
-There was , mine host , an old fat woman even now with me , but she's gone .
-
-Pray you , sir , was't not the wise woman of Brainford ?
-
-Ay , marry , was it , muscle-shell : what would you with her ?
-
-My Master , sir , Master Slender , sent to her , seeing her go thorough the streets , to know , sir , whether one Nym , sir , that beguiled him of a chain , had the chain or no .
-
-I spake with the old woman about it .
-
-And what says she , I pray , sir ?
-
-Marry , she says that the very same man that beguiled Master Slender of his chain cozened him of it .
-
-I would I could have spoken with the woman herself : I had other things to have spoken with her too , from him .
-
-What are they ? let us know .
-
-Ay , come ; quick .
-
-I may not conceal them , sir .
-
-Conceal them , or thou diest .
-
-Why , sir , they were nothing but about Mistress Anne Page ; to know if it were my master's fortune to have her or no .
-
-'Tis , 'tis his fortune .
-
-What , sir ?
-
-To have her , or no . Go ; say the woman told me so .
-
-May I be bold to say so , sir ?
-
-Ay , Sir Tike ; who more bold ?
-
-I thank your worship : I shall make my master glad with these tidings .
-
-
-Thou art clerkly , thou art clerkly , Sir John . Was there a wise woman with thee ?
-
-Ay , that there was , mine host ; one that hath taught me more wit than ever I learned before in my life : and I paid nothing for it neither , but was paid for my learning .
-
-
-Out , alas , sir ! cozenage , mere cozenage !
-
-Where be my horses ? speak well of them , varletto .
-
-Run away , with the cozeners ; for so soon as I came beyond Eton , they threw me off , from behind one of them , in a slough of mire ; and set spurs and away , like three German devils , three Doctor Faustuses .
-
-They are gone but to meet the duke , villain . Do not say they be fled : Germans are honest men .
-
-
-Where is mine host ?
-
-What is the matter , sir ?
-
-Have a care of your entertainments : there is a friend of mine come to town , tells me , there is three cozen-germans that has cozened all the hosts of Readins , of Maidenhead , of Colebrook , of horses and money . I tell you for good will , look you : you are wise and full of gibes and vlouting-stogs , and 'tis not convenient you should be cozened . Fare you well .
-
-Vere is mine host de Jarteer ?
-
-Here , Master doctor , in perplexity and doubtful dilemma .
-
-I cannot tell vat is dat ; but it is tell-a me dat you make grand preparation for a duke de Jamany : by my trot , dere is no duke dat de court is know to come . I tell you for good vill : adieu .
-
-
-Hue and cry , villain ! go . Assist me , knight ; I am undone . Fly , run , hue and cry , villain ! I am undone !
-
-
-I would all the world might be cozened , for I have been cozened and beaten too . If it should come to the ear of the court how I have been transformed , and how my transformation hath been washed and cudgelled , they would melt me out of my fat drop by drop , and liquor fishermen's boots with me : I warrant they would whip me with their fine wits till I were as crest-fallen as a dried pear . I never prospered since I forswore myself at primero . Well , if my wind were but long enough to say my prayers , I would repent .
-
-Now , whence come you ?
-
-From the two parties , forsooth .
-
-The devil take one party and his dam the other ! and so they shall be both bestowed . I have suffered more for their sakes , more than the villanous inconstancy of man's disposition is able to bear .
-
-And have not they suffered ? Yes , I warrant ; speciously one of them : Mistress Ford , good heart , is beaten black and blue , that you cannot see a white spot about her .
-
-What tellest thou me of black and blue ? I was beaten myself into all the colours of the rainbow ; and I was like to be apprehended for the witch of Brainford : but that my admirable dexterity of wit , my counterfeiting the action of an old woman , delivered me , the knave constable had set me i' the stocks , i' the common stocks , for a witch .
-
-Sir , let me speak with you in your chamber ; you shall hear how things go , and , I warrant , to your content . Here is a letter will say somewhat . Good hearts ! what ado here is to bring you together ! Sure , one of you does not serve heaven well , that you are so crossed .
-
-Come up into my chamber .
-
-
-Master Fenton , talk not to me : my mind is heavy ; I will give over all .
-
-Yet hear me speak . Assist me in my purpose ,
-And , as I am a gentleman , I'll give thee
-A hundred pound in gold more than your loss .
-
-I will hear you , Master Fenton ; and I will , at the least , keep your counsel .
-
-From time to time I have acquainted you
-With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page ;
-Who , mutually hath answer'd my affection ,
-So far forth as herself might be her chooser ,
-Even to my wish . I have a letter from her
-Of such contents as you will wonder at ;
-The mirth whereof so larded with my matter ,
-That neither singly can be manifested ,
-Without the show of both ; wherein fat Falstaff
-Hath a great scare : the image of the jest
-I'll show you here at large
-
-Hark , good mine host :
-To-night at Herne's oak , just 'twixt twelve and one ,
-Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen ;
-The purpose why , is here : in which disguise ,
-While other jests are something rank on foot ,
-Her father hath commanded her to slip
-Away with Slender , and with him at Eton
-Immediately to marry : she hath consented :
-Now , sir ,
-Her mother , even strong against that match
-And firm for Doctor Caius , hath appointed
-That he shall likewise shuffle her away ,
-While other sports are tasking of their minds ;
-And at the deanery , where a priest attends ,
-Straight marry her : to this her mother's plot
-She , seemingly obedient , likewise hath
-Made promise to the doctor . Now , thus it rests :
-Her father means she shall be all in white ,
-And in that habit , when Slender sees his time
-To take her by the hand and bid her go ,
-She shall go with him : her mother hath intended ,
-The better to denote her to the doctor ,
-For they must all be mask'd and vizarded
-That quaint in green she shall be loose enrob'd ,
-With ribands pendent , flaring 'bout her head ;
-And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe ,
-To pinch her by the hand ; and on that token
-The maid hath given consent to go with him .
-
-Which means she to deceive , father or mother ?
-
-Both , my good host , to go along with me :
-And here it rests , that you'll procure the vicar
-To stay for me at church 'twixt twelve and one ,
-And , in the lawful name of marrying ,
-To give our hearts united ceremony .
-
-Well , husband your device ; I'll to the vicar .
-Bring you the maid , you shall not lack a priest .
-
-So shall I evermore be bound to thee ;
-Besides , I'll make a present recompense .
-
-Prithee , no more prattling ; go : I'll hold . This is the third time ; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers . Away ! go . They say there is divinity in odd numbers , either in nativity , chance or death . Away !
-
-I'll provide you a chain , and I'll do what I can to get you a pair of horns .
-
-Away , I say ; time wears : hold up your head , and mince .
-
-
-How now , Master Brook ! Master Brook , the matter will be known to-night , or never . Be you in the Park about midnight , at Herne's oak , and you shall see wonders .
-
-Went you not to her yesterday , sir , as you told me you had appointed ?
-
-I went to her , Master Brook , as you see , like a poor old man ; but I came from her , Master Brook , like a poor old woman . That same knave Ford , her husband , hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him , Master Brook , that ever governed frenzy . I will tell you : he beat me grievously , in the shape of a woman ; for in the shape of a man , Master Brook , I fear not Goliath with a weaver's beam , because I know also life is a shuttle . I am in haste : go along with me ; I'll tell you all , Master Brook . Since I plucked geese , played traunt , and whipped top , I knew not what it was to be beaten till lately . Follow me : I'll tell you strange things of this knave Ford , on whom to-night I will be revenged , and I will deliver his wife into your hand . Follow . Strange things in hand , Master Brook ! Follow .
-
-
-Come , come ; we'll couch i' the castle-ditch till we see the light of our fairies . Remember , son Slender , my daughter .
-
-Ay , forsooth ; I have spoke with her and we have a nayword how to know one another . I come to her in white , and cry , 'mum ;' she cries , 'budget ;' and by that we know one another .
-
-That's good too : but what needs either your 'mum ,' or her 'budget ?' the white will decipher her well enough . It hath struck ten o'clock .
-
-The night is dark ; light and spirits will become it well . Heaven prosper our sport ! No man means evil but the devil , and we shall know him by his horns . Let's away ; follow me .
-
-
-Master Doctor , my daughter is in green : when you see your time , take her by the hand , away with her to the deanery , and dispatch it quickly . Go before into the Park : we two must go together .
-
-I know vat I have to do . Adieu .
-
-Fare you well , sir .
-
-My husband will not rejoice so much at the abuse of Falstaff , as he will chafe at the doctor's marrying my daughter : but 'tis no matter ; better a little chiding than a great deal of heart break .
-
-Where is Nan now and her troop of fairies , and the Welsh devil , Hugh ?
-
-They are all couched in a pit hard by Herne's oak , with obscured lights ; which , at the very instant of Falstaff's and our meeting , they will at once display to the night .
-
-That cannot choose but amaze him .
-
-If he be not amazed , he will be mocked ; if he be amazed , he will every way be mocked .
-
-We'll betray him finely .
-
-Against such lewdsters and their lechery ,
-Those that betray them do no treachery .
-
-The hour draws on : to the oak , to the oak !
-
-
-Trib , trib , fairies : come ; and remember your parts . Be pold , I pray you ; follow me into the pit , and when I give the watch-ords , do as I pid you . Come , come ; trib , trib .
-
-
-The Windsor bell hath struck twelve ; the minute draws on . Now , the hot-blooded gods assist me ! Remember , Jove , thou wast a bull for thy Europa ; love set on thy horns . O powerful love ! that , in some respects , makes a beast a man ; in some other , a man a beast . You were also , Jupiter , a swan for the love of Leda ; O omnipotent love ! how near the god drew to the complexion of a goose ! A fault done first in the form of a beast ; O Jove , a beastly fault ! and then another fault in the semblance of a fowl : think on 't , Jove ; a foul fault ! When gods have hot backs , what shall poor men do ? For me , I am here a Windsor stag ; and the fattest , I think , i' the forest : send me a cool rut-time , Jove , or who can blame me to piss my tallow ? Who comes here ? my doe ?
-
-
-Sir John ! art thou there , my deer ? my male deer ?
-
-My doe with the black scut ! Let the sky rain potatoes ; let it thunder to the tune of 'Green Sleeves ;' hail kissing-comfits and snow eringoes ; let there come a tempest of provocation , I will shelter me here .
-
-
-Mistress Page is come with me , sweetheart .
-
-Divide me like a brib'd buck , each a haunch : I will keep my sides to myself , my shoulders for the fellow of this walk , and my horns I bequeath your husbands . Am I a woodman , ha ? Speak I like Herne the hunter ? Why , now is Cupid a child of conscience ; he makes restitution . As I am a true spirit , welcome !
-
-
-Alas ! what noise ?
-
-Heaven forgive our sins !
-
-What should this be ?
-
-Away , away !
-
-Away , away !
-
-
-I think the devil will not have me damned , lest the oil that is in me should set hell on fire ; he would never else cross me thus .
-
-
-Fairies , black , grey , green , and white ,
-You moonshine revellers , and shades of night ,
-You orphan heirs of fixed destiny ,
-Attend your office and your quality .
-Crier Hobgoblin , make the fairy oyes .
-
-Elves , list your names : silence , you airy toys !
-Cricket , to Windsor chimneys shalt thou leap :
-Where fires thou find'st unrak'd and hearths unswept ,
-There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry :
-Our radiant queen hates sluts and sluttery .
-
-They are fairies ; he that speaks to them shall die :
-I'll wink and couch : no man their works must eye .
-
-
-Where's Bede ? Go you , and where you find a maid
-That , ere she sleep , has thrice her prayers said ,
-Rein up the organs of her fantasy ,
-Sleep she as sound as careless infancy ;
-But those that sleep and think not on their sins ,
-Pinch them , arms , legs , backs , shoulders , sides , and shins .
-
-About , about !
-Search Windsor castle , elves , within and out :
-Strew good luck , ouphs , on every sacred room ,
-That it may stand till the perpetual doom ,
-In state as wholesome as in state 'tis fit ,
-Worthy the owner , and the owner it .
-The several chairs of order look you scour
-With juice of balm and every precious flower :
-Each fair instalment , coat , and several crest ,
-With loyal blazon , ever more be blest !
-And nightly , meadow-fairies , look you sing ,
-Like to the Garter's compass , in a ring :
-The expressure that it bears , green let it be ,
-More fertile-fresh than all the field to see ;
-And , Honi soit qui mal y pense write
-In emerald tufts , flowers purple , blue , and white ;
-Like sapphire , pearl , and rich embroidery ,
-Buckled below fair knighthood's bending knee :
-Fairies use flowers for their charactery .
-Away ! disperse ! But , till 'tis one o'clock ,
-Our dance of custom round about the oak
-Of Herne the hunter , let us not forget .
-
-Pray you , lock hand in hand ; yourselves in order set ;
-And twenty glow-worms shall our lanthorns be ,
-To guide our measure round about the tree .
-But , stay ; I smell a man of middle-earth .
-
-Heavens defend me from that Welsh fairy , lest he transform me to a piece of cheese !
-
-Vile worm , thou wast o'erlook'd even in thy birth .
-
-With trial-fire touch me his finger-end :
-If he be chaste , the flame will back descend
-And turn him to no pain ; but if he start ,
-It is the flesh of a corrupted heart .
-
-A trial ! come .
-
-Come , will this wood take fire ?
-
-
-Oh , oh , oh !
-
-Corrupt , corrupt , and tainted in desire !
-About him , fairies , sing a scornful rime ;
-And , as you trip , still pinch him to your time .
-
-Fie on sinful fantasy !
-Fie on lust and luxury !
-Lust is but a bloody fire ,
-Kindled with unchaste desire ,
-Fed in heart , whose flames aspire ,
-As thoughts do blow them higher and higher .
-Pinch him , fairies , mutually ;
-Pinch him for his villany ;
-Pinch him , and burn him , and turn him about ,
-Till candles and star-light and moonshine be out .
-
-
-Nay , do not fly : I think we have watch'd you now :
-Will none but Herne the hunter serve your turn ?
-
-I pray you , come , hold up the jest no higher .
-Now , good Sir John , how like you Windsor wives ?
-See you these , husband ? do not these fair yokes
-Become the forest better than the town ?
-
-Now sir , who's a cuckold now ? Master Brook , Falstaff's a knave , a cuckoldly knave ; here are his horns , Master Brook : and , Master Brook , he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford's but his buck-basket , his cudgel , and twenty pounds of money , which must be paid too , Master Brook ; his horses are arrested for it , Master Brook .
-
-Sir John , we have had ill luck ; we could never meet . I will never take you for my love again , but I will always count you my deer .
-
-I do begin to perceive that I am made an ass .
-
-Ay , and an ox too ; both the proofs are extant .
-
-And these are not fairies ? I was three or four times in the thought they were not fairies ; and yet the guiltiness of my mind , the sudden surprise of my powers , drove the grossness of the foppery into a received belief , in despite of the teeth of all rime and reason , that they were fairies . See now how wit may be made a Jack-a-lent , when 'tis upon ill employment !
-
-Sir John Falstaff , serve Got , and leave your desires , and fairies will not pinse you .
-
-Well said , fairy Hugh .
-
-And leave you your jealousies too , I pray you .
-
-I will never mistrust my wife again , till thou art able to woo her in good English .
-
-Have I laid my brain in the sun and dried it , that it wants matter to prevent so gross o'er-reaching as this ? Am I ridden with a Welsh goat too ? shall I have a coxcomb of frize ? 'Tis time I were choked with a piece of toasted cheese .
-
-Seese is not goot to give putter : your pelly is all putter .
-
-'Seese' and 'putter !' have I lived to stand at the taunt of one that makes fritters of English ? This is enough to be the decay of lust and late-walking through the realm .
-
-Why , Sir John , do you think , though we would have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the head and shoulders , and have given ourselves without scruple to hell , that ever the devil could have made you our delight ?
-
-What , a hodge-pudding ? a bag of flax ?
-
-A puffed man ?
-
-Old , cold , withered , and of intolerable entrails ?
-
-And one that is as slanderous as Satan ?
-
-And as poor as Job ?
-
-And as wicked as his wife ?
-
-And given to fornications , and to taverns , and sack and wine and metheglins , and to drinkings and swearings and starings , pribbles and prabbles ?
-
-Well , I am your theme : you have the start of me ; I am dejected ; I am not able to answer the Welsh flannel . Ignorance itself is a plummet o'er me : use me as you will .
-
-Marry , sir , we'll bring you to Windsor , to one Master Brook , that you have cozened of money , to whom you should have been a pander : over and above that you have suffered , I think , to repay that money will be a biting affliction .
-
-Nay , husband , let that go to make amends ;
-Forgive that sum , and so we'll all be friends .
-
-Well , here's my hand : all is forgiven at last .
-
-Yet be cheerful , knight : thou shalt eat a posset to-night at my house ; where I will desire thee to laugh at my wife , that now laughs at thee . Tell her , Master Slender hath married her daughter .
-
-Doctors doubt that : if Anne Page be my daughter , she is , by this Doctor Caius' wife .
-
-
-Whoa , ho ! ho ! father Page !
-
-Son , how now ! how now , son ! have you dispatched ?
-
-Dispatched ! I'll make the best in Gloster-shire know on 't ; would I were hanged , la , else !
-
-Of what , son ?
-
-I came yonder at Eton to marry Mistress Anne Page , and she's a great lubberly boy : if it had not been i' the church , I would have swinged him , or he should have swinged me . If I did not think it had been Anne Page , would I might never stir ! and 'tis a postmaster's boy .
-
-Upon my life , then , you took the wrong .
-
-What need you tell me that ? I think so , when I took a boy for a girl . If I had been married to him , for all he was in woman's apparel , I would not have had him .
-
-Why , this is your own folly . Did not I tell you how you should know my daughter by her garments ?
-
-I went to her in white , and cried , 'mum ,' and she cried 'budget ,' as Anne and I had appointed ; and yet it was not Anne , but a postmaster's boy .
-
-Jeshu ! Master Slender , cannot you see put marry poys ?
-
-O I am vexed at heart : what shall I do ?
-
-Good George , be not angry : I knew of your purpose ; turned my daughter into green ; and , indeed , she is now with the doctor at the deanery , and there married .
-
-
-Vere is Mistress Page ? By gar , I am cozened : I ha' married un gar on , a boy ; un paysan , by gar , a boy ; it is not Anne Page : by gar , I am cozened .
-
-Why , did you not take her in green ?
-
-Ay , by gar , and 'tis a boy : by gar , I'll raise all Windsor .
-
-
-This is strange . Who hath got the right Anne ?
-
-My heart misgives me : here comes Master Fenton .
-
-How now , Master Fenton !
-
-Pardon , good father ! good my mother , pardon !
-
-Now , mistress , how chance you went not with Master Slender ?
-
-Why went you not with Master Doctor , maid ?
-
-You do amaze her : hear the truth of it .
-You would have married her most shamefully ,
-Where there was no proportion held in love .
-The truth is , she and I , long since contracted ,
-Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us .
-The offence is holy that she hath committed ,
-And this deceit loses the name of craft ,
-Of disobedience , or unduteous title ,
-Since therein she doth evitate and shun
-A thousand irreligious cursed hours ,
-Which forced marriage would have brought upon her .
-
-Stand not amaz'd : here is no remedy :
-In love the heavens themselves do guide the state :
-Money buys lands , and wives are sold by fate .
-
-I am glad , though you have ta'en a special stand to strike at me , that your arrow hath glanced .
-
-Well , what remedy ?Fenton , heaven give thee joy !
-What cannot be eschew'd must be embrac'd .
-
-When night dogs run all sorts of deer are chas'd .
-
-Well , I will muse no further . Master Fenton ,
-Heaven give you many , many merry days !
-Good husband , let us every one go home ,
-And laugh this sport o'er by a country fire ;
-Sir John and all .
-
-Let it be so . Sir John ,
-To Master Brook you yet shall hold your word ;
-For he to-night shall lie with Mistress Ford .
-
-THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
-
-
-I'll pheeze you , in faith .
-
-A pair of stocks , you rogue !
-
-Y'are a baggage : the Slys are no rogues ; look in the chronicles ; we came in with Richard Conqueror . Therefore , paucas pallabris ; let the world slide . Sessa !
-
-You will not pay for the glasses you have burst ?
-
-No , not a denier . Go by , Jeronimy , go to thy cold bed , and warm thee .
-
-I know my remedy : I must go fetch the third-borough .
-
-
-Third , or fourth , or fifth borough , I'll answer him by law . I'll not budge an inch , boy : let him come , and kindly .
-
-Huntsman , I charge thee , tender well my hounds :
-Brach Merriman , the poor cur is emboss'd ,
-And couple Clowder with the deep-mouth'd brach .
-Saw'st thou not , boy , how Silver made it good
-At the hedge-corner , in the coldest fault ?
-I would not lose the dog for twenty pound .
-
-Why , Bellman is as good as he , my lord ;
-He cried upon it at the merest loss ,
-And twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent :
-Trust me , I take him for the better dog .
-
-Thou art a fool : if Echo were as fleet ,
-I would esteem him worth a dozen such .
-But sup them well , and look unto them all :
-To-morrow I intend to hunt again .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-What's here ? one dead , or drunk ? See , doth he breathe ?
-
-He breathes , my lord . Were he not warm'd with ale ,
-This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly .
-
-O monstrous beast ! how like a swine he lies !
-Grim death , how foul and loathsome is thine image !
-Sirs , I will practise on this drunken man .
-What think you , if he were convey'd to bed ,
-Wrapp'd in sweet clothes , rings put upon his fingers ,
-A most delicious banquet by his bed ,
-And brave attendants near him when he wakes ,
-Would not the beggar then forget himself ?
-
-Believe me , lord , I think he cannot choose .
-
-It would seem strange unto him when he wak'd .
-
-Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy .
-Then take him up and manage well the jest .
-Carry him gently to my fairest chamber ,
-And hang it round with all my wanton pictures ;
-Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters ,
-And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet .
-Procure me music ready when he wakes ,
-To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound ;
-And if he chance to speak , be ready straight ,
-And with a low submissive reverence
-Say , 'What is it your honour will command ?'
-Let one attend him with a silver basin
-Full of rose-water , and bestrew'd with flowers ;
-Another bear the ewer , the third a diaper ,
-And say , 'Will't please your lordship cool your hands ?'
-Some one be ready with a costly suit ,
-And ask him what apparel he will wear ;
-Another tell him of his hounds and horse ,
-And that his lady mourns at his disease .
-Persuade him that he hath been lunatic ;
-And , when he says he is say that he dreams ,
-For he is nothing but a mighty lord .
-This do , and do it kindly , gentle sirs :
-It will be pastime passing excellent ,
-If it be husbanded with modesty .
-
-My lord , I warrant you we will play our part ,
-As he shall think , by our true diligence ,
-He is no less than what we say he is .
-
-Take him up gently , and to bed with him ,
-And each one to his office when he wakes .
-
-Sirrah , go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds :
-
-Belike , some noble gentleman that means ,
-Travelling some journey , to repose him here .
-
-How now ! who is it ?
-
-An it please your honour ,
-Players that offer service to your lordship .
-
-Bid them come near .
-
-Now , fellows , you are welcome .
-
-We thank your honour .
-
-Do you intend to stay with me to-night ?
-
-So please your lordship to accept our duty .
-
-With all my heart . This fellow I remember ,
-Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son :
-'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well .
-I have forgot your name ; but , sure , that part
-Was aptly fitted and naturally perform'd .
-
-I think 'twas Soto that your honour means .
-
-'Tis very true : thou didst it excellent .
-Well , you are come to me in happy time ,
-The rather for I have some sport in hand
-Wherein your cunning can assist me much .
-There is a lord will hear you play to-night ;
-But I am doubtful of your modesties ,
-Lest , over-eyeing of his odd behaviour ,
-For yet his honour never heard a play ,
-You break into some merry passion
-And so offend him ; for I tell you , sirs ,
-If you should smile he grows impatient .
-
-Fear not , my lord : we can contain ourselves
-Were he the veriest antick in the world .
-
-Go , sirrah , take them to the buttery ,
-And give them friendly welcome every one :
-Let them want nothing that my house affords .
-
-Sirrah , go you to Barthol'mew my page ,
-And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady :
-That done , conduct him to the drunkard's chamber ;
-And call him 'madam ,' do him obeisance .
-Tell him from me ,as he will win my love ,
-He bear himself with honourable action ,
-Such as he hath observ'd in noble ladies
-Unto their lords , by them accomplished :
-Such duty to the drunkard let him do
-With soft low tongue and lowly courtesy ;
-And say , 'What is't your honour will command ,
-Wherein your lady and your humble wife
-May show her duty , and make known her love ?'
-And then , with kind embracements , tempting kisses ,
-And with declining head into his bosom ,
-Bid him shed tears , as being overjoy'd
-To see her noble lord restor'd to health ,
-Who for this seven years hath esteemed him
-No better than a poor and loathsome beggar .
-And if the boy have not a woman's gift
-To rain a shower of commanded tears ,
-An onion will do well for such a shift ,
-Which in a napkin being close convey'd ,
-Shall in despite enforce a watery eye .
-See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst :
-Anon I'll give thee more instructions .
-
-I know the boy will well usurp the grace ,
-Voice , gait , and action of a gentlewoman :
-I long to hear him call the drunkard husband ,
-And how my men will stay themselves from laughter
-When they do homage to this simple peasant .
-I'll in to counsel them : haply , my presence
-May well abate the over merry spleen
-Which otherwise would grow into extremes .
-
-
-For God's sake ! a pot of small ale .
-
-Will't please your lordship drink a cup of sack ?
-
-Will't please your honour taste of these conserves ?
-
-What raiment will your honour wear to-day ?
-
-I am Christophero Sly ; call not me honour , nor lordship : I ne'er drank sack in my life ; and if you give me any conserves , give me conserves of beef . Ne'er ask me what raiment I'll wear , for I have no more doublets than backs , no more stockings than legs , nor no more shoes than feet : nay , sometime more feet than shoes , or such shoes as my toes look through the overleather .
-
-Heaven cease this idle humour in your honour !
-O , that a mighty man , of such descent ,
-Of such possessions , and so high esteem ,
-Should be infused with so foul a spirit !
-
-What ! would you make me mad ? Am not I Christopher Sly , old Sly's son , of Burtonheath ; by birth a pedlar , by education a cardmaker , by transmutation a bear-herd , and now by present profession a tinker ? Ask Marian Hacket , the fat ale-wife of Wincot , if she know me not : if she say I am not fourteen pence on the score for sheer ale , score me up for the lyingest knave in Christendom . What ! I am not bestraught : here's
-
-O ! this it is that makes your lady mourn .
-
-O ! this it is that makes your servants droop .
-
-Hence comes it that your kindred shuns your house ,
-As beaten hence by your strange lunacy .
-O noble lord , bethink thee of thy birth ,
-Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment ,
-And banish hence these abject lowly dreams .
-Look how thy servants do attend on thee ,
-Each in his office ready at thy beck :
-Wilt thou have music ? hark ! Apollo plays ,
-
-And twenty caged nightingales do sing :
-Or wilt thou sleep ? we'll have thee to a couch
-Softer and sweeter than the lustful bed
-On purpose trimm'd up for Semiramis .
-Say thou wilt walk , we will bestrew the ground :
-Or wilt thou ride ? thy horses shall be trapp'd ,
-Their harness studded all with gold and pearl .
-Dost thou love hawking ? thou hast hawks will soar
-Above the morning lark : or wilt thou hunt ?
-Thy hounds shall make the welkin answer them ,
-And fetch shrill echoes from the hollow earth .
-
-Say thou wilt course ; thy greyhounds are as swift
-As breathed stags , ay , fleeter than the roe .
-
-Dost thou love pictures ? we will fetch thee straight
-Adonis painted by a running brook ,
-And Cytherea all in sedges hid ,
-Which seem to move and wanton with her breath ,
-Even as the waving sedges play with wind .
-
-We'll show thee Io as she was a maid ,
-And how she was beguiled and surpris'd ,
-As lively painted as the deed was done .
-
-Or Daphne roaming through a thorny wood ,
-Scratching her legs that one shall swear she bleeds ;
-And at that sight shall sad Apollo weep ,
-So workmanly the blood and tears are drawn .
-
-Thou art a lord and nothing but a lord :
-Thou hast a lady far more beautiful
-Than any woman in this waning age .
-
-And till the tears that she hath shed for thee
-Like envious floods o'er-run her lovely face ,
-She was the fairest creature in the world ;
-And yet she is inferior to none .
-
-Am I a lord ? and have I such a lady ?
-Or do I dream ? or have I dream'd till now ?
-I do not sleep ; I see , I hear , I speak ;
-I smell sweet savours , and I feel soft things :
-Upon my life , I am a lord indeed ;
-And not a tinker , nor Christophero Sly .
-Well , bring our lady hither to our sight ;
-And once again , a pot o' the smallest ale .
-
-Will't please your mightiness to wash your hands ?
-
-O , how we joy to see your wit restor'd !
-O , that once more you knew but what you are !
-These fifteen years you have been in a dream ,
-Or , when you wak'd , so wak'd as if you slept .
-
-These fifteen years ! by my fay , a goodly nap .
-But did I never speak of all that time ?
-
-O ! yes , my lord , but very idle words ;
-For though you lay here in this goodly chamber ,
-Yet would you say ye were beaten out of door ,
-And rail upon the hostess of the house ,
-And say you would present her at the leet ,
-Because she brought stone jugs and no seal'd quarts .
-Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket .
-
-Ay , the woman's maid of the house .
-
-Why , sir , you know no house , nor no such maid ,
-Nor no such men as you have reckon'd up ,
-As Stephen Sly , and old John Naps of Greece ,
-And Peter Turf , and Henry Pimpernell ,
-And twenty more such names and men as these ,
-Which never were nor no man ever saw .
-
-Now , Lord be thanked for my good amends !
-
-Amen .
-
-I thank thee ; thou shalt not lose by it .
-
-
-How fares my noble lord ?
-
-Marry , I fare well , for here is cheer enough .
-Where is my wife ?
-
-Here , noble lord : what is thy will with her ?
-
-Are you my wife , and will not call me husband ?
-My men should call me lord : I am your goodman .
-
-My husband and my lord , my lord and husband ;
-I am your wife in all obedience .
-
-I know it well . What must I call her ?
-
-Madam .
-
-Al'ce madam , or Joan madam ?
-
-Madam , and nothing else : so lords call ladies .
-
-Madam wife , they say that I have dream'd
-And slept above some fifteen year or more .
-
-Ay , and the time seems thirty unto me ,
-Being all this time abandon'd from your bed .
-
-'Tis much . Servants , leave me and her alone .
-Madam , undress you , and come now to bed .
-
-Thrice noble lord , let me entreat of you
-To pardon me yet for a night or two ,
-Or , if not so , until the sun be set :
-For your physicians have expressly charg'd ,
-In peril to incur your former malady ,
-That I should yet absent me from your bed :
-I hope this reason stands for my excuse .
-
-Ay , it stands so , that I may hardly tarry so long ; but I would be loath to fall into my dreams again : I will therefore tarry , in spite of the flesh and the blood .
-
-
-Your honour's players , hearing your amendment ,
-Are come to play a pleasant comedy ;
-For so your doctors hold it very meet ,
-Seeing too much sadness hath congeal'd your blood ,
-And melancholy is the nurse of frenzy :
-Therefore they thought it good you hear a play ,
-And frame your mind to mirth and merriment ,
-Which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life .
-
-Marry , I will ; let them play it . Is not a commonty a Christmas gambold or a tumbling-trick ?
-
-No , my good lord ; it is more pleasing stuff .
-
-What ! household stuff ?
-
-It is a kind of history .
-
-Well , we'll see't . Come , madam wife , sit by my side ,
-And let the world slip : we shall ne'er be younger .
-
-
-Tranio , since for the great desire I had
-To see fair Padua , nursery of arts ,
-I am arriv'd for fruitful Lombardy ,
-The pleasant garden of great Italy ;
-And by my father's love and leave am arm'd
-With his good will and thy good company ,
-My trusty servant well approv'd in all ,
-Here let us breathe , and haply institute
-A course of learning and ingenious studies .
-Pisa , renowned for grave citizens ,
-Gave me my being and my father first ,
-A merchant of great traffic through the world ,
-Vincentio , come of the Bentivolii .
-Vincentio's son , brought up in Florence ,
-It shall become to serve all hopes conceiv'd ,
-To deck his fortune with his virtuous deeds :
-And therefore , Tranio , for the time I study ,
-Virtue and that part of philosophy
-Will I apply that treats of happiness
-By virtue specially to be achiev'd .
-Tell me thy mind ; for I have Pisa left
-And am to Padua come , as he that leaves
-A shallow plash to plunge him in the deep ,
-And with satiety seeks to quench his thirst .
-
-Mi perdonate , gentle master mine ,
-I am in all affected as yourself ,
-Glad that you thus continue your resolve
-To suck the sweets of sweet philosophy .
-Only , good master , while we do admire
-This virtue and this moral discipline ,
-Let's be no stoics nor no stocks , I pray ;
-Or so devote to Aristotle's checks
-As Ovid be an outcast quite abjur'd .
-Balk logic with acquaintance that you have ,
-And practise rhetoric in your common talk ;
-Music and poesy use to quicken you ;
-The mathematics and the metaphysics ,
-Fall to them as you find your stomach serves you ;
-No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en ;
-In brief , sir , study what you most affect .
-
-Gramercies , Tranio , well dost thou advise .
-If , Biondello , thou wert come ashore ,
-We could at once put us in readiness ,
-And take a lodging fit to entertain
-Such friends as time in Padua shall beget .
-But stay awhile : what company is this ?
-
-Master , some show to welcome us to town .
-
-
-Gentlemen , importune me no further ,
-For how I firmly am resolv'd you know ;
-That is , not to bestow my youngest daughter
-Before I have a husband for the elder .
-If either of you both love Katharina ,
-Because I know you well and love you well ,
-Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure .
-
-To cart her rather : she's too rough for me .
-There , there , Hortensio , will you any wife ?
-
-I pray you , sir , is it your will
-To make a stale of me amongst these mates ?
-
-Mates , maid ! how mean you that ? no mates for you ,
-Unless you were of gentler , milder mould .
-
-I' faith , sir , you shall never need to fear :
-I wis it is not half way to her heart ;
-But if it were , doubt not her care should be
-To comb your noddle with a three-legg'd stool ,
-And paint your face , and use you like a fool .
-
-From all such devils , good Lord deliver us !
-
-And me too , good Lord !
-
-Hush , master ! here is some good pastime toward :
-That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward .
-
-But in the other's silence do I see
-Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety .
-Peace , Tranio !
-
-Well said , master ; mum ! and gaze your fill .
-
-Gentlemen , that I may soon make good
-What I have said ,Bianca , get you in :
-And let it not displease thee , good Bianca ,
-For I will love thee ne'er the less , my girl .
-
-A pretty peat ! it is best
-Put finger in the eye , an she knew why .
-
-Sister , content you in my discontent .
-Sir , to your pleasure humbly I subscribe :
-My books and instruments shall be my company ,
-On them to look and practise by myself .
-
-Hark , Tranio ! thou mayst hear Minerva speak .
-
-Signior Baptista , will you be so strange ?
-Sorry am I that our good will effects
-Bianca's grief .
-
-Why will you mew her up ,
-Signior Baptista , for this fiend of hell ,
-And make her bear the penance of her tongue ?
-
-Gentlemen , content ye ; I am resolv'd .
-Go in , Bianca .
-
-And for I know she taketh most delight
-In music , instruments , and poetry ,
-Schoolmasters will I keep within my house ,
-Fit to instruct her youth . If you , Hortensio ,
-Or Signior Gremio , you , know any such ,
-Prefer them hither ; for to cunning men
-I will be very kind , and liberal
-To mine own children in good bringing up ;
-And so , farewell . Katharina , you may stay ;
-For I have more to commune with Bianca .
-
-
-Why , and I trust I may go too ; may I not ?
-What ! shall I be appointed hours , as though , belike ,
-I knew not what to take , and what to leave ? Ha !
-
-
-You may go to the devil's dam : your gifts are so good , here's none will hold you . Their love is not so great , Hortensio , but we may blow our nails together , and fast it fairly out : our cake's dough on both sides . Farewell : yet , for the love I bear my sweet Bianca , if I can by any means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delights , I will wish him to her father .
-
-So will I , Signior Gremio : but a word , I pray . Though the nature of our quarrel yet never brooked parle , know now , upon advice , it toucheth us both ,that we may yet again have access to our fair mistress and be happy rivals in Bianca's love ,to labour and effect one thing specially .
-
-What's that , I pray ?
-
-Marry , sir , to get a husband for her sister .
-
-A husband ! a devil .
-
-I say , a husband .
-
-I say , a devil . Thinkest thou , Hortensio , though her father be very rich , any man is so very a fool to be married to hell ?
-
-Tush , Gremio ! though it pass your patience and mine to endure her loud alarums , why , man , there be good fellows in the world , an a man could light on them , would take her with all faults , and money enough .
-
-I cannot tell ; but I had as lief take her dowry with this condition , to be whipped at the high-cross every morning .
-
-Faith , as you say , there's small choice in rotten apples . But , come ; since this bar in law makes us friends , it shall be so far forth friendly maintained , till by helping Baptista's eldest daughter to a husband , we set his youngest free for a husband , and then have to't afresh . Sweet Bianca ! Happy man be his dole ! He that runs fastest gets the ring . How say you , Signior Gremio ?
-
-I am agreed : and would I had given him the best horse in Padua to begin his wooing , that would thoroughly woo her , wed her , and bed her , and rid the house of her . Come on .
-
-
-I pray , sir , tell me , is it possible
-That love should of a sudden take such hold ?
-
-O Tranio ! till I found it to be true ,
-I never thought it possible or likely ;
-But see , while idly I stood looking on ,
-I found the effect of love in idleness ;
-And now in plainness do confess to thee ,
-That art to me as secret and as dear
-As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was ,
-Tranio , I burn , I pine , I perish , Tranio ,
-If I achieve not this young modest girl .
-Counsel me , Tranio , for I know thou canst :
-Assist me , Tranio , for I know thou wilt .
-
-Master , it is no time to chide you now ;
-Affection is not rated from the heart :
-If love have touch'd you , nought remains but so ,
-Redime te captum , quam queas minimo .
-
-Gramercies , lad ; go forward : this contents :
-The rest will comfort , for thy counsel's sound .
-
-Master , you look'd so longly on the maid ,
-Perhaps you mark'd not what's the pith of all .
-
-O yes , I saw sweet beauty in her face ,
-Such as the daughter of Agenor had ,
-That made great Jove to humble him to her hand ,
-When with his knees he kiss'd the Cretan strand .
-
-Saw you no more ? mark'd you not how her sister
-Began to scold and raise up such a storm
-That mortal ears might hardly endure the din ?
-
-Tranio , I saw her coral lips to move ,
-And with her breath she did perfume the air ;
-Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her .
-
-Nay , then , 'tis time to stir him from his trance .
-I pray , awake , sir : if you love the maid ,
-Bend thoughts and wits to achieve her . Thus it stands :
-Her elder sister is so curst and shrewd ,
-That till the father rid his hands of her ,
-Master , your love must live a maid at home ;
-And therefore has he closely mew'd her up ,
-Because she will not be annoy'd with suitors .
-
-Ah , Tranio , what a cruel father's he !
-But art thou not advis'd he took some care
-To get her cunning schoolmasters to instruct her ?
-
-Ay , marry , am I , sir ; and now 'tis plotted .
-
-I have it , Tranio .
-
-Master , for my hand ,
-Both our inventions meet and jump in one .
-
-Tell me thine first .
-
-You will be schoolmaster ,
-And undertake the teaching of the maid :
-That's your device .
-
-It is : may it be done ?
-
-Not possible ; for who shall bear your part ,
-And be in Padua here Vincentio's son ?
-Keep house and ply his book , welcome his friends ;
-Visit his countrymen , and banquet them ?
-
-Basta ; content thee ; for I have it full .
-We have not yet been seen in any house ,
-Nor can we be distinguish'd by our faces
-For man , or master : then , it follows thus :
-Thou shalt be master , Tranio , in my stead ,
-Keep house , and port , and servants , as I should :
-I will some other be ; some Florentine ,
-Some Neapolitan , or meaner man of Pisa .
-'Tis hatch'd and shall be so : Tranio , at once
-Uncase thee , take my colour'd hat and cloak :
-When Biondello comes , he waits on thee ;
-But I will charm him first to keep his tongue .
-
-
-So had you need .
-In brief then , sir , sith it your pleasure is ,
-And I am tied to be obedient ;
-For so your father charg'd me at our parting ,
-'Be serviceable to my son ,' quoth he ,
-Although I think 'twas in another sense :
-I am content to be Lucentio ,
-Because so well I love Lucentio .
-
-Tranio , be so , because Lucentio loves ;
-And let me be a slave , to achieve that maid
-Whose sudden sight hath thrall'd my wounded eye .
-Here comes the rogue .
-
-Sirrah , where have you been ?
-
-Where have I been ! Nay , how now ! where are you ?
-Master , has my fellow Tranio stol'n your clothes ,
-Or you stol'n his ? or both ? pray , what's the news ?
-
-Sirrah , come hither : 'tis no time to jest ,
-And therefore frame your manners to the time .
-Your fellow Tranio , here , to save my life ,
-Puts my apparel and my countenance on ,
-And I for my escape have put on his ;
-For in a quarrel since I came ashore
-I kill'd a man , and fear I was descried .
-Wait you on him , I charge you , as becomes ,
-While I make way from hence to save my life :
-You understand me ?
-
-I , sir ! ne'er a whit .
-
-And not a jot of Tranio in your mouth :
-Tranio is changed to Lucentio .
-
-The better for him : would I were so too !
-
-So would I , faith , boy , to have the next wish after ,
-That Lucentio indeed had Baptista's youngest daughter .
-But , sirrah , not for my sake , but your master's , I advise
-You use your manners discreetly in all kind of companies :
-When I am alone , why , then I am Tranio ;
-But in all places else your master , Lucentio .
-
-Tranio , let's go . One thing more rests , that thyself execute , to make one among these wooers : if thou ask me why , sufficeth my reasons are both good and weighty .
-
-My lord , you nod ; you do not mind the play .
-
-Yes , by Saint Anne , I do . A good matter , surely : comes there any more of it ?
-
-My lord , 'tis but begun .
-
-'Tis a very excellent piece of work , madam lady : would 'twere done !
-
-
-Verona , for awhile I take my leave ,
-To see my friends in Padua ; but , of all
-My best beloved and approved friend ,
-Hortensio ; and I trow this is his house .
-Here , sirrah Grumio ; knock , I say .
-
-Knock , sir ! whom should I knock ? is there any man has rebused your worship ?
-
-Villain , I say , knock me here soundly .
-
-Knock you here , sir ! why , sir , what am I , sir , that I should knock you here , sir ?
-
-Villain , I say , knock me at this gate ;
-And rap me well , or I'll knock your knave's pate .
-
-My master is grown quarrelsome . I should knock you first ,
-And then I know after who comes by the worst .
-
-Will it not be ?
-Faith , sirrah , an you'll not knock , I'll ring it ;
-I'll try how you can sol , fa , and sing it .
-
-
-Help , masters , help ! my master is mad .
-
-Now , knock when I bid you , sirrah villain !
-
-
-How now ! what's the matter ? My old friend Grumio ! and my good friend Petruchio ! How do you all at Verona ?
-
-Signior Hortensio , come you to part the fray ?
-Con tutto il cuore ben trovato , may I say .
-
-Alla nostra casa ben venuto ; molto honorato signior mio Petruchio .
-Rise , Grumio , rise : we will compound this quarrel .
-
-Nay , 'tis no matter , sir , what he 'leges in Latin . If this be not a lawful cause for me to leave his service , look you , sir , he bid me knock him and rap him soundly , sir : well , was it fit for a servant to use his master so ; being , perhaps , for aught I see , two-and-thirty , a pip out ?
-Whom would to God , I had well knock'd at first ,
-Then had not Grumio come by the worst .
-
-A senseless villain ! Good Hortensio ,
-I bade the rascal knock upon your gate ,
-And could not get him for my heart to do it .
-
-Knock at the gate ! O heavens ! Spake you not these words plain , 'Sirrah , knock me here , rap me here , knock me well , and knock me soundly ?' And come you now with 'knocking at the gate ?'
-
-Sirrah , be gone , or talk not , I advise you .
-
-Petruchio , patience ; I am Grumio's pledge .
-Why , this's a heavy chance 'twixt him and you ,
-Your ancient , trusty , pleasant servant Grumio .
-And tell me now , sweet friend , what happy gale
-Blows you to Padua here from old Verona ?
-
-Such wind as scatters young men through the world
-To seek their fortunes further than at home ,
-Where small experience grows . But in a few ,
-Signior Hortensio , thus it stands with me :
-Antonio , my father , is deceas'd ,
-And I have thrust myself into this maze ,
-Haply to wive and thrive as best I may .
-Crowns in my purse I have and goods at home ,
-And so am come abroad to see the world .
-
-Petruchio , shall I then come roundly to thee ,
-And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife ?
-Thou'dst thank me but a little for my counsel ;
-And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich ,
-And very rich : but thou'rt too much my friend ,
-And I'll not wish thee to her .
-
-Signior Hortensio , 'twixt such friends as we ,
-Few words suffice ; and therefore , if thou know
-One rich enough to be Petruchio's wife ,
-As wealth is burden of my wooing dance ,
-Be she as foul as was Florentius' love ,
-As old as Sibyl , and as curst and shrewd
-As Socrates' Xanthippe , or a worse ,
-She moves me not , or not removes , at least ,
-Affection's edge in me , were she as rough
-As are the swelling Adriatic seas :
-I come to wive it wealthily in Padua ;
-If wealthily , then happily in Padua .
-
-Nay , look you , sir , he tells you flatly what his mind is : why , give him gold enough and marry him to a puppet or an aglet-baby ; or an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head , though she have as many diseases as two-and-fifty horses : why , nothing comes amiss , so money comes withal .
-
-Petruchio , since we are stepp'd thus far in ,
-I will continue that I broach'd in jest .
-I can , Petruchio , help thee to a wife
-With wealth enough , and young and beauteous ,
-Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman :
-Her only fault ,and that is faults enough ,
-Is , that she is intolerable curst
-And shrewd and froward , so beyond all measure ,
-That , were my state far worser than it is ,
-I would not wed her for a mine of gold :
-
-Hortensio , peace ! thou know'st not gold's effect :
-Tell me her father's name , and 'tis enough ;
-For I will board her , though she chide as loud
-As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack .
-
-Her father is Baptista Minola ,
-An affable and courteous gentleman ;
-Her name is Katharina Minola ,
-Renown'd in Padua for her scolding tongue .
-
-I know her father , though I know not her ;
-And he knew my deceased father well .
-I will not sleep , Hortensio , till I see her ;
-And therefore let me be thus bold with you ,
-To give you over at this first encounter ,
-Unless you will accompany me thither .
-
-I pray you , sir , let him go while the humour lasts . O' my word , an she knew him as well as I do , she would think scolding would do little good upon him . She may , perhaps , call him half a score knaves or so : why , that's nothing : an he begin once , he'll rail in his ropetricks . I'll tell you what , sir , an she stand him but a little , he will throw a figure in her face , and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat . You know him not , sir .
-
-Tarry , Petruchio , I must go with thee ,
-For in Baptista's keep my treasure is :
-He hath the jewel of my life in hold ,
-His youngest daughter , beautiful Bianca ,
-And her withholds from me and other more ,
-Suitors to her and rivals in my love ;
-Supposing it a thing impossible ,
-For those defects I have before rehears'd ,
-That ever Katharina will be woo'd :
-Therefore this order hath Baptista ta'en ,
-That none shall have access unto Bianca ,
-Till Katharine the curst have got a husband .
-
-Katharine the curst !
-A title for a maid of all titles the worst .
-
-Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace ,
-And offer me , disguis'd in sober robes ,
-To old Baptista as a schoolmaster
-Well seen in music , to instruct Bianca ;
-That so I may , by this device , at least
-Have leave and leisure to make love to her ,
-And unsuspected court her by herself .
-
-Here's no knavery ! See , to beguile the old folks , how the young folks lay their heads together !
-
-Master , master , look about you : who goes there , ha ?
-
-Peace , Grumio ! 'tis the rival of my love .
-Petruchio , stand by awhile .
-
-A proper stripling , and an amorous !
-
-O ! very well ; I have perus'd the note .
-Hark you , sir ; I'll have them very fairly bound :
-All books of love , see that at any hand ,
-And see you read no other lectures to her .
-You understand me . Over and beside
-Signior Baptista's liberality ,
-I'll mend it with a largess . Take your papers too ,
-And let me have them very well perfum'd ;
-For she is sweeter than perfume itself
-To whom they go to . What will you read to her ?
-
-Whate'er I read to her , I'll plead for you ,
-As for my patron , stand you so assur'd ,
-As firmly as yourself were still in place ;
-Yea , and perhaps with more successful words
-Than you , unless you were a scholar , sir .
-
-O ! this learning , what a thing it is .
-
-O ! this woodcock , what an ass it is .
-
-Peace , sirrah !
-
-Grumio , mum ! God save you , Signior Gremio !
-
-And you're well met , Signior Hortensio .
-Trow you whither I am going ? To Baptista Minola .
-I promis'd to inquire carefully
-About a schoolmaster for the fair Bianca ;
-And , by good fortune , I have lighted well
-On this young man ; for learning and behaviour
-Fit for her turn ; well read in poetry
-And other books , good ones , I warrant ye .
-
-'Tis well : and I have met a gentleman
-Hath promis'd me to help me to another ,
-A fine musician to instruct our mistress :
-So shall I no whit be behind in duty
-To fair Bianca , so belov'd of me .
-
-Belov'd of me , and that my deeds shall prove .
-
-And that his bags shall prove .
-
-Gremio , 'tis now no time to vent our love :
-Listen to me , and if you speak me fair ,
-I'll tell you news indifferent good for either .
-Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met ,
-Upon agreement from us to his liking ,
-Will undertake to woo curst Katharine ;
-Yea , and to marry her , if her dowry please .
-
-So said , so done , is well .
-Hortensio , have you told him all her faults ?
-
-I know she is an irksome , brawling scold :
-If that be all , masters , I hear no harm .
-
-No , sayst me so , friend ? What countryman ?
-
-Born in Verona , old Antonio's son :
-My father dead , my fortune lives for me ;
-And I do hope good days and long to see .
-
-O , sir , such a life , with such a wife , were strange !
-But if you have a stomach , to't i' God's name :
-You shall have me assisting you in all .
-But will you woo this wild-cat ?
-
-Will I live ?
-
-Will he woo her ? ay , or I'll hang her .
-
-Why came I hither but to that intent ?
-Think you a little din can daunt mine ears ?
-Have I not in my time heard lions roar ?
-Have I not heard the sea , puff'd up with winds ,
-Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat ?
-Have I not heard great ordnance in the field ,
-And heaven's artillery thunder in the skies ?
-Have I not in a pitched battle heard
-Loud 'larums , neighing steeds , and trumpets' clang ?
-And do you tell me of a woman's tongue ,
-That gives not half so great a blow to hear
-As will a chestnut in a farmer's fire ?
-Tush , tush ! fear boys with bugs .
-
-For he fears none .
-
-Hortensio , hark :
-This gentleman is happily arriv'd ,
-My mind presumes , for his own good and ours .
-
-I promis'd we would be contributors ,
-And bear his charge of wooing , whatsoe'er .
-
-And so we will , provided that he win her .
-
-I would I were as sure of a good dinner .
-
-
-Gentlemen , God save you ! If I may be bold ,
-Tell me , I beseech you , which is the readiest way
-To the house of Signior Baptista Minola ?
-
-He that has the two fair daughters : is't he you mean ?
-
-Even he , Biondello !
-
-Hark you , sir ; you mean not her to
-
-Perhaps , him and her , sir : what have you to do ?
-
-Not her that chides , sir , at any hand , I pray .
-
-I love no chiders , sir . Biondello , let's away .
-
-Well begun , Tranio .
-
-Sir , a word ere you go :
-Are you a suitor to the maid you talk of , yea or no ?
-
-And if I be , sir , is it any offence ?
-
-No ; if without more words you will get you hence .
-
-Why , sir , I pray , are not the streets as free
-For me as for you ?
-
-But so is not she .
-
-For what reason , I beseech you ?
-
-For this reason , if you'll know ,
-That she's the choice love of Signior Gremio .
-
-That she's the chosen of Signior Hortensio .
-
-Softly , my masters ! if you be gentlemen ,
-Do me this right ; hear me with patience .
-Baptista is a noble gentleman ,
-To whom my father is not all unknown ;
-And were his daughter fairer than she is ,
-She may more suitors have , and me for one .
-Fair Leda's daughter had a thousand wooers ;
-Then well one more may fair Bianca have ,
-And so she shall ; Lucentio shall make one ,
-Though Paris came in hope to speed alone .
-
-What ! this gentleman will out-talk us all .
-
-Sir , give him head : I know he'll prove a jade .
-
-Hortensio , to what end are all these words ?
-
-Sir , let me be so bold as ask you ,
-Did you yet ever see Baptista's daughter ?
-
-No , sir ; but hear I do that he hath two ,
-The one as famous for a scolding tongue
-As is the other for beauteous modesty .
-
-Sir , sir , the first's for me ; let her go by .
-
-Yea , leave that labour to great Hercules ,
-And let it be more than Alcides' twelve .
-
-Sir , understand you this of me in sooth :
-The youngest daughter , whom you hearken for ,
-Her father keeps from all access of suitors ,
-And will not promise her to any man
-Until the elder sister first be wed ;
-The younger then is free , and not before .
-
-If it be so , sir , that you are the man
-Must stead us all , and me among the rest ;
-And if you break the ice , and do this feat ,
-Achieve the elder , set the younger free
-For our access , whose hap shall be to have her
-Will not so graceless be to be ingrate .
-
-Sir , you say well , and well you do conceive ;
-And since you do profess to be a suitor ,
-You must , as we do , gratify this gentleman ,
-To whom we all rest generally beholding .
-
-Sir , I shall not be slack : in sign whereof ,
-Please ye we may contrive this afternoon ,
-And quaff carouses to our mistress' health ,
-And do as adversaries do in law ,
-Strive mightily , but eat and drink as friends .
-
-O excellent motion ! Fellows , let's be gone .
-
-O excellent motion ! Fellows , let's be gone .
-
-The motion's good indeed , and be it so :
-Petruchio , I shall be your ben venuto .
-
-Good sister , wrong me not , nor wrong yourself ,
-To make a bondmaid and a slave of me ;
-That I disdain : but for these other gawds ,
-Unbind my hands , I'll pull them off myself ,
-Yea , all my raiment , to my petticoat ;
-Or what you will command me will I do ,
-So well I know my duty to my elders .
-
-Of all thy suitors , here I charge thee , tell
-Whom thou lov'st best : see thou dissemble not .
-
-Believe me , sister , of all the men alive
-I never yet beheld that special face
-Which I could fancy more than any other .
-
-Minion , thou liest . Is't not Hortensio ?
-
-If you affect him , sister , here I swear
-I'll plead for you myself , but you shall have him .
-
-O ! then , belike , you fancy riches more :
-You will have Gremio to keep you fair .
-
-Is it for him you do envy me so ?
-Nay , then you jest ; and now I well perceive
-You have but jested with me all this while :
-I prithee , sister Kate , untie my hands .
-
-If that be jest , then all the rest was so .
-
-Why , how now , dame ! whence grows this insolence ?
-Bianca , stand aside . Poor girl ! she weeps .
-Go ply thy needle ; meddle not with her .
-For shame , thou hilding of a devilish spirit ,
-Why dost thou wrong her that did ne'er wrong thee ?
-When did she cross thee with a bitter word ?
-
-Her silence flouts me , and I'll be reveng'd .
-
-
-What ! in my sight ? Bianca , get thee in .
-
-
-What ! will you not suffer me ? Nay , now I see
-She is your treasure , she must have a husband ;
-I must dance bare-foot on her wedding-day ,
-And , for your love to her , lead apes in hell .
-Talk not to me : I will go sit and weep
-Till I can find occasion of revenge .
-
-
-Was ever gentleman thus griev'd as I ?
-But who comes here ?
-
-
-Good morrow , neighbour Baptista .
-
-Good morrow , neighbour Gremio . God save you , gentlemen !
-
-And you , good sir . Pray , have you not a daughter
-Call'd Katharina , fair and virtuous ?
-
-I have a daughter , sir , call'd Katharina .
-
-You are too blunt : go to it orderly .
-
-You wrong me , Signior Gremio : give me leave .
-I am a gentleman of Verona , sir ,
-That , hearing of her beauty and her wit ,
-Her affability and bashful modesty ,
-Her wondrous qualities and mild behaviour ,
-Am bold to show myself a forward guest
-Within your house , to make mine eye the witness
-Of that report which I so oft have heard .
-And , for an entrance to my entertainment ,
-I do present you with a man of mine ,
-
-Cunning in music and the mathematics ,
-To instruct her fully in those sciences ,
-Whereof I know she is not ignorant .
-Accept of him , or else you do me wrong :
-His name is Licio , born in Mantua .
-
-You're welcome , sir ; and he , for your good sake .
-But for my daughter Katharine , this I know ,
-She is not for your turn , the more my grief .
-
-I see you do not mean to part with her ,
-Or else you like not of my company .
-
-Mistake me not ; I speak but as I find .
-Whence are you , sir ? what may I call your name ?
-
-Petruchio is my name ; Antonio's son ;
-A man well known throughout all Italy .
-
-I know him well : you are welcome for his sake .
-
-Saving your tale , Petruchio , I pray ,
-Let us , that are poor petitioners , speak too .
-Backare ! you are marvellous forward .
-
-O , pardon me , Signior Gremio ; I would fain be doing .
-
-I doubt it not , sir ; but you will curse your wooing .
-Neighbour , this is a gift very grateful , I am sure of it . To express the like kindness myself , that have been more kindly beholding to you than any , freely give unto you this young scholar ,
-
-that has been long studying at Rheims ; as cunning in Greek , Latin , and other languages , as the other in music and mathematics . His name is Cambio ; pray accept his service .
-
-A thousand thanks , Signior Gremio ; welcome , good Cambio .
-
-But , gentle sir , methinks you walk like a stranger : may I be so bold to know the cause of your coming ?
-
-Pardon me , sir , the boldness is mine own ,
-That , being a stranger in this city here ,
-Do make myself a suitor to your daughter ,
-Unto Bianca , fair and virtuous .
-Nor is your firm resolve unknown to me ,
-In the preferment of the eldest sister .
-This liberty is all that I request ,
-That , upon knowledge of my parentage ,
-I may have welcome 'mongst the rest that woo ,
-And free access and favour as the rest :
-And , toward the education of your daughters ,
-I here bestow a simple instrument ,
-And this small packet of Greek and Latin books :
-If you accept them , then their worth is great .
-
-Lucentio is your name , of whence , I pray ?
-
-Of Pisa , sir ; son to Vincentio .
-
-A mighty man of Pisa ; by report
-I know him well : you are very welcome , sir .
-
-
-and you the set of books ;
-You shall go see your pupils presently .
-Holla , within !
-
-
-Sirrah , lead these gentlemen
-To my two daughters , and then tell them both
-These are their tutors : bid them use them well .
-
-We will go walk a little in the orchard ,
-And then to dinner . You are passing welcome ,
-
-And so I pray you all to think yourselves .
-
-Signior Baptista , my business asketh haste ,
-And every day I cannot come to woo .
-You knew my father well , and in him me ,
-Left solely heir to all his lands and goods ,
-Which I have better'd rather than decreas'd :
-Then tell me , if I get your daughter's love ,
-What dowry shall I have with her to wife ?
-
-After my death the one half of my lands ,
-And in possession twenty thousand crowns .
-
-And , for that dowry , I'll assure her of
-Her widowhood , be it that she survive me ,
-In all my lands and leases whatsoever .
-Let specialties be therefore drawn between us ,
-That covenants may be kept on either hand .
-
-Ay , when the special thing is well obtain'd ,
-That is , her love ; for that is all in all .
-
-Why , that is nothing ; for I tell you , father ,
-I am as peremptory as she proud-minded ;
-And where two raging fires meet together
-They do consume the thing that feeds their fury :
-Though little fire grows great with little wind ,
-Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all ;
-So I to her , and so she yields to me ;
-For I am rough and woo not like a babe .
-
-Well mayst thou woo , and happy be thy speed !
-But be thou arm'd for some unhappy words .
-
-Ay , to the proof ; as mountains are for winds ,
-That shake not , though they blow perpetually .
-
-
-How now , my friend ! why dost thou look so pale ?
-
-For fear , I promise you , if I look pale .
-
-What , will my daughter prove a good musician ?
-
-I think she'll sooner prove a soldier :
-Iron may hold with her , but never lutes .
-
-Why , then thou canst not break her to the lute ?
-
-Why , no ; for she hath broke the lute to me .
-I did but tell her she mistook her frets ,
-And bow'd her hand to teach her fingering ;
-When , with a most impatient devilish spirit ,
-'Frets , call you these ?' quoth she ; 'I'll fume with them ;'
-And , with that word , she struck me on the head ,
-And through the instrument my pate made way ;
-And there I stood amazed for a while ,
-As on a pillory , looking through the lute ;
-While she did call me rascal fiddler ,
-And twangling Jack ; with twenty such vile terms
-As she had studied to misuse me so .
-
-Now , by the world , it is a lusty wench !
-I love her ten times more than e'er I did :
-O ! how I long to have some chat with her !
-
-Well , go with me , and be not so discomfited :
-Proceed in practice with my younger daughter ;
-She's apt to learn , and thankful for good turns .
-Signior Petruchio , will you go with us ,
-Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you ?
-
-I pray you do ; I will attend her here ,
-
-And woo her with some spirit when she comes .
-Say that she rail ; why then I'll tell her plain
-She sings as sweetly as a nightingale :
-Say that she frown ; I'll say she looks as clear
-As morning roses newly wash'd with dew :
-Say she be mute and will not speak a word ;
-Then I'll commend her volubility ,
-And say she uttereth piercing eloquence :
-If she do bid me pack ; I'll give her thanks ,
-As though she bid me stay by her a week :
-If she deny to wed ; I'll crave the day
-When I shall ask the banns , and when be married .
-But here she comes ; and now , Petruchio , speak .
-
-Good morrow , Kate ; for that's your name , I hear .
-
-Well have you heard , but something hard of hearing :
-They call me Katharine that do talk of me .
-
-You lie , in faith ; for you are call'd plain Kate ,
-And bonny Kate , and sometimes Kate the curst ;
-But , Kate , the prettiest Kate in Christendom ;
-Kate of Kate-Hall , my super-dainty Kate ,
-For dainties are all cates : and therefore , Kate ,
-Take this of me , Kate of my consolation ;
-Hearing thy mildness prais'd in every town ,
-Thy virtues spoke of , and thy beauty sounded ,
-Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs ,
-Myself am mov'd to woo thee for my wife .
-
-Mov'd ! in good time : let him that mov'd you hither
-Remove you hence . I knew you at the first ,
-You were a moveable .
-
-Why , what's a moveable ?
-
-A joint-stool .
-
-Thou hast hit it : come , sit on me .
-
-Asses are made to bear , and so are you .
-
-Women are made to bear , and so are you .
-
-No such jade as bear you , if me you mean .
-
-Alas ! good Kate , I will not burden thee ;
-For , knowing thee to be but young and light ,
-
-Too light for such a swain as you to catch ,
-And yet as heavy as my weight should be .
-
-Should be ! should buz !
-
-Well ta'en , and like a buzzard .
-
-O slow-wing'd turtle ! shall a buzzard take thee ?
-
-Ay , for a turtle , as he takes a buzzard .
-
-Come , come , you wasp ; i' faith you are too angry .
-
-If I be waspish , best beware my sting .
-
-My remedy is , then , to pluck it out .
-
-Ay , if the fool could find it where it lies .
-
-Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting ?
-In his tail .
-
-In his tongue .
-
-Whose tongue ?
-
-Yours , if you talk of tails ; and so farewell .
-
-What ! with my tongue in your tail ? nay , come again .
-Good Kate , I am a gentleman .
-
-That I'll try .
-
-
-I swear I'll cuff you if you strike again .
-
-So may you lose your arms :
-If you strike me , you are no gentleman ;
-And if no gentleman , why then no arms .
-
-A herald , Kate ? O ! put me in thy books .
-
-What is your crest ? a coxcomb ?
-
-A combless cock , so Kate will be my hen .
-
-No cock of mine ; you crow too like a craven .
-
-Nay , come , Kate , come ; you must not look so sour .
-
-It is my fashion when I see a crab .
-
-Why , here's no crab , and therefore look not sour .
-
-There is , there is .
-
-Then show it me .
-
-Had I a glass , I would .
-
-What , you mean my face ?
-
-Well aim'd of such a young one .
-
-Now , by Saint George , I am too young for you .
-
-Yet you are wither'd .
-
-'Tis with cares .
-
-I care not .
-
-Nay , hear you , Kate : in sooth , you 'scape not so .
-
-I chafe you , if I tarry : let me go .
-
-No , not a whit : I find you passing gentle .
-'Twas told me you were rough and coy and sullen ,
-And now I find report a very liar ;
-For thou art pleasant , gamesome , passing courteous ,
-But slow in speech , yet sweet as spring-time flowers :
-Thou canst not frown , thou canst not look askance ,
-Nor bite the lip , as angry wenches will ;
-Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk ;
-But thou with mildness entertain'st thy wooers ,
-With gentle conference , soft and affable .
-Why does the world report that Kate doth limp ?
-O slanderous world ! Kate , like the hazel-twig ,
-Is straight and slender , and as brown in hue
-As hazel nuts , and sweeter than the kernels .
-O ! let me see thee walk : thou dost not halt .
-
-Go , fool , and whom thou keep'st command .
-
-Did ever Dian so become a grove
-As Kate this chamber with her princely gait ?
-O ! be thou Dian , and let her be Kate ,
-And then let Kate be chaste , and Dian sportful !
-
-Where did you study all this goodly speech ?
-
-It is extempore , from my mother-wit .
-
-A witty mother ! witless else her son .
-
-Am I not wise ?
-
-Yes ; keep you warm .
-
-Marry , so I mean , sweet Katharine , in thy bed :
-And therefore , setting all this chat aside ,
-Thus in plain terms : your father hath consented
-That you shall be my wife ; your dowry 'greed on ;
-And will you , nill you , I will marry you .
-Now , Kate , I am a husband for your turn ;
-For , by this light , whereby I see thy beauty ,
-Thy beauty that doth make me like thee well ,
-Thou must be married to no man but me :
-For I am he am born to tame you , Kate ;
-And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate
-Conformable as other household Kates .
-Here comes your father : never make denial ;
-I must and will have Katharine to my wife .
-
-
-Now , Signior Petruchio , how speed you with my daughter ?
-
-How but well , sir ? how but well ?
-It were impossible I should speed amiss .
-
-Why , how now , daughter Katharine ! in your dumps ?
-
-Call you me daughter ? now , I promise you
-You have show'd a tender fatherly regard ,
-To wish me wed to one half lunatic ;
-A mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack ,
-That thinks with oaths to face the matter out .
-
-Father , 'tis thus : yourself and all the world ,
-That talk'd of her , have talk'd amiss of her :
-If she be curst , it is for policy ,
-For she's not froward , but modest as the dove ;
-She is not hot , but temperate as the morn ;
-For patience she will prove a second Grissel ,
-And Roman Lucrece for her chastity ;
-And to conclude , we have 'greed so well together ,
-That upon Sunday is the wedding-day .
-
-I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first .
-
-Hark , Petruchio : she says she'll see thee hang'd first .
-
-Is this your speeding ? nay then , good night our part !
-
-Be patient , gentlemen ; I choose her for myself :
-If she and I be pleas'd , what's that to you ?
-'Tis bargain'd 'twixt us twain , being alone ,
-That she shall still be curst in company .
-I tell you , 'tis incredible to believe
-How much she loves me : O ! the kindest Kate .
-She hung about my neck , and kiss on kiss
-She vied so fast , protesting oath on oath ,
-That in a twink she won me to her love .
-O ! you are novices : 'tis a world to see ,
-How tame , when men and women are alone ,
-A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew .
-Give me thy hand , Kate : I will unto Venice
-To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding-day .
-Provide the feast , father , and bid the guests ;
-I will be sure my Katharine shall be fine .
-
-I know not what to say ; but give me your hands .
-God send you joy , Petruchio ! 'tis a match .
-
-Amen , say we : we will be witnesses .
-
-Amen , say we : we will be witnesses .
-
-Father , and wife , and gentlemen , adieu .
-I will to Venice ; Sunday comes apace :
-We will have rings , and things , and fine array ;
-And , kiss me , Kate , we will be married o' Sunday .
-
-
-Was ever match clapp'd up so suddenly ?
-
-Faith , gentlemen , now I play a merchant's part ,
-And venture madly on a desperate mart .
-
-'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you :
-'Twill bring you gain , or perish on the seas .
-
-The gain I seek is , quiet in the match .
-
-No doubt but he hath got a quiet catch .
-But now , Baptista , to your younger daughter :
-Now is the day we long have looked for :
-I am your neighbour , and was suitor first .
-
-And I am one that love Bianca more
-Than words can witness , or your thoughts can guess .
-
-Youngling , thou canst not love so dear as I .
-
-Greybeard , thy love doth freeze .
-
-But thine doth fry .
-Skipper , stand back : 'tis age that nourisheth .
-
-But youth in ladies eyes that flourisheth .
-
-Content you , gentlemen ; I'll compound this strife :
-'Tis deeds must win the prize ; and he , of both ,
-That can assure my daughter greatest dower
-Shall have my Bianca's love .
-Say , Signior Gremio , what can you assure her ?
-
-First , as you know , my house within the city
-Is richly furnished with plate and gold :
-Basins and ewers to lave her dainty hands ;
-My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry ;
-In ivory coffers I have stuff'd my crowns ;
-In cypress chests my arras counterpoints ,
-Costly apparel , tents , and canopies ,
-Fine linen , Turkey cushions boss'd with pearl ,
-Valance of Venice gold in needle-work ,
-Pewter and brass , and all things that belong
-To house or housekeeping : then , at my farm
-I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail ,
-Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls ,
-And all things answerable to this portion .
-Myself am struck in years , I must confess ;
-And if I die to-morrow , this is hers ,
-If whilst I live she will be only mine .
-
-That 'only' came well in . Sir , list to me :
-I am my father's heir and only son :
-If I may have your daughter to my wife ,
-I'll leave her houses three or four as good ,
-Within rich Pisa walls , as any one
-Old Signior Gremio has in Padua ;
-Besides two thousand ducats by the year
-Of fruitful land , all of which shall be her jointure .
-What , have I pinch'd you , Signior Gremio ?
-
-Two thousand ducats by the year of land !
-My land amounts not to so much in all :
-That she shall have ; besides an argosy
-That now is lying in Marseilles' road .
-What , have I chok'd you with an argosy ?
-
-Gremio , 'tis known my father hath no less
-Than three great argosies , besides two galliasses ,
-And twelve tight galleys ; these I will assure her ,
-And twice as much , whate'er thou offer'st next .
-
-Nay , I have offer'd all , I have no more ;
-And she can have no more than all I have :
-If you like me , she shall have me and mine .
-
-Why , then the maid is mine from all the world ,
-By your firm promise . Gremio is out-vied .
-
-I must confess your offer is the best ;
-And , let your father make her the assurance ,
-She is your own ; else , you must pardon me :
-If you should die before him , where's her dower ?
-
-That's but a cavil : he is old , I young .
-
-And may not young men die as well as old ?
-
-Well , gentlemen ,
-I am thus resolv'd . On Sunday next , you know ,
-My daughter Katharine is to be married :
-Now , on the Sunday following , shall Bianca
-Be bride to you , if you make this assurance ;
-If not , to Signior Gremio :
-And so , I take my leave , and thank you both .
-
-Adieu , good neighbour .
-
-Now I fear thee not :
-Sirrah young gamester , your father were a fool
-To give thee all , and in his waning age
-Set foot under thy table . Tut ! a toy !
-An old Italian fox is not so kind , my boy .
-
-
-A vengeance on your crafty wither'd hide !
-Yet I have fac'd it with a card of ten .
-'Tis in my head to do my master good :
-I see no reason , but suppos'd Lucentio
-Must get a father , called 'suppos'd Vincentio ;'
-And that's a wonder : fathers , commonly
-Do get their children ; but in this case of wooing ,
-A child shall get a sire , if I fail not of my cunning .
-
-Fiddler , forbear ; you grow too forward , sir :
-Have you so soon forgot the entertainment
-Her sister Katharine welcom'd you withal ?
-
-But , wrangling pedant , this is
-The patroness of heavenly harmony :
-Then give me leave to have prerogative ;
-And when in music we have spent an hour ,
-Your lecture shall have leisure for as much .
-
-Preposterous ass , that never read so far
-To know the cause why music was ordain'd !
-Was it not to refresh the mind of man
-After his studies or his usual pain ?
-Then give me leave to read philosophy ,
-And while I pause , serve in your harmony .
-
-Sirrah , I will not bear these braves of thine .
-
-Why , gentlemen , you do me double wrong ,
-To strive for that which resteth in my choice .
-I am no breeching scholar in the schools ;
-I'll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times ,
-But learn my lessons as I please myself .
-And , to cut off all strife , here sit we down :
-Take you your instrument , play you the whiles ;
-His lecture will be done ere you have tun'd .
-
-You'll leave his lecture when I am in tune ?
-
-
-That will be never : tune vour instrument .
-
-Where left we last ?
-
-Here , madam :
-
-Hac ibat Simois ; hic est Sigeia tellus ;
-Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis .
-
-
-Construe them .
-
-Hac ibat , as I told you before , Simois , I am Lucentio , hic est , son unto Vincentio of Pisa , Sigeia tellus , disguised thus to get your love ; Hic steterat , and that Lucentio that comes a wooing , Priami , is my man Tranio , regia , bearing my port , celsa senis , that we might beguile the old pantaloon .
-
-Madam , my instrument's in tune .
-
-Let's hear .
-
-O fie ! the treble jars .
-
-Spit in the hole , man , and tune again .
-
-Now let me see if I can construe it : Hac ibat Simois , I know you not , hic est Sigeia tellus , I trust you not ; Hic steterat Priami , take heed he hear us not , regia , presume not ; celsa senis , despair not .
-
-Madam , 'tis now in tune .
-
-All but the base .
-
-The base is right ; 'tis the base knave that jars .
-How fiery and forward our pedant is !
-
-
-Now , for my life , the knave doth court my love :
-Pedascule , I'll watch you better yet .
-
-In time I may believe , yet I mistrust .
-
-Mistrust it not ; for , sure , acides
-Was Ajax , call'd so from his grandfather .
-
-I must believe my master ; else , I promise you ,
-I should be arguing still upon that doubt :
-But let it rest . Now , Licio , to you .
-Good masters , take it not unkindly , pray ,
-That I have been thus pleasant with you both .
-
-You may go walk , and give me leave a while :
-My lessons make no music in three parts .
-
-Are you so formal , sir ?
-
-Well , I must wait ,
-And watch withal ; for , but I be deceiv'd ,
-Our fine musician groweth amorous .
-
-Madam , before you touch the instrument ,
-To learn the order of my fingering ,
-I must begin with rudiments of art ;
-To teach you gamut in a briefer sort ,
-More pleasant , pithy , and effectual ,
-Than hath been taught by any of my trade :
-And there it is in writing , fairly drawn .
-
-Why , I am past my gamut long ago .
-
-Yet read the gamut of Hortensio .
-
-
-'Gamut' I am , the ground of all accord ,
-'A re ,' to plead Hortensio's passion ;
-'B mi ,' Bianca , take him for thy lord ,
-'C fa ut ,' that loves with all affection :
-'D sol re ,' one clef , two notes have I :
-'E la mi ,' show pity , or I die .
-
-Call you this gamut ? tut , I like it not :
-Old fashions please me best ; I am not so nice ,
-To change true rules for odd inventions .
-
-
-Mistress , your father prays you leave your books ,
-And help to dress your sister's chamber up :
-You know to-morrow is the wedding-day .
-
-Farewell , sweet masters both : I must be gone .
-
-
-Faith , mistress , then I have no cause to stay .
-
-
-But I have cause to pry into this pedant :
-Methinks he looks as though he were in love .
-Yet if thy thoughts , Bianca , be so humble
-To cast thy wandering eyes on every stale ,
-Seize thee that list : if once I find thee ranging ,
-Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing .
-
-
-Signior Lucentio , this is the 'pointed day
-That Katharine and Petruchio should be married ,
-And yet we hear not of our son-in-law .
-What will be said ? what mockery will it be
-To want the bridegroom when the priest attends
-To speak the ceremonial rites of marriage !
-What says Lucentio to this shame of ours ?
-
-No shame but mine : I must , forsooth , be forc'd
-To give my hand oppos'd against my heart
-Unto a mad-brain rudesby , full of spleen ;
-Who woo'd in haste and means to wed at leisure .
-I told you , I , he was a frantic fool ,
-Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behaviour ;
-And to be noted for a merry man ,
-He'll woo a thousand , 'point the day of marriage ,
-Make friends invite , and proclaim the banns ;
-Yet never means to wed where he hath woo'd .
-Now must the world point at poor Katharine ,
-And say , 'Lo ! there is mad Petruchio's wife ,
-If it would please him come and marry her .'
-
-Patience , good Katharine , and Baptista too .
-Upon my life , Petruchio means but well ,
-Whatever fortune stays him from his word :
-Though he be blunt , I know him passing wise ;
-Though he be merry , yet withal he's honest .
-
-Would Katharine had never seen him though !
-
-
-Go , girl : I cannot blame thee now to weep ,
-For such an injury would vex a very saint ,
-Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour .
-
-
-Master , master ! news ! old news , and such news as you never heard of !
-
-Is it new and old too ? how may that be ?
-
-Why , is it not news to hear of Petruchio's coming ?
-
-Is he come ?
-
-Why , no , sir .
-
-What then ?
-
-He is coming .
-
-When will he be here ?
-
-When he stands where I am and sees you there .
-
-But , say , what to thine old news ?
-
-Why , Petruchio is coming , in a new hat and an old jerkin ; a pair of old breeches thrice turned ; a pair of boots that have been candle-cases , one buckled , another laced ; an old rusty sword ta'en out of the town-armoury , with a broken hilt , and chapeless ; with two broken points : his horse hipped with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred ; besides , possessed with the glanders and like to mose in the chine ; troubled with the lampass , infected with the fashions , full of windgalls , sped with spavins , rayed with the yellows , past cure of the fives , stark spoiled with the staggers , begnawn with the bots , swayed in the back , and shoulder-shotten ; near-legged before , and with a half-checked bit , and a head-stall of sheep's leather , which , being restrained to keep him from stumbling , hath been often burst and now repaired with knots ; one girth six times pieced , and a woman's crupper of velure , which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs , and here and there pieced with packthread .
-
-Who comes with him ?
-
-O , sir ! his lackey , for all the world caparisoned like the horse ; with a linen stock on one leg and a kersey boot-hose on the other , gartered with a red and blue list ; an old hat , and the 'humour of forty fancies' pricked in't for a feather : a monster , a very monster in apparel , and not like a Christian footboy or a gentleman's lackey .
-
-'Tis some odd humour pricks him to this fashion ;
-Yet oftentimes he goes but mean-apparell'd .
-
-I am glad he is come , howsoe'er he comes .
-
-Why , sir , he comes not .
-
-Didst thou not say he comes ?
-
-Who ? that Petruchio came ?
-
-Ay , that Petruchio came .
-
-No , sir ; I say his horse comes , with him on his back .
-
-Why , that's all one .
-
-
-Nay , by Saint Jamy ,
-I hold you a penny ,
-A horse and a man
-Is more than one ,
-And yet not many .
-
-Come , where be these gallants ? who is at home ?
-
-You are welcome , sir .
-
-And yet I come not well .
-
-And yet you halt not .
-
-Not so well apparell'd
-As I wish you were .
-
-Were it better , I should rush in thus .
-But where is Kate ? where is my lovely bride ?
-How does my father ? Gentles , methinks you frown :
-And wherefore gaze this goodly company ,
-As if they saw some wondrous monument ,
-Some comet , or unusual prodigy ?
-
-Why , sir , you know this is your weddingday :
-First were we sad , fearing you would not come ;
-Now sadder , that you come so unprovided .
-Fie ! doff this habit , shame to your estate ,
-An eye-sore to our solemn festival .
-
-And tell us what occasion of import
-Hath all so long detain'd you from your wife ,
-And sent you hither so unlike yourself ?
-
-Tedious it were to tell , and harsh to hear :
-Sufficeth , I am come to keep my word ,
-Though in some part enforced to digress ;
-Which , at more leisure , I will so excuse
-As you shall well be satisfied withal .
-But where is Kate ? I stay too long from her :
-The morning wears , 'tis time we were at church .
-
-See not your bride in these unreverent robes :
-Go to my chamber ; put on clothes of mine .
-
-Not I , believe me : thus I'll visit her .
-
-But thus , I trust , you will not marry her .
-
-Good sooth , even thus ; therefore ha' done with words :
-To me she's married , not unto my clothes .
-Could I repair what she will wear in me
-As I can change these poor accoutrements ,
-'Twere well for Kate and better for myself .
-But what a fool am I to chat with you
-When I should bid good morrow to my bride ,
-And seal the title with a lovely kiss !
-
-
-He hath some meaning in his mad attire .
-We will persuade him , be it possible ,
-To put on better ere he go to church .
-
-I'll after him , and see the event of this .
-
-
-But to her love concerneth us to add
-Her father's liking : which to bring to pass ,
-As I before imparted to your worship ,
-I am to get a man ,whate'er he be
-It skills not much , we'll fit him to our turn ,
-And he shall be Vincentio of Pisa ,
-And make assurance here in Padua ,
-Of greater sums than I have promised .
-So shall you quietly enjoy your hope ,
-And marry sweet Bianca with consent .
-
-Were it not that my fellow schoolmaster
-Doth watch Bianca's steps so narrowly ,
-'Twere good , methinks , to steal our marriage ;
-Which once perform'd , let all the world say no ,
-I'll keep mine own , despite of all the world .
-
-That by degrees we mean to look into ,
-And watch our vantage in this business .
-We'll over-reach the greybeard , Gremio ,
-The narrow-prying father , Minola ,
-The quaint musician , amorous Licio ;
-All for my master's sake , Lucentio .
-
-Signior Gremio , came you from the church ?
-
-As willingly as e'er I came from school .
-
-And is the bride and bridegroom coming home ?
-
-A bridegroom say you ? 'Tis a groom indeed ,
-A grumbling groom , and that the girl shall find .
-
-Curster than she ? why , 'tis impossible .
-
-Why , he's a devil , a devil , a very fiend .
-
-Why , she's a devil , a devil , the devil's dam .
-
-Tut ! she's a lamb , a dove , a fool to him .
-I'll tell you , Sir Lucentio : when the priest
-Should ask , if Katharine should be his wife ,
-'Ay , by gogs-wouns !' quoth he ; and swore so loud ,
-That , all amaz'd , the priest let fall the book ;
-And , as he stoop'd again to take it up ,
-The mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff
-That down fell priest and book and book and priest :
-'Now take them up ,' quoth he , 'if any list .'
-
-What said the wench when he arose again ?
-
-Trembled and shook ; for why he stampt and swore ,
-As if the vicar meant to cozen him .
-But after many ceremonies done ,
-He calls for wine : 'A health !' quoth he ; as if
-He had been aboard , carousing to his mates
-After a storm ; quaff'd off the muscadel ,
-And threw the sops all in the sexton's face ;
-Having no other reason
-But that his beard grew thin and hungerly ,
-And seem'd to ask him sops as he was drinking .
-This done , he took the bride about the neck ,
-And kiss'd her lips with such a clamorous smack
-That at the parting all the church did echo :
-And I , seeing this , came thence for very shame ;
-And after me , I know , the rout is coming .
-Such a mad marriage never was before .
-Hark , hark ! I hear the minstrels play .
-
-Gentlemen and friends , I thank you for your pains :
-I know you think to dine with me to-day ,
-And have prepar'd great store of wedding cheer ;
-But so it is , my haste doth call me hence ,
-And therefore here I mean to take my leave .
-
-Is't possible you will away to-night ?
-
-I must away to-day , before night come .
-Make it no wonder : if you knew my business ,
-You would entreat me rather go than stay .
-And , honest company , I thank you all ,
-That have beheld me give away myself
-To this most patient , sweet , and virtuous wife .
-Dine with my father , drink a health to me ,
-For I must hence ; and farewell to you all .
-
-Let us entreat you stay till after dinner .
-
-It may not be .
-
-Let me entreat you .
-
-It cannot be .
-
-Let me entreat you .
-
-I am content .
-
-Are you content to stay ?
-
-I am content you shall entreat me stay ,
-But yet not stay , entreat me how you can .
-
-Now , if you love me , stay .
-
-Grumio , my horse !
-
-Ay , sir , they be ready : the oats have eaten the horses .
-
-Nay , then ,
-Do what thou canst , I will not go to-day ;
-No , nor to-morrow , nor till I please myself ,
-The door is open , sir , there lies your way ;
-You may be jogging whiles your boots are green ;
-For me , I'll not be gone till I please myself .
-'Tis like you'll prove a jolly surly groom ,
-That take it on you at the first so roundly .
-
-O Kate ! content thee : prithee , be not angry .
-
-I will be angry : what hast thou to do ?
-Father , be quiet ; he shall stay my leisure .
-
-Ay , marry , sir , now it begins to work .
-
-Gentlemen , forward to the bridal dinner :
-I see a woman may be made a fool ,
-If she had not a spirit to resist .
-
-They shall go forward , Kate , at thy command .
-Obey the bride , you that attend on her ;
-Go to the feast , revel and domineer ,
-Carouse full measure to her maidenhead ,
-Be mad and merry , or go hang yourselves :
-But for my bonny Kate , she must with me .
-Nay , look not big , nor stamp , nor stare , nor fret ;
-I will be master of what is mine own .
-She is my goods , my chattels ; she is my house ,
-My household stuff , my field , my barn ,
-My horse , my ox , my ass , my anything ;
-And here she stands , touch her whoever dare ;
-I'll bring mine action on the proudest he
-That stops my way in Padua . Grumio ,
-Draw forth thy weapon , we're beset with thieves ;
-Rescue thy mistress , if thou be a man .
-Fear not , sweet wench ; they shall not touch thee , Kate :
-I'll buckler thee against a million .
-
-
-Nay , let them go , a couple of quiet ones .
-
-Went they not quickly I should die with laughing .
-
-Of all mad matches never was the like .
-
-Mistress , what's your opinion of your sister ?
-
-That , being mad herself , she's madly mated .
-
-I warrant him , Petruchio is Kated .
-
-Neighbours and friends , though bride and bridegroom wants
-For to supply the places at the table ,
-You know there wants no junkets at the feast .
-Lucentio , you shall supply the bridegroom's place ,
-And let Bianca take her sister's room .
-
-Shall sweet Bianca practise how to bride it ?
-
-She shall , Lucentio . Come , gentlemen , let's go .
-
-Fie , fie , on all tired jades , on all mad masters , and all foul ways ! Was ever man so beaten ? was ever man so rayed ? was ever man so weary ? I am sent before to make a fire , and they are coming after to warm them . Now , were not I a little pot and soon hot , my very lips might freeze to my teeth , my tongue to the roof of my mouth , my heart in my belly , ere I should come by a fire to thaw me ; but I , with blowing the fire , shall warm myself ; for , considering the weather , a taller man than I will take cold . Holla , ho ! Curtis .
-
-
-Who is that calls so coldly ?
-
-A piece of ice : if thou doubt it , thou mayst slide from my shoulder to my heel with no greater a run but my head and my neck . A fire , good Curtis .
-
-Is my master and his wife coming , Grumio ?
-
-O ! ay , Curtis , ay ; and therefore fire , fire ; cast on no water .
-
-Is she so hot a shrew as she's reported ?
-
-She was , good Curtis , before this frost ; but , thou knowest , winter tames man , woman , and beast ; for it hath tamed my old master , and my new mistress , and myself , fellow Curtis .
-
-Away , you three-inch-fool ! I am no beast .
-
-Am I but three inches ? why , thy horn is a foot ; and so long am I at the least . But wilt thou make a fire , or shall I complain on thee to our mistress , whose hand ,she being now at hand ,thou shalt soon feel , to thy cold comfort , for being slow in thy hot office ?
-
-I prithee , good Grumio , tell me , how goes the world ?
-
-A cold world , Curtis , in every office but thine ; and therefore , fire . Do thy duty , and have thy duty , for my master and mistress are almost frozen to death .
-
-There's fire ready ; and therefore , good Grumio , the news ?
-
-Why , 'Jack , boy ! ho , boy !' and as much news as thou wilt .
-
-Come , you are so full of cony-catching .
-
-Why therefore fire : for I have caught extreme cold . Where's the cook ? is supper ready , the house trimmed , rushes strewed , cobwebs swept ; the serving-men in their new fustian , their white stockings , and every officer his wedding-garment on ? Be the Jacks fair within , the Jills fair without , and carpets laid , and everything in order ?
-
-All ready ; and therefore , I pray thee , news ?
-
-First , know , my horse is tired ; my master and mistress fallen out .
-
-How ?
-
-Out of their saddles into the dirt ; and thereby hangs a tale .
-
-Let's ha't , good Grumio .
-
-Lend thine ear .
-
-Here .
-
-There .
-
-This is to feel a tale , not to hear a tale .
-
-And therefore it is called a sensible tale ; and this cuff was but to knock at your ear and beseech listening . Now I begin : Imprimis , we came down a foul hill , my master riding behind my mistress ,
-
-Both of one horse ?
-
-What's that to thee ?
-
-Why , a horse .
-
-Tell thou the tale : but hadst thou not crossed me thou shouldst have heard how her horse fell , and she under her horse ; thou shouldst have heard in how miry a place , how she was bemoiled : how he left her with the horse upon her ; how he beat me because her horse stumbled ; how she waded through the dirt to pluck him off me : how he swore ; how she prayed , that never prayed before ; how I cried ; how the horses ran away ; how her bridle was burst ; how I lost my crupper ; with many things of worthy memory , which now shall die in oblivion , and thou return unexperienced to thy grave .
-
-By this reckoning he is more shrew than she .
-
-Ay ; and that , thou and the proudest of you all shall find when he comes home . But what talk I of this ? Call forth Nathaniel , Joseph , Nicholas , Philip , Walter , Sugarsop , and the rest : let their heads be sleekly combed , their blue coats brushed , and their garters of an indifferent knit : let them curtsy with their left legs , and not presume to touch a hair of my master's horsetail till they kiss their hands . Are they all ready ?
-
-They are .
-
-Call them forth .
-
-Do you hear ? ho ! you must meet my master to countenance my mistress .
-
-Why , she hath a face of her own .
-
-Who knows not that ?
-
-Thou , it seems , that callest for company to countenance her .
-
-I call them forth to credit her .
-
-Why , she comes to borrow nothing of them .
-
-
-Welcome home , Grumio !
-
-How now , Grumio ?
-
-What , Grumio !
-
-Fellow Grumio !
-
-How now , old lad !
-
-Welcome , you ; how now , you ; what , you ; fellow , you ; and thus much for greeting . Now , my spruce companions , is all ready , and all things neat ?
-
-All things is ready . How near is our master ?
-
-E'en at hand , alighted by this ; and therefore be not ,Cock's passion , silence ! I hear my master .
-
-
-Where be these knaves ? What ! no man at door
-To hold my stirrup nor to take my horse ?
-Where is Nathaniel , Gregory , Philip ?
-
-Here , here , sir ; here , sir .
-
-Here , sir ! here , sir ! here , sir ! here , sir !
-You logger-headed and unpolish'd grooms !
-What , no attendance ? no regard ? no duty ?
-Where is the foolish knave I sent before ?
-
-Here , sir ; as foolish as I was before .
-
-You peasant swain ! you whoreson malt-horse drudge !
-Did I not bid thee meet me in the park ,
-And bring along these rascal knaves with thee ?
-
-Nathaniel's coat , sir , was not fully made ,
-And Gabriel's pumps were all unpink'd i' the heel ,
-There was no link to colour Peter's hat ,
-And Walter's dagger was not come from sheathing ,
-There were none fine but Adam , Ralph , and Gregory ;
-The rest were ragged , old , and beggarly ;
-Yet , as they are , here are they come to meet you .
-
-Go , rascals , go , and fetch my supper in .
-
-Where is the life that late I led ?
-Where are those ? Sit down , Kate , and welcome .
-Soud , soud , soud , soud !
-
-
-Why , when , I say ?Nay , good sweet Kate , be merry .
-Off with my boots , you rogues ! you villains ! When ?
-
-It was the friar of orders grey ,
-As he forth walked on his way :
-
-Out , you rogue ! you pluck my foot awry :
-
-Take that , and mend the plucking off the other .
-Be merry , Kate . Some water , here ; what , ho !
-Where's my spaniel Troilus ? Sirrah , get you hence
-And bid my cousin Ferdinand come hither :
-
-One , Kate , that you must kiss , and be acquainted with .
-Where are my slippers ? Shall I have some water ?
-Come , Kate , and wash , and welcome heartily .
-
-
-You whoreson villain ! will you let it fall ?
-
-Patience , I pray you ; 'twas a fault unwilling .
-
-A whoreson , beetle-headed , flap-ear'd knave !
-Come , Kate , sit down ; I know you have a stomach .
-Will you give thanks , sweet Kate , or else shall I ?
-What's this ? mutton ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Who brought it ?
-
-I .
-
-'Tis burnt ; and so is all the meat .
-What dogs are these ! Where is the rascal cook ?
-How durst you , villains , bring it from the dresser ,
-And serve it thus to me that love it not ?
-
-There , take it to you , trenchers , cups , and all .
-You heedless joltheads and unmanner'd slaves !
-What ! do you grumble ? I'll be with you straight .
-
-I pray you , husband , be not so disquiet :
-The meat was well if you were so contented .
-
-I tell thee , Kate , 'twas burnt and dried away ;
-And I expressly am forbid to touch it ,
-For it engenders choler , planteth anger ;
-And better 'twere that both of us did fast ,
-Since , of ourselves , ourselves are choleric ,
-Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh .
-Be patient ; to-morrow't shall be mended ,
-And for this night we'll fast for company :
-Come , I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber .
-
-
-Peter , didst ever see the like ?
-
-He kills her in her own humour .
-
-
-Where is he ?
-
-In her chamber , making a sermon of continency to her ;
-And rails , and swears , and rates , that she , poor soul ,
-Knows not which way to stand , to look , to speak ,
-And sits as one new-risen from a dream .
-Away , away ! for he is coming hither .
-
-Thus have I politicly begun my reign ,
-And 'tis my hope to end successfully .
-My falcon now is sharp and passing empty ,
-And till she stoop she must not be full-gorg'd ,
-For then she never looks upon her lure .
-Another way I have to man my haggard ,
-To make her come and know her keeper's call ;
-That is , to watch her , as we watch these kites
-That bate and beat and will not be obedient .
-She eat no meat to-day , nor none shall eat ;
-Last night she slept not , nor to-night she shall not :
-As with the meat , some undeserved fault
-I'll find about the making of the bed ;
-And here I'll fling the pillow , there the bolster ,
-This way the coverlet , another way the sheets :
-Ay , and amid this hurly I intend
-That all is done in reverend care of her ;
-And in conclusion she shall watch all night :
-And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl ,
-And with the clamour keep her still awake .
-This is a way to kill a wife with kindness ;
-And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour .
-He that knows better how to tame a shrew ,
-Now let him speak : 'tis charity to show .
-
-
-Is't possible , friend Licio , that Mistress Bianca
-Doth fancy any other but Lucentio ?
-I tell you , sir , she bears me fair in hand .
-
-Sir , to satisfy you in what I have said ,
-Stand by , and mark the manner of his teaching .
-
-Now , mistress , profit you in what you read ?
-
-What , master , read you ? first resolve me that .
-
-I read that I profess , the Art to Love .
-
-And may you prove , sir , master of your art !
-
-While you , sweet dear , prove mistress of my heart .
-
-
-Quick proceeders , marry ! Now , tell me , I pray ,
-You that durst swear that your mistress Bianca
-Lov'd none in the world so well as Lucentio .
-
-O despiteful love ! unconstant womankind !
-I tell thee , Licio , this is wonderful .
-
-Mistake no more : I am not Licio ,
-Nor a musician , as I seem to be ;
-But one that scorns to live in this disguise ,
-For such a one as leaves a gentleman ,
-And makes a god of such a cullion :
-Know , sir , that I am call'd Hortensio .
-
-Signior Hortensio , I have often heard
-Of your entire affection to Bianca ;
-And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness ,
-I will with you , if you be so contented ,
-Forswear Bianca and her love for ever .
-
-See , how they kiss and court ! Signior Lucentio ,
-Here is my hand , and here I firmly vow
-Never to woo her more ; but I do forswear her ,
-As one unworthy all the former favours
-That I have fondly flatter'd her withal .
-
-And here I take the like unfeigned oath ,
-Never to marry with her though she would entreat .
-Fie on her ! see how beastly she doth court him .
-
-Would all the world , but he had quite forsworn !
-For me , that I may surely keep mine oath ,
-I will be married to a wealthy widow
-Ere three days pass , which hath as long lov'd me
-As I have lov'd this proud disdainful haggard .
-And so farewell , Signior Lucentio .
-Kindness in women , not their beauteous looks ,
-Shall win my love : and so I take my leave ,
-In resolution as I swore before .
-
-
-Mistress Bianca , bless you with such grace
-As 'longeth to a lover's blessed case !
-Nay , I have ta'en you napping , gentle love ,
-And have forsworn you with Hortensio .
-
-Tranio , you jest . But have you both forsworn me ?
-
-Mistress , we have .
-
-Then we are rid of Licio .
-
-I' faith , he'll have a lusty widow now , That shall be woo'd and wedded in a day .
-
-God give him joy !
-
-Ay , and he'll tame her .
-
-He says so , Tranio .
-
-Faith , he is gone unto the taming-school .
-
-The taming-school ! what , is there such a place ?
-
-Ay , mistress , and Petruchio is the master ;
-That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long ,
-To tame a shrew , and charm her chattering tongue .
-
-
-O master , master ! I have watch'd so long
-That I'm dog-weary ; but at last I spied
-An ancient angel coming down the hill
-Will serve the turn .
-
-What is he , Biondello ?
-
-Master , a mercatante , or a pedant ,
-I know not what ; but formal in apparel ,
-In gait and countenance surely like a father .
-
-And what of him , Tranio ?
-
-If he be credulous and trust my tale ,
-I'll make him glad to seem Vincentio ,
-And give assurance to Baptista Minola ,
-As if he were the right Vincentio .
-Take in your love , and then let me alone .
-
-God save you , sir !
-
-And you , sir ! you are welcome .
-Travel you far on , or are you at the furthest ?
-
-Sir , at the furthest for a week or two ;
-But then up further , and as far as Rome ;
-And so to Tripoli , if God lend me life .
-
-What countryman , I pray ?
-
-Of Mantua .
-
-Of Mantua , sir ! marry , God forbid !
-And come to Padua , careless of your life ?
-
-My life , sir ! how , I pray ? for that goes hard .
-
-'Tis death for any one in Mantua
-To come to Padua . Know you not the cause ?
-Your ships are stay'd at Venice ; and the duke ,
-For private quarrel 'twixt your duke and him ,
-Hath publish'd and proclaim'd it openly .
-'Tis marvel , but that you are but newly come ,
-You might have heard it else proclaim'd about .
-
-Alas , sir ! it is worse for me than so ;
-For I have bills for money by exchange
-From Florence , and must here deliver them .
-
-Well , sir , to do you courtesy ,
-This will I do , and this I will advise you :
-First , tell me , have you ever been at Pisa ?
-
-Ay , sir , in Pisa have I often been ;
-Pisa , renowned for grave citizens .
-
-Among them , know you one Vincentio ?
-
-I know him not , but I have heard of him ;
-A merchant of incomparable wealth .
-
-He is my father , sir ; and , sooth to say ,
-In countenance somewhat doth resemble you .
-
-As much as an apple doth an oyster , and all one .
-
-To save your life in this extremity ,
-This favour will I do you for his sake ;
-And think it not the worst of all your fortunes
-That you are like to Sir Vincentio .
-His name and credit shall you undertake ,
-And in my house you shall be friendly lodg'd ,
-Look that you take upon you as you should !
-You understand me , sir ; so shall you stay
-Till you have done your business in the city .
-If this be courtesy , sir , accept of it .
-
-O sir , I do ; and will repute you ever
-The patron of my life and liberty .
-
-Then go with me to make the matter good .
-This , by the way , I let you understand :
-My father is here look'd for every day ,
-To pass assurance of a dower in marriage
-'Twixt me and one Baptista's daughter here :
-In all these circumstances I'll instruct you .
-Go with me to clothe you as becomes you .
-
-
-No , no , forsooth ; I dare not , for my life .
-
-The more my wrong the more his spite appears .
-What , did he marry me to famish me ?
-Beggars , that come unto my father's door ,
-Upon entreaty have a present alms ;
-If not , elsewhere they meet with charity :
-But I , who never knew how to entreat ,
-Nor never needed that I should entreat ,
-Am starv'd for meat , giddy for lack of sleep ;
-With oaths kept waking , and with brawling fed .
-And that which spites me more than all these wants ,
-He does it under name of perfect love ;
-As who should say , if I should sleep or eat
-'Twere deadly sickness , or else present death .
-I prithee go and get me some repast ;
-I care not what , so it be wholesome food .
-
-What say you to a neat's foot ?
-
-'Tis passing good : I prithee let me have it .
-
-I fear it is too choleric a meat .
-How say you to a fat tripe finely broil'd ?
-
-I like it well : good Grumio , fetch it me .
-
-I cannot tell ; I fear 'tis choleric .
-What say you to a piece of beef and mustard ?
-
-A dish that I do love to feed upon .
-
-Ay , but the mustard is too hot a little .
-
-Why , then the beef , and let the mustard rest .
-
-Nay , then I will not : you shall have the mustard ,
-Or else you get no beef of Grumio .
-
-Then both , or one , or anything thou wilt .
-
-Why then , the mustard without the beef .
-
-Go , get thee gone , thou false deluding slave ,
-
-That feed'st me with the very name of meat .
-Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you ,
-That triumph thus upon my misery !
-Go , get thee gone , I say .
-
-
-How fares my Kate ? What , sweeting , all amort ?
-
-Mistress , what cheer ?
-
-Faith , as cold as can be .
-
-Pluck up thy spirits ; look cheerfully upon me .
-Here , love ; thou seest how diligent I am ,
-To dress thy meat myself and bring it thee :
-
-I am sure , sweet Kate , this kindness merits thanks .
-What ! not a word ? Nay then , thou lov'st it not ,
-And all my pains is sorted to no proof .
-Here , take away this dish .
-
-I pray you , let it stand .
-
-The poorest service is repaid with thanks ,
-And so shall mine , before you touch the meat .
-
-I thank you , sir .
-
-Signior Petruchio , fie ! you are to blame .
-Come , Mistress Kate , I'll bear you company .
-
-Eat it up all , Hortensio , if thou lov'st me .
-Much good do it unto thy gentle heart !
-Kate , eat apace : and now , my honey love ,
-Will we return unto thy father's house ,
-And revel it as bravely as the best ,
-With silken coats and caps and golden rings ,
-With ruffs and cuffs and farthingales and things ;
-With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery ,
-With amber bracelets , beads and all this knavery .
-What ! hast thou din'd ? The tailor stays thy leisure ,
-To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure .
-
-
-Come , tailor , let us see these ornaments ;
-Lay forth the gown .
-
-
-What news with you , sir ?
-
-Here is the cap your worship did bespeak .
-
-Why , this was moulded on a porringer ;
-A velvet dish : fie , fie ! 'tis lewd and filthy :
-Why , 'tis a cockle or a walnut-shell ,
-A knack , a toy , a trick , a baby's cap :
-Away with it ! come , let me have a bigger .
-
-I'll have no bigger : this doth fit the time ,
-And gentlewomen wear such caps as these .
-
-When you are gentle , you shall have one too ;
-And not till then .
-
-That will not be in haste .
-
-Why , sir , I trust I may have leave to speak ,
-And speak I will ; I am no child , no babe :
-Your betters have endur'd me say my mind ,
-And if you cannot , best you stop your ears .
-My tongue will tell the anger of my heart ,
-Or else my heart , concealing it , will break :
-And rather than it shall , I will be free
-Even to the uttermost , as I please , in words .
-
-Why , thou sayst true ; it is a paltry cap ,
-A custard-coffin , a bauble , a silken pie .
-I love thee well in that thou lik'st it not .
-
-Love me or love me not , I like the cap ,
-And it I will have , or I will have none .
-
-
-Thy gown ? why , ay : come , tailor , let us see't .
-O mercy , God ! what masquing stuff is here ?
-What's this ? a sleeve ? 'tis like a demi-cannon :
-What ! up and down , carv'd like an apple-tart ?
-Here's snip and nip and cut and slish and slash ,
-Like to a censer in a barber's shop .
-Why , what , i' devil's name , tailor , call'st thou this ?
-
-I see , she's like to have neither cap nor gown .
-
-You bid me make it orderly and well ,
-According to the fashion and the time .
-
-Marry , and did : but if you be remember'd ,
-I did not bid you mar it to the time .
-Go , hop me over every kennel home ,
-For you shall hop without my custom , sir .
-I'll none of it : hence ! make your best of it .
-
-I never saw a better-fashion'd gown ,
-More quaint , more pleasing , nor more commendable .
-Belike you mean to make a puppet of me .
-
-Why , true ; he means to make a puppet of thee .
-
-She says your worship means to make a puppet of her .
-
-O monstrous arrogance ! Thou liest , thou thread ,
-Thou thimble ,
-Thou yard , three-quarters , half-yard , quarter , nail !
-Thou flea , thou nit , thou winter-cricket thou !
-Brav'd in mine own house with a skein of thread !
-Away ! thou rag , thou quantity , thou remnant ,
-Or I shall so be-mete thee with thy yard
-As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou liv'st !
-I tell thee , I , that thou hast marr'd her gown .
-
-Your worship is deceiv'd : the gown is made
-Just as my master had direction .
-Grumio gave order how it should be done .
-
-I gave him no order ; I gave him the stuff .
-
-But how did you desire it should be made ?
-
-Marry , sir , with needle and thread .
-
-But did you not request to have it cut ?
-
-Thou hast faced many things .
-
-I have .
-
-Face not me : thou hast braved many men ; brave not me : I will neither be faced nor braved . I say unto thee , I bid thy master cut out the gown ; but I did not bid him cut it to pieces : ergo , thou liest .
-
-Why , here is the note of the fashion to testify .
-
-Read it .
-
-The note lies in's throat if he say I said so .
-
-Imprimis . A loose-bodied gown .
-
-Master , if ever I said loose-bodied gown , sew me in the skirts of it , and beat me to death with a bottom of brown thread . I said , a gown .
-
-Proceed .
-
-With a small compassed cape .
-
-I confess the cape .
-
-With a trunk sleeve .
-
-I confess two sleeves .
-
-The sleeves curiously cut .
-
-Ay , there's the villany .
-
-Error i' the bill , sir ; error i' the bill . I commanded the sleeves should be cut out and sewed up again ; and that I'll prove upon thee , though thy little finger be armed in a thimble .
-
-This is true that I say : an I had thee in place where thou shouldst know it .
-
-I am for thee straight : take thou the bill , give me thy mete-yard , and spare not me .
-
-God-a-mercy , Grumio ! then he shall have no odds .
-
-Well , sir , in brief , the gown is not for me .
-
-You are i' the right , sir ; 'tis for my mistress .
-
-Go , take it up unto thy master's use .
-
-Villain , not for thy life ! take up my mistress' gown for thy master's use !
-
-Why , sir , what's your conceit in that ?
-
-O , sir , the conceit is deeper than you think for .
-Take up my mistress' gown to his master's use !
-O , fie , fie , fie !
-
-Hortensio , say thou wilt see the tailor paid .
-
-
-Go take it hence ; be gone , and say no more .
-
-Tailor , I'll pay thee for thy gown to-morrow :
-Take no unkindness of his hasty words .
-Away ! I say ; commend me to thy master .
-
-
-Well , come , my Kate ; we will unto your father's ,
-Even in these honest mean habiliments .
-Our purses shall be proud , our garments poor :
-For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich ;
-And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds ,
-So honour peereth in the meanest habit .
-What is the jay more precious than the lark
-Because his feathers are more beautiful ?
-Or is the adder better than the eel
-Because his painted skin contents the eye ?
-O , no , good Kate ; neither art thou the worse
-For this poor furniture and mean array .
-If thou account'st it shame , lay it on me ;
-And therefore frolic : we will hence forthwith ,
-To feast and sport us at thy father's house .
-Go , call my men , and let us straight to him ;
-And bring our horses unto Long-lane end ;
-There will we mount , and thither walk on foot .
-Let's see ; I think 'tis now some seven o'clock ,
-And well we may come there by dinner-time .
-
-I dare assure you , sir , 'tis almost two ;
-And 'twill be supper-time ere you come there .
-
-It shall be seven ere I go to horse .
-Look , what I speak , or do , or think to do ,
-You are still crossing it . Sirs , let't alone :
-I will not go to-day ; and ere I do ,
-It shall be what o'clock I say it is .
-
-Why , so this gallant will command the sun .
-
-
-Sir , this is the house : please it you that I call ?
-
-Ay , what else ? and , but I be deceived ,
-Signior Baptista may remember me ,
-Near twenty years ago , in Genoa ,
-Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus .
-
-'Tis well ; and hold your own , in any case ,
-With such austerity as 'longeth to a father .
-
-I warrant you . But , sir , here comes your boy ;
-'Twere good he were school'd .
-
-
-Fear you not him . Sirrah Biondello ,
-Now do your duty throughly , I advise you :
-Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio .
-
-Tut ! fear not me .
-
-But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista ?
-
-I told him that your father was at Venice ,
-And that you look'd for him this day in Padua .
-
-Thou'rt a tall fellow : hold thee that to drink .
-Here comes Baptista . Set your countenance , sir .
-
-
-Signior Baptista , you are happily met .
-
-
-Sir , this is the gentleman I told you of :
-I pray you , stand good father to me now ,
-
-Give me Bianca for my patrimony .
-
-Soft , son !
-Sir , by your leave : having come to Padua
-To gather in some debts , my son Lucentio
-Made me acquainted with a weighty cause
-Of love between your daughter and himself :
-And ,for the good report I hear of you ,
-And for the love he beareth to your daughter ,
-And she to him ,to stay him not too long ,
-I am content , in a good father's care ,
-To have him match'd ; and , if you please to like
-No worse than I , upon some agreement
-Me shall you find ready and willing
-With one consent to have her so bestow'd ;
-For curious I cannot be with you ,
-Signior Baptista , of whom I hear so well .
-
-Sir , pardon me in what I have to say :
-Your plainness and your shortness please me well .
-Right true it is , your son Lucentio here
-Doth love my daughter and she loveth him ,
-Or both dissemble deeply their affections :
-And therefore , if you say no more than this ,
-That like a father you will deal with him
-And pass my daughter a sufficient dower ,
-The match is made , and all is done :
-Your son shall have my daughter with consent .
-
-I thank you , sir . Where , then , do you know best
-We be affied and such assurance ta'en
-As shall with either part's agreement stand ?
-
-Not in my house , Lucentio ; for , you know ,
-Pitchers have ears , and I have many servants .
-Besides , old Gremio is hearkening still ,
-And happily we might be interrupted .
-
-Then at my lodging an it like you :
-There doth my father lie , and there this night
-We'll pass the business privately and well .
-Send for your daughter by your servant here ;
-My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently .
-The worst is this , that , at so slender warning ,
-You're like to have a thin and slender pittance .
-
-It likes me well . Cambio , hie you home ,
-And bid Bianca make her ready straight ;
-And , if you will , tell what hath happened :
-Lucentio's father is arriv'd in Padua ,
-And how she's like to be Lucentio's wife .
-
-I pray the gods she may with all my heart !
-
-Dally not with the gods , but get thee gone .
-Signior Baptista , shall I lead the way ?
-Welcome ! one mess is like to be your cheer .
-Come , sir ; we will better it in Pisa .
-
-I follow you .
-
-
-Cambio !
-
-What sayst thou , Biondello ?
-
-You saw my master wink and laugh upon you ?
-
-Biondello , what of that ?
-
-Faith , nothing ; but he has left me here behind to expound the meaning or moral of his signs and tokens .
-
-I pray thee , moralize them .
-
-Then thus . Baptista is safe , talking with the deceiving father of a deceitful son .
-
-And what of him ?
-
-His daughter is to be brought by you to the supper .
-
-And then ?
-
-The old priest at Saint Luke's church is at your command at all hours .
-
-And what of all this ?
-
-I cannot tell , expect they are busied about a counterfeit assurance : take you assurance of her , cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum . To the church ! take the priest , clerk , and some sufficient honest witnesses .
-If this be not that you look for , I have no more to say ,
-But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day .
-
-
-Hearest thou , Biondello ?
-
-I cannot tarry : I knew a wench married in an afternoon as she went to the garden for parsley to stuff a rabbit ; and so may you , sir ; and so , adieu , sir . My master hath appointed me to go to Saint Luke's , to bid the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendix .
-
-
-I may , and will , if she be so contented :
-She will be pleas'd ; then wherefore should I doubt ?
-Hap what hap may , I'll roundly go about her :
-It shall go hard if Cambio go without her .
-
-
-Come on , i' God's name ; once more toward our father's .
-Good Lord , how bright and goodly shines the moon !
-
-The moon ! the sun : it is not moonlight now .
-
-I say it is the moon that shines so bright .
-
-I know it is the sun that shines so bright .
-
-Now , by my mother's son , and that's myself ,
-It shall be moon , or star , or what I list ,
-Or ere I journey to your father's house .
-Go one and fetch our horses back again .
-Evermore cross'd and cross'd ; nothing but cross'd !
-
-Say as he says , or we shall never go .
-
-Forward , I pray , since we have come so far ,
-And be it moon , or sun , or what you please .
-An if you please to call it a rush-candle ,
-Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me .
-
-I say it is the moon .
-
-I know it is the moon .
-
-Nay , then you lie ; it is the blessed sun .
-
-Then God be bless'd , it is the blessed sun :
-But sun it is not when you say it is not ,
-And the moon changes even as your mind .
-What you will have it nam'd , even that it is ;
-And so , it shall be so for Katharine .
-
-Petruchio , go thy ways ; the field is won .
-
-Well , forward , forward ! thus the bowl should run ,
-And not unluckily against the bias .
-But soft ! what company is coming here ?
-
-
-Good morrow , gentle mistress : where away ?
-Tell me , sweet Kate , and tell me truly too ,
-Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman ?
-Such war of white and red within her cheeks !
-What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty ,
-As those two eyes become that heavenly face ?
-Fair lovely maid , once more good day to thee .
-
-Sweet Kate , embrace her for her beauty's sake .
-
-A' will make the man mad , to make a woman of him .
-
-Young budding virgin , fair and fresh and sweet ,
-Whither away , or where is thy abode ?
-Happy the parents of so fair a child ;
-Happier the man , whom favourable stars
-Allot thee for his lovely bed-fellow !
-
-Why , how now , Kate ! I hope thou art not mad :
-This is a man , old , wrinkled , faded , wither'd ,
-And not a maiden , as thou sayst he is .
-
-Pardon , old father , my mistaking eyes ,
-That have been so bedazzled with the sun
-That everything I look on seemeth green :
-Now I perceive thou art a reverend father ;
-Pardon , I pray thee , for my mad mistaking .
-
-Do , good old grandsire ; and withal make known
-Which way thou travellest : if along with us ,
-We shall be joyful of thy company .
-
-Fair sir , and you my merry mistress ,
-That with your strange encounter much amaz'd me ,
-My name is called Vincentio ; my dwelling , Pisa ;
-And bound I am to Padua , there to visit
-A son of mine , which long I have not seen .
-
-What is his name ?
-
-Lucentio , gentle sir .
-
-Happily met ; the happier for thy son .
-And now by law , as well as reverend age ,
-I may entitle thee my loving father :
-The sister to my wife , this gentlewoman ,
-Thy son by this hath married . Wonder not ,
-Nor be not griev'd : she is of good esteem ,
-Her dowry wealthy , and of worthy birth ;
-Beside , so qualified as may beseem
-The spouse of any noble gentleman .
-Let me embrace with old Vincentio ;
-And wander we to see thy honest son ,
-Who will of thy arrival be full joyous .
-
-But is this true ? or is it else your pleasure ,
-Like pleasant travellers , to break a jest
-Upon the company you overtake ?
-
-I do assure thee , father , so it is .
-
-Come , go along , and see the truth hereof ;
-For our first merriment hath made thee jealous .
-
-
-Well , Petruchio , this has put me in heart .
-Have to my widow ! and if she be froward ,
-Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward .
-
-Softly and swiftly , sir , for the priest is ready .
-
-I fly , Biondello : but they may chance to need thee at home ; therefore leave us .
-
-Nay , faith , I'll see the church o' your back ; and then come back to my master as soon as I can .
-
-
-I marvel Cambio comes not all this while .
-
-
-Sir , here's the door , this is Lucentio's house :
-My father's bears more toward the marketplace ;
-Thither must I , and here I leave you , sir .
-
-You shall not choose but drink before you go .
-I think I shall command your welcome here ,
-And , by all likelihood , some cheer is toward .
-
-
-They're busy within ; you were best knock louder .
-
-
-What's he that knocks as he would beat down the gate ?
-
-Is Signior Lucentio within , sir ?
-
-He's within , sir , but not to be spoken withal .
-
-What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two , to make merry withal ?
-
-Keep your hundred pounds to yourself : he shall need none so long as I live .
-
-Nay , I told you your son was well beloved in Padua . Do you hear , sir ? To leave frivolous circumstances , I pray you , tell Signior Lucentio that his father is come from Pisa , and is here at the door to speak with him .
-
-Thou liest : his father is come from Padua , and here looking out at the window .
-
-Art thou his father ?
-
-Ay , sir ; so his mother says , if I may believe her .
-
-Why , how now , gentleman ! why , this is flat knavery , to take upon you another man's name .
-
-Lay hands on the villain : I believe , a' means to cozen somebody in this city under my countenance .
-
-
-I have seen them in the church together : God send 'em good shipping ! But who is here ? mine old master , Vincentio ! now we are undone and brought to nothing .
-
-Come hither , crack-hemp .
-
-I hope I may choose , sir .
-
-Come hither , you rogue . What , have you forgot me ?
-
-Forgot you ! no , sir : I could not forget you , for I never saw you before in all my life .
-
-What , you notorious villain ! didst thou never see thy master's father , Vincentio ?
-
-What , my old , worshipful old master ? yes , marry , sir : see where he looks out of the window .
-
-Is't so , indeed ?
-
-
-Help , help , help ! here's a madman will murder me .
-
-
-Help , son ! help , Signior Baptista !
-
-
-Prithee , Kate , let's stand aside , and see the end of this controversy .
-
-Sir , what are you that offer to beat my servant ?
-
-What am I , sir ! nay , what are you , sir ? O immortal gods ! O fine villain ! A silken doublet ! a velvet hose ! a scarlet cloak ! and a copatain hat ! O , I am undone ! I am undone ! while I play the good husband at home , my son and my servant spend all at the university .
-
-How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-What , is the man lunatic ?
-
-Sir , you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit , but your words show you a madman . Why , sir , what 'cerns it you if I wear pearl and gold ? I thank my good father , I am able to maintain it .
-
-Thy father ! O villain ! he is a sailmaker in Bergamo .
-
-You mistake , sir , you mistake , sir . Pray , what do you think is his name ?
-
-His name ! as if I knew not his name : I have brought him up ever since he was three years old , and his name is Tranio .
-
-Away , away , mad ass ! his name is Lucentio ; and he is mine only son , and heir to the lands of me , Signior Vincentio .
-
-Lucentio ! O ! he hath murdered his master . Lay hold on him , I charge you in the duke's name . O my son , my son ! tell me , thou villain , where is my son Lucentio ?
-
-Call forth an officer .
-
-Carry this mad knave to the gaol . Father Baptista , I charge you see that he be forthcoming .
-
-Carry me to the gaol !
-
-Stay , officer : he shall not go to prison .
-
-Talk not , Signior Gremio : I say he shall go to prison .
-
-Take heed , Signior Baptista , lest you be cony-catched in this business : I dare swear this is the right Vincentio .
-
-Swear , if thou darest .
-
-Nay , I dare not swear it .
-
-Then thou wert best say , that I am not Lucentio .
-
-Yes , I know thee to be Signior Lucentio .
-
-Away with the dotard ! to the gaol with him !
-
-Thus strangers may be haled and abused : O monstrous villain !
-
-
-O ! we are spoiled ; and yonder he is : deny him , forswear him , or else we are all undone .
-
-Pardon , sweet father .
-
-Lives my sweetest son ?
-
-
-Pardon , dear father .
-
-How hast thou offended ?
-Where is Lucentio ?
-
-Here's Lucentio ,
-Right son to the right Vincentio ;
-That have by marriage made thy daughter mine ,
-While counterfeit supposes blear'd thine eyne .
-
-Here's packing , with a witness , to deceive us all !
-
-Where is that damned villain Tranio ,
-That fac'd and brav'd me in this matter so ?
-
-Why , tell me , is not this my Cambio ?
-
-Cambio is chang'd into Lucentio .
-
-Love wrought these miracles . Bianca's love
-Made me exchange my state with Tranio ,
-While he did bear my countenance in the town ;
-And happily I have arriv'd at last
-Unto the wished haven of my bliss .
-What Tranio did , myself enforc'd him to ;
-Then pardon him , sweet father , for my sake .
-
-I'll slit the villain's nose , that would have sent me to the gaol .
-
-But do you hear , sir ?
-Have you married my daughter without asking my good will ?
-
-Fear not , Baptista ; we will content you , go to : but I will in , to be revenged for this villany .
-
-
-And I , to sound the depth of this knavery .
-
-
-Look not pale , Bianca ; thy father will not frown .
-
-
-My cake is dough ; but I'll in among the rest ,
-Out of hope of all , but my share of the feast .
-
-Husband , let's follow , to see the end of this ado .
-
-First kiss me , Kate , and we will .
-
-What ! in the midst of the street ?
-
-What ! art thou ashamed of me ?
-
-No , sir , God forbid ; but ashamed to kiss .
-
-Why , then let's home again . Come , sirrah , let's away .
-
-Nay , I will give thee a kiss : now pray thee , love , stay .
-
-Is not this well ? Come , my sweet Kate :
-Better once than never , for never too late .
-
-
-At last , though long , our jarring notes agree :
-And time it is , when raging war is done ,
-To smile at 'scapes and perils overblown .
-My fair Bianca , bid my father welcome ,
-While I with self-same kindness welcome thine .
-Brother Petruchio , sister Katharina ,
-And thou , Hortensio , with thy loving widow ,
-Feast with the best , and welcome to my house :
-My banquet is to close our stomachs up ,
-After our great good cheer . Pray you , sit down ;
-For now we sit to chat as well as eat .
-
-
-Nothing but sit and sit , and eat and eat !
-
-Padua affords this kindness , son Petruchio .
-
-Padua affords nothing but what is kind .
-
-For both our sakes I would that word were true .
-
-Now , for my life , Hortensio fears his widow .
-
-Then never trust me , if I be afeard .
-
-You are very sensible , and yet you miss my sense :
-I mean , Hortensio is afeard of you .
-
-He that is giddy thinks the world turns round .
-
-Roundly replied .
-
-Mistress , how mean you that ?
-
-Thus I conceive by him .
-
-Conceives by me ! How likes Hortensio that ?
-
-My widow says , thus she conceives her tale .
-
-Very well mended . Kiss him for that , good widow .
-
-'He that is giddy thinks the world turns round :'
-I pray you , tell me what you meant by that .
-
-Your husband , being troubled with a shrew ,
-Measures my husband's sorrow by his woe :
-And now you know my meaning .
-
-A very mean meaning .
-
-Right , I mean you .
-
-And I am mean , indeed , respecting you .
-
-To her , Kate !
-
-To her , widow !
-
-A hundred marks , my Kate does put her down .
-
-That's my office .
-
-Spoke like an officer : ha' to thee , lad .
-
-
-How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks ?
-
-Believe me , sir , they butt together well .
-
-Head and butt ! a hasty-witted body
-Would say your head and butt were head and horn .
-
-Ay , mistress bride , hath that awaken'd you ?
-
-Ay , but not frighted me ; therefore I'll sleep again .
-
-Nay , that you shall not ; since you have begun ,
-Have at you for a bitter jest or two .
-
-Am I your bird ? I mean to shift my bush ;
-And then pursue me as you draw your bow .
-You are welcome all .
-
-
-She hath prevented me . Here , Signior Tranio ;
-This bird you aim'd at , though you hit her not :
-Therefore a health to all that shot and miss'd .
-
-O sir ! Lucentio slipp'd me , like his greyhound ,
-Which runs himself , and catches for his master .
-
-A good swift simile , but something currish .
-
-'Tis well , sir , that you hunted for yourself :
-'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay .
-
-O ho , Petruchio ! Tranio hits you now .
-
-I thank thee for that gird , good Tranio .
-
-Confess , confess , hath he not hit you here ?
-
-A' has a little gall'd me , I confess ;
-And , as the jest did glance away from me ,
-'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright .
-
-Now , in good sadness , son Petruchio ,
-I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all .
-
-Well , I say no : and therefore , for assurance ,
-Let's each one send unto his wife ;
-And he whose wife is most obedient
-To come at first when he doth send for her ,
-Shall win the wager which we will propose .
-
-Content . What is the wager ?
-
-Twenty crowns .
-
-Twenty crowns !
-I'll venture so much of my hawk or hound ,
-But twenty times so much upon my wife .
-
-A hundred then .
-
-Content .
-
-A match ! 'tis done .
-
-Who shall begin ?
-
-That will I .
-Go , Biondello , bid your mistress come to me .
-
-I go .
-
-
-Son , I will be your half , Bianca comes .
-
-I'll have no halves ; I'll bear it all myself .
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-Sir , my mistress sends you word
-That she is busy and she cannot come .
-
-How ! she is busy , and she cannot come !
-Is that an answer ?
-
-Ay , and a kind one too :
-Pray God , sir , your wife send you not a worse .
-
-I hope , better .
-
-Sirrah Biondello , go and entreat my wife
-To come to me forthwith .
-
-
-O ho ! entreat her !
-Nay , then she must needs come .
-
-I am afraid , sir ,
-Do what you can , yours will not be entreated .
-
-Now , where's my wife ?
-
-She says you have some goodly jest in hand :
-She will not come : she bids you come to her .
-
-Worse and worse ; she will not come ! O vile ,
-Intolerable , not to be endur'd !
-Sirrah Grumio , go to your mistress ; say ,
-I command her come to me .
-
-
-I know her answer .
-
-What ?
-
-She will not .
-
-The fouler fortune mine , and there an end .
-
-
-Now , by my holidame , here comes Katharina !
-
-What is your will , sir , that you send for me ?
-
-Where is your sister , and Hortensio's wife ?
-
-They sit conferring by the parlour fire .
-
-Go , fetch them hither : if they deny to come ,
-Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands .
-Away , I say , and bring them hither straight .
-
-
-Here is a wonder , if you talk of a wonder .
-
-And so it is . I wonder what it bodes .
-
-Marry , peace it bodes , and love , and quiet life ,
-An awful rule and right supremacy ;
-And , to be short , what not that's sweet and happy .
-
-Now fair befall thee , good Petruchio !
-The wager thou hast won ; and I will add
-Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns ;
-Another dowry to another daughter ,
-For she is chang'd , as she had never been .
-
-Nay , I will win my wager better yet ,
-And show more sign of her obedience ,
-Her new-built virtue and obedience .
-See where she comes , and brings your froward wives
-As prisoners to her womanly persuasion .
-
-
-Katharine , that cap of yours becomes you not :
-Off with that bauble , throw it under foot .
-
-Lord ! let me never have a cause to sigh ,
-Till I be brought to such a silly pass !
-
-Fie ! what a foolish duty call you this ?
-
-I would your duty were as foolish too :
-The wisdom of your duty , fair Bianca ,
-Hath cost me an hundred crowns since supper-time .
-
-The more fool you for laying on my duty .
-
-Katharine , I charge thee , tell these headstrong women
-What duty they do owe their lords and husbands .
-
-Come , come , you're mocking : we will have no telling .
-
-Come on , I say ; and first begin with her .
-
-She shall not .
-
-I say she shall : and first begin with her .
-
-Fie , fie ! unknit that threatening unkind brow ,
-And dart not scornful glances from those eyes ,
-To wound thy lord , thy king , thy governor :
-It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads ,
-Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds ,
-And in no sense is meet or amiable .
-A woman mov'd is like a fountain troubled ,
-Muddy , ill-seeming , thick , bereft of beauty ;
-And while it is so , none so dry or thirsty
-Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it .
-Thy husband is thy lord , thy life , thy keeper ,
-Thy head , thy sovereign ; one that cares for thee ,
-And for thy maintenance commits his body
-To painful labour both by sea and land ,
-To watch the night in storms , the day in cold ,
-Whilst thou liest warm at home , secure and safe ;
-And craves no other tribute at thy hands
-But love , fair looks , and true obedience ;
-Too little payment for so great a debt .
-Such duty as the subject owes the prince ,
-Even such a woman oweth to her husband ;
-And when she's froward , peevish , sullen , sour ,
-And not obedient to his honest will ,
-What is she but a foul contending rebel ,
-And graceless traitor to her loving lord ?
-I am asham'd that women are so simple
-To offer war where they should kneel for peace ,
-Or seek for rule , supremacy , and sway ,
-When they are bound to serve , love , and obey .
-Why are our bodies soft , and weak , and smooth ,
-Unapt to toil and trouble in the world ,
-But that our soft conditions and our hearts
-Should well agree with our external parts ?
-Come , come , you froward and unable worms !
-My mind hath been as big as one of yours ,
-My heart as great , my reason haply more ,
-To bandy word for word and frown for frown ;
-But now I see our lances are but straws ,
-Our strength as weak , our weakness past compare ,
-That seeming to be most which we indeed least are .
-Then vail your stomachs , for it is no boot ,
-And place your hands below your husband's foot :
-In token of which duty , if he please ,
-My hand is ready ; may it do him ease .
-
-Why , there's a wench ! Come on , and kiss me , Kate .
-
-Well , go thy ways , old lad , for thou shalt ha't .
-
-'Tis a good hearing when children are toward .
-
-But a harsh hearing when women are froward .
-
-Come , Kate , we'll to bed .
-We three are married , but you two are sped .
-'Twas I won the wager ,
-
-though you hit the white ;
-And , being a winner , God give you good night !
-
-
-Now , go thy ways ; thou hast tam'd a curst shrew .
-
-'Tis a wonder , by your leave , she will be tam'd so .
-
-THE TEMPEST
-
-Boatswain !
-
-Here , master : what cheer ?
-
-Good , speak to the mariners : fall to't yarely , or we run ourselves aground : bestir , bestir .
-
-Heigh , my hearts ! cheerly , cheerly , my hearts ! yare , yare ! Take in the topsail . Tend to the master's whistle .Blow , till thou burst thy wind , if room enough !
-
-
-Good boatswain , have care . Where's the master ? Play the men .
-
-I pray now , keep below .
-
-Where is the master , boson ?
-
-Do you not hear him ? You mar our labour : keep your cabins : you do assist the storm .
-
-Nay , good , be patient .
-
-When the sea is . Hence ! What cares these roarers for the name of king ? To cabin : silence ! trouble us not .
-
-Good , yet remember whom thou hast aboard .
-
-None that I more love than myself . You are a counsellor : if you can command these elements to silence , and work the peace of the present , we will not hand a rope more ; use your authority : if you cannot , give thanks you have lived so long , and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour , if it so hap .Cheerly , good hearts !Out of our way , I say .
-
-
-I have great comfort from this fellow : methinks he hath no drowning mark upon him ; his complexion is perfect gallows . Stand fast , good Fate , to his hanging ! make the rope of his destiny our cable , for our own doth little advantage ! If he be not born to be hanged , our case is miserable .
-
-Down with the topmast ! yare ! lower , lower ! Bring her to try with main-course .
-
-A plague upon this howling ! they are louder than the weather , or our office .
-
-Yet again ? what do you here ? Shall we give o'er , and drown ? Have you a mind to sink ?
-
-A pox o' your throat , you bawling , blasphemous , incharitable dog !
-
-Work you , then .
-
-Hang , cur , hang ! you whoreson , insolent noisemaker , we are less afraid to be drowned than thou art .
-
-I'll warrant him for drowning ; though the ship were no stronger than a nutshell , and as leaky as an unstanched wench .
-
-Lay her a-hold , a-hold ! Set her two courses ; off to sea again ; lay her off .
-
-
-All lost ! to prayers , to prayers ! all lost !
-
-
-What , must our mouths be cold ?
-
-The king and prince at prayers ! let us assist them ,
-For our case is as theirs .
-
-I am out of patience .
-
-We are merely cheated of our lives by drunkards .
-This wide-chapp'd rascal ,would thou might'st lie drowning ,
-The washing of ten tides !
-
-He'll be hang'd yet ,
-Though every drop of water swear against it ,
-And gape at wid'st to glut him .
-
-'We split , we split !' 'Farewell , my wife and children !'
-'Farewell , brother !' 'We split , we split , we split !' ]
-
-Let's all sink wi' the king .
-
-
-Let's take leave of him .
-
-
-Now would I give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground ; long heath , brown furze , any thing . The wills above be done ! but I would fain die a dry death .
-
-
-If by your art , my dearest father , you have
-Put the wild waters in this roar , allay them .
-The sky , it seems , would pour down stinking pitch ,
-But that the sea , mounting to th' welkin's cheek ,
-Dashes the fire out . O ! I have suffer'd
-With those that I saw suffer : a brave vessel ,
-Who had , no doubt , some noble creatures in her ,
-Dash'd all to pieces . O ! the cry did knock
-Against my very heart . Poor souls , they perish'd .
-Had I been any god of power , I would
-Have sunk the sea within the earth , or e'er
-It should the good ship so have swallow'd and
-The fraughting souls within her .
-
-Be collected :
-No more amazement . Tell your piteous heart
-There's no harm done .
-
-O , woe the day !
-
-No harm .
-I have done nothing but in care of thee ,
-Of thee , my dear one ! thee , my daughter !who
-Art ignorant of what thou art , nought knowing
-Of whence I am : nor that I am more better
-Than Prospero , master of a full poor cell ,
-And thy no greater father .
-
-More to know
-Did never meddle with my thoughts .
-
-'Tis time
-I should inform thee further . Lend thy hand ,
-And pluck my magic garment from me .So :
-
-Lie there , my art .Wipe thou thine eyes ; have comfort .
-The direful spectacle of the wrack , which touch'd
-The very virtue of compassion in thee ,
-I have with such provision in mine art
-So safely order'd , that there is no soul
-No , not so much perdition as an hair ,
-Betid to any creature in the vessel
-Which thou heard'st cry , which thou saw'st sink . Sit down ;
-For thou must now know further .
-
-You have often
-Begun to tell me what I am , but stopp'd ,
-And left me to a bootless inquisition ,
-Concluding , 'Stay ; not yet .'
-
-The hour's now come ,
-The very minute bids thee ope thine ear ;
-Obey and be attentive . Canst thou remember
-A time before we came unto this cell ?
-I do not think thou canst , for then thou wast not
-Out three years old .
-
-Certainly , sir , I can .
-
-By what ? by any other house or person ?
-Of anything the image tell me , that
-Hath kept with thy remembrance .
-
-'Tis far off ;
-And rather like a dream than an assurance
-That my remembrance warrants . Had I not
-Four or five women once that tended me ?
-
-Thou hadst , and more , Miranda . But how is it
-That this lives in thy mind ? What seest thou else
-In the dark backward and abysm of time ?
-If thou remember'st aught ere thou cam'st here ,
-How thou cam'st here , thou may'st .
-
-But that I do not .
-
-Twelve year since , Miranda , twelve year since ,
-Thy father was the Duke of Milan and
-A prince of power .
-
-Sir , are not you my father ?
-
-Thy mother was a piece of virtue , and
-She said thou wast my daughter ; and thy father
-Was Duke of Milan , and his only heir
-A princess ,no worse issued .
-
-O , the heavens !
-What foul play had we that we came from thence ?
-Or blessed was't we did ?
-
-Both , both , my girl :
-By foul play , as thou say'st , were we heav'd thence ;
-But blessedly holp hither .
-
-O ! my heart bleeds
-To think o' the teen that I have turn'd you to ,
-Which is from my remembrance . Please you , further .
-
-My brother and thy uncle , call'd Antonio ,
-I pray thee , mark me ,that a brother should
-Be so perfidious !he whom next thyself ,
-Of all the world I lov'd , and to him put
-The manage of my state ; as at that time ,
-Through all the signiories it was the first ,
-And Prospero the prime duke ; being so reputed
-In dignity , and for the liberal arts ,
-Without a parallel : those being all my study ,
-The government I cast upon my brother ,
-And to my state grew stranger , being transported
-And rapt in secret studies . Thy false uncle
-Dost thou attend me ?
-
-Sir , most heedfully .
-
-Being once perfected how to grant suits ,
-How to deny them , who t'advance , and who
-To trash for over-topping ; new created
-The creatures that were mine , I say , or chang'd 'em ,
-Or else new form'd 'em : having both the key
-Of officer and office , set all hearts i' the state
-To what tune pleas'd his ear ; that now he was
-The ivy which had hid my princely trunk ,
-And suck'd my verdure out on't .Thou attend'st not .
-
-O , good sir ! I do .
-
-I pray thee , mark me .
-I , thus neglecting worldly ends , all dedicated
-To closeness and the bettering of my mind
-With that , which , but by being so retir'd ,
-O'erpriz'd all popular rate , in my false brother
-Awak'd an evil nature ; and my trust ,
-Like a good parent , did beget of him
-A falsehood in its contrary as great
-As my trust was ; which had , indeed no limit ,
-A confidence sans bound . He being thus lorded ,
-Not only with what my revenue yielded ,
-But what my power might else exact ,like one ,
-Who having , into truth , by telling of it ,
-Made such a sinner of his memory ,
-To credit his own lie ,he did believe
-He was indeed the duke ; out o' the substitution ,
-And executing th' outward face of royalty ,
-With all prerogative :Hence his ambition growing ,
-Dost thou hear ?
-
-Your tale , sir , would cure deafness .
-
-To have no screen between this part he play'd
-And him he play'd it for , he needs will be
-Absolute Milan . Me , poor man ,my library
-Was dukedom large enough : of temporal royalties
-He thinks me now incapable ; confederates ,
-So dry he was for sway ,wi' the king of Naples
-To give him annual tribute , do him homage ;
-Subject his coronet to his crown , and bend
-The dukedom , yet unbow'd ,alas , poor Milan !
-To most ignoble stooping .
-
-O the heavens !
-
-Mark his condition and the event ; then tell me
-If this might be a brother .
-
-I should sin
-To think but nobly of my grandmother :
-Good wombs have borne bad sons .
-
-Now the condition .
-This King of Naples , being an enemy
-To me inveterate , hearkens my brother's suit ;
-Which was , that he , in lieu o' the premises
-Of homage and I know not how much tribute ,
-Should presently extirpate me and mine
-Out of the dukedom , and confer fair Milan ,
-With all the honours on my brother : whereon ,
-A treacherous army levied , one midnight
-Fated to the purpose did Antonio open
-The gates of Milan ; and , i' the dead of darkness ,
-The ministers for the purpose hurried thence
-Me and thy crying self .
-
-Alack , for pity !
-I , not rememb'ring how I cried out then ,
-Will cry it o'er again : it is a hint ,
-That wrings mine eyes to 't .
-
-Hear a little further ,
-And then I'll bring thee to the present business
-Which now's upon us ; without the which this story
-Were most impertinent .
-
-Wherefore did they not
-That hour destroy us ?
-
-Well demanded , wench :
-My tale provokes that question . Dear , they durst not ,
-So dear the love my people bore me , nor set
-A mark so bloody on the business ; but
-With colours fairer painted their foul ends .
-In few , they hurried us aboard a bark ,
-Bore us some leagues to sea ; where they prepar'd
-A rotten carcass of a boat , not rigg'd ,
-Nor tackle , sail , nor mast ; the very rats
-Instinctively have quit it : there they hoist us ,
-To cry to the sea that roar'd to us ; to sigh
-To the winds whose pity , sighing back again ,
-Did us but loving wrong .
-
-Alack ! what trouble
-Was I then to you !
-
-O , a cherubin
-Thou wast , that did preserve me ! Thou didst smile ,
-Infused with a fortitude from heaven ,
-When I have deck'd the sea with drops full salt ,
-Under my burden groan'd ; which rais'd in me
-An undergoing stomach , to bear up
-Against what should ensue .
-
-How came we ashore ?
-
-By Providence divine .
-Some food we had and some fresh water that
-A noble Neapolitan , Gonzalo ,
-Out of his charity ,who being then appointed
-Master of this design ,did give us ; with
-Rich garments , linens , stuffs , and necessaries ,
-Which since have steaded much ; so , of his gentleness ,
-Knowing I lov'd my books , he furnish'd me ,
-From mine own library with volumes that
-I prize above my dukedom .
-
-Would I might
-But ever see that man !
-
-Now I arise :
-
-Sit still , and hear the last of our sea-sorrow .
-Here in this island we arriv'd ; and here
-Have I , thy schoolmaster , made thee more profit
-Than other princes can , that have more time
-For vainer hours and tutors not so careful .
-
-Heavens thank you for't ! And now , I pray you , sir ,
-For still 'tis beating in my mind ,your reason
-For raising this sea-storm ?
-
-Know thus far forth .
-By accident most strange , bountiful Fortune ,
-Now my dear lady , hath mine enemies
-Brought to this shore ; and by my prescience
-I find my zenith doth depend upon
-A most auspicious star , whose influence
-If now I court not but omit , my fortunes
-Will ever after droop . Here cease more questions ;
-Thou art inclin'd to sleep ; 'tis a good dulness ,
-And give it way ;I know thou canst not choose .
-
-Come away , servant , come ! I'm ready now .
-Approach , my Ariel ; come !
-
-
-All hail , great master ! grave sir , hail ! I come
-To answer thy best pleasure ; be't to fly ,
-To swim , to dive into the fire , to ride
-On the curl'd clouds : to thy strong bidding task
-Ariel and all his quality .
-
-Hast thou , spirit ,
-Perform'd to point the tempest that I bade thee ?
-
-To every article .
-I boarded the king's ship ; now on the beak ,
-Now in the waist , the deck , in every cabin ,
-I flam'd amazement : sometime I'd divide
-And burn in many places ; on the topmast ,
-The yards , and boresprit , would I flame distinctly ,
-Then meet , and join : Jove's lightnings , the precursors
-O' the dreadful thunder-claps , more momentary
-And sight-outrunning were not : the fire and cracks
-Of sulphurous roaring the most mighty Neptune
-Seem to besiege and make his bold waves tremble ,
-Yea , his dread trident shake .
-
-My brave spirit !
-Who was so firm , so constant , that this coil
-Would not infect his reason ?
-
-Not a soul
-But felt a fever of the mad and play'd
-Some tricks of desperation . All but mariners ,
-Plunged in the foaming brine and quit the vessel ,
-Then all a-fire with me : the king's son , Ferdinand ,
-With hair up-staring ,then like reeds , not hair ,
-Was the first man that leap'd ; cried , 'Hell is empty ,
-And all the devils are here .'
-
-Why , that's my spirit !
-But was not this nigh shore ?
-
-Close by , my master .
-
-But are they , Ariel , safe ?
-
-Not a hair perish'd ;
-On their sustaining garments not a blemish ,
-But fresher than before : and , as thou bad'st me ,
-In troops I have dispers'd them 'bout the isle .
-The king's son have I landed by himself ;
-Whom I left cooling of the air with sighs
-In an odd angle of the isle and sitting ,
-His arms in this sad knot .
-
-Of the king's ship
-The mariners , say how thou hast dispos'd ,
-And all the rest o' the fleet .
-
-Safely in harbour
-Is the king's ship ; in the deep nook , where once
-Thou call'dst me up at midnight to fetch dew
-From the still-vex'd Bermoothes ; there she's hid :
-The mariners all under hatches stow'd ;
-Who , with a charm join'd to their suffer'd labour ,
-I have left asleep : and for the rest o' the fleet
-Which I dispers'd , they all have met again ,
-And are upon the Mediterranean flote ,
-Bound sadly home for Naples ,
-Supposing that they saw the king's ship wrack'd ,
-And his great person perish .
-
-Ariel , thy charge
-Exactly is perform'd : but there's more work :
-What is the time o' th' day ?
-
-Past the mid season .
-
-At least two glasses . The time 'twixt six and now
-Must by us both be spent most preciously .
-
-Is there more toil ? Since thou dost give me pains ,
-Let me remember thee what thou hast promis'd
-Which is not yet perform'd me .
-
-How now ! moody ?
-What is't thou canst demand ?
-
-My liberty .
-
-Before the time be out ? no more !
-
-I prithee
-Remember , I have done thee worthy service ;
-Told thee no lies , made no mistakings , serv'd
-Without or grudge or grumblings : thou didst promise
-To bate me a full year .
-
-Dost thou forget
-From what a torment I did free thee ?
-
-No .
-
-Thou dost ; and think'st it much to tread the ooze
-Of the salt deep ,
-To run upon the sharp wind of the north ,
-To do me business in the veins o' th' earth
-When it is bak'd with frost .
-
-I do not , sir .
-
-Thou liest , malignant thing ! Hast thou forgot
-The foul witch Sycorax , who with age and envy
-Was grown into a hoop ? hast thou forgot her ?
-
-No , sir .
-
-Thou hast . Where was she born ? speak ; tell me .
-
-Sir , in Argier .
-
-O ! was she so ? I must ,
-Once in a month , recount what thou hast been ,
-Which thou forget'st . This damn'd witch , Sycorax ,
-For mischiefs manifold and sorceries terrible
-To enter human hearing , from Argier ,
-Thou know'st , was banish'd : for one thing she did
-They would not take her life . Is not this true ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-This blue-ey'd hag was hither brought with child
-And here was left by the sailors . Thou , my slave ,
-As thou report'st thyself , wast then her servant :
-And , for thou wast a spirit too delicate
-To act her earthy and abhorr'd commands ,
-Refusing her grand hests , she did confine thee ,
-By help of her more potent ministers ,
-And in her most unmitigable rage ,
-Into a cloven pine ; within which rift
-Imprison'd , thou didst painfully remain
-A dozen years ; within which space she died
-And left thee there , where thou didst vent thy groans
-As fast as mill-wheels strike . Then was this island ,
-Save for the son that she did litter here ,
-A freckled whelp hag-born ,not honour'd with
-A human shape .
-
-Yes ; Caliban her son .
-
-Dull thing , I say so ; he that Caliban ,
-Whom now I keep in service . Thou best know'st
-What torment I did find thee in ; thy groans
-Did make wolves howl and penetrate the breasts
-Of ever-angry bears : it was a torment
-To lay upon the damn'd , which Sycorax
-Could not again undo ; it was mine art ,
-When I arriv'd and heard thee , that made gape
-The pine , and let thee out .
-
-I thank thee , master .
-
-If thou more murmur'st , I will rend an oak
-And peg thee in his knotty entrails till
-Thou hast howl'd away twelve winters .
-
-Pardon , master ;
-I will be correspondent to command ,
-And do my spiriting gently .
-
-Do so ; and after two days
-I will discharge thee .
-
-That's my noble master !
-What shall I do ? say what ? what shall I do ?
-
-Go make thyself like a nymph of the sea : be subject
-To no sight but thine and mine ; invisible
-To every eyeball else . Go , take this shape ,
-And hither come in't : go , hence with diligence !
-
-Awake , dear heart , awake ! thou hast slept well ;
-Awake !
-
-The strangeness of your story put
-Heaviness in me .
-
-Shake it off . Come on ;
-We'll visit Caliban my slave , who never
-Yields us kind answer .
-
-'Tis a villain , sir ,
-I do not love to look on .
-
-But , as 'tis ,
-We cannot miss him : he does make our fire ,
-Fetch in our wood ; and serves in offices
-That profit us .What ho ! slave ! Caliban !
-Thou earth , thou ! speak .
-
-There's wood enough within .
-
-Come forth , I say ; there's other business for thee :
-Come , thou tortoise ! when ?
-
-
-Fine apparition ! My quaint Ariel ,
-
-Hark in thine ear .
-
-My lord , it shall be done .
-
-
-Thou poisonous slave , got by the devil himself
-Upon thy wicked dam , come forth !
-
-
-As wicked dew as e'er my mother brush'd
-With raven's feather from unwholesome fen
-Drop on you both ! a south-west blow on ye ,
-And blister you all o'er !
-
-For this , be sure , to-night thou shalt have cramps ,
-Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up ; urchins
-Shall forth at vast of night , that they may work
-All exercise on thee : thou shalt be pinch'd
-As thick as honeycomb , each pinch more stinging
-Than bees that made them .
-
-I must eat my dinner .
-This island's mine , by Sycorax my mother ,
-Which thou tak'st from me . When thou camest first ,
-Thou strok'dst me , and mad'st much of me ; wouldst give me
-Water with berries in't ; and teach me how
-To name the bigger light , and how the less ,
-That burn by day and night : and then I lov'd thee
-And show'd thee all the qualities o' th' isle ,
-The fresh springs , brine-pits , barren place , and fertile .
-Cursed be I that did so !All the charms
-Of Sycorax , toads , beetles , bats , light on you !
-For I am all the subjects that you have ,
-Which first was mine own king ; and here you sty me
-In this hard rock , whiles you do keep from me
-The rest o' th' island .
-
-Thou most lying slave ,
-Whom stripes may move , not kindness ! I have us'd thee ,
-Filth as thou art , with human care ; and lodg'd thee
-In mine own cell , till thou didst seek to violate
-The honour of my child .
-
-Oh ho ! Oh ho !would it had been done !
-Thou didst prevent me ; I had peopled else
-This isle with Calibans .
-
-Abhorred slave ,
-Which any print of goodness will not take ,
-Being capable of all ill ! I pitied thee ,
-Took pains to make thee speak , taught thee each hour
-One thing or other : when thou didst not , savage ,
-Know thine own meaning , but wouldst gabble like
-A thing most brutish , I endow'd thy purposes
-With words that made them known : but thy vile race ,
-Though thou didst learn , had that in't which good natures
-Could not abide to be with ; therefore wast thou
-Deservedly confin'd into this rock ,
-Who hadst deserv'd more than a prison .
-
-You taught me language : and my profit on't
-Is , I know how to curse : the red plague rid you ,
-For learning me your language !
-
-Hag-seed , hence !
-Fetch us in fuel ; and be quick , thou'rt best ,
-To answer other business . Shrug'st thou , malice ?
-If thou neglect'st , or dost unwillingly
-What I command , I'll rack thee with old cramps ,
-Fill all thy bones with aches ; make thee roar ,
-That beasts shall tremble at thy din .
-
-No , pray thee !
-
-
-I must obey : his art is of such power ,
-It would control my dam's god , Setebos ,
-And make a vassal of him .
-
-So , slave ; hence !
-
-Come unto these yellow sands ,
-And then take hands :
-Curtsied when you have , and kiss'd ,
-The wild waves whist ,
-Foot it featly here and there ;
-And , sweet sprites , the burden bear .
-Hark , hark !
-
-The watch-dogs bark :
-
-Hark , hark ! I hear
-The strain of strutting Chanticleer
-
-Where should this music be ? i' th' air , or th' earth ?
-It sounds no more ;and sure , it waits upon
-Some god o' th' island . Sitting on a bank ,
-Weeping again the king my father's wrack ,
-This music crept by me upon the waters ,
-Allaying both their fury , and my passion ,
-With its sweet air : thence I have follow'd it ,
-Or it hath drawn me rather ,but 'tis gone .
-No , it begins again .
-
-Full fathom five thy father lies ;
-Of his bones are coral made
-Those are pearls that were his eyes :
-Nothing of him that doth fade ,
-But doth suffer a sea-change
-Into something rich and strange .
-Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell :
-
-Hark ! now I hear them ,ding-dong , bell .
-
-
-The ditty does remember my drown'd father .
-This is no mortal business , nor no sound
-That the earth owes :I hear it now above me .
-
-The fringed curtains of thine eye advance ,
-And say what thou seest yond .
-
-What is't ? a spirit ?
-Lord , how it looks about ! Believe me , sir ,
-It carries a brave form :but 'tis a spirit .
-
-No , wench ; it eats and sleeps , and hath such senses
-As we have , such ; this gallant which thou see'st ,
-Was in the wrack ; and , but he's something stain'd
-With grief ,that's beauty's canker ,thou might'st call him
-A goodly person : he hath lost his fellows
-And strays about to find 'em .
-
-I might call him
-A thing divine ; for nothing natural
-I ever saw so noble .
-
-It goes on , I see ,
-As my soul prompts it .Spirit , fine spirit ! I'll free thee
-Within two days for this .
-
-Most sure , the goddess
-On whom these airs attend !Vouchsafe , my prayer
-May know if you remain upon this island ;
-And that you will some good instruction give
-How I may bear me here : my prime request ,
-Which I do last pronounce , is ,O you wonder !
-If you be maid or no ?
-
-No wonder , sir ;
-But certainly a maid .
-
-My language ! heavens !
-I am the best of them that speak this speech ,
-Were I but where 'tis spoken .
-
-How ! the best ?
-What wert thou , if the King of Naples heard thee ?
-
-A single thing , as I am now , that wonders
-To hear thee speak of Naples . He does hear me ;
-And , that he does , I weep : myself am Naples ,
-Who with mine eyes ,ne'er since at ebb ,beheld
-The king , my father wrack'd .
-
-Alack , for mercy !
-
-Yes , faith , and all his lords ; the Duke of Milan ,
-And his brave son being twain .
-
-The Duke of Milan ,
-And his more braver daughter could control thee ,
-If now 'twere fit to do't .At the first sight
-
-They have changed eyes :delicate Ariel ,
-I'll set thee free for this !
-
-A word , good sir ;
-I fear you have done yourself some wrong : a word .
-
-Why speaks my father so ungently ? This
-Is the third man that e'er I saw ; the first
-That e'er I sigh'd for : pity move my father
-To be inclin'd my way !
-
-O ! if a virgin ,
-And your affection not gone forth , I'll make you
-The Queen of Naples .
-
-Soft , sir : one word more
-
-
-They are both in either's powers : but this swift business
-I must uneasy make , lest too light winning
-Make the prize light .
-
-One word more : I charge thee
-That thou attend me . Thou dost here usurp
-The name thou ow'st not ; and hast put thyself
-Upon this island as a spy , to win it
-From me , the lord on't .
-
-No , as I am a man .
-
-There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple :
-If the ill spirit have so fair a house ,
-Good things will strive to dwell with't .
-
-Follow me .
-
-
-Come ;
-I'll manacle thy neck and feet together :
-Sea-water shalt thou drink ; thy food shall be
-The fresh-brook muscles , wither'd roots and husks
-Wherein the acorn cradled . Follow .
-
-No ;
-I will resist such entertainment till
-Mine enemy has more power .
-
-
-O dear father !
-Make not too rash a trial of him , for
-He's gentle , and not fearful .
-
-What ! I say ,
-My foot my tutor ?Put thy sword up , traitor ;
-Who mak'st a show , but dar'st not strike , thy conscience
-Is so possess'd with guilt : come from thy ward ,
-For I can here disarm thee with this stick
-And make thy weapon drop .
-
-Beseech you , father !
-
-Hence ! hang not on my garments .
-
-Sir , have pity :
-I'll be his surety .
-
-Silence ! one word more
-Shall make me chide thee , if not hate thee . What !
-An advocate for an impostor ? hush !
-Thou think'st there is no more such shapes as he ,
-Having seen but him and Caliban : foolish wench !
-To the most of men this is a Caliban
-And they to him are angels .
-
-My affections
-Are then most humble ; I have no ambition
-To see a goodlier man .
-
-Come on ; obey :
-Thy nerves are in their infancy again ,
-And have no vigour in them .
-
-So they are :
-My spirits , as in a dream , are all bound up .
-My father's loss , the weakness which I feel ,
-The wrack of all my friends , or this man's threats ,
-To whom I am subdued , are but light to me ,
-Might I but through my prison once a day
-Behold this maid : all corners else o' th' earth
-Let liberty make use of ; space enough
-Have I in such a prison .
-
-Come on .
-Thou hast done well , fine Ariel !
-
-Follow me .
-
-
-Hark , what thou else shalt do me .
-
-Be of comfort ;
-My father's of a better nature , sir ,
-Than he appears by speech : this is unwonted ,
-Which now came from him .
-
-Thou shalt be as free
-As mountain winds ; but then exactly do
-All points of my command .
-
-To the syllable .
-
-Come , follow .Speak not for him .
-
-Beseech you , sir , be merry : you have cause ,
-So have we all , of joy ; for our escape
-Is much beyond our loss . Our hint of woe
-Is common : every day some sailor's wife ,
-The masters of some merchant and the merchant ,
-Have just our theme of woe ; but for the miracle ,
-I mean our preservation , few in millions
-Can speak like us : then wisely , good sir , weigh
-Our sorrow with our comfort .
-
-Prithee , peace .
-
-He receives comfort like cold porridge .
-
-The visitor will not give him o'er so .
-
-Look , he's winding up the watch of his wit ; by and by it will strike .
-
-Sir ,
-
-One : tell .
-
-When every grief is entertain'd that's offer'd ,
-Comes to the entertainer
-
-A dollar .
-
-Dolour comes to him , indeed : you have spoken truer than you purposed .
-
-You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should .
-
-Therefore , my lord ,
-
-Fie , what a spendthrift is he of his tongue !
-
-I prithee , spare .
-
-Well , I have done : but yet
-
-He will be talking .
-
-Which , of he or Adrian , for a good wager , first begins to crow ?
-
-The old cock .
-
-The cockerel .
-
-Done . The wager ?
-
-A laughter .
-
-A match !
-
-Though this island seem to be desert ,
-
-Ha , ha , ha ! So you're paid .
-
-Uninhabitable , and almost inaccessible ,
-
-Yet
-
-Yet
-
-He could not miss it .
-
-It must needs be of subtle , tender , and delicate temperance .
-
-Temperance was a delicate wench .
-
-Ay , and a subtle ; as he most learnedly delivered .
-
-The air breathes upon us here most sweetly .
-
-As if it had lungs , and rotten ones .
-
-Or as 'twere perfumed by a fen .
-
-Here is everything advantageous to life .
-
-True ; save means to live .
-
-Of that there's none , or little .
-
-How lush and lusty the grass looks ! how green !
-
-The ground indeed is tawny .
-
-With an eye of green in't .
-
-He misses not much .
-
-No ; he doth but mistake the truth totally .
-
-But the rarity of it is ,which is indeed almost beyond credit ,
-
-As many vouch'd rarities are .
-
-That our garments , being , as they were , drenched in the sea , hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses ; being rather new-dyed than stain'd with salt water .
-
-If but one of his pockets could speak , would it not say he lies ?
-
-Ay , or very falsely pocket up his report .
-
-Methinks , our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric , at the marriage of the king's fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis .
-
-'Twas a sweet marriage , and we prosper well in our return .
-
-Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen .
-
-Not since widow Dido's time .
-
-Widow ! a pox o' that ! How came that widow in ? Widow Dido !
-
-What if he had said , widower neas too ? Good Lord , how you take it !
-
-Widow Dido , said you ? you make me study of that : she was of Carthage , not of Tunis .
-
-This Tunis , sir , was Carthage .
-
-Carthage ?
-
-I assure you , Carthage .
-
-His word is more than the miraculous harp .
-
-He hath rais'd the wall , and houses too .
-
-What impossible matter will he make easy next ?
-
-I think he will carry this island home in his pocket , and give it his son for an apple .
-
-And , sowing the kernels of it in the sea , bring forth more islands .
-
-Ay ?
-
-Why , in good time .
-
-Sir , we were talking that our garments seem now as fresh as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter , who is now queen .
-
-And the rarest that e'er came there .
-
-Bate , I beseech you , widow Dido .
-
-O ! widow Dido ; ay , widow Dido .
-
-Is not , sir , my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it ? I mean , in a sort .
-
-That sort was well fish'd for .
-
-When I wore it at your daughter's marriage ?
-
-You cram these words into mine ears , against
-The stomach of my sense . Would I had never
-Married my daughter there ! for , coming thence ,
-My son is lost ; and , in my rate , she too ,
-Who is so far from Italy remov'd ,
-I ne'er again shall see her . O thou , mine heir
-Of Naples and of Milan ! what strange fish
-Hath made his meal on thee ?
-
-Sir , he may live :
-I saw him beat the surges under him ,
-And ride upon their backs : he trod the water ,
-Whose enmity he flung aside , and breasted
-The surge most swoln that met him : his bold head
-'Bove the contentious waves he kept , and oar'd
-Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
-To the shore , that o'er his wave-worn basis bow'd ,
-As stooping to relieve him . I not doubt
-He came alive to land .
-
-No , no ; he's gone .
-
-Sir , you may thank yourself for this great loss ,
-That would not bless our Europe with your daughter ,
-But rather lose her to an African ;
-Where she at least is banish'd from your eye ,
-Who hath cause to wet the grief on't .
-
-Prithee , peace .
-
-You were kneel'd to and importun'd otherwise
-By all of us ; and the fair soul herself
-Weigh'd between loathness and obedience , at
-Which end o' the beam should bow . We have lost your son ,
-I fear , for ever : Milan and Naples have
-More widows in them of this business' making ,
-Than we bring men to comfort them : the fault's
-Your own .
-
-So is the dearest of the loss .
-
-My lord Sebastian ,
-The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
-And time to speak it in ; you rub the sore ,
-When you should bring the plaster .
-
-Very well .
-
-And most chirurgeonly .
-
-It is foul weather in us all , good sir ,
-When you are cloudy .
-
-Foul weather ?
-
-Very foul .
-
-Had I plantation of this isle , my lord ,
-
-He'd sow't with nettle-seed .
-
-Or docks , or mallows .
-
-'And were the king on't , what would I do ?
-
-'Scape being drunk for want of wine .
-
-I' the commonwealth I would by contraries
-Execute all things ; for no kind of traffic
-Would I admit ; no name of magistrate ;
-Letters should not be known ; riches , poverty ,
-And use of service , none ; contract , succession ,
-Bourn , bound of land , tilth , vineyard , none ;
-No use of metal , corn , or wine , or oil ;
-No occupation ; all men idle , all ;
-And women too , but innocent and pure ;
-No sovereignty ,
-
-Yet he would be king on't .
-
-The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning .
-
-All things in common nature should produce
-Without sweat or endeavour : treason , felony ,
-Sword , pike , knife , gun , or need of any engine ,
-Would I not have ; but nature should bring forth ,
-Of its own kind , all foison , all abundance ,
-To feed my innocent people .
-
-No marrying 'mong his subjects ?
-
-None , man ; all idle ; whores and knaves .
-
-I would with such perfection govern , sir ,
-To excel the golden age
-
-Save his majesty !
-
-Long live Gonzalo !
-
-And ,do you mark me , sir ?
-
-Prithee , no more : thou dost talk nothing to me .
-
-I do well believe your highness ; and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen , who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing .
-
-'Twas you we laugh'd at .
-
-Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you ; so you may continue and laugh at nothing still .
-
-What a blow was there given !
-
-An it had not fallen flat-long .
-
-You are gentlemen of brave mettle : you would lift the moon out of her sphere , if she would continue in it five weeks without changing .
-
-
-We would so , and then go a-bat-fowling .
-
-Nay , good my lord , be not angry .
-
-No , I warrant you ; I will not adventure my discretion so weakly . Will you laugh me asleep , for I am very heavy ?
-
-Go sleep , and hear us .
-
-
-What ! all so soon asleep ! I wish mine eyes
-Would , with themselves , shut up my thoughts : I find
-They are inclin'd to do so .
-
-Please you , sir ,
-Do not omit the heavy offer of it :
-It seldom visits sorrow ; when it doth
-It is a comforter .
-
-We two , my lord ,
-Will guard your person while you take your rest ,
-And watch your safety .
-
-Thank you . Wondrous heavy .
-
-
-What a strange drowsiness possesses them !
-
-It is the quality o' the climate .
-
-Why
-Doth it not then our eyelids sink ? I find not
-Myself dispos'd to sleep .
-
-Nor I : my spirits are nimble .
-They fell together all , as by consent ;
-They dropp'd , as by a thunder-stroke . What might ,
-Worthy Sebastian ? O ! what might ?No more :
-And yet methinks I see it in thy face ,
-What thou should'st be . The occasion speaks thee ; and
-My strong imagination sees a crown
-Dropping upon thy head .
-
-What ! art thou waking ?
-
-Do you not hear me speak ?
-
-I do ; and surely ,
-It is a sleepy language , and thou speak'st
-Out of thy sleep . What is it thou didst say ?
-This is a strange repose , to be asleep
-With eyes wide open ; standing , speaking , moving ,
-And yet so fast asleep .
-
-Noble Sebastian ,
-Thou let'st thy fortune sleep die rather ; wink'st
-Whiles thou art waking .
-
-Thou dost snore distinctly :
-There's meaning in thy snores .
-
-I am more serious than my custom : you
-Must be so too , if heed me ; which to do
-Trebles thee o'er .
-
-Well ; I am standing water .
-
-I'll teach you how to flow .
-
-Do so : to ebb ,
-Hereditary sloth instructs me .
-
-O !
-If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
-Whiles thus you mock it ! how , in stripping it ,
-You more invest it ! Ebbing men , indeed ,
-Most often do so near the bottom run
-By their own fear or sloth .
-
-Prithee , say on :
-The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
-A matter from thee , and a birth indeed
-Which throes thee much to yield .
-
-Thus , sir :
-Although this lord of weak remembrance , this
-Who shall be of as little memory
-When he is earth'd , hath here almost persuaded ,
-For he's a spirit of persuasion , only
-Professes to persuade ,the king , his son's alive ,
-'Tis as impossible that he's undrown'd
-As he that sleeps here swims .
-
-I have no hope
-That he's undrown'd .
-
-O ! out of that 'no hope
-What great hope have you ! no hope that way is
-Another way so high a hope that even
-Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond ,
-But doubts discovery there . Will you grant with me
-That Ferdinand is drown'd ?
-
-He's gone .
-
-Then tell me
-Who's the next heir of Naples ?
-
-Claribel .
-
-She that is Queen of Tums ; she that dwells
-Ten leagues beyond man's life ; she that from Naples
-Can have no note , unless the sun were post
-The man i' th' moon's too slow till new-born chins
-Be rough and razorable : she that , from whom ?
-We all were sea-swallow'd , though some cast again ,
-And by that destiny to perform an act
-Whereof what's past is prologue , what to come
-In yours and my discharge .
-
-What stuff is this !How say you ?
-'Tis true my brother's daughter's Queen of Tunis ;
-So is she heir of Naples ; 'twixt which regions
-There is some space .
-
-A space whose every cubit
-Seems to cry out , 'How shall that Claribel
-Measure us back to Naples ?Keep in Tunis ,
-And let Sebastian wake !' Say , this were death
-That now hath seiz'd them ; why , they were no worse
-Than now they are . There be that can rule Naples
-As well as he that sleeps ; lords that can prate
-As amply and unnecessarily
-As this Gonzalo ; I myself could make
-A chough of as deep chat . O , that you bore
-The mind that I do ! what a sleep were this
-For your advancement ! Do you understand me ?
-
-Methinks I do .
-
-And how does your content
-Tender your own good fortune ?
-
-I remember
-You did supplant your brother Prospero .
-
-True :
-And look how well my garments sit upon me ;
-Much feater than before ; my brother's servants
-Were then my fellows ; now they are my men .
-
-But , for your conscience ,
-
-Ay , sir ; where lies that ? if it were a kibe ,
-'Twould put me to my slipper ; but I feel not
-This deity in my bosom : twenty consciences ,
-That stand 'twixt me and Milan , candied be they ,
-And melt ere they molest ! Here lies your brother ,
-No better than the earth he lies upon ,
-If he were that which now he's like , that's dead ;
-Whom I , with this obedient steel ,three inches of it ,
-Can lay to bed for ever ; whiles you , doing thus ,
-To the perpetual wink for aye might put
-This ancient morsel , this Sir Prudence , who
-Should not upbraid our course . For all the rest ,
-They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk ;
-They'll tell the clock to any business that
-We say befits the hour .
-
-Thy case , dear friend ,
-Shall be my precedent : as thou got'st Milan ,
-I'll come by Naples . Draw thy sword : one stroke
-Shall free thee from the tribute which thou pay'st ,
-And I the king shall love thee .
-
-Draw together ;
-And when I rear my hand , do you the like ,
-To fall it on Gonzalo .
-
-O ! but one word .
-
-My master through his art foresees the danger
-That you , his friend , are in ; and sends me forth
-For else his project dies to keep thee living .
-
-
-While you here do snoring lie ,
-Open-ey'd Conspiracy
-His time doth take .
-If of life you keep a care ,
-Shake off slumber , and beware
-Awake ! awake !
-
-
-Then let us both be sudden .
-
-Now , good angels
-Preserve the king !
-
-
-Why , how now ! ho , awake ! Why are you drawn ?
-Wherefore this ghastly looking ?
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Whiles we stood here securing your repose ,
-Even now , we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
-Like bulls , or rather hons ; did't not wake you ?
-It struck mine ear most terribly .
-
-I heard nothing .
-
-O ! 'twas a din to fright a monster's ear ,
-To make an earthquake : sure it was the roar
-Of a whole herd of lions .
-
-Heard you this , Gonzalo ?
-
-Upon mine honour , sir , I heard a humming ,
-And that a strange one too , which did awake me .
-I shak'd you , sir , and cry'd ; as mine eyes open'd ,
-I saw their weapons drawn :there was a noise ,
-That's verily . 'Tis best we stand upon our guard ,
-Or that we quit this place : let's draw our weapons .
-
-Lead off this ground , and let's make further search
-For my poor son .
-
-Heavens keep him from these beasts !
-For he is , sure , i' the island .
-
-Lead away .
-
-
-Prospero my lord shall know what I have done :
-So , king , go safely on to seek thy son .
-
-
-All the infections that the sun sucks up
-From bogs , fens , flats , on Prosper fall , and make him
-By inch-meal a disease ! His spirits hear me ,
-And yet I needs must curse . But they'll nor pinch ,
-Fright me with urchin-shows , pitch me i' the mire ,
-Nor lead me , like a firebrand , in the dark
-Out of my way , unless he bid 'em ; but
-For every trifle are they set upon me :
-Sometime like apes , that mow and chatter at me
-And after bite me ; then like hedge-hogs , which
-Lie tumbling in my bare-foot way and mount
-Their pricks at my foot-fall ; sometime am I
-All wound with adders , who with cloven tongues
-Do hiss me into madness .
-
-
-Lo now ! lo !
-Here comes a spirit of his , and to torment me
-For bringing wood in slowly : I'll fall flat ;
-
-Perchance he will not mind me .
-
-Here's neither bush nor shrub to bear off any weather at all , and another storm brewing ; I hear it sing i' the wind : yond same black cloud , yond huge one , looks like a foul bombard that would shed his liquor . If it should thunder as it did before , I know not where to hide my head : yond same cloud cannot choose but fall by pailfuls .What have we here ? a man or a fish ? Dead or alive ? A fish : he smells like a fish ; a very ancient and fish-like smell ; a kind of not of the newest Poor-John . A strange fish ! Were I in England now ,as once I was ,and had but this fish painted , not a holiday fool there but would give a piece of silver : there would this monster make a man ; any strange beast there makes a man . When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar , they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian . Legg'd like a man ! and his fins like arms ! Warm , o' my troth ! I do now let loose my opinion , hold it no longer ; this is no fish , but an islander , that hath lately suffered by a thunderbolt .
-
-Alas ! the storm is come again : my best way is to creep under his gaberdine ; there is no other shelter hereabout : misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows . I will here shroud till the dregs of the storm be past .
-
-I shall no more to sea , to sea ,
-Here shall I die a-shore :
-
-This is a very scurvy tune to sing at a man's funeral :
-Well , here's my comfort .
-
-
-The master , the swabber , the boatswain and I ,
-The gunner and his mate ,
-Lov'd Mall , Meg , and Marian and Margery ,
-But none of us car'd for Kate ;
-For she had a tongue with a tang ,
-Would cry to a sailor , 'Go hang !'
-She lov'd not the savour of tar nor of pitch ,
-Yet a tailor might scratch her where-e'er she did itch :
-Then to sea , boys , and let her go hang .
-
-This is a scurvy tune too : but here's my comfort .
-
-
-Do not torment me : O !
-
-What's the matter ? Have we devils here ? Do you put tricks upon us with savages and men of Ind ? Ha ! I have not 'scaped drowning , to be afeard now of your four legs ; for it hath been said , As proper a man as ever went on four legs cannot make him give ground : and it shall be said so again while Stephano breathes at's nostrils .
-
-The spirit torments me : O !
-
-This is some monster of the isle with four legs , who hath got , as I take it , an ague . Where the devil should he learn our language ? I will give him some relief , if it be but for that : if I can recover him and keep him tame and get to Naples with him , he's a present for any emperor that ever trod on neat's-leather .
-
-Do not torment me , prithee : I'll bring my wood home faster .
-
-He's in his fit now and does not talk after the wisest . He shall taste of my bottle : if he have never drunk wine afore it will go near to remove his fit . If I can recover him , and keep him tame , I will not take too much for him : he shall pay for him that hath him , and that soundly .
-
-Thou dost me yet but little hurt ; thou wilt anon , I know it by thy trembling : now Prosper works upon thee .
-
-Come on your ways : open your mouth ; here is that which will give language to you , cat . Open your mouth : this will shake your shaking , I can tell you , and that soundly
-
-: you cannot tell who's your friend ; open your chaps again .
-
-I should know that voice : it should be but he is drowned , and these are devils . O ! defend me .
-
-Four legs and two voices ; a most delicate monster ! His forward voice now is to speak well of his friend ; his backward voice is to utter foul speeches , and to detract . If all the wine in my bottle will recover him , I will help his ague . Come . Amen ! I will pour some in thy other mouth .
-
-Stephano !
-
-Doth thy other mouth call me ? Mercy ! mercy ! This is a devil , and no monster : I will leave him ; I have no long spoon .
-
-Stephano !if thou beest Stephano , touch me , and speak to me ; for I am Trinculo :be not afeard thy good friend Trinculo .
-
-If thou beest Trinculo , come forth . I'll pull thee by the lesser legs : if any be Trinculo's legs , these are they . Thou art very Trinculo indeed ! How cam'st thou to be the siege of this moon-calf ? Can he vent Trinculos ?
-
-I took him to be killed with a thunderstroke . But art thou not drowned , Stephano ? I hope now thou art not drowned . Is the storm overblown ? I hid me under the dead mooncalf's gaberdine for fear of the storm . And art thou living , Stephano ? O Stephano ! two Neapolitans 'scaped !
-
-Prithee , do not turn me about : my stomach is not constant .
-
-These be fine things an if they be not sprites .
-That's a brave god and bears celestial liquor :
-I will kneel to him .
-
-How didst thou 'scape ? How cam'st thou hither ? swear by this bottle , how thou cam'st hither . I escaped upon a butt of sack , which the sailors heaved overboard , by this bottle ! which I made of the bark of a tree with mine own hands , since I was cast ashore .
-
-I'll swear upon that bottle , to be thy true subject ; for the liquor is not earthly .
-
-Here : swear then , how thou escapedst .
-
-Swam ashore , man , like a duck : I can swim like a duck , I'll be sworn .
-
-Here , kiss the book
-
-. Though thou canst swim like a duck , thou art made like a goose .
-
-O Stephano ! hast any more of this ?
-
-The whole butt , man : my cellar is in a rock by the seaside , where my wine is hid . How now , moon-calf ! how does thine ague ?
-
-Hast thou not dropped from heaven ?
-
-Out o the moon , I do assure thee : I was the man in the moon , when time was .
-
-I have seen thee in her , and I do adore thee ; my mistress showed me thee , and thy dog , and thy bush .
-
-Come , swear to that ; kiss the book ; I will furnish it anon with new contents ; swear .
-
-By this good light , this is a very shallow monster .I afeard of him !a very weak monster .The man i' the moon ! a most poor credulous monster !Well drawn , monster , in good sooth .
-
-I'll show thee every fertile inch o' the island ;
-And I will kiss thy foot . I prithee , be my god .
-
-By this light , a most perfidious and drunken monster : when his god's asleep , he'll rob his bottle .
-
-I'll kiss thy foot : I'll swear myself thy subject .
-
-Come on then ; down , and swear .
-
-I shall laugh myself to death at this puppy-headed monster . A most scurvy monster ! I could find in my heart to beat him ,
-
-Come , kiss .
-
-But that the poor monster's in drink : an abominable monster !
-
-I'll shew thee the best springs ; I'll pluck thee berries ;
-I'll fish for thee , and get thee wood enough .
-A plague upon the tyrant that I serve !
-I'll bear him no more sticks , but follow thee ,
-Thou wondrous man .
-
-A most ridiculous monster , to make a wonder of a poor drunkard !
-
-I prithee , let me bring thee where crabs grow ;
-And I with my long nails will dig thee pig-nuts ;
-Show thee a jay's nest and instruct thee how
-To snare the nimble marmozet ; I'll bring thee
-To clust'ring filberts , and sometimes I'll get thee
-Young scamels from the rock . Wilt thou go with me ?
-
-I prithee now , lead the way , without any more talking .Trinculo , the king and all our company else being drowned , we will inherit here .Here ; bear my bottle .Fellow Trinculo , we'll fill him by and by again .
-
-Farewell , master ; farewell , farewell
-
-
-A howling monster , a drunken monster .
-
-
-No more dams I'll make for fish ,
-Nor fetch in firing
-At requiring ,
-Nor scrape trenchering , nor wash dish ,
-'Ban , 'Ban , Ca Caliban ,
-Has a new master Get a new man .
-
-Freedom , high-day ! high-day , freedom ! freedom ! high-day , freedom !
-
-O brave monster ! lead the way .
-
-There be some sports are painful , and their labour
-Delight in them sets off : some kinds of baseness
-Are nobly undergone , and most poor matters
-Point to rich ends . This my mean task
-Would be as heavy to me as odious ; but
-The mistress which I serve quickens what's dead
-And makes my labours pleasures : O ! she is
-Ten times more gentle than her father's crabbed ,
-And he's compos'd of harshness . I must remove
-Some thousands of these logs and pile them up ,
-Upon a sore injunction : my sweet mistress
-Weeps when she sees me work , and says such baseness
-Had never like executor . I forget :
-But these sweet thoughts do even refresh my labours ,
-Most busiest when I do it .
-
-
-Alas ! now , pray you ,
-Work not so hard : I would the lightning had
-Burnt up those logs that you are enjoin'd to pile !
-Pray , set it down and rest you : when this burns ,
-'Twill weep for having wearied you . My father
-Is hard at study ; pray now , rest yourself :
-He's safe for these three hours .
-
-O most dear mistress ,
-The sun will set , before I shall discharge
-What I must strive to do .
-
-If you'll sit down ,
-I'll bear your logs the while . Pray , give me that ;
-I'll carry it to the pile .
-
-No , precious creature :
-I had rather crack my sinews , break my back ,
-Than you should such dishonour undergo ,
-While I sit lazy by .
-
-It would become me
-As well as it does you : and I should do it
-With much more ease ; for my good will is to it ,
-And yours it is against .
-
-Poor worm ! thou art infected :
-This visitation shows it .
-
-You look wearily .
-
-No , noble mistress ; 'tis fresh morning with me
-When you are by at night . I do beseech you
-Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers
-What is your name ?
-
-Miranda .O my father !
-I have broke your hest to say so .
-
-Admir'd Miranda !
-Indeed , the top of admiration ; worth
-What's dearest to the world ! Full many a lady
-I have ey'd with best regard , and many a time
-The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
-Brought my too diligent ear : for several virtues
-Have I lik'd several women ; never any
-With so full soul but some defect in her
-Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow'd ,
-And put it to the foil : but you , O you !
-So perfect and so peerless , are created
-Of every creature's best .
-
-I do not know
-One of my sex ; no woman's face remember ,
-Save , from my glass , mine own ; nor have I seen
-More that I may call men than you , good friend ,
-And my dear father : how features are abroad ,
-I am skill-less of ; but , by my modesty ,
-The jewel in my dower ,I would not wish
-Any companion in the world but you ;
-Nor can imagination form a shape ,
-Besides yourself , to like of . But I prattle
-Something too wildly and my father's precepts
-I therein do forget .
-
-I am in my condition
-A prince , Miranda ; I do think , a king ;
-I would not so !and would no more endure
-This wooden slavery than to suffer
-The flesh-fly blow my mouth .Hear my soul speak :
-The very instant that I saw you did
-My heart fly to your service ; there resides ,
-To make me slave to it ; and for your sake
-Am I this patient log-man .
-
-Do you love me ?
-
-O heaven ! O earth ! bear witness to this sound ,
-And crown what I profess with kind event
-If I speak true : if hollowly , invert
-What best is boded me to mischief ! I ,
-Beyond all limit of what else i' the world ,
-Do love , prize , honour you .
-
-I am a fool
-To weep at what I am glad of .
-
-Fair encounter
-Of two most rare affections ! Heavens rain grace
-On that which breeds between them !
-
-Wherefore weep you ?
-
-At mine unworthiness , that dare not offer
-What I desire to give ; and much less take
-What I shall die to want . But this is trifling ;
-And all the more it seeks to hide itself
-The bigger bulk it shows . Hence , bashful cunning !
-And prompt me , plain and holy innocence !
-I am your wife , if you will marry me ;
-If not , I'll die your maid : to be your fellow
-You may deny me ; but I'll be your servant
-Whether you will or no .
-
-My mistress , dearest ;
-And I thus humble ever .
-
-My husband then ?
-
-Ay , with a heart as willing
-As bondage e'er of freedom : here's my hand .
-
-And mine , with my heart in't : and now farewell
-Till half an hour hence .
-
-A thousand thousand !
-
-
-So glad of this as they , I cannot be ,
-Who are surpris'd withal ; but my rejoicing
-At nothing can be more . I'll to my book ;
-For yet , ere supper time , must I perform
-Much business appertaining .
-
-
-Tell not me :when the butt is out , we will drink water ; not a drop before : therefore bear up , and board 'em .Servant-monster , drink to me .
-
-Servant-monster ! the folly of this island ! They say there's but five upon this isle : we are three of them ; if th' other two be brained like us , the state totters .
-
-Drink , servant-monster , when I bid thee : thy eyes are almost set in thy head .
-
-Where should they be set else ? he were a brave monster indeed , if they were set in his tail .
-
-My man-monster hath drowned his tongue in sack : for my part , the sea cannot drown me ; I swam , ere I could recover the shore , five-and-thirty leagues , off and on , by this light . Thou shalt be my lieutenant , monster , or my standard .
-
-Your lieutenant , if you list ; he's no standard .
-
-We'll not run , Monsieur monster .
-
-Nor go neither : but you'll lie , like dogs ; and yet say nothing neither .
-
-Moon-calf , speak once in thy life , if thou beest a good moon-calf .
-
-How does thy honour ? Let me lick thy shoe . I'll not serve him , he is not valiant .
-
-Thou hest , most ignorant monster : I am in case to justle a constable . Why , thou deboshed fish thou , was there ever a man a coward that hath drunk so much sack as I to-day ? Wilt thou tell a monstrous lie , being but half a fish and half a monster ?
-
-Lo , how he mocks me ! wilt thou let him , my lord ?
-
-'Lord' quoth he !that a monster should be such a natural !
-
-Lo , lo , again ! bite him to death , I prithee .
-
-Trinculo , keep a good tongue in your head : if you prove a mutineer , the next tree ! The poor monster's my subject , and he shall not suffer indignity .
-
-I thank my noble lord . Wilt thou be pleas'd
-To hearken once again the suit I made thee ?
-
-Marry , will I ; kneel , and repeat it : I will stand , and so shall Trinculo .
-
-
-As I told thee before , I am subject to a tyrant , a sorcerer , that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island .
-
-Thou liest .
-
-Thou liest , thou jesting monkey thou ;
-I would my valiant master would destroy thee ;
-I do not lie .
-
-Trinculo , if you trouble him any more in his tale , by this hand , I will supplant some of your teeth .
-
-Why , I said nothing .
-
-Mum then and no more .
-
-Proceed .
-
-I say , by sorcery he got this isle ;
-From me he got it : if thy greatness will ,
-Revenge it on him ,for , I know , thou dar'st ;
-But this thing dare not ,
-
-That's most certain .
-
-Thou shalt be lord of it and I'll serve thee .
-
-How now shall this be compassed ? Canst thou bring me to the party ?
-
-Yea , yea , my lord : I'll yield him thee asleep ,
-Where thou may'st knock a nail into his head .
-
-Thou liest ; thou canst not .
-
-What a pied ninny's this ! Thou scurvy patch !
-I do beseech thy greatness , give him blows ,
-And take his bottle from him : when that's gone
-He shall drink nought but brine ; for I'll not show him
-Where the quick freshes are .
-
-Trinculo , run into no further danger : interrupt the monster one word further , and , by this hand , I'll turn my mercy out o' doors and make a stock-fish of thee .
-
-Why , what did I ? I did nothing . I'll go further off .
-
-Didst thou not say he hed ?
-
-Thou liest .
-
-Do I so ? take thou that .
-
-
-As you like this , give me the lie another time .
-
-I did not give thee the he :Out o' your wits and hearing too ?A pox o' your bottle ! this can sack and drinking do .A murrain on your monster , and the devil take your fingers !
-
-Ha , ha , ha !
-
-Now , forward with your tale .Prithee stand further off .
-
-Beat him enough : after a little time
-I'll beat him too .
-
-Stand further .Come , proceed .
-
-Why , as I told thee , 'tis a custom with him
-I' the afternoon to sleep : there thou may'st brain him ,
-Having first seiz'd his books ; or with a log
-Batter his skull , or paunch him with a stake ,
-Or cut his wezand with thy knife . Remember
-First to possess his books ; for without them
-He's but a sot , as I am , nor hath not
-One spirit to command : they all do hate him
-As rootedly as I . Burn but his books ;
-He has brave utensils ,for so he calls them ,
-Which , when he has a house , he'll deck withal :
-And that most deeply to consider is
-The beauty of his daughter ; he himself
-Calls her a nonpareil : I never saw a woman ,
-But only Sycorax my dam and she ;
-But she as far surpasseth Sycorax
-As great'st does least .
-
-Is it so brave a lass ?
-
-Ay , lord ; she will become thy bed , I warrant ,
-And bring thee forth brave brood .
-
-Monster , I will kill this man : his daughter and I will be king and queen ,save our graces ! and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys . Dost thou like the plot , Trinculo ?
-
-Excellent .
-
-Give me thy hand : I am sorry I beat thee ; but , while thou livest , keep a good tongue in thy head .
-
-Within this half hour will he be asleep ;
-Wilt thou destroy him then ?
-
-Ay , on mine honour .
-
-This will I tell my master .
-
-Thou mak'st me merry : I am full of pleasure .
-Let us be jocund : will you troll the catch
-You taught me but while-ere ?
-
-At thy request , monster , I will do reason , any reason : Come on , Trinculo , let us sing .
-
-
-Flout 'em , and scout 'em ; and scout 'em , and flout 'em ;
-Thought is free .
-
-
-That's not the tune .
-
-
-What is this same ?
-
-This is the tune of our catch , played by the picture of Nobody .
-
-If thou beest a man , show thyself in thy likeness : if thou beest a devil , take't as thou list .
-
-O , forgive me my sins !
-
-He that dies pays all debts : I defy thee .Mercy upon us !
-
-Art thou afeard ?
-
-No , monster , not I .
-
-Be not afeard : the isle is full of noises ,
-Sounds and sweet airs , that give delight , and hurt not .
-Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
-Will hum about mine ears ; and sometime voices ,
-That , if I then had wak'd after long sleep ,
-Will make mesleep again : and then , in dreaming ,
-The clouds methought would open and show riches
-Ready to drop upon me ; that , when I wak'd
-I cried to dream again .
-
-This will prove a brave kingdom to me , where I shall have my music for nothing .
-
-When Prospero is destroyed .
-
-That shall be by and by : I remember the story .
-
-The sound is going away : let's follow it , and after do our work .
-
-Lead , monster ; we'll follow .I would I could see this taborer ! he lays it on . Wilt come ?
-
-I'll follow , Stephano .
-
-
-By'r lakin , I can go no further , sir ;
-My old bones ache : here's a maze trod indeed ,
-Through forth-rights , and meanders ! by your patience ,
-I needs must rest me .
-
-Old lord , I cannot blame thee ,
-Who am myself attach'd with weariness ,
-To the dulling of my spirits : sit down , and rest .
-Even here I will put off my hope , and keep it
-No longer for my flatterer : he is drown'd
-Whom thus we stray to find ; and the sea mocks
-Our frustrate search on land . Well , let him go .
-
-I am right glad that he's so out of hope .
-Do not , for one repulse , forego the purpose
-That you resolv'd to effect .
-
-The next advantage
-Will we take throughly .
-
-Let it be to-night ;
-For , now they are oppress'd with travel , they
-Will not , nor cannot , use such vigilance
-As when they are fresh .
-
-I say to-night : no more .
-
-What harmony is this ? my good friends , hark !
-
-Marvellous sweet music !
-
-Give us kind keepers , heavens ! What were these ?
-
-A living drollery . Now I will believe
-That there are unicorns ; that in Arabia
-There is one tree , the ph nix' throne ; one ph nix
-At this hour reigning there .
-
-I'll believe both ;
-And what does else want credit , come to me ,
-And I'll be sworn 'tis true : travellers ne'er did lie ,
-Though fools at home condemn them .
-
-If in Naples
-I should report this now , would they believe me ?
-If I should say I saw such islanders ,
-For , certes , these are people of the island ,
-Who , though they are of monstrous shape , yet , note ,
-Their manners are more gentle-kind than of
-Our human generation you shall find
-Many , nay , almost any .
-
-Honest lord ,
-Thou hast said well ; for some of you there present
-Are worse than devils .
-
-I cannot too much muse ,
-Such shapes , such gesture , and such sound , expressing ,
-Although they want the use of tongue ,a kind
-Of excellent dumb discourse .
-
-Praise in departing .
-
-They vanish'd strangely .
-
-No matter , since
-They have left their viands behind ; for we have stomachs .
-Will't please you to taste of what is here ?
-
-Not I .
-
-Faith , sir , you need not fear . When we were boys ,
-Who would believe that there were mountaineers
-Dew-lapp'd like bulls , whose throats had hanging at them
-Wallets of flesh ? or that there were such men
-Whose heads stood in their breasts ? which now we find
-Each putter-out of five for one will bring us
-Good warrant of .
-
-I will stand to and feed ,
-Although my last ; no matter , since I feel
-The best is past .Brother , my lord the duke ,
-Stand to and do as we .
-
-You are three men of sin , whom Destiny
-That hath to instrument this lower world
-And what is in't ,the never-surfeited sea
-Hath caused to belch up you ; and on this island
-Where man doth not inhabit ; you 'mongst men
-Being most unfit to live . I have made you mad ;
-
-
-And even with such-like valour men hang and drown
-Their proper selves . You fools ! I and my fellows
-Are ministers of fate : the elements
-Of whom your swords are temper'd , may as well
-Wound the loud winds , or with bemock'd-at stabs
-Kill the still-closing waters , as diminish
-One dowle that's in my plume ; my fellow-ministers
-Are like invulnerable . If you could hurt ,
-Your swords are now too massy for your strengths ,
-And will not be uplifted . But , remember ,
-For that's my business to you ,that you three
-From Milan did supplant good Prospero ;
-Expos'd unto the sea , which hath requit it ,
-Him and his innocent child : for which foul deed
-The powers , delaying , not forgetting , have
-Incens'd the seas and shores , yea , all the creatures ,
-Against your peace . Thee of thy son , Alonso ,
-They have bereft ; and do pronounce , by me ,
-Lingering perdition ,worse than any death
-Can be at once ,shall step by step attend
-You and your ways ; whose wraths to guard you from
-Which here in this most desolate isle , else falls
-Upon your heads ,is nothing but heart-sorrow
-And a clear life ensuing .
-
-
-Bravely the figure of this harpy hast thou
-Perform'd , my Ariel ; a grace it had , devouring :
-Of my instruction hast thou nothing bated
-In what thou hadst to say : so , with good life
-And observation strange , my meaner ministers
-Their several kinds have done . My high charms work ,
-And these mine enemies are all knit up
-In their distractions : they now are in my power ;
-And in these fits I leave them , while I visit
-Young Ferdinand ,whom they suppose is drown'd ,
-And his and mine lov'd darling .
-
-
-I the name of something holy , sir , why stand you
-In this strange stare ?
-
-O , it is monstrous ! monstrous !
-Methought the billows spoke and told me of it ;
-The winds did sing it to me ; and the thunder ,
-That deep and dreadful organ-pipe , pronounc'd
-The name of Prosper : it did bass my trespass .
-Therefore my son i' th' ooze is bedded ; and
-I'll seek him deeper than e'er plummet sounded ,
-And with him there lie mudded .
-
-
-But one fiend at a time ,
-I'll fight their legions o'er .
-
-I'll be thy second .
-
-
-All three of them are desperate ; their great guilt ,
-Like poison given to work a great time after ,
-Now 'gins to bite the spirits .I do beseech you
-That are of suppler joints , follow them swiftly
-And hinder them from what this ecstasy
-May now provoke them to .
-
-Follow , I pray you .
-
-If I have too austerely punish'd you ,
-Your compensation makes amends ; for I
-Have given you here a third of mine own life ,
-Or that for which I live ; whom once again
-I tender to thy hand : all thy vexations
-Were but my trials of thy love , and thou
-Hast strangely stood the test : here , afore Heaven ,
-I ratify this my rich gift . O Ferdinand !
-Do not smile at me that I boast her off ,
-For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise ,
-And make it halt behind her .
-
-I do believe it
-Against an oracle .
-
-Then , as my gift and thine own acquisition
-Worthily purchas'd , take my daughter : but
-If thou dost break her virgin knot before
-All sanctimonious ceremonies may
-With full and holy rite be minister'd ,
-No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall
-To make this contract grow ; but barren hate ,
-Sour-ey'd disdain and discord shall bestrew
-The union of your bed with weeds so loathly
-That you shall hate it both : therefore take heed ,
-As Hymen's lamps shall light you .
-
-As I hope
-For quiet days , fair issue and long life ,
-With such love as 'tis now , the murkiest den ,
-The most opportune place , the strong'st sug gestion
-Our worser genius can , shall never melt
-Mine honour into lust , to take away
-The edge of that day's celebration
-When I shall think , or Ph bus' steeds are founder'd ,
-Or Night kept chain'd below .
-
-Fairly spoke :
-Sit then , and talk with her , she is thine own .
-What , Ariell my industrious servant Ariell
-
-
-What would my potent master ? here I am .
-
-Thou and thy meaner fellows your last service
-Did worthily perform ; and I must use you
-In such another trick . Go bring the rabble ,
-O'er whom I give thee power , here to this place :
-Incite them to quick motion ; for I must
-Bestow upon the eyes of this young couple
-Some vanity of mine art : it is my promise ,
-And they expect it from me .
-
-Presently ?
-
-Ay , with a twink .
-
-Before you can say , 'Come ,' and 'Go ,'
-And breathe twice ; and cry , 'so , so ,'
-Each one , tripping on his toe ,
-Will be here with mop and mow .
-Do you love me , master ? no ?
-
-Dearly my delicate Ariel . Do not approach
-Till thou dost hear me call .
-
-Well , I conceive .
-
-
-Look , thou be true ; do not give dalliance
-Too much the rein : the strongest oaths are straw
-To the fire i' the blood : be more abstemious ,
-Or else good night your vow !
-
-I warrant you , sir ;
-The white-cold virgin snow upon my heart
-Abates the ardour of my liver .
-
-Well .
-Now come , my Ariel ! bring a corollary ,
-Rather than want a spirit : appear , and pertly .
-No tongue ! all eyes ! be silent .
-
-Ceres , most bounteous lady , thy rich leas
-Of wheat , rye , barley , vetches , oats , and peas ;
-Thy turfy mountains , where live nibbling sheep ,
-And flat meads thatch'd with stover , them to keep ;
-Thy banks with pioned and twilled brims ,
-Which spongy April at thy hest betrims ,
-To make cold nymphs chaste crowns ; and thy broom groves ,
-Whose shadow the dismissed bachelor loves ,
-Being lass-lorn ; thy pole-clipt vineyard ;
-And thy sea-marge , sterile and rocky-hard ,
-Where thou thyself dost air : the queen o' the sky ,
-Whose watery arch and messenger am I ,
-Bids thee leave these ; and with her sovereign grace ,
-Here on this grass-plot , in this very place ,
-To come and sport ; her peacocks fly amain :
-Approach , rich Ceres , her to entertain .
-
-
-Hail , many-colour'd messenger , that ne'er
-Dost disobey the wife of Jupiter ;
-Who with thy saffron wings upon my flowers
-Diffusest honey-drops , refreshing showers :
-And with each end of thy blue bow dost crown
-My bosky acres , and my unshrubb'd down ,
-Rich scarf to my proud earth ; why hath thy queen
-Summon'd me hither , to this short-grass'd green ?
-
-A contract of true love to celebrate ,
-And some donation freely to estate
-On the bless'd lovers .
-
-Tell me , heavenly bow ,
-If Venus or her son , as thou dost know ,
-Do now attend the queen ? since they did plot
-The means that dusky Dis my daughter got ,
-Her and her blind boy's scandal'd company
-I have forsworn .
-
-Of her society
-Be not afraid ; I met her deity
-Cutting the clouds towards Paphos and her son
-Dove-drawn with her . Here thought they to have done
-Some wanton charm upon this man and maid ,
-Whose vows are , that no bed-rite shall be paid
-Till Hymen's torch be lighted ; but in vain :
-Mars's hot minion is return'd again ;
-Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows ,
-Swears he will shoot no more , but play with sparrows ,
-And be a boy right out .
-
-Highest queen of state ,
-Great Juno comes ; I know her by her gait .
-
-
-How does my bounteous sister ? Go with me
-To bless this twain , that they may prosperous be ,
-And honour'd in their issue .
-
-Honour , riches , marriage-blessing ,
-Long continuance , and increasing ,
-Hourly joys be still upon you !
-Juno sings her blessings on you .
-
-Earth's increase , foison plenty ,
-Barns and garners never empty :
-Vines , with clust'ring bunches growing ;
-Plants with goodly burden bowing ;
-Spring come to you at the farthest
-In the very end of harvest !
-Scarcity and want shall shun you ;
-Ceres' blessing so is on you .
-
-This is a most majestic vision , and
-Harmonious charmingly : May I be bold
-To think these spirits ?
-
-Spirits , which by mine art
-I have from their confines call'd to enact
-My present fancies .
-
-Let me live here ever :
-So rare a wonder'd father and a wise ,
-Makes this place Paradise .
-
-
-Sweet , now , silence !
-Juno and Ceres whisper seriously ,
-There's something else to do : hush , and be mute ,
-Or else our spell is marr'd .
-
-You nymphs , call'd Naiades , of the windring brooks ,
-With your sedg'd crowns , and ever-harmless looks ,
-Leave your crisp channels , and on this green land
-Answer your summons : Juno does command .
-Come , temperate nymphs , and help to celebrate
-A contract of true love : be not too late .
-
-
-You sun-burn'd sicklemen , of August weary ,
-Come hither from the furrow , and be merry :
-Make holiday : your rye-straw hats put on ,
-And these fresh nymphs encounter every one
-In country footing .
-
-
-I had forgot that foul conspiracy
-Of the beast Caliban , and his confederates
-Against my life : the minute of their plot
-Is almost come .
-
-Well done ! avoid ; no more !
-
-This is strange : your father's in some passion
-That works him strongly .
-
-Never till this day
-Saw I him touch'd with anger so distemper'd .
-
-You do look , my son , in a mov'd sort ,
-As if you were dismay'd : be cheerful , sir :
-Our revels now are ended . These our actors ,
-As I foretold you , were all spirits and
-Are melted into air , into thin air :
-And , like the baseless fabric of this vision ,
-The cloud-capp'd towers , the gorgeous palaces ,
-The solemn temples , the great globe itself ,
-Yea , all which it inherit , shall dissolve
-And , like this insubstantial pageant faded ,
-Leave not a rack behind . We are such stuff
-As dreams are made on , and our little life
-Is rounded with a sleep .Sir , I am vex'd :
-Bear with my weakness ; my old brain is troubled .
-Be not disturb'd with my infirmity .
-If you be pleas'd , retire into my cell
-And there repose : a turn or two I'll walk ,
-To still my beating mind .
-
-We wish your peace .
-
-
-Come with a thought !
-
-I thank thee : Ariel , come !
-
-
-Thy thoughts I cleave to . What's thy pleasure ?
-
-Spirit ,
-We must prepare to meet with Caliban .
-
-Ay , my commander ; when I presented Ceres ,
-I thought to have told thee of it ; but I fear'd
-Lest I might anger thee .
-
-Say again , where didst thou leave these varlets ?
-
-I told you , sir , they were red-hot with drinking ;
-So full of valour that they smote the air
-For breathing in their faces ; beat the ground
-For kissing of their feet ; yet always bending
-Towards their project . Then I beat my tabor ;
-At which , like unback'd colts , they prick'd their ears ,
-Advanc'd their eyelids , lifted up their noses
-As they smelt music : so I charm'd their ears
-That , calf-like , they my lowing follow'd through
-Tooth'd briers , sharp furzes , pricking goss and thorns ,
-Which enter'd their frail shins : at last I left them
-I' the filthy-mantled pool beyond your cell ,
-There dancing up to the chins , that the foul lake
-O'erstunk their feet .
-
-This was well done , my bird .
-Thy shape invisible retain thou still :
-The trumpery in my house , go bring it hither ,
-For stale to catch these thieves .
-
-I go , I go .
-
-
-A devil , a born devil , on whose nature
-Nurture can never stick ; on whom my pains ,
-Humanely taken , are all lost , quite lost ;
-And as with age his body uglier grows ,
-So his mind cankers . I will plague them all ,
-Even to roaring .
-
-
-Come , hang them on this line .
-
-Pray you , tread softly , that the blind mole may not
-Hear a foot fall : we now are near his cell .
-
-Monster , your fairy , which you say is a harmless fairy , has done little better than played the Jack with us .
-
-Monster , I do smell all horse-piss ; at which my nose is in great indignation .
-
-So is mine .Do you hear , monster ? If I should take a displeasure against you , look you ,
-
-Thou wert but a lost monster .
-
-Good my lord , give me thy favour still :
-Be patient , for the prize I'll bring thee to
-Shall hoodwink this mischance : therefore speak softly ;
-All's hush'd as midnight yet .
-
-Ay , but to lose our bottles in the pool ,
-
-There is not only disgrace and dishonour in that , monster , but an infinite loss .
-
-That's more to me than my wetting : yet this is your harmless fairy , monster .
-
-I will fetch off my bottle , though I be o'er ears for my labour .
-
-Prithee , my king , be quiet . Seest thou here ,
-This is the mouth o' the cell : no noise , and enter .
-Do that good mischief , which may make this island
-Thine own for ever , and I , thy Caliban ,
-For aye thy foot-licker .
-
-Give me thy hand : I do begin to have bloody thoughts .
-
-O king Stephano ! O peer ! O worthy Stephano ! look , what a wardrobe here is for thee !
-
-Let it alone , thou fool ; it is but trash .
-
-O , ho , monster ! we know what belongs to a frippery .O king Stephano !
-
-Put off that gown , Trinculo ; by this hand , I'll have that gown .
-
-Thy grace shall have it .
-
-The dropsy drown this fooll what do you mean
-To dote thus on such luggage ? Let's along ,
-And do the murder first : if he awake ,
-From toe to crown he'll fill our skins with pinches ;
-Make us strange stuff .
-
-Be you quiet , monster .Mistress line , is not this my jerkin ? Now is the jerkin under the line : now , jerkin , you are like to lose your hair and prove a bald jerkin .
-
-Do , do : we steal by line and level , an't like your grace .
-
-I thank thee for that jest ; here's a garment for't : wit shall not go unrewarded while I am king of this country : 'Steal by line and level ,' is an excellent pass of pate ; there's another garment for't .
-
-Monster , come , put some lime upon your fingers , and away with the rest .
-
-I will have none on't : we shall lose our time ,
-And all be turn'd to barnacles , or to apes
-With foreheads villanous low .
-
-Monster , lay-to your fingers : help to bear this away where my hogshead of wine is , or I'll turn you out of my kingdom . Go to ; carry this .
-
-And this .
-
-Ay , and this .
-
-Hey , Mountain , hey !
-
-Silver ! there it goes , Silver !
-
-Fury , Fury ! there , Tyrant , there ! hark , hark !
-
-Go , charge my goblins that they grind their joints
-With dry convulsions ; shorten up their sinews
-With aged cramps , and more pinch-spotted make them
-Than pard , or cat o' mountain .
-
-Hark ! they roar .
-
-Let them be hunted soundly . At this hour
-Lie at my mercy all mine enemies :
-Shortly shall all my labours end , and thou
-Shalt have the air at freedom : for a little ,
-Follow , and do me service .
-
-Now does my project gather to a head :
-My charms crack not ; my spirits obey , and time
-Goes upright with his carriage . How's the day ?
-
-On the sixth hour ; at which time , my lord ,
-You said our work should cease .
-
-I did say so ,
-When first I rais'd the tempest . Say , my spirit ,
-How fares the king and's followers ?
-
-Confin'd together
-In the same fashion as you gave in charge ,
-Just as you left them : all prisoners , sir ,
-In the line-grove which weather-fends your cell ;
-They cannot budge till your release . The king ,
-His brother , and yours , abide all three distracted ,
-And the remainder mourning over them ,
-Brimful of sorrow and dismay ; but chiefly
-Him , that you term'd , sir , 'The good old lord Gonzalo :'
-His tears run down his beard , like winter's drops
-From eaves of reeds ; your charm so strongly works them ,
-That if you now beheld them , your affections
-Would become tender .
-
-Dost thou think so , spirit ?
-
-Mine would , sir , were I human .
-
-And mine shall .
-Hast thou , which art but air , a touch , a feeling
-Of their afflictions , and shall not myself ,
-One of their kind , that relish all as sharply ,
-Passion as they , be kindlier mov'd than thou art ?
-Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick ,
-Yet with my nobler reason 'gainst my fury
-Do I take part : the rarer action is
-In virtue than in vengeance : they being penitent ,
-The sole drift of my purpose doth extend
-Not a frown further . Go , release them , Ariel .
-My charms I'll break , their senses I'll restore ,
-And they shall be themselves .
-
-I'll fetch them , sir
-
-
-Ye elves of hills , brooks , standing lakes , and groves ;
-And ye , that on the sands with printless foot
-Do chase the ebbing Neptune and do fly him
-When he comes back ; you demi-puppets , that
-By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make
-Whereof the ewe not bites ; and you , whose pastime
-Is to make midnight mushrooms ; that rejoice
-To hear the solemn curfew ; by whose aid ,
-Weak masters though ye be I have bedimm'd
-The noontide sun , call'd forth the mutinous winds ,
-And 'twixt the green sea and the azur'd vault
-Set roaring war : to the dread-rattling thunder
-Have I given fire and rifted Jove's stout oak
-With his own bolt : the strong-bas'd promontory
-Have I made shake ; and by the spurs pluck'd up
-The pine and cedar : graves at my command
-Have wak'd their sleepers , op'd , and let them forth
-By my so potent art . But this rough magic
-I here abjure ; and , when I have requir'd
-Some heavenly music ,which even now I do ,
-To work mine end upon their senses that
-This airy charm is for , I'll break my staff ,
-Bury it certain fathoms in the earth ,
-And , deeper than did ever plummet sound ,
-I'll drown my book .
-
-A solemn air and the best comforter
-To an unsettled fancy , cure thy brains ,
-Now useless , boil'd within thy skull ! There stand ,
-For you are spell-stopp'd .
-Holy Gonzalo , honourable man ,
-Mine eyes , even sociable to the show of thine ,
-Fall fellowly drops . The charm dissolves apace ;
-And as the morning steals upon the night ,
-Melting the darkness , so their rising senses
-Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
-Their clearer reason .O good Gonzalo !
-My true preserver , and a loyal sir
-To him thou follow'st , I will pay thy graces
-Home , both in word and deed .Most cruelly
-Didst thou , Alonso , use me and my daughter :
-Thy brother was a furtherer in the act ;
-Thou'rt pinch'd for't now , Sebastian .Flesh and blood ,
-You , brother mine , that entertain'd ambition ,
-Expell'd remorse and nature ; who , with Sebastian ,
-Whose inward pinches therefore are most strong ,
-Would here have kill'd your king ; I do forgive thee ,
-Unnatural though thou art !Their understanding
-Begins to swell , and the approaching tide
-Will shortly fill the reasonable shores
-That now lie foul and muddy . Not one of them
-That yet looks on me , or would know me .Ariel ,
-Fetch me the hat and rapier in my cell :
-
-I will discase me , and myself present ,
-As I was sometime Milan .Quickly , spirit ;
-Thou shalt ere long be free .
-
-
-Where the bee sucks , there suck I
-In a cowslip's bell I he :
-There I couch when owls do cry .
-On the bat's back I do fly
-After summer merrily
-Merrily , merrily shall I live now
-Under the blossom that hangs on the bough
-
-
-Why , that's my dainty Ariel ! I shall miss thee ;
-But yet thou shalt have freedom ;so , so , so .
-To the king's ship , invisible as thou art :
-There shalt thou find the mariners asleep
-Under the hatches ; the master and the boatswain
-Being awake , enforce them to this place ,
-And presently , I prithee .
-
-I drink the air before me , and return
-Or e'er your pulse twice beat .
-
-
-All torment , trouble , wonder , and amazement
-Inhabits here : some heavenly power guide us
-Out of this fearful country !
-
-Behold , sir king ,
-The wronged Duke of Milan , Prospero .
-For more assurance that a living prince
-Does now speak to thee , I embrace thy body ;
-And to thee and thy company I bid
-A hearty welcome .
-
-Whe'r thou beest he or no ,
-Or some enchanted trifle to abuse me ,
-As late I have been , I not know : thy pulse
-Beats , as of flesh and blood ; and , since I saw thee ,
-Th' affliction of my mind amends , with which ,
-I fear , a madness held me : this must crave ,
-An if this be at all a most strange story .
-Thy dukedom I resign , and do entreat
-Thou pardon me my wrongs .But how should Prospero
-Be living , and be here ?
-
-First , noble friend ,
-Let me embrace thine age ; whose honour cannot
-Be measur'd , or confin'd .
-
-Whether this be ,
-Or be not , I'll not swear .
-
-You do yet taste
-Some subtilties o' the isle , that will not let you
-Believe things certain .Welcome ! my friends all :
-
-
-But you , my brace of lords , were I so minded ,
-I here could pluck his highness' frown upon you ,
-And justify you traitors : at this time
-I will tell no tales .
-
-The devil speaks in him .
-
-No .
-For you , most wicked sir , whom to call brother
-Would even infect my mouth , I do forgive
-Thy rankest fault ; all of them ; and require
-My dukedom of thee , which , perforce , I know ,
-Thou must restore .
-
-If thou beest Prospero ,
-Give us particulars of thy preservation ;
-How thou hast met us here , who three hours since
-Were wrack'd upon this shore ; where I have lost ,
-How sharp the point of this remembrance is !
-My dear son Ferdinand .
-
-I am woe for't , sir .
-
-Irreparable is the loss , and patience
-Says it is past her cure .
-
-I rather think
-You have not sought her help ; of whose soft grace ,
-For the like loss I have her sovereign aid ,
-And rest myself content .
-
-You the like loss !
-
-As great to me , as late ; and , supportable
-To make the dear loss , have I means much weaker
-Than you may call to comfort you , for I
-Have lost my daughter .
-
-A daughter ?
-O heavens ! that they were living both in Naples ,
-The king and queen there ! that they were , I wish
-Myself were mudded in that oozy bed
-Where my son lies . When did you lose your daughter ?
-
-In this last tempest . I perceive , these lords
-At this encounter do so much admire
-That they devour their reason , and scarce think
-Their eyes do offices of truth , their words
-Are natural breath : but , howsoe'er you have
-Been justled from your senses , know for certain
-That I am Prospero and that very duke
-Which was thrust forth of Milan ; who most strangely
-Upon this shore , where you were wrack'd , was landed ,
-To be the lord on't . No more yet of this ;
-For 'tis a chronicle of day by day ,
-Not a relation for a breakfast nor
-Befitting this first meeting . Welcome , sir ;
-This cell's my court : here have I few attendants
-And subjects none abroad : pray you , look in .
-My dukedom since you have given me again ,
-I will requite you with as good a thing ;
-At least bring forth a wonder , to content ye
-As much as me my dukedom .
-
-
-Sweet lord , you play me false .
-
-No , my dearest love ,
-I would not for the world .
-
-Yes , for a score of kingdoms you should wrangle ,
-And I would call it fair play .
-
-If this prove
-A vision of the island , one dear son
-Shall I twice lose .
-
-A most high miracle !
-
-Though the seas threaten , they are merciful :
-I have curs'd them without cause .
-
-
-Now , all the blessings
-Of a glad father compass thee about !
-Arise , and say how thou cam'st here .
-
-O , wonder !
-How many goodly creatures are there here !
-How beauteous mankind is ! O brave new world ,
-That has such people in't !
-
-'Tis new to thee .
-
-What is this maid , with whom thou wast at play ?
-Your eld'st acquaintance cannot be three hours :
-Is she the goddess that hath sever'd us ,
-And brought us thus together ?
-
-Sir , she is mortal ;
-But by immortal Providence she's mine ;
-I chose her when I could not ask my father
-For his advice , nor thought I had one . She
-Is daughter to this famous Duke of Milan ,
-Of whom so often I have heard renown ,
-But never saw before ; of whom I have
-Receiv'd a second life ; and second father
-This lady makes him to me .
-
-I am hers :
-But O ! how oddly will it sound that I
-Must ask my child forgiveness !
-
-There , sir , stop :
-Let us not burden our remembrances
-With a heaviness that's gone .
-
-I have inly wept ,
-Or should have spoke ere this . Look down , you gods ,
-And on this couple drop a blessed crown ;
-For it is you that have chalk'd forth the way
-Which brought us hither !
-
-I say , Amen , Gonzalo !
-
-Was Milan thrust from Milan , that his issue
-Should become kings of Naples ? O , rejoice
-Beyond a common joy , and set it down
-With gold on lasting pillars . In one voyage
-Did Claribel her husband find at Tunis ,
-And Ferdinand , her brother , found a wife
-Where he himself was lost ; Prospero his dukedom
-In a poor isle ; and all of us ourselves ,
-When no man was his own .
-
-Give me your hands :
-Let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart
-That doth not wish you joy !
-
-Be it so : Amen !
-
-
-O look , sir ! look , sir ! here are more of us .
-I prophesied , if a gallows were on land ,
-This fellow could not drown .Now , blasphemy ,
-That swear'st grace o'erboard , not an oath on shore ?
-
-Hast thou no mouth by land ? What is the news ?
-
-The best news is that we have safely found
-Our king and company : the next , our ship ,
-Which but three glasses since we gave out split ,
-Is tight and yare and bravely rigg'd as when
-We first put out to sea .
-
-Sir , all this service
-Have I done since I went .
-
-My tricksy spirit !
-
-These are not natural events ; they strengthen
-From strange to stranger .Say , how came you hither ?
-
-If I did think , sir , I were well awake ,
-I'd strive to tell you . We were dead of sleep ,
-And ,how we know not ,all clapp'd under hatches ,
-Where , but even now , with strange and several noises
-Of roaring , shrieking , howling , jingling chains ,
-And mo diversity of sounds , all horrible ,
-We were awak'd ; straightway , at liberty :
-Where we , in all her trim , freshly beheld
-Our royal , good , and gallant ship ; our master
-Capering to eye her : on a trice , so please you ,
-Even in a dream , were we divided from them ,
-And were brought moping hither .
-
-Was't well done ?
-
-Bravely , my diligence ! Thou shalt be free .
-
-This is as strange a maze as e'er men trod ;
-And there is in this business more than nature
-Was ever conduct of : some oracle
-Must rectify our knowledge .
-
-Sir , my liege ,
-Do not infest your mind with beating on
-The strangeness of this business : at pick'd leisure
-Which shall be shortly , single I'll resolve you ,
-Which to you shall seem probable ,of every
-These happen'd accidents ; till when , be cheerful ,
-And think of each thing well .
-
-Come hither , spirit ;
-Set Caliban and his companions free ;
-Untie the spell .
-
-How fares my gracious sir ?
-There are yet missing of your company
-Some few odd lads that you remember not .
-
-
-Every man shift for all the rest , and let no man take care for himself , for all is but fortune .Coragio ! bully-monster , Coragio !
-
-If these be true spies which I wear in my head , here's a goodly sight .
-
-O Setebos ! these be brave spirits , indeed .
-How fine my master is ! I am afraid
-He will chastise me .
-
-Ha , ha !
-What things are these , my lord Antonio ?
-Will money buy them ?
-
-Very like ; one of them
-Is a plain fish , and , no doubt , marketable .
-
-Mark but the badges of these men , my lords ,
-Then say , if they be true .This mis-shapen knave ,
-His mother was a witch ; and one so strong
-That could control the moon , make flows and ebbs ,
-And deal in her command without her power .
-These three have robb'd me ; and this demidevil ,
-For he's a bastard one ,had plotted with them
-To take my life : two of these fellows you
-Must know and own ; this thing of darkness I
-Acknowledge mine .
-
-I shall be pinch'd to death
-
-Is not this Stephano , my drunken butler ?
-
-He is drunk now : where had he wine ?
-
-And Trinculo is reeling-ripe : where should they
-Find this grand liquor that hath gilded them ?
-How cam'st thou in this pickle ?
-
-I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last that , I fear me , will never out of my bones : I shall not fear fly-blowing .
-
-Why , how now , Stephano !
-
-O ! touch me not : I am not Stephano , but a cramp .
-
-You'd be king of the isle , sirrah ?
-
-I should have been a sore one then .
-
-This is a strange thing as e'er I look'd on .
-
-
-He is as disproportion'd in his manners As in his shape .Go , sirrah , to my cell ;
-Take with you your companions : as you look
-To have my pardon , trim it handsomely .
-
-Ay , that I will ; and I'll be wise hereafter ,
-And seek for grace . What a thrice-double ass
-Was I , to take this drunkard for a god ,
-And worship this dull fool !
-
-Go to ; away !
-
-Hence , and bestow your luggage where you found it .
-
-Or stole it , rather .
-
-
-Sir , I invite your highness and your train
-To my poor cell , where you shall take your rest
-For this one night ; which part of it I'll waste
-With such discourse as , I not doubt , shall make it
-Go quick away ; the story of my life
-And the particular accidents gone by
-Since I came to this isle : and in the morn
-I'll bring you to your ship , and so to Naples ,
-Where I have hope to see the nuptial
-Of these our dear-beloved solemniz'd ;
-And thence retire me to my Milan , where
-Every third thought shall be my grave .
-
-I long
-To hear the story of your life , which must
-Take the ear strangely .
-
-I'll deliver all ;
-And promise you calm seas , auspicious gales
-And sail so expeditious that shall catch
-Your royal fleet far off .
-
-My Ariel , chick ,
-That is thy charge : then to the elements
-Be free , and fare thou well !Please you , draw near .
-
-Now my charms are all o'erthrown ,
-And what strength I have's mine own ;
-Which is most faint : now , 'tis true ,
-I must be here confin'd by you ,
-Or sent to Naples Let me not ,
-Since I have my dukedom got
-And pardon'd the deceiver , dwell
-In this bare island by your spell ;
-But release me from my bands
-With the help of your good hands .
-Gentle breath of yours my sails
-Must fill , or else my project fails ,
-Which was to please . Now I want
-Spirits to enforce , art to enchant ;
-And my ending is despair ,
-Unless I be reliev'd by prayer ,
-Which pierces so that it assaults
-Mercy itself and frees all faults .
-As you from crimes would pardon'd be ,
-Let your indulgence set me free .
-
-THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
-
-Cease to persuade , my loving Proteus :
-Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits .
-Were't not affection chains thy tender days
-To the sweet glances of thy honour'd love ,
-I rather would entreat thy company
-To see the wonders of the world abroad
-Than , living dully sluggardiz'd at home ,
-Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness .
-But since thou lov'st , love still , and thrive therein ,
-Even as I would when I to love begin .
-
-Wilt thou be gone ? Sweet Valentine , adieu !
-Think on thy Proteus , when thou haply seest
-Some rare note-worthy object in thy travel :
-Wish me partaker in thy happiness
-When thou dost meet good hap ; and in thy danger ,
-If ever danger do environ thee ,
-Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers ,
-For I will be thy beadsman , Valentine .
-
-And on a love-book pray for my success ?
-
-Upon some book I love I'll pray for thee .
-
-That's on some shallow story of deep love ,
-How young Leander cross'd the Hellespont .
-
-That's a deep story of a deeper love ;
-For he was more than over shoes in love .
-
-'Tis true ; for you are over boots in love ,
-And yet you never swum the Hellespont .
-
-Over the boots ? nay , give me not the boots .
-
-No , I will not , for it boots thee not .
-
-What ?
-
-To be in love , where scorn is bought with groans ;
-Coy looks with heart-sore sighs ; one fading moment's mirth
-With twenty watchful , weary , tedious nights :
-If haply won , perhaps a hapless gain ;
-If lost , why then a grievous labour won :
-However , but a folly bought with wit ,
-Or else a wit by folly vanquished .
-
-So , by your circumstance , you call me fool .
-
-So , by your circumstance , I fear you'll prove .
-
-'Tis love you cavil at : I am not Love .
-
-Love is your master , for he masters you ;
-And he that is so yoked by a fool ,
-Methinks , should not be chronicled for wise .
-
-Yet writers say , as in the sweetest bud
-The eating canker dwells , so eating love
-Inhabits in the finest wits of all .
-
-And writers say , as the most forward bud
-Is eaten by the canker ere it blow ,
-Even so by love the young and tender wit
-Is turned to folly ; blasting in the bud ,
-Losing his verdure even in the prime ,
-And all the fair effects of future hopes .
-But wherefore waste I time to counsel thee
-That art a votary to fond desire ?
-Once more adieu ! my father at the road
-Expects my coming , there to see me shipp'd .
-
-And thither will I bring thee , Valentine .
-
-Sweet Proteus , no ; now let us take our leave .
-To Milan let me hear from thee by letters
-Of thy success in love , and what news else
-Betideth here in absence of thy friend ;
-And I likewise will visit thee with mine .
-
-All happiness bechance to thee in Milan !
-
-As much to you at home ! and so , farewell .
-
-
-He after honour hunts , I after love :
-He leaves his friends to dignify them more ;
-I leave myself , my friends and all , for love .
-Thou , Julia , thou hast metamorphos'd me ;
-Made me neglect my studies , lose my time ,
-War with good counsel , set the world at nought ;
-Made wit with musing weak , heart sick with thought .
-
-
-Sir Proteus , save you ! Saw you my master ?
-
-But now he parted hence , to embark for Milan .
-
-Twenty to one , then , he is shipp'd already ,
-And I have play'd the sheep , in losing him .
-
-Indeed , a sheep doth very often stray ,
-An if the shepherd be a while away .
-
-You conclude that my master is a shepherd , then , and I a sheep ?
-
-I do .
-
-Why then my horns are his horns , whether I wake or sleep .
-
-A silly answer , and fitting well a sheep .
-
-This proves me still a sheep .
-
-True , and thy master a shepherd .
-
-Nay , that I can deny by a circumstance .
-
-It shall go hard but I'll prove it by another .
-
-The shepherd seeks the sheep , and not the sheep the shepherd ; but I seek my master , and my master seeks not me : therefore I am no sheep .
-
-The sheep for fodder follow the shepherd , the shepherd for food follows not the sheep ; thou for wages followest thy master , thy master for wages follows not thee : therefore thou art a sheep .
-
-Such another proof will make me cry 'baa .'
-
-But , dost thou hear ? gavest thou my letter to Julia ?
-
-Ay , sir : I , a lost mutton , gave your letter to her , a laced mutton ; and she , a laced mutton , gave me , a lost mutton , nothing for my labour .
-
-Here's too small a pasture for such store of muttons .
-
-If the ground be overcharged , you were best stick her .
-
-Nay , in that you are astray ; 'twere best pound you .
-
-Nay , sir , less than a pound shall serve me for carrying your letter .
-
-You mistake : I mean the pound ,a pinfold .
-
-From a pound to a pin ? fold it over and over ,
-'Tis threefold too little for carrying a letter to your lover .
-
-But what said she ?
-
-Did she nod ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Nod , ay ? why , that's noddy .
-
-You mistook , sir : I say she did nod ; and you ask me if she did nod ; and I say , Ay .
-
-And that set together is noddy .
-
-Now you have taken the pains to set it together , take it for your pains .
-
-No , no ; you shall have it for bearing the letter .
-
-Well , I perceive I must be fain to bear with you .
-
-Why , sir , how do you bear with me ?
-
-Marry , sir , the letter very orderly ; having nothing but the word 'noddy' for my pains .
-
-Beshrew me , but you have a quick wit .
-
-And yet it cannot overtake your slow purse .
-
-Come , come ; open the matter in brief : what said she ?
-
-Open your purse , that the money and the matter may be both at once delivered .
-
-Well , sir , here is for your pains
-
-What said she ?
-
-Truly , sir , I think you'll hardly win her .
-
-Why ? couldst thou perceive so much from her ?
-
-Sir , I could perceive nothing at all from her ; no , not so much as a ducat for delivering your letter . And being so hard to me that brought your mind , I fear she'll prove as hard to you in telling your mind . Give her no token but stones , for she's as hard as steel .
-
-What ! said she nothing ?
-
-No , not so much as 'Take this for thy pains .' To testify your bounty , I thank you , you have testerned me ; in requital whereof , henceforth carry your letters yourself . And so , sir , I'll commend you to my master .
-
-Go , go , be gone , to save your ship from wrack ;
-Which cannot perish , having thee aboard ,
-Being destin'd to a drier death on shore .
-
-I must go send some better messenger :
-I fear my Julia would not deign my lines ,
-Receiving them from such a worthless post .
-
-
-But say , Lucetta , now we are alone ,
-Wouldst thou then counsel me to fall in love ?
-
-Ay , madam , so you stumble not unheedfully .
-
-Of all the fair resort of gentlemen
-That every day with parle encounter me ,
-In thy opinion which is worthiest love ?
-
-Please you repeat their names , I'll show my mind
-According to my shallow simple skill .
-
-What think'st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour ?
-
-As of a knight well-spoken , neat and fine ;
-But , were I you , he never should be mine .
-
-What think'st thou of the rich Mercatio ?
-
-Well of his wealth ; but of himself , so so .
-
-What think'st thou of the gentle Proteus ?
-
-Lord , Lord ! to see what folly reigns in us !
-
-How now ! what means this passion at his name ?
-
-Pardon , dear madam ; 'tis a passing shame
-That I , unworthy body as I am ,
-Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen .
-
-Why not on Proteus , as of all the rest ?
-
-Then thus ,of many good I think him best .
-
-Your reason ?
-
-I have no other but a woman's reason :
-I think him so because I think him so .
-
-And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him ?
-
-Ay , if you thought your love not cast away .
-
-Why , he , of all the rest hath never mov'd me .
-
-Yet he of all the rest , I think , best loves ye .
-
-His little speaking shows his love but small .
-
-Fire that's closest kept burns most of all .
-
-They do not love that do not show their love .
-
-O ! they love least that let men know their love .
-
-I would I knew his mind .
-
-Peruse this paper , madam .
-
-
-'To Julia .' Say from whom ?
-
-That the contents will show .
-
-Say , say , who gave it thee ?
-
-Sir Valentine's page , and sent , I think , from Proteus .
-He would have given it you , but I , being in the way ,
-Did in your name receive it ; pardon the fault , I pray .
-
-Now , by my modesty , a goodly broker !
-Dare you presume to harbour wanton lines ?
-To whisper and conspire against my youth ?
-Now , trust me , 'tis an office of great worth
-And you an officer fit for the place .
-There , take the paper : see it be return'd ;
-Or else return no more into my sight .
-
-To plead for love deserves more fee than hate .
-
-Will ye be gone ?
-
-That you may ruminate .
-
-
-And yet I would I had o'erlook'd the letter .
-It were a shame to call her back again
-And pray her to a fault for which I chid her .
-What fool is she , that knows I am a maid ,
-And would not force the letter to my view !
-Since maids , in modesty , say 'No' to that
-Which they would have the profferer construe 'Ay .'
-Fie , fie ! how wayward is this foolish love
-That , like a testy babe , will scratch the nurse
-And presently all humbled kiss the rod !
-How churlishly I child Lucetta hence ,
-When willingly I would have had her here :
-How angerly I taught my brow to frown ,
-When inward joy enforc'd my heart to smile .
-My penance is , to call Lucetta back
-And ask remission for my folly past .
-What ho ! Lucetta !
-
-
-What would your ladyship ?
-
-Is it near dinner-time ?
-
-I would it were ;
-That you might kill your stomach on your meat
-And not upon your maid .
-
-What is't that you took up so gingerly ?
-
-Nothing .
-
-Why didst thou stoop , then ?
-
-To take a paper up
-That I let fall .
-
-And is that paper nothing ?
-
-Nothing concerning me .
-
-Then let it lie for those that it concerns .
-
-Madam , it will not lie where it concerns ,
-Unless it have a false interpreter .
-
-Some love of yours hath writ to you in rime .
-
-That I might sing it , madam , to a tune :
-Give me a note : your ladyship can set .
-
-As little by such toys as may be possible ;
-Best sing it to the tune of 'Light o' Love .'
-
-It is too heavy for so light a tune .
-
-Heavy ! belike it hath some burden , then ?
-
-Ay ; and melodious were it , would you sing it .
-
-And why not you ?
-
-I cannot reach so high .
-
-Let's see your song .
-
-How now , minion !
-
-Keep tune there still , so you will sing it out :
-And yet methinks , I do not like this tune .
-
-You do not ?
-
-No , madam ; it is too sharp .
-
-You , minion , are too saucy .
-
-Nay , now you are too flat
-And mar the concord with too harsh a descant :
-There wanteth but a mean to fill your song .
-
-The mean is drown'd with your unruly bass .
-
-Indeed , I bid the base for Proteus .
-
-This babble shall not henceforth trouble me .
-Here is a coil with protestation !
-
-Go , get you gone , and let the papers lie :
-You would be fingering them , to anger me .
-
-She makes it strange ; but she would be best pleas'd
-To be so anger'd with another letter .
-
-
-Nay , would I were so anger'd with the same !
-O hateful hands , to tear such loving words !
-Injurious wasps , to feed on such sweet honey
-And kill the bees that yield it with your stings !
-I'll kiss each several paper for amends .
-Look , here is writ 'kind Julia :' unkind Julia !
-As in revenge of thy ingratitude ,
-I throw thy name against the bruising stones ,
-Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain .
-And here is writ 'love-wounded Proteus :'
-Poor wounded name ! my bosom , as a bed
-Shall lodge thee till thy wound be throughly heal'd ;
-And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss .
-But twice or thrice was 'Proteus' written down :
-Be calm , good wind , blow not a word away
-Till I have found each letter in the letter ,
-Except mine own name ; that some whirlwind bear
-Unto a ragged , fearful hanging rock ,
-And throw it thence into the raging sea !
-Lo ! here in one line is his name twice writ ,
-'Poor forlorn Proteus , passionate Proteus ,
-To the sweet Julia' :that I'll tear away ;
-And yet I will not , sith so prettily
-He couples it to his complaining names :
-Thus will I fold them one upon another :
-Now kiss , embrace , contend , do what you will .
-
-
-Madam ,
-Dinner is ready , and your father stays .
-
-Well , let us go .
-
-What ! shall these papers he like tell-tales here ?
-
-If you respect them , best to take them up .
-
-Nay , I was taken up for laying them down ;
-Yet here they shall not lie , for catching cold .
-
-I see you have a month's mind to them .
-
-Ay , madam , you may say what sights you see ;
-I see things too , although you judge I wink .
-
-Come , come ; will't please you go ?
-
-
-Tell me , Panthino , what sad talk was that
-Wherewith my brother held you in the cloister ?
-
-'Twas of his nephew Proteus , your son .
-
-Why , what of him ?
-
-He wonder'd that your lordship
-Would suffer him to spend his youth at home ,
-While other men , of slender reputation ,
-Put forth their sons to seek preferment out :
-Some to the wars , to try their fortune there ;
-Some to discover islands far away ;
-Some to the studious universities .
-For any or for all these exercises
-He said that Proteus your son was meet ,
-And did request me to importune you
-To let him spend his time no more at home ,
-Which would be great impeachment to his age ,
-In having known to travel in his youth .
-
-Nor need'st thou much importune me to that
-Whereon this month I have been hammering .
-I have consider'd well his loss of time ,
-And how he cannot be a perfect man ,
-Not being tried and tutor'd in the world :
-Experience is by industry achiev'd
-And perfected by the swift course of time .
-Then tell me , whither were I best to send him ?
-
-I think your lordship is not ignorant
-How his companion , youthful Valentine ,
-Attends the emperor in his royal court .
-
-I know it well .
-
-'Twere good , I think , your lordship sent him thither :
-There shall be practise tilts and tournaments ,
-Hear sweet discourse , converse with noblemen ,
-And be in eye of every exercise
-Worthy his youth and nobleness of birth .
-
-I like thy counsel , well hast thou advis'd :
-And that thou mayst perceive how well I like it
-The execution of it shall make known .
-Even with the speediest expedition
-I will dispatch him to the emperor's court .
-
-To-morrow , may it please you , Don Alphonso
-With other gentlemen of good esteem ,
-Are journeying to salute the emperor
-And to commend their service to his will .
-
-Good company ; with them shall Proteus go :
-And in good time :now will we break with him .
-
-
-Sweet love ! sweet lines ! sweet life !
-Here is her hand , the agent of her heart ;
-Here is her oath for love , her honour's pawn .
-O ! that our fathers would applaud our loves ,
-To seal our happiness with their consents !
-O heavenly Julia !
-
-How now ! what letter are you reading there ?
-
-May't please your lordship , 'tis a word or two
-Of commendations sent from Valentine ,
-Deliver'd by a friend that came from him .
-
-Lend me the letter ; let me see what news .
-
-There is no news , my lord ; but that he writes
-How happily he lives , how well belov'd
-And daily graced by the emperor ;
-Wishing me with him , partner of his fortune .
-
-And how stand you affected to his wish ?
-
-As one relying on your lordship's will
-And not depending on his friendly wish .
-
-My will is something sorted with his wish .
-Muse not that I thus suddenly proceed ;
-For what I will , I will , and there an end .
-I am resolv'd that thou shalt spend some time
-With Valentinus in the emperor's court :
-What maintenance he from his friends receives ,
-Like exhibition thou shalt have from me .
-To-morrow be in readiness to go :
-Excuse it not , for I am peremptory .
-
-My lord , I cannot be so soon provided :
-Please you , deliberate a day or two .
-
-Look , what thou want'st shall be sent after thee :
-No more of stay ; to-morrow thou must go .
-Come on , Panthino : you shall be employ'd
-To hasten on his expedition .
-
-
-Thus have I shunn'd the fire for fear of burning ,
-And drench'd me in the sea , where I am drown'd .
-I fear'd to show my father Julia's letter ,
-Lest he should take exceptions to my love ;
-And with the vantage of mine own excuse
-Hath he excepted most against my love .
-O ! how this spring of love resembleth
-The uncertain glory of an April day ,
-Which now shows all the beauty of the sun ,
-And by and by a cloud takes all away !
-
-
-Sir Proteus , your father calls for you :
-He is in haste ; therefore , I pray you , go .
-
-Why , this it is : my heart accords thereto ,
-And yet a thousand times it answers , 'no .'
-
-Sir , your glove .
-
-
-Not mine ; my gloves are on .
-
-Why , then this may be yours , for this is but one .
-
-Ha ! let me see : ay , give it me , it's mine ;
-Sweet ornament that decks a thing divine !
-Ah Silvia ! Silvia !
-
-Madam Silvia ! Madam Silvia !
-
-How now , sirrah ?
-
-She is not within hearing , sir .
-
-Why , sir , who bade you call her ?
-
-Your worship , sir ; or else I mistook .
-
-Well , you'll still be too forward .
-
-And yet I was last chidden for being too slow .
-
-Go to , sir . Tell me , do you know Madam Silvia ?
-
-She that your worship loves ?
-
-Why , how know you that I am in love ?
-
-Marry , by these special marks : first , you have learned , like Sir Proteus , to wreathe your arms , like a malecontent ; to relish a love-song , like a robin-redbreast ; to walk alone , like one that had the pestilence ; to sigh , like a schoolboy that had lost his A B C ; to weep , like a young wench that had buried her grandam ; to fast , like one that takes diet ; to watch , like one that fears robbing ; to speak puling , like a beggar at Hallowmas . You were wont , when you laughed , to crow like a cock ; when you walked , to walk like one of the lions ; when you fasted , it was presently after dinner ; when you looked sadly , it was for want of money : and now you are metamorphosed with a mistress , that , when I look on you , I can hardly think you my master .
-
-Are all these things perceived in me ?
-
-They are all perceived without ye .
-
-Without me ? they cannot .
-
-Without you ? nay , that's certain ; for , without you were so simple , none else would : but you are so without these follies , that these follies are within you and shine through you like the water in an urinal , that not an eye that sees you but is a physician to comment on your malady .
-
-But tell me , dost thou know my lady Silvia ?
-
-She that you gaze on so as she sits at supper ?
-
-Hast thou observed that ? even she , I mean .
-
-Why , sir , I know her not .
-
-Dost thou know her by my gazing on her , and yet knowest her not ?
-
-Is she not hard-favoured , sir ?
-
-Not so fair , boy , as well-favoured .
-
-Sir , I know that well enough .
-
-What dost thou know ?
-
-That she is not so fair , as , of you , well-favoured .
-
-I mean that her beauty is exquisite , but her favour infinite .
-
-That's because the one is painted and the other out of all count .
-
-How painted ? and how out of count ?
-
-Marry , sir , so painted to make her fair , that no man counts of her beauty .
-
-How esteemest thou me ? I account of her beauty .
-
-You never saw her since she was deformed .
-
-How long hath she been deformed ?
-
-Ever since you loved her .
-
-I have loved her ever since I saw her , and still I see her beautiful .
-
-If you love her you cannot see her .
-
-Why ?
-
-Because Love is blind . O ! that you had mine eyes ; or your own eyes had the lights they were wont to have when you chid at Sir Proteus for going ungartered !
-
-What should I see then ?
-
-Your own present folly and her passing deformity : for he , being in love , could not see to garter his hose ; and you , being in love , cannot see to put on your hose .
-
-Belike , boy , then , you are in love ; for last morning you could not see to wipe my shoes .
-
-True , sir ; I was in love with my bed . I thank you , you swinged me for my love , which makes me the bolder to chide you for yours .
-
-In conclusion , I stand affected to her .
-
-I would you were set , so your affection would cease .
-
-Last night she enjoined me to write some lines to one she loves .
-
-And have you ?
-
-I have .
-
-Are they not lamely writ ?
-
-No , boy , but as well as I can do them .
-Peace ! here she comes .
-
-
-O excellent motion ! O exceeding puppet ! now will he interpret to her .
-
-Madam and mistress , a thousand good morrows .
-
-O ! give ye good even : here's a million of manners .
-
-Sir Valentine and servant , to you two thousand .
-
-He should give her interest , and she gives it him .
-
-As you enjoin'd me , I have writ your letter
-Unto the secret nameless friend of yours ;
-Which I was much unwilling to proceed in
-But for my duty to your ladyship .
-
-
-I thank you , gentle servant . 'Tis very clerkly done .
-
-Now , trust me , madam , it came hardly off ;
-For , being ignorant to whom it goes
-I writ at random , very doubtfully .
-
-Perchance you think too much of so much pains ?
-
-No , madam ; so it stead you , I will write ,
-Please you command , a thousand times as much .
-And yet
-
-A pretty period ! Well , I guess the sequel ;
-And yet I will not name it ; and yet I care not ;
-And yet take this again ; and yet I thank you ,
-Meaning henceforth to trouble you no more .
-
-And yet you will ; and yet another yet .
-
-What means your ladyship ? do you not like it ?
-
-Yes , yes : the lines are very quaintly writ ,
-But since unwillingly , take them again :
-Nay , take them .
-
-
-Madam , they are for you .
-
-Ay , ay ; you writ them , sir , at my request ,
-But I will none of them ; they are for you .
-I would have had them writ more movingly .
-
-Please you , I'll write your ladyship another .
-
-And when it's writ , for my sake read it over :
-And if it please you , so ; if not , why , so .
-
-If it please me , madam , what then ?
-
-Why , if it please you , take it for your labour :
-And so , good morrow , servant .
-
-
-O jest unseen , inscrutable , invisible ,
-As a nose on a man's face , or a weathercock on a steeple !
-My master sues to her , and she hath taught her suitor ,
-He being her pupil , to become her tutor .
-O excellent device ! was there ever heard a better ,
-That my master , being scribe , to himself should write the letter ?
-
-How now , sir ! what are you reasoning with yourself ?
-
-Nay , I was riming : 'tis you that have the reason .
-
-To do what ?
-
-To be a spokesman from Madam Silvia .
-
-To whom ?
-
-To yourself . Why , she wooes you by a figure .
-
-What figure ?
-
-By a letter , I should say .
-
-Why , she hath not writ to me ?
-
-What need she , when she hath made you write to yourself ? Why , do you not perceive the jest ?
-
-No , believe me .
-
-No believing you , indeed , sir . But did you perceive her earnest ?
-
-She gave me none , except an angry word .
-
-Why , she hath given you a letter .
-
-That's the letter I writ to her friend .
-
-And that letter hath she delivered , and there an end .
-
-I would it were no worse .
-
-I'll warrant you , 'tis as well :
-'For often have you writ to her , and she , in modesty ,
-Or else for want of idle time , could not again reply ;
-Or fearing else some messenger that might her mind discover ,
-Herself hath taught her love himself to write unto her lover .'
-All this I speak in print , for in print I found it .
-Why muse you , sir ? 'tis dinner-time .
-
-I have dined .
-
-Ay , but hearken , sir : though the chameleon Love can feed on the air , I am one that am nourished by my victuals and would fain have meat . O ! be not like your mistress : be moved , be moved .
-
-
-Have patience , gentle Julia .
-
-I must , where is no remedy .
-
-When possibly I can , I will return .
-
-If you turn not , you will return the sooner .
-Keep this remembrance for thy Julia's sake .
-
-
-Why , then , we'll make exchange : here , take you this .
-
-
-And seal the bargain with a holy kiss .
-
-Here is my hand for my true constancy ;
-And when that hour o'erslips me in the day
-Wherein I sigh not , Julia , for thy sake ,
-The next ensuing hour some foul mischance
-Torment me for my love's forgetfulness !
-My father stays my coming ; answer not .
-The tide is now : nay , not thy tide of tears ;
-That tide will stay me longer than I should .
-Julia , farewell .
-
-What ! gone without a word ?
-Ay , so true love should do : it cannot speak ;
-For truth hath better deeds than words to grace it .
-
-
-Sir Proteus , you are stay'd for .
-
-Go ; I come , I come .
-Alas ! this parting strikes poor lovers dumb .
-
-
-Nay , 'twill be this hour ere I have done weeping : all the kind of the Launces have this very fault . I have received my proportion , like the prodigious son , and am going with Sir Proteus to the imperial's court . I think Crab my dog be the sourest-natured dog that lives : my mother weeping , my father wailing , my sister crying , our maid howling , our cat wringing her hands , and all our house in a great perplexity , yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed one tear . He is a stone , a very pebble stone , and has no more pity in him than a dog ; a Jew would have wept to have seen our parting : why , my grandam , having no eyes , look you , wept herself blind at my parting . Nay , I'll show you the manner of it . This shoe is my father ; no , this left shoe is my father : no , no , this left shoe is my mother ; nay , that cannot be so neither :yes , it is so ; it is so ; it hath the worser sole . This shoe , with the hole in , is my mother , and this my father . A vengeance on't ! there 'tis : now , sir , this staff is my sister ; for , look you , she is as white as a lily and as small as a wand : this hat is Nan , our maid : I am the dog ; no , the dog is himself , and I am the dog ,O ! the dog is me , and I am myself : ay , so , so . Now come I to my father ; 'Father , your blessing ;' now should not the shoe speak a word for weeping : now should I kiss my father ; well , he weeps on . Now come I to my mother ;O , that she could speak now like a wood woman ! Well , I kiss her ; why , there 'tis ; here's my mother's breath up and down . Now come I to my sister ; mark the moan she makes : Now the dog all this while sheds not a tear nor speaks a word ; but see how I lay the dust with my tears .
-
-
-Launce , away , away , aboard ! thy master is shipped , and thou art to post after with oars . What's the matter ? why weepest thou , man ? Away , ass ! you'll lose the tide if you tarry any longer .
-
-It is no matter if the tied were lost ; for it is the unkindest tied that ever any man tied .
-
-What's the unkindest tide ?
-
-Why , he that's tied here , Crab , my dog .
-
-Tut , man , I mean thou'lt lose the flood ; and , in losing the flood , lose thy voyage , and , in losing thy voyage , lose thy master ; and , in losing thy master , lose thy service ; and , in losing thy service ,Why dost thou stop my mouth ?
-
-For fear thou shouldst lose thy tongue .
-
-Where should I lose my tongue ?
-
-In thy tale .
-
-In thy tail !
-
-Lose the tide , and the voyage , and the master , and the service , and the tied ! Why , man , if the river were dry , I am able to fill it with my tears ; if the wind were down , I could drive the boat with my sighs .
-
-Come , come away , man ; I was sent to call thee .
-
-Sir , call me what thou darest .
-
-Wilt thou go ?
-
-Well , I will go .
-
-
-Servant !
-
-Mistress ?
-
-Master , Sir Thurio frowns on you .
-
-Ay , boy , it's for love .
-
-Not of you .
-
-Of my mistress , then .
-
-'Twere good you knock'd him .
-
-Servant , you are sad .
-
-Indeed , madam , I seem so .
-
-Seem you that you are not ?
-
-Haply I do .
-
-So do counterfeits .
-
-So do you .
-
-What seem I that I am not ?
-
-Wise .
-
-What instance of the contrary ?
-
-Your folly .
-
-And how quote you my folly ?
-
-I quote it in your jerkin .
-
-My jerkin is a doublet .
-
-Well , then , I'll double your folly .
-
-How ?
-
-What , angry , Sir Thurio ! do you change colour ?
-
-Give him leave , madam ; he is a kind of chameleon .
-
-That hath more mind to feed on your blood than live in your air .
-
-You have said , sir .
-
-Ay , sir , and done too , for this time .
-
-I know it well , sir : you always end ere you begin .
-
-A fine volley of words , gentlemen , and quickly shot off .
-
-'Tis indeed , madam ; we thank the giver .
-
-Who is that , servant ?
-
-Yourself , sweet lady ; for you gave the fire . Sir Thurio borrows his wit from your ladyship's looks , and spends what he borrows kindly in your company .
-
-Sir , if you spend word for word with me , I shall make your wit bankrupt .
-
-I know it well , sir : you have an exchequer of words , and , I think , no other treasure to give your followers ; for it appears by their bare liveries that they live by your bare words .
-
-No more , gentlemen , no more . Here comes my father .
-
-
-Now , daughter Silvia , you are hard beset .
-Sir Valentine , your father's in good health :
-What say you to a letter from your friends
-Of much good news ?
-
-My lord , I will be thankful
-To any happy messenger from thence .
-
-Know ye Don Antonio , your countryman ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; I know the gentleman
-To be of worth and worthy estimation ,
-And not without desert so well reputed .
-
-Hath he not a son ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; a son that well deserves
-The honour and regard of such a father .
-
-You know him well ?
-
-I know him as myself ; for from our infancy
-We have convers'd and spent our hours together :
-And though myself have been an idle truant ,
-Omitting the sweet benefit of time
-To clothe mine age with angel-like perfection ,
-Yet hath Sir Proteus ,for that's his name ,
-Made use and fair advantage of his days :
-His years but young , but his experience old ;
-His head unmellow'd , but his judgment ripe ;
-And , in a word ,for far behind his worth
-Come all the praises that I now bestow ,
-He is complete in feature and in mind
-With all good grace to grace a gentleman .
-
-Beshrew me , sir , but if he make this good ,
-He is as worthy for an empress' love
-As meet to be an emperor's counsellor .
-Well , sir , this gentleman is come to me
-With commendation from great potentates ;
-And here he means to spend his time awhile :
-I think , 'tis no unwelcome news to you .
-
-Should I have wish'd a thing , it had been he .
-
-Welcome him then according to his worth .
-Silvia , I speak to you ; and you , Sir Thurio :
-For Valentine , I need not cite him to it .
-I'll send him hither to you presently .
-
-
-This is the gentleman I told your ladyship
-Had come along with me , but that his mistress
-Did hold his eyes lock'd in her crystal looks .
-
-Belike that now she hath enfranchis'd them
-Upon some other pawn for fealty .
-
-Nay , sure , I think she holds them prisoners still .
-
-Nay , then he should be blind ; and , being blind ,
-How could he see his way to seek out you ?
-
-Why , lady , Love hath twenty pairs of eyes .
-
-They say that Love hath not an eye at all .
-
-To see such lovers , Thurio , as yourself :
-Upon a homely object Love can wink .
-
-Have done , have done . Here comes the gentleman .
-
-
-Welcome , dear Proteus ! Mistress , I beseech you ,
-Confirm his welcome with some special favour .
-
-His worth is warrant for his welcome hither ,
-If this be he you oft have wish'd to hear from .
-
-Mistress , it is : sweet lady , entertain him
-To be my fellow-servant to your ladyship .
-
-Too low a mistress for so high a servant .
-
-Not so , sweet lady ; but too mean a servant
-To have a look of such a worthy mistress .
-
-Leave off discourse of disability :
-Sweet lady , entertain him for your servant .
-
-My duty will I boast of , nothing else .
-
-And duty never yet did want his meed .
-Servant , you are welcome to a worthless mistress .
-
-I'll die on him that says so but yourself .
-
-That you are welcome ?
-
-That you are worthless .
-
-
-Madam , my lord your father would speak with you .
-
-I wait upon his pleasure .
-
-Come , Sir Thurio ,
-Go with me . Once more , new servant , welcome :
-I'll leave you to confer of home-affairs ;
-When you have done , we look to hear from you .
-
-We'll both attend upon your ladyship .
-
-
-Now , tell me , how do all from whence you came ?
-
-Your friends are well and have them much commended .
-
-And how do yours ?
-
-I left them all in health .
-
-How does your lady and how thrives your love ?
-
-My tales of love were wont to weary you ;
-I know you joy not in a love-discourse .
-
-Ay , Proteus , but that life is alter'd now :
-I have done penance for contemning love ;
-Whose high imperious thoughts have punish'd me
-With bitter fasts , with penitential groans ,
-With nightly tears and daily heart-sore sighs ;
-For , in revenge of my contempt of love ,
-Love hath chas'd sleep from my enthralled eyes ,
-And made them watchers of mine own heart's sorrow .
-O , gentle Proteus ! Love's a mighty lord ,
-And hath so humbled me as I confess ,
-There is no woe to his correction ,
-Nor to his service no such joy on earth .
-Now no discourse , except it be of love ;
-Now can I break my fast , dine , sup and sleep ,
-Upon the very naked name of love .
-
-Enough ; I read your fortune in your eye .
-Was this the idol that you worship so ?
-
-Even she ; and is she not a heavenly saint ?
-
-No ; but she is an earthly paragon .
-
-Call her divine .
-
-I will not flatter her .
-
-O ! flatter me , for love delights in praises .
-
-When I was sick you gave me bitter pills ,
-And I must minister the like to you .
-
-Then speak the truth by her ; if not divine ,
-Yet let her be a principality ,
-Sovereign to all the creatures on the earth .
-
-Except my mistress .
-
-Sweet , except not any ,
-Except thou wilt except against my love .
-
-Have I not reason to prefer mine own ?
-
-And I will help thee to prefer her too :
-She shall be dignified with this high honour ,
-To bear my lady's train , lest the base earth
-Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss ,
-And , of so great a favour growing proud ,
-Disdain to root the summer-swelling flower ,
-And make rough winter everlastingly .
-
-Why , Valentine , what braggardism is this ?
-
-Pardon me , Proteus : all I can is nothing
-To her whose worth makes other worthies nothing .
-She is alone .
-
-Then , let her alone .
-
-Not for the world : why , man , she is mine own ,
-And I as rich in having such a jewel
-As twenty seas , if all their sand were pearl ,
-The water nectar , and the rocks pure gold .
-Forgive me that I do not dream on thee ,
-Because thou see'st me dote upon my love .
-My foolish rival , that her father likes
-Only for his possessions are so huge ,
-Is gone with her along , and I must after ,
-For love , thou know'st , is full of jealousy .
-
-But she loves you ?
-
-Ay , and we are betroth'd : nay , more , our marriage-hour ,
-With all the cunning manner of our flight ,
-Determin'd of : how I must climb her window ,
-The ladder made of cords , and all the means
-Plotted and 'greed on for my happiness .
-Good Proteus , go with me to my chamber ,
-In these affairs to aid me with thy counsel .
-
-Go on before , I shall inquire you forth :
-I must unto the road , to disembark
-Some necessaries that I needs must use ,
-And then I'll presently attend you .
-
-Will you make haste ?
-
-I will .
-
-Even as one heat another heat expels ,
-Or as one nail by strength drives out another ,
-So the remembrance of my former love
-Is by a newer object quite forgotten .
-Is it mine eye , or Valentinus' praise ,
-Her true perfection , or my false transgression ,
-That makes me reasonless to reason thus ?
-She's fair ; and so is Julia that I love ,
-That I did love , for now my love is thaw'd ,
-Which , like a waxen image 'gainst a fire ,
-Bears no impression of the thing it was .
-Methinks my zeal to Valentine is cold ,
-And that I love him not as I was wont :
-O ! but I love his lady too-too much ;
-And that's the reason I love him so little .
-How shall I dote on her with more advice ,
-That thus without advice begin to love her ?
-'Tis but her picture I have yet beheld ,
-And that hath dazzled my reason's light ;
-But when I look on her perfections ,
-There is no reason but I shall be blind .
-If I can check my erring love , I will ;
-If not , to compass her I'll use my skill .
-
-
-Launce ! by mine honesty , welcome to Milan !
-
-Forswear not thyself , sweet youth , for I am not welcome . I reckon this always that a man is never undone till he be hanged ; nor never welcome to a place till some certain shot be paid and the hostess say , 'Welcome !'
-
-Come on , you madcap , I'll to the alehouse with you presently ; where , for one shot of five pence , thou shalt have five thousand welcomes . But , sirrah , how did thy master part with Madam Julia ?
-
-Marry , after they closed in earnest , they parted very fairly in jest .
-
-But shall she marry him ?
-
-No .
-
-How then ? Shall he marry her ?
-
-No , neither .
-
-What , are they broken ?
-
-No , they are both as whole as a fish .
-
-Why then , how stands the matter with them ?
-
-Marry , thus ; when it stands well with him , it stands well with her .
-
-What an ass art thou ! I understand thee not .
-
-What a block art thou , that thou canst not ! My staff understands me .
-
-What thou sayest ?
-
-Ay , and what I do too : look thee , I'll but lean , and my staff understands me .
-
-It stands under thee , indeed .
-
-Why , stand-under and under-stand is all one .
-
-But tell me true , will't be a match ?
-
-Ask my dog : if he say ay , it will ; if he say no , it will ; if he shake his tail and say nothing , it will .
-
-The conclusion is , then , that it will .
-
-Thou shalt never get such a secret from me but by a parable .
-
-'Tis well that I get it so . But , Launce , how sayest thou , that my master is become a notable lover ?
-
-I never knew him otherwise .
-
-Than how ?
-
-A notable lubber , as thou reportest him to be .
-
-Why , thou whoreson ass , thou mistakest me .
-
-Why , fool , I meant not thee ; I meant thy master .
-
-I tell thee , my master is become a hot lover .
-
-Why , I tell thee , I care not though he burn himself in love . If thou wilt go with me to the alehouse so ; if not , thou art a Hebrew , a Jew , and not worth the name of a Christian .
-
-Why ?
-
-Because thou hast not so much charity in thee as to go to the ale with a Christian . Wilt thou go ?
-
-At thy service .
-
-
-To leave my Julia , shall I be forsworn ;
-To love fair Silvia , shall I be forsworn ;
-To wrong my friend , I shall be much forsworn ;
-And even that power which gave me first my oath
-Provokes me to this threefold perjury :
-Love bade me swear , and Love bids me forswear .
-O sweet-suggesting Love ! if thou hast sinn'd ,
-Teach me , thy tempted subject , to excuse it .
-At first I did adore a twinkling star ,
-But now I worship a celestial sun .
-Unheedful vows may heedfully be broken ;
-And he wants wit that wants resolved will
-To learn his wit to exchange the bad for better .
-Fie , fie , unreverend tongue ! to call her bad ,
-Whose sovereignty so oft thou hast preferr'd
-With twenty thousand soul-confirming oaths .
-I cannot leave to love , and yet I do ;
-But there I leave to love where I should love .
-Julia I lose and Valentine I lose :
-If I keep them , I needs must lose myself ;
-If I lose them , thus find I by their loss ,
-For Valentine , myself ; for Julia , Silvia .
-I to myself am dearer than a friend ,
-For love is still most precious in itself ;
-And Silvia witness heaven that made her fair !
-Shows Julia but a swarthy Ethiope .
-I will forget that Julia is alive ,
-Remembering that my love to her is dead ;
-And Valentine I'll hold an enemy ,
-Aiming at Silvia as a sweeter friend .
-I cannot now prove constant to myself
-Without some treachery us'd to Valentine :
-This night he meaneth with a corded ladder
-To climb celestial Silvia's chamber-window ,
-Myself in counsel , his competitor .
-Now presently , I'll give her father notice
-Of their disguising and pretended flight ;
-Who , all enrag'd , will banish Valentine ;
-For Thurio , he intends , shall wed his daughter ;
-But , Valentine being gone , I'll quickly cross ,
-By some sly trick blunt Thurio's dull proceeding .
-Love , lend me wings to make my purpose swift ,
-As thou hast lent me wit to plot this drift !
-
-
-Counsel , Lucetta ; gentle girl , assist me :
-And e'en in kind love I do conjure thee ,
-Who art the table wherein all my thoughts
-Are visibly character'd and engrav'd ,
-To lesson me and tell me some good mean
-How , with my honour , I may undertake
-A journey to my loving Proteus .
-
-Alas ! the way is wearisome and long .
-
-A true-devoted pilgrim is not weary
-To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps ;
-Much less shall she that hath Love's wings to fly ,
-And when the flight is made to one so dear ,
-Of such divine perfection , as Sir Proteus .
-
-Better forbear till Proteus make return .
-
-O ! know'st thou not his looks are my soul's food ?
-Pity the dearth that I have pined in ,
-By longing for that food so long a time .
-Didst thou but know the inly touch of love ,
-Thou wouldst as soon go kindle fire with snow
-As seek to quench the fire of love with words .
-
-I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire ,
-But qualify the fire's extreme rage ,
-Lest it should burn above the bounds of reason .
-
-The more thou damm'st it up , the more it burns .
-The current that with gentle murmur glides ,
-Thou know'st , being stopp'd , impatiently doth rage ;
-But when his fair course is not hindered ,
-He makes sweet music with th' enamell'd stones ,
-Giving a gentle kiss to every sedge
-He overtaketh in his pilgrimage ;
-And so by many winding nooks he strays
-With willing sport , to the wild ocean .
-Then let me go and hinder not my course :
-I'll be as patient as a gentle stream
-And make a pastime of each weary step ,
-Till the last step have brought me to my love ;
-And there I'll rest , as after much turmoil
-A blessed soul doth in Elysium .
-
-But in what habit will you go along ?
-
-Not like a woman ; for I would prevent
-The loose encounters of lascivious men .
-Gentle Lucetta , fit me with such weeds
-As may beseem some well-reputed page .
-
-Why , then , your ladyship must cut your hair .
-
-No , girl ; I'll knit it up in silken strings
-With twenty odd-conceited true-love knots :
-To be fantastic may become a youth
-Of greater time than I shall show to be .
-
-What fashion , madam , shall I make your breeches ?
-
-That fits as well as 'Tell me , good my lord ,
-What compass will you wear your farthingale ?'
-Why , even what fashion thou best lik'st , Lucetta .
-
-You must needs have them with a cod-piece , madam .
-
-Out , out , Lucetta ! that will be ill-favour'd .
-
-A round hose , madam , now's not worth a pin ,
-Unless you have a cod-piece to stick pins on .
-
-Lucetta , as thou lov'st me , let me have
-What thou think'st meet and is most mannerly .
-But tell me , wench , how will the world repute me
-For undertaking so unstaid a journey ?
-I fear me , it will make me scandaliz'd .
-
-If you think so , then stay at home and go not .
-
-Nay , that I will not .
-
-Then never dream on infamy , but go .
-If Proteus like your journey when you come ,
-No matter who's displeas'd when you are gone .
-I fear me , he will scarce be pleas'd withal .
-
-That is the least , Lucetta , of my fear :
-A thousand oaths , an ocean of his tears ,
-And instances of infinite of love
-Warrant me welcome to my Proteus .
-
-All these are servants to deceitful men .
-
-Base men , that use them to so base effect ;
-But truer stars did govern Proteus' birth :
-His words are bonds , his oaths are oracles ,
-His love sincere , his thoughts immaculate ,
-His tears pure messengers sent from his heart ,
-His heart as far from fraud as heaven from earth .
-
-Pray heaven he prove so when you come to him !
-
-Now , as thou lov'st me , do him not that wrong
-To bear a hard opinion of his truth :
-Only deserve my love by loving him ,
-And presently go with me to my chamber ,
-To take a note of what I stand in need of
-To furnish me upon my longing journey .
-All that is mine I leave at thy dispose ,
-My goods , my lands , my reputation ;
-Only , in lieu thereof , dispatch me hence .
-Come , answer not , but to it presently !
-I am impatient of my tarriance .
-
-Sir Thurio , give us leave , I pray , awhile ;
-We have some secrets to confer about .
-
-Now tell me , Proteus , what's your will with me ?
-
-My gracious lord , that which I would discover
-The law of friendship bids me to conceal ;
-But when I call to mind your gracious favours
-Done to me , undeserving as I am ,
-My duty pricks me on to utter that
-Which else no worldly good should draw from me .
-Know , worthy prince , Sir Valentine , my friend ,
-This night intends to steal away your daughter :
-Myself am one made privy to the plot .
-I know you have determin'd to bestow her
-On Thurio , whom your gentle daughter hates ;
-And should she thus be stol'n away from you
-It would be much vexation to your age .
-Thus , for my duty's sake , I rather chose
-To cross my friend in his intended drift ,
-Than , by concealing it , heap on your head
-A pack of sorrows which would press you down ,
-Being unprevented , to your timeless grave .
-
-Proteus , I thank thee for thine honest care ,
-Which to requite , command me while I live .
-This love of theirs myself have often seen ,
-Haply , when they have judg'd me fast asleep ,
-And oftentimes have purpos'd to forbid
-Sir Valentine her company and my court ;
-But fearing lest my jealous aim might err
-And so unworthily disgrace the man ,
-A rashness that I ever yet have shunn'd ,
-I gave him gentle looks , thereby to find
-That which thyself hast now disclos'd to me .
-And , that thou mayst perceive my fear of this ,
-Knowing that tender youth is soon suggested ,
-I nightly lodge her in an upper tower ,
-The key whereof myself have ever kept ;
-And thence she cannot be convey'd away .
-
-Know , noble lord , they have devis'd a mean
-How he her chamber-window will ascend
-And with a corded ladder fetch her down ;
-For which the youthful lover now is gone
-And this way comes he with it presently ;
-Where , if it please you , you may intercept him .
-But , good my lord , do it so cunningly
-That my discovery be not aimed at ;
-For love of you , not hate unto my friend ,
-Hath made me publisher of this pretence .
-
-Upon mine honour , he shall never know
-That I had any light from thee of this .
-
-Adieu , my lord : Sir Valentine is coming .
-
-Sir Valentine , whither away so fast ?
-
-Please it your Grace , there is a messenger
-That stays to bear my letters to my friends ,
-And I am going to deliver them .
-
-Be they of much import ?
-
-The tenour of them doth but signify
-My health and happy being at your court .
-
-Nay then , no matter : stay with me awhile ;
-I am to break with thee of some affairs
-That touch me near , wherein thou must be secret .
-'Tis not unknown to thee that I have sought
-To match my friend Sir Thurio to my daughter .
-
-I know it well , my lord ; and sure , the match
-Were rich and honourable ; besides , the gentleman
-Is full of virtue , bounty , worth , and qualities
-Beseeming such a wife as your fair daughter .
-Cannot your Grace win her to fancy him ?
-
-No , trust me : she is peevish , sullen , froward ,
-Proud , disobedient , stubborn , lacking duty ;
-Neither regarding that she is my child ,
-Nor fearing me as if I were her father :
-And , may I say to thee this pride of hers ,
-Upon advice , hath drawn my love from her ;
-And , where I thought the remnant of mine age
-Should have been cherish'd by her child-like duty ,
-I now am full resolv'd to take a wife
-And turn her out to who will take her in :
-Then let her beauty be her wedding-dower ;
-For me and my possessions she esteems not .
-
-What would your Grace have me to do in this ?
-
-There is a lady of Verona here ,
-Whom I affect ; but she is nice and coy
-And nought esteems my aged eloquence :
-Now therefore , would I have thee to my tutor ,
-For long agone I have forgot to court ;
-Besides , the fashion of the time is chang'd ,
-How and which way I may bestow myself
-To be regarded in her sun-bright eye .
-
-Win her with gifts , if she respect not words :
-Dumb jewels often in their silent kind
-More than quick words do move a woman's mind .
-
-But she did scorn a present that I sent her .
-
-A woman sometime scorns what best contents her .
-Send her another ; never give her o'er ,
-For scorn at first makes after-love the more .
-If she do frown , 'tis not in hate of you ,
-But rather to beget more love in you ;
-If she do chide , 'tis not to have you gone ;
-For why the fools are mad if left alone .
-Take no repulse , whatever she doth say ;
-For , 'get you gone ,' she doth not mean , 'away !'
-Flatter and praise , commend , extol their graces ;
-Though ne'er so black , say they have angels' faces .
-That man that hath a tongue , I say , is no man ,
-If with his tongue he cannot win a woman .
-
-But she I mean is promis'd by her friends
-Unto a youthful gentleman of worth ,
-And kept severely from resort of men ,
-That no man hath access by day to her .
-
-Why then , I would resort to her by night .
-
-Ay , but the doors be lock'd and keys kept safe ,
-That no man hath recourse to her by night .
-
-What lets but one may enter at her window ?
-
-Her chamber is aloft , far from the ground ,
-And built so shelving that one cannot climb it
-Without apparent hazard of his life .
-
-Why then , a ladder quaintly made of cords ,
-To cast up , with a pair of anchoring hooks ,
-Would serve to scale another Hero's tower ,
-So bold Leander would adventure it .
-
-Now , as thou art a gentleman of blood ,
-Advise me where I may have such a ladder .
-
-When would you use it ? pray , sir , tell me that .
-
-This very night ; for Love is like a child ,
-That longs for every thing that he can come by .
-
-By seven o'clock I'll get you such a ladder .
-
-But hark thee ; I will go to her alone :
-How shall I best convey the ladder thither ?
-
-It will be light , my lord , that you may bear it
-Under a cloak that is of any length .
-
-A cloak as long as thine will serve the turn ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-Then let me see thy cloak :
-I'll get me one of such another length .
-
-Why , any cloak will serve the turn , my lord .
-
-How shall I fashion me to wear a cloak ?
-I pray thee , let me feel thy cloak upon me .
-
-What letter is this same ? What's here ?To Silvia !
-And here an engine fit for my proceeding !
-I'll be so bold to break the seal for once .
-
-My thoughts do harbour with my Silvia nightly ;
-And slaves they are to me that send them flying
-O ! could their master come and go as lightly ,
-Himself would lodge where senseless they are lying !
-My herald thoughts in thy pure bosom rest them ;
-While I , their king , that thither them importune ,
-Do curse the grace that with such grace hath bless'd them ,
-Because myself do want my servants' fortune :
-I curse myself , for they are sent by me ,
-That they should harbour where their lord would be .
-
-What's here ?
-
-Silvia , this night I will enfranchise thee
-
-'Tis so ; and here's the ladder for the purpose .
-Why , Phaethon ,for thou art Merops' son ,
-Wilt thou aspire to guide the heavenly car
-And with thy daring folly burn the world ?
-Wilt thou reach stars , because they shine on thee ?
-Go , basc intruder ! overweening slave !
-Bestow thy fawning smiles on equal mates ,
-And think my patience , more than thy desert ,
-Is privilege for thy departure hence .
-Thank me for this more than for all the favours
-Which all too much I have bestow'd on thee .
-But if thou linger in my territories
-Longer than swiftest expedition
-Will give thee time to leave our royal court ,
-By heaven ! my wrath shall far exceed the love
-I ever borc my daughter or thyself .
-Be gone ! I will not hear thy vain excuse ;
-But , as thou lov'st thy life , make speed from hence .
-
-
-And why not death rather than living torment ?
-To die is to be banish'd from myself ;
-And Silvia is myself : banish'd from her
-Is self from self ,a deadly banishment !
-What light is light , if Silvia be not seen ?
-What joy is joy , if Silvia be not by ?
-Unless it be to think that she is by
-And feed upon the shadow of perfection .
-Except I be by Silvia in the night ,
-There is no music in the nightingale ;
-Unless I look on Silvia in the day ,
-There is no day for me to look upon .
-She is my essence ; and I leave to be ,
-If I be not by her fair influence
-Foster'd , illumin'd , cherish'd , kept alive .
-I fly not death , to fly his deadly doom :
-Tarry I here , I but attend on death ;
-But , fly I hence , I fly away from life .
-
-
-Run , boy ; run , run , and seek him out .
-
-Soho ! soho !
-
-What seest thou ?
-
-Him we go to find : there's not a hair on's head but 'tis a Valentine .
-
-Valentine ?
-
-No .
-
-Who then ? his spirit ?
-
-Neither .
-
-What then ?
-
-Nothing .
-
-Can nothing speak ? Master , shall I strike ?
-
-Who would'st thou strike ?
-
-Nothing .
-
-Villain , forbear .
-
-Why , sir , I'll strike nothing : I pray you ,
-
-Sirrah , I say , forbear .Friend Valentine , a word .
-
-My ears are stopp'd and cannot hear good news ,
-So much of bad already hath possess'd them .
-
-Then in dumb silence will I bury mine ,
-For they are harsh , untuneable and bad .
-
-Is Silvia dead ?
-
-No , Valentine .
-
-No Valentine , indeed , for sacred Silvia !
-Hath she forsworn me ?
-
-No , Valentine .
-
-No Valentine , if Silvia have forsworn me !
-What is your news ?
-
-Sir , there is a proclamation that you are vanished .
-
-That thou art banished , O , that's the news ,
-From hence , from Silvia , and from me thy friend .
-
-O , I have fed upon this woe already ,
-And now excess of it will make me surfeit .
-Doth Silvia know that I am banished ?
-
-Ay , ay ; and she hath offer'd to the doom
-Which , unrevers'd , stands in effectual force
-A sea of melting pearl , which some call tears :
-Those at her father's churlish feet she tender'd ;
-With them , upon her knees , her humble self ;
-Wringing her hands , whose whiteness so became them
-As if but now they waxed pale for woe :
-But neither bended knees , pure hands held up ,
-Sad sighs , deep groans , nor silver-shedding tears ,
-Could penetrate her uncompassionate sire ;
-But Valentine , if he be ta'en , must die .
-Besides , her intercession chaf'd him so ,
-When she for thy repeal was suppliant ,
-That to close prison he commanded her ,
-With many bitter threats of biding there .
-
-No more ; unless the next word that thou speak'st
-Have some malignant power upon my life :
-If so , I pray thee , breathe it in mine ear ,
-As ending anthem of my endless dolour .
-
-Cease to lament for that thou canst not help ,
-And study help for that which thou lament'st .
-Time is the nurse and breeder of all good .
-Here if thou stay , thou canst not see thy love ;
-Besides , thy staying will abridge thy life .
-Hope is a lover's staff ; walk hence with that
-And manage it against despairing thoughts .
-Thy letters may be here , though thou art hence ;
-Which , being writ to me , shall be deliver'd
-Even in the milk-white bosom of thy love .
-The time now serves not to expostulate :
-Come , I'll convey thee through the city-gate ,
-And , ere I part with thee , confer at large
-Of all that may concern thy love-affairs .
-As thou lov'st Silvia , though not for thyself ,
-Regard thy danger , and along with me !
-
-I pray thee , Launce , and if thou seest my boy ,
-Bid him make haste and meet me at the North-gate .
-
-Go , sirrah , find him out . Come , Valentine .
-
-O my dear Silvia ! hapless Valentine !
-
-
-I am but a fool , look you ; and yet I have the wit to think my master is a kind of a knave : but that's all one , if he be but one knave . He lives not now that knows me to be in love : yet I am in love ; but a team of horse shall not pluck that from me , nor who 'tis I love ; and yet 'tis a woman ; but what woman , I will not tell myself ; and yet 'tis a milkmaid ; yet 'tis not a maid , for she hath had gossips ; yet 'tis a maid , for she is her master's maid , and serves for wages . She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel ,which is much in a bare Christian .
-
-Here is the catelog of her condition . Imprimis , She can fetch and carry . Why , a horse can do no more : nay , a horse cannot fetch , but only carry ; therefore , is she better than a jade . Item , She can milk ; look you , a sweet virtue in a maid with clean hands .
-
-
-How now , Signior Launce ! what news with your mastership ?
-
-With my master's ship ? why , it is at sea .
-
-Well , your old vice still ; mistake the word . What news , then , in your paper ?
-
-The blackest news that ever thou heardest .
-
-Why , man , how black ?
-
-Why , as black as ink .
-
-Let me read them .
-
-Fie on thee , jolthead ! thou canst not read .
-
-Thou liest ; I can .
-
-I will try thee . Tell me this : who begot thee ?
-
-Marry , the son of my grandfather .
-
-O , illiterate loiterer ! it was the son of thy grandmother . This proves that thou canst not read .
-
-Come , fool , come : try me in thy paper .
-
-There ; and Saint Nicholas be thy speed !
-
-Imprimis , She can milk .
-
-Ay , that she can .
-
-Item , She brews good ale .
-
-And thereof comes the proverb , 'Blessing of your heart , you brew good ale .'
-
-Item , She can sew .
-
-That's as much as to say , Can she so ?
-
-Item , She can knit .
-
-What need a man care for a stock with a wench , when she can knit him a stock ?
-
-Item , She can wash and scour .
-
-A special virtue ; for then she need not be washed and scoured .
-
-Item , She can spin .
-
-Then may I set the world on wheels , when she can spin for her living .
-
-Item , She hath many nameless virtues .
-
-That's as much as to say , bastard virtues ; that , indeed , know not their fathers , and therefore have no names .
-
-Here follow her vices .
-
-Close at the heels of her virtues .
-
-Item , She is not to be kissed fasting , in respect of her breath .
-
-Well , that fault may be mended with a breakfast . Read on .
-
-Item , She hath a sweet mouth .
-
-That makes amends for her sour breath .
-
-Item , She doth talk in her sleep .
-
-It's no matter for that , so she sleep not in her talk .
-
-Item , She is slow in words .
-
-O villain , that set this down among her vices ! To be slow in words is a woman's only virtue : I pray thee , out with't , and place it for her chief virtue .
-
-Item , She is proud .
-
-Out with that too : it was Eve's legacy , and cannot be ta'en from her .
-
-Item , She hath no teeth .
-
-I care not for that neither , because I love crusts .
-
-Item , She is curst .
-
-Well ; the best is , she hath no teeth to bite .
-
-Item , She will often praise her liquor .
-
-If her liquor be good , she shall : if she will not , I will ; for good things should be praised .
-
-Item , She is too liberal .
-
-Of her tongue she cannot , for that's writ down she is slow of : of her purse she shall not , for that I'll keep shut : now , of another thing she may , and that cannot I help . Well , proceed .
-
-Item , She hath more hair than wit , and more faults than hairs , and more wealth than faults .
-
-Stop there ; I'll have her : she was mine , and not mine , twice or thrice in that last article . Rehearse that once more .
-
-Item , She hath more hair than wit .
-
-More hair than wit it may be ; I'll prove it : the cover of the salt hides the salt , and therefore it is more than the salt ; the hair , that covers the wit is more than the wit , for the greater hides the less . What's next ?
-
-And more faults than hairs .
-
-That's monstrous ! O , that that were out !
-
-And more wealth than faults .
-
-Why , that word makes the faults gracious . Well , I'll have her ; and if it be a match , as nothing is impossible ,
-
-What then ?
-
-Why , then will I tell thee ,that thy master stays for thee at the North-gate .
-
-For me ?
-
-For thee ! ay ; who art thou ? he hath stayed for a better man than thee .
-
-And must I go to him ?
-
-Thou must run to him , for thou hast stayed so long that going will scarce serve the turn .
-
-Why didst not tell me sooner ? pox of your love-letters !
-
-
-Now will he be swing'd for reading my letter . An unmannerly slave , that will thrust himself into secrets . I'll after , to rejoice in the boy's correction .
-
-
-Sir Thurio , fear not but that she will love you ,
-Now Valentine is banish'd from her sight .
-
-Since his exile she hath despis'd me most ,
-Forsworn my company and rail'd at me ,
-That I am desperate of obtaining her .
-
-This weak impress of love is as a figure
-Trenched in ice , which with an hour's heat
-Dissolves to water and doth lose his form .
-A little time will melt her frozen thoughts ,
-And worthless Valentine shall be forgot .
-
-
-How now , Sir Proteus ! Is your countryman
-
-According to our proclamation gone ?
-
-Gone , my good lord .
-
-My daughter takes his going grievously .
-
-A little time , my lord , will kill that grief .
-
-So I believe ; but Thurio thinks not so .
-Proteus , the good conceit I hold of thee ,
-For thou hast shown some sign of good desert ,
-Makes me the better to confer with thee .
-
-Longer than I prove loyal to your Grace
-Let me not live to look upon your Grace .
-
-Thou know'st how willingly I would effect
-The match between Sir Thurio and my daughter .
-
-I do , my lord .
-
-And also , I think , thou art not ignorant
-How she opposes her against my will .
-
-She did , my lord , when Valentine was here .
-
-Ay , and perversely she persevers so .
-What might we do to make the girl forget
-The love of Valentine , and love Sir Thurio ?
-
-The best way is to slander Valentine
-With falsehood , cowardice , and poor descent ,
-Three things that women highly hold in hate .
-
-Ay , but she'll think that it is spoke in hate .
-
-Ay , if his enemy deliver it :
-Therefore it must with circumstance be spoken
-By one whom she esteemeth as his friend .
-
-Then you must undertake to slander him .
-
-And that , my lord , I shall be loath to do :
-'Tis an ill office for a gentleman ,
-Especially against his very friend .
-
-Where your good word cannot advantage him ,
-Your slander never can endamage him :
-Therefore the office is indifferent ,
-Being entreated to it by your friend .
-
-You have prevail'd , my lord . If I can do it ,
-By aught that I can speak in his dispraise ,
-She shall not long continue love to him .
-But say this weed her love from Valentine ,
-It follows not that she will love Sir Thurio .
-
-Therefore , as you unwind her love from him ,
-Lest it should ravel and be good to none ,
-You must provide to bottom it on me ;
-Which must be done by praising me as much
-As you in worth dispraise Sir Valentine .
-
-And , Proteus , we dare trust you in this kind ,
-Because we know , on Valentine's report ,
-You are already Love's firm votary
-And cannot soon revolt and change your mind .
-Upon this warrant shall you have access
-Where you with Silvia may confer at large ;
-For she is lumpish , heavy , melancholy ,
-And , for your friend's sake , will be glad of you ;
-Where you may temper her , by your persuasion
-To hate young Valentine and love my friend .
-
-As much as I can do I will effect .
-But you , Sir Thurio , are not sharp enough ;
-You must lay lime to tangle her desires
-By wailful sonnets , whose composed rimes
-Should be full-fraught with serviceable vows .
-
-Ay ,
-Much is the force of heaven-bred poesy .
-
-Say that upon the altar of her beauty
-You sacrifice your tears , your sighs , your heart .
-Write till your ink be dry , and with your tears
-Moist it again , and frame some feeling line
-That may discover such integrity :
-For Orpheus' lute was strung with poets' sinews ,
-Whose golden touch could soften steel and stones ,
-Make tigers tame and huge leviathans
-Forsake unsounded deeps to dance on sands .
-After your dire-lamenting elegies ,
-Visit by night your lady's chamber-window
-With some sweet consort : to their instruments
-Tune a deploring dump ; the night's dead silence
-Will well become such sweet-complaining grievance .
-This , or else nothing , will inherit her .
-
-This discipline shows thou hast been in love .
-
-And thy advice this night I'll put in practice .
-Therefore , sweet Proteus , my direction-giver ,
-Let us into the city presently
-To sort some gentlemen well skill'd in music .
-I have a sonnet that will serve the turn
-To give the onset to thy good advice .
-
-About it , gentlemen !
-
-We'll wait upon your grace till aftersupper ,
-And afterward determine our proceedings .
-
-Even now about it ! I will pardon you .
-
-Fellows , stand fast ; I see a passenger .
-
-If there be ten , shrink not , but down with 'em .
-
-
-Stand , sir , and throw us that you have about ye ;
-If not , we'll make you sit and rifle you .
-
-Sir , we are undone : these are the villains
-That all the travellers do fear so much .
-
-My friends ,
-
-That's not so , sir ; we are your enemies .
-
-Peace ! we'll hear him .
-
-Ay , by my beard , will we , for he is a proper man .
-
-Then know , that I have little wealth to lose .
-A man I am cross'd with adversity :
-My riches are these poor habiliments ,
-Of which if you should here disfurnish me ,
-You take the sum and substance that I have .
-
-Whither travel you ?
-
-To Verona .
-
-Whence came you ?
-
-From Milan .
-
-Have you long sojourn'd there ?
-
-Some sixteen months ; and longer might have stay'd
-If crooked fortune had not thwarted me .
-
-What ! were you banish'd thence ?
-
-I was .
-
-For what offence ?
-
-For that which now torments me to rehearse .
-I kill'd a man , whose death I much repent ;
-But yet I slew him manfully , in fight ,
-Without false vantage or base treachery .
-
-Why , ne'er repent it , if it were done so .
-But were you banish'd for so small a fault ?
-
-I was , and held me glad of such a doom .
-
-Have you the tongues ?
-
-My youthful travel therein made me happy ,
-Or else I often had been miserable .
-
-By the bare scalp of Robin Hood's fat friar ,
-This fellow were a king for our wild faction !
-
-We'll have him : Sirs , a word .
-
-Master , be one of them ;
-It is an honourable kind of thievery .
-
-Peace , villain !
-
-Tell us this : have you anything to take to ?
-
-Nothing , but my fortune .
-
-Know then , that some of us are gentlemen ,
-Such as the fury of ungovern'd youth
-Thrust from the company of awful men :
-Myself was from Verona banished
-For practising to steal away a lady ,
-An heir , and near allied unto the duke .
-
-And I from Mantua , for a gentleman ,
-Who , in my mood , I stabb'd unto the heart .
-
-And I for such like petty crimes as these .
-But to the purpose ; for we cite our faults ,
-That they may hold excus'd our lawless lives ;
-And , partly , seeing you are beautified
-With goodly shape , and by your own report
-A linguist , and a man of such perfection
-As we do in our quality much want
-
-Indeed , because you are a banish'd man ,
-Therefore , above the rest , we parley to you .
-Are you content to be our general ?
-To make a virtue of necessity
-And live , as we do , in this wilderness ?
-
-What say'st thou ? wilt thou be of our consort ?
-Say 'ay ,' and be the captain of us all :
-We'll do thee homage and be rul'd by thee ,
-Love thee as our commander and our king .
-
-But if thou scorn our courtesy , thou diest .
-
-Thou shalt not live to brag what we have offer'd .
-
-I take your offer and will live with you ,
-Provided that you do no outrages
-On silly women , or poor passengers .
-
-No ; we detest such vile , base practices .
-Come , go with us ; we'll bring thee to our crews ,
-And show thee all the treasure we have got ,
-Which , with ourselves , all rest at thy dispose .
-
-
-Already have I been false to Valentine ,
-And now I must be as unjust to Thurio .
-Under the colour of commending him ,
-I have access my own love to prefer :
-But Silvia is too fair , too true , too holy ,
-To be corrupted with my worthless gifts .
-When I protest true loyalty to her ,
-She twits me with my falsehood to my friend ;
-When to her beauty I commend my vows ,
-She bids me think how I have been forsworn
-In breaking faith with Julia whom I lov'd :
-And notwithstanding all her sudden quips ,
-The least whereof would quell a lover's hope ,
-Yet , spaniel-like , the more she spurns my love ,
-The more it grows , and fawneth on her still .
-But here comes Thurio : now must we to her window ,
-And give some evening music to her ear .
-
-
-How now , Sir Proteus ! are you crept before us ?
-
-Ay , gentle Thurio ; for you know that love
-Will creep in service where it cannot go .
-
-Ay ; but I hope , sir , that you love not here .
-
-Sir , but I do ; or else I would be hence .
-
-Who ? Silvia ?
-
-Ay , Silvia , for your sake .
-
-I thank you for your own . Now , gentlemen ,
-Let's tune , and to it lustily a while .
-
-
-Now , my young guest , methinks you're allycholly : I pray you , why is it ?
-
-Marry , mine host , because I cannot be merry .
-
-Come , we'll have you merry . I'll bring you where you shall hear music and see the gentleman that you asked for .
-
-But shall I hear him speak ?
-
-Ay , that you shall .
-
-That will be music .
-
-
-Hark ! hark !
-
-Is he among these ?
-
-Ay ; but peace ! let's hear 'em .
-
-
-Who is Silvia ? what is she ?
-That all our swains commend her ?
-Holy , fair , and wise is she ;
-The heaven such grace did lend her ,
-That she might admired be .
-Is she kind as she is fair ?
-For beauty lives with kindness :
-Love doth to her eyes repair ,
-To help him of his blindness ;
-And , being help'd , inhabits there .
-Then to Silvia let us sing ,
-That Silvia is excelling ;
-She excels each mortal thing
-Upon the dull earth dwelling ;
-To her let us garlands bring .
-
-How now ! are you sadder than you were before ? How do you , man ? the music likes you not .
-
-You mistake ; the musician likes me not .
-
-Why , my pretty youth ?
-
-He plays false , father .
-
-How ? out of tune on the strings ?
-
-Not so ; but yet so false that he grieves my very heart-strings .
-
-You have a quick ear .
-
-Ay ; I would I were deaf ; it makes me have a slow heart .
-
-I perceive you delight not in music .
-
-Not a whit ,when it jars so .
-
-Hark ! what fine change is in the music !
-
-Ay , that change is the spite .
-
-You would have them always play but one thing ?
-
-I would always have one play but one thing .
-But , host , doth this Sir Proteus that we talk on
-Often resort unto this gentlewoman ?
-
-I will tell you what Launce , his man , told me : he lov'd her out of all nick .
-
-Where is Launce ?
-
-Gone to seek his dog ; which , to-morrow , by his master's command , he must carry for a present to his lady .
-
-Peace ! stand aside : the company parts .
-
-Sir Thurio , fear not you : I will so plead
-That you shall say my cunning drift excels .
-
-Where meet we ?
-
-At Saint Gregory's well .
-
-Farewell .
-
-Madam , good even to your ladyship .
-
-I thank you for your music , gentlemen .
-Who is that that spake ?
-
-One , lady , if you knew his pure heart's truth ,
-You would quickly learn to know him by his voice .
-
-Sir Proteus , as I take it .
-
-Sir Proteus , gentle lady , and your servant .
-
-What is your will ?
-
-That I may compass yours .
-
-You have your wish ; my will is even this :
-That presently you hie you home to bed .
-Thou subtle , perjur'd , false , disloyal man !
-Think'st thou I am so shallow , so conceitless ,
-To be seduced by thy flattery ,
-That hast deceiv'd so many with thy vows ?
-Return , return , and make thy love amends .
-For me , by this pale queen of night I swear ,
-I am so far from granting thy request
-That I despise thee for thy wrongful suit ,
-And by and by intend to chide myself
-Even for this time I spend in talking to thee .
-
-I grant , sweet love , that I did love a lady ;
-But she is dead .
-
-'Tware false , if I should speak it ;
-For I am sure she is not buried .
-
-Say that she be ; yet Valentine thy friend
-Survives ; to whom , thyself art witness
-I am betroth'd : and art thou not asham'd
-To wrong him with thy importunacy ?
-
-I likewise hear that Valentine is dead .
-
-And so suppose am I ; for in his grave , Assure thyself my love is buried .
-
-Sweet lady , let me rake it from the earth .
-
-Go to thy lady's grave and call hers thence ;
-Or , at the least , in hers sepulchre thine .
-
-He heard not that .
-
-Madam , if your heart be so obdurate ,
-Vouchsafe me yet your picture for my love ,
-The picture that is hanging in your chamber :
-To that I'll speak , to that I'll sigh and weep ;
-For since the substance of your perfect self
-Is else devoted , I am but a shadow ,
-And to your shadow will I make true love .
-
-If 'twere a substance , you would , sure , deceive it ,
-And make it but a shadow , as I am .
-
-I am very loath to be your idol , sir ;
-But , since your falsehood shall become you well
-To worship shadows and adore false shapes ,
-Send to me in the morning and I'll send it .
-And so , good rest .
-
-As wretches have o'er night
-That wait for execution in the morn .
-
-
-Host , will you go ?
-
-By my halidom , I was fast asleep .
-
-Pray you , where lies Sir Proteus ?
-
-Marry , at my house . Trust me , I think 'tis almost day .
-
-Not so ; but it hath been the longest night
-That e'er I watch'd and the most heaviest .
-
-
-This is the hour that Madam Silvia
-Entreated me to call , and know her mind :
-There's some great matter she'd employ me in .
-Madam , Madam !
-
-
-Who calls ?
-
-Your servant , and your friend ;
-One that attends your ladyship's command .
-
-Sir Eglamour , a thousand times good morrow .
-
-As many , worthy lady , to yourself .
-According to your ladyship's impose ,
-I am thus early come to know what service
-It is your pleasure to command me in .
-
-O Eglamour , thou art a gentleman
-Think not I flatter , for I swear I do not
-Valiant , wise , remorseful , well-accomplish'd .
-Thou art not ignorant what dear good will
-I bear unto the banish'd Valentine ,
-Nor how my father would enforce me marry
-Vain Thurio , whom my very soul abhors .
-Thyself hast lov'd ; and I have heard thee say
-No grief did ever come so near thy heart
-As when thy lady and thy true love died ,
-Upon whose grave thou vow'dst pure chastity .
-Sir Eglamour , I would to Valentine ,
-To Mantua , where , I hear he makes abode ;
-And , for the ways are dangerous to pass ,
-I do desire thy worthy company ,
-Upon whose faith and honour I repose .
-Urge not my father's anger , Eglamour ,
-But think upon my grief , a lady's grief ,
-And on the justice of my flying hence ,
-To keep me from a most unholy match ,
-Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues .
-I do desire thee , even from a heart
-As full of sorrows as the sea of sands ,
-To bear me company and go with me :
-If not , to hide what I have said to thee ,
-That I may venture to depart alone .
-
-Madam , I pity much your grievances ;
-Which since I know they virtuously are plac'd ,
-I give consent to go along with you ,
-Recking as little what betideth me
-As much I wish all good befortune you .
-When will you go ?
-
-This evening coming .
-
-Where shall I meet you ?
-
-At Friar Patrick's cell ,
-Where I intend holy confession .
-
-I will not fail your ladyship .
-Good morrow , gentle lady .
-
-Good morrow , kind Sir Eglamour .
-
-
-When a man's servant shall play the cur with him , look you , it goes hard ; one that I brought up of a puppy ; one that I saved from drowning , when three or four of his blind brothers and sisters went to it . I have taught him , even as one would say precisely , 'Thus would I teach a dog .' I was sent to deliver him as a present to Mistress Silvia from my master , and I came no sooner into the dining-chamber but he steps me to her trencher and steals her capon's leg . O ! 'tis a foul thing when a cur cannot keep himself in all companies . I would have , as one should say , one that takes upon him to be a dog indeed , to be , as it were , a dog at all things . If I had not had more wit than he , to take a fault upon me that he did , I think verily he had been hanged for't : sure as I live , he had suffered for't : you shall judge . He thrusts me himself into the company of three or four gentleman-like dogs under the duke's table : he had not been there bless the mark a pissing-while , but all the chamber smelt him . 'Out with the dog !' says one ; 'What cur is that ?' says another ; 'Whip him out ,' says the third ; 'Hang him up ,' says the duke . I , having been acquainted with the smell before , knew it was Crab , and goes me to the fellow that whips the dogs : 'Friend ,' quoth I , 'you mean to whip the dog ?' 'Ay , marry , do I ,' quoth he . 'You do him the more wrong ,' quoth I ; ''twas I did the thing you wot of .' He makes me no more ado , but whips me out of the chamber . How many masters would do this for his servant ? Nay , I'll be sworn , I have sat in the stocks for puddings he hath stolen , otherwise he had been executed ; I have stood on the pillory for geese he hath killed , otherwise he had suffered for't ; thou thinkest not of this now . Nay , I remember the trick you served me when I took my leave of Madam Silvia : did not I bid thee still mark me and do as I do ? When didst thou see me heave up my leg and make water against a gentlewoman's farthingale ? Didst thou ever see me do such a trick ?
-
-
-Sebastian is thy name ? I like thee well
-And will employ thee in some service presently .
-
-In what you please : I will do what I can .
-
-I hope thou wilt .
-
-How now , you whoreson peasant !
-Where have you been these two days loitering ?
-
-Marry , sir , I carried Mistress Silvia the dog you bade me .
-
-And what says she to my little jewel ?
-
-Marry , she says , your dog was a cur , and tells you , currish thanks is good enough for such a present .
-
-But she received my dog ?
-
-No , indeed , did she not : here have I brought him back again .
-
-What ! didst thou offer her this from me ?
-
-Ay , sir : the other squirrel was stolen from me by the hangman boys in the marketplace ; and then I offered her mine own , who is a dog as big as ten of yours , and therefore the gift the greater .
-
-Go , get thee hence , and find my dog again ,
-Or ne'er return again into my sight .
-Away , I say ! Stay'st thou to vex me here ?
-A slave that still an end turns me to shame .
-
-Sebastian , I have entertained thee
-Partly , that I have need of such a youth ,
-That can with some discretion do my business ,
-For't is no trusting to yond foolish lout ;
-But chiefly for thy face and thy behaviour ,
-Which , if my augury deceive me not ,
-Witness good bringing up , fortune , and truth :
-Therefore , know thou , for this I entertain thee .
-Go presently , and take this ring with thee .
-Deliver it to Madam Silvia :
-She lov'd me well deliver'd it to me .
-
-It seems , you lov'd not her , to leave her token .
-She's dead , belike ?
-
-Not so : I think , she lives .
-
-Alas !
-
-Why dost thou cry 'alas ?'
-
-I cannot choose
-But pity her .
-
-Wherefore should'st thou pity her ?
-
-Because methinks that she lov'd you as well
-As you do love your lady Silvia .
-She dreams on him that has forgot her love ;
-You dote on her , that cares not for your love .
-'Tis pity , love should be so contrary ;
-And thinking on it makes me cry , 'alas !'
-
-Well , well , give her that ring and therewithal
-This letter : that's her chamber . Tell my lady
-I claim the promise for her heavenly picture .
-Your message done , hie home unto my chamber ,
-Where thou shalt find me sad and solitary .
-
-
-How many women would do such a message ?
-Alas , poor Proteus ! thou hast entertain'd
-A fox to be the shepherd of thy lambs .
-Alas , poor fool ! why do I pity him
-That with his very heart despiseth me ?
-Because he loves her , he despiseth me ;
-Because I love him , I must pity him .
-This ring I gave him when he parted from me ,
-To bind him to remember my good will ;
-And now am I unhappy messenger
-To plead for that which I would not obtain ,
-To carry that which I would have refus'd ,
-To praise his faith which I would have disprais'd .
-I am my master's true-confirmed love ,
-But cannot be true servant to my master ,
-Unless I prove false traitor to myself .
-Yet will I woo for him ; but yet so coldly
-As heaven it knows , I would not have him speed .
-
-
-Gentlewoman , good day ! I pray you , be my mean
-
-To bring me where to speak with Madam Silvia .
-
-What would you with her , if that I be she ?
-
-If you be she , I do entreat your patience To hear me speak the message I am sent on .
-
-From whom ?
-
-From my master , Sir Proteus , madam .
-
-O ! he sends you for a picture ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-Ursula , bring my picture there .
-
-Go , give your master this : tell him from me ,
-One Julia , that his changing thoughts forget ,
-Would better fit his chamber than this shadow .
-
-Madam , please you peruse this letter .
-Pardon me , madam , I have unadvis'd
-Deliver'd you a paper that I should not :
-This is the letter to your ladyship .
-
-I pray thee , let me look on that again .
-
-It may not be : good madam , pardon me .
-
-There , hold .
-I will not look upon your master's lines :
-I know , they are stuff'd with protestations
-And full of new-found oaths , which he will break
-As easily as I do tear his paper .
-
-Madam , he sends your ladyship this ring .
-
-The more shame for him that he sends it me ;
-For , I have heard him say a thousand times ,
-His Julia gave it him at his departure .
-Though his false finger have profan'd the ring ,
-Mine shall not do his Julia so much wrong .
-
-She thanks you .
-
-What say'st thou ?
-
-I thank you , madam , that you tender her .
-Poor gentlewoman ! my master wrongs her much .
-
-Dost thou know her ?
-
-Almost as well as I do know myself :
-To think upon her woes , I do protest
-That I have wept a hundred several times .
-
-Belike , she thinks , that Proteus hath forsook her .
-
-I think she doth , and that's her cause of sorrow .
-
-Is she not passing fair ?
-
-She hath been fairer , madam , than she is .
-When she did think my master lov'd her well ,
-She , in my judgment , was as fair as you ;
-But since she did neglect her looking-glass
-And threw her sun-expelling mask away ,
-The air hath starv'd the roses in her cheeks
-And pinch'd the lily-tincture of her face ,
-That now she is become as black as I .
-
-How tall was she ?
-
-About my stature ; for , at Pentecost ,
-When all our pageants of delight were play'd ,
-Our youth got me to play the woman's part ,
-And I was trimm'd in Madam Julia's gown ,
-Which served me as fit , by all men's judgments ,
-As if the garment had been made for me :
-Therefore I know she is about my height .
-And at that time I made her weep agood ;
-For I did play a lamentable part .
-Madam , 'twas Ariadne passioning
-For Theseus' perjury and unjust flight ;
-Which I so lively acted with my tears
-That my poor mistress , moved therewithal ,
-Wept bitterly , and would I might be dead
-If I in thought felt not her very sorrow !
-
-She is beholding to thee , gentle youth .
-Alas , poor lady , desolate and left !
-I weep myself to think upon thy words .
-Here , youth , there is my purse : I give thee this
-For thy sweet mistress' sake , because thou lov'st her .
-Farewell .
-
-And she shall thank you for't , if e'er you know her .
-
-A virtuous gentlewoman , mild and beautiful .
-I hope my master's suit will be but cold ,
-Since she respects my mistress' love so much .
-Alas , how love can trifle with itself !
-Here is her picture : let me see ; I think ,
-If I had such a tire , this face of mine
-Were full as lovely as is this of hers ;
-And yet the painter flatter'd her a little ,
-Unless I flatter with myself too much .
-Her hair is auburn , mine is perfect yellow :
-If that be all the difference in his love
-I'll get me such a colour'd periwig .
-Her eyes are grey as glass , and so are mine :
-Ay , but her forehead's low , and mine's as high .
-What should it be that he respects in her
-But I can make respective in myself ,
-If this fond Love were not a blinded god ?
-Come , shadow , come , and take this shadow up ,
-For 'tis thy rival . O thou senseless form !
-Thou shalt be worshipp'd , kiss'd , lov'd , and ador'd ,
-And , were there sense in his idolatry ,
-My substance should be statue in thy stead .
-I'll use thee kindly for thy mistress' sake ,
-That us'd me so ; or else , by Jove I vow ,
-I should have scratch'd out your unseeing eyes ,
-To make my master out of love with thee .
-
-The sun begins to gild the western sky ,
-And now it is about the very hour
-That Silvia at Friar Patrick's cell should meet me .
-She will not fail ; for lovers break not hours ,
-Unless it be to come before their time ,
-So much they spur their expedition .
-See , where she comes .
-
-Lady , a happy evening !
-
-Amen , amen ! go on , good Eglamour ,
-Out at the postern by the abbey-wall .
-I fear I am attended by some spies .
-
-Fear not : the forest is not three leagues off ;
-If we recover that , we're sure enough .
-
-
-Sir Proteus , what says Silvia to my suit ?
-
-O , sir , I find her milder than she was ;
-And yet she takes exceptions at your person .
-
-What ! that my leg is too long ?
-
-No , that it is too little .
-
-I'll wear a boot to make it somewhat rounder .
-
-But love will not be spurr'd to what it loathes .
-
-What says she to my face ?
-
-She says it is a fair one .
-
-Nay then , the wanton lies ; my face is black .
-
-But pearls are fair , and the old saying is ,
-'Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes .'
-
-'Tis true , such pearls as put out ladies' eyes ;
-For I had rather wink than look on them .
-
-How likes she my discourse ?
-
-Ill , when you talk of war .
-
-But well , when I discourse of love and peace ?
-
-But better , indeed , when you hold your peace .
-
-What says she to my valour ?
-
-O , sir , she makes no doubt of that .
-
-She needs not , when she knows it cowardice .
-
-What says she to my birth ?
-
-That you are well deriv'd .
-
-True ; from a gentleman to a fool .
-
-Considers she my possessions ?
-
-O , ay ; and pities them .
-
-Wherefore ?
-
-That such an ass should owe them .
-
-That they are out by lease .
-
-Here comes the duke .
-
-
-How now , Sir Proteus ! how now , Thurio !
-Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late ?
-
-Not I .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Saw you my daughter ?
-
-Neither .
-
-Why then ,
-She's fled unto that peasant Valentine ,
-And Eglamour is in her company .
-'Tis true ; for Friar Laurence met them both ,
-As he in penance wander'd through the forest ;
-Him he knew well , and guess'd that it was she ,
-But , being mask'd , he was not sure of it ;
-Besides , she did intend confession
-At Patrick's cell this even , and there she was not .
-These likelihoods confirm her flight from hence .
-Therefore , I pray you , stand not to discourse ,
-But mount you presently and meet with me
-Upon the rising of the mountain-foot ,
-That leads towards Mantua , whither they are fled .
-Dispatch , sweet gentlemen , and follow me .
-
-
-Why , this it is to be a peevish girl ,
-That flies her fortune when it follows her .
-I'll after , more to be reveng'd on Eglamour
-Than for the love of reckless Silvia .
-
-
-And I will follow , more for Silvia's love
-Than hate of Eglamour that goes with her .
-
-
-And I will follow , more to cross that love
-Than hate for Silvia that is gone for love .
-
-
-Come , come ,
-Be patient ; we must bring you to our captain .
-
-A thousand more mischances than this one
-Have learn'd me how to brook this patiently .
-
-Come , bring her away .
-
-Where is the gentleman that was with her ?
-
-Being nimble-footed , he hath outrun us ;
-But Moyses and Valerius follow him .
-Go thou with her to the west end of the wood ;
-There is our captain . We'll follow him that's fled :
-The thicket is beset ; he cannot 'scape .
-
-
-Come , I must bring you to our captain's cave .
-Fear not ; he bears an honourable mind ,
-And will not use a woman lawlessly .
-
-O Valentine ! this I endure for thee .
-
-
-How use doth breed a habit in a man !
-This shadowy desart , unfrequented woods ,
-I better brook than flourishing peopled towns .
-Here can I sit alone , unseen of any ,
-And to the nightingale's complaining notes
-Tune my distresses and record my woes .
-O thou that dost inhabit in my breast ,
-Leave not the mansion so long tenantless ,
-Lest , growing ruinous , the building fall
-And leave no memory of what it was !
-Repair me with thy presence , Silvia !
-Thou gentle nymph , cherish thy forlorn swain !
-
-What halloing and what stir is this to-day ?
-These are my mates , that make their wills their law ,
-Have some unhappy passenger in chase .
-They love me well ; yet I have much to do
-To keep them from uncivil outrages .
-Withdraw thee , Valentine : who's this comes here ?
-
-Madam , this service I have done for you
-Though you respect not aught your servant doth
-To hazard life and rescue you from him
-That would have forc'd your honour and your love .
-Vouchsafe me , for my meed , but one fair look ;
-A smaller boon than this I cannot beg ,
-And less than this , I am sure , you cannot give .
-
-How like a dream is this I see and hear !
-Love , lend me patience to forbear awhile .
-
-O , miserable , unhappy that I am !
-
-Unhappy were you , madam , ere I came ;
-But by my coming I have made you happy .
-
-By thy approach thou mak'st me most unhappy .
-
-And me , when he approacheth to your presence .
-
-Had I been seized by a hungry lion ,
-I would have been a breakfast to the beast ,
-Rather than have false Proteus rescue me .
-O ! heaven be judge how I love Valentine ,
-Whose life's as tender to me as my soul ,
-And full as much for more there cannot be
-I do detest false perjur'd Proteus .
-Therefore be gone , solicit me no more .
-
-What dangerous action , stood it next to death ,
-Would I not undergo for one calm look !
-O , 'tis the curse in love , and still approv'd ,
-When women cannot love where they're belov'd !
-
-When Proteus cannot love where he's belov'd .
-Read over Julia's heart , thy first best love ,
-For whose dear sake thou didst then rend thy faith
-Into a thousand oaths ; and all those oaths
-Descended into perjury to love me .
-Thou hast no faith left now , unless thou'dst two ,
-And that's far worse than none : better have none
-Than plural faith which is too much by one .
-Thou counterfeit to thy true friend !
-
-In love
-Who respects friend ?
-
-All men but Proteus .
-
-Nay , if the gentle spirit of moving words
-Can no way change you to a milder form ,
-I'll woo you like a soldier , at arms' end ,
-And love you 'gainst the nature of love ,force ye .
-
-O heaven !
-
-I'll force thee yield to my desire .
-
-Ruffian , let go that rude uncivil touch ;
-Thou friend of an ill fashion !
-
-Valentine !
-
-Thou common friend , that's without faith or love
-For such is a friend now treach'rous man !
-Thou hast beguil'd my hopes : naught but mine eye
-Could have persuaded me . Now I dare not say
-I have one friend alive : thou wouldst disprove me .
-Who should be trusted now , when one's right hand
-Is perjur'd to the bosom ? Proteus ,
-I am sorry I must never trust thee more ,
-But count the world a stranger for thy sake .
-The private wound is deep'st . O time most curst !
-'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst !
-
-My shame and guilt confound me .
-Forgive me , Valentine . If hearty sorrow
-Be a sufficient ransom for offence ,
-I tender't here : I do as truly suffer
-As e'er I did commit .
-
-Then , I am paid ;
-And once again I do receive thee honest .
-Who by repentance is not satisfied
-Is nor of heaven , nor earth ; for these are pleas'd .
-By penitence the Eternal's wrath's appeas'd :
-And , that my love may appear plain and free ,
-All that was mine in Silvia I give thee .
-
-O me unhappy !
-
-
-Look to the boy .
-
-Why , boy ! why , wag ! how now ! what's the matter ?
-Look up ; speak .
-
-O good sir , my master charg'd me
-To deliver a ring to Madam Silvia ,
-Which out of my neglect was never done .
-
-Where is that ring , boy ?
-
-Here 'tis this is it .
-
-
-How ! let me see .
-Why this is the ring I gave to Julia .
-
-O , cry you mercy , sir ; I have mistook :
-This is the ring you sent to Silvia .
-
-
-But how cam'st thou by this ring ?
-At my depart I gave this unto Julia .
-
-And Julia herself did give it me ;
-And Julia herself hath brought it hither .
-
-How ! Julia !
-
-Behold her that gave aim to all thy oaths ,
-And entertain'd them deeply in her heart :
-How oft hast thou with perjury cleft the root !
-O Proteus ! let this habit make thee blush .
-Be thou asham'd that I have took upon me
-Such an immodest raiment ; if shame live
-In a disguise of love .
-It is the lesser blot , modesty finds ,
-Women to change their shapes than men their minds .
-
-Than men their minds ! 'tis true . O heaven ! were man
-But constant , he were perfect : that one error
-Fills him with faults ; makes him run through all the sins :
-Inconstancy falls off ere it begins .
-What is in Silvia's face , but I may spy
-More fresh in Julia's with a constant eye ?
-
-Come , come , a hand from either .
-Let me be blest to make this happy close :
-'Twere pity two such friends should be long foes .
-
-Bear witness , heaven , I have my wish , for ever .
-
-And I mine .
-
-
-A prize ! a prize ! a prize !
-
-Forbear , forbear , I say ; it is my lord the duke .
-Your Grace is welcome to a man disgrac'd ,
-Banished Valentine .
-
-Sir Valentine !
-
-Yonder is Silvia ; and Silvia's mine .
-
-Thurio , give back , or else embrace thy death ;
-Come not within the measure of my wrath ;
-Do not name Silvia thine ; if once again ,
-Verona shall not hold thee . Here she stands ;
-Take but possession of her with a touch ;
-I dare thee but to breathe upon my love .
-
-Sir Valentine , I care not for her , I .
-I hold him but a fool that will endanger
-His body for a girl that loves him not :
-I claim her not , and therefore she is thine .
-
-The more degenerate and base art thou ,
-To make such means for her as thou hast done ,
-And leave her on such slight conditions .
-Now , by the honour of my ancestry ,
-I do applaud thy spirit , Valentine ,
-And think thee worthy of an empress' love .
-Know then , I here forget all former griefs ,
-Cancel all grudge , repeal thee home again ,
-Plead a new state in thy unrivall'd merit ,
-To which I thus subscribe : Sir Valentine ,
-Thou art a gentleman and well deriv'd ;
-Take thou thy Silvia , for thou hast deserv'd her .
-
-I thank your Grace ; the gift hath made me happy .
-I now beseech you , for your daughter's sake ,
-To grant one boon that I shall ask of you .
-
-I grant it , for thine own , whate'er it be .
-
-These banish'd men , that I have kept withal
-Are men endu'd with worthy qualities :
-Forgive them what they have committed here ,
-And let them be recall'd from their exile .
-They are reformed , civil , full of good ,
-And fit for great employment , worthy lord .
-
-Thou hast prevail'd ; I pardon them , and thee :
-Dispose of them as thou know'st their deserts .
-Come , let us go : we will include all jars
-With triumphs , mirth , and rare solemnity .
-
-And as we walk along , I dare be bold
-With our discourse to make your Grace to smile .
-What think you of this page , my lord ?
-
-I think the boy hath grace in him : he blushes .
-
-I warrant you , my lord , more grace than boy .
-
-What mean you by that saying ?
-
-Please you , I'll tell you as we pass along ,
-That you will wonder what hath fortuned .
-Come , Proteus ; 'tis your penance , but to hear
-The story of your loves discovered :
-That done , our day of marriage shall be yours ;
-One feast , one house , one mutual happiness .
-
-THE WINTERS TALE
-
-If you shall chance , Camillo , to visit Bohemia , on the like occasion whereon my services are now on foot , you shall see , as I have said , great difference betwixt our Bohemia and your Sicilia .
-
-I think , this coming summer , the King of Sicilia means to pay Bohemia the visitation which he justly owes him .
-
-Wherein our entertainment shall shame us we will be justified in our loves : for , indeed ,
-
-Beseech you ,
-
-Verily , I speak it in the freedom of my knowledge : we cannot with such magnificence in so rare I know not what to say . We will give you sleepy drinks , that your senses , unintelligent of our insufficience , may , though they cannot praise us , as little accuse us .
-
-You pay a great deal too dear for what's given freely .
-
-Believe me , I speak as my understanding instructs me , and as mine honesty puts it to utterance .
-
-Sicilia cannot show himself over-kind to Bohemia . They were trained together in their childhoods ; and there rooted betwixt them then such an affection which cannot choose but branch now . Since their more mature dignities and royal necessities made separation of their society , their encounters , though not personal , have been royally attorneyed with interchange of gifts , letters , loving embassies ; that they have seemed to be together , though absent , shook hands , as over a vast , and embraced , as it were , from the ends of opposed winds . The heavens continue their loves !
-
-I think there is not in the world either malice or matter to alter it . You have an unspeakable comfort of your young Prince Mamilhus : it is a gentleman of the greatest promise that ever came into my note .
-
-I very well agree with you in the hopes of him . It is a gallant child ; one that indeed physics the subject , makes old hearts fresh ; they that went on crutches ere he was born desire yet their life to see him a man .
-
-Would they else be content to die ?
-
-Yes ; if there were no other excuse why they should desire to live .
-
-If the king had no son , they would desire to live on crutches till he had one .
-
-
-Nine changes of the watery star have been
-The shepherd's note since we have left our throne
-Without a burden : time as long again
-Would be fill'd up , my brother , with our thanks ;
-And yet we should for perpetuity
-Go hence in debt : and therefore , like a cipher ,
-Yet standing in rich place , I multiply
-With one 'We thank you' many thousands moe
-That go before it .
-
-Stay your thanks awhile ,
-And pay them when you part .
-
-Sir , that's to-morrow .
-I am question'd by my fears , of what may chance
-Or breed upon our absence ; that may blow
-No sneaping winds at home , to make us say ,
-'This is put forth too truly !' Besides , I have stay'd
-To tire your royalty .
-
-We are tougher , brother ,
-Than you can put us to't .
-
-No longer stay .
-
-One seven-night longer .
-
-Very sooth , to-morrow .
-
-We'll part the time between's then ; and in that
-I'll no gainsaying .
-
-Press me not , beseech you , so .
-There is no tongue that moves , none , none i' the world ,
-So soon as yours could win me : so it should now ,
-Were there necessity in your request , although
-'Twere needful I denied it . My affairs
-Do even drag me homeward ; which to hinder
-Were in your love a whip to me ; my stay
-To you a charge and trouble : to save both ,
-Farewell , our brother .
-
-Tongue-tied , our queen ? speak you .
-
-I had thought , sir , to have held my peace until
-You had drawn oaths from him not to stay .
-You , sir ,
-Charge him too coldly : tell him , you are sure
-All in Bohemia's well : this satisfaction
-The by-gone day proclaim'd : say this to him ,
-He's beat from his best ward .
-
-Well said , Hermione .
-
-To tell he longs to see his son were strong :
-But let him say so then , and let him go ;
-But let him swear so , and he shall not stay ,
-We'll thwack him hence with distaffs .
-
-
-Yet of your royal presence I'll adventure
-The borrow of a week . When at Bohemia
-You take my lord , I'll give him my commission
-To let him there a month behind the gest
-Prefix'd for's parting : yet , good deed , Leontes ,
-I love thee not a jar o' the clock behind
-What lady she her lord . You'll stay ?
-
-No , madam .
-
-Nay , but you will ?
-
-I may not , verily .
-
-Verily !
-You put me off with limber vows ; but I ,
-Though you would seek to unsphere the stars with oaths ,
-Should yet say , 'Sir , no going .' Verily ,
-You shall not go : a lady's 'verily' 's
-As potent as a lord's . Will you go yet ?
-Force me to keep you as a prisoner ,
-Not like a guest ; so you shall pay your fees
-When you depart , and save your thanks . How say you ?
-My prisoner , or my guest ? by your dread 'verily ,'
-One of them you shall be .
-
-Your guest , then , madam :
-To be your prisoner should import offending ;
-Which is for me less easy to commit
-Than you to punish .
-
-Not your gaoler then ,
-But your kind hostess . Come , I'll question you
-Of my lord's tricks and yours when you were boys :
-You were pretty lordings then .
-
-We were , fair queen ,
-Two lads that thought there was no more behind
-But such a day to-morrow as to-day ,
-And to be boy eternal .
-
-Was not my lord the verier wag o' the two ?
-
-We were as twinn'd lambs that did frisk i' the sun ,
-And bleat the one at the other : what we chang'd
-Was innocence for innocence ; we knew not
-The doctrine of ill-doing , no nor dream'd
-That any did . Had we pursu'd that life ,
-And our weak spirits ne'er been higher rear'd
-With stronger blood , we should have answer'd heaven
-Boldly , 'not guilty ;' the imposition clear'd
-Hereditary ours .
-
-By this we gather
-You have tripp'd since .
-
-O ! my most sacred lady ,
-Temptations have since then been born to's ; for
-In those unfledg'd days was my wife a girl ;
-Your precious self had then not cross'd the eyes
-Of my young playfellow .
-
-Grace to boot !
-Of this make no conclusion , lest you say
-Your queen and I are devils ; yet , go on :
-The offences we have made you do we'll answer ;
-If you first sinn'd with us , and that with us
-You did continue fault , and that you slipp'd not
-With any but with us .
-
-Is he won yet ?
-
-He'll stay , my lord .
-
-At my request he would not .
-Hermione , my dearest , thou never spok'st
-To better purpose .
-
-Never ?
-
-Never , but once .
-
-What ! have I twice said well ? when was't before ?
-I prithee tell me ; cram's with praise , and make's
-As fat as tame things : one good deed , dying tongueless ,
-Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that .
-Our praises are our wages : you may ride's
-With one soft kiss a thousand furlongs ere
-With spur we heat an acre . But to the goal :
-My last good deed was to entreat his stay :
-What was my first ? it has an elder sister ,
-Or I mistake you : O ! would her name were Grace .
-But once before I spoke to the purpose : when ?
-Nay , let me have't ; I long .
-
-Why , that was when
-Three crabbed months had sour'd themselves to death ,
-Ere I could make thee open thy white hand
-And clap thyself my love : then didst thou utter ,
-'I am yours for ever .'
-
-'Tis grace indeed .
-Why , lo you now , I have spoke to the purpose twice :
-The one for ever earn'd a royal husband ,
-The other for some while a friend .
-
-
-Too hot , too hot !
-To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods .
-I have tremor cordis on me : my heart dances ;
-But not for joy ; not joy . This entertainment
-May a free face put on , derive a liberty
-From heartiness , from bounty , fertile bosom ,
-And well become the agent :'t may I grant :
-But to be paddling palms and pinching fingers ,
-As now they are , and making practis'd smiles ,
-As in a looking-glass ; and then to sigh , as 'twere
-The mort o' the deer ; O ! that is entertainment
-My bosom likes not , nor my brows . Mamillius ,
-Art thou my boy ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-I' fecks ?
-Why , that's my bawcock . What ! hast smutch'd thy nose ?
-They say it is a copy out of mine . Come , captain ,
-We must be neat ; not neat , but cleanly , captain :
-And yet the steer , the heifer , and the calf ,
-Are all call'd neat . Still virginalling
-Upon his palm ! How now , you wanton calf !
-Art thou my calf ?
-
-Yes , if you will , my lord .
-
-Thou want'st a rough pash and the shoots that I have ,
-To be full like me : yet they say we are
-Almost as like as eggs ; women say so ,
-That will say anything : but were they false
-As o'er-dy'd blacks , as wind , as waters , false
-As dice are to be wish'd by one that fixes
-No bourn 'twixt his and mine , yet were it true
-To say this boy were like me . Come , sir page ,
-Look on me with your wolkin eye : sweet villain !
-Most dear'st ! my collop ! Can thy dam ?may't be ?
-Affection ! thy intention stabs the centre :
-Thou dost make possible things not so held ,
-Communicat'st with dreams ;how can this be ?
-With what's unreal thou co-active art ,
-And fellow'st nothing : then , 'tis very credent
-Thou mayst co-join with something ; and thou dost ,
-And that beyond commission , and I find it ,
-And that to the infection of my brains
-And hardening of my brows .
-
-What means Sicilia ?
-
-He something seems unsettled .
-
-How , my lord !
-What cheer ? how is't with you , best brother ?
-
-You look
-As if you held a brow of much distraction :
-Are you mov'd , my lord ?
-
-No , in good earnest .
-How sometimes nature will betray its folly ,
-Its tenderness , and make itself a pastime
-To harder bosoms ! Looking on the lines
-Of my boy's face , methoughts I did recoil
-Twenty-three years , and saw myself unbreech'd ,
-In my green velvet coat , my dagger muzzled ,
-Lest it should bite its master , and so prove ,
-As ornaments oft do , too dangerous :
-How like , methought , I then was to this kernel ,
-This squash , this gentleman . Mine honest friend ,
-Will you take eggs for money ?
-
-No , my lord , I'll fight .
-
-You will ? why , happy man be his dole ! My brother ,
-Are you so fond of your young prince as we
-Do seem to be of ours ?
-
-If at home , sir ,
-He's all my exercise , my mirth , my matter ,
-Now my sworn friend and then mine enemy ;
-My parasite , my soldier , statesman , all :
-He makes a July's day short as December ,
-And with his varying childness cures in me
-Thoughts that would thick my blood .
-
-So stands this squire
-Offic'd with me . We two will walk , my lord ,
-And leave you to your graver steps . Hermione ,
-How thou lov'st us , show in our brother's welcome :
-Let what is dear in Sicily be cheap :
-Next to thyself and my young rover , he's
-Apparent to my heart .
-
-If you would seek us ,
-We are yours i' the garden : shall's attend you there ?
-
-To your own bents dispose you : you'll be found ,
-Be you beneath the sky .
-
-I am angling now ,
-Though you perceive me not how I give line .
-Go to , go to !
-How she holds up the neb , the bill to him !
-And arms her with the boldness of a wife
-To her allowing husband !
-
-Gone already !
-Inch-thick , knee-deep , o'er head and ears a fork'd one !
-Go play , boy , play ; thy mother plays , and I
-Play too , but so disgrac'd a part , whose issue
-Will hiss me to my grave : contempt and clamour
-Will be my knell . Go play , boy , play . There have been ,
-Or I am much deceiv'd , cuckolds ere now ;
-And many a man there is even at this present ,
-Now , while I speak this , holds his wife by the arm ,
-That little thinks she has been sluic'd in's absence ,
-And his pond fish'd by his next neighbour , by
-Sir Smile , his neighbour : nay , there's comfort in't ,
-Whiles other men have gates , and those gates open'd ,
-As mine , against their will . Should all despair
-That have revolted wives the tenth of mankind
-Would hang themselves . Physic for't there is none ;
-It is a bawdy planet , that will strike
-Where 'tis predominant ; and 'tis powerful , think it ,
-From east , west , north , and south : be it concluded ,
-No barricado for a belly : know't ;
-It will let in and out the enemy
-With bag and baggage . Many a thousand on's
-Have the disease , and feel't not . How now , boy !
-
-I am like you , they say .
-
-Why , that's some comfort .
-What ! Camillo there ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-Go play , Mamillius ; thou'rt an honest man .
-
-Camillo , this great sir will yet stay longer .
-
-You had much ado to make his anchor hold :
-When you cast out , it still came home .
-
-Didst note it ?
-
-He would not stay at your petitions ; made
-His business more material .
-
-Didst perceive it ?
-
-
-They're here with me already , whispering , rounding
-'Sicilia is a so-forth .' 'Tis far gone ,
-When I shall gust it last . How came't , Camillo ,
-That he did stay ?
-
-At the good queen's entreaty .
-
-At the queen's , be't : 'good' should be pertinent ;
-But so it is , it is not . Was this taken
-By any understanding pate but thine ?
-For thy conceit is soaking ; will draw in
-More than the common blocks : not noted , is't ,
-But of the finer natures ? by some severals
-Of head-piece extraordinary ? lower messes
-Perchance are to this business purblind ? say .
-
-Business , my lord ! I think most understand
-Bohemia stays here longer .
-
-Ha !
-
-Stays here longer .
-
-Ay , but why ?
-
-To satisfy your highness and the entreaties
-Of our most gracious mistress .
-
-Satisfy !
-The entreaties of your mistress ! satisfy !
-Let that suffice . I have trusted thee , Camillo ,
-With all the nearest things to my heart , as well
-My chamber-councils , wherein , priest-like , thou
-Hast cleans'd my bosom : I from thee departed
-Thy penitent reform'd ; but we have been
-Deceiv'd in thy integrity , deceiv'd
-In that which seems so .
-
-Be it forbid , my lord !
-
-To bide upon 't , thou art not honest ; or ,
-If thou inclin'st that way , thou art a coward ,
-Which hoxes honesty behind , restraining
-From course requir'd ; or else thou must be counted
-A servant grafted in my serious trust ,
-And therein negligent ; or else a fool
-That seest a game play'd home , the rich stake drawn ,
-And tak'st it all for jest .
-
-My gracious lord ,
-I may be negligent , foolish , and fearful ;
-In every one of these no man is free ,
-But that his negligence , his folly , fear ,
-Among the infinite doings of the world ,
-Sometime puts forth . In your affairs , my lord ,
-If ever I were wilful-negligent ,
-It was my folly ; if industriously
-I play'd the fool , it was my negligence ,
-Not weighing well the end ; if ever fearful
-To do a thing , where I the issue doubted ,
-Whereof the execution did cry out
-Against the non-performance , 'twas a fear
-Which oft infects the wisest : these , my lord ,
-Are such allow'd infirmities that honesty
-Is never free of : but , beseech your Grace ,
-Be plainer with me ; let me know my trespass
-By its own visage ; if I then deny it ,
-'Tis none of mine .
-
-Ha' not you seen , Camillo ,
-But that's past doubt ; you have , or your eyeglass
-Is thicker than a cuckold's horn ,or heard ,
-For to a vision so apparent rumour
-Cannot be mute ,or thought ,for cogitation
-Resides not in that man that does not think ,
-My wife is slippery ? If thou wilt confess ,
-Or else be impudently negative ,
-To have nor eyes , nor ears , nor thought ,then say
-My wife's a hobby-horse ; deserves a name
-As rank as any flax-wench that puts to
-Before her troth-plight : say't and justify't .
-
-I would not be a stander-by , to hear
-My sovereign mistress clouded so , without
-My present vengeance taken : 'shrew my heart ,
-You never spoke what did become you less
-Than this ; which to reiterate were sin
-As deep as that , though true .
-
-Is whispering nothing ?
-Is leaning cheek to cheek ? is meeting noses ?
-Kissing with inside lip ? stopping the career
-Of laughter with a sigh ?a note infallible
-Of breaking honesty ,horsing foot on foot ?
-Skulking in corners ? wishing clocks more swift ?
-Hours , minutes ? noon , midnight ? and all eyes
-Blind with the pin and web but theirs , theirs only ,
-That would unseen be wicked ? is this nothing ?
-Why , then the world and all that's in't is nothing ;
-The covering sky is nothing ; Bohemia nothing ;
-My wife is nothing ; nor nothing have these nothings ,
-If this be nothing .
-
-Good my lord , be cur'd
-Of this diseas'd opinion , and betimes ;
-For 'tis most dangerous .
-
-Say it be , 'tis true .
-
-No , no , my lord .
-
-It is ; you lie , you lie :
-I say thou liest , Camillo , and I hate thee ;
-Pronounce thee a gross lout , a mindless slave ,
-Or else a hovering temporizer , that
-Canst with thine eyes at once see good and evil ,
-Inclining to them both : were my wife's liver
-Infected as her life , she would not live
-The running of one glass .
-
-Who does infect her ?
-
-Why , he that wears her like her medal , hanging
-About his neck , Bohemia : who , if I
-Had servants true about me , that bare eyes
-To see alike mine honour as their profits ,
-Their own particular thrifts , they would do that
-Which should undo more doing : ay , and thou ,
-His cup-bearer ,whom I from meaner form
-Have bench'd and rear'd to worship , who mayst see
-Plainly , as heaven sees earth , and earth sees heaven ,
-How I am galled ,mightst bespice a cup ,
-To give mine enemy a lasting wink ;
-Which draught to me were cordial .
-
-Sir , my lord ,
-I could do this , and that with no rash potion ,
-But with a lingering dram that should not work
-Maliciously like poison : but I cannot
-Believe this crack to be in my dread mistress ,
-So sovereingly being honourable :
-I have lov'd thee ,
-
-Make that thy question , and go rot !
-Dost think I am so muddy , so unsettled ,
-To appoint myself in this vexation ; sully
-The purity and whiteness of my sheets ,
-Which to preserve is sleep ; which being spotted
-Is goads , thorns , nettles , tails of wasps ?
-Give scandal to the blood o' the prince my son ,
-Who I do think is mine , and love as mine ,
-Without ripe moving to't ? Would I do this ?
-Could man so blench ?
-
-I must believe you , sir :
-I do ; and will fetch off Bohemia for't ;
-Provided that when he's remov'd , your highness
-Will take again your queen as yours at first ,
-Even for your son's sake ; and thereby for sealing
-The injury of tongues in courts and kingdoms
-Known and allied to yours .
-
-Thou dost advise me
-Even so as I mine own course have set down :
-I'll give no blemish to her honour , none .
-
-My lord ,
-Go then ; and with a countenance as clear
-As friendship wears at feasts , keep with Bohemia ,
-And with your queen . I am his cupbearer ;
-If from me he have wholesome beverage ,
-Account me not your servant .
-
-This is all :
-Do't , and thou hast the one half of my heart ;
-Do't not , thou split'st thine own .
-
-I'll do't , my lord .
-
-I will seem friendly , as thou hast advis'd me .
-
-
-O miserable lady ! But , for me ,
-What case stand I in ? I must be the poisoner
-Of good Polixenes ; and my ground to do't
-Is the obedience to a master ; one
-Who , in rebellion with himself will have
-All that are his so too . To do this deed
-Promotion follows . If I could find example
-Of thousands that had struck anointed kings ,
-And flourish'd after , I'd not do't ; but since
-Nor brass nor stone nor parchment bears not one ,
-Let villany itself forswear't . I must
-Forsake the court : to do't , or no , is certain
-To me a break-neck . Happy star reign now !
-Here comes Bohemia .
-
-
-This is strange : methinks
-My favour here begins to warp . Not speak ?
-Good day , Camillo .
-
-Hail , most royal sir !
-
-What is the news i' the court ?
-
-None rare , my lord .
-
-The king hath on him such a countenance
-As he had lost some province and a region
-Lov'd as he loves himself : even now I met him
-With customary compliment , when he ,
-Wafting his eyes , to the contrary , and falling
-A lip of much contempt , speeds from me and
-So leaves me to consider what is breeding
-That changes thus his manners .
-
-I dare not know , my lord .
-
-How ! dare not ! do not ! Do you know , and dare not
-Be intelligent to me ? 'Tis thereabouts :
-For , to yourself , what you do know , you must ,
-And cannot say you dare not . Good Camillo ,
-Your chang'd complexions are to me a mirror
-Which shows me mine chang'd too ; for I must be
-A party in this alteration , finding
-Myself thus alter'd with't .
-
-There is a sickness
-Which puts some of us in distemper ; but
-I cannot name the disease , and it is caught
-Of you that yet are well .
-
-How ! caught of me ?
-Make me not sighted like the basilisk :
-I have look'd on thousands , who have sped the better
-By my regard , but kill'd none so . Camillo ,
-As you are certainly a gentleman , thereto
-Clerk-like experienc'd , which no less adorns
-Our gentry than our parents' noble names ,
-In whose success we are gentle ,I beseech you ,
-If you know aught which does behove my knowledge
-Thereof to be inform'd , imprison it not
-In ignorant concealment .
-
-I may not answer .
-
-A sickness caught of me , and yet I well !
-I must be answer'd . Dost thou hear , Camillo ;
-I conjure thee , by all the parts of man
-Which honour does acknowledge ,whereof the least
-Is not this suit of mine ,that thou declare
-What incidency thou dost guess of harm
-Is creeping toward me ; how far off , how near ;
-Which way to be prevented if to be ;
-If not , how best to bear it .
-
-Sir , I will tell you ;
-Since I am charg'd in honour and by him
-That I think honourable . Therefore mark my counsel ,
-Which must be even as swiftly follow'd as
-I mean to utter it , or both yourself and me
-Cry 'lost ,' and so good night !
-
-On , good Camillo .
-
-I am appointed him to murder you .
-
-By whom , Camillo ?
-
-By the king .
-
-For what ?
-
-He thinks , nay , with all confidence he swears ,
-As he had seen't or been an instrument
-To vice you to't , that you have touch'd his queen
-Forbiddenly .
-
-O , then my best blood turn
-To an infected jelly , and my name
-Be yok'd with his that did betray the Best !
-Turn then my freshest reputation to
-A savour , that may strike the dullest nostril
-Where I arrive ; and my approach be shunn'd ,
-Nay , hated too , worse than the great'st infection
-That e'er was heard or read !
-
-Swear his thought over
-By each particular star in heaven and
-By all their influences , you may as well
-Forbid the sea for to obey the moon
-As or by oath remove or counsel shake
-The fabric of his folly , whose foundation
-Is pil'd upon his faith , and will continue
-The standing of his body .
-
-How should this grow ?
-
-I know not : but I am sure 'tis safer to
-Avoid what's grown than question how 'tis born .
-If therefore you dare trust my honesty ,
-That lies enclosed in this trunk , which you
-Shall bear along impawn'd , away to-night !
-Your followers I will whisper to the business ,
-And will by twos and threes at several posterns
-Clear them o'the city . For myself , I'll put
-My fortunes to your service , which are here
-By this discovery lost . Be not uncertain ;
-For , by the honour of my parents , I
-Have utter'd truth , which , if you seek to prove ,
-I dare not stand by ; nor shall you be safer
-Than one condemn'd by the king's own mouth , thereon
-His execution sworn .
-
-I do believe thee :
-I saw his heart in's face . Give me thy hand :
-Be pilot to me and thy places shall
-Still neighbour mine . My ships are ready and
-My people did expect my hence departure
-Two days ago . This jealousy
-Is for a precious creature : as she's rare
-Must it be great , and , as his person's mighty
-Must it be violent , and , as he does conceive
-He is dishonour'd by a man which ever
-Profess'd to him , why , his revenges must
-In that be made more bitter . Fear o'ershades me :
-Good expedition be my friend , and comfort
-The gracious queen , part of his theme , but nothing
-Of his ill-ta'en suspicion ! Come . Camillo ;
-I will respect thee as a father if
-Thou bear'st my life off hence : let us avoid .
-
-It is in mine authority to command
-The keys of all the posterns : please your highness
-To take the urgent hour . Come , sir , away !
-
-Take the boy to you : he so troubles me , 'Tis past enduring .
-
-Come , my gracious lord , Shall I be your playfellow ?
-
-No , I'll none of you .
-
-Why , my sweet lord ?
-
-You'll kiss me hard and speak to me as if
-I were a baby still . I love you better .
-
-And why so , my lord ?
-
-Not for because
-Your brows are blacker ; yet black brows , they say ,
-Become some women best , so that there be not
-Too much hair there , but in a semicircle ,
-Or a half-moon made with a pen .
-
-Who taught you this ?
-
-I learn'd it out of women's faces . Pray now ,
-What colour are your eyebrows ?
-
-Blue , my lord .
-
-Nay , that's a mock : I have seen a lady's nose
-That has been blue , but not her eyebrows .
-
-Hark ye ;
-The queen your mother rounds apace : we shall
-Present our services to a fine new prince
-One of these days ; and then you'd wanton with us ,
-If we would have you .
-
-She is spread of late
-Into a goodly bulk : good time encounter her !
-
-What wisdom stirs amongst you ? Come sir , now
-I am for you again : pray you , sit by us ,
-And tell's a tale .
-
-Merry or sad shall't be ?
-
-As merry as you will .
-
-A sad tale's best for winter .
-I have one of sprites and goblins .
-
-Let's have that , good sir .
-Come on , sit down : come on , and do your best
-To fright me with your sprites ; you're powerful at it .
-
-There was a man ,
-
-Nay , come , sit down ; then on .
-
-Dwelt by a churchyard . I will tell it softly ;
-Yond crickets shall not hear it .
-
-Come on then ,
-And give't me in mine ear .
-
-
-Was he met there ? his train ? Camillo with him ?
-
-Behind the tuft of pines I met them : never
-Saw I men scour so on their way : I ey'd them
-Even to their ships
-
-How blest am I
-In my just censure , in my true opinion !
-Alack , for lesser knowledge ! How accurs'd
-In being so blest ! There may be in the cup
-A spider steep'd , and one may drink , depart ,
-And yet partake no venom , for his knowledge
-Is not infected ; but if one present
-The abhorr'd ingredient to his eye , make known
-How he hath drunk , he cracks his gorge , his sides ,
-With violent hefts . I have drunk , and seen the spider .
-Camillo was his help in this , his pandar :
-There is a plot against my life , my crown ;
-All's true that is mistrusted : that false villain
-Whom I employ'd was pre-employ'd by him :
-He has discover'd my design , and I
-Remain a pinch'd thing ; yea , a very trick
-For them to play at will . How came the posterns
-So easily open ?
-
-By his great authority ;
-Which often hath no less prevail'd than so
-On your command .
-
-I know't too well .
-
-
-Give me the boy : I am glad you did not nurse him :
-Though he does bear some signs of me , yet you
-Have too much blood in him .
-
-What is this ? sport ?
-
-Bear the boy hence ; he shall not come about her ;
-Away with him !
-
-and let her sport herself
-With that she's big with ; for 'tis Polixenes
-Has made thee swell thus .
-
-But I'd say he had not ,
-And I'll be sworn you would believe my saying ,
-Howe'er you lean to the nayward .
-
-You , my lords ,
-Look on her , mark her well ; be but about
-To say , 'she is a goodly lady ,' and
-The justice of your hearts will thereto add
-''Tis pity she's not honest , honourable :'
-Praise her but for this her without-door form ,
-Which , on my faith deserves high speech ,and straight
-The shrug , the hum or ha , these petty brands
-That calumny doth use ,O , I am out !
-That mercy does , for calumny will sear
-Virtue itself : these shrugs , these hums and ha's ,
-When you have said 'she's goodly ,' come between ,
-Ere you can say 'she's honest .' But be't known ,
-From him that has most cause to grieve it should be ,
-She's an adulteress .
-
-Should a villain say so ,
-The most replenish'd villain in the world ,
-He were as much more villain : you , my lord ,
-Do but mistake .
-
-You have mistook , my lady ,
-Polixenes for Leontes . O thou thing !
-Which I'll not call a creature of thy place ,
-Lest barbarism , making me the precedent ,
-Should a like language use to all degrees ,
-And mannerly distinguishment leave out
-Betwixt the prince and beggar : I have said
-She's an adulteress ; I have said with whom :
-More , she's a traitor , and Camillo is
-A federary with her , and one that knows
-What she should shame to know herself
-But with her most vile principal , that she's
-A bed-swerver , even as bad as those
-That vulgars give bold'st titles ; ay , and privy
-To this their late escape .
-
-No , by my life ,
-Privy to none of this . How will this grieve you
-When you shall come to clearer knowledge that
-You thus have publish'd me ! Gentle my lord ,
-You scarce can right me throughly then to say
-You did mistake .
-
-No ; if I mistake
-In those foundations which I build upon ,
-The centre is not big enough to bear
-A schoolboy's top . Away with her to prison !
-He who shall speak for her is afar off guilty
-But that he speaks .
-
-There's some ill planet reigns :
-I must be patient till the heavens look
-With an aspect more favourable . Good my lords ,
-I am not prone to weeping , as our sex
-Commonly are ; the want of which vain dew
-Perchance shall dry your pities ; but I have
-That honourable grief lodg'd here which burns
-Worse than tears drown . Beseech you all , my lords ,
-With thoughts so qualified as your charities
-Shall best instruct you , measure me ; and so
-The king's will be perform'd !
-
-Shall I be heard ?
-
-Who is't that goes with me ? Beseech your highness ,
-My women may be with me ; for you see
-My plight requires it . Do not weep , good fools ;
-There is no cause : when you shall know your mistress
-Has deserv'd prison , then abound in tears
-As I come out : this action I now go on
-Is for my better grace . Adieu , my lord :
-I never wish'd to see you sorry ; now
-I trust I shall . My women , come ; you have leave .
-
-Go , do our bidding : hence !
-
-
-Beseech your highness call the queen again .
-
-Be certain what you do , sir , lest your justice
-Prove violence : in the which three great ones suffer ,
-Yourself , your queen , your son .
-
-For her , my lord ,
-I dare my life lay down , and will do't , sir ,
-Please you to accept it ,that the queen is spotless
-I' the eyes of heaven and to you : I mean ,
-In this which you accuse her .
-
-If it prove
-She's otherwise , I'll keep my stables where
-I lodge my wife ; I'll go in couples with her ;
-Than when I feel and see her no further trust her ;
-For every inch of woman in the world ,
-Ay , every dram of woman's flesh is false ,
-If she be .
-
-Hold your peaces !
-
-Good my lord ,
-
-It is for you we speak , not for ourselves .
-You are abus'd , and by some putter-on
-That will be damn'd for't ; would I knew the villain ,
-I would land-damn him . Be she honour-flaw'd ,
-I have three daughters ; the eldest is eleven ,
-The second and the third , nine and some five ;
-If this prove true , they'll pay for't : by mine honour ,
-I'll geld them all ; fourteen they shall not see ,
-To bring false generations : they are co-heirs ;
-And I had rather glib myself than they
-Should not produce fair issue .
-
-Cease ! no more .
-You smell this business with a sense as cold
-As is a dead man's nose ; but I do see't and feel't ,
-As you feel doing thus , and see withal
-The instruments that feel .
-
-If it be so ,
-We need no grave to bury honesty :
-There's not a grain of it the face to sweeten
-Of the whole dungy earth .
-
-What ! lack I credit ?
-
-I had rather you did lack than I , my lord ,
-Upon this ground ; and more it would content me
-To have her honour true than your suspicion ,
-Be blam'd for't how you might .
-
-Why , what need we
-Commune with you of this , but rather follow
-Our forceful instigation ? Our prerogative
-Calls not your counsels , but our natural goodness
-Imparts this ; which if you ,or stupified
-Or seeming so in skill ,cannot or will not
-Relish a truth like us , inform yourselves
-We need no more of your advice : the matter ,
-The loss , the gain , the ordering on't , is all
-Properly ours .
-
-And I wish , my liege ,
-You had only in your silent judgment tried it ,
-Without more overture .
-
-How could that be ?
-Either thou art most ignorant by age ,
-Or thou wert born a fool . Camillo's flight ,
-Added to their familiarity ,
-Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture ,
-That lack'd sight only , nought for approbation
-But only seeing , all other circumstances
-Made up to the deed , doth push on this proceeding :
-Yet , for a greater confirmation ,
-For in an act of this importance 'twere
-Most piteous to be wild ,I have dispatch'd in post
-To sacred Delphos , to Apollo's temple ,
-Cleomenes and Dion , whom you know
-Of stuff'd sufficiency . Now , from the oracle
-They will bring all ; whose spiritual counsel had ,
-Shall stop or spur me . Have I done well ?
-
-Well done , my lord .
-
-Though I am satisfied and need no more
-Than what I know , yet shall the oracle
-Give rest to the minds of others , such as he
-Whose ignorant credulity will not
-Come up to the truth . So have we thought it good
-From our free person she should be confin'd ,
-Lest that the treachery of the two fled hence
-Be left her to perform . Come , follow us :
-We are to speak in public ; for this business
-Will raise us all .
-
-To laughter , as I take it ,
-If the good truth were known .
-
-
-The keeper of the prison , call to him ;
-Let him have knowledge who I am .
-
-Good lady ,
-No court in Europe is too good for thee ;
-What dost thou then in prison ?
-
-
-Now , good sir ,
-
-You know me , do you not ?
-
-For a worthy lady
-And one whom much I honour .
-
-Pray you then ,
-Conduct me to the queen .
-
-I may not , madam : to the contrary
-I have express commandment .
-
-Here's ado ,
-To lock up honesty and honour from
-The access of gentle visitors ! Is't lawful , pray you ,
-To see her women ? any of them ? Emilia ?
-
-So please you , madam ,
-To put apart these your attendants , I
-Shall bring Emilia forth .
-
-I pray now , call her .
-Withdraw yourselves .
-
-
-And , madam ,
-I must be present at your conference .
-
-Well , be't so , prithee .
-
-Here's such ado to make no stain a stain ,
-As passes colouring .
-
-
-Dear gentlewoman ,
-
-How fares our gracious lady ?
-
-As well as one so great and so forlorn
-May hold together . On her frights and griefs ,
-Which never tender lady hath borne greater ,
-She is something before her time deliver'd .
-
-A boy ?
-
-A daughter ; and a goodly babe ,
-Lusty and like to live : the queen receives
-Much comfort in't ; says , 'My poor prisoner ,
-I am innocent as you .'
-
-I dare be sworn :
-These dangerous unsafe lunes i' the king , beshrew them !
-He must be told on't , and he shall : the office
-Becomes a woman best ; I'll take't upon me .
-If I prove honey-mouth'd , let my tongue blister ,
-And never to my red-look'd anger be
-The trumpet any more . Pray you , Emilia ,
-Commend my best obedience to the queen :
-If she dares trust me with her little babe ,
-I'll show it to the king and undertake to be
-Her advocate to the loud'st . We do not know
-How he may soften at the sight of the child :
-The silence often of pure innocence
-Persuades when speaking fails .
-
-Most worthy madam ,
-Your honour and your goodness is so evident
-That your free undertaking cannot miss
-A thriving issue : there is no lady living
-So meet for this great errand . Please your ladyship
-To visit the next room , I'll presently
-Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer ,
-Who but to-day hammer'd of this design ,
-But durst not tempt a minister of honour ,
-Lest she should be denied .
-
-Tell her , Emilia ,
-I'll use that tongue I have : if wit flow from't
-As boldness from my bosom , let it not be doubted
-I shall do good .
-
-Now be you blest for it !
-I'll to the queen . Please you , come something nearer .
-
-Madam , if't please the queen to send the babe ,
-I know not what I shall incur to pass it ,
-Having no warrant .
-
-You need not fear it , sir :
-The child was prisoner to the womb , and is
-By law and process of great nature thence
-Freed and enfranchis'd ; not a party to
-The anger of the king , nor guilty of ,
-If any be , the trespass of the queen .
-
-I do believe it .
-
-Do not you fear : upon mine honour , I
-Will stand betwixt you and danger .
-
-
-Nor night , nor day , no rest ; it is but weakness
-To bear the matter thus ; mere weakness . If
-The cause were not in being ,part o' the cause ,
-She the adultress ; for the harlot king
-Is quite beyond mine arm , out of the blank
-And level of my brain , plot-proof ; but she
-I can hook to me : say , that she were gone ,
-Given to the fire , a moiety of my rest
-Might come to me again . Who's there ?
-
-My lord ?
-
-How does the boy ?
-
-He took good rest to-night ;
-'Tis hop'd his sickness is discharg'd .
-
-To see his nobleness !
-Conceiving the dishonour of his mother ,
-He straight declin'd , droop'd , took it deeply ,
-Fasten'd and fix'd the shame on't in himself ,
-Threw off his spirit , his appetite , his sleep ,
-And downright languish'd . Leave me solely : go ,
-See how he fares .
-
-Fie , fie ! no thought of him ;
-The very thought of my revenges that way
-Recoil upon me : in himself too mighty ,
-And in his parties , his alliance ; let him be
-Until a time may serve : for present vengeance ,
-Take it on her . Camillo and Polixenes
-Laugh at me ; make their pastime at my sorrow :
-They should not laugh , if I could reach them , nor
-Shall she within my power .
-
-
-You must not enter .
-
-Nay , rather , good my lords , be second to me :
-Fear you his tyrannous passion more , alas ,
-Than the queen's life ? a gracious innocent soul ,
-More free than he is jealous .
-
-That's enough .
-
-Madam , he hath not slept to-night ; commanded
-None should come at him .
-
-Not so hot , good sir ;
-I come to bring him sleep . 'Tis such as you ,
-That creep like shadows by him and do sigh
-At each his needless heavings , such as you
-Nourish the cause of his awaking : I
-Do come with words as med'cinal as true ,
-Honest as either , to purge him of that humour
-That presses him from sleep .
-
-What noise there , ho ?
-
-No noise , my lord ; but needful conference
-About some gossips for your highness .
-
-How !
-Away with that audacious lady ! Antigonus ,
-I charg'd thee that she should not come about me :
-I knew she would .
-
-I told her so , my lord ,
-On your displeasure's peril , and on mine ,
-She should not visit you .
-
-What ! canst not rule her ?
-
-From all dishonesty he can : in this ,
-Unless he take the course that you have done ,
-Commit me for committing honour , trust it ,
-He shall not rule me .
-
-La you now ! you hear ;
-When she will take the rein I let her run ;
-But she'll not stumble .
-
-Good my liege , I come ,
-And I beseech you , hear me , who professes
-Myself your loyal servant , your physician ,
-Your most obedient counsellor , yet that dares
-Less appear so in comforting your evils
-Than such as most seem yours : I say , I come
-From your good queen .
-
-Good queen !
-
-Good queen , my lord , good queen ; I say , good queen ;
-And would by combat make her good , so were I
-A man , the worst about you .
-
-Force her hence .
-
-Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes
-First hand me : on mine own accord I'll off ;
-But first I'll do my errand . The good queen ,
-For she is good , hath brought you forth a daughter :
-Here 'tis ; commends it to your blessing .
-
-
-Out !
-A mankind witch ! Hence with her , out o' door :
-A most intelligencing bawd !
-
-Not so ;
-I am as ignorant in that as you
-In so entitling me , and no less honest
-Than you are mad ; which is enough , I'll warrant ,
-As this world goes , to pass for honest .
-
-Traitors !
-Will you not push her out ? Give her the bastard .
-
-
-Thou dotard ! thou art woman-tir'd , unroosted
-By thy dame Partlet here . Take up the bastard ;
-Take't up , I say ; give't to thy crone .
-
-For ever
-Unvenerable be thy hands , if thou
-Tak'st up the princess by that forced baseness
-Which he has put upon't !
-
-He dreads his wife .
-
-So I would you did ; then , 'twere past all doubt ,
-You'd call your children yours .
-
-A nest of traitors !
-
-I am none , by this good light .
-
-Nor I ; nor any
-But one that's here , and that's himself ; for he
-The sacred honour of himself , his queen's ,
-His hopeful son's , his babe's , betrays to slander ,
-Whose sting is sharper than the sword's ; and will not ,
-For , as the case now stands , it is a curse
-He cannot be compell'd to't ,once remove
-The root of his opinion , which is rotten
-As ever oak or stone was sound .
-
-A callat
-Of boundless tongue , who late hath beat her husband
-And now baits me ! This brat is none of mine ;
-It is the issue of Polixenes :
-Hence with it ; and , together with the dam
-Commit them to the fire !
-
-It is yours ;
-And , might we lay the old proverb to your charge ,
-'So like you , 'tis the worse .' Behold , my lords ,
-Although the print be little , the whole matter
-And copy of the father ; eye , nose , lip ,
-The trick of's frown , his forehead , nay , the valley ,
-The pretty dimples of his chin and cheek , his smiles ,
-The very mould and frame of hand , nail , finger :
-And thou , good goddess Nature , which hast made it
-So like to him that got it , if thou hast
-The ordering of the mind too , 'mongst all colours
-No yellow in't ; lest she suspect , as he does ,
-Her children not her husband's .
-
-A gross hag !
-And , lozel , thou art worthy to be hang'd ,
-That wilt not stay her tongue .
-
-Hang all the husbands
-That cannot do that feat , you'll leave yourself
-Hardly one subject .
-
-Once more , take her hence .
-
-A most unworthy and unnatural lord
-Can do no more .
-
-I'll ha' thee burn'd .
-
-I care not :
-It is a heretic that makes the fire ,
-Not she which burns in't . I'll not call you tyrant ;
-But this most cruel usage of your queen ,
-Not able to produce more accusation
-Than your own weak-hing'd fancy ,something savours
-Of tyranny , and will ignoble make you ,
-Yea , scandalous to the world .
-
-On your allegiance ,
-Out of the chamber with her ! Were I a tyrant ,
-Where were her life ? she durst not call me so
-If she did know me one . Away with her !
-
-I pray you do not push me ; I'll be gone .
-Look to your babe , my lord ; 'tis yours : Jove send her
-A better guiding spirit ! What need these hands ?
-You , that are thus so tender o'er his follies ,
-Will never do him good , not one of you .
-So , so : farewell ; we are gone .
-
-
-Thou , traitor , hast set on thy wife to this .
-My child ! away with't !even thou , that hast
-A heart so tender o'er it , take it hence
-And see it instantly consum'd with fire :
-Even thou and none but thou . Take it up straight :
-Within this hour bring me word 'tis done ,
-And by good testimony ,or I'll seize thy life ,
-With what thou else call'st thine . If thou refuse
-And wilt encounter with my wrath , say so ;
-The bastard brains with these my proper hands
-Shall I dash out . Go , take it to the fire ;
-For thou sett'st on thy wife .
-
-I did not , sir :
-These lords , my noble fellows , if they please ,
-Can clear me in't .
-
-We can , my royal liege ,
-He is not guilty of her coming hither .
-
-You are liars all .
-
-Beseech your highness , give us better credit :
-We have always truly serv'd you , and beseech you
-So to esteem of us ; and on our knees we beg ,
-As recompense of our dear services
-Past and to come , that you do change this purpose ,
-Which being so horrible , so bloody , must
-Lead on to some foul issue . We all kneel .
-
-I am a feather for each wind that blows .
-Shall I live on to see this bastard kneel
-And call me father ? Better burn it now
-Than curse it then . But , be it ; let it live :
-It shall not neither .
-
-You , sir , come you hither ;
-You that have been so tenderly officious
-With Lady Margery , your midwife there ,
-To save this bastard's life ,for 'tis a bastard ,
-So sure as thy beard's grey ,what will you adventure
-To save this brat's life ?
-
-Any thing , my lord ,
-That my ability may undergo ,
-And nobleness impose : at least , thus much :
-I'll pawn the little blood which I have left ,
-To save the innocent : any thing possible .
-
-It shall be possible . Swear by this sword
-Thou wilt perform my bidding .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-Mark and perform it ,seest thou !for the fail
-Of any point in't shall not only be
-Death to thyself , but to thy lewd-tongu'd wife ,
-Whom for this time we pardon . We enjoin thee ,
-As thou art liegeman to us , that thou carry
-This female bastard hence ; and that thou bear it
-To some remote and desart place quite out
-Of our dominions ; and that there thou leave it ,
-Without more mercy , to its own protection ,
-And favour of the climate . As by strange fortune
-It came to us , I do in justice charge thee ,
-On thy soul's peril and thy body's torture ,
-That thou commend it strangely to some place ,
-Where chance may nurse or end it . Take it up .
-
-I swear to do this , though a present death
-Had been more merciful . Come on , poor babe :
-Some powerful spirit instruct the kites and ravens
-To be thy nurses ! Wolves and bears , they say ,
-Casting their savageness aside have done
-Like offices of pity . Sir , be prosperous
-In more than this deed doth require ! And blessing
-Against this cruelty fight on thy side ,
-Poor thing , condemn'd to loss !
-
-
-No ; I'll not rear
-Another's issue .
-
-
-Please your highness , posts
-From those you sent to the oracle are come
-An hour since : Cleomenes and Dion ,
-Being well arriv'd from Delphos , are both landed ,
-Hasting to the court .
-
-So please you , sir , their speed
-Hath been beyond account .
-
-Twenty-three days
-They have been absent : 'tis good speed ; foretells
-The great Apollo suddenly will have
-The truth of this appear . Prepare you , lords ;
-Summon a session , that we may arraign
-Our most disloyal lady ; for , as she hath
-Been publicly accus'd , so shall she have
-A just and open trial . While she lives
-My heart will be a burden to me . Leave me ,
-And think upon my bidding .
-
-The climate's delicate , the air most sweet ,
-Fertile the isle , the temple much surpassing
-The common praise it bears .
-
-I shall report ,
-For most it caught me , the celestial habits ,
-Methinks I so should term them ,and the reverence
-Of the grave wearers . O , the sacrifice !
-How ceremonious , solemn , and unearthly
-It was i' the offering !
-
-But of all , the burst
-And the ear-deafening voice o' the oracle ,
-Kin to Jove's thunder , so surpris'd my sense ,
-That I was nothing .
-
-If the event o' the journey
-Prove as successful to the queen ,O , be't so !
-As it hath been to us rare , pleasant , speedy ,
-The time is worth the use on't .
-
-Great Apollo
-Turn all to the best ! These proclamations ,
-So forcing faults upon Hermione ,
-I little like .
-
-The violent carriage of it
-Will clear or end the business : when the oracle ,
-Thus by Apollo's great divine seal'd up ,
-Shall the contents discover , something rare
-Even then will rush to knowledge .Go :fresh horses !
-And gracious be the issue !
-
-
-This sessions , to our great grief we pronounce ,
-Even pushes 'gainst our heart : the party tried
-The daughter of a king , our wife , and one
-Of us too much belov'd . Let us be clear'd
-Of being tyrannous , since we so openly
-Proceed in justice , which shall have due course ,
-Even to the guilt or the purgation .
-Produce the prisoner .
-
-It is his highness' pleasure that the queen
-Appear in person here in court . Silence !
-
-
-Read the indictment .
-
-Hermione , queen to the worthy Leontes , King of Sicilia , thou art here accused and arraigned of high treason , in committing adultery with Polixenes , King of Bohemia , and conspiring with Camillo to take away the life of our sovereign lord the king , thy royal husband : the pretence whereof being by circumstances partly laid open , thou , Hermione , contrary to the faith and allegiance of a true subject , didst counsel and aid them , for their better safety , to fly away by night .
-
-Since what I am to say must be but that
-Which contradicts my accusation , and
-The testimony on my part no other
-But what comes from myself , it shall scarce boot me
-To say 'Not guilty :' mine integrity
-Being counted falsehood , shall , as I express it ,
-Be so receiv'd . But thus : if powers divine
-Behold our human actions , as they do ,
-I doubt not then but innocence shall make
-False accusation blush , and tyranny
-Tremble at patience . You , my lord , best know ,
-Who least will seem to do so ,my past life
-Hath been as continent , as chaste , as true ,
-As I am now unhappy ; which is more
-Than history can pattern , though devis'd
-And play'd to take spectators . For behold me ,
-A fellow of the royal bed , which owe
-A moiety of the throne , a great king's daughter ,
-The mother to a hopeful prince , here standing
-To prate and talk for life and honour 'fore
-Who please to come and hear . For life , I prize it .
-As I weigh grief , which I would spare : for honour ,
-'Tis a derivative from me to mine ,
-And only that I stand for . I appeal
-To your own conscience , sir , before Polixenes
-Came to your court , how I was in your grace ,
-How merited to be so ; since he came ,
-With what encounter so uncurrent I
-Have strain'd , to appear thus : if one jot beyond
-The bound of honour , or in act or will
-That way inclining , harden'd be the hearts
-Of all that hear me , and my near'st of kin
-Cry fie upon my grave !
-
-I ne'er heard yet
-That any of these bolder vices wanted
-Less impudence to gainsay what they did
-Than to perform it first .
-
-That's true enough ;
-Though 'tis a saying , sir , not due to me .
-
-You will not own it .
-
-More than mistress of
-Which comes to me in name of fault , I must not
-At all acknowledge . For Polixenes ,
-With whom I am accus'd ,I do confess
-I lov'd him as in honour he requir'd ,
-With such a kind of love as might become
-A lady like me ; with a love even such ,
-So and no other , as yourself commanded :
-Which not to have done I think had been in me
-Both disobedience and ingratitude
-To you and toward your friend , whose love had spoke ,
-Even since it could speak , from an infant , freely
-That it was yours . Now , for conspiracy ,
-I know not how it tastes , though it be dish'd
-For me to try how : all I know of it
-Is that Camillo was an honest man ;
-And why he left your court , the gods themselves ,
-Wotting no more than I , are ignorant .
-
-You knew of his departure , as you know
-What you have underta'en to do in's absence .
-
-Sir ,
-You speak a language that I understand not :
-My life stands in the level of your dreams ,
-Which I'll lay down .
-
-Your actions are my dreams :
-You had a bastard by Polixenes ,
-And I but dream'd it . As you were past all shame ,
-Those of your fact are so ,so past all truth :
-Which to deny concerns more than avails ; for as
-Thy brat hath been cast out , like to itself ,
-No father owning it ,which is , indeed ,
-More criminal in thee than it ,so thou
-Shalt feel our justice , in whose easiest passage
-Look for no less than death .
-
-Sir , spare your threats :
-The bug which you would fright me with I seek .
-To me can life be no commodity :
-The crown and comfort of my life , your favour ,
-I do give lost ; for I do feel it gone ,
-But know not how it went . My second joy ,
-And first-fruits of my body , from his presence
-I am barr'd , like one infectious . My third comfort ,
-Starr'd most unluckily , is from my breast ,
-The innocent milk in its most innocent mouth ,
-Hal'd out to murder : myself on every post
-Proclaim'd a strumpet : with immodest hatred
-The child-bed privilege denied , which 'longs
-To women of all fashion : lastly , hurried
-Here to this place , i'the open air , before
-I have got strength of limit . Now , my liege ,
-Tell me what blessings I have here alive ,
-That I should fear to die ? Therefore proceed .
-But yet hear this ; mistake me not ; no life ,
-I prize it not a straw :but for mine honour ,
-Which I would free , if I shall be condemn'd
-Upon surmises , all proofs sleeping else
-But what your jealousies awake , I tell you
-'Tis rigour and not law . Your honours all ,
-I do refer me to the oracle :
-Apollo be my judge !
-
-This your request
-Is altogether just : therefore , bring forth ,
-And in Apollo's name , his oracle .
-
-
-The Emperor of Russia was my father :
-O ! that he were alive , and here beholding
-His daughter's trial ; that he did but see
-The flatness of my misery ; yet with eyes
-Of pity , not revenge !
-
-
-You here shall swear upon this sword of justice ,
-That you , Cleomenes and Dion , have
-Been both at Delphos , and from thence have brought
-This seal'd-up oracle , by the hand deliver'd
-Of great Apollo's priest , and that since then
-You have not dar'd to break the holy seal ,
-Nor read the secrets in't .
-
-All this we swear .
-
-All this we swear .
-
-Break up the seals , and read .
-
-Hermione is chaste ; Polixenes blameless ; Camillo a true subject ; Leontes a jealous tyrant ; his innocent babe truly begotten ; and the king shall live without an heir if that which is lost be not found !
-
-Now blessed be the great Apollo !
-
-Praised !
-
-Hast thou read truth ?
-
-Ay , my lord ; even so
-As it is here set down .
-
-There is no truth at all i' the oracle :
-The sessions shall proceed : this is mere falsehood .
-
-
-My lord the king , the king !
-
-What is the business ?
-
-O sir ! I shall be hated to report it :
-The prince your son , with mere conceit and fear
-Of the queen's speed , is gone .
-
-How ! gone !
-
-Is dead .
-
-Apollo's angry ; and the heavens themselves
-Do strike at my injustice .
-
-How now , there !
-
-This news is mortal to the queen : look down ,
-And see what death is doing .
-
-Take her hence :
-Her heart is but o'ercharg'd ; she will recover :
-I have too much believ'd mine own suspicion :
-Beseech you , tenderly apply to her
-Some remedies for life .
-
-Apollo , pardon
-My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle !
-I'll reconcile me to Polixenes ,
-New woo my queen , recall the good Camillo ,
-Whom I proclaim a man of truth , of mercy ;
-For , being transported by my jealousies
-To bloody thoughts and to revenge , I chose
-Camillo for the minister to poison
-My friend Polixenes : which had been done ,
-But that the good mind of Camillo tardied
-My swift command ; though I with death and with
-Reward did threaten and encourage him ,
-Not doing it , and being done : he , most humane
-And fill'd with honour , to my kingly guest
-Unclasp'd my practice , quit his fortunes here ,
-Which you knew great , and to the certain hazard
-Of all incertainties himself commended ,
-No richer than his honour : how he glisters
-Thorough my rust ! and how his piety
-Does my deeds make the blacker !
-
-
-Woe the while !
-O , cut my lace , lest my heart , cracking it ,
-Break too !
-
-What fit is this , good lady ?
-
-What studied torments , tyrant , hast for me ?
-What wheels ? racks ? fires ? What flaying ? or what boiling
-In leads , or oils ? what old or newer torture
-Must I receive , whose every word deserves
-To taste of thy most worst ? Thy tyranny ,
-Together working with thy jealousies ,
-Fancies too weak for boys , too green and idle
-For girls of nine , O ! think what they have done ,
-And then run mad indeed , stark mad ; for all
-Thy by-gone fooleries were but spices of it .
-That thou betray'dst Polixenes , 'twas nothing ;
-That did but show thee of a fool , inconstant
-And damnable ingrateful ; nor was't much
-Thou wouldst have poison'd good Camillo's honour
-To have him kill a king ; poor trespasses ,
-More monstrous standing by : whereof I reckon
-The casting forth to crows thy baby daughter
-To be or none or little ; though a devil
-Would have shed water out of fire ere done't :
-Nor is't directly laid to thee , the death
-Of the young prince , whose honourable thoughts ,
-Thoughts high for one so tender ,cleft the heart
-That could conceive a gross and foolish sire
-Blemish'd his gracious dam : this is not , no ,
-Laid to thy answer : but the last ,O lords !
-When I have said , cry , 'woe !' the queen , the queen ,
-The sweetest , dearest creature's dead , and vengeance for't
-Not dropp'd down yet .
-
-The higher powers forbid !
-
-I say she's dead ; I'll swear't : if word nor oath
-Prevail not , go and see : if you can bring
-Tincture or lustre in her lip , her eye ,
-Heat outwardly , or breath within , I'll serve you
-As I would do the gods . But , O thou tyrant !
-Do not repent these things , for they are heavier
-Than all thy woes can stir ; therefore betake thee
-To nothing but despair . A thousand knees
-Ten thousand years together , naked , fasting ,
-Upon a barren mountain , and still winter
-In storm perpetual , could not move the gods
-To look that way thou wert .
-
-Go on , go on ;
-Thou canst not speak too much : I have deserv'd
-All tongues to talk their bitterest .
-
-Say no more :
-Howe'er the business goes , you have made fault
-I' the boldness of your speech .
-
-I am sorry for't :
-All faults I make , when I shall come to know them ,
-I do repent . Alas ! I have show'd too much
-The rashness of a woman : he is touch'd
-To the noble heart . What's gone and what's past help
-Should be past grief : do not receive affliction
-At my petition ; I beseech you , rather
-Let me be punish'd , that have minded you
-Of what you should forget . Now , good my liege ,
-Sir , royal sir , forgive a foolish woman :
-The love I bore your queen ,lo , fool again !
-I'll speak of her no more , nor of your children ;
-I'll not remember you of my own lord ,
-Who is lost too : take your patience to you ,
-And I'll say nothing .
-
-Thou didst speak but well ,
-When most the truth , which I receive much better
-Than to be pitied of thee . Prithee , bring me
-To the dead bodies of my queen and son :
-One grave shall be for both : upon them shall
-The causes of their death appear , unto
-Our shame perpetual . Once a day I'll visit
-The chapel where they lie , and tears shed there
-Shall be my recreation : so long as nature
-Will bear up with this exercise , so long
-I daily vow to use it . Come and lead me
-Unto these sorrows .
-
-
-Thou art perfect , then , our ship hath touch'd upon
-The desarts of Bohemia ?
-
-Ay , my lord ; and fear
-We have landed in ill time : the skies look grimly
-And threaten present blusters . In my conscience ,
-The heavens with that we have in hand are angry ,
-And frown upon's .
-
-Their sacred wills be done ! Go , get aboard ;
-Look to thy bark : I'll not be long before
-I call upon thee .
-
-Make your best haste , and go not
-Too far i' the land : 'tis like to be loud weather ;
-Besides , this place is famous for the creatures
-Of prey that keep upon't .
-
-Go thou away :
-I'll follow instantly .
-
-I am glad at heart
-To be so rid of the business .
-
-
-Come , poor babe :
-I have heard , but not believ'd , the spirits o' the dead
-May walk again : if such thing be , thy mother
-Appear'd to me last night , for ne'er was dream
-So like a waking . To me comes a creature ,
-Sometimes her head on one side , some another ;
-I never saw a vessel of like sorrow ,
-So fill'd , and so becoming : in pure white robes ,
-Like very sanctity , she did approach
-My cabin where I lay ; thrice bow'd before me ,
-And , gasping to begin some speech , her eyes
-Became two spouts : the fury spent , anon
-Did this break from her : 'Good Antigonus ,
-Since fate , against thy better disposition ,
-Hath made thy person for the thrower-out
-Of my poor babe , according to thine oath ,
-Places remote enough are in Bohemia ,
-There weep and leave it crying ; and , for the babe
-Is counted lost for ever , Perdita ,
-I prithee , call't : for this ungentle business ,
-Put on thee by my lord , thou ne'er shalt see
-Thy wife Paulina more :' and so , with shrieks ,
-She melted into air . Affrighted much ,
-I did in time collect myself , and thought
-This was so and no slumber . Dreams are toys ;
-Yet for this once , yea , superstitiously ,
-I will be squar'd by this . I do believe
-Hermione hath suffer'd death ; and that
-Apollo would , this being indeed the issue
-Of King Polixenes , it should here be laid ,
-Either for life or death , upon the earth
-Of its right father . Blossom , speed thee well !
-
-There lie ; and there thy character : there these ;
-
-Which may , if fortune please , both breed thee , pretty ,
-And still rest thine . The storm begins : poor wretch !
-That for thy mother's fault art thus expos'd
-To loss and what may follow . Weep I cannot ,
-But my heart bleeds , and most accurs'd am I
-To be by oath enjoin'd to this . Farewell !
-The day frowns more and more : thou art like to have
-A lullaby too rough . I never saw
-The heavens so dim by day . A savage clamour !
-Well may I get aboard ! This is the chase :
-I am gone for ever .
-
-I would there were no age between sixteen and three-and-twenty , or that youth would sleep out the rest ; for there is nothing in the between but getting wenches with child , wronging the ancientry , stealing , fighting . Hark you now ! Would any but these boiled brains of nineteen and two-and-twenty hunt this weather ? They have scared away two of my best sheep ; which I fear the wolf will sooner find than the master : if anywhere I have them , 'tis by the sea-side , browsing of ivy . Good luck , an't be thy will ! what have we here ?
-
-Mercy on's , a barne ; a very pretty barne ! A boy or a child , I wonder ? A pretty one ; a very pretty one ; sure some scape : though I am not bookish , yet I can read waiting-gentlewoman in the scape . This has been some stair-work , some trunk-work , some behind-door-work ; they were warmer that got this than the poor thing is here . I'll take it up for pity ; yet I'll tarry till my son come ; he hollaed but even now . Whoa , ho , hoa !
-
-
-Hilloa , loa !
-
-What ! art so near ? If thou'lt see a thing to talk on when thou art dead and rotten , come hither . What ailest thou , man ?
-
-I have seen two such sights by sea and by land ! but I am not to say it is a see , for it is now the sky : betwixt the firmament and it you cannot thrust a bodkin's point .
-
-Why , boy , how is it ?
-
-I would you did but see how it chafes , how it rages , how it takes up the shore ! but that's not to the point . O ! the most piteous cry of the poor souls ; sometimes to see 'em , and not to see 'em ; now the ship boring the moon with her mainmast , and anon swallowed with yest and froth , as you'd thrust a cork into a hogshead . And then for the land-service : to see how the bear tore out his shoulderbone ; how he cried to me for help and said his name was Antigonus , a nobleman . But to make an end of the ship : to see how the sea flap-dragoned it : but , first , how the poor souls roared , and the sea mocked them ; and how the poor gentleman roared , and the bear mocked him , both roaring louder than the sea or weather .
-
-Name of mercy ! when was this , boy ?
-
-Now , now ; I have not winked since I saw these sights : the men are not yet cold under water , nor the bear half dined on the gentleman : he's at it now .
-
-Would I had been by , to have helped the old man !
-
-I would you had been by the ship's side , to have helped her : there your charity would have lacked footing .
-
-Heavy matters ! heavy matters ! but look thee here , boy . Now bless thyself : thou mettest with things dying , I with things new born . Here's a sight for thee ; look thee , a bearing-cloth for a squire's child ! Look thee here : take up , take up , boy ; open't . So , let's see : it was told me , I should be rich by the fairies : this is some changeling .Open't . What's within , boy ?
-
-You're a made old man : if the sins of your youth are forgiven you , you're well to live . Gold ! all gold !
-
-This is fairy gold , boy , and 'twill prove so : up with't , keep it close : home , home , the next way . We are lucky , boy ; and to be so still , requires nothing but secrecy . Let my sheep go . Come , good boy , the next way home .
-
-Go you the next way with your findings . I'll go see if the bear be gone from the gentleman , and how much he hath eaten : they are never curst but when they are hungry . If there be any of him left , I'll bury it .
-
-That's a good deed . If thou mayst discern by that which is left of him what he is , fetch me to the sight of him .
-
-Marry , will I ; and you shall help to put him i' the ground .
-
-'Tis a lucky day , boy , and we'll do good deeds on't .
-
-I , that please some , try all , both joy and terror
-Of good and bad , that make and unfold error ,
-Now take upon me , in the name of Time ,
-To use my wings . Impute it not a crime
-To me or my swift passage , that I slide
-O'er sixteen years , and leave the growth untried
-Of that wide gap ; since it is in my power
-To o'erthrow law , and in one self-born hour
-To plant and o'erwhelm custom . Let me pass
-The same I am , ere ancient'st order was
-Or what is now receiv'd : I witness to
-The times that brought them in ; so shall I do
-To the freshest things now reigning , and make stale
-The glistering of this present , as my tale
-Now seems to it . Your patience this allowing ,
-I turn my glass and give my scene such growing
-As you had slept between . Leontes leaving ,
-The effects of his fond jealousies so grieving ,
-That he shuts up himself ,imagine me ,
-Gentle spectators , that I now may be
-In fair Bohemia ; and remember well ,
-I mention'd a son o' the king's , which Florizel
-I now name to you ; and with speed so pace
-To speak of Perdita , now grown in grace
-Equal with wondering : what of her ensues
-I list not prophesy ; but let Time's news
-Be known when 'tis brought forth . A shepherd's daughter ,
-And what to her adheres , which follows after ,
-Is th' argument of Time . Of this allow ,
-If ever you have spent time worse ere now :
-If never , yet that Time himself doth say
-He wishes earnestly you never may .
-
-I pray thee , good Camillo , be no more importunate : 'tis a sickness denying thee anything ; a death to grant this .
-
-It is fifteen years since I saw my country : though I have for the most part been aired abroad , I desire to lay my bones there . Besides , the penitent king , my master , hath sent for me ; to whose feeling sorrows I might be some allay , or I o'erween to think so , which is another spur to my departure .
-
-As thou lovest me , Camillo , wipe not out the rest of thy services by leaving me now . The need I have of thee thine own goodness hath made : better not to have had thee than thus to want thee . Thou , having made me businesses which none without thee can sufficiently manage , must either stay to execute them thyself or take away with thee the very services thou hast done ; which if I have not enough considered ,as too much I cannot ,to be more thankful to thee shall be my study , and my profit therein , the heaping friendships . Of that fatal country , Sicilia , prithee speak no more , whose very naming punishes me with the remembrance of that penitent , as thou callest him , and reconciled king , my brother ; whose loss of his most precious queen and children are even now to be afresh lamented . Say to me , when sawest thou the Prince Florizel , my son ? Kings are no less unhappy , their issue not being gracious , than they are in losing them when they have approved their virtues .
-
-Sir , it is three days since I saw the prince . What his happier affairs may be , are to me unknown ; but I have missingly noted he is of late much retired from court , and is less frequent to his princely exercises than formerly he hath appeared .
-
-I have considered so much , Camillo , and with some care ; so far , that I have eyes under my service which look upon his removedness ; from whom I have this intelligence , that he is seldom from the house of a most homely shepherd ; a man , they say , that from very nothing , and beyond the imagination of his neighbours , is grown into an unspeakable estate .
-
-I have heard , sir , of such a man , who hath a daughter of most rare note : the report of her is extended more than can be thought to begin from such a cottage .
-
-That's likewise part of my intelligence ; but I fear , the angle that plucks our son thither . Thou shalt accompany us to the place ; where we will , not appearing what we are , have some question with the shepherd ; from whose simplicity I think it not uneasy to get the cause of my son's resort thither . Prithee , be my present partner in this business , and lay aside the thoughts of Sicilia .
-
-I willingly obey your command .
-
-My best Camillo !We must disguise ourselves .
-
-When daffodils begin to peer ,
-With heigh ! the doxy , over the dale ,
-Why , then comes in the sweet o' the year ;
-For the red blood reigns in the winter's pale .
-
-
-The white sheet bleaching on the hedge ,
-With heigh ! the sweet birds , O , how they sing !
-Doth set my pugging tooth on edge ;
-For a quart of ale is a dish for a king
-
-
-The lark , that tirra-lirra chants ,
-With , heigh ! with , heigh ! the thrush and the jay ,
-Are summer songs for me and my aunts ,
-While we lie tumbling in the hay .
-
-
-I have served Prince Florizel , and in my time wore three-pile ; but now I am out of service :
-
-But shall I go mourn for that , my dear ?
-The pale moon shines by night ;
-And when I wander here and there ,
-I then do most go right .
-If tinkers may have leave to live ,
-And bear the sow-skin bowget ,
-Then my account I well may give ,
-And in the stocks avouch it
-
-My traffic is sheets ; when the kite builds , look to lesser linen . My father named me Autolycus ; who being , as I am , littered under Mercury , was likewise a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles . With die and drab I purchased this caparison , and my revenue is the silly cheat . Gallows and knock are too powerful on the highway : beating and hanging are terrors to me : for the life to come , I sleep out the thought of it . A prize ! a prize !
-
-
-Let me see : Every 'leven wether tods ; every tod yields pound and odd shilling : fifteen hundred shorn , what comes the wool to ?
-
-If the springe hold , the cock's mine .
-
-I cannot do't without compters . Let me see ; what am I to buy for our sheep-shearing feast ? 'Three pound of sugar ; five pound of currants ; rice ,' what will this sister of mine do with rice ? But my father hath made her mistress of the feast , and she lays it on . She hath made me four-and-twenty nosegays for the shearers , three-man song-men all , and very good ones ; but they are most of them means and bases : but one puritan amongst them , and he sings psalms to hornpipes . I must have saffron , to colour the warden pies ; mace , dates ,none ; that's out of my note :nutmegs seven ; a race or two of ginger ,but that I may beg ;four pound of prunes , and as many of raisins o' the sun .
-
-O ! that ever I was born !
-
-
-I' the name of me !
-
-O ! help me , help me ! pluck but off these rags , and then death , death !
-
-Alack , poor soul ! thou hast need of more rags to lay on thee , rather than have these off .
-
-O , sir ! the loathsomeness of them offends me more than the stripes I have received , which are mighty ones and millions .
-
-Alas , poor man ! a million of beating may come to a great matter .
-
-I am robbed , sir , and beaten ; my money and apparel ta'en from me , and these detestable things put upon me .
-
-What , by a horseman or a footman ?
-
-A footman , sweet sir , a footman .
-
-Indeed , he should be a footman , by the garments he hath left with thee : if this be a horseman's coat , it hath seen very hot service . Lend me thy hand , I'll help thee : come , lend me thy hand .
-
-
-O ! good sir , tenderly , O !
-
-Alas , poor soul !
-
-O ! good sir ; softly , good sir ! I fear , sir , my shoulder-blade is out .
-
-How now ! canst stand ?
-
-Softly , dear sir ;
-
-good sir , softly . You ha' done me a charitable office .
-
-Dost lack any money ? I have a little money for thee .
-
-No , good sweet sir : no , I beseech you , sir . I have a kinsman not past three-quarters of a mile hence , unto whom I was going : I shall there have money , or anything I want : offer me no money , I pray you ! that kills my heart .
-
-What manner of fellow was he that robbed you ?
-
-A fellow , sir , that I have known to go about with trol-my-dames : I knew him once a servant of the prince . I cannot tell , good sir , for which of his virtues it was , but he was certainly whipped out of the court .
-
-His vices , you would say : there's no virtue whipped out of the court : they cherish it , to make it stay there , and yet it will no more but abide .
-
-Vices , I would say , sir . I know this man well : he hath been since an ape-bearer ; then a process-server , a bailiff ; then he compassed a motion of the Prodigal Son , and married a tinker's wife within a mile where my land and living lies ; and having flown over many knavish professions , he settled only in rogue : some call him Autolycus .
-
-Out upon him ! Prig , for my life , prig : he haunts wakes , fairs , and bear-baitings .
-
-Very true , sir ; he , sir , he : that's the rogue that put me into this apparel .
-
-Not a more cowardly rogue in all Bohemia : if you had but looked big and spit at him , he'd have run .
-
-I must confess to you , sir , I am no fighter : I am false of heart that way , and that he knew , I warrant him .
-
-How do you now ?
-
-Sweet sir , much better than I was : I can stand and walk . I will even take my leave of you , and pace softly towards my kinsman's .
-
-Shall I bring thee on the way ?
-
-No , good-faced sir ; no , sweet sir .
-
-Then fare thee well : I must go buy spices for our sheep-shearing .
-
-Prosper you , sweet sir !
-
-Your purse is not hot enough to purchase your spice . I'll be with you at your sheep-shearing too . If I make not this cheat bring out another , and the shearers prove sheep , let me be unrolled , and my name put in the book of virtue .
-
-Jog on , jog on , the footpath way ,
-And merrily hent the stile-a :
-A merry heart goes all the day ,
-Your sad tares in a mile-a .
-
-These your unusual weeds to each part of you
-Do give a life : no shepherdess , but Flora
-Peering in April's front . This your sheep-shearing
-Is as a meeting of the petty gods ,
-And you the queen on't .
-
-Sir , my gracious lord ,
-To chide at your extremes it not becomes me :
-O ! pardon , that I name them . Your high self ,
-The gracious mark o' the land , you have obscur'd
-With a swain's wearing , and me , poor lowly maid ,
-Most goddess-like prank'd up . But that our feasts
-In every mess have folly , and the feeders
-Digest it with a custom , I should blush
-To see you so attired ,swoon , I think ,
-To show myself a glass .
-
-I bless the time
-When my good falcon made her flight across
-Thy father's ground .
-
-Now , Jove afford you cause !
-To me the difference forges dread ; your greatness
-Hath not been us'd to fear . Even now I tremble
-To think , your father , by some accident ,
-Should pass this way as you did . O , the Fates !
-How would he look , to see his work , so noble ,
-Vilely bound up ? What would he say ? Or how
-Should I , in these my borrow'd flaunts , behold
-The sternness of his presence ?
-
-Apprehend
-Nothing but jollity . The gods themselves ,
-Humbling their deities to love , have taken
-The shapes of beasts upon them : Jupiter
-Became a bull , and bellow'd ; the green Neptune
-A ram , and bleated ; and the fire-rob'd god ,
-Golden Apollo , a poor humble swain ,
-As I seem now . Their transformations
-Were never for a piece of beauty rarer ,
-Nor in a way so chaste , since my desires
-Run not before mine honour , nor my lusts
-Burn hotter than my faith .
-
-O ! but , sir ,
-Your resolution cannot hold , when 'tis
-Oppos'd , as it must be , by the power of the king .
-One of these two must be necessities ,
-Which then will speak , that you must change this purpose ,
-Or I my life .
-
-Thou dearest Perdita ,
-With these forc'd thoughts , I prithee , darken not
-The mirth o' the feast : or I'll be thine , my fair ,
-Or not my father's ; for I cannot be
-Mine own , nor anything to any , if
-I be not thine : to this I am most constant ,
-Though destiny say no . Be merry , gentle ;
-Strangle such thoughts as these with any thing
-That you behold the while . Your guests are coming :
-Lift up your countenance , as it were the day
-Of celebration of that nuptial which
-We two have sworn shall come .
-
-O lady Fortune ,
-Stand you auspicious !
-
-See , your guests approach :
-Address yourself to entertain them sprightly ,
-And let's be red with mirth .
-
-
-Fie , daughter ! when my old wife liv'd , upon
-This day she was both pantler , butler , cook ;
-Both dame and servant ; welcom'd all , serv'd all ,
-Would sing her song and dance her turn ; now here ,
-At upper end o' the table , now i' the middle ;
-On his shoulder , and his ; her face o' fire
-With labour and the thing she took to quench it ,
-She would to each one sip . You are retir'd ,
-As if you were a feasted one and not
-The hostess of the meeting : pray you , bid
-These unknown friends to's welcome ; for it is
-A way to make us better friends , more known .
-Come , quench your blushes and present yourself
-That which you are , mistress o' the feast : come on ,
-And bid us welcome to your sheep-shearing ,
-As your good flock shall prosper .
-
-Sir , welcome :
-It is my father's will I should take on me
-The hostess-ship o' the day :
-
-You're welcome , sir .
-Give me those flowers there , Dorcas . Reverend sirs ,
-For you there's rosemary and rue ; these keep
-Seeming and savour all the winter long :
-Grace and remembrance be to you both ,
-And welcome to our shearing !
-
-Shepherdess ,
-A fair one are you ,well you fit our ages
-With flowers of winter .
-
-Sir , the year growing ancient ,
-Not yet on summer's death , nor on the birth
-Of trembling winter , the fairest flowers o' the season
-Are our carnations , and streak'd gillyvors ,
-Which some call nature's bastards : of that kind
-Our rustic garden's barren , and I care not
-To get slips of them .
-
-Wherefore , gentle maiden ,
-Do you neglect them ?
-
-For I have heard it said
-There is an art which in their piedness shares
-With great creating nature .
-
-Say there be ;
-Yet nature is made better by no mean
-But nature makes that mean : so , over that art ,
-Which you say adds to nature , is an art
-That nature makes . You see , sweet maid , we marry
-A gentler scion to the wildest stock ,
-And make conceive a bark of baser kind
-By bud of nobler race : this is an art
-Which does mend nature , change it rather , but
-The art itself is nature .
-
-So it is .
-
-Then make your garden rich in gillyvors ,
-And do not call them bastards .
-
-I'll not put
-The dibble in earth to set one slip of them ;
-No more than , were I painted , I would wish
-This youth should say , 'twere well , and only therefore
-Desire to breed by me . Here's flowers for you ;
-Hot lavender , mints , savory , marjoram ;
-The marigold , that goes to bed wi' the sun ,
-And with him rises weeping : these are flowers
-Of middle summer , and I think they are given
-To men of middle age . You're very welcome .
-
-I should leave grazing , were I of your flock ,
-And only live by gazing .
-
-Out , alas !
-You'd be so lean , that blasts of January
-Would blow you through and through . Now , my fair'st friend ,
-I would I had some flowers o' the spring that might
-Become your time of day ; and yours , and yours ,
-That wear upon your virgin branches yet
-Your maidenheads growing : O Proserpina !
-For the flowers now that frighted thou let'st fall
-From Dis's waggon ! daffodils ,
-That come before the swallow dares , and take
-The winds of March with beauty ; violets dim ,
-But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes
-Or Cytherea's breath ; pale prime-roses ,
-That die unmarried , ere they can behold
-Bright Ph bus in his strength , a malady
-Most incident to maids ; bold oxlips and
-The crown imperial ; lilies of all kinds ,
-The flower-de-luce being one . O ! these I lack
-To make you garlands of , and my sweet friend ,
-To strew him o'er and o'er !
-
-What ! like a corse ?
-
-No , like a bank for love to lie and play on ;
-Not like a corse ; or if ,not to be buried ,
-But quick and in mine arms . Come , take your flowers :
-Methinks I play as I have seen them do
-In Whitsun pastorals : sure this robe of mine
-Does change my disposition .
-
-What you do
-Still betters what is done . When you speak , sweet ,
-I'd have you do it ever : when you sing ,
-I'd have you buy and sell so ; so give alms ;
-Pray so ; and , for the ordering your affairs ,
-To sing them too : when you do dance , I wish you
-A wave o' the sea , that you might ever do
-Nothing but that ; move still , still so ,
-And own no other function : each your doing ,
-So singular in each particular ,
-Crowns what you are doing in the present deed ,
-That all your acts are queens .
-
-O Doricles !
-Your praises are too large : but that your youth ,
-And the true blood which fairly peeps through it ,
-Do plainly give you out an unstain'd shepherd ,
-With wisdom I might fear , my Doricles ,
-You woo'd me the false way .
-
-I think you have
-As little skill to fear as I have purpose
-To put you to't . But , come ; our dance , I pray .
-Your hand , my Perdita : so turtles pair
-That never mean to part .
-
-I'll swear for 'em .
-
-This is the prettiest low-born lass that ever
-Ran on the green-sord : nothing she does or seems
-But smacks of something greater than herself ;
-Too noble for this place .
-
-He tells her something
-That makes her blood look out . Good sooth , she is
-The queen of curds and cream .
-
-Come on , strike up .
-
-Mopsa must be your mistress : marry , garlic ,
-To mend her kissing with .
-
-Now , in good time !
-
-Not a word , a word : we stand upon our manners .
-Come , strike up .
-
-
-Pray , good shepherd , what fair swain is this
-Which dances with your daughter ?
-
-They call him Doricles , and boasts himself
-To have a worthy feeding ; but I have it
-Upon his own report and I believe it :
-He looks like sooth . He says he loves my daughter :
-I think so too ; for never gaz'd the moon
-Upon the water as he'll stand and read
-As 'twere my daughter's eyes ; and , to be plain ,
-I think there is not half a kiss to choose
-Who loves another best .
-
-She dances featly .
-
-So she does any thing , though I report it
-That should be silent . If young Doricles
-Do light upon her , she shall bring him that
-Which he not dreams of .
-
-
-O master ! if you did but hear the pedlar at the door , you would never dance again after a tabor and pipe ; no , the bagpipe could not move you . He sings several tunes faster than you'll tell money ; he utters them as he had eaten ballads and all men's ears grew to his tunes .
-
-He could never come better : he shall come in : I love a ballad but even too well , if it be doleful matter merrily set down , or a very pleasant thing indeed and sung lamentably .
-
-He hath songs for man or woman , of all sizes ; no milliner can so fit his customers with gloves : he has the prettiest love-songs for maids ; so without bawdry , which is strange ; with such delicate burthens of dildos and fadings , 'jump her and thump her ;' and where some stretchmouthed rascal would , as it were , mean mischief and break a foul gap into the matter , he makes the maid to answer , 'Whoop , do me no harm , good man ;' puts him off , slights him with 'Whoop , do me no harm , good man .'
-
-This is a brave fellow .
-
-Believe me , thou talkest of an admirable conceited fellow . Has he any unbraided wares ?
-
-He hath ribands of all the colours i' the rainbow ; points more than all the lawyers in Bohemia can learnedly handle , though they come to him by the gross ; inkles , caddisses , cambrics , lawns : why , he sings 'em over , as they were gods or goddesses . You would think a smock were a she-angel , he so chants to the sleeve-hand and the work about the square on't .
-
-Prithee , bring him in , and let him approach singing .
-
-Forewarn him that he use no scurrilous words in's tunes .
-
-
-You have of these pedlars , that have more in them than you'd think , sister .
-
-Ay , good brother , or go about to think .
-
-Lawn as white as driven snow ;
-Cyprus black as e'er was crow ;
-Gloves as sweet as damask roses ;
-Masks for faces and for noses ;
-Bugle-bracelet , necklace-amber ,
-Perfume for a lady's chamber ;
-Golden quoifs and stomachers ,
-For my lads to give their dears ;
-Pins and poking-sticks of steel ;
-What maids lack from head to heel :
-Come buy of me , come ; come buy , come buy ;
-Buy , lads , or else your lasses cry :
-Come buy .
-
-If I were not in love with Mopsa , thou shouldst take no money of me ; but being enthralled as I am , it will also be the bondage of certain ribands and gloves .
-
-I was promised them against the feast ; but they come not too late now .
-
-He hath promised you more than that , or there be liars .
-
-He hath paid you all he promised you : may be he has paid you more , which will shame you to give him again .
-
-Is there no manners left among maids ? will they wear their plackets where they should bear their faces ? Is there not milking-time , when you are going to bed , or kiln-hole , to whistle off these secrets , but you must be tittle-tattling before all our guests ? 'Tis well they are whispering : clamour your tongues , and not a word more .
-
-I have done . Come , you promised me a tawdry lace and a pair of sweet gloves .
-
-Have I not told thee how I was cozened by the way , and lost all my money ?
-
-And indeed , sir , there are cozeners abroad ; therefore it behoves men to be wary .
-
-Fear not thou , man , thou shalt lose nothing here .
-
-I hope so , sir ; for I have about me many parcels of charge .
-
-What hast here ? ballads ?
-
-Pray now , buy some : I love a ballad in print , a-life , for then we are sure they are true .
-
-Here's one to a very doleful tune , how a usurer's wife was brought to bed of twenty money-bags at a burden ; and how she longed to eat adders' heads and toads carbonadoed .
-
-Is it true , think you ?
-
-Very true , and but a month old .
-
-Bless me from marrying a usurer !
-
-Here's the midwife's name to't , one Mistress Taleporter , and five or six honest wives' that were present . Why should I carry lies abroad ?
-
-Pray you now , buy it .
-
-Come on , lay it by : and let's first see moe ballads ; we'll buy the other things anon .
-
-Here's another ballad of a fish that appeared upon the coast on Wednesday the fourscore of April , forty thousand fathom above water , and sung this ballad against the hard hearts of maids : it was thought she was a woman and was turned into a cold fish for she would not exchange flesh with one that loved her . The ballad is very pitiful and as true .
-
-Is it true too , think you ?
-
-Five justices' hands at it , and witnesses more than my pack will hold .
-
-Lay it by too : another .
-
-This is a merry ballad , but a very pretty one .
-
-Let's have some merry ones .
-
-Why , this is a passing merry one , and goes to the tune of 'Two maids wooing a man :' there's scarce a maid westward but she sings it : 'tis in request , I can tell you .
-
-We can both sing it : if thou'lt bear a part thou shalt hear ; 'tis in three parts .
-
-We had the tune on't a month ago .
-
-I can bear my part ; you must know 'tis my occupation : have at it with you .
-
-
-Get you hence , for I must go ,
-Where it fits not you to know .
-
-Whither ?
-
-O ! whither ?
-
-Whither ?
-
-It becomes thy oath full woll ,
-Thou to me thy secrets tell .
-
-Me too : let me go thither .
-
-Or thou go'st to the grange or mill .
-
-If to either , thou dost ill .
-
-Neither .
-
-What , neither ?
-
-Neither .
-
-Thou hast sworn my love to be
-
-Thou hast sworn it more to me :
-Then whither go'st ? say whither ?
-
-
-We'll have this song out anon by ourselves : my father and the gentlemen are in sad talk , and we'll not trouble them : come , bring away thy pack after me . Wenches , I'll buy for you both . Pedlar , let's have the first choice . Follow me , girls .
-
-
-And you shall pay well for 'em .
-
-Will you buy any tape ,
-Or lace for your cape ,
-My dainty duck , my dear-a ?
-Any silk , any thread ,
-Any toys for your head ,
-Of the new'st and fin'st , fin'st wear-a ?
-Come to the pedlar ;
-Money's a meddler ,
-That doth utter all men's ware-a .
-
-
-Master , there is three carters , three shepherds , three neat-herds , three swine-herds , that have made themselves all men of hair ; they call themselves Saltiers ; and they have a dance which the wenches say is a gallimaufry of gambols , because they are not in't ; but they themselves are o' the mind ,if it be not too rough for some that know little but bowling ,it will please plentifully .
-
-Away ! we'll none on't : here has been too much homely foolery already . I know , sir , we weary you .
-
-You weary those that refresh us : pray , let's see these four threes of herdsmen .
-
-One three of them , by their own report , sir , hath danced before the king ; and not the worst of the three but jumps twelve foot and a half by the squier .
-
-Leave your prating : since these good men are pleased let them come in : but quickly now .
-
-Why , they stay at door , sir .
-
-O , father ! you'll know more of that hereafter .
-
-
-Is it not too far gone ? 'Tis time to part them .
-He's simple and tells much .
-
-How now , fair shepherd !
-Your heart is full of something that does take
-Your mind from feasting . Sooth , when I was young ,
-And handed love as you do , I was wont
-To load my she with knacks : I would have ransack'd
-The pedlar's silken treasury and have pour'd it
-To her acceptance ; you have let him go
-And nothing marted with him . If your lass
-Interpretation should abuse and call this
-Your lack of love or bounty , you were straited
-For a reply , at least if you make a care
-Of happy holding her .
-
-Old sir , I know
-She prizes not such trifles as these are .
-The gifts she looks from me are pack'd and lock'd
-Up in my heart , which I have given already ,
-But not deliver'd . O ! hear me breathe my life
-Before this ancient sir , who , it should seem ,
-Hath sometime lov'd : I take thy hand ; this hand ,
-As soft as dove's down , and as white as it ,
-Or Ethiopian's tooth , or the fann'd snow
-That's bolted by the northern blasts twice o'er .
-
-What follows this ?
-How prettily the young swain seems to wash
-The hand was fair before ! I have put you out :
-But to your protestation : let me hear
-What you profess .
-
-Do , and be witness to't .
-
-And this my neighbour too ?
-
-And he , and more
-Than he , and men , the earth , the heavens , and all ;
-That , were I crown'd the most imperial monarch ,
-Thereof most worthy , were I the fairest youth
-That ever made eye swerve , had force and knowledge
-More than was ever man's , I would not prize them
-Without her love : for her employ them all ;
-Commend them and condemn them to her service
-Or to their own perdition .
-
-Fairly offer'd .
-
-This shows a sound affection .
-
-But , my daughter ,
-Say you the like to him ?
-
-I cannot speak
-So well , nothing so well ; no , nor mean better :
-By the pattern of mine own thoughts I cut out
-The purity of his .
-
-Take hands ; a bargain ;
-And , friends unknown , you shall bear witness to't :
-I give my daughter to him , and will make
-Her portion equal his .
-
-O ! that must be
-I' the virtue of your daughter : one being dead ,
-I shall have more than you can dream of yet ;
-Enough then for your wonder . But , come on ;
-Contract us 'fore these witnesses .
-
-Come , your hand ;
-And , daughter , yours .
-
-Soft , swain , awhile , beseech you .
-Have you a father ?
-
-I have ; but what of him ?
-
-Knows he of this ?
-
-He neither does nor shall .
-
-Methinks a father
-Is , at the nuptial of his son , a guest
-That best becomes the table . Pray you , once more ,
-Is not your father grown incapable
-Of reasonable affairs ? is he not stupid
-With age and altering rheums ? can he speak ? hear ?
-Know man from man ? dispute his own estate ?
-Lies he not bed-rid ? and again does nothing
-But what he did being childish ?
-
-No , good sir :
-He has his health and ampler strength indeed
-Than most have of his age .
-
-By my white beard ,
-You offer him , if this be so , a wrong
-Something unfilial . Reason my son
-Should choose himself a wife , but as good reason
-The father ,all whose joy is nothing else
-But fair posterity ,should hold some counsel
-In such a business .
-
-I yield all this ;
-But for some other reasons , my grave sir ,
-Which 'tis not fit you know , I not acquaint
-My father of this business .
-
-Let him know't .
-
-He shall not .
-
-Prithee , let him .
-
-No , he must not .
-
-Let him , my son : he shall not need to grieve
-At knowing of thy choice .
-
-Come , come , he must not .
-Mark our contract .
-
-Mark your divorce , young sir ,
-
-Whom son I dare not call : thou art too base
-To be acknowledg'd : thou a sceptre's heir ,
-That thus affect'st a sheep-hook ! Thou old traitor ,
-I am sorry that by hanging thee I can
-But shorten thy life one week . And thou , fresh piece
-Of excellent witchcraft , who of force must know
-The royal fool thou cop'st with ,
-
-O , my heart !
-
-I'll have thy beauty scratch'd with briers , and made
-More homely than thy state . For thee , fond boy ,
-If I may ever know thou dost but sigh
-That thou no more shalt see this knack ,as never
-I mean thou shalt ,we'll bar thee from succession ;
-Not hold thee of our blood , no , not our kin ,
-Far than Deucalion off : mark thou my words :
-Follow us to the court . Thou , churl , for this time ,
-Though full of our displeasure , yet we free thee
-From the dead blow of it . And you , enchantment ,
-Worthy enough a herdsman ; yea , him too ,
-That makes himself , but for our honour therein ,
-Unworthy thee ,if ever henceforth thou
-These rural latches to his entrance open ,
-Or hoop his body more with thy embraces ,
-I will devise a death as cruel for thee
-As thou art tender to't .
-
-
-Even here undone !
-I was not much afeard ; for once or twice
-I was about to speak and tell him plainly ,
-The self-same sun that shines upon his court
-Hides not his visage from our cottage , but
-Looks on alike . Will't please you , sir , be gone ?
-I told you what would come of this : beseech you ,
-Of your own state take care : this dream of mine
-Being now awake , I'll queen it no inch further ,
-But milk my ewes and weep .
-
-Why , how now , father !
-Speak , ere thou diest .
-
-I cannot speak , nor think ,
-Nor dare to know that which I know . O sir !
-You have undone a man of fourscore three ,
-That thought to fill his grave in quiet , yea ,
-To die upon the bed my father died ,
-To lie close by his honest bones : but now
-Some hangman must put on my shroud and lay me
-Where no priest shovels in dust . O cursed wretch !
-That knew'st this was the prince , and wouldst adventure
-To mingle faith with him . Undone ! undone !
-If I might die within this hour , I have liv'd
-To die when I desire .
-
-
-Why look you so upon me ?
-I am but sorry , not afeard ; delay'd ,
-But nothing alter'd . What I was , I am :
-More straining on for plucking back ; not following
-My leash unwillingly .
-
-Gracious my lord ,
-You know your father's temper : at this time
-He will allow no speech , which I do guess
-You do not purpose to him ; and as hardly
-Will he endure your sight as yet , I fear :
-Then , till the fury of his highness settle ,
-Come not before him .
-
-I not purpose it .
-I think , Camillo ?
-
-Even he , my lord .
-
-How often have I told you 'twould be thus !
-How often said my dignity would last
-But till 'twere known !
-
-It cannot fail but by
-The violation of my faith ; and then
-Let nature crush the sides o' the earth together
-And mar the seeds within ! Lift up thy looks :
-From my succession wipe me , father ; I
-Am heir to my affection .
-
-Be advis'd .
-
-I am ; and by my fancy : if my reason
-Will thereto be obedient , I have reason ;
-If not , my senses , better pleas'd with madness ,
-Do bid it welcome .
-
-This is desperate , sir .
-
-So call it ; but it does fulfil my vow ,
-I needs must think it honesty . Camillo ,
-Not for Bohemia , nor the pomp that may
-Be thereat glean'd , for all the sun sees or
-The close earth wombs or the profound sea hides
-In unknown fathoms , will I break my oath
-To this my fair belov'd . Therefore , I pray you ,
-As you have ever been my father's honour'd friend ,
-When he shall miss me ,as , in faith , I mean not
-To see him any more ,cast your good counsels
-Upon his passion : let myself and fortune
-Tug for the time to come . This you may know
-And so deliver , I am put to sea
-With her whom here I cannot hold on shore ;
-And most opportune to our need , I have
-A vessel rides fast by , but not prepar'd
-For this design . What course I mean to hold
-Shall nothing benefit your knowledge , nor
-Concern me the reporting .
-
-O my lord !
-I would your spirit were easier for advice ,
-Or stronger for your need .
-
-Hark , Perdita .
-
-
-I'll hear you by and by .
-
-He's irremovable ,
-Resolv'd for flight . Now were I happy if
-His going I could frame to serve my turn ,
-Save him from danger , do him love and honour ,
-Purchase the sight again of dear Sicilia
-And that unhappy king , my master , whom
-I so much thirst to see .
-
-Now , good Camillo ,
-I am so fraught with curious business that
-I leave out ceremony .
-
-Sir , I think
-You have heard of my poor services , i' the love
-That I have borne your father ?
-
-Very nobly
-Have you deserv'd : it is my father's music
-To speak your deeds , not little of his care
-To have them recompens'd as thought on .
-
-Well , my lord ,
-If you may please to think I love the king
-And through him what's nearest to him , which is
-Your gracious self , embrace but my direction ,
-If your more ponderous and settled project
-May suffer alteration , on mine honour
-I'll point you where you shall have such receiving
-As shall become your highness ; where you may
-Enjoy your mistress ,from the whom , I see ,
-There's no disjunction to be made , but by ,
-As , heavens forfend ! your ruin ,marry her ;
-And with my best endeavours in your absence
-Your discontenting father strive to qualify ,
-And bring him up to liking .
-
-How , Camillo ,
-May this , almost a miracle , be done ?
-That I may call thee something more than man ,
-And , after that trust to thee .
-
-Have you thought on
-A place whereto you'll go ?
-
-Not any yet ;
-But as the unthought-on accident is guilty
-To what we wildly do , so we profess
-Ourselves to be the slaves of chance and flies
-Of every wind that blows .
-
-Then list to me :
-This follows ; if you will not change your purpose
-But undergo this flight , make for Sicilia ,
-And there present yourself and your fair princess ,
-For so , I see , she must be ,'fore Leontes ;
-She shall be habited as it becomes
-The partner of your bed . Methinks I see
-Leontes opening his free arms and weeping
-His welcomes forth ; asks thee , the son , forgiveness
-As 'twere i' the father's person ; kisses the hands
-Of your fresh princess ; o'er and o'er divides him
-'Twixt his unkindness and his kindness : the one
-He chides to hell , and bids the other grow
-Faster than thought or time .
-
-Worthy Camillo ,
-What colour for my visitation shall I
-Hold up before him ?
-
-Sent by the king your father
-To greet him and to give him comforts . Sir ,
-The manner of your bearing towards him , with
-What you as from your father shall deliver ,
-Things known betwixt us three , I'll write you down :
-The which shall point you forth at every sitting
-What you must say ; that he shall not perceive
-But that you have your father's bosom there
-And speak his very heart .
-
-I am bound to you .
-There is some sap in this .
-
-A course more promising
-Than a wild dedication of yourselves
-To unpath'd waters , undream'd shores , most certain
-To miseries enough : no hope to help you ,
-But as you shake off one to take another ;
-Nothing so certain as your anchors , who
-Do their best office , if they can but stay you
-Where you'll be loath to be . Besides , you know
-Prosperity's the very bond of love ,
-Whose fresh complexion and whose heart together
-Affliction alters .
-
-One of these is true :
-I think affliction may subdue the cheek ,
-But not take in the mind .
-
-Yea , say you so ?
-There shall not at your father's house these seven years
-Be born another such .
-
-My good Camillo ,
-She is as forward of her breeding as
-She is i' the rear o' her birth .
-
-I cannot say 'tis pity
-She lacks instructions , for she seems a mistress
-To most that teach .
-
-Your pardon , sir ; for this
-I'll blush you thanks .
-
-My prettiest Perdita !
-But O ! the thorns we stand upon . Camillo ,
-Preserver of my father , now of me ,
-The med'cine of our house , how shall we do ?
-We are not furnish'd like Bohemia's son ,
-Nor shall appear in Sicilia .
-
-My lord ,
-Fear none of this : I think you know my fortunes
-Do all lie there : it shall be so my care
-To have you royally appointed as if
-The scene you play were mine . For instance , sir ,
-That you may know you shall not want , one word .
-
-Ha , ha ! what a fool Honesty is ! and Trust , his sworn brother , a very simple gentleman ! I have sold all my trumpery : not a counterfeit stone , not a riband , glass , pomander , brooch , table-book , ballad , knife , tape , glove , shoe-tie , bracelet , horn-ring , to keep my pack from fasting : they throng who should buy first , as if my trinkets had been hallowed and brought a benediction to the buyer : by which means I saw whose purse was best in picture ; and what I saw , to my good use I remembered . My clown ,who wants but something to be a reasonable man ,grew so in love with the wenches' song that he would not stir his pettitoes till he had both tune and words ; which so drew the rest of the herd to me that all their other senses stuck in ears : you might have pinched a placket , it was senseless ; 'twas nothing to geld a codpiece of a purse ; I would have filed keys off that hung in chains : no hearing , no feeling , but my sir's song , and admiring the nothing of it ; so that , in this time of lethargy I picked and cut most of their festival purses ; and had not the old man come in with a whoo-bub against his daughter and the king's son , and scared my choughs from the chaff , I had not left a purse alive in the whole army .
-
-
-Nay , but my letters , by this means being there
-So soon as you arrive , shall clear that doubt .
-
-And those that you'll procure from King Leontes
-
-Shall satisfy your father .
-
-Happy be you !
-All that you speak shows fair .
-
-Whom have we here ?
-We'll make an instrument of this : omit
-Nothing may give us aid .
-
-If they have overheard me now , why , hanging .
-
-How now , good fellow ! Why shakest thou so ? Fear not , man ; here's no harm intended to thee .
-
-I am a poor fellow , sir .
-
-Why , be so still ; here's nobody will steal that from thee ; yet , for the outside of thy poverty we must make an exchange ; therefore , discase thee instantly ,thou must think , there's a necessity in't ,and change garments with this gentleman : though the pennyworth on his side be the worst , yet hold thee , there's some boot .
-
-I am a poor fellow , sir .
-
-I know ye well enough .
-
-Nay , prithee , dispatch : the gentleman is half flayed already .
-
-Are you in earnest , sir ?
-
-I smell the trick on't .
-
-Dispatch , I prithee .
-
-Indeed , I have had earnest ; but I cannot with conscience take it .
-
-Unbuckle , unbuckle .
-
-Fortunate mistress ,let my prophecy
-Come home to ye !you must retire yourself
-Into some covert : take your sweetheart's hat
-And pluck it o'er your brows ; muffle your face ;
-Dismantle you , and , as you can , disliken
-The truth of your own seeming ; that you may ,
-For I do fear eyes over you ,to shipboard
-Get undescried .
-
-I see the play so lies
-That I must bear a part .
-
-No remedy .
-Have you done there ?
-
-Should I now meet my father
-He would not call me son .
-
-Nay , you shall have no hat .
-
-Come , lady , come . Farewell , my friend .
-
-Adieu , sir .
-
-O Perdita , what have we twain forgot !
-Pray you , a word .
-
-
-What I do next shall be to tell the king
-Of this escape , and whither they are bound ;
-Wherein my hope is I shall so prevail
-To force him after : in whose company
-I shall review Sicilia , for whose sight
-I have a woman's longing .
-
-Fortune speed us !
-Thus we set on , Camillo , to the sea-side .
-
-The swifter speed the better .
-
-
-I understand the business ; I hear it . To have an open ear , a quick eye , and a nimble hand , is necessary for a cut-purse : a good nose is requisite also , to smell out work for the other senses . I see this is the time that the unjust man doth thrive . What an exchange had this been without boot ! what a boot is here with this exchange ! Sure , the gods do this year connive at us , and we may do anything extempore . The prince himself is about a piece of iniquity ; stealing away from his father with his clog at his heels . If I thought it were a piece of honesty to acquaint the king withal , I would not do't : I hold it the more knavery to conceal it , and therein am I constant to my profession . Aside , aside : here is more matter for a hot brain . Every lane's end , every shop , church , session , hanging , yields a careful man work .
-
-
-See , see , what a man you are now ! There is no other way but to tell the king she's a changeling and none of your flesh and blood .
-
-Nay , but hear me .
-
-Nay , but hear me .
-
-Go to , then .
-
-She being none of your flesh and blood , your flesh and blood has not offended the king ; and so your flesh and blood is not to be punished by him . Show those things you found about her ; those secret things , all but what she has with her : this being done , let the law go whistle : I warrant you .
-
-I will tell the king all , every word , yea , and his son's pranks too ; who , I may say , is no honest man neither to his father nor to me , to go about to make me the king's brother-in-law .
-
-Indeed , brother-in-law was the furthest off you could have been to him , and then your blood had been the dearer by I know not how much an ounce .
-
-Very wisely , puppies !
-
-Well , let us to the king : there is that in this fardel will make him scratch his beard .
-
-I know not what impediment this complaint may be to the flight of my master .
-
-Pray heartily he be at palace .
-
-Though I am not naturally honest , I am so sometimes by chance : let me pocket up my pedlar's excrement . [Takes off his false beard .] How now , rustics ! whither are you bound ?
-
-To the palace , an it like your worship .
-
-Your affairs there , what , with whom , the condition of that fardel , the place of your dwelling , your names , your ages , of what having , breeding , and anything that is fitting to be known , discover .
-
-We are but plain fellows , sir .
-
-A lie ; you are rough and hairy . Let me have no lying ; it becomes none but tradesmen , and they often give us soldiers the lie ; but we pay them for it with stamped coin , not stabbing steel ; therefore they do not give us the lie .
-
-Your worship had like to have given us one , if you had not taken yourself with the manner .
-
-Are you a courtier , an't like you , sir ?
-
-Whether it like me or no , I am a courtier . Seest thou not the air of the court in these enfoldings ? hath not my gait in it the measure of the court ? receives not thy nose court-odour from me ? reflect I not on thy baseness court-contempt ? Think'st thou , for that I insinuate , or toaze from thee thy business , I am therefore no courtier ? I am courtier , cap-a-pe , and one that will either push on or pluck back thy business there : whereupon I command thee to open thy affair .
-
-My business , sir , is to the king .
-
-What advocate hast thou to him ?
-
-I know not , an't like you .
-
-Advocate's the court-word for a pheasant : say you have none .
-
-None , sir ; I have no pheasant , cock nor hen .
-
-How bless'd are we that are not simple men !
-Yet nature might have made me as these are ,
-Therefore I'll not disdain .
-
-This cannot be but a great courtier .
-
-His garments are rich , but he wears them not handsomely .
-
-He seems to be the more noble in being fantastical : a great man , I'll warrant ; I know by the picking on's teeth .
-
-The fardel there ? what's i' the fardel ?
-Wherefore that box ?
-
-Sir , there lies such secrets in this fardel and box which none must know but the king ; and which he shall know within this hour if I may come to the speech of him .
-
-Age , thou hast lost thy labour .
-
-Why , sir ?
-
-The king is not at the palace ; he is gone aboard a new ship to purge melancholy and air himself : for , if thou be'st capable of things serious , thou must know the king is full of grief .
-
-So 'tis said , sir , about his son , that should have married a shepherd's daughter .
-
-If that shepherd be not now in hand-fast , let him fly : the curses he shall have , the torture he shall feel , will break the back of man , the heart of monster .
-
-Think you so , sir ?
-
-Not he alone shall suffer what wit can make heavy and vengeance bitter ; but those that are germane to him , though removed fifty times , shall all come under the hangman : which though it be great pity , yet it is necessary . An old sheep-whistling rogue , a ram-tender , to offer to have his daughter come into grace ! Some say he shall be stoned ; but that death is too soft for him , say I : draw our throne into a sheep cote ! all deaths are too few , the sharpest too easy .
-
-Has the old man e'er a son , sir , do you hear , an't like you , sir ?
-
-He has a son , who shall be flayed alive ; then 'nointed over with honey , set on the head of a wasp's nest ; then stand till he be three quarters and a dram dead ; then recovered again with aqua-vit or some other hot infusion ; then , raw as he is , and in the hottest day prognostication proclaims , shall he be set against a brick-wall , the sun looking with a southward eye upon him , where he is to behold him with flies blown to death . But what talk we of these traitorly rascals , whose miseries are to be smiled at , their offences being so capital ? Tell me ,for you seem to be honest plain men ,what you have to the king : being something gently considered , I'll bring you where he is aboard , tender your persons to his presence , whisper him in your behalfs ; and if it be in man besides the king to effect your suits , here is a man shall do it .
-
-He seems to be of great authority : close with him , give him gold ; and though authority be a stubborn bear , yet he is oft led by the nose with gold . Show the inside of your purse to the outside of his hand , and no more ado . Remember , 'stoned ,' and 'flayed alive !'
-
-An't please you , sir , to undertake the business for us , here is that gold I have : I'll make it as much more and leave this young man in pawn till I bring it you .
-
-After I have done what I promised ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-Well , give me the moiety . Are you a party in this business ?
-
-In some sort , sir : but though my case be a pitiful one , I hope I shall not be flayed out of it .
-
-O ! that's the case of the shepherd's son : hang him , he'll be made an example .
-
-Comfort , good comfort ! we must to the king and show our strange sights : he must know 'tis none of your daughter nor my sister ; we are gone else . Sir , I will give you as much as this old man does when the business is performed ; and remain , as he says , your pawn till it be brought you .
-
-I will trust you . Walk before toward the sea-side ; go on the right hand , I will but look upon the hedge and follow you .
-
-We are blessed in this man , as I may say , even blessed .
-
-Let's before as he bids us . He was provided to do us good .
-
-
-If I had a mind to be honest I see Fortune would not suffer me : she drops booties in my mouth . I am courted now with a double occasion , gold , and a means to do the prince my master good ; which who knows how that may turn back to my advancement ? I will bring these two moles , these blind ones , aboard him : if he think it fit to shore them again , and that the complaint they have to the king concerns him nothing , let him call me rogue for being so far officious ; for I am proof against that title and what shame else belongs to't . To him will I present them : there may be matter in it .
-
-Sir , you have done enough , and have perform'd
-A saint-like sorrow : no fault could you make
-Which you have not redeem'd ; indeed , paid down
-More penitence than done trespass . At the last ,
-Do as the heavens have done , forget your evil ;
-With them forgive yourself .
-
-Whilst I remember
-Her and her virtues , I cannot forget
-My blemishes in them , and so still think of
-The wrong I did myself ; which was so much ,
-That heirless it hath made my kingdom , and
-Destroy'd the sweet'st companion that e'er man
-Bred his hopes out of .
-
-True , too true , my lord ;
-If one by one you wedded all the world ,
-Or from the all that are took something good ,
-To make a perfect woman , she you kill'd
-Would be unparallel'd .
-
-I think so . Kill'd !
-She I kill'd ! I did so ; but thou strik'st me
-Sorely to say I did : it is as bitter
-Upon thy tongue as in my thought . Now , good now
-Say so but seldom .
-
-Not at all , good lady :
-You might have spoken a thousand things that would
-Have done the time more benefit , and grac'd
-Your kindness better .
-
-You are one of those
-Would have him wed again .
-
-If you would not so ,
-You pity not the state , nor the remembrance
-Of his most sovereign name ; consider little
-What dangers , by his highness' fail of issue ,
-May drop upon his kingdom and devour
-Incertain lookers-on . What were more holy
-Than to rejoice the former queen is well ?
-What holier than for royalty's repair ,
-For present comfort , and for future good ,
-To bless the bed of majesty again
-With a sweet fellow to't ?
-
-There is none worthy ,
-Respecting her that's gone . Besides , the gods
-Will have fulfill'd their secret purposes ;
-For has not the divine Apollo said ,
-Is't not the tenour of his oracle ,
-That King Leontes shall not have an heir
-Till his lost child be found ? which that it shall ,
-Is all as monstrous to our human reason
-As my Antigonus to break his grave
-And come again to me ; who , on my life ,
-Did perish with the infant . 'Tis your counsel
-My lord should to the heavens be contrary ,
-Oppose against their wills .
-
-Care not for issue ;
-The crown will find an heir : great Alexander
-Left his to the worthiest , so his successor
-Was like to be the best .
-
-Good Paulina ,
-Who hast the memory of Hermione ,
-I know , in honour ; O ! that ever I
-Had squar'd me to thy counsel ! then , even now ,
-I might have look'd upon my queen's full eyes ,
-Have taken treasure from her lips ,
-
-And left them
-More rich , for what they yielded .
-
-Thou speak'st truth .
-No more such wives ; therefore , no wife : one worse ,
-And better us'd , would make her sainted spirit
-Again possess her corpse and on this stage ,
-Where we're offenders now ,appear soul-vex'd ,
-And begin , 'Why to me ?'
-
-Had she such power ,
-She had just cause .
-
-She had ; and would incense me
-To murder her I married .
-
-I should so :
-Were I the ghost that walk'd , I'd bid you mark
-Her eye , and tell me for what dull part in't
-You chose her ; then I'd shriek , that even your ears
-Should rift to hear me ; and the words that follow'd
-Should be 'Remember mine .'
-
-Stars , stars !
-And all eyes else dead coals . Fear thou no wife ;
-I'll have no wife , Paulina .
-
-Will you swear
-Never to marry but by my free leave ?
-
-Never , Paulina : so be bless'd my spirit !
-
-Then , good my lords , bear witness to his oath .
-
-You tempt him over much .
-
-Unless another ,
-As like Hermione as is her picture ,
-Affront his eye .
-
-Good madam ,
-
-I have done .
-Yet , if my lord will marry ,if you will , sir ,
-No remedy , but you will ,give me the office
-To choose you a queen , she shall not be so young
-As was your former ; but she shall be such
-As , walk'd your first queen's ghost , it should take joy
-To see her in your arms .
-
-My true Paulina ,
-We shall not marry till thou bidd'st us .
-
-That
-Shall be when your first queen's again in breath ;
-Never till then .
-
-
-One that gives out himself Prince Florizel ,
-Son of Polixenes , with his princess ,she
-The fairest I have yet beheld ,desires access
-To your high presence .
-
-What with him ? he comes not
-Like to his father's greatness ; his approach ,
-So out of circumstance and sudden , tells us
-'Tis not a visitation fram'd , but forc'd
-By need and accident . What train ?
-
-But few ,
-And those but mean .
-
-His princess , say you , with him ?
-
-Ay , the most peerless piece of earth , I think ,
-That e'er the sun shone bright on .
-
-O Hermione !
-As every present time doth boast itself
-Above a better gone , so must thy grave
-Give way to what's seen now . Sir , you yourself
-Have said and writ so ,but your writing now
-Is colder than that theme ,'She had not been ,
-Nor was not to be equall'd ;' thus your verse
-Flow'd with her beauty once : 'tis shrewdly ebb'd
-To say you have seen a better .
-
-Pardon , madam :
-The one I have almost forgot your pardon
-The other , when she has obtain'd your eye ,
-Will have your tongue too . This is a creature ,
-Would she begin a sect , might quench the zeal
-Of all professors else , make proselytes
-Of who she but bid follow .
-
-How ! not women ?
-
-Women will love her , that she is a woman
-More worth than any man ; men , that she is
-The rarest of all women .
-
-Go , Cleomenes ;
-Yourself , assisted with your honour'd friends ,
-Bring them to our embracement . Still 'tis strange ,
-
-He thus should steal upon us .
-
-Had our prince
-Jewel of children seen this hour , he had pair'd
-Well with this lord : there was not full a month
-Between their births .
-
-Prithee , no more : cease ! thou know'st
-He dies to me again when talk'd of : sure ,
-When I shall see this gentleman , thy speeches
-Will bring me to consider that which may
-Unfurnish me of reason . They are come .
-
-
-Your mother was most true to wedlock , prince ;
-For she did print your royal father off ,
-Conceiving you . Were I but twenty-one ,
-Your father's image is so hit in you ,
-His very air , that I should call you brother ,
-As I did him ; and speak of something wildly
-By us perform'd before . Most dearly welcome !
-And you , fair princess ,goddess ! O , alas !
-I lost a couple , that 'twixt heaven and earth
-Might thus have stood begetting wonder as
-You , gracious couple , do : and then I lost
-All mine own folly the society ,
-Amity too , of your brave father , whom ,
-Though bearing misery , I desire my life
-
-Once more to look on him .
-
-By his command
-Have I here touch'd Sicilia ; and from him
-Give you all greetings that a king , at friend ,
-Can send his brother : and , but infirmity ,
-Which waits upon worn times ,hath something seiz'd
-His wish'd ability , he had himself
-The land and waters 'twixt your throne and his
-Measur'd to look upon you , whom he loves
-He bade me say so more than all the sceptres
-And those that bear them living .
-
-O , my brother !
-Good gentleman ,the wrongs I have done thee stir
-Afresh within me , and these thy offices
-So rarely kind , are as interpreters
-Of my behind-hand slackness ! Welcome hither ,
-As is the spring to the earth . And hath he too
-Expos'd this paragon to the fearful usage
-At least ungentle of the dreadful Neptune ,
-To greet a man not worth her pains , much less
-The adventure of her person ?
-
-Good my lord ,
-She came from Libya .
-
-Where the war-like Smalus ,
-That noble honour'd lord , is fear'd and lov'd ?
-
-Most royal sir , from thence ; from him , whose daughter
-His tears proclaim'd his , parting with her : thence
-A prosperous south-wind friendly we have cross'd ,
-To execute the charge my father gave me
-For visiting your highness : my best train
-I have from your Sicilian shores dismiss'd ;
-Who for Bohemia bend , to signify
-Not only my success in Libya , sir ,
-But my arrival and my wife's , in safety
-Here where we are .
-
-The blessed gods
-Purge all infection from our air whilst you
-Do climate here ! You have a holy father ,
-A graceful gentleman ; against whose person ,
-So sacred as it is , I have done sin :
-For which the heavens , taking angry note ,
-Have left me issueless ; and your father's bless'd
-As he from heaven merits it with you ,
-Worthy his goodness . What might I have been ,
-Might I a son and daughter now have look'd on ,
-Such goodly things as you !
-
-
-Most noble sir ,
-That which I shall report will bear no credit ,
-Were not the proof so nigh . Please you , great sir ,
-Bohemia greets you from himself by me ;
-Desires you to attach his son , who has
-His dignity and duty both cast off
-Fled from his father , from his hopes , and with
-A shepherd's daughter .
-
-Where's Bohemia ? speak .
-
-Here in your city ; I now came from him :
-I speak amazedly , and it becomes
-My marvel and my message . To your court
-Whiles he was hastening ,in the chase it seems
-Of this fair couple ,meets he on the way
-The father of this seeming lady and
-Her brother , having both their country quitted
-With this young prince .
-
-Camillo has betray'd me ;
-Whose honour and whose honesty till now
-Endur'd all weathers .
-
-Lay't so to his charge :
-He's with the king your father .
-
-Who ? Camillo ?
-
-Camillo , sir : I spake with him , who now
-Has these poor men in question . Never saw I
-Wretches so quake : they kneel , they kiss the earth ,
-Forswear themselves as often as they speak :
-Bohemia stops his ears , and threatens them
-With divers deaths in death .
-
-O my poor father !
-The heaven sets spies upon us , will not have
-Our contract celebrated .
-
-You are married ?
-
-We are not , sir , nor are we like to be ;
-The stars , I see , will kiss the valleys first :
-The odds for high and low's alike .
-
-My lord ,
-Is this the daughter of a king ?
-
-She is ,
-When once she is my wife .
-
-That 'once ,' I see , by your good father's speed ,
-Will come on very slowly . I am sorry ,
-Most sorry , you have broken from his liking
-Where you were tied in duty ; and as sorry
-Your choice is not so rich in worth as beauty ,
-That you might well enjoy her .
-
-Dear , look up :
-Though Fortune , visible an enemy ,
-Should chase us with my father , power no jot
-Hath she to change our loves . Beseech you , sir ,
-Remember since you ow'd no more to time
-Than I do now ; with thought of such affections ,
-Step forth mine advocate ; at your request
-My father will grant precious things as trifles
-
-Would he do so , I'd beg your precious mistress ,
-Which he counts but a trifle .
-
-Sir , my liege ,
-Your eye hath too much youth in't : not a month
-'Fore your queen died , she was more worth such gazes
-Than what you look on now .
-
-I thought of her ,
-Even in these looks I made .
-
-But your petition
-Is yet unanswer'd . I will to your father :
-Your honour not o'erthrown by your desires ,
-I am friend to them and you ; upon which errand
-I now go toward him . Therefore follow me ,
-And mark what way I make : come , good my lord .
-
-
-Beseech you , sir , were you present at this relation ?
-
-I was by at the opening of the fardel , heard the old shepherd deliver the manner how he found it : whereupon , after a little amazedness , we were all commanded out of the chamber ; only this methought I heard the shepherd say , he found the child .
-
-I would most gladly know the issue of it .
-
-I make a broken delivery of the business ; but the changes I perceived in the king and Camillo were very notes of admiration : they seemed almost , with staring on one another , to tear the cases of their eyes ; there was speech in their dumbness , language in their very gesture ; they looked as they had heard of a world ransomed , or one destroyed : a notable passion of wonder appeared in them ; but the wisest beholder , that knew no more but seeing , could not say if the importance were joy or sorrow ; but in the extremity of the one it must needs be .
-
-Here comes a gentleman that haply knows more . The news , Rogero ?
-
-Nothing but bonfires : the oracle is fulfilled ; the king's daughter is found : such a deal of wonder is broken out within this hour that ballad-makers cannot be able to express it .
-
-Here comes the lady Paulina's steward : he can deliver you more . How goes it now , sir ? this news which is called true is so like an old tale , that the verity of it is in strong suspicion : has the king found his heir ?
-
-Most true , if ever truth were pregnant by circumstance : that which you hear you'll swear you see , there is such unity in the proofs . The mantle of Queen Hermione , her jewel about the neck of it , the letters of Antigonus found with it , which they know to be his character ; the majesty of the creature in resemblance of the mother , the affection of nobleness which nature shows above her breeding , and many other evidences proclaim her with all certainty to be the king's daughter . Did you see the meeting of the two kings ?
-
-No .
-
-Then have you lost a sight , which was to be seen , cannot be spoken of . There might you have beheld one joy crown another , so , and in such manner that , it seemed , sorrow wept to take leave of them , for their joy waded in tears . There was casting up of eyes , holding up of hands , with countenances of such distraction that they were to be known by garment , not by favour . Our king , being ready to leap out of himself for joy of his found daughter , as if that joy were now become a loss , cries , 'O , thy mother , thy mother !' then asks Bohemia forgiveness ; then embraces his son-in-law ; then again worries he his daughter with clipping her ; now he thanks the old shepherd , which stands by like a weather-bitten conduit of many kings' reigns . I never heard of such another encounter , which lames report to follow it and undoes description to do it .
-
-What , pray you , became of Antigonus that carried hence the child ?
-
-Like an old tale still , which will have matter to rehearse , though credit be asleep and not an ear open . He was torn to pieces with a bear : this avouches the shepherd's son , who has not only his innocence which seems much to justify him , but a handkerchief and rings of his that Paulina knows .
-
-What became of his bark and his followers ?
-
-Wracked , the same instant of their master's death , and in the view of the shepherd : so that all the instruments which aided to expose the child were even then lost when it was found . But , O ! the noble combat that 'twixt joy and sorrow was fought in Paulina . She had one eye declined for the loss of her husband , another elevated that the oracle was fulfilled : she lifted the princess from the earth , and so locks her in embracing , as if she would pin her to her heart that she might no more be in danger of losing .
-
-The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings and princes , for by such was it acted .
-
-One of the prettiest touches of all , and that which angled for mine eyes ,caught the water though not the fish ,was when at the relation of the queen's death , with the manner how she came to it ,bravely confessed and lamented by the king ,how attentiveness wounded his daughter ; till , from one sign of dolour to another , she did , with an 'alas !' I would fain say , bleed tears , for I am sure my heart wept blood . Who was most marble there changed colour ; some swounded , all sorrowed : if all the world could have seen't , the woe had been universal .
-
-Are they returned to the court ?
-
-No ; the princess hearing of her mother's statue , which is in the keeping of Paulina a piece many years in doing , and now newly performed by that rare Italian master , Julio Romano ; who , had he himself eternity and could put breath into his work , would beguile Nature of her custom , so perfectly he is her ape : he so near to Hermione hath done Hermione that they say one would speak to her and stand in hope of answer : thither with all greediness of affection are they gone , and there they intend to sup .
-
-I thought she had some great matter there in hand , for she hath privately , twice or thrice a day , ever since the death of Hermione , visited that removed house . Shall we thither and with our company piece the rejoicing ?
-
-Who would be thence that has the benefit of access ? every wink of an eye some new grace will be born : our absence makes us unthrifty to our knowledge . Let's along .
-
-
-Now , had I not the dash of my former life in me , would preferment drop on my head . I brought the old man and his son aboard the prince ; told him I heard them talk of a fardel and I know not what ; but he at that time , overfond of the shepherd's daughter ,so he then took her to be ,who began to be much sea-sick , and himself little better , extremity of weather continuing , this mystery remained undiscovered . But 'tis all one to me ; for had I been the finder out of this secret , it would not have relished among my other discredits . Here come those I have done good to against my will , and already appearing in the blossoms of their fortune .
-
-
-Come , boy ; I am past moe children , but thy sons and daughters will be all gentlemen born .
-
-You are well met , sir . You denied to fight with me this other day , because I was no gentleman born : see you these clothes ? say , you see them not and think me still no gentleman born : you were best say these robes are not gentleman born . Give me the lie , do , and try whether I am not now gentleman born .
-
-I know you are now , sir , a gentleman born .
-
-Ay , and have been so any time these four hours .
-
-And so have I , boy .
-
-So you have : but I was a gentleman born before my father ; for the king's son took me by the hand and called me brother ; and then the two kings called my father brother ; and then the prince my brother and the princess my sister called my father father ; and so we wept : and there was the first gentleman-like tears that ever we shed .
-
-We may live , son , to shed many more .
-
-Ay ; or else 'twere hard luck , being in so preposterous estate as we are .
-
-I humbly beseech you , sir , to pardon me all the faults I have committed to your worship , and to give me your good report to the prince my master .
-
-Prithee , son , do ; for we must be gentle , now we are gentlemen .
-
-Thou wilt amend thy life ?
-
-Ay , an it like your good worship .
-
-Give me thy hand : I will swear to the prince thou art as honest a true fellow as any is in Bohemia .
-
-You may say it , but not swear it .
-
-Not swear it , now I am a gentleman ? Let boors and franklins say it , I'll swear it .
-
-How if it be false , son ?
-
-If it be ne'er so false , a true gentleman may swear it in the behalf of his friend : and I'll swear to the prince thou art a tall fellow of thy hands and that thou wilt not be drunk ; but I know thou art no tall fellow of thy hands and that thou wilt be drunk : but I'll swear it , and I would thou wouldst be a tall fellow of thy hands .
-
-I will prove so , sir , to my power .
-
-Ay , by any means prove a tall fellow : if I do not wonder how thou darest venture to be drunk , not being a tall fellow , trust me not . Hark ! the kings and the princes , our kindred , are going to see the queen's picture . Come , follow us : we'll be thy good masters .
-
-
-O grave and good Paulina , the great comfort
-That I have had of thee !
-
-What , sovereign sir ,
-I did not well , I meant well . All my services
-You have paid home ; but that you have vouchsaf'd ,
-With your crown'd brother and these your contracted
-Heirs of your kingdoms , my poor house to visit ,
-It is a surplus of your grace , which never
-My life may last to answer .
-
-O Paulina !
-We honour you with trouble : but we came
-To see the statue of our queen : your gallery
-Have we pass'd through , not without much content
-In many singularities , but we saw not
-That which my daughter came to look upon ,
-The statue of her mother .
-
-As she liv'd peerless ,
-So her dead likeness , I do well believe ,
-Excels whatever yet you look'd upon
-Or hand of man hath done ; therefore I keep it
-Lonely , apart . But here it is : prepare
-To see the life as lively mock'd as ever
-Still sleep mock'd death : behold ! and say 'tis well .
-
-I like your silence : it the more shows off
-Your wonder ; but yet speak : first you , my liege .
-Comes it not something near ?
-
-Her natural posture !
-Chide me , dear stone , that I may say , indeed
-Thou art Hermione ; or rather , thou art she
-In thy not chiding , for she was as tender
-As infancy and grace . But yet , Paulina ,
-Hermione was not so much wrinkled ; nothing
-So aged as this seems .
-
-O ! not by much .
-
-So much the more our carver's excellence ;
-Which lets go by some sixteen years and makes her
-As she liv'd now .
-
-As now she might have done ,
-So much to my good comfort , as it is
-Now piercing to my soul . O ! thus she stood ,
-Even with such life of majesty ,warm life ,
-As now it coldly stands ,when first I woo'd her .
-I am asham'd : does not the stone rebuke me
-For being more stone than it ? O , royal piece !
-There's magic in thy majesty , which has
-My evils conjur'd to remembrance , and
-From thy admiring daughter took the spirits ,
-Standing like stone with thee .
-
-And give me leave ,
-And do not say 'tis superstition , that
-I kneel and then implore her blessing . Lady ,
-Dear queen , that ended when I but began ,
-Give me that hand of yours to kiss .
-
-O , patience !
-The statue is but newly fix'd , the colour's
-Not dry .
-
-My lord , your sorrow was too sore laid on ,
-Which sixteen winters cannot blow away ,
-So many summers dry : scarce any joy
-Did ever so long live ; no sorrow
-But kill'd itself much sooner .
-
-Dear my brother ,
-Let him that was the cause of this have power
-To take off so much grief from you as he
-Will piece up in himself .
-
-Indeed , my lord ,
-If I had thought the sight of my poor image
-Would thus have wrought you ,for the stone is mine ,
-I'd not have show'd it .
-
-Do not draw the curtain .
-
-No longer shall you gaze on't , lest your fancy
-May think anon it moves .
-
-Let be , let be !
-Would I were dead , but that , methinks , already
-What was he that did make it ? See , my lord ,
-Would you not deem it breath'd , and that those veins
-Did verily bear blood ?
-
-Masterly done :
-The very life seems warm upon her lip .
-
-The fixure of her eye has motion in't ,
-As we are mock'd with art .
-
-I'll draw the curtain ;
-My lord's almost so far transported that
-He'll think anon it lives .
-
-O sweet Paulina !
-Make me to think so twenty years together :
-No settled senses of the world can match
-The pleasure of that madness . Let't alone .
-
-I am sorry , sir , I have thus far stirr'd you : but
-I could afflict you further .
-
-Do , Paulina ;
-For this affliction has a taste as sweet
-As any cordial comfort . Still , methinks ,
-There is an air comes from her : what fine chisel
-Could ever yet cut breath ? Let no man mock me ,
-For I will kiss her .
-
-Good my lord , forbear .
-The ruddiness upon her lip is wet :
-You'll mar it if you kiss it ; stain your own
-With oily painting . Shall I draw the curtain ?
-
-No , not these twenty years .
-
-So long could I
-Stand by , a looker-on .
-
-Either forbear ,
-Quit presently the chapel , or resolve you
-For more amazement . If you can behold it ,
-I'll make the statue move indeed , descend ,
-And take you by the hand ; but then you'll think ,
-Which I protest against ,I am assisted
-By wicked powers .
-
-What you can make her do ,
-I am content to look on : what to speak ,
-I am content to hear ; for 'tis as easy
-To make her speak as move .
-
-It is requir'd
-You do awake your faith . Then , all stand still ;
-Or those that think it is unlawful business
-I am about , let them depart .
-
-Proceed :
-No foot shall stir .
-
-Music , awake her : strike !
-
-'Tis time ; descend ; be stone no more : approach ;
-Strike all that look upon with marvel . Come ;
-I'll fill your grave up : stir ; nay , come away ;
-Bequeath to death your numbness , for from him
-Dear life redeems you . You perceive she stirs :
-
-Start not ; her actions shall be holy as
-You hear my spell is lawful : do not shun her
-Until you see her die again , for then
-You kill her double . Nay , present your hand :
-When she was young you woo'd her ; now in age
-Is she become the suitor !
-
-O ! she's warm .
-If this be magic , let it be an art
-Lawful as eating .
-
-She embraces him .
-
-She hangs about his neck :
-If she pertain to life let her speak too .
-
-Ay ; and make't manifest where she has liv'd ,
-Or how stol'n from the dead .
-
-That she is living ,
-Were it but told you , should be hooted at
-Like an old tale ; but it appears she lives ,
-Though yet she speak not . Mark a little while .
-Please you to interpose , fair madam . kneel
-And pray your mother's blessing . Turn , good lady ;
-Our Perdita is found .
-
-
-You gods , look down ,
-And from your sacred vials pour your graces
-Upon my daughter's head ! Tell me , mine own ,
-Where hast thou been preserv'd ? where liv'd ? how found
-Thy father's court ? for thou shalt hear that I ,
-Knowing by Paulina that the oracle
-Gave hope thou wast in being , have preserv'd
-Myself to see the issue .
-
-There's time enough for that ;
-Lest they desire upon this push to trouble
-Your joys with like relation . Go together ,
-You precious winners all : your exultation
-Partake to every one . I , an old turtle ,
-Will wing me to some wither'd bough , and there
-My mate , that's never to be found again ,
-Lament till I am lost .
-
-O ! peace , Paulina .
-Thou shouldst a husband take by my consent ,
-As I by thine a wife : this is a match ,
-And made between's by vows . Thou hast found mine ;
-But how , is to be question'd ; for I saw her ,
-As I thought dead , and have in vain said many
-A prayer upon her grave . I'll not seek far ,
-For him , I partly know his mind ,to find thee
-An honourable husband . Come , Camillo ,
-And take her by the hand ; whose worth and honesty
-Is richly noted , and here justified
-By us , a pair of kings . Let's from this place .
-What ! look upon my brother : both your pardons ,
-That e'er I put between your holy looks
-My ill suspicion . This' your son-in-law ,
-And son unto the king ,whom heavens directing ,
-Is troth-plight to your daughter . Good Paulina ,
-Lead us from hence , where we may leisurely
-Each one demand and answer to his part
-Perform'd in this wide gap of time since first
-We were dissever'd : hastily lead away .
-
-TROILUS AND CRESSIDA
-
-In Troy there lies the scene . From isles of Greece
-The princes orgulous , their high blood chaf'd ,
-Have to the port of Athens sent their ships ,
-Fraught with the ministers and instruments
-Of cruel war : sixty and nine , that wore
-Their crownets regal , from the Athenian bay
-Put forth toward Phrygia ; and their vow is made
-To ransack Troy , within whose strong immures
-The ravish'd Helen , Menelaus' queen ,
-With wanton Paris sleeps ; and that's the quarrel .
-To Tenedos they come ,
-And the deep-drawing barks do there disgorge
-Their war-like fraughtage : now on Dardan plains
-The fresh and yet unbruised Greeks do pitch
-Their brave pavilions : Priam's six-gated city ,
-Dardan , and Tymbria , Ilias , Chetas , Trojan ,
-And Antenorides , with massy staples
-And corresponsive and fulfilling bolts ,
-Sperr up the sons of Troy .
-Now expectation , tickling skittish spirits ,
-On one and other side , Trojan and Greek ,
-Sets all on hazard . And hither am I come
-A prologue arm'd , but not in confidence
-Of author's pen or actor's voice , but suited
-In like conditions as our argument ,
-To tell you , fair beholders , that our play
-Leaps o'er the vaunt and firstlings of those broils ,
-Beginning in the middle ; starting thence away
-To what may be digested in a play .
-Like or find fault ; do as your pleasures are :
-Now good or bad , 'tis but the chance of war .
-
-Call here my varlet , I'll unarm again :
-Why should I war without the walls of Troy ,
-That find such cruel battle here within ?
-Each Trojan that is master of his heart ,
-Let him to field ; Troilus , alas ! has none .
-
-Will this gear ne'er be mended ?
-
-The Greeks are strong , and skilful to their strength .
-Fierce to their skill , and to their fierceness valiant ;
-But I am weaker than a woman's tear ,
-Tamer than sleep , fonder than ignorance ,
-Less valiant than the virgin in the night ,
-And skilless as unpractis'd infancy .
-
-Well , I have told you enough of this : for my part , I'll not meddle nor make no further . He that will have a cake out of the wheat must tarry the grinding .
-
-Have I not tarried ?
-
-Ay , the grinding ; but you must tarry the bolting .
-
-Have I not tarried ?
-
-Ay , the bolting ; but you must tarry the leavening .
-
-Still have I tarried .
-
-Ay , to the leavening ; but here's yet in the word 'hereafter' the kneading , the making of the cake , the heating of the oven , and the baking ; nay , you must stay the cooling too , or you may chance to burn your lips .
-
-Patience herself , what goddess e'er she be ,
-Doth lesser blench at sufferance than I do .
-At Priam's royal table do I sit ;
-And when fair Cressid comes into my thoughts ,
-So , traitor ! 'when she comes' !When is she thence ?
-
-Well , she looked yesternight fairer than ever I saw her look , or any woman else .
-
-I was about to tell thee : when my heart ,
-As wedged with a sigh , would rive in twain ,
-Lest Hector or my father should perceive me ,
-I have as when the sun doth light a storm
-Buried this sigh in wrinkle of a smile ;
-But sorrow , that is couch'd in seeming gladness ,
-Is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadness .
-
-An her hair were not somewhat darker than Helen's ,well , go to ,there were no more comparison between the women : but , for my part , she is my kins woman ; I would not , as they term it , praise her , but I would somebody had heard her talk yesterday , as I did : I will not dispraise your sister Cassandra's wit , but
-
-O Pandarus ! I tell thee , Pandarus ,
-When I do tell thee , there my hopes lie drown'd ,
-Reply not in how many fathoms deep
-They lie indrench'd . I tell thee I am mad
-In Cressid's love : thou answer'st , she is fair ;
-Pour'st in the open ulcer of my heart
-Her eyes , her hair , her cheek , her gait , her voice ;
-Handlest in thy discourse , O ! that her hand ,
-In whose comparison all whites are ink ,
-Writing their own reproach ; to whose soft seizure
-The cygnet's down is harsh , and spirit of sense
-Hard as the palm of ploughman : this thou tell'st me ,
-As true thou tell'st me , when I say I love her ;
-But , saying thus , instead of oil and balm ,
-Thou lay'st in every gash that love hath given me
-The knife that made it .
-
-I speak no more than truth .
-
-Thou dost not speak so much .
-
-Faith , I'll not meddle in't . Let her be as she is : if she be fair , 'tis the better for her ; an she be not , she has the mends in her own hands .
-
-Good Pandarus , how now , Pandarus !
-
-I have had my labour for my travail ; ill-thought on of her , and ill-thought on of you : gone between , and between , but small thanks for my labour .
-
-What ! art thou angry , Pandarus ? what ! with me ?
-
-Because she's kin to me , therefore she's not so fair as Helen : an she were not kin to me , she would be as fair on Friday as Helen is on Sunday . But what care I ? I care not an she were a black-a-moor ; 'tis all one to me .
-
-Say I she is not fair ?
-
-I do not care whether you do or no . She's a fool to stay behind her father : let her to the Greeks ; and so I'll tell her the next time I see her . For my part , I'll meddle nor make no more i' the matter .
-
-Pandarus ,
-
-Not I .
-
-Sweet Pandarus ,
-
-Pray you , speak no more to me ! I will leave all as I found it , and there an end .
-
-
-Peace , you ungracious clamours ! peace , rude sounds !
-Fools on both sides ! Helen must needs bo fair ,
-When with your blood you daily paint her thus .
-I cannot fight upon this argument ;
-It is too starv'd a subject for my sword .
-But Pandarus ,O gods ! how do you plague me .
-I cannot come to Cressid but by Pandar ;
-And he's as tetchy to be woo'd to woo
-As she is stubborn-chaste against all suit .
-Tell me , Apollo , for thy Daphne's love ,
-What Cressid is , what Pandar , and what we ?
-Her bed is India ; there she lies , a pearl :
-Between our Ilium and where she resides
-Let it be call'd the wild and wandering flood ;
-Ourself the merchant , and this sailing Pandar
-Our doubtful hope , our convoy and our bark .
-
-
-How now , Prince Troilus ! wherefore not afield ?
-
-Because not there : this woman's answer sorts ,
-For womanish it is to be from thence .
-What news , neas , from the field to-day ?
-
-That Paris is returned home , and hurt .
-
-By whom , neas ?
-
-Troilus , by Menelaus .
-
-Let Paris bleed : 'tis but a scar to scorn ;
-Paris is gor'd with Menelaus' horn .
-
-
-Hark , what good sport is out of town to-day !
-
-Better at home , if 'would I might' were 'may .'
-But to the sport abroad : are you bound thither ?
-
-In all swift haste .
-
-Come , go we then together .
-
-
-Who were those went by ?
-
-Queen Hecuba and Helen .
-
-And whither go they ?
-
-Up to the eastern tower ,
-Whose height commands as subject all the vale ,
-To see the battle . Hector , whose patience
-Is as a virtue fix'd , to-day was mov'd :
-He chid Andromache , and struck his armourer ;
-And , like as there were husbandry in war ,
-Before the sun rose he was harness'd light ,
-And to the field goes he ; where every flower
-Did , as a prophet , weep what it foresaw
-In Hector's wrath .
-
-What was his cause of anger ?
-
-The noise goes , this : there is among the Greeks
-A lord of Trojan blood , nephew to Hector ;
-They call him Ajax .
-
-Good ; and what of him ?
-
-They say he is a very man per se
-And stands alone .
-
-So do all men , unless they are drunk , sick , or have no legs .
-
-This man , lady , hath robbed many beasts of their particular additions : he is as valiant as the lion , churlish as the bear , slow as the elephant : a man into whom nature hath so crowded humours that his valour is crushed into folly , his folly sauced with discretion : there is no man hath a virtue that he hath not a glimpse of , nor any man an attaint but he carries some stain of it . He is melancholy without cause , and merry against the hair ; he hath the joints of every thing , but every thing so out of joint that he is a gouty Briareus , many hands and no use ; or purblind Argus , all eyes and no sight .
-
-But how should this man , that makes me smile , make Hector angry ?
-
-They say he yesterday coped Hector in the battle and struck him down ; the disdain and shame whereof hath ever since kept Hector fasting and waking .
-
-Who comes here ?
-
-
-Madam , your uncle Pandarus .
-
-Hector's a gallant man .
-
-As may be in the world , lady .
-
-What's that ? what's that ?
-
-Good morrow , uncle Pandarus .
-
-Good morrow , cousin Cressid . What do you talk of ? Good morrow , Alexander .
-How do you , cousin ? When were you at Ilium ?
-
-This morning , uncle .
-
-What were you talking of when I came ? Was Hector armed and gone ere ye came to Ilium ? Helen was not up , was she ?
-
-Hector was gone , but Helen was not up .
-
-E'en so : Hector was stirring early .
-
-That were we talking of , and of his anger .
-
-Was he angry ?
-
-So he says here .
-
-True , he was so ; I know the cause too : he'll lay about him to-day , I can tell them that : and there's Troilus will not come far behind him ; let them take heed of Troilus , I can tell them that too .
-
-What ! is he angry too ?
-
-Who , Troilus ? Troilus is the better man of the two .
-
-O Jupiter ! there's no comparison .
-
-What ! not between Troilus and Hector ?
-Do you know a man if you see him ?
-
-Ay , if I ever saw him before and knew him .
-
-Well , I say Troilus is Troilus .
-
-Then you say as I say ; for I am sure he is not Hector .
-
-No , nor Hector is not Troilus in some degrees .
-
-'Tis just to each of them ; he is himself .
-
-Himself ! Alas , poor Troilus , I would he were .
-
-So he is .
-
-Condition , I had gone bare-foot to India .
-
-He is not Hector .
-
-Himself ! no , he's not himself . Would a' were himself : well , the gods are above ; time must friend or end : well , Troilus , well , I would my heart were in her body . No , Hector is not a better man than Troilus .
-
-Excuse me .
-
-He is elder .
-
-Pardon me , pardon me .
-
-Th' other's not come to't ; you shall tell me another tale when the other's come to't . Hector shall not have his wit this year .
-
-He shall not need it if he have his own .
-
-Nor his qualities .
-
-No matter .
-
-Nor his beauty .
-
-'Twould not become him ; his own's better .
-
-You have no judgment , niece : Helen herself swore th' other day , that Troilus , for a brown favour ,for so 'tis I must confess ,not brown neither ,
-
-No , but brown .
-
-Faith , to say truth , brown and not brown .
-
-To say the truth , true and not true .
-
-She prais'd his complexion above Paris .
-
-Why , Paris hath colour enough .
-
-So he has .
-
-Then Troilus should have too much : if she praised him above , his complexion is higher than his : he having colour enough , and the other higher , is too flaming a praise for a good complexion . I had as lief Helen's golden tongue had commended Troilus for a copper nose .
-
-I swear to you , I think Helen loves him better than Paris .
-
-Then she's a merry Greek indeed .
-
-Nay , I am sure she does . She came to him th' other day into the compassed window , and , you know , he has not past three or four hairs on his chin ,
-
-Indeed , a tapster's arithmetic may soon bring his particulars therein to a total .
-
-Why , he is very young ; and yet will he , within three pound , lift as much as his brother Hector .
-
-Is he so young a man , and so old a lifter ?
-
-But to prove to you that Helen loves him : she came and puts me her white hand to his cloven chin ,
-
-Juno have mercy ! how came it cloven ?
-
-Why , you know , 'tis dimpled . I think his smiling becomes him better than any man in all Phrygia .
-
-O ! he smiles valiantly .
-
-Does he not ?
-
-O ! yes , an 'twere a cloud in autumn .
-
-Why , go to , then . But to prove to you that Helen loves Troilus ,
-
-Troilus will stand to the proof , if you'll prove it so .
-
-Troilus ! why he esteems her no more than I esteem an addle egg .
-
-If you love an addle egg as well as you love an idle head , you would eat chickens i' the shell .
-
-I cannot choose but laugh , to think how she tickled his chin : indeed , she has a marvell's white hand , I must needs confess ,
-
-Without the rack .
-
-And she takes upon her to spy a white hair on his chin .
-
-Alas ! poor chin ! many a wart is richer .
-
-But there was such laughing : Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er .
-
-With millstones .
-
-And Cassandra laughed .
-
-But there was more temperate fire under the pot of her eyes : did her eyes run o'er too ?
-
-And Hector laughed .
-
-At what was all this laughing ?
-
-Marry , at the white hair that Helen spied on Troilus' chin .
-
-An't had been a green hair , I should have laughed too .
-
-They laughed not so much at the hair as at his pretty answer .
-
-What was his answer ?
-
-Quoth she , 'Here's but one-and-fifty hairs on your chin , and one of them is white .'
-
-This is her question .
-
-That's true ; make no question of that . 'One-and-fifty hairs ,' quoth he , 'and one white : that white hair is my father , and all the rest are his sons .' 'Jupiter !' quoth she , 'which of these hairs is Paris , my husband ?' 'The forked one ,' quoth he ; 'pluck't out , and give it him .' But there was such laughing , and Helen so blushed , and Paris so chafed , and all the rest so laughed , that it passed .
-
-So let it now , for it has been a great while going by .
-
-Well , cousin , I told you a thing yesterday ; think on't .
-
-So I do .
-
-I'll be sworn 'tis true : he will weep you , an 'twere a man born in April .
-
-And I'll spring up in his tears , an 'twere a nettle against May .
-
-
-Hark ! they are coming from the field . Shall we stand up here , and see them as they pass toward Ilium ? good niece , do ; sweet niece , Cressida .
-
-At your pleasure .
-
-Here , here ; here's an excellent place : here we may see most bravely . I'll tell you them all by their names as they pass by , but mark Troilus above the rest .
-
-Speak not so loud .
-
-
-That's neas : is not that a brave man ? he's one of the flowers of Troy , I can tell you : but mark Troilus ; you shall see anon .
-
-
-Who's that ?
-
-That's Antenor : he has a shrewd wit , I can tell you ; and he's a man good enough : he's one o' the soundest judgments in Troy , whosoever , and a proper man of person . When comes Troilus ? I'll show you Troilus anon : if he see me , you shall see him nod at me .
-
-Will he give you the nod ?
-
-You shall see .
-
-If he do , the rich shall have more .
-
-
-That's Hector , that , that , look you , that ; there's a fellow ! Go thy way , Hector ! There's a brave man , niece . O brave Hector ! Look how he looks ! there's a countenance ! Is't not a brave man ?
-
-O ! a brave man .
-
-Is a' not ? It does a man's heart good . Look you what hacks are on his helmet ! look you yonder , do you see ? look you there : there's no jesting ; there's laying on , take't off who will , as they say : there be hacks !
-
-Be those with swords ?
-
-Swords ? any thing , he cares not ; an the devil come to him , it's all one : by God's lid , it does one's heart good . Yonder comes Paris , yonder comes Paris .
-
-Look ye yonder , niece : is't not a gallant man too , is't not ? Why , this is brave now . Who said he came hurt home to-day ? he's not hurt : why , this will do Helen's heart good now , ha ! Would I could see Troilus now ! You shall see Troilus anon .
-
-Who's that ?
-
-
-That's Helenus . I marvel where Troilus is . That's Helenus . I think he went not forth to-day . That's Helenus .
-
-Can Helenus fight , uncle ?
-
-Helenus ? no , yes , he'll fight indifferent well . I marvel where Troilus is . Hark ! do you not hear the people cry , 'Troilus ?' Helenus is a priest .
-
-What sneaking fellow comes yonder ?
-
-
-Where ? yonder ? that's Deiphobus .
-Tis Troilus ! there's a man , niece ! Hem ! Brave
-Troilus ! the prince of chivalry !
-
-Peace ! for shame , peace !
-
-Mark him ; note him : O brave Troilus ! look well upon him , niece : look you how his sword is bloodied , and his helmet more hacked than Hector's ; and how he looks , and how he goes ! O admirable youth ! he ne'er saw three-and-twenty . Go thy way , Troilus , go thy way ! Had I a sister were a grace , or a daughter a goddess , he should take his choice . O admirable man ! Paris ? Paris is dirt to him ; and , I warrant , Helen , to change , would give an eye to boot .
-
-Here come more .
-
-
-Asses , fools , dolts ! chaff and bran , chaff and bran ! porridge after meat ! I could live and die i' the eyes of Troilus . Ne'er look , ne'er look ; the eagles are gone : crows and daws , crows and daws ! I had rather be such a man as Troilus than Agamemnon and all Greece .
-
-There is among the Greeks Achilles , a better man than Troilus .
-
-Achilles ! a drayman , a porter , a very camel .
-
-Well , well .
-
-'Well , well !' Why , have you any discretion ? have you any eyes ? Do you know what a man is ? Is not birth , beauty , good shape , discourse , manhood , learning , gentleness , virtue , youth , liberality , and so forth , the spice and salt that season a man ?
-
-Ay , a minced man : and then to be baked with no date in the pie , for then the man's date's out .
-
-You are such a woman ! one knows not at what ward you lie .
-
-Upon my back , to defend my belly ; upon my wit , to defend my wiles ; upon my secrecy , to defend mine honesty ; my mask , to defend my beauty ; and you , to defend all these : and at all these wards I lie , at a thousand watches .
-
-Say one of your watches .
-
-Nay , I'll watch you for that ; and that's one of the chiefest of them too : if I cannot ward what I would not have hit , I can watch you for telling how I took the blow ; unless it swell past hiding , and then it's past watching .
-
-You are such another !
-
-
-Sir , my lord would instantly speak with you .
-
-Where ?
-
-At your own house ; there he unarms him .
-
-Good boy , tell him I come .
-
-I doubt he be hurt . Fare ye well , good niece .
-
-Adieu , uncle .
-
-I'll be with you , niece , by and by .
-
-To bring , uncle ?
-
-Ay , a token from Troilus .
-
-By the same token , you are a bawd .
-
-Words , vows , gifts , tears , and love's full sacrifice
-He offers in another's enterprise ;
-But more in Troilus thousand-fold I see
-Than in the glass of Pandar's praise may be .
-Yet hold I off . Women are angels , wooing :
-Things won are done ; joy's soul lies in the doing :
-That she belov'd knows nought that knows not this :
-Men prize the thing ungain'd more than it is :
-That she was never yet , that ever knew
-Love got so sweet as when desire did sue .
-Therefore this maxim out of love I teach :
-Achievement is command ; ungain'd , beseech :
-Then though my heart's content firm love doth bear ,
-Nothing of that shall from mine eyes appear .
-
-
-Princes ,
-What grief hath set the jaundice on your cheeks ?
-The ample proposition that hope makes
-In all designs begun on earth below
-Fails in the promis'd largeness : checks and disasters
-Grow in the veins of actions highest rear'd ;
-As knots , by the conflux of meeting sap ,
-Infect the sound pine and divert his grain
-Tortive and errant from his course of growth .
-Nor , princes , is it matter new to us
-That we come short of our suppose so far
-That after seven years' siege yet Troy walls stand ;
-Sith every action that hath gone before ,
-Whereof we have record , trial did draw
-Bias and thwart , not answering the aim ,
-And that unbodied figure of the thought
-That gave't surmised shape . Why then , you princes ,
-Do you with cheeks abash'd behold our works ,
-And call them shames ? which are indeed nought else
-But the protractive trials of great Jove ,
-To find persistive constancy in men :
-The fineness of which metal is not found
-In Fortune's love ; for then , the bold and coward ,
-The wise and fool , the artist and unread ,
-The hard and soft , seem all affin'd and kin :
-But , in the wind and tempest of her frown ,
-Distinction , with a broad and powerful fan ,
-Puffing at all , winnows the light away ;
-And what hath mass or matter , by itself
-Lies rich in virtue and unmingled .
-
-With due observance of thy god-like seat ,
-Great Agamemnon , Nestor shall apply
-Thy latest words . In the reproof of chance
-Lies the true proof of men : the sea being smooth ,
-How many shallow bauble boats dare sail
-Upon her patient breast , making their way
-With those of nobler bulk !
-But let the ruffian Boreas once enrage
-The gentle Thetis , and anon behold
-The strong-ribb'd bark through liquid mountains cut ,
-Bounding between the two moist elements ,
-Like Perseus' horse : where's then the saucy boat
-Whose weak untimber'd sides but even now
-Co-rivall'd greatness ? either to harbour fled ,
-Or made a toast for Neptune . Even so
-Doth valour's show and valour's worth divide
-In storms of fortune ; for in her ray and brightness
-The herd hath more annoyance by the breese
-Than by the tiger ; but when the splitting wind
-Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks ,
-And flies fled under shade , why then the thing of courage ,
-As rous'd with rage , with rage doth sympathize ,
-And with an accent tun'd in self-same key ,
-Retorts to chiding fortune .
-
-Agamemnon ,
-Thou great commander , nerve and bone of Greece ,
-Heart of our numbers , soul and only spirit ,
-In whom the tempers and the minds of all
-Should be shut up , hear what Ulysses speaks .
-Besides the applause and approbation
-The which ,
-
-most mighty for thy place and sway ,
-
-
-And thou most reverend for thy stretch'd-out life ,
-I give to both your speeches , which were such
-As Agamemnon and the hand of Greece
-Should hold up high in brass ; and such again
-As venerable Nestor , hatch'd in silver ,
-Should with a bond of air , strong as the axle-tree
-On which heaven rides , knit all the Greekish ears
-To his experienc'd tongue , yet let it please hoth ,
-Thou great , and wise , to hear Ulysses speak .
-
-Speak , Prince of Ithaca ; and be't of less expect
-That matter needless , of importless burden ,
-Divide thy lips , than we are confident ,
-When rank Thersites opes his mastick jaws ,
-We shall hear music , wit , and oracle .
-
-Troy , yet upon his basis , had been down ,
-And the great Hector's sword had lack'd a master ,
-But for these instances .
-The specialty of rule hath been neglected :
-And look , how many Grecian tents do stand
-Hollow upon this plain , so many hollow factions .
-When that the general is not like the hive
-To whom the foragers shall all repair ,
-What honey is expected ? Degree being vizarded ,
-The unworthiest shows as fairly in the mask .
-The heavens themselves , the planets , and this centre
-Observe degree , priority , and place ,
-Insisture , course , proportion , season , form ,
-Office , and custom , in all line of order :
-And therefore is the glorious planet Sol
-In noble eminence enthron'd and spher'd
-Amidst the other ; whose med'cinable eye
-Corrects the ill aspects of planets evil ,
-And posts , like the commandment of a king ,
-Sans check , to good and bad : but when the planets
-In evil mixture to disorder wander ,
-What plagues , and what portents , what mutiny ,
-What raging of the sea , shaking of earth ,
-Commotion in the winds , frights , changes , horrors ,
-Divert and crack , rend and deracinate
-The unity and married calm of states
-Quite from their fixure ! O ! when degree is shak'd ,
-Which is the ladder to all high designs ,
-The enterprise is sick . How could communities ,
-Degrees in schools , and brotherhoods in cities ,
-Peaceful commerce from dividable shores ,
-The primogenitive and due of birth ,
-Prerogative of age , crowns , sceptres , laurels ,
-But by degree , stand in authentic place ?
-Take but degree away , untune that string ,
-And , hark ! what discord follows ; each thing meets
-In mere oppugnancy : the bounded waters
-Should lift their bosoms higher than the shores ,
-And make a sop of all this solid globe :
-Strength should be lord of imbecility ,
-And the rude son should strike his father dead :
-Force should be right ; or rather , right and wrong
-Between whose endless jar justice resides
-Should lose their names , and so should justice too .
-Then every thing includes itself in power ,
-Power into will , will into appetite ;
-And appetite , a universal wolf ,
-So doubly seconded with will and power ,
-Must make perforce a universal prey ,
-And last eat up himself . Great Agamemnon ,
-This chaos , when degree is suffocate ,
-Follows the choking .
-And this neglection of degree it is
-That by a pace goes backward , with a purpose
-It hath to climb . The general's disdain'd
-By him one step below , he by the next ,
-That next by him beneath ; so every step ,
-Exampled by the first pace that is sick
-Of his superior , grows to an envious fever
-Of pale and bloodless emulation :
-And 'tis this fever that keeps Troy on foot ,
-Not her own sinews . To end a tale of length ,
-Troy in our weakness lives , not in her strength .
-
-Most wisely hath Ulysses here discover'd
-The fever whereof all our power is sick .
-
-The nature of the sickness found , Ulysses ,
-What is the remedy ?
-
-The great Achilles , whom opinion crowns
-The sinew and the forehand of our host ,
-Having his ear full of his airy fame ,
-Grows dainty of his worth , and in his tent
-Lies mocking our designs . With him Patroclus
-Upon a lazy bed the livelong day
-Breaks scurril jests ,
-And with ridiculous and awkward action
-Which , slanderer , he imitation calls
-He pageants us . Sometime , great Agamemnon ,
-Thy topless deputation he puts on
-And , like a strutting player , whose conceit
-Lies in his hamstring , and doth think it rich
-To hear the wooden dialogue and sound
-'Twixt his stretch'd footing and the scaffoldage ,
-Such to-be-pitied and o'er-wrested seeming
-He acts thy greatness in :and when he speaks ,
-'Tis like a chime a mending ; with terms unsquar'd ,
-Which , from the tongue of roaring Typhon dropp'd ,
-Would seem hyperboles . At this fusty stuff
-The large Achilles , on his press'd bed lolling ,
-From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause ;
-Cries , 'Excellent ! 'tis Agamemnon just .
-Now play me Nestor ; hem , and stroke thy beard ,
-As he being drest to some oration .'
-That's done ;as near as the extremest ends
-Of parallels , like as Vulcan and his wife :
-Yet good Achilles still cries , 'Excellent !
-'Tis Nestor right . Now play him me , Patroclus ,
-Arming to answer in a night alarm .'
-And then , forsooth , the faint defects of age
-Must be the scene of mirth ; to cough and spit ,
-And with a palsy-fumbling on his gorget ,
-Shake in and out the rivet : and at this sport
-Sir Valour dies ; cries , 'O ! enough , Patroclus ;
-Or give me ribs of steel ; I shall split all
-In pleasure of my spleen .' And in this fashion ,
-All our abilities , gifts , natures , shapes ,
-Severals and generals of grace exact ,
-Achievements , plots , orders , preventions ,
-Excitements to the field , or speech for truce ,
-Success or loss , what is or is not , serves
-As stuff for these two to make paradoxes .
-
-And in the imitation of these twain
-Whom , as Ulysses says , opinion crowns
-With an imperial voice many are infect .
-Ajax is grown self-will'd , and bears his head
-In such a rein , in full as proud a place
-As broad Achilles ; keeps his tent like him ;
-Makes factious feasts ; rails on our state of war ,
-Bold as an oracle , and sets Thersites
-A slave whose gall coins slanders like a mint
-To match us in comparison with dirt ;
-To weaken and discredit our exposure ,
-How rank soever rounded in with danger .
-
-They tax our policy , and call it cowardice ;
-Count wisdom as no member of the war ;
-Forestall prescience , and esteem no act
-But that of hand : the still and mental parts ,
-That do contrive how many hands shall strike ,
-When fitness calls them on , and know by measure
-Of their observant toil the enemies' weight ,
-Why , this hath not a finger's dignity :
-They call this bed-work , mappery , closet-war ;
-So that the ram that batters down the wall ,
-For the great swing and rudeness of his poise ,
-They place before his hand that made the engine ,
-Or those that with the fineness of their souls
-By reason guides his execution .
-
-Let this be granted , and Achilles' horse
-Makes many Thetis' sons .
-
-
-What trumpet ? look , Menelaus .
-
-From Troy .
-
-
-What would you 'fore our tent ?
-
-Is this great Agamemnon's tent , I pray you ?
-
-Even this .
-
-May one , that is a herald and a prince ,
-Do a fair message to his kingly ears ?
-
-With surety stronger than Achilles' arm
-'Fore all the Greekish heads , which with one voice
-Call Agamemnon head and general .
-
-Fair leave and large security . How may
-A stranger to those most imperial looks
-Know them from eyes of other mortals ?
-
-How !
-
-Ay ;
-I ask , that I might waken reverence ,
-And bid the cheek be ready with a blush
-Modest as morning when she coldly eyes
-The youthful Ph bus :
-Which is that god in office , guiding men ?
-Which is the high and mighty Agamemnon ?
-
-This Trojan scorns us ; or the men of Troy
-Are ceremonious courtiers .
-
-Courtiers as free , as debonair , unarm'd ,
-As bending angels ; that's their fame in peace :
-But when they would seem soldiers , they have galls ,
-Good arms , strong joints , true swords ; and , Jove's accord ,
-Nothing so full of heart . But peace , neas !
-Peace , Trojan ! lay thy finger on thy lips !
-The worthiness of praise distains his worth ,
-If that the prais'd himself bring the praise forth ;
-But what the repining enemy commends ,
-That breath fame blows ; that praise , sole pure , transcends .
-
-Sir , you of Troy , call you yourself neas ?
-
-Ay , Greek , that is my name .
-
-What's your affair , I pray you ?
-
-Sir , pardon ; 'tis for Agamemnon's ears .
-
-He hears nought privately that comes from Troy .
-
-Nor I from Troy come not to whisper him :
-I bring a trumpet to awake his ear ,
-To set his sense on the attentive bent ,
-And then to speak .
-
-Speak frankly as the wind :
-It is not Agamemnon's sleeping hour ;
-That thou shalt know , Trojan , he is awake ,
-He tells thee so himself .
-
-Trumpet , blow aloud ,
-Send thy brass voice through all these lazy tents ;
-And every Greek of mettle , let him know ,
-What Troy means fairly shall be spoke aloud .
-
-We have , great Agamemnon , here in Troy .
-A prince called Hector ,Priam is his father ,
-Who in this dull and long-continu'd truce
-Is rusty grown : he bade me take a trumpet ,
-And to this purpose speak : kings , princes , lords !
-If there be one among the fair'st of Greece
-That holds his honour higher than his ease ,
-That seeks his praise more than he fears his peril ,
-That knows his valour , and knows not his fear ,
-That loves his mistress more than in confession ,
-With truant vows to her own lips he loves ,
-And dare avow her beauty and her worth
-In other arms than hers ,to him this challenge .
-Hector , in view of Trojans and of Greeks ,
-Shall make it good , or do his best to do it ,
-He hath a lady wiser , fairer , truer ,
-Than ever Greek did compass in his arms ;
-And will to-morrow with his trumpet call ,
-Mid-way between your tents and walls of Troy ,
-To rouse a Grecian that is true in love :
-If any come , Hector shall honour him ;
-If none , he'll say in Troy when he retires ,
-The Grecian dames are sunburnt , and not worth
-The splinter of a lance . Even so much .
-
-This shall be told our lovers , Lord neas ;
-If none of them have soul in such a kind ,
-We left them all at home : but we are soldiers ;
-And may that soldier a mere recreant prove ,
-That means not , hath not , or is not in love !
-If then one is , or hath , or means to be ,
-That one meets Hector ; if none else , I am he .
-
-Tell him of Nestor , one that was a man
-When Hector's grandsire suck'd : he is old now ;
-But if there be not in our Grecian host
-One noble man that hath one spark of fire
-To answer for his love , tell him from me ,
-I'll hide my silver beard in a gold beaver ,
-And in my vantbrace put this wither'd brawn ;
-And , meeting him , will tell him that my lady
-Was fairer than his grandam , and as chaste
-As may be in the world : his youth in flood ,
-I'll prove this truth with my three drops of blood .
-
-Now heavens forbid such scarcity of youth !
-
-Amen .
-
-Fair Lord neas , let me touch your hand ;
-To our pavilion shall I lead you first .
-Achilles shall have word of this intent ;
-So shall each lord of Greece , from tent to tent :
-Yourself shall feast with us before you go ,
-And find the welcome of a noble foe .
-
-
-Nestor !
-
-What says Ulysses ?
-
-I have a young conception in my brain ;
-Be you my time to bring it to some shape .
-
-What is't ?
-
-This 'tis :
-Blunt wedges rive hard knots : the seeded pride
-That hath to this maturity blown up
-In rank Achilles , must or now be cropp'd ,
-Or , shedding , breed a nursery of like evil ,
-To overbulk us all .
-
-Well , and how ?
-
-This challenge that the gallant Hector sends ,
-However it is spread in general name ,
-Relates in purpose only to Achilles .
-
-The purpose is perspicuous even as substance
-Whose grossness little characters sum up :
-And , in the publication , make no strain ,
-But that Achilles , were his brain as barren
-As banks of Libya ,though , Apollo knows ,
-'Tis dry enough ,will with great speed of judgment ,
-Ay , with celerity , find Hector's purpose
-Pointing on him .
-
-And wake him to the answer , think you ?
-
-Yes , 'tis most meet : whom may you else oppose ,
-That can from Hector bring those honours off ,
-If not Achilles ? Though't be a sportful combat ,
-Yet in the trial much opinion dwells ;
-For here the Trojans taste our dear'st repute
-With their fin'st palate : and trust to me , Ulysses ,
-Our imputation shall be oddly pois'd
-In this wild action ; for the success ,
-Although particular , shall give a scantling
-Of good or bad unto the general ;
-And in such indexes , although small pricks
-To their subsequent volumes , there is seen
-The baby figure of the giant mass
-Of things to come at large . It is suppos'd
-He that meets Hector issues from our choice ;
-And choice , being mutual act of all our souls ,
-Makes merit her election , and doth boil ,
-As 'twere from forth us all , a man distill'd
-Out of our virtues ; who miscarrying ,
-What heart receives from bence the conquering part ,
-To steel a strong opinion to themselves ?
-Which entertain'd , limbs are his instruments ,
-In no less working than are swords and bows
-Directive by the limbs .
-
-Give pardon to my speech :
-Therefore 'tis meet Achilles meet not Hector .
-Let us like merchants show our foulest wares ,
-And think perchance they'll sell ; if not ,
-The lustre of the better yet to show
-Shall show the better . Do not consent
-That ever Hector and Achilles meet ;
-For both our honour and our shame in this
-Are dogg'd with two strange followers .
-
-I see them not with my old eyes : what are they ?
-
-What glory our Achilles shares from Hector ,
-Were he not proud , we all should share with him :
-But he already is too insolent ;
-And we were better parch in Afric sun
-Than in the pride and salt scorn of his eyes ,
-Should he 'scape Hector fair : if he were foil'd ,
-Why then we did our main opinion crush
-In taint of our best man . No ; make a lottery ;
-And by device let blockish Ajax draw
-The sort to fight with Hector : among ourselves
-Give him allowance as the worthier man ,
-For that will physic the great Myrmidon
-Who broils in loud applause ; and make him fall
-His crest that prouder than blue Iris bends .
-If the dull brainless Ajax come safe off ,
-We'll dress him up in voices : if he fail ,
-Yet go we under our opinion still
-That we have better men . But , hit or miss ,
-Our project's life this shape of sense assumes :
-Ajax employ'd plucks down Achilles' plumes .
-
-Ulysses ,
-Now I begin to relish thy advice ;
-And I will give a taste of it forthwith
-To Agamemnon : go we to him straight .
-Two curs shall tame each other : pride alone
-Must tarre the mastiffs on , as 'twere their bone .
-
-
-Thersites !
-
-Agamemnon , how if he had boils ? full , all over , generally ?
-
-Thersites !
-
-And those boils did run ? Say so , did not the general run then ? were not that a botchy core ?
-
-Dog !
-
-Then would come some matter from him : I see none now .
-
-Thou bitch-wolf's son , canst thou not hear ?
-Feel , then .
-
-
-The plague of Greece upon thee , thou mongrel beef-witted lord !
-
-Speak then , thou vinewedst leaven , speak : I will beat thee into handsomeness .
-
-I shall sooner rail thee into wit and holiness : but I think thy horse will sooner con an oration than thou learn a prayer without book . Thou canst strike , canst thou ? a red murrain o' thy jade's tricks !
-
-Toadstool , learn me the proclamation .
-
-Dost thou think I have no sense , thou strikest me thus ?
-
-The proclamation !
-
-Thou art proclaimed a fool , I think .
-
-Do not , porpentine , do not : my fingers itch .
-
-I would thou didst itch from head to foot , and I had the scratching of thee ; I would make thee the loathsomest scab of Greece . When thou art forth in the incursions , thou strikest as slow as another .
-
-I say , the proclamation !
-
-Thou grumblest and railest every hour on Achilles , and thou art as full of envy at his greatness as Cerberus is at Proserpina's beauty , ay that thou barkest at him .
-
-Mistress Thersites !
-
-Thou shouldst strike him .
-
-Cobloaf !
-
-He would pun thee into shivers with his fist , as a sailor breaks a biscuit .
-
-You whoreson cur .
-
-
-Do , do .
-
-Thou stool for a witch !
-
-Ay , do , do ; thou sodden-witted lord ! thou hast no more brain than I have in mine elbows ; an assinego may tutor thee : thou scurvy-valiant ass ! thou art here but to thrash Trojans ; and thou art bought and sold among those of any wit , like a barbarian slave . If thou use to beat me , I will begin at thy heel , and tell what thou art by inches , thou thing of no bowels , thou !
-
-You dog !
-
-You scurvy lord !
-
-You cur !
-
-
-Mars his idiot ! do , rudeness ; do , camel ; do , do .
-
-
-Why , how now , Ajax ! wherefore do you this ?
-How now , Thersites ! what's the matter , man ?
-
-You see him there , do you ?
-
-Ay ; what's the matter ?
-
-Nay , look upon him .
-
-So I do : what's the matter ?
-
-Nay , but regard him well .
-
-'Well !' why , so I do .
-
-But yet you look not well upon him ; for , whosoever you take him to be , he is Ajax .
-
-I know that , fool .
-
-Ay , but that fool knows not himself .
-
-Therefore I beat thee .
-
-Lo , lo , lo , lo , what modicums of wit he utters ! his evasions have ears thus long . I have bobbed his brain more than he has beat my bones : I will buy nine sparrows for a penny , and his pia mater is not worth the ninth part of a sparrow . This lord , Achilles , Ajax , who wears his wit in his belly , and his guts in his head , I'll tell you what I say of him .
-
-What ?
-
-I say , this Ajax ,
-
-
-Nay , good Ajax .
-
-Has not so much wit
-
-Nay , I must hold you .
-
-As will stop the eye of Helen's needle , for whom he comes to fight .
-
-Peace , fool !
-
-I would have peace and quietness , but the fool will not : he there ; that he ; look you there .
-
-O thou damned cur ! I shall
-
-Will you set your wit to a fool's ?
-
-No , I warrant you ; for a fool's will shame it .
-
-Good words , Thersites .
-
-What's the quarrel ?
-
-I bade the vile owl go learn me the tenour of the proclamation , and he rails upon me .
-
-I serve thee not .
-
-Well , go to , go to .
-
-I serve here voluntary .
-
-Your last service was sufferance , 'twas not voluntary ; no man is beaten voluntary : Ajax was here the voluntary , and you as under an impress .
-
-Even so ; a great deal of your wit too lies in your sinews , or else there be liars . Hector shall have a great catch if he knock out either of your brains : a' were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel .
-
-What , with me too , Thersites ?
-
-There's Ulysses and old Nestor , whose wit was mouldy ere your grandsires had nails on their toes , yoke you like draught-oxen , and make you plough up the wars .
-
-What , what ?
-
-Yes , good sooth : to , Achilles ! to , Ajax ! to !
-
-I shall cut out your tongue .
-
-'Tis no matter ; I shall speak as much as thou afterwards .
-
-No more words , Thersites ; peace !
-
-I will hold my peace when Achilles' brach bids me , shall I ?
-
-There's for you , Patroclus .
-
-I will see you hanged , like clotpoles , ere I come any more to your tents : I will keep where there is wit stirring and leave the faction of fools .
-
-
-A good riddance .
-
-Marry , this , sir , is proclaim'd through all our host :
-That Hector , by the fifth hour of the sun ,
-Will , with a trumpet , 'twixt our tents and Troy
-To morrow morning call some knight to arms
-That hath a stomach ; and such a one that dare
-Maintain I know not what : 'tis trash . Farewell .
-
-Farewell . Who shall answer him ?
-
-I know not : it is put to lottery ; otherwise ,
-He knew his man .
-
-O , meaning you . I will go learn more of it .
-
-
-After so many hours , lives , speeches spent ,
-Thus once again says Nestor from the Greeks :
-'Deliver Helen , and all damage else ,
-As honour , loss of time , travail , expense ,
-Wounds , friends , and what else dear that is consum'd
-In hot digestion of this cormorant war ,
-Shall be struck off .' Hector , what say you to't ?
-
-Though no man lesser fears the Greeks than I ,
-As far as toucheth my particular ,
-Yet , dread Priam ,
-There is no lady of more softer bowels ,
-More spongy to suck in the sense of fear ,
-More ready to cry out 'Who knows what follows ?'
-Than Hector is . The wound of peace is surety ,
-Surety secure ; but modest doubt is call'd
-The beacon of the wise , the tent that searches
-To the bottom of the worst . Let Helen go :
-Since the first sword was drawn about this question ,
-Every tithe soul , 'mongst many thousand dismes ,
-Hath been as dear as Helen ; I mean , of ours :
-If we have lost so many tenths of ours ,
-To guard a thing not ours nor worth to us ,
-Had it our name , the value of one ten ,
-What merit's in that reason which denies
-The yielding of her up ?
-
-Fie , fie ! my brother ,
-Weigh you the worth and honour of a king
-So great as our dread father in a scale
-Of common ounces ? will you with counters sum
-The past proportion of his infinite ?
-And buckle in a waist most fathomless
-With spans and inches so diminutive
-As fears and reasons ? fie , for godly shame !
-
-No marvel , though you bite so sharp at reasons ,
-You are so empty of them . Should not our father
-Bear the great sway of his affairs with reasons ,
-Because your speech hath none that tells him so ?
-
-You are for dreams and slumbers , brother priest ;
-You fur your gloves with reason . Here are your reasons :
-You know an enemy intends you harm ;
-You know a sword employ'd is perilous ,
-And reason flies the object of all harm :
-Who marvels then , when Helenus beholds
-A Grecian and his sword , if he do set
-The very wings of reason to his heels ,
-And fly like chidden Mercury from Jove ,
-Or like a star disorb'd ? Nay , if we talk of reason ,
-Let's shut our gates and sleep : manhood and honour
-Should have hare-hearts , would they but fat their thoughts
-With this cramm'd reason : reason and respect
-Make livers pale , and lustihood deject .
-
-Brother , she is not worth what she doth cost
-The holding .
-
-What is aught but as 'tis valu'd ?
-
-But value dwells not in particular will ;
-It holds his estimate and dignity
-As well wherein 'tis precious of itself
-As in the prizer . 'Tis mad idolatry
-To make the service greater than the god ;
-And the will dotes that is inclinable
-To what infectiously itself affects ,
-Without some image of the affected merit .
-
-I take to-day a wife , and my election
-Is led on in the conduct of my will ;
-My will enkindled by mine eyes and ears ,
-Two traded pilots 'twixt the dangerous shores
-Of will and judgment . How may I avoid ,
-Although my will distaste what it elected ,
-The wife I chose ? there can be no evasion
-To blench from this and to stand firm by honour .
-We turn not back the silks upon the merchant
-When we have soil'd them , nor the remainder viands
-We do not throw in unrespective sink
-Because we now are full . It was thought meet
-Paris should do some vengeance on the Greeks :
-Your breath of full consent bellied his sails ;
-The seas and winds old wranglers took a truce
-And did him service : he touch'd the ports desir'd ,
-And for an old aunt whom the Greeks held captive
-He brought a Grecian queen , whose youth and freshness
-Wrinkles Apollo's , and makes stale the morning .
-Why keep we her ? the Grecians keep our aunt :
-Is she worth keeping ? why , she is a pearl ,
-Whose price hath launch'd above a thousand ships ,
-And turn'd crown'd kings to merchants .
-If you'll avouch 'twas wisdom Paris went ,
-As you must needs , for you all cried 'Go , go ,'
-If you'll confess he brought home noble prize ,
-As you must needs , for you all clapp'd your hands ,
-And cry'd 'Inestimable !' why do you now
-The issue of your proper wisdoms rate ,
-And do a deed that Fortune never did ,
-Beggar the estimation which you priz'd
-Richer than sea and land ? O ! theft most base ,
-That we have stol'n what we do fear to keep !
-But thieves unworthy of a thing so stol'n ,
-That in their country did them that disgrace
-We fear to warrant in our native place .
-
-Cry , Trojans , cry !
-
-What noise ? what shriek ?
-
-'Tis our mad sister , I do know her voice
-
-Cry , Trojans !
-
-It is Cassandra .
-
-
-Cry , Trojans , cry ! lend me ten thousand eyes ,
-And I will fill them with prophetic tears .
-
-Peace , sister , peace !
-
-Virgins and boys , mid-age and wrinkled eld ,
-Soft infancy , that nothing canst but cry ,
-Add to my clamours ! let us pay betimes
-A moiety of that mass of moan to come .
-Cry , Trojans , cry ! practise your eyes with tears !
-Troy must not be , nor goodly Ilion stand ;
-Our firebrand brother , Paris , burns us all .
-Cry , Trojans , cry ! a Helen and a woe !
-Cry , cry ! Troy burns , or else let Helen go .
-
-
-Now , youthful Troilus , do not these high strains
-Of divination in our sister work
-Some touches of remorse ? or is your blood
-So madly hot that no discourse of reason ,
-Nor fear of bad success in a bad cause ,
-Can qualify the same ?
-
-Why , brother Hector ,
-We may not think the justness of each act
-Such and no other than event doth form it ,
-Nor once deject the courage of our minds ,
-Because Cassandra's mad : her brain-sick raptures
-Cannot distaste the goodness of a quarrel
-Which hath our several honours all engag'd
-To make it gracious . For my private part ,
-I am no more touch'd than all Priam's sons ;
-And Jove forbid there should be done amongst us
-Such things as might offend the weakest spleen
-To fight for and maintain .
-
-Else might the world convince of levity
-As well my undertakings as your counsels ;
-But I attest the gods , your full consent
-Gave wings to my propension and cut off
-All fears attending on so dire a project :
-For what , alas ! can these my single arms ?
-What propugnation is in one man's valour ,
-To stand the push and enmity of those
-This quarrel would excite ? Yet , I protest ,
-Were I alone to pass the difficulties ,
-And had as ample power as I have will ,
-Paris should ne'er retract what he hath done ,
-Nor faint in the pursuit .
-
-Paris , you speak
-Like one besotted on your sweet delights :
-You have the honey still , but these the gall ;
-So to be valiant is no praise at all .
-
-Sir , I propose not merely to myself
-The pleasure such a beauty brings with it ;
-But I would have the soil of her fair rape
-Wip'd off , in honourable keeping her .
-What treason were it to the ransack'd queen ,
-Disgrace to your great worths , and shame to me ,
-Now to deliver her possession up ,
-On terms of base compulsion ! Can it be
-That so degenerate a strain as this
-Should once set footing in your generous bosoms ?
-There's not the meanest spirit on our party
-Without a heart to dare or sword to draw
-When Helen is defended , nor none so noble
-Whose life were ill bestow'd or death unfam'd
-Where Helen is the subject : then , I say ,
-Well may we fight for her , whom , we know well ,
-The world's large spaces cannot parallel .
-
-Paris and Troilus , you have both said well ;
-And on the cause and question now in hand
-Have gloz'd , but superficially ; not much
-Unlike young men , whom Aristotle thought
-Unfit to hear moral philosophy .
-The reasons you allege do more conduce
-To the hot passion of distemper'd blood
-Than to make up a free determination
-'Twixt right and wrong ; for pleasure and revenge
-Have ears more deaf than adders to the voice
-Of any true decision . Nature craves
-All dues be render'd to their owners : now ,
-What nearer debt in all humanity
-Than wife is to the husband ? if this law
-Of nature be corrupted through affection ,
-And that great minds , of partial indulgence
-To their benumbed wills , resist the saine ;
-There is a law in each well-order'd nation
-To curb those raging appetites that are
-Most disobedient and refractory .
-If Helen then be wife to Sparta's king ,
-As it is known she is , these moral laws
-Of nature , and of nations , speak aloud
-To have her back return'd : thus to persist
-In doing wrong extenuates not wrong ,
-But makes it much more heavy . Hector's opinion
-Is this , in way of truth ; yet , ne'ertheless ,
-My spritely brethren , I propend to you
-In resolution to keep Helen still ;
-For 'tis a cause that hath no mean dependance
-Upon our joint and several dignities .
-
-Why , there you touch'd the life of our design :
-Were it not glory that we more affected
-Than the performance of our heaving spleens ,
-I would not wish a drop of Trojan blood
-Spent more in her defence . But , worthy Hector ,
-She is a theme of honour and renown ,
-A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds ,
-Whose present courage may beat down our foes ,
-And fame in time to come canonize us ;
-For , I presume , brave Hector would not lose
-So rich advantage of a promis'd glory
-As smiles upon the forehead of this action
-For the wide world's revenue .
-
-I am yours ,
-You valiant offspring of great Priamus .
-I have a roisting challenge sent amongst
-The dull and factious nobles of the Greeks
-Will strike amazement to their drowsy spirits .
-I was advertis'd their great general slept
-Whilst emulation in the army crept :
-This , I presume , will wake him .
-
-
-How now , Thersites ! what , lost in the labyrinth of thy fury ! Shall the elephant Ajax carry it thus ? he beats me , and I rail at him : O worthy satisfaction ! Would it were otherwise ; that I could beat him , whilst he railed at me . 'Sfoot , I'll learn to conjure and raise devils , but I'll see some issue of my spiteful execrations . Then there's Achilles , a rare enginer . If Troy be not taken till these two undermine it , the walls will stand till they fall of themselves . O ! thou great thunder-darter of Olympus , forget that thou art Jove the king of gods , and , Mercury , lose all the serpentine craft of thy caduceus , if ye take not that little little less than little wit from them that they have ; which short-armed ignorance itself knows is so abundant scarce it will not in circumvention deliver a fly from a spider , without drawing their massy irons and cutting the web . After this , the vengeance on the whole camp ! or , rather , the Neapolitan bone-ache ! for that , methinks , is the curse dependant on those that war for a placket . I have said my prayers , and devil Envy say Amen . What , ho ! my Lord Achilles !
-
-
-Who's there ? Thersites ! Good Thersites , come in and rail .
-
-If I could have remembered a gilt counterfeit , thou wouldst not have slipped out of my contemplation : but it is no matter ; thyself upon thyself ! The common curse of mankind , folly and ignorance , be thine in great revenue ! heaven bless thee from a tutor , and discipline come not near thee ! Let thy blood be thy direction till thy death ! then , if she that lays thee out says thou art a fair corpse , I'll be sworn and sworn upon't she never shrouded any but lazars . Amen . Where's Achilles ?
-
-What ! art thou devout ? wast thou in prayer ?
-
-Ay ; the heavens hear me !
-
-
-Who's there ?
-
-Thersites , my lord .
-
-Where , where ? Art thou come ? Why , my cheese , my digestion , why hast thou not served thyself in to my table so many meals ? Come , what's Agamemnon ?
-
-Thy commander , Achilles . Then tell me , Patroclus , what's Achilles ?
-
-Thy lord , Thersites . Then tell me , I pray thee , what's thyself ?
-
-Thy knower , Patroclus . Then tell me , Patroclus , what art thou ?
-
-Thou mayst tell that knowest .
-
-O ! tell , tell .
-
-I'll decline the whole question . Agamemnon commands Achilles ; Achilles is my lord ; I am Patroclus' knower ; and Patroclus is a fool .
-
-You rascal !
-
-Peace , fool ! I have not done .
-
-He is a privileged man . Proceed , Thersites .
-
-Agamemnon is a fool ; Achilles is a fool ; Thersites is a fool ; and , as aforesaid , Patroclus is a fool .
-
-Derive this ; come .
-
-Agamemnon is a fool to offer to command Achilles ; Achilles is a fool to be commanded of Agamemnon ; Thersites is a fool to serve such a fool ; and Patroclus is a fool positive .
-
-Why am I a fool ?
-
-Make that demand to the Creator . It suffices me thou art . Look you , who comes here ?
-
-Patroclus , I'll speak with nobody . Come in with me , Thersites .
-
-
-Here is such patchery , such juggling , and such knavery ! all the argument is a cuckold and a whore ; a good quarrel to draw emulous factions and bleed to death upon . Now , the dry serpigo on the subject ! and war and lechery confound all !
-
-Where is Achilles ?
-
-Within his tent ; but ill-dispos'd , my lord .
-
-Let it be known to him that we are here .
-He shent our messengers ; and we lay by
-Our appertainments , visiting of him :
-Let him be told so ; lest perchance he think
-We dare not move the question of our place ,
-Or know not what we are .
-
-I shall say so to him .
-
-
-We saw him at the opening of his tent :
-He is not sick .
-
-Yes , lion-sick , sick of proud heart : you may call it melancholy if you will favour the man ; but , by my head , 'tis pride : but why , why ? let him show us a cause . A word , my lord .
-
-
-What moves Ajax thus to bay at him ?
-
-Achilles hath inveigled his fool from him .
-
-Who , Thersites ?
-
-He .
-
-Then will Ajax lack matter , if he have lost his argument .
-
-No ; you see , he is his argument that has his argument , Achilles .
-
-All the better ; their fraction is more our wish than their faction : but it was a strong composure a fool could disunite .
-
-The amity that wisdom knits not folly may easily untie . Here comes Patroclus .
-
-
-No Achilles with him .
-
-The elephant hath joints , but none for courtesy : his legs are legs for necessity , not for flexure .
-
-Achilles bids me say , he is much sorry
-If any thing more than your sport and pleasure
-Did move your greatness and this noble state
-To call upon him ; he hopes it is no other
-But , for your health and your digestion sake ,
-An after-dinner's breath .
-
-Hear you , Patroclus :
-We are too well acquainted with these answers :
-But his evasion , wing'd thus swift with scorn ,
-Cannot outfly our apprehensions .
-Much attribute he hath , and much the reason
-Why we ascribe it to him ; yet all his virtues ,
-Not virtuously on his own part beheld ,
-Do in our eyes begin to lose their gloss ,
-Yea , like fair fruit in an unwholesome dish ,
-Are like to rot untasted . Go and tell him ,
-We come to speak with him ; and you shall not sin
-If you do say we think him over-proud
-And under-honest , in self-assumption greater
-Than in the note of judgment ; and worthier than himself
-Here tend the savage strangeness he puts on ,
-Disguise the holy strength of their command ,
-And underwrite in an observing kind
-His humorous predominance ; yea , watch
-His pettish lunes , his ebbs , his flows , as if
-The passage and whole carriage of this action
-Rode on his tide . Go tell him this , and add ,
-That if he overhold his price so much ,
-We'll none of him ; but let him , like an engine
-Not portable , lie under this report :
-'Bring action hither , this cannot go to war :'
-A stirring dwarf we do allowance give
-Before a sleeping giant : tell him so .
-
-I shall ; and bring his answer presently .
-
-
-In second voice we'll not be satisfied ;
-We come to speak with him . Ulysses , enter you .
-
-
-What is he more than another ?
-
-No more than what he thinks he is .
-
-Is he so much ? Do you not think he thinks himself a better man than I am ?
-
-No question .
-
-Will you subscribe his thought , and say he is ?
-
-No , noble Ajax ; you are as strong , as valiant , as wise , no less noble , much more gentle , and altogether more tractable .
-
-Why should a man be proud ? How doth pride grow ? I know not what pride is .
-
-Your mind is the clearer , Ajax , and your virtues the fairer . He that is proud eats up himself : pride is his own glass , his own trumpet , his own chronicle ; and whatever praises itself but in the deed , devours the deed in the praise .
-
-I do hate a proud man , as I hate the engendering of toads .
-
-Yet he loves himself : is't not strange ?
-
-
-Achilles will not to the field to-morrow .
-
-What's his excuse ?
-
-He doth rely on none ,
-But carries on the stream of his dispose
-Without observance or respect of any ,
-In will peculiar and in self-admission .
-
-Why will he not upon our fair request
-Untent his person and share the air with us ?
-
-Things small as nothing , for request's sake only ,
-He makes important : possess'd he is with greatness ,
-And speaks not to himself but with a pride
-That quarrels at self-breath : imagin'd worth
-Holds in his blood such swoln and hot discourse ,
-That 'twixt his mental and his active parts
-Kingdom'd Achilles in commotion rages
-And batters down himself : what should I say ?
-He is so plaguy proud , that the death-tokens of it
-Cry 'No recovery .'
-
-Let Ajax go to him .
-Dear lord , go you and meet him in his tent :
-'Tis said he holds you well , and will be led
-At your request a little from himself .
-
-O Agamemnon ! let it not be so .
-We'll consecrate the steps that Ajax makes
-When they go from Achilles : shall the proud lord
-That bastes his arrogance with his own seam ,
-And never suffers matter of the world
-Enter his thoughts , save such as do revolve
-And ruminate himself , shall he be worshipp'd
-Of that we hold an idol more than he ?
-No , this thrice-worthy and right valiant lord
-Must not so stale his palm , nobly acquir'd ;
-Nor , by my will , assubjugate his merit ,
-As amply titled as Achilles is ,
-By going to Achilles :
-That were to enlard his fat-already pride ,
-And add more coals to Cancer when he burns
-With entertaining great Hyperion .
-This lord go to him ! Jupiter forbid ,
-And say in thunder , 'Achilles go to him .'
-
-O ! this is well ; he rubs the vein of him .
-
-And how his silence drinks up this applause !
-
-If I go to him , with my armed fist
-I'll pash him o'er the face .
-
-O , no ! you shall not go .
-
-An a' be proud with me , I'll pheeze his pride .
-Let me go to him .
-
-Not for the worth that hangs upon our quarrel .
-
-A paltry , insolent fellow !
-
-How he describes himself !
-
-Can he not be sociable ?
-
-The raven chides blackness .
-
-I'll let his humours blood .
-
-He will be the physician that should be the patient .
-
-An all men were o' my mind ,
-
-Wit would be out of fashion .
-
-A' should not bear it so , a' should eat swords first : shall pride carry it ?
-
-An't would , you'd carry half .
-
-A' would have ten shares .
-
-I will knead him ; I will make him supple .
-
-He's not yet through warm : force him with praises : pour in , pour in ; his ambition is dry .
-
-My lord , you feed too much on this dislike .
-
-Our noble general , do not do so .
-
-You must prepare to fight without Achilles .
-
-Why , 'tis this naming of him does him harm .
-Here is a man but 'tis before his face ;
-I will be silent .
-
-Wherefore should you so ?
-He is not emulous , as Achilles is .
-
-Know the whole world , he is as valiant .
-
-A whoreson dog , that shall palter thus with us ! Would he were a Trojan !
-
-What a vice were it in Ajax now ,
-
-If he were proud ,
-
-Or covetous of praise ,
-
-Ay , or surly borne ,
-
-Or strange , or self-affected !
-
-Thank the heavens , lord , thou art of sweet composure ;
-Praise him that got thee , her that gave thee suck :
-Fam'd be thy tutor , and thy parts of nature
-Thrice-fam'd , beyond all erudition :
-But he that disciplin'd thy arms to fight ,
-Let Mars divide eternity in twain ,
-And give him half : and , for thy vigour ,
-Bull-bearing Milo his addition yield
-To sinewy Ajax . I will not praise thy wisdom ,
-Which , like a bourn , a pale , a shore , confines
-Thy spacious and dilated parts : here's Nestor
-Instructed by the antiquary times ,
-He must , he is , he cannot but be wise ;
-But pardon , father Nestor , were your days
-As green as Ajax , and your brain so temper'd ,
-You should not have the eminence of him ,
-But be as Ajax .
-
-Shall I call you father ?
-
-Ay , my good son .
-
-Be rul'd by him , Lord Ajax .
-
-There is no tarrying here ; the hart Achilles
-Keeps thicket . Please it our great general
-To call together all his state of war ;
-Fresh kings are come to Troy : to-morrow ,
-We must with all our main of power stand fast :
-And here's a lord ,come knights from east to west ,
-And cull their flower , Ajax shall cope the best .
-
-Go we to council . Let Achilles sleep :
-Light boats sail swift , though greater hulks draw deep .
-
-
-Friend ! you ! pray you , a word : do not you follow the young Lord Paris ?
-
-Ay , sir , when he goes before me .
-
-You depend upon him , I mean ?
-
-Sir , I do depend upon the Lord .
-
-You depend upon a noble gentleman ;
-I must needs praise him .
-
-The Lord be praised !
-
-You know me , do you not ?
-
-Faith , sir , superficially .
-
-Friend , know me better . I am the
-Lord Pandarus .
-
-I hope I shall know your honour better .
-
-I do desire it .
-
-You are in the state of grace .
-
-Grace ! not so , friend ; honour and lordship are my titles .
-
-What music is this ?
-
-I do but partly know , sir : it is music in parts .
-
-Know you the musicians ?
-
-Wholly , sir .
-
-Who play they to ?
-
-To the hearers , sir .
-
-At whose pleasure , friend ?
-
-At mine , sir , and theirs that love music .
-
-Command , I mean , friend .
-
-Who shall I command , sir ?
-
-Friend , we understand not one another :
-I am too courtly , and thou art too cunning . At whose request do these men play ?
-
-That's to't , indeed , sir . Marry , sir , at the request of Paris my lord , who is there in person ; with him the mortal Venus , the heartblood of beauty , love's invisible soul .
-
-Who , my cousin Cressida ?
-
-No , sir , Helen : could you not find out that by her attributes ?
-
-It should seem , fellow , that thou hast not seen the Lady Cressida . I come to speak with Paris from the Prince Troilus : I will make a complimental assault upon him , for my business seethes .
-
-Sodden business : there's a stewed phrase , indeed .
-
-
-Fair be to you , my lord , and to all this fair company ! fair desires , in all fair measures , fairly guide them ! especially to you , fair queen ! fair thoughts be your fair pillow !
-
-Dear lord , you are full of fair words .
-
-You speak your fair pleasure , sweet queen . Fair prince , here is good broken music .
-
-You have broke it , cousin ; and , by my life , you shall make it whole again : you shall piece it out with a piece of your performance . Nell , he is full of harmony .
-
-Truly , lady , no .
-
-O , sir !
-
-Rude , in sooth ; in good sooth , very rude .
-
-Well said , my lord ! Well , you say so in fits .
-
-I have business to my lord , dear queen .
-My lord , will you vouchsafe me a word ?
-
-Nay , this shall not hedge us out : we'll hear you sing , certainly .
-
-Well , sweet queen , you are pleasant with me . But , marry , thus , my lord . My dear lord and most esteemed friend , your brother Troilus
-
-My Lord Pandarus ; honey-sweet lord ,
-
-Go to , sweet queen , go to : commends himself most affectionately to you .
-
-You shall not bob us out of our melody : if you do , our melancholy upon your head !
-
-Sweet queen , sweet queen ! that's a sweet queen , i' faith .
-
-And to make a sweet lady sad is a sour offence .
-
-Nay , that shall not serve your turn ; that shall it not , in truth , la ! Nay , I care not for such words : no , no . And , my lord , he desires you , that if the king call for him at supper , you will make his excuse .
-
-My Lord Pandarus ,
-
-What says my sweet queen , my very sweet queen ?
-
-What exploit's in hand ? where sups he to-night ?
-
-Nay , but my lord ,
-
-What says my sweet queen ! My cousin will fall out with you . You must know where he sups .
-
-I'll lay my life , with my disposer Cressida .
-
-No , no , no such matter ; you are wide . Come , your disposer is sick .
-
-Well , I'll make excuse .
-
-Ay , good my lord . Why should you say Cressida ? no , your poor disposer's sick .
-
-I spy .
-
-You spy ! what do you spy ? Come , give me an instrument . Now , sweet queen .
-
-Why , this is kindly done .
-
-My niece is horribly in love with a thing you have , sweet queen .
-
-She shall have it , my lord , if it be not my Lord Paris .
-
-He ! no , she'll none of him ; they two are twain .
-
-Falling in , after falling out , may make them three .
-
-Come , come , I'll hear no more of this .
-I'll sing you a song now .
-
-Ay , ay , prithee now . By my troth , sweet lord , thou hast a fine forehead .
-
-Ay , you may , you may .
-
-Let thy song be love : this love will undo us all . O Cupid , Cupid , Cupid !
-
-Love ! ay , that it shall , i' faith .
-
-Ay , good now , love , love , nothing but love .
-
-In good troth , it begins so :
-
-
-Love , love , nothing but love , still more !
-For , oh ! love's bow
-Shoots buck and doe :
-The shaft confounds ,
-Not that it wounds ,
-But tickles still the sore .
-These lovers cry O ! O ! they die !
-Yet that which seems the wound to kill ,
-Doth turn O ! O ! to ha ! ha ! he !
-So dying love lives still :
-O ! O ! a while , but ha ! ha ! ha !
-O ! O ! groans out for ha ! ha ! ha !
-
-Heigh-ho !
-
-In love , i' faith , to the very tip of the nose .
-
-He eats nothing but doves , love ; and that breeds hot blood , and hot blood begets hot thoughts , and hot thoughts beget hot deeds , and hot deeds is love .
-
-Is this the generation of love ? hot blood ? hot thoughts , and hot deeds ? Why , they are vipers : is love a generation of vipers ? Sweet lord , who's a-field to-day ?
-
-Hector , Deiphobus , Helenus , Antenor , and all the gallantry of Troy : I would fain have armed to-day , but my Nell would not have it so . How chance my brother Troilus went not ?
-
-He hangs the lip at something : you know all , Lord Pandarus .
-
-Not I , honey-sweet queen . I long to hear how they sped to-day . You'll remember your brother's excuse ?
-
-To a hair .
-
-Farewell , sweet queen .
-
-Commend me to your niece .
-
-I will , sweet queen .
-
-
-They're come from field : let us to Priam's hall
-To greet the warriors . Sweet Helen , I must woo you
-To help unarm our Hector : his stubborn buckles ,
-With these your white enchanting fingers touch'd ,
-Shall more obey than to the edge of steel
-Or force of Greekish sinews ; you shall do more
-Than all the island kings ,disarm great Hector .
-
-'Twill make us proud to be his servant , Paris ;
-Yea , what he shall receive of us in duty
-Gives us more palm in beauty than we have ,
-Yea , overshines ourself .
-
-Sweet , above thought I love thee .
-
-
-How now ! where's thy master ? at my cousin Cressida's ?
-
-No , sir ; he stays for you to conduct him thither .
-
-
-O ! here he comes . How now , how now !
-
-Sirrah , walk off .
-
-
-Have you seen my cousin ?
-
-No , Pandarus : I stalk about her door ,
-Like a strange soul upon the Stygian banks
-Staying for waftage . O ! be thou my Charon ,
-And give me swift transportance to those fields
-Where I may wallow in the lily-beds
-Propos'd for the deserver ! O gentle Pandarus !
-From Cupid's shoulder pluck his painted wings ,
-And fly with me to Cressid .
-
-Walk here i' the orchard . I'll bring her straight .
-
-
-I am giddy , expectation whirls me round .
-The imaginary relish is so sweet
-That it enchants my sense . What will it be
-When that the watery palate tastes indeed
-Love's thrice-repured nectar ? death , I fear me ,
-Swounding destruction , or some joy too fine ,
-Too subtle-potent , tun'd too sharp in sweetness
-For the capacity of my ruder powers :
-I fear it much ; and I do fear besides
-That I shall lose distinction in my joys ;
-As doth a battle , when they charge on heaps
-The enemy flying .
-
-
-She's making her ready : she'll come straight : you must be witty now . She does so blush , and fetches her wind so short , as if she were frayed with a sprite : I'll fetch her . It is the prettiest villain : she fetches her breath as short as a new-ta'en sparrow .
-
-
-Even such a passion doth embrace my bosom ;
-My heart beats thicker than a fev'rous pulse ;
-And all my powers do their bestowing lose ,
-Like vassalage at unawares encountering
-The eye of majesty .
-
-
-Come , come , what need you blush ? shame's a baby . Here she is now : swear the oaths now to her that you have sworn to me . What ! are you gone again ? you must be watched ere you be made tame , must you ? Come your ways , come your ways ; an you draw backward , we'll put you i' the fills . Why do you not speak to her ? Come , draw this curtain , and let's see your picture . Alas the day , how loath you are to offend day-light ! an 'twere dark , you'd close sooner . So , so ; rub on , and kiss the mistress . How now ! a kiss in fee-farm ! build there , carpenter ; the air is sweet . Nay , you shall fight your hearts out ere I part you . The falcon as the tercel , for all the ducks i' the river : go to , go to .
-
-You have bereft me of all words , lady .
-
-Words pay no debts , give her deeds ; but she'll bereave you of the deeds too if she call your activity in question . What ! billing again ? Here's 'In witness whereof the parties interchangeably' Come in , come in : I'll go get a fire .
-
-
-Will you walk in , my lord ?
-
-O Cressida ! how often have I wished me thus !
-
-Wished , my lord ! The gods grant ,O my lord !
-
-What should they grant ? what makes this pretty abruption ? What too curious dreg espies my sweet lady in the fountain of our love ?
-
-More dregs than water , if my fears have eyes .
-
-Fears make devils of cherubins ; they never see truly .
-
-Blind fear , that seeing reason leads , finds safer footing than blind reason stumbling without fear : to fear the worst oft cures the worse .
-
-O ! let my lady apprehend no fear : in all Cupid's pageant there is presented no monster .
-
-Nor nothing monstrous neither ?
-
-Nothing but our undertakings ; when we vow to weep seas , live in fire , eat rocks , tame tigers ; thinking it harder for our mistress to devise imposition enough than for us to undergo any difficulty imposed . This is the monstruosity in love , lady , that the will is infinite , and the execution confined ; that the desire is boundless , and the act a slave to limit .
-
-They say all lovers swear more performance than they are able , and yet reserve an ability that they never perform ; vowing more than the perfection of ten and discharging less than the tenth part of one . They that have the voice of lions and the act of hares , are they not monsters ?
-
-Are there such ? such are not we . Praise us as we are tasted , allow us as we prove ; our head shall go bare , till merit crown it . No perfection in reversion shall have a praise in present : we will not name desert before his birth , and , being born , his addition shall be humble . Few words to fair faith : Troilus shall be such to Cressid , as what envy can say worst shall be a mock for his truth ; and what truth can speak truest not truer than Troilus .
-
-Will you walk in , my lord ?
-
-
-What ! blushing still ? have you not done talking yet ?
-
-Well , uncle , what folly I commit , I dedicate to you .
-
-I thank you for that : if my lord get a boy of you , you'll give him me . Be true to my lord ; if he flinch , chide me for it .
-
-You know now your hostages ; your uncle's word , and my firm faith .
-
-Nay , I'll give my word for her too . Our kindred , though they be long ere they are wooed , they are constant being won : they are burrs , I can tell you ; they'll stick where they are thrown .
-
-Boldness comes to me now , and brings me heart :
-Prince Troilus , I have lov'd you night and day
-For many weary months .
-
-Why was my Cressid then so hard to win ?
-
-Hard to seem won ; but I was won , my lord ,
-With the first glance that ever pardon me
-If I confess much you will play the tyrant .
-I love you now ; but , till now , not so much
-But I might master it : in faith , I lie ;
-My thoughts were like unbridled children , grown
-Too headstrong for their mother . See , we fools !
-Why have I blabb'd ? who shall be true to us
-When we are so unsecret to ourselves ?
-But , though I lov'd you well , I woo'd you not ;
-And yet , good faith , I wish'd myself a man ,
-Or that we women had men's privilege
-Of speaking first . Sweet , bid me hold my tongue ;
-For in this rapture I shall surely speak
-The thing I shall repent . See , see ! your silence ,
-Cunning in dumbness , from my weakness draws
-My very soul of counsel . Stop my mouth .
-
-And shall , albeit sweet music issues thence .
-
-Pretty , i' faith .
-
-My lord , I do beseech you , pardon me ;
-'Twas not my purpose thus to beg a kiss :
-I am asham'd : O heavens ! what have I done ?
-For this time will I take my leave , my lord .
-
-Your leave , sweet Cressid ?
-
-Leave ! an you take leave till to-morrow morning ,
-
-Pray you , content you .
-
-What offends you , lady ?
-
-Sir , mine own company .
-
-You cannot shun yourself .
-
-Let me go and try :
-I have a kind of self resides with you ;
-But an unkind self , that itself will leave ,
-To be another's fool . I would be gone :
-Where is my wit ? I speak I know not what .
-
-Well know they what they speak that speak so wisely .
-
-Perchance , my lord , I show more craft than love ;
-And fell so roundly to a large confession ,
-To angle for your thoughts : but you are wise ,
-Or else you love not , for to be wise , and love ,
-Exceeds man's might ; that dwells with gods above .
-
-O ! that I thought it could be in a woman
-As if it can I will presume in you
-To feed for aye her lamp and flames of love ;
-To keep her constancy in plight and youth ,
-Outliving beauty's outward , with a mind
-That doth renew swifter than blood decays :
-Or that persuasion could but thus convince me ,
-That my integrity and truth to you
-Might be affronted with the match and weight
-Of such a winnow'd purity in love ;
-How were I then uplifted ! but , alas !
-I am as true as truth's simplicity ,
-And simpler than the infancy of truth .
-
-In that I'll war with you .
-
-O virtuous fight !
-When right with right wars who shall be most right .
-True swains in love shall in the world to come
-Approve their truths by Troilus : when their rimes ,
-Full of protest , of oath , and big compare ,
-Want similes , truth tir'd with iteration ,
-As true as steel , as plantage to the moon ,
-As sun to day , as turtle to her mate ,
-As iron to adamant , as earth to the centre ,
-Yet , after all comparisons of truth ,
-As truth's authentic author to be cited ,
-'As true as Troilus' shall crown up the verse
-And sanctify the numbers .
-
-Prophet may you be !
-If I be false , or swerve a hair from truth ,
-When time is old and hath forgot itself ,
-When waterdrops have worn the stones of Troy ,
-And blind oblivion swallow'd cities up ,
-And mighty states characterless are grated
-To dusty nothing , yet let memory ,
-From false to false , among false maids in love
-Upbraid my falsehood ! when they have said 'as false
-As air , as water , wind , or sandy earth ,
-As fox to lamb , as wolf to heifer's calf ,
-Pard to the hind , or stepdame to her son ;'
-Yea , let them say , to stick the heart of falsehood ,
-'As false as Cressid .'
-
-Go to , a bargain made ; seal it , seal it : I'll be the witness . Here I hold your hand , here my cousin's . If ever you prove false one to another , since I have taken such pains to bring you together , let all pitiful goers-between be called to the world's end after my name ; call them all Pandars ; let all constant men be Troiluses , all false women Cressids , and all brokers-between Pandars ! say , Amen .
-
-Amen .
-
-Amen .
-
-Amen . Whereupon I will show you a chamber and a bed ; which bed , because it shall not speak of your pretty encounters , press it to death : away !
-And Cupid grant all tongue-tied maidens here
-Bed , chamber , Pandar to provide this gear !
-
-
-Now , princes , for the service I have done you ,
-The advantage of the time prompts me aloud
-To call for recompense . Appear it to your mind
-That through the sight I bear in things to come ,
-I have abandon'd Troy , left my possession ,
-Incurr'd a traitor's name ; expos'd myself ,
-From certain and possess'd conveniences ,
-To doubtful fortunes ; sequestering from me all
-That time , acquaintance , custom , and condition
-Made tame and most familiar to my nature ;
-And here , to do you service , have become
-As new into the world , strange , unacquainted :
-I do beseech you , as in way of taste ,
-To give me now a little benefit ,
-Out of those many register'd in promise ,
-Which , you say , live to come in my behalf .
-
-What wouldst thou of us , Trojan ? make demand .
-
-You have a Trojan prisoner , call'd Antenor ,
-Yesterday took : Troy holds him very dear .
-Oft have you often have you thanks therefore
-Desir'd my Cressid in right great exchange ,
-Whom Troy hath still denied ; but this Antenor
-I know is such a wrest in their affairs
-That their negociations all must slack ,
-Wanting his manage ; and they will almost
-Give us a prince of blood , a son of Priam ,
-In change of him : let him be sent , great princes ,
-And he shall buy my daughter ; and her presence
-Shall quite strike off all service I have done ,
-In most accepted pain .
-
-Let Diomedes bear him ,
-And bring us Cressid hither : Calchas shall have
-What he requests of us . Good Diomed ,
-Furnish you fairly for this interchange :
-Withal bring word if Hector will to-morrow
-Be answer'd in his challenge : Ajax is ready .
-
-This shall I undertake ; and 'tis a burden
-Which I am proud to bear .
-
-Achilles stands in the entrance of his tent :
-Please it our general to pass strangely by him ,
-As if he were forgot ; and , princes all ,
-Lay negligent and loose regard upon him :
-I will come last . 'Tis like he'll question me
-Why such unplausive eyes are bent on him :
-If so , I have derision med'cinable
-To use between your strangeness and his pride ,
-Which his own will shall have desire to drink .
-It may do good : pride hath no other glass
-To show itself but pride , for supple knees
-Feed arrogance and are the poor man's fees .
-
-We'll execute your purpose , and put on
-A form of strangeness as we pass along :
-So do each lord , and either greet him not ,
-Or else disdainfully , which shall shake him more
-Than if not look'd on . I will lead the way .
-
-What ! comes the general to speak with me ?
-You know my mind ; I'll fight no more 'gainst Troy .
-
-What says Achilles ? would he aught with us ?
-
-Would you , my lord , aught with the general ?
-
-No .
-
-Nothing , my lord .
-
-The better .
-
-
-Good day , good day .
-
-How do you ? how do you ?
-
-
-What ! does the cuckold scorn me ?
-
-How now , Patroclus ?
-
-Good morrow , Ajax .
-
-Ha ?
-
-Good morrow .
-
-Ay , and good next day too .
-
-
-What mean these fellows ? Know they not Achilles ?
-
-They pass by strangely : they were us'd to bend ,
-To send their smiles before them to Achilles ;
-To come as humbly as they us'd to creep
-To holy altars .
-
-What ! am I poor of late ?
-'Tis certain , greatness , once fall'n out with fortune ,
-Must fall out with men too : what the declin'd is
-He shall as soon read in the eyes of others
-As feel in his own fall ; for men , like butterflies ,
-Show not their mealy wings but to the summer ,
-And not a man , for being simply man ,
-Hath any honour , but honour for those honours
-That are without him , as places , riches , and favour ,
-Prizes of accident as oft as merit :
-Which when they fall , as being slippery standers ,
-The love that lean'd on them as slippery too ,
-Do one pluck down another , and together
-Die in the fall . But 'tis not so with me :
-Fortune and I are friends : I do enjoy
-At ample point all that I did possess ,
-Save these men's looks ; who do , methinks , find out
-Something not worth in me such rich beholding
-As they have often given . Here is Ulysses :
-I'll interrupt his reading .
-How now , Ulysses !
-
-Now , great Thetis' son !
-
-What are you reading ?
-
-A strange fellow here
-Writes me ,
-That man , how dearly ever parted ,
-How much in having , or without or in ,
-Cannot make boast to have that which he hath ,
-Nor feels not what he owes but by reflection ;
-As when his virtues shining upon others
-Heat them , and they retort that heat again
-To the first giver .
-
-This is not strange , Ulysses !
-The beauty that is borne here in the face
-The bearer knows not , but commends itself
-To others' eyes : nor doth the eye itself
-That most pure spirit of sense behold itself ,
-Not going from itself ; but eye to eye oppos'd
-Salutes each other with each other's form ;
-For speculation turns not to itself
-Till it hath travell'd and is mirror'd there
-Where it may see itself . This is not strange at all .
-
-I do not strain at the position ,
-It is familiar , but at the author s drift ;
-Who in his circumstance expressly proves
-That no man is the lord of any thing
-Though in and of him there be much consisting
-Till he communicate his parts to others :
-Nor doth he of himself know them for aught
-Till he behold them form'd in the applause
-Where they're extended ; who , like an arch , reverberates
-The voice again , or , like a gate of steel
-Fronting the sun , receives and renders back
-His figure and his heat . I was much rapt in this ;
-And apprehended here immediately
-The unknown Ajax .
-Heavens , what a man is there ! a very horse ,
-That has he knows not what . Nature , what things there are ,
-Most abject in regard , and dear in use !
-What things again most dear in the esteem
-And poor in worth ! Now shall we see to-morrow ,
-An act that very chance doth throw upon him ,
-Ajax renown'd . O heavens ! what some men do ;
-While some men leave to do .
-How some men creep in skittish Fortune's hall ,
-Whiles others play the idiots in her eyes !
-How one man eats into another's pride ,
-While pride is fasting in his wantonness !
-To see these Grecian lords ! why , even already
-They clap the lubber Ajax on the shoulder ,
-As if his foot were on brave Hector's breast ,
-And great Troy shrinking .
-
-I do believe it ; for they pass'd by me
-As misers do by beggars , neither gave to me
-Good word or look : what ! are my deeds forgot ?
-
-Time hath , my lord , a wallet at his back ,
-Wherein he puts alms for oblivion ,
-A great-siz'd monster of ingratitudes :
-Those scraps are good deeds past ; which are devour'd
-As fast as they are made , forgot as soon
-As done : perseverance , dear my lord ,
-Keeps honour bright : to have done , is to hang
-Quite out of fashion , like a rusty mail
-In monumental mockery . Take the instant way ;
-For honour travels in a strait so narrow
-Where one but goes abreast : keep , then , the path ;
-For emulation hath a thousand sons
-That one by one pursue : if you give way ,
-Or hedge aside from the direct forthright ,
-Like to an enter'd tide they all rush by
-And leave you hindmost ;
-Or , like a gallant horse fall'n in first rank ,
-Lie there for pavement to the abject rear ,
-O'errun and trampled on : then what they do in present ,
-Though less than yours in past , must o'ertop yours ;
-For time is like a fashionable host ,
-That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand ,
-And with his arms outstretch'd , as he would fly ,
-Grasps in the comer : welcome ever smiles ,
-And farewell goes out sighing . O ! let not virtue seek
-Remuneration for the thing it was ;
-For beauty , wit ,
-High birth , vigour of bone , desert in service ,
-Love , friendship , charity , are subjects all
-To envious and calumniating time .
-One touch of nature makes the whole world kin ,
-That all with one consent praise new-born gawds ,
-Though they are made and moulded of things past ,
-And give to dust that is a little gilt
-More laud than gilt o'er-dusted .
-The present eye praises the present object :
-Then marvel not , thou great and complete man ,
-That all the Greeks begin to worship Ajax ;
-Since things in motion sooner catch the eye
-Than what not stirs . The cry went once on thee ,
-And still it might , and yet it may again ,
-If thou wouldst not entomb thyself alive ,
-And case thy reputation in thy tent ;
-Whose glorious deeds , but in these fields of late ,
-Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves ,
-And drave great Mars to faction .
-
-Of this my privacy
-I have strong reasons .
-
-But 'gainst your privacy
-The reasons are more potent and heroical .
-'Tis known , Achilles , that you are in love
-With one of Priam's daughters .
-
-Ha ! known !
-
-Is that a wonder ?
-The providence that's in a watchful state
-Knows almost every grain of Plutus' gold ,
-Finds bottom in the uncomprehensive deeps ,
-Keeps place with thought , and almost , like the gods ,
-Does thoughts unveil in their dumb cradles .
-There is a mystery with whom relation
-Durst never meddle in the soul of state ,
-Which hath an operation more divine
-Than breath or pen can give expressure to .
-All the commerce that you have had with Troy
-As perfectly is ours as yours , my lord ;
-And better would it fit Achilles much
-To throw down Hector than Polyxena ;
-But it must grieve young Pyrrhus now at home ,
-When fame shall in our islands sound her trump ,
-And all the Greekish girls shall tripping sing ,
-'Great Hector's sister did Achilles win ,
-But our great Ajax bravely beat down him .'
-Farewell , my lord : I as your lover speak ;
-The fool slides o'er the ice that you should break .
-
-
-To this effect , Achilles , have I mov'd you .
-A woman impudent and mannish grown
-Is not more loath'd than an effeminate man
-In time of action . I stand condemn'd for this :
-They think my little stomach to the war
-And your great love to me restrains you thus .
-Sweet , rouse yourself ; and the weak wanton Cupid
-Shall from your neck unloose his amorous fold ,
-And , like a dew-drop from the lion's mane ,
-Be shook to air .
-
-Shall Ajax fight with Hector ?
-
-Ay ; and perhaps receive much honour by him .
-
-I see my reputation is at stake ;
-My fame is shrewdly gor'd .
-
-O ! then , beware ;
-Those wounds heal ill that men do give themselves :
-Omission to do what is necessary
-Seals a commission to a blank of danger ;
-And danger , like an ague , subtly taints
-Even then when we sit idly in the sun .
-
-Go call Thersites hither , sweet Patroclus :
-I'll send the fool to Ajax and desire him
-T' invite the Trojan lords after the combat
-To see us here unarmed . I have a woman's longing ,
-An appetite that I am sick withal ,
-To see great Hector in his weeds of peace ;
-To talk with him and to behold his visage ,
-Even to my full of view . A labour sav'd !
-
-
-A wonder !
-
-What ?
-
-Ajax goes up and down the field , asking for himself .
-
-How so ?
-
-He must fight singly to-morrow with Hector , and is so prophetically proud of an heroical cudgelling that he raves in saying nothing .
-
-How can that be ?
-
-Why , he stalks up and down like a peacock , a stride and a stand ; ruminates like a hostess that hath no arithmetic but her brain to set down her reckoning ; bites his lip with a politic regard , as who should say 'There were wit in this head , an 'twould out ;' and so there is , but it lies as coldly in him as fire in a flint , which will not show without knocking . The man's undone for ever ; for if Hector break not his neck i' the combat , he'll break't himself in vainglory . He knows not me : I said , 'Good morrow , Ajax ;' and he replies , 'Thanks , Agamemnon .' What think you of this man that takes me for the general ? He's grown a very land-fish , languageless , a monster . A plague of opinion ! a man may wear it on both sides , like a leather jerkin .
-
-Thou must be my ambassador to him , Thersites .
-
-Who , I ? why , he'll answer nobody ; he professes not answering ; speaking is for beggars ; he wears his tongue in his arms . I will put on his presence : let Patroclus make demands to me , you shall see the pageant of Ajax .
-
-To him , Patroclus : tell him , I humbly desire the valiant Ajax to invite the most valorous Hector to come unarmed to my tent ; and to procure safe-conduct for his person of the magnanimous and most illustrious , six-or-seven-times-honoured captain-general of the Grecian army , Agamemnon , et c tera . Do this .
-
-Jove bless great Ajax !
-
-Hum !
-
-I come from the worthy Achilles ,
-
-Ha !
-
-Who most humbly desires you to invite Hector to his tent ,
-
-Hum !
-
-And to procure safe-conduct from Agamemnon .
-
-Agamemnon !
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Ha !
-
-What say you to't ?
-
-God be wi' you , with all my heart .
-
-Your answer , sir .
-
-If to-morrow be a fair day , by eleven o'clock it will go one way or other ; howsoever , he shall pay for me ere he has me .
-
-Your answer , sir .
-
-Fare you well , with all my heart .
-
-Why , but he is not in this tune , is he ?
-
-No , but he's out o' tune thus . What music will be in him when Hector has knocked out his brains , I know not ; but , I am sure , none , unless the fiddler Apollo get his sinews to make catlings on .
-
-Come , thou shalt bear a letter to him straight .
-
-Let me bear another to his horse , for that's the more capable creature .
-
-My mind is troubled , like a fountain stirr'd ;
-And I myself see not the bottom of it .
-
-
-Would the fountain of your mind were clear again , that I might water an ass at it ! I had rather be a tick in a sheep than such a valiant ignorance .
-
-See , ho ! who is that there ?
-
-It is the Lord neas .
-
-Is the prince there in person ?
-Had I so good occasion to lie long
-As you , Prince Paris , nothing but heavenly business
-Should rob my bed-mate of my company .
-
-That's my mind too . Good morrow , Lord neas .
-
-A valiant Greek , neas ; take his hand :
-Witness the process of your speech , wherein
-You told how Diomed , a whole week by days ,
-Did haunt you in the field .
-
-Health to you , valiant sir ,
-During all question of the gentle truce ;
-But when I meet you arm'd , as black defiance
-As heart can think or courage execute .
-
-The one and other Diomed embraces .
-Our bloods are now in calm , and , so long , health !
-But when contention and occasion meet ,
-By Jove , I'll play the hunter for thy life
-With all my force , pursuit , and policy .
-
-And thou shalt hunt a lion , that will fly
-With his face backward . In humane gentleness ,
-Welcome to Troy ! now , by Anchises' life ,
-Welcome , indeed ! By Venus' hand I swear ,
-No man alive can love in such a sort
-The thing he means to kill more excellently .
-
-We sympathize . Jove , let neas live ,
-If to my sword his fate be not the glory ,
-A thousand complete courses of the sun !
-But , in mine emulous honour , let him die ,
-With every joint a wound , and that to-morrow !
-
-We know each other well .
-
-We do ; and long to know each other worse .
-
-This is the most despiteful gentle greeting ,
-The noblest hateful love , that e'er I heard of .
-What business , lord , so early ?
-
-I was sent for to the king ; but why , I know not .
-
-His purpose meets you : 'twas to bring this Greek
-To Calchas' house , and there to render him ,
-For the enfreed Antenor , the fair Cressid .
-Let's have your company ; or , if you please ,
-Haste there before us . I constantly do think
-Or rather , call my thought a certain knowledge
-My brother Troilus lodges there to-night :
-Rouse him and give him note of our approach ,
-With the whole quality wherefore : I fear
-We shall be much unwelcome .
-
-That I assure you :
-Troilus had rather Troy were borne to Greece
-Than Cressid borne from Troy .
-
-There is no help ;
-The bitter disposition of the time
-Will have it so . On , lord ; we'll follow you .
-
-Good morrow , all .
-
-
-And tell me , noble Diomed ; faith , tell me true ,
-Even in the soul of sound good-fellowship ,
-Who , in your thoughts , merits fair Helen best
-Myself or Menelaus ?
-
-Both alike :
-He merits well to have her that doth seek her
-Not making any scruple of her soilure
-With such a hell of pain and world of charge ,
-And you as well to keep her that defend her
-Not palating the taste of her dishonour
-With such a costly loss of wealth and friends :
-He , like a puling cuckold , would drink up
-The lees and dregs of a flat tamed piece ;
-You , like a lecher , out of whorish loins
-Are pleas'd to breed out your inheritors :
-Both merits pois'd , each weighs nor less nor more ;
-But he as he , the heavier for a whore .
-
-You are too bitter to your country-woman .
-
-She's bitter to her country . Hear me , Paris :
-For every false drop in her bawdy veins
-A Grecian's life hath sunk ; for every scruple
-Of her contaminated carrion weight
-A Trojan hath been slain . Since she could speak ,
-She hath not given so many good words breath
-As for her Greeks and Trojans suffer'd death .
-
-Fair Diomed , you do as chapmen do ,
-Dispraise the thing that you desire to buy ;
-But we in silence hold this virtue well ,
-We'll not commend what we intend to sell .
-Here lies our way .
-
-
-Dear , trouble not yourself : the morn is cold .
-
-Then , sweet my lord , I'll call mine uncle down :
-He shall unbolt the gates .
-
-Trouble him not ;
-To bed , to bed : sleep kill those pretty eyes ,
-And give as soft attachment to thy senses
-As infants' empty of all thought !
-
-Good morrow then .
-
-I prithee now , to bed .
-
-Are you aweary of me ?
-
-O Cressida ! but that the busy day ,
-Wak'd by the lark , hath rous'd the ribald crows ,
-And dreaming night will hide our joys no longer ,
-I would not from thee .
-
-Night hath been too brief .
-
-Beshrew the witch ! with venomous wights she stays
-As tediously as hell , but flies the grasps of love
-With wings more momentary-swift than thought .
-You will catch cold , and curse me .
-
-Prithee , tarry :
-You men will never tarry .
-O foolish Cressid ! I might have still held off ,
-And then you would have tarried . Hark ! there's one up .
-
-What ! are all the doors open here ?
-
-It is your uncle .
-
-A pestilence on him ! now will he be mocking : I shall have such a life !
-
-
-How now , how now ! how go maiden-heads ?
-Here , you maid ! where's my cousin Cressid ?
-
-Go hang yourself , you naughty mocking uncle !
-You bring me to do and then you flout me too .
-
-To do what ? to do what ? let her say what : what have I brought you to do ?
-
-Come , come ; beshrew your heart ! you'll ne'er be good ,
-Nor suffer others .
-
-Ha , ha ! Alas , poor wretch ! a poor capocchia ! hast not slept to-night ? would he not , a naughty man , let it sleep ? a bugbear take him !
-
-Did not I tell you ? 'would he were knock'd o' the head !
-
-Who's that at door ? good uncle , go and see .
-My lord , come you again into my chamber :
-You smile , and mock me , as if I meant naughtily .
-
-Ha , ha !
-
-Come , you are deceiv'd , I think of no such thing .
-
-How earnestly they knock ! Pray you , come in :
-I would not for half Troy have you seen here .
-
-
-Who's there ? what's the matter ? will you beat down the door ? How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-
-Good morrow , lord , good morrow .
-
-Who's there ? my Lord neas ! By my troth ,
-I knew you not : what news with you so early ?
-
-Is not Prince Troilus here ?
-
-Here ! what should he do here ?
-
-Come , he is here , my lord : do not deny him : it doth import him much to speak with me .
-
-Is he here , say you ? 'tis more than I know , I'll be sworn : for my own part , I came in late . What should he do here ?
-
-Who ! nay , then : come , come , you'll do him wrong ere you're 'ware . You'll be so true to him , to be false to him . Do not you know of him , but yet go fetch him hither ; go .
-
-
-How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-My lord , I scarce have leisure to salute you ,
-My matter is so rash : there is at hand
-Paris your brother , and Deiphobus ,
-The Grecian Diomed , and our Antenor
-Deliver'd to us ; and for him forthwith ,
-Ere the first sacrifice , within this hour ,
-We must give up to Diomedes' hand
-The Lady Cressida .
-
-Is it so concluded ?
-
-By Priam , and the general state of Troy :
-They are at hand and ready to effect it .
-
-How my achievements mock me !
-I will go meet them : and , my Lord neas ,
-We met by chance ; you did not find me here .
-
-Good , good , my lord ; the secrets of nature
-Have not more gift in taciturnity .
-
-
-Is't possible ? no sooner got but lost ?
-The devil take Antenor ! the young prince will go mad : a plague upon Antenor ! I would they had broke's neck !
-
-
-How now ! What is the matter ? Who was here ?
-
-Ah ! ah !
-
-Why sigh you so profoundly ? where's my lord ? gone ! Tell me , sweet uncle , what's the matter ?
-
-Would I were as deep under the earth as I am above !
-
-O the gods ! what's the matter ?
-
-Prithee , get thee in . Would thou hadst ne'er been born ! I knew thou wouldst be his death . O poor gentleman ! A plague upon Antenor !
-
-Good uncle , I beseech you , on my knees I beseech you , what's the matter ?
-
-Thou must be gone , wench , thou must be gone ; thou art changed for Antenor . Thou must to thy father , and be gone from Troilus : 'twill be his death ; 'twill be his bane ; he cannot bear it .
-
-O you immortal gods ! I will not go .
-
-Thou must .
-
-I will not , uncle : I have forgot my father ;
-I know no touch of consanguinity ;
-No kin , no love , no blood , no soul so near me
-As the sweet Troilus . O you gods divine !
-Make Cressid's name the very crown of falsehood
-If ever she leave Troilus ! Time , force , and death ,
-Do to this body what extremes you can ;
-But the strong base and building of my love
-Is as the very centre of the earth ,
-Drawing all things to it . I'll go in and weep ,
-
-Do , do .
-
-Tear my bright hair , and scratch my praised cheeks ,
-Crack my clear voice with sobs , and break my heart
-With sounding Troilus . I will not go from Troy .
-
-
-It is great morning , and the hour prefix'd
-Of her delivery to this valiant Greek
-Comes fast upon . Good my brother Troilus ,
-Tell you the lady what she is to do ,
-And haste her to the purpose .
-
-Walk into her house ;
-I'll bring her to the Grecian presently :
-And to his hand when I deliver her ,
-Think it an altar , and thy brother Troilus
-A priest , there offering to it his own heart .
-
-
-I know what 'tis to love ;
-And would , as I shall pity , I could help !
-Please you walk in , my lords .
-
-
-Be moderate , be moderate .
-
-Why tell you me of moderation ?
-The grief is fine , full , perfect , that I taste ,
-And violenteth in a sense as strong
-As that which causeth it : how can I moderate it ?
-If I could temporize with my affection ,
-Or brew it to a weak and colder palate ,
-The like allayment could I give my grief :
-My love admits no qualifying dross ;
-No more my grief , in such a precious loss .
-
-
-Here , here , here he comes . Ah ! sweet ducks .
-
-O Troilus ! Troilus !
-
-What a pair of spectacles is here ! Let me embrace too . 'O heart ,' as the goodly saying is ,
-
-O heart , heavy heart ,
-Why sigh'st thou without breaking ?
-
-when he answers again ,
-
-Because thou canst not ease thy smart
-By friendship nor by speaking .
-
-There was never a truer rime . Let us cast away nothing , for we may live to have need of such a verse : we see it , we see it . How now , lambs !
-
-Cressid , I love thee in so strain'd a purity ,
-That the bless'd gods , as angry with my fancy ,
-More bright in zeal than the devotion which
-Cold lips blow to their deities , take thee from me .
-
-Have the gods envy ?
-
-Ay , ay , ay , ay ; 'tis too plain a case .
-
-And is it true that I must go from Troy ?
-
-A hateful truth .
-
-What ! and from Troilus too ?
-
-From Troy and Troilus .
-
-Is it possible ?
-
-And suddenly ; where injury of chance
-Puts back leave-taking , justles roughly by
-All time of pause , rudely beguiles our lips
-Of all rejoindure , forcibly prevents
-Our lock'd embrasures , strangles our dear vows
-Even in the birth of our own labouring breath .
-We two , that with so many thousand sighs
-Did buy each other , must poorly sell ourselves
-With the rude brevity and discharge of one .
-Injurious time now with a robber's haste
-Crams his rich thievery up , he knows not how :
-As many farewells as be stars in heaven ,
-With distinct breath and consign'd kisses to them ,
-He fumbles up into a loose adieu ,
-And scants us with a single famish'd kiss ,
-Distasted with the salt of broken tears .
-
-My lord , is the lady ready ?
-
-Hark ! you are call'd : some say the Genius so
-Cries 'Come !' to him that instantly must die .
-Bid them have patience ; she shall come anon .
-
-Where are my tears ? rain , to lay this wind , or my heart will be blown up by the root !
-
-
-I must then to the Grecians ?
-
-No remedy .
-
-A woeful Cressid 'mongst the merry Greeks !
-When shall we see again ?
-
-Hear me , my love . Be thou but true of heart ,
-
-I true ! how now ! what wicked deem is this ?
-
-Nay , we must use expostulation kindly ,
-For it is parting from us :
-I speak not 'be thou true ,' as fearing thee ,
-For I will throw my glove to Death himself ,
-That there's no maculation in thy heart ;
-But , 'be thou true ,' say I , to fashion in
-My sequent protestation ; be thou true ,
-And I will see thee .
-
-O ! you shall be expos'd , my lord , to dangers
-As infinite as imminent ; but I'll be true .
-
-And I'll grow friend with danger . Wear this sleeve .
-
-And you this glove . When shall I see you ?
-
-I will corrupt the Grecian sentinels ,
-To give thee nightly visitation .
-But yet , be true .
-
-O heavens ! 'be true' again !
-
-Hear why I speak it , love :
-The Grecian youths are full of quality ;
-They're loving , well compos'd , with gifts of nature ,
-Flowing and swelling o'er with arts and exercise :
-How novelty may move , and parts with person ,
-Alas ! a kind of godly jealousy ,
-Which , I beseech you , call a virtuous sin ,
-Makes me afear'd .
-
-O heavens ! you love me not .
-
-Die I a villain , then !
-In this I do not call your faith in question
-So mainly as my merit : I cannot sing ,
-Nor heel the high lavolt , nor sweeten talk ,
-Nor play at subtle games ; fair virtues all ,
-To which the Grecians are most prompt and pregnant :
-But I can tell that in each grace of these
-There lurks a still and dumb-discoursive devil
-That tempts most cunningly . But be not tempted .
-
-Do you think I will ?
-
-No .
-But something may be done that we will not :
-And sometimes we are devils to ourselves
-When we will tempt the frailty of our powers ,
-Presuming on their changeful potency .
-
-Nay , good my lord ,
-
-Come , kiss ; and let us part .
-
-Brother Troilus !
-
-Good brother , come you hither ;
-And bring neas and the Grecian with you .
-
-My lord , will you be true ?
-
-Who , I ? alas , it is my vice , my fault :
-While others fish with craft for great opinion ,
-I with great truth catch mere simplicity ;
-Whilst some with cunning gild their copper crowns ,
-With truth and plainness I do wear mine bare .
-Fear not my truth ; the moral of my wit
-Is plain , and true ; there's all the reach of it .
-
-
-Welcome , Sir Diomed ! Here is the lady
-Which for Antenor we deliver you :
-At the port , lord , I'll give her to thy hand ,
-And by the way possess thee what she is .
-Entreat her fair ; and , by my soul , fair Greek ,
-If e'er thou stand at mercy of my sword ,
-Name Cressid , and thy life shall be as safe
-
-As Priam is in Ilion .
-
-Fair Lady Cressid ,
-So please you , save the thanks this prince expects :
-The lustre in your eye , heaven in your cheek ,
-Pleads your fair usage ; and to Diomed
-You shall be mistress , and command him wholly .
-
-Grecian , thou dost not use me courteously ,
-To shame the zeal of my petition to thee
-In praising her : I tell thee , lord of Greece ,
-She is as far high-soaring o'er thy praises
-As thou unworthy to be call'd her servant .
-I charge thee use her well , even for my charge ;
-For , by the dreadful Pluto , if thou dost not ,
-Though the great bulk Achilles be thy guard ,
-I'll cut thy throat .
-
-O ! be not mov'd , Prince Troilus :
-Let me be privileg'd by my place and message
-To be a speaker free ; when I am hence ,
-I'll answer to my lust ; and know you , lord ,
-I'll nothing do on charge : to her own worth
-She shall be priz'd ; but that you say 'be't so ,'
-I'll speak it in my spirit and honour , 'no .'
-
-Come , to the port . I'll tell thee , Diomed ,
-This brave shall oft make thee to hide thy head .
-Lady , give me your hand , and , as you walk ,
-To our own selves bend we our needful talk .
-
-
-Hark ! Hector's trumpet .
-
-How have we spent this morning !
-The prince must think me tardy and remiss ,
-That swore to ride before him to the field .
-
-'Tis Troilus' fault . Come , come , to field with him .
-
-Let us make ready straight .
-
-Yea , with a bridegroom's fresh alacrity ,
-Let us address to tend on Hector's heels :
-The glory of our Troy doth this day lie
-On his fair worth and single chivalry .
-
-
-Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair ,
-Anticipating time with starting courage .
-Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy ,
-Thou dreadful Ajax ; that the appalled air
-May pierce the head of the great combatant
-And hale him hither .
-
-Thou , trumpet , there's my purse .
-Now crack thy lungs , and split thy brazen pipe :
-Blow , villain , till thy sphered bias cheek
-Outswell the colic of puff'd Aquilon .
-Come , stretch thy chest , and let thy eyes spout blood ;
-Thou blow'st for Hector .
-
-
-No trumpet answers .
-
-'Tis but early days .
-
-Is not yond Diomed with Calchas' daughter ?
-
-'Tis he , I ken the manner of his gait ;
-He rises on the toe : that spirit of his
-In aspiration lifts him from the earth .
-
-
-Is this the Lady Cressid ?
-
-Even she .
-
-Most dearly welcome to the Greeks , sweet lady .
-
-Our general doth salute you with a kiss .
-
-Yet is the kindness but particular ;
-'Twere better she were kiss'd in general .
-
-And very courtly counsel : I'll begin .
-So much for Nestor .
-
-I'll take that winter from your lips , fair lady :
-Achilles bids you welcome .
-
-I had good argument for kissing once .
-
-But that's no argument for kissing now ;
-For thus popp'd Paris in his hardiment ,
-And parted thus you and your argument .
-
-O , deadly gall , and theme of all our scorns !
-For which we lose our heads to gild his horns .
-
-The first was Menelaus' kiss ; this , mine :
-Patroclus kisses you .
-
-O ! this is trim .
-
-Paris and I , kiss evermore for him .
-
-I'll have my kiss , sir . Lady , by your leave .
-
-In kissing , do you render or receive ?
-
-Both take and give .
-
-I'll make my match to live ,
-The kiss you take is better than you give ;
-Therefore no kiss .
-
-I'll give you boot ; I'll give you three for one .
-
-You're an odd man ; give even , or give none .
-
-An odd man , lady ! every man is odd .
-
-No , Paris is not ; for , you know 'tis true ,
-That you are odd , and he is even with you .
-
-You fillip me o' the head .
-
-No , I'll be sworn .
-
-It were no match , your nail against his horn .
-May I , sweet lady , beg a kiss of you ?
-
-You may .
-
-I do desire it .
-
-Why , beg , then .
-
-Why , then , for Venus' sake , give me a kiss ,
-When Helen is a maid again , and his .
-
-I am your debtor ; claim it when 'tis due .
-
-Never's my day , and then a kiss of you .
-
-Lady , a word : I'll bring you to your father .
-
-
-A woman of quick sense .
-
-Fie , fie upon her !
-There's language in her eye , her cheek , her lip ,
-Nay , her foot speaks ; her wanton spirits look out
-At every joint and motive of her body .
-O ! these encounterers , so glib of tongue ,
-That give a coasting welcome ere it comes ,
-And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
-To every tickling reader , set them down
-For sluttish spoils of opportunity
-And daughters of the game .
-
-
-The Trojans' trumpet .
-
-Yonder comes the troop .
-
-
-Hail , all you state of Greece ! what shall be done
-To him that victory commands ? or do you purpose
-A victor shall be known ? will you the knights
-Shall to the edge of all extremity
-Pursue each other , or shall be divided
-By any voice or order of the field ?
-Hector bade ask .
-
-Which way would Hector have it ?
-
-He cares not ; he'll obey conditions .
-
-'Tis done like Hector ; but securely done ,
-A little proudly , and great deal misprising
-The knight oppos'd .
-
-If not Achilles , sir .
-What is your name ?
-
-If not Achilles , nothing .
-
-Therefore Achilles ; but , whate'er , know this :
-In the extremity of great and little ,
-Valour and pride excel themselves in Hector ;
-The one almost as infinite as all ,
-The other blank as nothing . Weigh him well ,
-And that which looks like pride is courtesy .
-This Ajax is half made of Hector's blood :
-In love whereof half Hector stays at home ;
-Half heart , half hand , half Hector comes to seek
-This blended knight , half Trojan , and half Greek .
-
-A maiden battle , then ? O ! I perceive you .
-
-
-Here is Sir Diomed . Go , gentle knight ,
-Stand by our Ajax : as you and Lord neas
-Consent upon the order of their fight ,
-So be it ; either to the uttermost ,
-Or else a breath : the combatants being kin
-Half stints their strife before their strokes begin .
-
-
-They are oppos'd already .
-
-What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy ?
-
-The youngest son of Priam , a true knight :
-Not yet mature , yet matchless ; firm of word ,
-Speaking in deeds and deedless in his tongue ;
-Not soon provok'd , nor being provok'd soon calm'd :
-His heart and hand both open and both free ;
-For what he has he gives , what thinks he shows ;
-Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty ,
-Nor dignifies an impure thought with breath .
-Manly as Hector , but more dangerous ;
-For Hector , in his blaze of wrath , subscribes
-To tender objects ; but he in heat of action
-Is more vindicative than jealous love .
-They call him Troilus , and on him erect
-A second hope , as fairly built as Hector .
-Thus says neas ; one that knows the youth
-Even to his inches , and with private soul
-Did in great Ilion thus translate him to me .
-
-
-They are in action .
-
-Now , Ajax , hold thine own !
-
-Hector , thou sleep'st ; awake thee !
-
-His blows are well dispos'd : there , Ajax !
-
-You must no more .
-
-
-Princes , enough , so please you .
-
-I am not warm yet ; let us fight again .
-
-As Hector pleases .
-
-Why , then will I no more :
-Thou art , great lord , my father's sister's son ,
-A cousin-german to great Priam's seed ;
-The obligation of our blood forbids
-A gory emulation 'twixt us twain .
-Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so
-That thou couldst say , 'This hand is Grecian all ,
-And this is Trojan ; the sinews of this leg
-All Greek , and this all Troy ; my mother's blood
-Runs on the dexter cheek , and this sinister
-Bounds in my father's ,' by Jove multipotent ,
-Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
-Wherein my sword had not impressure made
-Of our rank feud . But the just gods gainsay
-That any drop thou borrow'dst from thy mother ,
-My sacred aunt , should by my mortal sword
-Be drain'd ! Let me embrace thee , Ajax ;
-By him that thunders , thou hast lusty arms ;
-Hector would have them fall upon him thus :
-Cousin , all honour to thee !
-
-I thank thee , Hector :
-Thou art too gentle and too free a man :
-I came to kill thee , cousin , and bear hence
-A great addition earned in thy death .
-
-Not Neoptolemus so mirable ,
-On whose bright crest Fame with her loud'st byes
-Cries , 'This is he !' could promise to himself
-A thought of added honour torn from Hector .
-
-There is expectance here from both the sides ,
-What further you will do .
-
-We'll answer it ;
-The issue is embracement : Ajax , farewell .
-
-If I might in entreaties find success ,
-As seld I have the chance ,I would desire
-My famous cousin to our Grecian tents .
-
-'Tis Agamemnon's wish , and great Achilles
-Doth long to see unarm'd the valiant Hector .
-
-neas , call my brother Troilus to me ,
-And signify this loving interview
-To the expecters of our Trojan part ;
-Desire them home . Give me thy hand , my cousin ;
-I will go eat with thee and see your knights .
-
-Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here .
-
-The worthiest of them tell me name by name ;
-But for Achilles , mine own searching eyes
-Shall find him by his large and portly size .
-
-Worthy of arms ! as welcome as to one
-That would be rid of such an enemy ;
-But that's no welcome ; understand more clear ,
-What's past and what's to come is strew'd with husks
-And formless ruin of oblivion ;
-But in this extant moment , faith and troth ,
-Strain'd purely from all hollow bias-drawing ,
-Bids thee , with most divine integrity ,
-From heart of very heart , great Hector , welcome .
-
-I thank thee , most imperious Agamemnon .
-
-My well-fam'd Lord of Troy , no less to you .
-
-Let me confirm my princely brother's greeting :
-You brace of war-like brothers , welcome hither .
-
-Whom must we answer ?
-
-The noble Menelaus .
-
-O ! you , my lord ? by Mars his gauntlet , thanks !
-Mock not that I affect the untraded oath ;
-Your quondam wife swears still by Venus' glove :
-She's well , but bade me not commend her to you .
-
-Name her not now , sir ; she's a deadly theme .
-
-O ! pardon ; I offend .
-
-I have , thou gallant Trojan , seen thee oft ,
-Labouring for destiny , make cruel way
-Through ranks of Greekish youth : and I have seen thee ,
-As hot as Perseus , spur thy Phrygian steed ,
-Despising many forfeits and subduements ,
-When thou hast hung thy advanc'd sword i' th' air ,
-Not letting it decline on the declin'd ;
-That I have said to some my standers-by ,
-'Lo ! Jupiter is yonder , dealing life !'
-And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath ,
-When that a ring of Greeks have hemm'd thee in ,
-Like an Olympian wrestling : this have I seen ;
-But this thy countenance , still lock'd in steel ,
-I never saw till now . I knew thy grandsire ,
-And once fought with him : he was a soldier good ;
-But , by great Mars , the captain of us all ,
-Never like thee . Let an old man embrace thee ;
-And , worthy warrior , welcome to our tents .
-
-'Tis the old Nestor .
-
-Let me embrace thee , good old chronicle ,
-That hast so long walk'd hand in hand with time :
-Most reverend Nestor , I am glad to clasp thee .
-
-I would my arms could match thee in contention ,
-As they contend with thee in courtesy .
-
-I would they could .
-
-Ha !
-By this white beard , I'd fight with thee to-morrow .
-Well , welcome , welcome ! I have seen the time .
-
-I wonder now how yonder city stands ,
-When we have here her base and pillar by us .
-
-I know your favour , Lord Ulysses , well .
-Ah ! sir , there's many a Greek and Trojan dead ,
-Since first I saw yourself and Diomed
-In Ilion , on your Greekish embassy .
-
-Sir , I foretold you then what would ensue :
-My prophecy is but half his journey yet ;
-For yonder walls , that pertly front your town ,
-Yond towers , whose wanton tops do buss the clouds ,
-Must kiss their own feet .
-
-I must not believe you :
-There they stand yet , and modestly I think ,
-The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
-A drop of Grecian blood : the end crowns all ,
-And that old common arbitrator , Time ,
-Will one day end it .
-
-So to him we leave it .
-Most gentle and most valiant Hector , welcome .
-After the general , I beseech you next
-To feast with me and see me at my tent .
-
-I shall forestall thee , Lord Ulysses , thou !
-Now , Hector , I have fed mine eyes on thee ;
-I have with exact view perus'd thee , Hector ,
-And quoted joint by joint .
-
-Is this Achilles ?
-
-I am Achilles .
-
-Stand fair , I pray thee : let me look on thee .
-
-Behold thy fill .
-
-Nay , I have done already .
-
-Thou art too brief : I will the second time ,
-As I would buy thee , view thee limb by limb .
-
-O ! like a book of sport thou'lt read me o'er ;
-But there's more in me than thou understand'st .
-Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye ?
-
-Tell me , you heavens , in which part of his body
-Shall I destroy him ? whether there , or there , or there ?
-That I may give the local wound a name ,
-And make distinct the very breach whereout
-Hector's great spirit flew . Answer me , heavens !
-
-It would discredit the bless'd gods , proud man ,
-To answer such a question . Stand again :
-Think'st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
-As to prenominate in nice conjecture
-Where thou wilt hit me dead ?
-
-I tell thee , yea .
-
-Wert thou an oracle to tell me so ,
-I'd not believe thee . Henceforth guard thee well ,
-For I'll not kill thee there , nor there , nor there ;
-But , by the forge that stithied Mars his helm ,
-I'll kill thee every where , yea , o'er and o'er .
-You wisest Grecians , pardon me this brag ;
-His insolence draws folly from my lips ;
-But I'll endeavour deeds to match these words ,
-Or may I never
-
-Do not chafe thee , cousin :
-And you , Achilles , let these threats alone ,
-Till accident or purpose bring you to't :
-You may have every day enough of Hector ,
-If you have stomach . The general state , I fear ,
-Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him .
-
-I pray you , let us see you in the field ;
-We have had pelting wars since you refus'd
-The Grecians' cause .
-
-Dost thou entreat me , Hector ?
-To-morrow do I meet thee , fell as death ;
-To-night all friends .
-
-Thy hand upon that match .
-
-First , all you peers of Greece , go to my tent ;
-There in the full convive we afterwards ,
-As Hector's leisure and your bounties shall
-Concur together , severally entreat him .
-Beat loud the tabourines , let the trumpets blow ,
-That this great soldier may his welcome know .
-
-
-My Lord Ulysses , tell me , I beseech you ,
-In what place of the field doth Calchas keep ?
-
-At Menelaus' tent , most princely Troilus :
-There Diomed doth feast with him to-night ;
-Who neither looks upon the heaven nor earth ,
-But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
-On the fair Cressid .
-
-Shall I , sweet lord , be bound to thee so much ,
-After we part from Agamemnon's tent ,
-To bring me thither ?
-
-You shall command me , sir .
-As gentle tell me , of what honour was
-This Cressida in Troy ? Had she no lover there
-That wails her absence ?
-
-O , sir ! to such as boasting show their scars
-A mock is due . Will you walk on , my lord ?
-She was belov'd , she lov'd ; she is , and doth :
-But still sweet love is food for fortune's tooth .
-
-
-I'll heat his blood with Greekish wine to-night ,
-Which with my scimitar I'll cool to-morrow .
-Patroclus , let us feast him to the height .
-
-Here comes Thersites .
-
-
-How now , thou core of envy !
-Thou crusty batch of nature , what's the news ?
-
-Why , thou picture of what thou seemest , and idol of idiot-worshippers , here's a letter for thee .
-
-From whence , fragment ?
-
-Why , thou full dish of fool , from Troy .
-
-Who keeps the tent now ?
-
-The surgeon's box , or the patient's wound .
-
-Well said , adversity ! and what need these tricks ?
-
-Prithee , be silent , boy : I profit not by thy talk : thou art thought to be Achilles' male varlet .
-
-Male varlet , you rogue ! what's that ?
-
-Why , his masculine whore . Now , the rotten diseases of the south , the guts-griping , ruptures , catarrhs , loads o' gravel i' the back , lethargies , cold palsies , raw eyes , dirt-rotten livers , wheezing lungs , bladders full of imposthume , sciaticas , lime-kilns i' the palm , incurable bone-ache , and the rivelled fee-simple of the tetter , take and take again such preposterous discoveries !
-
-Why , thou damnable box of envy , thou , what meanest thou to curse thus ?
-
-Do I curse thee ?
-
-Why , no , you ruinous butt , you whoreson indistinguishable cur , no .
-
-No ! why art thou then exasperate , thou idle immaterial skein of sleave silk , thou green sarcenet flap for a sore eye , thou tassel of a prodigal's purse , thou ? Ah ! how the poor world is pestered with such water-flies , diminutives of nature .
-
-Out , gall !
-
-Finch egg !
-
-My sweet Patroclus , I am thwarted quite
-From my great purpose in to-morrow's battle .
-Here is a letter from Queen Hecuba ,
-A token from her daughter , my fair love ,
-Both taxing me and gaging me to keep
-An oath that I have sworn . I will not break it :
-Fall Greeks ; fail fame ; honour or go or stay ;
-My major vow lies here , this I'll obey .
-Come , come , Thersites , help to trim my tent ;
-This night in banqueting must all be spent .
-Away , Patroclus !
-
-
-With too much blood and too little brain , these two may run mad ; but if with too much brain , and too little blood they do , I'll be a curer of madmen . Here's Agamemnon , an honest fellow enough , and one that loves quails , but he has not so much brain as ear-wax : and the goodly transformation of Jupiter there , his brother , the bull , the primitive statue , and oblique memorial of cuckolds ; a thrifty shoeing-horn in a chain , hanging at his brother's leg , to what form but that he is should wit larded with malice and malice forced with wit turn him to ? To an ass , were nothing : he is both ass and ox ; to an ox , were nothing : he is both ox and ass . To be a dog , a mule , a cat , a fitchew , a toad , a lizard , an owl , a puttock , or a herring without a roe , I would not care ; but to be Menelaus ! I would conspire against destiny . Ask me not what I would be , if I were not Thersites , for I care not to be the louse of a lazar , so I were not Menelaus . Hey-day ! spirits and fires !
-
-
-We go wrong , we go wrong .
-
-No , yonder 'tis ;
-There , where we see the lights .
-
-I trouble you .
-
-No , not a whit .
-
-Here comes himself to guide you .
-
-
-Welcome , brave Hector ; welcome , princes all .
-
-So now , fair prince of Troy , I bid good-night .
-Ajax commands the guard to tend on you .
-
-Thanks and good-night to the Greeks' general .
-
-Good-night , my lord .
-
-Good-night , sweet Lord Menelaus .
-
-Sweet draught : 'sweet ,' quoth a' ! sweet sink , sweet sewer .
-
-Good-night and welcome both at once , to those
-That go or tarry .
-
-Good-night .
-
-
-Old Nestor tarries ; and you too , Diomed ,
-Keep Hector company an hour or two .
-
-I cannot , lord ; I have important business ,
-The tide whereof is now . Good-night , great Hector .
-
-Give me your hand .
-
-Follow his torch ; he goes to Calchas' tent .
-I'll keep you company .
-
-Sweet sir , you honour me .
-
-And so , good-night .
-
-
-Come , come , enter my tent .
-
-
-That same Diomed's a false-hearted rogue , a most unjust knave ; I will no more trust him when he leers than I will a serpent when he hisses . He will spend his mouth , and promise , like Brabbler the hound ; but when he performs , astronomers foretell it : it is prodigious , there will come some change : the sun borrows of the moon when Diomed keeps his word . I will rather leave to see Hector , than not to dog him : they say he keeps a Trojan drab , and uses the traitor Calchas' tent . I'll after . Nothing but lechery ! all incontinent varlets .
-
-
-What , are you up here , ho ! speak .
-
-Who calls ?
-
-Diomed . Calchas , I think . Where's your daughter ?
-
-She comes to you .
-
-
-Stand where the torch may not discover us .
-
-
-Cressid comes forth to him .
-
-How now , my charge !
-
-Now , my sweet guardian ! Hark ! a word with you .
-
-
-Yea , so familiar !
-
-She will sing any man at first sight .
-
-And any man may sing her , if he can take her cliff ; she's noted .
-
-Will you remember ?
-
-Remember ! yes .
-
-Nay , but do , then ;
-And let your mind be coupled with your words .
-
-What should she remember ?
-
-List !
-
-Sweet honey Greek , tempt me no more to folly .
-
-Roguery !
-
-Nay , then ,
-
-I'll tell you what ,
-
-Foh , foh ! come , tell a pin : you are forsworn .
-
-In faith , I cannot . What would you have me do ?
-
-A juggling trick ,to be secretly open .
-
-What did you swear you would bestow on me ?
-
-I prithee , do not hold me to mine oath ;
-Bid me do anything but that , sweet Greek .
-
-Good-night .
-
-Hold , patience !
-
-How now , Trojan ?
-
-Diomed ,
-
-No , no , good-night ; I'll be your fool no more .
-
-Thy better must .
-
-Hark ! one word in your ear .
-
-O plague and madness !
-
-You are mov'd , prince ; let us depart , I pray you ,
-Lest your displeasure should enlarge itself
-To wrathful terms . This place is dangerous ;
-The time right deadly . I beseech you , go .
-
-Behold , I pray you !
-
-Nay , good my lord , go off :
-You flow to great distraction ; come , my lord .
-
-I pray thee , stay .
-
-You have not patience ; come .
-
-I pray you , stay . By hell , and all hell's torments ,
-I will not speak a word !
-
-And so , good-night .
-
-Nay , but you part in anger .
-
-Doth that grieve thee ?
-O wither'd truth !
-
-Why , how now , lord !
-
-By Jove ,
-I will be patient .
-
-Guardian !why , Greek !
-
-Foh , foh ! adieu ; you palter .
-
-In faith , I do not : come hither once again .
-
-You shake , my lord , at something : will you go ?
-You will break out .
-
-She strokes his cheek !
-
-Come , come .
-
-Nay , stay ; by Jove , I will not speak a word :
-There is between my will and all offences
-A guard of patience : stay a little while .
-
-How the devil Luxury , with his fat rump and potato finger , tickles these together ! Fry , lechery , fry !
-
-But will you , then ?
-
-In faith , I will , la ; never trust me else .
-
-Give me some token for the surety of it .
-
-I'll fetch you one .
-
-
-You have sworn patience .
-
-Fear me not , sweet lord ;
-I will not be myself , nor have cognition
-Of what I feel : I am all patience .
-
-
-Now the pledge ! now , now , now !
-
-Here , Diomed , keep this sleeve .
-
-O beauty ! where is thy faith ?
-
-My lord ,
-
-I will be patient ; outwardly I will .
-
-You look upon that sleeve ; behold it well .
-He lov'd me O false wench !Give't to me again .
-
-Whose was't ?
-
-It is no matter , now I have't again .
-I will not meet with you to-morrow night .
-I prithee , Diomed , visit me no more .
-
-Now she sharpens : well said , whetstone !
-
-I shall have it .
-
-What , this ?
-
-Ay , that .
-
-O ! all you gods . O pretty , pretty pledge !
-Thy master now lies thinking in his bed
-Of thee and me ; and sighs , and takes my glove ,
-And gives me norial dainty kisses to it ,
-As I kiss thee . Nay , do not snatch it from me ;
-He that takes that doth take my heart withal .
-
-I had your heart before ; this follows it .
-
-I did swear patience .
-
-You shall not have it , Diomed ; faith you shall not ;
-I'll give you something else .
-
-I will have this . Whose was it ?
-
-'Tis no matter .
-
-Come , tell me whose it was .
-
-'Twas one's that loved me better than you will .
-But , now you have it , take it .
-
-Whose was it ?
-
-By all Diana's waiting-women yond ,
-And by herself , I will not tell you whose .
-
-To-morrow will I wear it on my helm ,
-And grieve his spirit that dares not challenge it .
-
-Wert thou the devil , and wor'st it on thy horn ,
-It should be challeng'd .
-
-Well , well , 'tis done , 'tis past : and yet it is not :
-I will not keep my word .
-
-Why then , farewell ;
-Thou never shalt mock Diomed again .
-
-You shall not go : one cannot speak a word ,
-But it straight starts you .
-
-I do not like this fooling .
-
-Nor I , by Pluto : but that that likes not me
-Pleases me best .
-
-What , shall I come ? the hour ?
-
-Ay , come :O Jove !
-Do come :I shall be plagu'd .
-
-Farewell till then .
-
-Good-night : I prithee , come .
-
-Troilus , farewell ! one eye yet looks on thee ,
-But with my heart the other eye doth see .
-Ah ! poor our sex ; this fault in us I find ,
-The error of our eye directs our mind .
-What error leads must err . O ! then conclude
-Minds sway'd by eyes are full of turpitude .
-
-
-A proof of strength she could not publish more ,
-Unless she said , 'My mind is now turn'd whore .'
-
-All's done , my lord .
-
-It is .
-
-Why stay we , then ?
-
-To make a recordation to my soul
-Of every syllable that here was spoke .
-But if I tell how these two did co-act ,
-Shall I not lie in publishing a truth ?
-Sith yet there is a credence in my heart ,
-An esperance so obstinately strong ,
-That doth invert the attest of eyes and ears ,
-As if those organs had deceptions functions ,
-Created only to calumniate .
-Was Cressid here ?
-
-I cannot conjure , Trojan .
-
-She was not , sure .
-
-Most sure she was .
-
-Why , my negation hath no taste of madness .
-
-Nor mine , my lord : Cressid was here but now .
-
-Let it not be believ'd for womanhood !
-Think we had mothers ; do not give advantage
-To stubborn critics , apt , without a theme ,
-For depravation , to square the general sex
-By Cressid's rule : rather think this not Cressid .
-
-What hath she done , prince , that can soil our mothers ?
-
-Nothing at all , unless that this were she .
-
-Will he swagger himself out on's own eyes ?
-
-This she ? no , this is Diomed's Cressida .
-If beauty have a soul , this is not she ;
-If souls guide vows , if vows be sanctimony ,
-If sanctimony be the gods' delight ,
-If there be rule in unity itself ,
-This is not she . O madness of discourse ,
-That cause sets up with and against itself ;
-Bi-fold authority ! where reason can revolt
-Without perdition , and loss assume all reason
-Without revolt : this is , and is not , Cressid .
-Within my soul there doth conduce a fight
-Of this strange nature that a thing inseparate
-Divides more wider than the sky and earth ;
-And yet the spacious breadth of this division
-Admits no orifice for a point as subtle
-As Ariachne's broken woof to enter .
-Instance , O instance ! strong as Pluto's gates ;
-Cressid is mine , tied with the bonds of heaven :
-Instance , O instance ! strong as heaven itself ;
-The bonds of heaven are slipp'd , dissolv'd , and loos'd ;
-And with another knot , five-finger-tied ,
-The fractions of her faith , orts of her love ,
-The fragments , scraps , the bits , and greasy reliques
-Of her o'er-eaten faith , are bound to Diomed .
-
-May worthy Troilus be half attach'd
-With that which here his passion doth express ?
-
-Ay , Greek ; and that shall be divulged well
-In characters as red as Mars his heart
-Inflam'd with Venus : never did young man fancy
-With so eternal and so fix'd a soul .
-Hark , Greek : as much as I do Cressid love ,
-So much by weight hate I her Diomed ;
-That sleeve is mine that he'll bear on his helm ;
-Were it a casque compos'd by Vulcan's skill ,
-My sword should bite it . Not the dreadful spout
-Which shipmen do the hurricano call ,
-Constring'd in mass by the almighty sun ,
-Shall dizzy with more clamour Neptune's ear
-In his descent than shall my prompted sword
-Falling on Diomed .
-
-He'll tickle it for his concupy .
-
-O Cressid ! O false Cressid ! false , false , false !
-Let all untruths stand by thy stained name ,
-And they'll seem glorious .
-
-O ! contain yourself ;
-Your passion draws ears hither .
-
-
-I have been seeking you this hour , my lord .
-Hector , by this , is arming him in Troy :
-Ajax , your guard , stays to conduct you home .
-
-Have with you , prince . My courteous lord , adieu .
-Farewell , revolted fair ! and Diomed ,
-Stand fast , and wear a castle on thy head !
-
-I'll bring you to the gates .
-
-Accept distracted thanks .
-
-
-Would I could meet that rogue Diomed ! I would croak like a raven ; I would bode , I would bode . Patroclus would give me any thing for the intelligence of this whore : the parrot will not do more for an almond than he for a commodious drab . Lechery , lechery ; still , wars and lechery : nothing else holds fashion . A burning devil take them !
-
-
-When was my lord so much ungently temper'd ,
-To stop his ears against admonishment ?
-Unarm , unarm , and do not fight to-day .
-
-You train me to offend you ; get you in :
-By all the everlasting gods , I'll go .
-
-My dreams will , sure , prove ominous to the day .
-
-No more , I say .
-
-
-Where is my brother Hector ?
-
-Here , sister ; arm'd , and bloody in intent .
-Consort with me in loud and dear petition ;
-Pursue we him on knees ; for I have dream'd
-Of bloody turbulence , and this whole night
-Hath nothing been but shapes and forms of slaughter .
-
-O ! 'tis true .
-
-Ho ! bid my trumpet sound .
-
-No notes of sally , for the heavens , sweet brother .
-
-Be gone , I say : the gods have heard me swear .
-
-The gods are deaf to hot and peevish vows :
-They are polluted offerings , more abhorr'd
-Than spotted livers in the sacrifice .
-
-O ! be persuaded : do not count it holy
-To hurt by being just : it is as lawful ,
-For we would give much , to use violent thefts ,
-And rob in the behalf of charity .
-
-It is the purpose that makes strong the vow ;
-But vows to every purpose must not hold .
-Unarm , sweet Hector .
-
-Hold you still , I say ;
-Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate :
-Life every man holds dear ; but the dear man
-Holds honour far more precious-dear than life .
-
-How now , young man ! mean'st thou to fight to-day ?
-
-Cassandra , call my father to persuade .
-
-
-No , faith , young Troilus ; doff thy harness , youth ;
-I am to-day i' the vein of chivalry :
-Let grow thy sinews till their knots be strong ,
-And tempt not yet the brushes of the war .
-Unarm thee , go , and doubt thou not , brave boy ,
-I'll stand to-day for thee and me and Troy .
-
-Brother , you have a vice of mercy in you ,
-Which better fits a lion than a man .
-
-What vice is that , good Troilus ? chide me for it .
-
-When many times the captive Grecian falls ,
-Even in the fan and wind of your fair sword ,
-You bid them rise , and live .
-
-O ! 'tis fair play .
-
-Fool's play , by heaven , Hector .
-
-How now ! how now !
-
-For the love of all the gods ,
-Let's leave the hermit pity with our mothers ,
-And when we have our armours buckled on ,
-The venom'd vengeance ride upon our swords ,
-Spur them to ruthful work , rein them from ruth .
-
-Fie , savage , fie !
-
-Hector , then 'tis wars .
-
-Troilus , I would not have you fight to-day .
-
-Who should withhold me ?
-Not fate , obedience , nor the hand of Mars
-Beckoning with fiery truncheon my retire ;
-Not Priamus and Hecuba on knees ,
-Their eyes o'ergalled with recourse of tears ;
-Nor you , my brother , with your true sword drawn ,
-Oppos'd to hinder me , should stop my way ,
-But by my ruin .
-
-
-Lay hold upon him , Priam , hold him fast :
-He is thy crutch ; now if thou lose thy stay ,
-Thou on him leaning , and all Troy on thee ,
-Fall all together .
-
-Come , Hector , come ; go back :
-Thy wife hath dream'd ; thy mother hath had visions ;
-Cassandra doth foresee ; and I myself
-Am like a prophet suddenly enrapt ,
-To tell thee that this day is ominous :
-Therefore , come back .
-
-neas is a-field ;
-And I do stand engag'd to many Greeks ,
-Even in the faith of valour , to appear
-This morning to them .
-
-Ay , but thou shalt not go .
-
-I must not break my faith .
-You know me dutiful ; therefore , dear sir ,
-Let me not shame respect , but give me leave
-To take that course by your consent and voice ,
-Which you do here forbid me , royal Priam .
-
-O Priam ! yield not to him .
-
-Do not , dear father .
-
-Andromache , I am offended with you :
-Upon the love you bear me , get you in .
-
-
-This foolish , dreaming , superstitious girl
-Makes all these bodements .
-
-O farewell ! dear Hector .
-Look ! how thou diest ; look ! how thy eye turns pale ;
-Look ! how thy wounds do bleed at many vents :
-Hark ! how Troy roars : how Hecuba cries out !
-How poor Andromache shrills her dolours forth !
-Behold , distraction , frenzy , and amazement ,
-Like witless anticks , one another meet ,
-And all cry Hector ! Hector's dead ! O Hector !
-
-Away ! Away !
-
-Farewell . Yet , soft ! Hector , I take my leave :
-Thou dost thyself and all our Troy deceive .
-
-
-You are amaz'd , my liege , at her exclaim .
-Go in and cheer the town : we'll forth and fight ;
-Do deeds worth praise and tell you them at night .
-
-Farewell : the gods with safety stand about thee !
-
-
-They are at it , hark ! Proud Diomed , believe ,
-I come to lose my arm , or win my sleeve .
-
-
-Do you hear , my lord ? do you hear ?
-
-What now ?
-
-Here's a letter come from yond poor girl .
-
-Let me read .
-
-A whoreson tisick , a whoreson rascally tisick so troubles me , and the foolish fortune of this girl ; and what one thing , what another , that I shall leave you one o' these days : and I have a rheum in mine eyes too , and such an ache in my bones that , unless a man were cursed , I cannot tell what to think on't . What says she there ?
-
-Words , words , mere words , no matter from the heart ;
-The effect doth operate another way .
-
-Go , wind to wind , there turn and change together .
-My love with words and errors still she feeds ,
-But edifies another with her deeds .
-
-
-Now they are clapper-clawing one another ; I'll go look on . That dissembling abominable varlet , Diomed , has got that same scurvy doting foolish young knave's sleeve of Troy there in his helm : I would fain see them meet ; that that same young Trojan ass , that loves the whore there , might send that Greekish whoremasterly villain , with the sleeve , back to the dissembling luxurious drab , on a sleeveless errand . O' the other side , the policy of those crafty swearing rascals ,that stale old mouse-eaten dry cheese , Nestor , and that same dog-fox , Ulysses , is not proved worth a blackberry : they set me up , in policy , that mongrel cur , Ajax , against that dog of as bad a kind , Achilles ; and now is the cur Ajax prouder than the cur Achilles , and will not arm to-day ; whereupon the Grecians begin to proclaim barbarism , and policy grows into an ill opinion . Soft ! here comes sleeve , and t' other .
-
-
-Fly not ; for shouldst thou take the river Styx ,
-I would swim after .
-
-Thou dost miscall retire :
-I do not fly ; but advantageous care
-Withdrew me from the odds of multitude .
-Have at thee !
-
-Hold thy whore , Grecian ! now for thy whore , Trojan ! now the sleeve , now the sleeve !
-
-What art thou , Greek ? art thou for Hector's match ?
-Art thou of blood and honour ?
-
-No , no , I am a rascal ; a scurvy railing knave ; a very filthy rogue .
-
-I do believe thee : live .
-
-
-God-a-mercy , that thou wilt believe me ; but a plague break thy neck for frighting me ! What's become of the wenching rogues ? I think they have swallowed one another : I would laugh at that miracle ; yet , in a sort , lechery eats itself . I'll seek them .
-
-
-Go , go , my servant , take thou Troilus' horse ;
-Present the fair steed to my Lady Cressid :
-Fellow , commend my service to her beauty :
-Tell her I have chastis'd the amorous Trojan ,
-And am her knight by proof .
-
-I go , my lord .
-
-Renew , renew ! The fierce Polydamas
-Hath beat down Menon ; bastard Margarelon
-Hath Doreus prisoner ,
-And stands colossus-wise , waving his beam ,
-Upon the pashed corses of the kings
-Epistrophus and Cedius ; Polixenes is slain ;
-Amphimachus , and Thoas , deadly hurt ;
-Patroclus ta'en , or slain ; and Palamedes
-Sore hurt and bruis'd ; the dreadful Sagittary
-Appals our numbers : haste we , Diomed ,
-To reinforcement , or we perish all .
-
-
-Go , bear Patroclus' body to Achilles ;
-And bid the snail-pac'd Ajax arm for shame .
-There is a thousand Hectors in the field :
-Now here he fights on Galathe his horse ,
-And there lacks work ; anon he's there afoot ,
-And there they fly or die , like scaled sculls
-Before the belching whale ; then is he yonder ,
-And there the strawy Greeks , ripe for his edge ,
-Fall down before him , like the mower's swath :
-Here , there , and everywhere , he leaves and takes ,
-Dexterity so obeying appetite
-That what he will he does ; and does so much
-That proof is called impossibility .
-
-
-O ! courage , courage , princes ; great Achilles
-Is arming , weeping , cursing , vowing vengeance :
-Patroclus' wounds have rous'd his drowsy blood ,
-Together with his mangled Myrmidons ,
-That noseless , handless , hack'd and chipp'd , come to him ,
-Crying on Hector . Ajax hath lost a friend ,
-And foams at mouth , and he is arm'd and at it ,
-Roaring for Troilus , who hath done to-day
-Mad and fantastic execution ,
-Engaging and redeeming of himself
-With such a careless force and forceless care
-As if that luck , in very spite of cunning ,
-Bade him win all .
-
-
-Troilus ! thou coward Troilus !
-
-
-Ay , there , there .
-
-So , so , we draw together .
-
-
-Where is this Hector ?
-Come , come , thou boy-queller , show thy face ;
-Know what it is to meet Achilles angry :
-Hector ! where's Hector ? I will none but Hector .
-
-
-Troilus , thou coward Troilus , show thy head !
-
-
-Troilus , I say ! where's Troilus ?
-
-What wouldst thou ?
-
-I would correct him .
-
-Were I the general , thou shouldst have my office
-Ere that correction . Troilus , I say ! what , Troilus !
-
-
-O traitor Diomed ! Turn thy false face , thou traitor !
-And pay thy life thou ow'st me for my horse !
-
-Ha ! art thou there ?
-
-I'll fight with him alone : stand , Diomed .
-
-He is my prize ; I will not look upon .
-
-Come , both you cogging Greeks ; have at you both !
-
-Yea , Troilus ? O , well fought , my youngest brother !
-
-
-Now I do see thee . Ha ! have at thee , Hector !
-
-Pause , if thou wilt .
-
-I do disdain thy courtesy , proud Trojan .
-Be happy that my arms are out of use :
-My rest and negligence befriend thee now ,
-But thou anon shalt hear of me again ;
-Till when , go seek thy fortune .
-
-
-Fare thee well :
-I would have been much more a fresher man ,
-Had I expected thee . How now , my brother !
-
-
-Ajax hath ta'en neas : shall it be ?
-No , by the flame of yonder glorious heaven ,
-He shall not carry him : I'll be ta'en too ,
-Or bring him off . Fate , hear me what I say !
-I reck not though I end my life to-day .
-
-Stand , stand , thou Greek ; thou art a goodly mark .
-No ? wilt thou not ? I like thy armour well ;
-I'll frush it , and unlock the rivets all ,
-But I'll be master of it . Wilt thou not , beast , abide ?
-Why then , fly on , I'll hunt thee for thy hide .
-
-
-Come here about me , you my Myrmidons ;
-Mark what I say . Attend me where I wheel :
-Strike not a stroke , but keep yourselves in breath :
-And when I have the bloody Hector found ,
-Empale him with your weapons round about ;
-In fellest manner execute your aims .
-Follow me , sirs , and my proceedings eye :
-It is decreed , Hector the great must die .
-
-The cuckold and the cuckold-maker are at it . Now , bull ! now , dog ! 'Loo , Paris , 'loo ! now , my double-henned sparrow ! 'loo , Paris , 'loo ! The bull has the game : 'ware horns , ho !
-
-Turn , slave , and fight .
-
-What art thou ?
-
-A bastard son of Priam's .
-
-I am a bastard too ; I love bastards : I am a bastard begot , bastard instructed , bastard in mind , bastard in valour , in every thing illegitimate . One bear will not bite another , and wherefore should one bastard ? Take heed , the quarrel's most ominous to us : if the son of a whore fight for a whore , he tempts judgment . Farewell , bastard .
-
-
-The devil take thee , coward !
-
-
-Most putrefied core , so fair without ,
-Thy goodly armour thus hath cost thy life .
-Now is my day's work done ; I'll take good breath :
-Rest , sword ; thou hast thy fill of blood and death .
-
-Look , Hector , how the sun begins to set ;
-How ugly night comes breathing at his heels :
-Even with the vail and darking of the sun ,
-To close the day up , Hector's life is done .
-
-I am unarm'd ; forego this vantage , Greek .
-
-Strike , fellows , strike ! this is the man I seek .
-
-So , Ilion , fall thou next ! now , Troy , sink down !
-Here lies thy heart , thy sinews , and thy bone .
-On ! Myrmidons , and cry you all amain ,
-'Achilles hath the mighty Hector slain .'
-
-Hark ! a retreat upon our Grecian part .
-
-The Trojan trumpets sound the like , my lord .
-
-The dragon wing of night o'erspreads the earth ,
-And , stickler-like , the armies separates .
-My half-supp'd sword , that frankly would have fed ,
-Pleas'd with this dainty bait , thus goes to bed .
-
-Come , tie his body to my horse's tail ;
-Along the field I will the Trojan trail .
-
-
-Hark ! hark ! what shout is that ?
-
-Peace , drums !
-
-
-Achilles !
-Achilles ! Hector's slain ! Achilles !
-
-The bruit is , Hector's slain , and by Achilles .
-
-If it be so , yet bragless let it be ;
-Great Hector was a man as good as he .
-
-March patiently along . Let one be sent
-To pray Achilles see us at our tent .
-If in his death the gods have us befriended ,
-Great Troy is ours , and our sharp wars are ended .
-
-Stand , ho ! yet are we masters of the field .
-Never go home ; here starve we out the night .
-
-
-Hector is slain .
-
-Hector ! the gods forbid !
-
-He's dead ; and at the murderer's horse's tail ,
-In beastly sort , dragg'd through the shameful field .
-Frown on , you heavens , effect your rage with speed !
-Sit , gods , upon your thrones , and smile at Troy !
-I say , at once let your brief plagues be mercy ,
-And linger not our sure destructions on !
-
-My lord , you do discomfort all the host .
-
-You understand me not that tell me so .
-I do not speak of flight , of fear , of death ;
-But dare all imminence that gods and men
-Address their dangers in . Hector is gone :
-Who shall tell Priam so , or Hecuba ?
-Let him that will a screech-owl aye be call'd
-Go in to Troy , and say there Hector's dead :
-There is a word will Priam turn to stone ,
-Make wells and Niobes of the maids and wives ,
-Cold statues of the youth ; and , in a word ,
-Scare Troy out of itself . But march away :
-Hector is dead ; there is no more to say .
-Stay yet . You vile abominable tents ,
-Thus proudly pight upon our Phrygian plains ,
-Let Titan rise as early as he dare ,
-I'll through and through you ! And , thou great-siz'd coward ,
-No space of earth shall sunder our two hates :
-I'll haunt thee like a wicked conscience still ,
-That mouldeth goblins swift as frenzy's thoughts .
-Strike a free march to Troy ! with comfort go :
-Hope of revenge shall hide our inward woe .
-
-But hear you , hear you !
-
-Hence , broker lackey ! ignomy and shame
-Pursue thy life , and live aye with thy name !
-
-
-A goodly medicine for my aching bones ! O world ! world ! world ! thus is the poor agent despised . O traitors and bawds , how earnestly are you set a-work , and how ill requited ! why should our endeavour be so loved , and the performance so loathed ? what verse for it ? what instance for it ?Let me see !
-
-Full merrily the humble-bee doth sing ,
-Till he hath lost his honey and his sting ;
-And being once subdu'd in armed tail ,
-Sweet honey and sweet notes together fail .
-
-Good traders in the flesh , set this in your painted cloths .
-
-As many as be here of pander's hall ,
-Your eyes , half out , weep out at Pandar's fall ;
-Or if you cannot weep , yet give some groans ,
-Though not for me , yet for your aching bones .
-Brethren and sisters of the hold-door trade ,
-Some two months hence my will shall here be made .
-It should be now , but that my fear is this ,
-Some galled goose of Winchester would hiss .
-Till then I'll sweat , and seek about for eases ;
-And at that time bequeath you my diseases
-
-TWELFTH-NIGHT; OR WHAT YOU WILL
-
-
-If music be the food of love , play on ;
-Give me excess of it , that , surfeiting ,
-The appetite may sicken , and so die .
-That strain again ! it had a dying fall :
-O ! it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound
-That breathes upon a bank of violets ,
-Stealing and giving odour . Enough ! no more :
-'Tis not so sweet now as it was before .
-O spirit of love ! how quick and fresh art thou ,
-That , notwithstanding thy capacity
-Receiveth as the sea , nought enters there ,
-Of what validity and pitch soe'er ,
-But falls into abatement and low price ,
-Even in a minute : so full of shapes is fancy ,
-That it alone is high fantastical .
-
-Will you go hunt , my lord ?
-
-What , Curio ?
-
-The hart .
-
-Why , so I do , the noblest that I have .
-O ! when mine eyes did see Olivia first ,
-Methought she purg'd the air of pestilence .
-That instant was I turn'd into a hart ,
-And my desires , like fell and cruel hounds ,
-E'er since pursue me .
-
-How now ! what news from her ?
-
-So please my lord , I might not be admitted ;
-But from her handmaid do return this answer :
-The element itself , till seven years' heat ,
-Shall not behold her face at ample view ;
-But , like a cloistress , she will veiled walk ,
-And water once a day her chamber round
-With eve-offending brine : all this , to season
-A brother's dead love , which she would keep fresh
-And lasting in her sad remembrance .
-
-O ! she that hath a heart of that fine frame
-To pay this debt of love but to a brother ,
-How will she love , when the rich golden shaft
-Hath kill'd the flock of all affections else
-That live in her ; when liver , brain , and heart ,
-These sovereign thrones , are all supplied , and fill'd
-Her sweet perfections with one self king .
-Away before me to sweet beds of flowers ;
-Love-thoughts lie rich when canopied with bowers .
-
-
-What country , friends , is this ?
-
-This is Illyria , lady .
-
-And what should I do in Illyria ?
-My brother he is in Elysium .
-Perchance he is not drown'd : what think you sailors ?
-
-It is perchance that you yourself were sav'd .
-
-O my poor brother ! and so perchance may he be .
-
-True , madam : and , to comfort you with chance ,
-Assure yourself , after our ship did split ,
-When you and those poor number sav'd with you
-Hung on our driving boat , I saw your brother ,
-Most provident in peril , bind himself ,
-Courage and hope both teaching him the practice ,
-To a strong mast that liv'd upon the sea ;
-Where , like Arion on the dolphin's back ,
-I saw him hold acquaintance with the waves
-So long as I could see .
-
-For saying so there's gold .
-Mine own escape unfoldeth to my hope ,
-Whereto thy speech serves for authority ,
-The like of him . Know'st thou this country ?
-
-Ay , madam , well ; for I was bred and born
-Not three hours' travel from this very place .
-
-Who governs here ?
-
-A noble duke , in nature as in name .
-
-What is his name ?
-
-Orsino .
-
-Orsino ! I have heard my father name him :
-He was a bachelor then .
-
-And so is now , or was so very late ;
-For but a month ago I went from hence ,
-And then 'twas fresh in murmur ,as , you know ,
-What great ones do the less will prattle of ,
-That he did seek the love of fair Olivia .
-
-What's she ?
-
-A virtuous maid , the daughter of a count
-That died some twelvemonth since ; then leaving her
-In the protection of his son , her brother ,
-Who shortly also died : for whose dear love ,
-They say she hath abjur'd the company
-And sight of men .
-
-O ! that I serv'd that lady ,
-And might not be deliver'd to the world ,
-Till I had made mine own occasion mellow ,
-What my estate is .
-
-That were hard to compass ,
-Because she will admit no kind of suit ,
-No , not the duke's .
-
-There is a fair behaviour in thee , captain ;
-And though that nature with a beauteous wall
-Doth oft close in pollution , yet of thee
-I will believe thou hast a mind that suits
-With this thy fair and outward character .
-I prithee ,and I'll pay thee bounteously ,
-Conceal me what I am , and be my aid
-For such disguise as haply shall become
-The form of my intent . I'll serve this duke :
-Thou shalt present me as a eunuch to him :
-It may be worth thy pains ; for I can sing
-And speak to him in many sorts of music
-That will allow me very worth his service .
-What else may hap to time I will commit ;
-Only shape thou thy silence to my wit .
-
-Be you his eunuch , and your mute I'll be :
-When my tongue blabs , then let mine eyes not see .
-
-I thank thee : lead me on .
-
-
-What a plague means my niece , to take the death of her brother thus ? I am sure care's an enemy to life .
-
-By my troth , Sir Toby , you must come in earlier o' nights : your cousin , my lady , takes great exceptions to your ill hours .
-
-Why , let her except before excepted .
-
-Ay , but you must confine yourself within the modest limits of order .
-
-Confine ! I'll confine myself no finer than I am . These clothes are good enough to drink in , and so be these boots too : an they be not , let them hang themselves in their own straps .
-
-That quaffing and drinking will undo you : I heard my lady talk of it yesterday ; and of a foolish knight that you brought in one night here to be her wooer .
-
-Who ? Sir Andrew Aguecheek ?
-
-Ay , he .
-
-He's as tall a man as any's in Illyria .
-
-What's that to the purpose ?
-
-Why , he has three thousand ducats a year .
-
-Ay , but he'll have but a year in all these ducats : he's a very fool and a prodigal .
-
-Fie , that you'll say so ! he plays o' the viol-de-gamboys , and speaks three or four languages word for word without book , and hath all the good gifts of nature .
-
-He hath indeed , almost natural ; for , besides that he's a fool , he's a great quarreller ; and but that he hath the gift of a coward to allay the gust he hath in quarrelling , 'tis thought among the prudent he would quickly have the gift of a grave .
-
-By this hand , they are scoundrels and substractors that say so of him . Who are they ?
-
-They that add , moreover , he's drunk nightly in your company .
-
-With drinking healths to my niece . I'll drink to her as long as there is a passage in my throat and drink in Illyria . He's a coward and a coystril , that will not drink to my niece till his brains turn o' the toe like a parish-top . What , wench ! Castiliano vulgo ! for here comes Sir Andrew Agueface .
-
-
-Sir Toby Belch ! how now , Sir Toby Belch !
-
-Sweet Sir Andrew !
-
-Bless you , fair shrew .
-
-And you too , sir .
-
-Accost , Sir Andrew , accost .
-
-What's that ?
-
-My niece's chambermaid .
-
-Good Mistress Accost , I desire better acquaintance .
-
-My name is Mary , sir .
-
-Good Mistress Mary Accost ,
-
-You mistake , knight : 'accost' is , front her , board her , woo her , assail her .
-
-By my troth , I would not undertake her in this company . Is that the meaning of 'accost ?'
-
-Fare you well , gentlemen .
-
-An thou let her part so , Sir Andrew , would thou mightst never draw sword again !
-
-An you part so , mistress , I would I might never draw sword again . Fair lady , do you think you have fools in hand ?
-
-Sir , I have not you by the hand .
-
-Marry , but you shall have ; and here's my hand .
-
-Now , sir , 'thought is free :' I pray you , bring your hand to the buttery-bar and let it drink .
-
-Wherefore , sweetheart ? what's your metaphor ?
-
-It's dry , sir .
-
-Why , I think so : I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry . But what's your jest ?
-
-A dry jest , sir .
-
-Are you full of them ?
-
-Ay , sir , I have them at my fingers' ends : marry , now I let go your hand , I am barren .
-
-
-O knight ! thou lackest a cup of canary : when did I see thee so put down ?
-
-Never in your life , I think ; unless you see canary put me down . Methinks sometimes I have no more wit than a Christian or an ordinary man has ; but I am a great eater of beef , and I believe that does harm to my wit .
-
-No question .
-
-An I thought that , I'd forswear it .
-I'll ride home to-morrow , Sir Toby .
-
-Pourquoi , my dear knight ?
-
-What is 'pourquoi ?' do or not do ? I would I had bestowed that time in the tongues that I have in fencing , dancing , and bear-baiting . O ! had I but followed the arts !
-
-Then hadst thou had an excellent head of hair .
-
-Why , would that have mended my hair ?
-
-Past question ; for thou seest it will not curl by nature .
-
-But it becomes me well enough , does't not ?
-
-Excellent ; it hangs like flax on a distaff , and I hope to see a housewife take thee between her legs , and spin it off .
-
-Faith , I'll home to-morrow , Sir Toby : your niece will not be seen ; or if she be , it's four to one she'll none of me . The count himself here hard by woos her .
-
-She'll none o' the count ; she'll not match above her degree , neither in estate , years , nor wit ; I have heard her swear it . Tut , there's life in't , man .
-
-I'll stay a month longer . I am a fellow o' the strangest mind i' the world ; I delight in masques and revels sometimes altogether .
-
-Art thou good at these kickchawses , knight ?
-
-As any man in Illyria , whatsoever he be , under the degree of my betters : and yet I will not compare with an old man .
-
-What is thy excellence in a galliard , knight ?
-
-Faith , I can cut a caper .
-
-And I can cut the mutton to't .
-
-And I think I have the back-trick simply as strong as any man in Illyria .
-
-Wherefore are these things hid ? wherefore have these gifts a curtain before 'em ? are they like to take dust , like Mistress Mall's picture ? why dost thou not go to church in a galliard , and come home in a coranto ? My very walk should be a jig : I would not so much as make water but in a sink-a-pace . What dost thou mean ? is it a world to hide virtues in ? I did think , by the excellent constitution of thy leg , it was formed under the star of a galliard .
-
-Ay , 'tis strong , and it does indifferent well in a flame-coloured stock . Shall we set about some revels ?
-
-What shall we do else ? were we not born under Taurus ?
-
-Taurus ! that's sides and heart .
-
-No , sir , it is legs and thighs . Let me see thee caper . Ha ! higher : ha , ha ! excellent !
-
-
-If the duke continue these favours towards you , Cesario , you are like to be much advanced : he hath known you but three days , and already you are no stranger .
-
-You either fear his humour or my negligence , that you call in question the continuance of his love . Is he inconstant , sir , in his favours ?
-
-No , believe me .
-
-I thank you . Here comes the count .
-
-
-Who saw Cesario ? ho !
-
-On your attendance , my lord ; here .
-
-Stand you awhile aloof . Cesario ,
-Thou know'st no less but all ; I have unclasp'd
-To thee the book even of my secret soul :
-Therefore , good youth , address thy gait unto her ,
-Be not denied access , stand at her doors ,
-And tell them , there thy fixed foot shall grow
-Till thou have audience .
-
-Sure , my noble lord ,
-If she be so abandon'd to her sorrow
-As it is spoke , she never will admit me .
-
-Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds
-Rather than make unprofited return .
-
-Say I do speak with her , my lord , what then ?
-
-O ! then unfold the passion of my love ;
-Surprise her with discourse of my dear faith :
-It shall become thee well to act my woes ;
-She will attend it better in thy youth
-Than in a nuncio of more grave aspect .
-
-I think not so , my lord .
-
-Dear lad , believe it ;
-For they shall yet belie thy happy years
-That say thou art a man : Diana's lip
-Is not more smooth and rubious ; thy small pipe
-Is as the maiden's organ , shrill and sound ;
-And all is semblative a woman's part .
-I know thy constellation is right apt
-For this affair . Some four or five attend him ;
-All , if you will ; for I myself am best
-When least in company . Prosper well in this ,
-And thou shalt live as freely as thy lord ,
-To call his fortunes thine .
-
-I'll do my best
-To woo your lady :
-
-yet , a barful strife !
-Whoe'er I woo , myself would be his wife .
-
-
-Nay , either tell me where thou hast been , or I will not open my lips so wide as a bristle may enter in way of thy excuse . My lady will hang thee for thy absence .
-
-Let her hang me : he that is well hanged in this world needs to fear no colours .
-
-Make that good .
-
-He shall see none to fear .
-
-A good lenten answer : I can tell thee where that saying was born , of , 'I fear no colours .'
-
-Where , good Mistress Mary ?
-
-In the wars ; and that may you be bold to say in your foolery .
-
-Well , God give them wisdom that have it ; and those that are fools , let them use their talents .
-
-Yet you will be hanged for being so long absent ; or , to be turned away , is not that as good as a hanging to you ?
-
-Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage ; and , for turning away , let summer bear it out .
-
-You are resolute then ?
-
-Not so , neither ; but I am resolved on two points .
-
-That if one break , the other will hold ; or , if both break , your gaskins fall .
-
-Apt , in good faith ; very apt . Well , go thy way : if Sir Toby would leave drinking , thou wert as witty a piece of Eve's flesh as any in Illyria .
-
-Peace , you rogue , no more o' that . Here comes my lady : make your excuse wisely , you were best .
-
-
-Wit , an't be thy will , put me into good fooling ! Those wits that think they have thee , do very oft prove fools ; and I , that am sure I lack thee , may pass for a wise man : for what says Quinapalus ? 'Better a witty fool than a foolish wit .'
-
-God bless thee , lady !
-
-Take the fool away .
-
-Do you not hear , fellows ? Take away the lady .
-
-Go to , you're a dry fool ; I'll no more of you : besides , you grow dishonest .
-
-Two faults , madonna , that drink and good counsel will amend : for give the dry fool drink , then is the fool not dry ; bid the dishonest man mend himself : if he mend , he is no longer dishonest ; if he cannot , let the botcher mend him . Any thing that's mended is but patched : virtue that transgresses is but patched with sin ; and sin that amends is but patched with virtue . If that this simple syllogism will serve , so ; if it will not , what remedy ? As there is no true cuckold but calamity , so beauty's a flower . The lady bade take away the fool ; therefore , I say again , take her away .
-
-Sir , I bade them take away you .
-
-Misprision in the highest degree ! Lady , cucullus non facit monachum ; that's as much to say as I wear not motley in my brain . Good madonna , give me leave to prove you a fool .
-
-Can you do it ?
-
-Dexteriously , good madonna .
-
-Make your proof .
-
-I must catechise you for it , madonna : good my mouse of virtue , answer me .
-
-Well , sir , for want of other idleness , I'll bide your proof .
-
-Good madonna , why mournest thou ?
-
-Good fool , for my brother's death .
-
-I think his soul is in hell , madonna .
-
-I know his soul is in heaven , fool .
-
-The more fool , madonna , to mourn for your brother's soul being in heaven . Take away the fool , gentlemen .
-
-What think you of this fool , Malvolio ? doth he not mend ?
-
-Yes ; and shall do , till the pangs of death shake him : infirmity , that decays the wise , doth ever make the better fool .
-
-God send you , sir , a speedy infirmity , for the better increasing your folly ! Sir Toby will be sworn that I am no fox , but he will not pass his word for two pence that you are no fool .
-
-How say you to that , Malvolio ?
-
-I marvel your ladyship takes delight in such a barren rascal : I saw him put down the other day with an ordinary fool that has no more brain than a stone . Look you now , he's out of his guard already ; unless you laugh and minister occasion to him , he is gagged . I protest , I take these wise men , that crow so at these set kind of fools , no better than the fools' zanies .
-
-O ! you are sick of self-love , Malvolio , and taste with a distempered appetite . To be generous , guiltless , and of free disposition , is to take those things for bird-bolts that you deem cannon-bullets . There is no slander in an allowed fool , though he do nothing but rail ; nor no railing in a known discreet man , though he do nothing but reprove .
-
-Now , Mercury endue thee with leasing , for thou speakest well of fools !
-
-
-Madam , there is at the gate a young gentleman much desires to speak with you .
-
-From the Count Orsino , is it ?
-
-I know not , madam : 'tis a fair young man , and well attended .
-
-Who of my people hold him in delay ?
-
-Sir Toby , madam , your kinsman .
-
-Fetch him off , I pray you : he speaks nothing but madman . Fie on him !
-
-
-Now you see , sir , how your fooling grows old , and people dislike it .
-
-Thou hast spoken for us , madonna , as if thy eldest son should be a fool ; whose skull Jove cram with brains ! for here comes one of thy kin has a most weak pia mater .
-
-
-By mine honour , half drunk . What is he at the gate , cousin ?
-
-A gentleman .
-
-A gentleman ! what gentleman ?
-
-'Tis a gentleman here ,a plague o' these pickle herring ! How now , sot !
-
-Good Sir Toby .
-
-Cousin , cousin , how have you come so early by this lethargy ?
-
-Lechery ! I defy lechery ! There's one at the gate .
-
-Ay , marry , what is he ?
-
-Let him be the devil , an he will , I care not : give me faith , say I . Well , it's all one .
-
-
-What's a drunken man like , fool ?
-
-Like a drowned man , a fool , and a madman : one draught above heat makes him a fool , the second mads him , and a third drowns him .
-
-Go thou and seek the crowner , and let him sit o' my coz ; for he's in the third degree of drink , he's drowned : go , look after him .
-
-He is but mad yet , madonna ; and the fool shall look to the madman .
-
-Madam , yond young fellow swears he will speak with you . I told him you were sick : he takes on him to understand so much , and therefore comes to speak with you . I told him you were asleep : he seems to have a foreknowledge of that too , and therefore comes to speak with you . What is to be said to him , lady ? he's fortified against any denial .
-
-Tell him he shall not speak with me .
-
-Ha's been told so ; and he says , he'll stand at your door like a sheriff's post , and be the supporter to a bench , but he'll speak with you .
-
-What kind o' man is he ?
-
-Why , of mankind .
-
-What manner of man ?
-
-Of very ill manner : he'll speak with you , will you or no .
-
-Of what personage and years is he ?
-
-Not yet old enough for a man , nor young enough for a boy ; as a squash is before 'tis a peascod , or a codling when 'tis almost an apple : 'tis with him in standing water , between boy and man . He is very well-favoured , and he speaks very shrewishly : one would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him .
-
-Let him approach . Call in my gentlewoman .
-
-Gentlewoman , my lady calls .
-
-Give me my veil : come , throw it o'er my face .
-We'll once more hear Orsino's embassy .
-
-
-The honourable lady of the house , which is she ?
-
-Speak to me ; I shall answer for her .
-Your will ?
-
-Most radiant , exquisite , and unmatchable beauty ,I pray you tell me if this be the lady of the house , for I never saw her : I would be loath to cast away my speech ; for , besides that it is excellently well penned , I have taken great pains to con it . Good beauties , let me sustain no scorn ; I am very comptible , even to the least sinister usage .
-
-Whence came you , sir ?
-
-I can say little more than I have studied , and that question's out of my part . Good gentle one , give me modest assurance if you be the lady of the house , that I may proceed in my speech .
-
-Are you a comedian ?
-
-No , my profound heart ; and yet , by the very fangs of malice I swear I am not that I play . Are you the lady of the house ?
-
-If I do not usurp myself , I am .
-
-Most certain , if you are she , you do usurp yourself ; for , what is yours to bestow is not yours to reserve . But this is from my commission : I will on with my speech in your praise , and then show you the heart of my message .
-
-Come to what is important in't : I forgive you the praise .
-
-Alas ! I took great pains to study it , and 'tis poetical .
-
-It is the more like to be feigned : I pray you keep it in . I heard you were saucy at my gates , and allowed your approach rather to wonder at you than to hear you . If you be not mad , be gone ; if you have reason , be brief : 'tis not that time of moon with me to make one in so skipping a dialogue .
-
-Will you hoist sail , sir ? here lies your way .
-
-No , good swabber ; I am to hull here a little longer . Some mollification for your giant , sweet lady .
-
-Tell me your mind .
-
-I am a messenger .
-
-Sure , you have some hideous matter to deliver , when the courtesy of it is so fearful . Speak your office .
-
-It alone concerns your ear . I bring no overture of war , no taxation of homage : I hold the olive in my hand ; my words are as full of peace as matter .
-
-Yet you began rudely . What are you ? what would you ?
-
-The rudeness that hath appear'd in me have I learn'd from my entertainment . What I am , and what I would , are as secret as maiden-head ; to your ears , divinity ; to any other's , profanation .
-
-Give us the place alone : we will hear this divinity .
-
-Now , sir ; what is your text ?
-
-Most sweet lady ,
-
-A comfortable doctrine , and much may be said of it . Where lies your text ?
-
-In Orsino's bosom .
-
-In his bosom ! In what chapter of his bosom ?
-
-To answer by the method , in the first of his heart .
-
-O ! I have read it : it is heresy . Have you no more to say ?
-
-Good madam , let me see your face .
-
-Have you any commission from your lord to negotiate with my face ? you are now out of your text : but we will draw the curtain and show you the picture .
-
-Look you , sir , such a one I was as this present : is't not well done ?
-
-Excellently done , if God did all .
-
-'Tis in grain , sir ; 'twill endure wind and weather .
-
-'Tis beauty truly blent , whose red and white
-Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on :
-Lady , you are tho cruell'st she alive ,
-If you will lead these graces to the grave
-And leave the world no copy .
-
-O ! sir , I will not be so hard-hearted ; I will give out divers schedules of my beauty : it shall be inventoried , and every particle and utensil labelled to my will : as Item , Two lips , indifferent red ; Item , Two grey eyes , with lids to them ; Item , One neck , one chin , and so forth . Were you sent hither to praise me ?
-
-I see you what you are : you are too proud ;
-But , if you were the devil , you are fair .
-My lord and master loves you : O ! such love
-Could be but recompens'd , though you were crown'd
-The nonpareil of beauty .
-
-How does he love me ?
-
-With adorations , with fertile tears ,
-With groans that thunder love , with sighs of fire .
-
-Your lord does know my mind ; I cannot love him ;
-Yet I suppose him virtuous , know him noble ,
-Of great estate , of fresh and stainless youth ;
-In voices well divulg'd , free , learn'd , and valiant ;
-And , in dimension and the shape of nature
-A gracious person ; but yet I cannot love him :
-He might have took his answer long ago .
-
-If I did love you in my master's flame ,
-With such a suffering , such a deadly life ,
-In your denial I would find no sense ;
-I would not understand it .
-
-Why , what would you ?
-
-Make me a willow cabin at your gate ,
-And call upon my soul within the house ;
-Write loyal cantons of contemned love ,
-And sing them loud even in the dead of night ;
-Holla your name to the reverberate hills ,
-And make the babbling gossip of the air
-Cry out , 'Olivia !' O ! you should not rest
-Between the elements of air and earth ,
-But you should pity me !
-
-You might do much . What is your parentage ?
-
-Above my fortune , yet my state is well :
-I am a gentleman .
-
-Get you to your lord :
-I cannot love him . Let him send no more ,
-Unless , perchance , you come to me again ,
-To tell me how he takes it . Fare you well :
-I thank you for your pains : spend this for me .
-
-I am no fee'd post , lady ; keep your purse :
-My master , not myself , lacks recompense .
-Love make his heart of flint that you shall love ,
-And let your fervour , like my master's , be
-Plac'd in contempt ! Farewell , fair cruelty .
-
-
-'What is your parentage ?'
-'Above my fortunes , yet my state is well :
-I am a gentleman .' I'll be sworn thou art :
-Thy tongue , thy face , thy limbs , actions , and spirit ,
-Do give thee five-fold blazon . Not too fast : soft ! soft !
-Unless the master were the man . How now !
-Even so quickly may one catch the plague ?
-Methinks I feel this youth's perfections
-With an invisible and subtle stealth
-To creep in at mine eyes . Well , let it be .
-What , ho ! Malvolio !
-
-
-Here , madam , at your service .
-
-Run after that same peevish messenger ,
-The county's man : he left this ring behind him ,
-Would I , or not : tell him I'll none of it .
-Desire him not to flatter with his lord ,
-Nor hold him up with hopes : I'm not for him .
-If that the youth will come this way to-morrow ,
-I'll give him reasons for't . Hie thee , Malvolio .
-
-Madam , I will .
-
-
-I do I know not what , and fear to find
-Mine eye too great a flatterer for my mind .
-Fate , show thy force : ourselves we do not owe ;
-What is decreed must be , and be this so !
-
-Will you stay no longer ? nor will you not that I go with you ?
-
-By your patience , no . My stars shine darkly over me ; the malignancy of my fate might , perhaps , distemper yours ; therefore I shall crave of you your leave that I may bear my evils alone . It were a bad recompense for your love to lay any of them on you .
-
-Let me yet know of you whither you are bound .
-
-No , sooth , sir : my determinate voyage is mere extravagancy . But I perceive in you so excellent a touch of modesty that you will not extort from me what I am willing to keep in ; therefore , it charges me in manners the rather to express myself . You must know of me then , Antonio , my name is Sebastian , which I called Roderigo . My father was that Sebastian of Messaline , whom I know you have heard of . He left behind him myself and a sister , both born in an hour : if the heavens had been pleased , would we had so ended ! but you , sir , altered that ; for some hour before you took me from the breach of the sea was my sister drowned .
-
-Alas the day !
-
-A lady , sir , though it was said she much resembled me , was yet of many accounted beautiful : but , though I could not with such estimable wonder overfar believe that , yet thus far I will boldly publish her : she bore a mind that envy could not but call fair . She is drowned already , sir , with salt water , though I seem to drown her remembrance again with more .
-
-Pardon me , sir , your bad entertainment .
-
-O good Antonio ! forgive me your trouble !
-
-If you will not murder me for my love , let me be your servant .
-
-If you will not undo what you have done , that is , kill him whom you have recovered , desire it not . Fare ye well at once : my bosom is full of kindness ; and I am yet so near the manners of my mother , that upon the least occasion more mine eyes will tell tales of me . I am bound to the Count Orsino's court : farewell .
-
-
-The gentleness of all the gods go with thee !
-I have many enemies in Orsino's court ,
-Else would I very shortly see thee there ;
-But , come what may , I do adore thee so ,
-That danger shall seem sport , and I will go .
-
-
-Were not you even now with the Countess Olivia ?
-
-Even now , sir : on a moderate pace I have since arrived but hither .
-
-She returns this ring to you , sir : you might have saved me my pains , to have taken it away yourself . She adds , moreover , that you should put your lord into a desperate assurance she will none of him . And one thing more ; that you be never so hardy to come again in his affairs , unless it be to report your lord's taking of this . Receive it so .
-
-She took the ring of me ; I'll none of it .
-
-Come , sir , you peevishly threw it to her ; and her will is it should be so returned : if it be worth stooping for , there it lies in your eye ; if not , be it his that finds it .
-
-
-I left no ring with her : what means this lady ?
-Fortune forbid my outside have not charm'd her !
-She made good view of me ; indeed , so much ,
-That sure methought her eyes had lost her tongue ,
-For she did speak in starts distractedly .
-She loves me , sure ; the cunning of her passion
-Invites me in this churlish messenger .
-None of my lord's ring ! why , he sent her none .
-I am the man : if it be so , as 'tis ,
-Poor lady , she were better love a dream .
-Disguise , I see , thou art a wickedness ,
-Wherein the pregnant enemy does much .
-How easy is it for the proper-false
-In women's waxen hearts to set their forms !
-Alas ! our frailty is the cause , not we !
-For such as we are made of , such we be .
-How will this fadge ? My master loves her dearly ;
-And I , poor monster , fond as much on him ;
-And she , mistaken , seems to dote on me .
-What will become of this ? As I am man ,
-My state is desperate for my master's love ;
-As I am woman ,now alas the day !
-What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe !
-O time ! thou must untangle this , not I ;
-It is too hard a knot for me to untie .
-
-
-Approach , Sir Andrew : not to be a-bed after midnight is to be up betimes ; and diluculo surgere , thou knowest ,
-
-Nay , by my troth , I know not ; but I know , to be up late is to be up late .
-
-A false conclusion : I hate it as an unfilled can . To be up after midnight and to go to bed then , is early ; so that to go to bed after midnight is to go to bed betimes . Does not our life consist of the four elements ?
-
-Faith , so they say ; but , I think , it rather consists of eating and drinking .
-
-Thou art a scholar ; let us therefore eat and drink . Marian , I say ! a stoup of wine !
-
-
-Here comes the fool , i' faith .
-
-How now , my hearts ! Did you never see the picture of 'we three ?'
-
-Welcome , ass . Now let's have a catch .
-
-By my troth , the fool has an excellent breast . I had rather than forty shillings I had such a leg , and so sweet a breath to sing , as the fool has . In sooth , thou wast in very gracious fooling last night , when thou spokest of Pigrogromitus , of the Vapians passing the equinoctial of Queubus : 'twas very good , i' faith . I sent thee sixpence for thy leman : hadst it ?
-
-I did impeticos thy gratillity ; for Malvolio's nose is no whipstock : my lady has a white hand , and the Myrmidons are no bottleale houses .
-
-Excellent ! Why , this is the best fooling , when all is done . Now , a song .
-
-Come on ; there is sixpence for you : let's have a song .
-
-There's a testril of me too : if one knight give a
-
-Would you have a love-song , or a song of good life ?
-
-A love-song , a love-song .
-
-Ay , ay ; I care not for good life .
-
-
-O mistress mine ! where are you roaming ?
-O ! stay and hear ; your true love's coming ,
-That can sing both high and low .
-Trip no further , pretty sweeting ;
-Journeys end in lovers meeting ,
-Every wise man's son doth know .
-
-
-Excellent good , i' faith .
-
-Good , good .
-
-
-What is love ? 'tis not hereafter ;
-Present mirth hath present laughter ;
-What's to come is still unsure :
-In delay there lies no plenty ;
-Then come kiss me , sweet and twenty ,
-Youth's a stuff will not endure .
-
-
-A mellifluous voice , as I am true knight .
-
-A contagious breath .
-
-Very sweet and contagious , i' faith .
-
-To hear by the nose , it is dulcet in contagion . But shall we make the welkin dance indeed ? Shall we rouse the night-owl in a catch that will draw three souls out of one weaver ? shall we do that ?
-
-An you love me , let's do't : I am dog at a catch .
-
-By'r lady , sir , and some dogs will catch well .
-
-Most certain . Let our catch be , 'Thou knave .'
-
-Hold thy peace , thou knave ,' knight ? I shall be constrain'd in't to call thee knave , knight .
-
-'Tis not the first time I have constrained one to call me knave . Begin , fool : it begins , 'Hold thy peace .'
-
-I shall never begin if I hold my peace .
-
-Good , i' faith . Come , begin .
-
-What a caterwauling do you keep here ! If my lady have not called up her steward Malvolio and bid him turn you out of doors , never trust me .
-
-My lady's a Cataian ; we are politicians ; Malvolio's a Peg-a-Ramsey , and 'Three merry men be we .' Am not I consanguineous ? am I not of her blood ? Tillyvally , lady !
-There dwelt a man in Babylon , lady , lady !
-
-Beshrew me , the knight's in admirable fooling .
-
-Ay , he does well enough if he be disposed , and so do I too : he does it with a better grace , but I do it more natural .
-
-O ! the twelfth day of December ,
-
-For the love o' God , peace !
-
-
-My masters , are you mad ? or what are you ? Have you no wit , manners , nor honesty , but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night ? Do ye make an alehouse of my lady's house , that ye squeak out your coziers' catches without any mitigation or remorse of voice ? Is there no respect of place , persons , nor time , in you ?
-
-We did keep time , sir , in our catches . Sneck up !
-
-Sir Toby , I must be round with you . My lady bade me tell you , that , though she harbours you as her kinsman , she's nothing allied to your disorders . If you can separate yourself and your misdemeanours , you are welcome to the house ; if not , an it would please you to take leave of her , she is very willing to bid you farewell .
-
-Farewell , dear heart , since I must needs be gone .
-
-Nay , good Sir Toby .
-
-His eyes do show his days are almost done .
-
-Is't even so ?
-
-But I will never die .
-
-Sir Toby , there you lie .
-
-This is much credit to you .
-
-Shall I bid him go ?
-
-What an if you do ?
-
-Shall I bid him go , and spare not ?
-
-O ! no , no , no , no , you dare not .
-
-'Out o' time !' Sir , ye lie . Art any more than a steward ? Dost thou think , because thou art virtuous , there shall be no more cakes and ale ?
-
-Yes , by Saint Anne ; and ginger shall be hot i' the mouth too .
-
-Thou'rt i' the right . Go , sir , rub your chain with crumbs . A stoup of wine , Maria !
-
-Mistress Mary , if you prized my lady's favour at anything more than contempt , you would not give means for this uncivil rule : she shall know of it , by this hand .
-
-
-Go shake your ears .
-
-'Twere as good a deed as to drink when a man's a-hungry , to challenge him the field , and then to break promise with him and make a fool of him .
-
-Do't , knight : I'll write thee a challenge ; or I'll deliver thy indignation to him by word of mouth .
-
-Sweet Sir Toby , be patient for to-night : since the youth of the count's was to-day with my lady , she is much out of quiet . For Monsieur Malvolio , let me alone with him : if I do not gull him into a nayword , and make him a common recreation , do not think I have wit enough to lie straight in my bed . I know I can do it .
-
-Possess us , possess us ; tell us something of him .
-
-Marry , sir , sometimes he is a kind of puritan .
-
-O ! if I thought that , I'd beat him like a dog .
-
-What , for being a puritan ? thy exquisite reason , dear knight ?
-
-I have no exquisite reason for't , but I have reason good enough .
-
-The devil a puritan that he is , or anything constantly but a time-pleaser ; an affectioned ass , that cons state without book , and utters it by great swarths : the best persuaded of himself ; so crammed , as he thinks , with excellences , that it is his ground of faith that all that look on him love him ; and on that vice in him will my revenge find notable cause to work .
-
-What wilt thou do ?
-
-I will drop in his way some obscure epistles of love ; wherein , by the colour of his beard , the shape of his leg , the manner of his gait , the expressure of his eye , forehead , and complexion , he shall find himself most feelingly personated . I can write very like my lady your niece ; on a forgotten matter we can hardly make distinction of our hands .
-
-Excellent ! I smell a device .
-
-I have't in my nose too .
-
-He shall think , by the letters that thou wilt drop , that they come from my niece , and that she is in love with him .
-
-My purpose is , indeed , a horse of that colour .
-
-And your horse now would make him an ass .
-
-Ass , I doubt not .
-
-O ! 'twill be admirable .
-
-Sport royal , I warrant you : I know my physic will work with him . I will plant you two , and let the fool make a third , where he shall find the letter : observe his construction of it . For this night , to bed , and dream on the event . Farewell .
-
-
-Good night , Penthesilea .
-
-Before me , she's a good wench .
-
-She's a beagle , true-bred , and one that adores me : what o' that ?
-
-I was adored once too .
-
-Let's to bed , knight . Thou hadst need send for more money .
-
-If I cannot recover your niece , I am a foul way out .
-
-Send for money , knight : if thou hast her not i' the end , call me cut .
-
-If I do not , never trust me , take it how you will .
-
-Come , come : I'll go burn some sack ; 'tis too late to go to bed now . Come , knight ; come , knight .
-
-
-Give me some music . Now , good morrow , friends :
-Now , good Cesario , but that piece of song ,
-That old and antique song we heard last night ;
-Methought it did relieve my passion much ,
-More than light airs and recollected terms
-Of these most brisk and giddy-paced times :
-Come ; but one verse .
-
-He is not here , so please your lordship , that should sing it .
-
-Who was it ?
-
-Feste , the jester , my lord ; a fool that the Lady Olivia's father took much delight in . He is about the house .
-
-Seek him out , and play the tune the while .
-
-Come hither , boy : if ever thou shalt love ,
-In the sweet pangs of it remember me ;
-For such as I am all true lovers are :
-Unstaid and skittish in all motions else
-Save in the constant image of the creature
-That is belov'd . How dost thou like this tune ?
-
-It gives a very echo to the seat
-Where love is thron'd .
-
-Thou dost speak masterly .
-My life upon't , young though thou art , thine eye
-Hath stay'd upon some favour that it loves ;
-Hath it not , boy ?
-
-A little , by your favour .
-
-What kind of woman is't ?
-
-Of your complexion .
-
-She is not worth thee , then . What years , i' faith ?
-
-About your years , my lord .
-
-Too old , by heaven . Let still the woman take
-An elder than herself , so wears she to him ,
-So sways she level in her husband's heart :
-For , boy , however we do praise ourselves ,
-Our fancies are more giddy and unfirm ,
-More longing , wavering , sooner lost and worn ,
-Than women's are .
-
-I think it well , my lord .
-
-Then , let thy love be younger than thyself ,
-Or thy affection cannot hold the bent ;
-For women are as roses , whose fair flower
-Being once display'd , doth fall that very hour .
-
-And so they are : alas , that they are so ;
-To die , even when they to perfection grow !
-
-
-O , fellow ! come , the song we had last night .
-Mark it , Cesario ; it is old and plain ;
-The spinsters and the knitters in the sun ,
-And the free maids that weave their thread with bones ,
-Do use to chant it : it is silly sooth ,
-And dallies with the innocence of love ,
-Like the old age .
-
-Are you ready , sir ?
-
-Ay ; prithee , sing .
-
-
-Come away , come away , death ,
-And in sad cypress let me be laid ;
-Fly away , fly away , breath ;
-I am slain by a fair cruel maid .
-My shroud of white , stuck all with yew ,
-O ! prepare it
-My part of death , no one so true
-Did share it .
-
-
-Not a flower , not a flower sweet ,
-On my black coffin let there be strown ,
-Not a friend , not a friend greet
-My poor corse , where my bones shall be thrown .
-A thousand thousand sighs to save ,
-Lay me , O ! where
-Sad true lover never find my grave ,
-To weep there .
-
-
-There's for thy pains .
-
-No pains , sir ; I take pleasure in singing , sir .
-
-I'll pay thy pleasure then .
-
-Truly , sir , and pleasure will be paid , one time or another .
-
-Give me now leave to leave thee .
-
-Now , the melancholy god protect thee , and the tailor make thy doublet of changeable taffeta , for thy mind is a very opal ! I would have men of such constancy put to sea , that their business might be everything and their intent everywhere ; for that's it that always makes a good voyage of nothing . Farewell .
-
-
-Let all the rest give place .
-
-Once more , Cesario ,
-Get thee to yond same sovereign cruelty :
-Tell her , my love , more noble than the world ,
-Prizes not quantity of dirty lands ;
-The parts that fortune hath bestow'd upon her ,
-Tell her , I hold as giddily as fortune ;
-But 'tis that miracle and queen of gems
-That nature pranks her in attracts my soul .
-
-But if she cannot love you , sir ?
-
-I cannot be so answer'd .
-
-Sooth , but you must .
-Say that some lady , as perhaps , there is ,
-Hath for your love as great a pang of heart
-As you have for Olivia : you cannot love her ;
-You tell her so ; must she not then be answer'd ?
-
-There is no woman's sides
-Can bide the beating of so strong a passion
-As love doth give my heart ; no woman's heart
-So big , to hold so much ; they lack retention .
-Alas ! their love may be call'd appetite ,
-No motion of the liver , but the palate ,
-That suffer surfeit , cloyment , and revolt ;
-But mine is all as hungry as the sea ,
-And can digest as much . Make no compare
-Between that love a woman can bear me
-And that I owe Olivia .
-
-Ay , but I know ,
-
-What dost thou know ?
-
-Too well what love women to men may owe :
-In faith , they are as true of heart as we .
-My father had a daughter lov'd a man ,
-As it might be , perhaps , were I a woman ,
-I should your lordship .
-
-And what's her history ?
-
-A blank , my lord . She never told her love ,
-But let concealment , like a worm i' the bud ,
-Feed on her damask cheek : she pin'd in thought ,
-And with a green and yellow melancholy ,
-She sat like Patience on a monument ,
-Smiling at grief . Was not this love indeed ?
-We men may say more , swear more ; but indeed
-Our shows are more than will , for still we prove
-Much in our vows , but little in our love .
-
-But died thy sister of her love , my boy ?
-
-I am all the daughters of my father's house ,
-And all the brothers too ; and yet I know not .
-Sir , shall I to this lady ?
-
-Ay , that's the theme .
-To her in haste ; give her this jewel ; say
-My love can give no place , bide no denay .
-
-
-Come thy ways , Signior Fabian .
-
-Nay , I'll come : if I lose a scruple of this sport , let me be boiled to death with melancholy .
-
-Wouldst thou not be glad to have the niggardly rascally sheep-biter come by some notable shame ?
-
-I would exult , man : you know he brought me out o' favour with my lady about a bear-baiting here .
-
-To anger him we'll have the bear again ; and we will fool him black and blue ; shall we not , Sir Andrew ?
-
-An we do not , it is pity of our lives .
-
-Here comes the little villain .
-
-How now , my metal of India !
-
-Get ye all three into the box-tree . Malvolio's coming down this walk : he has been yonder i' the sun practising behaviour to his own shadow this half-hour . Observe him , for the love of mockery ; for I know this letter will make a contemplative idiot of him . Close , in the name of jesting ! Lie thou there :
-
-for here comes the trout that must be caught with tickling .
-
-'Tis but fortune ; all is fortune . Maria once told me she did affect me ; and I have heard herself come thus near , that should she fancy , it should be one of my complexion . Besides , she uses me with a more exalted respect than anyone else that follows her . What should I think on't ?
-
-Here's an over-weening rogue !
-
-O , peace ! Contemplation makes a rare turkey-cock of him : how he jets under his advanced plumes !
-
-'Slight , I could so beat the rogue !
-
-Peace ! I say .
-
-To be Count Malvolio !
-
-Ah , rogue !
-
-Pistol him , pistol him .
-
-Peace ! peace !
-
-There is example for't : the lady of the Strachy married the yeoman of the wardrobe .
-
-Fie on him , Jezebel !
-
-O , peace ! now he's deeply in ; look how imagination blows him .
-
-Having been three months married to her , sitting in my state ,
-
-O ! for a stone-bow , to hit him in the eye !
-
-Calling my officers about me , in my branched velvet gown ; having come from a daybed , where I have left Olivia sleeping ,
-
-Fire and brimstone !
-
-O , peace ! peace !
-
-And then to have the humour of state : and after a demure travel of regard , telling them I know my place , as I would they should do theirs , to ask for my kinsman Toby ,
-
-Bolts and shackles !
-
-O , peace , peace , peace ! now , now .
-
-Seven of my people , with an obedient start , make out for him . I frown the while ; and perchance wind up my watch , or play with my some rich jewel . Toby approaches ; curtsies there to me ,
-
-Shall this fellow live ?
-
-Though our silence be drawn from us with cars , yet peace !
-
-I extend my hand to him thus , quenching my familiar smile with an austere regard of control ,
-
-And does not Toby take you a blow o' the lips then ?
-
-Saying , 'Cousin Toby , my fortunes having cast me on your niece give me this prerogative of speech ,'
-
-What , what ?
-
-'You must amend your drunkenness .'
-
-Out , scab !
-
-Nay , patience , or we break the sinews of our plot .
-
-'Besides , you waste the treasure of your time with a foolish knight ,'
-
-That's me , I warrant you .
-
-'One Sir Andrew ,'
-
-I knew 'twas I ; for many do call me fool .
-
-What employment have we here ?
-
-Now is the woodcock near the gin .
-
-O , peace ! and the spirit of humours intimate reading aloud to him !
-
-By my life , this is my lady's hand ! these be her very C's , her U's , and her T's ; and thus makes she her great P's . It is , in contempt of question , her hand .
-
-Her C's , her U's , and her T's : why that
-
-To the unknown beloved , this and my good wishes : her very phrases ! By your leave , wax . Soft ! and the impressure her Lucrece , with which she uses to seal : 'tis my lady . To whom should this be ?
-
-This wins him , liver and all .
-
-
-Jove knows I love ;
-But who ?
-Lips , do not move
-No man must know .
-
-'No man must know .' What follows ? the numbers altered ! 'No man must know :' if this should be thee , Malvolio !
-
-Marry , hang thee , brock !
-
-
-I may command where I adore ;
-But silence , like a Lucrece knife ,
-With bloodless stroke my heart doth gore :
-M , O , A , I , doth sway my life .
-
-
-A fustian riddle !
-
-Excellent wench , say I .
-
-'M , O , A , I , doth sway my life .' Nay , but first , let me see , let me see , let me see .
-
-What dish o' poison has she dressed him !
-
-And with what wing the staniel checks at it !
-
-'I may command where I adore .' Why , she may command me : I serve her ; she is my lady . Why , this is evident to any formal capacity ; there is no obstruction in this . And the end , what should that alphabetical position portend ? if I could make that resemble something in me ,Softly !M , O , A , I ,
-
-O ! ay , make up that : he is now at a cold scent .
-
-Sowter will cry upon 't , for all this , though it be as rank as a fox .
-
-M , Malvolio ; M , why , that begins my name .
-
-Did not I say he would work it out ? the cur is excellent at faults .
-
-M ,But then there is no consonancy in the sequel ; that suffers under probation : A should follow , but O does .
-
-And O shall end , I hope .
-
-Ay , or I'll cudgel him , and make him cry , O !
-
-And then I comes behind .
-
-Ay , an you had any eye behind you , you might see more detraction at your heels than fortunes before you .
-
-M , O , A , I ; this simulation is not as the former ; and yet , to crush this a little , it would bow to me , for every one of these letters are in my name . Soft ! here follows prose .
-
-If this fall into thy hand , revolve . In my stars I am above thee ; but be not afraid of greatness : some are born great , some achieve greatness , and some have greatness thrust upon them . Thy Fates open their hands ; let thy blood and spirit embrace them ; and to inure thyself to what thou art like to be , cast thy humble slough , and appear fresh . Be opposite with a kinsman , surly with servants ; let thy tongue tang arguments of state ; put thyself into the trick of singularity She thus advises thee that sighs for thee . Remember who commended thy yellow stockings , and wished to see thee ever cross-gartered : I say , remember . Go to , thou art made , if thou desirest to be so ; if not , let me see thee a steward still , the fellow of servants , and not worthy to touch Fortune's fingers . Farewell . She that would alter services with thee . THE FORTUNATE-UNHAPPY .
-
-Daylight and champian discovers not more : this is open . I will be proud , I will read politic authors , I will baffle Sir Toby , I will wash off gross acquaintance , I will be point-devise the very man . I do not now fool myself , to let imagination jade me , for every reason excites to this , that my lady loves me . She did commend my yellow stockings of late , she did praise my leg being cross-gartered ; and in this she manifests herself to my love , and , with a kind of injunction drives me to these habits of her liking . I thank my stars I am happy . I will be strange , stout , in yellow stockings , and cross-gartered , even with the swiftness of putting on . Jove and my stars be praised ! Here is yet a postscript .
-
-Thou canst not choose but know who I am . If thou entertainest my love , let it appear in thy smiling ; thy smiles become thee well ; therefore in my presence still smile , dear my sweet , I prithee .
-
-Jove , I thank thee . I will smile : I will do everything that thou wilt have me .
-
-
-I will not give my part of this sport for a pension of thousands to be paid from the Sophy .
-
-I could marry this wench for this device .
-
-So could I too .
-
-And ask no other dowry with her but such another jest .
-
-Nor I neither .
-
-Here comes my noble gull-catcher .
-
-
-Wilt thou set thy foot o' my neck ?
-
-Or o' mine either ?
-
-Shall I play my freedom at tray-trip , and become thy bond-slave ?
-
-I' faith , or I either ?
-
-Why , thou hast put him in such a dream , that when the image of it leaves him he must run mad .
-
-Nay , but say true ; does it work upon him ?
-
-Like aqua-vit with a midwife .
-
-If you will , then see the fruits of the sport , mark his first approach before my lady ; he will come to her in yellow stockings , and 'tis a colour she abhors ; and cross-gartered , a fashion she detests ; and he will smile upon her , which will now be so unsuitable to her disposition , being addicted to a melancholy as she is , that it cannot but turn him into a notable contempt . If you will see it , follow me .
-
-To the gates of Tartar , thou most excellent devil of wit !
-
-I'll make one too .
-
-Save thee , friend , and thy music . Dost thou live by thy tabor ?
-
-No , sir , I live by the church .
-
-Art thou a churchman ?
-
-No such matter , sir : I do live by the church ; for I do live at my house , and my house doth stand by the church .
-
-So thou mayst say , the king lies by a beggar , if a beggar dwell near him ; or , the church stands by thy tabor , if thy tabor stand by the church .
-
-You have said , sir . To see this age !
-A sentence is but a cheveril glove to a good wit : how quickly the wrong side may be turned outward !
-
-Nay , that's certain : they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton .
-
-I would therefore my sister had had no name , sir .
-
-Why , man ?
-
-Why , sir , her name's a word ; and to dally with that word might make my sister wanton . But indeed , words are very rascals since bonds disgraced them .
-
-Thy reason , man ?
-
-Troth , sir , I can yield you none without words ; and words are grown so false , I am loath to prove reason with them .
-
-I warrant thou art a merry fellow , and carest for nothing .
-
-Not so , sir , I do care for something ; but in my conscience , sir , I do not care for you : if that be to care for nothing , sir , I would it would make you invisible .
-
-Art not thou the Lady Olivia's fool ?
-
-No , indeed , sir ; the Lady Olivia has no folly : she will keep no fool , sir , till she be married ; and fools are as like husbands as pilchards are to herrings the husband's the bigger . I am indeed not her fool , but her corrupter of words .
-
-I saw thee late at the Count Orsino's .
-
-Foolery , sir , does walk about the orb like the sun ; it shines every where . I would be sorry , sir , but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress . I think I saw your wisdom there .
-
-Nay , an thou pass upon me , I'll no more with thee . Hold , there's sixpence for thee .
-
-
-Now Jove , in his next commodity of hair , send thee a beard !
-
-By my troth , I'll tell thee , I am almost sick for one , though I would not have it grow on my chin . Is thy lady within ?
-
-Would not a pair of these have bred , sir ?
-
-Yes , being kept together and put to use .
-
-I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia , sir , to bring a Cressida to this Troilus .
-
-I understand you , sir ; 'tis well begg'd .
-
-The matter , I hope , is not great , sir , begging but a beggar : Cressida was a beggar . My lady is within , sir . I will conster to them whence you come ; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin ; I might say 'element ,' but the word is overworn .
-
-
-This fellow's wise enough to play the fool ,
-And to do that well craves a kind of wit :
-He must observe their mood on whom he jests ,
-The quality of persons , and the time ,
-And , like the haggard , check at every feather
-That comes before his eye . This is a practice
-As full of labour as a wise man's art ;
-For folly that he wisely shows is fit ;
-But wise men folly-fall'n , quite taint their wit .
-
-
-Save you , gentleman .
-
-And you , sir .
-
-Dieu vous garde , monsieur .
-
-Et vous aussi ; votre serviteur .
-
-I hope , sir , you are ; and I am yours .
-
-Will you encounter the house ? my niece is desirous you should enter , if your trade be to her .
-
-I am bound to your niece , sir : I mean , she is the list of my voyage .
-
-Taste your legs , sir : put them to motion .
-
-My legs do better understand me , sir , than I understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs .
-
-I mean , to go , sir , to enter .
-
-I will answer you with gait and entrance . But we are prevented .
-
-Most excellent accomplished lady , the heavens rain odours on you !
-
-That youth's a rare courtier . 'Rain odours !' well .
-
-My matter hath no voice , lady , but to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear .
-
-'Odours ,' 'pregnant ,' and 'vouchsafed .' I'll get 'em all three all ready .
-
-Let the garden door be shut , and leave me to my hearing .
-
-Give me your hand , sir .
-
-My duty , madam , and most humble service .
-
-What is your name ?
-
-Cesario is your servant's name , fair princess .
-
-My servant , sir ! 'Twas never merry world
-Since lowly feigning was call'd compliment .
-You're servant to the Count Orsino , youth .
-
-And he is yours , and his must needs be yours :
-Your servant's servant is your servant , madam .
-
-For him , I think not on him : for his thoughts ,
-Would they were blanks rather than fill'd with me !
-
-Madam , I come to whet your gentle thoughts
-On his behalf .
-
-O ! by your leave , I pray you ,
-I bade you never speak again of him :
-But , would you undertake another suit ,
-I had rather hear you to solicit that
-Than music from the spheres .
-
-Dear lady ,
-
-Give me leave , beseech you . I did send ,
-After the last enchantment you did here ,
-A ring in chase of you : so did I abuse
-Myself , my servant , and , I fear me , you :
-Under your hard construction must I sit ,
-To force that on you , in a shameful cunning ,
-Which you knew none of yours : what might you think ?
-Have you not set mine honour at the stake ,
-And baited it with all th' unmuzzled thoughts
-That tyrannous heart can think ? To one of your receiving
-Enough is shown ; a cypress , not a bosom ,
-Hideth my heart . So , let me hear you speak .
-
-I pity you .
-
-That's a degree to love .
-
-No , not a grize ; for 'tis a vulgar proof
-That very oft we pity enemies .
-
-Why , then methinks 'tis time to smile again .
-O world ! how apt the poor are to be proud .
-If one should be a prey , how much the better
-To fall before the lion than the wolf !
-
-The clock upbraids me with the waste of time .
-Be not afraid , good youth , I will not have you :
-And yet , when wit and youth is come to harvest ,
-Your wife is like to reap a proper man :
-There lies your way , due west .
-
-Then westward-ho !
-Grace and good disposition attend your ladyship !
-You'll nothing , madam , to my lord by me ?
-
-Stay :
-I prithee , tell me what thou think'st of me .
-
-That you do think you are not what you are .
-
-If I think so , I think the same of you .
-
-Then think you right : I am not what I am .
-
-I would you were as I would have you be !
-
-Would it be better , madam , than I am ?
-I wish it might , for now I am your fool .
-
-O ! what a deal of scorn looks beautiful
-In the contempt and anger of his lip .
-A murderous guilt shows not itself more soon
-Than love that would seem hid ; love's night is noon .
-Cesario , by the roses of the spring ,
-By maidhood , honour , truth , and every thing ,
-I love thee so , that , maugre all thy pride ,
-Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide .
-Do not extort thy reasons from this clause ,
-For that I woo , thou therefore hast no cause ;
-But rather reason thus with reason fetter ,
-Love sought is good , but giv'n unsought is better .
-
-By innocence I swear , and by my youth ,
-I have one heart , one bosom , and one truth ,
-And that no woman has ; nor never none
-Shall mistress be of it , save I alone .
-And so adieu , good madam : never more
-Will I my master's tears to you deplore .
-
-Yet come again , for thou perhaps mayst move
-That heart , which now abhors , to like his love .
-
-
-No , faith , I'll not stay a jot longer .
-
-Thy reason , dear venom ; give thy reason .
-
-You must needs yield your reason , Sir Andrew .
-
-Marry , I saw your niece do more favours to the count's serving-man than ever she bestowed upon me ; I saw't i' the orchard .
-
-Did she see thee the while , old boy ? tell me that .
-
-As plain as I see you now .
-
-This was a great argument of love in her toward you .
-
-'Slight ! will you make an ass o' me ?
-
-I will prove it legitimate , sir , upon the oaths of judgment and reason .
-
-And they have been grand-jurymen since before Noah was a sailor .
-
-She did show favour to the youth in your sight only to exasperate you , to awake your dormouse valour , to put fire in your heart , and brimstone in your liver . You should then have accosted her , and with some excellent jests , firenew from the mint , you should have banged the youth into dumbness . This was looked for at your hand , and this was balked : the double gilt of this opportunity you let time wash off , and you are now sailed into the north of my lady's opinion ; where you will hang like an icicle on a Dutchman's beard , unless you do redeem it by some laudable attempt , either of valour or policy .
-
-An't be any way , it must be with valour , for policy I hate : I had as lief be a Brownist as a politician .
-
-Why , then , build me thy fortunes upon the basis of valour : challenge me the count's youth to fight with him ; hurt him in eleven places : my niece shall take note of it ; and assure thyself , there is no love-broker in the world can more prevail in man's commendation with woman than report of valour .
-
-There is no way but this , Sir Andrew .
-
-Will either of you bear me a challenge to him ?
-
-Go , write it in a martial hand ; be curst and brief ; it is no matter how witty , so it be eloquent , and full of invention : taunt him with the licence of ink : if thou thou'st him some thrice , it shall not be amiss ; and as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paper , although the sheet were big enough for the bed of Ware in England , set 'em down : go , about it . Let there be gall enough in thy ink , though thou write with a goose-pen , no matter : about it .
-
-Where shall I find you ?
-
-We'll call thee at the cubiculo : go .
-
-
-This is a dear manakin to you , Sir Toby .
-
-I have been dear to him , lad , some two thousand strong , or so .
-
-We shall have a rare letter from him ; but you'll not deliver it .
-
-Never trust me , then ; and by all means stir on the youth to an answer . I think oxen and wainropes cannot hale them together . For Andrew , if he were opened , and you find so much blood in his liver as will clog the foot of a flea , I'll eat the rest of the anatomy .
-
-And his opposite , the youth , bears in his visage no great presage of cruelty .
-
-Look , where the youngest wren of nine comes .
-
-
-If you desire the spleen , and will laugh yourselves into stitches , follow me . Yond gull Malvolio is turned heathen , a very renegado ; for there is no Christian , that means to be saved by believing rightly , can ever believe such impossible passages of grossness . He's in yellow stockings .
-
-And cross-gartered ?
-
-Most villanously ; like a pedant that keeps a school i' the church . I have dogged him like his murderer . He does obey every point of the letter that I dropped to betray him : he does smile his face into more lines than are in the new map with the augmentation of the Indies . You have not seen such a thing as 'tis ; I can hardly forbear hurling things at him . I know my lady will strike him : if she do , he'll smile and take't for a great favour .
-
-Come , bring us , bring us where he is .
-
-
-I would not by my will have troubled you ;
-But since you make your pleasure of your pains ,
-I will no further chide you .
-
-I could not stay behind you : my desire ,
-More sharp than filed steel , did spur me forth ;
-And not all love to see you ,though so much
-As might have drawn one to a longer voyage ,
-But jealousy what might befall your travel ,
-Being skilless in these parts ; which to a stranger ,
-Unguided and unfriended , often prove
-Rough and unhospitable : my willing love ,
-The rather by these arguments of fear ,
-Set forth in your pursuit .
-
-My kind Antonio ,
-I can no other answer make but thanks ,
-And thanks , and ever thanks ; for oft good turns
-Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay :
-But , were my worth , as is my conscience , firm ,
-You should find better dealing . What's to do ?
-Shall we go see the reliques of this town ?
-
-To-morrow , sir : best first go see your lodging .
-
-I am not weary , and 'tis long to night :
-I pray you , let us satisfy our eyes
-With the memorials and the things of fame
-That do renown this city .
-
-Would you'd pardon me ;
-I do not without danger walk these streets :
-Once , in a sea-fight 'gainst the Count his galleys ,
-I did some service ; of such note indeed ,
-That were I ta'en here it would scarce be answer'd .
-
-Belike you slew great number of his people ?
-
-The offence is not of such a bloody nature ,
-Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel
-Might well have given us bloody argument .
-It might have since been answer'd in repaying
-What we took from them ; which , for traffic's sake ,
-Most of our city did : only myself stood out ;
-For which , if I be lapsed in this place ,
-I shall pay dear .
-
-Do not then walk too open .
-
-It doth not fit me . Hold , sir ; here's my purse .
-In the south suburbs , at the Elephant ,
-Is best to lodge : I will bespeak our diet ,
-Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge
-With viewing of the town : there shall you have me .
-
-Why I your purse ?
-
-Haply your eye shall light upon some toy
-You have desire to purchase ; and your store ,
-I think , is not for idle markets , sir .
-
-I'll be your purse-bearer and leave you for an hour .
-
-To the Elephant .
-
-I do remember .
-
-
-I have sent after him : he says he'll come ;
-How shall I feast him ? what bestow of him ?
-For youth is bought more oft than begg'd or borrow'd .
-I speak too loud .
-Where is Malvolio ? he is sad , and civil ,
-And suits well for a servant with my fortunes :
-Where is Malvolio ?
-
-He's coming , madam ; but in very strange manner . He is sure possess'd , madam .
-
-Why , what's the matter ? does he rave ?
-
-No , madam ; he does nothing but smile : your ladyship were best to have some guard about you if he come , for sure the man is tainted in's wits .
-
-Go call him hither .
-
-I am as mad as he ,
-If sad and merry madness equal be .
-
-How now , Malvolio !
-
-Sweet lady , ho , ho .
-
-Smil'st thou ?
-I sent for thee upon a sad occasion .
-
-Sad , lady ! I could be sad : this does make some obstruction in the blood , this crossgartering ; but what of that ? if it please the eye of one , it is with me as the very true sonnet is , 'Please one and please all .'
-
-Why , how dost thou , man ? what is the matter with thee ?
-
-Not black in my mind , though yellow in my legs . It did come to his hands , and commands shall be executed : I think we do know the sweet Roman hand .
-
-Wilt thou go to bed , Malvolio ?
-
-To bed ! ay , sweetheart ; and I'll come to thee .
-
-God comfort thee ! Why dost thou smile so and kiss thy hand so oft ?
-
-How do you , Malvolio ?
-
-At your request ! Yes ; nightingales answer daws .
-
-Why appear you with this ridiculous boldness before my lady ?
-
-'Be not afraid of greatness :' 'Twas well writ .
-
-What meanest thou by that , Malvolio ?
-
-'Some are born great ,'
-
-Ha !
-
-'Some achieve greatness ,'
-
-What sayst thou ?
-
-'And some have greatness thrust upon them .'
-
-Heaven restore thee !
-
-'Remember who commended thy yellow stockings ,'
-
-Thy yellow stockings !
-
-'And wished to see thee cross-gartered .'
-
-Cross-gartered !
-
-'Go to , thou art made , if thou desirest to be so ,'
-
-Am I made ?
-
-'If not , let me see thee a servant still .'
-
-Why , this is very midsummer madness .
-
-
-Madam , the young gentleman of the Count Orsino's is returned . I could hardly entreat him back : he attends your ladyship's pleasure .
-
-I'll come to him .
-
-Good Maria , let this fellow be looked to . Where's my cousin Toby ? Let some of my people have a special care of him : I would not have him miscarry for the half of my dowry .
-
-
-Oh , ho ! do you come near me now ? no worse man than Sir Toby to look to me ! This concurs directly with the letter : she sends him on purpose , that I may appear stubborn to him ; for she incites me to that in the letter . 'Cast thy humble slough ,' says she ; 'be opposite with a kinsman , surly with servants ; let thy tongue tang with arguments of state ; put thyself into the trick of singularity ;' and consequently sets down the manner how ; as , a sad face , a reverend carriage , a slow tongue , in the habit of some sir of note , and so forth . I have limed her ; but it is Jove's doing , and Jove make me thankful ! And when she went away now , 'Let this fellow be looked to ;' fellow ! not Malvolio , nor after my degree , but fellow . Why , everything adheres together , that no dram of a scruple , no scruple of a scruple , no obstacle , no incredulous or unsafe circumstance What can be said ? Nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my hopes . Well , Jove , not I , is the doer of this , and he is to be thanked .
-
-
-Which way is he , in the name of sanctity ? If all the devils in hell be drawn in little , and Legion himself possess'd him , yet I'll speak to him .
-
-Here he is , here he is . How is't with you , sir ? how is't with you , man ?
-
-Go off ; I discard you : let me enjoy my private ; go off .
-
-Lo , how hollow the fiend speaks within him ! did not I tell you ? Sir Toby , my lady prays you to have a care of him .
-
-Ah , ha ! does she so ?
-
-Go to , go to : peace ! peace ! we must deal gently with him ; let me alone . How do you , Malvolio ? how is't with you ? What , man ! defy the devil : consider , he's an enemy to mankind .
-
-Do you know what you say ?
-
-La you ! an you speak ill of the devil , how he takes it at heart . Pray God , he be not bewitched !
-
-Carry his water to the wise-woman .
-
-Marry , and it shall be done to-morrow morning , if I live . My lady would not lose him for more than I'll say .
-
-How now , mistress !
-
-O Lord !
-
-Prithee , hold thy peace ; this is not the way : do you not see you move him ? let me alone with him .
-
-No way but gentleness ; gently , gently : the fiend is rough , and will not be roughly used .
-
-Why , how now , my bawcock ! how dost thou , chuck ?
-
-Sir !
-
-Ay , Biddy , come with me . What , man ! 'tis not for gravity to play at cherry-pit with Satan : hang him , foul collier !
-
-Get him to say his prayers , good Sir Toby , get him to pray .
-
-My prayers , minx !
-
-No , I warrant you , he will not hear of godliness .
-
-Go , hang yourselves all ! you are idle shallow things : I am not of your element . You shall know more hereafter .
-
-
-Is't possible ?
-
-If this were played upon a stage now , I could condemn it as an improbable fiction .
-
-His very genius hath taken the infection of the device , man .
-
-Nay , pursue him now , lest the device take air , and taint .
-
-Why , we shall make him mad indeed .
-
-The house will be the quieter .
-
-Come , we'll have him in a dark room , and bound . My niece is already in the belief that he's mad : we may carry it thus , for our pleasure and his penance , till our very pastime , tired out of breath , prompt us to have mercy on him ; at which time we will bring the device to the bar , and crown thee for a finder of madmen . But see , but see .
-
-
-More matter for a May morning .
-
-Here's the challenge ; read it : I warrant there's vinegar and pepper in't .
-
-Is't so saucy ?
-
-Ay , is't , I warrant him : do but read .
-
-Give me . Youth , whatsoever thou art , thou art but a scurvy fellow .
-
-Good , and valiant .
-
-Wonder not , nor admire not in thy mind , why I do call thee so , for I will show thee no reason for't ,
-
-A good note , that keeps you from the blow of the law .
-
-Thou comest to the Lady Olivia , and in my sight she uses thee kindly : but thou liest in thy throat ; that is not the matter I challenge thee for .
-
-Very brief , and to exceeding good sense less .
-
-I will waylay thee going home ; where , if it be thy chance to kill me ,
-
-Good .
-
-Thou killest me like a rogue and a villain .
-
-Still you keep o' the windy side of the law : good .
-
-Fare thee well ; and God have mercy upon one of our souls ! He may have mercy upon mine , but my hope is better ; and so look to thyself . Thy friend , as thou usest him , and thy sworn enemy ,
-If this letter move him not , his legs cannot .
-I'll give't him .
-
-You may have very fit occasion for for't : he is now in some commerce with my lady , and will by and by depart .
-
-Go , Sir Andrew ; scout me for him at the corner of the orchard like a bum-baily : so soon as ever thou seest him , draw ; and , as thou drawest , swear horrible ; for it comes to pass oft that a terrible oath , with a swaggering accent sharply twanged off , gives manhood more approbation than ever proof itself would have earned him . Away !
-
-Nay , let me alone for swearing .
-
-
-Now will not I deliver his letter : for the behaviour of the young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding ; his employment between his lord and my niece confirms no less : therefore this letter , being so excellently ignorant , will breed no terror in the youth : he will find it comes from a clodpole . But , sir , I will deliver his challenge by word of mouth ; set upon Aguecheek a notable report of valour ; and drive the gentleman ,as I know his youth will aptly receive it ,into a most hideous opinion of his rage , skill , fury , and impetuosity . This will so fright them both that they will kill one another by the look , like cockatrices .
-
-Here he comes with your niece : give them way till he take leave , and presently after him .
-
-I will meditate the while upon some horrid message for a challenge .
-
-I have said too much unto a heart of stone ,
-And laid mine honour too unchary out :
-There's something in me that reproves my fault ,
-But such a headstrong potent fault it is
-That it but mocks reproof .
-
-With the same haviour that your passion bears
-Goes on my master's griefs .
-
-Here ; wear this jewel for me , 'tis my picture ;
-Refuse it not ; it hath no tongue to vex you ;
-And I beseech you come again to-morrow .
-What shall you ask of me that I'll deny ,
-That honour sav'd may upon asking give ?
-
-Nothing but this ; your true love for my master .
-
-How with mine honour may I give him that
-Which I have given to you ?
-
-I will acquit you .
-
-Well , come again to-morrow : fare thee well :
-A fiend like thee might bear my soul to hell .
-
-Gentleman , God save thee .
-
-And you , sir .
-
-That defence thou hast , betake thee to't : of what nature the wrongs are thou hast done him , I know not ; but thy intercepter , full of despite , bloody as the hunter , attends thee at the orchard-end . Dismount thy tuck , be yare in thy preparation , for thy assailant is quick , skilful , and deadly .
-
-You mistake , sir : I am sure no man hath any quarrel to me : my remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to any man .
-
-You'll find it otherwise , I assure you : therefore , if you hold your life at any price , betake you to your guard ; for your opposite hath in him what youth , strength , skill , and wrath , can furnish man withal .
-
-I pray you , sir , what is he ?
-
-He is knight dubbed with unhatched rapier , and on carpet consideration ; but he is a devil in private brawl : souls and bodies hath he divorced three , and his incensement at this moment is so implacable that satisfaction can be none but by pangs of death and sepulchre . Hob , nob , is his word : give't or take't .
-
-I will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the lady : I am no fighter . I have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels purposely on others to taste their valour ; belike this is a man of that quirk .
-
-Sir , no ; his indignation derives itself out of a very competent injury : therefore get you on and give him his desire . Back you shall not to the house , unless you undertake that with me which with as much safety you might answer him : therefore , on , or strip your sword stark naked ; for meddle you must , that's certain , or forswear to wear iron about you .
-
-This is as uncivil as strange . I beseech you , do me this courteous office , as to know of the knight what my offence to him is : it is something of my negligence , nothing of my purpose .
-
-I will do so . Signior Fabian , stay you by this gentleman till my return .
-
-
-Pray you , sir , do you know of this matter ?
-
-I know the knight is incensed against you , even to a mortal arbitrement , but nothing of the circumstance more .
-
-I beseech you , what manner of man is he ?
-
-Nothing of that wonderful promise , to read him by his form , as you are like to find him in the proof of his valour . He is , indeed , sir , the most skilful , bloody , and fatal opposite that you could possibly have found in any part of Illyria . Will you walk towards him ? I will make your peace with him if I can .
-
-I shall be much bound to you for't : I am one that had rather go with sir priest than sir knight ; I care not who knows so much of my mettle .
-
-Why , man , he's a very devil ; I have not seen such a firago . I had a pass with him , rapier , scabbard and all , and he gives me the stuck in with such a mortal motion that it is inevitable ; and on the answer , he pays you as surely as your feet hit the ground they step on . They say he has been fencer to the Sophy .
-
-Pox on't , I'll not meddle with him .
-
-Ay , but he will not now be pacified : Fabian can scarce hold him yonder .
-
-Plague on't ; an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence I'd have seen him damned ere I'd have challenged him . Let him let the matter slip , and I'll give him my horse , grey Capilet .
-
-I'll make the motion . Stand here ; make a good show on't : this shall end without the perdition of souls .
-
-Marry , I'll ride your horse as well as I ride you .
-
-I have his horse to take up the quarrel . I have persuaded him the youth's a devil .
-
-He is as horribly conceited of him ; and pants and looks pale , as if a bear were at his heels .
-
-There's no remedy , sir : he will fight with you for his oath's sake . Marry , he hath better bethought him of his quarrel , and he finds that now scarce to be worth talking of : therefore draw for the supportance of his vow : he protests he will not hurt you .
-
-Pray God defend me ! A little thing would make me tell them how much I lack of a man .
-
-Give ground , if you see him furious .
-
-Come , Sir Andrew , there's no remedy : the gentleman will , for his honour's sake , have one bout with you ; he cannot by the duello avoid it : but he has promised me , as he is a gentleman and a soldier , he will not hurt you . Come on ; to't .
-
-Pray God , he keep his oath !
-
-
-I do assure you , 'tis against my will .
-
-Put up your sword . If this young gentleman
-Have done offence , I take the fault on me :
-If you offend him , I for him defy you .
-
-
-You , sir ! why , what are you ?
-
-One , sir , that for his love dares yet do more
-Than you have heard him brag to you he will .
-
-Nay , if you be an undertaker , I am for you .
-
-
-O , good sir Toby , hold ! here come the officers .
-
-I'll be with you anon .
-
-Pray , sir , put your sword up , if you please .
-
-Marry , will I , sir ; and , for that I promised you , I'll be as good as my word . He will bear you easily and reins well .
-
-
-This is the man ; do thy office .
-
-Antonio , I arrest thee at the suit
-Of Count Orsino .
-
-You do mistake me , sir .
-
-No , sir , no jot : I know your favour well ,
-Though now you have no sea-cap on your head .
-Take him away : he knows I know him well .
-
-I must obey .
-
-This comes with seeking you :
-But there's no remedy : I shall answer it .
-What will you do , now my necessity
-Makes me to ask you for my purse ? It grieves me
-Much more for what I cannot do for you
-Than what befalls myself . You stand amaz'd :
-But be of comfort .
-
-Come , sir , away .
-
-I must entreat of you some of that money .
-
-What money , sir ?
-For the fair kindness you have show'd me here ,
-And part , being prompted by your present trouble ,
-Out of my lean and low ability
-I'll lend you something : my having is not much :
-I'll make division of my present with you .
-Hold , there is half my coffer .
-
-Will you deny me now ?
-Is't possible that my deserts to you
-Can lack persuasion ? Do not tempt my misery ,
-Lest that it make me so unsound a man
-As to upbraid you with those kindnesses
-That I have done for you .
-
-I know of none ;
-Nor know I you by voice or any feature .
-I hate ingratitude more in a man
-Than lying , vainness , babbling drunkenness ,
-Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption
-Inhabits our frail blood .
-
-O heavens themselves !
-
-Come , sir : I pray you , go .
-
-Let me speak a little . This youth that you see here
-I snatch'd one-half out of the jaws of death ,
-Reliev'd him with such sanctity of love ,
-And to his image , which methought did promise
-Most venerable worth , did I devotion .
-
-What's that to us ? The time goes by : away !
-
-But O ! how vile an idol proves this god .
-Thou hast , Sebastian , done good feature shame .
-In nature there's no blemish but the mind ;
-None can be call'd deform'd but the unkind :
-Virtue is beauty , but the beauteous evil
-Are empty trunks o'erflourish'd by the devil .
-
-The man grows mad : away with him ! Come , come , sir .
-
-Lead me on .
-
-
-Methinks his words do from such passion fly ,
-That he believes himself ; so do not I .
-Prove true , imagination , O , prove true ,
-That I , dear brother , be now ta'en for you !
-
-Come hither , knight ; come hither ,
-Fabian : we'll whisper o'er a couplet or two of most sage saws .
-
-He nam'd Sebastian : I my brother know
-Yet living in my glass ; even such and so
-In favour was my brother ; and he went
-Still in this fashion , colour , ornament ,
-For him I imitate . O ! if it prove ,
-Tempests are kind , and salt waves fresh in love !
-
-
-A very dishonest paltry boy , and more a coward than a hare . His dishonesty appears in leaving his friend here in necessity , and denying him ; and for his cowardship , ask Fabian .
-
-A coward , a most devout coward , religious in it .
-
-'Slid , I'll after him again and beat him .
-
-Do ; cuff him soundly , but never draw thy sword .
-
-An I do not ,
-
-
-Come , let's see the event .
-
-I dare lay any money 'twill be nothing yet .
-
-Will you make me believe that I am not sent for you ?
-
-Go to , go to ; thou art a foolish fellow :
-Let me be clear of thee .
-
-Well held out , i' faith ! No , I do not know you ; nor I am not sent to you by my lady to bid you come speak with her ; nor your name is not Master Cesario ; nor this is not my nose neither . Nothing that is so is so .
-
-I prithee , vent thy folly somewhere else :
-Thou know'st not me .
-
-Vent my folly ! He has heard that word of some great man , and now applies it to a fool . Vent my folly ! I am afraid this great lubber , the world , will prove a cockney . I prithee now , ungird thy strangeness and tell me what I shall vent to my lady . Shall I vent to her that thou art coming ?
-
-I prithee , foolish Greek , depart from me :
-There's money for thee : if you tarry longer
-I shall give worse payment .
-
-By my troth , thou hast an open hand .
-These wise men that give fools money get themselves a good report after fourteen years' purchase .
-
-
-Now , sir , have I met you again ? there's for you .
-
-
-Why , there's for thee , and there , and there , and there !
-
-Are all the people mad ?
-
-
-Hold , sir , or I'll throw your dagger o'er the house .
-
-This will I tell my lady straight . I would not be in some of your coats for twopence .
-
-
-Come on , sir : hold .
-
-Nay , let him alone ; I'll go another way to work with him : I'll have an action of battery against him if there be any law in Illyria . Though I struck him first , yet it's no matter for that .
-
-Let go thy hand .
-
-Come , sir , I will not let you go . Come , my young soldier , put up your iron : you are well fleshed ; come on .
-
-I will be free from thee .
-
-What wouldst thou now ?
-If thou dar'st tempt me further , draw thy sword .
-
-What , what ! Nay then , I must have an ounce or two of this malapert blood from you .
-
-Hold , Toby ! on thy life I charge thee , hold !
-
-Madam !
-
-Will it be ever thus ? Ungracious wretch !
-Fit for the mountains and the barbarous caves ,
-Where manners ne'er were preach'd . Out of my sight !
-Be not offended , dear Cesario .
-Rudesby , be gone !
-
-I prithee , gentle friend ,
-Let thy fair wisdom , not thy passion , sway
-In this uncivil and unjust extent
-Against thy peace . Go with me to my house ,
-And hear thou there how many fruitless pranks
-This ruffian hath botch'd up , that thou thereby
-Mayst smile at this . Thou shalt not choose but go :
-Do not deny . Beshrew his soul for me ,
-He started one poor heart of mine in thee .
-
-What relish is in this ? how runs the stream ?
-Or I am mad , or else this is a dream :
-Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep ;
-If it be thus to dream , still let me sleep !
-
-Nay ; come , I prithee . Would thou'dst be rul'd by me !
-
-Madam , I will .
-
-O ! say so , and so be !
-
-
-Nay , I prithee , put on this gown and this beard ; make him believe thou art Sir Topas the curate : do it quickly ; I'll call Sir Toby the whilst .
-
-
-Well , I'll put it on and I will dissemble myself in't : and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown . I am not tall enough to become the function well , nor lean enough to be thought a good student ; but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar . The competitors enter .
-
-
-God bless thee , Master parson .
-
-Bonos dies , Sir Toby : for , as the old hermit of Prague , that never saw pen and ink , very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc , 'That , that is , is ;' so I , being Master parson , am Master parson ; for , what is 'that ,' but 'that ,' and 'is ,' but 'is ?'
-
-To him , Sir Topas .
-
-What ho ! I say . Peace in this prison !
-
-The knave counterfeits well ; a good knave .
-
-Who calls there ?
-
-Sir Topas , the curate , who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic .
-
-Sir Topas , Sir Topas , good Sir Topas , go to my lady .
-
-Out , hyperbolical fiend ! how vexest thou this man ! Talkest thou nothing but of ladies ?
-
-Well said , Master Parson .
-
-Sir Topas , never was man thus wronged . Good Sir Topas , do not think I am mad : they have laid me here in hideous darkness .
-
-Fie , thou dishonest Satan ! I call thee by the most modest terms ; for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy . Sayst thou that house is dark ?
-
-As hell , Sir Topas .
-
-Why , it hath bay-windows transparent as barricadoes , and the clerestories toward the south-north are as lustrous as ebony ; and yet complainest thou of obstruction ?
-
-I am not mad , Sir Topas . I say to you , this house is dark .
-
-Madman , thou errest : I say , there is no darkness but ignorance , in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog .
-
-I say this house is as dark as ignorance , though ignorance were as dark as hell ; and I say , there was never man thus abused . I am no more mad than you are : make the trial of it in any constant question .
-
-What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wild fowl ?
-
-That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird .
-
-What thinkest thou of his opinion ?
-
-I think nobly of the soul , and no way approve his opinion .
-
-Fare thee well : remain thou still in darkness : thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits , and fear to kill a woodcock , lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam . Fare thee well .
-
-Sir Topas ! Sir Topas !
-
-My most exquisite Sir Topas !
-
-Nay , I am for all waters .
-
-Thou mightst have done this without thy beard and gown : he sees thee not .
-
-To him in thine own voice , and bring me word how thou findest him : I would we were well rid of this knavery . If he may be conveniently delivered , I would he were ; for I am now so far in offence with my niece that I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot . Come by and by to my chamber .
-
-Hey Robin , jolly Robin ,
-Tell me how thy lady does .
-
-
-Fool !
-
-My lady is unkind , perdy !
-
-Fool !
-
-Alas , why is she so ?
-
-Fool , I say !
-
-She loves another .
-Who calls , ha ?
-
-Good fool , as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand , help me to a candle , and pen , ink , and paper . As I am a gentleman , I will live to be thankful to thee for't .
-
-Master Malvoliol
-
-Ay , good fool .
-
-Alas , sir , how fell you beside your five wits ?
-
-Fool , there was never man so notoriously abused : I am as well in my wits , fool , as thou art .
-
-But as well ? then you are mad indeed , if you be no better in your wits than a fool .
-
-They have here propertied me ; keep me in darkness , send ministers to me , asses ! and do all they can to face me out of my wits .
-
-Advise you what you say : the minister is here . Malvolio , Malvolio , thy wits the heavens restore ! endeavour thyself to sleep , and leave thy vain bibble-babble .
-
-Sir Topas !
-
-Maintain no words with him , good fellow .Who , I , sir ? not I , sir . God be wi' you , good Sir Topas . Marry , amen . I will , sir , I will .
-
-Fool , fool , fool , I say !
-
-Alas , sir , be patient . What say you , sir ? I am shent for speaking to you .
-
-Good fool , help me to some light and some paper : I tell thee I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria .
-
-Well-a-day , that you were , sir !
-
-By this hand , I am . Good fool , some ink , paper , and light ; and convey what I will set down to my lady : it shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did .
-
-I will help you to't . But tell me true , are you not mad indeed ? or do you but counterfeit ?
-
-Believe me , I am not : I tell thee true .
-
-Nay , I'll ne'er believe a madman till I see his brains . I will fetch you light and paper and ink .
-
-Fool , I'll requite it in the highest degree : I prithee , be gone .
-
-
-I am gone , sir ,
-And anon , sir ,
-I'll be with you again
-In a trice ,
-Like to the old Vice ,
-Your need to sustain ;
-Who with dagger of lath ,
-In his rage and his wrath ,
-Cries , Ah , ah ! to the devil :
-Like a mad lad ,
-Pare thy nails , dad ;
-Adieu , goodman drivel .
-
-This is the air ; that is the glorious sun ; This pearl she gave me , I do feel't and see't ;
-And though 'tis wonder that enwraps me thus ,
-Yet 'tis not madness . Where's Antonio then ?
-I could not find him at the Elephant ;
-Yet there he was , and there I found this credit ,
-That he did range the town to seek me out .
-His counsel now might do me golden service ;
-For though my soul disputes well with my sense
-That this may be some error , but no madness ,
-Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
-So far exceed all instance , all discourse ,
-That I am ready to distrust mine eyes ,
-And wrangle with my reason that persuades me
-To any other trust but that I am mad
-Or else the lady's mad : yet , if 'twere so ,
-She could not sway her house , command her followers ,
-Take and give back affairs and their dispatch
-With such a smooth , discreet , and stable bearing
-As I perceive she does . There's something in't
-That is deceivable . But here the lady comes .
-
-
-Blame not this haste of mine . If you mean well ,
-Now go with me and with this holy man
-Into the chantry by ; there , before him ,
-And underneath that consecrated roof ,
-Plight me the full assurance of your faith ;
-That my most jealous and too doubtful soul
-May live at peace . He shall conceal it
-Whiles you are willing it shall come to note ,
-What time we will our celebration keep
-According to my birth . What do you say ?
-
-I'll follow this good man , and go with you ;
-And , having sworn truth , ever will be true .
-
-Then lead the way , good father ; and heavens so shine
-That they may fairly note this act of mine !
-
-
-Now , as thou lovest me , let me see his letter .
-
-Good Master Fabian , grant me another request .
-
-Anything .
-
-Do not desire to see this letter .
-
-This is , to give a dog , and , in recompense desire my dog again .
-
-
-Belong you to the Lady Olivia , friends ?
-
-Ay , sir ; we are some of her trappings .
-
-I know thee well : how dost thou , my good fellow ?
-
-Truly , sir , the better for my foes and the worse for my friends .
-
-Just the contrary ; the better for thy friends .
-
-No , sir , the worse .
-
-How can that be ?
-
-Marry , sir , they praise me and make an ass of me ; now my foes tell me plainly I am an ass : so that by my foes , sir , I profit in the knowledge of myself , and by my friends I am abused : so that , conclusions to be as kisses , if your four negatives make your two affirmatives , why then , the worse for my friends and the better for my foes .
-
-Why , this is excellent .
-
-By my troth , sir , no ; though it please you to be one of my friends .
-
-Thou shalt not be the worse for me : there's gold .
-
-But that it would be double-dealing , sir , I would you could make it another .
-
-O , you give me ill counsel .
-
-Put your grace in your pocket , sir , for this once , and let your flesh and blood obey it .
-
-Well , I will be so much a sinner to be a double-dealer : there's another .
-
-Primo , secundo , tertio , is a good play ; and the old saying is , 'the third pays for all :' the triplex , sir , is a good tripping measure ; or the bells of Saint Bennet , sir , may put you in mind ; one , two , three .
-
-You can fool no more money out of me at this throw : if you will let your lady know I am here to speak with her , and bring her along with you , it may awake my bounty further .
-
-Marry , sir , lullaby to your bounty till I come again . I go , sir ; but I would not have you to think that my desire of having is the sin of covetousness ; but as you say , sir , let your bounty take a nap , I will awake it anon .
-
-
-Here comes the man , sir , that did rescue me .
-
-
-That face of his I do remember well ;
-Yet when I saw it last , it was besmear'd
-As black as Vulcan in the smoke of war .
-A bawbling vessel was he captain of ,
-For shallow draught and hulk unprizable ;
-With which such scathful grapple did he make
-With the most noble bottom of our fleet ,
-That very envy and the tongue of loss
-Cried fame and honour on him . What's the matter ?
-
-Orsino , this is that Antonio
-That took the Ph nix and her fraught from Candy ;
-And this is he that did the Tiger board ,
-When your young nephew Titus lost his leg .
-Here in the streets , desperate of shame and state ,
-In private brabble did we apprehend him .
-
-He did me kindness , sir , drew on my side ;
-But in conclusion put strange speech upon me :
-I know not what 'twas but distraction .
-
-Notable pirate ! thou salt-water thief !
-What foolish boldness brought thee to their mercies
-Whom thou , in terms so bloody and so dear ,
-Hast made thine enemies ?
-
-Orsino , noble sir ,
-Be pleas'd that I shake off these names you give me :
-Antonio never yet was thief or pirate ,
-Though I confess , on base and ground enough ,
-Orsino's enemy . A witchcraft drew me hither :
-That most ingrateful boy there by your side ,
-From the rude sea's enrag'd and foamy mouth
-Did I redeem ; a wrack past hope he was :
-His life I gave him , and did thereto add
-My love , without retention or restraint ,
-All his in dedication ; for his sake
-Did I expose myself , pure for his love ,
-Into the danger of this adverse town ;
-Drew to defend him when he was beset :
-Where being apprehended , his false cunning ,
-Not meaning to partake with me in danger ,
-Taught him to face me out of his acquaintance ,
-And grew a twenty years removed thing
-While one would wink , denied me mine own purse ,
-Which I had recommended to his use
-Not half an hour before .
-
-How can this be ?
-
-When came he to this town ?
-
-To-day , my lord ; and for three months before ,
-No interim , not a minute's vacancy ,
-Both day and night did we keep company .
-
-
-Here comes the countess : now heaven walks on earth !
-But for thee , fellow ; fellow , thy words are madness :
-Three months this youth hath tended upon me ;
-But more of that anon . Take him aside .
-
-What would my lord , but that he may not have ,
-Wherein Olivia may seem serviceable ?
-Cesario , you do not keep promise with me .
-
-Madam !
-
-Gracious Olivia .
-
-What do you say , Cesario ? Good my lord ,
-
-My lord would speak ; my duty hushes me .
-
-If it be aught to the old tune , my lord ,
-It is as fat and fulsome to mine ear
-As howling after music .
-
-Still so cruel ?
-
-Still so constant , lord .
-
-What , to perverseness ? you uncivil lady ,
-To whose ingrate and unauspicious altars
-My soul the faithfull'st offerings hath breath'd out
-That e'er devotion tender'd ! What shall I do ?
-
-Even what it please my lord , that shall become him .
-
-Why should I not , had I the heart to do it ,
-Like to the Egyptian thief at point of death ,
-Kill what I love ? a savage jealousy
-That sometimes savours nobly . But hear me this :
-Since you to non-regardance cast my faith ,
-And that I partly know the instrument
-That screws me from my true place in your favour ,
-Live you , the marble-breasted tyrant still ;
-But this your minion , whom I know you love ,
-And whom , by heaven I swear , I tender dearly ,
-Him will I tear out of that cruel eye ,
-Where he sits crowned in his master's spite .
-Come , boy , with me ; my thoughts are ripe in mischief ;
-I'll sacrifice the lamb that I do love ,
-To spite a raven's heart within a dove .
-
-
-And I , most jocund , apt , and willingly ,
-To do you rest , a thousand deaths would die .
-
-
-Where goes Cesario ?
-
-After him I love
-More than I love these eyes , more than my life ,
-More , by all mores , than e'er I shall love wife .
-If I do feign , you witnesses above
-Punish my life for tainting of my love !
-
-Ah me , detested ! how am I beguil'd !
-
-Who does beguile you ? who does do you wrong ?
-
-Hast thou forgot thyself ? Is it so long ?
-Call forth the holy father .
-
-
-Come away .
-
-Whither , my lord ? Cesario , husband , stay .
-
-Husband ?
-
-Ay , husband : can he that deny ?
-
-Her husband , sirrah ?
-
-No , my lord , not I .
-
-Alas ! it is the baseness of thy fear
-That makes thee strangle thy propriety .
-Fear not , Cesario ; take thy fortunes up ;
-Be that thou know'st thou art , and then thou art
-As great as that thou fear'st .
-
-
-O , welcome , father !
-Father , I charge thee , by thy reverence ,
-Here to unfold ,though lately we intended
-To keep in darkness what occasion now
-Reveals before 'tis ripe ,what thou dost know
-
-Hath newly pass'd between this youth and me .
-
-A contract of eternal bond of love ,
-Confirm'd by mutual joinder of your hands ,
-Attested by the holy close of lips ,
-Strengthen'd by interchangement of your rings ;
-And all the ceremony of this compact
-Seal'd in my function , by my testimony :
-Since when , my watch hath told me , toward my grave
-I have travell'd but two hours .
-
-O , thou dissembling cub ! what wilt thou be
-When time hath sow'd a grizzle on thy case ?
-Or will not else thy craft so quickly grow
-That thine own trip shall be thine overthrow ?
-Farewell , and take her ; but direct thy feet
-Where thou and I henceforth may never meet .
-
-My lord , I do protest ,
-
-O ! do not swear :
-Hold little faith , though thou hast too much fear .
-
-
-For the love of God , a surgeon ! send one presently to Sir Toby .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-He has broke my head across , and has given Sir Toby a bloody coxcomb too . For the love of God , your help ! I had rather than forty pound I were at home .
-
-Who has done this , Sir Andrew ?
-
-The count's gentleman , one Cesario : we took him for a coward , but he's the very devil incardinate .
-
-My gentleman , Cesario ?
-
-Od's lifelings ! here he is . You broke my head for nothing ! and that that I did , I was set on to do't by Sir Toby .
-
-Why do you speak to me ? I never hurt you :
-You drew your sword upon me without cause ;
-But I bespake you fair , and hurt you not .
-
-If a bloody coxcomb be a hurt , you have hurt me : I think you set nothing by a bloody coxcomb . Here comes Sir Toby halting ;
-
-you shall hear more : but if he had not been in drink he would have tickled you othergates than he did .
-
-How now , gentleman ! how is't with you ?
-
-That's all one : he has hurt me , and there's the end on't . Sot , didst see Dick surgeon , sot ?
-
-O ! he's drunk , Sir Toby , an hour agone : his eyes were set at eight i' the morning .
-
-Then he's a rogue , and a passy-measures pavin . I hate a drunken rogue .
-
-Away with him ! Who hath made this havoc with them ?
-
-I'll help you , Sir Toby , because we'll be dressed together .
-
-Will you help ? an ass-head and a coxcomb and a knave , a thin-faced knave , a gull !
-
-Get him to bed , and let his hurt be look'd to .
-
-I am sorry , madam , I have hurt your kinsman ;
-But , had it been the brother of my blood ,
-I must have done no less with wit and safety .
-You throw a strange regard upon me , and by that
-I do perceive it hath offended you :
-Pardon me , sweet one , even for the vows
-We made each other but so late ago .
-
-One face , one voice , one habit , and two persons ;
-A natural perspective , that is , and is not !
-
-Antonio ! O my dear Antonio !
-How have the hours rack'd and tortur'd me
-Since I have lost thee !
-
-Sebastian are you ?
-
-Fear'st thou that , Antonio ?
-
-How have you made division of yourself ?
-An apple cleft in two is not more twin
-Than these two creatures . Which is Sebastian ?
-
-Most wonderful !
-
-Do I stand there ? I never had a brother ;
-Nor can there be that deity in my nature ,
-Of here and every where . I had a sister ,
-Whom the blind waves and surges have devour'd .
-Of charity , what kin are you to me ?
-What countryman ? what name ? what parentage ?
-
-Of Messaline : Sebastian was my father ;
-Such a Sebastian was my brother too ,
-So went he suited to his watery tomb .
-If spirits can assume both form and suit
-You come to fright us .
-
-A spirit I am indeed ;
-But am in that dimension grossly clad
-Which from the womb I did participate .
-Were you a woman , as the rest goes even ,
-I should my tears let fall upon your cheek ,
-And say , 'Thrice welcome , drowned Viola !'
-
-My father had a mole upon his brow .
-
-And so had mine .
-
-And died that day when Viola from her birth
-Had number'd thirteen years .
-
-O ! that record is lively in my soul .
-He finished indeed his mortal act
-That day that made my sister thirteen years .
-
-If nothing lets to make us happy both
-But this my masculine usurp'd attire ,
-Do not embrace me till each circumstance
-Of place , time , fortune , do cohere and jump
-That I am Viola : which to confirm ,
-I'll bring you to a captain in this town ,
-Where lie my maiden weeds : by whose gentle help
-I was preserv'd to serve this noble count .
-All the occurrence of my fortune since
-Hath been between this lady and this lord .
-
-So comes it , lady , you have been mistook :
-But nature to her bias drew in that .
-You would have been contracted to a maid ;
-Nor are you therein , by my life , deceiv'd ,
-You are betroth'd both to a maid and man .
-
-Be not amaz'd ; right noble is his blood .
-If this be so , as yet the glass seems true ,
-I shall have share in this most happy wrack .
-
-
-Boy , thou hast said to me a thousand times
-Thou never shouldst love woman like to me .
-
-And all those sayings will I over-swear ,
-And all those swearings keep as true in soul
-As doth that orbed continent the fire
-That severs day from night .
-
-Give me thy hand ;
-And let me see thee in thy woman's weeds .
-
-The captain that did bring me first on shore
-Hath my maid's garments : he upon some action
-Is now in durance at Malvolio's suit ,
-A gentleman and follower of my lady's .
-
-He shall enlarge him . Fetch Malvolio hither .
-And yet , alas , now I remember me ,
-They say , poor gentleman , he's much distract .
-A most extracting frenzy of mine own
-From my remembrance clearly banish'd his .
-
-How does he , sirrah ?
-
-Truly , madam , he holds Belzebub at the stave's end as well as a man in his case may do . He has here writ a letter to you : I should have given it to you to-day morning ; but as a madman's epistles are no gospels , so it skills not much when they are delivered .
-
-Open it , and read it .
-
-Look then to be well edified , when the fool delivers the madman .
-By the Lord , madam ,
-
-How now ! art thou mad ?
-
-No , madam , I do but read madness : an your ladyship will have it as it ought to be , you must allow vox .
-
-Prithee , read i' thy right wits .
-
-So I do , madonna ; but to read his right wits is to read thus : therefore perpend , my princess , and give ear .
-
-Read it you , sirrah .
-
-
-By the Lord , madam , you wrong me , and the world shall know it : though you have put me into darkness , and given your drunken cousin rule over me , yet have I the benefit of my senses as well as your ladyship . I have your own letter that induced me to the semblance I put on ; with the which I doubt not but to do myself much right , or you much shame . Think of me as you please . I leave my duty a little unthought of , and speak out of my injury . THE MADLY-USED MALVOLIO .
-
-Did he write this ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-This savours not much of distraction .
-
-See him deliver'd , Fabian ; bring him hither .
-
-My lord , so please you , these things further thought on ,
-To think me as well a sister as a wife ,
-One day shall crown the alliance on't , so please you ,
-Here at my house and at my proper cost .
-
-Madam , I am most apt to embrace your offer .
-
-
-Your master quits you ; and , for your service done him ,
-So much against the mettle of your sex ,
-So far beneath your soft and tender breeding ;
-And since you call'd me master for so long ,
-Here is my hand : you shall from this time be
-Your master's mistress .
-
-A sister ! you are she .
-
-
-Is this the madman ?
-
-Ay , my lord , this same .
-How now , Malvolio !
-
-Madam , you have done me wrong ,
-Notorious wrong .
-
-Have I , Malvolio ? no .
-
-Lady , you have . Pray you peruse that letter .
-You must not now deny it is your hand :
-Write from it , if you can , in hand or phrase ,
-Or say 'tis not your seal nor your invention :
-You can say none of this . Well , grant it then ,
-And tell me , in the modesty of honour ,
-Why you have given me such clear lights of favour ,
-Bade me come smiling and cross-garter'd to you ,
-To put on yellow stockings , and to frown
-Upon Sir Toby and the lighter people ;
-And , acting this in an obedient hope ,
-Why have you suffer'd me to be imprison'd ,
-Kept in a dark house , visited by the priest ,
-And made the most notorious geck and gull
-That e'er invention play'd on ? tell me why .
-
-Alas ! Malvolio , this is not my writing ,
-Though , I confess , much like the character ;
-But , out of question , 'tis Maria's hand :
-And now I do bethink me , it was she
-First told me thou wast mad ; then cam'st in smiling ,
-And in such forms which here were presuppos'd
-Upon thee in the letter . Prithee , be content :
-This practice hath most shrewdly pass'd upon thee ;
-But when we know the grounds and authors of it ,
-Thou shalt be both the plaintiff and the judge
-Of thine own cause .
-
-Good madam , hear me speak ,
-And let no quarrel nor no brawl to come
-Taint the condition of this present hour ,
-Which I have wonder'd at . In hope it shall not ,
-Most freely I confess , myself and Toby
-Set this device against Malvolio here ,
-Upon some stubborn and uncourteous parts
-We had conceiv'd against him . Maria writ
-The letter at Sir Toby's great importance ;
-In recompense whereof he hath married her .
-How with a sportful malice it was follow'd ,
-May rather pluck on laughter than revenge ,
-If that the injuries be justly weigh'd
-That have on both sides past .
-
-Alas , poor fool , how have they baffled thee !
-
-Why , 'some are born great , some achieve greatness , and some have greatness thrown upon them .' I was one , sir , in this interlude ; one Sir Topas , sir ; but that's all one . 'By the Lord , fool , I am not mad :' But do you remember ? 'Madam , why laugh you at such a barren rascal ? an you smile not , he's gagged :' and thus the whirligig of time brings in his revenges .
-
-I'll be reveng'd on the whole pack of you .
-
-
-He hath been most notoriously abus'd .
-
-Pursue him , and entreat him to a peace ;
-He hath not told us of the captain yet :
-When that is known and golden time convents ,
-A solemn combination shall be made
-Of our dear souls . Meantime , sweet sister ,
-We will not part from hence . Cesario , come ;
-For so you shall be , while you are a man ;
-But when in other habits you are seen ,
-Orsino's mistress , and his fancy's queen .
-
-When that I was and a little tiny boy ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ;
-A foolish thing was but a toy ,
-For the rain it raineth every day .
-
-
-But when I came to man's estate ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ;
-'Gainst knaves and thieves men shut their gates ,
-For the rain it raineth every day .
-
-
-But when I came , alas ! to wive ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ;
-By swaggering could I never thrive ,
-For the rain it raineth every day .
-
-
-But when I came unto my beds ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ;
-With toss-pots still had drunken heads ,
-For the rain it raineth every day .
-
-
-A great while ago the world begun ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ;
-But that's all one , our play is done ,
-And we'll strive to please you every day .
-
- THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF KING HENRY VIII
-
-
-I come no more to make you laugh : things now ,
-That bear a weighty and a serious brow ,
-Sad , high , and working , full of state and woe ,
-Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow ,
-We now present . Those that can pity , here
-May , if they think it well , let fall a tear ;
-The subject will deserve it . Such as give
-Their money out of hope they may believe ,
-May here find truth too . Those that come to see
-Only a show or two , and so agree
-The play may pass , if they be still and willing ,
-I'll undertake may see away their shilling
-Richly in two short hours . Only they
-That come to hear a merry , bawdy play ,
-A noise of targets , or to see a fellow
-In a long molley coat guarded with yellow ,
-Will be deceiv'd ; for , gentle hearers , know ,
-To rank our chosen truth with such a show
-As fool and fight is , besides forfeiting
-Our own brains , and the opinion that we bring ,
-To make that only true we now intend ,
-Will leave us never an understanding friend .
-Therefore , for goodness' sake , and as you are known
-The first and happiest hearers of the town ,
-Be sad , as we would make ye : think ye see
-The very persons of our noble story
-As they were living ; think you see them great ,
-And follow'd with the general throng and sweat
-Of thousand friends ; then , in a moment see
-How soon this mightiness meets misery :
-And if you can be merry then , I'll say
-A man may weep upon his wedding day .
-
-
-Good morrow , and well met . How have you done ,
-Since last we saw in France ?
-
-I thank your Grace ,
-Healthful ; and ever since a fresh admirer
-Of what I saw there .
-
-An untimely ague
-Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber , when
-Those suns of glory , those two lights of men ,
-Met in the vale of Andren .
-
-'Twixt Guynes and Arde :
-I was then present , saw them salute on horseback ;
-Beheld them , when they lighted , how they clung
-In their embracement , as they grew together ;
-Which had they , what four thron'd ones could have weigh'd
-Such a compounded one ?
-
-All the whole time
-I was my chamber's prisoner .
-
-Then you lost
-The view of earthly glory : men might say ,
-Till this time , pomp was single , but now married
-To one above itself . Each following day
-Became the next day's master , till the last
-Made former wonders its . To-day the French
-All clinquant , all in gold , like heathen gods ,
-Shone down the English ; and to-morrow they
-Made Britain India : every man that stood
-Show'd like a mine . Their dwarfish pages were
-As cherubins , all gilt : the madams , too ,
-Not us'd to toil , did almost sweat to bear
-The pride upon them , that their very labour
-Was to them as a painting . Now this masque
-Was cried incomparable ; and the ensuing night
-Made it a fool , and beggar . The two kings ,
-Equal in lustre , were now best , now worst ,
-As presence did present them ; him in eye ,
-Still him in praise ; and , being present both ,
-'Twas said they saw but one ; and no discerner
-Durst wag his tongue in censure . When these suns
-For so they phrase 'em by their heralds challeng'd
-The noble spirits to arms , they did perform
-Beyond thought's compass ; that former fabulous story ,
-Being now seen possible enough , got credit ,
-That Bevis was believ'd .
-
-O ! you go far .
-
-As I belong to worship , and affect
-In honour honesty , the tract of every thing
-Would by a good discourser lose some life ,
-Which action's self was tongue to . All was royal ;
-To the disposing of it nought rebell'd ,
-Order gave each thing view ; the office did
-Distinctly his full function .
-
-Who did guide ,
-I mean , who set the body and the limbs
-Of this great sport together , as you guess ?
-
-One certes , that promises no element
-In such a business .
-
-I pray you , who , my lord ?
-
-All this was order'd by the good discretion
-Of the right reverend Cardinal of York .
-
-The devil speed him ! no man's pie is freed
-From his ambitious finger . What had he
-To do in these fierce vanities ? I wonder
-That such a keech can with his very bulk
-Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun ,
-And keep it from the earth .
-
-Surely , sir ,
-There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends ;
-For , being not propp'd by ancestry , whose grace
-Chalks successors their way , nor call'd upon
-For high feats done to the crown ; neither allied
-To eminent assistants ; but , spider-like ,
-Out of his self-drawing web , he gives us note ,
-The force of his own merit makes his way ;
-A gift that heaven gives for him , which buys
-A place next to the king .
-
-I cannot tell
-What heaven hath given him : let some graver eye
-Pierce into that ; but I can see his pride
-Peep through each part of him : whence has he that ?
-If not from hell , the devil is a niggard ,
-Or has given all before , and he begins
-A new hell in himself .
-
-Why the devil ,
-Upon this French going-out , took he upon him ,
-Without the privity o' the king , to appoint
-Who should attend on him ? He makes up the file
-Of all the gentry ; for the most part such
-To whom as great a charge as little honour
-He meant to lay upon : and his own letter ,
-The honourable board of council out ,
-Must fetch him in he papers .
-
-I do know
-Kinsmen of mine , three at the least , that have
-By this so sicken'd their estates , that never
-They shall abound as formerly .
-
-O ! many
-Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em
-For this great journey . What did this vanity
-But minister communication of
-A most poor issue ?
-
-Grievingly I think ,
-The peace between the French and us not values
-The cost that did conclude it .
-
-Every man ,
-After the hideous storm that follow'd , was
-A thing inspir'd ; and , not consulting , broke
-Into a general prophecy : That this tempest ,
-Dashing the garment of this peace , aboded
-The sudden breach on't .
-
-Which is budded out ;
-For France hath flaw'd the league , and hath attach'd
-Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux .
-
-Is it therefore
-The ambassador is silenc'd ?
-
-Marry , is't .
-
-A proper title of a peace ; and purchas'd
-At a superfluous rate !
-
-Why , all this business
-Our reverend cardinal carried .
-
-Like it your Grace ,
-The state takes notice of the private difference
-Betwixt you and the cardinal . I advise you ,
-And take it from a heart that wishes towards you
-Honour and plenteous safety ,that you read
-The cardinal's malice and his potency
-Together ; to consider further that
-What his high hatred would effect wants not
-A minister in his power . You know his nature ,
-That he's revengeful ; and I know his sword
-Hath a sharp edge : it's long , and 't may be said ,
-It reaches far ; and where 'twill not extend ,
-Thither he darts it . Bosom up my counsel ,
-You'll find it wholesome . Lo where comes that rock
-That I advise your shunning .
-
-The Duke of Buckingham's surveyor , ha ?
-Where's his examination ?
-
-Here , so please you .
-
-Is he in person ready ?
-
-Ay , please your Grace .
-
-Well , we shall then know more ; and Buckingham
-Shall lessen this big look .
-
-
-This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd , and I
-Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore best
-Not wake him in his slumber . A beggar's book
-Outworths a noble's blood .
-
-What ! are you chaf'd ?
-Ask God for temperance ; that's the appliance only
-Which your disease requires .
-
-I read in's looks
-Matter against me ; and his eye revil'd
-Me , as his abject object : at this instant
-He bores me with some trick : he's gone to the king ;
-I'll follow , and out-stare him .
-
-Stay , my lord ,
-And let your reason with your choler question
-What 'tis you go about . To climb steep hills
-Requires slow pace at first : anger is like
-A full-hot horse , who being allow'd his way ,
-Self-mettle tires him . Not a man in England
-Can advise me like you : be to yourself
-As you would to your friend .
-
-I'll to the king ;
-And from a mouth of honour quite cry down
-This Ipswich fellow's insolence , or proclaim
-There's difference in no persons .
-
-Be advis'd ;
-Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot
-That it do singe yourself . We may outrun
-By violent swiftness that which we run at ,
-And lose by overrunning . Know you not ,
-The fire that mounts the liquor till it run o'er ,
-In seeming to augment it wastes it ? Be advis'd :
-I say again , there is no English soul
-More stronger to direct you than yourself ,
-If with the sap of reason you would quench ,
-Or but allay , the fire of passion .
-
-Sir ,
-I am thankful to you , and I'll go along
-By your prescription : but this top-proud fellow
-Whom from the flow of gall I name not , but
-From sincere motions ,by intelligence ,
-And proofs as clear as founts in July , when
-We see each grain of gravel ,I do know
-To be corrupt and treasonous .
-
-Say not , 'treasonous .'
-
-To the king I'll say't ; and make my vouch as strong
-As shore of rock . Attend . This holy fox ,
-Or wolf , or both ,for he is equal ravenous
-As he is subtle , and as prone to mischief
-As able to perform 't , his mind and place
-Infecting one another , yea , reciprocally ,
-Only to show his pomp as well in France
-As here at home , suggests the king our master
-To this last costly treaty , the interview ,
-That swallow'd so much treasure , and like a glass
-Did break i' the rinsing .
-
-Faith , and so it did .
-
-Praygive me favour , sir . This cunning cardinal
-The articles o' the combination drew
-As himself pleas'd ; and they were ratified
-As he cried , 'Thus let be ,' to as much end
-As give a crutch to the dead . But our count-cardinal
-Has done this , and 'tis well ; for worthy Wolsey ,
-Who cannot err , he did it . Now this follows ,
-Which , as I take it , is a kind of puppy
-To the old dam , treason , Charles the emperor ,
-Under pretence to see the queen his aunt ,
-For 'twas indeed his colour , but he came
-To whisper Wolsey ,here makes visitation :
-His fears were , that the interview betwixt
-England and France might , through their amity ,
-Breed him some prejudice ; for from this league
-Peep'd harms that menac'd him . He privily
-Deals with our cardinal , and , as I trow ,
-Which I do well ; for , I am sure the emperor
-Paid ere he promis'd ; whereby his suit was granted
-Ere it was ask'd ; but when the way was made ,
-And pav'd with gold , the emperor thus desir'd :
-That he would please to alter the king's course ,
-And break the foresaid peace . Let the king know
-As soon he shall by me that thus the cardinal
-Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases ,
-And for his own advantage .
-
-I am sorry
-To hear this of him ; and could wish he were
-Something mistaken in 't .
-
-No , not a syllable :
-I do pronounce him in that very shape
-He shall appear in proof .
-
-
-Your office , sergeant ; execute it .
-
-Sir ,
-My Lord the Duke of Buckingham , and Earl
-Of Hereford , Stafford , and Northampton , I
-Arrest thee of high treason , in the name
-Of our most sovereign king .
-
-Lo you , my lord ,
-The net has fall'n upon me ! I shall perish
-Under device and practice .
-
-I am sorry
-To see you ta'en from liberty , to look on
-The business present . 'Tis his highness' pleasure
-You shall to the Tower .
-
-It will help me nothing
-To plead mine innocence , for that dye is on me
-Which makes my whit'st part black . The will of heaven
-Be done in this and all things ! I obey .
-O ! my Lord Abergavenny , fare you well !
-
-Nay , he must bear you company .
-
-The king
-Is pleas'd you shall to the Tower , till you know
-How he determines further .
-
-As the duke said ,
-The will of heaven be done , and the king's pleasure
-By me obey'd !
-
-Here is a warrant from
-The king to attach Lord Montacute ; and the bodies
-Of the duke's confessor , John de la Car ,
-One Gilbert Peck , his chancellor ,
-
-So , so ;
-These are the limbs o' the plot : no more , I hope .
-
-A monk o' the Chartreux .
-
-O ! Nicholas Hopkins ?
-
-He .
-
-My surveyor is false ; the o'er-great cardinal
-Hath show'd him gold . My life is spann'd already :
-I am the shadow of poor Buckingham ,
-Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on ,
-By dark'ning my clear sun . My lord , farewell .
-
-
-My life itself , and the best heart of it ,
-Thanks you for this great care : I stood i' the level
-Of a full-charg'd confederacy , and give thanks
-To you that chok'd it . Let be call'd before us
-That gentleman of Buckingham's ; in person
-I'll hear him his confessions justify ;
-And point by point the treasons of his master
-He shall again relate .
-
-Nay , we must longer kneel : I am a suitor .
-
-Arise , and take place by us : half your suit
-Never name to us ; you have half our power :
-The other moiety , ere you ask , is given ;
-Repeat your will , and take it .
-
-Thank your majesty .
-That you would love yourself , and in that love
-Not unconsider'd leave your honour , nor
-The dignity of your office , is the point
-Of my petition .
-
-Lady mine , proceed .
-
-I am solicited , not by a few ,
-And those of true condition , that your subjects
-Are in great grievance : there have been commissions
-Sent down among 'em , which hath flaw'd the heart
-Of all their loyalties : wherein , although ,
-My good Lord Cardinal , they vent reproaches
-Most bitterly on you , as putter-on
-Of these exactions , yet the king our master ,
-Whose honour heaven shield from soil !even he escapes not
-Language unmannerly ; yea , such which breaks
-The sides of loyalty , and almost appears
-In loud rebellion .
-
-Not almost appears ,
-It doth appear ; for , upon these taxations ,
-The clothiers all , not able to maintain
-The many to them 'longing , have put off
-The spinsters , carders , fullers , weavers , who ,
-Unfit for other life , compell'd by hunger
-And lack of other means , in desperate manner
-Daring the event to the teeth , are all in uproar ,
-And danger serves among them .
-
-Taxation !
-Wherein ? and what taxation ? My Lord Cardinal ,
-You that are blam'd for it alike with us ,
-Know you of this taxation ?
-
-Please you , sir ,
-I know but of a single part in aught
-Pertains to the state ; and front but in that file
-Where others tell steps with me .
-
-No , my lord ,
-You know no more than others ; but you frame
-Things that are known alike ; which are not wholesome
-To those which would not know them , and yet must
-Perforce be their acquaintance . These exactions ,
-Whereof my sov'reign would have note , they are
-Most pestilent to the hearing ; and to bear 'em ,
-The back is sacrifice to the load . They say
-They are devis'd by you , or else you suffer
-Too hard an exclamation .
-
-Still exaction !
-The nature of it ? In what kind , let's know ,
-Is this exaction ?
-
-I am much too venturous
-In tempting of your patience ; but am bolden'd
-Under your promis'd pardon . The subjects' grief
-Comes through commissions , which compel from each
-The sixth part of his substance , to be levied
-Without delay ; and the pretence for this
-Is nam'd , your wars in France . This makes bold mouths :
-Tongues spit their duties out , and cold hearts freeze
-Allegiance in them ; their curses now
-Live where their prayers did ; and it's come to pass ,
-This tractable obedience is a slave
-To each incensed will . I would your highness
-Would give it quick consideration , for
-There is no primer business .
-
-By my life ,
-This is against our pleasure .
-
-And for me ,
-I have no further gone in this than by
-A single voice , and that not pass'd me but
-By learned approbation of the judges . If I am
-Traduc'd by ignorant tongues , which neither know
-My faculties nor person , yet will be
-The chronicles of my doing , let me say
-'Tis but the fate of place , and the rough brake
-That virtue must go through . We must not stint
-Our necessary actions , in the fear
-To cope malicious censurers ; which ever ,
-As rav'nous fishes , do a vessel follow
-That is new-trimm'd , but benefit no further
-Than vainly longing . What we oft do best ,
-By sick interpreters , once weak ones , is
-Not ours , or not allow'd ; what worst , as oft ,
-Hitting a grosser quality , is cried up
-For our best act . If we shall stand still ,
-In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at ,
-We should take root here where we sit , or sit
-State-statues only .
-
-Things done well ,
-And with a care , exempt themselves from fear ;
-Things done without example , in their issue
-Are to be fear'd . Have you a precedent
-Of this commission ? I believe , not any .
-We must not rend our subjects from our laws ,
-And stick them in our will . Sixth part of each ?
-A trembling contribution ! Why , we take
-From every tree , lop , bark , and part o' the timber ;
-And , though we leave it with a root , thus hack'd ,
-The air will drink the sap . To every county
-Where this is question'd , send our letters , with
-Free pardon to each man that has denied
-The force of this commission . Pray , look to 't ;
-I put it to your care .
-
-A word with you .
-Let there be letters writ to every shire ,
-Of the king's grace and pardon . The griev'd commons
-Hardly conceive of me ; let it be nois'd
-That through our intercession this revokement
-And pardon comes : I shall anon advise you
-Further in the proceeding .
-
-I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham
-Is run in your displeasure .
-
-It grieves many :
-The gentleman is learn'd , and a most rare speaker ,
-To nature none more bound ; his training such
-That he may furnish and instruct great teachers ,
-And never seek for aid out of himself . Yet see ,
-When these so noble benefits shall prove
-Not well dispos'd , the mind growing once corrupt ,
-They turn to vicious forms , ten times more ugly
-Than ever they were fair . This man so complete ,
-Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders , and when we ,
-Almost with ravish'd listening , could not find
-His hour of speech a minute ; he , my lady ,
-Hath into monstrous habits put the graces
-That once were his , and is become as black
-As if besmear'd in hell . Sit by us ; you shall hear
-This was his gentleman in trust of him
-Things to strike honour sad . Bid him recount
-The fore-recited practices ; whereof
-We cannot feel too little , hear too much .
-
-Stand forth ; and with bold spirit relate what you ,
-Most like a careful subject , have collected
-Out of the Duke of Buckingham .
-
-Speak freely .
-
-First , it was usual with him , every day
-It would infect his speech , that if the king
-Should without issue die , he'd carry it so
-To make the sceptre his . These very words
-I've heard him utter to his son-in-law ,
-Lord Abergavenny , to whom by oath he menac'd
-Revenge upon the cardinal .
-
-Please your highness , note
-This dangerous conception in this point .
-Not friended by his wish , to your high person
-His will is most malignant ; and it stretches
-Beyond you , to your friends .
-
-My learn'd Lord Cardinal ,
-Deliver all with charity .
-
-Speak on :
-How grounded he his title to the crown
-Upon our fail ? to this point hast thou heard him
-At any time speak aught ?
-
-He was brought to this
-By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins .
-
-What was that Hopkins ?
-
-Sir , a Chartreux friar ,
-His confessor , who fed him every minute
-With words of sovereignty .
-
-How know'st thou this ?
-
-Not long before your highness sped to France ,
-The duke being at the Rose , within the parish
-Saint Lawrence Poultney , did of me demand
-What was the speech among the Londoners
-Concerning the French journey : I replied ,
-Men fear'd the French would prove perfidious ,
-To the king's danger . Presently the duke
-Said , 'twas the fear , indeed ; and that he doubted
-'Twould prove the verity of certain words
-Spoke by a holy monk ; 'that oft ,' says he ,
-'Hath sent to me , wishing me to permit
-John de la Car , my chaplain , a choice hour
-To hear from him a matter of some moment :
-Whom after under the confession's seal
-He solemnly had sworn , that what he spoke ,
-My chaplain to no creature living but
-To me should utter , with demure confidence
-This pausingly ensu'd : neither the king nor 's heirs
-Tell you the duke shall prosper : bid him strive
-To gain the love o' the commonalty : the duke
-Shall govern England .'
-
-If I know you well ,
-You were the duke's surveyor , and lost your office
-On the complaint o' the tenants : take good heed
-You charge not in your spleen a noble person ,
-And spoil your nobler soul . I say , take heed ;
-Yes , heartily beseech you .
-
-Let him on .
-Go forward .
-
-On my soul , I'll speak but truth .
-I told my lord the duke , by the devil's illusions
-The monk might be deceiv'd ; and that 'twas dangerous for him
-To ruminate on this so far , until
-It forg'd him some design , which , being believ'd ,
-It was much like to do . He answer'd , 'Tush !
-It can do me no damage ;' adding further ,
-That had the king in his last sickness fail'd ,
-The cardinal's and Sir Thomas Lovell's heads
-Should have gone off .
-
-Ha ! what , so rank ? Ah , ha !
-There's mischief in this man . Canst thou say further ?
-
-I can , my liege .
-
-Proceed .
-
-Being at Greenwich ,
-After your highness had reprov'd the duke
-About Sir William Blomer ,
-
-I remember
-Of such a time : being my sworn servant ,
-The duke retain'd him his . But on ; what hence ?
-
-'If ,' quoth he , 'I for this had been committed ,
-As , to the Tower , I thought , I would have play'd
-The part my father meant to act upon
-The usurper Richard ; who , being at Salisbury ,
-Made suit to come in 's presence ; which if granted ,
-As he made semblance of his duty , would
-Have put his knife into him .'
-
-A giant traitor !
-
-Now , madam , may his highness live in freedom ,
-And this man out of prison ?
-
-God mend all !
-
-There's something more would out of thee ? what sayst ?
-
-After 'the duke his father ,' with 'the knife ,'
-He stretch'd him , and , with one hand on his dagger ,
-Another spread on's breast , mounting his eyes ,
-He did discharge a horrible oath ; whose tenour
-Was , were he evil us'd , he would outgo
-His father by as much as a performance
-Does an irresolute purpose .
-
-There's his period ;
-To sheathe his knife in us . He is attach'd ;
-Call him to present trial : if he may
-Find mercy in the law , 'tis his ; if none ,
-Let him not seek't of us : by day and night !
-He's traitor to the height .
-
-
-Is't possible the spells of France should juggle
-Men into such strange mysteries ?
-
-New customs ,
-Though they be never so ridiculous ,
-Nay , let 'em be unmanly , yet are follow'd .
-
-As far as I see , all the good our English
-Have got by the late voyage is but merely
-A fit or two o' the face ; but they are shrewd ones ;
-For when they hold 'em , you would swear directly
-Their very noses had been counsellors
-To Pepin or Clotharius , they keep state so .
-
-They have all new legs , and lame ones : one would take it ,
-That never saw 'em pace before , the spavin
-Or springhalt reign'd among 'em .
-
-Death ! my lord ,
-Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too ,
-That , sure , they've worn out Christendom .
-
-
-How now !
-
-What news , Sir Thomas Lovell ?
-
-Faith , my lord ,
-I hear of none , but the new proclamation
-That's clapp'd upon the court-gate .
-
-What is't for ?
-
-The reformation of our travell'd gallants ,
-That fill the court with quarrels , talk , and tailors .
-
-I am glad 'tis there : now I would pray our monsieurs
-To think an English courtier may be wise ,
-And never see the Louvre .
-
-They must either
-For so run the conditions leave those remnants
-Of fool and feather that they got in France ,
-With all their honourable points of ignorance
-Pertaining thereunto ,as fights and fireworks ;
-Abusing better men than they can be ,
-Out of a foreign wisdom ;renouncing clean
-The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings ,
-Short blister'd breeches , and those types of travel ,
-And understand again like honest men ;
-Or pack to their old playfellows : there , I take it ,
-They may , cum privilegio , wear away
-The lag end of their lewdness , and be laugh'd at .
-
-'Tis time to give 'em physic , their diseases
-Are grown so catching .
-
-What a loss our ladies
-Will have of these trim vanities !
-
-Ay , marry ,
-There will be woe indeed , lords : the sly whoresons
-Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies ;
-A French song and a fiddle has no fellow .
-
-The devil fiddle 'em ! I am glad they're going :
-For , sure , there's no converting of 'em : now
-An honest country lord , as I am , beaten
-A long time out of play , may bring his plainsong
-And have an hour of hearing ; and , by'r lady ,
-Held current music too .
-
-Well said , Lord Sands ;
-Your colt's tooth is not cast yet .
-
-No , my lord ;
-Nor shall not , while I have a stump .
-
-Sir Thomas ,
-Whither were you a-going ?
-
-To the cardinal's :
-Your lordship is a guest too .
-
-O ! 'tis true :
-This night he makes a supper , and a great one ,
-To many lords and ladies ; there will be
-The beauty of this kingdom , I'll assure you .
-
-That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed ,
-A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us ;
-His dews fall everywhere .
-
-No doubt he's noble ;
-He had a black mouth that said other of him .
-
-He may , my lord ; he has wherewithal : in him
-Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine :
-Men of his way should be most liberal ;
-They are set here for examples .
-
-True , they are so ;
-But few now give so great ones . My barge stays ;
-Your lordship shall along . Come , good Sir Thomas ,
-We shall be late else ; which I would not be ,
-For I was spoke to , with Sir Henry Guildford ,
-This night to be comptrollers .
-
-I am your lordship's .
-
-Ladies , a general welcome from his Grace
-Salutes ye all ; this night he dedicates
-To fair content and you . None here , he hopes ,
-In all this noble bevy , has brought with her
-One care abroad ; he would have all as merry
-As , first , good company , good wine , good welcome
-Can make good people .
-
-O , my lord ! you're tardy :
-The very thought of this fair company
-Clapp'd wings to me .
-
-You are young , Sir Harry Guildford .
-
-Sir Thomas Lovell , had the cardinal
-But half my lay-thoughts in him , some of these
-Should find a running banquet ere they rested ,
-I think would better please 'em : by my life ,
-They are a sweet society of fair ones .
-
-O ! that your lordship were but now confessor
-To one or two of these !
-
-I would I were ;
-They should find easy penance .
-
-Faith , how easy ?
-
-As easy as a down-bed would afford it .
-
-Sweet ladies , will it please you sit ? Sir Harry ,
-Place you that side , I'll take the charge of this ;
-His Grace is ent'ring . Nay you must not freeze ;
-Two women plac'd together makes cold weather :
-My Lord Sands , you are one will keep 'em waking ;
-Pray , sit between these ladies .
-
-By my faith ,
-And thank your lordship . By your leave , sweet ladies :
-
-If I chance to talk a little wild , forgive me ;
-I had it from my father .
-
-Was he mad , sir ?
-
-O ! very mad , exceeding mad ; in love too :
-But he would bite none ; just as I do now ,
-He would kiss you twenty with a breath .
-
-
-Well said , my lord .
-So , now you're fairly seated . Gentlemen ,
-The penance lies on you , if these fair ladies
-Pass away frowning .
-
-For my little cure ,
-Let me alone .
-
-
-You're welcome , my fair guests : that noble lady ,
-Or gentleman , that is not freely merry ,
-Is not my friend : this , to confirm my welcome ;
-And to you all , good health .
-
-
-Your Grace is noble :
-Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks ,
-And save me so much talking .
-
-My Lord Sands ,
-I am beholding to you : cheer your neighbours .
-Ladies , you are not merry : gentlemen ,
-Whose fault is this ?
-
-The red wine first must rise
-In their fair cheeks , my lord ; then , we shall have 'em
-Talk us to silence .
-
-You are a merry gamester ,
-My Lord Sands .
-
-Yes , if I make my play .
-Here's to your ladyship ; and pledge it , madam ,
-For 'tis to such a thing ,
-
-You cannot show me .
-
-I told your Grace they would talk anon .
-
-
-What's that ?
-
-Look out there , some of ye .
-
-
-What war-like voice ,
-And to what end , is this ? Nay , ladies , fear not ;
-By all the laws of war you're privileg'd .
-
-
-How now , what is't ?
-
-A noble troop of strangers ;
-For so they seem : they've left their barge and landed ;
-And hither make , as great ambassadors
-From foreign princes .
-
-Good Lord Chamberlain ,
-Go , give 'em welcome ; you can speak the French tongue ;
-And , pray , receive 'em nobly , and conduct 'em
-Into our presence , where this heaven of beauty
-Shall shine at full upon them . Some attend him .
-
-You have now a broken banquet ; but we'll mend it .
-A good digestion to you all ; and once more
-I shower a welcome on ye ; welcome all .
-
-A noble company ! what are their pleasures ?
-
-Because they speak no English , thus they pray'd
-To tell your Grace : that , having heard by fame
-Of this so noble and so fair assembly
-This night to meet here , they could do no less ,
-Out of the great respect they bear to beauty ,
-But leave their flocks ; and , under your fair conduct ,
-Crave leave to view these ladies , and entreat
-An hour of revels with 'em .
-
-Say , Lord Chamberlain ,
-They have done my poor house grace ; for which I pay 'em
-A thousand thanks , and pray 'em take their pleasures .
-
-
-The fairest hand I ever touch'd ! O beauty ,
-Till now I never knew thee !
-
-
-My lord .
-
-Your Grace ?
-
-Pray tell them thus much from me :
-There should be one amongst 'em , by his person ,
-More worthy this place than myself ; to whom ,
-If I but knew him , with my love and duty
-I would surrender it .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-
-What say they ?
-
-Such a one , they all confess ,
-There is , indeed ; which they would have your Grace
-Find out , and he will take it .
-
-Let me see then .
-
-By all your good leaves , gentlemen , here I'll make
-My royal choice .
-
-You have found him , cardinal .
-You hold a fair assembly ; you do well , lord :
-You are a churchman , or , I'll tell you , cardinal ,
-I should judge now unhappily .
-
-I am glad
-Your Grace is grown so pleasant .
-
-My Lord Chamberlain ,
-Prithee , come hither . What fair lady's that ?
-
-An't please your Grace , Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter ,
-The Viscount Rochford , one of her highness' women .
-
-By heaven , she is a dainty one . Sweetheart ,
-I were unmannerly to take you out ,
-And not to kiss you . A health , gentlemen !
-Let it go round .
-
-Sir Thomas Lovell , is the banquest ready
-I' the privy chamber ?
-
-Yes , my lord .
-
-Your Grace ,
-I fear , with dancing is a little heated .
-
-I fear , too much .
-
-There's fresher air , my lord ,
-In the next chamber .
-
-Lead in your ladies , every one . Sweet partner ,
-I must not yet forsake you . Let's be merry :
-Good my Lord Cardinal , I have half a dozen healths
-To drink to these fair ladies , and a measure
-To lead 'em once again ; and then let's dream
-Who's best in favour . Let the music knock it .
-
-
-Whither away so fast ?
-
-O ! God save ye .
-E'en to the hall , to hear what shall become
-Of the great Duke of Buckingham .
-
-I'll save you
-That labour , sir . All's now done but the ceremony
-Of bringing back the prisoner .
-
-Were you there ?
-
-Yes , indeed , was I .
-
-Pray speak what has happen'd .
-
-You may guess quickly what .
-
-Is he found guilty ?
-
-Yes , truly is he , and condemn'd upon't .
-
-I am sorry for 't .
-
-So are a number more .
-
-But , pray , how pass'd it ?
-
-I'll tell you in a little . The great duke
-Came to the bar ; where , to his accusations
-He pleaded still not guilty , and alleg'd
-Many sharp reasons to defeat the law .
-The king's attorney on the contrary
-Urg'd on the examinations , proofs , confessions
-Of divers witnesses , which the duke desir'd
-To have brought , viv voce , to his face :
-At which appear'd against him his surveyor ;
-Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor ; and John Car ,
-Confessor to him ; with that devil-monk ,
-Hopkins , that made this mischief .
-
-That was he
-That fed him with his prophecies ?
-
-The same .
-All these accus'd him strongly ; which he fain
-Would have flung from him , but , indeed , he could not :
-And so his peers , upon this evidence ,
-Have found him guilty of high treason . Much
-He spoke , and learnedly , for life ; but all
-Was either pitied in him or forgotten .
-
-After all this how did he bear himself ?
-
-When he was brought again to the bar , to hear
-His knell rung out , his judgment , he was stirr'd
-With such an agony , he sweat extremely ,
-And something spoke in choler , ill , and hasty :
-But he fell to himself again , and sweetly
-In all the rest show'd a most noble patience .
-
-I do not think he fears death .
-
-Sure , he does not ;
-He never was so womanish ; the cause
-He may a little grieve at .
-
-Certainly
-The cardinal is the end of this .
-
-'Tis likely
-By all conjectures : first , Kildare's attainder ,
-Then deputy of Ireland ; who , remov'd ,
-Earl Surrey was sent thither , and in haste too ,
-Lest he should help his father .
-
-That trick of state
-Was a deep envious one .
-
-At his return ,
-No doubt he will requite it . This is noted ,
-And generally , whoever the king favours ,
-The cardinal instantly will find employment ,
-And far enough from court too .
-
-All the commons
-Hate him perniciously , and o' my conscience ,
-Wish him ten fathom deep : this duke as much
-They love and dote on ; call him bounteous Buckingham ,
-The mirror of all courtesy ;
-
-Stay there , sir ,
-And see the noble ruin'd man you speak of .
-
-Let's stand close , and behold him .
-
-All good people ,
-You that thus far have come to pity me ,
-Hear what I say , and then go home and lose me .
-I have this day receiv'd a traitor's judgment ,
-And by that name must die : yet , heaven bear witness ,
-And if I have a conscience , let it sink me ,
-Even as the axe falls , if I be not faithful !
-The law I bear no malice for my death ,
-'T has done upon the premises but justice ;
-But those that sought it I could wish more Christians :
-Be what they will , I heartily forgive 'em .
-Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief ,
-Nor build their evils on the graves of great men ;
-For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em .
-For further life in this world I ne'er hope ,
-Nor will I sue , although the king have mercies
-More than I dare make faults . You few that lov'd me ,
-And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham ,
-His noble friends and fellows , whom to leave
-Is only bitter to him , only dying ,
-Go with me , like good angels , to my end ;
-And , as the long divorce of steel falls on me ,
-Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice ,
-And lift my soul to heaven . Lead on , o' God's name .
-
-I do beseech your Grace , for charity ,
-If ever any malice in your heart
-Were hid against me , now to forgive me frankly .
-
-Sir Thomas Lovell , I as free forgive you
-As I would be forgiven : I forgive all .
-There cannot be those numberless offences
-'Gainst me that I cannot take peace with : no black envy
-Shall mark my grave . Commend me to his Grace ;
-And , if he speak of Buckingham , pray , tell him
-You met him half in heaven . My vows and prayers
-Yet are the king's ; and , till my soul forsake ,
-Shall cry for blessings on him : may he live
-Longer than I have time to tell his years !
-Ever belov'd and loving may his rule be !
-And when old time shall lead him to his end ,
-Goodness and he fill up one monument !
-
-To the water side I must conduct your Grace ;
-Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux ,
-Who undertakes you to your end .
-
-Prepare there !
-The duke is coming : see the barge be ready ;
-And fit it with such furniture as suits
-The greatness of his person .
-
-Nay , Sir Nicholas ,
-Let it alone ; my state now will but mock me .
-When I came hither , I was Lord High Constable ,
-And Duke of Buckingham ; now , poor Edward Bohun :
-Yet I am richer than my base accusers ,
-That never knew what truth meant : I now seal it ;
-And with that blood will make them one day groan for't .
-My noble father , Henry of Buckingham ,
-Who first rais'd head against usurping Richard ,
-Flying for succour to his servant Banister ,
-Being distress'd , was by that wretch betray'd ,
-And without trial fell : God's peace be with him !
-Henry the Seventh succeeding , truly pitying
-My father's loss , like a most royal prince ,
-Restor'd me to my honours , and , out of ruins ,
-Made my name once more noble . Now his son ,
-Henry the Eighth , life , honour , name , and all
-That made me happy , at one stroke has taken
-For ever from the world . I had my trial ,
-And , must needs say , a noble one ; which makes me
-A little happier than my wretched father :
-Yet thus far we are one in fortunes ; both
-Fell by our servants , by those men welov'd most :
-A most unnatural and faithless service !
-Heaven has an end in all ; yet , you that hear me ,
-This from a dying man receive as certain :
-Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels
-Be sure you be not loose ; for those you make friends
-And give your hearts to , when they once perceive
-The least rub in your fortunes , fall away
-Like water from ye , never found again
-But where they mean to sink ye . All good people ,
-Pray for me ! I must now forsake ye : the last hour
-Of my long weary life is come upon me .
-Farewell :
-And when you would say something that is sad ,
-Speak how I fell . I have done ; and God forgive me !
-
-
-O ! this is full of pity ! Sir , it calls ,
-I fear , too many curses on their heads
-That were the authors .
-
-If the duke be guiltless ,
-'Tis full of woe ; yet I can give you inkling
-Of an ensuing evil , if it fall ,
-Greater than this .
-
-Good angels keep it from us !
-What may it be ? You do not doubt my faith , sir ?
-
-This secret is so weighty , 'twill require
-A strong faith to conceal it .
-
-Let me have it ;
-I do not talk much .
-
-I am confident :
-You shall , sir . Did you not of late days hear
-A buzzing of a separation
-Between the king and Katharine ?
-
-Yes , but it held not ;
-For when the king once heard it , out of anger
-He sent command to the lord mayor straight
-To stop the rumour , and allay those tongues
-That durst disperse it .
-
-But that slander , sir ,
-Is found a truth now ; for it grows again
-Fresher than e'er it was ; and held for certain
-The king will venture at it . Either the cardinal ,
-Or some about him near , have , out of malice
-To the good queen , possess'd him with a scruple
-That will undo her : to confirm this too ,
-Cardinal Campeius is arriv'd , and lately ;
-As all think , for this business .
-
-'Tis the cardinal ;
-And merely to revenge him on the emperor
-For not bestowing on him , at his asking ,
-The archbishopric of Toledo , this is purpos'd .
-
-I think you have hit the mark : but is't not cruel
-That she should feel the smart of this ? The cardinal
-Will have his will , and she must fall .
-
-'Tis woeful .
-We are too open here to argue this ;
-Let's think in private more .
-
-
-My lord , The horses your lordship sent for , with all the care I had , I saw well chosen , ridden , and furnished . They were young and handsome , and of the best breed in the north . When they were ready to set out for London , a man of my Lord Cardinal's , by commission and main power , took them from me ; with this reason : His master would be served before a subject , if not before the king ; which stopped our mouths , sir .
-I fear he will indeed . Well , let him have them :
-He will have all , I think .
-
-
-Well met , my Lord Chamberlain .
-
-Good day to both your Graces .
-
-How is the king employ'd ?
-
-I left him private ,
-Full of sad thoughts and troubles .
-
-What's the cause ?
-
-It seems the marriage with his brother's wife
-Has crept too near his conscience .
-
-No ; his conscience
-Has crept too near another lady .
-
-'Tis so :
-This is the cardinal's doing , the king-cardinal :
-That blind priest , like the eldest son of Fortune ,
-Turns what he list . The king will know him one day .
-
-Pray God he do ! he'll never know himself else .
-
-How holily he works in all his business ,
-And with what zeal ! for , now he has crack'd the league
-Between us and the emperor , the queen's great nephew ,
-He dives into the king's soul , and there scatters
-Dangers , doubts , wringing of the conscience ,
-Fears , and despairs ; and all these for his marriage :
-And out of all these , to restore the king ,
-He counsels a divorce ; a loss of her ,
-That like a jewel has hung twenty years
-About his neck , yet never lost her lustre ;
-Of her , that loves him with that excellence
-That angels love good men with ; even of her ,
-That , when the greatest stroke of fortune falls ,
-Will bless the king : and is not this course pious ?
-
-Heaven keep me from such counsel ! 'Tis most true
-These news are every where ; every tongue speaks 'em ,
-And every true heart weeps for't . All that dare
-Look into these affairs , see this main end ,
-The French king's sister . Heaven will one day open
-The king's eyes , that so long have slept upon
-This bold bad man .
-
-And free us from his slavery .
-
-We had need pray ,
-And heartily , for our deliverance ;
-Or this imperious man will work us all
-From princes into pages . All men's honours
-Lie like one lump before him , to be fashion'd
-Into what pitch he please .
-
-For me , my lords ,
-I love him not , nor fear him ; there's my creed .
-As I am made without him , so I'll stand ,
-If the king please ; his curses and his blessings
-Touch me alike , they're breath I not believe in .
-I knew him , and I know him ; so I leave him
-To him that made him proud , the pope .
-
-Let's in ;
-And with some other business put the king
-From these sad thoughts , that work too much upon him .
-My lord , you'll bear us company ?
-
-Excuse me ;
-The king hath sent me otherwhere : besides ,
-You'll find a most unfit time to disturb him :
-Health to your lordships .
-
-Thanks , my good Lord Chamberlain .
-
-How sad he looks ! sure , he is much afflicted .
-
-Who is there , ha ?
-
-Pray God he be not angry .
-
-Who's there , I say ? How dare you thrust yourselves
-Into my private meditations ?
-Who am I , ha ?
-
-A gracious king that pardons all offences
-Malice ne'er meant : our breach of duty this way
-Is business of estate ; in which we come
-To know your royal pleasure .
-
-Ye are too bold .
-Go to ; I'll make ye know your times of business :
-Is this an hour for temporal affairs , ha ?
-
-
-Who's there ? my good Lord Cardinal ? O ! my Wolsey ,
-The quiet of my wounded conscience ;
-Thou art a cure fit for a king .
-
-You're welcome ,
-Most learned reverend sir , into our kingdom :
-Use us , and it .
-
-My good lord , have great care
-
-I be not found a talker .
-
-Sir , you cannot .
-I would your Grace would give us but an hour
-Of private conference .
-
-We are busy : go .
-
-This priest has no pride in him !
-
-Not to speak of ;
-I would not be so sick though for his place :
-But this cannot continue .
-
-If it do ,
-I'll venture one have-at-him .
-
-I another .
-
-
-Your Grace has given a precedent of wisdom
-Above all princes , in committing freely
-Your scruple to the voice of Christendom .
-Who can be angry now ? what envy reach you ?
-The Spaniard , tied by blood and favour to her ,
-Must now confess , if they have any goodness ,
-The trial just and noble . All the clerks ,
-I mean the learned ones , in Christian kingdoms
-Have their free voices : Rome , the nurse of judgment ,
-Invited by your noble self , hath sent
-One general tongue unto us , this good man ,
-This just and learned priest , Cardinal Campeius ;
-Whom once more I present unto your highness .
-
-And once more in my arms I bid him welcome ,
-And thank the holy conclave for their loves :
-They have sent me such a man I would have wish'd for .
-
-Your Grace must needs deserve all strangers' loves ,
-You are so noble . To your highness' hand
-I tender my commission , by whose virtue ,
-The court of Rome commanding ,you , my Lord
-Cardinal of York , are join'd with me , their servant ,
-In the impartial judging of this business .
-
-Two equal men . The queen shall be acquainted
-Forthwith for what you come . Where's Gardiner ?
-
-I know your majesty has always lov'd her
-So dear in heart , not to deny her that
-A woman of less place might ask by law ,
-Scholars , allow'd freely to argue for her .
-
-Ay , and the best , she shall have ; and my favour
-To him that does best : God forbid else . Cardinal ,
-Prithee , call Gardiner to me , my new secretary :
-I find him a fit fellow .
-
-Give me your hand ; much joy and favour to you ;
-You are the king's now .
-
-But to be commanded
-For ever by your Grace , whose hand has rais'd me .
-
-Come hither , Gardiner .
-
-
-My Lord of York , was not one Doctor Pace
-In this man's place before him ?
-
-Yes , he was .
-
-Was he not held a learned man ?
-
-Yes , surely .
-
-Believe me , there's an ill opinion spread then
-Even of yourself , Lord Cardinal .
-
-How ! of me ?
-
-They will not stick to say , you envied him ,
-And fearing he would rise , he was so virtuous ,
-Kept him a foreign man still ; which so griev'd him
-That he ran mad and died .
-
-Heaven's peace be with him !
-That's Christian care enough : for living murmurers
-There's places of rebuke . He was a fool ,
-For he would needs be virtuous : that good fellow ,
-If I command him , follows my appointment :
-I will have none so near else . Learn this , brother ,
-We live not to be grip'd by meaner persons .
-
-Deliver this with modesty to the queen .
-
-The most convenient place that I can think of
-For such receipt of learning , is Black-Friars ;
-There ye shall meet about this weighty business .
-My Wolsey , see it furnish'd . O my lord !
-Would it not grieve an able man to leave
-So sweet a bedfellow ? But , conscience , conscience !
-O ! 'tis a tender place , and I must leave her .
-
-
-Not for that neither : here's the pang that pinches :
-His highness having liv'd so long with her , and she
-So good a lady that no tongue could ever
-Pronounce dishonour of her ; by my life ,
-She never knew harm-doing ; O ! now , after
-So many courses of the sun enthron'd ,
-Still growing in a majesty and pomp , the which
-To leave a thousand-fold more bitter than
-'Tis sweet at first to acquire , after this process
-To give her the avaunt ! it is a pity
-Would move a monster .
-
-Hearts of most hard temper
-Melt and lament for her .
-
-O ! God's will ; much better
-She ne'er had known pomp : though 't be temporal ,
-Yet , if that quarrel , Fortune , do divorce
-It from the bearer , 'tis a sufferance panging
-As soul and body's severing .
-
-Alas ! poor lady ,
-She's a stranger now again .
-
-So much the more
-Must pity drop upon her . Verily ,
-I swear , 'tis better to be lowly born ,
-And range with humble livers in content ,
-Than to be perk'd up in a glist'ring grief
-And wear a golden sorrow .
-
-Our content
-Is our best having .
-
-By my troth and maidenhead
-I would not be a queen .
-
-Beshrew me , I would ,
-And venture maidenhead for't ; and so would you ,
-For all this spice of your hypocrisy .
-You , that have so fair parts of woman on you ,
-Have too a woman's heart ; which ever yet
-Affected eminence , wealth , sovereignty :
-Which , to say sooth , are blessings , and which gifts
-Saving your mincing the capacity
-Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive ,
-If you might please to stretch it .
-
-Nay , good troth .
-
-Yes , troth , and troth ; you would not be a queen ?
-
-No , not for all the riches under heaven .
-
-'Tis strange : a three-pence bow'd would hire me ,
-Old as I am , to queen it . But , I pray you ,
-What think you of a duchess ? have you limbs
-To bear that load of title ?
-
-No , in truth .
-
-Then you are weakly made . Pluck off a little :
-I would not be a young count in your way ,
-For more than blushing comes to : if your back
-Cannot vouchsafe this burden , 'tis too weak
-Ever to get a boy .
-
-How you do talk !
-I swear again , I would not be a queen
-For all the world .
-
-In faith , for little England
-You'd venture an emballing : I myself
-Would for Carnarvonshire , although there 'long'd
-No more to the crown but that . Lo ! who comes here ?
-
-
-Good morrow , ladies . What were't worth to know
-The secret of your conference ?
-
-My good lord ,
-Not your demand ; it values not your asking :
-Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying .
-
-It was a gentle business , and becoming
-The action of good women : there is hope
-All will be well .
-
-Now , I pray God , amen !
-
-You bear a gentle mind , and heavenly blessings
-Follow such creatures . That you may , fair lady ,
-Perceive I speak sincerely , and high note's
-Ta'en of your many virtues , the king's majesty
-Commends his good opinion of you , and
-Does purpose honour to you no less flowing
-Than Marchioness of Pembroke ; to which title
-A thousand pound a year , annual support ,
-Out of his grace he adds .
-
-I do not know
-What kind of my obedience I should tender ;
-More than my all is nothing , nor my prayers
-Are not words duly hallow'd , nor my wishes
-More worth than empty vanities ; yet prayers and wishes
-Are all I can return . Beseech your lordship ,
-Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience ,
-As from a blushing handmaid , to his highness ,
-Whose health and royalty I pray for .
-
-Lady ,
-I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit
-The king hath of you .
-
-I have perus'd her well ;
-Beauty and honour in her are so mingled
-That they have caught the king ; and who knows yet
-But from this lady may proceed a gem
-To lighten all this isle ?
-
-I'll to the king ,
-And say , I spoke with you .
-
-My honour'd lord .
-
-
-Why , this it is ; see , see !
-I have been begging sixteen years in court ,
-Am yet a courtier beggarly , nor could
-Come pat betwixt too early and too late ;
-For any suit of pounds ; and you , O fate !
-A very fresh-fish here ,fie , fie , upon
-This compell'd fortune !have your mouth fill'd up
-Before you open it .
-
-This is strange to me .
-
-How tastes it ? is it bitter ? forty pence , no .
-There was a lady once ,'tis an old story ,
-That would not be a queen , that would she not ,
-For all the mud in Egypt : have you heard it ?
-
-Come , you are pleasant .
-
-With your theme I could
-O'ermount the lark . The Marchioness of Pembroke !
-A thousand pounds a year , for pure respect !
-No other obligation ! By my life
-That promises more thousands : honour's train
-Is longer than his foreskirt . By this time
-I know your back will bear a duchess : say ,
-Are you not stronger than you were ?
-
-Good lady ,
-Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy ,
-And leave me out on't . Would I had no being ,
-If this salute my blood a jot : it faints me ,
-To think what follows .
-The queen is comfortless , and we forgetful
-In our long absence . Pray , do not deliver
-What here you've heard to her .
-
-What do you think me ?
-
-
-Whilst our commission from Rome is read ,
-Let silence be commanded .
-
-What's the need ?
-It hath already publicly been read ,
-And on all sides the authority allow'd ;
-You may then spare that time .
-
-Be't so . Proceed .
-
-Say , Henry King of England , come into the court .
-
-Henry King of England , come into the court .
-
-Here .
-
-Say , Katharine Queen of England , come into the court .
-
-Katharine Queen of England , come into the court .
-
-Sir , I desire you do me right and justice ;
-And to bestow your pity on me ; for
-I am a most poor woman , and a stranger ,
-Born out of your dominions ; having here
-No judge indifferent , nor no more assurance
-Of equal friendship and proceeding . Alas ! sir ,
-In what have I offended you ? what cause
-Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure ,
-That thus you should proceed to put me off
-And take your good grace from me ? Heaven witness ,
-I have been to you a true and humble wife ,
-At all times to your will conformable ;
-Ever in fear to kindle your dislike ,
-Yea , subject to your countenance , glad or sorry
-As I saw it inclin'd . When was the hour
-I ever contradicted your desire ,
-Or made it not mine too ? Or which of your friends
-Have I not strove to love , although I knew
-He were mine enemy ? what friend of mine
-That had to him deriv'd your anger , did I
-Continue in my liking ? nay , gave notice
-He was from thence discharg'd . Sir , call to mind
-That I have been your wife , in this obedience
-Upward of twenty years , and have been blest
-With many children by you : if , in the course
-And process of this time , you can report ,
-And prove it too , against mine honour aught ,
-My bond to wedlock , or my love and duty ,
-Against your sacred person , in God's name
-Turn me away ; and let the foul'st contempt
-Shut door upon me , and so give me up
-To the sharp'st kind of justice . Please you , sir ,
-The king , your father , was reputed for
-A prince most prudent , of an excellent
-And unmatch'd wit and judgment : Ferdinand ,
-My father , King of Spain , was reckon'd one
-The wisest prince that there had reign'd by many
-A year before : it is not to be question'd
-That they had gather'd a wise council to them
-Of every realm , that did debate this business ,
-Who deem'd our marriage lawful . Wherefore I humbly
-Beseech you , sir , to spare me , till I may
-Be by my friends in Spain advis'd , whose counsel
-I will implore : if not , i' the name of God ,
-Your pleasure be fulfill'd !
-
-You have here , lady ,
-And of your choice ,these reverend fathers ; men
-Of singular integrity and learning ,
-Yea , the elect o' the land , who are assembled
-To plead your cause . It shall be therefore bootless
-That longer you desire the court , as well
-For your own quiet , as to rectify
-What is unsettled in the king .
-
-His Grace
-Hath spoken well and justly : therefore , madam ,
-It's fit this royal session do proceed ,
-And that , without delay , their arguments
-Be now produc'd and heard .
-
-Lord Cardinal ,
-To you I speak .
-
-Your pleasure , madam ?
-
-Sir ,
-I am about to weep ; but , thinking that
-We are a queen ,or long have dream'd so ,certain
-The daughter of a king , my drops of tears
-I'll turn to sparks of fire .
-
-Be patient yet .
-
-I will , when you are humble ; nay , before ,
-Or God will punish me . I do believe ,
-Induc'd by potent circumstances , that
-You are mine enemy ; and make my challenge
-You shall not be my judge ; for it is you
-Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me ,
-Which God's dew quench ! Therefore I say again ,
-I utterly abhor , yea , from my soul
-Refuse you for my judge , whom , yet once more ,
-I hold my most malicious foe , and think not
-At all a friend to truth .
-
-I do profess
-You speak not like yourself ; who ever yet
-Have stood to charity , and display'd the effects
-Of disposition gentle , and of wisdom
-O'ertopping woman's power . Madam , you do me wrong :
-I have no spleen against you ; nor injustice
-For you or any : how far I have proceeded ,
-Or how far further shall , is warranted
-By a commission from the consistory ,
-Yea , the whole consistory of Rome . You charge me
-That I have blown this coal : I do deny it .
-The king is present : if it be known to him
-That I gainsay my deed , how may he wound ,
-And worthily , my falsehood ; yea , as much
-As you have done my truth . If he know
-That I am free of your report , he knows
-I am not of your wrong . Therefore in him
-It lies to cure me ; and the cure is , to
-Remove these thoughts from you : the which before
-His highness shall speak in , I do beseech
-You , gracious madam , to unthink your speaking ,
-And to say so no more .
-
-My lord , my lord ,
-I am a simple woman , much too weak
-To oppose your cunning . You're meek and humble-mouth'd ;
-You sign your place and calling , in full seeming ,
-With meekness and humility ; but your heart
-Is cramm'd with arrogancy , spleen , and pride .
-You have , by fortune and his highness' favours ,
-Gone slightly o'er low steps , and now are mounted
-Where powers are your retainers , and your words ,
-Domestics to you , serve your will as't please
-Yourself pronounce their office . I must tell you ,
-You tender more your person's honour than
-Your high profession spiritual ; that again
-I do refuse you for my judge ; and here ,
-Before you all , appeal unto the pope ,
-To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness ,
-And to be judg'd by him .
-
-
-The queen is obstinate ,
-Stubborn to justice , apt to accuse it , and
-Disdainful to be tried by't : 'tis not well .
-She's going away .
-
-Call her again .
-
-Katharine Queen of England , come into the court .
-
-Madam , you are call'd back .
-
-What need you note it ? pray you , keep your way :
-When you are call'd , return . Now , the Lord help !
-They vex me past my patience . Pray you , pass on :
-I will not tarry ; no , nor ever more
-Upon this business my appearance make
-In any of their courts .
-
-
-Go thy ways , Kate :
-That man i' the world who shall report he has
-A better wife , let him in nought be trusted ,
-For speaking false in that : thou art , alone ,
-If thy rare qualities , sweet gentleness ,
-Thy meekness saint-like , wife-like government ,
-Obeying in commanding , and thy parts
-Sovereign and pious else , could speak thee out ,
-The queen of earthly queens . She's noble born ;
-And , like her true nobility , she has
-Carried herself towards me .
-
-Most gracious sir ,
-In humblest manner I require your highness ,
-That it shall please you to declare , in hearing
-Of all these ears ,for where I am robb'd and bound
-There must I be unloos'd , although not there
-At once , and fully satisfied ,whether ever I
-Did broach this business to your highness , or
-Laid any scruple in your way , which might
-Induce you to the question on't ? or ever
-Have to you , but with thanks to God for such
-A royal lady , spake one the least word that might
-Be to the prejudice of her present state ,
-Or touch of her good person ?
-
-My Lord Cardinal ,
-I do excuse you ; yea , upon mine honour ,
-I free you from't . You are not to be taught
-That you have many enemies , that know not
-Why they are so , but , like to village curs ,
-Bark when their fellows do : by some of these
-The queen is put in anger . You're excus'd :
-But will you be more justified ? you ever
-Have wish'd the sleeping of this business ; never
-Desir'd it to be stirr'd ; but oft have hinder'd , oft ,
-The passages made toward it . On my honour ,
-I speak my good Lord Cardinal to this point ,
-And thus far clear him . Now , what mov'd me to't ,
-I will be bold with time and your attention :
-Then mark the inducement . Thus it came ; give heed to't :
-My conscience first receiv'd a tenderness ,
-Scruple , and prick , on certain speeches utter'd
-By the Bishop of Bayonne , then French ambassador ,
-Who had been hither sent on the debating
-A marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleans and
-Our daughter Mary . I' the progress of this business ,
-Ere a determinate resolution , he
-I mean , the bishop did require a respite ;
-Wherein he might the king his lord advertise
-Whether our daughter were legitimate ,
-Respecting this our marriage with the dowager ,
-Sometimes our brother's wife . This respite shook
-The bosom of my conscience , enter'd me ,
-Yea , with a splitting power , and made to tremble
-The region of my breast ; which forc'd such way ,
-That many maz'd considerings did throng ,
-And press'd in with this caution . First , methought
-I stood not in the smile of heaven , who had
-Commanded nature , that my lady's womb ,
-If it conceiv'd a male child by me , should
-Do no more offices of life to't than
-The grave does to the dead ; for her male issue
-Or died where they were made , or shortly after
-This world had air'd them . Hence I took a thought
-This was a judgment on me ; that my kingdom ,
-Well worthy the best heir o' the world , should not
-Be gladded in't by me . Then follows that
-I weigh'd the danger which my realms stood in
-By this my issue's fail ; and that gave to me
-Many a groaning throe . Thus hulling in
-The wild sea of my conscience , I did steer
-Toward this remedy , whereupon we are
-Now present here together ; that's to say ,
-I meant to rectify my conscience , which
-I then did feel full sick , and yet not well ,
-By all the rev'rend fathers of the land
-And doctors learn'd . First , I began in private
-With you , my Lord of Lincoln ; you remember
-How under my oppression I did reek ,
-When I first mov'd you .
-
-Very well , my liege .
-
-I have spoke long : be pleas'd yourself to say
-How far you satisfied me .
-
-So please your highness ,
-The question did at first so stagger me ,
-Bearing a state of mighty moment in't ,
-And consequence of dread , that I committed
-The daring'st counsel that I had to doubt ;
-And did entreat your highness to this course
-Which you are running here .
-
-Then I mov'd you ,
-My Lord of Canterbury , and got your leave
-To make this present summons . Unsolicited
-I left no reverend person in this court ;
-But by particular consent proceeded
-Under your hands and seals : therefore , go on ;
-For no dislike i' the world against the person
-Of the good queen , but the sharp thorny points
-Of my alleged reasons drive this forward .
-Prove but our marriage lawful , by my life
-And kingly dignity , we are contented
-To wear our mortal state to come with her ,
-Katharine our queen , before the primest creature
-That's paragon'd o' the world .
-
-So please your highness ,
-The queen being absent , 'tis a needful fitness
-That we adjourn this court till further day :
-Mean while must be an earnest motion
-Made to the queen , to call back her appeal
-She intends unto his holiness .
-
-
-I may perceive
-These cardinals trifle with me : I abhor
-This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome .
-My learn'd and well-beloved servant Cranmer ,
-Prithee , return : with thy approach , I know ,
-My comfort comes along . Break up the court :
-I say , set on .
-
-
-Take thy lute , wench : my soul grows sad with troubles ;
-Sing and disperse 'em , if thou canst . Leave working .
-
-Orpheus with his lute made trees ,
-And the mountain tops that freeze ,
-Bow themselves , when he did sing :
-To his music plants and flowers
-Ever sprung ; as sun and showers
-There had made a lasting spring .
-Every thing that heard him play ,
-Even the billows of the sea ,
-Hung their heads , and then lay by .
-In sweet music is such art ,
-Killing care and grief of heart
-Fall asleep , or hearing , die .
-
-
-How now !
-
-An't please your Grace , the two great cardinals
-Wait in the presence .
-
-Would they speak with me ?
-
-They will'd me say so , madam .
-
-Pray their Graces
-To come near .
-
-What can be their business
-With me , a poor weak woman , fall'n from favour ?
-I do not like their coming , now I think on't .
-They should be good men , their affairs as righteous ;
-But all hoods make not monks .
-
-
-Peace to your highness !
-
-Your Graces find me here part of a housewife ,
-I would be all , against the worst may happen .
-What are your pleasures with me , reverend lords ?
-
-May it please you , noble madam , to withdraw
-Into your private chamber , we shall give you
-The full cause of our coming .
-
-Speak it here ;
-There's nothing I have done yet , o' my conscience ,
-Deserves a corner : would all other women
-Could speak this with as free a soul as I do !
-My lords , I care not so much I am happy
-Above a number if my actions
-Were tried by every tongue , every eye saw 'em ,
-Envy and base opinion set against 'em ,
-I know my life so even . If your business
-Seek me out , and that way I am wife in ,
-Out with it boldly : truth loves open dealing .
-
-Tanta est erga te mentis integritas , regina serenissima ,
-
-O , good my lord , no Latin ;
-I am not such a truant since my coming
-As not to know the language I have liv'd in :
-A strange tongue makes my cause more strange , suspicious ;
-Pray , speak in English : here are some will thank you ,
-If you speak truth , for their poor mistress' sake :
-Believe me , she has had much wrong . Lord Cardinal ,
-The willing'st sin I ever yet committed
-May be absolv'd in English .
-
-Noble lady ,
-I am sorry my integrity should breed ,
-And service to his majesty and you ,
-So deep suspicion , where all faith was meant .
-We come not by the way of accusation ,
-To taint that honour every good tongue blesses ,
-Nor to betray you any way to sorrow ,
-You have too much , good lady ; but to know
-How you stand minded in the weighty difference
-Between the king and you ; and to deliver ,
-Like free and honest men , our just opinions
-And comforts to your cause .
-
-Most honour'd madam ,
-My Lord of York , out of his noble nature ,
-Zeal and obedience he still bore your Grace ,
-Forgetting , like a good man , your late censure
-Both of his truth and him ,which was too far ,
-Offers , as I do , in sign of peace ,
-His service and his counsel .
-
-To betray me .
-My lords , I thank you both for your good wills ;
-Ye speak like honest men ,pray God , ye prove so !
-But how to make ye suddenly an answer ,
-In such a point of weight , so near mine honour ,
-More near my life , I fear ,with my weak wit ,
-And to such men of gravity and learning ,
-In truth , I know not . I was set at work
-Among my maids ; full little , God knows , looking
-Either for such men or such business .
-For her sake that I have been ,for I feel
-The last fit of my greatness ,good your Graces
-Let me have time and counsel for my cause :
-Alas ! I am a woman , friendless , hopeless .
-
-Madam , you wrong the king's love with these fears :
-Your hopes and friends are infinite .
-
-In England
-But little for my profit . Can you think , lords ,
-That any Englishman dare give me counsel ?
-Or be a known friend , 'gainst his highness' pleasure ,
-Though he be grown so desperate to be honest ,
-And live a subject ? Nay , forsooth , my friends ,
-They that must weigh out my afflictions ,
-They that my trust must grow to , live not here :
-They are , as all my other comforts , far hence
-In mine own country , lords .
-
-I would your Grace
-Would leave your griefs , and take my counsel .
-
-How , sir ?
-
-Put your main cause into the king's protection ;
-He's loving and most gracious : 'twill be much
-Both for your honour better and your cause ;
-For if the trial of the law o'ertake ye ,
-You'll part away disgrac'd .
-
-He tells you rightly .
-
-Ye tell me what ye wish for both ; my ruin .
-Is this your Christian counsel ? out upon ye !
-Heaven is above all yet ; there sits a judge
-That no king can corrupt .
-
-Your rage mistakes us .
-
-The more shame for ye ! holy men I thought ye ,
-Upon my soul , two reverend cardinal virtues ;
-But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye .
-Mend 'em , for shame , my lords . Is this your comfort ?
-The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady ,
-A woman lost among ye , laugh'd at , scorn'd ?
-I will not wish ye half my miseries ,
-I have more charity ; but say , I warn'd ye :
-Take heed , for heaven's sake , take heed , lest at once
-The burden of my sorrows fall upon ye .
-
-Madam , this is a mere distraction ;
-You turn the good we offer into envy .
-
-Ye turn me into nothing : woe upon ye ,
-And all such false professors ! Would ye have me ,
-If ye have any justice , any pity ;
-If ye be anything but churchmen's habits ,
-Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me ?
-Alas ! he has banish'd me his bed already ,
-His love , too long ago ! I am old , my lords ,
-And all the fellowship I hold now with him
-Is only my obedience . What can happen
-To me above this wretchedness ? all your studies
-Make me a curse like this .
-
-Your fears are worse .
-
-Have I liv'd thus long let me speak myself ,
-Since virtue finds no friends a wife , a true one ?
-A woman , I dare say without vain-glory ,
-Never yet branded with suspicion ?
-Have I with all my full affections
-Still met the king ? lov'd him next heaven ? obey'd him ?
-Been , out of fondness , superstitious to him ?
-Almost forgot my prayers to content him ?
-And am I thus rewarded ? 'tis not well , lords .
-Bring me a constant woman to her husband ,
-One that ne'er dream'd a joy beyond his pleasure ,
-And to that woman , when she has done most ,
-Yet will I add an honour , a great patience .
-
-Madam , you wander from the good we aim at .
-
-My lord , I dare not make myself so guilty ,
-To give up willingly that noble title
-Your master wed me to : nothing but death
-Shall e'er divorce my dignities .
-
-Pray hear me .
-
-Would I had never trod this English earth ,
-Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it !
-Ye have angels' faces , but heaven knows your hearts .
-What will become of me now , wretched lady ?
-I am the most unhappy woman living .
-
-
-Alas ! poor wenches , where are now your fortunes ?
-Shipwrack'd upon a kingdom , where no pity ,
-No friends , no hope ; no kindred weep for me ;
-Almost no grave allow'd me . Like the lily ,
-That once was mistress of the field and flourish'd ,
-I'll hang my head and perish .
-
-If your Grace
-Could but be brought to know our ends are honest ,
-You'd feel more comfort . Why should we , good lady ,
-Upon what cause , wrong you ? alas ! our places ,
-The way of our profession is against it :
-We are to cure such sorrows , not to sow them .
-For goodness' sake , consider what you do ;
-How you may hurt yourself , ay , utterly
-Grow from the king's acquaintance , by this carriage .
-The hearts of princes kiss obedience ,
-So much they love it ; but to stubborn spirits
-They swell , and grow as terrible as storms .
-I know you have a gentle , noble temper ,
-A soul as even as a calm : pray think us
-Those we profess , peace-makers , friends , and servants .
-
-Madam , you'll find it so . You wrong your virtues
-With these weak women's fears : a noble spirit ,
-As yours was put into you , ever casts
-Such doubts , as false coin , from it . The king loves you ;
-Beware you lose it not : for us , if you please
-To trust us in your business , we are ready
-To use our utmost studies in your service .
-
-Do what ye will , my lords : and , pray , forgive me
-If I have us'd myself unmannerly .
-You know I am a woman , lacking wit
-To make a seemly answer to such persons .
-Pray do my service to his majesty :
-He has my heart yet ; and shall have my prayers
-While I shall have my life . Come , reverend fathers ,
-Bestow your counsels on me : she now begs
-That little thought , when she set footing here ,
-She should have bought her dignities so dear .
-
-
-If you will now unite in your complaints ,
-And force them with a constancy , the cardinal
-Cannot stand under them : if you omit
-The offer of this time , I cannot promise
-But that you shall sustain moe new disgraces
-With these you bear already .
-
-I am joyful
-To meet the least occasion that may give me
-Remembrance of my father-in-law , the duke ,
-To be reveng'd on him .
-
-Which of the peers
-Have uncontemn'd gone by him , or at least
-Strangely neglected ? when did he regard
-The stamp of nobleness in any person ,
-Out of himself ?
-
-My lords , you speak your pleasures :
-What he deserves of you and me , I know ;
-What we can do to him ,though now the time
-Gives way to us ,I much fear . If you cannot
-Bar his access to the king , never attempt
-Any thing on him , for he hath a witchcraft
-Over the king in's tongue .
-
-O ! fear him not ;
-His spell in that is out : the king hath found
-Matter against him that for ever mars
-The honey of his language . No , he's settled ,
-Not to come off , in his displeasure .
-
-Sir ,
-I should be glad to hear such news as this
-Once every hour .
-
-Believe it , this is true :
-In the divorce his contrary proceedings
-Are all unfolded ; wherein he appears
-As I would wish mine enemy .
-
-How came
-His practices to light ?
-
-Most strangely .
-
-O ! how ? how ?
-
-The cardinal's letter to the pope miscarried ,
-And came to the eye o' the king ; wherein was read ,
-That the cardinal did entreat his holiness
-To stay the judgment o' the divorce ; for if
-It did take place , 'I do ,' quoth he , 'perceive
-My king is tangled in affection to
-A creature of the queen's , Lady Anne Bullen .'
-
-Has the king this ?
-
-Believe it .
-
-Will this work ?
-
-The king in this perceives him , how he coasts
-And hedges his own way . But in this point
-All his tricks founder , and he brings his physic
-After his patient's death : the king already
-Hath married the fair lady .
-
-Would he had !
-
-May you be happy in your wish , my lord !
-For I profess , you have it .
-
-Now all my joy
-Trace the conjunction !
-
-My amen to't !
-
-All men's .
-
-There's order given for her coronation :
-Marry , this is yet but young , and may be left
-To some ears unrecounted . But , my lords ,
-She is a gallant creature , and complete
-In mind and feature : I persuade me , from her
-Will fall some blessing to this land , which shall
-In it be memoriz'd .
-
-But will the king
-Digest this letter of the cardinal's ?
-The Lord forbid !
-
-Marry , amen !
-
-No , no ;
-There be moe wasps that buzz about his nose
-Will make this sting the sooner . Cardinal Campeius
-Is stol'n away to Rome ; hath ta'en no leave ;
-Has left the cause o' the king unhandled ; and
-Is posted , as the agent of our cardinal ,
-To second all his plot . I do assure you
-The king cried Ha ! at this .
-
-Now , God incense him ,
-And let him cry Ha ! louder .
-
-But , my lord ,
-When returns Cranmer ?
-
-He is return'd in his opinions , which
-Have satisfied the king for his divorce ,
-Together with all famous colleges
-Almost in Christendom . Shortly , I believe ,
-His second marriage shall be publish'd , and
-Her coronation . Katharine no more
-Shall be call'd queen , but princess dowager ,
-And widow to Prince Arthur .
-
-This same Cranmer's
-A worthy fellow , and hath ta'en much pain
-In the king's business .
-
-He has ; and we shall see him
-For it an archbishop .
-
-So I hear .
-
-'Tis so .
-The cardinal !
-
-
-Observe , observe ; he's moody .
-
-The packet , Cromwell ,
-Gave't you the king ?
-
-To his own hand , in his bedchamber .
-
-Look'd he o' the inside of the paper ?
-
-Presently
-He did unseal them ; and the first he view'd ,
-He did it with a serious mind ; a heed
-Was in his countenance . You he bade
-Attend him here this morning .
-
-Is he ready
-To come abroad ?
-
-I think , by this he is .
-
-Leave me awhile .
-
-It shall be to the Duchess of Alen on ,
-The French King's sister ; he shall marry her .
-Anne Bullen ! No ; I'll no Anne Bullens for him :
-There's more in't than fair visage . Bullen !
-No , we'll no Bullens . Speedily I wish
-To hear from Rome . The Marchioness of Pembroke !
-
-He's discontented .
-
-May be he hears the king
-Does whet his anger to him .
-
-Sharp enough ,
-Lord , for thy justice !
-
-The late queen's gentlewoman , a knight's daughter ,
-To be her mistress' mistress ! the queen's queen !
-This candle burns not clear : 'tis I must snuff it ;
-Then , out it goes . What though I know her virtuous
-And well deserving ? yet I know her for
-A spleeny Lutheran ; and not wholesome to
-Our cause , that she should lie i' the bosom of
-Our hard-rul'd king . Again , there is sprung up
-A heretic , an arch one , Cranmer ; one
-Hath crawl'd into the favour of the king ,
-And is his oracle .
-
-He is vex'd at something .
-
-I would 'twere something that would fret the string ,
-The master-cord on's heart !
-
-
-The king , the king !
-
-What piles of wealth hath he accumulated
-To his own portion ! and what expense by the hour
-Seems to flow from him ! How , i' the name of thrift ,
-Does he rake this together ? Now , my lords ,
-Saw you the cardinal ?
-
-My lord , we have
-Stood here observing him ; some strange commotion
-Is in his brain : he bites his lip , and starts ;
-Stops on a sudden , looks upon the ground ,
-Then lays his finger on his temple ; straight
-Springs out into fast gait ; then stops again ,
-Strikes his breast hard ; and anon he casts
-His eye against the moon : in most strange postures
-We have seen him set himself .
-
-It may well be :
-There is a mutiny in 's mind . This morning
-Papers of state he sent me to peruse ,
-As I requir'd ; and wot you what I found
-There , on my conscience , put unwittingly ?
-Forsooth , an inventory , thus importing ;
-The several parcels of his plate , his treasure ,
-Rich stuffs and ornaments of household , which
-I find at such a proud rate that it out-speaks
-Possession of a subject .
-
-It's heaven's will :
-Some spirit put this paper in the packet
-To bless your eye withal .
-
-If we did think
-His contemplation were above the earth ,
-And fix'd on spiritual object , he should still
-Dwell in his musings : but I am afraid
-His thinkings are below the moon , not worth
-His serious considering .
-
-
-Heaven forgive me !
-Ever God bless your highness !
-
-Good my lord ,
-You are full of heavenly stuff , and bear the inventory
-Of your best graces in your mind , the which
-You were now running o'er : you have scarce time
-To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span
-To keep your earthly audit : sure , in that
-I deem you an ill husband , and am glad
-To have you therein my companion .
-
-Sir ,
-For holy offices I have a time ; a time
-To think upon the part of business which
-I bear i' the state ; and nature does require
-Her times of preservation , which perforce
-I , her frail son , amongst my brethren mortal ,
-Must give my tendance to .
-
-You have said well .
-
-And ever may your highness yoke together ,
-As I will lend you cause , my doing well
-With my well saying !
-
-'Tis well said again ;
-And 'tis a kind of good deed to say well :
-And yet words are no deeds . My father lov'd you :
-He said he did ; and with his deed did crown
-His word upon you . Since I had my office ,
-I have kept you next my heart ; have not alone
-Employ'd you where high profits might come home ,
-But par'd my present havings , to bestow
-My bounties upon you .
-
-What should this mean ?
-
-The Lord increase this business !
-
-Have I not made you
-The prime man of the state ? I pray you , tell me
-If what I now pronounce you have found true ;
-And if you may confess it , say withal ,
-If you are bound to us or no . What say you ?
-
-My sovereign , I confess your royal graces ,
-Shower'd on me daily , have been more than could
-My studied purposes requite ; which went
-Beyond all man's endeavours : my endeavours
-Have ever come too short of my desires ,
-Yet fil'd with my abilities . Mine own ends
-Have been mine so , that evermore they pointed
-To the good of your most sacred person and
-The profit of the state . For your great graces
-Heap'd upon me , poor undeserver , I
-Can nothing render but allegiant thanks ,
-My prayers to heaven for you , my loyalty ,
-Which ever has and ever shall be growing ,
-Till death , that winter , kill it .
-
-Fairly answer'd ;
-A loyal and obedient subject is
-Therein illustrated ; the honour of it
-Does pay the act of it , as , i' the contrary ,
-The foulness is the punishment . I presume
-That as my hand has open'd bounty to you ,
-My heart dropp'd love , my power rain'd honour , more
-On you than any ; so your hand and heart ,
-Your brain , and every function of your power ,
-Should , notwithstanding that your bond of duty ,
-As 'twere in love's particular , be more
-To me , your friend , than any .
-
-I do profess ,
-That for your highness' good I ever labour'd
-More than mine own ; that am , have , and will be .
-Though all the world should crack their duty to you ,
-And throw it from their soul ; though perils did
-Abound as thick as thought could make 'em , and
-Appear in forms more horrid , yet my duty ,
-As doth a rock against the chiding flood ,
-Should the approach of this wild river break ,
-And stand unshaken yours .
-
-'Tis nobly spoken .
-Take notice , lords , he has a loyal breast ,
-For you have seen him open't . Read o'er this ;
-
-And after , this : and then to breakfast with
-What appetite you have .
-
-
-What should this mean ?
-What sudden anger's this ? how have I reap'd it ?
-He parted frowning from me , as if ruin
-Leap'd from his eyes : so looks the chafed lion
-Upon the daring huntsman that has gall'd him ;
-Then makes him nothing . I must read this paper ;
-I fear , the story of his anger . 'Tis so ;
-This paper has undone me ! 'Tis the account
-Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together
-For mine own ends ; indeed , to gain the popedom ,
-And fee my friends in Rome . O negligence !
-Fit for a fool to fall by : what cross devil
-Made me put this main secret in the packet
-I sent the king ? Is there no way to cure this ?
-No new device to beat this from his brains ?
-I know 'twill stir him strongly ; yet I know
-A way , if it take right , in spite of fortune
-Will bring me off again . What's this ?'To the Pope !'
-The letter , as I live , with all the business
-I writ to's holiness . Nay then , farewell !
-I have touch'd the highest point of all my greatness ;
-And from that full meridian of my glory ,
-I haste now to my setting : I shall fall
-Like a bright exhalation in the evening ,
-And no man see me more .
-
-
-Hear the king's pleasure , cardinal : who commands you
-To render up the great seal presently
-Into our hands ; and to confine yourself
-To Asher-house , my Lord of Winchester's ,
-Till you hear further from his highness .
-
-Stay ,
-Where's your commission , lord ? words cannot carry
-Authority so weighty .
-
-Who dare cross 'em ,
-Bearing the king's will from his mouth expressly ?
-
-Till I find more than will or words to do it ,
-I mean your malice , know , officious lords ,
-I dare and must deny it . Now I feel
-Of what coarse metal ye are moulded , envy :
-How eagerly ye follow my disgraces ,
-As if it fed ye ! and how sleek and wanton
-Ye appear in every thing may bring my ruin
-Follow your envious courses , men of malice ;
-You have Christian warrant for 'em , and , no doubt ,
-In time will find their fit rewards . That seal
-You ask with such a violence , the king
-Mine and your master with his own hand gave me ;
-Bade me enjoy it with the place and honours
-During my life ; and to confirm his goodness ,
-Tied it by letters-patents : now who'll take it ?
-
-The king , that gave it .
-
-It must be himself then .
-
-Thou art a proud traitor , priest .
-
-Proud lord , thou liest :
-Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
-Have burnt that tongue than said so .
-
-Thy ambition ,
-Thou scarlet sin , robb'd this bewailing land
-Of noble Buckingham , my father-in-law :
-The heads of all thy brother cardinals
-With thee and all thy best parts bound together
-Weigh'd not a hair of his . Plague of your policy !
-You sent me deputy for Ireland ,
-Far from his succour , from the king , from all
-That might have mercy on the fault thou gav'st him ;
-Whilst your great goodness , out of holy pity ,
-Absolv'd him with an axe .
-
-This and all else
-This talking lord can lay upon my credit ,
-I answer is most false . The duke by law
-Found his deserts : how innocent I was
-From any private malice in his end ,
-His noble jury and foul cause can witness .
-If I lov'd many words , lord , I should tell you ,
-You have as little honesty as honour ,
-That in the way of loyalty and truth
-Toward the king , my ever royal master ,
-Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be ,
-And all that love his follies .
-
-By my soul ,
-Your long coat , priest , protects you ; thou shouldst feel
-My sword i' the life-blood of thee else . My lords ,
-Can ye endure to hear this arrogance ?
-And from this fellow ? If we live thus tamely ,
-To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet ,
-Farewell nobility ; let his Grace go forward ,
-And dare us with his cap like larks .
-
-All goodness
-Is poison to thy stomach .
-
-Yes , that goodness
-Of gleaning all the land's wealth into one ,
-Into your own hands , cardinal , by extortion ;
-The goodness of your intercepted packets ,
-You writ to the pope against the king ; your goodness ,
-Since you provoke me , shall be most notorious .
-My Lord of Norfolk , as you are truly noble ,
-As you respect the common good , the state
-Of our despis'd nobility , our issues ,
-Who , if he live , will scarce be gentlemen ,
-Produce the grand sum of his sins , the articles
-Collected from his life ; I'll startle you
-Worse than the sacring bell , when the brown wench
-Lay kissing in your arms , Lord Cardinal .
-
-How much , methinks , I could despise this man ,
-But that I am bound in charity against it !
-
-Those articles , my lord , are in the king's hand ;
-But , thus much , they are foul ones .
-
-So much fairer
-And spotless shall mine innocence arise
-When the king knows my truth .
-
-This cannot save you :
-I thank my memory , I yet remember
-Some of these articles ; and out they shall .
-Now , if you can blush , and cry 'guilty ,' cardinal ,
-You'll show a little honesty .
-
-Speak on , sir ;
-I dare your worst objections ; if I blush ,
-It is to see a nobleman want manners .
-
-I had rather want those than my head . Have at you !
-First , that , without the king's assent or know ledge ,
-You wrought to be a legate ; by which power
-You maim'd the jurisdiction of all bishops .
-
-Then , that in all you writ to Rome , or else
-To foreign princes , Ego et Rex meus
-Was still inscrib'd ; in which you brought the king
-To be your servant .
-
-Then , that without the knowledge
-Either of king or council , when you went
-Ambassador to the emperor , you made bold
-To carry into Flanders the great seal .
-
-Item , you sent a large commission
-To Gregory de Cassado , to conclude ,
-Without the king's will or the state's allowance ,
-A league between his highness and Ferrara .
-
-That , out of mere ambition , you have caus'd
-Your holy hat to be stamp'd on the king's coin .
-
-Then , that you have sent innumerable substance ,
-By what means got I leave to your own conscience ,
-To furnish Rome , and to prepare the ways
-You have for dignities ; to the mere undoing
-Of all the kingdom . Many more there are ;
-Which , since they are of you , and odious ,
-I will not taint my mouth with .
-
-O my lord !
-Press not a falling man too far ; 'tis virtue :
-His faults lie open to the laws ; let them ,
-Not you , correct him . My heart weeps to see him
-So little of his great self .
-
-I forgive him .
-
-Lord Cardinal , the king's further pleasure is ,
-Because all those things you have done of late ,
-By your power legatine , within this kingdom ,
-Fall into the compass of a pr munire ,
-That therefore such a writ be su'd against you ;
-To forfeit all your goods , lands , tenements ,
-Chattels , and whatsoever , and to be
-Out of the king's protection . This is my charge .
-
-And so we'll leave you to your meditations
-How to live better . For your stubborn answer
-About the giving back the great seal to us ,
-The king shall know it , and , no doubt , shall thank you .
-So fare you well , my little good Lord Cardinal .
-
-
-So farewell to the little good you bear me .
-Farewell ! a long farewell , to all my greatness !
-This is the state of man : to-day be puts forth
-The tender leaves of hopes ; to-morrow blossoms ,
-And bears his blushing honours thick upon him ;
-The third day comes a frost , a killing frost ;
-And , when he thinks , good easy man , full surely
-His greatness is a-ripening , nips his root ,
-And then he falls , as I do . I have ventur'd ,
-Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders ,
-This many summers in a sea of glory ,
-But far beyond my depth : my high-blown pride
-At length broke under me , and now has left me ,
-Weary and old with service , to the mercy
-Of a rude stream , that must for ever hide me .
-Vain pomp and glory of this world , I hate yo :
-I feel my heart new open'd . O ! how wretched
-Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours !
-There is , betwixt that smile we would aspire to ,
-That sweet aspect of princes , and their ruin ,
-More pangs and fears than wars or women have ;
-And when he falls , he falls like Lucifer ,
-Never to hope again .
-
-Why , how now , Cromwell !
-
-I have no power to speak , sir .
-
-What ! amaz'd
-At my misfortunes ? can thy spirit wonder
-A great man should decline ? Nay , an you weep ,
-I am fall'n indeed .
-
-How does your Grace ?
-
-Why , well ;
-Never so truly happy , my good Cromwell .
-I know myself now ; and I feel within me
-A peace above all earthly dignities ,
-A still and quiet conscience . The king has cur'd me ,
-I humbly thank his Grace ; and from these shoulders ,
-These ruin'd pillars , out of pity taken
-A load would sink a navy , too much honour :
-O ! 'tis a burden , Cromwell , 'tis a burden
-Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven .
-
-I am glad your Grace has made that right use of it .
-
-I hope I have : I am able now , methinks ,
-Out of a fortitude of soul I feel ,
-To endure more miseries and greater far
-Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer .
-What news abroad ?
-
-The heaviest and the worst ,
-Is your displeasure with the king .
-
-God bless him !
-
-The next is , that Sir Thomas More is chosen
-Lord Chancellor in your place .
-
-That's somewhat sudden :
-But he's a learned man . May he continue
-Long in his highness' favour , and do justice
-For truth's sake and his conscience ; that his bones ,
-When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings ,
-May have a tomb of orphans' tears wept on 'em !
-What more ?
-
-That Cranmer is return'd with welcome ,
-Install'd Lord Archbishop of Canterbury .
-
-That's news indeed .
-
-Last , that the Lady Anne ,
-Whom the king hath in secrecy long married ,
-This day was view'd in open , as his queen ,
-Going to chapel ; and the voice is now
-Only about her coronation .
-
-There was the weight that pull'd me down . O Cromwell !
-The king has gone beyond me : all my glories
-In that one woman I have lost for ever .
-No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours ,
-Or gild again the noble troops that waited
-Upon my smiles . Go , get thee from me , Cromwell ;
-I am a poor fall'n man , unworthy now
-To be thy lord and master : seek the king ;
-That sun , I pray , may never set !I have told him
-What , and how true thou art : he will advance thee ;
-Some little memory of me will stir him
-I know his noble nature not to let
-Thy hopeful service perish too . Good Cromwell ,
-Neglect him not ; make use now , and provide
-For thine own future safety .
-
-O my lord !
-Must I then , leave you ? must I needs forego
-So good , so noble , and so true a master ?
-Bear witness all that have not hearts of iron ,
-With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord .
-The king shall have my service ; but my prayers
-For ever and for ever , shall be yours .
-
-Cromwell , I did not think to shed a tear
-In all my miseries ; but thou hast forc'd me ,
-Out of thy honest truth , to play the woman .
-Let's dry our eyes : and thus far hear me , Cromwell ;
-And , when I am forgotten , as I shall be ,
-And sleep in dull cold marble , where no mention
-Of me more must be heard of , say , I taught thee ,
-Say , Wolsey , that once trod the ways of glory ,
-And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour ,
-Found thee a way , out of his wrack , to rise in ;
-A sure and safe one , though thy master miss'd it .
-Mark but my fall , and that that ruin'd me .
-Cromwell , I charge thee , fling away ambition :
-By that sin fell the angels ; how can man then ,
-The image of his Maker , hope to win by't ?
-Love thyself last : cherish those hearts that hate thee ;
-Corruption wins not more than honesty .
-Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace ,
-To silence envious tongues : be just , and fear not .
-Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's ,
-Thy God's , and truth's ; then if thou fall'st , O Cromwell !
-Thou fall'st a blessed martyr . Serve the king ;
-And ,prithee , lead me in :
-There take an inventory of all I have ,
-To the last penny ; 'tis the king's : my robe ,
-And my integrity to heaven is all
-I dare now call mine own . O Cromwell , Cromwell !
-Had I but serv'd my God with half the zeal
-I serv'd my king , he would not in mine age
-Have left me naked to mine enemies .
-
-Good sir , have patience .
-
-So I have . Farewell
-The hopes of court ! my hopes in heaven do dwell .
-
-
-You're well met once again .
-
-So are you .
-
-You come to take your stand here , and behold
-The Lady Anne pass from her coronation ?
-
-'Tis all my business . At our last encounter
-The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial .
-
-'Tis very true : but that time offer'd sorrow ;
-This , general joy .
-
-'Tis well : the citizens ,
-I am sure , have shown at full their royal minds ,
-As , let 'em have their rights , they are ever forward ,
-In celebration of this day with shows ,
-Pageants , and sights of honour .
-
-Never greater ;
-Nor , I'll assure you , better taken , sir .
-
-May I be bold to ask what that contains ,
-That paper in your hand ?
-
-Yes ; 'tis the list
-Of those that claim their offices this day
-By custom of the coronation .
-The Duke of Suffolk is the first , and claims
-To be high-steward ; next , the Duke of Norfolk ,
-He to be earl marshal : you may read the rest .
-
-I thank you , sir : had I not known those customs ,
-I should have been beholding to your paper .
-But , I beseech you , what's become of Katharine ,
-The princess dowager ? how goes her business ?
-
-That I can tell you too . The Archbishop
-Of Canterbury , accompanied with other
-Learned and reverend fathers of his order ,
-Held a late court at Dunstable , six miles off
-From Ampthill , where the princess lay ; to which
-She was often cited by them , but appear'd not :
-And , to be short , for not appearance and
-The king's late scruple , by the main assent
-Of all these learned men she was divorc'd ,
-And the late marriage made of none effect :
-Since which she was remov'd to Kimbolton ,
-Where she remains now sick .
-
-Alas ! good lady !
-
-The trumpets sound : stand close , the queen is coming .
-
-A lively flourish of trumpets .
-
-
-1. Two Judges .
-2 Lord Chancellor , with the purse and mace before him .
-3. Choristers , singing .
-
-
-4. Mayor of London , bearing the mace . Then Garter , in his coat of arms , and on his head a gilt copper crown .
-5.
-
-6.
-
-7. A canopy borne by four of the Cinque-ports ; under it , the
-
-8. The old
-9. Certain Ladies or Countesses , with plain circlets of gold without flowers .
-They pass over the stage in order and state .
-
-
-A royal train , believe me . These I know ;
-Who's that that bears the sceptre ?
-
-Marquess Dorset :
-And that the Earl of Surrey with the rod .
-
-A bold brave gentleman . That should be
-The Duke of Suffolk ?
-
-'Tis the same ; high-steward .
-
-And that my Lord of Norfolk ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Heaven bless thee !
-Thou hast the sweetest face I ever look'd on .
-Sir , as I have a soul , she is an angel ;
-Our king has all the Indies in his arms ,
-And more and richer , when he strains that lady :
-I cannot blame his conscience .
-
-They that bear
-The cloth of honour over her , are four barons
-Of the Cinque-ports .
-
-Those men are happy ; and so are all are near her .
-I take it , she that carries up the train
-Is that old noble lady , Duchess of Norfolk .
-
-It is ; and all the rest are countesses .
-
-Their coronets say so . These are stars indeed ;
-And sometimes falling ones .
-
-No more of that .
-
-
-God save you , sir ! Where have you been broiling ?
-
-Among the crowd i' the Abbey ; where a finger
-Could not be wedg'd in more : I am stifled
-With the mere rankness of their joy .
-
-You saw
-The ceremony ?
-
-That I did .
-
-How was it ?
-
-Well worth the seeing .
-
-Good sir , speak it to us .
-
-As well as I am able . The rich stream
-Of lords and ladies , having brought the queen
-To a prepar'd place in the choir , fell off
-A distance from her ; while her Grace sat down
-To rest awhile , some half an hour or so ,
-In a rich chair of state , opposing freely
-The beauty of her person to the people .
-Believe me , sir , she is the goodliest woman
-That ever lay by man : which when the people
-Had the full view of , such a noise arose
-As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest ,
-As loud , and to as many tunes : hats , cloaks ,
-Doublets , I think ,flew up ; and had their faces
-Been loose , this day they had been lost . Such joy
-I never saw before . Great-bellied women ,
-That had not half a week to go , like rams
-In the old time of war , would shake the press ,
-And make 'em reel before them . No man living
-Could say , 'This is my wife ,' there ; all were woven
-So strangely in one piece .
-
-But , what follow'd ?
-
-At length her Grace rose , and with modest paces
-Came to the altar ; where she kneel'd , and , saint-like ,
-Cast her fair eyes to heaven and pray'd devoutly .
-Then rose again and bow'd her to the people :
-When by the Archbishop of Canterbury
-She had all the royal makings of a queen ;
-As holy oil , Edward Confessor's crown ,
-The rod , and bird of peace , and all such emblems
-Laid nobly on her : which perform'd , the choir ,
-With all the choicest music of the kingdom ,
-Together sung Te Deum . So she parted ,
-And with the same full state pac'd back again
-To York-place , where the feast is held .
-
-Sir ,
-You must no more call it York-place , that's past ;
-For , since the cardinal fell , that title's lost :
-'Tis now the king's , and call'd Whitehall .
-
-I know it ;
-But 'tis so lately alter'd that the old name
-Is fresh about me .
-
-What two reverend bishops
-Were those that went on each side of the queen ?
-
-Stokesly and Gardiner ; the one of Winchester ,
-Newly preferr'd from the king's secretary ,
-The other , London .
-
-He of Winchester
-Is held no great good lover of the archbishop's ,
-The virtuous Cranmer .
-
-All the land knows that :
-However , yet there's no great breach ; when it comes ,
-Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him .
-
-Who may that be , I pray you ?
-
-Thomas Cromwell :
-A man in much esteem with the king , and truly
-A worthy friend . The king
-Has made him master o' the jewel house ,
-And one , already , of the privy-council .
-
-He will deserve more .
-
-Yes , without all doubt .
-Come , gentlemen , ye shall go my way , which
-Is to the court , and there ye shall be my guests :
-Something I can command . As I walk thither ,
-I'll tell ye more .
-
-You may command us , sir .
-
-
-How does your Grace ?
-
-O Griffith ! sick to death !
-My legs , like loaden branches , bow to the earth ,
-Willing to leave their burden . Reach a chair :
-So ; now , methinks , I feel a little ease .
-Didst thou not tell me , Griffith , as thou ledd'st me ,
-That the great child of honour , Cardinal Wolsey ,
-Was dead ?
-
-Yes , madam ; but I think your Grace ,
-Out of the pain you suffer'd , gave no ear to't .
-
-Prithee , good Griffith , tell me how he died :
-If well , he stepp'd before me , happily ,
-For my example .
-
-Well , the voice goes , madam :
-For after the stout Earl Northumberland
-Arrested him at York , and brought him forward ,
-As a man sorely tainted , to his answer ,
-He fell sick suddenly , and grew so ill
-He could not sit his mule .
-
-Alas ! poor man .
-
-At last , with easy roads , he came to Leicester ;
-Lodg'd in the abbey , where the reverend abbot ,
-With all his covent , honourably receiv'd him :
-To whom he gave these words : 'O ! father abbot ,
-An old man , broken with the storms of state ,
-Is come to lay his weary bones among ye ;
-Give him a little earth for charity .'
-So went to bed , where eagerly his sickness
-Pursu'd him still ; and three nights after this ,
-About the hour of eight ,which he himself
-Foretold should be his last ,full of repentance ,
-Continual meditations , tears , and sorrows ,
-He gave his honours to the world again ,
-His blessed part to heaven , and slept in peace .
-
-So may he rest ; his faults lie gently on him !
-Yet thus far , Griffith , give me leave to speak him ,
-And yet with charity . He was a man
-Of an unbounded stomach , ever ranking
-Himself with princes ; one , that by suggestion
-Tied all the kingdom ; simony was fair-play ;
-His own opinion was his law ; i' the presence
-He would say untruths , and be ever double
-Both in his words and meaning . He was never ,
-But where he meant to ruin , pitiful ;
-His promises were , as he then was , mighty ;
-But his performance , as he is now , nothing :
-Of his own body he was ill , and gave
-The clergy ill example .
-
-Noble madam ,
-Men's evil manners live in brass ; their virtues
-We write in water . May it please your highness
-To hear me speak his good now ?
-
-Yes , good Griffith ,
-I were malicious else .
-
-This cardinal ,
-Though from a humble stock , undoubtedly
-Was fashion'd to much honour from his cradle .
-He was a scholar , and a ripe and good one ;
-Exceeding wise , fair-spoken , and persuading ;
-Lofty and sour to them that lov'd him not ;
-But , to those men that sought him sweet as summer .
-And though he were unsatisfied in getting ,
-Which was a sin ,yet in bestowing , madam ,
-He was most princely . Ever witness for him
-Those twins of learning that he rais'd in you ,
-Ipswich , and Oxford ! one of which fell with him ,
-Unwilling to outlive the good that did it ;
-The other , though unfinish'd , yet so famous ,
-So excellent in art , and still so rising ,
-That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue .
-His overthrow heap'd happiness upon him ;
-For then , and not till then , he felt himself ,
-And found the blessedness of being little :
-And , to add greater honours to his age
-Than man could give him , he died fearing God .
-
-After my death I wish no other herald ,
-No other speaker of my living actions ,
-To keep mine honour from corruption ,
-But such an honest chronicler as Griffith .
-Whom I most hated living , thou hast made me ,
-With thy religious truth and modesty ,
-Now in his ashes honour . Peace be with him !
-Patience , be near me still ; and set me lower :
-I have not long to trouble thee . Good Griffith ,
-Cause the musicians play me that sad note
-I nam'd my knell , whilst I sit meditating
-On that celestial harmony I go to .
-
-
-She is asleep : good wench , let's sit down quiet ,
-For fear we wake her : softly , gentle Patience .
-
-
-Spirits of peace , where are ye ? Are ye all gone ,
-And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye ?
-
-Madam , we are here .
-
-It is not you I call for :
-Saw ye none enter since I slept ?
-
-None , madam .
-
-No ? Saw you not , even now , a blessed troop
-Invite me to a banquet ; whose bright faces
-Cast thousand beams upon me , like the sun ?
-They promis'd me eternal happiness ,
-And brought me garlands , Griffith , which I feel
-I am not worthy yet to wear : I shall assuredly .
-
-I am most joyful , madam , such good dreams
-Possess your fancy .
-
-Bid the music leave ,
-They are harsh and heavy to me .
-
-
-Do you note
-How much her Grace is alter'd on the sudden ?
-How long her face is drawn ? How pale she looks ,
-And of an earthy cold ? Mark her eyes !
-
-She is going , wench . Pray , pray .
-
-Heaven comfort her !
-
-
-An't like your Grace ,
-
-You are a saucy fellow :
-Deserve we no more reverence ?
-
-You are to blame ,
-Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness ,
-To use so rude behaviour ; go to , kneel .
-
-I humbly do entreat your highness pardon ;
-My haste made me unmannerly . There is staying
-A gentleman , sent from the king , to see you .
-
-Admit him entrance , Griffith : but this fellow
-Let me ne'er see again .
-
-If my sight fail not ,
-You should be lord ambassador from the emperor ,
-
-My royal nephew , and your name Capucius .
-
-Madam , the same ; your servant .
-
-O my lord !
-The times and titles now are alter'd strangely
-With me since first you knew me . But , I pray you ,
-What is your pleasure with me ?
-
-Noble lady ,
-First , mine own service to your Grace ; the next ,
-The king's request that I would visit you ;
-Who grieves much for your weakness , and by me
-Sends you his princely commendations ,
-And heartily entreats you take good comfort .
-
-O ! my good lord , that comfort comes too late ;
-'Tis like a pardon after execution :
-That gentle physic , given in time , had cur'd me ;
-But now I am past all comforts here but prayers .
-How does his highness ?
-
-Madam , in good health .
-
-So may he ever do ! and ever flourish ,
-When I shall dwell with worms , and my poor name
-Banish'd the kingdom . Patience , is that letter
-I caus'd you write , yet sent away ?
-
-No , madam .
-
-
-Sir , I most humbly pray you to deliver
-This to my lord the king .
-
-Most willing , madam .
-
-In which I have commended to his goodness
-The model of our chaste loves , his young daughter :
-The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her !
-Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding ,
-She is young , and of a noble modest nature ,
-I hope she will deserve well ,and a little
-To love her for her mother's sake , that lov'd him ,
-Heaven knows how dearly . My next poor petition
-Is , that his noble Grace would have some pity
-Upon my wretched women , that so long
-Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully :
-Of which there is not one , I dare avow ,
-And now I should not lie ,but will deserve ,
-For virtue , and true beauty of the soul ,
-For honesty and decent carriage ,
-A right good husband , let him be a noble ;
-And , sure , those men are happy that shall have 'em .
-The last is , for my men : they are the poorest ,
-But poverty could never draw 'em from me ;
-That they may have their wages duly paid 'em ,
-And something over to remember me by :
-If heaven had pleas'd to have given me longer life
-And able means , we had not parted thus .
-These are the whole contents : and , good my lord ,
-By that you love the dearest in this world ,
-As you wish Christian peace to souls departed ,
-Stand these poor people's friend , and urge the king
-To do me this last right .
-
-By heaven , I will ,
-Or let me lose the fashion of a man !
-
-I thank you , honest lord . Remember me
-In all humility unto his highness :
-Say his long trouble now is passing
-Out of this world ; tell him , in death I bless'd him ;
-For so I will . Mine eyes grow dim . Farewell ,
-My lord . Griffith , farewell . Nay , Patience ,
-You must not leave me yet : I must to bed ;
-Call in more women . When I am dead , good wench ,
-Let me be us'd with honour : strew me over
-With maiden flowers , that all the world may know
-I was a chaste wife to my grave : embalm me ,
-Then lay me forth : although unqueen'd , yet like
-A queen , and daughter to a king , inter me .
-I can no more .
-
-
-It's one o'clock , boy , is't not ?
-
-It hath struck .
-
-These should be hours for necessities ,
-Not for delights ; times to repair our nature
-With comforting repose , and not for us
-To waste these times . Good hour of night , Sir Thomas !
-Whither so late ?
-
-Came you from the king , my lord ?
-
-I did , Sir Thomas ; and left him at primero
-With the Duke of Suffolk .
-
-I must to him too ,
-Before he go to bed . I'll take my leave .
-
-Not yet , Sir Thomas Lovell . What 's the matter ?
-It seems you are in haste : an if there be
-No great offence belongs to't , give your friend
-Some touch of your late business : affairs , that walk
-As they say spirits do at midnight , have
-In them a wilder nature than the business
-That seeks dispatch by day .
-
-My lord , I love you ,
-And durst commend a secret to your ear
-Much weightier than this work . The queen's in labour ,
-They say , in great extremity ; and fear'd
-She'll with the labour end .
-
-The fruit she goes with
-I pray for heartily , that it may find
-Good time , and live : but for the stock , Sir Thomas ,
-I wish it grubb'd up now .
-
-Methinks I could
-Cry the amen ; and yet my conscience says
-She's a good creature , and , sweet lady , does
-Deserve our better wishes .
-
-But , sir , sir ,
-Hear me , Sir Thomas : you're a gentleman
-Of mine own way ; I know you wise , religious ;
-And , let me tell you , it will ne'er be well ,
-'Twill not , Sir Thomas Lovell , take 't of me ,
-Till Cranmer , Cromwell , her two hands , and she ,
-Sleep in their graves .
-
-Now , sir , you speak of two
-The most remark'd i' the kingdom . As for Cromwell ,
-Beside that of the jewel-house , is made master
-O' the rolls , and the king's secretary ; further , sir ,
-Stands in the gap and trade of moe preferments ,
-With which the time will load him . The archbishop
-Is the king's hand and tongue ; and who dare speak
-One syllable against him ?
-
-Yes , yes , Sir Thomas ,
-There are that dare ; and I myself have ventur'd
-To speak my mind of him : and indeed this day ,
-Sir ,I may tell it you ,I think I have
-Incens'd the lords o' the council that he is
-For so I know he is , they know he is
-A most arch heretic , a pestilence
-That does infect the land : with which they mov'd
-Have broken with the king ; who hath so far
-Given ear to our complaint ,of his great grace
-And princely care , foreseeing those fell mischiefs
-Our reasons laid before him ,hath commanded
-To-morrow morning to the council-board
-He be convented . He's a rank weed , Sir Thomas ,
-And we must root him out . From your affairs
-I hinder you too long : good-night , Sir Thomas !
-
-Many good-nights , my lord . I rest your servant .
-
-Charles , I will play no more to-night ;
-My mind's not on't ; you are too hard for me .
-
-Sir , I did never win of you before .
-
-But little , Charles ;
-Nor shall not when my fancy's on my play .
-Now , Lovell , from the queen what is the news ?
-
-I could not personally deliver to her
-What you commanded me , but by her woman
-I sent your message ; who return'd her thanks
-In the great'st humbleness , and desir'd your highness
-Most heartily to pray for her .
-
-What sayst thou , ha ?
-To pray for her ? what ! is she crying out ?
-
-So said her woman ; and that her sufferance made
-Almost each pang a death .
-
-Alas ! good lady .
-
-God safely quit her of her burden , and
-With gentle travail , to the gladding of
-Your highness with an heir !
-
-'Tis midnight , Charles ;
-Prithee , to bed ; and in thy prayers remember
-The estate of my poor queen . Leave me alone ;
-For I must think of that which company
-Would not be friendly to .
-
-I wish your highness
-A quiet night ; and my good mistress will
-Remember in my prayers .
-
-Charles , good-night .
-
-
-Well , Sir , what follows ?
-
-Sir , I have brought my lord the archbishop ,
-As you commanded me .
-
-Ha ! Canterbury ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-'Tis true : where is he , Denny ?
-
-He attends your highness' pleasure .
-
-Bring him to us .
-
-
-This is about that which the bishop spake :
-I am happily come hither .
-
-
-Avoid the gallery .
-
-Ha ! I have said . Begone .
-What !
-
-
-I am fearful . Wherefore frowns he thus ?
-'Tis his aspect of terror : all's not well .
-
-How now , my lord ! You do desire to know
-Wherefore I sent for you .
-
-It is my duty
-To attend your highness' pleasure .
-
-Pray you , arise ,
-My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury .
-Come , you and I must walk a turn together ;
-I have news to tell you : come , come , give me your hand .
-Ah ! my good lord , I grieve at what I speak ,
-And am right sorry to repeat what follows .
-I have , and most unwillingly , of late
-Heard many grievous , I do say , my lord ,
-Grievous complaints of you ; which , being consider'd ,
-Have mov'd us and our council , that you shall
-This morning come before us ; where , I know ,
-You cannot with such freedom purge yourself ,
-But that , till further trial in those charges
-Which will require your answer , you must take
-Your patience to you , and be well contented
-To make your house our Tower : you a brother of us ,
-It fits we thus proceed , or else no witness
-Would come against you .
-
-I humbly thank your highness ;
-And am right glad to catch this good occasion
-Most throughly to be winnow'd , where my chaff
-And corn shall fly asunder ; for I know
-There's none stands under more calumnious tongues
-Than I myself , poor man .
-
-Stand up , good Canterbury :
-Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted
-In us , thy friend : give me thy hand , stand up :
-Prithee , let's walk . Now , by my holidame ,
-What manner of man are you ? My lord , I look'd
-You would have given me your petition , that
-I should have ta'en some pains to bring together
-Yourself and your accusers ; and to have heard you ,
-Without indurance , further .
-
-Most dread liege ,
-The good I stand on is my truth and honesty :
-If they shall fail , I , with mine enemies ,
-Will triumph o'er my person ; which I weigh not ,
-Being of those virtues vacant . I fear nothing
-What can be said against me .
-
-Know you not
-How your state stands i' the world , with the whole world ?
-Your enemies are many , and not small ; their practices
-Must bear the same proportion ; and not ever
-The justice and the truth o' the question carries
-The due o' the verdict with it . At what ease
-Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt
-To swear against you ? such things have been done .
-You are potently oppos'd , and with a malice
-Of as great size . Ween you of better luck ,
-I mean in perjur'd witness , than your master ,
-Whose minister you are , whiles here he liv'd
-Upon this naughty earth ? Go to , go to ;
-You take a precipice for no leap of danger ,
-And woo your own destruction .
-
-God and your majesty
-Protect mine innocence ! or I fall into
-The trap is laid for me !
-
-Be of good cheer ;
-They shall no more prevail than we give way to .
-Keep comfort to you ; and this morning see
-You do appear before them . If they shall chance ,
-In charging you with matters , to commit you ,
-The best persuasions to the contrary
-Fail not to use , and with what vehemency
-The occasion shall instruct you : if entreaties
-Will render you no remedy , this ring
-Deliver them , and your appeal to us
-There make before them . Look ! the good man weeps ;
-He's honest , on mine honour . God's blest mother !
-I swear he is true-hearted ; and a soul
-None better in my kingdom . Get you gone ,
-And do as I have bid you .
-
-He has strangled
-His language in his tears .
-
-
-Come back : what mean you ?
-
-I'll not come back ; the tidings that I bring
-Will make my boldness manners . Now , good angels
-Fly o'er thy royal head , and shade thy person
-Under their blessed wings !
-
-Now , by thy looks
-I guess thy message . Is the queen deliver'd ?
-Say , ay ; and of a boy .
-
-Ay , ay , my liege ;
-And of a lovely boy : the God of heaven
-Both now and ever bless her ! 'tis a girl ,
-Promises boys hereafter . Sir , your queen
-Desires your visitation , and to be
-Acquainted with this stranger : 'tis as like you
-As cherry is to cherry .
-
-Lovell !
-
-
-Sir !
-
-Give her a hundred marks . I'll to the queen .
-
-
-A hundred marks ! By this light , I'll ha' more .
-An ordinary groom is for such payment :
-I will have more , or scold it out of him .
-Said I for this the girl was like to him ?
-I will have more , or else unsay't ; and now ,
-While it is hot , I'll put it to the issue .
-
-
-I hope I am not too late ; and yet the gentleman ,
-That was sent to me from the council , pray'd me
-To make great haste . All fast ? what means this ? Ho !
-Who waits there ?
-
-Sure , you know me ?
-
-Yes , my lord ;
-But yet I cannot help you .
-
-Why ?
-
-Your Grace must wait till you be call'd for .
-
-
-So .
-
-This is a piece of malice . I am glad
-I came this way so happily : the king
-Shall understand it presently .
-
-'Tis Butts ,
-The king's physician . As he past along ,
-How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me .
-Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace ! For certain ,
-This is of purpose laid by some that hate me ,
-God turn their hearts ! I never sought their malice ,
-To quench mine honour : they would shame to make me
-Wait else at door , a fellow-counsellor ,
-'Mong boys , grooms , and lackeys . But their pleasures
-Must be fulfill'd , and I attend with patience .
-
-
-I'll show your Grace the strangest sight ,
-
-What's that , Butts ?
-
-I think your highness saw this many a day .
-
-Body o' me , where is it ?
-
-There , my lord ,
-The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury ;
-Who holds his state at door , 'mongst pursuivants ,
-Pages , and footboys .
-
-Ha ! 'Tis he , indeed :
-Is this the honour they do one another ?
-'Tis well there's one above 'em yet . I had thought
-They had parted so much honesty among 'em ,
-At least , good manners ,as not thus to suffer
-A man of his place , and so near our favour ,
-To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasures ,
-And at the door too , like a post with packets .
-By holy Mary , Butts , there's knavery :
-Let 'em alone , and draw the curtain close ;
-We shall hear more anon .
-
-
-Speak to the business , Master secretary :
-Why are we met in council ?
-
-Please your honours ,
-The chief cause concerns his Grace of Canterbury .
-
-Has he had knowledge of it ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Who waits there ?
-
-Without , my noble lords ?
-
-Yes .
-
-My lord archbishop :
-And has done half-an-hour , to know your pleasures .
-
-Let him come in .
-
-Your Grace may enter now .
-
-
-My good lord archbishop , I'm very sorry
-To sit here at this present and behold
-That chair stand empty : but we all are men ,
-In our own natures frail , and capable
-Of our flesh ; few are angels : out of which frailty
-And want of wisdom , you , that best should teach us ,
-Have misdemean'd yourself , and not a little ,
-Toward the king first , then his laws , in filling
-The whole realm , by your teaching and your chaplains ,
-For so we are inform'd ,with new opinions ,
-Divers and dangerous ; which are heresies ,
-And , not reform'd , may prove pernicious .
-
-Which reformation must be sudden too ,
-My noble lords ; for those that tame wild horses
-Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle ,
-But stop their mouths with stubborn bits , and spur 'em ,
-Till they obey the manage . If we suffer
-Out of our easiness and childish pity
-To one man's honour this contagious sickness ,
-Farewell all physic : and what follows then ?
-Commotions , uproars , with a general taint
-Of the whole state : as , of late days , our neighbours ,
-The upper Germany , can dearly witness ,
-Yet freshly pitied in our memories .
-
-My good lords , hitherto in all the progress
-Both of my life and office , I have labour'd ,
-And with no little study , that my teaching
-And the strong course of my authority
-Might go one way , and safely ; and the end
-Was ever , to do well : nor is there living ,
-I speak it with a single heart , my lords ,
-A man that more detests , more stirs against ,
-Both in his private conscience and his place ,
-Defacers of a public peace , than I do .
-Pray heaven the king may never find a heart
-With less allegiance in it ! Men , that make
-Envy and crooked malice nourishment
-Dare bite the best . I do beseech your lordships
-That , in this case of justice , my accusers ,
-Be what they will , may stand forth face to face ,
-And freely urge against me .
-
-Nay , my lord ,
-That cannot be : you are a counsellor ,
-And by that virtue no man dare accuse you .
-
-My lord , because we have business of more moment ,
-We will be short with you . 'Tis his highness' pleasure ,
-And our consent , for better trial of you ,
-From hence you be committed to the Tower ;
-Where , being but a private man again ,
-You shall know many dare accuse you boldly ,
-More than , I fear , you are provided for .
-
-Ah ! my good Lord of Winchester , I thank you ;
-You are always my good friend : if your will pass ,
-I shall both find your lordship judge and juror ,
-You are so merciful . I see your end ;
-'Tis my undoing : love and meekness , lord ,
-Become a churchman better than ambition :
-Win straying souls with modesty again ,
-Cast none away . That I shall clear myself ,
-Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience ,
-I make as little doubt , as you do conscience ,
-In doing daily wrongs . I could say more ,
-But reverence to your calling makes me modest .
-
-My lord , my lord , you are a sectary ;
-That's the plain truth : your painted gloss discovers ,
-To men that understand you , words and weakness .
-
-My Lord of Winchester , you are a little ,
-By your good favour , too sharp ; men so noble ,
-However faulty , yet should find respect
-For what they have been : 'tis a cruelty
-To load a falling man .
-
-Good Master secretary ,
-I cry your honour mercy , you may , worst
-Of all this table , say so .
-
-Why , my lord ?
-
-Do not I know you for a favourer
-Of this new sect ? ye are not sound .
-
-Not sound ?
-
-Not sound , I say .
-
-Would you were half so honest !
-Men's prayers then would seek you , not their fears .
-
-I shall remember this bold language .
-
-Do .
-Remember your bold life too .
-
-This is too much ;
-Forbear , for shame , my lords .
-
-I have done .
-
-And I .
-
-Then thus for you , my lord : it stands agreed ,
-I take it , by all voices , that forthwith
-You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner ;
-There to remain till the king's further pleasure
-Be known unto us . Are you all agreed , lords ?
-
-We are .
-
-Is there no other way of mercy ,
-But I must needs to the Tower , my lords ?
-
-What other
-Would you expect ? You are strangely troublesome .
-Let some o' the guard be ready there .
-
-
-For me ?
-Must I go like a traitor thither ?
-
-Receive him ,
-And see him safe i' the Tower .
-
-Stay , good my lords ;
-I have a little yet to say . Look there , my lords ;
-By virtue of that ring I take my cause
-Out of the gripes of cruel men , and give it
-To a most noble judge , the king my master .
-
-This is the king's ring .
-
-'Tis no counterfeit .
-
-'Tis the right ring , by heaven ! I told ye all ,
-When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ,
-'Twould fall upon ourselves .
-
-Do you think , my lords ,
-The king will suffer but the little finger
-Of this man to be vex'd ?
-
-'Tis now too certain :
-How much more is his life in value with him ?
-Would I were fairly out on't .
-
-My mind gave me ,
-In seeking tales and informations
-Against this man whose honesty the devil
-And his disciples only envy at
-Ye blew the fire that burns ye : now have at ye !
-
-
-Dread sovereign , how much are we bound to heaven
-In daily thanks , that gave us such a prince ;
-Not only good and wise , but most religious :
-One that in all obedience makes the Church
-The chief aim of his honour ; and , to strengthen
-That holy duty , out of dear respect ,
-His royal self in judgment comes to hear
-The cause betwixt her and this great offender .
-
-You were ever good at sudden commendations ,
-Bishop of Winchester ; but know , I come not
-To hear such flattery now , and in my presence ;
-They are too thin and bare to hide offences .
-To me you cannot reach ; you play the spaniel ,
-And think with wagging of your tongue to win me ;
-But , whatsoe'er thou tak'st me for , I'm sure
-Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody .
-
-
-Good man , sit down . Now let me see the proudest
-He , that dares most , but wag his finger at thee :
-By all that's holy , he had better starve
-Than but once think this place becomes thee not .
-
-May it please your Grace ,
-
-No , sir , it does not please me .
-I had thought I had had men of some understanding
-And wisdom of my council ; but I find none .
-Was it discretion , lords , to let this man ,
-This good man ,few of you deserve that title ,
-This honest man , wait like a lousy footboy
-At chamber-door ? and one as great as you are ?
-Why , what a shame was this ! Did my commission
-Bid ye so far forget yourselves ? I gave ye
-Power as he was a counsellor to try him ,
-Not as a groom . There's some of ye , I see ,
-More out of malice than integrity ,
-Would try him to the utmost , had ye mean ;
-Which ye shall never have while I live .
-
-Thus far ,
-My most dread sov'reign , may it like your Grace
-To let my tongue excuse all . What was purpos'd
-Concerning his imprisonment , was rather
-If there be faith in men meant for his trial
-And fair purgation to the world , than malice ,
-I'm sure , in me .
-
-Well , well , my lords , respect him ;
-Take him , and use him well ; he's worthy of it .
-I will say thus much for him , if a prince
-May be beholding to a subject , I
-Am , for his love and service , so to him .
-Make me no more ado , but all embrace him :
-Be friends , for shame , my lords ! My Lord of Canterbury ,
-I have a suit which you must not deny me ;
-That is , a fair young maid that yet wants baptism ,
-You must be godfather , and answer for her .
-
-The greatest monarch now alive may glory
-In such an honour : how may I deserve it ,
-That am a poor and humble subject to you ?
-
-Come , come , my lord , you'd spare your spoons : you shall have two noble partners with you ; the old Duchess of Norfolk , and Lady Marquess Dorset : will these please you ?
-Once more , my Lord of Winchester , I charge you ,
-Embrace and love this man .
-
-With a true heart
-And brother-love I do it .
-
-And let heaven
-Witness , how dear I hold this confirmation .
-
-Good man ! those joyful tears show thy true heart :
-The common voice , I see , is verified
-Of thee , which says thus , 'Do my Lord of Canterbury
-A shrewd turn , and he is your friend for ever .'
-Come , lords , we trifle time away ; I long
-To have this young one made a Christian .
-As I have made ye one , lords , one remain ;
-So I grow stronger , you more honour gain .
-
-
-You'll leave your noise anon , ye rascals .
-Do you take the court for Paris-garden ? ye rude slaves , leave your gaping .
-
-
-Good Master porter , I belong to the larder .
-
-Belong to the gallows , and be hanged , you rogue ! Is this a place to roar in ? Fetch me a dozen crab-tree staves , and strong ones : these are but switches to 'em . I'll scratch your heads : you must be seeing christenings ! Do you look for ale and cakes here , you rude rascals ?
-
-Pray , sir , be patient : 'tis as much impossible
-Unless we sweep 'em from the door with cannons
-To scatter 'em , as 'tis to make 'em sleep
-On May-day morning ; which will never be .
-We may as well push against Paul's as stir 'em .
-
-How got they in , and be hang'd ?
-
-Alas , I know not ; how gets the tide in ?
-As much as one sound cudgel of four foot
-You see the poor remainder could distribute ,
-I made no spare , sir .
-
-You did nothing , sir .
-
-I am not Samson , nor Sir Guy , nor Colbrand ,
-To mow 'em down before me ; but if I spar'd any
-That had a head to hit , either young or old ,
-He or she , cuckold or cuckold-maker ,
-Let me ne'er hope to see a chine again ;
-And that I would not for a cow , God save her !
-
-
-Do you hear , Master porter ?
-
-I shall be with you presently , good
-Master puppy . Keep the door close , sirrah .
-
-What would you have me do ?
-
-What should you do , but knock 'em down by the dozens ? Is this Moorfields to muster in ? or have we some strange Indian with the great tool come to court , the women so besiege us ? Bless me , what a fry of fornication is at door ! On my Christian conscience , this one christening will beget a thousand : here will be father , godfather , and all together .
-
-The spoons will be the bigger , sir . There is a fellow somewhat near the door , he should be a brazier by his face , for , o' my conscience , twenty of the dog days now reign in's nose : all that stand about him are under the line , they need no other penance . That fire-drake did I hit three times on the head , and three times was his nose discharged against me : he stands there , like a mortar-piece , to blow us . There was a haberdasher's wife of small wit near him , that railed upon me till her pinked porringer fell off her head , for kindling such a combustion in the state . I missed the meteor once , and hit that woman , who cried out , 'Clubs !' when I might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to her succour , which were the hope o' the Strand , where she was quartered . They fell on ; I made good my place ; at length they came to the broomstaff to me ; I defied 'em still ; when suddenly a file of boys behind 'em , loose shot , delivered such a shower of pebbles , that I was fain to draw mine honour in , and let 'em win the work . The devil was amongst 'em , I think , surely .
-
-These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse , and fight for bitten apples ; that no audience , but the Tribulation of Tower-hill , or the Limbs of Limehouse , their dear brothers , are able to endure . I have some of 'em in Limbo Patrum , and there they are like to dance these three days ; besides the running banquet of two beadles , that is to come .
-
-
-Mercy o' me , what a multitude are here !
-They grow still too , from all parts they are coming ,
-As if we kept a fair here ! Where are these porters ,
-These lazy knaves ? Ye have made a fine hand , fellows :
-There's a trim rabble let in . Are all these
-Your faithful friends o' the suburbs ? We shall have
-Great store of room , no doubt , left for the ladies ,
-When they pass back from the christening .
-
-An't please your honour ,
-We are but men ; and what so many may do ,
-Not being torn a-pieces , we have done :
-An army cannot rule 'em .
-
-As I live ,
-If the king blame me for't , I'll lay ye all
-By the heels , and suddenly ; and on your heads
-Clap round fines for neglect : ye're lazy knaves ;
-And here ye lie baiting of bombards , when
-Ye should do service . Hark ! the trumpets sound ;
-They're come already from the christening .
-Go , break among the press , and find a way out
-To let the troop pass fairly , or I'll find
-A Marshalsea shall hold ye play these two months .
-
-Make way there for the princess .
-
-You great fellow ,
-Stand close up , or I'll make your head ache .
-
-You i' the camlet , get up o' the rail :
-I'll pick you o'er the pales else .
-
-Heaven , from thy endless goodness , send prosperous life , long , and ever happy , to the high and mighty Princess of England , Elizabeth !
-
-
-And to your royal Grace , and the good queen ,
-My noble partners , and myself , thus pray :
-All comfort , joy , in this most gracious lady ,
-Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy ,
-May hourly fall upon ye !
-
-Thank you , good lord archbishop :
-What is her name ?
-
-Elizabeth .
-
-Stand up , lord .
-
-With this kiss take my blessing ; God protect thee !
-Into whose hand I give thy life .
-
-Amen .
-
-My noble gossips , ye have been too prodigal :
-I thank ye heartily : so shall this lady
-When she has so much English .
-
-Let me speak , sir ,
-For heaven now bids me ; and the words I utter
-Let none think flattery , for they'll find 'em truth .
-This royal infant ,heaven still move about her !
-Though in her cradle , yet now promises
-Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings ,
-Which time shall bring to ripeness : she shall be
-But few now living can behold that goodness
-A pattern to all princes living with her ,
-And all that shall succeed : Saba was never
-More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue
-Than this pure soul shall be : all princely graces ,
-That mould up such a mighty piece as this is ,
-With all the virtues that attend the good ,
-Shall still be doubled on her ; truth shall nurse her ;
-Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her ;
-She shall be lov'd and fear'd ; her own shall bless her ;
-Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn ,
-And hang their heads with sorrow ; good grows with her .
-In her days every man shall eat in safety
-Under his own vine what he plants ; and sing
-The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours .
-God shall be truly known ; and those about her
-From her shall read the perfect ways of honour ,
-And by those claim their greatness , not by blood .
-Nor shall this peace sleep with her ; but as when
-The bird of wonder dies , the maiden ph nix ,
-Her ashes new-create another heir
-As great in admiration as herself ,
-So shall she leave her blessedness to one ,
-When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness ,
-Who , from the sacred ashes of her honour ,
-Shall star-like rise , as great in fame as she was ,
-And so stand fix'd . Peace , plenty , love , truth , terror ,
-That were the servants to this chosen infant ,
-Shall then be his , and like a vine grow to him :
-Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine ,
-His honour and the greatness of his name
-Shall be , and make new nations ; he shall flourish ,
-And , like a mountain cedar , reach his branches
-To all the plains about him ; our children's children
-Shall see this , and bless heaven .
-
-Thou speakest wonders .
-
-She shall be , to the happiness of England ,
-An aged princess ; many days shall see her ,
-And yet no day without a deed to crown it .
-Would I had known no more ! but she must die ,
-She must , the saints must have her , yet a virgin ;
-A most unspotted lily shall she pass
-To the ground , and all the world shall mourn her .
-
-O lord archbishop !
-Thou hast made me now a man : never , before
-This happy child , did I get any thing .
-This oracle of comfort has so pleas'd me ,
-That when I am in heaven , I shall desire
-To see what this child does , and praise my Maker .
-I thank ye all . To you , my good Lord Mayor ,
-And your good brethren , I am much beholding ;
-I have receiv'd much honour by your presence ,
-And ye shall find me thankful . Lead the way , lords :
-Ye must all see the queen , and she must thank ye ;
-She will be sick else . This day , no man think
-He has business at his house ; for all shall stay :
-This little one shall make it holiday .
-
-
-'Tis ten to one , this play can never please
-All that are here : some come to take their ease
-And sleep an act or two ; but those , we fear ,
-We've frighted with our trumpets ; so , 'tis clear
-They'll say 'tis naught : others , to hear the city
-Abus'd extremely , and to cry , 'That's witty !'
-Which we have not done neither : that , I fear ,
-All the expected good we're like to hear
-For this play at this time , is only in
-The merciful construction of good women ;
-For such a one we show'd 'em : if they smile ,
-And say 'twill do , I know , within a while
-All the best men are ours ; for 'tis ill hap
-If they hold when their ladies bid 'em clap .
-
-THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY IV
-
-So shaken as we are , so wan with care ,
-Find we a time for frighted peace to pant ,
-And breathe short-winded accents of new broils
-To be commenc'd in stronds afar remote .
-No more the thirsty entrance of this soil
-Shall daub her lips with her own children's blood ;
-No more shall trenching war channel her fields ,
-Nor bruise her flowerets with the armed hoofs
-Of hostile paces : those opposed eyes ,
-Which , like the meteors of a troubled heaven ,
-All of one nature , of one substance bred ,
-Did lately meet in the intestine shock
-And furious close of civil butchery ,
-Shall now , in mutual well-beseeming ranks ,
-March all one way , and be no more oppos'd
-Against acquaintance , kindred , and allies :
-The edge of war , like an ill-sheathed knife ,
-No more shall cut his master . Therefore , friends ,
-As far as to the sepulchre of Christ ,
-Whose soldier now , under whose blessed cross
-We are impressed and engag'd to fight ,
-Forthwith a power of English shall we levy ,
-Whose arms were moulded in their mother's womb
-To chase these pagans in those holy fields
-Over whose acres walk'd those blessed feet
-Which fourteen hundred years ago were nail'd
-For our advantage on the bitter cross .
-But this our purpose is a twelvemonth old ,
-And bootless 'tis to tell you we will go :
-Therefore we meet not now . Then let me hear
-Of you , my gentle cousin Westmoreland ,
-What yesternight our council did decree
-In forwarding this dear expedience .
-
-My liege , this haste was hot in question ,
-And many limits of the charge set down
-But yesternight ; when all athwart there came
-A post from Wales loaden with heavy news ;
-Whose worst was , that the noble Mortimer ,
-Leading the men of Herefordshire to fight
-Against the irregular and wild Glendower ,
-Was by the rude hands of that Welshman taken ,
-And a thousand of his people butchered ;
-Upon whose dead corpse' there was such misuse ,
-Such beastly shameless transformation
-By those Welshwomen done , as may not be
-Without much shame re-told or spoken of .
-
-It seems then that the tidings of this broil
-Brake off our business for the Holy Land .
-
-This match'd with other like , my gracious lord ;
-For more uneven and unwelcome news
-Came from the north and thus it did import :
-On Holy-rood day , the gallant Hotspur there ,
-Young Harry Percy and brave Archibald ,
-That ever-valiant and approved Scot ,
-At Holmedon met ,
-Where they did spend a sad and bloody hour ;
-As by discharge of their artillery ,
-And shape of likelihood , the news was told ;
-For he that brought them , in the very heat
-And pride of their contention did take horse ,
-Uncertain of the issue any way .
-
-Here is a dear and true industrious friend ,
-Sir Walter Blunt , new lighted from his horse ,
-Stain'd with the variation of each soil
-Betwixt that Holmedon and this seat of ours ;
-And he hath brought us smooth and welcome news .
-The Earl of Douglas is discomfited ;
-Ten thousand bold Scots , two and twenty knights ,
-Balk'd in their own blood did Sir Walter see
-On Holmedon's plains : of prisoners Hotspur took
-Mordake the Earl of Fife , and eldest son
-To beaten Douglas , and the Earls of Athol ,
-Of Murray , Angus , and Menteith .
-And is not this an honourable spoil ?
-A gallant prize ? ha , cousin , is it not ?
-
-In faith ,
-It is a conquest for a prince to boast of .
-
-Yea , there thou mak'st me sad and mak'st me sin
-In envy that my Lord Northumberland
-Should be the father to so blest a son ,
-A son who is the theme of honour's tongue ;
-Amongst a grove the very straightest plant ;
-Who is sweet Fortune's minion and her pride :
-Whilst I , by looking on the praise of him ,
-See riot and dishonour stain the brow
-Of my young Harry . O ! that it could be prov'd
-That some night-tripping fairy had exchang'd
-In cradle-clothes our children where they lay ,
-And call'd mine Percy , his Plantagenet .
-Then would I have his Harry , and he mine .
-But let him from my thoughts . What think you , coz ,
-Of this young Percy's pride ? the prisoners ,
-Which he in this adventure hath surpris'd ,
-To his own use he keeps , and sends me word ,
-I shall have none but Mordake Earl of Fife .
-
-This is his uncle's teaching , this is Worcester ,
-Malevolent to you in all aspects ;
-Which makes him prune himself , and bristle up
-The crest of youth against your dignity .
-
-But I have sent for him to answer this ;
-And for this cause a while we must neglect
-Our holy purpose to Jerusalem .
-Cousin , on Wednesday next our council we
-Will hold at Windsor ; so inform the lords :
-But come yourself with speed to us again ;
-For more is to be said and to be done
-Than out of anger can be uttered .
-
-I will , my hege .
-
-
-Now , Hal , what time of day is it , lad ?
-
-Thou art so fat-witted , with drinking of old sack , and unbuttoning thee after supper , and sleeping upon benches after noon , that thou hast forgotten to demand that truly which thou wouldst truly know . What a devil hast thou to do with the time of the day ? unless hours were cups of sack , and minutes capons , and clocks the tongues of bawds , and dials the signs of leaping-houses , and the blessed sun himself a fair hot wench in flame-colour'd taffeta , I see no reason why thou shouldst be so superfluous to demand the time of the day .
-
-Indeed , you come near me now , Hal ; for we that take purses go by the moon and the seven stars , and not by Ph bus , he , 'that wandering knight so fair .' And , I prithee , sweet wag , when thou art king ,as , God save thy Grace ,majesty , I should say , for grace thou wilt have none ,
-
-What ! none ?
-
-No , by my troth ; not so much as will serve to be prologue to an egg and butter .
-
-Well , how then ? come , roundly , roundly .
-
-Marry , then , sweet wag , when thou art king , let not us that are squires of the night's body be called thieves of the day's beauty : let us be Diana's foresters , gentlemen of the shade , minions of the moon ; and let men say , we be men of good government , being governed as the sea is , by our noble and chaste mistress the moon , under whose countenance we steal .
-
-Thou sayest well , and it holds well too ; for the fortune of us that are the moon's men doth ebb and flow like the sea , being governed as the sea is , by the moon . As for proof now : a purse of gold most resolutely snatched on Monday night and most dissolutely spent on Tuesday morning ; got with swearing 'Lay by ;' and spent with crying 'Bring in :' now in as low an ebb as the foot of the ladder , and by and by in as high a flow as the ridge of the gallows .
-
-By the Lord , thou sayest true , lad . And is not my hostess of the tavern a most sweet wench ?
-
-As the honey of Hybla , my old lad of the castle . And is not a buff jerkin a most sweet robe of durance ?
-
-How now , how now , mad wag ! what , in thy quips and thy quiddities ? what a plague have I to do with a buff jerkin ?
-
-Why , what a pox have I to do with my hostess of the tavern ?
-
-Well , thou hast called her to a reckoning many a time and oft .
-
-Did I ever call for thee to pay thy part ?
-
-No ; I'll give thee thy due , thou hast paid all there .
-
-Yea , and elsewhere , so far as my coin would stretch ; and where it would not , I have used my credit .
-
-Yea , and so used it that , were it not here apparent that thou art their apparent .But , I prithee , sweet wag , shall there be gallows standing in England when thou art king , and resolution thus fobbed as it is with the rusty curb of old father antick the law ? Do not thou , when thou art king , hang a thief .
-
-No ; thou shalt .
-
-Shall I ? O rare ! By the Lord , I'll be a brave judge .
-
-Thou judgest false already ; I mean , thou shalt have the hanging of the thieves and so become a rare hangman .
-
-Well , Hal , well ; and in some sort it jumps with my humour as well as waiting in the court , I can tell you .
-
-For obtaining of suits ?
-
-Yea , for obtaining of suits , whereof the hangman hath no lean wardrobe . 'Sblood , I am as melancholy as a gib cat , or a lugged bear .
-
-Or an old lion , or a lover's lute .
-
-Yea , or the drone of a Lincolnshire bagpipe .
-
-What sayest thou to a hare , or the melancholy of Moor-ditch ?
-
-Thou hast the most unsavory similes , and art , indeed , the most comparative , rascalliest , sweet young prince ; but , Hal , I prithee , trouble me no more with vanity . I would to God thou and I knew where a commodity of good names were to be bought . An old lord of the council rated me the other day in the street about you , sir , but I marked him not ; and yet he talked very wisely , but I regarded him not ; and yet he talked wisely , and in the street too .
-
-Thou didst well ; for wisdom cries out in the streets , and no man regards it .
-
-O ! thou hast damnable iteration , and art indeed able to corrupt a saint . Thou hast done much harm upon me , Hal ; God forgive thee for it ! Before I knew thee , Hal , I knew nothing ; and now am I , if a man should speak truly , little better than one of the wicked . I must give over this life , and I will give it over ; by the Lord , an I do not , I am a villain : I'll be damned for never a king's son in Christendom .
-
-Where shall we take a purse to-morrow , Jack ?
-
-Zounds ! where thou wilt , lad , I'll make one ; an I do not , call me a villain and baffle me .
-
-I see a good amendment of life in thee ; from praying to purse-taking .
-
-
-Why , Hal , 'tis my vocation , Hal ; 'tis no sin for a man to labour in his vocation . Poins ! Now shall we know if Gadshill have set a match . O ! if men were to be saved by merit , what hole in hell were hot enough for him ? This is the most omnipotent villain that ever cried 'Stand !' to a true man .
-
-Good morrow , Ned .
-
-Good morrow , sweet Hal . What says Monsieur Remorse ? What says Sir John Sack-and-Sugar ? Jack ! how agrees the devil and thee about thy soul , that thou soldest him on Good-Friday last for a cup of Madeira and a cold capon's leg ?
-
-Sir John stands to his word , the devil shall have his bargain ; for he was never yet a breaker of proverbs : he will give the devil his due .
-
-Then art thou damned for keeping thy word with the devil .
-
-Else he had been damned for cozening the devil .
-
-But my lads , my lads , to-morrow morning , by four o'clock , early at Gadshill ! There are pilgrims going to Canterbury with rich offerings , and traders riding to London with fat purses : I have vizards for you all ; you have horses for yourselves . Gadshill lies to night in Rochester ; I have bespoke supper to-morrow night in Eastcheap : we may do it as secure as sleep . If you will go I will stuff your purses full of crowns ; if you will not , tarry at home and be hanged .
-
-Hear ye , Yedward : if I tarry at home and go not , I'll hang you for going .
-
-You will , chops ?
-
-Hal , wilt thou make one ?
-
-Who , I rob ? I a thief ? not I , by my faith .
-
-There's neither honesty , manhood , nor good fellowship in thee , nor thou camest not of the blood royal , if thou darest not stand for ten shillings .
-
-Well , then , once in my days I'll be a madcap .
-
-Why , that's well said .
-
-Well , come what will , I'll tarry at home .
-
-By the Lord , I'll be a traitor then , when thou art king .
-
-I care not .
-
-Sir John , I prithee , leave the prince and me alone : I will lay him down such reasons for this adventure that he shall go .
-
-Well , God give thee the spirit of persuasion and him the ears of profiting , that what thou speakest may move , and what he hears may be believed , that the true prince may , for recreation sake , prove a false thief ; for the poor abuses of the time want countenance . Farewell : you shall find me in Eastcheap .
-
-Farewell , thou latter spring ! Farewell , All-hallown summer !
-
-
-Now , my good sweet honey lord , ride with us to-morrow : I have a jest to execute that I cannot manage alone . Falstaff , Bardolph , Peto , and Gadshill shall rob those men that we have already waylaid ; yourself and I will not be there ; and when they have the booty , if you and I do not rob them , cut this head from my shoulders .
-
-But how shall we part with them in setting forth ?
-
-Why , we will set forth before or after them , and appoint them a place of meeting , wherein it is at our pleasure to fail ; and then will they adventure upon the exploit themselves , which they shall have no sooner achieved but we'll set upon them .
-
-Yea , but 'tis like that they will know us by our horses , by our habits , and by every other appointment , to be ourselves .
-
-Tut ! our horses they shall not see , I'll tie them in the wood ; our vizards we will change after we leave them ; and , sirrah , I have cases of buckram for the nonce , to inmask our noted outward garments .
-
-Yea , but I doubt they will be too hard for us .
-
-Well , for two of them , I know them to be as true-bred cowards as ever turned back ; and for the third , if he fight longer than he sees reason , I'll forswear arms . The virtue of this jest will be , the incomprehensible lies that this same fat rogue will tell us when we meet at supper : how thirty , at least , he fought with ; what wards , what blows , what extremities he endured ; and in the reproof of this lies the jest .
-
-Well , I'll go with thee : provide us all things necessary and meet me to-morrow night in Eastcheap ; there I'll sup . Farewell .
-
-Farewell , my lord .
-
-
-I know you all , and will awhile uphold
-The unyok'd humour of your idleness :
-Yet herein will I imitate the sun ,
-Who doth permit the base contagious clouds
-To smother up his beauty from the world ,
-That when he please again to be himself ,
-Being wanted , he may be more wonder'd at ,
-By breaking through the foul and ugly mists
-Of vapours that did seem to strangle him .
-If all the year were playing holidays ,
-To sport would be as tedious as to work ;
-But when they seldom come , they wish'd for come ,
-And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents .
-So , when this loose behaviour I throw off ,
-And pay the debt I never promised ,
-By how much better than my word I am
-By so much shall I falsify men's hopes ;
-And like bright metal on a sullen ground ,
-My reformation , glittering o'er my fault ,
-Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes
-Than that which hath no foil to set it off .
-I'll so offend to make offence a skill ;
-Redeeming time when men think least I will .
-
-
-My blood hath been too cold and temperate ,
-Unapt to stir at these indignities ,
-And you have found me ; for accordingly
-You tread upon my patience : but , be sure ,
-I will from henceforth rather be myself ,
-Mighty , and to be fear'd , than my condition ,
-Which hath been smooth as oil , soft as young down ,
-And therefore lost that title of respect
-Which the proud soul ne'er pays but to the proud .
-
-Our house , my sovereign liege , little deserves
-The scourge of greatness to be us'd on it ;
-And that same greatness too which our own hands
-Have holp to make so portly .
-
-My lord ,
-
-Worcester , get thee gone ; for I do see
-Danger and disobedience in thine eye .
-O , sir , your presence is too bold and peremptory ,
-And majesty might never yet endure
-The moody frontier of a servant brow .
-You have good leave to leave us ; when we need
-Your use and counsel we shall send for you .
-
-You were about to speak .
-
-Yea , my good lord .
-Those prisoners in your highness' name demanded ,
-Which Harry Percy here at Holmedon took ,
-Were , as he says , not with such strength denied
-As is deliver'd to your majesty :
-Either envy , therefore , or misprision
-Is guilty of this fault and not my son .
-
-My liege , I did deny no prisoners :
-But I remember , when the fight was done ,
-When I was dry with rage and extreme toil ,
-Breathless and faint , leaning upon my sword ,
-Came there a certain lord , neat , and trimly dress'd ,
-Fresh as a bridegroom ; and his chin , new reap'd ,
-Show'd like a stubble-land at harvest-home :
-He was perfumed like a milliner ,
-And 'twixt his finger and his thumb he held
-A pouncet-box , which ever and anon
-He gave his nose and took't away again ;
-Who therewith angry , when it next came there ,
-Took it in snuff : and still he smil'd and talk'd ;
-And as the soldiers bore dead bodies by ,
-He call'd them untaught knaves , unmannerly ,
-To bring a slovenly unhandsome corpse
-Betwixt the wind and his nobility .
-With many holiday and lady terms
-He question'd me ; among the rest , demanded
-My prisoners in your majesty's behalf .
-I then all smarting with my wounds being cold ,
-To be so pester'd with a popinjay ,
-Out of my grief and my impatience
-Answer'd neglectingly , I know not what ,
-He should , or he should not ; for he made me mad
-To see him shine so brisk and smell so sweet
-And talk so like a waiting-gentlewoman
-Of guns , and drums , and wounds ,God save the mark !
-And telling me the sovereign'st thing on earth
-Was parmaceti for an inward bruise ;
-And that it was great pity , so it was ,
-This villanous saltpetre should be digg'd
-Out of the bowels of the harmless earth ,
-Which many a good tall fellow had destroy'd
-So cowardly ; and but for these vile guns ,
-He would himself have been a soldier .
-This bald unjointed chat of his , my lord ,
-I answer'd indirectly , as I said ;
-And I beseech you , let not his report
-Come current for an accusation
-Betwixt my love and your high majesty .
-
-The circumstance consider'd , good my lord ,
-Whatever Harry Percy then had said
-To such a person and in such a place ,
-At such a time , with all the rest re-told ,
-May reasonably die and never rise
-To do him wrong , or any way impeach
-What then he said , so he unsay it now .
-
-Why , yet he doth deny his prisoners ,
-But with proviso and exception ,
-That we at our own charge shall ransom straight
-His brother-in-law , the foolish Mortimer ;
-Who , on my soul , hath wilfully betray'd
-The lives of those that he did lead to fight
-Against the great magician , damn'd Glendower ,
-Whose daughter , as we hear , the Earl of March
-Hath lately married . Shall our coffers then
-Be emptied to redeem a traitor home ?
-Shall we buy treason , and indent with fears ,
-When they have lost and forfeited themselves ?
-No , on the barren mountains let him starve ;
-For I shall never hold that man my friend
-Whose tongue shall ask me for one penny cost
-To ransom home revolted Mortimer .
-
-Revolted Mortimer !
-He never did fall off , my sovereign liege ,
-But by the chance of war : to prove that true
-Needs no more but one tongue for all those wounds ,
-Those mouthed wounds , which valiantly he took ,
-When on the gentle Severn's sedgy bank ,
-In single opposition , hand to hand ,
-He did confound the best part of an hour
-In changing hardiment with great Glendower .
-Three times they breath'd and three times did they drink ,
-Upon agreement , of swift Severn's flood ,
-Who then , affrighted with their bloody looks ,
-Ran fearfully among the trembling reeds ,
-And hid his crisp head in the hollow bank
-Blood-stained with these valiant combatants .
-Never did base and rotten policy
-Colour her working with such deadly wounds ;
-Nor never could the noble Mortimer
-Receive so many , and all willingly :
-Then let him not be slander'd with revolt .
-
-Thou dost belie him , Percy , thou dost belie him :
-He never did encounter with Glendower :
-I tell thee ,
-He durst as well have met the devil alone
-As Owen Glendower for an enemy .
-Art thou not asham'd ? But , sirrah , henceforth
-Let me not hear you speak of Mortimer :
-Send me your prisoners with the speediest means ,
-Or you shall hear in such a kind from me
-As will displease you . My Lord Northumberland ,
-We license your departure with your son .
-Send us your prisoners , or you'll hear of it .
-
-
-An if the devil come and roar for them ,
-I will not send them : I will after straight
-And tell him so ; for I will ease my heart ,
-Albeit I make a hazard of my head .
-
-What ! drunk with choler ? stay , and pause awhile :
-Here comes your uncle .
-
-
-Speak of Mortimer !
-'Zounds ! I will speak of him ; and let my soul
-Want mercy if I do not join with him :
-In his behalf I'll empty all these veins ,
-And shed my dear blood drop by drop i' the dust ,
-But I will lift the down-trod Mortimer
-As high i' the air as this unthankful king ,
-As this ingrate and canker'd Bolingbroke .
-
-Brother , the king hath made your nephew mad .
-
-Who struck this heat up after I was gone ?
-
-He will , forsooth , have all my prisoners ;
-And when I urg'd the ransom once again
-Of my wife's brother , then his cheek look'd pale ,
-And on my face he turn'd an eye of death ,
-Trembling even at the name of Mortimer .
-
-I cannot blame him : was he not proclaim'd
-By Richard that dead is the next of blood ?
-
-He was ; I heard the proclamation :
-And then it was when the unhappy king ,
-Whose wrongs in us God pardon !did set forth
-Upon his Irish expedition ;
-From whence he , intercepted , did return
-To be depos'd , and shortly murdered .
-
-And for whose death we in the world's wide mouth
-Live scandaliz'd and foully spoken of .
-
-But , soft ! I pray you , did King Richard then
-Proclaim my brother Edmund Mortimer
-Heir to the crown ?
-
-He did ; myself did hear it .
-
-Nay , then I cannot blame his cousin king ,
-That wish'd him on the barren mountains starve .
-But shall it be that you , that set the crown
-Upon the head of this forgetful man ,
-And for his sake wear the detested blot
-Of murd'rous subornation , shall it be ,
-That you a world of curses undergo ,
-Being the agents , or base second means ,
-The cords , the ladder , or the hangman rather ?
-O ! pardon me that I descend so low ,
-To show the line and the predicament
-Wherein you range under this subtle king .
-Shall it for shame be spoken in these days ,
-Or fill up chronicles in time to come ,
-That men of your nobility and power ,
-Did gage them both in'an unjust behalf ,
-As both of you God pardon it !have done ,
-To put down Richard , that sweet lovely rose ,
-And plant this thorn , this canker , Bolingbroke ?
-And shall it in more shame be further spoken ,
-That you are fool'd , discarded , and shook off
-By him for whom these shames ye underwent ?
-No ; yet time serves wherein you may redeem
-Your banish'd honours , and restore yourselves
-Into the good thoughts of the world again ;
-Revenge the jeering and disdain'd contempt
-Of this proud king , who studies day and night
-To answer all the debt he owes to you ,
-Even with the bloody payment of your deaths .
-Therefore , I say ,
-
-Peace , cousin ! say no more :
-And now I will unclasp a secret book ,
-And to your quick-conceiving discontents
-I'll read you matter deep and dangerous ,
-As full of peril and adventurous spirit
-As to o'er-walk a current roaring loud ,
-On the unsteadfast footing of a spear .
-
-If he fall in , good night ! or sink or swim :
-Send danger from the east unto the west ,
-So honour cross it from the north to south ,
-And let them grapple : O ! the blood more stirs
-To rouse a lion than to start a hare .
-
-Imagination of some great exploit
-Drives him beyond the bounds of patience .
-
-By heaven methinks it were an easy leap
-To pluck bright honour from the pale-fac'd moon ,
-Or dive into the bottom of the deep ,
-Where fathom-line could never touch the ground ,
-And pluck up drowned honour by the locks ;
-So he that doth redeem her thence might wear
-Without corrival all her dignities :
-But out upon this half-fac'd fellowship !
-
-He apprehends a world of figures here ,
-But not the form of what he should attend .
-Good cousin , give me audience for a while .
-
-I cry you mercy .
-
-Those same noble Scots
-That are your prisoners ,
-
-I'll keep them all ;
-By God , he shall not have a Scot of them :
-No , if a Scot would save his soul , he shall not :
-I'll keep them , by this hand .
-
-You start away ,
-And lend no ear unto my purposes .
-Those prisoners you shall keep .
-
-Nay , I will ; that's flat :
-He said he would not ransom Mortimer ;
-Forbade my tongue to speak of Mortimer ;
-But I will find him when he lies asleep ,
-And in his ear I'll holla 'Mortimer !'
-Nay ,
-I'll have a starling shall be taught to speak
-Nothing but 'Mortimer ,' and give it him ,
-To keep his anger still in motion .
-
-Hear you , cousin ; a word .
-
-All studies here I solemnly defy ,
-Save how to gall and pinch this Bolingbroke :
-And that same sword-and-buckler Prince of Wales ,
-But that I think his father loves him not ,
-And would be glad he met with some mischance ,
-I would have him poison'd with a pot of ale .
-
-Farewell , kinsman : I will talk to you
-When you are better temper'd to attend .
-
-Why , what a wasp-stung and impatient fool
-Art thou to break into this woman's mood ,
-Tying thine ear to no tongue but thine own !
-
-Why , look you , I am whipp'd and scourg'd with rods ,
-Nettled , and stung with pismires , when I hear
-Of this vile politician , Bolingbroke .
-In Richard's time ,what do ye call the place ?
-A plague upon't it is in Gloucestershire ;
-'Twas where the madcap duke his uncle kept ,
-His uncle York ; where I first bow'd my knee
-Unto this king of smiles , this Bolingbroke ,
-'Sblood !
-When you and he came back from Ravenspurgh .
-
-At Berkeley Castle .
-
-You say true .
-Why , what a candy deal of courtesy
-This fawning greyhound then did proffer me !
-Look , 'when his infant fortune came to age ,'
-And 'gentle Harry Percy ,' and 'kind cousin .'
-O ! the devil take such cozeners . God forgive me !
-Good uncle , tell your tale , for I have done .
-
-Nay , if you have not , to't again ;
-We'll stay your leisure .
-
-I have done , i' faith .
-
-Then once more to your Scottish prisoners .
-Deliver them up without their ransom straight ,
-And make the Douglas' son your only mean
-For powers in Scotland ; which , for divers reasons
-Which I shall send you written , be assur'd ,
-Will easily be granted .
-
-You , my lord ,
-Your son in Scotland being thus employ'd ,
-Shall secretly into the bosom creep
-Of that same noble prelate well belov'd ,
-The Archbishop .
-
-Of York , is it not ?
-
-True ; who bears hard
-His brother's death at Bristol , the Lord Scroop .
-I speak not this in estimation ,
-As what I think might be , but what I know
-Is ruminated , plotted and set down ;
-And only stays but to behold the face
-Of that occasion that shall bring it on .
-
-I smell it .
-Upon my life it will do wondrous well .
-
-Before the game's afoot thou still lett'st slip .
-
-Why , it cannot choose but be a noble plot :
-And then the power of Scotland and of York ,
-To join with Mortimer , ha ?
-
-And so they shall .
-
-In faith , it is exceedingly well aim'd .
-
-And 'tis no little reason bids us speed ,
-To save our heads by raising of a head ;
-For , bear ourselves as even as we can ,
-The king will always think him in our debt ,
-And think we think ourselves unsatisfied ,
-Till he hath found a time to pay us home .
-And see already how he doth begin
-To make us strangers to his looks of love .
-
-He does , he does : we'll be reveng'd on him .
-
-Cousin , farewell : no further go in this ,
-Than I by letters shall direct your course .
-When time is ripe ,which will be suddenly ,
-I'll steal to Glendower and Lord Mortimer ;
-Where you and Douglas and our powers at once ,
-As I will fashion it ,shall happily meet ,
-To bear our fortunes in our own strong arms ,
-Which now we hold at much uncertainty .
-
-Farewell , good brother : we shall thrive , I trust .
-
-Uncle , adieu : O ! let the hours be short ,
-Till fields and blows and groans applaud our sport !
-
-Heigh-ho ! An't be not four by the day I'll be hanged : Charles' Wain is over the new chimney , and yet our horse not packed . What , ostler !
-
-Anon , anon .
-
-I prithee , Tom , beat Cut's saddle , put a few flocks in the point ; the poor jade is wrung in the withers out of all cess .
-
-
-Peas and beans are as dank here as a dog , and that is the next way to give poor jades the bots ; this house is turned upside down since Robin Ostler died .
-
-Poor fellow ! never joyed since the price of oats rose ; it was the death of him .
-
-I think this be the most villanous house in all London road for fleas : I am stung like a tench .
-
-Like a tench ! by the mass , there is ne'er a king christen could be better bit than I have been since the first cock .
-
-Why , they will allow us ne'er a jordan , and then we leak in the chimney ; and your chamber-lie breeds fleas like a loach .
-
-What , ostler ! come away and be hanged , come away .
-
-I have a gammon of bacon and two razes of ginger , to be delivered as far as Charing-cross .
-
-Godsbody ! the turkeys in my pannier are quite starved . What , ostler ! A plague on thee ! hast thou never an eye in thy head ? canst not hear ? An 'twere not as good a deed as drink to break the pate on thee , I am a very villain . Come , and be hanged ! hast no faith in thee ?
-
-
-Good morrow , carriers . What's o'clock ?
-
-I think it be two o'clock .
-
-I prithee , lend me thy lanthorn , to see my gelding in the stable .
-
-Nay , by God , soft : I know a trick worth two of that , i' faith .
-
-I prithee , lend me thine .
-
-Ay , when ? canst tell ? Lend me thy lanthorn , quoth a' ? marry , I'll see thee hanged first .
-
-Sirrah carrier , what time do you mean to come to London ?
-
-Time enough to go to bed with a candle , I warrant thee . Come , neighbour Mugs , we'll call up the gentlemen : they will along with company , for they have great charge .
-
-
-What , ho ! chamberlain !
-
-'At hand , quoth pick-purse .'
-
-That's even as fair as , 'at hand , quoth the chamberlain' ; for thou variest no more from picking of purses than giving direction doth from labouring ; thou layest the plot how .
-
-
-Good morrow , Master Gadshill . It holds current that I told you yesternight : there's a franklin in the wild of Kent hath brought three hundred marks with him in gold : I heard him tell it to one of his company last night at supper ; a kind of auditor ; one that hath abundance of charge too , God knows what . They are up already and call for eggs and butter : they will away presently .
-
-Sirrah , if they meet not with Saint Nicholas' clerks , I'll give thee this neck .
-
-No , I'll none of it : I prithee , keep that for the hangman ; for I know thou worship'st Saint Nicholas as truly as a man of falsehood may .
-
-What talkest thou to me of the hangman ? If I hang I'll make a fat pair of gallows ; for if I hang , old Sir John hangs with me , and thou knowest he's no starveling . Tut ! there are other Troyans that thou dreamest not of , the which for sport sake are content to do the profession some grace ; that would , if matters should be looked into , for their own credit sake make all whole . I am joined with no foot-land-rakers , no long-staff sixpenny strikers , none of these mad mustachio-purple-hued malt worms ; but with nobility and tranquillity , burgomasters and great oneyers such as can hold in , such as will strike sooner than speak , and speak sooner than drink , and drink sooner than pray : and yet I lie ; for they pray continually to their saint , the commonwealth ; or , rather , not pray to her , but prey on her , for they ride up and down on her and make her their boots .
-
-What ! the commonwealth their boots ? will she hold out water in foul way ?
-
-She will , she will ; justice hath liquored her . We steal as in a castle , cock-sure ; we have the receipt of fern-seed , we walk invisible .
-
-Nay , by my faith , I think you are more beholding to the night than to fern-seed for your walking invisible .
-
-Give me thy hand : thou shalt have a share in our purchase , as I am a true man .
-
-Nay , rather let me have it , as you are a false thief .
-
-Go to ; homo is a common name to all men . Bid the ostler bring my gelding out of the stable . Farewell , you muddy knave .
-
-
-Come , shelter , shelter : I have removed Falstaff's horse , and he frets like a gummed velvet .
-
-Stand close .
-
-
-Poins ! Poins , and be hanged ! Poins !
-
-Peace , ye fat-kidneyed rascal ! What a brawling dost thou keep !
-
-Where's Poins , Hal ?
-
-He is walked up to the top of the hill : I'll go seek him .
-
-
-I am accursed to rob in that thief's company ; the rascal hath removed my horse and tied him I know not where . If I travel but four foot by the squire further afoot I shall break my wind . Well , I doubt not but to die a fair death for all this , if I 'scape hanging for killing that rogue . I have forsworn his company hourly any time this two-and-twenty years , and yet I am bewitched with the rogue's company . If the rascal have not given me medicines to make me love him , I'll be hanged : it could not be else : I have drunk medicines . Poins ! Hal ! a plague upon you both ! Bardolph ! Peto ! I'll starve ere I'll rob a foot further . An 'twere not as good a deed as drink to turn true man and leave these rogues , I am the veriest varlet that ever chewed with a tooth . Eight yards of uneven ground is threescore and ten miles afoot with me , and the stony-hearted villains know it well enough . A plague upon't when thieves cannot be true one to another !
-
-Whew ! A plague upon you all ! Give me my horse , you rogues ; give me my horse and be hanged .
-
-Peace , ye fatguts ! lie down : lay thine ear close to the ground , and list if thou canst hear the tread of travellers .
-
-Have you any levers to lift me up again , being down ? 'Sblood ! I'll not bear mine own flesh so far afoot again for all the coin in thy father's exchequer . What a plague mean ye to colt me thus ?
-
-Thou liest : thou art not colted ; thou art uncolted .
-
-I prithee , good Prince Hal , help me to my horse , good king's son .
-
-Out , you rogue ! shall I be your ostler ?
-
-Go , hang thyself in thine own heir apparent garters ! If I be ta'en I'll peach for this . An I have not ballads made on you all , and sung to filthy tunes , let a cup of sack be my poison : when a jest is so forward , and afoot too ! I hate it .
-
-
-Stand .
-
-So I do , against my will .
-
-O ! 'tis our setter : I know his voice .
-
-
-What news ?
-
-Case ye , case ye ; on with your vizards : there's money of the king's coming down the hill ; 'tis going to the king's exchequer .
-
-You lie , you rogue ; 'tis going to the king's tavern .
-
-There's enough to make us all .
-
-To be hanged .
-
-Sirs , you four shall front them in the narrow lane ; Ned Poins and I will walk lower : if they 'scape from your encounter then they light on us .
-
-How many be there of them ?
-
-Some eight or ten .
-
-'Zounds ! will they not rob us ?
-
-What ! a coward , Sir John Paunch ?
-
-Indeed , I am not John of Gaunt , your grandfather ; but yet no coward , Hal .
-
-Well , we leave that to the proof .
-
-Sirrah Jack , thy horse stands behind the hedge : when thou needst him there thou shalt find him . Farewell , and stand fast .
-
-Now cannot I strike him if I should be hanged .
-
-Ned , where are our disguises ?
-
-Here , hard by ; stand close .
-
-
-Now my masters , happy man be his dole , say I : every man to his business .
-
-
-Come , neighbour ; the boy shall lead our horses down the hill ; we'll walk afoot awhile , and ease our legs .
-
-Stand !
-
-Jesu bless us !
-
-Strike ; down with them ; cut the villains' throats : ah ! whoreson caterpillars ! bacon-fed knaves ! they hate us youth : down with them ; fleece them .
-
-O ! we are undone , both we and ours for ever .
-
-Hang ye , gorbellied knaves , are ye undone ? No , ye fat chuffs ; I would your store were here ! On , bacons , on ! What ! ye knaves , young men must live . You are grand-jurors are ye ? We'll jure ye , i' faith .
-
-The thieves have bound the true men . Now could thou and I rob the thieves and go merrily to London , it would be argument for a week , laughter for a month , and a good jest for ever .
-
-Stand close ; I hear them coming .
-
-
-Come , my masters ; let us share , and then to horse before day . An the Prince and Poins be not two arrant cowards , there's no equity stirring : there's no more valour in that Poins than in a wild duck .
-
-Your money !
-
-Villains !
-
-
-Got with much ease . Now merrily to horse :
-The thieves are scatter'd and possess'd with fear
-So strongly that they dare not meet each other ;
-Each takes his fellow for an officer .
-Away , good Ned . Falstaff sweats to death
-And lards the lean earth as he walks along :
-Were't not for laughing I should pity him .
-
-How the rogue roar'd !
-
-
-But for mine own part , my lord , I could be well contented to be there , in respect of the love I bear your house .
-
-He could be contented ; why is he not then ? In respect of the love he bears our house : he shows in this he loves his own barn better than he loves our house . Let me see some more .
-
-The purpose you undertake is dangerous ;
-
-Why , that's certain : 'tis dangerous to take a cold , to sleep , to drink ; but I tell you , my lord fool , out of this nettle , danger , we pluck this flower , safety .
-
-The purpose you undertake is dangerous ; the friends you have named uncertain ; the time itself unsorted ; and your whole plot too light for the counterpoise of so great an opposition .
-
-Say you so , say you so ? I say unto you again , you are a shallow cowardly hind , and you lie . What a lack-brain is this ! By the Lord , our plot is a good plot as ever was laid ; our friends true and constant : a good plot , good friends , and full of expectation ; an excellent plot , very good friends . What a frosty-spirited rogue is this ! Why , my Lord of York commends the plot and the general course of the action . 'Zounds ! an I were now by this rascal , I could brain him with his lady's fan . Is there not my father , my uncle , and myself ? Lord Edmund Mortimer , my Lord of York , and Owen Glendower ? Is there not besides the Douglas ? Have I not all their letters to meet me in arms by the ninth of the next month , and are they not some of them set forward already ? What a pagan rascal is this ! an infidel ! Ha ! you shall see now in very sincerity of fear and cold heart , will he to the king and lay open all our proceedings . O ! I could divide myself and go to buffets , for moving such a dish of skim milk with so honourable an action . Hang him ! let him tell the king ; we are prepared . I will set forward to-night .
-
-How now , Kate ! I must leave you within these two hours .
-
-O , my good lord ! why are you thus alone ?
-For what offence have I this fortnight been
-A banish'd woman from my Harry's bed ?
-Tell me , sweet lord , what is't that takes from thee
-Thy stomach , pleasure , and thy golden sleep ?
-Why dost thou bend thine eyes upon the earth ,
-And start so often when thou sitt'st alone ?
-Why hast thou lost the fresh blood in thy cheeks ,
-And given my treasures and my rights of thee
-To thick-eyed musing and curst melancholy ?
-In thy faint slumbers I by thee have watch'd ,
-And heard thee murmur tales of iron wars ,
-Speak terms of manage to thy bounding steed ,
-Cry , 'Courage ! to the field !' And thou hast talk'd
-Of sallies and retires , of trenches , tents ,
-Of palisadoes , frontiers , parapets ,
-Of basilisks , of cannon , culverin ,
-Of prisoners' ransom , and of soldiers slain ,
-And all the currents of a heady fight .
-Thy spirit within thee hath been so at war ,
-And thus hath so bestirr'd thee in thy sleep ,
-That beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow ,
-Like bubbles in a late-disturbed stream ;
-And in thy face strange motions have appear'd ,
-Such as we see when men restrain their breath
-On some great sudden hest . O ! what portents are these ?
-Some heavy business hath my lord in hand ,
-And I must know it , else he loves me not .
-
-What , ho !
-
-Is Gilliams with the packet gone ?
-
-He is , my lord , an hour ago .
-
-Hath Butler brought those horses from the sheriff ?
-
-One horse , my lord , he brought even now .
-
-What horse ? a roan , a crop-ear , is it not ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-That roan shall be my throne .
-Well , I will back him straight : O , Esperance !
-Bid Butler lead him forth into the park .
-
-
-But hear you , my lord .
-
-What sayst thou , my lady ?
-
-What is it carries you away ?
-
-Why , my horse , my love , my horse .
-
-Out , you mad-headed ape !
-A weasel hath not such a deal of spleen
-As you are toss'd with . In faith ,
-I'll know your business , Harry , that I will .
-I fear my brother Mortimer doth stir
-About his title , and hath sent for you
-To line his enterprise . But if you go
-
-So far afoot , I shall be weary , love .
-
-Come , come , you paraquito , answer me
-Directly unto this question that I ask .
-In faith , I'll break thy little finger , Harry ,
-An if thou wilt not tell me all things true .
-
-Away ,
-Away , you trifler ! Love ! I love thee not ,
-I care not for thee , Kate : this is no world
-To play with mammets and to tilt with lips :
-We must have bloody noses and crack'd crowns ,
-And pass them current too . God's me , my horse !
-What sayst thou , Kate ? what wouldst thou have with me ?
-
-Do you not love me ? do you not , indeed ?
-Well , do not , then ; for since you love me not ,
-I will not love myself . Do you not love me ?
-Nay , tell me if you speak in jest or no .
-
-Come , wilt thou see me ride ?
-And when I am o' horseback , I will swear
-I love thee infinitely . But hark you , Kate ;
-I must not have you henceforth question me
-Whither I go , nor reason whereabout .
-Whither I must , I must ; and , to conclude ,
-This evening must I leave you , gentle Kate .
-I know you wise ; but yet no further wise
-Than Harry Percy's wife : constant you are ,
-But yet a woman : and for secrecy ,
-No lady closer ; for I well believe
-Thou wilt not utter what thou dost not know ;
-And so far will I trust thee , gentle Kate .
-
-How ! so far ?
-
-Not an inch further . But , hark you , Kate ;
-Whither I go , thither shall you go too ;
-To-day will I set forth , to-morrow you .
-Will this content you , Kate ?
-
-It must , of force .
-
-
-Ned , prithee , come out of that fat room , and lend me thy hand to laugh a little .
-
-Where hast been , Hal ?
-
-With three or four loggerheads amongst three or four score hogsheads . I have sounded the very base string of humility . Sirrah , I am sworn brother to a leash of drawers , and can call them all by their christen names , as Tom , Dick , and Francis . They take it already upon their salvation , that though I be but Prince of Wales , yet I am the king of courtesy ; and tell me flatly I am no proud Jack , like Falstaff , but a Corinthian , a lad of mettle , a good boy ,by the Lord , so they call me ,and when I am king of England , I shall command all the good lads in Eastcheap . They call drinking deep , dyeing scarlet ; and when you breathe in your watering , they cry 'hem !' and bid you play it off . To conclude , I am so good a proficient in one quarter of an hour , that I can drink with any tinker in his own language during my life . I tell thee , Ned , thou hast lost much honour that thou wert not with me in this action . But , sweet Ned ,to sweeten which name of Ned , I give thee this pennyworth of sugar , clapped even now into my hand by an underskinker , one that never spake other English in his life than 'Eight shillings and sixpence ,' and 'You are welcome ,' with this shrill addition ,'Anon , anon , sir ! Score a pint of bastard in the Half-moon ,' or so . But , Ned , to drive away the time till Falstaff come , I prithee do thou stand in some by-room , while I question my puny drawer to what end he gave me the sugar ; and do thou never leave calling 'Francis !' that his tale to me may be nothing but 'Anon .' Step aside , and I'll show thee a precedent .
-
-Francis !
-
-Thou art perfect .
-
-Francis !
-
-Anon , anon , sir . Look down into the Pomgarnet , Ralph .
-
-Come hither , Francis .
-
-My lord .
-
-How long hast thou to serve , Francis ?
-
-Forsooth , five years , and as much as to
-
-Francis !
-
-Anon , anon , sir .
-
-Five years ! by'r lady a long lease for the clinking of pewter . But , Francis , darest thou be so valiant as to play the coward with thy indenture and show it a fair pair of heels and run from it ?
-
-O Lord , sir ! I'll be sworn upon all the books in England , I could find in my heart
-
-Francis !
-
-Anon , sir .
-
-How old art thou , Francis ?
-
-Let me see about Michaelmas next I shall be
-
-Francis !
-
-Anon , sir . Pray you , stay a little , my lord .
-
-Nay , but hark you , Francis . For the sugar thou gavest me , 'twas a pennyworth , was't not ?
-
-O Lord , sir ! I would it had been two .
-
-I will give thee for it a thousand pound : ask me when thou wilt and thou shalt have it .
-
-Francis !
-
-Anon , anon .
-
-Anon , Francis ? No , Francis ; but to-morrow , Francis ; or , Francis , o' Thursday ; or , indeed , Francis , when thou wilt . But , Francis !
-
-My lord ?
-
-Wilt thou rob this leathern-jerkin , crystal-button , knot-pated , agate-ring , pukestocking , caddis-garter , smooth-tongue , Spanish-pouch ,
-
-O Lord , sir , who do you mean ?
-
-Why then , your brown bastard is your only drink ; for , look you , Francis , your white canvas doublet will sully . In Barbary , sir , it cannot come to so much .
-
-What , sir ?
-
-Francis !
-
-Away , you rogue ! Dost thou not hear them call ?
-
-What ! standest thou still , and hearest such a calling ? Look to the guests within .
-
-My lord , old Sir John , with half a dozen more , are at the door : shall I let them in ?
-
-Let them alone awhile , and then open the door .
-
-Poins !
-
-
-Anon , anon , sir .
-
-Sirrah , Falstaff and the rest of the thieves are at the door : shall we be merry ?
-
-As merry as crickets , my lad . But hark ye ; what cunning match have you made with this jest of the drawer ? come , what's the issue ?
-
-I am now of all humours that have show'd themselves humours since the old days of goodman Adam to the pupil age of this present twelve o'clock at midnight .
-
-What's o'clock , Francis ?
-
-Anon , anon , sir .
-
-
-That ever this fellow should have fewer words than a parrot , and yet the son of a woman ! His industry is up-stairs and down-stairs ; his eloquence the parcel of a reckoning . I am not yet of Percy's mind , the Hotspur of the North ; he that kills me some six or seven dozen of Scots at a breakfast , washes his hands , and says to his wife , 'Fie upon this quiet life ! I want work .' 'O my sweet Harry ,' says she , 'how many hast thou killed to-day ?' 'Give my roan horse a drench ,' says he , and answers , 'Some fourteen ,' an hour after , 'a trifle , a trifle .' I prithee call in Falstaff : I'll play Percy , and that damned brawn shall play Dame Mortimer his wife . 'Rivo !' says the drunkard . Call in ribs , call in tallow .
-
-
-Welcome , Jack : where hast thou been ?
-
-A plague of all cowards , I say , and a vengeance too ! marry , and amen ! Give me a cup of sack , boy . Ere I lead this life long , I'll sew nether-stocks and mend them and foot them too . A plague of all cowards ! Give me a cup of sack , rogue .Is there no virtue extant ?
-
-
-Didst thou never see Titan kiss a dish of butter pitiful-hearted Titan , that melted at the sweet tale of the sun ? if thou didst then behold that compound .
-
-You rogue , here's lime in this sack too : there is nothing but roguery to be found in villanous man : yet a coward is worse than a cup of sack with lime in it , a villanous coward ! Go thy ways , old Jack ; die when thou wilt . If manhood , good manhood , be not forgot upon the face of the earth , then am I a shotten herring . There live not three good men unhanged in England , and one of them is fat and grows old : God help the while ! a bad world , I say . I would I were a weaver ; I could sing psalms or anything . A plague of all cowards , I say still .
-
-How now , wool-sack ! what mutter you ?
-
-A king's son ! If I do not beat thee out of thy kingdom with a dagger of lath , and drive all thy subjects afore thee like a flock of wild geese , I'll never wear hair on my face more . You Prince of Wales !
-
-Why , you whoreson round man , what's the matter ?
-
-Are you not a coward ? answer me to that ; and Poins there ?
-
-'Zounds ! ye fat paunch , an ye call me coward , I'll stab thee .
-
-I call thee coward ! I'll see thee damned ere I call thee coward ; but I would give a thousand pound I could run as fast as thou canst . You are straight enough in the shoulders ; you care not who sees your back : call you that backing of your friends ? A plague upon such backing ! give me them that will face me . Give me a cup of sack : I am a rogue if I drunk to-day .
-
-O villain ! thy lips are scarce wiped since thou drunkest last .
-
-All's one for that .
-
-A plague of all cowards , still say I .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-What's the matter ? there be four of us here have ta'en a thousand pound this day morning .
-
-Where is it , Jack ? where is it ?
-
-Where is it ! taken from us it is : a hundred upon poor four of us .
-
-What , a hundred , man ?
-
-I am a rogue , if I were not at half-sword with a dozen of them two hours together . I have 'scap'd by miracle . I am eight times thrust through the doublet , four through the hose ; my buckler out through and through ; my sword hacked like a hand-saw : ecce signum ! I never dealt better since I was a man : all would not do . A plague of all cowards ! Let them speak : if they speak more or less than truth , they are villains and the sons of darkness .
-
-Speak , sirs ; how was it ?
-
-We four set upon some dozen ,
-
-Sixteen , at least , my lord .
-
-And bound them .
-
-No , no , they were not bound .
-
-You rogue , they were bound , every man of them ; or I am a Jew else , an Ebrew Jew .
-
-As we were sharing , some six or seven fresh men set upon us ,
-
-And unbound the rest , and then come in the other .
-
-What , fought ye with them all ?
-
-All ! I know not what ye call all ; but if I fought not with fifty of them , I am a bunch of radish : if there were not two or three and fifty upon poor old Jack , then am I no two-legged creature .
-
-Pray God you have not murdered some of them .
-
-Nay , that's past praying for : I have peppered two of them : two I am sure I have paid , two rogues in buckram suits . I tell thee what , Hal , if I tell thee a lie , spit in my face , call me horse . Thou knowest my old ward ; here I lay , and thus I bore my point . Four rogues in buckram let drive at me ,
-
-What , four ? thou saidst but two even now .
-
-Four , Hal ; I told thee four .
-
-Ay , ay , he said four .
-
-These four came all a-front , and mainly thrust at me . I made me no more ado but took all their seven points in my target , thus .
-
-Seven ? why , there were but four even now .
-
-In buckram .
-
-Ay , four , in buckram suits .
-
-Seven , by these hilts , or I am a villain else .
-
-Prithee , let him alone ; we shall have more anon .
-
-Dost thou hear me , Hal ?
-
-Ay , and mark thee too , Jack .
-
-Do so , for it is worth the listening to .
-These nine in buckram that I told thee of ,
-
-So , two more already .
-
-Their points being broken ,
-
-Down fell their hose .
-
-Began to give me ground ; but I followed me close , came in foot and hand and with a thought seven of the eleven I paid .
-
-O monstrous ! eleven buckram men grown out of two .
-
-But , as the devil would have it , three misbegotten knaves in Kendal-green came at my back and let drive at me ; for it was so dark , Hal , that thou couldst not see thy hand .
-
-These lies are like the father that begets them ; gross as a mountain , open , palpable . Why , thou clay-brained guts , thou knotty-pated fool , thou whoreson , obscene , greasy tallowketch ,
-
-What , art thou mad ? art thou mad ? is not the truth the truth ?
-
-Why , how couldst thou know these men in Kendal-green , when it was so dark thou couldst not see thy hand ? come , tell us your reason : what sayest thou to this ?
-
-Come , your reason , Jack , your reason .
-
-What , upon compulsion ? 'Zounds ! an I were at the strappado , or all the racks in the world , I would not tell you on compulsion . Give you a reason on compulsion ! If reasons were as plenty as blackberries I would give no man a reason upon compulsion , I .
-
-I'll be no longer guilty of this sin : this sanguine coward , this bed-presser , this horseback-breaker , this huge hill of flesh ;
-
-'Sblood , you starveling , you elf-skin , you dried neat's-tongue , you bull's pizzle , you stock-fish ! O ! for breath to utter what is like thee ; you tailor's yard , you sheath , you bow-case , you vile standing-tuck ;
-
-Well , breathe awhile , and then to it again ; and when thou hast tired thyself in base comparisons , hear me speak but this .
-
-Mark , Jack .
-
-We two saw you four set on four and you bound them , and were masters of their wealth . Mark now , how a plain tale shall put you down . Then did we two set on you four , and , with a word , out-faced you from your prize , and have it ; yea , and can show it you here in the house . And , Falstaff , you carried your guts away as nimbly , with as quick dexterity , and roared for mercy , and still ran and roared , as ever I heard bull-calf . What a slave art thou , to hack thy sword as thou hast done , and then say it was in fight ! What trick , what device , what starting-hole canst thou now find out to hide thee from this open and apparent shame ?
-
-Come , let's hear , Jack ; what trick hast thou now ?
-
-By the Lord , I knew ye as well as he that made ye . Why , hear you , my masters : was it for me to kill the heir-apparent ? Should I turn upon the true prince ? Why , thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules ; but beware instinct ; the lion will not touch the true prince . Instinct is a great matter , I was a coward on instinct . I shall think the better of myself and thee during my life ; I for a valiant lion , and thou for a true prince . But , by the Lord , lads , I am glad you have the money . Hostess , clap to the doors : watch to-night , pray to-morrow . Gallants , lads , boys , hearts of gold , all the titles of good fellowship come to you ! What ! shall we be merry ? shall we have a play extempore ?
-
-Content ; and the argument shall be thy running away .
-
-Ah ! no more of that , Hal , an thou lovest me !
-
-
-O Jesu ! my lord the prince !
-
-How now , my lady the hostess ! what sayest thou to me ?
-
-Marry , my lord , there is a nobleman of the court at door would speak with you : he says he comes from your father .
-
-Give him as much as will make him a royal man , and send him back again to my mother .
-
-What manner of man is he ?
-
-An old man .
-
-What doth gravity out of his bed at midnight ? Shall I give him his answer ?
-
-Prithee , do , Jack .
-
-Faith , and I'll send him packing .
-
-
-Now , sirs : by'r lady , you fought fair ; so did you , Peto ; so did you , Bardolph : you are lions too , you ran away upon instinct , you will not touch the true prince ; no , fie !
-
-Faith , I ran when I saw others run .
-
-Faith , tell me now in earnest , how came Falstaff's sword so hacked ?
-
-Why he hacked it with his dagger , and said he would swear truth out of England but he would make you believe it was done in fight , and persuaded us to do the like .
-
-Yea , and to tickle our noses with spear-grass to make them bleed , and then to beslubber our garments with it and swear it was the blood of true men . I did that I did not this seven year before ; I blushed to hear his monstrous devices .
-
-O villain ! thou stolest a cup of sack eighteen years ago , and wert taken with the manner , and ever since thou hast blushed extempore . Thou hadst fire and sword on thy side , and yet thou rannest away . What instinct hadst thou for it ?
-
-My lord , do you see these meteors ? do you behold these exhalations ?
-
-I do .
-
-What think you they portend ?
-
-Hot livers and cold purses .
-
-Choler , my lord , if rightly taken .
-
-No , if rightly taken , halter .
-
-Here comes lean Jack , here comes bare-bone .How now , my sweet creature of bombast ! How long is't ago , Jack , since thou sawest thine own knee ?
-
-My own knee ! when I was about thy years , Hal , I was not an eagle's talon in the waist ; I could have crept into any alderman's thumb-ring . A plague of sighing and grief ! it blows a man up like a bladder . There's villanous news abroad : here was Sir John Bracy from your father : you must to the court in the morning . That same mad fellow of the north , Percy , and he of Wales , that gave Amaimon the bastinado and made Lucifer cuckold , and swore the devil his true liegeman upon the cross of a Welsh hook what a plague call you him ?
-
-Owen Glendower .
-
-Owen , Owen , the same ; and his son-in-law Mortimer and old Northumberland ; and that sprightly Scot of Scots , Douglas , that runs o' horseback up a hill perpendicular .
-
-He that rides at high speed and with his pistol kills a sparrow flying .
-
-You have hit it .
-
-So did he never the sparrow .
-
-Well , that rascal hath good mettle in him ; he will not run .
-
-Why , what a rascal art thou then to praise him so for running !
-
-O' horseback , ye cuckoo ! but , afoot he will not budge a foot .
-
-Yes , Jack , upon instinct .
-
-I grant ye , upon instinct . Well , he is there too , and one Mordake , and a thousand blue-caps more . Worcester is stolen away to-night ; thy father's beard is turned white with the news : you may buy land now as cheap as stinking mackerel .
-
-Why then , it is like , if there come a hot June and this civil buffeting hold , we shall buy maidenheads as they buy hob-nails , by the hundreds .
-
-By the mass , lad , thou sayest true ; it is like we shall have good trading that way . But tell me , Hal , art thou not horribly afeard ? thou being heir apparent , could the world pick thee out three such enemies again as that fiend Douglas , that spirit Percy , and that devil Glendower ? Art thou not horribly afraid ? doth not thy blood thrill at it ?
-
-Not a whit , i' faith ; I lack some of thy instinct .
-
-Well , thou wilt be horribly chid to-morrow when thou comest to thy father : if thou love me , practise an answer .
-
-Do thou stand for my father , and examine me upon the particulars of my life .
-
-Shall I ? content : this chair shall be my state , this dagger my sceptre , and this cushion my crown .
-
-Thy state is taken for a joint-stool , thy golden sceptre for a leaden dagger , and thy precious rich crown for a pitiful bald crown !
-
-Well , an the fire of grace be not quite out of thee , now shalt thou be moved . Give me a cup of sack to make mine eyes look red , that it may be thought I have wept ; for I must speak in passion , and I will do it in King Cambyses' vein .
-
-
-Well , here is my leg .
-
-
-And here is my speech . Stand aside , nobility .
-
-O Jesu ! This is excellent sport , i' faith !
-
-Weep not , sweet queen , for trickling tears are vain .
-
-O , the father ! how he holds his countenance .
-
-For God's sake , lords , convey my tristful queen ,
-For tears do stop the flood-gates of her eyes .
-
-O Jesu ! he doth it as like one of these harlotry players as ever I see !
-
-Peace , good pint-pot ! peace , good tickle-brain ! Harry , I do not only marvel where thou spendest thy time , but also how thou art accompanied : for though the camomile , the more it is trodden on the faster it grows , yet youth , the more it is wasted the sooner it wears . That thou art my son , I have partly thy mother's word , partly my own opinion ; but chiefly , a villanous trick of thine eye and a foolish hanging of thy nether lip , that doth warrant me . If then thou be son to me , here lies the point ; why , being son to me , art thou so pointed at ? Shall the blessed sun of heaven prove a micher and eat blackberries ? a question not to be asked . Shall the son of England prove a thief and take purses ? a question to be asked . There is a thing , Harry , which thou hast often heard of , and it is known to many in our land by the name of pitch : this pitch , as ancient writers do report , doth defile ; so doth the company thou keepest ; for , Harry , now I do not speak to thee in drink , but in tears , not in pleasure but in passion , not in words only , but in woes also . And yet there is a virtuous man whom I have often noted in thy company , but I know not his name .
-
-What manner of man , an it like your majesty ?
-
-A goodly portly man , i' faith , and a corpulent ; of a cheerful look , a pleasing eye , and a most noble carriage ; and , as I think , his age some fifty , or by'r lady , inclining to threescore ; and now I remember me , his name is Falstaff : if that man should be lewdly given , he deceiveth me ; for , Harry , I see virtue in his looks . If then the tree may be known by the fruit , as the fruit by the tree , then , peremptorily I speak it , there is virtue in that Falstaff : him keep with , the rest banish . And tell me now , thou naughty varlet , tell me , where hast thou been this month ?
-
-Dost thou speak like a king ? Do thou stand for me , and I'll play my father .
-
-Depose me ? if thou dost it half so gravely , so majestically , both in word and matter , hang me up by the heels for a rabbit-sucker or a poulter's hare .
-
-Well , here I am set .
-
-And here I stand . Judge , my masters .
-
-Now , Harry ! whence come you ?
-
-My noble lord , from Eastcheap .
-
-The complaints I hear of thee are grievous .
-
-'Sblood , my lord , they are false : nay ,
-I'll tickle ye for a young prince , i' faith .
-
-Swearest thou , ungracious boy ? henceforth ne'er look on me . Thou art violently carried away from grace : there is a devil haunts thee in the likeness of a fat old man ; a tun of man is thy companion . Why dost thou converse with that trunk of humours , that bolting-hutch of beastliness , that swoln parcel of dropsies , that huge bombard of sack , that stuffed cloak-bag of guts , that roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly , that reverend vice , that grey iniquity , that father ruffian , that vanity in years ? Wherein is he good but to taste sack and drink it ? wherein neat and cleanly but to carve a capon and eat it ? wherein cunning but in craft ? wherein crafty but in villany ? wherein villanous but in all things ? wherein worthy but in nothing ?
-
-I would your Grace would take me with you : whom means your Grace ?
-
-That villanous abominable misleader of youth , Falstaff , that old white-bearded Satan .
-
-My lord , the man I know .
-
-I know thou dost .
-
-But to say I know more harm in him than in myself were to say more than I know . That he is old , the more the pity , his white hairs do witness it ; but that he is , saving your reverence , a whoremaster , that I utterly deny . If sack and sugar be a fault , God help the wicked ! If to be old and merry be a sin , then many an old host that I know is damned : if to be fat be to be hated , then Pharaoh's lean kine are to be loved . No , my good lord ; banish Peto , banish Bardolph , banish Poins ; but for sweet Jack Falstaff , kind Jack Falstaff , true Jack Falstaff , valiant Jack Falstaff , and therefore more valiant , being , as he is , old Jack Falstaff , banish not him thy Harry's company : banish not him thy Harry's company : banish plump Jack , and banish all the world .
-
-I do , I will .
-
-
-O ! my lord , my lord , the sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the door .
-
-Out , ye rogue ! Play out the play : I have much to say in the behalf of that Falstaff .
-
-
-O Jesu ! my lord , my lord !
-
-Heigh , heigh ! the devil rides upon a fiddle-stick : what's the matter ?
-
-The sheriff and all the watch are at the door : they are come to search the house . Shall I let them in ?
-
-Dost thou hear , Hal ? never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit : thou art essentially mad without seeming so .
-
-And thou a natural coward without instinct .
-
-I deny your major . If you will deny the sheriff , so ; if not , let him enter : if I become not a cart as well as another man , a plague on my bringing up ! I hope I shall as soon be strangled with a halter as another .
-
-Go , hide thee behind the arras : the rest walk up above . Now , my masters , for a true face and good conscience .
-
-Both which I have had ; but their date is out , and therefore I'll hide me .
-
-
-Call in the sheriff .
-
-Now , master sheriff , what's your will with me ?
-
-First , pardon me , my lord . A hue and cry
-Hath follow'd certain men unto this house .
-
-What men ?
-
-One of them is well known , my gracious lord ,
-A gross fat man .
-
-As fat as butter .
-
-The man , I do assure you , is not here ,
-For I myself at this time have employ'd him .
-And , sheriff , I will engage my word to thee ,
-That I will , by to-morrow dinner-time ,
-Send him to answer thee , or any man ,
-For anything he shall be charg'd withal :
-And so let me entreat you leave the house .
-
-I will , my lord . There are two gentlemen
-Have in this robbery lost three hundred marks .
-
-It may be so : if he have robb'd these men ,
-He shall be answerable ; and so farewell .
-
-Good night , my noble lord .
-
-I think it is good morrow , is it not ?
-
-Indeed , my lord , I think it be two o'clock .
-
-
-This oily rascal is known as well as Paul's .
-Go , call him forth .
-
-Falstaff ! fast asleep behind the arras , and snorting like a horse .
-
-Hark , how hard he fetches breath .
-Search his pockets .
-
-What hast thou found ?
-
-Nothing but papers , my lord .
-
-Let's see what they be : read them .
-
-
-O monstrous ! but one half-pennyworth of bread to this intolerable deal of sack ! What there is else , keep close ; we'll read it at more advantage . There let him sleep till day . I'll to the court in the morning . We must all to the wars , and thy place shall be honourable . I'll procure this fat rogue a charge of foot ; and , I know , his death will be a march of twelve-score . The money shall be paid back again with advantage . Be with me betimes in the morning ; and so good morrow , Peto .
-
-Good morrow , good my lord .
-
-These promises are fair , the parties sure ,
-And our induction full of prosperous hope .
-
-Lord Mortimer , and cousin Glendower ,
-Will you sit down ?
-And uncle Worcester : a plague upon it !
-I have forgot the map .
-
-No , here it is .
-Sit , cousin Percy ; sit , good cousin Hotspur ;
-For by that name as oft as Lancaster
-Doth speak of you , his cheek looks pale and with
-A rising sigh he wishes you in heaven .
-
-And you in hell , as often as he hears
-Owen Glendower spoke of .
-
-I cannot blame him : at my nativity
-The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes ,
-Of burning cressets ; and at my birth
-The frame and huge foundation of the earth
-Shak'd like a coward .
-
-Why , so it would have done at the same season , if your mother's cat had but kittened , though yourself had never been born .
-
-I say the earth did shake when I was born .
-
-And I say the earth was not of my mind ,
-If you suppose as fearing you it shook .
-
-The heavens were all on fire , the earth did tremble .
-
-O ! then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire ,
-And not in fear of your nativity .
-Diseased nature oftentimes breaks forth
-In strange eruptions ; oft the teeming earth
-Is with a kind of colic pinch'd and vex'd
-By the imprisoning of unruly wind
-Within her womb ; which , for enlargement striving ,
-Shakes the old beldam earth , and topples down
-Steeples and moss-grown towers . At your birth
-Our grandam earth , having this distemperature ,
-In passion shook .
-
-Cousin , of many men
-I do not bear these crossings . Give me leave
-To tell you once again that at my birth
-The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes ,
-The goats ran from the mountains , and the herds
-Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields .
-These signs have mark'd me extraordinary ;
-And all the courses of my life do show
-I am not in the roll of common men .
-Where is he living , clipp'd in with the sea
-That chides the banks of England , Scotland , Wales ,
-Which calls me pupil , or hath read to me ?
-And bring him out that is but woman's son
-Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
-And hold me pace in deep experiments .
-
-I think there's no man speaks better Welsh .
-I'll to dinner .
-
-Peace , cousin Percy ! you will make him mad .
-
-I can call spirits from the vasty deep .
-
-Why , so can I , or so can any man ;
-But will they come when you do call for them ?
-
-Why , I can teach thee , cousin , to command
-The devil .
-
-And I can teach thee , coz , to shame the devil
-By telling truth : tell truth and shame the devil .
-If thou have power to raise him , bring him hither ,
-And I'll be sworn I have power to shame him hence .
-O ! while you live , tell truth and shame the devil !
-
-Come , come ;
-No more of this unprofitable chat .
-
-Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
-Against my power ; thrice from the banks of Wye
-And sandy-bottom'd Severn have I sent him
-Bootless home and weather-beaten back .
-
-Home without boots , and in foul weather too !
-How 'scapes he agues , in the devil's name ?
-
-Come , here's the map : shall we divide our right
-According to our threefold order ta'en ?
-
-The archdeacon hath divided it
-Into three limits very equally .
-England , from Trent and Severn hitherto ,
-By south and east , is to my part assign'd :
-All westward , Wales beyond the Severn shore ,
-And all the fertile land within that bound ,
-To Owen Glendower : and , dear coz , to you
-The remnant northward , lying off from Trent .
-And our indentures tripartite are drawn ,
-Which being sealed interchangeably ,
-A business that this night may execute ,
-To-morrow , cousin Percy , you and I
-And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
-To meet your father and the Scottish power ,
-As is appointed us , at Shrewsbury .
-My father Glendower is not ready yet ,
-Nor shall we need his help these fourteen days .
-
-
-Within that space you may have drawn together
-Your tenants , friends , and neighbouring gentlemen .
-
-A shorter time shall send me to you , lords ;
-And in my conduct shall your ladies come ,
-From whom you now must steal and take no leave ;
-For there will be a world of water shed
-Upon the parting of your wives and you .
-
-Methinks my moiety , north from Burton here ,
-In quantity equals not one of yours :
-See how this river comes me cranking in ,
-And cuts me from the best of all my land
-A huge half-moon , a monstrous cantle out .
-I'll have the current in this place damm'd up ,
-And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
-In a new channel , fair and evenly :
-It shall not wind with such a deep indent ,
-To rob me of so rich a bottom here .
-
-Not wind ! it shall , it must ; you see it doth .
-
-Yea , but
-Mark how he bears his course , and runs me up
-With like advantage on the other side ;
-Gelding the opposed continent as much ,
-As on the other side it takes from you .
-
-Yea , but a little charge will trench him here ,
-And on this north side win this cape of land ;
-And then he runs straight and even .
-
-I'll have it so ; a little charge will do it .
-
-I will not have it alter'd .
-
-Will not you ?
-
-No , nor you shall not .
-
-Who shall say me nay ?
-
-Why , that will I .
-
-Let me not understand you then :
-Speak it in Welsh .
-
-I can speak English , lord , as well as you ,
-For I was train'd up in the English court ;
-Where , being but young , I framed to the harp
-Many an English ditty lovely well ,
-And gave the tongue an helpful ornament ;
-A virtue that was never seen in you .
-
-Marry , and I'm glad of it with all my heart .
-I had rather be a kitten , and cry mew
-Than one of these same metre ballad-mongers ;
-I had rather hear a brazen canstick turn'd ,
-Or a dry wheel grate on the axle-tree ;
-And that would set my teeth nothing on edge ,
-Nothing so much as mincing poetry :
-'Tis like the forc'd gait of a shuffling nag .
-
-Come , you shall have Trent turn'd .
-
-I do not care : I'll give thrice so much land
-To any well-deserving friend ;
-But in the way of bargain , mark you me ,
-I'll cavil on the ninth part of a hair .
-Are the indentures drawn ? shall we be gone ?
-
-The moon shines fair , you may away by night :
-I'll haste the writer and withal
-Break with your wives of your departure hence :
-I am afraid my daughter will run mad ,
-So much she doteth on her Mortimer .
-
-
-Fie , cousin Percy ! how you cross my father !
-
-I cannot choose : sometimes he angers me
-With telling me of the moldwarp and the ant ,
-Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies ,
-And of a dragon , and a finless fish ,
-A clip-wing'd griffin , and a moulten raven ,
-A couching lion , and a ramping cat ,
-And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
-As puts me from my faith . I'll tell thee what ;
-He held me last night at least nine hours
-In reckoning up the several devils' names
-That were his lackeys : I cried 'hum !' and 'well , go to .'
-But mark'd him not a word . O ! he's as tedious
-As a tired horse , a railing wife ;
-Worse than a smoky house . I had rather live
-With cheese and garlick in a windmill , far ,
-Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
-In any summer-house in Christendom .
-
-In faith , he is a worthy gentleman ,
-Exceedingly well read , and profited
-In strange concealments , valiant as a lion
-And wondrous affable , and as bountiful
-As mines of India . Shall I tell you , cousin ?
-He holds your temper in a high respect ,
-And curbs himself even of his natural scope
-When you do cross his humour ; faith , he does .
-I warrant you , that man is not alive
-Might so have tempted him as you have done ,
-Without the taste of danger and reproof :
-But do not use it oft , let me entreat you .
-
-In faith , my lord , you are too wilfulblame ;
-And since your coming hither have done enough
-To put him quite beside his patience .
-You must needs learn , lord , to amend this fault :
-Though sometimes it show greatness , courage , blood ,
-And that's the dearest grace it renders you ,
-Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage ,
-Defect of manners , want of government ,
-Pride , haughtiness , opinion , and disdain :
-The least of which haunting a nobleman
-Loseth men's hearts and leaves behind a stain
-Upon the beauty of all parts besides ,
-Beguiling them of commendation .
-
-Well , I am school'd ; good manners be your speed !
-Here come our wives , and let us take our leave .
-
-
-This is the deadly spite that angers me ,
-My wife can speak no English , I no Welsh .
-
-My daughter weeps ; she will not part with you :
-She'll be a soldier too : she'll to the wars .
-
-Good father , tell her that she and my aunt Percy ,
-Shall follow in your conduct speedily .
-
-
-She's desperate here ; a peevish self-will'd harlotry , one that no persuasion can do good upon .
-
-
-I understand thy looks : that pretty Welsh
-Which thou pour'st down from these swelling heavens
-I am too perfect in ; and , but for shame ,
-In such a parley would I answer thee .
-
-I understand thy kisses and thou mine ,
-And that's a feeling disputation :
-But I will never be a truant , love ,
-Till I have learn'd thy language ; for thy tongue
-Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penn'd ,
-Sung by a fair queen in a summer's bower ,
-With ravishing division , to her lute .
-
-Nay , if you melt , then will she run mad .
-
-
-O ! I am ignorance itself in this .
-
-She bids you
-Upon the wanton rushes lay you down
-And rest your gentle head upon her lap ,
-And she will sing the song that pleaseth you ,
-And on your eye-lids crown the god of sleep ,
-Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness ,
-Making such difference 'twixt wake and sleep
-As is the difference between day and night
-The hour before the heavenly-harness'd team
-Begins his golden progress in the east .
-
-With all my heart I'll sit and hear her sing :
-By that time will our book , I think , be drawn .
-
-Do so ;
-And those musicians that shall play to you
-Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence ,
-And straight they shall be here : sit , and attend .
-
-Come , Kate , thou art perfect in lying down : come , quick , quick , that I may lay my head in thy lap .
-
-Go , ye giddy goose .
-
-
-Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh ;
-And 'tis no marvel he is so humorous .
-By'r lady , he's a good musician .
-
-Then should you be nothing but musical for you are altogether governed by humours . Lie still , ye thief , and hear the lady sing in Welsh .
-
-I had rather hear Lady , my brach , how ! in Irish .
-
-Wouldst thou have thy head broken ?
-
-No .
-
-Then be still .
-
-Neither ; 'tis a woman's fault .
-
-Now , God help thee !
-
-To the Welsh lady's bed .
-
-What's that ?
-
-Peace ! she sings .
-
-
-Come , Kate , I'll have your song too .
-
-Not mine , in good sooth .
-
-Not yours , 'in good sooth !' Heart ! you swear like a comfit-maker's wife ! Not you , 'in good sooth ;' and , 'as true as I live ;' and , 'as God shall mend me ;' and , 'as sure as day :'
-And giv'st such sarcenet surety for thy oaths ,
-As if thou never walk'dst further than Finsbury .
-Swear me , Kate , like a lady as thou art ,
-A good mouth-filling oath ; and leave 'in sooth ,'
-And such protest of pepper-gingerbread ,
-To velvet-guards and Sunday-citizens .
-Come , sing .
-
-I will not sing .
-
-'Tis the next way to turn tailor or be red-breast teacher . An the indentures be drawn , I'll away within these two hours ; and so , come in when ye will .
-
-
-Come , come , Lord Mortimer ; you are as slow
-As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go .
-By this our book is drawn ; we will but seal ,
-And then to horse immediately .
-
-With all my heart .
-
-
-Lords , give us leave ; the Prince of Wales and I
-Must have some private conference : but be near at hand ,
-For we shall presently have need of you .
-
-I know not whether God will have it so ,
-For some displeasing service I have done ,
-That , in his secret doom , out of my blood
-He'll breed revengement and a scourge for me ;
-But thou dost in thy passages of life
-Make me believe that thou art only mark'd
-For the hot vengeance and the rod of heaven
-To punish my mistreadings . Tell me else ,
-Could such inordinate and low desires ,
-Such poor , such bare , such lewd , such mean attempts ,
-Such barren pleasures , rude society ,
-As thou art match'd withal and grafted to ,
-Accompany the greatness of thy blood
-And hold their level with thy princely heart ?
-
-So please your majesty , I would I could
-Quit all offences with as clear excuse
-As well as I am doubtless I can purge
-Myself of many I am charg'd withal :
-Yet such extenuation let me beg ,
-As , in reproof of many tales devis'd ,
-Which oft the ear of greatness needs must hear ,
-By smiling pick-thanks and base newsmongers ,
-I may , for some things true , wherein my youth
-Hath faulty wander'd and irregular ,
-Find pardon on my true submission .
-
-God pardon thee ! yet let me wonder , Harry ,
-At thy affections , which do hold a wing
-Quite from the flight of all thy ancestors .
-Thy place in council thou hast rudely lost ,
-Which by thy younger brother is supplied ,
-And art almost an alien to the hearts
-Of all the court and princes of my blood .
-The hope and expectation of thy time
-Is ruin'd , and the soul of every man
-Prophetically do forethink thy fall .
-Had I so lavish of my presence been ,
-So common-hackney'd in the eyes of men ,
-So stale and cheap to vulgar company ,
-Opinion , that did help me to the crown ,
-Had still kept loyal to possession
-And left me in reputeless banishment ,
-A fellow of no mark nor likelihood .
-By being seldom seen , I could not stir ,
-But like a comet I was wonder'd at ;
-That men would tell their children , 'This is he ;'
-Others would say , 'Where ? which is Bolingbroke ?'
-And then I stole all courtesy from heaven ,
-And dress'd myself in such humility
-That I did pluck allegiance from men's hearts ,
-Loud shouts and salutations from their mouths ,
-Even in the presence of the crowned king .
-Thus did I keep my person fresh and new ;
-My presence , like a robe pontifical ,
-Ne'er seen but wonder'd at : and so my state ,
-Seldom but sumptuous , showed like a feast ,
-And won by rareness such solemnity .
-The skipping king , he ambled up and down
-With shallow jesters and rash bavin wits ,
-Soon kindled and soon burnt ; carded his state ,
-Mingled his royalty with capering fools ,
-Had his great name profaned with their scorns ,
-And gave his countenance , against his name ,
-To laugh at gibing boys and stand the push
-Of every beardless vain comparative ;
-Grew a companion to the common streets ,
-Enfeoff'd himself to popularity ;
-That , being daily swallow'd by men's eyes ,
-They surfeited with honey and began
-To loathe the taste of sweetness , whereof a little
-More than a little is by much too much .
-So , when he had occasion to be seen ,
-He was but as the cuckoo is in June ,
-Heard , not regarded ; seen , but with such eyes
-As , sick and blunted with community ,
-Afford no extraordinary gaze ,
-Such as is bent on sun-like majesty
-When it shines seldom in admiring eyes ;
-But rather drows'd and hung their eyelids down ,
-Slept in his face , and render'd such aspect
-As cloudy men use to their adversaries ,
-Being with his presence glutted , gorg'd , and full .
-And in that very line , Harry , stand'st thou ;
-For thou hast lost thy princely privilege
-With vile participation : not an eye
-But is aweary of thy common sight ,
-Save mine , which hath desir'd to see thee more ;
-Which now doth that I would not have it do ,
-Make blind itself with foolish tenderness .
-
-I shall hereafter , my thrice gracious lord ,
-Be more myself .
-
-For all the world ,
-As thou art to this hour was Richard then
-When I from France set foot at Ravenspurgh ;
-And even as I was then is Percy now .
-Now , by my sceptre and my soul to boot ,
-He hath more worthy interest to the state
-Than thou the shadow of succession ;
-For of no right , nor colour like to right ,
-He doth fill fields with harness in the realm ,
-Turns head against the lion's armed jaws ,
-And , being no more in debt to years than thou ,
-Leads ancient lords and reverend bishops on
-To bloody battles and to bruising arms .
-What never-dying honour hath he got
-Against renowned Douglas ! whose high deeds ,
-Whose hot incursions and great name in arms ,
-Holds from all soldiers chief majority ,
-And military title capital ,
-Through all the kingdoms that acknowledge Christ .
-Thrice hath this Hotspur , Mars in swathling clothes ,
-This infant warrior , in his enterprises
-Discomfited great Douglas ; ta'en him once ,
-Enlarged him and made a friend of him ,
-To fill the mouth of deep defiance up
-And shake the peace and safety of our throne .
-And what say you to this ? Percy , Northumberland ,
-The Archbishop's Grace of York , Douglas , Mortimer ,
-Capitulate against us and are up .
-But wherefore do I tell these news to thee ?
-Why , Harry , do I tell thee of my foes ,
-Which art my near'st and dearest enemy ?
-Thou that art like enough , through vassal fear ,
-Base inclination , and the start of spleen ,
-To fight against me under Percy's pay ,
-To dog his heels , and curtsy at his frowns ,
-To show how much thou art degenerate .
-
-Do not think so ; you shall not find it so :
-And God forgive them , that so much have sway'd
-Your majesty's good thoughts away from me !
-I will redeem all this on Percy's head ,
-And in the closing of some glorious day
-Be bold to tell you that I am your son ;
-When I will wear a garment all of blood
-And stain my favours in a bloody mask ,
-Which , wash'd away , shall scour my shame with it :
-And that shall be the day , whene'er it lights ,
-That this same child of honour and renown ,
-This gallant Hotspur , this all-praised knight ,
-And your unthought of Harry chance to meet .
-For every honour sitting on his helm ,
-Would they were multitudes , and on my head
-My shames redoubled !for the time will come
-That I shall make this northern youth exchange
-His glorious deeds for my indignities .
-Percy is but my factor , good my lord ,
-To engross up glorious deeds on my behalf ;
-And I will call him to so strict account
-That he shall render every glory up ,
-Yea , even the slightest worship of his time ,
-Or I will tear the reckoning from his heart .
-This , in the name of God , I promise here :
-The which , if he be pleas'd I shall perform ,
-I do beseech your majesty may salve
-The long-grown wounds of my intemperance :
-If not , the end of life cancels all bands ,
-And I will die a hundred thousand deaths
-Ere break the smallest parcel of this vow .
-
-A hundred thousand rebels die in this :
-Thou shalt have charge and sovereign trust herein .
-
-How now , good Blunt ! thy looks are full of speed .
-
-So hath the business that I come to speak of .
-Lord Mortimer of Scotland hath sent word
-That Douglas and the English rebels met ,
-The eleventh of this month at Shrewsbury .
-A mighty and a fearful head they are ,
-If promises be kept on every hand ,
-As ever offer'd foul play in a state .
-
-The Earl of Westmoreland set forth to-day ,
-With him my son , Lord John of Lancaster ;
-For this advertisement is five days old .
-On Wednesday next , Harry , you shall set forward ;
-On Thursday we ourselves will march : our meeting
-Is Bridgenorth ; and Harry , you shall march
-Through Gloucestershire ; by which account ,
-Our business valued , some twelve days hence
-Our general forces at Bridgenorth shall meet .
-Our hands are full of business : let's away ;
-Advantage feeds him fat while men delay .
-
-
-Bardolph , am I not fallen away vilely since this last action ? do I not bate ? do I not dwindle ? Why , my skin hangs about me like an old lady's loose gown ; I am withered like an old apple-john . Well , I'll repent , and that suddenly , while I am in some liking ; I shall be out of heart shortly , and then I shall have no strength to repent . An I have not forgotten what the inside of a church is made of , I am a peppercorn , a brewer's horse : the inside of a church ! Company , villanous company , hath been the spoil of me .
-
-Sir John , you are so fretful , you cannot live long .
-
-Why , there is it : come , sing me a bawdy song ; make me merry . I was as virtuously given as a gentleman need to be ; virtuous enough : swore little ; diced not above seven times a week ; went to a bawdy-house not above once in a quarter of an hour ; paid money that I borrowed three or four times ; lived well and in good compass ; and now I live out of all order , out of all compass .
-
-Why , you are so fat , Sir John , that you must needs be out of all compass , out of all reasonable compass , Sir John .
-
-Do thou amend thy face , and I'll amend my life : thou art our admiral , thou bearest the lanthorn in the poop , but 'tis in the nose of thee : thou art the Knight of the Burning Lamp .
-
-Why , Sir John , my face does you no harm .
-
-No , I'll be sworn ; I make as good use of it as many a man doth of a Death's head , or a memento mori : I never see thy face but I think upon hell-fire and Dives that lived in purple ; for there he is in his robes , burning , burning . If thou wert any way given to virtue , I would swear by thy face ; my oath should be , 'By this fire , that's God's angel :' but thou art altogether given over , and wert indeed , but for the light in thy face , the son of utter darkness . When thou rannest up Gadshill in the night to catch my horse , if I did not think thou hadst been an igius fatuus or a ball of wildfire , there's no purchase in money . O ! thou art a perpetual triumph , an everlasting bonfire-light . Thou hast saved me a thousand marks in links and torches , walking with thee in the night betwixt tavern and tavern : but the sack that thou hast drunk me would have bought me lights as good cheap at the dearest chandler's in Europe . I have maintained that salamander of yours with fire any time this two-and-thirty years ; God reward me for it !
-
-'Sblood , I would my face were in your belly .
-
-God-a-mercy ! so should I be sure to be heart-burned .
-
-How now , Dame Partlet the hen ! have you inquired yet who picked my pocket ?
-
-Why , Sir John , what do you think , Sir John ? Do you think I keep thieves in my house ? I have searched , I have inquired , so has my husband , man by man , boy by boy , servant by servant : the tithe of a hair was never lost in my house before .
-
-You lie , hostess : Bardolph was shaved and lost many a hair ; and I'll be sworn my pocket was picked . Go to , you are a woman ; go .
-
-Who , I ? No ; I defy thee : God's light !
-I was never called so in my own house before .
-
-Go to , I know you well enough .
-
-No , Sir John ; you do not know me , Sir John : I know you , Sir John : you owe me money , Sir John , and now you pick a quarrel to beguile me of it : I bought you a dozen of shirts to your back .
-
-Dowlas , filthy dowlas : I have given them away to bakers' wives , and they have made bolters of them .
-
-Now , as I am true woman , holland of eight shillings an ell . You owe money here besides , Sir John , for your diet and by-drinkings , and money lent you , four-and-twenty pound .
-
-He had his part of it ; let him pay .
-
-He ! alas ! he is poor ; he hath nothing .
-
-How ! poor ? look upon his face ; what call you rich ? let them coin his nose , let them coin his cheeks . I'll not pay a denier . What ! will you make a younker of me ? shall I not take mine ease in mine inn but I shall have my pocket picked ? I have lost a seal-ring of my grandfather's worth forty mark .
-
-O Jesu ! I have heard the prince tell him , I know not how oft , that that ring was copper .
-
-How ! the prince is a Jack , a sneak-cup ; 'sblood ! an he were here , I would cudgel him like a dog , if he would say so .
-
-
-How now , lad ! is the wind in that door , i' faith ? must we all march ?
-
-Yea , two and two , Newgate fashion .
-
-My lord , I pray you , hear me .
-
-What sayest thou , Mistress Quickly ?
-How does thy husband ? I love him well , he is an honest man .
-
-Good my lord , hear me .
-
-Prithee , let her alone , and list to me .
-
-What sayest thou , Jack ?
-
-The other night I fell asleep here behind the arras and had my pocket picked : this house is turned bawdy-house ; they pick pockets .
-
-What didst thou lose , Jack ?
-
-Wilt thou believe me , Hal ? three or four bonds of forty pound a-piece , and a seal-ring of my grandfather's .
-
-A trifle ; some eight-penny matter .
-
-So I told him , my lord ; and I said I heard your Grace say so : and , my lord , he speaks most vilely of you , like a foul-mouthed man as he is , and said he would cudgel you .
-
-What ! he did not ?
-
-There's neither faith , truth , nor womanhood in me else .
-
-There's no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune ; nor no more truth in thee than in a drawn fox ; and for womanhood , Maid Marian may be the deputy's wife of the ward to thee . Go , you thing , go .
-
-Say , what thing ? what thing ?
-
-What thing ! why , a thing to thank God on .
-
-I am no thing to thank God on , I would thou shouldst know it ; I am an honest man's wife ; and , setting thy knighthood aside , thou art a knave to call me so .
-
-Setting thy womanhood aside , thou art a beast to say otherwise .
-
-Say , what beast , thou knave thou ?
-
-What beast ! why , an otter .
-
-An otter , Sir John ! why , an otter ?
-
-Why ? she's neither fish nor flesh ; a man knows not where to have her .
-
-Thou art an unjust man in saying so : thou or any man knows where to have me , thou knave thou !
-
-Thou sayest true , hostess ; and he slanders thee most grossly .
-
-So he doth you , my lord ; and said this other day you ought him a thousand pound .
-
-Sirrah ! do I owe you a thousand pound ?
-
-A thousand pound , Hal ! a million : thy love is worth a million ; thou owest me thy love .
-
-Nay , my lord , he called you Jack , and said he would cudgel you .
-
-Did I , Bardolph ?
-
-Indeed , Sir John , you said so .
-
-Yea ; if he said my ring was copper .
-
-I say 'tis copper : darest thou be as good as thy word now ?
-
-Why , Hal , thou knowest , as thou art but man , I dare ; but as thou art prince , I fear thee as I fear the roaring of the lion s whelp .
-
-And why not as the lion ?
-
-The king himself is to be feared as the lion : dost thou think I'll fear thee as I fear thy father ? nay , an I do , I pray God my girdle break !
-
-O ! if it should , how would thy guts fall about thy knees . But , sirrah , there's no room for faith , truth , or honesty in this bosom of thine ; it is all filled up with guts and midriff . Charge an honest woman with picking thy pocket ! Why , thou whoreson , impudent , embossed rascal , if there were any thing in thy pocket but tavern reckonings , memorandums of bawdy-houses , and one poor pennyworth of sugar-candy to make thee long-winded ; if thy pocket were enriched with any other injuries but these , I am a villain . And yet you will stand to it , you will not pocket up wrong . Art thou not ashamed ?
-
-Dost thou hear , Hal ? thou knowest in the state of innocency Adam fell ; and what should poor Jack Falstaff do in the days of villany ? Thou seest I have more flesh than another man , and therefore more frailty . You confess then , you picked my pocket ?
-
-It appears so by the story .
-
-Hostess , I forgive thee . Go make ready breakfast ; love thy husband , look to thy servants , cherish thy guests : thou shalt find me tractable to any honest reason : thou seest I am pacified . Still ! Nay prithee , be gone .
-
-Now , Hal , to the news at court : for the robbery , lad , how is that answered ?
-
-O ! my sweet beef , I must still be good angel to thee : the money is paid back again .
-
-O ! I do not like that paying back ; 'tis a double labour .
-
-I am good friends with my father and may do anything .
-
-Rob me the exchequer the first thing thou dost , and do it with unwashed hands too .
-
-Do , my lord .
-
-I have procured thee , Jack , a charge of foot .
-
-I would it had been of horse . Where shall I find one that can steal well ? O ! for a fine thief , of the age of two-and-twenty , or thereabouts ; I am heinously unprovided . Well , God be thanked for these rebels ; they offend none but the virtuous : I laud them , I praise them .
-
-Bardolph !
-
-My lord ?
-
-Go bear this letter to Lord John of Lancaster ,
-To my brother John ; this to my Lord of Westmoreland .
-Go , Poins , to horse , to horse ! for thou and I
-Have thirty miles to ride ere dinner-time .
-Jack , meet me to-morrow in the Temple-hall
-At two o'clock in the afternoon :
-There shalt thou know thy charge , and there receive
-Money and order for their furniture .
-The land is burning ; Percy stands on high ;
-And either we or they must lower lie .
-
-
-Rare words ! brave world ! Hostess , my breakfast ; come !
-O ! I could wish this tavern were my drum .
-
-Well said , my noble Scot : if speaking truth
-In this fine age were not thought flattery ,
-Such attribution should the Douglas have ,
-As not a soldier of this season's stamp
-Should go so general current through the world .
-By God , I cannot flatter ; do defy
-The tongues of soothers ; but a braver place
-In my heart's love hath no man than yourself .
-Nay , task me to my word ; approve me , lord .
-
-Thou art the king of honour :
-No man so potent breathes upon the ground
-But I will beard him .
-
-Do so , and 'tis well .
-
-
-What letters hast thou there ?
-
-
-I can but thank you .
-
-These letters come from your father .
-
-Letters from him ! why comes he not himself ?
-
-He cannot come , my lord : he's grievous sick .
-
-'Zounds ! how has he the leisure to be sick
-In such a justling time ? Who leads his power ?
-Under whose government come they along ?
-
-His letters bear his mind , not I , my lord .
-
-I prithee , tell me , doth he keep his bed ?
-
-He did , my lord , four days ere I set forth ;
-And at the time of my departure thence
-He was much fear'd by his physicians .
-
-I would the state of time had first been whole
-Ere he by sickness had been visited :
-His health was never better worth than now .
-
-Sick now ! droop now ! this sickness doth infect
-The very life-blood of our enterprise ;
-'Tis catching hither , even to our camp ,
-He writes me here , that inward sickness
-And that his friends by deputation could not
-So soon be drawn ; nor did he think it meet
-To lay so dangerous and dear a trust
-On any soul remov'd but on his own .
-Yet doth he give us bold advertisement ,
-That with our small conjunction we should on ,
-To see how fortune is dispos'd to us ;
-For , as he writes , there is no quailing now ,
-Because the king is certainly possess'd
-Of all our purposes . What say you to it ?
-
-Your father's sickness is a maim to us .
-
-A perilous gash , a very limb lopp'd off :
-And yet , in faith , 'tis not ; his present want
-Seems more than we shall find it . Were it good
-To set the exact wealth of all our states
-All at one cast ? to set so rich a main
-On the nice hazard of one doubtful hour ?
-It were not good ; for therein should we read
-The very bottom and the soul of hope ,
-The very list , the very utmost bound
-Of all our fortunes .
-
-Faith , and so we should ;
-Where now remains a sweet reversion :
-We may boldly spend upon the hope of what
-Is to come in :
-A comfort of retirement lives in this .
-
-A rendezvous , a home to fly unto ,
-If that the devil and mischance look big
-Upon the maidenhead of our affairs .
-
-But yet , I would your father had been here .
-The quality and hair of our attempt
-Brooks no division . It will be thought
-By some , that know not why he is away ,
-That wisdom , loyalty , and mere dislike
-Of our proceedings , kept the earl from hence .
-And think how such an apprehension
-May turn the tide of fearful faction
-And breed a kind of question in our cause ;
-For well you know we of the offering side
-Must keep aloof from strict arbitrement ,
-And stop all sight-holes , every loop from whence
-The eye of reason may pry in upon us :
-This absence of your father's draws a curtain ,
-That shows the ignorant a kind of fear
-Before not dreamt of .
-
-You strain too far .
-I rather of his absence make this use :
-It lends a lustre and more great opinion ,
-A larger dare to our great enterprise ,
-Than if the earl were here ; for men must think ,
-If we without his help , can make a head
-To push against the kingdom , with his help
-We shall o'erturn it topsy-turvy down .
-Yet all goes well , yet all our joints are whole .
-
-As heart can think : there is not such a word
-Spoke of in Scotland as this term of fear .
-
-
-My cousin Vernon ! welcome , by my soul .
-
-Pray God my news be worth a welcome , lord .
-The Earl of Westmoreland , seven thousand strong ,
-Is marching hitherwards ; with him Prince John .
-
-No harm : what more ?
-
-And further , I have learn'd ,
-The king himself in person is set forth ,
-Or hitherwards intended speedily ,
-With strong and mighty preparation .
-
-He shall be welcome too . Where is his son ,
-The nimble-footed madcap Prince of Wales ,
-And his comrades , that daff'd the world aside ,
-And bid it pass ?
-
-All furnish'd , all in arms ,
-All plum'd like estridges that wing the wind ,
-Baited like eagles having lately bath'd ,
-Glittering in golden coats , like images ,
-As full of spirit as the month of May ,
-And gorgeous as the sun at midsummer ,
-Wanton as youthful goats , wild as young bulls .
-I saw young Harry , with his beaver on ,
-His cushes on his thighs , gallantly arm'd ,
-Rise from the ground like feather'd Mercury ,
-And vaulted with such ease into his seat ,
-As if an angel dropp'd down from the clouds ,
-To turn and wind a fiery Pegasus
-And witch the world with noble horsemanship .
-
-No more , no more : worse than the sun in March
-This praise doth nourish agues . Let them come ;
-They come like sacrifices in their trim ,
-And to the fire-ey'd maid of smoky war
-All hot and bleeding will we offer them :
-The mailed Mars shall on his altar sit
-Up to the ears in blood . I am on fire
-To hear this rich reprisal is so nigh
-And yet not ours . Come , let me taste my horse ,
-Who is to bear me like a thunderbolt
-Against the bosom of the Prince of Wales :
-Harry to Harry shall , hot horse to horse ,
-Meet and ne'er part till one drop down a corse .
-O ! that Glendower were come .
-
-There is more news :
-I learn'd in Worcester , as I rode along ,
-He cannot draw his power these fourteen days .
-
-That's the worst tidings that I hear of yet .
-
-Ay , by my faith , that bears a frosty sound .
-
-What may the king's whole battle reach unto ?
-
-To thirty thousand .
-
-Forty let it be :
-My father and Glendower being both away ,
-The powers of us may serve so great a day .
-Come , let us take a muster speedily :
-Doomsday is near ; die all , die merrily .
-
-Talk not of dying : I am out of fear
-Of death or death's hand for this one half year .
-
-
-Bardolph , get thee before to Coventry ; fill me a bottle of sack : our soldiers shall march through : we'll to Sutton-Co'fil' to-night .
-
-Will you give me money , captain ?
-
-Lay out , lay out .
-
-This bottle makes an angel .
-
-An if it do , take it for thy labour ; and if it make twenty , take them all , I'll answer the coinage . Bid my Lieutenant Peto meet me at the town's end .
-
-I will , captain : farewell .
-
-
-If I be not ashamed of my soldiers , I am a soused gurnet . I have misused the king's press damnably . I have got , in exchange of a hundred and fifty soldiers , three hundred and odd pounds . I press me none but good householders , yeomen's sons ; inquire me out contracted bachelors , such as had been asked twice on the banns ; such a commodity of warm slaves , as had as lief hear the devil as a drum ; such as fear the report of a caliver worse than a struck fowl or a hurt wild-duck . I pressed me none but such toasts-and-butter , with hearts in their bellies no bigger than pins' heads , and they have bought out their services ; and now my whole charge consists of ancients , corporals , lieutenants , gentlemen of companies , slaves as ragged as Lazarus in the painted cloth , where the glutton's dogs licked his sores ; and such as indeed were never soldiers , but discarded unjust serving-men , younger sons to younger brothers , revolted tapsters and ostlers trade-fallen , the cankers of a calm world and a long peace ; ten times more dishonourable ragged than an old faced ancient : and such have I , to fill up the rooms of them that have bought out their services , that you would think that I had a hundred and fifty tattered prodigals , lately come from swine-keeping , from eating draff and husks . A mad fellow met me on the way and told me I had unloaded all the gibbets and pressed the dead bodies . No eye hath seen such scarecrows . I'll not march through Coventry with them , that's flat : nay , and the villains march wide betwixt the legs , as if they had gyves on ; for , indeed I had the most of them out of prison . There's but a shirt and a half in all my company ; and the half shirt is two napkins tacked together and thrown over the shoulders like a herald's coat without sleeves ; and the shirt , to say the truth , stolen from my host at Saint Alban's , or the red-nose inn-keeper of Daventry . But that's all one ; they'll find linen enough on every hedge .
-
-
-How now , blown Jack ! how now , quilt !
-
-What , Hal ! How now , mad wag ! what a devil dost thou in Warwickshire ? My good Lord of Westmoreland , I cry you mercy : I thought your honour had already been at Shrewsbury .
-
-Faith , Sir John , 'tis more than time that I were there , and you too ; but my powers are there already . The king , I can tell you , looks for us all : we must away all night .
-
-Tut , never fear me : I am as vigilant as a cat to steal cream .
-
-I think to steal cream indeed , for thy theft hath already made thee butter . But tell me , Jack , whose fellows are these that come after ?
-
-Mine , Hal , mine .
-
-I did never see such pitiful rascals .
-
-Tut , tut ; good enough to toss ; food for powder , food for powder ; they'll fill a pit as well as better : tush , man , mortal men , mortal men .
-
-Ay , but , Sir John , methinks they are exceeding poor and bare ; too beggarly .
-
-Faith , for their poverty , I know not where they had that ; and for their bareness , I am sure they never learned that of me .
-
-No , I'll be sworn ; unless you call three fingers on the ribs bare . But sirrah , make haste : Percy is already in the field .
-
-What , is the king encamped ?
-
-He is , Sir John : I fear we shall stay too long .
-
-Well ,
-To the latter end of a fray and the beginning of a feast
-Fits a dull fighter and a keen guest .
-
-
-We'll fight with him to-night .
-
-It may not be .
-
-You give him then advantage .
-
-Not a whit .
-
-Why say you so ? looks he not for supply ?
-
-So do we .
-
-His is certain , ours is doubtful .
-
-Good cousin , be advis'd : stir not to-night .
-
-Do not , my lord .
-
-You do not counsel well :
-You speak it out of fear and cold heart .
-
-Do me no slander , Douglas : by my life ,
-And I dare well maintain it with my life ,
-If well-respected honour bid me on ,
-I hold as little counsel with weak fear
-As you , my lord , or any Scot that this day lives :
-Let it be seen to-morrow in the battle
-Which of us fears .
-
-Yea , or to-night .
-
-Content .
-
-To-night , say I .
-
-Come , come , it may not be . I wonder much ,
-Being men of such great leading as you are ,
-That you foresee not what impediments
-Drag back our expedition : certain horse
-Of my cousin Vernon's are not yet come up :
-Your uncle Worcester's horse came but to-day ;
-And now their pride and mettle is asleep ,
-Their courage with hard labour tame and dull ,
-That not a horse is half the half of himself .
-
-So are the horses of the enemy
-In general , journey-bated and brought low :
-The better part of ours are full of rest .
-
-The number of the king exceedeth ours :
-For God's sake , cousin , stay till all come in .
-
-I come with gracious offers from the king ,
-If you vouchsafe me hearing and respect .
-
-Welcome , Sir Walter Blunt ; and would to God
-You were of our determination !
-Some of us love you well ; and even those some
-Envy your great deservings and good name ,
-Because you are not of our quality ,
-But stand against us like an enemy .
-
-And God defend but still I should stand so ,
-So long as out of limit and true rule
-You stand against anointed majesty .
-But , to my charge . The king hath sent to know
-The nature of your griefs , and whereupon
-You conjure from the breast of civil peace
-Such bold hostility , teaching his duteous land
-Audacious cruelty . If that the king
-Have any way your good deserts forgot ,
-Which he confesseth to be manifold ,
-He bids you name your griefs ; and with all speed
-You shall have your desires with interest ,
-And pardon absolute for yourself and these
-Herein misled by your suggestion .
-
-The king is kind ; and well we know the king
-Knows at what time to promise , when to pay .
-My father and my uncle and myself
-Did give him that same royalty he wears ;
-And when he was not six-and-twenty strong ,
-Sick in the world's regard , wretched and low ,
-A poor unminded outlaw sneaking home ,
-My father gave him welcome to the shore ;
-And when he heard him swear and vow to God
-He came but to be Duke of Lancaster ,
-To sue his livery and beg his peace ,
-With tears of innocency and terms of zeal ,
-My father , in kind heart and pity mov'd ,
-Swore him assistance and perform'd it too .
-Now when the lords and barons of the realm
-Perceiv'd Northumberland did lean to him ,
-The more and less came in with cap and knee ;
-Met him in boroughs , cities , villages ,
-Attended him on bridges , stood in lanes ,
-Laid gifts before him , proffer'd him their oaths ,
-Gave him their heirs as pages , follow'd him
-Even at the heels in golden multitudes .
-He presently , as greatness knows itself ,
-Steps me a little higher than his vow
-Made to my father , while his blood was poor ,
-Upon the naked shore at Ravenspurgh ;
-And now , forsooth , takes on him to reform
-Some certain edicts and some strait decrees
-That lie too heavy on the commonwealth ,
-Cries out upon abuses , seems to weep
-Over his country's wrongs ; and by this face ,
-This seeming brow of justice , did he win
-The hearts of all that he did angle for ;
-Proceeded further ; cut me off the heads
-Of all the favourites that the absent king
-In deputation left behind him here ,
-When he was personal in the Irish war .
-
-Tut , I came not to hear this .
-
-Then to the point .
-In short time after , he depos'd the king ;
-Soon after that , depriv'd him of his life ;
-And , in the neck of that , task'd the whole state ;
-To make that worse , suffer'd his kinsman March
-Who is , if every owner were well plac'd ,
-Indeed his king to be engag'd in Wales ,
-There without ransom to lie forfeited ;
-Disgrac'd me in my happy victories ;
-Sought to entrap me by intelligence ;
-Rated my uncle from the council-board ;
-In rage dismiss'd my father from the court ;
-Broke oath on oath , committed wrong on wrong ;
-And in conclusion drove us to seek out
-This head of safety ; and withal to pry
-Into his title , the which we find
-Too indirect for long continuance .
-
-Shall I return this answer to the king ?
-
-Not so , Sir Walter : we'll withdraw awhile .
-Go to the king ; and let there be impawn'd
-Some surety for a safe return again ,
-And in the morning early shall my uncle
-Bring him our purposes ; and so farewell .
-
-I would you would accept of grace and love .
-
-And may be so we shall .
-
-Pray God , you do !
-
-
-Hie , good Sir Michael ; bear this sealed brief
-With winged haste to the lord marshal ;
-This to my cousin Scroop , and all the rest
-To whom they are directed . If you knew
-How much they do import , you would make haste .
-
-My good lord ,
-I guess their tenour .
-
-Like enough you do .
-To-morrow , good Sir Michael , is a day
-Wherein the fortune of ten thousand men
-Must bide the touch ; for , sir , at Shrewsbury ,
-As I am truly given to understand ,
-The king with mighty and quick-raised power
-Meets with Lord Harry : and , I fear , Sir Michael ,
-What with the sickness of Northumberland ,
-Whose power was in the first proportion ,
-And what with Owen Glendower's absence thence ,
-Who with them was a rated sinew too ,
-And comes not in , o'er-rul'd by prophecies ,
-I fear the power of Percy is too weak
-To wage an instant trial with the king .
-
-Why , my good lord , you need not fear :
-There is the Douglas and Lord Mortimer .
-
-No , Mortimer is not there .
-
-But there is Mordake , Vernon , Lord Harry Percy ,
-And there's my Lord of Worcester , and a head
-Of gallant warriors , noble gentlemen .
-
-And so there is ; but yet the king hath drawn
-The special head of all the land together :
-The Prince of Wales , Lord John of Lancaster ,
-The noble Westmoreland , and war-like Blunt ;
-And many moe corrivals and dear men
-Of estimation and command in arms .
-
-Doubt not , my lord , they shall be well oppos'd .
-
-I hope no less , yet needful 'tis to fear ;
-And , to prevent the worse , Sir Michael , speed :
-For if Lord Percy thrive not , ere the king
-Dismiss his power , he means to visit us ,
-For he hath heard of our confederacy ,
-And 'tis but wisdom to make strong against him :
-Therefore make haste . I must go write again
-To other friends ; and so farewell , Sir Michael .
-
-How bloodily the sun begins to peer
-Above yon busky hill ! the day looks pale
-At his distemperature .
-
-The southern wind
-Doth play the trumpet to his purposes ,
-And by his hollow whistling in the leaves
-Foretells a tempest and a blustering day .
-
-Then with the losers let it sympathize ,
-For nothing can seem foul to those that win .
-
-How now , my Lord of Worcester ! 'tis not well
-That you and I should meet upon such terms
-As now we meet . You have deceiv'd our trust ,
-And made us doff our easy robes of peace ,
-To crush our old limbs in ungentle steel :
-This is not well , my lord ; this is not well .
-What say you to it ? will you again unknit
-This churlish knot of all-abhorred war ,
-And move in that obedient orb again
-Where you did give a fair and natural light ,
-And be no more an exhal'd meteor ,
-A prodigy of fear and a portent
-
-Of broached mischief to the unborn times ?
-
-Hear me , my liege .
-For mine own part , I could be well content
-To entertain the lag-end of my life
-With quiet hours ; for I do protest
-I have not sought the day of this dislike .
-
-You have not sought it ! how comes it then ?
-
-Rebellion lay in his way , and he found it .
-
-Peace , chewet , peace !
-
-It pleas'd your majesty to turn your looks
-Of favour from myself and all our house ;
-And yet I must remember you , my lord ,
-We were the first and dearest of your friends .
-For you my staff of office did I break
-In Richard's time ; and posted day and night
-To meet you on the way , and kiss your hand ,
-When yet you were in place and in account
-Nothing so strong and fortunate as I .
-It was myself , my brother , and his son ,
-That brought you home and boldly did outdare
-The dangers of the time . You swore to us ,
-And you did swear that oath at Doncaster ,
-That you did nothing purpose 'gainst the state ,
-Nor claim no further than your new-fall'n right ,
-The seat of Gaunt , dukedom of Lancaster .
-To this we swore our aid : but , in short space
-It rain'd down fortune showering on your head ,
-And such a flood of greatness fell on you ,
-What with our help , what with the absent king ,
-What with the injuries of a wanton time ,
-The seeming sufferances that you had borne ,
-And the contrarious winds that held the king
-So long in his unlucky Irish wars ,
-That all in England did repute him dead :
-And from this swarm of fair advantages
-You took occasion to be quickly woo'd
-To gripe the general sway into your hand ;
-Forgot your oath to us at Doncaster ;
-And being fed by us you us'd us so
-As that ungentle gull , the cuckoo's bird ,
-Useth the sparrow : did oppress our nest ,
-Grew by our feeding to so great a bulk
-That even our love durst not come near your sight
-For fear of swallowing ; but with nimble wing
-We were enforc'd , for safety's sake , to fly
-Out of your sight and raise this present head ;
-Whereby we stand opposed by such means
-As you yourself have forg'd against yourself
-By unkind usage , dangerous countenance ,
-And violation of all faith and troth
-Sworn to us in your younger enterprise .
-
-These things indeed , you have articulate ,
-Proclaim'd at market-crosses , read in churches ,
-To face the garment of rebellion
-With some fine colour that may please the eye
-Of fickle changelings and poor discontents ,
-Which gape and rub the elbow at the news
-Of hurlyburly innovation :
-And never yet did insurrection want
-Such water-colours to impaint his cause ;
-Nor moody beggars , starving for a time
-Of pell-mell havoc and confusion .
-
-In both our armies there is many a soul
-Shall pay full dearly for this encounter ,
-If once they join in trial . Tell your nephew ,
-The Prince of Wales doth join with all the world
-In praise of Henry Percy : by my hopes ,
-This present enterprise set off his head ,
-I do not think a braver gentleman ,
-More active-valiant or more valiant-young ,
-More daring or more bold , is now alive
-To grace this latter age with noble deeds .
-For my part , I may speak it to my shame ,
-I have a truant been to chivalry ;
-And so I hear he doth account me too ;
-Yet this before my father's majesty
-I am content that he shall take the odds
-Of his great name and estimation ,
-And will , to save the blood on either side ,
-Try fortune with him in a single fight .
-
-And , Prince of Wales , so dare we venture thee ,
-Albeit considerations infinite
-Do make against it . No , good Worcester , no ,
-We love our people well ; even those we love
-That are misled upon your cousin's part ;
-And , will they take the offer of our grace ,
-Both he and they and you , yea , every man
-Shall be my friend again , and I'll be his .
-So tell your cousin , and bring me word
-What he will do ; but if he will not yield ,
-Rebuke and dread correction wait on us ,
-And they shall do their office . So , be gone :
-We will not now be troubled with reply ;
-We offer fair , take it advisedly .
-
-
-It will not be accepted , on my life .
-The Douglas and the Hotspur both together
-Are confident against the world in arms .
-
-Hence , therefore , every leader to his charge ;
-For , on their answer , will we set on them ;
-And God befriend us , as our cause is just !
-
-
-Hal , if thou see me down in the battle , and bestride me , so ; 'tis a point of friendship .
-
-Nothing but a colossus can do thee that friendship . Say thy prayers , and farewell .
-
-I would it were bed-time , Hal , and all well .
-
-Why , thou owest God a death .
-
-
-'Tis not due yet : I would be loath to pay him before his day . What need I be so forward with him that calls not on me ? Well , 'tis no matter ; honour pricks me on . Yea , but how if honour prick me off when I come on ? how then ? Can honour set to a leg ? No . Or an arm ? No . Or take away the grief of a wound ? No . Honour hath no skill in surgery then ? No . What is honour ? a word . What is that word , honour ? Air . A trim reckoning ! Who hath it ? he that died o' Wednesday . Doth he feel it ? No . Doth he hear it ? No . It is insensible then ? Yea , to the dead . But will it not live with the living ? No . Why ? Detraction will not suffer it . Therefore I'll none of it : honour is a mere scutcheon ; and so ends my catechism .
-
-
-O , no ! my nephew must not know , Sir Richard ,
-The liberal kind offer of the king .
-
-'Twere best he did .
-
-Then are we all undone .
-It is not possible , it cannot be ,
-The king should keep his word in loving us ;
-He will suspect us still , and find a time
-To punish this offence in other faults :
-Suspicion all our lives shall be stuck full of eyes ;
-For treason is but trusted like the fox ,
-Who , ne'er so tame , so cherish'd , and lock'd up ,
-Will have a wild trick of his ancestors .
-Look how we can , or sad or merrily ,
-Interpretation will misquote our looks ,
-And we shall feed like oxen at a stall ,
-The better cherish'd , still the nearer death .
-My nephew's trespass may be well forgot ,
-It hath the excuse of youth and heat of blood ;
-And an adopted name of privilege ,
-A hare-brain'd Hotspur , govern'd by a spleen .
-All his offences live upon my head
-And on his father's : we did train him on ;
-And , his corruption being ta'en from us ,
-We , as the spring of all , shall pay for all .
-Therefore , good cousin , let not Harry know
-In any case the offer of the king .
-
-Deliver what you will , I'll say 'tis so .
-Here comes your cousin .
-
-
-My uncle is return'd : deliver up
-My Lord of Westmoreland . Uncle , what news ?
-
-The king will bid you battle presently .
-
-Defy him by the Lord of Westmoreland .
-
-Lord Douglas , go you and tell him so .
-
-Marry , and shall , and very willingly .
-
-
-There is no seeming mercy in the king .
-
-Did you beg any ? God forbid !
-
-I told him gently of our grievances ,
-Of his oath-breaking ; which he mended thus ,
-By now forswearing that he is forsworn :
-He calls us rebels , traitors ; and will scourge
-With haughty arms this hateful name in us .
-
-
-Arm , gentlemen ! to arms ! for I have thrown
-A brave defiance in King Henry's teeth ,
-And Westmoreland , that was engag'd , did bear it ;
-Which cannot choose but bring him quickly on .
-
-The Prince of Wales stepp'd forth before the king ,
-And , nephew , challeng'd you to single fight .
-
-O ! would the quarrel lay upon our heads ,
-And that no man might draw short breath to-day
-But I and Harry Monmouth . Tell me , tell me ,
-How show'd his tasking ? seem'd it in contempt ?
-
-No , by my soul ; I never in my life
-Did hear a challenge urg'd more modestly ,
-Unless a brother should a brother dare
-To gentle exercise and proof of arms .
-He gave you all the duties of a man ,
-Trimm'd up your praises with a princely tongue ,
-Spoke your deservings like a chronicle ,
-Making you ever better than his praise ,
-By still dispraising praise valu'd with you ;
-And , which became him like a prince indeed ,
-He made a blushing cital of himself ,
-And chid his truant youth with such a grace
-As if he master'd there a double spirit
-Of teaching and of learning instantly .
-There did he pause . But let me tell the world ,
-If he outlive the envy of this day ,
-England did never owe so sweet a hope ,
-So much misconstru'd in his wantonness .
-
-Cousin , I think thou art enamoured
-On his follies : never did I hear
-Of any prince so wild a libertine .
-But be he as he will , yet once ere night
-I will embrace him with a soldier's arm ,
-That he shall shrink under my courtesy .
-Arm , arm , with speed ! And , fellows , soldiers , friends ,
-Better consider what you have to do ,
-Than I , that have not well the gift of tongue ,
-Can lift your blood up with persuasion .
-
-
-My lord , here are letters for you .
-
-I cannot read them now .
-O gentlemen ! the time of life is short ;
-To spend that shortness basely were too long ,
-If life did ride upon a dial's point ,
-Still ending at the arrival of an hour .
-An if we live , we live to tread on kings ;
-If die , brave death , when princes die with us !
-Now , for our consciences , the arms are fair ,
-When the intent of bearing them is just .
-
-
-My lord , prepare ; the king comes on apace .
-
-I thank him that he cuts me from my tale ,
-For I profess not talking . Only this ,
-Let each man do his best : and here draw I
-A sword , whose temper I intend to stain
-With the best blood that I can meet withal
-In the adventure of this perilous day .
-Now , Esperance ! Percy ! and set on .
-Sound all the lofty instruments of war ,
-And by that music let us all embrace ;
-For , heaven to earth , some of us never shall
-A second time do such a courtesy .
-
-What is thy name , that in the battle thus
-Thou crossest me ? what honour dost thou seek
-Upon my head ?
-
-Know then , my name is Douglas ;
-And I do haunt thee in the battle thus
-Because some tell me that thou art a king .
-
-They tell thee true .
-
-The Lord of Stafford dear to-day hath bought
-Thy likeness ; for , instead of thee , King Harry ,
-This sword hath ended him : so shall it thee ,
-Unless thou yield thee as my prisoner .
-
-I was not born a yielder , thou proud Scot ;
-And thou shalt find a king that will revenge
-Lord Stafford's death .
-
-O , Douglas ! hadst thou fought at Holmedon thus ,
-I never had triumph'd upon a Scot .
-
-All's done , all's won : here breathless lies the king .
-
-Where ?
-
-Here .
-
-This , Douglas ! no ; I know this face full well ;
-A gallant knight he was , his name was Blunt ;
-Semblably furnish'd like the king himself .
-
-A fool go with thy soul , whither it goes !
-A borrow'd title hast thou bought too dear :
-Why didst thou tell me that thou wert a king ?
-
-The king hath many marching in his coats .
-
-Now , by my sword , I will kill all his coats ;
-I'll murder all his wardrobe , piece by piece ,
-Until I meet the king .
-
-Up , and away !
-Our soldiers stand full fairly for the day .
-
-Though I could 'scape shot-free at London , I fear the shot here ; here's no scoring but upon the pate . Soft ! who art thou ? Sir Walter Blunt : there's honour for you ! here's no vanity ! I am as hot as molten lead , and as heavy too : God keep lead out of me ! I need no more weight than mine own bowels . I have led my ragamuffins where they are peppered : there's not three of my hundred and fifty left alive , and they are for the town's end , to beg during life . But who comes here ?
-
-
-What ! stand'st thou idle here ? lend me thy sword :
-Many a nobleman lies stark and stiff
-Under the hoofs of vaunting enemies ,
-Whose deaths are unreveng'd : prithee , lend me thy sword .
-
-O Hal ! I prithee , give me leave to breathe awhile . Turk Gregory never did such deeds in arms as I have done this day . I have paid Percy , I have made him sure .
-
-He is , indeed ; and living to kill thee .
-I prithee , lend me thy sword .
-
-Nay , before God , Hal , if Percy be alive , thou gett'st not my sword ; but take my pistol , if thou wilt .
-
-Give it me . What ! is it in the case ?
-
-Ay , Hal ; 'tis hot , 'tis hot : there's that will sack a city .
-
-
-What ! is't a time to jest and dally now ?
-
-
-Well , if Percy be alive , I'll pierce him . If he do come in my way , so : if he do not , if I come in his , willingly , let him make a carbonado of me . I like not such grinning honour as Sir Walter hath : give me life ; which if I can save , so ; if not , honour comes unlooked for , and there's an end .
-
-
-I prithee ,
-Harry , withdraw thyself ; thou bleed'st too much .
-Lord John of Lancaster , go you with him .
-
-Not I , my lord , unless I did bleed too .
-
-I beseech your majesty , make up ,
-Lest your retirement do amaze your friends .
-
-I will do so .
-My Lord of Westmoreland , lead him to his tent .
-
-Come , my lord , I'll lead you to your tent .
-
-Lead me , my lord ? I do not need your help :
-And God forbid a shallow scratch should drive
-The Prince of Wales from such a field as this ,
-Where stain'd nobility lies trodden on ,
-And rebels' arms triumph in massacres !
-
-We breathe too long : come , cousin Westmoreland ,
-Our duty this way lies : for God's sake , come .
-
-
-By God , thou hast deceiv'd me , Lancaster ;
-I did not think thee lord of such a spirit :
-Before , I lov'd thee as a brother , John ;
-But now , I do respect thee as my soul .
-
-I saw him hold Lord Percy at the point
-With lustier maintenance than I did look for
-Of such an ungrown warrior .
-
-O ! this boy
-Lends mettle to us all .
-
-Another king ! they grow like Hydra's heads :
-I am the Douglas , fatal to all those
-That wear those colours on them : what art thou ,
-That counterfeit'st the person of a king ?
-
-The king himself ; who , Douglas , grieves at heart
-So many of his shadows thou hast met
-And not the very king . I have two boys
-Seek Percy and thyself about the field :
-But , seeing thou fall'st on me so luckily ,
-I will assay thee ; so defend thyself .
-
-I fear thou art another counterfeit ;
-And yet , in faith , thou bear'st thee like a king :
-But mine I am sure thou art , whoe'er thou be ,
-And thus I win thee .
-
-
-Hold up thy head , vile Scot , or thou art like
-Never to hold it up again ! the spirits
-Of valiant Shirley , Stafford , Blunt , are in my arms :
-It is the Prince of Wales that threatens thee ,
-Who never promiseth but he means to pay .
-
-Cheerly , my lord : how fares your Grace ?
-Sir Nicholas Gawsey hath for succour sent ,
-And so hath Clifton : I'll to Clifton straight .
-
-Stay , and breathe awhile .
-Thou hast redeem'd thy lost opinion ,
-And show'd thou mak'st some tender of my life ,
-In this fair rescue thou hast brought to me .
-
-O God ! they did me too much injury
-That ever said I hearken'd for your death .
-If it were so , I might have let alone
-The insulting hand of Douglas over you ;
-Which would have been as speedy in your end
-As all the poisonous potions in the world ,
-And sav'd the treacherous labour of your son .
-
-Make up to Clifton : I'll to Sir Nicholas Gawsey .
-
-If I mistake not , thou art Harry Monmouth .
-
-Thou speak'st as if I would deny my name .
-
-My name is Harry Percy .
-
-Why , then , I see
-A very valiant rebel of that name .
-I am the Prince of Wales ; and think not , Percy ,
-To share with me in glory any more :
-Two stars keep not their motion in one sphere ;
-Nor can one England brook a double reign ,
-Of Harry Percy and the Prince of Wales .
-
-Nor shall it , Harry ; for the hour is come
-To end the one of us ; and would to God
-Thy name in arms were now as great as mine !
-
-I'll make it greater ere I part from thee ;
-And all the budding honours on thy crest
-I'll crop , to make a garland for my head .
-
-I can no longer brook thy vanities .
-
-Well said , Hal ! to it , Hal ! Nay , you shall find no boy's play here , I can tell you .
-
-O , Harry ! thou hast robb'd me of my youth .
-I better brook the loss of brittle life
-Than those proud titles thou hast won of me ;
-They wound my thoughts worse than thy sword my flesh :
-But thought's the slave of life , and life time's fool ;
-And time , that takes survey of all the world ,
-Must have a stop . O ! I could prophesy ,
-But that the earthy and cold hand of death
-Lies on my tongue . No , Percy , thou art dust ,
-And food for
-
-
-For worms , brave Percy . Fare thee well , great heart !
-Ill-weav'd ambition , how much art thou shrunk !
-When that this body did contain a spirit ,
-A kingdom for it was too small a bound ;
-But now , two paces of the vilest earth
-Is room enough : this earth , that bears thee dead ,
-Bears not alive so stout a gentleman .
-If thou wert sensible of courtesy ,
-I should not make so dear a show of zeal :
-But let my favours hide thy mangled face ,
-And , even in thy behalf , I'll thank myself
-For doing these fair rites of tenderness .
-Adieu , and take thy praise with thee to heaven !
-Thy ignomy sleep with thee in the grave ,
-But not remember'd in thy epitaph !
-
-What ! old acquaintance ! could not all this flesh
-Keep in a little life ? Poor Jack , farewell !
-I could have better spar'd a better man .
-O ! I should have a heavy miss of thee
-If I were much in love with vanity .
-Death hath not struck so fat a deer to-day ,
-Though many dearer , in this bloody fray .
-Embowell'd will I see thee by and by :
-Till then in blood by noble Percy lie .
-
-
-Embowelled ! if thou embowel me to-day , I'll give you leave to powder me and eat me too , to-morrow . 'Sblood ! 'twas time to counterfeit , or that hot termagant Scot had paid me scot and lot too . Counterfeit ? I lie , I am no counterfeit : to die , is to be a counterfeit ; for he is but the counterfeit of a man , who hath not the life of a man ; but to counterfeit dying , when a man thereby liveth , is to be no counterfeit , but the true and perfect image of life indeed . The better part of valour is discretion ; in the which better part , I have saved my life . 'Zounds ! I am afraid of this gunpowder Percy though he be dead : how , if he should counterfeit too and rise ? By my faith I am afraid he would prove the better counterfeit . Therefore I'll make him sure ; yea , and I'll swear I killed him . Why may not he rise as well as I ? Nothing confutes me but eyes , and nobody sees me : therefore , sirrah [stabbing him] , with a new wound in your thigh come you along with me .
-
-Come , brother John ; full bravely hast thou flesh'd
-Thy maiden sword .
-
-But , soft ! whom have we here ?
-Did you not tell me this fat man was dead ?
-
-I did ; I saw him dead ,
-Breathless and bleeding on the ground .
-Art thou alive ? or is it fantasy
-That plays upon our eyesight ? I prithee , speak ;
-We will not trust our eyes without our ears :
-Thou art not what thou seem'st .
-
-No , that's certain ; I am not a double man : but if I be not Jack Falstaff , then am I a Jack . There is Percy
-
-: if your father will do me any honour , so ; if not , let him kill the next Percy himself . I look to be either earl or duke , I can assure you .
-
-Why , Percy I killed myself , and saw thee dead .
-
-Didst thou ? Lord , Lord ! how this world is given to lying . I grant you I was down and out of breath , and so was he ; but we rose both at an instant , and fought a long hour by Shrewsbury clock . If I may be believed , so ; if not , let them that should reward valour bear the sin upon their own heads . I'll take it upon my death , I gave him this wound in the thigh : if the man were alive and would deny it , 'zounds , I would make him eat a piece of my sword .
-
-This is the strangest tale that e'er I heard .
-
-This is the strangest fellow , brother John .
-Come , bring your luggage nobly on your back :
-For my part , if a lie may do thee grace ,
-I'll gild it with the happiest terms I have .
-
-The trumpet sounds retreat ; the day is ours .
-Come , brother , let us to the highest of the field ,
-To see what friends are living , who are dead .
-
-
-I'll follow , as they say , for reward . He that rewards me , God reward him ! If I do grow great , I'll grow less ; for I'll purge , and leave sack , and live cleanly , as a nobleman should do .
-
-Thus ever did rebellion find rebuke .
-Ill-spirited Worcester ! did we not send grace ,
-Pardon , and terms of love to all of you ?
-And wouldst thou turn our offers contrary ?
-Misuse the tenour of thy kinsman's trust ?
-Three knights upon our party slain to-day ,
-A noble earl and many a creature else
-Had been alive this hour ,
-If like a Christian , thou hadst truly borne
-Betwixt our armies true intelligence .
-
-What I have done my safety urg'd me to ;
-And I embrace this fortune patiently ,
-Since not to be avoided it falls on me .
-
-Bear Worcester to the death and Vernon too :
-Other offenders we will pause upon .
-
-How goes the field ?
-
-The noble Scot , Lord Douglas , when he saw
-The fortune of the day quite turn'd from him ,
-The noble Percy slain , and all his men
-Upon the foot of fear , fled with the rest ;
-And falling from a hill he was so bruis'd
-That the pursuers took him . At my tent
-The Douglas is , and I beseech your Grace
-I may dispose of him .
-
-With all my heart .
-
-Then , brother John of Lancaster , to you
-This honourable bounty shall belong .
-Go to the Douglas , and deliver him
-Up to his pleasure , ransomless , and free :
-His valour shown upon our crests to-day
-Hath taught us how to cherish such high deeds ,
-Even in the bosom of our adversaries .
-
-I thank your Grace for this high courtesy ,
-Which I shall give away immediately .
-
-Then this remains , that we divide our power .
-You , son John , and my cousin Westmoreland
-Towards York shall bend you , with your dearest speed ,
-To meet Northumberland and the prelate Scroop ,
-Who , as we hear , are busily in arms :
-Myself and you , son Harry , will towards Wales ,
-To fight with Glendower and the Earl of March .
-Rebellion in this land shall lose his sway ,
-Meeting the check of such another day :
-And since this business so fair is done ,
-Let us not leave till all our own be won .
-
-THE FIRST PART OF KING HENRY VI
-
-Fiends appearing to La Pucelle .
-
-
-Hung be the heavens with black , yield day to night !
-Comets , importing change of times and states ,
-Brandish your crystal tresses in the sky ,
-And with them scourge the bad revolting stars ,
-That have consented unto Henry's death !
-King Henry the Fifth , too famous to live long !
-England ne'er lost a king of so much worth .
-
-England ne'er had a king until his time .
-Virtue he had , deserving to command :
-His brandish'd sword did blind men with his beams ;
-His arms spread wider than a dragon's wings ;
-His sparkling eyes , replete with wrathful fire ,
-More dazzled and drove back his enemies
-Than mid-day sun fierce bent against their faces .
-What should I say ? his deeds exceed all speech :
-He ne'er lift up his hand but conquered .
-
-We mourn in black : why mourn we not in blood ?
-Henry is dead and never shall revive .
-Upon a wooden coffin we attend ,
-And death's dishonourable victory
-We with our stately presence glorify ,
-Like captives bound to a triumphant car .
-What ! shall we curse the planets of mishap
-That plotted thus our glory's overthrow ?
-Or shall we think the subtle-witted French
-Conjurers and sorcerers , that , afraid of him ,
-By magic verses have contriv'd his end ?
-
-He was a king bless'd of the King of kings .
-Unto the French the dreadful judgment-day
-So dreadful will not be as was his sight .
-The battles of the Lord of hosts he fought :
-The church's prayers made him so prosperous .
-
-The church ! where is it ? Had not churchmen pray'd
-His thread of life had not so soon decay'd :
-None do you like but an effeminate prince ,
-Whom like a school-boy you may over-awe .
-
-Gloucester , whate'er we like thou art protector ,
-And lookest to command the prince and realm .
-Thy wife is proud ; she holdeth thee in awe ,
-More than God or religious churchmen may .
-
-Name not religion , for thou lov'st the flesh ,
-And ne'er throughout the year to church thou go'st ,
-Except it be to pray against thy foes .
-
-Cease , cease these jars and rest your minds in peace !
-Let's to the altar : heralds , wait on us :
-Instead of gold we'll offer up our arms ,
-Since arms avail not , now that Henry's dead .
-Posterity , await for wretched years ,
-When at their mothers' moist eyes babes shall suck ,
-Our isle be made a marish of salt tears ,
-And none but women left to wail the dead .
-Henry the Fifth ! thy ghost I invocate :
-Prosper this realm , keep it from civil broils !
-Combat with adverse planets in the heavens !
-A far more glorious star thy soul will make ,
-Than Julius C sar , or bright
-
-
-My honourable lords , health to you all !
-Sad tidings bring I to you out of France ,
-Of loss , of slaughter , and discomfiture :
-Guienne , Champaigne , Rheims , Orleans ,
-Paris , Guysors , Poictiers , are all quite lost .
-
-What sayst thou , man , before dead Henry's corse ?
-Speak softly ; or the loss of those great towns
-Will make him burst his lead and rise from death .
-
-Is Paris lost ? is Roan yielded up ?
-If Henry were recall'd to life again
-These news would cause him once more yield the ghost .
-
-How were they lost ? what treachery was us'd ?
-
-No treachery ; but want of men and money .
-Among the soldiers this is muttered ,
-That here you maintain several factions ;
-And , whilst a field should be dispatch'd and fought ,
-You are disputing of your generals .
-One would have lingering wars with little cost ;
-Another would fly swift , but wanteth wings ;
-A third thinks , without expense at all ,
-By guileful fair words peace may be obtain'd .
-Awake , awake , English nobility !
-Let not sloth dim your honours new-begot :
-Cropp'd are the flower-de-luces in your arms ;
-Of England's coat one half is cut away .
-
-Were our tears wanting to this funeral
-These tidings would call forth their flowing tides .
-
-Me they concern ; Regent I am of France .
-Give me my steeled coat : I'll fight for France .
-Away with these disgraceful wailing robes !
-Wounds will I lend the French instead of eyes ,
-To weep their intermissive miseries .
-
-
-Lords , view these letters , full of bad mischance .
-France is revolted from the English quite ,
-Except some petty towns of no import :
-The Dauphin Charles is crowned king in Rheims ;
-The Bastard of Orleans with him is join'd ;
-Reignier , Duke of Anjou , doth take his part ;
-The Duke of Alen on flieth to his side .
-
-The Dauphin crowned king ! all fly to him !
-O ! whither shall we fly from this reproach ?
-
-We will not fly , but to our enemies' throats .
-Bedford , if thou be slack , I'll fight it out .
-
-Gloucester , why doubt'st thou of my forwardness ?
-An army have I muster'd in my thoughts ,
-Wherewith already France is overrun .
-
-
-My gracious lords , to add to your laments ,
-Wherewith you now bedew King Henry's hearse ,
-I must inform you of a dismal fight
-Betwixt the stout Lord Talbot and the French .
-
-What ! wherein Talbot overcame ? is't so ?
-
-O , no ! wherein Lord Talbot was o'erthrown :
-The circumstance I'll tell you more at large .
-The tenth of August last this dreadful lord ,
-Retiring from the siege of Orleans ,
-Having full scarce six thousand in his troop ,
-By three-and-twenty thousand of the French
-Was round encompassed and set upon .
-No leisure had he to enrank his men ;
-He wanted pikes to set before his archers ;
-Instead whereof sharp stakes pluck'd out of hedges
-They pitched in the ground confusedly ,
-To keep the horsemen off from breaking in .
-More than three hours the fight continued ;
-Where valiant Talbot above human thought
-Enacted wonders with his sword and lance .
-Hundreds he sent to hell , and none durst stand him ;
-Here , there , and every where , enrag'd he flew :
-The French exclaim'd the devil was in arms ;
-All the whole army stood agaz'd on him .
-His soldiers , spying his undaunted spirit ,
-A Talbot ! A Talbot ! cried out amain ,
-And rush'd into the bowels of the battle .
-Here had the conquest fully been seal'd up ,
-If Sir John Fastolfe had not play'd the coward .
-He , being in the vaward ,plac'd behind ,
-With purpose to relieve and follow them ,
-Cowardly fled , not having struck one stroke .
-Hence grew the general wrack and massacre ;
-Enclosed were they with their enemies .
-A base Walloon , to win the Dauphin's grace ,
-Thrust Talbot with a spear into the back ;
-Whom all France , with their chief assembled strength ,
-Durst not presume to look once in the face .
-
-Is Talbot slain ? then I will slay myself ,
-For living idly here in pomp and ease
-Whilst such a worthy leader , wanting aid ,
-Unto his dastard foemen is betray'd .
-
-O no ! he lives ; but is took prisoner ,
-And Lord Scales with him , and Lord Hungerford :
-Most of the rest slaughter'd or took likewise .
-
-His ransom there is none but I shall pay :
-I'll hale the Dauphin headlong from his throne ;
-His crown shall be the ransom of my friend ;
-Four of their lords I'll change for one of ours .
-Farewell , my masters ; to my task will I ;
-Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make ,
-To keep our great Saint George's feast withal :
-Ten thousand soldiers with me I will take ,
-Whose bloody deeds shall make all Europe quake .
-
-So you had need ; for Orleans is besieg'd ;
-The English army is grown weak and faint ;
-The Earl of Salisbury craveth supply ,
-And hardly keeps his men from mutiny ,
-Since they , so few , watch such a multitude .
-
-Remember , lords , your oaths to Henry sworn ,
-Either to quell the Dauphin utterly ,
-Or bring him in obedience to your yoke .
-
-I do remember it ; and here take my leave ,
-To go about my preparation .
-
-
-I'll to the Tower with all the haste I can ,
-To view the artillery and munition ;
-And then I will proclaim young Henry king .
-
-
-To Eltham will I , where the young king is ,
-Being ordain'd his special governor ;
-And for his safety there I'll best devise .
-
-
-Each hath his place and function to attend :
-I am left out ; for me nothing remains .
-But long I will not be Jack-out-of-office .
-The king from Eltham I intend to steal ,
-And sit at chiefest stern of public weal .
-
-
-Mars his true moving , even as in the heavens
-So in the earth , to this day is not known .
-Late did he shine upon the English side ;
-Now we are victors ; upon us he smiles .
-What towns of any moment but we have ?
-At pleasure here we lie near Orleans ;
-Otherwhiles the famish'd English , like pale ghosts ,
-Faintly besiege us one hour in a month .
-
-They want their porridge and their fat bull-beeves :
-Either they must be dieted like mules
-And have their provender tied to their mouths ,
-Or piteous they will look , like drowned mice .
-
-Let's raise the siege : why live we idly here ?
-Talbot is taken , whom we wont to fear :
-Remaineth none but mad-brain'd Salisbury ,
-And he may well in fretting spend his gall ;
-Nor men nor money hath he to make war .
-
-Sound , sound alarum ! we will rush on them .
-Now for the honour of the forlorn French !
-Him I forgive my death that killeth me
-When he sees me go back one foot or fly .
-
-Who ever saw the like ? what men have I !
-Dogs ! cowards ! dastards ! I would ne'er have fled
-But that they left me 'midst my enemies .
-
-Salisbury is a desperate homicide ;
-He fighteth as one weary of his life :
-The other lords , like lions wanting food ,
-Do rush upon us as their hungry prey .
-
-Froissart , a countryman of ours , records ,
-England all Olivers and Rowlands bred
-During the time Edward the Third did reign .
-More truly now may this be verified ;
-For none but Samsons and Goliases ,
-It sendeth forth to skirmish . One to ten !
-Lean raw-bon'd rascals ! who would e'er suppose
-They had such courage and audacity ?
-
-Let's leave this town ; for they are hare-brain'd slaves ,
-And hunger will enforce them to be more eager :
-Of old I know them ; rather with their teeth
-The walls they'll tear down than forsake the siege .
-
-I think , by some odd gimmals or device ,
-Their arms are set like clocks , still to strike on ;
-Else ne'er could they hold out so as they do .
-By my consent , we'll e'en let them alone .
-
-Be it so .
-
-
-Where's the prince Dauphin ? I have news for him .
-
-Bastard of Orleans , thrice welcome to us .
-
-Methinks your looks are sad , your cheer appall'd :
-Hath the late overthrow wrought this offence ?
-Be not dismay'd , for succour is at hand :
-A holy maid hither with me I bring ,
-Which by a vision sent to her from heaven
-Ordained is to raise this tedious siege ,
-And drive the English forth the bounds of France .
-The spirit of deep prophecy she hath ,
-Exceeding the nine sibyls of old Rome ;
-What's past and what's to come she can descry .
-Speak , shall I call her in ? Believe my words ,
-For they are certain and unfallible .
-
-Go , call her in .
-
-But first , to try her skill ,
-Reignier , stand thou as Dauphin in my place :
-Question her proudly ; let thy looks be stern :
-By this means shall we sound what skill she hath .
-
-Fair maid , is't thou wilt do these wondrous feats ?
-
-Reignier , is't thou that thinkest to beguile me ?
-Where is the Dauphin ? Come , come from behind ;
-I know thee well , though never seen before .
-Be not amaz'd , there's nothing hid from me :
-In private will I talk with thee apart .
-Stand back , you lords , and give us leave a while .
-
-She takes upon her bravely at first dash .
-
-Dauphin , I am by birth a shepherd's daughter ,
-My wit untrain'd in any kind of art .
-Heaven and our Lady gracious hath it pleas'd
-To shine on my contemptible estate :
-Lo ! whilst I waited on my tender lambs ,
-And to sun's parching heat display'd my cheeks ,
-God's mother deigned to appear to me ,
-And in a vision full of majesty
-Will'd me to leave my base vocation
-And free my country from calamity :
-Her aid she promis'd and assur'd success ;
-In complete glory she reveal'd herself ;
-And , whereas I was black and swart before ,
-With those clear rays which she infus'd on me ,
-That beauty am I bless'd with which you see .
-Ask me what question thou canst possible
-And I will answer unpremeditated :
-My courage try by combat , if thou dar'st ,
-And thou shalt find that I exceed my sex .
-Resolve on this , thou shalt be fortunate
-If thou receive me for thy war-like mate .
-
-Thou hast astonish'd me with thy high terms .
-Only this proof I'll of thy valour make ,
-In single combat thou shalt buckle with me ,
-And if thou vanquishest , thy words are true ;
-Otherwise I renounce all confidence .
-
-I am prepar'd : here is my keen-edg'd sword ,
-Deck'd with five flower-de-luces on each side ;
-The which at Touraine , in Saint Katharine's churchyard ,
-Out of a great deal of old iron I chose forth .
-
-Then come , o' God's name ; I fear no woman .
-
-And , while I live , I'll ne'er fly from a man .
-
-
-Stay , stay thy hands ! thou art an Amazon ,
-And fightest with the sword of Deborah .
-
-Christ's mother helps me , else I were too weak .
-
-Whoe'er helps thee , 'tis thou that must help me :
-Impatiently I burn with thy desire ;
-My heart and hands thou hast at once subdu'd .
-Excellent Pucelle , if thy name be so ,
-Let me thy servant and not sovereign be ;
-'Tis the French Dauphin sueth to thee thus .
-
-I must not yield to any rites of love ,
-For my profession's sacred from above :
-When I have chased all thy foes from hence ,
-Then will I think upon a recompense .
-
-Meantime look gracious on thy prostrate thrall .
-
-My lord , methinks , is very long in talk .
-
-Doubtless he shrives this woman to her smock ;
-Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech .
-
-Shall we disturb him , since he keeps no mean ?
-
-He may mean more than we poor men do know :
-These women are shrewd tempters with their tongues .
-
-My lord , where are you ? what devise you on ?
-Shall we give over Orleans , or no ?
-
-Why , no , I say , distrustful recreants !
-Fight till the last gasp ; I will be your guard .
-
-What she says , I'll confirm : we'll fight it out .
-
-Assign'd am I to be the English scourge .
-This night the siege assuredly I'll raise :
-Expect Saint Martin's summer , halcyon days ,
-Since I have entered into these wars .
-Glory is like a circle in the water ,
-Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself ,
-Till by broad spreading it disperse to nought .
-With Henry's death the English circle ends ;
-Dispersed are the glories it included .
-Now am I like that proud insulting ship
-Which C sar and his fortune bare at once .
-
-Was Mahomet inspired with a dove ?
-Thou with an eagle art inspired then .
-Helen , the mother of great Constantine ,
-Nor yet Saint Philip's daughters were like thee .
-Bright star of Venus , fall'n down on the earth ,
-How may I reverently worship thee enough ?
-
-Leave off delays and let us raise the siege .
-
-Woman , do what thou canst to save our honours ;
-Drive them from Orleans and be immortalis'd .
-
-Presently we'll try . Come , let's away about it :
-No prophet will I trust if she prove false .
-
-
-I am come to survey the Tower this day ;
-Since Henry's death , I fear , there is conveyance .
-Where be these warders that they wait not here ?
-Open the gates ! 'Tis Gloucester that calls .
-
-
-Who's there that knocks so imperiously ?
-
-It is the noble Duke of Gloucester .
-
-Whoe'er he be , you may not be let in .
-
-Villains , answer you so the Lord Protector ?
-
-The Lord protect him ! so we answer him :
-We do not otherwise than we are will'd .
-
-Who willed you ? or whose will stands but mine ?
-There's none protector of the realm but I .
-Break up the gates , I'll be your warrantize :
-Shall I be flouted thus by dunghill grooms ?
-
-Lieutenant , is it you whose voice I hear ?
-Open the gates ! here's Gloucester that would enter .
-
-Have patience , noble Duke ; I may not open ;
-The Cardinal of Winchester forbids :
-From him I have express commandment
-That thou nor none of thine shall be let in .
-
-Faint-hearted Woodvile , prizest him 'fore me ?
-Arrogant Winchester , that haughty prelate ,
-Whom Henry , our late sovereign , ne'er could brook ?
-Thou art no friend to God or to the king :
-Open the gates , or I'll shut thee out shortly .
-
-Open the gates unto the Lord Protector ;
-Or we'll burst them open , if that you come not quickly .
-
-
-How now , ambitious Humphrey ! what means this ?
-
-Peel'd priest , dost thou command me to be shut out ?
-
-I do , thou most usurping proditor ,
-And not protector , of the king or realm .
-
-Stand back , thou manifest conspirator ,
-Thou that contriv'dst to murder our dead lord ;
-Thou that giv'st whores indulgences to sin :
-I'll canvass thee in thy broad cardinal's hat ,
-If thou proceed in this thy insolence .
-
-Nay , stand thou back ; I will not budge a foot :
-This be Damascus , be thou cursed Cam ,
-To slay thy brother Abel , if thou wilt .
-
-I will not slay thee , but I'll drive thee back :
-Thy scarlet robes as a child's bearing-cloth
-I'll use to carry thee out of this place .
-
-Do what thou dar'st ; I'll beard thee to thy face .
-
-What ! am I dar'd and bearded to my face ?
-Draw , men , for all this privileged place ;
-Blue coats to tawny-coats . Priest , beware your beard ;
-
-I mean to tug it and to cuff you soundly .
-Under my feet I stamp thy cardinal's hat ,
-In spite of pope or dignities of church ,
-Here by the cheeks I'll drag thee up and down .
-
-Gloucester , thou'lt answer this before the pope .
-
-Winchester goose ! I cry a rope ! a rope !
-Now beat them hence ; why do you let them stay ?
-Thee I'll chase hence , thou wolf in sheep's array .
-Out , tawny coats ! out , scarlet hypocrite !
-
-Fie , lords ! that you , being supreme magistrates ,
-Thus contumeliously should break the peace !
-
-Peace , mayor ! thou know'st little of my wrongs :
-Here's Beaufort , that regards nor God nor King ,
-Hath here distrain'd the Tower to his use .
-
-Here's Gloucester , a foe to citizens ;
-One that still motions war and never peace ,
-O'ercharging your free purses with large fines ,
-That seeks to overthrow religion
-Because he is protector of the realm ,
-And would have armour here out of the Tower ,
-To crown himself king and suppress the prince .
-
-I will not answer thee with words , but blows .
-
-
-Nought rests for me , in this tumultuous strife
-But to make open proclamation .
-Come , officer : as loud as e'er thou canst ;
-Cry .
-
-All manner of men , assembled here in arms this day , against God's peace and the king's , we charge and command you , in his highness' name , to repair to your several dwelling-places ; and not to wear , handle , or use , any sword , weapon , or dagger , henceforward , upon pain of death .
-
-Cardinal , I'll be no breaker of the law ;
-But we shall meet and break our minds at large .
-
-Gloucester , we will meet ; to thy cost , be sure :
-Thy heart-blood I will have for this day's work .
-
-I'll call for clubs if you will not away .
-This cardinal's more haughty than the devil .
-
-Mayor , farewell : thou dost but what thou mayst .
-
-Abominable Gloucester ! guard thy head ;
-For I intend to have it ere long .
-
-
-See the coast clear'd , and then we will depart .
-Good God ! these nobles should such stomachs bear ;
-I myself fight not once in forty year .
-
-
-Sirrah , thou know'st how Orleans is besieg'd ,
-And how the English have the suburbs won .
-
-Father , I know ; and oft have shot at them ,
-Howe'er unfortunate I miss'd my aim .
-
-But now thou shalt not . Be thou rul'd by me :
-Chief master-gunner am I of this town ;
-Something I must do to procure me grace .
-The prince's espials have informed me
-How the English , in the suburbs close entrench'd ,
-Wont through a secret gate of iron bars
-In yonder tower to overpeer the city ,
-And thence discover how with most advantage
-They may vex us with shot or with assault .
-To intercept this inconvenience ,
-A piece of ordnance 'gainst it I have plac'd ;
-And fully even these three days have I watch'd
-If I could see them . Now , boy , do thou watch ,
-For I can stay no longer .
-If thou spy'st any , run and bring me word ;
-And thou shalt find me at the Governor's .
-
-
-Father , I warrant you ; take you no care ;
-I'll never trouble you if I may spy them .
-
-
-Talbot , my life , my joy ! again return'd !
-How wert thou handled being prisoner ?
-Or by what means got'st thou to be releas'd ,
-Discourse , I prithee , on this turret's top .
-
-The Duke of Bedford had a prisoner
-Called the brave Lord Ponton de Santrailles ;
-For him I was exchang'd and ransomed .
-But with a baser man at arms by far
-Once in contempt they would have barter'd me :
-Which I disdaining scorn'd , and craved death
-Rather than I would be so vile-esteem'd .
-In fine , redeem'd I was as I desir'd .
-But , O ! the treacherous Fastolfe wounds my heart :
-Whom with my bare fists I would execute
-If I now had him brought into my power .
-
-Yet tell'st thou not how thou wert entertain'd .
-
-With scoffs and scorns and contumelious taunts .
-In open market-place produc'd they me ,
-To be a public spectacle to all :
-Here , said they , is the terror of the French ,
-The scarecrow that affrights our children so .
-Then broke I from the officers that led me ,
-And with my nails digg'd stones out of the ground
-To hurl at the beholders of my shame .
-My grisly countenance made others fly .
-None durst come near for fear of sudden death .
-In iron walls they deem'd me not secure ;
-So great fear of my name 'mongst them was spread
-That they suppos'd I could rend bars of steel
-And spurn in pieces posts of adamant :
-Wherefore a guard of chosen shot I had ,
-That walk'd about me every minute-while ;
-And if I did but stir out of my bed
-Ready they were to shoot me to the heart .
-
-
-I grieve to hear what torments you endur'd ;
-But we will be reveng'd sufficiently .
-Now it is supper-time in Orleans :
-Here , through this grate , I count each one ,
-And view the Frenchmen how they fortify :
-Let us look in ; the sight will much delight thee .
-Sir Thomas Gargrave , and Sir William Glansdale ,
-Let me have your express opinions
-Where is best place to make our battery next .
-
-I think at the North gate ; for there stand lords .
-
-And I , here , at the bulwark of the bridge .
-
-For aught I see , this city must be famish'd ,
-Or with light skirmishes enfeebled .
-
-
-O Lord ! have mercy on us , wretched sinners .
-
-O Lord ! have mercy on me , woeful man .
-
-What chance is this that suddenly hath cross'd us ?
-Speak , Salisbury ; at least , if thou canst speak :
-How far'st thou , mirror of all martial men ?
-One of thy eyes and thy cheek's side struck off !
-Accursed tower ! accursed fatal hand
-That hath contriv'd this woeful tragedy !
-In thirteen battles Salisbury o'ercame ;
-Henry the Fifth he first train'd to the wars ;
-Whilst any trump did sound or drum struck up ,
-His sword did ne'er leave striking in the field .
-Yet liv'st thou , Salisbury ? though thy speech doth fail ,
-One eye thou hast to look to heaven for grace :
-The sun with one eye vieweth all the world .
-Heaven , be thou gracious to none alive ,
-If Salisbury wants mercy at thy hands !
-Bear hence his body ; I will help to bury it .
-Sir Thomas Gargrave , hast thou any life ?
-Speak unto Talbot ; nay , look up to him .
-Salisbury , cheer thy spirit with this comfort ;
-Thou shalt not die , whiles
-He beckons with his hand and smiles on me ,
-As who should say , 'When I am dead and gone ,
-Remember to avenge me on the French .'
-Plantagenet , I will ; and like thee , Nero ,
-Play on the lute , beholding the towns burn :
-Wretched shall France be only in my name .
-
-What stir is this ? What tumult's in the heavens ?
-Whence cometh this alarum and the noise ?
-
-
-My lord , my lord ! the French have gather'd head :
-The Dauphin , with one Joan la Pucelle join'd ,
-A holy prophetess new risen up
-Is come with a great power to raise the siege .
-
-
-Hear , hear how dying Salisbury doth groan !
-It irks his heart he cannot be reveng'd .
-Frenchmen , I'll be a Salisbury to you :
-Pucelle or puzzel , dolphin or dogfish ,
-Your hearts I'll stamp out with my horse's heels
-And make a quagmire of your mingled brains .
-Convey me Salisbury into his tent ,
-And then we'll try what these dastard Frenchmen dare .
-
-
-Where is my strength , my valour , and my force ?
-Our English troops retire , I cannot stay them ;
-A woman clad in armour chaseth them .
-
-
-Here , here she comes . I'll have a bout with thee :
-Devil , or devil's dam , I'll conjure thee :
-Blood will I draw on thee , thou art a witch ,
-
-And straightway give thy soul to him thou serv'st .
-
-Come , come ; 'tis only I that must disgrace thee .
-
-
-Heavens , can you suffer hell so to prevail ?
-My breast I'll burst with straining of my courage ,
-And from my shoulders crack my arms asunder ,
-But I will chastise this high-minded strumpet .
-
-
-Talbot , farewell ; thy hour is not yet come :
-I must go victual Orleans forthwith .
-
-O'ertake me if thou canst ; I scorn thy strength .
-Go , go , cheer up thy hunger-starved men ;
-Help Salisbury to make his testament :
-This day is ours , as many more shall be .
-
-
-My thoughts are whirled like a potter's wheel ;
-I know not where I am , nor what I do :
-A witch , by fear , not force , like Hannibal ,
-Drives back our troops and conquers as she lists :
-So bees with smoke , and doves with noisome stench ,
-Are from their hives and houses driven away .
-They call'd us for our fierceness English dogs ;
-Now , like to whelps , we crying run away .
-
-Hark , countrymen ! either renew the fight ,
-Or tear the lions out of England's coat ;
-Renounce your soil , give sheep in lions' stead :
-Sheep run not half so treacherous from the wolf ,
-Or horse or oxen from the leopard ,
-As you fly from your oft-subdued slaves .
-
-It will not be : retire into your trenches :
-You all consented unto Salisbury's death ,
-For none would strike a stroke in his revenge .
-Pucelle is entered into Orleans
-In spite of us or aught that we could do .
-O ! would I were to die with Salisbury .
-The shame hereof will make me hide my head .
-
-
-Advance our waving colours on the walls ;
-Rescu'd is Orleans from the English :
-Thus Joan la Pucelle hath perform'd her word .
-
-Divinest creature , Astr a's daughter ,
-How shall I honour thee for this success ?
-Thy promises are like Adonis' gardens ,
-That one day bloom'd and fruitful were the next .
-France , triumph in thy glorious prophetess !
-Recover'd is the town of Orleans :
-More blessed hap did ne'er befall our state .
-
-Why ring not out the bells throughout the town ?
-Dauphin , command the citizens make bonfires
-And feast and banquet in the open streets ,
-To celebrate the joy that God hath given us .
-
-All France will be replete with mirth and joy ,
-When they shall hear how we have play'd the men .
-
-'Tis Joan , not we , by whom the day is won ;
-For which I will divide my crown with her ;
-And all the priests and friars in my realm
-Shall in procession sing her endless praise .
-A statelier pyramis to her I'll rear
-Than Rhodope's or Memphis ever was :
-In memory of her when she is dead ,
-Her ashes , in an urn more precious
-Than the rich-jewell'd coffer of Darius ,
-Transported shall be at high festivals
-Before the kings and queens of France .
-No longer on Saint Denis will we cry ,
-But Joan la Pucelle shall be France's saint .
-Come in , and let us banquet royally ,
-After this golden day of victory .
-
-Sirs , take your places and be vigilant .
-If any noise or soldier you perceive
-Near to the walls , by some apparent sign
-Let us have knowledge at the court of guard .
-
-Sergeant , you shall .
-
-Thus are poor servitors
-When others sleep upon their quiet beds
-Constrain'd to watch in darkness , rain , and cold .
-
-
-Lord regent , and redoubted Burgundy ,
-By whose approach the regions of Artois ,
-Walloon , and Picardy , are friends to us ,
-This happy night the Frenchmen are secure ,
-Having all day carous'd and banqueted :
-Embrace we then this opportunity ,
-As fitting best to quittance their deceit
-Contriv'd by art and baleful sorcery .
-
-Coward of France ! how much he wrongs his fame ,
-Despairing of his own arm's fortitude ,
-To join with witches and the help of hell !
-
-Traitors have never other company .
-But what's that Pucelle whom they term so pure ?
-
-A maid , they say .
-
-A maid , and be so martial !
-
-Pray God she prove not masculine ere long ;
-If underneath the standard of the French
-She carry armour , as she hath begun .
-
-Well , let them practise and converse with spirits ;
-God is our fortress , in whose conquering name
-Let us resolve to scale their flinty bulwarks .
-
-Ascend , brave Talbot ; we will follow thee .
-
-Not all together : better far , I guess ,
-That we do make our entrance several ways ,
-That if it chance the one of us do fail ,
-The other yet may rise against their force .
-
-Agreed . I'll to yond corner .
-
-And I to this .
-
-And here will Talbot mount , or make his grave .
-Now , Salisbury , for thee , and for the right
-Of English Henry , shall this night appear
-How much in duty I am bound to both .
-
-
-Arm , arm ! the enemy doth make assault !
-
-How now , my lords ! what ! all unready so ?
-
-Unready ! ay , and glad we 'scap'd so well .
-
-'Twas time , I trow , to wake and leave our beds ,
-Hearing alarums at our chamber-doors .
-
-Of all exploits since first I follow'd arms ,
-Ne'er heard I of a war-like enterprise
-More venturous or desperate than this .
-
-I think this Talbot be a fiend of hell .
-
-If not of hell , the heavens , sure , favour him .
-
-Here cometh Charles : I marvel how he sped .
-
-Tut ! holy Joan was his defensive guard .
-
-
-Is this thy cunning , thou deceitful dame ?
-Didst thou at first , to flatter us withal ,
-Make us partakers of a little gain ,
-That now our loss might be ten times so much ?
-
-Wherefore is Charles impatient with his friend ?
-At all times will you have my power alike ?
-Sleeping or waking must I still prevail ,
-Or will you blame and lay the fault on me ?
-Improvident soldiers ! had your watch been good ,
-This sudden mischief never could have fall'n .
-
-Duke of Alen on , this was your default ,
-That , being captain of the watch to-night ,
-Did look no better to that weighty charge .
-
-Had all your quarters been so safely kept
-As that whereof I had the government ,
-We had not been thus shamefully surpris'd .
-
-Mine was secure .
-
-And so was mine , my lord .
-
-And for myself , most part of all this night ,
-Within her quarter and mine own precinct
-I was employ'd in passing to and fro ,
-About relieving of the sentinels :
-Then how or which way should they first break in ?
-
-Question , my lords , no further of the case ,
-How or which way : 'tis sure they found some place
-But weakly guarded , where the breach was made .
-And now there rests no other shift but this ;
-To gather our soldiers , scatter'd and dispers'd ,
-And lay new platforms to endamage them .
-
-I'll be so bold to take what they have left .
-The cry of Talbot serves me for a sword ;
-For I have loaden me with many spoils ,
-Using no other weapon but his name .
-
-
-The day begins to break , and night is fled ,
-Whose pitchy mantle over-veil'd the earth .
-Here sound retreat , and cease our hot pursuit .
-
-
-Bring forth the body of old Salisbury ,
-And here advance it in the market-place ,
-The middle centre of this cursed town .
-Now have I paid my vow unto his soul ;
-For every drop of blood was drawn from him
-There hath at least five Frenchmen died to-night .
-And that hereafter ages may behold
-What ruin happen'd in revenge of him ,
-Within their chiefest temple I'll erect
-A tomb wherein his corse shall be interr'd :
-Upon the which , that every one may read ,
-Shall be engrav'd the sack of Orleans ,
-The treacherous manner of his mournful death ,
-And what a terror he had been to France .
-But , lords , in all our bloody massacre ,
-I muse we met not with the Dauphin's grace ,
-His new-come champion , virtuous Joan of Arc ,
-Nor any of his false confederates .
-
-'Tis thought , Lord Talbot , when the fight began ,
-Rous'd on the sudden from their drowsy beds ,
-They did amongst the troops of armed men
-Leap o'er the walls for refuge in the field .
-
-Myself as far as I could well discern
-For smoke and dusky vapours of the night
-Am sure I scar'd the Dauphin and his trull ,
-When arm in arm they both came swiftly running ,
-Like to a pair of loving turtle-doves
-That could not live asunder day or night .
-After that things are set in order here ,
-We'll follow them with all the power we have .
-
-
-All hail , my lords ! Which of this princely train
-Call ye the war-like Talbot , for his acts
-So much applauded through the realm of France ?
-
-Here is the Talbot : who would speak with him ?
-
-The virtuous lady , Countess of Auvergne ,
-With modesty admiring thy renown ,
-By me entreats , great lord , thou wouldst vouchsafe
-To visit her poor castle where she lies ,
-That she may boast she hath beheld the man
-Whose glory fills the world with loud report .
-
-Is it even so ? Nay , then , I see our wars
-Will turn into a peaceful comic sport ,
-When ladies crave to be encounter'd with .
-You may not , my lord , despise her gentle suit .
-
-Ne'er trust me then ; for when a world of men
-Could not prevail with all their oratory ,
-Yet hath a woman's kindness over-rul'd :
-And therefore tell her I return great thanks ,
-And in submission will attend on her .
-Will not your honours bear me company ?
-
-No , truly ; it is more than manners will ;
-And I have heard it said , unbidden guests
-Are often welcomest when they are gone .
-
-Well then , alone ,since there's no remedy ,
-I mean to prove this lady's courtesy .
-Come hither , captain .
-
-You perceive my mind .
-
-I do , my lord , and mean accordingly .
-
-
-Porter , remember what I gave in charge ;
-And when you have done so , bring the keys to me .
-
-Madam , I will .
-
-
-The plot is laid : if all things fall out right ,
-I shall as famous be by this exploit
-As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus' death .
-Great is the rumour of this dreadful knight ,
-And his achievements of no less account :
-Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears ,
-To give their censure of these rare reports .
-
-
-Madam ,
-According as your ladyship desir'd ,
-By message crav'd , so is Lord Talbot come .
-
-And he is welcome . What ! is this the man ?
-
-Madam , it is .
-
-Is this the scourge of France ?
-Is this the Talbot , so much fear'd abroad ,
-That with his name the mothers still their babes ?
-I see report is fabulous and false :
-I thought I should have seen some Hercules ,
-A second Hector , for his grim aspect ,
-And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs .
-Alas ! this is a child , a silly dwarf :
-It cannot be this weak and writhled shrimp
-Should strike such terror to his enemies .
-
-Madam , I have been bold to trouble you ;
-But since your ladyship is not at leisure ,
-I'll sort some other time to visit you .
-
-What means he now ? Go ask him whither he goes .
-
-Stay , my Lord Talbot ; for my lady craves
-To know the cause of your abrupt departure .
-
-Marry , for that she's in a wrong belief ,
-I go to certify her Talbot's here .
-
-
-If thou be he , then art thou prisoner .
-
-Prisoner ! to whom ?
-
-To me , blood-thirsty lord ;
-And for that cause I train'd thee to my house .
-Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me ,
-For in my gallery thy picture hangs :
-But now the substance shall endure the like ,
-And I will chain these legs and arms of thine ,
-That hast by tyranny , these many years
-Wasted our country , slain our citizens ,
-And sent our sons and husbands captivate .
-
-Ha , ha , ha !
-
-Laughest thou , wretch ? thy mirth shall turn to moan .
-
-I laugh to see your ladyship so fond
-To think that you have aught but Talbot's shadow ,
-Whereon to practise your severity .
-
-Why , art not thou the man ?
-
-I am , indeed .
-
-Then have I substance too .
-
-No , no , I am but shadow of myself :
-You are deceiv'd , my substance is not here ;
-For what you see is but the smallest part
-And least proportion of humanity .
-I tell you , madam , were the whole frame here ,
-It is of such a spacious lofty pitch ,
-Your roof were not sufficient to contain it .
-
-This is a riddling merchant for the nonce ;
-He will be here , and yet he is not here :
-How can these contrarieties agree ?
-
-That will I show you presently .
-
-
-How say you , madam ? are you now persuaded
-That Talbot is but shadow of himself ?
-These are his substance , sinews , arms , and strength ,
-With which he yoketh your rebellious necks ,
-Razeth your cities , and subverts your towns ,
-
-And in a moment makes them desolate .
-
-Victorious Talbot ! pardon my abuse :
-I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited ,
-And more than may be gather'd by thy shape .
-Let my presumption not provoke thy wrath ;
-For I am sorry that with reverence
-I did not entertain thee as thou art .
-
-Be not dismay'd , fair lady ; nor misconster
-The mind of Talbot as you did mistake
-The outward composition of his body .
-What you have done hath not offended me ;
-Nor other satisfaction do I crave ,
-But only , with your patience , that we may
-Taste of your wine and see what cates you have ;
-For soldiers' stomachs always serve them well .
-
-With all my heart , and think me honoured
-To feast so great a warrior in my house .
-
-
-Great lords , and gentlemen , what means this silence ?
-Dare no man answer in a case of truth ?
-
-Within the Temple hall we were too loud ;
-The garden here is more convenient .
-
-Then say at once if I maintain'd the truth ,
-Or else was wrangling Somerset in the error ?
-
-Faith , I have been a truant in the law ,
-And never yet could frame my will to it ;
-And therefore frame the law unto my will .
-
-Judge you , my Lord of Warwick , then , between us .
-
-Between two hawks , which flies the higher pitch ;
-Between two dogs , which hath the deeper mouth ;
-Between two blades , which bears the better temper ;
-Between two horses , which doth bear him best ;
-Between two girls , which hath the merriest eye ;
-I have perhaps , some shallow spirit of judgment ;
-But in these nice sharp quillets of the law ,
-Good faith , I am no wiser than a daw .
-
-Tut , tut ! here is a mannerly forbearance :
-The truth appears so naked on my side ,
-That any purblind eye may find it out .
-
-And on my side it is so well apparell'd ,
-So clear , so shining , and so evident ,
-That it will glimmer through a blind man's eye .
-
-Since you are tongue-tied , and so loath to speak ,
-In dumb significants proclaim your thoughts :
-Let him that is a true-born gentleman ,
-And stands upon the honour of his birth ,
-If he suppose that I have pleaded truth ,
-From off this brier pluck a white rose with me .
-
-Let him that is no coward nor no flatterer ,
-But dare maintain the party of the truth ,
-Pluck a red rose from off this thorn with me .
-
-I love no colours , and , without all colour
-Of base insinuating flattery
-I pluck this white rose with Plantagenet .
-
-I pluck this red rose with young Somerset :
-And say withal I think he held the right .
-
-Stay , lords and gentlemen , and pluck no more ,
-Till you conclude that he , upon whose side
-The fewest roses are cropp'd from the tree ,
-Shall yield the other in the right opinion .
-
-Good Master Vernon , it is well objected :
-If I have fewest I subscribe in silence .
-
-And I .
-
-Then for the truth and plainness of the case ,
-I pluck this pale and maiden blossom here ,
-Giving my verdict on the white rose side .
-
-Prick not your finger as you pluck it off ,
-Lest bleeding you do paint the white rose red ,
-And fall on my side so , against your will .
-
-If I , my lord , for my opinion bleed ,
-Opinion shall be surgeon to my hurt ,
-And keep me on the side where still I am .
-
-Well , well , come on : who else ?
-
-Unless my study and my books be false ,
-The argument you held was wrong in you ,
-In sign whereof I pluck a white rose too .
-
-Now , Somerset , where is your argument ?
-
-Here , in my scabbard ; meditating that
-Shall dye your white rose in a bloody red .
-
-Meantime , your cheeks do counterfeit our roses ;
-For pale they look with fear , as witnessing
-The truth on our side .
-
-No , Plantagenet ,
-'Tis not for fear but anger that thy cheeks
-Blush for pure shame to counterfeit our roses ,
-And yet thy tongue will not confess thy error .
-
-Hath not thy rose a canker , Somerset ?
-
-Hath not thy rose a thorn , Plantagenet ?
-
-Ay , sharp and piercing , to maintain his truth ;
-Whiles thy consuming canker eats his falsehood .
-
-Well , I'll find friends to wear my bleeding roses ,
-That shall maintain what I have said is true ,
-Where false Plantagenet dare not be seen .
-
-Now , by this maiden blossom in my hand ,
-I scorn thee and thy faction , peevish boy .
-
-Turn not thy scorns this way , Plantagenet .
-
-Proud Pole , I will , and scorn both him and thee .
-
-I'll turn my part thereof into thy throat .
-
-Away , away ! good William de la Pole :
-We grace the yeoman by conversing with him .
-
-Now , by God's will , thou wrong'st him , Somerset :
-His grandfather was Lionel , Duke of Clarence ,
-Third son to the third Edward , King of England .
-Spring crestless yeomen from so deep a root ?
-
-He bears him on the place's privilege ,
-Or durst not , for his craven heart , say thus .
-
-By Him that made me , I'll maintain my words
-On any plot of ground in Christendom .
-Was not thy father , Richard Earl of Cambridge ,
-For treason executed in our late king's days ?
-And , by his treason stand'st not thou attainted ,
-Corrupted , and exempt from ancient gentry ?
-His trespass yet lives guilty in thy blood ;
-And , till thou be restor'd , thou art a yeoman .
-
-My father was attached , not attained ;
-Condemn'd to die for treason , but no traitor ;
-And that I'll prove on better men than Somerset ,
-Were growing time once ripen'd to my will .
-For your partaker Pole and you yourself ,
-I'll note you in my book of memory ,
-To scourge you for this apprehension :
-Look to it well and say you are well warn'd .
-
-Ah , thou shalt find us ready for thee still ,
-And know us by these colours for thy foes ;
-For these my friends in spite of thee shall wear .
-
-And , by my soul , this pale and angry rose ,
-As cognizance of my blood-drinking hate ,
-Will I for ever and my faction wear ,
-Until it wither with me to my grave
-Or flourish to the height of my degree .
-
-Go forward , and be chok'd with thy ambition :
-And so farewell until I meet thee next .
-
-
-Have with thee , Pole . Farewell , ambitious Richard .
-
-
-How I am brav'd and must perforce endure it !
-
-This blot that they object against your house
-Shall be wip'd out in the next parliament ,
-Call'd for the truce of Winchester and Gloucester ;
-And if thou be not then created York ,
-I will not live to be accounted Warwick .
-Meantime in signal of my love to thee ,
-Against proud Somerset and William Pole ,
-Will I upon thy party wear this rose .
-And here I prophesy : this brawl to-day ,
-Grown to this faction in the Temple garden ,
-Shall send between the red rose and the white
-A thousand souls to death and deadly night .
-
-Good Master Vernon , I am bound to you ,
-That you on my behalf would pluck a flower .
-
-In your behalf still would I wear the same .
-
-And so will I .
-
-Thanks , gentle sir .
-Come , let us four to dinner : I dare say
-This quarrel will drink blood another day .
-
-
-Kind keepers of my weak decaying age ,
-Let dying Mortimer here rest himself .
-Even like a man new haled from the rack ,
-So fare my limbs with long imprisonment ;
-And these gray locks , the pursuivants of death ,
-Nestor-like aged , in an age of care ,
-Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer .
-These eyes , like lamps whose wasting oil is spent ,
-Wax dim , as drawing to their exigent ;
-Weak shoulders , overborne with burdening grief ,
-And pithless arms , like to a wither'd vine
-That droops his sapless branches to the ground :
-Yet are these feet , whose strengthless stay is numb ,
-Unable to support this lump of clay ,
-Swift-winged with desire to get a grave ,
-As witting I no other comfort have .
-But tell me , keeper , will my nephew come ?
-
-Richard Plantagenet , my lord , will come :
-We sent unto the Temple , unto his chamber .
-And answer was return'd that he will come .
-
-Enough : my soul shall then be satisfied .
-Poor gentleman ! his wrong doth equal mine .
-Since Henry Monmouth first began to reign ,
-Before whose glory I was great in arms ,
-This loathsome sequestration have I had ;
-And even since then hath Richard been obscur'd ,
-Depriv'd of honour and inheritance .
-But now the arbitrator of despairs ,
-Just death , kind umpire of men's miseries ,
-With sweet enlargement doth dismiss me hence :
-I would his troubles likewise were expir'd ,
-That so he might recover what was lost .
-
-
-My lord , your loving nephew now is come .
-
-Richard Plantagenet , my friend , is he come ?
-
-Ay , noble uncle , thus ignobly us'd ,
-Your nephew , late despised Richard , comes .
-
-Direct mine arms I may embrace his neck ,
-And in his bosom spend my latter gasp :
-O ! tell me when my lips do touch his cheeks ,
-That I may kindly give one fainting kiss .
-And now declare , sweet stem from York's great stock ,
-Why didst thou say of late thou wert despis'd ?
-
-First , lean thine aged back against mine arm ;
-And in that ease , I'll tell thee my disease .
-This day , in argument upon a case ,
-Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me ;
-Among which terms he us'd a lavish tongue
-And did upbraid me with my father's death :
-Which obloquy set bars before my tongue ,
-Else with the like I had requited him .
-Therefore , good uncle , for my father's sake ,
-In honour of a true Plantagenet ,
-And for alliance sake , declare the cause
-My father , Earl of Cambridge , lost his head .
-
-That cause , fair nephew , that imprison'd me ,
-And hath detain'd me all my flow'ring youth
-Within a loathsome dungeon , there to pine ,
-Was cursed instrument of his decease .
-
-Discover more at large what cause that was ,
-For I am ignorant and cannot guess .
-
-I will , if that my fading breath permit ,
-And death approach not ere my tale be done .
-Henry the Fourth , grandfather to this king ,
-Depos'd his nephew Richard , Edward's son ,
-The first-begotten , and the lawful heir
-Of Edward king , the third of that descent :
-During whose reign the Percies of the North ,
-Finding his usurpation most unjust ,
-Endeavour'd my advancement to the throne .
-The reason mov'd these warlike lords to this
-Was , for that young King Richard thus remov'd ,
-Leaving no heir begotten of his body
-I was the next by birth and parentage ;
-For by my mother I derived am
-From Lionel Duke of Clarence , the third son
-To King Edward the Third ; whereas he
-From John of Gaunt doth bring his pedigree ,
-Being but fourth of that heroic line .
-But mark : as , in this haughty great attempt
-They laboured to plant the rightful heir ,
-I lost my liberty , and they their lives .
-Long after this , when Henry the Fifth
-Succeeding his father Bolingbroke , did reign ,
-Thy father , Earl of Cambridge , then deriv'd
-From famous Edmund Langley , Duke of York ,
-Marrying my sister that thy mother was ,
-Again in pity of my hard distress
-Levied an army , weening to redeem
-And have install'd me in the diadem ;
-But , as the rest , so fell that noble earl ,
-And was beheaded . Thus the Mortimers ,
-In whom the title rested , were suppress'd .
-
-Of which , my lord , your honour is the last .
-
-True ; and thou seest that I no issue have ,
-And that my fainting words do warrant death :
-Thou art my heir ; the rest I wish thee gather :
-But yet be wary in thy studious care .
-
-Thy grave admonishments prevail with me .
-But yet methinks my father's execution
-Was nothing less than bloody tyranny .
-
-With silence , nephew , be thou politic :
-Strong-fixed is the house of Lancaster ,
-And like a mountain , not to be remov'd .
-But now thy uncle is removing hence ,
-As princes do their courts , when they are cloy'd
-With long continuance in a settled place .
-
-O uncle ! would some part of my young years
-Might but redeem the passage of your age .
-
-Thou dost then wrong me ,as the slaughterer doth ,
-Which giveth many wounds when one will kill .
-Mourn not , except thou sorrow for my good ;
-Only give order for my funeral :
-And so farewell ; and fair be all thy hopes ,
-And prosperous be thy life in peace and war !
-
-
-And peace , no war , befall thy parting soul !
-In prison hast thou spent a pilgrimage ,
-And like a hermit overpass'd thy days .
-Well , I will lock his counsel in my breast ;
-And what I do imagine let that rest .
-Keepers , convey him hence ; and I myself
-Will see his burial better than his life .
-
-Here dies the dusky torch of Mortimer ,
-Chok'd with ambition of the meaner sort :
-And , for those wrongs , those bitter injuries ,
-Which Somerset hath offer'd to my house ,
-I doubt not but with honour to redress ;
-And therefore haste I to the parliament ,
-Either to be restored to my blood ,
-Or make my ill the advantage of my good .
-
-
-Com'st thou with deep premeditated lines ,
-With written pamphlets studiously devis'd ,
-Humphrey of Gloucester ? If thou canst accuse ,
-Or aught intend'st to lay unto my charge ,
-Do it without invention , suddenly ;
-As I , with sudden and extemporal speech
-Purpose to answer what thou canst object .
-
-Presumptuous priest ! this place commands my patience
-Or thou shouldst find thou hast dishonour'd me .
-Think not , although in writing I preferr'd
-The manner of thy vile outrageous crimes ,
-That therefore I have forg'd , or am not able
-Verbatim to rehearse the method of my pen :
-No , prelate ; such is thy audacious wickedness ,
-Thy lewd , pestiferous , and dissentious pranks ,
-As very infants prattle of thy pride .
-Thou art a most pernicious usurer ,
-Froward by nature , enemy to peace ;
-Lascivious , wanton , more than well beseems
-A man of thy profession and degree ;
-And for thy treachery , what's more manifest ?
-In that thou laid'st a trap to take my life
-As well at London Bridge as at the Tower .
-Beside , I fear me , if thy thoughts were sifted ,
-The king , thy sov'reign , is not quite exempt
-From envious malice of thy swelling heart .
-
-Gloucester , I do defy thee . Lords , vouchsafe
-To give me hearing what I shall reply .
-If I were covetous , ambitious , or perverse ,
-As he will have me , how am I so poor ?
-Or how haps it I seek not to advance
-Or raise myself , but keep my wonted calling ?
-And for dissension , who preferreth peace
-More than I do , except I be provok'd ?
-No , my good lords , it is not that offends ;
-It is not that that hath incens'd the duke :
-It is , because no one should sway but he ;
-No one but he should be about the king ;
-And that engenders thunder in his breast ,
-And makes him roar these accusations forth .
-But he shall know I am as good
-
-As good !
-Thou bastard of my grandfather !
-
-Ay , lordly sir ; for what are you , I pray ,
-But one imperious in another's throne ?
-
-Am I not protector , saucy priest ?
-
-And am not I a prelate of the church ?
-
-Yes , as an outlaw in a castle keeps ,
-And useth it to patronage his theft .
-
-Unreverent Gloucester !
-
-Thou art reverent ,
-Touching thy spiritual function , not thy life .
-
-Rome shall remedy this .
-
-Roam thither then .
-
-My lord , it were your duty to forbear .
-
-Ay , see the bishop be not overborne .
-
-Methinks my lord should be religious ,
-And know the office that belongs to such .
-
-Methinks his lordship should be humbler ;
-It fitteth not a prelate so to plead .
-
-Yes , when his holy state is touch'd so near .
-
-State holy , or unhallow'd , what of that ?
-Is not his Grace protector to the king ?
-
-Plantagenet , I see , must hold his tongue ,
-Lest it be said , 'Speak , sirrah , when you should ;
-Must your bold verdict enter talk with lords ?'
-Else would I have a fling at Winchester .
-
-Uncles of Gloucester and of Winchester ,
-The special watchmen of our English weal ,
-I would prevail , if prayers might prevail ,
-To join your hearts in love and amity .
-O ! what a scandal is it to our crown ,
-That two such noble peers as ye should jar .
-Believe me , lords , my tender years can tell
-Civil dissension is a viperous worm ,
-That gnaws the bowels of the commonwealth .
-
-What tumult's this ?
-
-An uproar , I dare warrant ,
-Begun through malice of the bishop's men .
-
-O , my good lords , and virtuous Henry ,
-Pity the city of London , pity us !
-The bishop and the Duke of Gloucester's men ,
-Forbidden late to carry any weapon ,
-Have fill'd their pockets full of pebble stones ,
-And banding themselves in contrary parts
-Do pelt so fast at one another's pate ,
-That many have their giddy brains knock'd out :
-Our windows are broke down in every street ,
-And we for fear compell'd to shut our shops .
-
-
-We charge you , on allegiance to ourself ,
-To hold your slaught'ring hands , and keep the peace .
-Pray , uncle Gloucester , mitigate this strife .
-
-Nay , if we be forbidden stones , we'll fall to it with our teeth .
-
-Do what ye dare , we are as resolute .
-
-
-You of my household , leave this peevish broil ,
-And set this unaccustom'd fight aside .
-
-My lord , we know your Grace to be a man
-Just and upright , and , for your royal birth ,
-Inferior to none but to his majesty ;
-And ere that we will suffer such a prince ,
-So kind a father of the commonweal ,
-To be disgraced by an inkhorn mate ,
-We and our wives and children all will fight ,
-And have our bodies slaught'red by thy foes .
-
-Ay , and the very parings of our nails
-Shall pitch a field when we are dead .
-
-
-Stay , stay , I say !
-And , if you love me , as you say you do ,
-Let me persuade you to forbear a while .
-
-O ! how this discord doth afflict my soul !
-Can you , my Lord of Winchester , behold
-My sighs and tears and will not once relent ?
-Who should be pitiful if you be not ?
-Or who should study to prefer a peace
-If holy churchmen take delight in broils ?
-
-Yield , my Lord Protector ; yield , Winchester ;
-Except you mean with obstinate repulse
-To slay your sov'reign and destroy the realm .
-You see what mischief and what murder too
-Hath been enacted through your enmity :
-Then be at peace , except ye thirst for blood .
-
-He shall submit or I will never yield .
-
-Compassion on the king commands me stoop ;
-Or I would see his heart out ere the priest
-Should ever get that privilege of me .
-
-Behold , my Lord of Winchester , the duke
-Hath banish'd moody discontented fury ,
-As by his smoothed brows it doth appear :
-Why look you still so stern and tragical ?
-
-Here , Winchester , I offer thee my hand .
-
-Fie , uncle Beaufort ! I have heard you preach ,
-That malice was a great and grievous sin ;
-And will not you maintain the thing you teach ,
-But prove a chief offender in the same ?
-
-Sweet king ! the bishop hath a kindly gird .
-For shame , my Lord of Winchester , relent !
-What ! shall a child instruct you what to do ?
-
-Well , Duke of Gloucester , I will yield to thee ;
-Love for thy love and hand for hand I give .
-
-Ay ; but I fear me , with a hollow heart .
-See here , my friends and loving countrymen ,
-This token serveth for a flag of truce ,
-Betwixt ourselves and all our followers .
-So help me God , as I dissemble not !
-
-So help me God , as I intend it not !
-
-O loving uncle , kind Duke of Gloucester ,
-How joyful am I made by this contract !
-Away , my masters ! trouble us no more ;
-But join in friendship , as your lords have done .
-
-Content : I'll to the surgeon's .
-
-And so will I .
-
-And I will see what physic the tavern affords .
-
-
-Accept this scroll , most gracious sovereign ,
-Which in the right of Richard Plantagenet
-We do exhibit to your majesty .
-
-Well urg'd , my Lord of Warwick : for , sweet prince ,
-An if your Grace mark every circumstance ,
-You have great reason to do Richard right ;
-Especially for those occasions
-At Eltham-place I told your majesty .
-
-And those occasions , uncle , were of force :
-Therefore , my loving lords , our pleasure is
-That Richard be restored to his blood .
-
-Let Richard be restored to his blood ;
-So shall his father's wrongs be recompens'd .
-
-As will the rest , so willeth Winchester .
-
-If Richard will be true , not that alone ,
-But all the whole inheritance I give
-That doth belong unto the house of York ,
-From whence you spring by lineal descent .
-
-Thy humble servant vows obedience ,
-And humble service till the point of death .
-
-Stoop then and set your knee against my foot ;
-And , in reguerdon of that duty done ,
-I girt thee with the valiant sword of York :
-Rise , Richard , like a true Plantagenet ,
-And rise created princely Duke of York .
-
-And so thrive Richard as thy foes may fall !
-And as my duty springs , so perish they
-That grudge one thought against your majesty !
-
-Welcome , high prince , the mighty Duke of York !
-
-Perish , base prince , ignoble Duke of York !
-
-Now , will it best avail your majesty
-To cross the seas and to be crown'd in France .
-The presence of a king engenders love
-Amongst his subjects and his loyal friends ,
-As it disanimates his enemies .
-
-When Gloucester says the word , King Henry goes ;
-For friendly counsel cuts off many foes .
-
-Your ships already are in readiness .
-
-
-Ay , we may march in England or in France ,
-Not seeing what is likely to ensue .
-This late dissension grown betwixt the peers
-Burns under feigned ashes of forg'd love ,
-And will at last break out into a flame :
-As fester'd members rot but by degree ,
-Till bones and flesh and sinews fall away ,
-So will this base and envious discord breed .
-And now I fear that fatal prophecy
-Which in the time of Henry , nam'd the Fifth ,
-Was in the mouth of every sucking babe ;
-That Henry born at Monmouth should win all ;
-And Henry born at Windsor should lose all :
-Which is so plain that Exeter doth wish
-His days may finish ere that hapless time .
-
-These are the city gates , the gates of Roan ,
-Through which our policy must make a breach :
-Take heed , be wary how you place your words ;
-Talk like the vulgar sort of market-men
-That come to gather money for their corn .
-If we have entrance ,as I hope we shall ,
-And that we find the slothful watch but weak ,
-I'll by a sign give notice to our friends ,
-That Charles the Dauphin may encounter them .
-
-Our sacks shall be a mean to sack the city ,
-And we be lords and rulers over Roan ;
-Therefore we'll knock .
-
-
-Qui est l ?
-
-Paisans , pauvres gens de France :
-Poor market-folks that come to sell their corn .
-
-Enter , go in ; the market-bell is rung .
-
-Now , Roan , I'll shake thy bulwarks to the ground .
-
-Saint Denis bless this happy stratagem !
-And once again we'll sleep secure in Roan .
-
-Here enter'd Pucelle and her practisants ;
-Now she is there how will she specify
-Where is the best and safest passage in ?
-
-By thrusting out a torch from yonder tower ;
-Which , once discern'd , shows that her meaning is ,
-No way to that , for weakness , which she enter'd .
-
-
-Behold ! this is the happy wedding torch
-That joineth Roan unto her countrymen ,
-But burning fatal to the Talbotites !
-
-
-See , noble Charles , the beacon of our friend ,
-The burning torch in yonder turret stands .
-
-Now shine it like a comet of revenge ,
-A prophet to the fall of all our foes !
-
-Defer no time , delays have dangerous ends ;
-Enter , and cry 'The Dauphin !' presently ,
-And then do execution on the watch .
-
-France , thou shalt rue this treason with thy tears ,
-If Talbot but survive thy treachery .
-Pucelle , that witch , that damned sorceress ,
-Hath wrought this hellish mischief unawares ,
-That hardly we escap'd the pride of France .
-
-
-Good morrow , gallants ! Want ye corn for bread ?
-I think the Duke of Burgundy will fast
-Before he'll buy again at such a rate .
-'Twas full of darnel ; do you like the taste ?
-
-Scoff on , vile fiend and shameless courtezan !
-I trust ere long to choke thee with thine own ,
-And make thee curse the harvest of that corn .
-
-Your Grace may starve perhaps , before that time .
-
-O ! let no words , but deeds , revenge this treason !
-
-What will you do , good grey-beard ? break a lance ,
-And run a tilt at death within a chair ?
-
-Foul fiend of France , and hag of all despite ,
-Encompass'd with thy lustful paramours !
-Becomes it thee to taunt his valiant age
-And twit with cowardice a man half dead ?
-Damsel , I'll have a bout with you again ,
-Or else let Talbot perish with this shame .
-
-Are you so hot , sir ? Yet , Pucelle , hold thy peace ;
-If Talbot do but thunder , rain will follow .
-
-God speed the parliament ! who shall be the speaker ?
-
-Dare ye come forth and meet us in the field ?
-
-Belike your lordship takes us then for fools ,
-To try if that our own be ours or no .
-
-I speak not to that railing Hecate ,
-But unto thee , Alen on , and the rest ;
-Will ye , like soldiers , come and fight it out ?
-
-Signior , no .
-
-Signior , hang ! base muleters of France !
-Like peasant foot-boys do they keep the walls ,
-And dare not take up arms like gentlemen .
-
-Away , captains ! let's get us from the walls ;
-For Talbot means no-goodness , by his looks .
-God be wi' you , my lord ! we came but to tell you
-That we are here .
-
-
-And there will we be too , ere it be long ,
-Or else reproach be Talbot's greatest fame !
-Vow , Burgundy , by honour of thy house ,
-Prick'd on by public wrongs sustain'd in France ,
-Either to get the town again , or die ;
-And I , as sure as English Henry lives ,
-And as his father here was conqueror ,
-As sure as in this late-betrayed town
-Great C ur-de-lion's heart was buried ,
-So sure I swear to get the town or die .
-
-My vows are equal partners with thy vows .
-
-But , ere we go , regard this dying prince ,
-The valiant Duke of Bedford . Come , my lord ,
-We will bestow you in some better place ,
-Fitter for sickness and for crazy age .
-
-Lord Talbot , do not so dishonour me :
-Here will I sit before the walls of Roan ,
-And will be partner of your weal or woe .
-
-Courageous Bedford , let us now persuade you .
-
-Not to be gone from hence ; for once I read ,
-That stout Pendragon in his litter , sick ,
-Came to the field and vanquished his foes :
-Methinks I should revive the soldiers' hearts ,
-Because I ever found them as myself .
-
-Undaunted spirit in a dying breast !
-Then be it so : heavens keep old Bedford safe !
-And now no more ado , brave Burgundy ,
-But gather we our forces out of hand ,
-And set upon our boasting enemy .
-
-Whither away , Sir John Fastolfe , in such haste ?
-
-Whither away ! to save myself by flight :
-We are like to have the overthrow again .
-
-What ! will you fly , and leave Lord Talbot ?
-
-Ay ,
-All the Talbots in the world , to save my life .
-
-
-Cowardly knight ! ill fortune follow thee !
-
-
-Now , quiet soul , depart when Heaven please ,
-For I have seen our enemies' overthrow .
-What is the trust or strength of foolish man ?
-They , that of late were daring with their scoffs
-Are glad and fain by flight to save themselves .
-
-Lost , and recover'd in a day again !
-This is a double honour , Burgundy :
-Yet heavens have glory for this victory !
-
-Warlike and martial Talbot , Burgundy
-Enshrines thee in his heart , and there erects
-Thy noble deeds as valour's monument .
-
-Thanks , gentle duke . But where is Pucelle now ?
-I think her old familiar is asleep .
-Now where's the Bastard's braves , and Charles his gleeks ?
-What ! all amort ? Roan hangs her head for grief ,
-That such a valiant company are fled .
-Now will we take some order in the town ,
-Placing therein some expert officers ,
-And then depart to Paris to the king ;
-For there young Henry with his nobles lie .
-
-What wills Lord Talbot pleaseth Burgundy .
-
-But yet , before we go , let's not forget
-The noble Duke of Bedford late deceas'd ,
-But see his exequies fulfill'd in Roan :
-A braver soldier never couched lance ,
-A gentler heart did never sway in court ;
-But kings and mightiest potentates must die ,
-For that's the end of human misery .
-
-
-Dismay not , princes , at this accident ,
-Nor grieve that Roan is so recovered :
-Care is no cure , but rather corrosive ,
-For things that are not to be remedied .
-Let frantic Talbot triumph for a while ,
-And like a peacock sweep along his tail ;
-We'll pull his plumes and take away his train ,
-If Dauphin and the rest will be but rul'd .
-
-We have been guided by thee hitherto ,
-And of thy cunning had no diffidence :
-One sudden foil shall never breed distrust .
-
-Search out thy wit for secret policies ,
-And we will make thee famous through the world .
-
-We'll set thy statue in some holy place
-And have thee reverenc'd like a blessed saint :
-Employ thee , then , sweet virgin , for our good .
-
-Then thus it must be ; this doth Joan devise :
-By fair persuasions , mix'd with sugar'd words ,
-We will entice the Duke of Burgundy
-To leave the Talbot and to follow us .
-
-Ay , marry , sweeting , if we could do that ,
-France were no place for Henry's warriors ;
-Nor should that nation boast it so with us ,
-But be extirped from our provinces .
-
-For ever should they be expuls'd from France ,
-And not have title of an earldom here .
-
-Your honours shall perceive how I will work
-To bring this matter to the wished end .
-
-Hark ! by the sound of drum you may perceive
-Their powers are marching unto Paris-ward .
-
-
-There goes the Talbot , with his colours spread ,
-And all the troops of English after him .
-
-Now in the rearward comes the duke and his :
-Fortune in favour makes him lag behind .
-Summon a parley ; we will talk with him .
-
-A parley with the Duke of Burgundy !
-
-Who craves a parley with the Burgundy ?
-
-The princely Charles of France , thy countryman .
-
-What sayst thou , Charles ? for I am marching hence .
-
-Speak , Pucelle , and enchant him with thy words .
-
-Brave Burgundy , undoubted hope of France !
-Stay , let thy humble handmaid speak to thee .
-
-Speak on ; but be not over-tedious .
-
-Look on thy country , look on fertile France ,
-And see the cities and the towns defac'd
-By wasting ruin of the cruel foe .
-As looks the mother on her lowly babe
-When death doth close his tender dying eyes ,
-See , see the pining malady of France ;
-Behold the wounds , the most unnatural wounds ,
-Which thou thyself hast giv'n her woeful breast .
-O ! turn thy edged sword another way ;
-Strike those that hurt , and hurt not those that help .
-One drop of blood drawn from thy country's bosom ,
-Should grieve thee more than streams of foreign gore :
-Return thee therefore , with a flood of tears ,
-And wash away thy country's stained spots .
-
-Either she hath bewitch'd me with her words ,
-Or nature makes me suddenly relent .
-
-Besides , all French and France exclaims on thee ,
-Doubting thy birth and lawful progeny .
-Who join'st thou with but with a lordly nation
-That will not trust thee but for profit's sake ?
-When Talbot hath set footing once in France ,
-And fashion'd thee that instrument of ill ,
-Who then but English Henry will be lord ,
-And thou be thrust out like a fugitive ?
-Call we to mind , and mark but this for proof ,
-Was not the Duke of Orleans thy foe ,
-And was he not in England prisoner ?
-But when they heard he was thine enemy ,
-They set him free , without his ransom paid ,
-In spite of Burgundy and all his friends .
-See then , thou fight'st against thy countrymen !
-And join'st with them will be thy slaughtermen .
-Come , come , return ; return thou wand'ring lord ;
-Charles and the rest will take thee in their arms .
-
-I am vanquished ; these haughty words of hers
-Have batter'd me like roaring cannon-shot ,
-And made me almost yield upon my knees .
-Forgive me , country , and sweet countrymen !
-And , lords , accept this hearty kind embrace :
-My forces and my power of men are yours .
-So , farewell , Talbot ; I'll no longer trust thee .
-
-Done like a Frenchman : turn , and turn again !
-
-Welcome , brave duke ! thy friendship makes us fresh .
-
-And doth beget new courage in our breasts .
-
-Pucelle hath bravely play'd her part in this ,
-And doth deserve a coronet of gold .
-
-Now let us on , my lords , and join our powers :
-And seek how we may prejudice the foe .
-
-
-My gracious prince , and honourable peers ,
-Hearing of your arrival in this realm ,
-I have a while giv'n truce unto my wars ,
-To do my duty to my sovereign :
-In sign whereof , this arm ,that hath reclaim'd
-To your obedience fifty fortresses ,
-Twelve cities , and seven walled towns of strength ,
-Beside five hundred prisoners of esteem ,
-Lets fall his sword before your highness' feet ,
-
-And with submissive loyalty of heart ,
-Ascribes the glory of his conquest got ,
-First to my God , and next unto your Grace .
-
-Is this the Lord Talbot , uncle Gloucester ,
-That hath so long been resident in France ?
-
-Yes , if it please your majesty , my liege .
-
-Welcome , brave captain and victorious lord !
-When I was young ,as yet I am not old ,
-I do remember how my father said ,
-A stouter champion never handled sword .
-Long since we were resolved of your truth ,
-Your faithful service and your toil in war ;
-Yet never have you tasted our reward ,
-Or been reguerdon'd with so much as thanks ,
-Because till now we never saw your face :
-Therefore , stand up ; and for these good deserts ,
-We here create you Earl of Shrewsbury ;
-And in our coronation take your place .
-
-
-Now , sir , to you , that were so hot at sea ,
-Disgracing of these colours that I wear
-In honour of my noble Lord of York ,
-Dar'st thou maintain the former words thou spak'st ?
-
-Yes , sir : as well as you dare patronage
-The envious barking of your saucy tongue
-Against my lord the Duke of Somerset .
-
-Sirrah , thy lord I honour as he is .
-
-Why , what is he ? as good a man as York .
-
-Hark ye ; not so : in witness , take ye that .
-
-
-Villain , thou know'st the law of arms is such
-That , whoso draws a sword , 'tis present death ,
-Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood .
-But I'll unto his majesty , and crave
-I may have liberty to venge this wrong ;
-When thou shalt see I'll meet thee to thy cost .
-
-Well , miscreant , I'll be there as soon as you ;
-And , after , meet you sooner than you would .
-
-
-Lord bishop , set the crown upon his head .
-
-God save King Henry , of that name the sixth .
-
-Now , Governor of Paris , take your oath ,
-
-That you elect no other king but him ,
-Esteem none friends but such as are his friends ,
-And none your foes but such as shall pretend
-Malicious practices against his state :
-This shall ye do , so help you righteous God !
-
-My gracious sovereign ; as I rode from Calais ,
-To haste unto your coronation ,
-A letter was deliver'd to my hands ,
-Writ to your Grace from the Duke of Burgundy .
-
-Shame to the Duke of Burgundy and thee !
-I vow'd , base knight , when I did meet thee next ,
-To tear the garter from thy craven's leg ;
-
-Which I have done , because unworthily
-Thou wast installed in that high degree .
-Pardon me , princely Henry , and the rest :
-This dastard , at the battle of Patay ,
-When but in all I was six thousand strong ,
-And that the French were almost ten to one ,
-Before we met or that a stroke was given ,
-Like to a trusty squire did run away :
-In which assault we lost twelve hundred men ;
-Myself , and divers gentlemen beside ,
-Were there surpris'd and taken prisoners .
-Then judge , great lords , if I have done amiss ;
-Or whether that such cowards ought to wear
-This ornament of knighthood , yea , or no ?
-
-To say the truth , this fact was infamous
-And ill beseeming any common man ,
-Much more a knight , a captain and a leader .
-
-When first this order was ordain'd , my lords ,
-Knights of the garter were of noble birth ,
-Valiant and virtuous , full of haughty courage ,
-Such as were grown to credit by the wars ;
-Not fearing death , nor shrinking for distress ,
-But always resolute in most extremes .
-He then that is not furnish'd in this sort
-Doth but usurp the sacred name of knight ,
-Profaning this most honourable order ;
-And should if I were worthy to be judge
-Be quite degraded , like a hedge-born swain
-That doth presume to boast of gentle blood .
-
-Stain to thy countrymen ! thou hear'st thy doom .
-Be packing therefore , thou that wast a knight ;
-Henceforth we banish thee on pain of death .
-
-And now , my Lord Protector , view the letter
-Sent from our uncle Duke of Burgundy .
-
-What means his Grace , that he hath chang'd his style ?
-No more , but plain and bluntly , To the King !
-Hath he forgot he is his sovereign ?
-Or doth this churlish superscription
-Pretend some alteration in good will ?
-What's here ? I have , upon especial cause ,
-Mov'd with compassion of my country's wrack ,
-Together with the pitiful complaints
-Of such as your oppression feeds upon ,
-Forsaken your pernicious faction ,
-And join'd with Charles , the rightful King of France .
-O , monstrous treachery ! Can this be so ,
-That in alliance , amity , and oaths ,
-There should be found such false dissembling guile ?
-
-What ! doth my uncle Burgundy revolt ?
-
-He doth , my lord , and is become your foe .
-
-Is that the worst this letter doth contain ?
-
-It is the worst , and all , my lord , he writes .
-
-Why then , Lord Talbot there shall talk with him ,
-And give him chastisement for this abuse .
-How say you , my lord ? are you not content ?
-
-Content , my liege ! Yes : but that I am prevented ,
-I should have begg'd I might have been employ'd .
-
-Then gather strength , and march unto him straight :
-Let him perceive how ill we brook his treason ,
-And what offence it is to flout his friends .
-
-I go , my lord ; in heart desiring still
-You may behold confusion of your foes .
-
-Grant me the combat , gracious sovereign !
-
-And me , my lord ; grant me the combat too !
-
-This is my servant : hear him , noble prince !
-
-And this is mine : sweet Henry , favour him !
-
-Be patient , lords ; and give them leave to speak .
-Say , gentlemen , what makes you thus exclaim ?
-And wherefore crave you combat ? or with whom ?
-
-With him , my lord ; for he hath done me wrong .
-
-And I with him ; for he hath done me wrong .
-
-What is that wrong whereof you both complain ?
-First let me know , and then I'll answer you .
-
-Crossing the sea from England into France ,
-This fellow here , with envious carping tongue ,
-Upbraided me about the rose I wear ;
-Saying , the sanguine colour of the leaves
-Did represent my master's blushing cheeks ,
-When stubbornly he did repugn the truth
-About a certain question in the law
-Argu'd betwixt the Duke of York and him ;
-With other vile and ignominious terms :
-In confutation of which rude reproach ,
-And in defence of my lord's worthiness ,
-I crave the benefit of law of arms .
-
-And that is my petition , noble lord :
-For though he seem with forged quaint conceit ,
-To set a gloss upon his bold intent ,
-Yet know , my lord , I was provok'd by him ;
-And he first took exceptions at this badge ,
-Pronouncing , that the paleness of this flower
-Bewray'd the faintness of my master's heart .
-
-Will not this malice , Somerset , be left ?
-
-Your private grudge , my Lord of York , will out ,
-Though ne'er so cunningly you smother it .
-
-Good Lord ! what madness rules in brain-sick men ,
-When , for so slight and frivolous a cause ,
-Such factious emulations shall arise !
-Good cousins both , of York and Somerset ,
-Quiet yourselves , I pray , and be at peace .
-
-Let this dissension first be tried by fight ,
-And then your highness shall command a peace .
-
-The quarrel toucheth none but us alone ;
-Betwixt ourselves let us decide it , then .
-
-There is my pledge ; accept it , Somerset .
-
-Nay , let it rest where it began at first .
-
-Confirm it so , mine honourable lord .
-
-Confirm it so ! Confounded be your strife !
-And perish ye , with your audacious prate !
-Presumptuous vassals ! are you not asham'd ,
-With this immodest clamorous outrage
-To trouble and disturb the king and us ?
-And you , my lords , methinks you do not well
-To bear with their perverse objections ;
-Much less to take occasion from their mouths
-To raise a mutiny betwixt yourselves :
-Let me persuade you take a better course .
-
-It grieves his highness : good my lords , be friends .
-
-Come hither , you that would be combatants .
-Henceforth I charge you , as you love our favour ,
-Quite to forget this quarrel and the cause .
-And you , my lords , remember where we are ;
-In France , amongst a fickle wav'ring nation .
-If they perceive dissension in our looks ,
-And that within ourselves we disagree ,
-How will their grudging stomachs be provok'd
-To wilful disobedience , and rebel !
-Beside , what infamy will there arise ,
-When foreign princes shall be certified
-That for a toy , a thing of no regard ,
-King Henry's peers and chief nobility
-Destroy'd themselves , and lost the realm of France !
-O ! think upon the conquest of my father ,
-My tender years , and let us not forego
-That for a trifle that was bought with blood !
-Let me be umpire in this doubtful strife .
-I see no reason , if I wear this rose ,
-
-That any one should therefore be suspicious
-I more incline to Somerset than York :
-Both are my kinsmen , and I love them both .
-As well they may upbraid me with my crown ,
-Because , forsooth , the King of Scots is crown'd .
-But your discretions better can persuade
-Than I am able to instruct or teach :
-And therefore , as we hither came in peace ,
-So let us still continue peace and love .
-Cousin of York , we institute your Grace
-To be our regent in these parts of France :
-And , good my Lord of Somerset , unite
-Your troops of horsemen with his bands of foot ;
-And like true subjects , sons of your progenitors ,
-Go cheerfully together and digest
-Your angry choler on your enemies .
-Ourself , my Lord Protector , and the rest ,
-After some respite will return to Calais ;
-From thence to England ; where I hope ere long
-To be presented by your victories ,
-With Charles , Alen on , and that traitorous rout .
-
-
-My Lord of York , I promise you , the king Prettily , methought , did play the orator .
-
-And so he did ; but yet I like it not ,
-In that he wears the badge of Somerset .
-
-Tush ! that was but his fancy , blame him not ;
-I dare presume , sweet prince , he thought no harm .
-
-An if I wist he did ,But let it rest ;
-Other affairs must now be managed .
-
-
-Well didst thou , Richard , to suppress thy voice ;
-For had the passions of thy heart burst out ,
-I fear we should have seen decipher'd there
-More rancorous spite , more furious raging broils ,
-Than yet can be imagin'd or suppos'd .
-But howsoe'er , no simple man that sees
-This jarring discord of nobility ,
-This shouldering of each other in the court ,
-This factious bandying of their favourites ,
-But that it doth presage some ill event .
-'Tis much when sceptres are in children's hands ;
-But more , when envy breeds unkind division :
-There comes the ruin , there begins confusion .
-
-
-Go to the gates of Bourdeaux , trumpeter ;
-Summon their general unto the wall .
-
-
-English John Talbot , captains , calls you forth ,
-Servant in arms to Harry King of England ;
-And thus he would : Open your city gates ,
-Be humble to us , call my sov'reign yours ,
-And do him homage as obedient subjects ,
-And I'll withdraw me and my bloody power ;
-But , if you frown upon this proffer'd peace ,
-You tempt the fury of my three attendants ,
-Lean famine , quartering steel , and climbing fire ;
-Who in a moment even with the earth
-Shall lay your stately and air-braving towers ,
-
-If you forsake the offer of their love .
-
-Thou ominous and fearful owl of death ,
-Our nation's terror and their bloody scourge !
-The period of thy tyranny approacheth .
-On us thou canst not enter but by death ;
-For , I protest , we are well fortified ,
-And strong enough to issue out and fight :
-If thou retire , the Dauphin , well appointed ,
-Stands with the snares of war to tangle thee :
-On either hand thee there are squadrons pitch'd ,
-To wall thee from the liberty of flight ;
-And no way canst thou turn thee for redress
-But death doth front thee with apparent spoil ,
-And pale destruction meets thee in the face .
-Ten thousand French have ta'en the sacrament ,
-To rive their dangerous artillery
-Upon no Christian soul but English Talbot .
-Lo ! there thou stand'st , a breathing valiant man ,
-Of an invincible unconquer'd spirit :
-This is the latest glory of thy praise ,
-That I , thy enemy , 'due thee withal ;
-For ere the glass , that now begins to run ,
-Finish the process of his sandy hour ,
-These eyes , that see thee now well coloured ,
-Shall see thee wither'd , bloody , pale , and dead .
-
-Hark ! hark ! the Dauphin's drum , a warning bell ,
-Sings heavy music to thy timorous soul ;
-And mine shall ring thy dire departure out .
-
-
-He fables not ; I hear the enemy :
-Out , some light horsemen , and peruse their wings .
-O ! negligent and heedless discipline ;
-How are we park'd and bounded in a pale ,
-A little herd of England's timorous deer ,
-Maz'd with a yelping kennel of French curs !
-If we be English deer , be then , in blood ;
-Not rascal-like , to fall down with a pinch ,
-But rather moody-mad and desperate stags ,
-Turn on the bloody hounds with heads of steel ,
-And make the cowards stand aloof at bay :
-Sell every man his life as dear as mine ,
-And they shall find dear deer of us , my friends .
-God and Saint George , Talbot and England's right ,
-Prosper our colours in this dangerous fight !
-
-
-Are not the speedy scouts return'd again ,
-That dogg'd the mighty army of the Dauphin ?
-
-They are return'd , my lord ; and give it out ,
-That he is march'd to Bourdeaux with his power ,
-To fight with Talbot . As he march'd along ,
-By your espials were discovered
-Two mightier troops than that the Dauphin led ,
-Which join'd with him and made their march for Bourdeaux .
-
-A plague upon that villain Somerset ,
-That thus delays my promised supply
-Of horsemen that were levied for this siege !
-Renowned Talbot doth expect my aid ,
-And I am louted by a traitor villain ,
-And cannot help the noble chevalier .
-God comfort him in this necessity !
-If he miscarry , farewell wars in France .
-
-
-Thou princely leader of our English strength ,
-Never so needful on the earth of France ,
-Spur to the rescue of the noble Talbot ,
-Who now is girdled with a waist of iron
-And hemm'd about with grim destruction .
-To Bourdeaux , war-like duke ! To Bourdeaux , York !
-Else , farewell Talbot , France , and England's honour .
-
-O God ! that Somerset , who in proud heart
-Doth stop my cornets , were in Talbot's place !
-So should we save a valiant gentleman
-By forfeiting a traitor and a coward .
-Mad ire and wrathful fury , make me weep
-That thus we die , while remiss traitors sleep .
-
-O ! send some succour to the distress'd lord .
-
-He dies , we lose ; I break my war-like word ;
-We mourn , France smiles ; we lose , they daily get ;
-All 'long of this vile traitor Somerset .
-
-Then God take mercy on brave Talbot's soul ;
-And on his son young John , whom two hours since
-I met in travel toward his war-like father .
-This seven years did not Talbot see his son ;
-And now they meet where both their lives are done .
-
-Alas ! what joy shall noble Talbot have ,
-To bid his young son welcome to his grave ?
-Away ! vexation almost stops my breath
-That sunder'd friends greet in the hour of death .
-Lucy , farewell : no more my fortune can ,
-But curse the cause I cannot aid the man .
-Maine , Blois , Poictiers , and Tours , are won away ,
-'Long all of Somerset and his delay .
-
-
-Thus , while the vulture of sedition
-Feeds in the bosom of such great commanders ,
-Sleeping neglection doth betray to loss
-The conquest of our scarce cold conqueror ,
-That ever living man of memory ,
-Henry the Fifth : Whiles they each other cross ,
-Lives , honours , lands , and all hurry to loss .
-
-
-It is too late ; I cannot send them now :
-This expedition was by York and Talbot
-Too rashly plotted : all our general force
-Might with a sally of the very town
-Be buckled with : the over-daring Talbot
-Hath sullied all his gloss of former honour
-By this unheedful , desperate , wild adventure :
-York set him on to fight and die in shame ,
-That , Talbot dead , great York might bear the name .
-
-Here is Sir William Lucy , who with me
-Set from our o'ermatch'd forces forth for aid .
-
-
-How now , Sir William ! whither were you sent ?
-
-Whither , my lord ? from bought and sold Lord Talbot ;
-Who , ring'd about with bold adversity ,
-Cries out for noble York and Somerset ,
-To beat assailing death from his weak legions :
-And whiles the honourable captain there
-Drops bloody sweat from his war-wearied limbs ,
-And , in advantage lingering , looks for rescue ,
-You , his false hopes , the trust of England's honour ,
-Keep off aloof with worthless emulation .
-Let not your private discord keep away
-The levied succours that should lend him aid ,
-While he , renowned noble gentleman ,
-Yields up his life unto a world of odds :
-Orleans the Bastard , Charles , Burgundy ,
-Alen on , Reignier , compass him about ,
-And Talbot perisheth by your default .
-
-York set him on ; York should have sent him aid .
-
-And York as fast upon your Grace exclaims ;
-Swearing that you withhold his levied host
-Collected for this expedition .
-
-York lies ; he might have sent and had the horse :
-I owe him little duty , and less love ;
-And take foul scorn to fawn on him by sending .
-
-The fraud of England , not the force of France ,
-Hath now entrapp'd the noble-minded Talbot .
-Never to England shall he bear his life ,
-But dies , betray'd to fortune by your strife .
-
-Come , go ; I will dispatch the horsemen straight :
-Within six hours they will be at his aid .
-
-Too late comes rescue : he is ta'en or slain ,
-For fly he could not if he would have fled ;
-And fly would Talbot never , though he might .
-
-If he be dead , brave Talbot , then adieu !
-
-His fame lives in the world , his shame in you .
-
-
-O young John Talbot ! I did send for thee
-To tutor thee in stratagems of war ,
-That Talbot's name might be in thee reviv'd
-When sapless age , and weak unable limbs
-Should bring thy father to his drooping chair .
-But ,O malignant and ill-boding stars !
-Now thou art come unto a feast of death ,
-A terrible and unavoided danger :
-Therefore , dear boy , mount on my swiftest horse ,
-And I'll direct thee how thou shalt escape
-By sudden flight : come , dally not , be gone .
-
-Is my name Talbot ? and am I your son ?
-And shall I fly ? O ! if you love my mother ,
-Dishonour not her honourable name ,
-To make a bastard and a slave of me :
-The world will say he is not Talbot's blood
-That basely fled when noble Talbot stood .
-
-Fly , to revenge my death , if I be slain .
-
-He that flies so will ne'er return again .
-
-If we both stay , we both are sure to die .
-
-Then let me stay ; and , father , do you fly :
-Your loss is great , so your regard should be ;
-My worth unknown , no loss is known in me .
-Upon my death the French can little boast ;
-In yours they will , in you all hopes are lost .
-Flight cannot stain the honour you have won ;
-But mine it will that no exploit have done :
-You fled for vantage everyone will swear ;
-But if I bow , they'll say it was for fear .
-There is no hope that ever I will stay
-If the first hour I shrink and run away .
-Here , on my knee , I beg mortality ,
-Rather than life preserv'd with infamy .
-
-Shall all thy mother's hopes lie in one tomb ?
-
-Ay , rather than I'll shame my mother's womb .
-
-Upon my blessing I command thee go .
-
-To fight I will , but not to fly the foe .
-
-Part of thy father may be sav'd in thee .
-
-No part of him but will be shame in me .
-
-Thou never hadst renown , nor canst not lose it .
-
-Yes , your renowned name : shall flight abuse it ?
-
-Thy father's charge shall clear thee from that stain .
-
-You cannot witness for me , being slain .
-If death be so apparent , then both fly .
-
-And leave my followers here to fight and die ?
-My age was never tainted with such shame .
-
-And shall my youth be guilty of such blame ?
-No more can I be sever'd from your side
-Than can yourself yourself in twain divide .
-Stay , go , do what you will , the like do I ;
-For live I will not if my father die .
-
-Then here I take my leave of thee , fair son ,
-Born to eclipse thy life this afternoon .
-Come , side by side together live and die ,
-And soul with soul from France to heaven fly .
-
-Saint George and victory ! fight , soldiers , fight !
-The regent hath with Talbot broke his word ,
-And left us to the rage of France his sword .
-Where is John Talbot ? Pause , and take thy breath :
-I gave thee life and rescu'd thee from death .
-
-O ! twice my father , twice am I thy son :
-The life thou gav'st me first was lost and done ,
-Till with thy war-like sword , despite of fate ,
-To my determin'd time thou gav'st new date .
-
-When from the Dauphin's crest thy sword struck fire ,
-It warm'd thy father's heart with proud desire
-Of bold-fac'd victory . Then leaden age ,
-Quicken'd with youthful spleen and war-like rage ,
-Beat down Alen on , Orleans , Burgundy ,
-And from the pride of Gallia rescu'd thee .
-The ireful bastard Orleans ,that drew blood
-From thee , my boy , and had the maidenhood
-Of thy first fight ,I soon encountered
-And , interchanging blows , I quickly shed
-Some of his bastard blood ; and , in disgrace ,
-Bespoke him thus , 'Contaminated , base ,
-And misbegotten blood I spill of thine ,
-Mean and right poor , for that pure blood of mine
-Which thou didst force from Talbot , my brave boy :'
-Here , purposing the Bastard to destroy ,
-Came in strong rescue . Speak , thy father's care ,
-Art thou not weary , John ? How dost thou fare ?
-Wilt thou yet leave the battle , boy , and fly ,
-Now thou art seal'd the son of chivalry ?
-Fly , to revenge my death when I am dead ;
-The help of one stands me in little stead .
-O ! too much folly is it , well I wot ,
-To hazard all our lives in one small boat .
-If I to-day die not with Frenchmen's rage ,
-To-morrow I shall die with mickle age :
-By me they nothing gain an if I stay ;
-'Tis but the short'ning of my life one day .
-In thee thy mother dies , our household's name ,
-My death's revenge , thy youth , and England's fame .
-All these and more we hazard by thy stay ;
-All these are sav'd if thou wilt fly away .
-
-The sword of Orleans hath not made me smart ;
-These words of yours draw life-blood from my heart .
-On that advantage , bought with such a shame ,
-To save a paltry life and slay bright fame ,
-Before young Talbot from old Talbot fly ,
-The coward horse that bears me fall and die !
-And like me to the peasant boys of France ,
-To be shame's scorn and subject of mischance !
-Surely , by all the glory you have won ,
-An if I fly , I am not Talbot's son :
-Then talk no more of flight , it is no boot ;
-If son to Talbot , die at Talbot's foot .
-
-Then follow thou thy desperate sire of Crete ,
-Thou Icarus . Thy life to me is sweet :
-If thou wilt fight , fight by thy father's side ,
-And , commendable prov'd , let's die in pride .
-
-
-Where is my other life ?mine own is gone ;
-O ! where's young Talbot ? where is valiant John ?
-Triumphant death , smear'd with captivity ,
-Young Talbot's valour makes me smile at thee .
-When he perceiv'd me shrink and on my knee ,
-His bloody sword he brandish'd over me ,
-And like a hungry lion did commence
-Rough deeds of rage and stern impatience ;
-But when my angry guardant stood alone ,
-Tendering my ruin and assail'd of none ,
-Dizzy-ey'd fury and great rage of heart
-Suddenly made him from my side to start
-Into the clust'ring battle of the French ;
-And in that sea of blood my boy did drench
-His overmounting spirit ; and there died
-My Icarus , my blossom , in his pride .
-
-
-O , my dear lord ! lo , where your son is borne !
-
-Thou antick , death , which laugh'st us here to scorn ,
-Anon , from thy insulting tyranny ,
-Coupled in bonds of perpetuity ,
-Two Talbots , winged through the lither sky ,
-In thy despite shall 'scape mortality .
-O ! thou , whose wounds become hard-favour'd death ,
-Speak to thy father ere thou yield thy breath ;
-Brave death by speaking whe'r he will or no ;
-Imagine him a Frenchman and thy foe .
-Poor boy ! he smiles , methinks , as who should say ,
-Had death been French , then death had died to-day .
-Come , come , and lay him in his father's arms :
-My spirit can no longer bear these harms .
-Soldiers , adieu ! I have what I would have ,
-Now my old arms are young John Talbot's grave .
-
-Had York and Somerset brought rescue in
-We should have found a bloody day of this .
-
-How the young whelp of Talbot's , raging-wood ,
-Did flesh his puny sword in Frenchmen's blood !
-
-Once I encounter'd him , and thus I said :
-'Thou maiden youth , be vanquish'd by a maid :'
-But with a proud majestical high scorn ,
-He answer'd thus : 'Young Talbot was not born
-To be the pillage of a giglot wench .'
-So , rushing in the bowels of the French ,
-He left me proudly , as unworthy fight .
-
-Doubtless he would have made a noble knight ;
-See , where he lies inhearsed in the arms
-Of the most bloody nurser of his harms .
-
-Hew them to pieces , hack their bones asunder ,
-Whose life was England's glory , Gallia's wonder .
-
-O , no ! forbear ; for that which we have fled
-During the life , let us not wrong it dead .
-
-
-Herald , conduct me to the Dauphin's tent ,
-To know who hath obtain'd the glory of the day .
-
-On what submissive message art thou sent ?
-
-Submission , Dauphin ! 'tis a mere French word ;
-We English warriors wot not what it means .
-I come to know what prisoners thou hast ta'en ,
-And to survey the bodies of the dead .
-
-For prisoners ask'st thou ? hell our prison is .
-But tell me whom thou seek'st .
-
-Where is the great Alcides of the field ,
-Valiant Lord Talbot , Earl of Shrewsbury ?
-Created , for his rare success in arms ,
-Great Earl of Washford , Waterford , and Valence ;
-Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Urchinfield ,
-Lord Strange of Blackmere , Lord Vordun of Alton ,
-Lord Cromwell of Wingfield , Lord Furnival of Sheffield ,
-The thrice-victorious Lord of Falconbridge ;
-Knight of the noble order of Saint George ,
-Worthy Saint Michael and the Golden Fleece ;
-Great mareschal to Henry the Sixth
-Of all his wars within the realm of France ?
-
-Here is a silly stately style indeed !
-The Turk , that two-and-fifty kingdoms hath ,
-Writes not so tedious a style as this .
-Him that thou magnifiest with all these titles ,
-Stinking and fly-blown lies here at our feet .
-
-Is Talbot slain , the Frenchmen's only scourge ,
-Your kingdom's terror and black Nemesis ?
-O ! were mine eye-balls into bullets turn'd ,
-That I in rage might shoot them at your faces !
-O ! that I could but call these dead to life !
-It were enough to fright the realm of France .
-Were but his picture left among you here
-It would amaze the proudest of you all .
-Give me their bodies , that I may bear them hence ,
-And give them burial as beseems their worth .
-
-I think this upstart is old Talbot's ghost ,
-He speaks with such a proud commanding spirit .
-For God's sake , let him have 'em ; to keep them here
-They would but stink and putrefy the air .
-
-Go , take their bodies hence .
-
-I'll bear them hence :
-But from their ashes shall be rear'd
-A ph nix that shall make all France afeard .
-
-So we be rid of them , do with 'em what thou wilt .
-And now to Paris , in this conquering vein :
-All will be ours now bloody Talbot's slain .
-
-Have you perus'd the letters from the pope ,
-The emperor , and the Earl of Armagnac ?
-
-I have , my lord ; and their intent is this :
-They humbly sue unto your excellence
-To have a godly peace concluded of
-Between the realms of England and of France .
-
-How doth your Grace affect their motion ?
-
-Well , my good lord ; and as the only means
-To stop effusion of our Christian blood ,
-And stablish quietness on every side .
-
-Ay , marry , uncle ; for I always thought
-It was both impious and unnatural
-That such immanity and bloody strife
-Should reign among professors of one faith .
-
-Beside , my lord , the sooner to effect
-And surer bind this knot of amity ,
-The Earl of Armagnac , near knit to Charles ,
-A man of great authority in France ,
-Proffers his only daughter to your Grace
-In marriage , with a large and sumptuous dowry .
-
-Marriage , uncle ! alas ! my years are young ,
-And fitter is my study and my books
-Than wanton dalliance with a paramour .
-Yet call the ambassadors ; and , as you please ,
-So let them have their answers every one :
-I shall be well content with any choice
-Tends to God's glory and my country's weal .
-
-What ! is my Lord of Winchester install'd ,
-And call'd unto a cardinal's degree ?
-Then , I perceive that will be verified
-Henry the Fifth did sometime prophesy ,
-'If once he come to be a cardinal ,
-He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown .'
-
-My lords ambassadors , your several suits
-Have been consider'd , and debated on .
-Your purpose is both good and reasonable ;
-And therefore are we certainly resolv'd
-To draw conditions of a friendly peace ;
-Which by my Lord of Winchester we mean
-Shall be transported presently to France .
-
-And for the proffer of my lord your master ,
-I have inform'd his highness so at large ,
-As ,liking of the lady's virtuous gifts ,
-Her beauty , and the value of her dower ,
-He doth intend she shall be England's queen .
-
-In argument and proof of which contract ,
-Bear her this jewel , pledge of my affection .
-And so , my lord protector , see them guarded ,
-And safely brought to Dover ; where inshipp'd
-Commit them to the fortune of the sea .
-
-
-Stay , my lord legate : you shall first receive
-The sum of money which I promised
-Should be deliver'd to his holiness
-For clothing me in these grave ornaments .
-
-I will attend upon your lordship's leisure .
-
-Now Winchester will not submit , I trow ,
-Or be inferior to the proudest peer .
-Humphrey of Gloucester , thou shalt well perceive
-That neither in birth or for authority
-The bishop will be overborne by thee :
-I'll either make thee stoop and bend thy knee ,
-Or sack this country with a mutiny .
-
-
-These news , my lord , may cheer our drooping spirits ;
-'Tis said the stout Parisians do revolt ,
-And turn again unto the war-like French .
-
-Then , march to Paris , royal Charles of France ,
-And keep not back your powers in dalliance .
-
-Peace be amongst them if they turn to us ;
-Else , ruin combat with their palaces !
-
-
-Success unto our valiant general ,
-And happiness to his accomplices !
-
-What tidings send our scouts ? I prithee speak .
-
-The English army , that divided was
-Into two parties , is now conjoin'd in one ,
-And means to give you battle presently .
-
-Somewhat too sudden , sirs , the warning is :
-But we will presently provide for them .
-
-I trust the ghost of Talbot is not there :
-Now he is gone , my lord , you need not fear .
-
-Of all base passions , fear is most accurs'd .
-Command the conquest , Charles , it shall be thine ;
-Let Henry fret and all the world repine .
-
-Then on , my lords ; and France be fortunate !
-
-
-The regent conquers and the Frenchmen fly .
-Now help , ye charming spells and periapts ;
-And ye choice spirits that admonish me
-And give me signs of future accidents :
-
-You speedy helpers , that are substitutes
-Under the lordly monarch of the north ,
-Appear , and aid me in this enterprise !
-
-
-This speedy and quick appearance argues proof
-Of your accustom'd diligence to me .
-Now , ye familiar spirits , that are cull'd
-Out of the powerful regions under earth ,
-Help me this once , that France may get the field .
-
-O ! hold me not with silence over-long .
-Where I was wont to feed you with my blood ,
-I'll lop a member off and give it you ,
-In earnest of a further benefit ,
-So you do condescend to help me now .
-
-No hope to have redress ? My body shall
-Pay recompense , if you will grant my suit .
-
-Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice
-Entreat you to your wonted furtherance ?
-Then take my soul ; my body , soul , and all ,
-Before that England give the French the foil .
-
-See ! they forsake me . Now the time is come ,
-That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest ,
-And let her head fall into England's lap .
-My ancient incantations are too weak ,
-And hell too strong for me to buckle with :
-Now , France , thy glory droopeth to the dust .
-
-Damsel of France , I think I have you fast :
-Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms ,
-And try if they can gain your liberty .
-A goodly prize , fit for the devil's grace !
-See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows ,
-As if with Circe she would change my shape .
-
-Chang'd to a worser shape thou canst not be .
-
-O ! Charles the Dauphin is a proper man ;
-No shape but his can please your dainty eye .
-
-A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee !
-And may ye both be suddenly surpris'd
-By bloody hands , in sleeping on your beds !
-
-Fell banning hag , enchantress , hold thy tongue !
-
-I prithee , give me leave to curse a while .
-
-Curse , miscreant , when thou comest to the stake .
-
-Be what thou wilt , thou art my prisoner .
-
-O fairest beauty ! do not fear nor fly ,
-For I will touch thee but with reverent hands .
-I kiss these fingers for eternal peace ,
-And lay them gently on thy tender side .
-What art thou ? say , that I may honour thee .
-
-Margaret my name , and daughter to a king ,
-The King of Naples , whosoe'er thou art .
-
-An earl I am , and Suffolk am I call'd .
-Be not offended , nature's miracle ,
-Thou art allotted to be ta'en by me :
-So doth the swan her downy cygnets save ,
-Keeping them prisoners underneath her wings .
-Yet if this servile usage once offend ,
-Go and be free again , as Suffolk's friend .
-
-O stay ! I have no power to let her pass ;
-My hand would free her , but my heart says no .
-As plays the sun upon the glassy streams ,
-Twinkling another counterfeited beam ,
-So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes .
-Fain would I woo her , yet I dare not speak :
-I'll call for pen and ink and write my mind .
-Fie , De la Pole ! disable not thyself ;
-Hast not a tongue ? is she not here thy prisoner ?
-Wilt thou be daunted at a woman's sight ?
-Ay ; beauty's princely majesty is such
-Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough .
-
-Say , Earl of Suffolk ,if thy name be so ,
-What ransom must I pay before I pass ?
-For I perceive , I am thy prisoner .
-
-How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit ,
-Before thou make a trial of her love ?
-
-Why speak'st thou not ? what ransom must I pay ?
-
-She's beautiful and therefore to be woo'd ,
-She is a woman , therefore to be won .
-
-Wilt thou accept of ransom , yea or no ?
-
-Fond man ! remember that thou hast a wife ;
-Then how can Margaret be thy paramour ?
-
-I were best to leave him , for he will not hear .
-
-There all is marr'd ; there lies a cooling card .
-
-He talks at random ; sure , the man is mad .
-
-And yet a dispensation may be had .
-
-And yet I would that you would answer me .
-
-I'll win this Lady Margaret . For whom ?
-Why , for my king : tush ! that's a wooden thing .
-
-He talks of wood : it is some carpenter .
-
-Yet so my fancy may be satisfied ,
-And peace established between these realms .
-But there remains a scruple in that too ;
-For though her father be the King of Naples ,
-Duke of Anjou and Maine , yet is he poor ,
-And our nobility will scorn the match .
-
-Hear ye , captain ? Are you not at leisure ?
-
-It shall be so , disdain they ne'er so much :
-Henry is youthful and will quickly yield .
-Madam , I have a secret to reveal .
-
-What though I be enthrall'd ? he seems a knight ,
-And will not any way dishonour me .
-
-Lady , vouchsafe to listen what I say .
-
-Perhaps I shall be rescu'd by the French ;
-And then I need not crave his courtesy .
-
-Sweet madam , give me hearing in a cause
-
-Tush , women have been captivate ere now .
-
-Lady , wherefore talk you so ?
-
-I cry you mercy , 'tis but quid for quo .
-
-Say , gentle princess , would you not suppose
-Your bondage happy to be made a queen ?
-
-To be a queen in bondage is more vile
-Than is a slave in base servility ;
-For princes should be free .
-
-And so shall you ,
-If happy England's royal king be free .
-
-Why , what concerns his freedom unto me ?
-
-I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen ,
-To put a golden sceptre in thy hand
-And set a precious crown upon thy head ,
-If thou wilt condescend to be my
-
-What ?
-
-His love .
-
-I am unworthy to be Henry's wife .
-
-No , gentle madam ; I unworthy am
-To woo so fair a dame to be his wife
-And have no portion in the choice myself .
-How say you , madam , are you so content ?
-
-An if my father please , I am content .
-
-Then call our captains and our colours forth !
-And , madam , at your father's castle walls
-We'll crave a parley , to confer with him .
-
-See , Reignier , see thy daughter prisoner !
-
-To whom ?
-
-To me .
-
-Suffolk , what remedy ?
-I am a soldier , and unapt to weep ,
-Or to exclaim on Fortune's fickleness .
-
-Yes , there is remedy enough ; my lord :
-Consent , and for thy honour , give consent ,
-Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king ,
-Whom I with pain have woo'd and won thereto ;
-And this her easy-held imprisonment
-Hath gain'd thy daughter princely liberty .
-
-Speaks Suffolk as he thinks ?
-
-Fair Margaret knows
-That Suffolk doth not flatter , face , or feign .
-
-Upon thy princely warrant , I descend
-To give thee answer of thy just demand .
-
-
-And here I will expect thy coming .
-
-
-Welcome , brave earl , into our territories :
-Command in Anjou what your honour pleases .
-
-Thanks , Reignier , happy for so sweet a child ,
-Fit to be made companion with a king .
-What answer makes your Grace unto my suit ?
-
-Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
-To be the princely bride of such a lord ,
-Upon condition I may quietly
-Enjoy mine own , the county Maine and Anjou ,
-Free from oppression or the stroke of war ,
-My daughter shall be Henry's if he please .
-
-That is her ransom ; I deliver her ;
-And those two counties I will undertake
-Your Grace shall well and quietly enjoy .
-
-And I again , in Henry's royal name ,
-As deputy unto that gracious king ,
-Give thee her hand for sign of plighted faith .
-
-Reignier of France , I give thee kingly thanks ,
-Because this is in traffic of a king :
-
-
-And yet , methinks , I could be well content
-To be mine own attorney in this case .
-I'll over then , to England with this news ,
-And make this marriage to be solemniz'd .
-So farewell , Reignier : set this diamond safe ,
-In golden palaces , as it becomes .
-
-I do embrace thee , as I would embrace
-The Christian prince , King Henry , were he here .
-
-Farewell , my lord . Good wishes , praise , and prayers
-Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret .
-
-
-Farewell , sweet madam ! but hark you , Margaret ;
-No princely commendations to my king ?
-
-Such commendations as become a maid ,
-A virgin , and his servant , say to him .
-
-Words sweetly plac'd and modestly directed .
-But madam , I must trouble you again ,
-No loving token to his majesty ?
-
-Yes , my good lord ; a pure unspotted heart ,
-Never yet taint with love , I send the king .
-
-And this withal .
-
-
-That for thyself : I will not so presume ,
-To send such peevish tokens to a king .
-
-
-O ! wert thou for myself ! But Suffolk , stay ;
-Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth ;
-There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk .
-Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise :
-Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount
-And natural graces that extinguish art ;
-Repeat their semblance often on the seas ,
-That , when thou com'st to kneel at Henry's feet ,
-Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder .
-
-
-Bring forth that sorceress , condemn'd to burn .
-
-
-Ah , Joan ! this kills thy father's heart outright .
-Have I sought every country far and near ,
-And , now it is my chance to find thee out ,
-Must I behold thy timeless cruel death ?
-Ah , Joan ! sweet daughter Joan , I'll die with thee .
-
-Decrepit miser ! base ignoble wretch !
-I am descended of a gentler blood :
-Thou art no father nor no friend of mine .
-
-Out , out ! My lords , an please you , 'tis not so ;
-I did beget her all the parish knows :
-Her mother liveth yet , can testify
-She was the first fruit of my bachelorship .
-
-Graceless ! wilt thou deny thy parentage ?
-
-This argues what her kind of life hath been :
-Wicked and vile ; and so her death concludes .
-
-Fie , Joan , that thou wilt be so obstacle !
-God knows , thou art a collop of my flesh ;
-And for thy sake have I shed many a tear :
-Deny me not , I prithee , gentle Joan .
-
-Peasant , avaunt ! You have suborn'd this man ,
-Of purpose to obscure my noble birth .
-
-'Tis true , I gave a noble to the priest ,
-The morn that I was wedded to her mother .
-Kneel down and take my blessing , good my girl .
-Wilt thou not stoop ? Now cursed be the time
-Of thy nativity ! I would the milk
-Thy mother gave thee , when thou suck'dst her breast ,
-Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake !
-Or else , when thou didst keep my lambs a-field
-I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee !
-Dost thou deny thy father , cursed drab ?
-O ! burn her , burn her ! hanging is too good .
-
-
-Take her away ; for she hath liv'd too long ,
-To fill the world with vicious qualities .
-
-First , let me tell you whom you have condemn'd :
-Not me begotten of a shepherd swain ,
-But issu'd from the progeny of kings ;
-Virtuous and holy ; chosen from above ,
-By inspiration of celestial grace ,
-To work exceeding miracles on earth .
-I never had to do with wicked spirits :
-But you ,that are polluted with your lusts ,
-Stain'd with the guiltless blood of innocents ,
-Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices ,
-Because you want the grace that others have ,
-You judge it straight a thing impossible
-To compass wonders but by help of devils .
-No misconceived ! Joan of Arc hath been
-A virgin from her tender infancy ,
-Chaste and immaculate in very thought ;
-Whose maiden blood , thus rigorously effus'd ,
-Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven .
-
-Ay , ay : away with her to execution !
-
-And hark ye , sirs ; because she is a maid ,
-Spare for no fagots , let there be enow :
-Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake ,
-That so her torture may be shortened .
-
-Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts ?
-Then , Joan , discover thine infirmity ;
-That warranteth by law to be thy privilege .
-I am with child , ye bloody homicides :
-Murder not then the fruit within my womb ,
-Although ye hale me to a violent death .
-
-Now , heaven forefend ! the holy maid with child !
-
-The greatest miracle that e'er ye wrought !
-Is all your strict preciseness come to this ?
-
-She and the Dauphin have been juggling :
-I did imagine what would be her refuge .
-
-Well , go to ; we will have no bastards live ;
-Especially since Charles must father it .
-
-You are deceiv'd ; my child is none of his :
-It was Alen on that enjoy'd my love .
-
-Alen on ! that notorious Machiavel !
-It dies an if it had a thousand lives .
-
-O ! give me leave , I have deluded you :
-'Twas neither Charles , nor yet the duke I nam'd ,
-But Reignier , King of Naples , that prevail'd .
-
-A married man : that's most intolerable .
-
-Why , here's a girl ! I think she knows not well ,
-There were so many , whom she may accuse .
-
-It's sign she hath been liberal and free .
-
-And yet , forsooth , she is a virgin pure .
-Strumpet , thy words condemn thy brat and thee :
-Use no entreaty , for it is in vain .
-
-Then lead me hence ; with whom I leave my curse :
-May never glorious sun reflex his beams
-Upon the country where you make abode ;
-But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
-Environ you , till mischief and despair
-Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves !
-
-
-Break thou in pieces and consume to ashes ,
-Thou foul accursed minister of hell !
-
-
-Lord regent , I do greet your excellence
-With letters of commission from the king .
-For know , my lords , the states of Christendom ,
-Mov'd with remorse of these outrageous broils ,
-Have earnestly implor'd a general peace
-Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French ;
-And here at hand the Dauphin , and his train ,
-Approacheth to confer about some matter .
-
-Is all our travail turn'd to this effect ?
-After the slaughter of so many peers ,
-So many captains , gentlemen , and soldiers ,
-That in this quarrel have been overthrown ,
-And sold their bodies for their country's benefit ,
-Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace ?
-Have we not lost most part of all the towns ,
-By treason , falsehood , and by treachery ,
-Our great progenitors had conquered ?
-O ! Warwick , Warwick ! I foresee with grief
-The utter loss of all the realm of France .
-
-Be patient , York : if we conclude a peace ,
-It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
-As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby .
-
-
-Since , lords of England , it is thus agreed ,
-That peaceful truce shall be proclaim'd in France ,
-We come to be informed by yourselves
-What the conditions of that league must be .
-
-Speak , Winchester ; for boiling choler chokes
-The hollow passage of my poison'd voice ,
-By sight of these our baleful enemies .
-
-Charles , and the rest , it is enacted thus :
-That , in regard King Henry gives consent ,
-Of mere compassion and of lenity ,
-To ease your country of distressful war ,
-And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace ,
-You shall become true liegemen to his crown :
-And , Charles , upon-condition thou wilt swear
-To pay him tribute , and submit thyself ,
-Thou shalt be plac'd as viceroy under him ,
-And still enjoy thy regal dignity .
-
-Must he be then , as shadow of himself ?
-Adorn his temples with a coronet ,
-And yet , in substance and authority ,
-Retain but privilege of a private man ?
-This proffer is absurd and reasonless .
-
-'Tis known already that I am possess'd
-With more than half the Gallian territories ,
-And therein reverenc'd for their lawful king :
-Shall I , for lucre of the rest unvanquish'd ,
-Detract so much from that prerogative
-As to be call'd but viceroy of the whole ?
-No , lord ambassador ; I'll rather keep
-That which I have than , coveting for more ,
-Be cast from possibility of all .
-
-Insulting Charles ! hast thou by secret means
-Us'd intercession to obtain a league ,
-And now the matter grows to compromise ,
-Stand'st thou aloof upon comparison ?
-Either accept the title thou usurp'st ,
-Of benefit proceeding from our king
-And not of any challenge of desert ,
-Or we will plague thee with incessant wars .
-
-My lord , you do not well in obstinacy
-To cavil in the course of this contract :
-If once it be neglected , ten to one ,
-We shall not find like opportunity .
-
-To say the truth , it is your policy
-To save your subjects from such massacre
-And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
-By our proceeding in hostility ;
-And therefore take this compact of a truce ,
-Although you break it when your pleasure serves .
-
-How sayst thou , Charles ? shall our condition stand ?
-
-It shall ;
-Only reserv'd , you claim no interest
-In any of our towns of garrison .
-
-Then swear allegiance to his majesty ;
-As thou art knight , never to disobey
-Nor be rebellious to the crown of England ,
-Thou , nor thy nobles , to the crown of England .
-
-So , now dismiss your army when ye please ;
-Hang up your ensigns , let your drums be still ,
-For here we entertain a solemn peace .
-
-
-Your wondrous rare description , noble earl ,
-Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me :
-Her virtues , graced with external gifts
-Do breed love's settled passions in my heart :
-And like as rigour of tempestuous gusts
-Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide ,
-So am I driven by breath of her renown
-Either to suffer shipwrack , or arrive
-Where I may have fruition of her love .
-
-Tush ! my good lord , this superficial tale
-Is but a preface of her worthy praise :
-The chief perfections of that lovely dame
-Had I sufficient skill to utter them
-Would make a volume of enticing lines ,
-Able to ravish any dull conceit :
-And , which is more , she is not so divine ,
-So full replete with choice of all delights ,
-But with as humble lowliness of mind
-She is content to be at your command ;
-Command , I mean , of virtuous chaste intents ,
-To love and honour Henry as her lord .
-
-And otherwise will Henry ne'er presume .
-Therefore , my Lord Protector , give consent
-That Margaret may be England's royal queen .
-
-So should I give consent to flatter sin .
-You know , my lord , your highness is betroth'd
-Unto another lady of esteem ;
-How shall we then dispense with that contract ,
-And not deface your honour with reproach ?
-
-As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths ;
-Or one that , at a triumph having vow'd
-To try his strength , forsaketh yet the lists
-By reason of his adversary's odds .
-A poor earl's daughter is unequal odds ,
-And therefore may be broke without offence .
-
-Why , what , I pray , is Margaret more than that ?
-Her father is no better than an earl ,
-Although in glorious titles he excel .
-
-Yes , my good lord , her father is a king ,
-The King of Naples and Jerusalem ;
-And of such great authority in France
-As his alliance will confirm our peace ,
-And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance .
-
-And so the Earl of Armagnac may do ,
-Because he is near kinsman unto Charles .
-
-Beside , his wealth doth warrant liberal dower ,
-Where Reignier sooner will receive than give .
-
-A dower , my lords ! disgrace not so your king ,
-That he should be so abject , base , and poor ,
-To choose for wealth and not for perfect love .
-Henry is able to enrich his queen ,
-And not to seek a queen to make him rich :
-So worthless peasants bargain for their wives ,
-As market-men for oxen , sheep , or horse .
-Marriage is a matter of more worth
-Than to be dealt in by attorneyship :
-Not whom we will , but whom his Grace affects ,
-Must be companion of his nuptial bed ;
-And therefore , lords , since he affects her most
-It most of all these reasons bindeth us ,
-In our opinions she should be preferr'd .
-For what is wedlock forced , but a hell ,
-An age of discord and continual strife ?
-Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss ,
-And is a pattern of celestial peace .
-Whom should we match with Henry , being a king ,
-But Margaret , that is daughter to a king ?
-Her peerless feature , joined with her birth ,
-Approves her fit for none but for a king :
-Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit
-More than in women commonly is seen
-Will answer our hope in issue of a king ;
-For Henry , son unto a conqueror ,
-Is likely to beget more conquerors ,
-If with a lady of so high resolve
-As is fair Margaret he be link'd in love .
-Then yield , my lords ; and here conclude with me
-That Margaret shall be queen , and none but she .
-
-Whether it be through force of your report ,
-My noble lord of Suffolk , or for that
-My tender youth was never yet attaint
-With any passion of inflaming love ,
-I cannot tell ; but this I am assur'd ,
-I feel such sharp dissension in my breast ,
-Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear ,
-As I am sick with working of my thoughts .
-Take , therefore , shipping ; post , my lord , to France ;
-Agree to any covenants , and procure
-That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come
-To cross the seas to England and be crown'd
-King Henry's faithful and anointed queen :
-For your expenses and sufficient charge ,
-Among the people gather up a tenth .
-Be gone , I say ; for till you do return
-I rest perplexed with a thousand cares .
-And you , good uncle , banish all offence :
-If you do censure me by what you were ,
-Not what you are , I know it will excuse
-This sudden execution of my will .
-And so , conduct me , where , from company
-I may revolve and ruminate my grief .
-
-
-Ay , grief , I fear me , both at first and last .
-
-
-Thus Suffolk hath prevail'd ; and thus he goes ,
-As did the youthful Paris once to Greece ;
-With hope to find the like event in love ,
-But prosper better than the Trojan did .
-Margaret shall now be queen , and rule the king ;
-But I will rule both her , the king , and realm .
-
-THE LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN
-
-Now , say , Chatillon , what would France with us ?
-
-Thus , after greeting , speaks the King of France ,
-In my behaviour , to the majesty ,
-The borrow'd majesty of England here .
-
-A strange beginning ; 'borrow'd majesty !'
-
-Silence , good mother ; hear the embassy .
-
-Philip of France , in right and true behalf
-Of thy deceased brother Geffrey's son ,
-Arthur Plantagenet , lays most lawful claim
-To this fair island and the territories ,
-To Ireland , Poictiers , Anjou , Touraine , Maine ;
-Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
-Which sways usurpingly these several titles ,
-And put the same into young Arthur's hand ,
-Thy nephew and right royal sovereign .
-
-What follows if we disallow of this ?
-
-The proud control of fierce and bloody war ,
-To enforce these rights so forcibly withheld .
-
-Here have we war for war , and blood for blood ,
-Controlment for controlment : so answer France .
-
-Then take my king's defiance from my mouth ,
-The furthest limit of my embassy .
-
-Bear mine to him , and so depart in peace :
-Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France ;
-For ere thou canst report I will be there ,
-The thunder of my cannon shall be heard .
-So , hence ! Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
-And sullen presage of your own decay .
-An honourable conduct let him have :
-Pembroke , look to't . Farewell , Chatillon .
-
-
-What now , my son ! have I not ever said
-How that ambitious Constance would not cease
-Till she had kindled France and all the world
-Upon the right and party of her son ?
-This might have been prevented and made whole
-With very easy arguments of love ,
-Which now the manage of two kingdoms must
-With fearful bloody issue arbitrate .
-
-Our strong possession and our right for us .
-
-Your strong possession much more than your right ,
-Or else it must go wrong , with you and me :
-So much my conscience whispers in your ear ,
-Which none but heaven and you and I shall hear .
-
-
-My liege , here is the strangest controversy ,
-Come from the country to be judg'd by you ,
-That e'er I heard : shall I produce the men ?
-
-Let them approach .
-
-Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
-This expedition's charge .
-
-What men are you ?
-
-Your faithful subject I , a gentleman
-Born in Northamptonshire , and eldest son ,
-As I suppose , to Robert Faulconbridge ,
-A soldier , by the honour-giving hand
-Of C ur-de-Lion knighted in the field .
-
-What art thou ?
-
-The son and heir to that same Faulconbridge .
-
-Is that the elder , and art thou the heir ?
-You came not of one mother then , it seems .
-
-Most certain of one mother , mighty king ,
-That is well known : and , as I think , one father :
-But for the certain knowledge of that truth
-I put you o'er to heaven and to my mother :
-Of that I doubt , as all men's children may .
-
-Out on thee , rude man ! thou dost shame thy mother
-And wound her honour with this diffidence .
-
-I , madam ? no , I have no reason for it ;
-That is my brother's plea and none of mine ;
-The which if he can prove , a' pops me out
-At least from fair five hundred pound a year :
-Heaven guard my mother's honour and my land !
-
-A good blunt fellow . Why , being younger born ,
-Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance ?
-
-I know not why , except to get the land .
-But once he slander'd me with bastardy :
-But whe'r I be as true-begot or no ,
-That still I lay upon my mother's head ;
-But that I am as well-begot , my liege ,
-Fair fall the bones that took the pains for me !
-Compare our faces and be judge yourself .
-If old Sir Robert did beget us both ,
-And were our father , and this son like him ;
-O old Sir Robert , father , on my knee
-I give heaven thanks I was not like to thee !
-
-Why , what a madcap hath heaven lent us here !
-
-He hath a trick of C ur-de-Lion's face ;
-The accent of his tongue affecteth him .
-Do you not read some tokens of my son
-In the large composition of this man ?
-
-Mine eye hath well examined his parts ,
-And finds them perfect Richard . Sirrah , speak :
-What doth move you to claim your brother's land ?
-
-Because he hath a half-face , like my father .
-With half that face would he have all my land ;
-A half-fac'd groat five hundred pound a year !
-
-My gracious liege , when that my father liv'd ,
-Your brother did employ my father much ,
-
-Well , sir , by this you cannot get my land :
-Your tale must be how he employ'd my mother .
-
-And once dispatch'd him in an embassy
-To Germany , there with the emperor
-To treat of high affairs touching that time .
-The advantage of his absence took the king ,
-And in the mean time sojourn'd at my father's ;
-Where how he did prevail I shame to speak ,
-But truth is truth : large lengths of seas and shores
-Between my father and my mother lay ,
-As I have heard my father speak himself ,
-When this same lusty gentleman was got .
-Upon his death-bed he by will bequeath'd
-His lands to me , and took it on his death
-That this my mother's son was none of his ;
-An if he were , he came into the world
-Full fourteen weeks before the course of time .
-Then , good my liege , let me have what is mine ,
-My father's land , as was my father's will .
-
-Sirrah , your brother is legitimate ;
-Your father's wife did after wedlock bear him ,
-And if she did play false , the fault was hers ;
-Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
-That marry wives . Tell me , how if my brother ,
-Who , as you say , took pains to get this son ,
-Had of your father claim'd this son for his ?
-In sooth , good friend , your father might have kept
-This calf bred from his cow from all the world ;
-In sooth he might : then , if he were my brother's ,
-My brother might not claim him ; nor your father ,
-Being none of his , refuse him : this concludes ;
-My mother's son did get your father's heir ;
-Your father's heir must have your father's land .
-
-Shall then my father's will be of no force
-To dispossess that child which is not his ?
-
-Of no more force to dispossess me , sir ,
-Than was his will to get me , as I think .
-
-Whe'r hadst thou rather be a Faulconbridge
-And like thy brother , to enjoy thy land ,
-Or the reputed son of C ur-de-Lion ,
-Lord of thy presence and no land beside ?
-
-Madam , an if my brother had my shape ,
-And I had his , Sir Robert his , like him ;
-And if my legs were two such riding-rods ,
-My arms such eel-skins stuff'd , my face so thin
-That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose
-Lest men should say , 'Look , where three-far-things goes !'
-And , to his shape , were heir to all this land ,
-Would I might never stir from off this place ,
-I'd give it every foot to have this face :
-I would not be Sir Nob in any case .
-
-I like thee well : wilt thou forsake thy fortune ,
-Bequeath thy land to him , and follow me ?
-I am a soldier and now bound to France .
-
-Brother , take you my land , I'll take my chance .
-Your face hath got five hundred pounds a year ,
-Yet sell your face for five pence and 'tis dear .
-Madam , I'll follow you unto the death .
-
-Nay , I would have you go before me thither .
-
-Our country manners give our betters way .
-
-What is thy name ?
-
-Philip , my liege , so is my name begun ;
-Philip , good old Sir Robert's wife's eldest son .
-
-From henceforth bear his name whose form thou bearest :
-Kneel thou down Philip , but arise more great ;
-Arise Sir Richard , and Plantagenet .
-
-Brother by the mother's side , give me your hand :
-My father gave me honour , yours gave land .
-Now blessed be the hour , by night or day ,
-When I was got , Sir Robert was away !
-
-The very spirit of Plantagenet !
-I am thy grandam , Richard : call me so .
-
-Madam , by chance but not by truth ; what though ?
-Something about , a little from the right ,
-In at the window , or else o'er the hatch :
-Who dares not stir by day must walk by night ,
-And have is have , however men do catch .
-Near or far off , well won is still well shot ,
-And I am I , howe'er I was begot .
-
-Go , Faulconbridge : now hast thou thy desire ;
-A landless knight makes thee a landed squire .
-Come , madam , and come , Richard : we must speed
-For France , for France , for it is more than need .
-
-Brother , adieu : good fortune come to thee !
-For thou wast got i' the way of honesty .
-
-A foot of honour better than I was ,
-But many a many foot of land the worse .
-Well , now can I make any Joan a lady .
-'Good den , Sir Richard !' 'God-a-mercy , fellow !'
-And if his name be George , I'll call him Peter ;
-For new-made honour doth forget men's names :
-'Tis too respective and too sociable
-For your conversion . Now your traveller ,
-He and his toothpick at my worship's mess ,
-And when my knightly stomach is suffic'd ,
-Why then I suck my teeth , and catechize
-My picked man of countries : 'My dear sir ,'
-Thus , leaning on mine elbow , I begin ,
-'I shall beseech you ,' that is question now ;
-And then comes answer like an absey-book :
-'O , sir ,' says answer , 'at your best command ;
-At your employment ; at your service , sir :'
-'No , sir ,' says question , 'I , sweet sir , at yours :'
-And so , ere answer knows what question would ,
-Saving in dialogue of compliment ,
-And talking of the Alps and Apennines ,
-The Pyrenean and the river Po ,
-It draws toward supper in conclusion so .
-But this is worshipful society
-And fits the mounting spirit like myself ;
-For he is but a bastard to the time ,
-That doth not smack of observation ;
-And so am I , whether I smack or no ;
-And not alone in habit and device ,
-Exterior form , outward accoutrement ,
-But from the inward motion to deliver
-Sweet , sweet , sweet poison for the age's tooth :
-Which , though I will not practise to deceive ,
-Yet , to avoid deceit , I mean to learn ;
-For it shall strew the footsteps of my rising .
-But who comes in such haste in riding-robes ?
-What woman-post is this ? hath she no husband
-That will take pains to blow a horn before her ?
-
-
-O me ! it is my mother . How now , good lady !
-
-What brings you here to court so hastily ?
-
-Where is that slave , thy brother ? where is he ,
-That holds in chase mine honour up and down ?
-
-My brother Robert ? old Sir Robert's son ?
-Colbrand the giant , that same mighty man ?
-Is it Sir Robert's son that you seek so ?
-
-Sir Robert's son ! Ay , thou unreverend boy ,
-Sir Robert's son : why scorn'st thou at Sir Robert ?
-He is Sir Robert's son , and so art thou .
-
-James Gurney , wilt thou give us leave awhile ?
-
-Good leave , good Philip .
-
-Philip ! sparrow ! James ,
-There's toys abroad : anon I'll tell thee more .
-
-Madam , I was not old Sir Robert's son :
-Sir Robert might have eat his part in me
-Upon Good-Friday and ne'er broke his fast .
-Sir Robert could do well : marry , to confess ,
-Could he get me ? Sir Robert could not do it :
-We know his handiwork : therefore , good mother ,
-To whom am I beholding for these limbs ?
-Sir Robert never holp to make this leg .
-
-Hast thou conspired with thy brother too ,
-That for thine own gain shouldst defend mine honour ?
-What means this scorn , thou most untoward knave ?
-
-Knight , knight , good mother , Basilisco-like .
-What ! I am dubb'd ; I have it on my shoulder .
-But , mother , I am not Sir Robert's son ;
-I have disclaim'd Sir Robert and my land ;
-Legitimation , name , and all is gone .
-Then , good my mother , let me know my father ;
-Some proper man , I hope ; who was it , mother ?
-
-Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge ?
-
-As faithfully as I deny the devil .
-
-King Richard C ur-de-Lion was thy father :
-By long and vehement suit I was seduc'd
-To make room for him in my husband's bed .
-Heaven lay not my transgression to my charge !
-Thou art the issue of my dear offence ,
-Which was so strongly urg'd past my defence .
-
-Now , by this light , were I to get again ,
-Madam , I would not wish a better father .
-Some sins do bear their privilege on earth ,
-And so doth yours ; your fault was not your folly :
-Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose ,
-Subjected tribute to commanding love ,
-Against whose fury and unmatched force
-The aweless lion could not wage the fight ,
-Nor keep his princely heart from Richard's hand .
-He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
-May easily win a woman's . Ay , my mother ,
-With all my heart I thank thee for my father !
-Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
-When I was got , I'll send his soul to hell .
-Come , lady , I will show thee to my kin ;
-And they shall say , when Richard me begot ,
-If thou hadst said him nay , it had been sin :
-Who says it was , he lies : I say , 'twas not .
-
-
-Before Angiers well met , brave Austria .
-Arthur , that great forerunner of thy blood ,
-Richard , that robb'd the lion of his heart
-And fought the holy wars in Palestine ,
-By this brave duke came early to his grave :
-And , for amends to his posterity ,
-At our importance hither is he come ,
-To spread his colours , boy , in thy behalf ,
-And to rebuke the usurpation
-Of thy unnatural uncle , English John :
-Embrace him , love him , give him welcome hither .
-
-God shall forgive you C ur-de-Lion's death
-The rather that you give his offspring life ,
-Shadowing their right under your wings of war .
-I give you welcome with a powerless hand ,
-But with a heart full of unstained love :
-Welcome before the gates of Angiers , duke .
-
-A noble boy ! Who would not do thee right ?
-
-Upon thy cheek lay I this zealous kiss ,
-As seal to this indenture of my love ,
-That to my home I will no more return
-Till Angiers , and the right thou hast in France ,
-Together with that pale , that white-fac'd shore ,
-Whose foot spurns back the ocean's roaring tides
-And coops from other lands her islanders ,
-Even till that England , hedg'd in with the main ,
-That water-walled bulwark , still secure
-And confident from foreign purposes ,
-Even till that utmost corner of the west
-Salute thee for her king : till then , fair boy ,
-Will I not think of home , but follow arms .
-
-O ! take his mother's thanks , a widow's thanks ,
-Till your strong hand shall help to give him strength
-To make a more requital to your love .
-
-The peace of heaven is theirs that lift their swords
-In such a just and charitable war .
-
-Well then , to work : our cannon shall be bent
-Against the brows of this resisting town .
-Call for our chiefest men of discipline ,
-To cull the plots of best advantages :
-We'll lay before this town our royal bones ,
-Wade to the market-place in Frenchmen's blood ,
-But we will make it subject to this boy .
-
-Stay for an answer to your embassy ,
-Lest unadvis'd you stain your swords with blood .
-My Lord Chatillon may from England bring
-That right in peace which here we urge in war ;
-And then we shall repent each drop of blood
-That hot rash haste so indirectly shed .
-
-
-A wonder , lady ! lo , upon thy wish ,
-Our messenger , Chatillon , is arriv'd !
-What England says , say briefly , gentle lord ;
-We coldly pause for thee ; Chatillon , speak .
-
-Then turn your forces from this paltry siege
-And stir them up against a mightier task .
-England , impatient of your just demands ,
-Hath put himself in arms : the adverse winds ,
-Whose leisure I have stay'd , have given him time
-To land his legions all as soon as I ;
-His marches are expedient to this town ,
-His forces strong , his soldiers confident .
-With him along is come the mother-queen ,
-An Ate , stirring him to blood and strife ;
-With her her niece , the Lady Blanch of Spain ;
-With them a bastard of the king's deceas'd ;
-And all the unsettled humours of the land ,
-Rash , inconsiderate , fiery voluntaries ,
-With ladies' faces and fierce dragons' spleens ,
-Have sold their fortunes at their native homes ,
-Bearing their birthrights proudly on their backs ,
-To make a hazard of new fortunes here .
-In brief , a braver choice of dauntless spirits
-Than now the English bottoms have waft o'er
-Did never float upon the swelling tide ,
-To do offence and scathe in Christendom .
-
-The interruption of their churlish drums
-Cuts off more circumstance : they are at hand ,
-To parley or to fight ; therefore prepare .
-
-How much unlook'd for is this expedition !
-
-By how much unexpected , by so much
-We must awake endeavour for defence ,
-For courage mounteth with occasion :
-Let them be welcome then , we are prepar'd .
-
-
-Peace be to France , if France in peace permit
-Our just and lineal entrance to our own ;
-If not , bleed France , and peace ascend to heaven ,
-Whiles we , God's wrathful agent , do correct
-Their proud contempt that beats his peace to heaven .
-
-Peace be to England , if that war return
-From France to England , there to live in peace .
-England we love ; and , for that England's sake
-With burden of our armour here we sweat :
-This toil of ours should be a work of thine ;
-But thou from loving England art so far
-That thou hast under-wrought his lawful king ,
-Cut off the sequence of posterity ,
-Out-faced infant state , and done a rape
-Upon the maiden virtue of the crown .
-Look here upon thy brother Geffrey's face :
-These eyes , these brows , were moulded out of his ;
-This little abstract doth contain that large
-Which died in Geffrey , and the hand of time
-Shall draw this brief into as huge a volume .
-That Geffrey was thy elder brother born ,
-And this his son ; England was Geffrey's right
-And this is Geffrey's . In the name of God
-How comes it then that thou art call'd a king ,
-When living blood doth in these temples beat ,
-Which owe the crown that thou o'ermasterest ?
-
-From whom hast thou this great commission , France ,
-To draw my answer from thy articles ?
-
-From that supernal judge , that stirs good thoughts
-In any breast of strong authority ,
-To look into the blots and stains of right :
-That judge hath made me guardian to this boy :
-Under whose warrant I impeach thy wrong ,
-And by whose help I mean to chastise it .
-
-Alack ! thou dost usurp authority .
-
-Excuse ; it is to beat usurping down .
-
-Who is it thou dost call usurper , France ?
-
-Let me make answer ; thy usurping son .
-
-Out , insolent ! thy bastard shall be king ,
-That thou mayst be a queen , and check the world !
-
-My bed was ever to thy son as true
-As thine was to thy husband , and this boy
-Liker in feature to his father Geffrey
-Than thou and John in manners ; being as like
-As rain to water , or devil to his dam .
-My boy a bastard ! By my soul I think
-His father never was so true begot :
-It cannot be an if thou wert his mother .
-
-There's a good mother , boy , that blots thy father .
-
-There's a good grandam , boy , that would blot thee .
-
-Peace !
-
-Hear the crier .
-
-What the devil art thou ?
-
-One that will play the devil , sir , with you ,
-An a' may catch your hide and you alone .
-You are the hare of whom the proverb goes ,
-Whose valour plucks dead lions by the beard .
-I'll smoke your skin coat , an I catch you right .
-Sirrah , look to't ; i' faith , I will , i' faith .
-
-O ! well did he become that lion's robe ,
-That did disrobe the lion of that robe .
-
-It lies as sightly on the back of him
-As great Alcides' shows upon an ass :
-But , ass , I'll take that burden from your back ,
-Or lay on that shall make your shoulders crack .
-
-What cracker is this same that deafs our ears
-With this abundance of superfluous breath ?
-King ,Lewis , determine what we shall do straight .
-
-Women and fools , break off your conference .
-King John , this is the very sum of all :
-England and Ireland , Anjou , Touraine , Maine ,
-In right of Arthur do I claim of thee .
-Wilt thou resign them and lay down thy arms ?
-
-My life as soon : I do defy thee , France .
-Arthur of Britaine , yield thee to my hand ;
-And out of my dear love I'll give thee more
-Than e'er the coward hand of France can win .
-Submit thee , boy .
-
-Come to thy grandam , child .
-
-Do , child , go to it grandam , child ;
-Give grandam kingdom , and it grandam will
-Give it a plum , a cherry , and a fig :
-There's a good grandam .
-
-Good my mother , peace !
-I would that I were low laid in my grave :
-I am not worth this coil that's made for me .
-
-His mother shames him so , poor boy , he weeps .
-
-Now shame upon you , whe'r she does or no !
-His grandam's wrongs , and not his mother's shames ,
-Draw those heaven-moving pearls from his poor eyes ,
-Which heaven shall take in nature of a fee ;
-Ay , with these crystal beads heaven shall be brib'd
-To do him justice and revenge on you .
-
-Thou monstrous slanderer of heaven and earth !
-
-Thou monstrous injurer of heaven and earth !
-Call not me slanderer ; thou and thine usurp
-The dominations , royalties , and rights
-Of this oppressed boy : this is thy eld'st son's son ,
-Infortunate in nothing but in thee :
-Thy sins are visited in this poor child ;
-The canon of the law is laid on him ,
-Being but the second generation
-Removed from thy sin-conceiving womb .
-
-Bedlam , have done .
-
-I have but this to say ,
-That he's not only plagued for her sin ,
-But God hath made her sin and her the plague
-On this removed issue , plagu'd for her ,
-And with her plague , her sin ; his injury
-Her injury , the beadle to her sin ,
-All punish'd in the person of this child ,
-And all for her . A plague upon her !
-
-Thou unadvised scold , I can produce
-A will that bars the title of thy son .
-
-Ay , who doubts that ? a will ! a wicked will ;
-A woman's will ; a canker'd grandam's will !
-
-Peace , lady ! pause , or be more temperate :
-It ill beseems this presence to cry aim
-To these ill-tuned repetitions .
-Some trumpet summon hither to the walls
-These men of Angiers : let us hear them speak
-Whose title they admit , Arthur's or John's .
-
-
-Who is it that hath warn'd us to the walls ?
-
-'Tis France , for England .
-
-England for itself .
-You men of Angiers , and my loving subjects ,
-
-You loving men of Angiers , Arthur's subjects ,
-Our trumpet call'd you to this gentle parle ,
-
-For our advantage ; therefore hear us first .
-These flags of France , that are advanced here
-Before the eye and prospect of your town ,
-Have hither march'd to your endamagement :
-The cannons have their bowels full of wrath ,
-And ready mounted are they to spit forth
-Their iron indignation 'gainst your walls :
-All preparation for a bloody siege
-And merciless proceeding by these French
-Confronts your city's eyes , your winking gates ;
-And but for our approach those sleeping stones ,
-That as a waist do girdle you about ,
-By the compulsion of their ordinance
-By this time from their fixed beds of lime
-Had been dishabited , and wide havoc made
-For bloody power to rush upon your peace .
-But on the sight of us your lawful king ,
-Who painfully with much expedient march
-Have brought a countercheck before your gates ,
-To save unscratch'd your city's threaten'd cheeks ,
-Behold , the French amaz'd vouchsafe a parle ;
-And now , instead of bullets wrapp'd in fire ,
-To make a shaking fever in your walls ,
-They shoot but calm words folded up in smoke ,
-To make a faithless error in your ears :
-Which trust accordingly , kind citizens ,
-And let us in , your king , whose labour'd spirits ,
-Forwearied in this action of swift speed ,
-Crave harbourage within your city walls .
-
-When I have said , make answer to us both .
-Lo ! in this right hand , whose protection
-Is most divinely vow'd upon the right
-Of him it holds , stands young Plantagenet ,
-Son to the elder brother of this man ,
-And king o'er him and all that he enjoys :
-For this down-trodden equity , we tread
-In war-like march these greens before your town ,
-Being no further enemy to you
-Than the constraint of hospitable zeal ,
-In the relief of this oppressed child ,
-Religiously provokes . Be pleased then
-To pay that duty which you truly owe
-To him that owes it , namely , this young prince ;
-And then our arms , like to a muzzled bear ,
-Save in aspect , have all offence seal'd up ;
-Our cannons' malice vainly shall be spent
-Against the invulnerable clouds of heaven ;
-And with a blessed and unvex'd retire ,
-With unhack'd swords and helmets all unbruis'd ,
-We will bear home that lusty blood again
-Which here we came to spout against your town ,
-And leave your children , wives , and you , in peace .
-But if you fondly pass our proffer'd offer ,
-'Tis not the roundure of your old-fac'd walls
-Can hide you from our messengers of war ,
-Though all these English and their discipline
-Were harbour'd in their rude circumference .
-Then tell us , shall your city call us lord ,
-In that behalf which we have challeng'd it ?
-Or shall we give the signal to our rage
-And stalk in blood to our possession ?
-
-In brief , we are the King of England's subjects :
-For him , and in his right , we hold this town .
-
-Acknowledge then the king , and let me in .
-
-That can we not ; but he that proves the king ,
-To him will we prove loyal : till that time
-Have we ramm'd up our gates against the world .
-
-Doth not the crown of England prove the king ?
-And if not that , I bring you witnesses ,
-Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England's breed ,
-
-Bastards , and else .
-
-To verify our title with their lives .
-
-As many and as well-born bloods as those ,
-
-Some bastards too .
-
-Stand in his face to contradict his claim .
-
-Till thou compound whose right is worthiest ,
-We for the worthiest hold the right from both .
-
-Then God forgive the sins of all those souls
-That to their everlasting residence ,
-Before the dew of evening fall , shall fleet ,
-In dreadful trial of our kingdom's king !
-
-Amen , Amen ! Mount , chevaliers ! to arms !
-
-Saint George , that swing'd the dragon , and e'er since
-Sits on his horse back at mine hostess' door ,
-Teach us some fence !
-
-Sirrah , were I at home ,
-At your den , sirrah , with your lioness ,
-I would set an ox-head to your lion's hide ,
-And make a monster of you .
-
-Peace ! no more .
-
-O ! tremble , for you hear the lion roar .
-
-Up higher to the plain ; where we'll set forth
-In best appointment all our regiments .
-
-Speed then , to take advantage of the field .
-
-It shall be so ;
-
-and at the other hill
-Command the rest to stand . God , and our right !
-
-You men of Angiers , open wide your gates ,
-And let young Arthur , Duke of Britaine , in ,
-Who , by the hand of France this day hath made
-Much work for tears in many an English mother ,
-Whose sons he scatter'd on the bleeding ground ;
-Many a widow's husband grovelling lies ,
-Coldly embracing the discolour'd earth ;
-And victory , with little loss , doth play
-Upon the dancing banners of the French ,
-Who are at hand , triumphantly display'd ,
-To enter conquerors and to proclaim
-Arthur of Britaine England's king and yours .
-
-
-Rejoice , you men of Angiers , ring your bells ;
-King John , your king and England's , doth approach ,
-Commander of this hot malicious day .
-Their armours , that march'd hence so silver-bright ,
-Hither return all gilt with Frenchmen's blood ;
-There stuck no plume in any English crest
-That is removed by a staff of France ;
-Our colours do return in those same hands
-That did display them when we first march'd forth ;
-And , like a jolly troop of huntsmen , come
-Our lusty English , all with purpled hands
-Dy'd in the dying slaughter of their foes .
-Open your gates and give the victors way .
-
-Heralds , from off our towers we might behold ,
-From first to last , the onset and retire
-Of both your armies ; whose equality
-By our best eyes cannot be censured :
-Blood hath bought blood , and blows have answer'd blows ;
-Strength match'd with strength , and power confronted power :
-Both are alike ; and both alike we like .
-One must prove greatest : while they weigh so even ,
-We hold our town for neither , yet for both .
-
-
-France , hast thou yet more blood to cast away ?
-Say , shall the current of our right run on ?
-Whose passage , vex'd with thy impediment ,
-Shall leave his native channel and o'erswell
-With course disturb'd even thy conflning shores ,
-Unless thou let his silver water keep
-A peaceful progress to the ocean .
-
-England , thou hast not sav'd one drop of blood ,
-In this hot trial , more than we of France ;
-Rather , lost more : and by this hand I swear ,
-That sways the earth this climate overlooks ,
-Before we will lay down our just-borne arms ,
-We'll put thee down , 'gainst whom these arms we bear ,
-Or add a royal number to the dead ,
-Gracing the scroll that tells of this war's loss
-With slaughter coupled to the name of kings .
-
-Ha , majesty ! how high thy glory towers
-When the rich blood of kings is set on fire !
-O ! now doth Death line his dead chaps with steel ;
-The swords of soldiers are his teeth , his fangs ;
-And now he feasts , mousing the flesh of men ,
-In undetermin'd differences of kings .
-Why stand these royal fronts amazed thus ?
-Cry 'havoc !' kings ; back to the stained field ,
-You equal-potents , fiery-kindled spirits !
-Then let confusion of one part confirm
-The other's peace ; till then , blows , blood , and death !
-
-Whose party do the townsmen yet admit ?
-
-Speak , citizens , for England ; who's your king ?
-
-The King of England , when we know the king .
-
-Know him in us , that here hold up his right .
-
-In us , that are our own great deputy ,
-And bear possession of our person here ,
-Lord of our presence , Angiers , and of you .
-
-A greater power than we denies all this ;
-And , till it be undoubted , we do lock
-Our former scruple in our strong-barr'd gates ,
-Kings of ourselves ; until our fears , resolv'd ,
-Be by some certain king purg'd and depos'd .
-
-By heaven , these scroyles of Angiers flout you , kings ,
-And stand securely on their battlements
-As in a theatre , whence they gape and point
-At your industrious scenes and acts of death .
-Your royal presences be rul'd by me :
-Do like the mutines of Jerusalem ,
-Be friends awhile and both conjointly bend
-Your sharpest deeds of malice on this town .
-By east and west let France and England mount
-Their battering cannon charged to the mouths ,
-Till their soul-fearing clamours have brawl'd down
-The flinty ribs of this contemptuous city :
-I'd play incessantly upon these jades ,
-Even till unfenced desolation
-Leave them as naked as the vulgar air .
-That done , dissever your united strengths ,
-And part your mingled colours once again ;
-Turn face to face and bloody point to point ;
-Then , in a moment , Fortune shall cull forth
-Out of one side her happy minion ,
-To whom in favour she shall give the day ,
-And kiss him with a glorious victory .
-How like you this wild counsel , mighty states ?
-Smacks it not something of the policy ?
-
-Now , by the sky that hangs above our heads ,
-I like it well . France , shall we knit our powers
-And lay this Angiers even with the ground ;
-Then after fight who shall be king of it ?
-
-An if thou hast the mettle of a king ,
-Being wrong'd as we are by this peevish town ,
-Turn thou the mouth of thy artillery ,
-As we will ours , against these saucy walls ;
-And when that we have dash'd them to the ground ,
-Why then defy each other , and , pell-mell ,
-Make work upon ourselves , for heaven or hell .
-
-Let it be so . Say , where will you assault ?
-
-We from the west will send destruction
-Into this city's bosom .
-
-I from the north .
-
-Our thunder from the south
-Shall rain their drift of bullets on this town .
-
-O , prudent discipline ! From north to south
-Austria and France shoot in each other's mouth :
-I'll stir them to it . Come , away , away !
-
-Hear us , great kings : vouchsafe a while to stay ,
-And I shall show you peace and fair-fac'd league ;
-Win you this city without stroke or wound ;
-Rescue those breathing lives to die in beds ,
-That here come sacrifices for the field .
-Persever not , but hear me , mighty kings .
-
-Speak on with favour : we are bent to hear .
-
-That daughter there of Spain , the Lady Blanch ,
-Is near to England : look upon the years
-Of Lewis the Dauphin and that lovely maid .
-If lusty love should go in quest of beauty ,
-Where should he find it fairer than in Blanch ?
-If zealous love should go in search of virtue ,
-Where should he find it purer than in Blanch ?
-If love ambitious sought a match of birth ,
-Whose veins bound richer blood than Lady Blanch ?
-Such as she is , in beauty , virtue , birth ,
-Is the young Dauphin every way complete :
-If not complete of , say he is not she ;
-And she again wants nothing , to name want ,
-If want it be not that she is not he :
-He is the half part of a blessed man ,
-Left to be finished by such a she ;
-And she a fair divided excellence ,
-Whose fulness of perfection lies in him .
-O ! two such silver currents , when they join ,
-Do glorify the banks that bound them in ;
-And two such shores to two such streams made one ,
-Two such controlling bounds shall you be , kings ,
-To these two princes , if you marry them .
-This union shall do more than battery can
-To our fast-closed gates ; for at this match ,
-With swifter spleen than powder can enforce ,
-The mouth of passage shall we fling wide ope ,
-And give you entrance ; but without this match ,
-The sea enraged is not half so deaf ,
-Lions more confident , mountains and rocks
-More free from motion , no , not death himself
-In mortal fury half so peremptory ,
-As we to keep this city .
-
-Here's a stay ,
-That shakes the rotten carcase of old Death
-Out of his rags ! Here's a large mouth , indeed ,
-That spits forth death and mountains , rocks and seas ,
-Talks as familiarly of roaring lions
-As maids of thirteen do of puppy-dogs .
-What cannoneer begot this lusty blood ?
-He speaks plain cannon fire , and smoke and bounce ;
-He gives the bastinado with his tongue ;
-Our ears are cudgell'd ; not a word of his
-But buffets better than a fist of France .
-'Zounds ! I was never so bethump'd with words
-Since I first call'd my brother's father dad .
-
-Son , list to this conjunction , make this match ;
-Give with our niece a dowry large enough ;
-For by this knot thou shalt so surely tie
-Thy now unsur'd assurance to the crown ,
-That yon green boy shall have no sun to ripe
-The bloom that promiseth a mighty fruit .
-I see a yielding in the looks of France ;
-Mark how they whisper : urge them while their souls
-Are capable of this ambition ,
-Lest zeal , now melted by the windy breath
-Of soft petitions , pity and remorse ,
-Cool and congeal again to what it was .
-
-Why answer not the double majesties
-This friendly treaty of our threaten'd town ?
-
-Speak England first , that hath been forward first
-To speak unto this city : what say you ?
-
-If that the Dauphin there , thy princely son ,
-Can in this book of beauty read 'I love ,'
-Her dowry shall weigh equal with a queen :
-For Anjou , and fair Touraine , Maine , Poictiers ,
-And all that we upon this side the sea ,
-Except this city now by us besieg'd ,
-Find liable to our crown and dignity ,
-Shall gild her bridal bed and make her rich
-In titles , honours , and promotions ,
-As she in beauty , education , blood ,
-Holds hand with any princess of the world .
-
-What sayst thou , boy ? look in the lady's face .
-
-I do , my lord ; and in her eye I find
-A wonder , or a wondrous miracle ,
-The shadow of myself form'd in her eye ;
-Which , being but the shadow of your son
-Becomes a sun , and makes your son a shadow :
-I do protest I never lov'd myself
-Till now infixed I beheld myself ,
-Drawn in the flattering table of her eye .
-
-
-Drawn in the flattering table of her eye !
-Hang'd in the frowning wrinkle of her brow !
-And quarter'd in her heart ! he doth espy
-Himself love's traitor : this is pity now ,
-That hang'd and drawn and quarter'd , there should be
-In such a love so vile a lout as he .
-
-My uncle's will in this respect is mine :
-If he see aught in you that makes him like ,
-That anything he sees , which moves his liking ,
-I can with ease translate it to my will ;
-Or if you will , to speak more properly ,
-I will enforce it easily to my love .
-Further I will not flatter you , my lord ,
-That all I see in you is worthy love ,
-Than this : that nothing do I see in you ,
-Though churlish thoughts themselves should be your judge ,
-That I can find should merit any hate .
-
-What say these young ones ? What say you , my niece ?
-
-That she is bound in honour still to do
-What you in wisdom still vouchsafe to say .
-
-Speak then , Prince Dauphin ; can you love this lady ?
-
-Nay , ask me if I can refrain from love ;
-For I do love her most unfeignedly .
-
-Then do I give Volquessen , Touraine , Maine ,
-Poictiers , and Anjou , these five provinces ,
-With her to thee ; and this addition more ,
-Full thirty thousand marks of English coin .
-Philip of France , if thou be pleas'd withal ,
-Command thy son and daughter to join hands .
-
-It likes us well . Young princes , close your hands .
-
-And your lips too ; for I am well assur'd
-That I did so when I was first assur'd .
-
-Now , citizens of Angiers , ope your gates ,
-Let in that amity which you have made ;
-For at Saint Mary's chapel presently
-The rites of marriage shall be solemniz'd .
-Is not the Lady Constance in this troop ?
-I know she is not ; for this match made up
-Her presence would have interrupted much :
-Where is she and her son ? tell me , who knows .
-
-She is sad and passionate at your highness' tent .
-
-And , by my faith , this league that we have made
-Will give her sadness very little cure .
-Brother of England , how may we content
-This widow lady ? In her right we came ;
-Which we , God knows , have turn'd another way ,
-To our own vantage .
-
-We will heal up all ;
-For we'll create young Arthur Duke of Britaine
-And Earl of Richmond ; and this rich fair town
-We make him lord of . Call the Lady Constance :
-Some speedy messenger bid her repair
-To our solemnity : I trust we shall ,
-If not fill up the measure of her will ,
-Yet in some measure satisfy her so ,
-That we shall stop her exclamation .
-Go we , as well as haste will suffer us ,
-To this unlook'd-for unprepared pomp .
-
-
-Mad world ! mad kings ! mad composition !
-John , to stop Arthur's title in the whole ,
-Hath willingly departed with a part ;
-And France , whose armour conscience buckled on ,
-Whom zeal and charity brought to the field
-As God's own soldier , rounded in the ear
-With that same purpose-changer , that sly devil ,
-That broker , that still breaks the pate of faith ,
-That daily break-vow , he that wins of all ,
-Of kings , of beggars , old men , young men , maids ,
-Who having no external thing to lose
-But the word 'maid ,' cheats the poor maid of that ,
-That smooth-fac'd gentleman , tickling Commodity ,
-Commodity , the bias of the world ;
-The world , who of itself is peized well ,
-Made to run even upon even ground ,
-Till this advantage , this vile-drawing bias ,
-This sway of motion , this Commodity ,
-Makes it take head from all indifferency ,
-From all direction , purpose , course , intent :
-And this same bias , this Commodity ,
-This bawd , this broker , this all-changing word ,
-Clapp'd on the outward eye of fickle France ,
-Hath drawn him from his own determin'd aid ,
-From a resolv'd and honourable war ,
-To a most base and vile-concluded peace .
-And why rail I on this Commodity ?
-But for because he hath not woo'd me yet .
-Not that I have the power to clutch my hand
-When his fair angels would salute my palm ;
-But for my hand , as unattempted yet ,
-Like a poor beggar , raileth on the rich .
-Well , whiles I am a beggar , I will rail ,
-And say there is no sin but to be rich ;
-And being rich , my virtue then shall be
-To say there is no vice but beggary .
-Since kings break faith upon Commodity ,
-Gain , be my lord , for I will worship thee !
-
-Gone to be married ! gone to swear a peace !
-False blood to false blood join'd ! gone to be friends !
-Shall Lewis have Blanch , and Blanch those provinces ?
-It is not so ; thou hast misspoke , misheard ;
-Be well advis'd , tell o'er thy tale again :
-It cannot be ; thou dost but say 'tis so .
-I trust I may not trust thee , for thy word
-Is but the vain breath of a common man :
-Believe me , I do not believe thee , man ;
-I have a king's oath to the contrary .
-Thou shalt be punish'd for thus frighting me ,
-For I am sick and capable of fears ;
-Oppress'd with wrongs , and therefore full of fears ;
-A widow , husbandless , subject to fears ;
-A woman , naturally born to fears ;
-And though thou now confess thou didst but jest ,
-With my vex'd spirits I cannot take a truce ,
-But they will quake and tremble all this day .
-What dost thou mean by shaking of thy head ?
-Why dost thou look so sadly on my son ?
-What means that hand upon that breast of thine ?
-Why holds thine eye that lamentable rheum ,
-Like a proud river peering o'er his bounds ?
-Be these sad signs confirmers of thy words ?
-Then speak again ; not all thy former tale ,
-But this one word , whether thy tale be true .
-
-As true as I believe you think them false
-That give you cause to prove my saying true .
-
-O ! if thou teach me to believe this sorrow ,
-Teach thou this sorrow how to make me die ;
-And let belief and life encounter so
-As doth the fury of two desperate men
-Which in the very meeting fall and die .
-Lewis marry Blanch ! O boy ! then where art thou ?
-France friend with England what becomes of me ?
-Fellow , be gone ! I cannot brook thy sight :
-This news hath made thee a most ugly man .
-
-What other harm have I , good lady , done ,
-But spoke the harm that is by others done ?
-
-Which harm within itself so heinous is
-As it makes harmful all that speak of it .
-
-I do beseech you , madam , be content .
-
-If thou , that bidd'st me be content , wert grim ,
-Ugly and slanderous to thy mother's womb ,
-Full of unpleasing blots and sightless stains ,
-Lame , foolish , crooked , swart , prodigious ,
-Patch'd with foul moles and eye-offending marks ,
-I would not care , I then would be content ;
-For then I should not love thee , no , nor thou
-Become thy great birth , nor deserve a crown .
-But thou art fair ; and at thy birth , dear boy ,
-Nature and Fortune join'd to make thee great :
-Of Nature's gifts thou mayst with lilies boast
-And with the half-blown rose . But Fortune , O !
-She is corrupted , chang'd , and won from thee :
-She adulterates hourly with thine uncle John ,
-And with her golden hand hath pluck'd on France
-To tread down fair respect of sovereignty ,
-And made his majesty the bawd to theirs .
-France is a bawd to Fortune and King John ,
-That strumpet Fortune , that usurping John !
-Tell me , thou fellow , is not France forsworn ?
-Envenom him with words , or get thee gone
-And leave those woes alone which I alone
-Am bound to underbear .
-
-Pardon me , madam ,
-I may not go without you to the kings .
-
-Thou mayst , thou shalt : I will not go with thee .
-I will instruct my sorrows to be proud ;
-For grief is proud and makes his owner stoop .
-To me and to the state of my great grief
-Let kings assemble ; for my grief's so great
-That no supporter but the huge firm earth
-Can hold it up : here I and sorrows sit ;
-Here is my throne , bid kings come bow to it .
-
-'Tis true , fair daughter ; and this blessed day
-Ever in France shall be kept festival :
-To solemnize this day the glorious sun
-Stays in his course and plays the alchemist ,
-Turning with splendour of his precious eye
-The meagre cloddy earth to glittering gold :
-The yearly course that brings this day about
-Shall never see it but a holiday .
-
-A wicked day , and not a holy day !
-What hath this day deserv'd ? what hath it done
-That it in golden letters should be set
-Among the high tides in the calendar ?
-Nay , rather turn this day out of the week ,
-This day of shame , oppression , perjury :
-Or , if it must stand still , let wives with child
-Pray that their burdens may not fall this day ,
-Lest that their hopes prodigiously be cross'd :
-But on this day let seamen fear no wrack ;
-No bargains break that are not this day made ;
-This day all things begun come to ill end ;
-Yea , faith itself to hollow falsehood change !
-
-By heaven , lady , you shall have no cause
-To curse the fair proceedings of this day :
-Have I not pawn'd to you my majesty ?
-
-You have beguil'd me with a counterfeit
-Resembling majesty , which , being touch'd and tried ,
-Proves valueless : you are forsworn , forsworn ;
-You came in arms to spill mine enemies' blood ,
-But now in arms you strengthen it with yours :
-The grappling vigour and rough frown of war
-Is cold in amity and painted peace ,
-And our oppression hath made up this league .
-Arm , arm , you heavens , against these perjur'd kings !
-A widow cries ; be husband to me , heavens !
-Let not the hours of this ungodly day
-Wear out the day in peace ; but , ere sunset ,
-Set armed discord 'twixt these perjur'd kings !
-Hear me ! O , hear me !
-
-Lady Constance , peace !
-
-War ! war ! no peace ! peace is to me a war .
-O , Lymoges ! O , Austria ! thou dost shame
-That bloody spoil . thou slave , thou wretch , thou coward !
-Thou little valiant , great in villany !
-Thou ever strong upon the stronger side !
-Thou Fortune's champion , that dost never fight
-But when her humorous ladyship is by
-To teach thee safety ! thou art perjur'd too ,
-And sooth'st up greatness . What a fool art thou ,
-A ramping fool , to brag , and stamp and swear
-Upon my party ! Thou cold-blooded slave ,
-Hast thou not spoke like thunder on my side ?
-Been sworn my soldier ? bidding me depend
-Upon thy stars , thy fortune , and thy strength ?
-And dost thou now fall over to my foes ?
-Thou wear a hon's hide ! doff it for shame ,
-And hang a calf's-skin on those recreant limbs .
-
-O ! that a man should speak those words to me .
-
-And hang a calf's-skin on those recreant limbs .
-
-Thou dar'st not say so , villain , for thy life .
-
-And hang a calf's-skin on those recreant limbs .
-
-We like not this ; thou dost forget thyself .
-
-
-Here comes the holy legate of the pope .
-
-Hail , you anointed deputies of heaven !
-To thee , King John , my holy errand is .
-I Pandulph , of fair Milan cardinal ,
-And from Pope Innocent the legate here ,
-Do in his name religiously demand
-Why thou against the church , our holy mother ,
-So wilfully dost spurn ; and , force perforce ,
-Keep Stephen Langton , chosen Archbishop
-Of Canterbury , from that holy see ?
-This , in our foresaid holy father's name ,
-Pope Innocent , I do demand of thee .
-
-What earthly name to interrogatories
-Can task the free breath of a sacred king ?
-Thou canst not , cardinal , devise a name
-So slight , unworthy and ridiculous ,
-To charge me to an answer , as the pope .
-Tell him this tale ; and from the mouth of England
-Add thus much more : that no Italian priest
-Shall tithe or toll in our dominions ;
-But as we under heaven are supreme head ,
-So under him that great supremacy ,
-Where we do reign , we will alone uphold ,
-Without the assistance of a mortal hand :
-So tell the pope ; all reverence set apart
-To him , and his usurp'd authority .
-
-Brother of England , you blaspheme in this .
-
-Though you and all the kings of Christendom
-Are led so grossly by this meddling priest ,
-Dreading the curse that money may buy out ;
-And , by the merit of vile gold , dross , dust ,
-Purchase corrupted pardon of a man ,
-Who in that sale sells pardon from himself ;
-Though you and all the rest so grossly led
-This juggling witchcraft with revenue cherish ;
-Yet I alone , alone do me oppose
-Against the pope , and count his friends my foes .
-
-Then , by the lawful power that I have ,
-Thou shalt stand curs'd and excommunicate :
-And blessed shall he be that doth revolt
-From his allegiance to a heretic ;
-And meritorious shall that hand be call'd ,
-Canonized and worshipp'd as a saint ,
-That takes away by any secret course
-Thy hateful life .
-
-O ! lawful let it be
-That I have room with Rome to curse awhile .
-Good father cardinal , cry thou amen
-To my keen curses ; for without my wrong
-There is no tongue hath power to curse him right .
-
-There's law and warrant , lady , for my curse .
-
-And for mine too : when law can do no right ,
-Let it be lawful that law bar no wrong .
-Law cannot give my child his kingdom here ,
-For he that holds his kingdom holds the law :
-Therefore , since law itself is perfect wrong ,
-How can the law forbid my tongue to curse ?
-
-Philip of France , on peril of a curse ,
-Let go the hand of that arch-heretic ,
-And raise the power of France upon his head ,
-Unless he do submit himself to Rome .
-
-Look'st thou pale , France ? do not let go thy hand .
-
-Look to that , devil , lest that France repent ,
-And by disjoining hands , hell lose a soul .
-
-King Philip , listen to the cardinal .
-
-And hang a calf's-skin on his recreant limbs .
-
-Well , ruffian , I must pocket up these wrongs ,
-Because
-
-Your breeches best may carry them .
-
-Philip , what sayst thou to the cardinal ?
-
-What should he say , but as the cardinal ?
-
-Bethink you , father ; for the difference
-Is purchase of a heavy curse from Rome ,
-Or the light loss of England for a friend :
-Forego the easier .
-
-That's the curse of Rome .
-
-O Lewis , stand fast ! the devil tempts thee here ,
-In likeness of a new untrimmed bride .
-
-The Lady Constance speaks not from her faith ,
-But from her need .
-
-O ! if thou grant my need ,
-Which only lives but by the death of faith ,
-That need must needs infer this principle ,
-That faith would live again by death of need :
-O ! then , tread down my need , and faith mounts up ;
-Keep my need up , and faith is trodden down .
-
-The king is mov'd , and answers not to this .
-
-O ! be remov'd from him , and answer well .
-
-Do so , King Philip : hang no more in doubt .
-
-Hang nothing but a calf's-skin , most sweet lout .
-
-I am perplex'd , and know not what to say .
-
-What canst thou say but will perplex thee more ,
-If thou stand excommunicate and curs'd ?
-
-Good reverend father , make my person yours ,
-And tell me how you would bestow yourself .
-This royal hand and mine are newly knit ,
-And the conjunction of our inward souls
-Married in league , coupled and link'd together
-With all religious strength of sacred vows ;
-The latest breath that gave the sound of words
-Was deep-sworn faith , peace , amity , true love ,
-Between our kingdoms and our royal selves ;
-And even before this truce , but new before ,
-No longer than we well could wash our hands
-To clap this royal bargain up of peace ,
-Heaven knows , they were besmear'd and overstain'd
-With slaughter's pencil , where revenge did paint
-The fearful difference of incensed kings :
-And shall these hands , so lately purg'd of blood ,
-So newly join'd in love , so strong in both ,
-Unyoke this seizure and this kind regreet ?
-Play fast and loose with faith ? so jest with heaven ,
-Make such unconstant children of ourselves ,
-As now again to snatch our palm from palm ,
-Unswear faith sworn , and on the marriage-bed
-Of smiling peace to march a bloody host ,
-And make a riot on the gentle brow
-Of true sincerity ? O ! holy sir ,
-My reverend father , let it not be so !
-Out of your grace , devise , ordain , impose
-Some gentle order , and then we shall be bless'd
-To do your pleasure and continue friends .
-
-All form is formless , order orderless ,
-Save what is opposite to England's love .
-Therefore to arms ! be champion of our church ,
-Or let the church , our mother , breathe her curse ,
-A mother's curse , on her revolting son .
-France , thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue ,
-A chafed lion by the mortal paw ,
-A fasting tiger safer by the tooth ,
-Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold .
-
-I may disjoin my hand , but not my faith .
-
-So mak'st thou faith an enemy to faith :
-And like a civil war sett'st oath to oath ,
-Thy tongue against thy tongue . O ! let thy vow
-First made to heaven , first be to heaven perform'd ;
-That is , to be the champion of our church .
-What since thou swor'st is sworn against thyself
-And may not be performed by thyself ;
-For that which thou hast sworn to do amiss
-Is not amiss when it is truly done ;
-And being not done , where doing tends to ill ,
-The truth is then most done not doing it .
-The better act of purposes mistook
-Is to mistake again ; though indirect ,
-Yet indirection thereby grows direct ,
-And falsehood falsehood cures , as fire cools fire
-Within the scorched veins of one new-burn'd .
-It is religion that doth make vows kept ;
-But thou hast sworn against religion
-By what thou swear'st , against the thing thou swear'st ,
-And mak'st an oath the surety for thy truth
-Against an oath : the truth thou art unsure
-To swear , swears only not to be forsworn ;
-Else what a mockery should it be to swear !
-But thou dost swear only to be forsworn ;
-And most forsworn , to keep what thou dost swear .
-Therefore thy later vows against thy first
-Is in thyself rebellion to thyself ;
-And better conquest never canst thou make
-Than arm thy constant and thy nobler parts
-Against these giddy loose suggestions :
-Upon which better part our prayers come in ,
-If thou vouchsafe them ; but , if not , then know
-The peril of our curses light on thee
-So heavy as thou shalt not shake them off ,
-But in despair die under their black weight .
-
-Rebellion , flat rebellion !
-
-Will't not be ?
-Will not a calf's-skin stop that mouth of thine ?
-
-Father , to arms !
-
-Upon thy wedding-day ?
-Against the blood that thou hast married ?
-What ! shall our feast be kept with slaughter'd men ?
-Shall braying trumpets and loud churlish drums ,
-Clamours of hell , be measures to our pomp ?
-O husband , hear me ! ay , alack ! how new
-Is husband in my mouth ; even for that name ,
-Which till this time my tongue did ne'er pronounce ,
-Upon my knee I beg , go not to arms
-Against mine uncle .
-
-O ! upon my knee ,
-Made hard with kneeling , I do pray to thee ,
-Thou virtuous Dauphin , alter not the doom
-Forethought by heaven .
-
-Now shall I see thy love : what motive may
-Be stronger with thee than the name of wife ?
-
-That which upholdeth him that thee upholds ,
-His honour : O ! thine honour , Lewis , thine honour .
-
-I muse your majesty doth seem so cold ,
-When such profound respects do pull you on .
-
-I will denounce a curse upon his head .
-
-Thou shalt not need . England , I'll fall from thee .
-
-O fair return of banish'd majesty !
-
-O foul revolt of French inconstancy !
-
-France , thou shalt rue this hour within this hour .
-
-Old Time the clock-setter , that bald sexton Time ,
-Is it as he will ? well then , France shall rue .
-
-The sun's o'ercast with blood : fair day , adieu !
-Which is the side that I must go withal ?
-I am with both : each army hath a hand ;
-And in their rage , I having hold of both ,
-They whirl asunder and dismember me .
-Husband , I cannot pray that thou mayst win ;
-Uncle , I needs must pray that thou mayst lose ;
-Father , I may not wish the fortune thine ;
-Grandam , I will not wish thy wishes thrive :
-Whoever wins , on that side shall I lose ;
-Assured loss before the match be play'd .
-
-Lady , with me ; with me thy fortune lies .
-
-There where my fortune lives , there my life dies .
-
-Cousin , go draw our puissance together .
-
-France , I am burn'd up with inflaming wrath ;
-A rage whose heat hath this condition ,
-That nothing can allay , nothing but blood ,
-The blood , and dearest-valu'd blood of France .
-
-Thy rage shall burn thee up , and thou shalt turn
-To ashes , ere our blood shall quench that fire :
-Look to thyself , thou art in jeopardy .
-
-No more than he that threats . To arms let's hie !
-
-
-Now , by my life , this day grows wondrous hot ;
-Some airy devil hovers in the sky
-And pours down mischief . Austria's head lie there ,
-While Philip breathes .
-
-
-Hubert , keep this boy . Philip , make up ,
-My mother is assailed in our tent ,
-And ta'en , I fear .
-
-My lord , I rescu'd her ;
-Her highness is in safety , fear you not :
-But on , my liege ; for very little pains
-Will bring this labour to a happy end .
-
-
-So shall it be ; your grace shall stay behind
-So strongly guarded .
-
-Cousin , look not sad :
-Thy grandam loves thee ; and thy uncle will
-As dear be to thee as thy father was .
-
-O ! this will make my mother die with grief .
-
-Cousin , away for England ! haste before ;
-And , ere our coming , see thou shake the bags
-Of hoarding abbots ; set at liberty
-Imprison'd angels : the fat ribs of peace
-Must by the hungry now be fed upon :
-Use our commission in his utmost force .
-
-Bell , book , and candle shall not drive me back
-When gold and silver becks me to come on .
-I leave your highness . Grandam , I will pray ,
-If ever I remember to be holy ,
-For your fair safety ; so I kiss your hand .
-
-Farewell , gentle cousin .
-
-Coz , farewell .
-
-
-Come hither , little kinsman ; hark , a word .
-
-
-Come hither , Hubert . O my gentle Hubert ,
-We owe thee much : within this wall of flesh
-There is a soul counts thee her creditor ,
-And with advantage means to pay thy love :
-And , my good friend , thy voluntary oath
-Lives in this bosom , dearly cherished .
-Give me thy hand . I had a thing to say ,
-But I will fit it with some better time .
-By heaven , Hubert , I am almost asham'd
-To say what good respect I have of thee .
-
-I am much bounden to your majesty .
-
-Good friend , thou hast no cause to say so yet ;
-But thou shalt have ; and creep time ne'er so slow ,
-Yet it shall come for me to do thee good .
-I had a thing to say , but let it go :
-The sun is in the heaven , and the proud day ,
-Attended with the pleasures of the world ,
-Is all too wanton and too full of gawds
-To give me audience : if the midnight bell
-Did , with his iron tongue and brazen mouth ,
-Sound one into the drowsy race of night ;
-If this same were a churchyard where we stand ,
-And thou possessed with a thousand wrongs ;
-Or if that surly spirit , melancholy ,
-Had bak'd thy blood and made it heavy-thick ,
-Which else runs tickling up and down the veins ,
-Making that idiot , laughter , keep men's eyes
-And strain their cheeks to idle merriment ,
-A passion hateful to my purposes ;
-Or if that thou couldst see me without eyes ,
-Hear me without thine ears , and make reply
-Without a tongue , using conceit alone ,
-Without eyes , ears , and harmful sound of words ;
-Then , in despite of brooded watchful day ,
-I would into thy bosom pour my thoughts :
-But ah ! I will not : yet I love thee well ;
-And , by my troth , I think thou lov'st me well .
-
-So well , that what you bid me undertake ,
-Though that my death were adjunct to my act ,
-By heaven , I would do it .
-
-Do not I know thou wouldst ?
-Good Hubert ! Hubert , Hubert , throw thine eye
-On yon young boy : I'll tell thee what , my friend ,
-He is a very serpent in my way ;
-And wheresoe'er this foot of mine doth tread
-He lies before me : dost thou understand me ?
-Thou art his keeper .
-
-And I'll keep him so
-That he shall not offend your majesty .
-
-Death .
-
-My lord ?
-
-A grave .
-
-He shall not live .
-
-Enough .
-I could be merry now . Hubert , I love thee ;
-Well , I'll not say what I intend for thee :
-Remember . Madam , fare you well :
-I'll send those powers o'er to your majesty .
-
-My blessing go with thee !
-
-For England , cousin ; go :
-Hubert shall be your man , attend on you
-With all true duty . On toward Calais , ho !
-
-
-So , by a roaring tempest on the flood ,
-A whole armado of convicted sail
-Is scatter'd and disjoin'd from fellowship .
-
-Courage and comfort ! all shall yet go well .
-
-What can go well when we have run so ill ?
-Are we not beaten ? Is not Angiers lost ?
-Arthur ta'en prisoner ? divers dear friends slain ?
-And bloody England into England gone ,
-O'erbearing interruption , spite of France ?
-
-What he hath won that hath he fortified :
-So hot a speed with such advice dispos'd ,
-Such temperate order in so fierce a cause ,
-Doth want example : who hath read or heard
-Of any kindred action like to this ?
-
-Well could I bear that England had this praise ,
-So we could find some pattern of our shame .
-
-
-Look , who comes here ! a grave unto a soul ;
-Holding the eternal spirit , against her will ,
-In the vile prison of afflicted breath .
-
-I prithee lady , go away with me .
-
-Lo now ! now see the issue of your peace .
-
-Patience , good lady ! comfort , gentle Constance !
-
-No , I defy all counsel , all redress ,
-But that which ends all counsel , true redress ,
-Death , death : O , amiable lovely death !
-Thou odoriferous stench ! sound rottenness !
-Arise forth from the couch of lasting night ,
-Thou hate and terror to prosperity ,
-And I will kiss thy detestable bones ,
-And put my eyeballs in thy vaulty brows ,
-And ring these fingers with thy household worms ,
-And stop this gap of breath with fulsome dust ,
-And be a carrion monster like thyself :
-Come , grin on me ; and I will think thou smil'st
-And buss thee as thy wife ! Misery's love ,
-O ! come to me .
-
-O fair affliction , peace !
-
-No , no , I will not , having breath to cry :
-O ! that my tongue were in the thunder's mouth !
-Then with a passion would I shake the world ,
-And rouse from sleep that fell anatomy
-Which cannot hear a lady's feeble voice ,
-Which scorns a modern invocation .
-
-Lady , you utter madness , and not sorrow .
-
-Thou art not holy to belie me so ;
-I am not mad : this hair I tear is mine ;
-My name is Constance ; I was Geffrey's wife ;
-Young Arthur is my son , and he is lost !
-I am not mad : I would to heaven I were !
-For then 'tis like I should forget myself :
-O ! if I could , what grief should I forget .
-Preach some philosophy to make me mad ,
-And thou shalt be canoniz'd , cardinal ;
-For being not mad but sensible of grief ,
-My reasonable part produces reason
-How I may be deliver'd of these woes ,
-And teaches me to kill or hang myself :
-If I were mad , I should forget my son ,
-Or madly think a babe of clouts were he .
-I am not mad : too well , too well I feel
-The different plague of each calamity .
-
-Bind up those tresses . O ! what love I note
-In the fair multitude of those her hairs :
-Where but by chance a silver drop hath fallen ,
-Even to that drop ten thousand wiry friends
-Do glue themselves in sociable grief ;
-Like true , inseparable , faithful loves ,
-Sticking together in calamity .
-
-To England , if you will .
-
-Bind up your hairs .
-
-Yes , that I will ; and wherefore will I do it ?
-I tore them from their bonds , and cried aloud
-'O ! that these hands could so redeem my son ,
-As they have given these hairs their liberty !'
-But now I envy at their liberty ,
-And will again commit them to their bonds ,
-Because my poor child is a prisoner .
-And , father cardinal , I have heard you say
-That we shall see and know our friends in heaven .
-If that be true , I shall see my boy again ;
-For since the birth of Cain , the first male child ,
-To him that did but yesterday suspire ,
-There was not such a gracious creature born .
-But now will canker-sorrow eat my bud
-And chase the native beauty from his cheek ,
-And he will look as hollow as a ghost ,
-As dim and meagre as an ague's fit ,
-And so he'll die ; and , rising so again ,
-When I shall meet him in the court of heaven
-I shall not know him : therefore never , never
-Must I behold my pretty Arthur more .
-
-You hold too heinous a respect of grief .
-
-He talks to me , that never had a son .
-
-You are as fond of grief as of your child .
-
-Grief fills the room up of my absent child ,
-Lies in his bed , walks up and down with me ,
-Puts on his pretty looks , repeats his words ,
-Remembers me of all his gracious parts ,
-Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form :
-Then have I reason to be fond of grief .
-Fare you well : had you such a loss as I ,
-I could give better comfort than you do .
-I will not keep this form upon my head
-When there is such disorder in my wit .
-O Lord ! my boy , my Arthur , my fair son !
-My life , my joy , my food , my all the world !
-My widow-comfort , and my sorrows' cure !
-
-
-I fear some outrage , and I'll follow her .
-
-
-There's nothing in this world can make me joy :
-Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale ,
-Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man ;
-And bitter shame hath spoil'd the sweet world's taste ,
-That it yields nought but shame and bitterness .
-
-Before the curing of a strong disease ,
-Even in the instant of repair and health ,
-The fit is strongest : evils that take leave ,
-On their departure most of all show evil .
-What have you lost by losing of this day ?
-
-All days of glory , joy , and happiness .
-
-If you had won it , certainly you had .
-No , no ; when Fortune means to men most good ,
-She looks upon them with a threatening eye .
-'Tis strange to think how much King John hath lost
-In this which he accounts so clearly won .
-Are not you griev'd that Arthur is his prisoner ?
-
-As heartily as he is glad he hath him .
-
-Your mind is all as youthful as your blood .
-Now hear me speak with a prophetic spirit ;
-For even the breath of what I mean to speak
-Shall blow each dust , each straw , each little rub ,
-Out of the path which shall directly lead
-Thy foot to England's throne ; and therefore mark .
-John hath seiz'd Arthur ; and it cannot be ,
-That whiles warm life plays in that infant's veins
-The misplac'd John should entertain an hour ,
-One minute , nay , one quiet breath of rest .
-A sceptre snatch'd with an unruly hand
-Must be as boisterously maintain'd as gain'd ;
-And he that stands upon a slippery place
-Makes nice of no vile hold to stay him up :
-That John may stand , then Arthur needs must fall ;
-So be it , for it cannot be but so .
-
-But what shall I gain by young Arthur's fall ?
-
-You , in the right of Lady Blanch your wife ,
-May then make all the claim that Arthur did .
-
-And lose it , life and all , as Arthur did .
-
-How green you are and fresh in this old world !
-John lays you plots ; the times conspire with you ;
-For he that steeps his safety in true blood
-Shall find but bloody safety and untrue .
-This act so evilly borne shall cool the hearts
-Of all his people and freeze up their zeal ,
-That none so small advantage shall step forth
-To check his reign , but they will cherish it ;
-No natural exhalation in the sky ,
-No scope of nature , no distemper'd day ,
-No common wind , no customed event ,
-But they will pluck away his natural cause
-And call them meteors , prodigies , and signs ,
-Abortives , presages , and tongues of heaven ,
-Plainly denouncing vengeance upon John .
-
-May be he will not touch young Arthur's life ,
-But hold himself safe in his prisonment .
-
-O ! sir , when he shall hear of your approach ,
-If that young Arthur be not gone already ,
-Even at that news he dies ; and then the hearts
-Of all his people shall revolt from him
-And kiss the lips of unacquainted change ,
-And pick strong matter of revolt and wrath
-Out of the bloody fingers' ends of John .
-Methinks I see this hurly all on foot :
-And , O ! what better matter breeds for you
-Than I have nam'd . The bastard Faulconbridge
-Is now in England ransacking the church ,
-Offending charity : if but a dozen French
-Were there in arms , they would be as a call
-To train ten thousand English to their side ;
-Or as a little snow , tumbled about ,
-Anon becomes a mountain . O noble Dauphin !
-Go with me to the king . 'Tis wonderful
-What may be wrought out of their discontent
-Now that their souls are topful of offence .
-For England go ; I will whet on the king .
-
-Strong reasons make strong actions . Let us go :
-If you say ay , the king will not say no .
-
-Heat me these irons hot ; and look thou stand
-Within the arras : when I strike my foot
-Upon the bosom of the ground , rush forth ,
-And bind the boy which you shall find with me
-Fast to the chair : be heedful . Hence , and watch .
-
-I hope your warrant will bear out the deed .
-
-Uncleanly scruples ! fear not you : look to't .
-
-Young lad , come forth ; I have to say with you .
-
-
-Good morrow , Hubert .
-
-Good morrow , little prince .
-
-As little prince ,having so great a title
-To be more prince ,as may be . You are sad .
-
-Indeed , I have been merrier .
-
-Mercy on me !
-Methinks nobody should be sad but I :
-Yet I remember , when I was in France ,
-Young gentlemen would be as sad as night ,
-Only for wantonness . By my christendom ,
-So I were out of prison and kept sheep ,
-I should be as merry as the day is long ;
-And so I would be here , but that I doubt
-My uncle practises more harm to me :
-He is afraid of me , and I of him .
-Is it my fault that I was Geffrey's son ?
-No , indeed , is't not ; and I would to heaven
-I were your son , so you would love me , Hubert .
-
-If I talk to him with his innocent prate
-He will awake my mercy which lies dead :
-Therefore I will be sudden and dispatch .
-
-Are you sick , Hubert ? you look pale to-day :
-In sooth , I would you were a little sick ,
-That I might sit all night and watch with you :
-I warrant I love you more than you do me .
-
-His words do take possession of my bosom .
-Read here , young Arthur .
-
-How now , foolish rheum !
-Turning dispiteous torture out of door !
-I must be brief , lest resolution drop
-Out at mine eyes in tender womanish tears .
-Can you not read it ? is it not fair writ ?
-
-Too fairly , Hubert , for so foul effect .
-Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes ?
-
-Young boy , I must .
-
-And will you ?
-
-And I will .
-
-Have you the heart ? When your head did but ache ,
-I knit my handkercher about your brows ,
-The best I had , a princess wrought it me ,
-And I did never ask it you again ;
-And with my hand at midnight held your head ,
-And like the watchful minutes to the hour ,
-Still and anon cheer'd up the heavy time ,
-Saying , 'What lack you ?' and , 'Where lies your grief ?'
-Or , 'What good love may I perform for you ?'
-Many a poor man's son would have lain still ,
-And ne'er have spoke a loving word to you ;
-But you at your sick-service had a prince .
-Nay , you may think my love was crafty love ,
-And call it cunning : do an if you will .
-If heaven be pleas'd that you must use me ill ,
-Why then you must . Will you put out mine eyes ?
-These eyes that never did nor never shall
-So much as frown on you ?
-
-I have sworn to do it ;
-And with hot irons must I burn them out .
-
-Ah ! none but in this iron age would do it !
-The iron of itself , though heat red-hot ,
-Approaching near these eyes , would drink my tears
-And quench this fiery indignation
-Even in the matter of mine innocence ;
-Nay , after that , consume away in rust ,
-But for containing fire to harm mine eye .
-Are you more stubborn-hard than hammer'd iron ?
-An if an angel should have come to me
-And told me Hubert should put out mine eyes ,
-I would not have believ'd him ; no tongue but Hubert's .
-
-Come forth .
-
-Do as I bid you do .
-
-O ! save me , Hubert , save me ! my eyes are out
-Even with the fierce looks of these bloody men .
-
-Give me the iron , I say , and bind him here .
-
-Alas ! what need you be so boisterousrough ?
-I will not struggle ; I will stand stone-still .
-For heaven's sake , Hubert , let me not be bound !
-Nay , hear me , Hubert : drive these men away ,
-And I will sit as quiet as a lamb ;
-I will not stir , nor wince , nor speak a word ,
-Nor look upon the iron angerly .
-Thrust but these men away , and I'll forgive you ,
-Whatever torment you do put me to .
-
-Go , stand within : let me alone with him .
-
-I am best pleas'd to be from such a deed .
-
-
-Alas ! I then have chid away my friend :
-He hath a stern look , but a gentle heart .
-Let him come back , that his compassion may
-Give life to yours .
-
-Come , boy , prepare yourself .
-
-Is there no remedy ?
-
-None , but to lose your eyes .
-
-O heaven ! that there were but a mote in yours ,
-A grain , a dust , a gnat , a wandering hair ,
-Any annoyance in that precious sense ;
-Then feeling what small things are boisterous there ,
-Your vile intent must needs seem horrible .
-
-Is this your promise ? go to , hold your tongue .
-
-Hubert , the utterance of a brace of tongues
-Must needs want pleading for a pair of eyes :
-Let me not hold my tongue ; let me not , Hubert :
-Or Hubert , if you will , cut out my tongue ,
-So I may keep mine eyes : O ! spare mine eyes ,
-Though to no use but still to look on you :
-Lo ! by my troth , the instrument is cold
-And would not harm me .
-
-I can heat it , boy .
-
-No , in good sooth ; the fire is dead with grief ,
-Being create for comfort , to be us'd
-In undeserv'd extremes : see else yourself ;
-There is no malice in this burning coal ;
-The breath of heaven hath blown his spirit out
-And strew'd repentant ashes on his head .
-
-But with my breath I can revive it , boy .
-
-An if you do you will but make it blush
-And glow with shame of your proceedings , Hubert :
-Nay , it perchance will sparkle in your eyes ;
-And like a dog that is compell'd to fight ,
-Snatch at his master that doth tarre him on .
-All things that you should use to do me wrong
-Deny their office : only you do lack
-That mercy which fierce fire and iron extends ,
-Creatures of note for mercy-lacking uses .
-
-Well , see to live ; I will not touch thine eyes
-For all the treasure that thine uncle owes :
-Yet am I sworn and I did purpose , boy ,
-With this same very iron to burn them out .
-
-O ! now you look like Hubert , all this while
-You were disguised .
-
-Peace ! no more . Adieu .
-Your uncle must not know but you are dead ;
-I'll fill these dogged spies with false reports :
-And , pretty child , sleep doubtless and secure ,
-That Hubert for the wealth of all the world
-Will not offend thee .
-
-O heaven ! I thank you , Hubert .
-
-Silence ! no more , go closely in with me :
-Much danger do I undergo for thee .
-
-
-Here once again we sit , once again crown'd ,
-And look'd upon , I hope , with cheerful eyes .
-
-This 'once again ,' but that your highness pleas'd ,
-Was once superfluous : you were crown'd before ,
-And that high royalty was ne'er pluck'd off ,
-The faiths of men ne'er stained with revolt ;
-Fresh expectation troubled not the land
-With any long'd-for change or better state .
-
-Therefore , to be possess'd with double pomp ,
-To guard a title that was rich before ,
-To gild refined gold , to paint the lily ,
-To throw a perfume on the violet ,
-To smooth the ice , or add another hue
-Unto the rainbow , or with taper-light
-To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish ,
-Is wasteful and ridiculous excess .
-
-But that your royal pleasure must be done ,
-This act is as an ancient tale new told ,
-And in the last repeating troublesome ,
-Being urged at a time unseasonable .
-
-In this the antique and well-noted face
-Of plain old form is much disfigured ;
-And , like a shifted wind unto a sail ,
-It makes the course of thoughts to fetch about ,
-Startles and frights consideration ,
-Makes sound opinion sick and truth suspected ,
-For putting on so new a fashion'd robe .
-
-When workmen strive to do better than well
-They do confound their skill in covetousness ;
-And oftentimes excusing of a fault
-Doth make the fault the worse by the excuse :
-As patches set upon a little breach
-Discredit more in hiding of the fault
-Than did the fault before it was so patch'd .
-
-To this effect , before you were newcrown'd ,
-We breath'd our counsel : but it pleas'd your highness
-To overbear it , and we are all well pleas'd ;
-Since all and every part of what we would
-Doth make a stand at what your highness will .
-
-Some reasons of this double coronation
-I have possess'd you with and think them strong ;
-And more , more strong ,when lesser is my fear ,
-I shall indue you with : meantime but ask
-What you would have reform'd that is not well ;
-And well shall you perceive how willingly
-I will both hear and grant you your requests .
-
-Then I ,as one that am the tongue of these
-To sound the purposes of all their hearts ,
-Both for myself and them ,but , chief of all ,
-Your safety , for the which myself and them
-Bend their best studies ,heartily request
-The enfranchisement of Arthur ; whose restraint
-Doth move the murmuring lips of discontent
-To break into this dangerous argument :
-If what in rest you have in right you hold ,
-Why then your fears ,which , as they say , attend
-The steps of wrong ,should move you to mew up
-Your tender kinsman , and to choke his days
-With barbarous ignorance , and deny his youth
-The rich advantage of good exercise ?
-That the time's enemies may not have this
-To grace occasions , let it be our suit
-That you have bid us ask , his liberty ;
-Which for our goods we do no further ask
-Than whereupon our weal , on you depending ,
-Counts it your weal he have his liberty .
-
-
-Let it be so : I do commit his youth
-To your direction . Hubert , what news with you ?
-
-
-This is the man should do the bloody deed ;
-He show'd his warrant to a friend of mine :
-The image of a wicked hemous fault
-Lives in his eye ; that close aspect of his
-Does show the mood of a much troubled breast ;
-And I do fearfully believe 'tis done ,
-What we so fear'd he had a charge to do .
-
-The colour of the king doth come and go
-Between his purpose and his conscience ,
-Like heralds 'twixt two dreadful battles set :
-His passion is so ripe it needs must break .
-
-And when it breaks , I fear will issue thence
-The foul corruption of a sweet child's death .
-
-We cannot hold mortality's strong hand :
-Good lords , although my will to give is living ,
-The suit which you demand is gone and dead :
-He tells us Arthur is deceas'd to-night .
-
-Indeed we fear'd his sickness was past cure .
-
-Indeed we heard how near his death he was
-Before the child himself felt he was sick :
-This must be answer'd , either here or hence .
-
-Why do you bend such solemn brows on me ?
-Think you I bear the shears of destiny ?
-Have I commandment on the pulse of life ?
-
-It is apparent foul play ; and 'tis shame
-That greatness should so grossly offer it :
-So thrive it in your game ! and so , farewell .
-
-Stay yet , Lord Salisbury ; I'll go with thee ,
-And find the inheritance of this poor child ,
-His little kingdom of a forced grave .
-That blood which ow'd the breadth of all this isle ,
-Three foot of it doth hold : bad world the while !
-This must not be thus borne : this will break out
-To all our sorrows , and ere long I doubt .
-
-
-They burn in indignation . I repent :
-There is no sure foundation set on blood ,
-No certain life achiev'd by others' death .
-
-
-A fearful eye thou hast : where is that blood
-That I have seen inhabit in those cheeks ?
-So foul a sky clears not without a storm :
-
-Pour down thy weather : how goes all in France ?
-
-From France to England . Never such a power
-For any foreign preparation
-Was levied in the body of a land .
-The copy of your speed is learn'd by them ;
-For when you should be told they do prepare ,
-The tidings come that they are all arriv'd .
-
-O ! where hath our intelligence been drunk ?
-Where hath it slept ? Where is my mother's care
-That such an army could be drawn in France ,
-And she not hear of it ?
-
-My liege , her ear
-Is stopp'd with dust : the first of April died
-Your noble mother ; and , as I hear , my lord ,
-The Lady Constance in a frenzy died
-Three days before : but this from rumour's tongue
-I idly heard ; if true or false I know not .
-
-Withhold thy speed , dreadful occasion !
-O ! make a league with me , till I have pleas'd
-My discontented peers . What ! mother dead !
-How wildly then walks my estate in France !
-Under whose conduct came those powers of France
-That thou for truth giv'st out are landed here ?
-
-Under the Dauphin .
-
-Thou hast made me giddy
-With these ill tidings .
-
-
-Now , what says the world
-To your proceedings ? do not seek to stuff
-
-My head with more ill news , for it is full .
-
-But if you be afeard to hear the worst ,
-Then let the worst unheard fall on your head .
-
-Bear with me , cousin , for I was amaz'd
-Under the tide ; but now I breathe again
-Aloft the flood , and can give audience
-To any tongue , speak it of what it will .
-
-How I have sped among the clergymen ,
-The sums I have collected shall express .
-But as I travell'd hither through the land ,
-I find the people strangely fantasied ,
-Possess'd with rumours , full of idle dreams ,
-Not knowing what they fear , but full of fear .
-And here's a prophet that I brought with me
-From forth the streets of Pomfret , whom I found
-With many hundreds treading on his heels ;
-To whom he sung , in rude harsh-sounding rimes ,
-That , ere the next Ascension-day at noon ,
-Your highness should deliver up your crown .
-
-Thou idle dreamer , wherefore didst thou so ?
-
-Foreknowing that the truth will fall out so .
-
-Hubert , away with him ; imprison him :
-And on that day at noon , whereon , he says ,
-I shall yield up my crown , let him be hang'd .
-Deliver him to safety , and return ,
-For I must use thee .
-
-O my gentle cousin ,
-Hear'st thou the news abroad , who are arriv'd ?
-
-The French , my lord ; men's mouths are full of it :
-Besides , I met Lord Bigot and Lord Salisbury ,
-With eyes as red as new-enkindled fire ,
-And others more , going to seek the grave
-Of Arthur , whom they say is kill'd to-night
-On your suggestion .
-
-Gentle kinsman , go ,
-And thrust thyself into their companies .
-I have a way to win their loves again ;
-Bring them before me .
-
-I will seek them out .
-
-Nay , but make haste ; the better foot before .
-O ! let me have no subject enemies
-When adverse foreigners affright my towns
-With dreadful pomp of stout invasion .
-Be Mercury , set feathers to thy heels ,
-And fly like thought from them to me again .
-
-The spirit of the time shall teach me speed .
-
-Spoke like a sprightful noble gentleman .
-
-Go after him ; for he perhaps shall need
-Some messenger betwixt me and the peers ;
-And be thou he .
-
-With all my heart , my liege .
-
-
-My mother dead !
-
-
-My lord , they say five moons were seen to-night :
-Four fixed , and the fifth did whirl about
-The other four in wondrous motion .
-
-Five moons !
-
-Old men and beldams in the streets
-Do prophesy upon it dangerously :
-Young Arthur's death is common in their mouths ;
-And when they talk of him , they shake their heads
-And whisper one another in the ear ;
-And he that speaks , doth gripe the hearer's wrist
-Whilst he that hears makes fearful action ,
-With wrinkled brows , with nods , with rolling eyes .
-I saw a smith stand with his hammer , thus ,
-The whilst his iron did on the anvil cool ,
-With open mouth swallowing a tailor's news ;
-Who , with his shears and measure in his hand ,
-Standing on slippers ,which his nimble haste
-Had falsely thrust upon contrary feet ,
-Told of a many thousand warlike French ,
-That were embattailed and rank'd in Kent .
-Another lean unwash'd artificer
-Cuts off his tale and talks of Arthur's death .
-
-Why seek'st thou to possess me with these fears ?
-Why urgest thou so oft young Arthur's death ?
-Thy hand hath murder'd him : I had a mighty cause
-To wish him dead , but thou hadst none to kill him .
-
-No had , my lord ! why , did you not provoke me ?
-
-It is the curse of kings to be attended
-By slaves that take their humours for a warrant
-To break within the bloody house of life ,
-And on the winking of authority
-To understand a law , to know the meaning
-Of dangerous majesty , when , perchance , it frowns
-More upon humour than advis'd respect .
-
-Here is your hand and seal for what I did .
-
-O ! when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth
-Is to be made , then shall this hand and seal
-Witness against us to damnation .
-How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
-Makes ill deeds done ! Hadst not thou been by ,
-A fellow by the hand of nature mark'd ,
-Quoted and sign'd to do a deed of shame ,
-This murder had not come into my mind ;
-But taking note of thy abhorr'd aspect ,
-Finding thee fit for bloody villany ,
-Apt , liable to be employ'd in danger ,
-I faintly broke with thee of Arthur's death ;
-And thou , to be endeared to a king ,
-Made it no conscience to destroy a prince .
-
-My lord ,
-
-Hadst thou but shook thy head or made a pause
-When I spake darkly what I purposed ,
-Or turn'd an eye of doubt upon my face ,
-As bid me tell my tale in express words ,
-Deep shame had struck me dumb , made me break off ,
-And those thy fears might have wrought fears in me :
-But thou didst understand me by my signs
-And didst in signs again parley with sin ;
-Yea , without stop , didst let thy heart consent ,
-And consequently thy rude hand to act
-The deed which both our tongues held vile to name .
-Out of my sight , and never see me more !
-My nobles leave me ; and my state is brav'd ,
-Even at my gates , with ranks of foreign powers :
-Nay , in the body of this fleshly land ,
-This kingdom , this confine of blood and breath ,
-Hostility and civil tumult reigns
-Between my conscience and my cousin's death .
-
-Arm you against your other enemies ,
-I'll make a peace between your soul and you .
-Young Arthur is alive : this hand of mine
-Is yet a maiden and an innocent hand ,
-Not painted with the crimson spots of blood .
-Within this bosom never enter'd yet
-The dreadful motion of a murderous thought ;
-And you have slander'd nature in my form ,
-Which , howsoever rude exteriorly ,
-Is yet the cover of a fairer mind
-Than to be butcher of an innocent child .
-
-Doth Arthur live ? O ! haste thee to the peers ,
-Throw this report on their incensed rage ,
-And make them tame to their obedience .
-Forgive the comment that my passion made
-Upon thy feature ; for my rage was blind ,
-And foul imaginary eyes of blood
-Presented thee more hideous than thou art .
-O ! answer not ; but to my closet bring
-The angry lords , with all expedient haste .
-I conjure thee but slowly ; run more fast .
-
-
-The wall is high ; and yet will I leap down
-Good ground , be pitiful and hurt me not !
-There's few or none do know me ; if they did ,
-This ship-boy's semblance hath disguis'd me quite .
-I am afraid ; and yet I'll venture it .
-If I get down , and do not break my limbs ,
-I'll find a thousand shifts to get away :
-As good to die and go , as die and stay .
-
-O me ! my uncle's spirit is in these stones :
-Heaven take my soul , and England keep my bones !
-
-Lords , I will meet him at Saint Edmundsbury .
-It is our safety , and we must embrace
-This gentle offer of the perilous time .
-
-Who brought that letter from the cardinal ?
-
-The Count Melun , a noble lord of France ;
-Whose private with me of the Dauphin's love ,
-Is much more general than these lines import .
-
-To-morrow morning let us meet him then .
-
-Or rather then set forward ; for 'twill be
-Two long days' journey , lords , or e'er we meet .
-
-
-Once more to-day well met , distemper'd lords !
-The king by me requests your presence straight .
-
-The king hath dispossess'd himself of us :
-We will not line his thin bestained cloak
-With our pure honours , nor attend the foot
-That leaves the print of blood where'er it walks .
-Return and tell him so : we know the worst .
-
-Whate'er you think , good words , I think , were best .
-
-Our griefs , and not our manners , reason now .
-
-But there is little reason in your grief ;
-Therefore 'twere reason you had manners now .
-
-Sir , sir , impatience hath his privilege .
-
-'Tis true ; to hurt his master , no man else .
-
-This is the prison .
-
-What is he lies here ?
-
-O death , made proud with pure and princely beauty !
-The earth had not a hole to hide this deed .
-
-Murder , as hating what himself hath done ,
-Doth lay it open to urge on revenge .
-
-Or when he doom'd this beauty to a grave ,
-Found it too precious-princely for a grave .
-
-Sir Richard , what think you ? Have you beheld ,
-Or have you read , or heard ? or could you think ?
-Or do you almost think , although you see ,
-That you do see ? could thought , without this object ,
-Form such another ? This is the very top ,
-The height , the crest , or crest unto the crest ,
-Of murder's arms : this is the bloodiest shame ,
-The wildest savagery , the vilest stroke ,
-That ever wall-eyed wrath or staring rage
-Presented to the tears of soft remorse .
-
-All murders past do stand excus'd in this :
-And this , so sole and so unmatchable ,
-Shall give a holiness , a purity ,
-To the yet unbegotten sin of times ;
-And prove a deadly bloodshed but a jest ,
-Exampled by this heinous spectacle .
-
-It is a damned and a bloody work ;
-The graceless action of a heavy hand ,
-If that it be the work of any hand .
-
-If that it be the work of any hand !
-We had a kind of light what would ensue :
-It is the shameful work of Hubert's hand ;
-The practice and the purpose of the king :
-From whose obedience I forbid my soul ,
-Kneeling before this ruin of sweet life ,
-And breathing to his breathless excellence
-The incense of a vow , a holy vow ,
-Never to taste the pleasures of the world ,
-Never to be infected with delight ,
-Nor conversant with ease and idleness ,
-Till I have set a glory to this hand ,
-By giving it the worship of revenge .
-
-Our souls religiously confirm thy words .
-
-Our souls religiously confirm thy words .
-
-
-Lords , I am hot with haste in seeking you :
-Arthur doth live : the king hath sent for you .
-
-O ! he is bold and blushes not at death .
-Avaunt , thou hateful villain ! get thee gone .
-
-I am no villain .
-
-Must I rob the law ?
-
-Your sword is bright , sir ; put it up again .
-
-Not till I sheathe it in a murderer's skin .
-
-Stand back , Lord Salisbury , stand back , I say :
-By heaven , I think my sword's as sharp as yours .
-I would not have you , lord , forget yourself ,
-Nor tempt the danger of my true defence ;
-Lest I , by marking of your rage , forget
-Your worth , your greatness , and nobility .
-
-Out , dunghill ! dar'st thou brave a nobleman ?
-
-Not for my life ; but yet I dare defend
-My innocent life against an emperor .
-
-Thou art a murderer .
-
-Do not prove me so ;
-Yet I am none . Whose tongue soe'er speaks false ,
-Not truly speaks ; who speaks not truly , lies .
-
-Cut him to pieces .
-
-Keep the peace , I say .
-
-Stand by , or I shall gall you , Faulconbridge .
-
-Thou wert better gall the devil , Salisbury :
-If thou but frown on me , or stir thy foot ,
-Or teach thy hasty spleen to do me shame ,
-I'll strike thee dead . Put up thy sword betime :
-Or I'll so maul you and your toasting-iron ,
-That you shall think the devil is come from hell .
-
-What wilt thou do , renowned Faulconbridge ?
-Second a villain and a murderer ?
-
-Lord Bigot , I am none .
-
-Who kill'd this prince ?
-
-'Tis not an hour since I left him well :
-I honour'd him , I lov'd him ; and will weep
-My date of life out for his sweet life's loss .
-
-Trust not those cunning waters of his eyes ,
-For villany is not without such rheum ;
-And he , long traded in it , makes it seem
-Like rivers of remorse and innocency .
-Away with me , all you whose souls abhor
-The uncleanly savours of a slaughter-house ;
-For I am stifled with this smell of sin .
-
-Away toward Bury ; to the Dauphin there !
-
-There tell the king he may inquire us out .
-
-
-Here's a good world ! Knew you of this fair work ?
-Beyond the infinite and boundless reach
-Of mercy , if thou didst this deed of death ,
-Art thou damn'd , Hubert .
-
-Do but hear me , sir .
-
-Ha ! I'll tell thee what ;
-Thou art damn'd as black nay , nothing is so black ;
-Thou art more deep damn'd than Prince Lucifer :
-There is not yet so ugly a fiend of hell
-As thou shalt be , if thou didst kill this child .
-
-Upon my soul ,
-
-If thou didst but consent
-To this most cruel act , do but despair ;
-And if thou want'st a cord , the smallest thread
-That ever spider twisted from her womb
-Will serve to strangle thee ; a rush will be a beam
-To hang thee on ; or wouldst thou drown thyself ,
-Put but a little water in a spoon ,
-And it shall be as all the ocean ,
-Enough to stifle such a villain up .
-I do suspect thee very grievously .
-
-If I in act , consent , or sin of thought ,
-Be guilty of the stealing that sweet breath
-Which was embounded in this beauteous clay ,
-Let hell want pains enough to torture me .
-I left him well .
-
-Go , bear him in thine arms .
-I am amaz'd , methinks , and lose my way
-Among the thorns and dangers of this world .
-How easy dost thou take all England up !
-From forth this morsel of dead royalty ,
-The life , the right and truth of all this realm
-Is fled to heaven ; and England now is left
-To tug and scamble and to part by the teeth
-The unow'd interest of proud swelling state .
-Now for the bare-pick'd bone of majesty
-Doth dogged war bristle his angry crest ,
-And snarleth in the gentle eyes of peace :
-Now powers from home and discontents at home
-Meet in one line ; and vast confusion waits ,
-As doth a raven on a sick-fallen beast ,
-The imminent decay of wrested pomp .
-Now happy he whose cloak and ceinture can
-Hold out this tempest . Bear away that child
-And follow me with speed : I'll to the king :
-A thousand businesses are brief in hand ,
-And heaven itself doth frown upon the land .
-
-Thus have I yielded up into your hand
-The circle of my glory .
-
-Take again
-From this my hand , as holding of the pope ,
-Your sovereign greatness and authority .
-
-Now keep your holy word : go meet the French ,
-And from his holiness use all your power
-To stop their marches 'fore we are inflam'd .
-Our discontented counties do revolt ,
-Our people quarrel with obedience ,
-Swearing allegiance and the love of soul
-To stranger blood , to foreign royalty .
-This inundation of mistemper'd humour
-Rests by you only to be qualified :
-Then pause not ; for the present time's so sick ,
-That present medicine must be minister'd ,
-Or overthrow incurable ensues .
-
-It was my breath that blew this tempest up
-Upon your stubborn usage of the pope ;
-But since you are a gentle convertite ,
-My tongue shall hush again this storm of war
-And make fair weather in your blustering land .
-On this Ascension-day , remember well ,
-Upon your oath of service to the pope ,
-Go I to make the French lay down their arms .
-
-
-Is this Ascension-day ? Did not the prophet
-Say that before Ascension-day at noon
-My crown I should give off ? Even so I have :
-I did suppose it should be on constraint ;
-But , heaven be thank'd , it is but voluntary .
-
-
-All Kent hath yielded ; nothing there holds out
-But Dover Castle : London hath receiv'd ,
-Like a kind host , the Dauphin and his powers :
-Your nobles will not hear you , but are gone
-To offer service to your enemy ;
-And wild amazement hurries up and down
-The little number of your doubtful friends .
-
-Would not my lords return to me again
-After they heard young Arthur was alive ?
-
-They found him dead and cast into the streets ,
-An empty casket , where the jewel of life
-By some damn'd hand was robb'd and ta'en away .
-
-That villain Hubert told me he did live .
-
-So , on my soul , he did , for aught he knew .
-But wherefore do you droop ? why look you sad ?
-Be great in act , as you have been in thought ;
-Let not the world see fear and sad distrust
-Govern the motion of a kingly eye :
-Be stirring as the time ; be fire with fire ;
-Threaten the threatener , and outface the brow
-Of bragging horror : so shall inferior eyes ,
-That borrow their behaviours from the great ,
-Grow great by your example and put on
-The dauntless spirit of resolution .
-Away ! and glister like the god of war
-When he intendeth to become the field :
-Show boldness and aspiring confidence .
-What ! shall they seek the lion in his den
-And fright him there ? and make him tremble there ?
-O ! let it not be said . Forage , and run
-To meet displeasure further from the doors ,
-And grapple with him ere he comes so nigh .
-
-The legate of the pope hath been with me ,
-And I have made a happy peace with him ;
-And he hath promis'd to dismiss the powers
-Led by the Dauphin .
-
-O inglorious league !
-Shall we , upon the footing of our land ,
-Send fair-play orders and make compromise ,
-Insinuation , parley and base truce
-To arms invasive ? shall a beardless boy ,
-A cocker'd silken wanton , brave our fields ,
-And flesh his spirit in a war-like soul ,
-Mocking the air with colours idly spread ,
-And find no check ? Let us , my liege , to arms :
-Perchance the cardinal cannot make your peace ;
-Or if he do , let it at least be said
-They saw we had a purpose of defence .
-
-Have thou the ordering of this present time .
-
-Away then , with good courage ! yet , I know ,
-Our party may well meet a prouder foe .
-
-
-My Lord Melun , let this be copied out ,
-And keep it safe for our remembrance .
-Return the precedent to these lords again ;
-That , having our fair order written down ,
-Both they and we , perusing o'er these notes ,
-May know wherefore we took the sacrament ,
-And keep our faiths firm and inviolable .
-
-Upon our sides it never shall be broken .
-And , noble Dauphin , albeit we swear
-A voluntary zeal , an unurg'd faith
-To your proceedings ; yet , believe me , prince ,
-I am not glad that such a sore of time
-Should seek a plaster by contemn'd revolt ,
-And heal the inveterate canker of one wound
-By making many . O ! it grieves my soul
-That I must draw this metal from my side
-To be a widow-maker ! O ! and there
-Where honourable rescue and defence
-Cries out upon the name of Salisbury .
-But such is the infection of the time ,
-That , for the health and physic of our right ,
-We cannot deal but with the very hand
-Of stern injustice and confused wrong .
-And is't not pity , O my grieved friends !
-That we , the sons and children of this isle ,
-Were born to see so sad an hour as this ;
-Wherein we step after a stranger march
-Upon her gentle bosom , and fill up
-Her enemies' ranks ,I must withdraw and weep
-Upon the spot of this enforced cause ,
-To grace the gentry of a land remote ,
-And follow unacquainted colours here ?
-What , here ? O nation ! that thou couldst remove ;
-That Neptune's arms , who clippeth thee about ,
-Would bear thee from the knowledge of thyself ,
-And gripple thee unto a pagan shore ;
-Where these two Christian armies might combine
-The blood of malice in a vein of league ,
-And not to spend it so unneighbourly !
-
-A noble temper dost thou show in this ;
-And great affections wrestling in thy bosom
-Do make an earthquake of nobility .
-O ! what a noble combat hast thou fought
-Between compulsion and a brave respect .
-Let me wipe off this honourable dew ,
-That silverly doth progress on thy cheeks :
-My heart hath melted at a lady's tears ,
-Being an ordinary inundation ;
-But this effusion of such manly drops ,
-This shower , blown up by tempest of the soul ,
-Startles mine eyes , and makes me more amaz'd
-Than had I seen the vaulty top of heaven
-Figur'd quite o'er with burning meteors .
-Lift up thy brow , renowned Salisbury ,
-And with a great heart heave away this storm :
-Commend these waters to those baby eyes
-That never saw the giant world enrag'd ;
-Nor met with fortune other than at feasts ,
-Full warm of blood , of mirth , of gossiping .
-Come , come ; for thou shalt thrust thy hand as deep
-Into the purse of rich prosperity
-As Lewis himself : so , nobles , shall you all ,
-That knit your sinews to the strength of mine .
-
-
-And even there , methinks , an angel spake :
-Look , where the holy legate comes apace ,
-To give us warrant from the hand of heaven ,
-And on our actions set the name of right
-
-With holy breath .
-
-Hail , noble prince of France !
-The next is this : King John hath reconcil'd
-Himself to Rome ; his spirit is come in
-That so stood out against the holy church ,
-The great metropolis and see of Rome .
-Therefore thy threat'ning colours now wind up ,
-And tame the savage spirit of wild war ,
-That , like a lion foster'd up at hand ,
-It may lie gently at the foot of peace ,
-And be no further harmful than in show .
-
-Your grace shall pardon me ; I will not back :
-I am too high-born to be propertied ,
-To be a secondary at control ,
-Or useful serving-man and instrument
-To any sovereign state throughout the world .
-Your breath first kindled the dead coal of wars
-Between this chastis'd kingdom and myself ,
-And brought in matter that should feed this fire ;
-And now 'tis far too huge to be blown out
-With that same weak wind which enkindled it .
-You taught me how to know the face of right ,
-Acquainted me with interest to this land ,
-Yea , thrust this enterprise into my heart ;
-And come you now to tell me John hath made
-His peace with Rome ? What is that peace to me ?
-I , by the honour of my marriage-bed ,
-After young Arthur , claim this land for mine ;
-And , now it is half-conquer'd , must I back
-Because that John hath made his peace with Rome ?
-Am I Rome's slave ? What penny hath Rome borne ,
-What men provided , what munition sent ,
-To underprop this action ? is't not I
-That undergo this charge ? who else but I ,
-And such as to my claim are liable ,
-Sweat in this business and maintain this war ?
-Have I not heard these islanders shout out ,
-Vive le roy ! as I have bank'd their towns ?
-Have I not here the best cards for the game
-To win this easy match play'd for a crown ?
-And shall I now give o'er the yielded set ?
-No , no , on my soul , it never shall be said .
-
-You look but on the outside of this work .
-
-Outside or inside , I will not return
-Till my attempt so much be glorified
-As to my ample hope was promised
-Before I drew this gallant head of war ,
-And cull'd these fiery spirits from the world ,
-To outlook conquest and to win renown
-Even in the jaws of danger and of death .
-
-What lusty trumpet thus doth summon us ?
-
-
-According to the fair play of the world ,
-Let me have audience ; I am sent to speak :
-My holy Lord of Milan , from the king
-I come , to learn how you have dealt for him ;
-And , as you answer , I do know the scope
-And warrant limited unto my tongue .
-
-The Dauphin is too wilful-opposite ,
-And will not temporize with my entreaties :
-He flatly says he'll not lay down his arms .
-
-By all the blood that ever fury breath'd ,
-The youth says well . Now hear our English king ;
-For thus his royalty doth speak in me .
-He is prepar'd ; and reason too he should :
-This apish and unmannerly approach ,
-This harness'd masque and unadvised revel ,
-This unhair'd sauciness and boyish troops ,
-The king doth smile at ; and is well prepar'd
-To whip this dwarfish war , these pigmy arms ,
-From out the circle of his territories .
-That hand which had the strength , even at your door ,
-To cudgel you and make you take the hatch ;
-To dive , like buckets , in concealed wells ;
-To crouch in litter of your stable planks :
-To lie like pawns lock'd up in chests and trunks ;
-To hug with swine ; to seek sweet safety out
-In vaults and prisons ; and to thrill and shake ,
-Even at the crying of your nation's crow ,
-Thinking this voice an armed Englishman :
-Shall that victorious hand be feebled here
-That in your chambers gave you chastisement ?
-No ! Know , the gallant monarch is in arms ,
-And like an eagle o'er his aiery towers ,
-To souse annoyance that comes near his nest .
-And you degenerate , you ingrate revolts ,
-You bloody Neroes , ripping up the womb
-Of your dear mother England , blush for shame :
-For your own ladies and pale-visag'd maids
-Like Amazons come tripping after drums ,
-Their thimbles into armed gauntlets change ,
-Their neelds to lances , and their gentle hearts
-To fierce and bloody inclination .
-
-There end thy brave , and turn thy face in peace ;
-We grant thou canst outscold us : fare thee well ;
-We hold our time too precious to be spent
-With such a brabbler .
-
-Give me leave to speak .
-
-No , I will speak .
-
-We will attend to neither .
-Strike up the drums ; and let the tongue of war
-Plead for our interest and our being here .
-
-Indeed , your drums , being beaten , will cry out ;
-And so shall you , being beaten . Do but start
-An echo with the clamour of thy drum ,
-And even at hand a drum is ready brac'd
-That shall reverberate all as loud as thine ;
-Sound but another , and another shall
-As loud as thine rattle the welkin's ear
-And mock the deep-mouth'd thunder : for at hand ,
-Not trusting to this halting legate here ,
-Whom he hath us'd rather for sport than need ,
-Is warlike John ; and in his forehead sits
-A bare-ribb'd death , whose office is this day
-To feast upon whole thousands of the French .
-
-Strike up our drums , to find this danger out .
-
-And thou shalt find it , Dauphin , do not doubt .
-
-
-How goes the day with us ? O ! tell me , Hubert .
-
-Badly , I fear . How fares your majesty ?
-
-This fever , that hath troubled me so long ,
-Lies heavy on me : O ! my heart is sick .
-
-
-My lord , your valiant kinsman , Faulconbridge ,
-Desires your majesty to leave the field ,
-And send him word by me which way you go .
-
-Tell him , toward Swinstead , to the abbey there .
-
-Be of good comfort : for the great supply
-That was expected by the Dauphin here ,
-Are wrack'd three nights ago on Goodwin sands .
-This news was brought to Richard but even now .
-The French fight coldly , and retire themselves .
-
-Ay me ! this tyrant fever burns me up ,
-And will not let me welcome this good news .
-Set on toward Swinstead : to my litter straight ;
-Weakness possesseth me , and I am faint .
-
-
-I did not think the king so stor'd with friends .
-
-Up once again ; put spirit in the French :
-If they miscarry we miscarry too .
-
-That misbegotten devil , Faulconbridge ,
-In spite of spite , alone upholds the day .
-
-They say King John , sore sick , hath left the field .
-
-
-Lead me to the revolts of England here .
-
-When we were happy we had other names .
-
-It is the Count Melun .
-
-Wounded to death .
-
-Fly , noble English ; you are bought and sold ;
-Unthread the rude eye of rebellion ,
-And welcome home again discarded faith .
-Seek out King John and fall before his feet ;
-For if the French be lords of this loud day ,
-He means to recompense the pains you take
-By cutting off your heads . Thus hath he sworn ,
-And I with him , and many moe with me ,
-Upon the altar at Saint Edmundsbury ;
-Even on that altar where we swore to you
-Dear amity and everlasting love .
-
-May this be possible ? may this be true ?
-
-Have I not hideous death within my view ,
-Retaining but a quantity of life ,
-Which bleeds away , even as a form of wax
-Resolveth from his figure 'gainst the fire ?
-What in the world should make me now deceive ,
-Since I must lose the use of all deceit ?
-Why should I then be false , since it is true
-That I must die here and live hence by truth ?
-I say again , if Lewis do win the day ,
-He is forsworn , if e'er those eyes of yours
-Behold another day break in the east :
-But even this night , whose black contagious breath
-Already smokes about the burning crest
-Of the old , feeble , and day-wearied sun ,
-Even this ill night , your breathing shall expire ,
-Paying the fine of rated treachery
-Even with a treacherous fine of all your lives ,
-If Lewis by your assistance win the day .
-Commend me to one Hubert with your king ;
-The love of him , and this respect besides ,
-For that my grandsire was an Englishman ,
-Awakes my conscience to confess all this .
-In lieu whereof , I pray you , bear me hence
-From forth the noise and rumour of the field ,
-Where I may think the remnant of my thoughts
-In peace , and part this body and my soul
-With contemplation and devout desires .
-
-We do believe thee : and beshrew my soul
-But I do love the favour and the form
-Of this most fair occasion , by the which
-We will untread the steps of damned flight ,
-And like a bated and retired flood ,
-Leaving our rankness and irregular course ,
-Stoop low within those bounds we have o'erlook'd ,
-And calmly run on in obedience ,
-Even to our ocean , to our great King John .
-My arm shall give thee help to bear thee hence ,
-For I do see the cruel pangs of death
-Right in thine eye . Away , my friends ! New flight ;
-And happy newness , that intends old right .
-
-
-The sun of heaven methought was loath to set ,
-But stay'd and made the western welkin blush ,
-When the English measur'd backward their own ground
-In faint retire . O ! bravely came we off ,
-When with a volley of our needless shot ,
-After such bloody toil , we bid good night ,
-And wound our tottering colours clearly up ,
-Last in the field , and almost lords of it !
-
-
-Where is my prince , the Dauphin ?
-
-Here : what news ?
-
-The Count Melun is slain ; the English lords ,
-By his persuasion , are again fall'n off ;
-And your supply , which you have wish'd so long ,
-Are cast away and sunk , on Goodwin sands .
-
-Ah , foul shrewd news ! Beshrew thy very heart !
-I did not think to be so sad to-night
-As this hath made me . Who was he that said
-King John did fly an hour or two before
-The stumbling night did part our weary powers ?
-
-Whoever spoke it , it is true , my lord .
-
-Well ; keep good quarter and good care to-night :
-The day shall not be up so soon as I ,
-To try the fair adventure of to-morrow .
-
-
-Who's there ? speak , ho ! speak quickly , or I shoot .
-
-A friend . What art thou ?
-
-Of the part of England .
-
-Whither dost thou go ?
-
-What's that to thee ? Why may not I demand
-Of thine affairs as well as thou of mine ?
-
-Hubert , I think ?
-
-Thou hast a perfect thought :
-I will upon all hazards well believe
-Thou art my friend , that know'st my tongue so well .
-Who art thou ?
-
-Who thou wilt : and if thou please ,
-Thou mayst befriend me so much as to think
-I come one way of the Plantagenets .
-
-Unkind remembrance ! thou and eyeless night
-Have done me shame : brave soldier , pardon me ,
-That any accent breaking from thy tongue
-Should 'scape the true acquaintance of mine ear .
-
-Come , come ; sans compliment , what news abroad ?
-
-Why , here walk I in the black brow of night ,
-To find you out .
-
-Brief , then ; and what's the news ?
-
-O ! my sweet sir , news fitting to the night ,
-Black , fearful , comfortless , and horrible .
-
-Show me the very wound of this ill news :
-I am no woman ; I'll not swound at it .
-
-The king , I fear , is poison'd by a monk :
-I left him almost speechless ; and broke out
-To acquaint you with this evil , that you might
-The better arm you to the sudden time
-Than if you had at leisure known of this .
-
-How did he take it ? who did taste to him ?
-
-A monk , I tell you ; a resolved villain ,
-Whose bowels suddenly burst out : the king
-Yet speaks , and peradventure may recover .
-
-Whom didst thou leave to tend his majesty ?
-
-Why , know you not ? the lords are all come back ,
-And brought Prince Henry in their company ;
-At whose request the king hath pardon'd them ,
-And they are all about his majesty .
-
-Withhold thine indignation , mighty heaven ,
-And tempt us not to bear above our power !
-I'll tell thee , Hubert , half my power this night ,
-Passing these flats , are taken by the tide ;
-These Lincoln Washes have devoured them :
-Myself , well-mounted , hardly have escap'd .
-Away before ! conduct me to the king ;
-I doubt he will be dead or ere I come .
-
-
-It is too late : the life of all his blood
-Is touch'd corruptibly ; and his pure brain ,
-Which some suppose the soul's frail dwelling-house ,
-Doth , by the idle comments that it makes ,
-Foretell the ending of mortality .
-
-
-His highness yet doth speak ; and holds belief
-That , being brought into the open air ,
-It would allay the burning quality
-Of that fell poison which assaileth him .
-
-Let him be brought into the orchard here .
-Doth he still rage ?
-
-
-He is more patient
-Than when you left him : even now he sung .
-
-O , vanity of sickness ! fierce extremes
-In their continuance will not feel themselves .
-Death , having prey'd upon the outward parts ,
-Leaves them invisible ; and his siege is now
-Against the mind , the which he pricks and wounds
-With many legions of strange fantasies ,
-Which , in their throng and press to that last hold ,
-Confound themselves . 'Tis strange that death should sing .
-I am the cygnet to this pale faint swan ,
-Who chants a doleful hymn to his own death ,
-And from the organ-pipe of frailty sings
-His soul and body to their lasting rest
-
-Be of good comfort , prince ; for you are born
-To set a form upon that indigest
-Which he hath left so shapeless and so rude .
-
-
-Ay , marry , now my soul hath elbow-room ;
-It would not out at windows , nor at doors .
-There is so hot a summer in my bosom
-That all my bowels crumble up to dust :
-I am a scribbled form , drawn with a pen
-Upon a parchment , and against this fire
-Do I shrink up .
-
-How fares your majesty ?
-
-Poison'd , ill-fare ; dead , forsook , cast off ;
-And none of you will bid the winter come
-To thrust his icy fingers in my maw ;
-Nor let my kingdom's rivers take their course
-Through my burn'd bosom ; nor entreat the north
-To make his bleak winds kiss my parched lips
-And comfort me with cold . I do not ask you much :
-I beg cold comfort ; and you are so strait
-And so ingrateful you deny me that .
-
-O ! that there were some virtue in my tears ,
-That might relieve you .
-
-The salt in them is hot .
-Within me is a hell ; and there the poison
-Is as a fiend confin'd to tyrannize
-On unreprievable condemned blood .
-
-
-O ! I am scalded with my violent motion
-And spleen of speed to see your majesty .
-
-O cousin ! thou art come to set mine eye :
-The tackle of my heart is crack'd and burn'd ,
-And all the shrouds wherewith my life should sail
-Are turned to one thread , one little hair ;
-My heart hath one poor string to stay it by ,
-Which holds but till thy news be uttered ;
-And then all this thou seest is but a clod
-And module of confounded royalty .
-
-The Dauphin is preparing hitherward ,
-Where heaven he knows how we shall answer him :
-For in a night the best part of my power ,
-As I upon advantage did remove ,
-Were in the Washes all unwarily
-Devoured by the unexpected flood .
-
-
-You breathe these dead news in as dead an ear .
-My liege ! my lord ! But now a king , now thus .
-
-Even so must I run on , and even so stop .
-What surety of the world , what hope , what stay ,
-When this was now a king , and now is clay ?
-
-Art thou gone so ? I do but stay behind
-To do the office for thee of revenge ,
-And then my soul shall wait on thee to heaven ,
-As it on earth hath been thy servant still .
-Now , now , you stars , that move in your right spheres ,
-Where be your powers ? Show now your mended faiths ,
-And instantly return with me again ,
-To push destruction and perpetual shame
-Out of the weak door of our fainting land .
-Straight let us seek , or straight we shall be sought :
-The Dauphin rages at our very heels .
-
-It seems you know not then so much as we .
-The Cardinal Pandulph is within at rest ,
-Who half an hour since came from the Dauphin ,
-And brings from him such offers of our peace
-As we with honour and respect may take ,
-With purpose presently to leave this war .
-
-He will the rather do it when he sees
-Ourselves well sinewed to our defence .
-
-Nay , it is in a manner done already ;
-For many carriages he hath dispatch'd
-To the sea-side , and put his cause and quarrel
-To the disposing of the cardinal :
-With whom yourself , myself , and other lords ,
-If you think meet , this afternoon will post
-To consummate this business happily .
-
-Let it be so . And you , my noble prince ,
-With other princes that may best be spar'd ,
-Shall wait upon your father's funeral .
-
-At Worcester must his body be interr'd ;
-For so he will'd it .
-
-Thither shall it then .
-And happily may your sweet self put on
-The lineal state and glory of the land !
-To whom , with all submission , on my knee ,
-I do bequeath my faithful services
-And true subjection everlastingly .
-
-And the like tender of our love we make ,
-To rest without a spot for evermore .
-
-I have a kind soul that would give you thanks ,
-And knows not how to do it but with tears .
-
-O ! let us pay the time but needful woe
-Since it hath been beforehand with our griefs .
-This England never did , nor never shall ,
-Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror ,
-But when it first did help to wound itself .
-Now these her princes are come home again ,
-Come the three corners of the world in arms ,
-And we shall shock them . Nought shall make us rue ,
-If England to itself do rest but true .
-
-THE LIFE OF KING HENRY V
-
-Chorus .
-
-O ! for a Muse of fire , that would ascend
-The brightest heaven of invention ;
-A kingdom for a stage , princes to act
-And monarchs to behold the swelling scene .
-Then should the war-like Harry , like himself ,
-Assume the port of Mars ; and at his heels ,
-Leash'd in like hounds , should famine , sword , and fire
-Crouch for employment . But pardon , gentles all ,
-The flat unraised spirits that hath dar'd
-On this unworthy scaffold to bring forth
-So great an object : can this cockpit hold
-The vasty fields of France ? or may we cram
-Within this wooden O the very casques
-That did affright the air at Agincourt ?
-O , pardon ! since a crooked figure may
-Attest in little place a million ;
-And let us , ciphers to this great accompt ,
-On your imaginary forces work .
-Suppose within the girdle of these walls
-Are now confin'd two mighty monarchies ,
-Whose high upreared and abutting fronts
-The perilous narrow ocean parts asunder :
-Piece out our imperfections with your thoughts :
-Into a thousand parts divide one man ,
-And make imaginary puissance ;
-Think when we talk of horses that you see them
-Printing their proud hoofs i' the receiving earth ;
-For 'tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings ,
-Carry them here and there , jumping o'er times ,
-Turning the accomplishment of many years
-Into an hour-glass : for the which supply ,
-Admit me Chorus to this history ;
-Who prologue-like your humble patience pray ,
-Gently to hear , kindly to judge , our play .
-
-
-My lord , I'll tell you ; that self bill is urg'd ,
-Which in th' eleventh year of the last king's reign
-Was like , and had indeed against us pass'd ,
-But that the scambling and unquiet time
-Did push it out of further question .
-
-But how , my lord , shall we resist it now ?
-
-It must be thought on . If it pass against us ,
-We lose the better half of our possession ;
-For all the temporal lands which men devout
-By testament have given to the church
-Would they strip from us ; being valu'd thus :
-As much as would maintain , to the king's honour ,
-Full fifteen earls and fifteen hundred knights ,
-Six thousand and two hundred good esquires ;
-And , to relief of lazars and weak age ,
-Of indigent faint souls past corporal toil ,
-A hundred almshouses right well supplied ;
-And to the coffers of the king beside ,
-A thousand pounds by the year . Thus runs the bill .
-
-This would drink deep .
-
-'Twould drink the cup and all .
-
-But what prevention ?
-
-The king is full of grace and fair regard .
-
-And a true lover of the holy church .
-
-The courses of his youth promis'd it not .
-The breath no sooner left his father's body
-But that his wildness , mortified in him ,
-Seem'd to die too ; yea , at that very moment ,
-Consideration like an angel came ,
-And whipp'd the offending Adam out of him ,
-Leaving his body as a paradise ,
-To envelop and contain celestial spirits .
-Never was such a sudden scholar made ;
-Never came reformation in a flood ,
-With such a heady currance , scouring faults ;
-Nor never Hydra-headed wilfulness
-So soon did lose his seat and all at once
-As in this king .
-
-We are blessed in the change .
-
-Hear him but reason in divinity ,
-And , all-admiring , with an inward wish
-You would desire the king were made a prelate :
-Hear him debate of commonwealth affairs ,
-You would say it hath been all in all his study :
-List his discourse of war , and you shall hear
-A fearful battle render'd you in music :
-Turn him to any cause of policy ,
-The Gordian knot of it he will unloose ,
-Familiar as his garter ; that , when he speaks ,
-The air , a charter'd libertine , is still ,
-And the mute wonder lurketh in men's ears ,
-To steal his sweet and honey'd sentences ;
-So that the art and practic part of life
-Must be the mistress to this theoric :
-Which is a wonder how his Grace should glean it ,
-Since his addiction was to courses vain ;
-His companies unletter'd , rude , and shallow ;
-His hours fill'd up with riots , banquets , sports ;
-And never noted in him any study ,
-Any retirement , any sequestration
-From open haunts and popularity .
-
-The strawberry grows underneath the nettle ,
-And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best
-Neighbour'd by fruit of baser quality :
-And so the prince obscur'd his contemplation
-Under the veil of wildness ; which , no doubt ,
-Grew like the summer grass , fastest by night ,
-Unseen , yet crescive in his faculty .
-
-It must be so ; for miracles are ceas'd ;
-And therefore we must needs admit the means
-How things are perfected .
-
-But , my good lord ,
-How now for mitigation of this bill
-Urg'd by the commons ? Doth his majesty
-Incline to it , or no ?
-
-He seems indifferent ,
-Or rather swaying more upon our part
-Than cherishing the exhibiters against us ;
-For I have made an offer to his majesty ,
-Upon our spiritual convocation ,
-And in regard of causes now in hand ,
-Which I have open'd to his Grace at large ,
-As touching France , to give a greater sum
-Than ever at one time the clergy yet
-Did to his predecessors part withal .
-
-How did this offer seem receiv'd , my lord ?
-
-With good acceptance of his majesty ;
-Save that there was not time enough to hear ,
-As I perceiv'd his Grace would fain have done ,
-The severals and unhidden passages
-Of his true titles to some certain dukedoms ,
-And generally to the crown and seat of France ,
-Deriv'd from Edward , his great-grandfather .
-
-What was the impediment that broke this off ?
-
-The French ambassador upon that instant
-Crav'd audience ; and the hour I think is come
-To give him hearing : is it four o'clock ?
-
-It is .
-
-Then go we in to know his embassy ;
-Which I could with a ready guess declare
-Before the Frenchman speak a word of it .
-
-I'll wait upon you , and I long to hear it .
-
-
-Where is my gracious lord of Canterbury ?
-
-Not here in presence .
-
-Send for him , good uncle .
-
-Shall we call in the ambassador , my liege ?
-
-Not yet , my cousin : we would be resolv'd ,
-Before we hear him , of some things of weight
-That task our thoughts , concerning us and France .
-
-
-God and his angels guard your sacred throne ,
-And make you long become it !
-
-Sure , we thank you .
-My learned lord , we pray you to proceed ,
-And justly and religiously unfold
-Why the law Salique that they have in France
-Or should , or should not , bar us in our claim .
-And God forbid , my dear and faithful lord ,
-That you should fashion , wrest , or bow your reading ,
-Or nicely charge your understanding soul
-With opening titles miscreate , whose right
-Suits not in native colours with the truth ;
-For God doth know how many now in health
-Shall drop their blood in approbation
-Of what your reverence shall incite us to .
-Therefore take heed how you impawn our person ,
-How you awake the sleeping sword of war :
-We charge you in the name of God , take heed ;
-For never two such kingdoms did contend
-Without much fall of blood ; whose guiltless drops
-Are every one a woe , a sore complaint ,
-'Gainst him whose wrongs give edge unto the swords
-That make such waste in brief mortality .
-Under this conjuration speak , my lord ,
-And we will hear , note , and believe in heart ,
-That what you speak is in your conscience wash'd
-As pure as sin with baptism .
-
-Then hear me , gracious sovereign , and you peers ,
-That owe yourselves , your lives , and services
-To this imperial throne . There is no bar
-To make against your highness' claim to France
-But this , which they produce from Pharamond ,
-In terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant ,
-'No woman shall succeed in Salique land :'
-Which Salique land the French unjustly gloze
-To be the realm of France , and Pharamond
-The founder of this law and female bar .
-Yet their own authors faithfully affirm
-That the land Salique is in Germany ,
-Between the floods of Sala and of Elbe ;
-Where Charles the Great , having subdu'd the Saxons ,
-There left behind and settled certain French ;
-Who , holding in disdain the German women
-For some dishonest manners of their life ,
-Establish'd then this law ; to wit , no female
-Should be inheritrix in Salique land :
-Which Salique , as I said , 'twixt Elbe and Sala ,
-Is at this day in Germany call'd Meisen .
-Then doth it well appear the Salique law
-Was not devised for the realm of France ;
-Nor did the French possess the Salique land
-Until four hundred one-and-twenty years
-After defunction of King Pharamond ,
-Idly suppos'd the founder of this law ;
-Who died within the year of our redemption
-Four hundred twenty-six ; and Charles the Great
-Subdu'd the Saxons , and did seat the French
-Beyond the river Sala , in the year
-Eight hundred five . Besides , their writers say ,
-King Pepin , which deposed Childeric ,
-Did , as heir general , being descended
-Of Blithild , which was daughter to King Clothair ,
-Make claim and title to the crown of France .
-Hugh Capet also , who usurp'd the crown
-Of Charles the Duke of Loraine , sole heir male
-Of the true line and stock of Charles the Great ,
-To find his title with some shows of truth ,
-Though in pure truth , it was corrupt and naught ,
-Convey'd himself as heir to the Lady Lingare ,
-Daughter to Charlemain , who was the son
-To Lewis the emperor , and Lewis the son
-Of Charles the Great . Also King Lewis the Tenth ,
-Who was sole heir to the usurper Capet ,
-Could not keep quiet in his conscience ,
-Wearing the crown of France , till satisfied
-That fair Queen Isabel , his grandmother ,
-Was lineal of the Lady Ermengare ,
-Daughter to Charles the aforesaid Duke of Loraine :
-By the which marriage the line of Charles the Great
-Was re-united to the crown of France .
-So that , as clear as is the summer's sun ,
-King Pepin's title , and Hugh Capet's claim ,
-King Lewis his satisfaction , all appear
-To hold in right and title of the female :
-So do the kings of France unto this day ;
-Howbeit they would hold up this Salique law
-To bar your highness claiming from the female ;
-And rather choose to hide them in a net
-Than amply to imbar their crooked titles
-Usurp'd from you and your progenitors .
-
-May I with right and conscience make this claim ?
-
-The sin upon my head , dread sovereign !
-For in the book of Numbers is it writ :
-'When the son dies , let the inheritance
-Descend unto the daughter .' Gracious lord ,
-Stand for your own ; unwind your bloody flag ;
-Look back into your mighty ancestors :
-Go , my dread lord , to your great-grandsire's tomb ,
-From whom you claim ; invoke his war-like spirit ,
-And your great-uncle's , Edward the Black Prince ,
-Who on the French ground play'd a tragedy ,
-Making defeat on the full power of France ;
-Whiles his most mighty father on a hill
-Stood smiling to behold his lion's whelp
-Forage in blood of French nobility .
-O noble English ! that could entertain
-With half their forces the full pride of France ,
-And let another half stand laughing by ,
-All out of work , and cold for action .
-
-Awake remembrance of these valiant dead ,
-And with your puissant arm renew their feats :
-You are their heir , you sit upon their throne ,
-The blood and courage that renowned them
-Runs in your veins ; and my thrice-puissantliege
-Is in the very May-morn of his youth ,
-Ripe for exploits and mighty enterprises .
-
-Your brother kings and monarchs of the earth
-Do all expect that you should rouse yourself ,
-As did the former lions of your blood .
-
-They know your Grace hath cause and means and might ;
-So hath your highness ; never King of England
-Had nobles richer , and more loyal subjects ,
-Whose hearts have left their bodies here in England
-And lie pavilion'd in the fields of France .
-
-O ! let their bodies follow , my dear liege ,
-With blood and sword and fire to win your right ;
-In aid whereof we of the spiritualty
-Will raise your highness such a mighty sum
-As never did the clergy at one time
-Bring in to any of your ancestors .
-
-We must not only arm to invade the French ,
-But lay down our proportions to defend
-Against the Scot , who will make road upon us
-With all advantages .
-
-They of those marches , gracious sovereign ,
-Shall be a wall sufficient to defend
-Our inland from the pilfering borderers .
-
-We do not mean the coursing snatchers only ,
-But fear the main intendment of the Scot ,
-Who hath been still a giddy neighbour to us ;
-For you shall read that my great-grandfather
-Never went with his forces into France
-But that the Scot on his unfurnish'd kingdom
-Came pouring , like the tide into a breach ,
-With ample and brim fulness of his force ,
-Galling the gleaned land with hot essays ,
-Girding with grievous siege castles and towns ;
-That England , being empty of defence ,
-Hath shook and trembled at the ill neighbourhood .
-
-She hath been then more fear'd than harm'd , my liege ;
-For hear her but exampled by herself :
-When all her chivalry hath been in France
-And she a mourning widow of her nobles ,
-She hath herself not only well defended ,
-But taken and impounded as a stray
-The King of Scots ; whom she did send to France ,
-To fill King Edward's fame with prisoner kings ,
-And make your chronicle as rich with praise
-As is the owse and bottom of the sea
-With sunken wrack and sumless treasuries .
-
-But there's a saying very old and true ;
-
-If that you will France win ,
-Then with Scotland first begin :
-
-For once the eagle England being in prey ,
-To her unguarded nest the weasel Scot
-Comes sneaking and so sucks her princely eggs ,
-Playing the mouse in absence of the cat ,
-To tear and havoc more than she can eat .
-
-It follows then the cat must stay at home :
-Yet that is but a crush'd necessity ;
-Since we have locks to safeguard necessaries
-And pretty traps to catch the petty thieves .
-While that the armed hand doth fight abroad
-The advised head defends itself at home :
-For government , though high and low and lower ,
-Put into parts , doth keep in one consent ,
-Congreeing in a full and natural close ,
-Like music .
-
-Therefore doth heaven divide
-The state of man in divers functions ,
-Setting endeavour in continual motion ;
-To which is fixed , as an aim or butt ,
-Obedience : for so work the honey-bees ,
-Creatures that by a rule in nature teach
-The act of order to a peopled kingdom .
-They have a king and officers of sorts ;
-Where some , like magistrates , correct at home ,
-Others , like merchants , venture trade abroad ,
-Others , like soldiers , armed in their stings ,
-Make boot upon the summer's velvet buds ;
-Which pillage they with merry march bring home
-To the tent-royal of their emperor :
-Who , busied in his majesty , surveys
-The singing masons building roofs of gold ,
-The civil citizens kneading up the honey ,
-The poor mechanic porters crowding in
-Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate ,
-The sad-ey'd justice , with his surly hum ,
-Delivering o'er to executors pale
-The lazy yawning drone . I this infer ,
-That many things , having full reference
-To one consent , may work contrariously ;
-As many arrows , loosed several ways ,
-Fly to one mark ; as many ways meet in one town ;
-As many fresh streams meet in one salt sea ;
-As many lines close in the dial's centre ;
-So may a thousand actions , once afoot ,
-End in one purpose , and be all well borne
-Without defeat . Therefore to France , my liege .
-Divide your happy England into four ;
-Whereof take you one quarter into France ,
-And you withal shall make all Gallia shake .
-If we , with thrice such powers left at home ,
-Cannot defend our own doors from the dog ,
-Let us be worried and our nation lose
-The name of hardiness and policy .
-
-Call in the messengers sent from the Dauphin .
-
-Now are we well resolv'd ; and by God's help ,
-And yours , the noble sinews of our power ,
-France being ours , we'll bend it to our awe
-Or break it all to pieces : or there we'll sit ,
-Ruling in large and ample empery
-O'er France and all her almost kingly dukedoms ,
-Or lay these bones in an unworthy urn ,
-Tombless , with no remembrance over them :
-Either our history shall with full mouth
-Speak freely of our acts , or else our grave ,
-Like Turkish mute , shall have a tongueless mouth ,
-Not worshipp'd with a waxen epitaph .
-
-
-Now are we well prepar'd to know the pleasure
-Of our fair cousin Dauphin ; for we hear
-
-Your greeting is from him , not from the king .
-
-May't please your majesty to give us leave
-Freely to render what we have in charge ;
-Or shall we sparingly show you far off
-The Dauphin's meaning and our embassy ?
-
-We are no tyrant , but a Christian king ;
-Unto whose grace our passion is as subject
-As are our wretches fetter'd in our prisons :
-Therefore with frank and with uncurbed plainness
-Tell us the Dauphin's mind .
-
-Thus then , in few .
-Your highness , lately sending into France ,
-Did claim some certain dukedoms , in the right
-Of your great predecessor , King Edward the Third .
-In answer of which claim , the prince our master
-Says that you savour too much of your youth ,
-And bids you be advis'd there's nought in France
-That can be with a nimble galliard won ;
-You cannot revel into dukedoms there .
-He therefore sends you , meeter for your spirit ,
-This tun of treasure ; and , in lieu of this ,
-Desires you let the dukedoms that you claim
-Hear no more of you . This the Dauphin speaks .
-
-What treasure , uncle ?
-
-Tennis-balls , my liege .
-
-We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us :
-His present and your pains we thank you for :
-When we have match'd our rackets to these balls ,
-We will in France , by God's grace , play a set
-Shall strike his father's crown into the hazard .
-Tell him he hath made a match with such a wrangler
-That all the courts of France will be disturb'd
-With chaces . And we understand him well ,
-How he comes o'er us with our wilder days ,
-Not measuring what use we made of them .
-We never valu'd this poor seat of England ;
-And therefore , living hence , did give ourself
-To barbarous licence ; as 'tis ever common
-That men are merriest when they are from home .
-But tell the Dauphin I will keep my state ,
-Be like a king and show my sail of greatness
-When I do rouse me in my throne of France :
-For that I have laid by my majesty
-And plodded like a man for working-days ,
-But I will rise there with so full a glory
-That I will dazzle all the eyes of France ,
-Yea , strike the Dauphin blind to look on us .
-And tell the pleasant prince this mock of his
-Hath turn'd his balls to gun-stones ; and his soul
-Shall stand sore-charged for the wasteful vengeance
-That shall fly with them : for many a thousand widows
-Shall this his mock mock out of their dear husbands ;
-Mock mothers from their sons , mock castles down ;
-And some are yet ungotten and unborn
-That shall have cause to curse the Dauphin's scorn .
-But this lies all within the will of God ,
-To whom I do appeal ; and in whose name
-Tell you the Dauphin I am coming on ,
-To venge me as I may and to put forth
-My rightful hand in a well-hallow'd cause .
-So get you hence in peace ; and tell the Dauphin
-His jest will savour but of shallow wit
-When thousands weep more than did laugh at it .
-Convey them with safe conduct . Fare you well .
-
-
-This was a merry message .
-
-We hope to make the sender blush at it .
-Therefore , my lords , omit no happy hour
-That may give furtherance to our expedition ;
-For we have now no thought in us but France ,
-Save those to God , that run before our business .
-Therefore let our proportions for these wars
-Be soon collected , and all things thought upon
-That may with reasonable swiftness add
-More feathers to our wings ; for , God before ,
-We'll chide this Dauphin at his father's door .
-Therefore let every man now task his thought ,
-That this fair action may on foot be brought .
-
-Now all the youth of England are on fire ,
-And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies ;
-Now thrive the armourers , and honour's thought
-Reigns solely in the breast of every man :
-They sell the pasture now to buy the horse ,
-Following the mirror of all Christian kings ,
-With winged heels , as English Mercuries .
-For now sits Expectation in the air
-And hides a sword from hilts unto the point
-With crowns imperial , crowns and coronets ,
-Promis'd to Harry and his followers .
-The French , advis'd by good intelligence
-Of this most dreadful preparation ,
-Shake in their fear , and with pale policy
-Seek to divert the English purposes .
-O England ! model to thy inward greatness ,
-Like little body with a mighty heart ,
-What mightst thou do , that honour would thee do ,
-Were all thy children kind and natural !
-But see thy fault ! France hath in thee found out
-A nest of hollow bosoms , which he fills
-With treacherous crowns ; and three corrupted men ,
-One , Richard Earl of Cambridge , and the second ,
-Henry Lord Scroop of Masham , and the third ,
-Sir Thomas Grey , knight , of Northumberland ,
-Have , for the gilt of France ,O guilt , indeed !
-Confirm'd conspiracy with fearful France ;
-And by their hands this grace of kings must die ,
-If hell and treason hold their promises ,
-Ere he take ship for France , and in Southampton .
-Linger your patience on ; and well digest
-The abuse of distance while we force a play .
-The sum is paid ; the traitors are agreed ;
-The king is set from London ; and the scene
-Is now transported , gentles , to Southampton :
-There is the playhouse now , there must you sit :
-And thence to France shall we convey you safe ,
-And bring you back , charming the narrow seas
-To give you gentle pass ; for , if we may ,
-We'll not offend one stomach with our play .
-But , till the king come forth and not till then ,
-Unto Southampton do we shift our scene .
-
-Well met , Corporal Nym .
-
-Good morrow , Lieutenant Bardolph .
-
-What , are Ancient Pistol and you friends yet ?
-
-For my part , I care not : I say little ; but when time shall serve , there shall be smiles ; but that shall be as it may . I dare not fight ; but I will wink and hold out mine iron . It is a simple one ; but what though ? it will toast cheese , and it will endure cold as another man's sword will : and there's an end .
-
-I will bestow a breakfast to make you friends , and we'll be all three sworn brothers to France : let it be so , good Corporal Nym .
-
-Faith , I will live so long as I may , that's the certain of it ; and when I cannot live any longer , I will do as I may : that is my rest , that is the rendezvous of it .
-
-It is certain , corporal , that he is married to Nell Quickly ; and , certainly she did you wrong , for you were troth-plight to her .
-
-I cannot tell ; things must be as they may : men may sleep , and they may have their throats about them at that time ; and , some say , knives have edges . It must be as it may : though patience be a tired mare , yet she will plod . There must be conclusions . Well , I cannot tell .
-
-
-Here comes Ancient Pistol and his wife . Good corporal , be patient here . How now , mine host Pistol !
-
-Base tike , call'st thou me host ?
-Now , by this hand , I swear , I scorn the term ;
-Nor shall my Nell keep lodgers .
-
-No , by my troth , not long ; for we cannot lodge and board a dozen or fourteen gentlewomen that live honestly by the prick of their needles , but it will be thought we keep a bawdy-house straight . [
-
-Good lieutenant ! good corporal ! offer nothing here .
-
-Pish !
-
-Pish for thee , Iceland dog ! thou prickeared cur of Iceland !
-
-Good Corporal Nym , show thy valour and put up your sword .
-
-Will you shog off ? I would have you solus .
-
-
-Solus , egregious dog ? O viper vile !
-The solus in thy most mervailous face ;
-The solus in thy teeth , and in thy throat ,
-And in thy hateful lungs , yea , in thy maw , perdy ;
-And , which is worse , within thy nasty mouth !
-I do retort the solus in thy bowels ;
-For I can take , and Pistol's cock is up ,
-And flashing fire will follow .
-
-I am not Barbason ; you cannot conjure me . I have an humour to knock you indifferently well . If you grow foul with me , Pistol , I will scour you with my rapier , as I may , in fair terms : if you would walk off , I would prick your guts a little , in good terms , as I may ; and that's the humour of it .
-
-O braggart vile and damned furious wight !
-The grave doth gape , and doting death is near ;
-Therefore exhale .
-
-Hear me , hear me what I say : he that strikes the first stroke , I'll run him up to the hilts , as I am a soldier .
-
-
-An oath of mickle might , and fury shall abate .
-Give me thy fist , thy fore-foot to me give ;
-Thy spirits are most tall .
-
-I will cut thy throat , one time or other , in fair terms ; that is the humour of it .
-
-Coupe le gorge !
-That is the word . I thee defy again .
-O hound of Crete , think'st thou my spouse to get ?
-No ; to the spital go ,
-And from the powdering-tub of infamy
-Fetch forth the lazar kite of Cressid's kind ,
-Doll Tearsheet she by name , and her espouse :
-I have , and I will hold , the quondam Quickly
-For the only she ; and pauca , there's enough .
-Go to
-
-
-Mine host Pistol , you must come to my master , and your hostess : he is very sick , and would to bed . Good Bardolph , put thy face between his sheets and do the office of a warming-pan . Faith , he's very ill .
-
-Away , you rogue !
-
-By my troth , he'll yield the crow a pudding one of these days . The king has killed his heart . Good husband , come home presently .
-
-
-Come , shall I make you two friends ? We must to France together . Why the devil should we keep knives to cut one another's throats ?
-
-Let floods o'erswell , and fiends for food howl on !
-
-You'll pay me the eight shillings I won of you at betting ?
-
-Base is the slave that pays .
-
-That now I will have ; that's the humour of it .
-
-As manhood shall compound : push home .
-
-
-By this sword , he that makes the first thrust , I'll kill him ; by this sword , I will .
-
-Sword is an oath , and oaths must have their course .
-
-Corporal Nym , an thou wilt be friends , be friends : an thou wilt not , why then , be enemies with me too . Prithee , put up .
-
-I shall have my eight shillings I won of you at betting ?
-
-A noble shalt thou have , and present pay ;
-And liquor likewise will I give to thee ,
-And friendship shall combine , and brotherhood :
-I'll live by Nym , and Nym shall live by me .
-Is not this just ? for I shall sutler be
-Unto the camp , and profits will accrue .
-Give me thy hand .
-
-I shall have my noble ?
-
-In cash most justly paid .
-
-
-Well then , that's the humour of it .
-
-
-As ever you came of women , come in quickly to Sir John . Ah , poor heart ! he is so shaked of a burning quotidian tertian , that it is most lamentable to behold . Sweet men , come to him .
-
-The king hath run bad humours on the knight ; that's the even of it .
-
-Nym , thou hast spoke the right ;
-His heart is fracted and corroborate .
-
-The king is a good king : but it must be as it may ; he passes some humours and careers .
-
-Let us condole the knight ; for , lambkins , we will live .
-
-
-'Fore God , his Grace is bold to trust these traitors .
-
-They shall be apprehended by and by .
-
-How smooth and even they do bear themselves !
-As if allegiance in their bosoms sat ,
-Crowned with faith and constant loyalty .
-
-The king hath note of all that they intend ,
-By interception which they dream not of .
-
-Nay , but the man that was his bedfellow ,
-Whom he hath dull'd and cloy'd with gracious favours ,
-That he should , for a foreign purse , so sell
-His sovereign's life to death and treachery !
-
-
-Now sits the wind fair , and we will aboard .
-My Lord of Cambridge , and my kind Lord of Masham ,
-And you , my gentle knight , give me your thoughts :
-Think you not that the powers we bear with us
-Will cut their passage through the force of France ,
-Doing the execution and the act
-For which we have in head assembled them ?
-
-No doubt , my liege , if each man do his best .
-
-I doubt not that ; since we are well persuaded
-We carry not a heart with us from hence
-That grows not in a fair consent with ours ;
-Nor leave not one behind that doth not wish
-Success and conquest to attend on us .
-
-Never was monarch better fear'd and lov'd
-Than is your majesty : there's not , I think , a subject
-That sits in heart-grief and uneasiness
-Under the sweet shade of your government .
-
-True : those that were your father's enemies
-Have steep'd their galls in honey , and do serve you
-With hearts create of duty and of zeal .
-
-We therefore have great cause of thankfulness ,
-And shall forget the office of our hand ,
-Sooner than quittance of desert and merit
-According to the weight and worthiness .
-
-So service shall with steeled sinews toil ,
-And labour shall refresh itself with hope ,
-To do your Grace incessant services .
-
-We judge no less . Uncle of Exeter ,
-Enlarge the man committed yesterday
-That rail'd against our person : we consider
-It was excess of wine that set him on ;
-And on his more advice we pardon him .
-
-That's mercy , but too much security :
-Let him be punish'd , sovereign , lest example
-Breed , by his sufference , more of such a kind .
-
-O ! let us yet be merciful .
-
-So may your highness , and yet punish too .
-
-Sir ,
-You show great mercy , if you give him life
-After the taste of much correction .
-
-Alas ! your too much love and care of me
-Are heavy orisons 'gainst this poor wretch .
-If little faults , proceeding on distemper ,
-Shall not be wink'd at , how shall we stretch our eye
-When capital crimes , chew'd , swallow'd , and digested ,
-Appear before us ? We'll yet enlarge that man ,
-Though Cambridge , Scroop , and Grey , in their dear care ,
-And tender preservation of our person ,
-Would have him punish'd . And now to our French causes :
-Who are the late commissioners ?
-
-I one , my lord :
-Your highness bade me ask for it to-day .
-
-So did you me , my liege .
-
-And I , my royal sovereign .
-
-Then , Richard , Earl of Cambridge , there is yours ;
-There yours , Lord Scroop of Masham ; and , sir knight ,
-Grey of Northumberland , this same is yours :
-Read them ; and know , I know your worthiness .
-My Lord of Westmoreland , and uncle Exeter ,
-We will aboard to-night . Why , how now , gentlemen !
-What see you in those papers that you lose
-So much complexion ? Look ye , how they change !
-Their cheeks are paper . Why , what read you there ,
-That hath so cowarded and chas'd your blood
-Out of appearance ?
-
-I do confess my fault ,
-And do submit me to your highness' mercy .
-
-To which we all appeal .
-
-To which we all appeal .
-
-The mercy that was quick in us but late
-By your own counsel is suppress'd and kill'd :
-You must not dare , for shame , to talk of mercy ;
-For your own reasons turn into your bosoms ,
-As dogs upon their masters , worrying you .
-See you , my princes and my noble peers ,
-These English monsters ! My Lord of Cambridge here ,
-You know how apt our love was to accord
-To furnish him with all appertinents
-Belonging to his honour ; and this man
-Hath , for a few light crowns , lightly conspir'd ,
-And sworn unto the practices of France ,
-To kill us here in Hampton : to the which
-This knight , no less for bounty bound to us
-Than Cambridge is , hath likewise sworn . But O !
-What shall I say to thee , Lord Scroop ? thou cruel ,
-Ingrateful , savage and inhuman creature !
-Thou that didst bear the key of all my counsels ,
-That knew'st the very bottom of my soul ,
-That almost mightst have coin'd me into gold
-Wouldst thou have practis'd on me for thy use !
-May it be possible that foreign hire
-Could out of thee extract one spark of evil
-That might annoy my finger ? 'tis so strange
-That , though the truth of it stands off as gross
-As black from white , my eye will scarcely see it .
-Treason and murder ever kept together ,
-As two yoke-devils sworn to either's purpose ,
-Working so grossly in a natural cause
-That admiration did not whoop at them :
-But thou , 'gainst all proportion , didst bring in
-Wonder to wait on treason and on murder :
-And whatsoever cunning fiend it was
-That wrought upon thee so preposterously
-Hath got the voice in hell for excellence :
-And other devils that suggest by treasons
-Do botch and bungle up damnation
-With patches , colours , and with forms , being fetch'd
-From glistering semblances of piety ;
-But he that temper'd thee bade thee stand up ,
-Gave thee no instance why thou shouldst do treason ,
-Unless to dub thee with the name of traitor .
-If that same demon that hath gull'd thee thus
-Should with his lion gait walk the whole world ,
-He might return to vasty Tartar back ,
-And tell the legions , 'I can never win
-A soul so easy as that Englishman's .'
-O ! how hast thou with jealousy infected
-The sweetness of affiance . Show men dutiful ?
-Why , so didst thou : seem they grave and learned ?
-Why , so didst thou : come they of noble family ?
-Why , so didst thou : seem they religious ?
-Why , so didst thou : or are they spare in diet ,
-Free from gross passion or of mirth or anger ,
-Constant in spirit , not swerving with the blood ,
-Garnish'd and deck'd in modest complement ,
-Not working with the eye without the ear ,
-And but in purged judgment trusting neither ?
-Such and so finely bolted didst thou seem :
-And thus thy fall hath left a kind of blot ,
-To mark the full-fraught man and best indu'd
-With some suspicion . I will weep for thee ;
-For this revolt of thine , methinks , is like
-Another fall of man . Their faults are open :
-Arrest them to the answer of the law ;
-And God acquit them of their practices !
-
-I arrest thee of high treason , by the name of Richard Earl of Cambridge .
-I arrest thee of high treason , by the name of Henry Lord Scroop of Masham .
-I arrest thee of high treason , by the name of Thomas Grey , knight , of Northumberland .
-
-Our purposes God justly hath discover'd ,
-And I repent my fault more than my death ;
-Which I beseech your highness to forgive ,
-Although my body pay the price of it .
-
-For me , the gold of France did not seduce ,
-Although I did admit it as a motive
-The sooner to effect what I intended :
-But God be thanked for prevention ;
-Which I in sufference heartily will rejoice ,
-Beseeching God and you to pardon me .
-
-Never did faithful subject more rejoice
-At the discovery of most dangerous treason
-Than I do at this hour joy o'er myself ,
-Prevented from a damned enterprise .
-My fault , but not my body ; pardon , sovereign .
-
-God quit you in his mercy ! Hear your sentence .
-You have conspir'd against our royal person ,
-Join'd with an enemy proclaim'd , and from his coffers
-Receiv'd the golden earnest of our death ;
-Wherein you would have sold your king to slaughter ,
-His princes and his peers to servitude ,
-His subjects to oppression and contempt ,
-And his whole kingdom into desolation .
-Touching our person seek we no revenge ;
-But we our kingdom's safety must so tender ,
-Whose ruin you have sought , that to her laws
-We do deliver you . Get you therefore hence ,
-Poor miserable wretches , to your death ;
-The taste whereof , God of his mercy give you
-Patience to endure , and true repentance
-Of all your dear offences ! Bear them hence .
-
-Now , lords , for France ! the enterprise whereof
-Shall be to you , as us , like glorious .
-We doubt not of a fair and lucky war ,
-Since God so graciously hath brought to light
-This dangerous treason lurking in our way
-To hinder our beginnings . We doubt not now
-But every rub is smoothed on our way .
-Then forth , dear countrymen : let us deliver
-Our puissance into the hand of God ,
-Putting it straight in expedition .
-Cheerly to sea ! the signs of war advance :
-No king of England , if not king of France .
-
-
-Prithee , honey-sweet husband , let me bring thee to Staines .
-
-No ; for my manly heart doth yearn .
-Bardolph , be blithe ; Nym , rouse thy vaunting veins ;
-Boy , bristle thy courage up ; for Falstaff he is dead ,
-And we must yearn therefore .
-
-Would I were with him , wheresome'er he is , either in heaven or in hell !
-
-Nay , sure , he's not in hell : he's in Arthur's bosom , if ever man went to Arthur's bosom . A' made a finer end and went away an it had been any christom child ; a' parted even just between twelve and one , even at the turning o' the tide : for after I saw him fumble with the sheets and play with flowers and smile upon his fingers' ends , I knew there was but one way ; for his nose was as sharp as a pen , and a' babbled of green fields . 'How now , Sir John !' quoth I : 'what man ! be of good cheer .' So a' cried out 'God , God , God !' three or four times : now I , to comfort him , bid him a' should not think of God , I hoped there was no need to trouble himself with any such thoughts yet . So a' bade me lay more clothes on his feet : I put my hand into the bed and felt them , and they were as cold as any stone ; then I felt to his knees , and so upward , and upward , and all was as cold as any stone .
-
-They say he cried out of sack .
-
-Ay , that a' did .
-
-And of women .
-
-Nay , that a' did not .
-
-Yes , that a' did ; and said they were devils incarnate .
-
-A' could never abide carnation ; 'twas a colour he never liked .
-
-A' said once , the devil would have him about women .
-
-A' did in some sort , indeed , handle women ; but then he was rheumatic , and talked of the whore of Babylon .
-
-Do you not remember a' saw a flea stick upon Bardolph's nose , and a' said it was a black soul burning in hell-fire ?
-
-Well , the fuel is gone that maintained that fire : that's all the riches I got in his service .
-
-Shall we shog ? the king will be gone from Southampton .
-
-Come , let's away . My love , give me thy lips .
-Look to my chattels and my moveables :
-Let senses rule , the word is , 'Pitch and pay ;'
-Trust none ;
-For oaths are straws , men's faiths are wafercakes ,
-And hold-fast is the only dog , my duck :
-Therefore , caveto be thy counsellor .
-Go , clear thy crystals . Yoke-fellows in arms ,
-Let us to France ; like horse-leeches , my boys ,
-To suck , to suck , the very blood to suck !
-
-And that's but unwholesome food , they say .
-
-Touch her soft mouth , and march .
-
-Farewell , hostess .
-
-
-I cannot kiss , that is the humour of it ; but , adieu .
-
-Let housewifery appear : keep close , I thee command .
-
-Farewell ; adieu .
-
-Thus come the English with full power upon us ;
-And more than carefully it us concerns
-To answer royally in our defences .
-Therefore the Dukes of Berri and Britaine ,
-Of Brabant and of Orleans , shall make forth ,
-And you , Prince Dauphin , with all swift dispatch ,
-To line and new repair our towns of war
-With men of courage and with means defendant :
-For England his approaches makes as fierce
-As waters to the sucking of a gulf .
-It fits us then to be as provident
-As fear may teach us , out of late examples
-Left by the fatal and neglected English
-Upon our fields .
-
-My most redoubted father ,
-It is most meet we arm us 'gainst the foe ;
-For peace itself should not so dull a kingdom ,
-Though war nor no known quarrel were in question ,
-But that defences , musters , preparations ,
-Should be maintain'd , assembled , and collected ,
-As were a war in expectation .
-Therefore , I say 'tis meet we all go forth
-To view the sick and feeble parts of France :
-And let us do it with no show of fear ;
-No , with no more than if we heard that England
-Were busied with a Whitsun morris-dance :
-For , my good liege , she is so idly king'd ,
-Her sceptre so fantastically borne
-By a vain , giddy , shallow , humorous youth ,
-That fear attends her not .
-
-O peace , Prince Dauphin !
-You are too much mistaken in this king .
-Question your Grace the late ambassadors ,
-With what great state he heard their embassy ,
-How well supplied with noble counsellors ,
-How modest in exception , and , withal
-How terrible in constant resolution ,
-And you shall find his vanities forespent
-Were but the outside of the Roman Brutus ,
-Covering discretion with a coat of folly ;
-As gardeners do with ordure hide those roots
-That shall first spring and be most delicate .
-
-Well , 'tis not so , my lord high constable ;
-But though we think it so , it is no matter :
-In cases of defence 'tis best to weigh
-The enemy more mighty than he seems :
-So the proportions of defence are fill'd ;
-Which of a weak and niggardly projection
-Doth like a miser spoil his coat with scanting
-A little cloth .
-
-Think we King Harry strong ;
-And , princes , look you strongly arm to meet him .
-The kindred of him hath been flesh'd upon us ,
-And he is bred out of that bloody strain
-That haunted us in our familiar paths :
-Witness our too much memorable shame
-When Cressy battle fatally was struck
-And all our princes captiv'd by the hand
-Of that black name , Edward Black Prince of Wales ;
-Whiles that his mounting sire , on mountain standing ,
-Up in the air , crown'd with the golden sun ,
-Saw his heroical seed , and smil'd to see him
-Mangle the work of nature , and deface
-The patterns that by God and by French fathers
-Had twenty years been made . This is a stem
-Of that victorious stock ; and let us fear
-The native mightiness and fate of him .
-
-
-Ambassadors from Harry King of England
-Do crave admittance to your majesty .
-
-We'll give them present audience . Go , and bring them .
-
-You see this chase is hotly follow'd , friends .
-
-Turn head , and stop pursuit ; for coward dogs
-Most spend their mouths when what they seem to threaten
-Runs far before them . Good my sovereign ,
-Take up the English short , and let them know
-Of what a monarchy you are the head :
-Self-love , my liege , is not so vile a sin
-As self-neglecting .
-
-
-From our brother England ?
-
-From him ; and thus he greets your majesty .
-He wills you , in the name of God Almighty ,
-That you divest yourself , and lay apart
-The borrow'd glories that by gift of heaven ,
-By law of nature and of nations 'long
-To him and to his heirs ; namely , the crown
-And all wide-stretched honours that pertain
-By custom and the ordinance of times
-Unto the crown of France . That you may know
-'Tis no sinister nor no awkward claim ,
-Pick'd from the worm-holes of long-vanish'd days ,
-Nor from the dust of old oblivion rak'd ,
-He sends you this most memorable line ,
-
-In every branch truly demonstrative ;
-Willing you overlook this pedigree ;
-And when you find him evenly deriv'd
-From his most fam'd of famous ancestors ,
-Edward the Third , he bids you then resign
-Your crown and kingdom , indirectly held
-From him the native and true challenger .
-
-Or else what follows ?
-
-Bloody constraint ; for if you hide the crown
-Even in your hearts , there will he rake for it :
-Therefore in fierce tempest is he coming ,
-In thunder and in earthquake like a Jove ,
-That , if requiring fail , he will compel ;
-And bids you , in the bowels of the Lord ,
-Deliver up the crown , and to take mercy
-On the poor souls for whom this hungry war
-Opens his vasty jaws ; and on your head
-Turning the widows' tears , the orphans' cries ,
-The dead men's blood , the pining maidens' groans ,
-For husbands , fathers , and betrothed lovers ,
-That shall be swallow'd in this controversy .
-This is his claim , his threat'ning , and my message ;
-Unless the Dauphin be in presence here ,
-To whom expressly I bring greeting too .
-
-For us , we will consider of this further :
-To-morrow shall you bear our full intent
-Back to our brother England .
-
-For the Dauphin ,
-I stand here for him : what to him from England ?
-
-Scorn and defiance , slight regard , contempt ,
-And anything that may not misbecome
-The mighty sender , doth he prize you at .
-Thus says my king : an if your father's highness
-Do not , in grant of all demands at large ,
-Sweeten the bitter mock you sent his majesty ,
-He'll call you to so hot an answer of it ,
-That caves and womby vaultages of France
-Shall chide your trespass and return your mock
-In second accent of his ordinance .
-
-Say , if my father render fair return ,
-It is against my will ; for I desire
-Nothing but odds with England : to that end ,
-As matching to his youth and vanity ,
-I did present him with the Paris balls .
-
-He'll make your Paris Louvre shake for it ,
-Were it the mistress-court of mighty Europe :
-And , be assur'd , you'll find a difference
-As we his subjects have in wonder found
-Between the promise of his greener days
-And these he masters now . Now he weighs time
-Even to the utmost grain ; that you shall read
-In your own losses , if he stay in France .
-
-To-morrow shall you know our mind at full .
-
-Dispatch us with all speed , lest that our king
-Come here himself to question our delay ;
-For he is footed in this land already .
-
-You shall be soon dispatch'd with fair conditions :
-A night is but small breath and little pause
-To answer matters of this consequence .
-
-Thus with imagin'd wing our swift scene flies
-In motion of no less celerity
-Than that of thought . Suppose that you have seen
-The well-appointed king at Hampton pier
-Embark his royalty ; and his brave fleet
-With silken streamers the young Ph bus fanning :
-Play with your fancies , and in them behold
-Upon the hempen tackle ship-boys climbing ;
-Hear the shrill whistle which doth order give
-To sounds confus'd ; behold the threaden sails ,
-Borne with the invisible and creeping wind ,
-Draw the huge bottoms through the furrow'd sea ,
-Breasting the lofty surge . O ! do but think
-You stand upon the rivage and behold
-A city on the inconstant billows dancing ;
-For so appears this fleet majestical ,
-Holding due course to Harfleur . Follow , follow !
-Grapple your minds to sternage of this navy ,
-And leave your England , as dead midnight still ,
-Guarded with grandsires , babies , and old women ,
-Either past or not arriv'd to pith and puissance :
-For who is he , whose chin is but enrich'd
-With one appearing hair , that will not follow
-Those call'd and choice-drawn cavaliers to France ?
-Work , work your thoughts , and therein see a siege ;
-Behold the ordenance on their carriages ,
-With fatal mouths gaping on girded Harfleur .
-Suppose the ambassador from the French comes back ;
-Tells Harry that the king doth offer him
-Katharine his daughter ; and with her , to dowry ,
-Some petty and unprofitable dukedoms :
-The offer likes not : and the nimble gunner
-With linstock now the devilish cannon touches ,
-
-And down goes all before them . Still be kind ,
-And eke out our performance with your mind .
-
-Once more unto the breach , dear friends , once more ;
-Or close the wall up with our English dead !
-In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
-As modest stillness and humility :
-But when the blast of war blows in our ears ,
-Then imitate the action of the tiger ;
-Stiffen the sinews , summon up the blood ,
-Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage ;
-Then lend the eye a terrible aspect ;
-Let it pry through the portage of the head
-Like the brass cannon ; let the brow o'erwhelm it
-As fearfully as doth a galled rock
-O'erhang and jutty his confounded base ,
-Swill'd with the wild and wasteful ocean .
-Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide ,
-Hold hard the breath , and bend up every spirit
-To his full height ! On , on , you noblest English !
-Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof ;
-Fathers that , like so many Alexanders ,
-Have in these parts from morn till even fought ,
-And sheath'd their swords for lack of argument .
-Dishonour not your mothers ; now attest
-That those whom you call'd fathers did beget you .
-Be copy now to men of grosser blood ,
-And teach them how to war . And you , good yeomen ,
-Whose limbs were made in England , show us here
-The mettle of your pasture ; let us swear
-That you are worth your breeding ; which I doubt not ;
-For there is none of you so mean and base
-That hath not noble lustre in your eyes .
-I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips ,
-Straining upon the start . The game's afoot :
-Follow your spirit ; and , upon this charge
-Cry 'God for Harry ! England and Saint George !'
-
-
-On , on , on , on , on ! to the breach , to the breach !
-
-Pray thee , corporal , stay : the knocks are too hot ; and for mine own part , I have not a case of lives : the humour of it is too hot , that is the very plain-song of it .
-
-The plain-song is most just , for humours do abound :
-
-Knocks go and come : God's vassals drop and die ;
-And sword and shield
-In bloody field
-Doth win immortal fame .
-
-
-Would I were in an alehouse in London ! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale , and safety .
-
-And I :
-
-If wishes would prevail with me ,
-My purpose should not fail with me ,
-But thither would I hie .
-
-As duly ,
-But not as truly ,
-As bird doth sing on bough .
-
-Up to the breach , you dogs ! avaunt , you cullions !
-
-
-Be merciful , great duke , to men of mould !
-Abate thy rage , abate thy manly rage !
-Abate thy rage , great duke !
-Good bawcock , bate thy rage ; use lenity , sweet chuck !
-
-These be good humours ! your honour wins bad humours .
-
-
-As young as I am , I have observed these three swashers . I am boy to them all three , but all they three , though they would serve me , could not be man to me ; for , indeed three such antiques do not amount to a man . For Bardolph , he is white-livered and red-faced ; by the means whereof , a' faces it out , but fights not . For Pistol , he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword ; by the means whereof a' breaks words , and keeps whole weapons . For Nym , he hath heard that men of few words are the best men ; and therefore he scorns to say his prayers , lest a' should be thought a coward : but his few bad words are matched with as few good deeds ; for a' never broke any man's head but his own , and that was against a post when he was drunk . They will steal any thing and call it purchase . Bardolph stole a lute-case , bore it twelve leagues , and sold it for three half-pence . Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching , and in Calais they stole a fire-shovel ;I knew by that piece of service the men would carry coals ,they would have me as familiar with men's pockets as their gloves or their handkerchers : which makes much against my manhood if I should take from another's pocket to put into mine ; for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs . I must leave them and seek some better service : their villany goes against my weak stomach , and therefore I must cast it up .
-
-Captain Fluellen , you must come presently to the mines : the Duke of Gloucester would speak with you .
-
-To the mines ! tell you the duke it is not so good to come to the mines . For look you , the mines is not according to the disciplines of the war ; the concavities of it is not sufficient ; for , look you , th' athversary you may discuss unto the duke , look you is digt himself four yards under the countermines ; by Cheshu , I think , a' will plow up all if there is not better directions .
-
-The Duke of Gloucester , to whom the order of the siege is given , is altogether directed by an Irishman , a very valiant gentleman , i' faith .
-
-It is Captain Macmorris , is it not ?
-
-I think it be .
-
-By Cheshu , he is an ass , as in the world :
-I will verify as much in his peard : he has no more directions in the true disciplines of the wars , look you , of the Roman disciplines , than is a puppy-dog .
-
-
-Here a' comes ; and the Scots captain , Captain Jamy , with him .
-
-Captain Jamy is a marvellous falorous gentleman , that is certain ; and of great expedition and knowledge in th' aunchient wars , upon my particular knowledge of his directions : by Cheshu , he will maintain his argument as well as any military man in the world , in the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans .
-
-I say gud day , Captain Fluellen .
-
-God-den to your worship , good Captain James .
-
-How now , Captain Macmorris ! have you quit the mines ? have the pioners given o'er ?
-
-By Chrish , la ! tish ill done : the work ish give over , the trumpet sound the retreat . By my hand , I swear , and my father's soul , the work ish ill done ; it ish give over : I would have blowed up the town , so Chrish save me , la ! in an hour : O ! tish ill done , tish ill done ; by my hand , tish ill done !
-
-Captain Macmorris , I beseech you now , will you voutsafe me , look you , a few disputations with you , as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of the war , the Roman wars , in the way of argument , look you , and friendly communication ; partly to satisfy my opinion , and partly for the satisfaction , look you , of my mind , as touching the direction of the military discipline : that is the point .
-
-It sall be vary gud , gud feith , gud captains bath :
-
-and I sall quit you with gud leve , as I may pick occasion ; that sall I , marry .
-
-It is no time to discourse , so Chrish save me : the day is hot , and the weather , and the wars , and the king , and the dukes : it is no time to discourse . The town is beseeched , and the trumpet calls us to the breach ; and we talk , and be Chrish , do nothing : 'tis shame for us all ; so God sa' me , 'tis shame to stand still ; it is shame , by my hand ; and there is throats to be cut , and works to be done ; and there ish nothing done , so Chrish sa' me , la !
-
-By the mess , ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slumber , aile do gud service , or aile lig i' the grund for it ; ay , or go to death ; and aile pay it as valorously as I may , that sal I suerly do , that is the breff and the long . Marry , I wad full fain heard some question 'tween you tway .
-
-Captain Macmorris , I think , look you , under your correction , there is not many of your nation
-
-Of my nation ! What ish my nation ? ish a villain , and a bastard , and a knave , and a rascal ? What ish my nation ? Who talks of my nation ?
-
-Look you , if you take the matter otherwise than is meant , Captain Macmorris , peradventure I shall think you do not use me with that affability as in discretion you ought to use me , look you ; being as good a man as yourself , both in the disciplines of wars , and in the derivation of my birth , and in other particularities .
-
-I do not know you so good a man as myself : so Chrish save me , I will cut off your head .
-
-Gentlemen both , you will mistake each other .
-
-A ! that's a foul fault .
-
-
-The town sounds a parley .
-
-Captain Macmorris , when there is more better opportunity to be required , look you , I will be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of wars ; and there is an end .
-
-How yet resolves the governor of the town ?
-This is the latest parle we will admit :
-Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves ;
-Or like to men proud of destruction
-Defy us to our worst : for , as I am a soldier ,
-A name that in my thoughts , becomes me best ,
-If I begin the battery once again ,
-I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur
-Till in her ashes she lie buried .
-The gates of mercy shall be all shut up ,
-And the flesh'd soldier , rough and hard of heart ,
-In liberty of bloody hand shall range
-With conscience wide as hell , mowing like grass
-Your fresh-fair virgins and your flowering infants .
-What is it then to me , if impious war ,
-Array'd in flames like to the prince of fiends ,
-Do , with his smirch'd complexion , all fell feats
-Enlink'd to waste and desolation ?
-What is't to me , when you yourselves are cause ,
-If your pure maidens fall into the hand
-Of hot and forcing violation ?
-What rein can hold licentious wickedness
-When down the hill he holds his fierce career ?
-We may as bootless spend our vain command
-Upon the enraged soldiers in their spoil
-As send precepts to the leviathan
-To come ashore . Therefore , you men of Harfleur ,
-Take pity of your town and of your people ,
-Whiles yet my soldiers are in my command ;
-Whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace
-O'erblows the filthy and contagious clouds
-Of heady murder , spoil , and villany .
-If not , why , in a moment , look to see
-The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand
-Defile the locks of your shrill-shrieking daughters ;
-Your fathers taken by the silver beards ,
-And their most reverend heads dash'd to the walls ;
-Your naked infants spitted upon pikes ,
-Whiles the mad mothers with their howls confus'd
-Do break the clouds , as did the wives of Jewry
-At Herod's bloody-hunting slaughtermen .
-What say you ? will you yield , and this avoid ?
-Or , guilty in defence , be thus destroy'd ?
-
-Our expectation hath this day an end .
-The Dauphin , whom of succour we entreated ,
-Returns us that his powers are yet not ready
-To raise so great a siege . Therefore , great king ,
-We yield our town and lives to thy soft mercy .
-Enter our gates ; dispose of us and ours ;
-For we no longer are defensible .
-
-Open your gates ! Come , uncle Exeter ,
-Go you and enter Harfleur ; there remain ,
-And fortify it strongly 'gainst the French :
-Use mercy to them all . For us , dear uncle ,
-The winter coming on and sickness growing
-Upon our soldiers , we will retire to Calais .
-To-night in Harfleur will we be your guest ;
-To-morrow for the march are we addrest .
-
-
-Alice , tu as est en Angleterre , et tu parles bien le langage .
-
-Un peu , madame .
-
-Je te prie , m'enseignez ; il faut que j'apprenne parler . Comment appellez vous la main en Anglois ?
-
-La main ? elle est appell e , de hand .
-
-De hand . Et les doigts ?
-
-Les doigts ? ma foy , je oublie les doigts ; mais je me souviendray . Les doigts ? je pense qu'ils sont appell s de fingres ; ouy , de fingres .
-
-La main , de hand ; les doigts , de fingres . Je pense que je suis le bon escolier . J'ai gagn deux mots d'Anglois vistement . Comment appellez vous les ongles ?
-
-Lesongles ? nous les appellons , de nails .
-
-De nails . Escoutez ; dites moy , si je parle bien : de hands , de fingres , et de nails .
-
-C'est bien dict , madame ; il est fort bon Anglois .
-
-Dites moy l'Anglois pour le bras .
-
-De arm , madame .
-
-Et le coude ?
-
-De elbow .
-
-De elbow . Je m'en fais la r p tition de tous les mots que vous m'avez appris d s pr sent .
-
-Il est trop difficile , madame , comme je pense .
-
-Excusez moy , Alice ; escoutez : de hand , de fingres , de nails , de arma , de bilbow .
-
-De elbow , madame .
-
-O Seigneur Dieu ! je m'en oublie ; de elbow . Comment appellez vous le col ?
-
-De nick , madame .
-
-De nick . Et le menton ?
-
-De chin .
-
-De sin . Le col , de nick : le menton , de sin .
-
-Ouy . Sauf vostre honneur , en v rit vous prononcez les mots aussi droict que les natifs d'Angleterre .
-
-Je ne doute point d'apprendre par la grace de Dieu , et en peu de temps .
-
-N'avez vous d j oubli ce que je vous ay enseign e ?
-
-Non , je reciteray vous promptement .
-De hand , de fingre , de mails ,
-
-De nails , madame .
-
-De nails , de arme , de ilbow .
-
-Sauf vostre honneur , d'elbow .
-
-Ainsi dis je ; d'elbow , de nick , et de sin . Comment appellez vous le pied et la robe ?
-
-De foot , madame ; et de coun .
-
-De foot , et de coun ? O Seigneur Dieu ! ces sont mots de son mauvais , corruptible , gros , et impudique , et non pour les dames d'honneur d'user . Je ne voudrois prononcer ces mots devant les seigneurs de France , pour tout le monde . Foh ! le foot , et le coun . N antmoins je reciterai une autre fois ma le on ensemble : de hand , de fingre , de nails , d'arm , d'elbow , de nick , de sin , de foot , de coun .
-
-Excellent , madame !
-
-C'est assez pour une fois : allons nous diner .
-
-
-'Tis certain , he hath pass'd the river Somme .
-
-And if he be not fought withal , my lord ,
-Let us not live in France ; let us quit all ,
-And give our vineyards to a barbarous people .
-
-O Dieu vivant ! shall a few sprays of us ,
-The emptying of our fathers' luxury ,
-Our scions , put in wild and savage stock ,
-Spirt up so suddenly into the clouds ,
-And overlook their grafters ?
-
-Normans , but bastard Normans , Norman bastards !
-Mort de ma vie ! if they march along
-Unfought withal , but I will sell my dukedom ,
-To buy a slobbery and a dirty farm
-In that nook-shotten isle of Albion .
-
-Dieu de battailes ! where have they this mettle ?
-Is not their climate foggy , raw , and dull ,
-On whom , as in despite , the sun looks pale ,
-Killing their fruit with frowns ? Can sodden water ,
-A drench for sur-rein'd jades , their barley-broth ,
-Decoct their cold blood to such valiant heat ?
-And shall our quick blood , spirited with wine ,
-Seem frosty ? O ! for honour of our land ,
-Let us not hang like roping icicles
-Upon our houses' thatch , whiles a more frosty people
-Sweat drops of gallant youth in our rich fields ;
-Poor we may call them in their native lords .
-
-By faith and honour ,
-Our madams mock at us , and plainly say
-Our mettle is bred out ; and they will give
-Their bodies to the lust of English youth
-To new-store France with bastard warriors .
-
-They bid us to the English dancing-schools ,
-And teach lavoltas high and swift corantos ;
-Saying our grace is only in our heels ,
-And that we are most lofty runaways .
-
-Where is Montjoy the herald ? speed him hence :
-Let him greet England with our sharp defiance .
-Up , princes ! and , with spirit of honour edg'd
-More sharper than your swords , hie to the field :
-Charles Delabreth , High Constable of France ;
-You Dukes of Orleans , Bourbon , and Berri ,
-Alen on , Brabant , Bar , and Burgundy ;
-Jaques Chatillon , Rambures , Vaudemont ,
-Beaumont , Grandpr , Roussi , and Fauconberg ,
-Foix , Lestrale , Bouciqualt , and Charolois ;
-High dukes , great princes , barons , lords , and knights ,
-For your great seats now quit you of great shames .
-Bar Harry England , that sweeps through our land
-With pennons painted in the blood of Harfleur :
-Rush on his host , as doth the melted snow
-Upon the valleys , whose low vassal seat
-The Alps doth spit and void his rheum upon :
-Go down upon him , you have power enough ,
-And in a captive chariot into Roan
-Bring him our prisoner .
-
-This becomes the great .
-Sorry am I his numbers are so few ,
-His soldiers sick and famish'd in their march ,
-For I am sure when he shall see our army
-He'll drop his heart into the sink of fear ,
-And for achievement offer us his ransom .
-
-Therefore , lord constable , haste on Montjoy ,
-And let him say to England that we send
-To know what willing ransom he will give .
-Prince Dauphin , you shall stay with us in Roan .
-
-Not so , I do beseech your majesty .
-
-Be patient , for you shall remain with us .
-Now forth , lord constable and princes all ,
-And quickly bring us word of England's fall .
-
-
-How now , Captain Fluellen ! come you from the bridge ?
-
-I assure you , there is very excellent services committed at the pridge .
-
-Is the Duke of Exeter safe ?
-
-The Duke of Exeter is as magnanimous as Agamemnon ; and a man that I love and honour with my soul , and my heart , and my duty , and my life , and my living , and my uttermost power : he is not God be praised and plessed !any hurt in the world ; but keeps the pridge most valiantly , with excellent discipline . There is an aunchient lieutenant there at the pridge , I think , in my very conscience , he is as valiant a man as Mark Antony ; and he is a man of no estimation in the world ; but I did see him do as gallant service .
-
-What do you call him ?
-
-He is called Aunchient Pistol .
-
-I know him not .
-
-
-Here is the man .
-
-Captain , I thee beseech to do me favours :
-The Duke of Exeter doth love thee well .
-
-Ay , I praise God ; and I have merited some love at his hands .
-
-Bardolph , a soldier firm and sound of heart ,
-And of buxom valour , hath , by cruel fate
-And giddy Fortune's furious fickle wheel ,
-That goddess blind ,
-That stands upon the rolling restless stone ,
-
-By your patience , Aunchient Pistol . Fortune is painted plind , with a muffler afore her eyes , to signify to you that Fortune is plind : and she is painted also with a wheel , to signify to you , which is the moral of it , that she is turning , and inconstant , and mutability , and variation : and her foot , look you , is fixed upon a spherical stone , which rolls , and rolls , and rolls : in good truth , the poet makes a most excellent description of it : Fortune is an excellent moral .
-
-Fortune is Bardolph's foe , and frowns on him ;
-For he hath stol'n a pax , and hanged must a' be ,
-A damned death !
-Let gallows gape for dog , let man go free
-And let not hemp his wind-pipe suffocate .
-But Exeter hath given the doom of death
-For pax of little price .
-Therefore , go speak ; the duke will hear thy voice ;
-And let not Bardolph's vital thread be cut
-With edge of penny cord and vile reproach :
-Speak , captain , for his life , and I will thee requite .
-
-Aunchient Pistol , I do partly understand your meaning .
-
-Why then , rejoice therefore .
-
-Certainly , aunchient , it is not a thing to rejoice at ; for , if , look you , he were my brother , I would desire the duke to use his good pleasure and put him to execution ; for discipline ought to be used .
-
-Die and be damn'd ; and figo for thy friendship !
-
-It is well .
-
-The fig of Spain !
-
-
-Very good .
-
-Why , this is an arrant counterfeit rascal : I remember him now ; a bawd , a cutpurse .
-
-I'll assure you a' uttered as prave words at the pridge as you shall see in a summer's day . But it is very well ; what he has spoke to me , that is well , I warrant you , when time is serve .
-
-Why , 'tis a gull , a fool , a rogue , that now and then goes to the wars to grace himself at his return into London under the form of a soldier . And such fellows are perfect in the great commanders' names , and they will learn you by rote where services were done ; at such and such a sconce , at such a breach , at such a convoy ; who came off bravely , who was shot , who disgraced , what terms the enemy stood on ; and this they con perfectly in the phrase of war , which they trick up with new-tuned oaths : and what a beard of the general's cut and a horrid suit of the camp will do among foaming bottles and ale-washed wits , is wonderful to be thought on . But you must learn to know such slanders of the age , or else you may be marvellously mistook .
-
-I tell you what , Captain Gower ; I do perceive , he is not the man that he would gladly make show to the world he is : if I find a hole in his coat I will tell him my mind .
-
-Hark you , the king is coming ; and I must speak with him from the pridgo .
-
-
-God pless your majesty !
-
-How now , Fluellen ! cam'st thou from the bridge ?
-
-Ay , so please your majesty . The Duke of Exeter hath very gallantly maintained the pridge : the French is gone off , look you , and there is gallant and most prave passages . Marry , th' athversary was have possession of the pridge , but he is enforced to retire , and the Duke of Exeter is master of the pridge . I can tell your majesty the duke is a prave man .
-
-What men have you lost , Fluellen ?
-
-The perdition of th' athversary hath been very great , reasonable great : marry , for my part , I think the duke hath lost never a man but one that is like to be executed for robbing a church ; one Bardolph , if your majesty know the man : his face is all bubukles , and whelks , and knobs , and flames o' fire ; and his lips blows at his nose , and it is like a coal of fire , sometimes plue and sometimes red ; but his nose is executed , and his fire's out .
-
-We would have all such offenders so cut off : and we give express charge that in our marches through the country there be nothing compelled from the villages , nothing taken but paid for , none of the French upbraided or abused in disdainful language ; for when lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom , the gentler gamester is the soonest winner .
-
-
-You know me by my habit .
-
-Well then I know thee : what shall I know of thee ?
-
-My master's mind .
-
-Unfold it .
-
-Thus says my king : Say thou to Harry of England : Though we seemed dead , we did but sleep : advantage is a better soldier than rashness . Tell him , we could have rebuked him at Harfleur , but that we thought not good to bruise an injury till it were full ripe : now we speak upon our cue , and our voice is imperial : England shall repent his folly , see his weakness , and admire our sufferance . Bid him therefore consider of his ransom ; which must proportion the losses we have borne , the subjects we have lost , the disgrace we have digested ; which , in weight to re-answer , his pettiness would bow under . For our losses , his exchequer is too poor ; for the effusion of our blood , the muster of his kingdom too faint a number ; and for our disgrace , his own person , kneeling at our feet , but a weak and worthless satisfaction . To this add defiance : and tell him , for conclusion , he hath betrayed his followers , whose condemnation is pronounced . So far my king and master , so much my office .
-
-What is thy name ? I know thy quality .
-
-Montjoy .
-
-Thou dost thy office fairly . Turn thee back ,
-And tell thy king I do not seek him now ,
-But could be willing to march on to Calais
-Without impeachment ; for , to say the sooth ,
-Though 'tis no wisdom to confess so much
-Unto an enemy of craft and vantage ,
-My people are with sickness much enfeebled ,
-My numbers lessen'd , and those few I have
-Almost no better than so many French :
-Who , when they were in health , I tell thee , herald ,
-I thought upon one pair of English legs
-Did march three Frenchmen . Yet , forgive me , God ,
-That I do brag thus ! this your air of France
-Hath blown that vice in me ; I must repent .
-Go therefore , tell thy master here I am :
-My ransom is this frail and worthless trunk ,
-My army but a weak and sickly guard ;
-Yet , God before , tell him we will come on ,
-Though France himself and such another neighbour
-Stand in our way . There's for thy labour , Montjoy .
-Go , bid thy master well advise himself :
-If we may pass , we will ; if we be hinder'd ,
-We shall your tawny ground with your red blood
-Discolour : and so , Montjoy , fare you well .
-The sum of all our answer is but this :
-We would not seek a battle as we are ;
-Nor , as we are , we say we will not shun it :
-So tell your master .
-
-I shall deliver so . Thanks to your highness .
-
-
-I hope they will not come upon us now .
-
-We are in God's hand , brother , not in theirs .
-March to the bridge ; it now draws toward night :
-Beyond the river we'll encamp ourselves ,
-And on to-morrow bid them march away .
-
-
-Tut ! I have the best armour of the world . Would it were day !
-
-You have an excellent armour ; but let my horse have his due .
-
-It is the best horse of Europe .
-
-Will it never be morning ?
-
-My Lord of Orleans , and my lord high constable , you talk of horse and armour
-
-You are as well provided of both as any prince in the world .
-
-What a long night is this ! I will not change my horse with any that treads but on four pasterns . a , ha ! He bounds from the earth as if his entrails were hairs : le cheval volant , the Pegasus , qui a les narines de feu ! When I bestride him , I soar , I am a hawk : he trots the air ; the earth sings when he touches it ; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes .
-
-He's of the colour of the nutmeg .
-
-And of the heat of the ginger . It is a beast for Perseus : he is pure air and fire ; and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in him but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts him : he is indeed a horse ; and all other jades you may call beasts .
-
-Indeed , my lord , it is a most absolute and excellent horse .
-
-It is the prince of palfreys ; his neigh is like the bidding of a monarch and his countenance enforces homage .
-
-No more , cousin .
-
-Nay , the man hath no wit that cannot , from the rising of the lark to the lodging of the lamb , vary deserved praise on my palfrey : it is a theme as fluent as the sea ; turn the sands into eloquent tongues , and my horse is argument for them all . 'Tis a subject for a sovereign to reason on , and for a sovereign's sovereign to ride on ; and for the world familiar to us , and unknown to lay apart their particular functions and wonder at him . I once writ a sonnet in his praise and began thus : 'Wonder of nature !'
-
-I have heard a sonnet begin so to one's mistress .
-
-Then did they imitate that which I composed to my courser ; for my horse is my mistress .
-
-Your mistress bears well .
-
-Me well ; which is the prescript praise and perfection of a good and particular mistress .
-
-Ma foi , methought yesterday your mistress shrewdly shook your back .
-
-So perhaps did yours .
-
-Mine was not bridled .
-
-O ! then belike she was old and gentle ; and you rode , like a kern of Ireland , your French hose off and in your straight strossers .
-
-You have good judgment in horsemanship .
-
-Be warned by me , then : they that ride so , and ride not warily , fall into foul bogs . I had rather have my horse to my mistress .
-
-I had as lief have my mistress a jade .
-
-I tell thee , constable , my mistress wears his own hair .
-
-I could make as true a boast as that if I had a sow to my mistress .
-
-Le chien est retourn son propre vomissement , et la truie lav e au bourbier : thou makest use of any thing .
-
-Yet do I not use my horse for my mistress : or any such proverb so little kin to the purpose .
-
-My lord constable , the armour that I saw in your tent to-night , are those stars or suns upon it ?
-
-Stars , my lord .
-
-Some of them will fall to-morrow , I hope .
-
-And yet my sky shall not want .
-
-That may be , for you bear a many superfluously , and 'twere more honour some were away .
-
-Even as your horse bears your praises ; who would trot as well were some of your brags dismounted .
-
-Would I were able to load him with his desert ! Will it never be day ? I will trot to-morrow a mile , and my way shall be paved with English faces .
-
-I will not say so for fear I should be faced out of my way . But I would it were morning , for I would fain be about the ears of the English .
-
-Who will go to hazard with me for twenty prisoners ?
-
-You must first go yourself to hazard , ere you have them .
-
-'Tis midnight : I'll go arm myself .
-
-
-The Dauphin longs for morning .
-
-He longs to eat the English .
-
-I think he will eat all he kills .
-
-By the white hand of my lady , he's a gallant prince .
-
-Swear by her foot , that she may tread out the oath .
-
-He is simply the most active gentleman of France .
-
-Doing is activity , and he will still be doing .
-
-He never did harm , that I heard of .
-
-Nor will do none to-morrow : he will keep that good name still .
-
-I know him to be valiant .
-
-I was told that by one that knows him better than you .
-
-What's he ?
-
-Marry , he told me so himself ; and he said he cared not who knew it .
-
-He needs not ; it is no hidden virtue in him .
-
-By my faith , sir , but it is ; never any body saw it but his lackey : 'tis a hooded valour ; and when it appears , it will bate .
-
-'Ill will never said well .'
-
-I will cap that proverb with 'There is flattery in friendship .'
-
-And I will take up that with 'Give the devil his due .'
-
-Well placed : there stands your friend for the devil : have at the very eye of that proverb , with 'A pox of the devil .'
-
-You are the better at proverbs , by how much 'A fool's bolt is soon shot .'
-
-You have shot over .
-
-'Tis not the first time you were overshot .
-
-
-My lord high constable , the English lie within fifteen hundred paces of your tents .
-
-Who hath measured the ground ?
-
-The Lord Grandpr .
-
-A valiant and most expert gentleman . Would it were day ! Alas ! poor Harry of England , he longs not for the dawning as we do .
-
-What a wretched and peevish fellow is this King of England , to mope with his fatbrained followers so far out of his knowledge !
-
-If the English had any apprehension they would run away .
-
-That they lack ; for if their heads had any intellectual armour they could never wear such heavy head-pieces .
-
-That island of England breeds very valiant creatures : their mastiffs are of unmatchable courage .
-
-Foolish curs ! that run winking into the mouth of a Russian bear and have their heads crushed like rotten apples . You may as well say that's a valiant flea that dare eat his breakfast on the lip of a lion .
-
-Just , just ; and the men do sympathize with the mastiffs in robustious and rough coming on , leaving their wits with their wives : and then give them great meals of beef and iron and steel , they will eat like wolves and fight like devils .
-
-Ay , but these English are shrewdly out of beef .
-
-Then shall we find to-morrow they have only stomachs to eat and none to fight . Now is it time to arm ; come , shall we about it ?
-
-It is now two o'clock : but , let me see , by ten
-We shall have each a hundred Englishmen .
-
-
-Now entertain conjecture of a time
-When creeping murmur and the poring dark
-Fills the wide vessel of the universe .
-From camp to camp , through the foul womb of night ,
-The hum of either army stilly sounds ,
-That the fix'd sentinels almost receive
-The secret whispers of each other's watch :
-Fire answers fire , and through their paly flames
-Each battle sees the other's umber'd face :
-Steed threatens steed , in high and boastful neighs
-Piercing the night's dull ear ; and from the tents
-The armourers , accomplishing the knights ,
-With busy hammers closing rivets up ,
-Give dreadful note of preparation .
-The country cocks do crow , the clocks do toll ,
-And the third hour of drowsy morning name .
-Proud of their numbers , and secure in soul ,
-The confident and over-lusty French
-Do the low-rated English play at dice ;
-And chide the cripple tardy-gaited night
-Who , like a foul and ugly witch , doth limp
-So tediously away . The poor condemned English ,
-Like sacrifices , by their watchful fires
-Sit patiently , and inly ruminate
-The morning's danger , and their gesture sad
-Investing lank-lean cheeks and war-worn coats
-Presenteth them unto the gazing moon
-So many horrid ghosts . O ! now , who will behold
-The royal captain of this ruin'd band
-Walking from watch to watch , from tent to tent ,
-Let him cry 'Praise and glory on his head !'
-For forth he goes and visits all his host ,
-Bids them good morrow with a modest smile ,
-And calls them brothers , friends , and countrymen .
-Upon his royal face there is no note
-How dread an army hath enrounded him ;
-Nor doth he dedicate one jot of colour
-Unto the weary and all-watched night :
-But freshly looks and overbears attaint
-With cheerful semblance and sweet majesty ;
-That every wretch , pining and pale before ,
-Beholding him , plucks comfort from his looks ,
-A largess universal , like the sun
-His liberal eye doth give to every one ,
-Thawing cold fear . Then mean and gentle all ,
-Behold , as may unworthiness define ,
-A little touch of Harry in the night .
-And so our scene must to the battle fly ;
-Where ,O for pity ,we shall much disgrace ,
-With four or five most vile and ragged foils ,
-Right ill dispos'd in brawl ridiculous ,
-The name of Agincourt . Yet sit and see ;
-Minding true things by what their mockeries be .
-
-Gloucester , 'tis true that we are in great danger ;
-The greater therefore should our courage be .
-Good morrow , brother Bedford . God Almighty !
-There is some soul of goodness in things evil ,
-Would men observingly distil it out ;
-For our bad neighbour makes us early stirrers ,
-Which is both healthful , and good husbandry :
-Besides , they are our outward consciences ,
-And preachers to us all ; admonishing
-That we should dress us fairly for our end .
-Thus may we gather honey from the weed ,
-And make a moral of the devil himself .
-
-
-Good morrow , old Sir Thomas Erpingham :
-A good soft pillow for that good white head
-
-Were better than a churlish turf of France .
-
-Not so , my liege : this lodging likes me better ,
-Since I may say , 'Now lie I like a king .'
-
-'Tis good for men to love their present pains
-Upon example ; so the spirit is eas'd :
-And when the mind is quicken'd , out of doubt ,
-The organs , though defunct and dead before ,
-Break up their drowsy grave , and newly move
-With casted slough and fresh legerity .
-Lend me thy cloak , Sir Thomas . Brothers both ,
-Commend me to the princes in our camp ;
-Do my good morrow to them ; and anon
-Desire them all to my pavilion .
-
-We shall , my liege .
-
-
-Shall I attend your Grace ?
-
-No , my good knight ;
-Go with my brothers to my lords of England :
-I and my bosom must debate awhile ,
-And then I would no other company .
-
-The Lord in heaven bless thee , noble Harry !
-
-
-God-a-mercy , old heart ! thou speak'st cheerfully .
-
-
-Qui va l ?
-
-A friend .
-
-Discuss unto me ; art thou officer ?
-Or art thou base , common and popular ?
-
-I am a gentleman of a company .
-
-Trail'st thou the puissant pike ?
-
-Even so . What are you ?
-
-As good a gentleman as the emperor .
-
-Then you are a better than the king .
-
-The king's a bawcock , and a heart of gold ,
-A lad of life , an imp of fame :
-Of parents good , of fist most valiant :
-I kiss his dirty shoe , and from my heart-string
-I love the lovely bully . What's thy name ?
-
-Harry le Roy .
-
-Le Roy ! a Cornish name : art thou of Cornish crew ?
-
-No , I am a Welshman .
-
-Know'st thou Fluellen ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Tell him , I'll knock his leek about his pate
-Upon Saint Davy's day .
-
-Do not you wear your dagger in your cap that day , lest he knock that about yours .
-
-Art thou his friend ?
-
-And his kinsman too .
-
-The figo for thee then !
-
-I thank you . God be with you !
-
-My name is Pistol called .
-
-
-It sorts well with your fierceness .
-
-Captain Fluellen !
-
-Sol in the name of Cheshu Christ , speak lower . It is the greatest admiration in the universal world , when the true and auncient prerogatifes and laws of the wars is not kept . If you would take the pains but to examine the wars of Pompey the Great , you shall find , I warrant you , that there is no tiddle-taddle nor pibble-pabble in Pompey's camp ; I warrant you , you shall find the ceremonies of the wars , and the cares of it , and the forms of it , and the sobriety of it , and the modesty of it , to be otherwise .
-
-Why , the enemy is loud ; you heard him all night .
-
-If the enemy is an ass and a fool and a prating coxcomb , is it meet , think you , that we should also , look you , be an ass and a fool and a prating coxcomb , in your own conscience now ?
-
-I will speak lower .
-
-I pray you and peseech you that you will .
-
-
-Though it appear a little out of fashion ,
-There is much care and valour in this Welshman .
-
-
-Brother John Bates , is not that the morning which breaks yonder ?
-
-I think it be ; but we have no great cause to desire the approach of day .
-
-We see yonder the beginning of the day , but I think we shall never see the end of it . Who goes there ?
-
-A friend .
-
-Under what captain serve you ?
-
-Under Sir Thomas Erpingham .
-
-A good old commander and a most kind gentleman : I pray you , what thinks he of our estate ?
-
-Even as men wracked upon a sand , that look to be washed off the next tide .
-
-He hath not told his thought to the king ?
-
-No ; nor it is not meet he should . For , though I speak it to you , I think the king is but a man , as I am : the violet smells to him as it doth to me ; the element shows to him as it doth to me ; all his senses have but human conditions : his ceremonies laid by , in his nakedness he appears but a man ; and though his affections are higher mounted than ours , yet when they stoop , they stoop with the like wing . Therefore when he sees reason of fears , as we do , his fears , out of doubt , be of the same relish as ours are : yet , in reason , no man should possess him with any appearance of fear , lest he , by showing it , should dishearten his army .
-
-He may show what outward courage he will , but I believe , as cold a night as 'tis , he could wish himself in Thames up to the neck , and so I would he were , and I by him , at all adventures , so we were quit here .
-
-By my troth , I will speak my conscience of the king : I think he would not wish himself any where but where he is .
-
-Then I would he were here alone ; so should he be sure to be ransomed , and a many poor men's lives saved .
-
-I dare say you love him not so ill to wish him here alone , howsoever you speak this to feel other men's minds . Methinks I could not die any where so contented as in the king's company , his cause being just and his quarrel honourable .
-
-That's more than we know .
-
-Ay , or more than we should seek after ; for we know enough if we know we are the king's subjects . If his cause be wrong , our obedience to the king wipes the crime of it out of us .
-
-But if the cause be not good , the king himself hath a heavy reckoning to make ; when all those legs and arms and heads , chopped off in a battle , shall join together at the latter day , and cry all , 'We died at such a place ;' some swearing , some crying for a surgeon , some upon their wives left poor behind them , some upon the debts they owe , some upon their children rawly left . I am afeard there are few die well that die in a battle ; for how can they charitably dispose of any thing when blood is their argument ? Now , if these men do not die well , it will be a black matter for the king that led them to it , whom to disobey were against all proportion of subjection .
-
-So , if a son that is by his father sent about merchandise do sinfully miscarry upon the sea , the imputation of his wickedness , by your rule , should be imposed upon his father that sent him : or if a servant , under his master's command transporting a sum of money , be assailed by robbers and die in many irreconciled iniquities , you may call the business of the master the author of the servant's damnation . But this is not so : the king is not bound to answer the particular endings of his soldiers , the father of his son , nor the master of his servant ; for they purpose not their death when they purpose their services . Besides , there is no king , be his cause never so spotless , if it come to the arbitrement of swords , can try it out with all unspotted soldiers . Some , peradventure , have on them the guilt of premeditated and contrived murder ; some , of beguiling virgins with the broken seals of perjury ; some , making the wars their bulwark , that have before gored the gentle bosom of peace with pillage and robbery . Now , if these men have defeated the law and outrun native punishment , though they can outstrip men , they have no wings to fly from God : war is his beadle , war is his vengeance ; so that here men are punished for before-breach of the king's laws in now the king's quarrel : where they feared the death they have borne life away , and where they would be safe they perish . Then , if they die unprovided , no more is the king guilty of their damnation than he was before guilty of those impieties for the which they are now visited . Every subject's duty is the king's ; but every subject's soul is his own . Therefore should every soldier in the wars do as every sick man in his bed , wash every mote out of his conscience ; and dying so , death is to him advantage ; or not dying , the time was blessedly lost wherein such preparation was gained : and in him that escapes , it were not sin to think , that making God so free an offer , he let him outlive that day to see his greatness , and to teach others how they should prepare .
-
-'Tis certain , every man that dies ill , the ill upon his own head : the king is not to answer it .
-
-I do not desire he should answer for me ; and yet I determine to fight lustily for him .
-
-I myself heard the king say he would not be ransomed .
-
-Ay , he said so , to make us fight cheerfully ; but when our throats are cut he may be ransomed , and we ne'er the wiser .
-
-If I live to see it , I will never trust his word after .
-
-You pay him then . That's a perilous shot out of an elder-gun , that a poor and a private displeasure can do against a monarch . You may as well go about to turn the sun to ice with fanning in his face with a peacock's feather . You'll never trust his word after ! come , 'tis a foolish saying .
-
-Your reproof is something too round ; I should be angry with you if the time were convenient .
-
-Let it be a quarrel between us , if you live .
-
-I embrace it .
-
-How shall I know thee again ?
-
-Give me any gage of thine , and I will wear it in my bonnet : then , if ever thou darest acknowledge it , I will make it my quarrel .
-
-Here's my glove : give me another of thine .
-
-There .
-
-This will I also wear in my cap : if ever thou come to me and say after to-morrow , 'This is my glove ,' by this hand I will take thee a box on the ear .
-
-If ever I live to see it , I will challenge it .
-
-Thou darest as well be hanged .
-
-Well , I will do it , though I take thee in the king's company .
-
-Keep thy word : fare thee well .
-
-Be friends , you English fools , be friends : we have French quarrels enow , if you could tell how to reckon .
-
-Indeed , the French may lay twenty French crowns to one , they will beat us ; for they bear them on their shoulders : but it is no English treason to cut French crowns , and to-morrow the king himself will be a clipper .
-
-Upon the king ! let us our lives , our souls ,
-Our debts , our careful wives ,
-Our children , and our sins lay on the king !
-We must bear all . O hard condition !
-Twin-born with greatness , subject to the breath
-Of every fool , whose sense no more can feel
-But his own wringing . What infinite heart's ease
-Must kings neglect that private men enjoy !
-And what have kings that privates have not too ,
-Save ceremony , save general ceremony ?
-And what art thou , thou idle ceremony ?
-What kind of god art thou , that suffer'st more
-Of mortal griefs than do thy worshippers ?
-What are thy rents ? what are thy comings-in ?
-O ceremony ! show me but thy worth :
-What is thy soul of adoration ?
-Art thou aught else but place , degree , and form ,
-Creating awe and fear in other men ?
-Wherein thou art less happy , being fear'd ,
-Than they in fearing .
-What drink'st thou oft , instead of homage sweet ,
-But poison'd flattery ? O ! be sick , great greatness ,
-And bid thy ceremony give thee cure .
-Think'st thou the fiery fever will go out
-With titles blown from adulation ?
-Will it give place to flexure and low-bending ?
-Canst thou , when thou command'st the beggar's knee ,
-Command the health of it ? No , thou proud dream ,
-That play'st so subtly with a king's repose ;
-I am a king that find thee ; and I know
-'Tis not the balm , the sceptre and the ball ,
-The sword , the mace , the crown imperial ,
-The intertissued robe of gold and pearl ,
-The farced title running 'fore the king ,
-The throne he sits on , nor the tide of pomp
-That beats upon the high shore of this world ,
-No , not all these , thrice-gorgeous ceremony ,
-Not all these , laid in bed majestical ,
-Can sleep so soundly as the wretched slave ,
-Who with a body fill'd and vacant mind
-Gets him to rest , cramm'd with distressful bread ;
-Never sees horrid night , the child of hell ,
-But , like a lackey , from the rise to set
-Sweats in the eye of Ph bus , and all night
-Sleeps in Elysium ; next day after dawn ,
-Doth rise and help Hyperion to his horse ,
-And follows so the ever-running year
-With profitable labour to his grave :
-And , but for ceremony , such a wretch ,
-Winding up days with toil and nights with sleep ,
-Had the fore-hand and vantage of a king .
-The slave , a member of the country's peace ,
-Enjoys it ; but in gross brain little wots
-What watch the king keeps to maintain the peace ,
-Whose hours the peasant best advantages .
-
-
-My lord , your nobles , jealous of your absence ,
-Seek through your camp to find you .
-
-Good old knight ,
-Collect them all together at my tent :
-I'll be before thee .
-
-I shall do't , my lord .
-
-
-O God of battles ! steel my soldiers' hearts ;
-Possess them not with fear ; take from them now
-The sense of reckoning , if the opposed numbers
-Pluck their hearts from them . Not to-day , O Lord !
-O ! not to-day , think not upon the fault
-My father made in compassing the crown .
-I Richard's body have interr'd anew ,
-And on it have bestow'd more contrite tears
-Than from it issu'd forced drops of blood .
-Five hundred poor I have in yearly pay ,
-Who twice a day their wither'd hands hold up
-Toward heaven , to pardon blood ; and I have built
-Two chantries , where the sad and solemn priests
-Sing still for Richard's soul . More will I do ;
-Though all that I can do is nothing worth ,
-Since that my penitence comes after all ,
-Imploring pardon .
-
-
-My liege !
-
-My brother Gloucester's voice ! Ay ;
-I know thy errand , I will go with thee :
-The day , my friends , and all things stay for me .
-
-
-The sun doth gild our armour : up , my lords !
-
-Montez cheval ! My horse ! varlet ! lacquais ! ha !
-
-O brave spirit !
-
-Via ! les eaux et la terre !
-
-Rien puis ? l'air et le feu .
-
-Ciel ! cousin Orleans .
-
-Now , my lord constable !
-
-Hark how our steeds for present service neigh !
-
-Mount them , and make incision in their hides ,
-That their hot blood may spin in English eyes ,
-And dout them with superfluous courage : ha !
-
-What ! will you have them weep our horses' blood ?
-How shall we then behold their natural tears ?
-
-
-The English are embattail'd , you French peers .
-
-To horse , you gallant princes ! straight to horse !
-Do but behold yon poor and starved band ,
-And your fair show shall suck away their souls ,
-Leaving them but the shales and husks of men .
-There is not work enough for all our hands ;
-Scarce blood enough in all their sickly veins
-To give each naked curtal-axe a stain ,
-That our French gallants shall to-day draw out ,
-And sheathe for lack of sport : let us but blow on them ,
-The vapour of our valour will o'erturn them .
-'Tis positive 'gainst all exceptions , lords ,
-That our superfluous lackeys and our peasants ,
-Who in unnecessary action swarm
-About our squares of battle , were enow
-To purge this field of such a hilding foe ,
-Though we upon this mountain's basis by
-Took stand for idle speculation :
-But that our honours must not . What's to say ?
-A very little little let us do ,
-And all is done . Then let the trumpets sound
-The tucket sonance and the note to mount :
-For our approach shall so much dare the field ,
-That England shall couch down in fear and yield .
-
-
-Why do you stay so long , my lords of France ?
-Yon island carrions desperate of their bones ,
-Ill-favour'dly become the morning field :
-Their ragged curtains poorly are let loose ,
-And our air shakes them passing scornfully :
-Big Mars seems bankrupt in their beggar'd host ,
-And faintly through a rusty beaver peeps :
-The horsemen sit like fixed candlesticks ,
-With torch-staves in their hand ; and their poor jades
-Lob down their heads , dropping the hides and hips ,
-The gum down-roping from their pale-dead eyes ,
-And in their pale dull mouths the gimmal bit
-Lies foul with chew'd grass , still and motionless ;
-And their executors , the knavish crows ,
-Fly o'er them , all impatient for their hour .
-Description cannot suit itself in words
-To demonstrate the life of such a battle
-In life so lifeless as it shows itself .
-
-They have said their prayers , and they stay for death .
-
-Shall we go send them dinners and fresh suits ,
-And give their fasting horses provender ,
-And after fight with them ?
-
-I stay but for my guard : on , to the field !
-I will the banner from a trumpet take ,
-And use it for my haste . Come , come , away !
-The sun is high , and we outwear the day .
-
-
-Where is the king ?
-
-The king himself is rode to view their battle .
-
-Of fighting men they have full three-score thousand .
-
-There's five to one ; besides , they all are fresh .
-
-God's arm strike with us ! 'tis a fearful odds .
-God be wi' you , princes all ; I'll to my charge :
-If we no more meet till we meet in heaven ,
-Then , joyfully , my noble Lord of Bedford ,
-My dear Lord Gloucester , and my good Lord Exeter ,
-And my kind kinsman , warriors all , adieu !
-
-Farewell , good Salisbury ; and good luck go with thee !
-
-Farewell , kind lord . Fight valiantly to-day :
-And yet I do thee wrong to mind thee of it ,
-For thou art fram'd of the firm truth of valour .
-
-
-He is as full of valour as of kindness ;
-Princely in both .
-
-
-O ! that we now had here
-But one ten thousand of those men in England
-That do no work to-day .
-
-What's he that wishes so ?
-My cousin Westmoreland ? No , my fair cousin :
-If we are mark'd to die , we are enow
-To do our country loss ; and if to live ,
-The fewer men , the greater share of honour .
-God's will ! I pray thee , wish not one man more .
-By Jove , I am not covetous for gold ,
-Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost ;
-It yearns me not if men my garments wear ;
-Such outward things dwell not in my desires :
-But if it be a sin to covet honour ,
-I am the most offending soul alive .
-No , faith , my coz , wish not a man from England :
-God's peace ! I would not lose so great an honour
-As one man more , methinks , would share from me ,
-For the best hope I have . O ! do not wish one more :
-Rather proclaim it , Westmoreland , through my host ,
-That he which hath no stomach to this fight ,
-Let him depart ; his passport shall be made ,
-And crowns for convoy put into his purse :
-We would not die in that man's company
-That fears his fellowship to die with us .
-This day is call'd the feast of Crispian :
-He that outlives this day , and comes safe home ,
-Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd ,
-And rouse him at the name of Crispian .
-He that shall live this day , and see old age ,
-Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours ,
-And say , 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian :'
-Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars ,
-And say , 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day .'
-Old men forget : yet all shall be forgot ,
-But he'll remember with advantages
-What feats he did that day . Then shall our names ,
-Familiar in his mouth as household words ,
-Harry the king , Bedford and Exeter ,
-Warwick and Talbot , Salisbury and Gloucester ,
-Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd .
-This story shall the good man teach his son ;
-And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by ,
-From this day to the ending of the world ,
-But we in it shall be remembered ;
-We few , we happy few , we band of brothers ;
-For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
-Shall be my brother ; be he ne'er so vile
-This day shall gentle his condition :
-And gentlemen in England , now a-bed
-Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here ,
-And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
-That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day .
-
-
-My sov'reign lord , bestow yourself with speed :
-The French are bravely in their battles set ,
-And will with all expedience charge on us .
-
-All things are ready , if our minds be so .
-
-Perish the man whose mind is backward now !
-
-Thou dost not wish more help from England , coz ?
-
-God's will ! my liege , would you and I alone ,
-Without more help , could fight this royal battle !
-
-Why , now thou hast unwish'd five thousand men ;
-Which likes me better than to wish us one .
-You know your places : God be with you all !
-
-
-Once more I come to know of thee , King Harry ,
-If for thy ransom thou wilt now compound ,
-Before thy most assured overthrow :
-For certainly thou art so near the gulf
-Thou needs must be englutted . Besides , in mercy ,
-The constable desires thee thou wilt mind
-Thy followers of repentance ; that their souls
-May make a peaceful and a sweet retire
-From off these fields , where , wretches , their poor bodies
-Must lie and fester .
-
-Who hath sent thee now ?
-
-The Constable of France .
-
-I pray thee , bear my former answer back :
-Bid them achieve me and then sell my bones .
-Good God ! why should they mock poor fellows thus ?
-The man that once did sell the lion's skin
-While the beast liv'd , was kill'd with hunting him .
-A many of our bodies shall no doubt
-Find native graves ; upon the which , I trust ,
-Shall witness live in brass of this day's work ;
-And those that leave their valiant bones in France ,
-Dying like men , though buried in your dung-hills ,
-They shall be fam'd ; for there the sun shall greet them ,
-And draw their honours reeking up to heaven ,
-Leaving their earthly parts to choke your clime ,
-The smell whereof shall breed a plague in France .
-Mark then abounding valour in our English ,
-That being dead , like to the bullet's grazing ,
-Break out into a second course of mischief ,
-Killing in relapse of mortality .
-Let me speak proudly : tell the constable ,
-We are but warriors for the working-day ;
-Our gayness and our gilt are all besmirch'd
-With rainy marching in the painful field ;
-There's not a piece of feather in our host
-Good argument , I hope , we will not fly
-And time hath worn us into slovenry :
-But , by the mass , our hearts are in the trim ;
-And my poor soldiers tell me , yet ere night
-They'll be in fresher robes , or they will pluck
-The gay new coats o'er the French soldiers' heads ,
-And turn them out of service . If they do this ,
-As , if God please , they shall ,my ransom then
-Will soon be levied . Herald , save thou thy labour ;
-Come thou no more for ransom , gentle herald :
-They shall have none , I swear , but these my joints ;
-Which if they have as I will leave 'em them ,
-Shall yield them little , tell the constable .
-
-I shall , King Harry . And so , fare thee well :
-Thou never shalt hear herald any more .
-
-
-I fear thou'lt once more come again for ransom .
-
-
-My lord , most humbly on my knee I beg
-The leading of the vaward .
-
-Take it , brave York . Now , soldiers , march away :
-And how thou pleasest , God , dispose the day !
-
-
-Yield , cur !
-
-Je pense que vous estes le gentilhomme de bonne qualit .
-
-Quality ? Calen O custure me ! Art thou a gentleman ?
-What is thy name ? discuss .
-
-O Seigneur Dieu !
-
-O Signieur Dew should be a gentleman :
-Perpend my words , O Signieur Dew , and mark :
-O Signieur Dew , thou diest on point of fox
-Except , O signieur , thou do give to me
-Egregious ransom .
-
-O , prenez misericorde ! ayez piti de moy !
-
-Moy shall not serve ; I will have forty moys ;
-Or I will fetch thy rim out at thy throat
-In drops of crimson blood .
-
-Est-il impossible d'eschapper la force de ton bras ?
-
-Brass , cur !
-Thou damned and luxurious mountain goat ,
-Offer'st me brass ?
-
-O pardonnez moy !
-
-Sayst thou me so ? is that a ton of moys ?
-Come hither , boy : ask me this slave in French
-What is his name .
-
-Escoutez : comment estes vous appell ?
-
-Monsieur le Fer .
-
-He says his name is Master Fer .
-
-Master Fer ! I'll fer him , and firk him , and ferret him . Discuss the same in French unto him .
-
-I do not know the French for fer , and ferret , and firk .
-
-Bid him prepare , for I will cut his throat .
-
-Que dit-il , monsieur ?
-
-Il me commande vous dire que vous faites vous prest ; car ce soldat icy est dispos tout cette heure de couper vostre gorge .
-
-Ouy , cuppele gorge , permafoy .
-Peasant , unless thou give me crowns , brave crowns ;
-Or mangled shalt thou be by this my sword .
-
-O ! je vous supplie pour l'amour de
-Dieu , me pardonner ! Je suis le gentilhomme de bonne maison : gardez ma vie , et je vous donneray deux cents escus .
-
-What are his words ?
-
-He prays you to save his life : he is a gentleman of a good house ; and , for his ransom he will give you two hundred crowns .
-
-Tell him , my fury shall abate , and I
-The crowns will take .
-
-Petit monsieur , que dit-il ?
-
-Encore qu'il est contre son jurement de pardonner aucan prisonnier ; neant-moins , pour les escus que vous l'avez promis , il est content de vous donner la liberte , le franchisement .
-
-Sur mes genoux , je vous donne mille remerciemens ; et je m'estime heureux que je suis tomb entre les mains d'un chevalier , je pense , le plus brave , valiant , et tr s distingu seigneur d'Angleterre .
-
-Expound unto me , boy .
-
-He gives you , upon his knees , a thousand thanks ; and he esteems himself happy that he hath fallen into the hands of one as he thinks the most brave , valorous , and thrice-worthy signieur of England .
-
-As I suck blood , I will some mercy show .
-Follow me !
-
-
-Suivez vous le grand capitaine . I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heart : but the saying is true , 'The empty vessel makes the greatest sound .' Bardolph and Nym had ten times more valour than this roaring devil i' the old play , that every one may pare his nails with a wooden dagger ; and they are both hanged ; and so would this be if he durst steal anything adventurously . I must stay with the lackeys , with the luggage of our camp : the French might have a good prey of us , if he knew of it ; for there is none to guard it but boys .
-
-
-O seigneur ! le jour est perdu ! tout est perdu !
-
-Mort de ma vie ! all is confounded , all !
-Reproach and everlasting shame
-Sit mocking in our plumes . O meschante fortune !
-Do not run away .
-
-
-Why , all our ranks are broke .
-
-O perdurable shame ! let's stab ourselves .
-Be these the wretches that we play'd at dice for ?
-
-Is this the king we sent to for his ransom ?
-
-Shame , and eternal shame , nothing but shame !
-Let's die in honour ! once more back again ;
-And he that will not follow Bourbon now ,
-Let him go hence , and with his cap in hand ,
-Like a base pander , hold the chamber-door
-Whilst by a slave , no gentler than my dog ,
-His fairest daughter is contaminated .
-
-Disorder , that hath spoil'd us , friend us now !
-Let us on heaps go offer up our lives .
-
-We are enough yet living in the field
-To smother up the English in our throngs ,
-If any order might be thought upon .
-
-The devil take order now ! I'll to the throng :
-Let life be short , else shame will be too long .
-
-
-Well have we done , thrice-valiant countrymen :
-But all's not done ; yet keep the French the field .
-
-The Duke of York commends him to your majesty .
-
-Lives he , good uncle ? thrice within this hour
-I saw him down ; thrice up again , and fighting ;
-From helmet to the spur all blood he was .
-
-In which array , brave soldier , doth he lie ,
-Larding the plain ; and by his bloody side ,
-Yoke-fellow to his honour-owing wounds ,
-The noble Earl of Suffolk also lies .
-Suffolk first died : and York , all haggled over ,
-Comes to him , where in gore he lay insteep'd ,
-And takes him by the beard , kisses the gashes
-That bloodily did yawn upon his face ;
-And cries aloud , 'Tarry , dear cousin Suffolk !
-My soul shall thine keep company to heaven ;
-Tarry , sweet soul , for mine , then fly abreast ,
-As in this glorious and well-foughten field ,
-We kept together in our chivalry !'
-Upon these words I came and cheer'd him up :
-He smil'd me in the face , raught me his hand ,
-And with a feeble gripe says , 'Dear my lord ,
-Commend my service to my sovereign .'
-So did he turn , and over Suffolk's neck
-He threw his wounded arm , and kiss'd his lips ;
-And so espous'd to death , with blood he seal'd
-A testament of noble-ending love .
-The pretty and sweet manner of it forc'd
-Those waters from me which I would have stopp'd ;
-But I had not so much of man in me ,
-And all my mother came into mine eyes
-And gave me up to tears .
-
-I blame you not ;
-For , hearing this , I must perforce compound
-With mistful eyes , or they will issue too .
-
-But hark ! what new alarum is this same ?
-The French have reinforc'd their scatter'd men :
-Then every soldier kill his prisoners !
-Give the word through .
-
-
-Kill the poys and the luggage ! 'tis expressly against the law of arms : 'tis as arrant a piece of knavery , mark you now , as can be offer't : in your conscience now , is it not ?
-
-'Tis certain , there's not a boy left alive ; and the cowardly rascals that ran from the battle have done this slaughter : besides , they have burned and carried away all that was in the king's tent ; wherefore the king most worthily hath caused every soldier to cut his prisoner's throat . O ! 'tis a gallant king .
-
-Ay , he was porn at Monmouth , Captain Gower . What call you the town's name where Alexander the Pig was born ?
-
-Alexander the Great .
-
-Why , I pray you , is not pig great ? The pig , or the great , or the mighty , or the huge , or the magnanimous , are all one reckonings , save the phrase is a little variations .
-
-I think Alexander the Great was born in Macedon : his father was called Philip of Macedon , as I take it .
-
-I think it is in Macedon where Alexander is porn . I tell you , captain , if you look in the maps of the 'orld , I warrant you sall find , in the comparisons between Macedon and Monmouth , that the situations , look you , is both alike . There is a river in Macedon , and there is also moreover a river at Monmouth : it is called Wye at Monmouth ; but it is out of my prains what is the name of the other river ; but 'tis all one , 'tis alike as my fingers is to my fingers , and there is salmons in both . If you mark Alexander's life well , Harry of Monmouth's life is come after it indifferent well ; for there is figures in all things . Alexander ,God knows , and you know ,in his rages , and his furies , and his wraths , and his cholers , and his moods , and his displeasures , and his indignations , and also being a little intoxicates in his prains , did , in his ales and his angers , look you , kill his pest friend , Cleitus .
-
-Our king is not like him in that : he never killed any of his friends .
-
-It is not well done , mark you now , to take the tales out of my mouth , ere it is made and finished . I speak but in the figures and comparisons of it : as Alexander killed his friend Cleitus , being in his ales and his cups , so also Harry Monmouth , being in his right wits and his good judgments , turned away the fat knight with the great belly-doublet : he was full of jests , and gipes , and knaveries , and mocks ; I have forgot his name .
-
-Sir John Falstaff .
-
-That is he . I'll tell you , there is goot men porn at Monmouth .
-
-Here comes his majesty .
-
-I was not angry since I came to France
-Until this instant . Take a trumpet , herald ;
-Ride thou unto the horsemen on yon hill :
-If they will fight with us , bid them come down ,
-Or void the field ; they do offend our sight .
-If they'll do neither , we will come to them ,
-And make them skirr away , as swift as stones
-Enforced from the old Assyrian slings .
-Besides , we'll cut the throats of those we have ,
-And not a man of them that we shall take
-Shall taste our mercy . Go and tell them so .
-
-
-Here comes the herald of the French , my liege .
-
-His eyes are humbler than they us'd to be .
-
-How now ! what means this , herald ? know'st thou not
-That I have fin'd these bones of mine for ransom ?
-Com'st thou again for ransom ?
-
-No , great king .
-I come to thee for charitable licence ,
-That we may wander o'er this bloody field
-To book our dead , and then to bury them ;
-To sort our nobles from our common men ;
-For many of our princes woe the while !
-Lie drown'd and soak'd in mercenary blood ;
-So do our vulgar drench their peasant limbs
-In blood of princes ; and their wounded steeds
-Fret fetlock-deep in gore , and with wild rage
-Yerk out their armed heels at their dead masters ,
-Killing them twice . O ! give us leave , great king ,
-To view the field in safety and dispose
-Of their dead bodies .
-
-I tell thee truly , herald ,
-I know not if the day be ours or no ;
-For yet a many of your horsemen peer
-And gallop o'er the field .
-
-The day is yours .
-
-Praised be God , and not our strength , for it !
-What is this castle call'd that stands hard by ?
-
-They call it Agincourt .
-
-Then call we this the field of Agincourt ,
-Fought on the day of Crispin Crispianus .
-
-Your grandfather of famous memory , an't please your majesty , and your great-uncle Edward the Plack Prince of Wales , as I have read in the chronicles , fought a most prave pattle here in France .
-
-They did , Fluellen .
-
-Your majesty says very true . If your majesties is remembered of it , the Welshmen did good service in a garden where leeks did grow , wearing leeks in their Monmouth caps ; which , your majesty know , to this hour is an honourable badge of the service ; and I do believe , your majesty takes no scorn to wear the leek upon Saint Tavy's day .
-
-I wear it for a memorable honour ; For I am Welsh , you know , good countryman .
-
-All the water in Wye cannot wash your majesty's Welsh plood out of your pody , I can tell you that : Got pless it and preserve it , as long as it pleases his grace , and his majesty too !
-
-Thanks , good my countryman .
-
-By Jeshu , I am your majesty's countryman , I care not who know it ; I will confess it to all the 'orld : I need not be ashamed of your majesty , praised be God , so long as your majesty is an honest man .
-
-God keep me so ! Our heralds go with him :
-Bring me just notice of the numbers dead
-On both our parts . Call yonder fellow hither .
-
-
-Soldier , you must come to the king .
-
-Soldier , why wear'st thou that glove in thy cap ?
-
-An't please your majesty , 'tis the gage of one that I should fight withal , if he be alive .
-
-An Englishman ?
-
-An't please your majesty , a rascal that swaggered with me last night ; who , if a' live and ever dare to challenge this glove , I have sworn to take him a box o' the ear : or , if I can see my glove in his cap ,which he swore as he was a soldier he would wear if alive ,I will strike it out soundly .
-
-What think you , Captain Fluellen ? is it fit this soldier keep his oath ?
-
-He is a craven and a villain else , an't please your majesty , in my conscience .
-
-It may be his enemy is a gentleman of great sort , quite from the answer of his degree .
-
-Though he be as good a gentleman as the devil is , as Lucifer and Belzebub himself , it is necessary , look your Grace , that he keep his vow and his oath . If he be perjured , see you now , his reputation is as arrant a villain and a Jack-sauce as ever his black shoe trod upon God's ground and his earth , in my conscience , la !
-
-Then keep thy vow , sirrah , when thou meetest the fellow .
-
-So I will , my liege , as I live .
-
-Who servest thou under ?
-
-Under Captain Gower , my liege .
-
-Gower is a goot captain , and is good knowledge and literatured in the wars .
-
-Call him hither to me , soldier .
-
-I will , my liege .
-
-
-Here , Fluellen ; wear thou this favour for me and stick it in thy cap . When Alen on and myself were down together I plucked this glove from his helm : if any man challenge this , he is a friend to Alen on , and an enemy to our person ; if thou encounter any such , apprehend him , an thou dost me love .
-
-Your Grace does me as great honours as can be desired in the hearts of his subjects : I would fain see the man that has but two legs that shall find himself aggriefed at this glove , that is all ; but I would fain see it once , and please God of his grace that I might see .
-
-Knowest thou Gower ?
-
-He is my dear friend , an't please you .
-
-Pray thee , go seek him , and bring him to my tent .
-
-I will fetch him .
-
-
-My Lord of Warwick , and my brother Gloucester ,
-Follow Fluellen closely at the heels .
-The glove which I have given him for a favour ,
-May haply purchase him a box o' the ear ;
-It is the soldier's ; I by bargain should
-Wear it myself . Follow , good cousin Warwick :
-If that the soldier strike him ,as , I judge
-By his blunt bearing he will keep his word ,
-Some sudden mischief may arise of it ;
-For I do know Fluellen valiant ,
-And touch'd with choler , hot as gunpowder ,
-And quickly will return an injury :
-Follow and see there be no harm between them .
-Go you with me , uncle of Exeter .
-
-
-I warrant it is to knight you , captain .
-
-
-God's will and his pleasure , captain , I peseech you now come apace to the king : there is more good toward you peradventure than is in your knowledge to dream of .
-
-Sir , know you this glove ?
-
-Know the glove ! I know the glove is a glove .
-
-I know this ; and thus I challenge it .
-
-
-'Sblood ! an arrant traitor as any's in the universal 'orld , or in France , or in England
-
-How now , sir ! you villain !
-
-Do you think I'll be forsworn ?
-
-Stand away , Captain Gower ; I will give treason his payment into plows , I warrant you .
-
-I am no traitor .
-
-That's a lie in thy throat . I charge you in his majesty's name , apprehend him : he is a friend of the Duke Alen on's .
-
-
-How now , how now ! what's the matter ?
-
-My Lord of Warwick , here is ,praised be God for it !a most contagious treason come to light , look you , as you shall desire in a summer's day . Here is his majesty .
-
-
-How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-My liege , here is a villain and a traitor , that , look your Grace , has struck the glove which your majesty is take out of the helmet of Alen on .
-
-My liege , this was my glove ; here is the fellow of it ; and he that I gave it to in change promised to wear it in his cap : I promised to strike him , if he did : I met this man with my glove in his cap , and I have been as good as my word .
-
-Your majesty hear now ,saving your majesty's manhood ,what an arrant , rascally , beggarly , lousy knave it is . I hope your majesty is pear me testimony and witness , and avouchments , that this is the glove of Alen on that your majesty is give me ; in your conscience now .
-
-Give me thy glove , soldier : look , here is the fellow of it .
-'Twas I , indeed , thou promisedst to strike ;
-And thou hast given me most bitter terms .
-
-An't please your majesty , let his neck answer for it , if there is any martial law in the 'orld .
-
-How canst thou make me satisfaction ?
-
-All offences , my lord , come from the heart : never came any from mine that might offend your majesty .
-
-It was ourself thou didst abuse .
-
-Your majesty came not like yourself : you appeared to me but as a common man ; witness the night , your garments , your lowliness ; and what your highness suffered under that shape , I beseech you , take it for your own fault and not mine : for had you been as I took you for I made no offence ; therefore , I beseech your highness , pardon me .
-
-Here , uncle Exeter , fill this glove with crowns ,
-And give it to this fellow . Keep it , fellow ;
-And wear it for an honour in thy cap
-Till I do challenge it . Give him the crowns :
-And , captain , you must needs be friends with him .
-
-By this day and this light , the fellow has mettle enough in his belly . Hold , there is twelve pence for you , and I pray you to serve God , and keep you out of prawls , and prabbles , and quarrels , and dissensions , and , I warrant you , it is the better for you .
-
-I will none of your money .
-
-It is with a good will ; I can tell you it will serve you to mend your shoes : come , wherefore should you be so pashful ? your shoes is not so good : 'tis a good shilling , I warrant you , or I will change it .
-
-
-Now , herald , are the dead number'd ?
-
-Here is the number of the slaughter'd French .
-
-
-What prisoners of good sort are taken , uncle ?
-
-Charles Duke of Orleans , nephew to the king ;
-John Duke of Bourbon , and Lord Bouciqualt :
-Of other lords and barons , knights and squires ,
-Full fifteen hundred , besides common men .
-
-This note doth tell me of ten thousand French
-That in the field lie slain : of princes , in this number ,
-And nobles bearing banners , there lie dead
-One hundred twenty-six : added to these ,
-Of knights , esquires , and gallant gentlemen ,
-Eight thousand and four hundred ; of the which
-Five hundred were but yesterday dubb'd knights :
-So that , in these ten thousand they have lost ,
-There are but sixteen hundred mercenaries ;
-The rest are princes , barons , lords , knights , squires ,
-And gentlemen of blood and quality .
-The names of those their nobles that lie dead :
-Charles Delabreth , High Constable of France ;
-Jaques of Chatillon , Admiral of France ;
-The master of the cross-bows , Lord Rambures ;
-Great-master of France , the brave Sir Guischard Dauphin ;
-John Duke of Alen on ; Antony Duke of Brabant ,
-The brother to the Duke of Burgundy ,
-And Edward Duke of Bar : of lusty earls ,
-Grandpr and Roussi , Fauconberg and Foix ,
-Beaumont and Marle , Vaudemont and Lestrale .
-Here was a royal fellowship of death !
-Where is the number of our English dead ?
-
-Edward the Duke of York , the Earl of Suffolk ,
-Sir Richard Ketly , Davy Gam , esquire :
-None else of name : and of all other men
-But five and twenty . O God ! thy arm was here ;
-And not to us , but to thy arm alone ,
-Ascribe we all . When , without stratagem ,
-But in plain shock and even play of battle ,
-Was ever known so great and little loss
-On one part and on the other ? Take it , God ,
-For it is none but thine !
-
-'Tis wonderful !
-
-Come , go we in procession to the village :
-And be it death proclaimed through our host
-To boast of this or take the praise from God
-Which is his only .
-
-Is it not lawful , an please your majesty , to tell how many is killed ?
-
-Yes , captain ; but with this acknowledgment ,
-That God fought for us .
-
-Yes , my conscience , he did us great good .
-
-Do we all holy rites :
-Let there be sung Non nobis and Te Deum ;
-The dead with charity enclos'd in clay .
-We'll then to Calais ; and to England then ,
-Where ne'er from France arriv'd more happy men .
-
-Vouchsafe to those that have not read the story ,
-That I may prompt them : and of such as have ,
-I humbly pray them to admit the excuse
-Of time , of numbers , and due course of things ,
-Which cannot in their huge and proper life
-Be here presented . Now we bear the king
-Toward Calais : grant him there ; there seen ,
-Heave him away upon your winged thoughts
-Athwart the sea . Behold , the English beach
-Pales in the flood with men , with wives , and boys ,
-Whose shouts and claps out-voice the deep-mouth'd sea ,
-Which , like a mighty whiffler 'fore the king ,
-Seems to prepare his way : so let him land
-And solemnly see him set on to London .
-So swift a pace hath thought that even now
-You may imagine him upon Blackheath ;
-Where that his lords desire him to have borne
-His bruised helmet and his bended sword
-Before him through the city : he forbids it ,
-Being free from vainness and self-glorious pride ;
-Giving full trophy , signal and ostent ,
-Quite from himself , to God . But now behold ,
-In the quick forge and working-house of thought ,
-How London doth pour out her citizens .
-The mayor and all his brethren in best sort ,
-Like to the senators of the antique Rome ,
-With the plebeians swarming at their heels ,
-Go forth and fetch their conquering C sar in :
-As , by a lower but loving likelihood ,
-Were now the general of our gracious empress ,
-As in good time he may ,from Ireland coming ,
-Bringing rebellion broached on his sword ,
-How many would the peaceful city quit
-To welcome him ! much more , and much more cause ,
-Did they this Harry . Now in London place him ;
-As yet the lamentation of the French
-Invites the King of England's stay at home ,
-The emperor's coming in behalf of France ,
-To order peace between them ;and omit
-All the occurrences , whatever chanc'd ,
-Till Harry's back-return again to France :
-There must we bring him ; and myself have play'd
-The interim , by remembering you 'tis past .
-Then brook abridgment , and your eyes advance ,
-After your thoughts , straight back again to France .
-
-Nay , that's right ; but why wear you your leek to-day ? Saint Davy's day is past .
-
-There is occasions and causes why and wherefore in all things : I will tell you , asse my friend , Captain Gower . The rascally , scald , beggarly , lousy , pragging knave , Pistol ,which you and yourself and all the 'orld know to be no petter than a fellow ,look you now , of no merits , he is come to me and prings me pread and salt yesterday , look you , and pid me eat my leek . It was in a place where I could not preed no contention with him ; but I will be so pold as to wear it in my cap till I see him once again , and then I will tell him a little piece of my desires .
-
-Why , here he comes , swelling like a turkey-cock .
-
-
-'Tis no matter for his swellings nor his turkey-cocks . God pless you , Aunchient Pistol ! you scurvy , lousy knave , God pless you !
-
-Ha ! art thou bedlam ? dost thou thirst , base Troyan ,
-To have me fold up Parca's fatal web ?
-Hence ! I am qualmish at the smell of leek .
-
-I peseech you heartily , scurvy lousy knave , at my desires and my requests and my petitions to eat , look you , this leek ; pecause , look you , you do not love it , nor your affections and your appetites and your digestions does not agree with it , I would desire you to eat it .
-
-Not for Cadwallader and all his goats .
-
-There is one goat for you .
-Will you be so good , scald knave , as eat it ?
-
-Base Troyan , thou shalt die .
-
-You say very true , scald knave , when
-God's will is . I will desire you to live in the mean time and eat your victuals ; come , there is sauce for it .
-
-You called me yesterday mountain-squire , but I will make you to-day a squire of low degree . I pray you , fall to : if you can mock a leek you can eat a leek .
-
-Enough , captain : you have astonished him .
-
-I say , I will make him eat some part of my leek , or I will peat his pate four days . Bite , I pray you ; it is good for your green wound and your ploody coxcomb .
-
-Must I bite ?
-
-Yes , certainly , and out of doubt and out of question too and ambiguities .
-
-By this leek , I will most horribly revenge . I eat and eat , I swear
-
-Eat , I pray you : will you have some more sauce to your leek ? there is not enough leek to swear by .
-
-Quiet thy cudgel : thou dost see I eat .
-
-Much good do you , scald knave , heartily . Nay , pray you , throw none away ; the skin is good for your broken coxcomb . When you take occasions to see leeks hereafter , I pray you , mock at 'em ; that is all .
-
-Good .
-
-Ay , leeks is good . Hold you , there is a groat to heal your pate .
-
-Me a groat !
-
-Yes , verily and in truth , you shall take it ; or I have another leek in my pocket , which you shall eat .
-
-I take thy groat in earnest of revenge .
-
-If I owe you anything I will pay you in cudgels : you shall be a woodmonger , and buy nothing of me but cudgels . God be wi' you , and keep you , and heal your pate .
-
-
-All hell shall stir for this .
-
-Go , go ; you are a counterfeit cowardly knave . Will you mock at an ancient tradition , begun upon an honourable respect , and worn as a memorable trophy of predeceased valour , and dare not a vouch in your deeds any of your words ? I have seen you gleeking and galling at this gentleman twice or thrice . You thought , because he could not speak English in the native garb , he could not therefore handle an English cudgel : you find it otherwise ; and henceforth let a Welsh correction teach you a good English condition . Fare ye well .
-
-
-Doth Fortune play the huswife with me now ?
-News have I that my Nell is dead i' the spital
-Of malady of France :
-And there my rendezvous is quite cut off .
-Old I do wax , and from my weary limbs
-Honour is cudgelled . Well , bawd I'll turn ,
-And something lean to cutpurse of quick hand .
-To England will I steal , and there I'll steal :
-And patches will I get unto these cudgell'd scars ,
-And swear I got them in the Gallia wars .
-
-Peace to this meeting , wherefore we are met !
-Unto our brother France , and to our sister ,
-Health and fair time of day ; joy and good wishes
-To our most fair and princely cousin Katharine ;
-And , as a branch and member of this royalty ,
-By whom this great assembly is contriv'd ,
-We do salute you , Duke of Burgundy ;
-And , princes French , and peers , health to you all !
-
-Right joyous are we to behold your face ,
-Most worthy brother England ; fairly met :
-So are you , princes English , every one .
-
-So happy be the issue , brother England ,
-Of this good day and of this gracious meeting ,
-As we are now glad to behold your eyes ;
-Your eyes , which hitherto have borne in them
-Against the French , that met them in their bent ,
-The fatal balls of murdering basilisks :
-The venom of such looks , we fairly hope ,
-Have lost their quality , and that this day
-Shall change all griefs and quarrels into love .
-
-To cry amen to that , thus we appear .
-
-You English princes all , I do salute you .
-
-My duty to you both , on equal love ,
-Great Kings of France and England ! That I have labour'd
-With all my wits , my pains , and strong endeavours ,
-To bring your most imperial majesties
-Unto this bar and royal interview ,
-Your mightiness on both parts best can witness .
-Since then my office hath so far prevail'd
-That face to face , and royal eye to eye ,
-You have congreeted , let it not disgrace me
-If I demand before this royal view ,
-What rub or what impediment there is ,
-Why that the naked , poor , and mangled Peace ,
-Dear nurse of arts , plenties , and joyful births ,
-Should not in this best garden of the world ,
-Our fertile France , put up her lovely visage ?
-Alas ! she hath from France too long been chas'd ,
-And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps ,
-Corrupting in its own fertility .
-Her vine , the merry cheerer of the heart ,
-Unpruned dies ; her hedges even-pleach'd ,
-Like prisoners wildly overgrown with hair ,
-Put forth disorder'd twigs ; her fallow leas
-The darnel , hemlock and rank fumitory
-Doth root upon , while that the coulter rusts
-That should deracinate such savagery ;
-The even mead , that erst brought sweetly forth
-The freckled cowslip , burnet , and green clover ,
-Wanting the scythe , all uncorrected , rank ,
-Conceives by idleness , and nothing teems
-But hateful docks , rough thistles , kecksies , burs ,
-Losing both beauty and utility ;
-And as our vineyards , fallows , meads , and hedges ,
-Defective in their natures , grow to wildness ,
-Even so our houses and ourselves and children
-Have lost , or do not learn for want of time ,
-The sciences that should become our country ,
-But grow like savages ,as soldiers will ,
-That nothing do but meditate on blood ,
-To swearing and stern looks , diffus'd attire ,
-And every thing that seems unnatural .
-Which to reduce into our former favour
-You are assembled ; and my speech entreats
-That I may know the let why gentle Peace
-Should not expel these inconveniences ,
-And bless us with her former qualities .
-
-If , Duke of Burgundy , you would the peace ,
-Whose want gives growth to the imperfections
-Which you have cited , you must buy that peace
-With full accord to all our just demands ;
-Whose tenours and particular effects
-You have , enschedul'd briefly , in your hands .
-
-The king hath heard them ; to the which as yet ,
-There is no answer made .
-
-Well then the peace ,
-Which you before so urg'd , lies in his answer .
-
-I have but with a cursorary eye
-O'erglanc'd the articles : pleaseth your Grace
-To appoint some of your council presently
-To sit with us once more , with better heed
-To re-survey them , we will suddenly
-Pass our accept and peremptory answer .
-
-Brother , we shall . Go , uncle Exeter ,
-And brother Clarence , and you , brother Gloucester ,
-Warwick and Huntingdon , go with the king ;
-And take with you free power to ratify ,
-Augment , or alter , as your wisdoms best
-Shall see advantageable for our dignity ,
-Anything in or out of our demands ,
-And we'll consign thereto . Will you , fair sister ,
-Go with the princes , or stay here with us ?
-
-Our gracious brother , I will go with them .
-Haply a woman's voice may do some good
-When articles too nicely urg'd be stood on .
-
-Yet leave our cousin Katharine here with us :
-She is our capital demand , compris'd
-Within the fore-rank of our articles .
-
-She hath good leave .
-
-
-Fair Katharine , and most fair !
-Will you vouchsafe to teach a soldier terms ,
-Such as will enter at a lady's ear ,
-And plead his love-suit to her gentle heart ?
-
-Your majesty sall mock at me ; I cannot speak your England .
-
-O fair Katharine ! if you will love me soundly with your French heart , I will be glad to hear you confess it brokenly with your English tongue . Do you like me , Kate ?
-
-Pardonnez moy , I cannot tell vat is 'like me .'
-
-An angel is like you , Kate ; and you are like an angel .
-
-Que dit-il ? que je suis semblable les anges ?
-
-Ouy , vrayment , sauf vostre grace , ainsi dit-il .
-
-I said so , dear Katharine ; and I must not blush to affirm it .
-
-O bon Dieu ! les langues des hommes sont pleines des tromperies .
-
-What says she , fair one ? that the tongues of men are full of deceits ?
-
-Ouy , dat de tongues of de mans is be full of deceits : dat is de princess .
-
-The princess is the better Englishwoman . I' faith , Kate , my wooing is fit for thy understanding : I am glad thou canst speak no better English ; for , if thou couldst , thou wouldst find me such a plain king that thou wouldst think I had sold my farm to buy my crown . I know no ways to mince it in love , but directly to say 'I love you :' then , if you urge me further than to say 'Do you in faith ?' I wear out my suit . Give me your answer ; i' faith do : and so clap hands and a bargain . How say you , lady ?
-
-Sauf vostre honneur , me understand vell .
-
-Marry , if you would put me to verses , or to dance for your sake , Kate , why you undid me : for the one , I have neither words nor measure , and for the other , I have no strength in measure , yet a reasonable measure in strength . If I could win a lady at leap-frog , or by vaulting into my saddle with my armour on my back , under the correction of bragging be it spoken , I should quickly leap into a wife . Or if I might buffet for my love , or bound my horse for her favours , I could lay on like a butcher and sit like a jack-an-apes , never off . But before God , Kate , I cannot look greenly nor gasp out my eloquence , nor I have no cunning in protestation ; only downright oaths , which I never use till urged , nor never break for urging . If thou caust love a fellow of this temper , Kate . whose face is not worth sun-burning , that never looks in his glass for love of anything he sees there , let thine eye be thy cook . I speak to thee plain soldier : if thou canst love me for this , take me ; if not , to say to thee that I shall die , is true ; but for thy love , by the Lord , no ; yet I love thee too . And while thou livest , dear Kate , take a fellow of plain and uncoined constancy , for he perforce must do thee right , because he hath not the gift to woo in other places ; for these fellows of infinite tongue , that can rime themselves into ladies' favours , they do always reason themselves out again . What ! a speaker is but a prater ; a rime is but a ballad . A good leg will fall , a straight back will stoop , a black beard will turn white , a curled pate will grow bald , a fair face will wither , a full eye will wax hollow , but a good heart , Kate , is the sun and the moon ; or , rather , the sun , and not the moon ; for it shines bright and never changes , but keeps his course truly . If thou would have such a one , take me ; and take me , take a soldier ; take a soldier , take a king . And what sayest thou then to my love ? speak , my fair , and fairly , I pray thee .
-
-Is it possible dat I sould love de enemy of France ?
-
-No ; it is not possible you should love the enemy of France , Kate ; but , in loving me , you should love the friend of France ; for I love France so well , that I will not part with a village of it ; I will have it all mine : and , Kate , when France is mine and I am yours , then yours is France and you are mine .
-
-I cannot tell vat is dat .
-
-No , Kate ? I will tell thee in French , which I am sure will hang upon my tongue like a new-married wife about her husband's neck , hardly to be shook off . Je quand sur le possession de France , et quand vous avez le possession de moy ,let me see , what then ? Saint Denis be my speed !donc vostre est France , et vous estes mienne . It is as easy for me , Kate , to conquer the kingdom , as to speak so much more French : I shall never move thee in French , unless it be to laugh at me .
-
-Sauf vostre honneur , le Fran ois que vous parlez est meilleur que l'Anglois lequel je parle .
-
-No , faith , is't not , Kate ; but thy speaking of my tongue , and I thine , most truly falsely , must needs be granted to be much at one . But , Kate , dost thou understand thus much English , Canst thou love me ?
-
-I cannot tell .
-
-Can any of your neighbours tell , Kate ? I'll ask them . Come , I know thou lovest me ; and at night when you come into your closet you'll question this gentlewoman about me ; and I know , Kate , you will to her dispraise those parts in me that you love with your heart : but , good Kate , mock me mercifully ; the rather , gentle princess , because I love thee cruelly . If ever thou be'st mine , Kate ,as I have a saving faith within me tells me thou shalt ,I get thee with scambling , and thou must therefore needs prove a good soldier-breeder . Shall not thou and I , between Saint Denis and Saint George , compound a boy , half French , half English , that shall go to Constantinople and take the Turk by the beard ? shall we not ? what sayest thou , my fair flower-de-luce ?
-
-I do not know dat .
-
-No ; 'tis hereafter to know , but now to promise : do but now promise , Kate , you will endeavour for your French part of such a boy , and for my English moiety take the word of a king and a bachelor . How answer you , la plus belle Katharine du monde , mon tr s cher et divine d esse ?
-
-Your majest ave fausse French enough to deceive de most sage demoiselle dat is en France .
-
-Now , fie upon my false French ! By mine honour , in true English I love thee , Kate : by which honour I dare not swear thou lovest me ; yet my blood begins to flatter me that thou dost , notwithstanding the poor and untempering effect of my visage . Now beshrew my father's ambition ! he was thinking of civil wars when he got me : therefore was I created with a stubborn outside , with an aspect of iron , that , when I come to woo ladies I fright them . But , in faith , Kate , the elder I wax the better I shall appear : my comfort is , that old age , that ill layer-up of beauty , can do no more spoil upon my face : thou hast me , if thou hast me , at the worst ; and thou shalt wear me , if thou wear me , better and better . And therefore tell me , most fair Katharine , will you have me ? Put off your maiden blushes ; avouch the thoughts of your heart with the looks of an empress ; take me by the hand , and say 'Harry of England , I am thine :' which word thou shalt no sooner bless mine ear withal , but I will tell thee aloud 'England is thine , Ireland is thine , France is thine , and Henry Plantagenet is thine ;' who , though I speak it before his face , if he be not fellow with the best king , thou shalt find the best king of good fellows . Come , your answer in broken music ; for thy voice is music , and thy English broken ; therefore , queen of all , Katharine , break thy mind to me in broken English : wilt thou have me ?
-
-Dat is as it sall please de roy mon p re .
-
-Nay , it will please him well , Kate ; it shall please him , Kate .
-
-Den it sall also content me .
-
-Upon that I kiss your hand , and I call you my queen .
-
-Laissez , mon seigneur , laissez , laissez ! Ma foy , je ne veux point que vous abaissez vostre grandeur , en baisant la main d'une vostre indigne serviteure : excusez moy , je vous supplie , mon tr s puissant seigneur .
-
-Then I will kiss your lips , Kate .
-
-Les dames , et demoiselles , pour estre bais es devant leur noces , il n'est pas la coutume de France .
-
-Madam my interpreter , what says she ?
-
-Dat it is not be de fashion pour les ladies of France ,I cannot tell what is baiser in English .
-
-To kiss .
-
-Your majesty entendre bettre que moy .
-
-It is not a fashion for the maids in France to kiss before they are married , would she say ?
-
-Ouy , vrayment .
-
-O Kate ! nice customs curtsy to great kings . Dear Kate , you and I cannot be confined within the weak list of a country's fashion : we are the makers of manners , Kate ; and the liberty that follows our places stops the mouths of all find-faults , as I will do yours , for upholding the nice fashion of your country in denying me a kiss : therefore , patiently , and yielding
-
-. You have witchcraft in your lips , Kate : there is more eloquence in a sugar touch of them , than in the tongues of the French council ; and they should sooner persuade Harry of England than a general petition of monarchs . Here comes your father .
-
-God save your majesty ! My royal cousin , teach you our princess English ?
-
-I would have her learn , my fair cousin , how perfectly I love her ; and that is good English .
-
-Is she not apt ?
-
-Our tongue is rough , coz , and my condition is not smooth ; so that , having neither the voice nor the heart of flattery about me , I cannot so conjure up the spirit of love in her , that he will appear in his true likeness .
-
-Pardon the frankness of my mirth if I answer you for that . If you would conjure in her , you must make a circle ; if conjure up Love in her in his true likeness , he must appear naked and blind . Can you blame her then , being a maid yet rosed over with the virgin crimson of modesty , if she deny the appearance of a naked blind boy in her naked seeing self ? It were , my lord , a hard condition for a maid to consign to .
-
-Yet they do wink and yield , as love is blind and enforces .
-
-They are then excused , my lord , when they see not what they do .
-
-Then , good my lord , teach your cousin to consent winking .
-
-I will wink on her to consent , my lord , if you will teach her to know my meaning : for maids , well summered and warm kept , are like flies at Bartholomew-tide , blind , though they have their eyes ; and then they will endure handling , which before would not abide looking on .
-
-This moral ties me over to time and a hot summer ; and so I shall catch the fly , your cousin , in the latter end , and she must be blind too .
-
-As love is , my lord , before it loves .
-
-It is so : and you may , some of you , thank love for my blindness , who cannot see many a fair French city for one fair French maid that stands in my way .
-
-Yes , my lord , you see them perspectively , the cities turned into a maid ; for they are all girdled with maiden walls that war hath never entered .
-
-Shall Kate be my wife ?
-
-So please you .
-
-I am content ; so the maiden cities you talk of may wait on her : so the maid that stood in the way for my wish shall show me the way to my will .
-
-We have consented to all terms of reason .
-
-Is't so , my lords of England ?
-
-The king hath granted every article :
-His daughter first , and then in sequel all ,
-According to their firm proposed natures .
-
-Only he hath not yet subscribed this :
-Where your majesty demands , that the King of France , having any occasion to write for matter of grant , shall name your highness in this form , and with this addition , in French , Notre tr s cher filz Henry roy d'Angleterre , H retier de France ; and thus in Latin , Pr clarissimus filius noster Henricus , Rex Angli , et H res Franci .
-
-Nor this I have not , brother , so denied ,
-But your request shall make me let it pass .
-
-I pray you then , in love and dear alliance ,
-Let that one article rank with the rest ;
-And thereupon give me your daughter .
-
-Take her , fair son ; and from her blood raise up
-Issue to me ; that the contending kingdoms
-Of France and England , whose very shores look pale
-With envy of each other's happiness ,
-May cease their hatred , and this dear conjunction
-Plant neighbourhood and Christian-like accord
-In their sweet bosoms , that never war advance
-His bleeding sword 'twixt England and fair France .
-
-Amen !
-
-Now , welcome , Kate : and bear me witness all ,
-That here I kiss her as my sovereign queen .
-
-
-God , the best maker of all marriages ,
-Combine your hearts in one , your realms in one !
-As man and wife , being two , are one in love ,
-So be there 'twixt your kingdoms such a spousal
-That never may ill office , or fell jealousy ,
-Which troubles oft the bed of blessed marriage ,
-Thrust in between the paction of these kingdoms ,
-To make divorce of their incorporate league ;
-That English may as French , French Englishmen ,
-Receive each other ! God speak this Amen !
-
-Amen !
-
-Prepare we for our marriage : on which day ,
-My Lord of Burgundy , we'll take your oath ,
-And all the peers' , for surety of our leagues .
-Then shall I swear to Kate , and you to me ;
-And may our oaths well kept and prosperous be !
-
-Thus far , with rough and all-unable pen ,
-Our bending author hath pursu'd the story ;
-In little room confining mighty men ,
-Mangling by starts the full course of their glory .
-Small time , but in that small most greatly liv'd
-This star of England : Fortune made his sword ,
-By which the world's best garden he achiev'd ,
-And of it left his son imperial lord .
-Henry the Sixth , in infant bands crown'd King
-Of France and England , did this king succeed ;
-Whose state so many had the managing ,
-That they lost France and made his England bleed :
-Which oft our stage hath shown ; and , for their sake ,
-In your fair minds let this acceptance take .
-
-THE SECOND PART OF KING HENRY IV
-
-
-Open your ears ; for which of you will stop
-The vent of hearing when loud Rumour speaks ?
-I , from the orient to the drooping west ,
-Making the wind my post-horse , still unfold
-The acts commenced on this ball of earth :
-Upon my tongues continual slanders ride ,
-The which in every language I pronounce ,
-Stuffing the ears of men with false reports .
-I speak of peace , while covert enmity
-Under the smile of safety wounds the world :
-And who but Rumour , who but only I ,
-Make fearful musters and prepar'd defence ,
-Whilst the big year , swoln with some other grief ,
-Is thought with child by the stern tyrant war ,
-And no such matter ? Rumour is a pipe
-Blown by surmises , jealousies , conjectures ,
-And of so easy and so plain a stop
-That the blunt monster with uncounted heads ,
-The still-discordant wavering multitude ,
-Can play upon it . But what need I thus
-My well-known body to anatomize
-Among my household ? Why is Rumour here ?
-I run before King Harry's victory ;
-Who in a bloody field by Shrewsbury
-Hath beaten down young Hotspur and his troops ,
-Quenching the flame of bold rebellion
-Even with the rebels' blood . But what mean I
-To speak so true at first ? my office is
-To noise abroad that Harry Monmouth fell
-Under the wrath of noble Hotspur's sword ,
-And that the king before the Douglas' rage
-Stoop'd his anointed head as low as death .
-This have I rumour'd through the peasant towns
-Between the royal field of Shrewsbury
-And this worm-eaten hold of ragged stone ,
-Where Hotspur's father , old Northumberland ,
-Lies crafty-sick . The posts come tiring on ,
-And not a man of them brings other news
-Than they have learn'd of me : from Rumour's tongues
-They bring smooth comforts false , worse than true wrongs .
-
-
-Who keeps the gate here ? ho !
-
-Where is the earl ?
-
-What shall I say you are ?
-
-Tell thou the earl
-That the Lord Bardolph doth attend him here .
-
-His Lordship is walk'd forth into the orchard :
-Please it your honour knock but at the gate ,
-And he himself will answer .
-
-
-Here comes the earl .
-
-
-What news , Lord Bardolph ? every minute now
-Should be the father of some stratagem .
-The times are wild ; contention , like a horse
-Full of high feeding , madly hath broke loose
-And bears down all before him .
-
-Noble earl ,
-I bring you certain news from Shrewsbury .
-
-Good , an God will !
-
-As good as heart can wish .
-The king is almost wounded to the death ;
-And , in the fortune of my lord your son ,
-Prince Harry slain outright ; and both the Blunts
-Kill'd by the hand of Douglas ; young Prince John
-And Westmoreland and Stafford fled the field .
-And Harry Monmouth's brawn , the hulk Sir John ,
-Is prisoner to your son : O ! such a day ,
-So fought , so follow'd , and so fairly won ,
-Came not till now to dignify the times
-Since C sar's fortunes .
-
-How is this deriv'd ?
-Saw you the field ? came you from Shrewsbury ?
-
-I spake with one , my lord , that came from thence ;
-A gentleman well bred and of good name ,
-That freely render'd me these news for true .
-
-Here comes my servant Travers , whom I sent
-On Tuesday last to listen after news .
-
-My lord , I over-rode him on the way ;
-And he is furnish'd with no certainties
-More than he haply may retail from me .
-
-
-Now , Travers , what good tidings come with you ?
-
-My lord , Sir John Umfrevile turn'd me back
-With joyful tidings ; and , being better hors'd ,
-Out-rode me . After him came spurring hard
-A gentleman , almost forspent with speed ,
-That stopp'd by me to breathe his bloodied horse .
-He ask'd the way to Chester ; and of him
-I did demand what news from Shrewsbury .
-He told me that rebellion had bad luck ,
-And that young Harry Percy's spur was cold .
-With that he gave his able horse the head ,
-And , bending forward struck his armed heels
-Against the panting sides of his poor jade
-Up to the rowel-head , and , starting so ,
-He seem'd in running to devour the way ,
-Staying no longer question .
-
-Ha ! Again :
-Said he young Harry Percy's spur was cold ?
-Of Hotspur , Coldspur ? that rebellion
-Had met ill luck ?
-
-My lord , I'll tell you what :
-If my young lord your son have not the day ,
-Upon mine honour , for a silken point
-I'll give my barony : never talk of it .
-
-Why should the gentleman that rode by Travers
-Give then such instances of loss ?
-
-Who , he ?
-He was some hilding fellow that had stolen
-The horse he rode on , and , upon my life ,
-Spoke at a venture . Look , here comes more news .
-
-
-Yea , this man's brow , like to a title-leaf ,
-Foretells the nature of a tragic volume :
-So looks the strond , whereon the imperious flood
-Hath left a witness'd usurpation .
-Say , Morton , didst thou come from Shrewsbury ?
-
-I ran from Shrewsbury , my noble lord ;
-Where hateful death put on his ugliest mask
-To fright our party .
-
-How doth my son and brother ?
-Thou tremblest , and the whiteness in thy cheek
-Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand .
-Even such a man , so faint , so spiritless ,
-So dull , so dead in look , so woe-begone ,
-Drew Priam's curtain in the dead of night ,
-And would have told him half his Troy was burn'd ;
-But Priam found the fire ere he his tongue ,
-And I my Percy's death ere thou report'st it .
-This thou wouldst say , 'Your son did thus and thus ;
-Your brother thus ; so fought the noble Douglas ;'
-Stopping my greedy ear with their bold deeds :
-But in the end , to stop mine ear indeed ,
-Thou hast a sigh to blow away this praise ,
-Ending with 'Brother , son , and all are dead .'
-
-Douglas is living , and your brother , yet ;
-But , for my lord your son ,
-
-Why , he is dead .
-See , what a ready tongue suspicion hath !
-He that but fears the thing he would not know
-Hath by instinct knowledge from others' eyes
-That what he fear'd is chanced . Yet speak , Morton :
-Tell thou thy earl his divination lies ,
-And I will take it as a sweet disgrace
-And make thee rich for doing me such wrong .
-
-You are too great to be by me gainsaid ;
-Your spirit is too true , your fears too certain .
-
-Yet , for all this , say not that Percy's dead .
-I see a strange confession in thine eye :
-Thou shak'st thy head , and hold'st it fear or sin
-To speak a truth . If he be slain , say so ;
-The tongue offends not that reports his death :
-And he doth sin that doth belie the dead ,
-Not he which says the dead is not alive .
-Yet the first bringer of unwelcome news
-Hath but a losing office , and his tongue
-Sounds ever after as a sullen bell ,
-Remember'd knolling a departing friend .
-
-I cannot think , my lord , your son is dead .
-
-I am sorry I should force you to believe
-That which I would to God I had not seen ;
-But these mine eyes saw him in bloody state ,
-Rendering faint quittance , wearied and outbreath'd ,
-To Harry Monmouth ; whose swift wrath beat down
-The never-daunted Percy to the earth ,
-From whence with life he never more sprung up .
-In few , his death ,whose spirit lent a fire
-Even to the dullest peasant in his camp ,
-Being bruited once , took fire and heat away
-From the best-temper'd courage in his troops ;
-For from his metal was his party steel'd ;
-Which once in him abated , all the rest
-Turn'd on themselves , like dull and heavy lead :
-And as the thing that's heavy in itself ,
-Upon enforcement flies with greatest speed ,
-So did our men , heavy in Hotspur's loss ,
-Lend to this weight such lightness with their fear
-That arrows fled not swifter toward their aim
-Than did our soldiers , aiming at their safety ,
-Fly from the field . Then was that noble Worcester
-Too soon ta'en prisoner ; and that furious Scot ,
-The bloody Douglas , whose well-labouring sword
-Had three times slain the appearance of the king ,
-'Gan vail his stomach , and did grace the shame
-Of those that turn'd their backs ; and in his flight ,
-Stumbling in fear , was took . The sum of all
-Is , that the king hath won , and hath sent out
-A speedy power to encounter you , my lord ,
-Under the conduct of young Lancaster
-And Westmoreland . This is the news at full .
-
-For this I shall have time enough to mourn .
-In poison there is physic ; and these news ,
-Having been well , that would have made me sick ,
-Being sick , have in some measure made me well :
-And as the wretch , whose fever-weaken'd joints ,
-Like strengthless hinges , buckle under life ,
-Impatient of his fit , breaks like a fire
-Out of his keeper's arms , even so my limbs ,
-Weaken'd with grief , being now enrag'd with grief ,
-Are thrice themselves . Hence , therefore , thou nice crutch !
-A scaly gauntlet now , with joints of steel
-Must glove this hand : and hence , thou sickly quoif !
-Thou art a guard too wanton for the head
-Which princes , flesh'd with conquest , aim to hit .
-Now bind my brows with iron ; and approach
-The ragged'st hour that time and spite dare bring
-To frown upon the enrag'd Northumberland !
-Let heaven kiss earth ! now let not nature's hand
-Keep the wild flood confin'd ! let order die !
-And let this world no longer be a stage
-To feed contention in a lingering act ;
-But let one spirit of the first-born Cain
-Reign in all bosoms , that , each heart being set
-On bloody courses , the rude scene may end ,
-And darkness be the burier of the dead !
-
-This strained passion doth you wrong , my lord .
-
-Sweet earl , divorce not wisdom from your honour .
-
-The lives of all your loving complices
-Lean on your health ; the which , if you give o'er
-To stormy passion must perforce decay .
-You cast the event of war , my noble lord ,
-And summ'd the account of chance , before you said ,
-'Let us make head .' It was your presurmise
-That in the dole of blows your son might drop :
-You knew he walk'd o'er perils , on an edge ,
-More likely to fall in than to get o'er ;
-You were advis'd his flesh was capable
-Of wounds and scars , and that his forward spirit
-Would lift him where most trade of danger rang'd :
-Yet did you say , 'Go forth ;' and none of this ,
-Though strongly apprehended , could restrain
-The stiff-borne action : what hath then befallen ,
-Or what hath this bold enterprise brought forth ,
-More than that being which was like to be ?
-
-We all that are engaged to this loss
-Knew that we ventur'd on such dangerous seas
-That if we wrought out life 'twas ten to one ;
-And yet we ventur'd , for the gain propos'd
-Chok'd the respect of likely peril fear'd ;
-And since we are o'erset , venture again .
-Come , we will all put forth , body and goods .
-
-'Tis more than time : and , my most noble lord ,
-I hear for certain , and do speak the truth ,
-The gentle Archbishop of York is up ,
-With well-appointed powers : he is a man
-Who with a double surety binds his followers .
-My lord your son had only but the corpse' ,
-But shadows and the shows of men to fight ;
-For that same word , rebellion , did divide
-The action of their bodies from their souls ;
-And they did fight with queasiness , constrain'd ,
-As men drink potions , that their weapons only
-Seem'd on our side : but , for their spirits and souls ,
-This word , rebellion , it had froze them up ,
-As fish are in a pond . But now the bishop
-Turns insurrection to religion :
-Suppos'd sincere and holy in his thoughts ,
-He's follow'd both with body and with mind ,
-And doth enlarge his rising with the blood
-Of fair King Richard , scrap'd from Pomfret stones ;
-Derives from heaven his quarrel and his cause ;
-Tells them he doth bestride a bleeding land ,
-Gasping for life under great Bolingbroke ;
-And more and less do flock to follow him .
-
-I knew of this before ; but , to speak truth ,
-This present grief had wip'd it from my mind .
-Go in with me ; and counsel every man
-The aptest way for safety and revenge :
-Get posts and letters , and make friends with speed :
-Never so few , and never yet more need .
-
-
-Sirrah , you giant , what says the doctor to my water ?
-
-He said , sir , the water itself was a good healthy water ; but , for the party that owed it , he might have more diseases than he knew for .
-
-Men of all sorts take a pride to gird at me : the brain of this foolish-compounded clay , man , is not able to invent anything that tends to laughter , more than I invent or is invented on me : I am not only witty in myself , but the cause that wit is in other men . I do here walk before thee like a sow that hath overwhelmed all her litter but one . If the prince put thee into my service for any other reason than to set me off , why then I have no judgment . Thou whoreson mandrake , thou art fitter to be worn in my cap than to wait at my heels . I was never manned with an agate till now ; but I will set you neither in gold nor silver , but in vile apparel , and send you back again to your master , for a jewel ; the juvenal , the prince your master , whose chin is not yet fledged . I will sooner have a beard grow in the palm of my hand than he shall get one on his cheek ; and yet he will not stick to say , his face is a face-royal : God may finish it when he will , it is not a hair amiss yet : he may keep it still as a face-royal , for a barber shall never earn sixpence out of it ; and yet he will be crowing as if he had writ man ever since his father was a bachelor . He may keep his own grace , but he is almost out of mine , I can assure him . What said Master Dombledon about the satin for my short cloak and my slops ?
-
-He said , sir , you should procure him better assurance than Bardolph ; he would not take his bond and yours : he liked not the security .
-
-Let him be damned like the glutton ! may his tongue be hotter ! A whoreson Achitophel ! a rascally yea-forsooth knave ! to bear a gentleman in hand , and then stand upon security . The whoreson smooth-pates do now wear nothing but high shoes , and bunches of keys at their girdles ; and if a man is thorough with them in honest taking up , then they must stand upon security . I had as lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth as offer to stop it with security . I looked a' should have sent me two and twenty yards of satin , as I am a true knight , and he sends me security . Well , he may sleep in security ; for he hath the horn of abundance , and the lightness of his wife shines through it : and yet cannot he see , though he have his own lanthorn to light him . Where's Bardolph ?
-
-He's gone into Smithfield to buy your worship a horse .
-
-I bought him in Paul's , and he'll buy me a horse in Smithfield : an I could get me but a wife in the stews , I were manned , horsed , and wived .
-
-
-Sir , here comes the nobleman that committed the prince for striking him about Bardolph .
-
-Wait close ; I will not see him .
-
-What's he that goes there ?
-
-Falstaff , an't please your lordship .
-
-He that was in question for the robbery ?
-
-He , my lord ; but he hath since done good service at Shrewsbury , and , as I hear , is now going with some charge to the Lord John of Lancaster .
-
-What , to York ? Call him back again .
-
-Sir John Falstaff !
-
-Boy , tell him I am deaf .
-
-You must speak louder , my master is deaf .
-
-I am sure he is , to the hearing of anything good . Go , pluck him by the elbow ; I must speak with him .
-
-Sir John !
-
-What ! a young knave , and beg ! Is there not wars ? is there not employment ? doth not the king lack subjects ? do not the rebels want soldiers ? Though it be a shame to be on any side but one , it is worse shame to beg than to be on the worst side , were it worse than the name of rebellion can tell how to make it .
-
-You mistake me , sir .
-
-Why , sir , did I say you were an honest man ? setting my knighthood and my soldiership aside , I had lied in my throat if I had said so .
-
-I pray you , sir , then set your knighthood and your soldiership aside , and give me leave to tell you you lie in your throat if you say I am any other than an honest man .
-
-I give thee leave to tell me so ! I lay aside that which grows to me ! If thou gett'st any leave of me , hang me : if thou takest leave , thou wert better be hanged . You hunt-counter : hence ! avaunt !
-
-Sir , my lord would speak with you .
-
-Sir John Falstaff , a word with you .
-
-My good lord ! God give your lordship good time of day . I am glad to see your lordship abroad ; I heard say your lordship was sick : I hope your lordship goes abroad by advice . Your lordship , though not clean past your youth , hath yet some smack of age in you , some relish of the saltness of time ; and I most humbly beseech your lordship to have a reverend care of your health .
-
-Sir John , I sent for you before your expedition to Shrewsbury .
-
-An't please your lordship , I hear his majesty is returned with some discomfort from Wales .
-
-I talk not of his majesty . You would not come when I sent for you .
-
-And I hear , moreover , his highness is fallen into this same whoreson apoplexy .
-
-Well , heaven mend him ! I pray you , let me speak with you .
-
-This apoplexy is , as I take it , a kind of lethargy , an't please your lordship ; a kind of sleeping in the blood , a whoreson tingling .
-
-What tell you me of it ? be it as it is .
-
-It hath its original from much grief , from study and perturbation of the brain . I have read the cause of his effects in Galen : it is a kind of deafness .
-
-I think you are fallen into the disease , for you hear not what I say to you .
-
-Very well , my lord , very well : rather , an't please you , it is the disease of not listening , the malady of not marking , that I am troubled withal .
-
-To punish you by the heels would amend the attention of your ears ; and I care not if I do become your physician .
-
-I am as poor as Job , my lord , but not so patient : your lordship may minister the potion of imprisonment to me in respect of poverty ; but how I should be your patient to follow your prescriptions , the wise may make some dram of a scruple , or indeed a scruple itself .
-
-I sent for you , when there were matters against you for your life , to come speak with me .
-
-As I was then advised by my learned counsel in the laws of this land-service , I did not come .
-
-Well , the truth is , Sir John , you live in great infamy .
-
-He that buckles him in my belt cannot live in less .
-
-Your means are very slender , and your waste is great .
-
-I would it were otherwise : I would my means were greater and my waist slenderer .
-
-You have misled the youthful prince .
-
-The young prince hath misled me : I am the fellow with the great belly , and he my dog .
-
-Well , I am loath to gall a new-healed wound : your day's service at Shrewsbury hath a little gilded over your night's exploit on Gadshill : you may thank the unquiet time for your quiet o'er-posting that action .
-
-My lord !
-
-But since all is well , keep it so : wake not a sleeping wolf .
-
-To wake a wolf is as bad as to smell a fox .
-
-What ! you are as a candle , the better part burnt out .
-
-A wassail candle , my lord ; all tallow : if I did say of wax , my growth would approve the truth .
-
-There is not a white hair on your face but should have his effect of gravity .
-
-His effect of gravy , gravy , gravy .
-
-You follow the young prince up and down , like his ill angel .
-
-Not so , my lord ; your ill angel is light , but I hope he that looks upon me will take me without weighing : and yet , in some respects , I grant , I cannot go , I cannot tell . Virtue is of so little regard in these costermonger times that true valour is turned bear-herd : pregnancy is made a tapster , and hath his quick wit wasted in giving reckonings : all the other gifts appertinent to man , as the malice of this age shapes them , are not worth a gooseberry . You that are old consider not the capacities of us that are young ; you measure the heat of our livers with the bitterness of your galls ; and we that are in the vaward of our youth , I must confess , are wags too .
-
-Do you set down your name in the scroll of youth , that are written down old with all the characters of age ? Have you not a moist eye , a dry hand , a yellow cheek , a white beard , a decreasing leg , an increasing belly ? Is not your voice broken , your wind short , your chin double , your wit single , and every part about you blasted with antiquity , and will you yet call yourself young ? Fie , fie , fie , Sir John !
-
-My lord , I was born about three of the clock in the afternoon , with a white head , and something a round belly . For my voice , I have lost it with hollaing , and singing of anthems . To approve my youth further , I will not : the truth is , I am only old in judgment and understanding ; and he that will caper with me for a thousand marks , let him lend me the money , and have at him ! For the box o' the ear that the prince gave you , he gave it like a rude prince , and you took it like a sensible lord . I have checked him for it , and the young lion repents ; marry , not in ashes and sackcloth , but in new silk and old sack .
-
-Well , God send the prince a better companion !
-
-God send the companion a better prince ! I cannot rid my hands of him .
-
-Well , the king hath severed you and Prince Harry . I hear you are going with Lord John of Lancaster against the archbishop and the Earl of Northumberland .
-
-Yea ; I thank your pretty sweet wit for it . But look you pray , all you that kiss my lady Peace at home , that our armies join not in a hot day ; for , by the Lord , I take but two shirts out with me , and I mean not to sweat extraordinarily : if it be a hot day , and I brandish anything but my bottle , I would I might never spit white again . There is not a dangerous action can peep out his head but I am thrust upon it . Well , I cannot last ever . But it was always yet the trick of our English nation , if they have a good thing , to make it too common . If you will needs say I am an old man , you should give me rest . I would to God my name were not so terrible to the enemy as it is : I were better to be eaten to death with rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion .
-
-Well , be honest , be honest ; and God bless your expedition .
-
-Will your lordship lend me a thousand pound to furnish me forth ?
-
-Not a penny ; not a penny ; you are too impatient to bear crosses . Fare you well : commend me to my cousin Westmoreland .
-
-
-If I do , fillip me with a three-man beetle . A man can no more separate age and covetousness than he can part young limbs and lechery ; but the gout galls the one , and the pox pinches the other ; and so both the degrees prevent my curses . Boy !
-
-Sir !
-
-What money is in my purse ?
-
-Seven groats and twopence .
-
-I can get no remedy against this consumption of the purse : borrowing only lingers and lingers it out , but the disease is incurable . Go bear this letter to my Lord of Lancaster ; this to the prince ; this to the Earl of Westmoreland ; and this to old Mistress Ursula , whom I have weekly sworn to marry since I perceived the first white hair on my chin . About it : you know where to find me .
-
-A pox of this gout ! or , a gout of this pox ! for the one or the other plays the rogue with my great toe . 'Tis no matter if I do halt ; I have the wars for my colour , and my pension shall seem the more reasonable . A good wit will make use of anything ; I will turn diseases to commodity .
-
-
-Thus have you heard our cause and known our means ;
-And , my most noble friends , I pray you all ,
-Speak plainly your opinions of our hopes :
-And first , Lord Marshal , what say you to it ?
-
-I well allow the occasion of our arms ;
-But gladly would be better satisfied
-How in our means we should advance ourselves
-To look with forehead bold and big enough
-Upon the power and puissance of the king .
-
-Our present musters grow upon the file
-To five-and-twenty thousand men of choice ;
-And our supplies live largely in the hope
-Of great Northumberland , whose bosom burns
-With an incensed fire of injuries .
-
-The question , then , Lord Hastings , standeth thus :
-Whether our present five-and-twenty thousand
-May hold up head without Northumberland .
-
-With him , we may .
-
-Ay , marry , there's the point :
-But if without him we be thought too feeble ,
-My judgment is , we should not step too far
-Till we had his assistance by the hand ;
-For in a theme so bloody-fao'd as this ,
-Conjecture , expectation , and surmise
-Of aids incertain should not be admitted .
-
-'Tis very true , Lord Bardolph ; for , indeed
-It was young Hotspur's case at Shrewsbury .
-
-It was , my lord ; who lin'd himself with hope ,
-Eating the air on promise of supply ,
-Flattering himself with project of a power
-Much smaller than the smallest of his thoughts ;
-And so , with great imagination
-Proper to madmen , led his powers to death ,
-And winking leap'd into destruction .
-
-But , by your leave , it never yet did hurt
-To lay down likelihoods and forms of hope .
-
-Yes , if this present quality of war ,
-Indeed the instant action ,a cause on foot ,
-Lives so in hope , as in an early spring
-We see the appearing buds ; which , to prove fruit ,
-Hope gives not so much warrant as despair
-That frosts will bite them . When we mean to build ,
-We first survey the plot , then draw the model ;
-And when we see the figure of the house ,
-Then must we rate the cost of the erection ;
-Which if we find outweighs ability ,
-What do we then but draw anew the model
-In fewer offices , or at last desist
-To build at all ? Much more , in this great work ,
-Which is almost to pluck a kingdom down
-And set another up ,should we survey
-The plot of situation and the model ,
-Consent upon a sure foundation ,
-Question surveyors , know our own estate ,
-How able such a work to undergo ,
-To weigh against his opposite ; or else ,
-We fortify in paper , and in figures ,
-Using the names of men instead of men :
-Like one that draws the model of a house
-Beyond his power to build it ; who , half through ,
-Gives o'er and leaves his part-created cost
-A naked-subject to the weeping clouds ,
-And waste for churlish winter's tyranny .
-
-Grant that our hopes , yet likely of fair birth ,
-Should be still-born , and that we now possess'd
-The utmost man of expectation ;
-I think we are a body strong enough ,
-Even as we are , to equal with the king .
-
-What ! is the king but five-and-twenty thousand ?
-
-To us no more ; nay , not so much , Lord Bardolph .
-For his divisions , as the times do brawl ,
-Are in three heads : one power against the French ,
-And one against Glendower ; perforce , a third
-Must take up us : so is the unfirm king
-In three divided , and his coffers sound
-With hollow poverty and emptiness .
-
-That he should draw his several strengths together
-And come against us in full puissance ,
-Need not be dreaded .
-
-If he should do so ,
-He leaves his back unarm'd , the French and Welsh
-Baying him at the heels : never fear that .
-
-Who is it like should lead his forces hither ?
-
-The Duke of Lancaster and Westmoreland ;
-Against the Welsh , himself and Harry Monmouth :
-But who is substituted 'gainst the French
-I have no certain notice .
-
-Let us on
-And publish the occasion of our arms .
-The commonwealth is sick of their own choice ;
-Their over-greedy love hath surfeited .
-A habitation giddy and unsure
-Hath he that buildeth on the vulgar heart .
-O thou fond many ! with what loud applause
-Didst thou beat heaven with blessing Bolingbroke
-Before he was what thou wouldst have him be :
-And being now trimm'd in thine own desires ,
-Thou , beastly feeder , art so full of him
-That thou provok'st thyself to cast him up .
-So , so , thou common dog , didst thou disgorge
-Thy glutton bosom of the royal Richard ,
-And now thou wouldst eat thy dead vomit up ,
-And howl'st to find it . What trust is in these times ?
-They that , when Richard liv'd , would have him die ,
-Are now become enamour'd on his grave :
-Thou , that threw'st dust upon his goodly head ,
-When through proud London he came sighing on
-After the admired heels of Bolingbroke ,
-Cry'st now , 'O earth ! yield us that king again ,
-And take thou this !' O , thoughts of men accurst !
-Past and to come seem best ; things present worst .
-
-Shall we go draw our numbers and set on ?
-
-We are time's subjects , and time bids be gone .
-
-Master Fang , have you entered the exion ?
-
-It is entered .
-
-Where's your yeoman ? Is it a lusty yeoman ? will a' stand to't ?
-
-Sirrah , where's Snare ?
-
-O Lord , ay ! good Master Snare .
-
-Here , here .
-
-Snare , we must arrest Sir John Falstaff .
-
-Yea , good Master Snare ; I have entered him and all .
-
-It may chance cost some of us our lives , for he will stab .
-
-Alas the day ! take heed of him : he stabbed me in mine own house , and that most beastly . In good faith , he cares not what mischief he doth if his weapon be out : he will foin like any devil , he will spare neither man , woman , nor child .
-
-If I can close with him I care not for his thrust .
-
-No , nor I neither : I'll be at your elbow .
-
-An I but fist him once ; an a' come but within my vice ,
-
-I am undone by his going ; I warrant you , he's an infinitive thing upon my score . Good Master Fang , hold him sure : good Master Snare , let him not 'scape . A' comes continuantly to Pie-corner saving your manhoods to buy a saddle , and he's indited to dinner to the Lubber's Head in Lumbert-Street , to Master Smooth's the silkman : I pray ye , since my exion is entered , and my case so openly known to the world , let him be brought in to his answer . A hundred mark is a long one for a poor lone woman to bear ; and I have borne , and borne , and borne ; and have been fubbed off , and fubbed off , and fubbed off , from this day to that day , that it is a shame to be thought on . There is no honesty in such dealing ; unless a woman should be made an ass , and a beast , to bear every knave's wrong . Yonder he comes ; and that arrant malmseynose knave , Bardolph , with him . Do your offices , do your offices , Master Fang and Master Snare ; do me , do me , do me your offices .
-
-
-How now ! whose mare's dead ? what's the matter ?
-
-Sir John , I arrest you at the suit of Mistress Quickly .
-
-Away , varlets ! Draw , Bardolph : cut me off the villain's head ; throw the quean in the channel .
-
-Throw me in the channel ! I'll throw thee in the channel . Wilt thou ? wilt thou ? thou bastardly rogue ! Murder , murder ! Ah , thou honey-suckle villain ! wilt thou kill God's officers and the king's ? Ah , thou honey-seed rogue ! thou art a honey-seed , a man-queller , and a woman-queller .
-
-Keep them off , Bardolph .
-
-A rescue ! a rescue !
-
-Good people , bring a rescue or two ! Thou wo't , wo't thou ? thou wo't , wo't ta ? do , do , thou rogue ! do , thou hemp-seed !
-
-Away , you scullion ! you rampallian ! you fustilarian ! I'll tickle your catastrophe .
-
-
-What is the matter ? keep the peace here , ho !
-
-Good my lord , be good to me ! I beseech you , stand to me !
-
-How now , Sir John ! what ! are you brawling here ?
-Doth this become your place , your time and business ?
-You should have been well on your way to York .
-Stand from him , fellow : wherefore hang'st upon him ?
-
-O , my most worshipful lord , an't please your grace , I am a poor widow of Eastcheap , and he is arrested at my suit .
-
-For what sum ?
-
-It is more than for some , my lord ; it is for all , all I have . He hath eaten me out of house and home ; he hath put all my substance into that fat belly of his : but I will have some of it out again , or I will ride thee o' nights like the mare .
-
-I think I am as like to ride the mare if I have any vantage of ground to get up .
-
-How comes this , Sir John ? Fie ! what man of good temper would endure this tempest of exclamation ? Are you not ashamed to enforce a poor widow to so rough a course to come by her own ?
-
-What is the gross sum that I owe thee ?
-
-Marry , if thou wert an honest man , thyself and the money too . Thou didst swear to me upon a parcel-gilt goblet , sitting in my Dolphin-chamber , at the round table , by a seacoal fire , upon Wednesday in Wheeson week , when the prince broke thy head for liking his father to a singing-man of Windsor , thou didst swear to me then , as I was washing thy wound , to marry me and make me my lady thy wife . Canst thou deny it ? Did not goodwife Keech , the butcher's wife , come in then and call me gossip Quickly ? coming in to borrow a mess of vinegar ; telling us she had a good dish of prawns ; whereby thou didst desire to eat some , whereby I told thee they were ill for a green wound ? And didst thou not , when she was gone down-stairs , desire me to be no more so familiarity with such poor people ; saying that ere long they should call me madam ? And didst thou not kiss me and bid me fetch thee thirty shillings ? I put thee now to thy book-oath : deny it if thou canst .
-
-My lord , this is a poor mad soul ; and she says up and down the town that her eldest son is like you . She hath been in good case , and the truth is , poverty hath distracted her . But for these foolish officers , I beseech you I may have redress against them .
-
-Sir John , Sir John , I am well acquainted with your manner of wrenching the true cause the false way . It is not a confident brow , nor the throng of words that come with such more than impudent sauciness from you , can thrust me from a level consideration ; you have , as it appears to me , practised upon the easy-yielding spirit of this woman , and made her serve your uses both in purse and in person .
-
-Yea , in troth , my lord .
-
-Prithee , peace . Pay her the debt you owe her , and unpay the villany you have done her : the one you may do with sterling money , and the other with current repentance .
-
-My lord , I will not undergo this sneap without reply . You call honourable boldness impudent sauciness : if a man will make curtsy , and say nothing , he is virtuous . No , my lord , my humble duty remembered , I will not be your suitor : I say to you , I do desire deliverance from these officers , being upon hasty employment in the king's affairs .
-
-You speak as having power to do wrong : but answer in the effect of your reputation , and satisfy the poor woman .
-
-Come hither , hostess .
-
-Now , Master Gower ! what news ?
-
-The king , my lord , and Harry Prince of Wales
-Are near at hand : the rest the paper tells .
-
-
-As I am a gentleman .
-
-Nay , you said so before .
-
-As I am a gentleman . Come , no more words of it .
-
-By this heavenly ground I tread on , I must be fain to pawn both my plate and the tapestry of my dining-chambers .
-
-Glasses , glasses , is the only drinking : and for thy walls , a pretty slight drollery , or the story of the Prodigal , or the German hunting in water-work , is worth a thousand of these bed-hangings and these fly-bitten tapestries . Let it be ten pound if thou canst . Come , an it were not for thy humours , there is not a better wench in England . Go , wash thy face , and draw thy action . Come , thou must not be in this humour with me ; dost not know me ? Come , come , I know thou wast set on to this .
-
-Prithee , Sir John , let it be but twenty nobles : i' faith , I am loath to pawn my plate , so God save me , la !
-
-Let it alone ; I'll make other shift : you'll be a fool still .
-
-Well , you shall have it , though I pawn my gown . I hope you'll come to supper . You'll pay me all together ?
-
-Will I live ?
-
-Go , with her , with her ; hook on , hook on .
-
-Will you have Doll Tearsheet meet you at supper ?
-
-No more words ; let's have her .
-
-
-I have heard better news .
-
-What's the news , my good lord ?
-
-Where lay the king last night ?
-
-At Basingstoke , my lord .
-
-I hope , my lord , all's well : what is the news , my lord ?
-
-Come all his forces back ?
-
-No ; fifteen hundred foot , five hundred horse ,
-Are march'd up to my Lord of Lancaster ,
-Against Northumberland and the archbishop .
-
-Comes the king back from Wales , my noble lord ?
-
-You shall have letters of me presently .
-Come , go along with me , good Master Gower .
-
-My lord !
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Master Gower , shall I entreat you with me to dinner ?
-
-I must wait upon my good lord here ;
-I thank you , good Sir John .
-
-Sir John , you loiter here too long , being you are to take soldiers up in counties as you go .
-
-Will you sup with me , Master Gower ?
-
-What foolish master taught you these manners , Sir John ?
-
-Master Gower , if they become me not , he was a fool that taught them me . This is the right fencing grace , my lord ; tap for tap , and so part fair .
-
-Now the Lord lighten thee ! thou art a great fool .
-
-
-Before God , I am exceeding weary .
-
-Is it come to that ? I had thought weariness durst not have attached one of so high blood .
-
-Faith , it does me , though it discolours the complexion of my greatness to acknowledge it . Doth it not show vilely in me to desire small beer ?
-
-Why , a prince should not be so loosely studied as to remember so weak a composition .
-
-Belike then my appetite was not princely got ; for , by my troth , I do now remember the poor creature , small beer . But , indeed , these humble considerations make me out of love with my greatness . What a disgrace is it to me to remember thy name , or to know thy face to-morrow ! or to take note how many pair of silk stockings thou hast ; viz . these , and those that were thy peach-coloured ones ! or to bear the inventory of thy shirts ; as , one for superfluity , and one other for use ! But that the tennis-court-keeper knows better than I , for it is a low ebb of linen with thee when thou keepest not racket there ; as thou hast not done a great while , because the rest of thy low-countries have made a shift to eat up thy holland : and God knows whether those that bawl out the ruins of thy linen shall inherit his kingdom ; but the midwives say the children are not in the fault ; whereupon the world increases , and kindreds are mightily strengthened .
-
-How ill it follows , after you have laboured so hard , you should talk so idly ! Tell me , how many good young princes would do so , their fathers being so sick as yours at this time is ?
-
-Shall I tell thee one thing , Poins ?
-
-Yes , faith , and let it be an excellent good thing .
-
-It shall serve among wits of no higher breeding than thine .
-
-Go to ; I stand the push of your one thing that you will tell .
-
-Marry , I tell thee , it is not meet that I should be sad , now my father is sick : albeit I could tell to thee ,as to one it pleases me , for fault of a better , to call my friend ,I could be sad , and sad indeed too .
-
-Very hardly upon such a subject .
-
-By this hand , thou thinkest me as far in the devil's book as thou and Falstaff for obduracy and persistency : let the end try the man . But I tell thee my heart bleeds inwardly that my father is so sick ; and keeping such vile company as thou art hath in reason taken from me all ostentation of sorrow .
-
-The reason ?
-
-What wouldst thou think of me if I should weep ?
-
-I would think thee a most princely hypocrite .
-
-It would be every man's thought ; and thou art a blessed fellow to think as every man thinks : never a man's thought in the world keeps the road-way better than thine : every man would think me a hypocrite indeed . And what accites your most worshipful thought to think so ?
-
-Why , because you have been so lewd and so much engraffed to Falstaff .
-
-And to thee .
-
-By this light , I am well spoke on ; I can hear it with mine own ears : the worst that they can say of me is that I am a second brother and that I am a proper fellow of my hands ; and these two things I confess I cannot help . By the mass , here comes Bardolph .
-
-
-And the boy that I gave Falstaff : a' had him from me Christian ; and look , if the fat villain have not transformed him ape .
-
-God save your Grace !
-
-And yours , most noble Bardolph .
-
-Come , you virtuous ass , you bashful fool , must you be blushing ? wherefore blush you now ? What a maidenly man-at-arms are you become ! Is it such a matter to get a pottle-pot's maidenhead ?
-
-A' calls me even now , my lord , through a red lattice , and I could discern no part of his face from the window : at last , I spied his eyes , and methought he had made two holes in the ale-wife's new petticoat , and peeped through .
-
-Hath not the boy profited ?
-
-Away , you whoreson upright rabbit , away !
-
-Away , you rascally Althea's dream , away !
-
-Instruct us , boy ; what dream , boy ?
-
-Marry , my lord , Althea dreamed she was delivered of a firebrand ; and therefore I call him her dream .
-
-A crown's worth of good interpretation . There it is , boy .
-
-
-O ! that this good blossom could be kept from cankers . Well , there is sixpence to preserve thee .
-
-An you do not make him be hanged among you , the gallows shall have wrong .
-
-And how doth thy master , Bardolph ?
-
-Well , my lord . He heard of your Grace's coming to town : there's a letter for you .
-
-Delivered with good respect . And how doth the martlemas , your master ?
-
-In bodily health , sir .
-
-Marry , the immortal part needs a physician ; but that moves not him : though that be sick , it dies not .
-
-I do allow this wen to be as familiar with me as my dog ; and he holds his place , for look you how he writes .
-
-'John Falstaff , knight ,' every man must know that , as oft as he has occasion to name himself : even like those that are akin to the king , for they never prick their finger but they say , 'There is some of the king's blood spilt .' 'How comes that ?' says he that takes upon him not to conceive . The answer is as ready as a borrower's cap , 'I am the king's poor cousin , sir .'
-
-Nay , they will be kin to us , or they will fetch it from Japhet . But to the letter :
-
-Sir John Falstaff , knight , to the son of the king nearest his father , Harry Prince of Wales , greeting . Why , this is a certificate .
-
-Peace !
-
-I will imitate the honourable Romans in brevity : sure he means brevity in breath , short-winded .I commend me to thee , I commend thee , and I leave thee . Be not too familiar with Poins ; for he misuses thy favours so much that he swears thou art to marry his sister Nell . Repent at idle times as thou mayest , and so farewell .
-
-My lord , I'll steep this letter in sack and make him eat it .
-
-That's to make him eat twenty of his words . But do you use me thus , Ned ? must I marry your sister ?
-
-God send the wench no worse fortune ! but I never said so .
-
-Well , thus we play the fools with the time , and the spirits of the wise sit in the clouds and mock us . Is your master here in London ?
-
-Yes , my lord .
-
-Where sups he ? doth the old boar feed in the old frank ?
-
-At the old place , my lord , in Eastcheap .
-
-What company ?
-
-Ephesians , my lord , of the old church .
-
-Sup any women with him ?
-
-None , my lord , but old Mistress Quickly and Mistress Doll Tearsheet .
-
-What pagan may that be ?
-
-A proper gentlewoman , sir , and a kinswoman of my master's .
-
-Even such kin as the parish heifers are to the town bull . Shall we steal upon them , Ned , at supper ?
-
-I am your shadow , my lord ; I'll follow you .
-
-Sirrah , you boy , and Bardolph ; no word to your master that I am yet come to town : there's for your silence .
-
-
-I have no tongue , sir .
-
-And for mine , sir , I will govern it .
-
-Fare ye well ; go .
-
-This Doll Tearsheet should be some road .
-
-I warrant you , as common as the way between Saint Alban's and London .
-
-How might we see Falstaff bestow himself to-night in his true colours , and not ourselves be seen ?
-
-Put on two leathern jerkins and aprons , and wait upon him at his table as drawers .
-
-From a god to a bull ! a heavy descension ! it was Jove's case . From a prince to a prentice ! a low transformation ! that shall be mine ; for in every thing the purpose must weigh with the folly . Follow me , Ned .
-
-
-I pray thee , loving wife , and gentle daughter ,
-Give even way unto my rough affairs :
-Put not you on the visage of the times ,
-And be like them to Percy troublesome .
-
-I have given over , I will speak no more :
-Do what you will ; your wisdom be your guide .
-
-Alas ! sweet wife , my honour is at pawn ;
-And , but my going , nothing can redeem it .
-
-O ! yet for God's sake , go not to these wars .
-The time was , father , that you broke your word
-When you were more endear'd to it than now ;
-When your own Percy , when my heart's dear Harry ,
-Threw many a northward look to see his father
-Bring up his powers ; but he did long in vain .
-Who then persuaded you to stay at home ?
-There were two honours lost , yours and your son's :
-For yours , the God of heaven brighten it !
-For his , it stuck upon him as the sun
-In the grey vault of heaven ; and by his light
-Did all the chivalry of England move
-To do brave acts : he was indeed the glass
-Wherein the noble youth did dress themselves :
-He had no legs , that practis'd not his gait ;
-And speaking thick , which nature made his blemish ,
-Became the accents of the valiant ;
-For those that could speak low and tardily ,
-Would turn their own perfection to abuse ,
-To seem like him : so that , in speech , in gait ,
-In diet , in affections of delight ,
-In military rules , humours of blood ,
-He was the mark and glass , copy and book ,
-That fashion'd others . And him , O wondrous him !
-O miracle of men ! him did you leave ,
-Second to none , unseconded by you ,
-To look upon the hideous god of war
-In disadvantage ; to abide a field
-Where nothing but the sound of Hotspur's name
-Did seem defensible : so you left him .
-Never , O ! never , do his ghost the wrong
-To hold your honour more precise and nice
-With others than with him : let them alone .
-The marshal and the archbishop are strong :
-Had my sweet Harry had but half their numbers ,
-To-day might I , hanging on Hotspur's neck ,
-Have talk'd of Monmouth's grave .
-
-Beshrew your heart ,
-Fair daughter ! you do draw my spirits from me
-With new lamenting ancient oversights .
-But I must go and meet with danger there ,
-Or it will seek me in another place ,
-And find me worse provided .
-
-O ! fly to Scotland ,
-Till that the nobles and the armed commons
-Have of their puissance made a little taste .
-
-If they get ground and vantage of the king ,
-Then join you with them , like a rib of steel ,
-To make strength stronger ; but , for all our loves ,
-First let them try themselves . So did your son ;
-He was so suffer'd : so came I a widow ;
-And never shall have length of life enough
-To rain upon remembrance with mine eyes ,
-That it may grow and sprout as high as heaven ,
-For recordation to my noble husband .
-
-Come , come , go in with me . 'Tis with my mind
-As with the tide swell'd up unto its height ,
-That makes a still-stand , running neither way :
-Fain would I go to meet the archbishop ,
-But many thousand reasons hold me back .
-I will resolve for Scotland : there am I ,
-Till time and vantage crave my company .
-
-
-What the devil hast thou brought there ? apple-johns ? thou knowest Sir John cannot endure an apple-john .
-
-Mass , thou sayst true . The prince once set a dish of apple-johns before him , and told him there were five more Sir Johns ; and , putting off his hat , said , 'I will now take my leave of these six dry , round , old withered knights .' It angered him to the heart ; but he hath forgot that .
-
-Why then , cover , and set them down : and see if thou canst find out Sneak's noise ; Mistress Tearsheet would fain hear some music . Dispatch : the room where they supped is too hot ; they'll come in straight .
-
-Sirrah , here will be the prince and Master Poins anon ; and they will put on two of our jerkins and aprons ; and Sir John must not know of it : Bardolph hath brought word .
-
-By the mass , here will be old utis : it will be an excellent stratagem .
-
-I'll see if I can find out Sneak .
-
-I'faith , sweetheart , methinks now you are in an excellent good temperality : your pulsidge beats as extraordinarily as heart would desire ; and your colour , I warrant you , is as red as any rose ; in good truth , la ! But , i' faith , you have drunk too much canaries , and that's a marvellous searching wine , and it perfumes the blood ere one can say , What's this ? How do you now ?
-
-Better than I was : hem !
-
-Why , that's well said ; a good heart's worth gold . Lo ! here comes Sir John .
-
-
-When Arthur first in court Empty the jordan .
-
-And was a worthy king . How now , Mistress Doll !
-
-Sick of a calm : yea , good sooth .
-
-So is all her sect ; an they be once in a calm they are sick .
-
-You muddy rascal , is that all the comfort you give me ?
-
-You make fat rascals , Mistress Doll .
-
-I make them ! gluttony and diseases make them ; I make them not .
-
-If the cook help to make the gluttony , you help to make the diseases , Doll : we catch of you , Doll , we catch of you ; grant that , my poor virtue , grant that .
-
-Ay , marry ; our chains and our jewels .
-
-'Your brooches , pearls , and owches :' for to serve bravely is to come halting off you know : to come off the breach with his pike bent bravely , and to surgery bravely ; to venture upon the charged chambers bravely ,
-
-Hang yourself , you muddy conger , hang yourself !
-
-By my troth , this is the old fashion ; you two never meet but you fall to some discord : you are both , in good troth , as rheumatic as two dry toasts ; you cannot one bear with another's confirmities . What the good-year ! one must bear , and that must be you : you are the weaker vessel , as they say , the emptier vessel .
-
-Can a weak empty vessel bear such a huge full hogshead ? there's a whole merchant's venture of Bourdeaux stuff in him : you have not seen a hulk better stuffed in the hold . Come , I'll be friends with thee , Jack : thou art going to the wars ; and whether I shall ever see thee again or no , there is nobody cares .
-
-
-Sir , Ancient Pistol's below , and would speak with you .
-
-Hang him , swaggering rascal ! let him not come hither : it is the foul-mouthedest rogue in England .
-
-If he swagger , let him not come here : no , by my faith ; I must live amongst my neighbours ; I'll no swaggerers : I am in good name and fame with the very best . Shut the door ; there comes no swaggerers here : I have not lived all this while to have swaggering now : shut the door , I pray you .
-
-Dost thou hear , hostess ?
-
-Pray you , pacify yourself , Sir John : there comes no swaggerers here .
-
-Dost thou hear ? it is mine ancient .
-
-Tilly-fally , Sir John , never tell me : your ancient swaggerer comes not in my doors . I was before Master Tisick , the deputy , t'other day ; and , as he said to me ,'twas no longer ago than Wednesday last ,'Neighbour Quickly ,' says he ;Master Dumbe , our minister , was by then ;'Neighbour Quickly ,' says he , 'receive those that are civil , for ,' said he , 'you are in an ill name ;' now , a' said so , I can tell whereupon ; 'for ,' says he , 'you are an honest woman , and well thought on ; therefore take heed what guests you receive : receive ,' says he , 'no swaggering companions .' There comes none here :you would bless you to hear what he said . No , I'll no swaggerers .
-
-He's no swaggerer , hostess ; a tame cheater , i' faith ; you may stroke him as gently as a puppy greyhound : he will not swagger with a Barbary hen if her feathers turn back in any show of resistance . Call him up , drawer .
-
-
-Cheater , call you him ? I will bar no honest man my house , nor no cheater ; but I do not love swaggering , by my troth ; I am the worse , when one says swagger . Feel , masters , how I shake ; look you , I warrant you .
-
-So you do , hostess .
-
-Do I ? yea , in very truth , do I , an 'twere an aspen leaf : I cannot abide swaggerers .
-
-
-God save you , Sir John !
-
-Welcome , Ancient Pistol . Here , Pistol , I charge you with a cup of sack : do you discharge upon mine hostess .
-
-I will discharge upon her , Sir John , with two bullets .
-
-She is pistol-proof , sir ; you shall hardly offend her .
-
-Come , I'll drink no proofs nor no bullets : I'll drink no more than will do me good , for no man's pleasure , I .
-
-Then to you , Mistress Dorothy ; I will charge you .
-
-Charge me ! I scorn you , scurvy companion . What ! you poor , base , rascally , cheating , lack-linen mate ! Away , you mouldy rogue , away ! I am meat for your master .
-
-I know you , Mistress Dorothy .
-
-Away , you cut-purse rascal ! you filthy bung , away ! By this wine , I'll thrust my knife in your mouldy chaps an you play the saucy cuttle with me . Away , you bottle-ale rascal ! you basket-hilt stale juggler , you ! Since when , I pray you , sir ? God's light ! with two points on your shoulder ? much !
-
-God let me not live . I will murder your ruff for this !
-
-No more , Pistol : I would not have you go off here . Discharge yourself of our company , Pistol .
-
-No , good captain Pistol ; not here , sweet captain .
-
-Captain ! thou abominable damned cheater , art thou not ashamed to be called captain ? An captains were of my mind , they would truncheon you out for taking their names upon you before you have earned them . You a captain , you slave ! for what ? for tearing a poor whore's ruff in a bawdy-house ? He a captain ! Hang him , rogue ! He lives upon mouldy stewed prunes and dried cakes . A captain ! God's light , these villains will make the word captain as odious as the word 'occupy ,' which was an excellent good word before it was ill sorted : therefore captains had need look to it .
-
-Pray thee , go down , good ancient .
-
-Hark thee hither , Mistress Doll .
-
-Not I ; I tell thee what , Corporal Bardolph ; I could tear her . I'll be revenged of her .
-
-Pray thee , go down .
-
-I'll see her damned first ; to Pluto's damned lake , by this hand , to the infernal deep , with Erebus and tortures vile also . Hold hook and line , say I . Down , down , dogs ! down fates ! Have we not Hiren here ?
-
-Good Captain Peesel , be quiet ; it is very late , i' faith . I beseek you now , aggravate your choler .
-
-These be good humours , indeed ! Shall pack-horses ,
-And hollow pamper'd jades of Asia ,
-Which cannot go but thirty miles a day ,
-Compare with C sars , and with Cannibals ,
-And Trojan Greeks ? nay , rather damn them with
-King Cerberus ; and let the welkin roar .
-Shall we fall foul for toys ?
-
-By my troth , captain , these are very bitter words .
-
-Be gone , good ancient : this will grow to a brawl anon .
-
-Dio men like dogs ! give crowns like pins ! Have we not Hiren here ?
-
-O' my word , captain , there's none such here . What the good-year ! do you think I would deny her ? for God's sake ! be quiet .
-
-Then feed , and be fat , my fair Calipolis .
-Come , give's some sack .
-Si fortuna me tormente , sperato me contento .
-Fear we broadsides ? no , let the fiend give fire :
-Give me some sack ; and , sweetheart , lie thou there .
-
-Come we to full points here , and are et ceteras nothing ?
-
-Pistol , I would be quiet .
-
-Sweet knight , I kiss thy neif . What ! we have seen the seven stars .
-
-For God's sake , thrust him down stairs ! I cannot endure such a fustian rascal .
-
-'Thrust him down stairs !' know we not Galloway nags ?
-
-Quoit him down , Bardolph , like a shovegroat shilling : nay , an a' do nothing but speak nothing , a' shall be nothing here .
-
-Come , get you down stairs .
-
-What ! shall we have incision ? Shall we imbrue ?
-
-Then death rock me asleep , abridge my doleful days !
-Why then , let grievous , ghastly , gaping wounds
-Untwine the Sisters Three ! Come , Atropos , I say !
-
-Here's goodly stuff toward !
-
-Give me my rapier , boy .
-
-I pray thee , Jack , I pray thee , do not draw .
-
-Get you down stairs .
-
-
-Here's a goodly tumult ! I'll forswear keeping house , afore I'll be in these tirrits and frights . So ; murder , I warrant now . Alas , alas ! put up your naked weapons ; put up your naked weapons .
-
-
-I pray thee , Jack , be quiet ; the rascal's gone . Ah ! you whoreson little valiant villain , you !
-
-Are you not hurt i' the groin ? methought a' made a shrewd thrust at your belly .
-
-
-Have you turned him out o' doors ?
-
-Yes , sir : the rascal's drunk . You have hurt him , sir , i' the shoulder .
-
-A rascal , to brave me !
-
-Ah , you sweet little rogue , you ! Alas , poor ape , how thou sweatest ! Come , let me wipe thy face ; come on , you whoreson chops . Ah , rogue ! i' faith , I love thee . Thou art as valorous as Hector of Troy , worth five of Agamemnon , and ten times better than the Nine Worthies . Ah , villain !
-
-A rascally slave ! I will toss the rogue in a blanket .
-
-Do , an thou darest for thy heart : an thou dost , I'll canvass thee between a pair of sheets .
-
-
-The music is come , sir .
-
-Let them play . Play , sirs . Sit on my knee , Doll . A rascal bragging slave ! the rogue fled from me like quicksilver .
-
-I' faith , and thou followedst him like a church . Thou whoreson little tidy Bartholomew boar-pig , when wilt thou leave fighting o' days , and foining o' nights , and begin to patch up thine old body for heaven ?
-
-
-Peace , good Doll ! do not speak like a death's head : do not bid me remember mine end .
-
-Sirrah , what humour is the prince of ?
-
-A good shallow young fellow : a' would have made a good pantler , a' would have chipped bread well .
-
-They say , Poins has a good wit .
-
-He a good wit ! hang him , baboon ! his wit is as thick as Tewksbury mustard : there is no more conceit in him than is in a mallet .
-
-Why does the prince love him so , then ?
-
-Because their legs are both of a bigness , and he plays at quoits well , and eats conger and fennel , and drinks off candles' ends for flapdragons , and rides the wild mare with the boys , and jumps upon joint-stools , and swears with a good grace , and wears his boots very smooth , like unto the sign of the leg , and breeds no bate with telling of discreet stories ; and such other gambol faculties a' has , that show a weak mind and an able body , for the which the prince admits him : for the prince himself is such another ; the weight of a hair will turn the scales between their avoirdupois .
-
-Would not this nave of a wheel have his ears cut off ?
-
-Let's beat him before his whore .
-
-Look , whether the withered elder hath not his poll clawed like a parrot .
-
-Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance ?
-
-Kiss me , Doll .
-
-Saturn and Venus this year in conjunction ! what says the almanack to that ?
-
-And , look , whether the fiery Trigon , his man , be not lisping to his master's old tables , his note-book , his counsel-keeper .
-
-Thou dost give me flattering busses .
-
-By my troth , I kiss thee with a most constant heart .
-
-I am old , I am old .
-
-I love thee better than I love e'er a scurvy young boy of them all .
-
-What stuff wilt have a kirtle of ? I shall receive money o' Thursday ; thou shalt have a cap to-morrow . A merry song ! come : it grows late ; we'll to bed . Thou'lt forget me when I am gone .
-
-By my troth , thou'lt set me a-weeping an thou sayst so : prove that ever I dress myself handsome till thy return . Well , hearken at the end .
-
-Some sack , Francis !
-
-Anon , anon , sir .
-
-Anon , anon , sir .
-
-Ha ! a bastard son of the king's ? And art not thou Poins his brother ?
-
-Why , thou globe of sinful cntinents , what a life dost thou lead !
-
-A better than thou : I am a gentleman ; thou art a drawer .
-
-Very true , sir ; and I come to draw you out by the ears .
-
-O ! the Lord preserve thy good Grace ; by my troth , welcome to London . Now , the Lord bless that sweet face of thine ! O Jesu ! are you come from Wales ?
-
-Thou whoreson mad compound of majesty , by this light flesh and corrupt blood
-
-thou art welcome .
-
-How , you fat fool ! I scorn you .
-
-My lord , he will drive you out of your revenge and turn all to a merriment , if you take not the heat .
-
-You whoreson candle-mine , you , how vilely did you speak of me even now before this honest , virtuous , civil gentlewoman !
-
-Blessing on your good heart ! and so she is , by my troth .
-
-Didst thou hear me ?
-
-Yea ; and you knew me , as you did when you ran away by Gadshill : you knew I was at your back , and spoke it on purpose to try my patience .
-
-No , no , no ; not so ; I did not think thou wast within hearing .
-
-I shall drive you then to confess the wilful abuse ; and then I know how to handle you .
-
-No abuse , Hal , o' mine honour ; no abuse .
-
-Not to dispraise me , and call me pantler and bread-chipper and I know not what ?
-
-No abuse , Hal .
-
-No abuse !
-
-No abuse , Ned , in the world ; honest Ned , none . I dispraised him before the wicked , that the wicked might not fall in love with him ; in which doing I have done the part of a careful friend and a true subject , and thy father is to give me thanks for it . No abuse , Hal ; none , Ned , none : no , faith , boys , none .
-
-See now , whether pure fear and entire cowardice doth not make thee wrong this virtuous gentlewoman to close with us ? Is she of the wicked ? Is thine hostess here of the wicked ? Or is thy boy of the wicked ? Or honest Bardolph , whose zeal burns in his nose , of the wicked ?
-
-Answer , thou dead elm , answer .
-
-The fiend hath pricked down Bardolph irrecoverable ; and his face is Lucifer's privykitchen , where he doth nothing but roast maltworms . For the boy , there is a good angel about him ; but the devil outbids him too .
-
-For the women ?
-
-For one of them , she is in hell already , and burns poor souls . For the other , I owe her money ; and whether she be damned for that , I know not .
-
-No , I warrant you .
-
-No , I think thou art not ; I think thou art quit for that . Marry , there is another indictment upon thee , for suffering flesh to be eaten in thy house , contrary to the law ; for the which I think thou wilt howl .
-
-All victuallers do so : what's a joint of mutton or two in a whole Lent ?
-
-You , gentlewoman ,
-
-What says your Grace ?
-
-His Grace says that which his flesh rebels against .
-
-
-Who knocks so loud at door ? Look to the door there , Francis .
-
-
-Peto , how now ! what news ?
-
-The king your father is at Westminster ;
-And there are twenty weak and wearied posts
-Come from the north : and as I came along ,
-I met and overtook a dozen captains ,
-Bare-headed , sweating , knocking at the taverns ,
-And asking every one for Sir John Falstaff .
-
-By heaven , Poins , I feel me much to blame ,
-So idly to profane the precious time ,
-When tempest of commotion , like the south ,
-Borne with black vapour , doth begin to melt
-And drop upon our bare unarmed heads .
-Give me my sword and cloak . Falstaff , good night .
-
-
-Now comes in the sweetest morsel of the night , and we must hence and leave it unpicked .
-
-More knocking at the door !
-
-How now ! what's the matter ?
-
-You must away to court , sir , presently ;
-A dozen captains stay at door for you .
-
-Pay the musicians , sirrah . Farewell , hostess ; farewell , Doll . You see , my good wenches , how men of merit are sought after : the undeserver may sleep when the man of action is called on . Farewell , good wenches . If I be not sent away post , I will see you again ere I go .
-
-I cannot speak ; if my heart be not ready to burst ,well , sweet Jack , have a care of thyself .
-
-Farewell , farewell .
-
-
-Well , fare thee well : I have known thee these twenty-nine years , come peascod-time ; but an honester , and truer-hearted man ,well , fare thee well .
-
-Mistress Tearsheet !
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Bid Mistress Tearsheet come to my master .
-
-O ! run , Doll , run ; run , good Doll .
-
-Go , call the Earls of Surrey and of Warwick ;
-But , ere they come , bid them o'er-read these letters ,
-And well consider of them . Make good speed .
-
-How many thousand of my poorest subjects
-Are at this hour asleep ! O sleep ! O gentle sleep !
-Nature's soft nurse , how have I frighted thee ,
-That thou no more wilt weigh my eyelids down
-And steep my senses in forgetfulness ?
-Why rather , sleep , liest thou in smoky cribs ,
-Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee ,
-And hush'd with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber ,
-Than in the perfum'd chambers of the great ,
-Under the canopies of costly state ,
-And lull'd with sound of sweetest melody ?
-O thou dull god ! why liest thou with the vile
-In loathsome beds , and leav'st the kingly couch
-A watch-case or a common 'larum bell ?
-Wilt thou upon the high and giddy mast
-Seel up the ship-boy's eyes , and rock his brains
-In cradle of the rude imperious surge ,
-And in the visitation of the winds ,
-Who take the ruffian billows by the top ,
-Curling their monstrous heads , and hanging them
-With deaf'ning clamour in the slippery clouds ,
-That with the hurly death itself awakes ?
-Canst thou , O partial sleep ! give thy repose
-To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude ,
-And in the calmest and most stillest night ,
-With all appliances and means to boot ,
-Deny it to a king ? Then , happy low , lie down !
-Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown .
-
-
-Many good morrows to your majesty !
-
-Is it good morrow , lords ?
-
-'Tis one o'clock , and past .
-
-Why then , good morrow to you all , my lords .
-Have you read o'er the letters that I sent you ?
-
-We have , my liege .
-
-Then you perceive the body of our kingdom ,
-How foul it is ; what rank diseases grow ,
-And with what danger , near the heart of it .
-
-It is but as a body , yet , distemper'd ,
-Which to his former strength may be restor'd
-With good advice and little medicine :
-My Lord Northumberland will soon be cool'd .
-
-O God ! that one might read the book of fate ,
-And see the revolution of the times
-Make mountains level , and the continent ,
-Weary of solid firmness ,melt itself
-Into the sea ! and , other times , to see
-The beachy girdle of the ocean
-Too wide for Neptune's hips ; how chances mock ,
-And changes fill the cup of alteration
-With divers liquors ! O ! if this were seen ,
-The happiest youth , viewing his progress through ,
-What perils past , what crosses to ensue ,
-Would shut the book , and sit him down and die .
-'Tis not ten years gone
-Since Richard and Northumberland , great friends ,
-Did feast together , and in two years after
-Were they at wars : it is but eight years since
-This Percy was the man nearest my soul ,
-Who like a brother toil'd in my affairs
-And laid his love and life under my foot ;
-Yea , for my sake , even to the eyes of Richard
-Gave him defiance . But which of you was by ,
-
-
-You , cousin Nevil , as I may remember ,
-When Richard , with his eye brimful of tears ,
-Then check'd and rated by Northumberland ,
-Did speak these words , now prov'd a prophecy ?
-'Northumberland , thou ladder , by the which
-My cousin Bolingbroke ascends my throne ;'
-Though then , God knows , I had no such intent ,
-But that necessity so bow'd the state
-That I and greatness were compelled to kiss :
-'The time shall come ,' thus did he follow it ,
-'The time will come , that foul sin , gathering head ,
-Shall break into corruption :' so went on ,
-Foretelling this same time's condition
-And the division of our amity .
-
-There is a history in all men's lives ,
-Figuring the nature of the times deceas'd ;
-The which observ'd , a man may prophesy ,
-With a near aim , of the main chance of things
-As yet not come to life , which in their seeds
-And weak leginnings lie intreasured .
-Such things become the hatch and brood of time ;
-And by the necessary form of this
-King Richard might create a perfect guess
-That great Northumberland , then false to him ,
-Would of that seed grow to a greater falseness ,
-Which should not find a ground to root upon ,
-Unless on you .
-
-Are these things then necessities ?
-Then let us meet them like necessities ;
-And that same word even now cries out on us .
-They say the bishop and Northumberland
-Are fifty thousand strong .
-
-It cannot be , my lord !
-Rumour doth double , like the voice and echo ,
-The numbers of the fear'd . Please it your Grace
-To go to bed : upon my soul , my lord ,
-The powers that you already have sent forth
-Shall bring this prize in very easily .
-To comfort you the more , I have receiv'd
-A certain instance that Glendower is dead .
-Your majesty hath been this fortnight ill ,
-And these unseason'd hours perforce must add
-Unto your sickness .
-
-I will take your counsel :
-And were these inward wars once out of hand ,
-We would , dear lords , unto the Holy Land .
-
-
-Come on , come on , come on , sir ; give me your hand , sir , give me your hand , sir : an early stirrer , by the rood ! And how doth my good cousin Silence ?
-
-Good morrow , good cousin Shallow .
-
-And how doth my cousin , your bed-fellow ? and your fairest daughter and mine , my god-daughter Ellen ?
-
-Alas ! a black ousel , cousin Shallow !
-
-By yea and nay , sir , I dare say my cousin William is become a good scholar . He is at Oxford still , is he not ?
-
-Indeed , sir , to my cost .
-
-A' must , then , to the inns o' court shortly . I was once of Clement's Inn ; where I think they will talk of mad Shallow yet .
-
-You were called 'lusty Shallow' then , cousin .
-
-By the mass , I was called any thing ; and I would have done any thing indeed too , and roundly too . There was I , and Little John Doit of Staffordshire , and black George Barnes , and Francis Pickbone , and Will Squele a Cotswold man ; you had not four such swinge-bucklers in all the inns of court again : and , I may say to you , we knew where the bona-robas were , and had the best of them all at commandment . Then was Jack Falstaff , now Sir John , a boy , and page to Thomas Mowbray , Duke of Norfolk .
-
-This Sir John , cousin , that comes hither anon about soldiers ?
-
-The same Sir John , the very same . I saw him break Skogan's head at the court gate , when a' was a crack not thus high : and the very same day did I fight with one Sampson Stockfish , a fruiterer , behind Gray's Inn . Jesu ! Jesu ! the mad days that I have spent ; and to see how many of mine old acquaintance are dead !
-
-We shall all follow , cousin .
-
-Certain , 'tis certain ; very sure , very sure : death , as the Psalmist saith , is certain to all ; all shall die . How a good yoke of bullocks at Stamford fair ?
-
-Truly , cousin , I was not there .
-
-Death is certain . Is old Double of your town living yet ?
-
-Dead , sir .
-
-Jesu ! Jesu ! dead ! a' drew a good bow ; and dead ! a' shot a fine shoot : John a Gaunt loved him well , and betted much money on his head . Dead ! a' would have clapped i' the clout at twelve score ; and carried you a forehand shaft a fourteen and fourteen and a half , that it would have done a man's heart good to see . How a score of ewes now ?
-
-Thereafter as they be : a score of good ewes may be worth ten pounds .
-
-And is old Double dead ?
-
-Here come two of Sir John Falstaff's men , as I think .
-
-
-Good morrow , honest gentlemen : I beseech you , which is Justice Shallow ?
-
-I am Robert Shallow , sir ; a poor esquire of this county , and one of the king's justices of the peace : what is your good pleasure with me ?
-
-My captain , sir , commends him to you ; my captain , Sir John Falstaff : a tall gentleman , by heaven , and a most gallant leader .
-
-He greets me well , sir . I knew him a good backsword man . How doth the good knight ? may I ask how my lady his wife doth ?
-
-Sir , pardon ; a soldier is better accommodated than with a wife .
-
-It is well said , in faith , sir ; and it is well said indeed too . 'Better accommodated !' it is good ; yea indeed , is it : good phrases are surely and ever were , very commendable . Accommodated ! it comes of accommodo : very good ; a good phrase .
-
-Pardon me , sir ; I have heard the word . 'Phrase ,' call you it ? By this good day , I know not the phrase ; but I will maintain the word with my sword to be a soldier-like word , and a word of exceeding good command , by heaven . Accommodated ; that is , when a man is , as they say , accommodated ; or , when a man is , being , whereby , a' may be thought to be accommodated , which is an excellent thing .
-
-
-It is very just . Look , here comes good Sir John . Give me your good hand , give me your worship's good hand . By my troth , you look well and bear your years very well : welcome , good Sir John .
-
-I am glad to see you well , good Master Robert Shallow . Master Surecard , as I think .
-
-No , Sir John ; it is my cousin , Silence , in commission with me .
-
-Good Master Silence , it well befits you should be of the peace .
-
-Your good worship is welcome .
-
-Fie ! this is hot weather , gentlemen .
-Have you provided me here half a dozen sufficient men ?
-
-Marry , have we , sir . Will you sit ?
-
-Let me see them , I beseech you .
-
-Where's the roll ? where's the roll ? where's the roll ? Let me see , let me see , let me see . So , so , so , so , so , so , so : yea , marry , sir : Ralph Mouldy ! let them appear as I call ; let them do so , let them do so . Let me see ; where is Mouldy ?
-
-Here , an't please you .
-
-What think you , Sir John ? a goodlimbed fellow ; young , strong , and of good friends .
-
-Is thy name Mouldy ?
-
-Yea , an't please you .
-
-'Tis the more time thou wert used .
-
-Ha , ha , ha ! most excellent , i' faith ! things that are mouldy lack use : very singular good . In faith , well said , Sir John ; very well said .
-
-Prick him .
-
-I was pricked well enough before , an you could have let me alone : my old dame will be undone now for one to do her husbandry and her drudgery : you need not to have pricked me ; there are other men fitter to go out than I .
-
-Go to : peace , Mouldy ! you shall go . Mouldy , it is time you were spent .
-
-Spent !
-
-Peace , fellow , peace ! stand aside : know you where you are ? For the other , Sir John : let me see . Simon Shadow !
-
-Yea , marry , let me have him to sit under : he's like to be a cold soldier .
-
-Where's Shadow ?
-
-Here , sir .
-
-Shadow , whose son art thou ?
-
-My mother's son , sir .
-
-Thy mother's son ! like enough , and thy father's shadow : so the son of the female is the shadow of the male : it is often so , indeed ; but not of the father's substance .
-
-Do you like him , Sir John ?
-
-Shadow will serve for summer ; prick him , for we have a number of shadows to fill up the muster-book .
-
-Thomas Wart ?
-
-Where's he ?
-
-Here , sir .
-
-Is thy name Wart ?
-
-Yea , sir .
-
-Thou art a very ragged wart .
-
-Shall I prick him , Sir John ?
-
-It were superfluous ; for his apparel is built upon his back , and the whole frame stands upon pins : prick him no more .
-
-Ha , ha , ha ! you can do it , sir ; you can do it : I commend you well . Francis Feeble !
-
-Here , sir .
-
-What trade art thou , Feeble ?
-
-A woman's tailor , sir .
-
-Shall I prick him , sir ?
-
-You may ; but if he had been a man's tailor he'd have pricked you . Wilt thou make as many holes in an enemy's battle as thou hast done in a woman's petticoat ?
-
-I will do my good will , sir : you can have no more .
-
-Well said , good woman's tailor ! well said , courageous Feeble ! Thou wilt be as valiant as the wrathful dove or most magnanimous mouse . Prick the woman's tailor ; well , Master Shallow ; deep , Master Shallow .
-
-I would Wart might have gone , sir .
-
-I would thou wert a man's tailor , that thou mightst mend him , and make him fit to go . I cannot put him to a private soldier that is the leader of so many thousands : let that suffice , most forcible Feeble .
-
-It shall suffice , sir .
-
-I am bound to thee , reverend Feeble .
-Who is next ?
-
-Peter Bullcalf o' the green !
-
-Yea , marry , let's see Bullcalf .
-
-Here , sir .
-
-'Fore God , a likely fellow ! Come , prick me Bullcalf till he roar again .
-
-O Lord ! good my lord captain ,
-
-What ! dost thou roar before thou art pricked ?
-
-O Lord , sir ! I am a diseased man .
-
-What disease hast thou ?
-
-A whoreson cold , sir ; a cough , sir , which I caught with ringing in the king's affairs upon his coronation day , sir .
-
-Come , thou shalt go to the wars in a gown ; we will have away thy cold ; and I will take such order that thy friends shall ring for thee . Is here all ?
-
-Here is two more called than your number ; you must have but four here , sir : and so , I pray you , go in with me to dinner .
-
-Come , I will go drink with you , but I cannot tarry dinner . I am glad to see you , by my troth , Master Shallow .
-
-O , Sir John , do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in Saint George's fields ?
-
-No more of that , good Master Shallow , no more of that .
-
-Ha ! it was a merry night . And is Jane Nightwork alive ?
-
-She lives , Master Shallow .
-
-She never could away with me .
-
-Never , never ; she would always say she could not abide Master Shallow .
-
-By the mass , I could anger her to the heart . She was then a bona-roba . Doth she hold her own well ?
-
-Old , old , Master Shallow .
-
-Nay she must be old ; she cannot choose but be old ; certain she's old ; and had Robin Nightwork by old Nightwork before I came to Clement's Inn .
-
-That's fifty-five year ago .
-
-Ha ! cousin Silence , that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen . Ha ! Sir John , said I well ?
-
-We have heard the chimes at midnight , Master Shallow .
-
-That we have , that we have , that we have ; in faith , Sir John , we have . Our watchword was , 'Hem , boys !' Come , let's to dinner ; come , let's to dinner . Jesus , the days that we have seen ! Come , come .
-
-
-Good Master Corporate Bardolph , stand my friend , and here's four Harry ten shillings in French crowns for you . In very truth , sir , I had as lief be hanged , sir , as go : and yet , for mine own part , sir , I do not care ; but rather , because I am unwilling , and , for mine own part , have a desire to stay with my friends : else , sir , I did not care , for mine own part , so much .
-
-Go to ; stand aside .
-
-And , good Master corporal captain , for my old dame's sake , stand my friend : she has nobody to do any thing about her , when I am gone ; and she is old , and cannot help herself . You shall have forty , sir .
-
-Go to ; stand aside .
-
-By my troth , I care not ; a man can die but once ; we owe God a death . I'll ne'er bear a base mind : an't be my destiny , so ; an't be not , so . No man's too good to serve's prince ; and let it go which way it will , he that dies this year is quit for the next .
-
-Well said ; thou'rt a good fellow .
-
-Faith , I'll bear no base mind .
-
-
-Come , sir , which men shall I have ?
-
-Four , of which you please .
-
-Sir , a word with you . I have three pound to free Mouldy and Bullcalf .
-
-Go to ; well .
-
-Come , Sir John , which four will you have ?
-
-Do you choose for me .
-
-Marry , then , Mouldy , Bullcalf , Feeble , and Shadow .
-
-Mouldy , and Bullcalf : for you , Mouldy , stay at home till you are past service : and for your part , Bullcalf , grow till you come unto it : I will none of you .
-
-Sir John , Sir John , do not yourself wrong : they are your likeliest men , and I would have you served with the best .
-
-Will you tell me , Master Shallow , how to choose a man ? Care I for the limb , the thewes , the stature , bulk , and big assemblance of a man ! Give me the spirit , Master Shallow . Here's Wart ; you see what a ragged appearance it is : a' shall charge you and discharge you with the motion of a pewterer's hammer , come off and on swifter than he that gibbets on the brewer's bucket . And this same half-faced fellow , Shadow , give me this man : he presents no mark to the enemy ; the foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife . And , for a retreat ; how swiftly will this Feeble the woman's tailor run off ! O ! give me the spare men , and spare me the great ones . Put me a caliver into Wart's hand , Bardolph .
-
-Hold , Wart , traverse ; thus , thus , thus .
-
-Come , manage me your caliver . So : very well : go to : very good : exceeding good . O , give me always a little , lean , old , chopp'd , bald shot . Well said , i' faith , Wart ; thou'rt a good scab : hold , there's a tester for thee .
-
-He is not his craft's master , he doth not do it right . I remember at Mile-end Green , when I lay at Clement's Inn ,I was then Sir Dagonet in Arthur's show ,there was a little quiver fellow , and a' would manage you his piece thus : and a' would about and about , and come you in , and come you in ; 'rah , tah , tah ,' would a' say ; 'bounce ,' would a' say ; and away again would a' go , and again would a' come : I shall never see such a fellow .
-
-These fellows will do well , Master Shallow . God keep you , Master Silence : I will not use many words with you . Fare you well , gentlemen both : I thank you : I must a dozen mile to-night . Bardolph , give the soldiers coats .
-
-Sir John , the Lord bless you ! and prosper your affairs ! God send us peace ! At your return visit our house ; let our old acquaintance be renewed : peradventure I will with ye to the court .
-
-'Fore God I would you would , Master Shallow .
-
-Go to ; I have spoke at a word . God keep you .
-
-Fare you well , gentle gentlemen .
-
-As I return , I will fetch off these justices : I do see the bottom of Justice Shallow . Lord , Lord ! how subject we old men are to this vice of lying . This same starved justice hath done nothing but prate to me of the wildness of his youth and the feats he hath done about Turnbull Street ; and every third word a lie , duer paid to the hearer than the Turk's tribute . I do remember him at Clement's Inn like a man made after supper of a cheese-paring : when a' was naked he was for all the world like a forked radish , with a head fantastically carved upon it with a knife : a' was so forlorn that his dimensions to any thick sight were invincible : a' was the very genius of famine ; yet lecherous as a monkey , and the whores called him mandrake : a' came ever in the rearward of the fashion and sung those tunes to the over-scutched huswives that he heard the carmen whistle , and sware they were his fancies or his good-nights . And now is this Vice's dagger become a squire , and talks as familiarly of John a Gaunt as if he had been sworn brother to him ; and I'll be sworn a' never saw him but once in the Tilt-yard , and then he burst his head for crowding among the marshal's men . I saw it and told John a Gaunt he beat his own name ; for you might have thrust him and all his apparel into an eel-skin ; the case of a treble hautboy was a mansion for him , a court ; and now has he land and beefs . Well , I will be acquainted with him , if I return ; and it shall go hard but I will make him a philosopher's two stones to me . If the young dace be a bait for the old pike , I see no reason in the law of nature but I may snap at him . Let time shape , and there an end .
-
-What is this forest call'd ?
-
-'Tis Gaultree Forest , an't shall please your Grace .
-
-Here stand , my lords , and send discovers forth ,
-To know the numbers of our enemies .
-
-We have sent forth already .
-
-'Tis well done .
-My friends and brethren in these great affairs ,
-I must acquaint you that I have receiv'd
-New-dated letters from Northumberland ;
-Their cold intent , tenour and substance , thus :
-Here doth he wish his person , with such powers
-As might hold sortance with his quality ;
-The which he could not levy ; whereupon
-He is retir'd , to ripe his growing fortunes ,
-To Scotland ; and concludes in hearty prayers
-That your attempts may overlive the hazard
-And fearful meeting of their opposite .
-
-Thus do the hopes we have in him touch ground
-And dash themselves to pieces .
-
-
-Now , what news ?
-
-West of this forest , scarcely off a mile ,
-In goodly form comes on the enemy ;
-And , by the ground they hide , I judge their number
-Upon or near the rate of thirty thousand .
-
-The just proportion that we gave them out .
-Let us sway on and face them in the field .
-
-
-What well-appointed leader fronts us here ?
-
-I think it is my Lord of Westmoreland .
-
-Health and fair greeting from our general .
-The Prince , Lord John and Duke of Lancaster .
-
-Say on , my Lord of Westmoreland , in peace ,
-What doth concern your coming .
-
-Then , my lord ,
-Unto your Grace do I in chief address
-The substance of my speech . If that rebellion
-Came like itself , in base and abject routs ,
-Led on by bloody youth , guarded with rags ,
-And countenanc'd by boys and beggary ;
-I say , if damn'd commotion so appear'd ,
-In his true , native , and most proper shape ,
-You , reverend father , and these noble lords
-Had not been here , to dress the ugly form
-Of base and bloody insurrection
-With your fair honours . You , lord archbishop ,
-Whose see is by a civil peace maintain'd ,
-Whose beard the silver hand of peace hath touch'd ,
-Whose learning and good letters peace hath tutor'd ,
-Whose white investments figure innocence ,
-The dove and very blessed spirit of peace ,
-Wherefore do you so ill translate yourself
-Out of the speech of peace that bears such grace
-Into the harsh and boisterous tongue of war ;
-Turning your books to greaves , your ink to blood ,
-Your pens to lances , and your tongue divine
-To a loud trumpet and a point of war ?
-
-Wherefore do I this ? so the question stands .
-Briefly to this end : we are all diseas'd ;
-And , with our surfeiting and wanton hours
-Have brought ourselves into a burning fever ,
-And we must bleed for it : of which disease
-Our late king , Richard , being infected , died .
-But , my most noble Lord of Westmoreland ,
-I take not on me here as a physician ,
-Nor do I as an enemy to peace
-Troop in the throngs of military men ;
-But rather show a while like fearful war ,
-To diet rank minds sick of happiness
-And purge the obstructions which begin to stop
-Our very veins of life . Hear me more plainly :
-I have in equal balance justly weigh'd
-What wrongs our arms may do , what wrongs we suffer ,
-And find our griefs heavier than our offences .
-We see which way the stream of time doth run
-And are enforc'd from our most quiet sphere
-By the rough torrent of occasion ;
-And have the summary of all our griefs ,
-When time shall serve , to show in articles ,
-Which long ere this we offer'd to the king ,
-And might by no suit gain our audience .
-When we are wrong'd and would unfold our griefs ,
-We are denied access unto his person
-Even by those men that most have done us wrong .
-The dangers of the days but newly gone ,
-Whose memory is written on the earth
-With yet appearing blood ,and the examples
-Of every minute's instance , present now ,
-Have put us in these ill-beseeming arms ;
-Not to break peace , or any branch of it ,
-But to establish here a peace indeed ,
-Concurring both in name and quality .
-
-When ever yet was your appeal denied ?
-Wherein have you been galled by the king ?
-What peer hath been suborn'd to grate on you ,
-That you should seal this lawless bloody book
-Of forg'd rebellion with a seal divine ,
-And consecrate commotion's bitter edge ?
-
-My brother general , the commonwealth ,
-To brother born an household cruelty ,
-I make my quarrel in particular .
-
-There is no need of any such redress ;
-Or if there were , it not belongs to you .
-
-Why not to him in part , and to us all
-That feel the bruises of the days before ,
-And suffer the condition of these times
-To lay a heavy and unequal hand
-Upon our honours ?
-
-O ! my good Lord Mowbray ,
-Construe the times to their necessities ,
-And you shall say indeed , it is the time ,
-And not the king , that doth you injuries .
-Yet , for your part , it not appears to me
-Either from the king or in the present time
-That you should have an inch of any ground
-To build a grief on : were you not restor'd
-To all the Duke of Norfolk's signories ,
-Your noble and right well-remember'd father's ?
-
-What thing , in honour , had my father lost ,
-That need to be reviv'd and breath'd in me ?
-The king that lov'd him as the state stood then ,
-Was force perforce compell'd to banish him :
-And then that Harry Bolingbroke and he ,
-Being mounted and both roused in their seats ,
-Their neighing coursers daring of the spur ,
-Their armed staves in charge , their beavers down ,
-Their eyes of fire sparkling through sights of steel ,
-And the loud trumpet blowing them together ,
-Then , then , when there was nothing could have stay'd
-My father from the breast of Bolingbroke ,
-O ! when the king did throw his warder down ,
-His own life hung upon the staff he threw ;
-Then threw he down himself and all their lives
-That by indictment and by dint of sword
-Have since miscarried under Bolingbroke .
-
-You speak , Lord Mowbray , now you know not what .
-The Earl of Hereford was reputed then
-In England the most valiant gentleman :
-Who knows on whom Fortune would then have smil'd ?
-But if your father had been victor there ,
-He ne'er had borne it out of Coventry ;
-For all the country in a general voice
-Cried hate upon him ; and all their prayers and love
-Were set on Hereford , whom they doted on
-And bless'd and grac'd indeed , more than the king .
-But this is mere digression from my purpose .
-Here come I from our princely general
-To know your griefs ; to tell you from his Grace
-That he will give you audience ; and wherein
-It shall appear that your demands are just ,
-You shall enjoy them ; every thing set off
-That might so much as think you enemies .
-
-But he hath forc'd us to compel this offer ,
-And it proceeds from policy , not love .
-
-Mowbray , you overween to take it so .
-This offer comes from mercy , not from fear :
-For , lo ! within a ken our army lies
-Upon mine honour , all too confident
-To give admittance to a thought of fear .
-Our battle is more full of names than yours ,
-Our men more perfect in the use of arms ,
-Our armour all as strong , our cause the best ;
-Then reason will our hearts should be as good :
-Say you not then our offer is compell'd .
-
-Well , by my will we shall admit no parley .
-
-That argues but the shame of your offence :
-A rotten case abides no handling .
-
-Hath the Prince John a full commission ,
-In very ample virtue of his father ,
-To hear and absolutely to determine
-Of what conditions we shall stand upon ?
-
-That is intended in the general's name .
-I muse you make so slight a question .
-
-Then take , my Lord of Westmoreland , this schedule ,
-For this contains our general grievances :
-Each several article herein redress'd ;
-All members of our cause , both here and hence ,
-That are insinew'd to this action ,
-Acquitted by a true substantial form
-And present execution of our wills
-To us and to our purposes consign'd ;
-We come within our awful banks again
-And knit our powers to the arm of peace .
-
-This will I show the general . Please you , lords ,
-In sight of both our battles we may meet ;
-And either end in peace , which God so frame !
-Or to the place of difference call the swords
-Which must decide it .
-
-My lord , we will do so .
-
-
-There is a thing within my bosom tells me
-That no conditions of our peace can stand .
-
-Fear you not that : if we can make our peace
-Upon such large terms , and so absolute
-As our condition shall consist upon ,
-Our peace shall stand as firm as rocky mountains .
-
-Yea , but our valuation shall be such
-That every slight and false-derived cause ,
-Yea , every idle , nice , and wanton reason
-Shall to the king taste of this action ;
-That , were our royal faiths martyrs in love ,
-We shall be winnow'd with so rough a wind
-That even our corn shall seem as light as chaff
-And good from bad find no partition .
-
-No , no , my lord . Note this ; the king is weary
-Of dainty and such picking grievances :
-For he hath found to end one doubt by death
-Revives two greater in the heirs of life ;
-And therefore will he wipe his tables clean ,
-And keep no tell-tale to his memory
-That may repeat and history his loss
-To new remembrance ; for full well he knows
-He cannot so precisely weed this land
-As his misdoubts present occasion :
-His foes are so enrooted with his friends
-That , plucking to unfix an enemy ,
-He doth unfasten so and shake a friend .
-So that this land , like an offensive wife ,
-That hath enrag'd him on to offer strokes ,
-As he is striking , holds his infant up
-And hangs resolv'd correction in the arm
-That was uprear'd to execution .
-
-Besides , the king hath wasted all his rods
-On late offenders , that he now doth lack
-The very instruments of chastisement ;
-So that his power , like to a fangless lion ,
-May offer , but not hold .
-
-'Tis very true :
-And therefore be assur'd , my good lord marshal ,
-If we do now make our atonement well ,
-Our peace will , like a broken limb united ,
-Grow stronger for the breaking .
-
-Be it so .
-Here is return'd my Lord of Westmoreland .
-
-
-The prince is here at hand : pleaseth your lordship ,
-To meet his Grace just distance 'tween our armies ?
-
-Your Grace of York , in God's name then , set forward .
-
-Before , and greet his Grace : my lord , we come .
-
-You are well encounter'd here , my cousin Mowbray :
-Good day to you , gentle lord archbishop ;
-And so to you , Lord Hastings , and to all .
-My Lord of York , it better show'd with you ,
-When that your flock , assembled by the bell ,
-Encircled you to hear with reverence
-Your exposition on the holy text
-Than now to see you here an iron man ,
-Cheering a rout of rebels with your drum ,
-Turning the word to sword and life to death .
-That man that sits within a monarch's heart
-And ripens in the sunshine of his favour ,
-Would he abuse the countenance of the king ,
-Alack ! what mischief might he set abroach
-In shadow of such greatness . With you , lord bishop ,
-It is even so . Who hath not heard it spoken
-How deep you were within the books of God ?
-To us , the speaker in his parliament ;
-To us the imagin'd voice of God himself ;
-The very opener and intelligencer
-Between the grace , the sanctities of heaven ,
-And our dull workings . O ! who shall believe
-But you misuse the reverence of your place ,
-Employ the countenance and grace of heaven ,
-As a false favourite doth his prince's name ,
-In deeds dishonourable ? You have taken up ,
-Under the counterfeited zeal of God ,
-The subjects of his substitute , my father ;
-And both against the peace of heaven and him
-Have here upswarm'd them .
-
-Good my Lord of Lancaster ,
-I am not here against your father's peace ;
-But , as I told my Lord of Westmoreland ,
-The time misorder'd doth , in common sense ,
-Crowd us and crush us to this monstrous form ,
-To hold our safety up . I sent your Grace
-The parcels and particulars of our grief ,
-The which hath been with scorn shov'd from the court ,
-Whereon this Hydra son of war is born ;
-Whose dangerous eyes may well be charm'd asleep
-With grant of our most just and right desires ,
-And true obedience , of this madness cur'd ,
-Stoop tamely to the foot of majesty .
-
-If not , we ready are to try our fortunes
-To the last man .
-
-And though we here fall down ,
-We have supplies to second our attempt :
-If they miscarry , theirs shall second them ;
-And so success of mischief shall be born ,
-And heir from heir shall hold this quarrel up
-Whiles England shall have generation .
-
-You are too shallow , Hastings , much too shallow ,
-To sound the bottom of the after-times .
-
-Pleaseth your Grace , to answer them directly
-How far forth you do like their articles .
-
-I like them all , and do allow them well ;
-And swear here , by the honour of my blood ,
-My father's purposes have been mistook ,
-And some about him have too lavishly
-Wrested his meaning and authority .
-My lord , these griefs shall be with speed redress'd ;
-Upon my soul , they shall . If this may please you ,
-Discharge your powers unto their several counties ,
-As we will ours : and here between the armies
-Let's drink together friendly and embrace ,
-That all their eyes may bear those tokens home
-Of our restored love and amity .
-
-I take your princely word for these redresses .
-
-I give it you , and will maintain my word :
-And thereupon I drink unto your Grace .
-
-Go , captain , and deliver to the army
-This news of peace : let them have pay , and part :
-I know it will well please them : hie thee , captain .
-
-
-To you , my noble Lord of Westmoreland .
-
-I pledge your Grace : and , if you knew what pains
-I have bestow'd to breed this present peace ,
-You would drink freely ; but my love to you
-Shall show itself more openly hereafter .
-
-I do not doubt you .
-
-I am glad of it .
-Health to my lord and gentle cousin , Mowbray .
-
-You wish me health in very happy season ;
-For I am , on the sudden , something ill .
-
-Against ill chances men are ever merry ,
-But heaviness foreruns the good event .
-
-Therefore be merry , coz ; since sudden sorrow
-Serves to say thus , Some good thing comes to morrow .
-
-Believe me , I am passing light in spirit .
-
-So much the worse if your own rule be true .
-
-
-The word of peace is render'd : hark , how they shout !
-
-This had been cheerful , after victory .
-
-A peace is of the nature of a conquest ;
-For then both parties nobly are subdu'd ,
-And neither party loser .
-
-Go , my lord ,
-And let our army be discharged too .
-
-And , good my lord , so please you , let our trains
-March by us , that we may peruse the men
-We should have cop'd withal .
-
-Go , good Lord Hastings ,
-And , ere they be dismiss'd , let them march by .
-
-
-I trust , lords , we shall lie to-night together .
-
-Now , cousin , wherefore stands our army still ?
-
-The leaders , having charge from you to stand ,
-Will not go off until they hear you speak .
-
-They know their duties .
-
-
-My lord , our army is dispers'd already :
-Like youthful steers unyok'd , they take their courses
-East , west , north , south ; or , like a school broke up ,
-Each hurries toward his home and sporting-place .
-
-Good tidings , my Lord Hastings ; for the which
-I do arrest thee , traitor , of high treason :
-And you , lord archbishop , and you , Lord Mowbray ,
-Of capital treason I attach you both .
-
-Is this proceeding just and honourable ?
-
-Is your assembly so ?
-
-Will you thus break your faith ?
-
-I pawn'd thee none .
-I promis'd you redress of these same grievances
-Whereof you did complain ; which , by mine honour ,
-I will perform with a most Christian care .
-But for you , rebels , look to taste the due
-Meet for rebellion and such acts as yours .
-Most shallowly did you these arms commence ,
-Fondly brought here and foolishly sent hence .
-Strike up our drums ! pursue the scatter'd stray :
-God , and not we , hath safely fought to-day .
-Some guard these traitors to the block of death ;
-Treason's true bed , and yielder up of breath .
-
-
-What's your name , sir ? of what condition are you , and of what place , I pray ?
-
-I am a knight , sir ; and my name is Colevile of the dale .
-
-Well then , Colevile is your name , a knight is your degree , and your place the dale : Colevile shall still be your name , a traitor your degree , and the dungeon your place , a place deep enough ; so shall you be still Colevile of the dale .
-
-Are not you Sir John Falstaff ?
-
-As good a man as he , sir , whoe'er I am . Do ye yield , sir , or shall I sweat for you ? If I do sweat , they are the drops of thy lovers , and they weep for thy death : therefore rouse up fear and trembling , and do observance to my mercy .
-
-I think you are Sir John Falstaff , and in that thought yield me .
-
-I have a whole school of tongues in this belly of mine , and not a tongue of them all speaks any other word but my name . An I had but a belly of any indifferency , I were simply the most active fellow in Europe : my womb , my womb , my womb undoes me . Here comes our general .
-
-
-The heat is past , follow no further now .
-Call in the powers , good cousin Westmoreland .
-
-Now , Falstaff , where have you been all this while ?
-When everything is ended , then you come :
-These tardy tricks of yours will , on my life ,
-One time or other break some gallows' back .
-
-I would be sorry , my lord , but it should be thus : I never knew yet but rebuke and check was the reward of valour . Do you think me a swallow , an arrow , or a bullet ? have I , in my poor and old motion , the expedition of thought ? I have speeded hither with the very extremest inch of possibility ; I have foundered nine score and odd posts ; and here , travel-tainted as I am , have , in my pure and immaculate valour , taken Sir John Colevile of the dale , a most furious knight and valorous enemy . But what of that ? he saw me , and yielded ; that I may justly say with the hook-nosed fellow of Rome , 'I came , saw , and overcame .'
-
-It was more of his courtesy than your deserving .
-
-I know not : here he is , and here I yield him ; and I beseech your Grace , let it be booked with the rest of this day's deeds ; or , by the Lord , I will have it in a particular ballad else , with mine own picture on the top on't , Colevile kissing my foot . To the which course if I be enforced , if you do not all show like gilt two-pences to me , and I in the clear sky of fame o'ershine you as much as the full moon doth the cinders of the element , which show like pins' heads to her , believe not the word of the noble . Therefore let me have right , and let desert mount .
-
-Thine's too heavy to mount .
-
-Let it shine then .
-
-Thine's too thick to shine .
-
-Let it do something , my good lord , that may do me good , and call it what you will .
-
-Is thy name Colevile ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-A famous rebel art thou , Colevile .
-
-And a famous true subject took him .
-
-I am , my lord , but as my betters are
-That led me hither : had they been rul'd by me
-You should have won them dearer than you have .
-
-I know not how they sold themselves : but thou , like a kind fellow , gavest thyself away gratis , and I thank thee for thee .
-
-
-Have you left pursuit ?
-
-Retreat is made and execution stay'd .
-
-Send Colevile with his confederates
-To York , to present execution .
-Blunt , lead him hence , and see you guard him sure .
-
-And now dispatch we toward the court , my lords :
-I hear , the king my father is sore sick :
-Our news shall go before us to his majesty ,
-Which , cousin
-
-, you shall bear , to comfort him ;
-And we with sober speed will follow you .
-
-My lord , I beseech you , give me leave to go ,
-Through Gloucestershire , and when you come to court
-Stand my good lord , pray , in your good report .
-
-Fare you well , Falstaff : I , in my condition ,
-Shall better speak of you than you deserve .
-
-
-I would you had but the wit : 'twere better than your dukedom . Good faith , this same young sober-blooded boy doth not love me ; nor a man cannot make him laugh ; but that's no marvel , he drinks no wine . There's never none of these demure boys come to any proof ; for thin drink doth so over-cool their blood , and making many fish-meals , that they fall into a kind of male green-sickness ; and then , when they marry , they get wenches . They are generally fools and cowards , which some of us should be too but for inflammation . A good sherris-sack hath a two-fold operation in it . It ascends me into the brain ; dries me there all the foolish and dull and crudy vapours which environ it ; makes it apprehensive , quick , forgetive , full of nimble fiery and delectable shapes ; which , deliver'd o'er to the voice , the tongue , which is the birth , becomes excellent wit . The second property of your excellent sherris is , the warming of the blood ; which , before cold and settled , left the liver white and pale , which is the badge of pusillanimity and cowardice : but the sherris warms it and makes it course from the inwards to the parts extreme . It illumineth the face , which , as a beacon , gives warning to all the rest of this little kingdom , man , to arm ; and then the vital commoners and inland petty spirits muster me all to their captain , the heart , who , great and puffed up with this retinue , doth any deed of courage ; and this valour comes of sherris . So that skill in the weapon is nothing without sack , for that sets it a-work ; and leaining , a mere hoard of gold kept by a devil till sack commences it and sets it in act and use . Hereof comes it that Prince Harry is valiant ; for the cold blood he did naturally inherit of his father , he hath , like lean , sterile , and bare land , manured , husbanded , and tilled , with excellent endeavour of drinking good and good store of fertile sherris , that he is become very hot and valiant . If I had a thousand sons , the first human principle I would teach them should be , to forswear thin potations and to addict themselves to sack .
-
-How now , Bardolph ?
-
-The army is discharged all and gone .
-
-Let them go . I'll through Gloucestershire ; and there will I visit Master Robert Shallow , esquire : I have him already tempering between my finger and my thumb , and shortly will I seal with him . Come away .
-
-
-Now , lords , if God doth give successful end
-To this debate that bleedeth at our doors ,
-We will our youth lead on to higher fields
-And draw no swords but what are sanctified .
-Our navy is address'd , our power collected ,
-Our substitutes in absence well invested ,
-And everything lies level to our wish :
-Only , we want a little personal strength ;
-And pause us , till these rebels , now afoot ,
-Come underneath the yoke of government .
-
-Both which we doubt not but your majesty
-Shall soon enjoy .
-
-Humphrey , my son of Gloucester ,
-Where is the prince your brother ?
-
-I think he's gone to hunt , my lord , at Windsor .
-
-And how accompanied ?
-
-I do not know , my lord .
-
-Is not his brother Thomas of Clarence with him ?
-
-No , my good lord ; he is in presence here .
-
-What would my lord and father ?
-
-Nothing but well to thee , Thomas of Clarence .
-How chance thou art not with the prince thy brother ?
-He loves thee , and thou dost neglect him , Thomas ;
-Thou hast a better place in his affection
-Than all thy brothers : cherish it , my boy ,
-And noble offices thou mayst effect
-Of mediation , after I am dead ,
-Between his greatness and thy other brethren :
-Therefore omit him not ; blunt not his love ,
-Nor lose the good advantage of his grace
-By seeming cold or careless of his will ;
-For he is gracious , if he be observ'd :
-He hath a tear for pity and a hand
-Open as day for melting charity ;
-Yet , notwithstanding , being incens'd , he's flint ;
-As humorous as winter , and as sudden
-As flaws congealed in the spring of day .
-His temper therefore must be well observ'd :
-Chide him for faults , and do it reverently ,
-When you perceive his blood inclin'd to mirth ;
-But , being moody , give him line and scope ,
-Till that his passions , like a whale on ground ,
-Confound themselves with working . Learn this , Thomas ,
-And thou shalt prove a shelter to thy friends ,
-A hoop of gold to bind thy brothers in ,
-That the united vessel of their blood ,
-Mingled with venom of suggestion
-As , force perforce , the age will pour it in
-Shall never leak , though it do work as strong
-As aconitum or rash gunpowder .
-
-I shall observe him with all care and love .
-
-Why art thou not at Windsor with him , Thomas ?
-
-He is not there to-day ; he dines in London .
-
-And how accompanied ? canst thou tell that ?
-
-With Poins and other his continual followers .
-
-Most subject is the fattest soil to weeds ;
-And he , the noble image of my youth ,
-Is overspread with them : therefore my grief
-Stretches itself beyond the hour of death :
-The blood weeps from my heart when I do shape
-In forms imaginary the unguided days
-And rotten times that you shall look upon
-When I am sleeping with my ancestors .
-For when his headstrong riot hath no curb ,
-When rage and hot blood are his counsellors ,
-When means and lavish manners meet together ,
-O ! with what wings shall his affections fly
-Towards fronting peril and oppos'd decay .
-
-My gracious lord , you look beyond him quite :
-The prince but studies his companions
-Like a strange tongue , wherein , to gain the language ,
-'Tis needful that the most immodest word
-Be look'd upon , and learn'd ; which once attain'd ,
-Your highness knows , comes to no further use
-But to be known and hated . So , like gross terms ,
-The prince will in the perfectness of time
-Cast off his followers ; and their memory
-Shall as a pattern or a measure live ,
-By which his Grace must mete the lives of others ,
-Turning past evils to advantages .
-
-'Tis seldom when the bee doth leave her comb
-In the dead carrion .
-
-Who's here ? Westmoreland !
-
-Health to my sovereign , and new happiness
-Added to that that I am to deliver !
-Prince John your son doth kiss your Grace's hand :
-Mowbray , the Bishop Scroop , Hastings and all
-Are brought to the correction of your law .
-There is not now a rebel's sword unsheath'd ,
-But Peace puts forth her olive everywhere .
-The manner how this action hath been borne
-Here at more leisure may your highness read ,
-With every course in his particular .
-
-O Westmoreland ! thou art a summer bird ,
-Which ever in the haunch of winter sings
-The lifting up of day .
-
-Look ! here's more news .
-
-From enemies heaven keep your majesty ;
-And , when they stand against you , may they fall
-As those that I am come to tell you of !
-The Earl Northumberland , and the Lord Bardolph ,
-With a great power of English and of Scots ,
-Are by the sheriff of Yorkshire overthrown .
-The manner and true order of the fight
-This packet , please it you , contains at large .
-
-And wherefore should these good news make me sick ?
-Will Fortune never come with both hands full
-But write her fair words still in foulest letters ?
-She either gives a stomach and no food ;
-Such are the poor , in health ; or else a feast
-And takes away the stomach ; such are the rich ,
-That have abundance and enjoy it not .
-I should rejoice now at this happy news ,
-And now my sight fails , and my brain is giddy .
-O me ! come near me , now I am much ill .
-
-Comfort , your majesty !
-
-O my royal father !
-
-My sovereign lord , cheer up yourself : look up !
-
-Be patient , princes : you do know these fits
-Are with his highness very ordinary :
-Stand from him , give him air ; he'll straight be well .
-
-No , no ; he cannot long hold out these pangs :
-The incessant care and labour of his mind
-Hath wrought the mure that should confine it in
-So thin , that life looks through and will break out .
-
-The people fear me ; for they do observe
-Unfather'd heirs and loathly births of nature :
-The seasons change their manners , as the year
-Had found some months asleep and leap'd them over .
-
-The river hath thrice flow'd , no ebb between ;
-And the old folk , time's doting chronicles ,
-Say it did so a little time before
-That our great-grandsire , Edward , sick'd and died .
-
-Speak lower , princes , for the king recovers .
-
-This apoplexy will certain be his end .
-
-I pray you take me up , and bear me hence
-Into some other chamber : softly , pray .
-
-Let there be no noise made , my gentle friends ;
-Unless some dull and favourable hand
-Will whisper music to my weary spirit .
-
-Call for the music in the other room .
-
-Set me the crown upon my pillow here .
-
-His eye is hollow , and he changes much .
-
-Less noise , less noise !
-
-
-Who saw the Duke of Clarence ?
-
-I am here , brother , full of heaviness .
-
-How now ! rain within doors , and none abroad !
-How doth the king ?
-
-Exceeding ill .
-
-Heard he the good news yet ?
-Tell it him .
-
-He alter'd much upon the hearing it .
-
-If he be sick with joy , he will recover without physic .
-
-Not so much noise , my lords . Sweet prince , speak low ;
-The king your father is dispos'd to sleep .
-
-Let us withdraw into the other room .
-
-Will't please your Grace to go along with us ?
-
-No ; I will sit and watch here by the king .
-
-Why doth the crown lie there upon his pillow ,
-Being so troublesome a bedfellow ?
-O polish'd perturbation ! golden care !
-That keep'st the ports of slumber open wide
-To many a watchful night ! Sleep with it now !
-Yet not so sound , and half so deeply sweet
-As he whose brow with homely biggin bound
-Snores out the watch of night . O majesty !
-When thou dost pinch thy bearer , thou dost sit
-Like a rich armour worn in heat of day ,
-That scalds with safety . By his gates of breath
-There lies a downy feather which stirs not :
-Did he suspire , that light and weightless down
-Perforce must move . My gracious lord ! my father !
-This sleep is sound indeed ; this is a sleep
-That from this golden rigol hath divorc'd
-So many English kings . Thy due from me
-Is tears and heavy sorrows of the blood ,
-Which nature , love , and filial tenderness
-Shall , O dear father ! pay thee plenteously :
-My due from thee is this imperial crown ,
-Which , as immediate from thy place and blood ,
-Derives itself to me . Lo ! here it sits ,
-
-Which heaven shall guard ; and put the world's whole strength
-Into one giant arm , it shall not force
-This lineal honour from me . This from thee
-Will I to mine leave , as 'tis left to me .
-
-
-Warwick ! Gloucester ! Clarence !
-
-
-Doth the king call ?
-
-What would your majesty ? How fares your Grace ?
-
-Why did you leave me here alone , my lords ?
-
-We left the prince my brother here , my liege ,
-Who undertook to sit and watch by you .
-
-The Prince of Wales ! Where is he ? let me see him :
-He is not here .
-
-This door is open ; he is gone this way .
-
-He came not through the chamber where we stay'd .
-
-Where is the crown ? who took it from my pillow ?
-
-When we withdrew , my liege , we left it here .
-
-The prince hath ta'en it hence : go , seek him out .
-Is he so hasty that he doth suppose
-My sleep my death ?
-Find him , my Lord of Warwick ; chide him hither .
-
-This part of his conjoins with my disease ,
-And helps to end me . See , sons , what things you are !
-How quickly nature falls into revolt
-When gold becomes her object !
-For this the foolish over-careful fathers
-Have broke their sleeps with thoughts ,
-Their brains with care , their bones with industry ;
-For this they have engrossed and pil'd up
-The canker'd heaps of strange-achieved gold ;
-For this they have been thoughtful to invest
-Their sons with arts and martial exercises :
-When , like the bee , culling from every flower
-The virtuous sweets ,
-Our thighs packed with wax , our mouths with honey ,
-We bring it to the hive , and like the bees ,
-Are murder'd for our pains . This bitter taste
-Yield his engrossments to the ending father .
-
-
-Now , where is he that will not stay so long
-
-Till his friend sickness hath determin'd me ?
-
-My lord , I found the prince in the next room ,
-Washing with kindly tears his gentle cheeks ,
-With such a deep demeanour in great sorrow
-That tyranny , which never quaff'd but blood ,
-Would , by beholding him , have wash'd his knife
-With gentle eye-drops . He is coming hither .
-
-But wherefore did he take away the crown ?
-
-
-Lo , where he comes . Come hither to me , Harry .
-Depart the chamber , leave us here alone .
-
-I never thought to hear you speak again .
-
-Thy wish was father , Harry , to that thought :
-I stay too long by thee , I weary thee .
-Dost thou so hunger for my empty chair
-That thou wilt needs invest thee with mine honours
-Before thy hour be ripe ? O foolish youth !
-Thou seek'st the greatness that will overwhelm thee .
-Stay but a little ; for my cloud of dignity
-Is held from falling with so weak a wind
-That it will quickly drop : my day is dim .
-Thou hast stol'n that which after some few hours
-Were thine without offence ; and at my death
-Thou hast seal'd up my expectation :
-Thy life did manifest thou lov'dst me not ,
-And thou wilt have me die assur'd of it .
-Thou hid'st a thousand daggers in thy thoughts ,
-Which thou hast whetted on thy stony heart ,
-To stab at half an hour of my life .
-What ! canst thou not forbear me half an hour ?
-Then get thee gone and dig my grave thyself ,
-And bid the merry bells ring to thine ear
-That thou art crowned , not that I am dead .
-Let all the tears that should bedew my hearse
-Be drops of balm to sanctify thy head :
-Only compound me with forgotten dust ;
-Give that which gave thee life unto the worms .
-Pluck down my officers , break my decrees ;
-For now a time is come to mock at form .
-Harry the Fifth is crown'd ! Up , vanity !
-Down , royal state ! all you sage counsellors , hence !
-And to the English court assemble now ,
-From every region , apes of idleness !
-Now , neighbour confines , purge you of your scum :
-Have you a ruffian that will swear , drink , dance ,
-Revel the night , rob , murder , and commit
-The oldest sins the newest kind of ways ?
-Be happy , he will trouble you no more :
-England shall double gild his treble guilt .
-England shall give him office , honour , might ;
-For the fifth Harry from curb'd licence plucks
-The muzzle of restraint , and the wild dog
-Shall flesh his tooth in every innocent .
-O my poor kingdom ! sick with civil blows .
-When that my care could not withhold thy riots ,
-What wilt thou do when riot is thy care ?
-O ! thou wilt be a wilderness again ,
-Peopled with wolves , thy old inhabitants .
-
-O ! pardon me , my liege ; but for my tears ,
-The moist impediments unto my speech ,
-I had forestall'd this dear and deep rebuke
-Ere you with grief had spoke and I had heard
-The course of it so far . There is your crown ;
-And he that wears the crown immortally
-Long guard it yours ! If I affect it more
-Than as your honour and as your renown ,
-Let me no more from this obedience rise ,
-Which my most true and inward duteous spirit
-Teacheth ,this prostrate and exterior bending .
-God witness with me , when I here came in ,
-And found no course of breath within your majesty ,
-How cold it struck my heart ! if I do feign ,
-O ! let me in my present wildness die
-And never live to show the incredulous world
-The noble change that I have purposed .
-Coming to look on you , thinking you dead ,
-And dead almost , my liege , to think you were ,
-I spake unto the crown as having sense ,
-And thus upbraided it : 'The care on thee depending
-Hath fed upon the body of my father ;
-Therefore , thou best of gold art worst of gold :
-Other , less fine in carat , is more precious ,
-Preserving life in medicine potable :
-But thou most fine , most honour'd , most renown'd ,
-Hast eat thy bearer up .' Thus , my most royal liege ,
-Accusing it , I put it on my head ,
-To try with it , as with an enemy
-That had before my face murder'd my father ,
-The quarrel of a true inheritor .
-But if it did infect my blood with joy ,
-Or swell my thoughts to any strain of pride ;
-If any rebel or vain spirit of mine
-Did with the least affection of a welcome
-Give entertainment to the might of it ,
-Let God for ever keep it from my head ,
-And make me as the poorest vassal is
-That doth with awe and terror kneel to it !
-
-O my son !
-God put it in thy mind to take it hence ,
-That thou mightst win the more thy father's love ,
-Pleading so wisely in excuse of it .
-Come hither , Harry : sit thou by my bed ;
-And hear , I think , the very latest counsel
-That ever I shall breathe . God knows , my son ,
-By what by-paths and indirect crook'd ways
-I met this crown ; and I myself know well
-How troublesome it sat upon my head :
-To thee it shall descend with better quiet ,
-Better opinion , better confirmation ;
-For all the soil of the achievement goes
-With me into the earth . It seem'd in me
-But as an honour snatch'd with boisterous hand ,
-And I had many living to upbraid
-My gain of it by their assistances ;
-Which daily grew to quarrel and to bloodshed ,
-Wounding supposed peace . All these bold fears
-Thou seest with peril I have answered ;
-For all my reign hath been but as a scene
-Acting that argument ; and now my death
-Changes the mode : for what in me was purchas'd ,
-Falls upon thee in a more fairer sort ;
-So thou the garment wear'st successively .
-Yet , though thou stand'st more sure than I could do ,
-Thou art not firm enough , since griefs are green ;
-And all my friends , which thou must make thy friends ,
-Have but their stings and teeth newly ta'en out ;
-By whose fell working I was first advanc'd ,
-And by whose power I well might lodge a fear
-To be again displac'd : which to avoid ,
-I cut them off ; and had a purpose now
-To lead out many to the Holy Land ,
-Lest rest and lying still might make them look
-Too near unto my state . Therefore , my Harry ,
-Be it thy course to busy giddy minds
-With foreign quarrels ; that action , hence borne out ,
-May waste the memory of the former days .
-More would I , but my lungs are wasted so
-That strength of speech is utterly denied me .
-How I came by the crown , O God , forgive !
-And grant it may with thee in true peace live .
-
-My gracious liege ,
-You won it , wore it , kept it , gave it me ;
-Then plain and right must my possession be :
-Which I with more than with a common pain
-'Gainst all the world will rightfully maintain .
-
-
-Look , look , here comes my John of Lancaster .
-
-Health , peace , and happiness to my royal father !
-
-Thou bring'st me happiness and peace , son John ;
-But health , alack , with youthful wings is flown
-From this bare wither'd trunk : upon thy sight
-My worldly business makes a period .
-Where is my Lord of Warwick ?
-
-My Lord of Warwick !
-
-
-Doth any name particular belong
-Unto the lodging where I first did swound ?
-
-'Tis call'd Jerusalem , my noble lord .
-
-Laud be to God ! even there my life must end .
-It hath been prophesied to me many years
-I should not die but in Jerusalem ,
-Which vainly I suppos'd the Holy Land .
-But bear me to that chamber ; there I'll lie :
-In that Jerusalem shall Harry die .
-
-By cock and pie , sir , you shall not away to-night . What ! Davy , I say .
-
-You must excuse me , Master Robert Shallow .
-
-I will not excuse you ; you shall not be excused ; excuses shall not be admitted ; there is no excuse shall serve ; you shall not be excused . Why , Davy !
-
-
-Here , sir .
-
-Davy , Davy , Davy , Davy , let me see , Davy ; let me see : yea , marry , William cook , bid him come hither . Sir John , you shall not be excused .
-
-Marry , sir , thus ; those precepts cannot be served : and again , sir , shall we sow the headland with wheat ?
-
-With red wheat , Davy . But for William cook : are there no young pigeons ?
-
-Yes , sir . Here is now the smith's note for shoeing and plough-irons .
-
-Let it be cast and paid . Sir John , you shall not be excused .
-
-Now , sir , a new link to the bucket must needs be had : and , sir , do you mean to stop any of William's wages , about the sack he lost the other day at Hinckley fair ?
-
-A' shall answer it . Some pigeons , Davy , a couple of short-legged hens , a joint of mutton , and any pretty little tiny kickshaws , tell William cook .
-
-Doth the man of war stay all night , sir ?
-
-Yea , Davy . I will use him well . A friend i' the court is better than a penny in purse . Use his men well , Davy , for they are arrant knaves , and will backbite .
-
-No worse than they are back-bitten , sir ; for they have marvellous foul linen .
-
-Well conceited , Davy : about thy business , Davy .
-
-I beseech you , sir , to countenance William Visor of Wincot against Clement Perkes of the hill .
-
-There are many complaints , Davy , against that Visor : that Visor is an arrant knave , on my knowledge .
-
-I grant your worship that he is a knave , sir ; but yet , God forbid , sir , but a knave should have some countenance at his friend's request . An honest man , sir , is able to speak for himself , when a knave is not . I have served your worship truly , sir , this eight years ; and if I cannot once or twice in a quarter bear out a knave against an honest man , I have but a very little credit with your worship . The knave is mine honest friend , sir ; therefore , I beseech your worship , let him be countenanced .
-
-Go to ; I say he shall have no wrong . Look about , Davy .
-
-Where are you , Sir John ? Come , come , come ; off with your boots . Give me your hand , Master Bardolph .
-
-I am glad to see your worship .
-
-I thank thee with all my heart , kind Master Bardolph :
-
-and welcome , my tall fellow . Come , Sir John .
-
-I'll follow you , good Master Robert Shallow .
-
-If I were sawed into quantities , I should make four dozen of such bearded hermit's staves as Master Shallow . It is a wonderful thing to see the semblable coherence of his men's spirits and his : they , by observing him , do bear themselves like foolish justices ; he , by conversing with them , is turned into a justice-like serving-man . Their spirits are so married in conjunction with the participation of society that they flock together in consent , like so many wild-geese . If I had a suit to Master Shallow , I would humour his men with the imputation of being near their master : if to his men , I would curry with Master Shallow that no man could better command his servants . It is certain that either wise bearing or ignorant carriage is caught , as men take diseases , one of another : therefore let men take heed of their company . I will devise matter enough out of this Shallow to keep Prince Harry in continual laughter the wearing out of six fashions ,which is four terms , or two actions ,and a' shall laugh without intervallums . O ! it is much that a lie with a slight oath and a jest with a sad brow will do with a fellow that never had the ache in his shoulders . O ! you shall see him laugh till his face be like a wet cloak ill laid up !
-
-Sir John !
-
-I come , Master Shallow : I come , Master Shallow .
-
-
-How now , my Lord Chief Justice ! whither away ?
-
-How doth the king ?
-
-Exceeding well : his cares are now all ended .
-
-I hope not dead .
-
-He's walk'd the way of nature ;
-And to our purposes he lives no more .
-
-I would his majesty had call'd me with him :
-The service that I truly did his life
-Hath left me open to all injuries .
-
-Indeed I think the young king loves you not .
-
-I know he doth not , and do arm myself ,
-To welcome the condition of the time ;
-Which cannot look more hideously upon me
-Than I have drawn it in my fantasy .
-
-
-Here come the heavy issue of dead Harry :
-O ! that the living Harry had the temper
-Of him , the worst of these three gentlemen .
-How many nobles then should hold their places ,
-That must strike sail to spirits of vile sort !
-
-O God ! I fear all will be overturn'd .
-
-Good morrow , cousin Warwick , good morrow .
-
-Good morrow , cousin .
-
-Good morrow , cousin .
-
-We meet like men that had forgot to speak .
-
-We do remember ; but our argument
-Is all too heavy to admit much talk .
-
-Well , peace be with him that hath made us heavy !
-
-Peace be with us , lest we be heavier !
-
-O ! good my lord , you have lost a friend indeed ;
-And I dare swear you borrow not that face
-Of seeming sorrow ; it is sure your own .
-
-Though no man be assur'd what grace to find ,
-You stand in coldest expectation .
-I am the sorrier ; would 'twere otherwise .
-
-Well , you must now speak Sir John Falstaff fair ,
-Which swims against your stream of quality .
-
-Sweet princes , what I did , I did in honour ,
-Led by the impartial conduct of my soul ;
-And never shall you see that I will beg
-A ragged and forestall'd remission .
-If truth and upright innocency fail me ,
-I'll to the king my master that is dead ,
-And tell him who hath sent me after him .
-
-Here comes the prince .
-
-
-Good morrow , and God save your majesty !
-
-This new and gorgeous garment , majesty ,
-Sits not so easy on me as you think .
-Brothers , you mix your sadness with some fear :
-This is the English , not the Turkish court ;
-Not Amurath an Amurath succeeds ,
-But Harry Harry . Yet be sad , good brothers ,
-For , to speak truth , it very well becomes you :
-Sorrow so royally in you appears
-That I will deeply put the fashion on
-And wear it in my heart . Why then , be sad ;
-But entertain no more of it , good brothers ,
-Than a joint burden laid upon us all .
-For me , by heaven , I bid you be assur'd ,
-I'll be your father and your brother too ;
-Let me but bear your love , I'll bear your cares :
-Yet weep that Harry's dead , and so will I ;
-But Harry lives that shall convert those tears
-By number into hours of happiness .
-
-We hope no other from your majesty .
-
-You all look strangely on me :
-
-and you most ;
-You are , I think , assur'd I love you not .
-
-I am assur'd , if I be measur'd rightly ,
-Your majesty hath no just cause to hate me .
-
-No !
-How might a prince of my great hopes forget
-So great indignities you laid upon me ?
-What ! rate , rebuke , and roughly send to prison
-The immediate heir of England ! Was this easy ?
-May this be wash'd in Lethe , and forgotten ?
-
-I then did use the person of your father ;
-The image of his power lay then in me :
-And , in the administration of his law ,
-Whiles I was busy for the commonwealth ,
-Your highness pleased to forget my place ,
-The majesty and power of law and justice ,
-The image of the king whom I presented ,
-And struck me in my very seat of judgment ;
-Whereon , as an offender to your father ,
-I gave bold way to my authority ,
-And did commit you . If the deed were ill ,
-Be you contented , wearing now the garland ,
-To have a son set your decrees at nought ,
-To pluck down justice from your awful bench ,
-To trip the course of law , and blunt the sword
-That guards the peace and safety of your person :
-Nay , more , to spurn at your most royal image
-And mock your workings in a second body .
-Question your royal thoughts , make the case yours ;
-Be now the father and propose a son ,
-Hear your own dignity so much profan'd ,
-See your most dreadful laws so loosely slighted ,
-Behold yourself so by a son disdain'd ;
-And then imagine me taking your part ,
-And in your power soft silencing your son :
-After this cold considerance , sentence me ;
-And , as you are a king , speak in your state
-What I have done that misbecame my place ,
-My person , or my liege's sov'reignty .
-
-You are right , justice ; and you weigh this well ;
-Therefore still bear the balance and the sword :
-And I do wish your honours may increase
-Till you do live to see a son of mine
-Offend you and obey you , as I did .
-So shall I live to speak my father's words :
-'Happy am I , that have a man so bold
-That dares do justice on my proper son ;
-And not less happy , having such a son ,
-That would deliver up his greatness so
-Into the hands of justice .' You did commit me :
-For which , I do commit into your hand
-The unstained sword that you have us'd to bear ;
-With this remembrance , that you use the same
-With the like bold , just , and impartial spirit
-As you have done 'gainst me . There is my hand :
-You shall be as a father to my youth ;
-My voice shall sound as you do prompt mine ear ,
-And I will stoop and humble my intents
-To your well-practis'd wise directions .
-And , princes all , believe me , I beseech you ;
-My father is gone wild into his grave ,
-For in his tomb lie my affections ;
-And with his spirit sadly I survive ,
-To mock the expectation of the world ,
-To frustrate prophecies , and to raze out
-Rotten opinion , who hath writ me down
-After my seeming . The tide of blood in me
-Hath proudly flow'd in vanity till now :
-Now doth it turn and ebb back to the sea ,
-Where it shall mingle with the state of floods
-And flow henceforth in formal majesty .
-Now call we our high court of parliament ;
-And let us choose such limbs of noble counsel ,
-That the great body of our state may go
-In equal rank with the best govern'd nation ;
-That war or peace , or both at once , may be
-As things acquainted and familiar to us ;
-In which you , father , shall have foremost hand .
-Our coronation done , we will accite ,
-As I before remember'd , all our state :
-And , God consigning to my good intents ,
-No prince nor peer shall have just cause to say ,
-God shorten Harry's happy life one day .
-
-
-Nay , you shall see mine orchard , where , in an arbour , we will eat a last year's pippin of my own graffing , with a dish of caraways , and so forth ; come , cousin Silence ; and then to bed .
-
-'Fore God , you have here a goodly dwelling , and a rich .
-
-Barren , barren , barren ; beggars all , beggars all , Sir John : marry , good air . Spread , Davy ; spread , Davy : well said , Davy .
-
-This Davy serves you for good uses ; he is your serving-man and your husband .
-
-A good varlet , a good varlet , a very good varlet , Sir John : by the mass , I have drunk too much sack at supper : a good varlet . Now sit down , now sit down . Come , cousin .
-
-Ah , sirrah ! quoth a' , we shall
-
-Do nothing but eat , and make good cheer ,
-And praise God for the merry year ;
-When flesh is cheap and females dear ,
-And lusty lads roam here and there ,
-So merrily
-And ever among so merrily .
-
-
-There's a merry heart ! Good Master Silence , I'll give you a health for that anon .
-
-Give Master Bardolph some wine , Davy .
-
-Sweet sir , sit ; I'll be with you anon : most sweet sir , sit . Master page , good master page , sit . Proface ! What you want in meat we'll have in drink : but you must bear : the heart's all .
-
-
-Be merry , Master Bardolph ; and my little soldier there , be merry .
-
-
-Be merry , be merry , my wife has all ;
-For women are shrews , both short and tall :
-'Tis merry in hall when beards wag all ,
-And welcome merry Shrove-tide .
-Be merry , be merry .
-
-
-I did not think Master Silence had been a man of this mettle .
-
-Who , I ? I have been merry twice and once ere now .
-
-
-There's a dish of leather-coats for you .
-
-
-Davy !
-
-Your worship ! I'll be with you straight . A cup of wine , sir ?
-
-
-A cup of wine that's brisk and fine
-And drink unto the leman mine ;
-And a merry heart lives long-a .
-
-
-Well said , Master Silence .
-
-And we shall be merry , now comes in the sweet o' the night .
-
-Health and long life to you , Master Silence .
-
-
-Fill the cup , and let it come ;
-I'll pledge you a mile to the bottom .
-
-
-Honest Bardolph , welcome : if thou wantest anything and wilt not call , beshrew thy heart .
-
-Welcome , my little tiny thief ; and welcome indeed too . I'll drink to Master Bardolph and to all the cavaleiroes about London .
-
-I hope to see London once ere I die .
-
-An I might see you there , Davy ,
-
-By the mass , you'll crack a quart together : ha ! will you not , Master Bardolph ?
-
-Yea , sir , in a pottle-pot .
-
-By God's liggens , I thank thee . The knave will stick by thee , I can assure thee that : a' will not out ; he is true bred .
-
-And I'll stick by him , sir .
-
-Why , there spoke a king . Lack nothing : be merry .
-
-Look who's at door there . Ho ! who knocks ?
-
-Why , now you have done me right .
-
-
-Do me right ,
-And dub me knight :
-Samingo
-
-Is't not so ?
-
-'Tis so .
-
-Is't so ? Why , then , say an old man can do somewhat .
-
-
-An't please your worship , there's one Pistol come from the court with news .
-
-From the court ! let him come in .
-
-How now , Pistol !
-
-Sir John , God save you , sir !
-
-What wind blew you hither , Pistol ?
-
-Not the ill wind which blows no man to good .
-Sweet knight , thou art now one of the greatest men in this realm .
-
-By'r lady , I think a' be , but goodman Puff of Barson .
-
-Puff !
-Puff in thy teeth , most recreant coward base !
-Sir John , I am thy Pistol and thy friend ,
-And helter-skelter have I rode to thee ,
-And tidings do I bring and lucky joys
-And golden times and happy news of price .
-
-I prithee now , deliver them like a man of this world .
-
-A foutra for the world and worldlings base !
-I speak of Africa and golden joys .
-
-O base Assyrian knight , what is thy news ?
-Let King Cophetua know the truth thereof .
-
-
-And Robin Hood , Scarlet , and John .
-
-
-Shall dunghill curs confront the Helicons ?
-And shall good news be baffled ?
-Then , Pistol , lay thy head in Furies' lap .
-
-Honest gentleman , I know not your breeding .
-
-Why then , lament therefore .
-
-Give me pardon , sir : if , sir , you come with news from the court , I take it there is but two ways : either to utter them , or to conceal them . I am , sir , under the king , in some authority .
-
-Under which king , Bezonian ? speak , or die .
-
-Under King Harry .
-
-Harry the Fourth ? or Fifth ?
-
-Harry the Fourth .
-
-A foutra for thine office !
-Sir John , thy tender lambkin now is king ;
-Harry the Fifth's the man . I speak the truth :
-When Pistol lies , do this ; and fig me , like
-The bragging Spaniard .
-
-What ! is the old king dead ?
-
-As nail in door : the things I speak are just .
-
-Away , Bardolph ! saddle my horse . Master Robert Shallow , choose what office thou wilt in the land , 'tis thine . Pistol , I will double-charge thee with dignities .
-
-O joyful day !
-I would not take a knighthood for my fortune .
-
-What ! I do bring good news .
-
-Carry Master Silence to bed . Master Shallow , my Lord Shallow , be what thou wilt , I am Fortune's steward . Get on thy boots : we'll ride all night . O sweet Pistol ! Away , Bardolph !
-
-Come , Pistol , utter more to me ; and , withal devise something to do thyself good . Boot , boot , Master Shallow : I know the young king is sick for me . Let us take any man's horses ; the laws of England are at my commandment . Happy are they which have been my friends , and woe unto my lord chief justice !
-
-Let vultures vile seize on his lungs also !
-'Where is the life that late I led ?' say they :
-Why , here it is : welcome these pleasant days !
-
-
-No , thou arrant knave : I would to God I might die that I might have thee hanged ; thou hast drawn my shoulder out of joint .
-
-The constables have delivered her over to me , and she shall have whipping-cheer enough , I warrant her : there hath been a man or two lately killed about her .
-
-Nut-hook , nut-hook , you lie . Come on ; I'll tell thee what , thou damned tripe-visaged rascal , an the child I now go with do miscarry , thou hadst better thou hadst struck thy mother , thou paper-faced villain .
-
-O the Lord ! that Sir John were come ; he would make this a bloody day to somebody . But I pray God the fruit of her womb miscarry !
-
-If it do , you shall have a dozen of cushions again ; you have but eleven now . Come , I charge you both go with me ; for the man is dead that you and Pistol beat among you .
-
-I'll tell thee what , thou thin man in a censer , I will have you as soundly swinged for this , you blue-bottle rogue ! you filthy famished correctioner ! if you be not swinged , I'll forswear half-kirtles .
-
-Come , come , you she knighterrant , come .
-
-O , that right should thus overcome might ! Well , of sufferance comes ease .
-
-Come , you rogue , come : bring me to a justice .
-
-Ay ; come , you starved blood-hound .
-
-Goodman death ! goodman bones !
-
-Thou atomy , thou !
-
-Come , you thin thing ; come , you rascal !
-
-Very well .
-
-
-More rushes , more rushes .
-
-The trumpets have sounded twice .
-
-It will be two o'clock ere they come from the coronation . Dispatch , dispatch .
-
-Stand here by me , Master Robert Shallow ; I will make the king do you grace . I will leer upon him , as a' comes by ; and do but mark the countenance that he will give me .
-
-God bless thy lungs , good knight .
-
-Come here , Pistol ; stand behind me . O ! if I had had time to have made new liveries , I would have bestowed the thousand pound I borrowed of you . But 'tis no matter ; this poor show doth better : this doth infer the zeal I had to see him .
-
-It doth so .
-
-It shows my earnestness of affection .
-
-It doth so .
-
-My devotion .
-
-It doth , it doth , it doth .
-
-As it were , to ride day and night ; and not to deliberate , not to remember , not to have patience to shift me .
-
-It is most certain .
-
-But to stand stained with travel , and sweating with desire to see him ; thinking of nothing else ; putting all affairs else in oblivion , as if there were nothing else to be done but to see him .
-
-'Tis semper idem , for absque hoc nihil est :
-'Tis all in every part .
-
-'Tis so , indeed .
-
-My knight , I will inflame thy noble liver ,
-And make thee rage .
-Thy Doll , and Helen of thy noble thoughts ,
-Is in base durance and contagious prison ;
-Hal'd thither
-By most mechanical and dirty hand :
-Rouse up revenge from ebon den with fell Alecto's snake ,
-For Doll is in : Pistol speaks nought but truth .
-
-I will deliver her .
-
-
-There roar'd the sea , and trumpetclangor sounds .
-
-
-God save thy grace , King Hal ! my royal Hal !
-
-The heavens thee guard and keep , most royal imp of fame !
-
-God save thee , my sweet boy !
-
-My lord chief justice , speak to that vain man .
-
-Have you your wits ? know you what 'tis you speak ?
-
-My king ! my Jove ! I speak to thee , my heart !
-
-I know thee not , old man : fall to thy prayers ;
-How ill white hairs become a fool and jester !
-I have long dream'd of such a kind of man ,
-So surfeit-swell'd , so old , and so profane ;
-But , being awak'd , I do despise my dream .
-Make less thy body hence , and more thy grace ;
-Leave gormandising ; know the grave doth gape
-For thee thrice wider than for other men .
-Reply not to me with a fool-born jest :
-Presume not that I am the thing I was ;
-For God doth know , so shall the world perceive ,
-That I have turn'd away my former self ;
-So will I those that kept me company .
-When thou dost hear I am as I have been ,
-Approach me , and thou shalt be as thou wast ,
-The tutor and the feeder of my riots :
-Till then , I banish thee , on pain of death ,
-As I have done the rest of my misleaders ,
-Not to come near our person by ten mile .
-For competence of life I will allow you ,
-That lack of means enforce you not to evil :
-And , as we hear you do reform yourselves ,
-We will , according to your strength and qualities ,
-Give you advancement . Be it your charge , my lord ,
-To see perform'd the tenour of our word .
-Set on .
-
-
-Master Shallow , I owe you a thousand pound .
-
-Ay , marry , Sir John ; which I beseech you to let me have home with me .
-
-That can hardly be , Master Shallow . Do not you grieve at this : I shall be sent for in private to him . Look you , he must seem thus to the world . Fear not your advancements ; I will be the man yet that shall make you great .
-
-I cannot perceive how , unless you should give me your doublet and stuff me out with straw . I beseech you , good Sir John , let me have five hundred of my thousand .
-
-Sir , I will be as good as my word : this that you heard was but a colour .
-
-A colour that I fear you will die in , Sir John .
-
-Fear no colours : go with me to dinner . Come , Lieutenant Pistol ; come , Bardolph : I shall be sent for soon at night .
-
-
-Go , carry Sir John Falstaff to the Fleet ;
-Take all his company along with him .
-
-My lord , my lord !
-
-I cannot now speak : I will hear you soon .
-Take them away .
-
-Si fortuna me tormenta , spero contenta .
-
-
-I like this fair proceeding of the king's .
-He hath intent his wonted followers
-Shall all be very well provided for ;
-But all are banish'd till their conversations
-Appear more wise and modest to the world .
-
-And so they are .
-
-The king hath call'd his parliament , my lord .
-
-He hath .
-
-I will lay odds , that , ere this year expire ,
-We bear our civil swords and native fire
-As far as France . I heard a bird so sing ,
-Whose music , to my thinking , pleas'd the king .
-Come , will you hence ?
-
-
-First , my fear ; then , my curtsy ; last my speech . My fear is , your displeasure , my curtsy , my duty , and my speech , to beg your pardon . If you look for a good speech now , you undo me ; for what I have to say is of mine own making ; and what indeed I should say will , I doubt , prove mine own marring . But to the purpose , and so to the venture . Be it known to you ,as it is very well ,I was lately here in the end of a displeasing play , to pray your patience for it and to promise you a better . I did mean indeed to pay you with this ; which , if like an ill venture it come unluckily home , I break , and you , my gentle creditors , lose . Here , I promised you I would be , and here I commit my body to your mercies : bate me some and I will pay you some ; and , as most debtors do , promise you infinitely .
-If my tongue cannot entreat you to acquit me , will you command me to use my legs ? and yet that were but light payment , to dance out of your debt . But a good conscience will make any possible satisfaction , and so will I . All the gentlewomen here have forgiven me : if the gentlemen will not , then the gentlemen do not agree with the gentlewomen , which was never seen before in such an assembly .
-One word more , I beseech you . If you be not too much cloyed with fat meat , our humble author will continue the story , with Sir John in it , and make you merry with fair Katharine of France : where , for anything I know , Falstaff shall die of a sweat , unless already a' be killed with your hard opinions ; for Oldcastle died a martyr , and this is not the man . My tongue is weary ; when my legs are too , I will bid you good night : and so kneel down before you ; but , indeed , to pray for the queen .
-
-THE SECOND PART OF KING HENRY VI
-
-
-As by your high imperial majesty
-I had in charge at my depart for France ,
-As procurator to your excellence ,
-To marry Princess Margaret for your Grace ;
-So , in the famous ancient city , Tours ,
-In presence of the Kings of France and Sicil ,
-The Dukes of Orleans , Calaber , Britaine , and Alen on ,
-Seven earls , twelve barons , and twenty reverend bishops ,
-I have perform'd my task , and was espous'd :
-And humbly now upon my bended knee ,
-In sight of England and her lordly peers ,
-Deliver up my title in the queen
-To your most gracious hands , that are the substance
-Of that great shadow I did represent ;
-The happiest gift that ever marquess gave ,
-The fairest queen that ever king receiv'd .
-
-Suffolk , arise . Welcome , Queen Margaret :
-I can express no kinder sign of love
-Than this kind kiss . O Lord ! that lends me life ,
-Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness !
-For thou hast given me in this beauteous face
-A world of earthly blessings to my soul ,
-If sympathy of love unite our thoughts .
-
-Great King of England and my gracious lord ,
-The mutual conference that my mind hath had
-By day , by night , waking , and in my dreams ,
-In courtly company , or at my beads ,
-With you , mine alderliefest sovereign ,
-Makes me the bolder to salute my king
-With ruder terms , such as my wit affords ,
-And over-joy of heart doth minister .
-
-Her sight did ravish , but her grace in speech ,
-Her words y-clad with wisdom's majesty ,
-Makes me from wondering fall to weeping joys ;
-Such is the fulness of my heart's content .
-Lords , with one cheerful voice welcome my love .
-
-Long live Queen Margaret , England's happiness !
-
-We thank you all .
-
-
-My Lord Protector , so it please your Grace ,
-Here are the articles of contracted peace
-Between our sovereign and the French King Charles ,
-For eighteen months concluded by consent .
-
-Imprimis , It is agreed between the French king , Charles , and William De la Pole , Marquess of Suffolk , ambassador for Henry King of England , that the said Henry shall espouse the Lady Margaret , daughter unto Reignier King of Naples , Sicilia , and Jerusalem , and crown her Queen of England ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing .
-Item , That the duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine shall be released and delivered to the king her father .
-
-
-Uncle , how now !
-
-Pardon me , gracious lord ;
-Some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heart
-And dimm'd mine eyes , that I can read no further .
-
-Uncle of Winchester , I pray , read on .
-
-Item , It is further agreed between them , that the duchies of Anjou and Maine shall be released and delivered over to the king her father ; and she sent over of the King of England's own proper cost and charges , without having any dowry .
-
-They please us well . Lord marquess , kneel down :
-We here create thee the first Duke of Suffolk ,
-And girt thee with the sword . Cousin of York ,
-We here discharge your Grace from being regent
-I' the parts of France , till term of eighteen months
-Be full expir'd . Thanks , uncle Winchester ,
-Gloucester , York , Buckingham , Somerset ,
-Salisbury , and Warwick ;
-We thank you all for this great favour done ,
-In entertainment to my princely queen .
-Come , let us in , and with all speed provide
-To see her coronation be perform'd .
-
-
-Brave peers of England , pillars of the state ,
-To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief ,
-Your grief , the common grief of all the land .
-What ! did my brother Henry spend his youth ,
-His valour , coin , and people , in the wars ?
-Did he so often lodge in open field ,
-In winter's cold , and summer's parching heat ,
-To conquer France , his true inheritance ?
-And did my brother Bedford toil his wits ,
-To keep by policy what Henry got ?
-Have you yourselves , Somerset , Buckingham ,
-Brave York , Salisbury , and victorious Warwick ,
-Receiv'd deep scars in France and Normandy ?
-Or hath mine uncle Beaufort and myself ,
-With all the learned council of the realm ,
-Studied so long , sat in the council-house
-Early and late , debating to and fro
-How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe ?
-And hath his highness in his infancy
-Been crown'd in Paris , in despite of foes ?
-And shall these labours and these honours die ?
-Shall Henry's conquest , Bedford's vigilance ,
-Your deeds of war and all our counsel die ?
-O peers of England ! shameful is this league ,
-Fatal this marriage , cancelling your fame ,
-Blotting your names from books of memory ,
-Razing the characters of your renown ,
-Defacing monuments of conquer'd France ,
-Undoing all , as all had never been .
-
-Nephew , what means this passionate discourse ,
-This peroration with such circumstance ?
-For France , 'tis ours ; and we will keep it still .
-
-Ay , uncle ; we will keep it , if we can ;
-But now it is impossible we should .
-Suffolk , the new-made duke that rules the roast ,
-Hath given the duchies of Anjou and Maine
-Unto the poor King Reignier , whose large style
-Agrees not with the leanness of his purse .
-
-Now , by the death of him who died for all ,
-These counties were the keys of Normandy .
-But wherefore weeps Warwick , my valiant son ?
-
-For grief that they are past recovery :
-For , were there hope to conquer them again ,
-My sword should shed hot blood , mine eyes no tears .
-Anjou and Maine ! myself did win them both ;
-Those provinces these arms of mine did conquer :
-And are the cities , that I got with wounds ,
-Deliver'd up again with peaceful words ?
-Mort Dieu !
-
-For Suffolk's duke , may he be suffocate ,
-That dims the honour of this war-like isle !
-France should have torn and rent my very heart
-Before I would have yielded to this league .
-I never read but England's kings have had
-Large sums of gold and dowries with their wives ;
-And our King Henry gives away his own ,
-To match with her that brings no vantages .
-
-A proper jest , and never heard before ,
-That Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth
-For costs and charges in transporting her !
-She should have stay'd in France , and starv'd in France ,
-Before
-
-My Lord of Gloucester , now you grow too hot :
-It was the pleasure of my lord the king .
-
-My Lord of Winchester , I know your mind :
-'Tis not my speeches that you do mislike ,
-But 'tis my presence that doth trouble ye .
-Rancour will out : proud prelate , in thy face
-I see thy fury . If I longer stay
-We shall begin our ancient bickerings .
-Lordings , farewell ; and say , when I am gone ,
-I prophesied France will be lost ere long .
-
-
-So , there goes our protector in a rage .
-'Tis known to you he is mine enemy ,
-Nay , more , an enemy unto you all ,
-And no great friend , I fear me , to the king .
-Consider lords , he is the next of blood ,
-And heir apparent to the English crown :
-Had Henry got an empire by his marriage ,
-And all the wealthy kingdoms of the west ,
-There's reason he should be displeas'd at it .
-Look to it , lords ; let not his smoothing words
-Bewitch your hearts ; be wise and circumspect .
-What though the common people favour him ,
-Calling him , 'Humphrey , the good Duke of Gloucester ;'
-Clapping their hands , and crying with loud voice ,
-'Jesu maintain your royal excellence !'
-With 'God preserve the good Duke Humphrey !'
-I fear me , lords , for all this flattering gloss ,
-He will be found a dangerous protector .
-
-Why should he then protect our sovereign ,
-He being of age to govern of himself ?
-Cousin of Somerset , join you with me ,
-And all together , with the Duke of Suffolk ,
-We'll quickly hoise Duke Humphrey from his seat .
-
-This weighty business will not brook delay ;
-I'll to the Duke of Suffolk presently .
-
-
-Cousin of Buckingham , though Humphrey's pride
-And greatness of his place be grief to us ,
-Yet let us watch the haughty cardinal :
-His insolence is more intolerable
-Than all the princes in the land beside :
-If Gloucester be displac'd , he'll be protector .
-
-Or thou , or I , Somerset , will be protector ,
-Despite Duke Humphrey or the cardinal .
-
-
-Pride went before , ambition follows him .
-While these do labour for their own preferment ,
-Behoves it us to labour for the realm .
-I never saw but Humphrey , Duke of Gloucester ,
-Did bear him like a noble gentleman .
-Oft have I seen the haughty cardinal
-More like a soldier than a man o' the church ,
-As stout and proud as he were lord of all ,
-Swear like a ruffian and demean himself
-Unlike the ruler of a commonweal .
-Warwick , my son , the comfort of my age ,
-Thy deeds , thy plainness , and thy house-keeping ,
-Have won the greatest favour of the commons ,
-Excepting none but good Duke Humphrey :
-And , brother York , thy acts in Ireland ,
-In bringing them to civil discipline ,
-Thy late exploits done in the heart of France ,
-When thou wert regent for our sovereign ,
-Have made thee fear'd and honour'd of the people .
-Join we together for the public good ,
-In what we can to bridle and suppress
-The pride of Suffolk and the cardinal ,
-With Somerset's and Buckingham's ambition ;
-And , as we may , cherish Duke Humphrey's deeds ,
-While they do tend the profit of the land .
-
-So God help Warwick , as he loves the land ,
-And common profit of his country !
-
-And so says York , for he hath greatest cause .
-
-Then let's make haste away , and look unto the main .
-
-Unto the main ! O father , Maine is lost !
-That Maine which by main force Warwick did win ,
-And would have kept so long as breath did last :
-Main chance , father , you meant ; but I meant Maine ,
-Which I will win from France , or else be slain .
-
-
-Anjou and Maine are given to the French ;
-Paris is lost ; the state of Normandy
-Stands on a tickle point now they are gone .
-Suffolk concluded on the articles ,
-The peers agreed , and Henry was well pleas'd
-To change two dukedoms for a duke's fair daughter .
-I cannot blame them all : what is't to them ?
-'Tis thine they give away , and not their own .
-Pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their pillage ,
-And purchase friends , and give to courtezans ,
-Still revelling like lords till all be gone ;
-While as the silly owner of the goods
-Weeps over them , and wrings his hapless hands ,
-And shakes his head , and trembling stands aloof ,
-While all is shar'd and all is borne away ,
-Ready to starve and dare not touch his own :
-So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue
-While his own lands are bargain'd for and sold .
-Methinks the realms of England , France , and Ireland
-Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood
-As did the fatal brand Alth a burn'd
-Unto the prince's heart of Calydon .
-Anjou and Maine both given unto the French !
-Cold news for me , for I had hope of France ,
-Even as I have of fertile England's soil .
-A day will come when York shall claim his own ;
-And therefore I will take the Nevils' parts
-And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey ,
-And , when I spy advantage , claim the crown ,
-For that's the golden mark I seek to hit .
-Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right .
-Nor hold the sceptre in his childish fist ,
-Nor wear the diadem upon his head ,
-Whose church-like humours fit not for a crown .
-Then , York , be still awhile , till time do serve :
-Watch thou and wake when others be asleep ,
-To pry into the secrets of the state ;
-Till Henry , surfeiting in joys of love ,
-With his new bride and England's dear-bought queen ,
-And Humphrey with the peers be fall'n at jars :
-Then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose ,
-With whose sweet smell the air shall be perfum'd ,
-And in my standard bear the arms of York ,
-To grapple with the house of Lancaster ;
-And , force perforce , I'll make him yield the crown ,
-Whose bookish rule hath pull'd fair England down .
-
-
-Why droops my lord , like over-ripen'd corn
-Hanging the head at Ceres' plenteous load ?
-Why doth the great Duke Humphrey knit his brows ,
-As frowning at the favours of the world ?
-Why are thine eyes fix'd to the sullen earth ,
-Gazing on that which seems to dim thy sight ?
-What seest thou there ? King Henry's diadem
-Enchas'd with all the honours of the world ?
-If so , gaze on , and grovel on thy face ,
-Until thy head be circled with the same .
-Put forth thy hand , reach at the glorious gold :
-What ! is't too short ? I'll lengthen it with mine ;
-And having both together heav'd it up ,
-We'll both together lift our heads to heaven ,
-And never more abase our sight so low
-As to vouchsafe one glance unto the ground .
-
-O Nell , sweet Nell , if thou dost love thy lord ,
-Banish the canker of ambitious thoughts :
-And may that thought , when I imagine ill
-Against my king and nephew , virtuous Henry ,
-Be my last breathing in this mortal world !
-My troublous dream this night doth make me sad .
-
-What dream'd my lord ? tell me , and I'll requite it
-With sweet rehearsal of my morning's dream .
-
-Methought this staff , mine office-badge in court ,
-Was broke in twain ; by whom I have forgot ,
-But , as I think , it was by the cardinal ;
-And on the pieces of the broken wand
-Were plac'd the heads of Edmund Duke of Somerset ,
-And William De la Pole , first Duke of Suffolk .
-This was my dream : what it doth bode , God knows .
-
-Tut ! this was nothing but an argument
-That he that breaks a stick of Gloucester's grove
-Shall lose his head for his presumption .
-But list to me , my Humphrey , my sweet duke :
-Methought I sat in seat of majesty
-In the cathedral church of Westminster ,
-And in that chair where kings and queens are crown'd ;
-Where Henry and Dame Margaret kneel'd to me ,
-And on my head did set the diadem .
-
-Nay , Eleanor , then must I chide outright :
-Presumptuous dame ! ill-nurtur'd Eleanor !
-Art thou not second woman in the realm ,
-And the protector's wife , belov'd of him ?
-Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command ,
-Above the reach or compass of thy thought ?
-And wilt thou still be hammering treachery ,
-To tumble down thy husband and thyself
-From top of honour to disgrace's feet ?
-Away from me , and let me hear no more .
-
-What , what , my lord ! are you so choleric
-With Eleanor , for telling but her dream ?
-Next time I'll keep my dreams unto myself ,
-And not be check'd .
-
-Nay , be not angry ; I am pleas'd again .
-
-
-My Lord Protector , 'tis his highness' pleasure
-You do prepare to ride unto Saint Alban's ,
-Whereas the king and queen do mean to hawk .
-
-I go . Come , Nell , thou wilt ride with us ?
-
-Yes , my good lord , I'll follow presently .
-
-Follow I must ; I cannot go before ,
-While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind .
-Were I a man , a duke , and next of blood ,
-I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks
-And smooth my way upon their headless necks ;
-And , being a woman , I will not be slack
-To play my part in Fortune's pageant .
-Where are you there ? Sir John ! nay , fear not , man ,
-We are alone ; here's none but thee and I .
-
-
-Jesus preserve your royal majesty !
-
-What sayst thou ? majesty ! I am but Grace .
-
-But , by the grace of God , and Hume's advice ,
-Your Grace's title shall be multiplied .
-
-What sayst thou , man ? hast thou as yet conferr'd
-With Margery Jourdain , the cunning witch ,
-With Roger Bolingbroke , the conjurer ?
-And will they undertake to do me good ?
-
-This they have promised , to show your highness
-A spirit rais'd from depth of under ground ,
-That shall make answer to such questions
-As by your Grace shall be propounded him .
-
-It is enough : I'll think upon the questions .
-When from Saint Alban's we do make return
-We'll see these things effected to the full .
-Here , Hume , take this reward ; make merry , man ,
-With thy confed'rates in this weighty cause .
-
-
-Hume must make merry with the duchess' gold ;
-Marry and shall . But how now , Sir John Hume !
-Seal up your lips , and give no words but mum :
-The business asketh silent secrecy .
-Dame Eleanor gives gold to bring the witch :
-Gold cannot come amiss , were she a devil .
-Yet have I gold flies from another coast :
-I dare not say from the rich cardinal
-And from the great and new-made Duke of Suffolk ;
-Yet I do find it so : for , to be plain ,
-They , knowing Dame Eleanor's aspiring humour ,
-Have hired me to undermine the duchess
-And buzz these conjurations in her brain .
-They say , 'A crafty knave does need no broker ;'
-Yet am I Suffolk and the cardinal's broker .
-Hume , if you take not heed , you shall go near
-To call them both a pair of crafty knaves .
-Well , so it stands ; and thus , I fear , at last
-Hume's knavery will be the duchess' wrack ,
-And her attainture will be Humphrey's fall .
-Sort how it will I shall have gold for all .
-
-
-My masters , let's stand close : my Lord Protector will come this way by and by , and then we may deliver our supplications in the quill .
-
-Marry , the Lord protect him , for he's a good man ! Jesu bless him !
-
-
-Here a' comes , methinks , and the queen with him . I'll be the first , sure .
-
-Come back , fool ! this is the Duke of Suffolk and not my Lord Protector .
-
-How now , fellow ! wouldst anything with me ?
-
-I pray , my lord , pardon me : I took ye for my Lord Protector .
-
-To my Lord Protector ! are your supplications to his lordship ? Let me see them : what is thine ?
-
-Mine is , an't please your Grace , against John Goodman , my Lord Cardinal's man , for keeping my house , and lands , my wife and all , from me .
-
-Thy wife too ! that is some wrong indeed . What's yours ? What's here ? Against the Duke of Suffolk , for enclosing the commons of Melford ! How now , sir knave !
-
-Alas ! sir , I am but a poor petitioner of our whole township .
-
-Against my master , Thomas Horner , for saying that the Duke of York was rightful heir to the crown .
-
-What sayst thou ? Did the Duke of York say he was rightful heir to the crown ?
-
-That my master was ? No , forsooth : my master said that he was ; and that the king was an usurper .
-
-Who is there ?
-
-
-Take this fellow in , and send for his master with a pursuivant presently . We'll hear more of your matter before the king .
-
-And as for you , that love to be protected
-Under the wings of our protector's grace ,
-Begin your suits anew and sue to him .
-
-Away , base cullions ! Suffolk , let them go .
-
-Come , let's be gone .
-
-
-My Lord of Suffolk , say , is this the guise ,
-Is this the fashion of the court of England ?
-Is this the government of Britain's isle ,
-And this the royalty of Albion's king ?
-What ! shall King Henry be a pupil still
-Under the surly Gloucester's governance ?
-Am I a queen in title and in style ,
-And must be made a subject to a duke ?
-I tell thee , Pole , when in the city Tours
-Thou ran'st a tilt in honour of my love ,
-And stol'st away the ladies' hearts of France ,
-I thought King Henry had resembled thee
-In courage , courtship , and proportion :
-But all his mind is bent to holiness ,
-To number Ave-Maries on his beads ;
-His champions are the prophets and apostles ;
-His weapons holy saws of sacred writ ;
-His study is his tilt-yard , and his loves
-Are brazen images of canoniz'd saints .
-I would the college of the cardinals
-Would choose him pope , and carry him to Rome ,
-And set the triple crown upon his head :
-That were a state fit for his holiness .
-
-Madam , be patient ; as I was cause
-Your highness came to England , so will I
-In England work your Grace's full content .
-
-Beside the haught protector , have we Beaufort
-The imperious churchman , Somerset , Buckingham ,
-And grumbling York ; and not the least of these
-But can do more in England than the king .
-
-And he of these that can do most of all
-Cannot do more in England than the Nevils :
-Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers .
-
-Not all these lords do vex me half so much
-As that proud dame , the Lord Protector's wife :
-She sweeps it through the court with troops of ladies ,
-More like an empress than Duke Humphrey's wife .
-Strangers in court do take her for the queen :
-She bears a duke's revenues on her back ,
-And in her heart she scorns our poverty .
-Shall I not live to be aveng'd on her ?
-Contemptuous base-born callot as she is ,
-She vaunted 'mongst her minions t'other day
-The very train of her worst wearing gown
-Was better worth than all my father's lands ,
-Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter .
-
-Madam , myself have lim'd a bush for her ,
-And plac'd a quire of such enticing birds
-That she will light to listen to the lays ,
-And never mount to trouble you again .
-So , let her rest : and , madam , list to me ;
-For I am bold to counsel you in this .
-Although we fancy not the cardinal ,
-Yet must we join with him and with the lords
-Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace .
-As for the Duke of York , this late complaint
-Will make but little for his benefit :
-So , one by one , we'll weed them all at last ,
-And you yourself shall steer the happy helm .
-
-For my part , noble lords , I care not which ;
-Or Somerset or York , all's one to me .
-
-If York have ill demean'd himself in France ,
-Then let him be denay'd the regentship .
-
-If Somerset be unworthy of the place ,
-Let York be regent ; I will yield to him .
-
-Whether your Grace be worthy , yea or no ,
-Dispute not that : York is the worthier .
-
-Ambitious Warwick , let thy betters speak .
-
-The cardinal's not my better in the field .
-
-All in this presence are thy betters , Warwick .
-
-Warwick may live to be the best of all .
-
-Peace , son ! and show some reason , Buckingham ,
-Why Somerset should be preferr'd in this .
-
-Because the king , forsooth , will have it so .
-
-Madam , the king is old enough himself
-To give his censure : these are no women's matters .
-
-If he be old enough , what needs your Grace
-To be protector of his excellence ?
-
-Madam , I am protector of the realm ;
-And at his pleasure will resign my place .
-
-Resign it then and leave thine insolence .
-Since thou wertking ,as who is king but thou ?
-The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack ;
-The Dauphin hath prevail'd beyond the seas ;
-And all the peers and nobles of the realm
-Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty .
-
-The commons hast thou rack'd ; the clergy's bags
-Are lank and lean with thy extortions .
-
-Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attire
-Have cost a mass of public treasury .
-
-Thy cruelty in execution
-Upon offenders hath exceeded law ,
-And left thee to the mercy of the law .
-
-Thy sale of offices and towns in France ,
-If they were known , as the suspect is great ,
-Would make thee quickly hop without thy head .
-
-Give me my fan : what , minion ! can ye not ?
-
-I cry you mercy , madam , was it you ?
-
-Was't I ? yea , I it was , proud Frenchwoman :
-Could I come near your beauty with my nails
-I'd set my ten commandments in your face .
-
-Sweet aunt , be quiet ; 'twas against her will .
-
-Against her will ! Good king , look to't in time ;
-She'll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby :
-Though in this place most master wear no breeches ,
-She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unreveng'd .
-
-
-Lord Cardinal , I will follow Eleanor ,
-And listen after Humphrey , how he proceeds :
-She's tickled now ; her fume can need no spurs ,
-She'll gallop far enough to her destruction .
-
-Now , lords , my choler being over-blown
-With walking once about the quadrangle ,
-I come to talk of commonwealth affairs .
-As for your spiteful false objections ,
-Prove them , and I lie open to the law :
-But God in mercy so deal with my soul
-As I in duty love my king and country !
-But to the matter that we have in hand .
-I say , my sov'reign , York is meetest man
-To be your regent in the realm of France .
-
-Before we make election , give me leave
-To show some reason , of no little force ,
-That York is most unmeet of any man .
-
-I'll tell thee , Suffolk , why I am unmeet :
-First , for I cannot flatter thee in pride ;
-Next , if I be appointed for the place ,
-My Lord of Somerset will keep me here ,
-Without discharge , money , or furniture ,
-Till France be won into the Dauphin's hands .
-Last time I danc'd attendance on his will
-Till Paris was besieg'd , famish'd , and lost .
-
-That can I witness ; and a fouler fact
-Did never traitor in the land commit .
-
-Peace , headstrong Warwick !
-
-Image of pride , why should I hold my peace ?
-
-
-Because here is a man accus'd of treason :
-Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself !
-
-Doth any one accuse York for a traitor ?
-
-What mean'st thou , Suffolk ? tell me , what are these ?
-
-Please it your majesty , this is the man
-That doth accuse his master of high treason .
-His words were these : that Richard , Duke of York ,
-Was rightful heir unto the English crown ,
-And that your majesty was a usurper .
-
-Say , man , were these thy words ?
-
-An't shall please your majesty , I never said nor thought any such matter : God is my witness , I am falsely accused by the villain .
-
-By these ten bones , my lords , he did speak them to me in the garret one night , as we were scouring my Lord of York's armour .
-
-Base dunghill villain , and mechanical ,
-I'll have thy head for this thy traitor's speech .
-I do beseech your royal majesty
-Let him have all the rigour of the law .
-
-Alas ! my lord , hang me if ever I spake the words . My accuser is my prentice ; and when I did correct him for his fault the other day , he did vow upon his knees he would be even with me : I have good witness of this : therefore I beseech your majesty , do not cast away an honest man for a villain's accusation .
-
-Uncle , what shall we say to this in law ?
-
-This doom , my lord , if I may judge .
-Let Somerset be regent o'er the French ,
-Because in York this breeds suspicion ;
-And let these have a day appointed them
-For single combat in convenient place ;
-For he hath witness of his servant's malice .
-This is the law , and this Duke Humphrey's doom .
-
-Then be it so . My Lord of Somerset ,
-We make your Grace lord regent o'er the French .
-
-I humbly thank your royal majesty .
-
-And I accept the combat willingly .
-
-Alas ! my lord , I cannot fight : for God's sake , pity my case ! the spite of man prevaileth against me . O Lord , have mercy upon me ! I shall never be able to fight a blow . O Lord , my heart !
-
-Sirrah , or you must fight , or else be hang'd .
-
-Away with them to prison ; and the day
-Of combat shall be the last of the next month .
-Come , Somerset , we'll see thee sent away .
-
-
-Come , my masters ; the duchess , I tell you , expects performance of your promises .
-
-Master Hume , we are therefore provided . Will her ladyship behold and hear our exorcisms ?
-
-Ay ; what else ? fear you not her courage .
-
-I have heard her reported to be a woman of invincible spirit : but it shall be convenient , Master Hume , that you be by her aloft while we be busy below ; and so , I pray you , go in God's name , and leave us .
-
-Mother Jourdain , be you prostrate , and grovel on the earth ; John Southwell , read you ; and let us to our work .
-
-
-Well said , my masters , and welcome all .
-To this gear the sooner the better .
-
-Patience , good lady ; wizards know their times :
-Deep night , dark night , the silent of the night ,
-The time of night when Troy was set on fire ;
-The time when screech-owls cry , and ban-dogs howl ,
-And spirits walk , and ghosts break up their graves ,
-That time best fits the work we have in hand .
-Madam , sit you , and fear not : whom we raise
-We will make fast within a hallow'd verge .
-
-
-Adsum .
-
-Asmath !
-By the eternal God , whose name and power
-Thou tremblest at , answer that I shall ask ;
-For till thou speak , thou shalt not pass from hence .
-
-Ask what thou wilt . That I had said and done !
-
-First , of the king : what shall of him become ?
-
-The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose ;
-But him outlive , and die a violent death .
-
-
-What fate awaits the Duke of Suffolk ?
-
-By water shall he die and take his end .
-
-What shall befall the Duke of Somerset ?
-
-Let him shun castles :
-Safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
-Than where castles mounted stand .
-Have done , for more I hardly can endure .
-
-Descend to darkness and the burning lake !
-False fiend , avoid !
-
-Lay hands upon these traitors and their trash .
-Beldam , I think we watch'd you at an inch .
-What ! madam , are you there ? the king and commonweal
-Are deeply indebted for this piece of pains :
-My Lord Protector will , I doubt it not ,
-See you well guerdon'd for these good deserts .
-
-Not half so bad as thine to England's king ,
-Injurious duke , that threat'st where is no cause .
-
-True , madam , none at all . What call you this ?
-
-Away with them ! let them be clapp'd up close
-And kept asunder . You , madam , shall with us :
-Stafford , take her to thee .
-
-We'll see your trinkets here all forthcoming .
-All , away !
-
-
-Lord Buckingham , methinks you watch'd her well :
-A pretty plot , well chosen to build upon !
-Now , pray , my lord , let's see the devil's writ .
-What have we here ?
-The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose ;
-But him outlive , and die a violent death .
-Why , this is just ,
-Aio te , acida , Romanos vincere posse .
-Well , to the rest :
-Tell me what fate awaits the Duke of Suffolk ?
-By water shall he die and take his end .
-What shall betide the Duke of Somerset ?
-Let him shun castles :
-Safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
-Than where castles mounted stand .
-Come , come , my lords ; these oracles
-Are hardly attain'd , and hardly understood .
-The king is now in progress towards Saint Alban's ;
-With him , the husband of this lovely lady :
-Thither go these news as fast as horse can carry them ,
-A sorry breakfast for my Lord Protector .
-
-Your Grace shall give me leave , my Lord of York ,
-To be the post , in hope of his reward .
-
-At your pleasure , my good lord . Who's within there , ho !
-
-
-Invite my Lords of Salisbury and Warwick
-To sup with me to-morrow night . Away !
-
-
-Believe me , lords , for flying at the brook ,
-I saw not better sport these seven years' day :
-Yet , by your leave , the wind was very high ,
-And , ten to one , old Joan had not gone out .
-
-But what a point , my lord , your falcon made ,
-And what a pitch she flew above the rest !
-To see how God in all his creatures works !
-Yea , man and birds are fain of climbing high .
-
-No marvel , an it like your majesty ,
-My Lord Protector's hawks do tower so well ;
-They know their master loves to be aloft ,
-And bears his thoughts above his falcon's pitch .
-
-My lord , 'tis but a base ignoble mind
-That mounts no higher than a bird can soar .
-
-I thought as much ; he'd be above the clouds .
-
-Ay , my Lord Cardinal ; how think you by that ?
-Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven ?
-
-The treasury of everlasting joy .
-
-Thy heaven is on earth ; thine eyes and thoughts
-Beat on a crown , the treasure of thy heart ;
-Pernicious protector , dangerous peer ,
-That smooth'st it so with king and commonweal !
-
-What ! cardinal , is your priesthood grown peremptory ?
-Tant ne animis c lestibus ir ?
-Churchmen so hot ? good uncle , hide such malice ;
-With such holiness can you do it ?
-
-No malice , sir ; no more than well becomes
-So good a quarrel and so bad a peer .
-
-As who , my lord ?
-
-Why , as you , my lord ,
-An't like your lordly lord-protectorship .
-
-Why , Suffolk , England knows thine insolence .
-
-And thy ambition , Gloucester .
-
-I prithee , peace ,
-Good queen , and whet not on these furious peers ;
-For blessed are the peacemakers on earth .
-
-Let me be blessed for the peace I make
-Against this proud protector with my sword !
-
-Faith , holy uncle , would 'twere come to that !
-
-Marry , when thou dar'st .
-
-Make up no factious numbers for the matter ;
-In thine own person answer thy abuse .
-
-Ay , where thou dar'st not peep : an if thou dar'st ,
-This evening on the east side of the grove .
-
-How now , my lords !
-
-Believe me , cousin Gloucester ,
-Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly ,
-We had had more sport .
-
-Come with thy two-hand sword .
-
-True , uncle .
-
-Are you advis'd ?
-
-the east side of the grove .
-
-Cardinal , I am with you .
-
-Why , how now , uncle Gloucester !
-
-Talking of hawking ; nothing else , my lord .
-
-
-Now , by God's mother , priest , I'll shave your crown
-For this , or all my fence shall fail .
-
-Medice teipsum ;
-Protector , see to't well , protect yourself .
-
-The winds grow high ; so do your stomachs , lords .
-How irksome is this music to my heart !
-When such strings jar , what hope of harmony ?
-I pray , my lords , let me compound this strife .
-
-
-What means this noise ?
-Fellow , what miracle dost thou proclaim ?
-
-A miracle ! a miracle !
-
-Come to the king , and tell him what miracle .
-
-Forsooth , a blind man at Saint Alban's shrine ,
-Within this half hour hath receiv'd his sight ;
-A man that ne'er saw in his life before .
-
-Now , God be prais'd , that to believing souls
-Gives light in darkness , comfort in despair !
-
-Here comes the townsmen on procession ,
-To present your highness with the man .
-
-Great is his comfort in this earthly vale ,
-Although by his sight his sin be multiplied .
-
-Stand by , my masters ; bring him near the king :
-His highness' pleasure is to talk with him .
-
-Good fellow , tell us here the circumstance ,
-That we for thee may glorify the Lord .
-What ! hast thou been long blind , and now restor'd ?
-
-Born blind , an't please your Grace .
-
-Ay , indeed , was he .
-
-What woman is this ?
-
-His wife , an't like your worship .
-
-Hadst thou been his mother , thou couldst have better told .
-
-Where wert thou born ?
-
-At Berwick in the north , an't like your Grace .
-
-Poor soul ! God's goodness hath been great to thee :
-Let never day nor night unhallow'd pass ,
-But still remember what the Lord hath done .
-
-Tell me , good fellow , cam'st thou here by chance ,
-Or of devotion , to this holy shrine ?
-
-God knows , of pure devotion ; being call'd
-A hundred times and oft'ner in my sleep ,
-By good Saint Alban ; who said , 'Simpcox , come ;
-Come , offer at my shrine , and I will help thee .'
-
-Most true , forsooth ; and many time and oft
-Myself have heard a voice to call him so .
-
-What ! art thou lame ?
-
-Ay , God Almighty help me !
-
-How cam'st thou so ?
-
-A fall off of a tree .
-
-A plum-tree , master .
-
-How long hast thou been blind ?
-
-O ! born so , master .
-
-What ! and wouldst climb a tree ?
-
-But that in all my life , when I was a youth .
-
-Too true ; and bought his climbing very dear .
-
-Mass , thou lov'dst plums well , that wouldst venture so .
-
-Alas ! master , my wife desir'd some damsons ,
-And made me climb with danger of my life .
-
-A subtle knave ! but yet it shall not serve .
-Let me see thine eyes : wink now : now open them :
-In my opinion yet thou seest not well .
-
-Yes , master , clear as day ; I thank God and Saint Alban .
-
-Sayst thou me so ? What colour is this cloak of ?
-
-Red , master ; red as blood .
-
-Why , that's well said . What colour is my gown of ?
-
-Black , forsooth ; coal-black , as jet .
-
-Why then , thou know'st what colour jet is of ?
-
-And yet , I think , jet did he never see .
-
-But cloaks and gowns before this day a many .
-
-Never , before this day , in all his life .
-
-Tell me , sirrah , what's my name ?
-
-Alas ! master , I know not .
-
-What's his name ?
-
-I know not .
-
-Nor his ?
-
-No , indeed , master .
-
-What's thine own name ?
-
-Saunder Simpcox , an if it please you , master .
-
-Then , Saunder , sit there , the lyingest knave in Christendom . If thou hadst been born blind , thou mightst as well have known all our names as thus to name the several colours we do wear . Sight may distinguish of colours , but suddenly to nominate them all , it is impossible . My lords , Saint Alban here hath done a miracle ; and would ye not think that cunning to be great , that could restore this cripple to his legs again ?
-
-O , master , that you could !
-
-My masters of Saint Alban's , have you not beadles in your town , and things called whips ?
-
-Yes , my lord , if it please your Grace .
-
-Then send for one presently .
-
-Sirrah , go fetch the beadle hither straight .
-
-
-Now fetch me a stool hither by and by .
-
-
-Now , sirrah , if you mean to save yourself from whipping , leap me over this stool and run away .
-
-Alas ! master , I am not able to stand alone :
-You go about to torture me in vain .
-
-
-Well , sir , we must have you find your legs . Sirrah beadle , whip him till he leap over that same stool .
-
-I will , my lord . Come on , sirrah ; off with your doublet quickly .
-
-Alas ! master , what shall I do ? I am not able to stand .
-
-O God ! seest thou this , and bear'st so long ?
-
-It made me laugh to see the villain run .
-
-Follow the knave ; and take this drab away .
-
-Alas ! sir , we did it for pure need .
-
-Let them be whipp'd through every market town
-Till they come to Berwick , from whence they came .
-
-
-Duke Humphrey has done a miracle to-day .
-
-True ; made the lame to leap and fly away .
-
-But you have done more miracles than I ;
-You made in a day , my lord , whole towns to fly .
-
-
-What tidings with our cousin Buckingham ?
-
-Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold .
-A sort of naughty persons , lewdly bent ,
-Under the countenance and confederacy
-Of Lady Eleanor , the protector's wife ,
-The ringleader and head of all this rout ,
-Have practis'd dangerously against your state ,
-Dealing with witches and with conjurers :
-Whom we have apprehended in the fact ;
-Raising up wicked spirits from under-ground ,
-Demanding of King Henry's life and death ,
-And other of your highness' privy council ,
-As more at large your Grace shall understand .
-
-And so , my Lord Protector , by this means
-Your lady is forthcoming yet at London .
-This news , I think , hath turn'd your weapon's edge ;
-'Tis like , my lord , you will not keep your hour .
-
-Ambitious churchman , leave to afflict my heart :
-Sorrow and grief have vanquish'd all my powers ;
-And , vanquish'd as I am , I yield to thee ,
-Or to the meanest groom .
-
-O God ! what mischiefs work the wicked ones ,
-Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby .
-
-Gloucester , see here the tainture of thy nest ;
-And look thyself be faultless , thou wert best .
-
-Madam , for myself , to heaven I do appeal ,
-How I have lov'd my king and commonweal ;
-And , for my wife , I know not how it stands .
-Sorry I am to hear what I have heard :
-Noble she is , but if she have forgot
-Honour and virtue , and convers'd with such
-As , like to pitch , defile nobility ,
-I banish her my bed and company ,
-And give her , as a prey , to law and shame ,
-That hath dishonour'd Gloucester's honest name .
-
-Well , for this night we will repose us here :
-To-morrow toward London back again ,
-To look into this business thoroughly ,
-And call these foul offenders to their answers ;
-And poise the cause in justice' equal scales ,
-Whose beam stands sure , whose rightful cause prevails .
-
-
-Now , my good Lords of Salisbury and Warwick ,
-Our simple supper ended , give me leave ,
-In this close walk to satisfy myself ,
-In craving your opinion of my title ,
-Which is infallible to England's crown .
-
-My lord , I long to hear it at full .
-
-Sweet York , begin ; and if thy claim be good ,
-The Nevils are thy subjects to command .
-
-Then thus :
-Edward the Third , my lords , had seven sons :
-The first , Edward the Black Prince , Prince of Wales ;
-The second , William of Hatfield ; and the third ,
-Lionel , Duke of Clarence ; next to whom
-Was John of Gaunt , the Duke of Lancaster ;
-The fifth was Edmund Langley , Duke of York ;
-The sixth was Thomas of Woodstock , Duke of Gloucester ;
-William of Windsor was the seventh and last .
-Edward the Black Prince died before his father ,
-And left behind him Richard , his only son ,
-Who after Edward the Third's death , reign'd as king ;
-Till Henry Bolingbroke , Duke of Lancaster ,
-The eldest son and heir of John of Gaunt ,
-Crown'd by the name of Henry the Fourth ,
-Seiz'd on the realm , depos'd the rightful king ,
-Sent his poor queen to France , from whence she came ,
-And him to Pomfret ; where as all you know ,
-Harmless Richard was murder'd traitorously .
-
-Father , the duke hath told the truth ;
-Thus got the house of Lancaster the crown .
-
-Which now they hold by force and not by right ;
-For Richard , the first son's heir , being dead ,
-The issue of the next son should have reign'd .
-
-But William of Hatfield died without an heir .
-
-The third son , Duke of Clarence , from whose line
-I claim the crown , had issue , Philippe a daughter ,
-Who married Edmund Mortimer , Earl of March :
-Edmund had issue Roger , Earl of March :
-Roger had issue Edmund , Anne , and Eleanor .
-
-This Edmund , in the reign of Bolingbroke ,
-As I have read , laid claim unto the crown ;
-And but for Owen Glendower , had been king ,
-Who kept him in captivity till he died .
-But , to the rest .
-
-His eldest sister , Anne ,
-My mother , being heir unto the crown ,
-Married Richard , Earl of Cambridge , who was son
-To Edmund Langley , Edward the Third's fifth son .
-By her I claim the kingdom : she was heir
-To Roger , Earl of March ; who was the son
-Of Edmund Mortimer ; who married Philippe ,
-Sole daughter unto Lionel , Duke of Clarence :
-So , if the issue of the eldest son
-Succeed before the younger , I am king .
-
-What plain proceeding is more plain than this ?
-Henry doth claim the crown from John of Gaunt ,
-The fourth son ; York claims it from the third .
-Till Lionel's issue fails , his should not reign :
-It fails not yet , but flourishes in thee ,
-And in thy sons , fair slips of such a stock .
-Then , father Salisbury , kneel we together ,
-And in this private plot be we the first
-That shall salute our rightful sovereign
-With honour of his birthright to the crown .
-
-Long live our sovereign Richard , England's king !
-
-We thank you , lords ! But I am not your king
-Till I be crown'd , and that my sword be stain'd
-With heart-blood of the house of Lancaster ;
-And that's not suddenly to be perform'd ,
-But with advice and silent secrecy .
-Do you as I do in these dangerous days ,
-Wink at the Duke of Suffolk's insolence ,
-At Beaufort's pride , at Somerset's ambition ,
-At Buckingham and all the crew of them ,
-Till they have snar'd the shepherd of the flock ,
-That virtuous prince , the good Duke Humphrey :
-'Tis that they seek ; and they , in seeking that
-Shall find their deaths , if York can prophesy .
-
-My lord , break we off ; we know your mind at full .
-
-My heart assures me that the Earl of Warwick
-Shall one day make the Duke of York a king .
-
-And , Nevil , this I do assure myself ,
-Richard shall live to make the Earl of Warwick
-The greatest man in England but the king .
-
-
-Stand forth , Dame Eleanor Cobham , Gloucester's wife .
-In sight of God and us , your guilt is great :
-Receive the sentence of the law for sins
-Such as by God's book are adjudg'd to death .
-You four , from hence to prison back again ;
-From thence , unto the place of execution :
-The witch in Smithfield shall be burn'd to ashes ,
-And you three shall be strangled on the gallows .
-You , madam , for you are more nobly born ,
-Despoiled of your honour in your life ,
-Shall , after three days' open penance done ,
-Live in your country here , in banishment ,
-With Sir John Stanley , in the Isle of Man .
-
-Welcome is banishment ; welcome were my death .
-
-Eleanor , the law , thou seest , hath judged thee :
-I cannot justify whom the law condemns .
-
-Mine eyes are full of tears , my heart of grief .
-Ah , Humphrey ! this dishonour in thine age
-Will bring thy head with sorrow to the ground .
-I beseech your majesty , give me leave to go ;
-Sorrow would solace and mine age would ease .
-
-Stay , Humphrey , Duke of Gloucester : ere thou go ,
-Give up thy staff : Henry will to himself
-Protector be ; and God shall be my hope ,
-My stay , my guide , and lantern to my feet .
-And go in peace , Humphrey ; no less belov'd
-Than when thou wert protector to thy king .
-
-I see no reason why a king of years
-Should be to be protected like a child .
-God and King Henry govern England's helm !
-Give up your staff , sir , and the king his realm .
-
-My staff ! here , noble Henry , is my staff :
-As willingly do I the same resign
-As e'er thy father Henry made it mine ;
-And even as willingly at thy feet I leave it
-As others would ambitiously receive it .
-Farewell , good king ! when I am dead and gone ,
-May honourable peace attend thy throne .
-
-
-Why , now is Henry king , and Margaret queen ;
-And Humphrey , Duke of Gloucester , scarce himself ,
-That bears so shrewd a maim : two pulls at once ;
-His lady banish'd , and a limb lopp'd off ;
-This staff of honour raught : there let it stand ,
-Where it best fits to be , in Henry's hand .
-
-Thus droops this lofty pine and hangs his sprays ;
-Thus Eleanor's pride dies in her youngest days .
-
-Lords , let him go . Please it your majesty
-This is the day appointed for the combat ;
-And ready are the appellant and defendant ,
-The armourer and his man , to enter the lists ,
-So please your highness to behold the fight .
-
-Ay , good my lord ; for purposely therefore
-Left I the court , to see this quarrel tried .
-
-O' God's name , see the lists and all things fit :
-Here let them end it ; and God defend the right !
-
-I never saw a fellow worse bested ,
-Or more afraid to fight , than is the appellant ,
-The servant of this armourer , my lords .
-
-
-Here , neighbour Horner , I drink to you in a cup of sack : and fear not , neighbour , you shall do well enough .
-
-And here , neighbour , here's a cup of charneco .
-
-And here's a pot of good double beer , neighbour : drink , and fear not your man .
-
-Let it come , i' faith , and I'll pledge you all ; and a fig for Peter !
-
-Here , Peter , I drink to thee ; and be not afraid .
-
-Be merry , Peter , and fear not thy master : fight for credit of the prentices .
-
-I thank you all : drink , and pray for me , I pray you ; for , I think , I have taken my last draught in this world . Here , Robin , an if I die , I give thee my apron : and , Will , thou shalt have my hammer : and here , Tom , take all the money that I have . O Lord bless me ! I pray God , for I am never able to deal with my master , he hath learnt so much fence already .
-
-Come , leave your drinking and fall to blows . Sirrah , what's thy name ?
-
-Peter , forsooth .
-
-Peter ! what more ?
-
-Thump .
-
-Thump ! then see thou thump thy master well .
-
-Masters , I am come hither , as it were , upon my man's instigation , to prove him a knave , and myself an honest man : and touching the Duke of York , I will take my death I never meant him any ill , nor the king , nor the queen ; and therefore , Peter , have at thee with a downright blow !
-
-Dispatch : this knave's tongue begins to double .
-Sound , trumpets , alarum to the combatants .
-
-
-Hold , Peter , hold ! I confess , I confess treason .
-
-
-Take away his weapon . Fellow , thank
-God , and the good wine in thy master's way .
-
-O God ! have I overcome mine enemies in this presence ? O Peter ! thou hast prevailed in right !
-
-Go , take hence that traitor from our sight ;
-For by his death we do perceive his guilt :
-And God in justice hath reveal'd to us
-The truth and innocence of this poor fellow ,
-Which he had thought to have murder'd wrongfully .
-Come , fellow , follow us for thy reward .
-
-
-Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud ;
-And after summer evermore succeeds
-Barren winter , with his wrathful nipping cold :
-So cares and joys abound , as seasons fleet .
-Sirs , what's o'clock ?
-
-Ten , my lord .
-
-Ten is the hour that was appointed me
-To watch the coming of my punish'd duchess :
-Uneath may she endure the flinty streets ,
-To tread them with her tender-feeling feet .
-Sweet Nell , ill can thy noble mind abrook
-The abject people , gazing on thy face
-With envious looks still laughing at thy shame ,
-That erst did follow thy proud chariot wheels
-When thou didst ride in triumph through the streets .
-But , soft ! I think she comes ; and I'll prepare
-My tear-stain'd eyes to see her miseries .
-
-
-So please your Grace , we'll take her from the sheriff .
-
-No , stir not , for your lives ; let her pass by .
-
-Come you , my lord , to see my open shame ?
-Now thou dost penance too . Look ! how they gaze .
-See ! how the giddy multitude do point ,
-And nod their heads , and throw their eyes on thee .
-Ah , Gloucester , hide thee from their hateful looks ,
-And , in thy closet pent up , rue my shame ,
-And ban thine enemies , both mine and thine !
-
-Be patient , gentle Nell ; forget this grief .
-
-Ay , Gloucester , teach me to forget myself ;
-For whilst I think I am thy wedded wife ,
-And thou a prince , protector of this land ,
-Methinks I should not thus be led along ,
-Mail'd up in shame , with papers on my back ,
-And follow'd with a rabble that rejoice
-To see my tears and hear my deep-fet groans .
-The ruthless flint doth cut my tender feet ,
-And when I start , the envious people laugh ,
-And bid me be advised how I tread .
-Ah , Humphrey ! can I bear this shameful yoke ?
-Trow'st thou that e'er I'll look upon the world ,
-Or count them happy that enjoy the sun ?
-No ; dark shall be my light , and night my day ;
-To think upon my pomp shall be my hell .
-Sometime I'll say , I am Duke Humphrey's wife ;
-And he a prince and ruler of the land :
-Yet so he rul'd and such a prince he was
-As he stood by whilst I , his forlorn duchess ,
-Was made a wonder and a pointing-stock
-To every idle rascal follower .
-But be thou mild and blush not at my shame ;
-Nor stir at nothing till the axe of death
-Hang over thee , as , sure , it shortly will ;
-For Suffolk , he that can do all in all
-With her that hateth thee , and hates us all ,
-And York , and impious Beaufort , that false priest ,
-Have all lim'd bushes to betray thy wings ;
-And , fly thou how thou canst , they'll tangle thee :
-But fear not thou , until thy foot be snar'd ,
-Nor never seek prevention of thy foes .
-
-Ah , Nell ! forbear : thou aimest all awry ;
-I must offend before I be attainted ;
-And had I twenty times so many foes ,
-And each of them had twenty times their power ,
-All these could not procure me any scath ,
-So long as I am loyal , true , and crimeless .
-Wouldst have me rescue thee from this reproach ?
-Why , yet thy scandal were not wip'd away ,
-But I in danger for the breach of law .
-Thy greatest help is quiet , gentle Nell :
-I pray thee , sort thy heart to patience ;
-These few days' wonder will be quickly worn .
-
-
-I summon your Grace to his majesty's parliament , holden at Bury the first of this next month .
-
-And my consent ne'er ask'd herein before !
-This is close dealing . Well , I will be there .
-
-My Nell , I take my leave : and , master sheriff ,
-Let not her penance exceed the king's commission .
-
-An't please your Grace , here my commission stays ;
-And Sir John Stanley is appointed now
-To take her with him to the Isle of Man .
-
-Must you , Sir John , protect my lady here ?
-
-So am I given in charge , may't please your Grace .
-
-Entreat her not the worse in that I pray
-You use her well . The world may laugh again ;
-And I may live to do you kindness if
-You do it her : and so , Sir John , farewell .
-
-What ! gone , my lord , and bid me not farewell !
-
-Witness my tears , I cannot stay to speak .
-
-
-Art thou gone too ? All comfort go with thee !
-For none abides with me : my joy is death ;
-Death , at whose name I oft have been afear'd ,
-Because I wish'd this world's eternity .
-Stanley , I prithee , go , and take me hence ;
-I care not whither , for I beg no favour ,
-Only convey me where thou art commanded .
-
-Why , madam , that is to the Isle of Man ;
-There to be us'd according to your state .
-
-That's bad enough , for I am but reproach :
-And shall I then be us'd reproachfully ?
-
-Like to a duchess , and Duke Humphrey's lady :
-According to that state you shall be us'd .
-
-Sheriff , farewell , and better than I fare ,
-Although thou hast been conduct of my shame .
-
-It is my office ; and , madam , pardon me .
-
-Ay , ay , farewell ; thy office is discharg'd .
-Come , Stanley , shall we go ?
-
-Madam , your penance done , throw off this sheet ,
-And go we to attire you for our journey .
-
-My shame will not be shifted with my sheet :
-No ; it will hang upon my richest robes ,
-And show itself , attire me how I can .
-Go , lead the way ; I long to see my prison .
-
-
-I muse my Lord of Gloucester is not come :
-'Tis not his wont to be the hindmost man ,
-Whate'er occasion keeps him from us now .
-
-Can you not see ? or will ye not observe
-The strangeness of his alter'd countenance ?
-With what a majesty he bears himself ,
-How insolent of late he is become ,
-How proud , how peremptory , and unlike himself ?
-We know the time since he was mild and affable ,
-An if we did but glance a far-off look ,
-Immediately he was upon his knee ,
-That all the court admir'd him for submission :
-But meet him now , and , be it in the morn ,
-When everyone will give the time of day ,
-He knits his brow and shows an angry eye ,
-And passeth by with stiff unbowed knee ,
-Disdaining duty that to us belongs .
-Small curs are not regarded when they grin ,
-But great men tremble when the lion roars ;
-And Humphrey is no little man in England .
-First note that he is near you in descent ,
-And should you fall , he is the next will mount .
-Me seemeth then it is no policy ,
-Respecting what a rancorous mind he bears ,
-And his advantage following your decease ,
-That he should come about your royal person
-Or be admitted to your highness' council .
-By flattery hath he won the commons' hearts ,
-And when he please to make commotion ,
-'Tis to be fear'd they all will follow him .
-Now 'tis the spring , and weeds are shallow-rooted ;
-Suffer them now and they'll o'ergrow the garden ,
-And choke the herbs for want of husbandry .
-The reverent care I bear unto my lord
-Made me collect these dangers in the duke .
-If it be fond , call it a woman's fear ;
-Which fear if better reasons can supplant ,
-I will subscribe and say I wrong'd the duke .
-My Lord of Suffolk , Buckingham , and York ,
-Reprove my allegation if you can
-Or else conclude my words effectual .
-
-Well hath your highness seen into this duke ;
-And had I first been put to speak my mind ,
-I think I should have told your Grace's tale .
-The duchess , by his subornation ,
-Upon my life , began her devilish practices :
-Or if he were not privy to those faults ,
-Yet , by reputing of his high descent ,
-As , next the king he was successive heir ,
-And such high vaunts of his nobility ,
-Did instigate the bedlam brain-sick duchess ,
-By wicked means to frame our sovereign's fall .
-Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep ,
-And in his simple show he harbours treason .
-The fox barks not when he would steal the lamb :
-No , no , my sov'reign ; Gloucester is a man
-Unsounded yet , and full of deep deceit .
-
-Did he not , contrary to form of law ,
-Devise strange deaths for small offences done ?
-
-And did he not , in his protectorship ,
-Levy great sums of money through the realm
-For soldiers' pay in France , and never sent it ?
-By means whereof the towns each day revolted .
-
-Tut ! these are petty faults to faults unknown ,
-Which time will bring to light in smooth Duke Humphrey .
-
-My lords , at once : the care you have of us ,
-To mow down thorns that would annoy our foot ,
-Is worthy praise ; but shall I speak my conscience ,
-Our kinsman Gloucester is as innocent
-From meaning treason to our royal person ,
-As is the sucking lamb or harmless dove .
-The duke is virtuous , mild , and too well given
-To dream on evil , or to work my downfall .
-
-Ah ! what's more dangerous than this fond affiance !
-Seems he a dove ? his feathers are but borrow'd ,
-For he's disposed as the hateful raven :
-Is he a lamb ? his skin is surely lent him ,
-For he's inclin'd as is the ravenous wolf .
-Who cannot steal a shape that means deceit ?
-Take heed , my lord ; the welfare of us all
-Hangs on the cutting short that fraudful man .
-
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-All health unto my gracious sovereign !
-
-Welcome , Lord Somerset . What news from France ?
-
-That all your interest in those territories
-Is utterly bereft you ; all is lost .
-
-Cold news , Lord Somerset : but God's will be done !
-
-Cold news for me ; for I had hope of France ,
-As firmly as I hope for fertile England .
-Thus are my blossoms blasted in the bud ,
-And caterpillars eat my leaves away ;
-But I will remedy this gear ere long ,
-Or sell my title for a glorious grave .
-
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-All happiness unto my lord the king !
-Pardon , my liege , that I have stay'd so long .
-
-Nay , Gloucester , know that thou art come too soon ,
-Unless thou wert more loyal than thou art :
-I do arrest thee of high treason here .
-
-Well , Suffolk's duke , thou shalt not see me blush ,
-Nor change my countenance for this arrest :
-A heart unspotted is not easily daunted .
-The purest spring is not so free from mud
-As I am clear from treason to my sovereign .
-Who can accuse me ? wherein am I guilty ?
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-'Tis thought , my lord , that you took bribes of France ,
-And , being protector , stay'd the soldiers' pay ;
-By means whereof his highness hath lost France .
-
-Is it but thought so ? What are they that think it ?
-I never robb'd the soldiers of their pay ,
-Nor ever had one penny bribe from France .
-So help me God , as I have watch'd the night ,
-Ay , night by night , in studying good for England ,
-That doit that e'er I wrested from the king ,
-Or any groat I hoarded to my use ,
-Be brought against me at my trial-day !
-No ; many a pound of mine own proper store ,
-Because I would not tax the needy commons ,
-Have I disbursed to the garrisons ,
-And never ask'd for restitution .
-
-It serves you well , my lord , to say so much .
-
-I say no more than truth , so help me God !
-
-In your protectorship you did devise
-Strange tortures for offenders , never heard of ,
-That England was defam'd by tyranny .
-
-Why , 'tis well known that , whiles I was protector ,
-Pity was all the fault that was in me ;
-For I should melt at an offender's tears ,
-And lowly words were ransom for their fault .
-Unless it were a bloody murderer ,
-Or foul felonious thief that fleec'd poor passengers ,
-I never gave them condign punishment :
-Murder , indeed , that bloody sin , I tortur'd
-Above the felon or what trespass else .
-
-My lord , these faults are easy , quickly answer'd :
-But mightier crimes are laid unto your charge ,
-Whereof you cannot easily purge yourself .
-I do arrest you in his highness' name ;
-And here commit you to my Lord Cardinal
-To keep until your further time of trial .
-
-My Lord of Gloucester , 'tis my special hope
-That you will clear yourself from all suspect :
-My conscience tells me you are innocent .
-
-Ah ! gracious lord , these days are dangerous .
-Virtue is chok'd with foul ambition ,
-And charity chas'd hence by rancour's hand ;
-Foul subornation is predominant ,
-And equity exil'd your highness' land .
-I know their complot is to have my life ;
-And if my death might make this island happy ,
-And prove the period of their tyranny ,
-I would expend it with all willingness ;
-But mine is made the prologue to their play ;
-For thousands more , that yet suspect no peril ,
-Will not conclude their plotted tragedy .
-Beaufort's red sparkling eyes blab his heart's malice ,
-And Suffolk's cloudy brow his stormy hate ;
-Sharp Buckingham unburdens with his tongue
-The envious load that lies upon his heart ;
-And dogged York , that reaches at the moon ,
-Whose overweening arm I have pluck'd back ,
-By false accuse doth level at my life :
-And you , my sov'reign lady , with the rest ,
-Causeless have laid disgraces on my head ,
-And with your best endeavour have stirr'd up
-My liefest liege to be mine enemy .
-Ay , all of you have laid your heads together ;
-Myself had notice of your conventicles ;
-And all to make away my guiltless life .
-I shall not want false witness to condemn me ,
-Nor store of treasons to augment my guilt ;
-The ancient proverb will be well effected :
-'A staff is quickly found to beat a dog .'
-
-My liege , his railing is intolerable .
-If those that care to keep your royal person
-From treason's secret knife and traitor's rage
-Be thus upbraided , chid , and rated at ,
-And the offender granted scope of speech ,
-'Twill make them cool in zeal unto your Grace .
-
-Hath he not twit our sovereign lady here
-With ignominious words , though clerkly couch'd ,
-As if she had suborned some to swear
-False allegations to o'erthrow his state ?
-
-But I can give the loser leave to chide .
-
-Far truer spoke than meant : I lose , indeed ;
-Beshrew the winners , for they play'd me false !
-And well such losers may have leave to speak .
-
-He'll wrest the sense and hold us here all day .
-Lord Cardinal , he is your prisoner .
-
-Sirs , take away the duke , and guard him sure .
-
-Ah ! thus King Henry throws away his crutch
-Before his legs be firm to bear his body :
-Thus is the shepherd beaten from thy side ,
-And wolves are gnarling who shall gnaw thee first .
-Ah ! that my fear were false , ah ! that it were ;
-For , good King Henry , thy decay I fear .
-
-
-My lords , what to your wisdoms seemeth best
-Do or undo , as if ourself were here .
-
-What ! will your highness leave the parliament ?
-
-Ay , Margaret ; my heart is drown'd with grief ,
-Whose flood begins to flow within mine eyes ,
-My body round engirt with misery ,
-For what's more miserable than discontent ?
-Ah ! uncle Humphrey , in thy face I see
-The map of honour , truth , and loyalty ;
-And yet , good Humphrey , is the hour to come
-That e'er I prov'd thee false , or fear'd thy faith .
-What low'ring star now envies thy estate ,
-That these great lords , and Margaret our queen ,
-Do seek subversion of thy harmless life ?
-Thou never didst them wrong , nor no man wrong ;
-And as the butcher takes away the calf ,
-And binds the wretch , and beats it when it strays ,
-Bearing it to the bloody slaughter-house ,
-Even so , remorseless , have they borne him hence ;
-And as the dam runs lowing up and down ,
-Looking the way her harmless young one went ,
-And can do nought but wail her darling's loss ;
-Even so myself bewails good Gloucester's case ,
-With sad unhelpful tears , and with dimm'd eyes
-Look after him , and cannot do him good ;
-So mighty are his vowed enemies .
-His fortunes I will weep ; and , 'twixt each groan ,
-Say 'Who's a traitor , Gloucester he is none .'
-
-
-Fair lords , cold snow melts with the sun's hot beams .
-Henry my lord is cold in great affairs ,
-Too full of foolish pity ; and Gloucester's show
-Beguiles him as the mournful crocodile
-With sorrow snares relenting passengers ;
-Or as the snake , roll'd in a flow'ring bank ,
-With shining checker'd slough , doth sting a child
-That for the beauty thinks it excellent .
-Believe me , lords , were none more wise than I ,
-And yet herein I judge mine own wit good ,
-This Gloucester should be quickly rid the world ,
-To rid us from the fear we have of him .
-
-That he should die is worthy policy ;
-And yet we want a colour for his death .
-'Tis meet he be condemn'd by course of law .
-
-But in my mind that were no policy :
-The king will labour still to save his life ;
-The commons haply rise to save his life ;
-And yet we have but trivial argument ,
-More than mistrust , that shows him worthy death .
-
-So that , by this , you would not have him die .
-
-Ah ! York , no man alive so fain as I .
-
-'Tis York that hath more reason for his death .
-But my Lord Cardinal , and you , my Lord of Suffolk ,
-Say as you think , and speak it from your souls ,
-Were't not all one an empty eagle were set
-To guard the chicken from a hungry kite ,
-As place Duke Humphrey for the king's protector ?
-
-So the poor chicken should be sure of death .
-
-Madam , 'tis true : and were't not madness , then ,
-To make the fox surveyor of the fold ?
-Who , being accus'd a crafty murderer ,
-His guilt should be but idly posted over
-Because his purpose is not executed .
-No ; let him die , in that he is a fox ,
-By nature prov'd an enemy to the flock ,
-Before his chaps be stain'd with crimson blood ,
-As Humphrey , prov'd by reasons , to my liege .
-And do not stand on quillets how to slay him :
-Be it by gins , by snares , by subtilty ,
-Sleeping or waking , 'tis no matter how ,
-So he be dead ; for that is good deceit
-Which mates him first that first intends deceit .
-
-Thrice noble Suffolk , 'tis resolutely spoke .
-
-Not resolute , except so much were done ,
-For things are often spoke and seldom meant ;
-But , that my heart accordeth with my tongue ,
-Seeing the deed is meritorious ,
-And to preserve my sovereign from his foe ,
-Say but the word and I will be his priest .
-
-But I would have him dead , my Lord of Suffolk ,
-Ere you can take due orders for a priest :
-Say you consent and censure well the deed ,
-And I'll provide his executioner ;
-I tender so the safety of my liege .
-
-Here is my hand , the deed is worthy doing .
-
-And so say I .
-
-And I : and now we three have spoke it ,
-It skills not greatly who impugns our doom .
-
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-Great lords , from Ireland am I come amain ,
-To signify that rebels there are up ,
-And put the Englishmen unto the sword .
-Send succours , lords , and stop the rage betime ,
-Before the wound do grow uncurable ;
-For , being green , there is great hope of help .
-
-A breach that craves a quick expedient stop !
-What counsel give you in this weighty cause ?
-
-That Somerset be sent as regent thither .
-'Tis meet that lucky ruler be employ'd ;
-Witness the fortune he hath had in France .
-
-If York , with all his far-fet policy ,
-Had been the regent there instead of me ,
-He never would have stay'd in France so long .
-
-No , not to lose it all , as thou hast done :
-I rather would have lost my life betimes
-Than bring a burden of dishonour home ,
-By staying there so long till all were lost .
-Show me one scar character'd on thy skin :
-Men's flesh preserv'd so whole do seldom win .
-
-Nay then , this spark will prove a raging fire ,
-If wind and fuel be brought to feed it with .
-No more , good York ; sweet Somerset , be still :
-Thy fortune , York , hadst thou been regent there ,
-Might happily have prov'd far worse than his .
-
-What ! worse than nought ? nay , then a shame take all .
-
-And in the number thee , that wishest shame .
-
-My Lord of York , try what your fortune is .
-The uncivil kerns of Ireland are in arms
-And temper clay with blood of Englishmen :
-To Ireland will you lead a band of men ,
-Collected choicely , from each county some ,
-And try your hap against the Irishmen ?
-
-I will , my lord , so please his majesty .
-
-Why , our authority is his consent ,
-And what we do establish he confirms :
-Then , noble York , take thou this task in hand .
-
-I am content : provide me soldiers , lords ,
-Whiles I take order for mine own affairs .
-
-A charge , Lord York , that I will see perform'd .
-But now return we to the false Duke Humphrey .
-
-No more of him ; for I will deal with him
-That henceforth he shall trouble us no more .
-And so break off ; the day is almost spent .
-Lord Suffolk , you and I must talk of that event .
-
-My Lord of Suffolk , within fourteen days
-At Bristol I expect my soldiers ;
-For there I'll ship them all for Ireland .
-
-I'll see it truly done , my Lord of York .
-
-
-Now , York , or never , steel thy fearful thoughts ,
-And change misdoubt to resolution :
-Be that thou hop'st to be , or what thou art
-Resign to death ; it is not worth the enjoying .
-Let pale-fac'd fear keep with the mean-born man ,
-And find no harbour in a royal heart .
-Faster than spring-time showers comes thought on thought ,
-And not a thought but thinks on dignity .
-My brain , more busy than the labouring spider ,
-Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies .
-Well , nobles , well ; 'tis politicly done ,
-To send me packing with a host of men :
-I fear me you but warm the starved snake ,
-Who , cherish'd in your breasts , will sting your hearts .
-'Twas men I lack'd , and you will give them me :
-I take it kindly ; yet be well assur'd
-You put sharp weapons in a madman's hands .
-Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band ,
-I will stir up in England some black storm
-Shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hell ;
-And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage
-Until the golden circuit on my head ,
-Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams ,
-Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw .
-And , for a minister of my intent ,
-I have seduc'd a headstrong Kentishman ,
-John Cade of Ashford ,
-To make commotion , as full well he can ,
-Under the title of John Mortimer .
-In Ireland have I seen this stubborn Cade
-Oppose himself against a troop of kerns ,
-And fought so long , till that his thighs with darts
-Were almost like a sharp-quill'd porpentine :
-And , in the end being rescu'd , I have seen
-Him caper upright like a wild Morisco ,
-Shaking the bloody darts as he his bells .
-Full often , like a shag-hair'd crafty kern ,
-Hath he conversed with the enemy ,
-And undiscover'd come to me again ,
-And given me notice of their villanies .
-This devil here shall be my substitute ;
-For that John Mortimer , which now is dead ,
-In face , in gait , in speech , he doth resemble ;
-By this I shall perceive the commons' mind ,
-How they affect the house and claim of York .
-Say he be taken , rack'd , and tortured ,
-I know no pain they can inflict upon him
-Will make him say I mov'd him to those arms .
-Say that he thrive ,as 'tis great like he will ,
-Why , then from Ireland come I with my strength ,
-And reap the harvest which that rascal sow'd ;
-For , Humphrey being dead , as he shall be ,
-And Henry put apart , the next for me .
-
-
-Run to my Lord of Suffolk ; let him know
-We have dispatch'd the duke , as he commanded .
-
-O ! that it were to do . What have we done ?
-Didst ever hear a man so penitent ?
-
-
-Here comes my lord .
-
-Now , sirs , have you dispatch'd this thing ?
-
-Ay , my good lord , he's dead .
-
-Why , that's well said . Go , get you to my house ;
-I will reward you for this venturous deed .
-The king and all the peers are here at hand .
-Have you laid fair the bed ? is all things well ,
-According as I gave directions ?
-
-'Tis , my good lord .
-
-Away ! be gone .
-
-Go , call our uncle to our presence straight ;
-Say , we intend to try his Grace to-day ,
-If he be guilty , as 'tis published .
-
-I'll call him presently , my noble lord .
-
-
-Lords , take your places ; and , I pray you all ,
-Proceed no straiter 'gainst our uncle Gloucester
-Than from true evidence , of good esteem ,
-He be approv'd in practice culpable .
-
-God forbid any malice should prevail
-That faultless may condemn a nobleman !
-Pray God , he may acquit him of suspicion !
-
-I thank thee , Meg ; these words content me much .
-
-
-How now ! why look'st thou pale ? why tremblest thou ?
-
-Where is our uncle ? what's the matter , Suffolk ?
-
-Dead in his bed , my lord ; Gloucester is dead .
-
-Marry , God forfend !
-
-God's secret judgment : I did dream to-night
-The duke was dumb , and could not speak a word .
-
-
-How fares my lord ? Help , lords ! the king is dead .
-
-Rear up his body ; wring him by the nose .
-
-Run , go , help , help ! O Henry , ope thine eyes !
-
-He doth revive again . Madam , be patient .
-
-O heavenly God !
-
-How fares my gracious lord ?
-
-Comfort , my sovereign ! grocious Henry , comfort !
-
-What ! doth my Lord of Suffolk comfort me ?
-Came he right now to sing a raven's note ,
-Whose dismal tune bereft my vital powers ,
-And thinks he that the chirping of a wren ,
-By crying comfort from a hollow breast ,
-Can chase away the first-conceived sound ?
-Hide not thy poison with such sugar'd words :
-Lay not thy hands on me ; forbear , I say :
-Their touch affrights me as a serpent's sting .
-Thou baleful messenger , out of my sight !
-Upon thy eyeballs murderous tyranny
-Sits in grim majesty to fright the world .
-Look not upon me , for thine eyes are wounding :
-Yet do not go away ; come , basilisk ,
-And kill the innocent gazer with thy sight ;
-For in the shade of death I shall find joy ,
-In life but double death , now Gloucester's dead .
-
-Why do you rate my Lord of Suffolk thus ?
-Although the duke was enemy to him ,
-Yet he , most Christian-like , laments his death :
-And for myself , foe as he was to me ,
-Might liquid tears or heart-offending groans
-Or blood-consuming sighs recall his life ,
-I would be blind with weeping , sick with groans ,
-Look pale as primrose with blood-drinking sighs ,
-And all to have the noble duke alive .
-What know I how the world may deem of me ?
-For it is known we were but hollow friends :
-It may be judg'd I made the duke away :
-So shall my name with slander's tongue be wounded ,
-And princes' courts be fill'd with my reproach .
-This get I by his death . Ay me , unhappy !
-To be a queen , and crown'd with infamy !
-
-Ah ! woe is me for Gloucester , wretched man .
-
-Be woe for me , more wretched than he is .
-What ! dost thou turn away and hide thy face ?
-I am no loathsome leper ; look on me .
-What ! art thou , like the adder , waxen deaf ?
-Be poisonous too and kill thy forlorn queen .
-Is all thy comfort shut in Gloucester's tomb ?
-Why , then , Dame Margaret was ne'er thy joy :
-Erect his statua and worship it ,
-And make my image but an alehouse sign .
-Was I for this nigh wrack'd upon the sea ,
-And twice by awkward wind from England's bank
-Drove back again unto my native clime ?
-What boded this , but well forewarning wind
-Did seem to say , 'Seek not a scorpion's nest ,
-Nor set no footing on this unkind shore ?'
-What did I then , but curs'd the gentle gusts
-And he that loos'd them forth their brazen caves ;
-And bid them blow towards England's blessed shore ,
-Or turn our stern upon a dreadful rock ?
-Yet olus would not be a murderer ,
-But left that hateful office unto thee :
-The pretty vaulting sea refus'd to drown me ,
-Knowing that thou wouldst have me drown'd on shore
-With tears as salt as sea through thy unkindness :
-The splitting rocks cower'd in the sinking sands ,
-And would not dash me with their ragged sides ,
-Because thy flinty heart , more hard than they ,
-Might in thy palace perish Margaret .
-As far as I could ken thy chalky cliffs ,
-When from thy shore the tempest beat us back ,
-I stood upon the hatches in the storm ,
-And when the dusky sky began to rob
-My earnest-gaping sight of thy land's view ,
-I took a costly jewel from my neck ,
-A heart it was , bound in with diamonds ,
-And threw it towards thy land : the sea receiv'd it ,
-And so I wish'd thy body might my heart :
-And even with this I lost fair England's view ,
-And bid mine eyes be packing with my heart ,
-And call'd them blind and dusky spectacles
-For losing ken of Albion's wished coast .
-How often have I tempted Suffolk's tongue
-The agent of thy foul inconstancy
-To sit and witch me , as Ascanius did
-When he to madding Dido would unfold
-His father's acts , commenc'd in burning Troy !
-Am I not witch'd like her ? or thou not false like him ?
-Ay me ! I can no more . Die , Margaret !
-For Henry weeps that thou dost live so long .
-
-It is reported , mighty sovereign ,
-That good Duke Humphrey trait'rously is murder'd
-By Suffolk and the Cardinal Beaufort's means .
-The commons , like an angry hive of bees
-That want their leader , scatter up and down ,
-And care not who they sting in his revenge .
-Myself have calm'd their spleenful mutiny ,
-Until they hear the order of his death .
-
-That he is dead , good Warwick , 'tis too true ;
-But how he died God knows , not Henry .
-Enter his chamber , view his breathless corpse ,
-And comment then upon his sudden death .
-
-That shall I do , my liege . Stay , Salisbury ,
-With the rude multitude till I return .
-
-
-O ! Thou that judgest all things , stay my thoughts ,
-My thoughts that labour to persuade my soul
-Some violent hands were laid on Humphrey's life .
-If my suspect be false , forgive me , God ,
-For judgment only doth belong to thee .
-Fain would I go to chafe his paly lips
-With twenty thousand kisses , and to drain
-Upon his face an ocean of salt tears ,
-To tell my love unto his deaf dumb trunk ,
-And with my fingers feel his hand unfeeling :
-But all in vain are these mean obsequies ,
-And to survey his dead and earthly image
-What were it but to make my sorrow greater ?
-
-
-Come hither , gracious sovereign , view this body .
-
-That is to see how deep my grave is made ;
-For with his soul fled all my worldly solace ,
-For seeing him I see my life in death .
-
-As surely as my soul intends to live
-With that dread King that took our state upon him
-To free us from his Father's wrathful curse ,
-I do believe that violent hands were laid
-Upon the life of this thrice-famed duke .
-
-A dreadful oath , sworn with a solemn tongue !
-What instance gives Lord Warwick for his vow ?
-
-See how the blood is settled in his face .
-Oft have I seen a timely-parted ghost ,
-Of ashy semblance , meagre , pale , and bloodless ,
-Being all descended to the labouring heart ;
-Who , in the conflict that it holds with death ,
-Attracts the same for aidance 'gainst the enemy ;
-Which with the heart there cools , and ne'er returneth
-To blush and beautify the cheek again .
-But see , his face is black and full of blood ,
-His eyeballs further out than when he liv'd ,
-Staring full ghastly like a strangled man ;
-His hair uprear'd , his nostrils stretch'd with struggling :
-His hands abroad display'd , as one that grasp'd
-And tugg'd for life , and was by strength subdu'd .
-Look on the sheets , his hair , you see , is sticking ;
-His well-proportion'd beard made rough and rugged ,
-Like to the summer's corn by tempest lodg'd .
-It cannot be but he was murder'd here ;
-The least of all these signs were probable .
-
-Why , Warwick , who should do the duke to death ?
-Myself and Beaufort had him in protection ;
-And we , I hope , sir , are no murderers .
-
-But both of you were vow'd Duke Humphrey's foes ,
-And you , forsooth , had the good duke to keep :
-'Tis like you would not feast him like a friend ,
-And 'tis well seen he found an enemy .
-
-Then you , belike , suspect these noblemen
-As guilty of Duke Humphrey's timeless death .
-
-Who finds the heifer dead , and bleeding fresh ,
-And sees fast by a butcher with an axe ,
-But will suspect 'twas he that made the slaughter ?
-Who finds the partridge in the puttock's nest ,
-But may imagine how the bird was dead ,
-Although the kite soar with unbloodied beak ?
-Even so suspicious is this tragedy .
-
-Are you the butcher , Suffolk ? where's your knife ?
-Is Beaufort term'd a kite ? where are his talons ?
-
-I wear no knife to slaughter sleeping men ;
-But here's a vengeful sword , rusted with ease ,
-That shall be scoured in his rancorous heart
-That slanders me with murder's crimson badge .
-Say , if thou dar'st , proud Lord of Warwickshire ,
-That I am faulty in Duke Humphrey's death .
-
-
-What dares not Warwick , if false Suffolk dare him ?
-
-He dares not calm his contumelious spirit ,
-Nor cease to be an arrogant controller ,
-Though Suffolk dare him twenty thousand times .
-
-Madam , be still , with reverence may I say ;
-For every word you speak in his behalf
-Is slander to your royal dignity .
-
-Blunt-witted lord , ignoble in demeanour !
-If ever lady wrong'd her lord so much ,
-Thy mother took into her blameful bed
-Some stern untutor'd churl , and noble stock
-Was graft with crab-tree slip ; whose fruit thou art ,
-And never of the Nevils' noble race .
-
-But that the guilt of murder bucklers thee ,
-And I should rob the deathsman of his fee ,
-Quitting thee thereby of ten thousand shames ,
-And that my sov'reign's presence makes me mild ,
-I would , false murd'rous coward , on thy knee
-Make thee beg pardon for thy passed speech ,
-And say it was thy mother that thou meant'st ;
-That thou thyself wast born in bastardy :
-And after all this fearful homage done ,
-Give thee thy hire , and send thy soul to hell ,
-Pernicious blood-sucker of sleeping men .
-
-Thou shalt be waking while I shed thy blood ,
-If from this presence thou dar'st go with me .
-
-Away even now , or I will drag thee hence :
-Unworthy though thou art , I'll cope with thee ,
-And do some service to Duke Humphrey's ghost .
-
-
-What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted !
-Thrice is he arm'd that hath his quarrel just ,
-And he but naked , though lock'd up in steel ,
-Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted .
-
-What noise is this ?
-
-Why , how now , lords ! your wrathful weapons drawn
-Here in our presence ! dare you be so bold ?
-Why , what tumultuous clamour have we here ?
-
-The traitorous Warwick , with the men of Bury ,
-Set all upon me , mighty sovereign .
-
-
-Sirs , stand apart ; the king shall know your mind .
-Dread lord , the commons send you word by me ,
-Unless false Suffolk straight be done to death ,
-Or banished fair England's territories ,
-They will by violence tear him from your palace
-And torture him with grievous lingering death .
-They say , by him the good Duke Humphrey died ;
-They say , in him they fear your highness' death ;
-And mere instinct of love and loyalty ,
-Free from a stubborn opposite intent ,
-As being thought to contradict your liking ,
-Makes them thus forward in his banishment .
-They say , in care of your most royal person ,
-That if your highness should intend to sleep ,
-And charge that no man should disturb your rest
-In pain of your dislike or pain of death ,
-Yet , notwithstanding such a strait edict ,
-Were there a serpent seen , with forked tongue ,
-That slily glided towards your majesty ,
-It were but necessary you were wak'd ,
-Lest , being suffer'd in that harmful slumber ,
-The mortal worm might make the sleep eternal :
-And therefore do they cry , though you forbid ,
-That they will guard you , whe'r you will or no ,
-From such fell serpents as false Suffolk is ;
-With whose envenomed and fatal sting ,
-Your loving uncle , twenty times his worth ,
-They say , is shamefully bereft of life .
-
-An answer from the king , my Lord of Salisbury !
-
-'Tis like the commons , rude unpolish'd hinds ,
-Could send such message to their sovereign ;
-But you , my lord , were glad to be employ'd ,
-To show how quaint an orator you are :
-But all the honour Salisbury hath won
-Is that he was the lord ambassador ,
-Sent from a sort of tinkers to the king .
-
-An answer from the king , or we will all break in !
-
-Go , Salisbury , and tell them all from me ,
-I thank them for their tender loving care ;
-And had I not been cited so by them ,
-Yet did I purpose as they do entreat ;
-For , sure , my thoughts do hourly prophesy
-Mischance unto my state by Suffolk's means :
-And therefore , by his majesty I swear ,
-Whose far unworthy deputy I am ,
-He shall not breathe infection in this air
-But three days longer , on the pain of death .
-
-
-O Henry ! let me plead for gentle Suffolk .
-
-Ungentle queen , to call him gentle Suffolk !
-No more , I say ; if thou dost plead for him
-Thou wilt but add increase unto my wrath .
-Had I but said , I would have kept my word ,
-But when I swear , it is irrevocable .
-
-
-If after three days' space thou here be'st found
-On any ground that I am ruler of ,
-The world shall not be ransom for thy life .
-Come , Warwick , come , good Warwick , go with me ;
-I have great matters to impart to thee .
-
-
-Mischance and sorrow go along with you !
-Heart's discontent and sour affliction
-Be playfellows to keep you company !
-There's two of you ; the devil make a third ,
-And threefold vengeance tend upon your steps !
-
-Cease , gentle queen , these execrations ,
-And let thy Suffolk take his heavy leave .
-
-Fie , coward woman and soft-hearted wretch !
-Hast thou not spirit to curse thine enemy ?
-
-A plague upon them ! Wherefore should I curse them ?
-Would curses kill , as doth the mandrake's groan ,
-I would invent as bitter-searching terms ,
-As curst , as harsh and horrible to hear ,
-Deliver'd strongly through my fixed teeth ,
-With full as many signs of deadly hate ,
-As lean-fac'd Envy in her loathsome cave .
-My tongue should stumble in mine earnest words ;
-Mine eyes should sparkle like the beaten flint ;
-My hair be fix'd on end , as one distract ;
-Ay , every joint should seem to curse and ban :
-And even now my burden'd heart would break
-Should I not curse them . Poison be their drink !
-Gall , worse than gall , the daintiest that they taste !
-Their sweetest shade a grove of cypress trees !
-Their chiefest prospect murdering basilisks !
-Their softest touch as smart as lizard's stings !
-Their music frightful as the serpent's hiss ,
-And boding screech-owls make the concert full !
-All the foul terrors in dark-seated hell
-
-Enough , sweet Suffolk ; thou torment'st thyself ;
-And these dread curses , like the sun 'gainst glass ,
-Or like an over-charged gun , recoil ,
-And turn the force of them upon thyself .
-
-You bade me ban , and will you bid me leave ?
-Now , by the ground that I am banish'd from ,
-Well could I curse away a winter's night ,
-Though standing naked on a mountain top ,
-Where biting cold would never let grass grow ,
-And think it but a minute spent in sport .
-
-O ! let me entreat thee , cease ! Give me thy hand ,
-That I may dew it with my mournful tears ;
-Nor let the rain of heaven wet this place ,
-To wash away my woeful monuments .
-O ! could this kiss be printed in thy hand ,
-
-That thou mightst think upon these by the seal ,
-Through whom a thousand sighs are breath'd for thee .
-So , get thee gone , that I may know my grief ;
-'Tis but surmis'd whiles thou art standing by ,
-As one that surfeits thinking on a want .
-I will repeal thee , or , be well assur'd ,
-Adventure to be banished myself ;
-And banished I am , if but from thee .
-Go ; speak not to me ; even now be gone .
-O ! go not yet . Even thus two friends condemn'd
-Embrace and kiss , and take ten thousand leaves ,
-Loather a hundred times to part than die .
-Yet now farewell ; and farewell life with thee !
-
-Thus is poor Suffolk ten times banished ,
-Once by the king , and three times thrice by thee .
-'Tis not the land I care for , wert thou thence ;
-A wilderness is populous enough ,
-So Suffolk had thy heavenly company :
-For where thou art , there is the world itself ,
-With every several pleasure in the world ,
-And where thou art not , desolation .
-I can no more : live thou to joy thy life ;
-Myself to joy in nought but that thou liv'st .
-
-
-Whither goes Vaux so fast ? what news , I prithee ?
-
-To signify unto his majesty
-That Cardinal Beaufort is at point of death ;
-For suddenly a grievous sickness took him ,
-That makes him gasp and stare , and catch the air ,
-Blaspheming God , and cursing men on earth .
-Sometime he talks as if Duke Humphrey's ghost
-Were by his side ; sometime he calls the king ,
-And whispers to his pillow , as to him ,
-The secrets of his overcharged soul :
-And I am sent to tell his majesty
-That even now he cries aloud for him .
-
-Go tell this heavy message to the king .
-
-Ay me ! what is this world ! what news are these !
-But wherefore grieve I at an hour's poor loss ,
-Omitting Suffolk's exile , my soul's treasure ?
-Why only , Suffolk , mourn I not for thee ,
-And with the southern clouds contend in tears ,
-Theirs for the earth's increase , mine for my sorrows ?
-Now get thee hence : the king , thou know'st , is coming ;
-If thou be found by me thou art but dead .
-
-If I depart from thee I cannot live ;
-And in thy sight to die , what were it else
-But like a pleasant slumber in thy lap ?
-Here could I breathe my soul into the air ,
-As mild and gentle as the cradle babe ,
-Dying with mother's dug between its lips ;
-Where , from thy sight , I should be raging mad ,
-And cry out for thee to close up mine eyes ,
-To have thee with thy lips to stop my mouth :
-So shouldst thou either turn my flying soul ,
-Or I should breathe it so into thy body ,
-And then it liv'd in sweet Elysium .
-To die by thee , were but to die in jest ;
-From thee to die were torture more than death .
-O ! let me stay , befall what may befall !
-
-Away ! though parting be a fretful corsive ,
-It is applied to a deathful wound .
-To France , sweet Suffolk : let me hear from thee ;
-For wheresoe'er thou art in this world's globe ,
-I'll have an Iris that shall find thee out .
-
-I go .
-
-And take my heart with thee .
-
-A jewel , lock'd into the woefull'st cask
-That ever did contain a thing of worth .
-Even as a splitted bark , so sunder we :
-This way fall I to death .
-
-This way for me .
-
-
-How fares my lord ? speak , Beaufort , to thy sovereign .
-
-If thou be'st death , I'll give thee England's treasure ,
-Enough to purchase such another island ,
-So thou wilt let me live , and feel no pain .
-
-Ah ! what a sign it is of evil life
-Where death's approach is seen so terrible .
-
-Beaufort , it is thy sov'reign speaks to thee .
-
-Bring me unto my trial when you will .
-Died he not in his bed ? where should he die ?
-Can I make men live whe'r they will or no ?
-O ! torture me no more , I will confess .
-Alive again ? then show me where he is :
-I'll give a thousand pound to look upon him .
-He hath no eyes , the dust hath blinded them .
-Comb down his hair ; look ! look ! it stands upright ,
-Like lime-twigs set to catch my winged soul .
-Give me some drink ; and bid the apothecary
-Bring the strong poison that I bought of him .
-
-O thou eternal Mover of the heavens !
-Look with a gentle eye upon this wretch ;
-O ! beat away the busy meddling fiend
-That lays strong siege unto this wretch's soul ,
-And from his bosom purge this black despair .
-
-See how the pangs of death do make him grin !
-
-Disturb him not ! let him pass peaceably .
-
-Peace to his soul , if God's good pleasure be !
-Lord Cardinal , if thou think'st on heaven's bliss ,
-Hold up thy hand , make signal of thy hope .
-He dies , and makes no sign . O God , forgive him !
-
-So bad a death argues a monstrous life .
-
-Forbear to judge , for we are sinners all .
-Close up his eyes , and draw the curtain close ;
-And let us all to meditation .
-
-The gaudy , blabbing , and remorseful day
-Is crept into the bosom of the sea ,
-And now loud-howling wolves arouse the jades
-That drag the tragic melancholy night ;
-Who with their drowsy , slow , and flagging wings
-Clip dead men's graves , and from their misty jaws
-Breathe foul contagious darkness in the air .
-Therefore bring forth the soldiers of our prize ,
-For , whilst our pinnace anchors in the Downs
-Here shall they make their ransom on the sand ,
-Or with their blood stain this discolour'd shore .
-Master , this prisoner freely give I thee :
-And thou that art his mate make boot of this ;
-The other
-
-, Walter Whitmore , is thy share .
-
-What is my ransom , master ? let me know .
-
-A thousand crowns , or else lay down your head .
-
-And so much shall you give , or off goes yours .
-
-What ! think you much to pay two thousand crowns ,
-And bear the name and port of gentlemen ?
-Cut both the villains' throats ! for die you shall :
-The lives of those which we have lost in fight
-Cannot be counterpois'd with such a petty sum !
-
-I'll give it , sir ; and therefore spare my life .
-
-And so will I , and write home for it straight .
-
-I lost mine eye in laying the prize aboard ,
-
-
-And therefore to revenge it shalt thou die ;
-And so should these if I might have my will .
-
-Be not so rash : take ransom ; let him live .
-
-Look on my George ; I am a gentleman :
-Rate me at what thou wilt , thou shalt be paid .
-
-And so am I ; my name is Walter Whitmore .
-How now ! why start'st thou ? what ! doth death affright ?
-
-Thy name affrights me , in whose sound is death .
-A cunning man did calculate my birth ,
-And told me that by Water I should die :
-Yet let not this make thee be bloody-minded ;
-Thy name is Gaultier , being rightly sounded .
-
-Gaultier , or Walter , which it is I care not ;
-Never yet did base dishonour blur our name
-But with our sword we wip'd away the blot :
-Therefore , when merchant-like I sell revenge ,
-Broke be my sword , my arms torn and defac'd ,
-And I proclaim'd a coward through the world !
-
-
-Stay , Whitmore ; for thy prisoner is a prince ,
-The Duke of Suffolk , William de la Pole .
-
-The Duke of Suffolk muffled up in rags !
-
-Ay , but these rags are no part of the duke :
-Jove sometimes went disguis'd , and why not I ?
-
-But Jove was never slain , as thou shalt be .
-
-Obscure and lowly swain , King Henry's blood ,
-The honourable blood of Lancaster ,
-Must not be shed by such a jaded groom .
-Hast thou not kiss'd thy hand and held my stirrup ?
-Bare-headed plodded by my foot-cloth mule ,
-And thought thee happy when I shook my head ?
-How often hast thou waited at my cup ,
-Fed from my trencher , kneel'd down at the board ,
-When I have feasted with Queen Margaret ?
-Remember it and let it make thee crest-fall'n ;
-Ay , and allay this thy abortive pride .
-How in our voiding lobby hast thou stood
-And duly waited for my coming forth ?
-This hand of mine hath writ in thy behalf ,
-And therefore shall it charm thy riotous tongue .
-
-Speak , captain , shall I stab the forlorn swain ?
-
-First let my words stab him , as he hath me .
-
-Base slave , thy words are blunt , and so art thou .
-
-Convey him hence , and on our longboat's side
-Strike off his head .
-
-Thou dar'st not for thy own .
-
-Yes , Pole .
-
-Pole !
-
-Pool ! Sir Pool ! lord !
-Ay , kennel , puddle , sink ; whose filth and dirt
-Troubles the silver spring where England drinks .
-Now will I dam up this thy yawning mouth
-For swallowing the treasure of the realm :
-Thy lips , that kiss'd the queen , shall sweep the ground ;
-And thou , that smil'dst at good Duke Humphrey's death ,
-Against the senseless winds shall grin in vain ,
-Who in contempt shall hiss at thee again :
-And wedded be thou to the hags of hell ,
-For daring to affy a mighty lord
-Unto the daughter of a worthless king ,
-Having neither subject , wealth , nor diadem .
-By devilish policy art thou grown great ,
-And , like ambitious Sylla , overgorg'd
-With gobbets of thy mother's bleeding heart .
-By thee Anjou and Maine were sold to France ,
-The false revolting Normans thorough thee
-Disdain to call us lord , and Picardy
-Hath slain their governors , surpris'd our forts ,
-And sent the ragged soldiers wounded home .
-The princely Warwick , and the Nevils all ,
-Whose dreadful swords were never drawn in vain ,
-As hating thee , are rising up in arms :
-And now the house of York , thrust from the crown
-By shameful murder of a guiltless king ,
-And lofty proud encroaching tyranny ,
-Burns with revenging fire ; whose hopeful colours
-Advance our half-fac'd sun , striving to shine ,
-Under the which is writ Invitis nubibus .
-The commons here in Kent are up in arms ;
-And to conclude , reproach and beggary
-Is crept into the palace of our king ,
-And all by thee . Away ! convey him hence .
-
-O ! that I were a god , to shoot forth thunder
-Upon these paltry , servile , abject drudges .
-Small things make base men proud : this villain here ,
-Being captain of a pinnace , threatens more
-Than Bargulus the strong Illyrian pirate .
-Drones suck not eagles' blood , but rob beehives .
-It is impossible that I should die
-By such a lowly vassal as thyself .
-Thy words move rage , and not remorse in me :
-I go of message from the queen to France ;
-I charge thee , waft me safely cross the Channel .
-
-Walter !
-
-Come , Suffolk , I must waft thee to thy death .
-
-Gelidus timor occupat artus : 'tis thee I fear .
-
-Thou shalt have cause to fear before I leave thee .
-What ! are ye daunted now ? now will ye stoop ?
-
-My gracious lord , entreat him , speak him fair .
-
-Suffolk's imperial tongue is stern and rough ,
-Us'd to command , untaught to plead for favour .
-Far be it we should honour such as these
-With humble suit : no , rather let my head
-Stoop to the block than these knees bow to any
-Save to the God of heaven , and to my king ;
-And sooner dance upon a bloody pole
-Than stand uncover'd to the vulgar groom .
-True nobility is exempt from fear :
-More can I bear than you dare execute .
-
-Hale him away , and let him talk no more .
-
-Come , soldiers , show what cruelty ye can ,
-That this my death may never be forgot .
-Great men oft die by vile bezonians .
-A Roman sworder and banditto slave
-Murder'd sweet Tully ; Brutus' bastard hand
-Stabb'd Julius C sar ; savage islanders
-Pompey the Great ; and Suffolk dies by pirates .
-
-
-And as for these whose ransom we have set ,
-It is our pleasure one of them depart :
-Therefore come you with us and let him go .
-
-There let his head and lifeless body lie ,
-Until the queen his mistress bury it .
-
-
-O barbarous and bloody spectacle !
-His body will I bear unto the king :
-If he revenge it not , yet will his friends ;
-So will the queen , that living held him dear .
-
-
-Come , and get thee a sword , though made of a lath : they have been up these two days .
-
-They have the more need to sleep now then .
-
-I tell thee , Jack Cade the clothier means to dress the commonwealth , and turn it , and set a new nap upon it .
-
-So he had need , for 'tis threadbare . Well , I say it was never merry world in England since gentlemen came up .
-
-O miserable age ! Virtue is not regarded in handicrafts-men .
-
-The nobility think scorn to go in leather aprons .
-
-Nay , more ; the king's council are no good workmen .
-
-True ; and yet it is said , 'Labour in thy vocation :' which is as much to say as , let the magistrates be labouring men ; and therefore should we be magistrates .
-
-Thou hast hit it ; for there's no better sign of a brave mind than a hard hand .
-
-I see them ! I see them ! There's Best's son , the tanner of Wingham ,
-
-He shall have the skins of our enemies to make dog's-leather of .
-
-And Dick the butcher ,
-
-Then is sin struck down like an ox , and iniquity's throat cut like a calf .
-
-And Smith the weaver ,
-
-Argo , their thread of life is spun .
-
-Come , come , let's fall in with them .
-
-
-We John Cade , so termed of our supposed father ,
-
-Or rather , of stealing a cade of herrings .
-
-For our enemies shall fall before us , inspired with the spirit of putting down kings and princes ,Command silence .
-
-Silence !
-
-My father was a Mortimer .
-
-He was an honest man , and a good bricklayer .
-
-My mother a Plantagenet ,
-
-I knew her well ; she was a midwife .
-
-My wife descended of the Lacies ,
-
-She was , indeed , a pedlar's daughter , and sold many laces .
-
-But now of late , not able to travel with her furred pack , she washes bucks here at home .
-
-Therefore am I of an honourable house .
-
-Ay , by my faith , the field is honourable ; and there was he born , under a hedge ; for his father had never a house but the cage .
-
-Valiant I am .
-
-A' must needs , for beggary is valiant .
-
-I am able to endure much .
-
-No question of that , for I have seen him whipped three market-days together .
-
-I fear neither sword nor fire .
-
-He need not fear the sword , for his coat is of proof .
-
-But methinks he should stand in fear of fire , being burnt i' the hand for stealing of sheep .
-
-Be brave , then ; for your captain is brave , and vows reformation . There shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny ; the three-hooped pot shall have ten hoops ; and I will make it felony to drink small beer . All the realm shall be in common , and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass . And when I am king ,as king I will be ,
-
-God save your majesty !
-
-I thank you , good people : there shall be no money ; all shall eat and drink on my score , and I will apparel them all in one livery , that they may agree like brothers , and worship me their lord .
-
-The first thing we do , let's kill all the lawyers .
-
-Nay , that I mean to do . Is not this a lamentable thing , that of the skin of an innocent lamb should be made parchment ? that parchment , being scribbled o'er , should undo a man ? Some say the bee stings ; but I say , 'tis the bee's wax , for I did but seal once to a thing , and I was never mine own man since . How now ! who's there ?
-
-
-The clerk of Chatham : he can write and read and cast accompt .
-
-O monstrous !
-
-We took him setting of boys' copies .
-
-Here's a villain !
-
-Has a book in his pocket with red letters in't .
-
-Nay , then he is a conjurer .
-
-Nay , he can make obligations , and write court-hand .
-
-I am sorry for't : the man is a proper man , of mine honour ; unless I find him guilty , he shall not die . Come hither , sirrah , I must examine thee . What is thy name ?
-
-Emmanuel .
-
-They use to write it on the top of letters . 'Twill go hard with you .
-
-Let me alone . Dost thou use to write thy name , or hast thou a mark to thyself , like an honest plain-dealing man ?
-
-Sir , I thank God , I have been so well brought up , that I can write my name .
-
-He hath confessed : away with him ! he's a villain and a traitor .
-
-Away with him ! I say : hang him with his pen and ink-horn about his neck .
-
-Where's our general ?
-
-Here I am , thou particular fellow .
-
-Fly , fly , fly ! Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother are hard by , with the king's forces .
-
-Stand , villain , stand , or I'll fell thee down . He shall be encountered with a man as good as himself : he is but a knight , is a' ?
-
-No .
-
-To equal him , I will make myself a knight presently .
-
-Rise up Sir John Mortimer . [Rises .] Now have at him .
-
-
-Rebellious hinds , the filth and scum of Kent ,
-Mark'd for the gallows , lay your weapons down ;
-Home to your cottages , forsake this groom :
-The king is merciful , if you revolt .
-
-But angry , wrathful , and inclin'd to blood ,
-If you go forward : therefore yield , or die .
-
-As for these silken-coated slaves , I pass not :
-It is to you , good people , that I speak ,
-O'er whom , in time to come I hope to reign ;
-For I am rightful heir unto the crown .
-
-Villain ! thy father was a plasterer ;
-And thou thyself a shearman , art thou not ?
-
-And Adam was a gardener .
-
-And what of that ?
-
-Marry , this : Edmund Mortimer , Earl of March ,
-Married the Duke of Clarence' daughter , did he not ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-By her he had two children at one birth .
-
-That's false .
-
-Ay , there's the question ; but I say , 'tis true :
-The elder of them , being put to nurse ,
-Was by a beggar-woman stol'n away ;
-And , ignorant of his birth and parentage ,
-Became a bricklayer when he came to age :
-His son am I ; deny it if you can .
-
-Nay , 'tis too true ; therefore he shall be king .
-
-Sir , he made a chimney in my father's house , and the bricks are alive at this day to testify it ; therefore deny it not .
-
-And will you credit this base drudge's words ,
-That speaks he knows not what ?
-
-Ay , marry , will we ; therefore get ye gone .
-
-Jack Cade , the Duke of York hath taught you this .
-
-He lies , for I invented it myself . Go to , sirrah ; tell the king from me , that , for his father's sake , Henry the Fifth , in whose time boys went to span-counter for French crowns , I am content he shall reign ; but I'll be protector over him .
-
-And furthermore , we'll have the Lord Say's head for selling the dukedom of Maine .
-
-And good reason ; for thereby is England mained , and fain to go with a staff , but that my puissance holds it up . Fellow kings , I tell you that that Lord Say hath gelded the commonwealth , and made it a eunuch ; and more than that , he can speak French ; and therefore he is a traitor .
-
-O gross and miserable ignorance !
-
-Nay , answer , if you can : the Frenchmen are our enemies ; go to then , I ask but this , can he that speaks with the tongue of an enemy be a good counsellor , or no ?
-
-No , no ; and therefore we'll have his head .
-
-Well , seeing gentle words will not prevail ,
-Assail them with the army of the king .
-
-Herald , away ; and throughout every town
-Proclaim them traitors that are up with Cade ;
-That those which fly before the battle ends
-May , even in their wives' and children's sight ,
-Be hang'd up for example at their doors :
-And you , that be the king's friends , follow me .
-
-
-And you , that love the commons , follow me .
-Now show yourselves men ; 'tis for liberty .
-We will not leave one lord , one gentleman :
-Spare none but such as go in clouted shoon ,
-For they are thrifty honest men , and such
-As would , but that they dare not take our parts .
-
-They are all in order , and march toward us .
-
-But then are we in order when we are most out of order . Come , march ! forward !
-
-
-Where's Dick , the butcher of Ashford ?
-
-Here , sir .
-
-They fell before thee like sheep and oxen , and thou behavedst thyself as if thou hadst been in thine own slaughter-house : therefore thus will I reward thee , the Lent shall be as long again as it is ; and thou shalt have a licence to kill for a hundred lacking one .
-
-I desire no more .
-
-And , to speak truth , thou deservest no less . This monument of the victory will I bear ;
-
-and the bodies shall be dragged at my horse' heels , till I do come to London , where we will have the Mayor's sword borne before us .
-
-If we mean to thrive and do good , break open the gaols and let out the prisoners .
-
-Fear not that , I warrant thee . Come ; let's march towards London .
-
-
-Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind ,
-And makes it fearful and degenerate ;
-Think therefore on revenge , and cease to weep .
-But who can cease to weep and look on this ?
-Here may his head lie on my throbbing breast ;
-But where's the body that I should embrace ?
-
-What answer makes your Grace to the rebels' supplication ?
-
-I'll send some holy bishop to entreat ;
-For God forbid so many simple souls
-Should perish by the sword ! And I myself ,
-Rather than bloody war shall cut them short ,
-Will parley with Jack Cade their general .
-But stay , I'll read it over once again .
-
-Ah , barbarous villains ! hath this lovely face
-Rul'd like a wandering planet over me ,
-And could it not enforce them to relent ,
-That were unworthy to behold the same ?
-
-Lord Say , Jack Cade hath sworn to have thy head .
-
-Ay , but I hope your highness shall have his .
-
-How now , madam !
-Still lamenting and mourning for Suffolk's death ?
-I fear me , love , if that I had been dead ,
-Thou wouldest not have mourn'd so much for me .
-
-No , my love ; I should not mourn , but die for thee .
-
-
-How now ! what news ? why com'st thou in such haste ?
-
-The rebels are in Southwark ; fly , my lord !
-Jack Cade proclaims himself Lord Mortimer ,
-Descended from the Duke of Clarence' house ,
-And calls your Grace usurper openly ,
-And vows to crown himself in Westminster .
-His army is a ragged multitude
-Of hinds and peasants , rude and merciless :
-Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother's death
-Hath given them heart and courage to proceed .
-All scholars , lawyers , courtiers , gentlemen ,
-They call false caterpillars , and intend their death .
-
-O graceless men ! they know not what they do .
-
-My gracious lord , retire to Killingworth ,
-Until a power be rais'd to put them down .
-
-Ah ! were the Duke of Suffolk now alive ,
-These Kentish rebels would be soon appeas'd .
-
-Lord Say , the traitors hate thee ,
-Therefore away with us to Killingworth .
-
-So might your Grace's person be in danger .
-The sight of me is odious in their eyes ;
-And therefore in this city will I stay ,
-And live alone as secret as I may .
-
-
-Jack Cade hath gotten London bridge ;
-The citizens fly and forsake their houses ;
-The rascal people , thirsting after prey ,
-Join with the traitor ; and they jointly swear
-To spoil the city and your royal court .
-
-Then linger not , my lord ; away ! take horse .
-
-Come , Margaret ; God , our hope , will succour us .
-
-My hope is gone , now Suffolk is deceas'd .
-
-Farewell , my lord : trust not the Kentish rebels .
-
-Trust nobody , for fear you be betray'd .
-
-The trust I have is in mine innocence ,
-And therefore am I bold and resolute .
-
-
-How now ! is Jack Cade slain ?
-
-No , my lord , nor likely to be slain ; for they have won the bridge , killing all those that withstand them . The Lord Mayor craves aid of your honour from the Tower , to defend the city from the rebels .
-
-Such aid as I can spare you shall command ;
-But I am troubled here with them myself ;
-The rebels have assay'd to win the Tower .
-But get you to Smithfield and gather head ,
-And thither I will send you Matthew Goffe :
-Fight for your king , your country , and your lives ;
-And so , farewell , for I must hence again .
-
-
-Now is Mortimer lord of this city . And here , sitting upon London-stone , I charge and command that , of the city's cost , the pissing-conduit run nothing but claret wine this first year of our reign . And now , henceforward , it shall be treason for any that calls me other than Lord Mortimer .
-
-
-Jack Cade ! Jack Cade !
-
-Knock him down there .
-
-
-If this fellow be wise , he'll never call you Jack Cade more : I think he hath a very fair warning .
-
-My lord , there's an army gathered together in Smithfield .
-
-Come then , let's go fight with them . But first , go and set London-bridge on fire , and , if you can , burn down the Tower too . Come , let's away .
-
-
-So , sirs :Now go some and pull down the Savoy ; others to the inns of court : down with them all .
-
-I have a suit unto your lordship .
-
-Be it a lordship , thou shalt have it for that word .
-
-Only that the laws of England may come out of your mouth .
-
-Mass , 'twill be sore law then ; for he was thrust in the mouth with a spear , and 'tis not whole yet .
-
-Nay , John , it will be stinking law ; for his breath stinks with eating toasted cheese .
-
-I have thought upon it ; it shall be so . Away ! burn all the records of the realm : my mouth shall be the parliament of England .
-
-Then we are like to have biting statutes , unless his teeth be pulled out .
-
-And henceforward all things shall be in common .
-
-
-My lord , a prize , a prize ! here's the Lord Say , which sold the towns in France ; he that made us pay one-and-twenty fifteens , and one shilling to the pound , the last subsidy .
-
-
-Well , he shall be beheaded for it ten times . Ah ! thou say , thou serge , nay , thou buckram lord ; now art thou within pointblank of our jurisdiction regal . What canst thou answer to my majesty for giving up of Normandy unto Monsieur Basimecu , the Dauphin of France ? Be it known unto thee by these presence , even the presence of Lord Mortimer , that I am the besom that must sweep the court clean of such filth as thou art . Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar-school ; and whereas , before , our fore-fathers had no other books but the score and the tally , thou hast caused printing to be used ; and , contrary to the king , his crown , and dignity , thou hast built a paper-mill . It will be proved to thy face that thou hast men about thee that usually talk of a noun and a verb , and such abominable words as no Christian car can endure to hear . Thou hast appointed justices of peace , to call poor men before them about matters they were not able to answer . Moreover , thou hast put them in prison ; and because they could not read , thou hast hanged them ; when indeed only for that cause they have been most worthy to live . Thou dost ride on a foot-cloth , dost thou not ?
-
-What of that ?
-
-Marry , thou oughtest not to let thy horse wear a cloak , when honester men than thou go in their hose and doublets .
-
-And work in their shirt too ; as myself , for example , that am a butcher .
-
-You men of Kent ,
-
-What say you of Kent ?
-
-Nothing but this : 'tis bona terra , mala gens .
-
-Away with him ! away with him ! he speaks Latin .
-
-Hear me but speak , and bear me where you will .
-Kent , in the Commentaries C sar writ ,
-Is term'd the civil'st place of all this isle :
-Sweet is the country , because full of riches ;
-The people liberal , valiant , active , wealthy ;
-Which makes me hope you are not void of pity .
-I sold not Maine , I lost not Normandy ;
-Yet , to recover them , would lose my life .
-Justice with favour have I always done ;
-Prayers and tears have mov'd me , gifts could never .
-When have I aught exacted at your hands ,
-But to maintain the king , the realm , and you ?
-Large gifts have I bestow'd on learned clerks ,
-Because my book preferr'd me to the king ,
-And seeing ignorance is the curse of God ,
-Knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven ,
-Unless you be possess'd with devilish spirits ,
-You cannot but forbear to murder me :
-This tongue hath parley'd unto foreign kings
-For your behoof ,
-
-Tut ! when struck'st thou one blow in the field ?
-
-Great men have reaching hands : oft have I struck
-Those that I never saw , and struck them dead .
-
-O monstrous coward ! what , to come behind folks !
-
-These cheeks are pale for watching for your good .
-
-Give him a box o' the ear , and that will make 'em red again .
-
-Long sitting , to determine poor men's causes ,
-Hath made me full of sickness and diseases .
-
-Ye shall have a hempen caudle then , and the help of hatchet .
-
-Why dost thou quiver , man ?.
-
-The palsy , and not fear , provokes me .
-
-Nay , he nods at us ; as who should say , I'll be even with you : I'll see if his head will stand steadier on a pole , or no . Take him away and behead him .
-
-Tell me wherein have I offended most ?
-Have I affected wealth , or honour ? speak .
-Are my chests fill'd up with extorted gold ?
-Is my apparel sumptuous to behold ?
-Whom have I injur'd , that ye seek my death ?
-These hands are free from guiltless bloodshedding ,
-This breast from harbouring foul deceitful thoughts .
-O ! let me live .
-
-I feel remorse in myself with his words ; but I'll bridle it : he shall die , an it be but for pleading so well for his life . Away with him ! he has a familiar under his tongue ; he speaks not o' God's name . Go , take him away , I say , and strike off his head presently ; and then break into his son-in-law's house , Sir James Cromer , and strike off his head , and bring them both upon two poles hither .
-
-It shall be done .
-
-Ah , countrymen ! if when you make your prayers ,
-God should be so obdurate as yourselves ,
-How would it fare with your departed souls ?
-And therefore yet relent , and save my life .
-
-Away with him ! and do as I command ye .
-
-The proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head on his shoulders , unless he pay me tribute ; there shall not a maid be married , but she shall pay to me her maidenhead , ere they have it ; men shall hold of me in capite ; and we charge and command that their wives be as free as heart can wish or tongue can tell .
-
-My lord , when shall we go to Cheapside and take up commodities upon our bills ?
-
-Marry , presently .
-
-O ! brave !
-
-
-But is not this braver ? Let them kiss one another , for they loved well when they were alive . Now part them again , lest they consult about the giving up of some more towns in France . Soldiers , defer the spoil of the city until night : for with these borne before us , instead of maces , will we ride through the streets ; and at every corner have them kiss . Away !
-
-
-Up Fish Street ! down St . Magnus' corner ! kill and knock down ! throw them into Thames ! [A parley sounded , then a retreat .] What noise is this I hear ? Dare any be so bold to sound retreat or parley , when I command them kill ?
-
-
-Ay , here they be that dare and will disturb thee .
-Know , Cade , we come ambassadors from the king
-Unto the commons whom thou hast misled ;
-And here pronounce free pardon to them all
-That will forsake thee and go home in peace .
-
-What say ye , countrymen ? will ye relent ,
-And yield to mercy , whilst 'tis offer'd you ,
-Or let a rebel lead you to your deaths ?
-Who loves the king , and will embrace his pardon ,
-Fling up his cap , and say 'God save his majesty !'
-Who hateth him , and honours not his father ,
-Henry the Fifth , that made all France to quake ,
-Shake he his weapon at us , and pass by .
-
-God save the king ! God save the king !
-
-What ! Buckingham and Clifford , are ye so brave ? And you , base peasants , do ye believe him ? will you needs be hanged with your pardons about your necks ? Hath my sword therefore broke through London Gates , that you should leave me at the White Hart in Southwark ? I thought ye would never have given out these arms till you had recovered your ancient freedom ; but you are all recreants and dastards , and delight to live in slavery to the nobility . Let them break your backs with burdens , take your houses over your heads , ravish your wives and daughters before your faces : for me , I will make shift for one , and so , God's curse light upon you all !
-
-We'll follow Cade , we'll follow Cade !
-
-Is Cade the son of Henry the Fifth ,
-That thus you do exclaim you'll go with him ?
-Will he conduct you through the heart of France ,
-And make the meanest of you earls and dukes ?
-Alas ! he hath no home , no place to fly to ;
-Nor knows he how to live but by the spoil ,
-Unless by robbing of your friends and us .
-Were't not a shame , that whilst you live at jar ,
-The fearful French , whom you late vanquished ,
-Should make a start o'er seas and vanquish you ?
-Methinks already in this civil broil
-I see them lording it in London streets ,
-Crying Villiago ! unto all they meet .
-Better ten thousand base-born Cades miscarry ,
-Than you should stoop unto a Frenchman's mercy .
-To France , to France ! and get what you have lost ;
-Spare England , for it is your native coast .
-Henry hath money , you are strong and manly ;
-God on our side , doubt not of victory .
-
-A Clifford ! a Clifford ! we'll follow the king and Clifford .
-
-Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as this multitude ? The name of Henry the Fifth hales them to a hundred mischiefs , and makes them leave me desolate . I see them lay their heads together to surprise me . My sword make way for me , for here is no staying . In despite of the devils and hell , have through the very middest of you ! and heavens and honour be witness , that no want of resolution in me , but only my followers' base and ignominious treasons , makes me betake me to my heels .
-
-
-What , is he fled ? go some , and follow him ;
-And he that brings his head unto the king
-Shall have a thousand crowns for his reward .
-
-Follow me , soldiers : we'll devise a mean
-To reconcile you all unto the king .
-
-
-Was ever king that joy'd an earthly throne ,
-And could command no more content than I ?
-No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
-But I was made a king at nine months old :
-Was never subject long'd to be a king
-As I do long and wish to be a subject .
-
-
-Health , and glad tidings , to your majesty !
-
-Why , Buckingham , is the traitor Cade surpris'd ?
-Or is he but retir'd to make him strong ?
-
-
-He's fled , my lord , and all his powers do yield ;
-And humbly thus , with halters on their necks ,
-Expect your highness' doom , of life , or death .
-
-Then , heaven , set ope thy everlasting gates ,
-To entertain my vows of thanks and praise !
-Soldiers , this day have you redeem'd your lives ,
-And show'd how well you love your prince and country :
-Continue still in this so good a mind ,
-And Henry , though he be infortunate ,
-Assure yourselves , will never be unkind :
-And so , with thanks and pardon to you all ,
-I do dismiss you to your several countries .
-
-God save the king ! God save the king !
-
-
-Please it your Grace to be advertised ,
-The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland ;
-And with a puissant and a mighty power
-Of Gallowglasses , and stout kerns ,
-Is marching hitherward in proud array ;
-And still proclaimeth , as he comes along ,
-His arms are only to remove from thee
-The Duke of Somerset , whom he terms a traitor .
-
-Thus stands my state , 'twixt Cade and York distress'd ;
-Like to a ship , that , having scap'd a tempest ,
-Is straight way calm'd , and boarded with a pirate .
-But now is Cade driven back , his men dispers'd ;
-And now is York in arms to second him .
-I pray thee , Buckingham , go and meet him ,
-And ask him what's the reason of these arms .
-Tell him I'll send Duke Edmund to the Tower ;
-And , Somerset , we will commit thee thither ,
-Until his army be dismiss'd from him .
-
-My lord ,
-I'll yield myself to prison willingly ,
-Or unto death , to do my country good .
-
-In any case , be not too rough in terms ;
-For he is fierce and cannot brook hard language .
-
-I will , my lord ; and doubt not so to deal
-As all things shall redound unto your good .
-
-Come , wife , let's in , and learn to govern better ;
-For yet may England curse my wretched reign .
-
-Fie on ambition ! fie on myself , that have a sword , and yet am ready to famish ! These five days have I hid me in these woods and durst not peep out , for all the country is laid for me ; but now I am so hungry , that if I might have a lease of my life for a thousand years I could stay no longer . Wherefore , on a brick wall have I climbed into this garden , to see if I can eat grass , or pick a sallet another while , which is not amiss to cool a man's stomach this hot weather . And I think this word 'sallet' was born to do me good : for many a time , but for a sallet , my brain-pan had been cleft with a brown bill ; and many a time , when I have been dry , and bravely marching , it hath served me instead of a quart-pot to drink in ; and now the word 'sallet' must serve me to feed on .
-
-
-Lord ! who would live turmoiled in the court ,
-And may enjoy such quiet walks as these ?
-This small inheritance my father left me
-Contenteth me , and worth a monarchy .
-I seek not to wax great by others' waning ,
-Or gather wealth I care not with what envy :
-Sufficeth that I have maintains my state ,
-And sends the poor well pleased from my gate .
-
-Here's the lord of the soil come to seize me for a stray , for entering his fee-simple without leave . Ah , villain ! thou wilt betray me , and get a thousand crowns of the king by carrying my head to him ; but I'll make thee eat iron like an ostrich , and swallow my sword like a great pin , ere thou and I part .
-
-Why , rude companion , whatsoe'er thou be ,
-I know thee not ; why then should I betray thee ?
-Is't not enough to break into my garden ,
-And like a thief to come to rob my grounds ,
-Climbing my walls in spite of me the owner ,
-But thou wilt brave me with these saucy terms ?
-
-Brave thee ! ay , by the best blood that ever was broached , and beard thee too . Look on me well : I have eat no meat these five days ; yet , come thou and thy five men , and if I do not leave you all as dead as a door-nail , I pray God I may never eat grass more .
-
-Nay , it shall ne'er be said , while England stands ,
-That Alexander Iden , an esquire of Kent ,
-Took odds to combat a poor famish'd man .
-Oppose thy steadfast-gazing eyes to mine ,
-See if thou canst out-face me with thy looks :
-Set limb to limb , and thou art far the lesser ;
-Thy hand is but a finger to my fist ;
-Thy leg a stick compared with this truncheon ;
-My foot shall fight with all the strength thou hast ;
-And if mine arm be heaved in the air
-Thy grave is digg'd already in the earth .
-As for more words , whose greatness answers words ,
-Let this my sword report what speech forbears .
-
-By my valour , the most complete champion that ever I heard ! Steel , if thou turn the edge , or cut not out the burly-boned clown in chines of beef ere thou sleep in thy sheath , I beseech Jove on my knees , thou mayst be turned to hobnails .
-
-O , I am slain ! Famine and no other hath slain me : let ten thousand devils come against me , and give me but the ten meals I have lost , and I'll defy them all . Wither , garden ; and be henceforth a burying-place to all that do dwell in this house , because the unconquered soul of Cade is fled .
-
-Is't Cade that I have slain , that monstrous traitor ?
-Sword , I will hallow thee for this thy deed ,
-And hang thee o'er my tomb when I am dead :
-Ne'er shall this blood be wiped from thy point ,
-But thou shalt wear it as a herald's coat ,
-To emblaze the honour that thy master got .
-
-Iden , farewell ; and be proud of thy victory . Tell Kent from me , she hath lost her best man , and exhort all the world to be cowards ; for I , that never feared any , am vanquished by famine , not by valour .
-
-
-How much thou wrong'st me , heaven be my judge .
-Die , damned wretch , the curse of her that bare thee !
-And as I thrust thy body in with my sword ,
-So wish I I might thrust thy soul to hell .
-Hence will I drag thee headlong by the heels
-Unto a dunghill which shall be thy grave ,
-And there cut off thy most ungracious head ;
-Which I will bear in triumph to the king ,
-Leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon .
-
-
-From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right ,
-And pluck the crown from feeble Henry's head :
-Ring , bells , aloud ; burn , bonfires , clear and bright ,
-To entertain great England's lawful king .
-Ah sancta majestas , who would not buy thee dear ?
-Let them obey that know not how to rule ;
-This hand was made to handle nought but gold :
-I cannot give due action to my words ,
-Except a sword , or sceptre balance it .
-A sceptre shall it have , have I-a soul ,
-On which I'll toss the flower-de-luce of France .
-
-
-Whom have we here ? Buckingham , to disturb me ?
-
-The king hath sent him , sure : I must dissemble .
-
-York , if thou meanest well , I greet thee well .
-
-Humphrey of Buckingham , I accept thy greeting .
-Art thou a messenger , or come of pleasure ?
-
-A messenger from Henry , our dread hege ,
-To know the reason of these arms in peace ;
-Or why thou ,being a subject as I am ,
-Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn ,
-Shouldst raise so great a power without his leave ,
-Or dare to bring thy force so near the court .
-
-Scarce can I speak , my choler is so great :
-O ! I could hew up rocks and fight with flint ,
-I am so angry at these abject terms ;
-And now , like Ajax Telamonius ,
-On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury .
-I am far better born than is the king ,
-More like a king , more kingly in my thoughts ;
-But I must make fair weather yet awhile ,
-Till Henry be more weak , and I more strong .
-
-
-Buckingham , I prithee , pardon me ,
-That I have given no answer all this while ;
-My mind was troubled with deep melancholy .
-The cause why I have brought this army hither
-Is to remove proud Somerset from the king ,
-Seditious to his Grace and to the state .
-
-That is too much presumption on thy part :
-But if thy arms be to no other end ,
-The king hath yielded unto thy demand :
-The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower .
-
-Upon thine honour , is he a prisoner ?
-
-Upon mine honour , he is a prisoner .
-
-Then , Buckingham , I do dismiss my powers .
-Soldiers , I thank you all ; disperse yourselves ;
-Meet me to-morrow in Saint George's field ,
-You shall have pay , and everything you wish ,
-And let my sov'reign , virtuous Henry ,
-Command my eldest son , nay , all my sons ,
-As pledges of my fealty and love ;
-I'll send them all as willing as I live :
-Lands , goods , horse , armour , anything I have
-Is his to use , so Somerset may die .
-
-York , I commend this kind submission :
-We twain will go into his highness' tent .
-
-
-Buckingham , doth York intend no harm to us ,
-That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm ?
-
-In all submission and humility
-York doth present himself unto your highness .
-
-Then what intend these forces thou dost bring ?
-
-To heave the traitor Somerset from hence ,
-And fight against that monstrous rebel , Cade ,
-Who since I heard to be discomfited .
-
-
-If one so rude and of so mean condition
-May pass into the presence of a king ,
-Lo ! I present your Grace a traitor's head ,
-The head of Cade , whom I in combat slew .
-
-The head of Cade ! Great God , how just art thou !
-O ! let me view his visage , being dead ,
-That living wrought me such exceeding trouble .
-Tell me , my friend , art thou the man that slew him ?
-
-I was , an't like your majesty .
-
-How art thou call'd , and what is thy degree ?
-
-Alexander Iden , that's my name ;
-A poor esquire of Kent , that loves his king .
-
-So please it you , my lord , 'twere not amiss
-He were created knight for his good service .
-
-Iden , kneel down .
-
-Rise up a knight .
-We give thee for reward a thousand marks ;
-And will , that thou henceforth attend on us .
-
-May Iden live to merit such a bounty ,
-And never live but true unto his liege !
-
-See ! Buckingham ! Somerset comes with the queen :
-Go , bid her hide him quickly from the duke .
-
-
-For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head ,
-But boldly stand and front him to his face .
-
-How now ! is Somerset at liberty ?
-Then , York , unloose thy long-imprison'd thoughts
-And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart .
-Shall I endure the sight of Somerset ?
-False king ! why hast thou broken faith with me ,
-Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse ?
-King did I call thee ? no , thou art not king ;
-Not fit to govern and rule multitudes ,
-Which dar'st not , no , nor canst not rule a traitor .
-That head of thine doth not become a crown ;
-Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer's staff ,
-And not to grace an awful princely sceptre .
-That gold must round engirt these brows of mine ,
-Whose smile and frown , like to Achilles' spear ,
-Is able with the change to kill and cure .
-Here is a hand to hold a sceptre up ,
-And with the same to act controlling laws .
-Give place : by heaven , thou shalt rule no more
-O'er him whom heaven created for thy ruler .
-
-O monstrous traitor :I arrest thee , York ,
-Of capital treason 'gainst the king and crown .
-Obey , audacious traitor ; kneel for grace .
-
-Wouldst have me kneel ? first let me ask of these
-If they can brook I bow a knee to man .
-Sirrah , call in my sons to be my bail :
-
-I know ere they will have me go to ward ,
-They'll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement .
-
-Call hither Clifford ; bid him come amain ,
-To say if that the bastard boys of York
-Shall be the surety for their traitor father .
-
-
-O blood-bespotted Neapolitan ,
-Outcast of Naples , England's bloody scourge !
-The sons of York , thy betters in their birth ,
-Shall be their father's bail ; and bane to those
-That for my surety will refuse the boys !
-
-
-See where they come : I'll warrant they'll make it good .
-
-And here comes Clifford , to deny their bail .
-
-Health and all happiness to my lord the king !
-
-I thank thee , Clifford : say , what news with thee ?
-Nay , do not fright us with an angry look :
-We are thy sov'reign , Clifford , kneel again ;
-For thy mistaking so , we pardon thee .
-
-This is my king , York , I do not mistake ;
-But thou mistak'st me much to think I do .
-To Bedlam with him ! is the man grown mad ?
-
-Ay , Clifford ; a bedlam and ambitious humour
-Makes him oppose himself against his king .
-
-He is a traitor ; let him to the Tower ,
-And chop away that factious pate of his .
-
-He is arrested , but will not obey :
-His sons , he says , shall give their words for him .
-
-Will you not , sons ?
-
-Ay , noble father , if our words will serve .
-
-And if words will not , then our weapons shall .
-
-Why , what a brood of traitors have we here !
-
-Look in a glass , and call thy image so :
-I am thy king , and thou a false-heart traitor .
-Call hither to the stake my two brave bears ,
-That with the very shaking of their chains
-They may astonish these fell-lurking curs :
-Bid Salisbury and Warwick come to me .
-
-
-Are these thy bears ? we'll bait thy bears to death ,
-And manacle the bear-ward in their chains ,
-If thou dar'st bring them to the baiting-place .
-
-Oft have I seen a hot o'erweening cur
-Run back and bite , because he was withheld ;
-Who , being suffer'd with the bear's fell paw ,
-Hath clapp'd his tail between his legs , and cried :
-And such a piece of service will you do ,
-If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick .
-
-Hence , heap of wrath , foul indigested lump ,
-As crooked in thy manners as thy shape !
-
-Nay , we shall heat you thoroughly anon .
-
-Take heed , lest by your heat you burn yourselves .
-
-Why , Warwick , hath thy knee forgot to bow ?
-Old Salisbury , shame to thy silver hair ,
-Thou mad misleader of thy brain-sick son !
-What ! wilt thou on thy death-bed play the ruffian ,
-And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles ?
-O ! where is faith ? O , where is loyalty ?
-If it be banish'd from the frosty head ,
-Where shall it find a harbour in the earth ?
-Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war ,
-And shame thine honourable age with blood ?
-Why art thou old , and want'st experience ?
-Or wherefore dost abuse it , if thou hast it ?
-For shame ! in duty bend thy knee to me ,
-That bows unto the grave with mickle age .
-
-My lord , I have consider'd with myself
-The title of this most renowned duke ;
-And in my conscience do repute his Grace
-The rightful heir to England's royal seat .
-
-Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me ?
-
-I have .
-
-Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath ?
-
-It is great sin to swear unto a sin ,
-But greater sin to keep a sinful oath .
-Who can be bound by any solemn vow
-To do a murderous deed , to rob a man ,
-To force a spotless virgin's chastity ,
-To reave the orphan of his patrimony ,
-To wring the widow from her custom'd right ,
-And have no other reason for this wrong
-But that he was bound by a solemn oath ?
-
-A subtle traitor needs no sophister .
-
-Call Buckingham , and bid him arm himself .
-
-Call Buckingham , and all the friends thou hast ,
-I am resolv'd for death , or dignity .
-
-The first I warrant thee , if dreams prove true .
-
-You were best to go to bed and dream again ,
-To keep thee from the tempest of the field .
-
-I am resolv'd to bear a greater storm
-Than any thou canst conjure up to-day ;
-And that I'll write upon thy burgonet ,
-Might I but know thee by thy household badge .
-
-Now , by my father's badge , old Nevil's crest ,
-The rampant bear chain'd to the ragged staff ,
-This day I'll wear aloft my burgonet ,
-As on a mountain-top the cedar shows ,
-That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm ,
-Even to affright thee with the view thereof .
-
-And from thy burgonet I'll rend thy bear ,
-And tread it underfoot with all contempt ,
-Despite the bear-ward that protects the bear .
-
-And so to arms , victorious father ,
-To quell the rebels and their complices .
-
-Fie ! charity ! for shame ! speak not in spite ,
-For you shall sup with Jesu Christ to-night .
-
-Foul stigmatic , that's more than thou canst tell .
-
-If not in heaven , you'll surely sup in hell .
-
-
-Clifford of Cumberland , 'tis Warwick calls :
-And if thou dost not hide thee from the bear ,
-Now , when the angry trumpet sounds alarm ,
-And dead men's cries do fill the empty air ,
-Clifford , I say , come forth , and fight with me !
-Proud northern lord , Clifford of Cumberland ,
-Warwick is hoarse with calling thee to arms .
-
-How now , my noble lord ! what ! all afoot ?
-
-The deadly-handed Clifford slew my steed ;
-But match to match I have encounter'd him ,
-And made a prey for carrion kites and crows
-Even of the bonny beast he lov'd so well .
-
-
-Of one or both of us the time is come .
-
-Hold , Warwick ! seek thee out some other chase ,
-For I myself must hunt this deer to death .
-
-Then , nobly , York ; 'tis for a crown thou fight'st .
-As I intend , Clifford , to thrive to-day ,
-It grieves my soul to leave thee unassail'd .
-
-
-What seest thou in me , York ? why dost thou pause ?
-
-With thy brave bearing should I be in love ,
-But that thou art so fast mine enemy .
-
-Nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem ,
-But that 'tis shown ignobly and in treason .
-
-So let it help me now against thy sword
-As I in justice and true right express it .
-
-My soul and body on the action both !
-
-A dreadful lay ! address thee instantly .
-
-La fin couronne les uvres .
-
-
-Thus war hath given thee peace , for thou art still .
-Peace with his soul , heaven , if it be thy will !
-
-Shame and confusion ! all is on the rout :
-Fear frames disorder , and disorder wounds
-Where it should guard . O war ! thou son of hell ,
-Whom angry heavens do make their minister ,
-Throw in the frozen bosoms of our part
-Hot coals of vengeance ! Let no soldier fly :
-He that is truly dedicate to war
-Hath no self-love ; nor he that loves himself
-Hath not essentially , but by circumstance ,
-The name of valour .
-
-O ! let the vile world end ,
-And the premised flames of the last day
-Knit heaven and earth together ;
-Now let the general trumpet blow his blast ,
-Particularities and petty sounds
-To cease !Wast thou ordain'd , dear father ,
-To lose thy youth in peace , and to achieve
-The silver livery of advised age ,
-And , in thy reverence and thy chair-days thus
-To die in ruffian battle ? Even at this sight
-My heart is turn'd to stone : and while 'tis mine
-It shall be stony . York not our old men spares :
-No more will I their babes : tears virginal
-Shall be to me even as the dew to fire ;
-And beauty , that the tyrant oft reclaims ,
-Shall to my flaming wrath be oil and flax .
-Henceforth I will not have to do with pity :
-Meet I an infant of the house of York ,
-Into as many gobbets will I cut it
-As wild Medea young Absyrtus did :
-In cruelty will I seek out my fame .
-Come , thou new ruin of old Clifford's house :
-
-As did neas old Anchises bear ,
-So bear I thee upon my manly shoulders ;
-But then neas bare a living load ,
-Nothing so heavy as these woes of mine .
-
-So , lie thou there ;
-For underneath an alehouse' paltry sign ,
-The Castle in Saint Alban's , Somerset
-Hath made the wizard famous in his death .
-Sword , hold thy temper ; heart , be wrathful still :
-Priests pray for enemies , but princes kill .
-
-Away , my lord ! you are slow : for shame , away !
-
-Can we outrun the heavens ? good Margaret , stay .
-
-What are you made of ? you'll nor fight nor fly :
-Now is it manhood , wisdom , and defence ,
-To give the enemy way , and to secure us
-By what we can , which can no more but fly .
-
-If you be ta'en , we then should see the bottom
-Of all our fortunes : but if we haply scape ,
-As well we may , if not through your neglect ,
-We shall to London get , where you are lov'd ,
-And where this breach now in our fortunes made
-May readily be stopp'd .
-
-
-But that my heart's on future mischief set ,
-I would speak blasphemy ere bid you fly ;
-But fly you must : uncurable discomfit
-Reigns in the hearts of all our present parts .
-Away , for your relief ! and we will live
-To see their day and them our fortune give .
-Away , my lord , away !
-
-
-Of Salisbury , who can report of him ;
-That winter lion , who in rage forgets
-Aged contusions and all brush of time ,
-And , like a gallant in the brow of youth ,
-Repairs him with occasion ? this happy day
-Is not itself , nor have we won one foot ,
-If Salisbury be lost .
-
-My noble father ,
-Three times to-day I holp him to his horse ,
-Three times bestrid him ; thrice I led him off ,
-Persuaded him from any further act :
-But still , where danger was , still there I met him ;
-And like rich hangings in a homely house ,
-So was his will in his old feeble body .
-But , noble as he is , look where he comes .
-
-
-Now , by my sword , well hast thou fought to-day ;
-By the mass , so did we all . I thank you , Richard :
-God knows how long it is I have to live ;
-And it hath pleas'd him that three times to-day
-You have defended me from imminent death .
-Well , lords , we have not got that which we have :
-'Tis not enough our foes are this time fled ,
-Being opposites of such repairing nature .
-
-I know our safety is to follow them ;
-
-For , as I hear , the king is fled to London ,
-To call a present court of parliament :
-Let us pursue him ere the writs go forth :
-What says Lord Warwick ? shall we after them ?
-
-After them ! nay , before them , if we can .
-Now , by my hand , lords , 'twas a glorious day :
-Saint Alban's battle , won by famous York ,
-Shall be eterniz'd in all age to come .
-Sound , drums and trumpets , and to London all :
-And more such days as these to us befall !
-
-THE THIRD PART OF KING HENRY VI
-
-I wonder how the king escap'd our hands .
-
-While we pursu'd the horsemen of the north ,
-He slily stole away and left his men :
-Whereat the great Lord of Northumberland ,
-Whose warlike ears could never brook retreat ,
-Cheer'd up the drooping army ; and himself ,
-Lord Clifford , and Lord Stafford , all abreast ,
-Charg'd our main battle's front , and breaking in
-Were by the swords of common soldiers slain .
-
-Lord Stafford's father , Duke of Buckingham ,
-Is either slain or wounded dangerously ;
-I cleft his beaver with a downright blow :
-That this is true , father , behold his blood .
-
-
-And , brother , here's the Earl of Wiltshire's blood ,
-
-Whom I encounter'd as the battles join'd .
-
-Speak thou for me , and tell them what I did .
-
-
-Richard hath best deserv'd of all my sons .
-But , is your Grace dead , my Lord of Somerset ?
-
-Such hope have all the line of John of Gaunt !
-
-Thus do I hope to shake King Henry's head .
-
-And so do I . Victorious Prince of York ,
-Before I see thee seated in that throne
-Which now the house of Lancaster usurps ,
-I vow by heaven these eyes shall never close .
-This is the palace of the fearful king ,
-And this the regal seat : possess it , York ;
-For this is thine , and not King Henry's heirs' .
-
-Assist me , then , sweet Warwick , and I will ;
-For hither we have broken in by force .
-
-We'll all assist you ; he that flies shall die .
-
-Thanks , gentle Norfolk . Stay by me , my lords ;
-And , soldiers , stay and lodge by me this night .
-
-And when the king comes , offer him no violence ,
-Unless he seek to thrust you out perforce .
-
-
-The queen this day here holds her parliament ,
-But little thinks we shall be of her council :
-By words or blows here let us win our right .
-
-Arm'd as we are , let's stay within this house .
-
-The bloody parliament shall this be call'd ,
-Unless Plantagenet , Duke of York , be king ,
-And bashful Henry depos'd , whose cowardice
-Hath made us by-words to our enemies .
-
-Then leave me not , my lords ; be resolute ;
-I mean to take possession of my right .
-
-Neither the king , nor he that loves him best ,
-The proudest he that holds up Lancaster ,
-Dares stir a wing if Warwick shake his bells .
-I'll plant Plantagenet , root him up who dares .
-Resolve thee , Richard ; claim the English crown .
-
-
-My lords , look where the sturdy rebel sits ,
-Even in the chair of state ! belike he means
-Back'd by the power of Warwick , that false peer
-To aspire unto the crown and reign as king .
-Earl of Northumberland , he slew thy father ,
-And thine , Lord Clifford ; and you both have vow'd revenge
-On him , his sons , his favourites , and his friends .
-
-If I be not , heavens be reveng'd on me !
-
-The hope thereof makes Clifford mourn in steel .
-
-What ! shall we suffer this ? let's pluck him down :
-My heart for anger burns ; I cannot brook it .
-
-Be patient , gentle Earl of Westmoreland .
-
-Patience is for poltroons , such as he :
-He durst not sit there had your father liv'd .
-My gracious lord , here in the parliament
-Let us assail the family of York .
-
-Well hast thou spoken , cousin : be it so .
-
-Ah ! know you not the city favours them ,
-And they have troops of soldiers at their beck ?
-
-But when the duke is slain they'll quickly fly .
-
-Far be the thought of this from Henry's heart ,
-To make a shambles of the parliament-house !
-Cousin of Exeter , frowns , words , and threats ,
-Shall be the war that Henry means to use .
-
-Thou factious Duke of York , descend my throne ,
-And kneel for grace and mercy at my feet ;
-I am thy sovereign .
-
-I am thine .
-
-For shame ! come down : he made thee Duke of York .
-
-'Twas my inheritance , as the earldom was .
-
-Thy father was a traitor to the crown .
-
-Exeter , thou art a traitor to the crown
-In following this usurping Henry .
-
-Whom should he follow but his natural king ?
-
-True , Clifford ; and that's Richard , Duke of York .
-
-And shall I stand , and thou sit in my throne ?
-
-It must and shall be so : content thyself .
-
-Be Duke of Lancaster : let him be king .
-
-He is both king and Duke of Lancaster ;
-And that the Lord of Westmoreland shall maintain .
-
-And Warwick shall disprove it . You forget
-That we are those which chas'd you from the field
-And slew your fathers , and with colours spread
-March'd through the city to the palace gates .
-
-Yes , Warwick , I remember it to my grief ;
-And , by his soul , thou and thy house shall rue it .
-
-Plantagenet , of thee , and these thy sons ,
-Thy kinsmen and thy friends , I'll have more lives
-Than drops of blood were in my father's veins .
-
-Urge it no more ; lest that instead of words ,
-I send thee , Warwick , such a messenger
-As shall revenge his death before I stir .
-
-Poor Clifford ! how I scorn his worthless threats .
-
-Will you we show our title to the crown ?
-If not , our swords shall plead it in the field .
-
-What title hast thou , traitor , to the crown ?
-Thy father was , as thou art , Duke of York ;
-Thy grandfather , Roger Mortimer , Earl of March ;
-I am the son of Henry the Fifth ,
-Who made the Dauphin and the French to stoop ,
-And seiz'd upon their towns and provinces .
-
-Talk not of France , sith thou hast lost it all .
-
-The Lord Protector lost it , and not I :
-When I was crown'd I was but nine months old .
-
-You are old enough now , and yet , methinks , you lose .
-Father , tear the crown from the usurper's head .
-
-Sweet father , do so ; set it on your head .
-
-Good brother , as thou lov'st and honour'st arms ,
-Let's fight it out and not stand cavilling thus .
-
-Sound drums and trumpets , and the king will fly .
-
-Sons , peace !
-
-Peace thou ! and give King Henry leave to speak .
-
-Plantagenet shall speak first : hear him , lords ;
-And be you silent and attentive too ,
-For he that interrupts him shall not live .
-
-Think'st thou that I will leave my kingly throne ,
-Wherein my grandsire and my father sat ?
-No : first shall war unpeople this my realm ;
-Ay , and their colours , often borne in France ,
-And now in England to our heart's great sorrow ,
-Shall be my winding-sheet . Why faint you , lords ?
-My title's good , and better far than his .
-
-Prove it , Henry , and thou shalt be king .
-
-Henry the Fourth by conquest got the crown .
-
-'Twas by rebellion against his king .
-
-I know not what to say : my title's weak .
-
-
-Tell me , may not a king adopt an heir ?
-
-What then ?
-
-An if he may , then am I lawful king ;
-For Richard , in the view of many lords ,
-Resign'd the crown to Henry the Fourth ,
-Whose heir my father was , and I am his .
-
-He rose against him , being his sovereign ,
-And made him to resign his crown perforce .
-
-Suppose , my lords , he did it unconstrain'd ,
-Think you 'twere prejudicial to his crown ?
-
-No ; for he could not so resign his crown
-But that the next heir should succeed and reign .
-
-Art thou against us , Duke of Exeter ?
-
-His is the right , and therefore pardon me .
-
-Why whisper you , my lords , and answer not ?
-
-My conscience tells me he is lawful king .
-
-All will revolt from me , and turn to him .
-
-Plantagenet , for all the claim thou lay'st ,
-Think not that Henry shall be so depos'd .
-
-Depos'd he shall be in despite of all .
-
-Thou art deceiv'd : 'tis not thy southern power ,
-Of Essex , Norfolk , Suffolk , nor of Kent ,
-Which makes thee thus presumptuous and proud ,
-Can set the duke up in despite of me .
-
-King Henry , be thy title right or wrong ,
-Lord Clifford vows to fight in thy defence :
-May that ground gape and swallow me alive ,
-Where I shall kneel to him that slew my father !
-
-O Clifford , how thy words revive my heart !
-
-Henry of Lancaster , resign thy crown .
-What mutter you , or what conspire you , lords ?
-
-Do right unto this princely Duke of York ,
-Or I will fill the house with armed men ,
-And o'er the chair of state , where now he sits ,
-Write up his title with usurping blood .
-
-
-My Lord of Warwick , hear me but one word :
-Let me for this my life-time reign as king .
-
-Confirm the crown to me and to mine heirs ,
-And thou shalt reign in quiet while thou liv'st .
-
-I am content : Richard Plantagenet ,
-Enjoy the kingdom after my decease .
-
-What wrong is this unto the prince your son !
-
-What good is this to England and himself !
-
-Base , fearful , and despairing Henry !
-
-How hast thou injur'd both thyself and us !
-
-I cannot stay to hear these articles .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Come , cousin , let us tell the queen these news .
-
-Farewell , faint-hearted and degenerate king ,
-In whose cold blood no spark of honour bides .
-
-Be thou a prey unto the house of York ,
-And die in bands for this unmanly deed !
-
-In dreadful war mayst thou be overcome ,
-Or live in peace abandon'd and despis'd !
-
-
-Turn this way , Henry , and regard them not .
-
-They seek revenge and therefore will not yield .
-
-Ah ! Exeter .
-
-Why should you sigh , my lord ?
-
-Not for myself , Lord Warwick , but my son ,
-Whom I unnaturally shall disinherit .
-But be it as it may ; I here entail
-The crown to thee and to thine heirs for ever ;
-Conditionally , that here thou take an oath
-To cease this civil war , and , whilst I live ,
-To honour me as thy king and sovereign ;
-And neither by treason nor hostility
-To seek to put me down and reign thyself .
-
-This oath I willingly take and will perform .
-
-
-Long live King Henry ! Plantagenet , embrace him .
-
-And long live thou and these thy forward sons !
-
-Now York and Lancaster are reconcil'd .
-
-Accurs'd be he that seeks to make them foes !
-
-
-Farewell , my gracious lord ; I'll to my castle .
-
-And I'll keep London with my soldiers .
-
-And I to Norfolk with my followers .
-
-And I unto the sea from whence I came .
-
-
-And I , with grief and sorrow , to the court .
-
-
-Here comes the queen , whose looks bewray her anger :
-I'll steal away .
-
-
-Exeter , so will I .
-
-
-Nay , go not from me ; I will follow thee .
-
-Be patient , gentle queen , and I will stay .
-
-Who can be patient in such extremes ?
-Ah ! wretched man ; would I had died a maid ,
-And never seen thee , never borne thee son ,
-Seeing thou hast prov'd so unnatural a father .
-Hath he deserv'd to lose his birthright thus ?
-Hadst thou but lov'd him half so well as I ,
-Or felt that pain which I did for him once ,
-Or nourish'd him as I did with my blood ,
-Thou wouldst have left thy dearest heart-blood there ,
-Rather than have made that savage duke thine heir ,
-And disinherited thine only son .
-
-Father , you cannot disinherit me :
-If you be king , why should not I succeed ?
-
-Pardon me , Margaret ; pardon me , sweet son ;
-The Earl of Warwick , and the duke , enforc'd me .
-
-Enforc'd thee ! art thou king , and wilt be forc'd ?
-I shame to hear thee speak . Ah ! timorous wretch ;
-Thou hast undone thyself , thy son , and me ;
-And given unto the house of York such head
-As thou shalt reign but by their sufferance .
-To entail him and his heirs unto the crown ,
-What is it but to make thy sepulchre ,
-And creep into it far before thy time ?
-Warwick is chancellor and the Lord of Calais ;
-Stern Faulconbridge commands the narrow seas ;
-The duke is made protector of the realm ;
-And yet shalt thou be safe ? such safety finds
-The trembling lamb environed with wolves .
-Had I been there , which am a silly woman ,
-The soldiers should have toss'd me on their pikes
-Before I would have granted to that act ;
-But thou preferr'st thy life before thine honour :
-And seeing thou dost , I here divorce myself ,
-Both from thy table , Henry , and thy bed ,
-Until that act of parliament be repeal'd
-Whereby my son is disinherited .
-The northern lords that have forsworn thy colours
-Will follow mine , if once they see them spread ;
-And spread they shall be , to thy foul disgrace ,
-And utter ruin of the house of York .
-Thus do I leave thee . Come , son , let's away ;
-Our army is ready ; come , we'll after them .
-
-Stay , gentle Margaret , and hear me speak .
-
-Thou hast spoke too much already : get thee gone .
-
-Gentle son Edward , thou wilt stay with me ?
-
-Ay , to be murder'd by his enemies .
-
-When I return with victory from the field
-I'll see your Grace : till then , I'll follow her .
-
-Come , son , away ; we may not linger thus .
-
-
-Poor queen ! how love to me and to her son
-Hath made her break out into terms of rage .
-Reveng'd may she be on that hateful duke ,
-Whose haughty spirit , winged with desire ,
-Will cost my crown , and like an empty eagle
-Tire on the flesh of me and of my son !
-The loss of those three lords torments my heart :
-I'll write unto them , and entreat them fair .
-Come , cousin ; you shall be the messenger .
-
-And I , I hope , shall reconcile them all .
-
-
-Brother , though I be youngest , give me leave .
-
-No , I can better play the orator .
-
-But I have reasons strong and forcible .
-
-
-Why , how now , sons and brother ! at a strife ?
-What is your quarrel ? how began it first ?
-
-No quarrel , but a slight contention .
-
-About what ?
-
-About that which concerns your Grace and us ;
-The crown of England , father , which is yours .
-
-Mine , boy ? not till King Henry be dead .
-
-Your right depends not on his life or death .
-
-Now you are heir , therefore enjoy it now :
-By giving the house of Lancaster leave to breathe ,
-It will outrun you , father , in the end .
-
-I took an oath that he should quietly reign .
-
-But for a kingdom any oath may be broken :
-I would break a thousand oaths to reign one year .
-
-No ; God forbid your Grace should be forsworn .
-
-I shall be , if I claim by open war .
-
-I'll prove the contrary , if you'll hear me speak .
-
-Thou canst not , son ; it is impossible .
-
-An oath is of no moment , being not took
-Before a true and lawful magistrate
-That hath authority over him that swears :
-Henry had none , but did usurp the place ;
-Then , seeing 'twas he that made you to depose ,
-Your oath , my lord , is vain and frivolous .
-Therefore , to arms ! And , father , do but think
-How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown ,
-Within whose circuit is Elysium ,
-And all that poets feign of bliss and joy .
-Why do we linger thus ? I cannot rest
-Until the white rose that I wear be dy'd
-Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart .
-
-Richard , enough , I will be king , or die .
-Brother , thou shalt to London presently ,
-And whet on Warwick to this enterprise .
-Thou , Richard , shalt unto the Duke of Norfolk ,
-And tell him privily of our intent .
-You , Edward , shall unto my Lord Cobham ,
-With whom the Kentishmen will willingly rise :
-In them I trust ; for they are soldiers ,
-Witty , courteous , liberal , full of spirit .
-While you are thus employ'd , what resteth more ,
-But that I seek occasion how to rise ,
-And yet the king not privy to my drift ,
-Nor any of the house of Lancaster ?
-
-But , stay : what news ? why com'st thou in such post ?
-
-The queen with all the northern earls and lords
-Intend here to besiege you in your castle .
-She is hard by with twenty thousand men ,
-And therefore fortify your hold , my lord .
-
-Ay , with my sword . What ! think'st thou that we fear them ?
-Edward and Richard , you shall stay with me ;
-My brother Montague shall post to London :
-Let noble Warwick , Cobham , and the rest ,
-Whom we have left protectors of the king ,
-With powerful policy strengthen themselves ,
-And trust not simple Henry nor his oaths .
-
-Brother , I go ; I'll win them , fear it not :
-And thus most humbly I do take my leave .
-
-Sir John , and Sir Hugh Mortimer , mine uncles !
-You are come to Sandal in a happy hour ;
-The army of the queen mean to besiege us .
-
-She shall not need , we'll meet her in the field .
-
-What ! with five thousand men ?
-
-Ay , with five hundred , father , for a need :
-A woman's general ; what should we fear ?
-
-
-I hear their drums ; let's set our men in order ,
-And issue forth and bid them battle straight .
-
-Five men to twenty ! though the odds be great ,
-I doubt not , uncle , of our victory .
-Many a battle have I won in France ,
-When as the enemy hath been ten to one :
-Why should I not now have the like success ?
-
-
-Ah , whither shall I fly to 'scape their hands ?
-Ah ! tutor , look , where bloody Clifford comes !
-
-
-Chaplain , away ! thy priesthood saves thy life .
-As for the brat of this accursed duke ,
-Whose father slew my father , he shall die .
-
-And I , my lord , will bear him company .
-
-Soldiers , away with him .
-
-Ah ! Clifford , murder not this innocent child ,
-Lest thou be hated both of God and man !
-
-
-How now ! is he dead already ? Or is it fear
-That makes him close his eyes ? I'll open them .
-
-So looks the pent-up lion o'er the wretch
-That trembles under his devouring paws ;
-And so he walks , insulting o'er his prey ,
-And so he comes to rend his limbs asunder .
-Ah ! gentle Clifford , kill me with thy sword ,
-And not with such a cruel threatening look .
-Sweet Clifford ! hear me speak before I die :
-I am too mean a subject for thy wrath ;
-Be thou reveng'd on men , and let me live .
-
-In vain thou speak'st , poor boy ; my father's blood
-Hath stopp'd the passage where thy words should enter .
-
-Then let my father's blood open it again :
-He is a man , and , Clifford , cope with him .
-
-Had I thy brethren here , their lives and thine
-Were not revenge sufficient for me ;
-No , if I digg'd up thy forefathers' graves ,
-And hung their rotten coffins up in chains ,
-It could not slake mine ire , nor ease my heart .
-The sight of any of the house of York
-Is as a fury to torment my soul ;
-And till I root out their accursed line ,
-And leave not one alive , I live in hell .
-Therefore
-
-
-O ! let me pray before I take my death .
-To thee I pray ; sweet Clifford , pity me !
-
-Such pity as my rapier's point affords .
-
-I never did thee harm : why wilt thou slay me ?
-
-Thy father hath .
-
-But 'twas ere I was born .
-Thou hast one son ; for his sake pity me ,
-Lest in revenge thereof , sith God is just ,
-He be as miserably slain as I .
-Ah ! let me live in prison all my days ;
-And when I give occasion of offence ,
-Then let me die , for now thou hast no cause .
-
-No cause !
-Thy father slew my father ; therefore , die .
-
-
-Dii faciant laudis summa sit ista tu !
-
-
-Plantagenet ! I come , Plantagenet !
-And this thy son's blood cleaving to my blade
-Shall rust upon my weapon , till thy blood ,
-Congeal'd with this , do make me wipe off both .
-
-
-The army of the queen hath got the field :
-My uncles both are slain in rescuing me ;
-And all my followers to the eager foe
-Turn back and fly , like ships before the wind ,
-Or lambs pursu'd by hunger-starved wolves .
-My sons , God knows what hath bechanced them :
-But this I know , they have demean'd themselves
-Like men born to renown by life or death .
-Three times did Richard make a lane to me ,
-And thrice cried , 'Courage , father ! fight it out !'
-And full as oft came Edward to my side ,
-With purple falchion , painted to the hilt
-In blood of those that had encounter'd him :
-And when the hardiest warriors did retire ,
-Richard cried , 'Charge ! and give no foot of ground !'
-And cried , 'A crown , or else a glorious tomb !
-A sceptre , or an earthly sepulchre !'
-With this , we charg'd again ; but , out , alas !
-We bodg'd again : as I have seen a swan
-With bootless labour swim against the tide ,
-And spend her strength with over-matching waves .
-
-Ah , hark ! the fatal followers do pursue ;
-And I am faint and cannot fly their fury ;
-And were I strong I would not shun their fury :
-The sands are number'd that make up my life ;
-Here must I stay , and here my life must end .
-
-
-Come , bloody Clifford , rough Northumberland ,
-I dare your quenchless fury to more rage :
-
-I am your butt , and I abide your shot .
-
-Yield to our mercy , proud Plantagenet .
-
-Ay , to such mercy as his ruthless arm
-With downright payment show'd unto my father .
-Now Ph thon hath tumbled from his car ,
-And made an evening at the noontide prick .
-
-My ashes , as the ph nix , may bring forth
-A bird that will revenge upon you all ;
-And in that hope I throw mine eyes to heaven ,
-Scorning whate'er you can afflict me with .
-Why come you not ? what ! multitudes , and fear ?
-
-So cowards fight when they can fly no further ;
-So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons ;
-So desperate thieves , all hopeless of their lives ,
-Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers .
-
-O Clifford ! but bethink thee once again ,
-And in thy thought o'er-run my former time ;
-And , if thou canst for blushing , view this face ,
-And bite thy tongue , that slanders him with cowardice
-Whose frown hath made thee faint and fly ere this .
-
-I will not bandy with thee word for word ,
-But buckle with thee blows , twice two for one .
-
-
-Hold , valiant Clifford ! for a thousand causes
-I would prolong awhile the traitor's life .
-Wrath makes him deaf : speak thou , Northumberland .
-
-Hold , Clifford ! do not honour him so much
-To prick thy finger , though to wound his heart .
-What valour were it , when a cur doth grin ,
-For one to thrust his hand between his teeth ,
-When he might spurn him with his foot away ?
-It is war's prize to take all vantages ,
-And ten to one is no impeach of valour .
-
-
-Ay , ay ; so strives the woodcock with the gin .
-
-So doth the cony struggle in the net .
-
-
-So triumph thieves upon their conquer'd booty ;
-So true men yield , with robbers so o'er-matched .
-
-What would your Grace have done unto him now ?
-
-Brave warriors , Clifford and Northumberland ,
-Come , make him stand upon this molehill here ,
-That raught at mountains with outstretched arms ,
-Yet parted but the shadow with his hand .
-What ! was it you that would be England's king ?
-Was't you that revell'd in our parliament ,
-And made a preachment of your high descent ?
-Where are your mess of sons to back you now ?
-The wanton Edward , and the lusty George ?
-And where's that valiant crook-back prodigy ,
-Dicky your boy , that with his grumbling voice
-Was wont to cheer his dad in mutinies ?
-Or , with the rest , where is your darling Rutland ?
-Look , York : I stain'd this napkin with the blood
-That valiant Clifford with his rapier's point
-Made issue from the bosom of the boy ;
-And if thine eyes can water for his death ,
-I give thee this to dry thy cheeks withal .
-Alas , poor York ! but that I hate thee deadly ,
-I should lament thy miserable state .
-I prithee grieve , to make me merry , York .
-What ! hath thy fiery heart so parch'd thine entrails
-That not a tear can fall for Rutland's death ?
-Why art thou patient , man ? thou shouldst be mad ;
-And I , to make thee mad , do mock thee thus .
-Stamp , rave , and fret , that I may sing and dance .
-Thou wouldst be fee'd , I see , to make me sport :
-York cannot speak unless he wear a crown .
-A crown for York ! and , lords , bow low to him :
-Hold you his hands whilst I do set it on .
-
-Ay , marry , sir , now looks he like a king !
-Ay , this is he that took King Henry's chair ;
-And this is he was his adopted heir .
-But how is it that great Plantagenet
-Is crown'd so soon , and broke his solemn oath ?
-As I bethink me , you should not be king
-Till our King Henry had shook hands with death .
-And will you pale your head in Henry's glory ,
-And rob his temples of the diadem ,
-Now in his life , against your holy oath ?
-O ! 'tis a fault too-too unpardonable .
-Off with the crown ; and , with the crown , his head ;
-And , whilst we breathe , take time to do him dead .
-
-That is my office , for my father's sake .
-
-Nay , stay ; let's hear the orisons he makes .
-
-She-wolf of France , but worse than wolves of France ,
-Whose tongue more poisons than the adder's tooth !
-How ill-beseeming is it in thy sex
-To triumph , like an Amazonian trull ,
-Upon their woes whom fortune captivates !
-But that thy face is , visor-like , unchanging ,
-Made impudent with use of evil deeds ,
-I would assay , proud queen , to make thee blush :
-To tell thee whence thou cam'st , of whom deriv'd ,
-Were shame enough to shame thee , wert thou not shameless .
-Thy father bears the type of King of Naples ,
-Of both the Sicils and Jerusalem ;
-Yet not so wealthy as an English yeoman .
-Hath that poor monarch taught thee to insult ?
-It needs not , nor it boots thee not , proud queen ,
-Unless the adage must be verified ,
-That beggars mounted run their horse to death .
-'Tis beauty that doth oft make women proud ;
-But , God he knows , thy share thereof is small :
-'Tis virtue that doth make them most admir'd ;
-The contrary doth make thee wonder'd at :
-'Tis government that makes them seem divine ;
-The want thereof makes thee abominable .
-Thou art as opposite to every good
-As the Antipodes are unto us ,
-Or as the south to the septentrion .
-O tiger's heart wrapp'd in a woman's hide !
-How couldst thou drain the life-blood of the child ,
-To bid the father wipe his eyes withal ,
-And yet be seen to bear a woman's face ?
-Women are soft , mild , pitiful , and flexible ;
-Thou stern , obdurate , flinty , rough , remorseless .
-Bidd'st thou me rage ? why , now thou hast thy wish :
-Wouldst have me weep ? why , now thou hast thy will ;
-For raging wind blows up incessant showers ,
-And when the rage allays , the rain begins .
-These tears are my sweet Rutland's obsequies ,
-And every drop cries vengeance for his death ,
-'Gainst thee , fell Clifford , and thee , false Frenchwoman .
-
-Beshrew me , but his passion moves me so
-That hardly can I check my eyes from tears .
-
-That face of his the hungry cannibals
-Would not have touch'd , would not have stain'd with blood ;
-But you are more inhuman , more inexorable ,
-O ! ten times more , than tigers of Hyrcania .
-See , ruthless queen , a hapless father's tears :
-This cloth thou dipp'dst in blood of my sweet boy ,
-And I with tears do wash the blood away .
-Keep thou the napkin , and go boast of this ;
-
-And if thou tell'st the heavy story right ,
-Upon my soul , the hearers will shed tears ;
-Yea , even my foes will shed fast-falling tears ,
-And say , 'Alas ! it was a piteous deed !'
-There , take the crown , and , with the crown my curse ,
-And in thy need such comfort come to thee
-As now I reap at thy too cruel hand !
-Hard-hearted Clifford , take me from the world ;
-My soul to heaven , my blood upon your heads !
-
-Had he been slaughter-man to all my kin ,
-I should not for my life but weep with him ,
-To see how inly sorrow gripes his soul .
-
-What ! weeping-ripe , my Lord Northumberland ?
-Think but upon the wrong he did us all ,
-And that will quickly dry thy melting tears .
-
-Here's for my oath ; here's for my father's death .
-
-
-And here's to right our gentlehearted king .
-
-
-Open thy gate of mercy , gracious God !
-My soul flies through these wounds to seek out thee .
-
-
-Off with his head , and set it on York gates ;
-So York may overlook the town of York .
-
-I wonder how our princely father 'scap'd ,
-Or whether he be 'scap'd away or no
-From Clifford's and Northumberland's pursuit .
-Had he been ta'en we should have heard the news ;
-Had he been slain we should have heard the news ;
-Or had he 'scap'd , methinks we should have heard
-The happy tidings of his good escape .
-How fares my brother ? why is he so sad ?
-
-I cannot joy until I be resolv'd
-Where our right valiant father is become .
-I saw him in the battle range about ,
-And watch'd him how he singled Clifford forth .
-Methought he bore him in the thickest troop
-As doth a lion in a herd of neat ;
-Or as a bear , encompass'd round with dogs ,
-Who having pinch'd a few and made them cry ,
-The rest stand all aloof and bark at him .
-So far'd our father with his enemies ;
-So fled his enemies my war-like father :
-Methinks , 'tis prize enough to be his son .
-See how the morning opes her golden gates ,
-And takes her farewell of the glorious sun ;
-How well resembles it the prime of youth ,
-Trimm'd like a younker prancing to his love .
-
-Dazzle mine eyes , or do I see three suns ?
-
-Three glorious suns , each one a perfect sun ;
-Not separated with the racking clouds ,
-But sever'd in a pale clear-shining sky .
-See , see ! they join , embrace , and seem to kiss ,
-As if they vow'd some league inviolable :
-Now are they but one lamp , one light , one sun .
-In this the heaven figures some event .
-
-'Tis wondrous strange , the like yet never heard of .
-I think it cites us , brother , to the field ;
-That we , the sons of brave Plantagenet ,
-Each one already blazing by our meeds ,
-Should notwithstanding join our lights together ,
-And over-shine the earth , as this the world .
-Whate'er it bodes , henceforward will I bear
-Upon my target three fair-shining suns .
-
-Nay , bear three daughters : by your leave I speak it ,
-You love the breeder better than the male .
-
-
-But what art thou , whose heavy looks foretell
-
-Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue ?
-
-Ah ! one that was a woeful looker-on ,
-When as the noble Duke of York was slain ,
-Your princely father , and my loving lord .
-
-O ! speak no more , for I have heard too much .
-
-Say how he died , for I will hear it all .
-
-Environed he was with many foes ,
-And stood against them , as the hope of Troy
-Against the Greeks that would have enter'd Troy .
-But Hercules himself must yield to odds ;
-And many strokes , though with a little axe ,
-Hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak .
-By many hands your father was subdu'd ;
-But only slaughter'd by the ireful arm
-Of unrelenting Clifford and the queen ,
-Who crown'd the gracious duke in high despite ;
-Laugh'd in his face ; and when with grief he wept ,
-The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks ,
-A napkin steeped in the harmless blood
-Of sweet young Rutland , by rough Clifford slain :
-And after many scorns , many foul taunts ,
-They took his head , and on the gates of York
-They set the same ; and there it doth remain ,
-The saddest spectacle that e'er I view'd .
-
-Sweet Duke of York ! our prop to lean upon ,
-Now thou art gone , we have no staff , no stay !
-O Clifford ! boist'rous Clifford ! thou hast slain
-The flower of Europe for his chivalry ;
-And treacherously hast thou vanquish'd him ,
-For hand to hand he would have vanquish'd thee .
-Now my soul's palace is become a prison :
-Ah ! would she break from hence , that this my body
-Might in the ground be closed up in rest ,
-For never henceforth shall I joy again ,
-Never , O ! never , shall I see more joy .
-
-I cannot weep , for all my body's moisture
-Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart :
-Nor can my tongue unload my heart's great burden ;
-For self-same wind , that I should speak withal
-Is kindling coals that fire all my breast ,
-And burn me up with flames , that tears would quench .
-To weep is to make less the depth of grief :
-Tears then , for babes ; blows and revenge for me !
-Richard , I bear thy name ; I'll venge thy death ,
-Or die renowned by attempting it .
-
-His name that valiant duke hath left with thee ;
-His dukedom and his chair with me is left .
-
-Nay , if thou be that princely eagle's bird ,
-Show thy descent by gazing 'gainst the sun :
-For chair and dukedom , throne and kingdom say ;
-Either that is thine , or else thou wert not his .
-
-
-How now , fair lords ! What fare ? what news abroad ?
-
-Great Lord of Warwick , if we should recount
-Our baleful news , and at each word's deliv'rance
-Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told ,
-The words would add more anguish than the wounds .
-O valiant lord ! the Duke of York is slain .
-
-O Warwick ! Warwick ! that Plantagenet
-Which held thee dearly as his soul's redemption ,
-Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death .
-
-Ten days ago I drown'd these news in tears ,
-And now , to add more measure to your woes ,
-I come to tell you things sith then befallen .
-After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought ,
-Where your brave father breath'd his latest gasp ,
-Tidings , as swiftly as the posts could run ,
-Were brought me of your loss and his depart .
-I , then in London , keeper of the king ,
-Muster'd my soldiers , gather'd flocks of friends ,
-And very well appointed , as I thought ,
-March'd towards Saint Alban's to intercept the queen ,
-Bearing the king in my behalf along ;
-For by my scouts I was advertised
-That she was coming with a full intent
-To dash our late decree in parliament ,
-Touching King Henry's oath and your succession .
-Short tale to make , we at Saint Alban's met ,
-Our battles join'd , and both sides fiercely fought :
-But whether 'twas the coldness of the king ,
-Who look'd full gently on his war-like queen ,
-That robb'd my soldiers of their heated spleen ;
-Or whether 'twas report of her success ;
-Or more than common fear of Clifford's rigour ,
-Who thunders to his captives blood and death ,
-I cannot judge : but , to conclude with truth ,
-Their weapons like to lightning came and went ;
-Our soldiers' like the night-owl's lazy flight ,
-Or like a lazy thresher with a flail
-Fell gently down , as if they struck their friends .
-I cheer'd them up with justice of our cause ,
-With promise of high pay , and great rewards :
-But all in vain ; they had no heart to fight ,
-And we in them no hope to win the day ;
-So that we fled : the king unto the queen ;
-Lord George your brother , Norfolk , and myself ,
-In haste , post-haste , are come to join with you ;
-For in the marches here we heard you were ,
-Making another head to fight again .
-
-Where is the Duke of Norfolk , gentle Warwick ?
-And when came George from Burgundy to England ?
-
-Some six miles off the duke is with the soldiers ;
-And for your brother , he was lately sent
-From your kind aunt , Duchess of Burgundy ,
-With aid of soldiers to this needful war .
-
-'Twas odds , belike , when valiant Warwick fled :
-Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit ,
-But ne'er till now his scandal of retire .
-
-Nor now my scandal , Richard , dost thou hear ;
-For thou shalt know , this strong right hand of mine
-Can pluck the diadem from faint Henry's head ,
-And wring the awful sceptre from his fist ,
-Were he as famous , and as bold in war
-As he is fam'd for mildness , peace , and prayer .
-
-I know it well , Lord Warwick ; blame me not :
-'Tis love I bear thy glories makes me speak .
-But , in this troublous time what's to be done ?
-Shall we go throw away our coats of steel ,
-And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns ,
-Numb'ring our Ave-Maries with our beads ?
-Or shall we on the helmets of our foes
-Tell our devotion with revengeful arms ?
-If for the last , say 'Ay ,' and to it , lords .
-
-Why , therefore Warwick came to seek you out ;
-And therefore comes my brother Montague .
-Attend me , lords . The proud insulting queen ,
-With Clifford and the haught Northumberland ,
-And of their feather many more proud birds ,
-Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax .
-He swore consent to your succession ,
-His oath enrolled in the parliament ;
-And now to London all the crew are gone ,
-To frustrate both his oath and what beside
-May make against the house of Lancaster .
-Their power , I think , is thirty thousand strong :
-Now , if the help of Norfolk and myself ,
-With all the friends that thou , brave Earl of March ,
-Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure ,
-Will but amount to five and twenty thousand ,
-Why , Via ! to London will we march amain ,
-And once again bestride our foaming steeds ,
-And once again cry , 'Charge upon our foes !'
-But never once again turn back and fly .
-
-Ay , now methinks I hear great Warwick speak :
-Ne'er may he live to see a sunshine day ,
-That cries 'Retire ,' if Warwick bid him stay .
-
-Lord Warwick , on thy shoulder will I lean ;
-And when thou fail'st as God forbid the hour !
-Must Edward fall , which peril heaven forfend !
-
-No longer Earl of March , but Duke of York :
-The next degree is England's royal throne ;
-For King of England shalt thou be proclaim'd
-In every borough as we pass along ;
-And he that throws not up his cap for joy
-Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head .
-King Edward , valiant Richard , Montague ,
-Stay we no longer dreaming of renown ,
-But sound the trumpets , and about our task .
-
-Then , Clifford , were thy heart as hard as steel ,
-As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds ,
-I come to pierce it , or to give thee mine .
-
-Then strike up , drums ! God , and Saint George for us !
-
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me ,
-The queen is coming with a puissant host ;
-And craves your company for speedy counsel .
-
-Why then it sorts ; brave warriors , let's away .
-
-Welcome , my lord , to this brave town of York .
-Yonder's the head of that arch-enemy ,
-That sought to be encompass'd with your crown :
-Doth not the object cheer your heart , my lord ?
-
-Ay , as the rocks cheer them that fear their wrack :
-To see this sight , it irks my very soul .
-Withhold revenge , dear God ! 'tis not my fault ,
-Nor wittingly have I infring'd my vow .
-
-My gracious liege , this too much lenity
-And harmful pity must be laid aside .
-To whom do lions cast their gentle looks ?
-Not to the beast that would usurp their den .
-Whose hand is that the forest bear doth lick ?
-Not his that spoils her young before her face .
-Who 'scapes the lurking serpent's mortal sting ?
-Not he that sets his foot upon her back .
-The smallest worm will turn being trodden on ,
-And doves will peck in safeguard of their brood .
-Ambitious York did level at thy crown ;
-Thou smiling while he knit his angry brows :
-He , but a duke , would have his son a king ,
-And raise his issue like a loving sire ;
-Thou , being a king , bless'd with a goodly son ,
-Didst yield consent to disinherit him ,
-Which argu'd thee a most unloving father .
-Unreasonable creatures feed their young ;
-And though man's face be fearful to their eyes ,
-Yet , in protection of their tender ones ,
-Who hath not seen them , even with those wings
-Which sometime they have us'd with fearful flight ,
-Make war with him that climb'd unto their nest ,
-Offering their own lives in their young's defence ?
-For shame , my liege ! make them your precedent .
-Were it not pity that this goodly boy
-Should lose his birthright by his father's fault ,
-And long hereafter say unto his child ,
-'What my great grandfather and grandsire got ,
-My careless father fondly gave away ?'
-Ah ! what a shame were this . Look on the boy ;
-And let his manly face , which promiseth
-Successful fortune , steel thy melting heart
-To hold thine own and leave thine own with him .
-
-Full well hath Clifford play'd the orator ,
-Inferring arguments of mighty force .
-But , Clifford , tell me , didst thou never hear
-That things ill got had ever bad success ?
-And happy always was it for that son
-Whose father for his hoarding went to hell ?
-I'll leave my son my virtuous deeds behind ;
-And would my father had left me no more !
-For all the rest is held at such a rate
-As brings a thousand-fold more care to keep
-Than in possession any jot of pleasure .
-Ah ! cousin York , would thy best friends did know
-How it doth grieve me that thy head is here !
-
-My lord , cheer up your spirits : our foes are nigh ,
-And this soft courage makes your followers faint .
-You promis'd knighthood to our forward son :
-Unsheathe your sword , and dub him presently .
-Edward , kneel down .
-
-Edward Plantagenet , arise a knight ;
-And learn this lesson , draw thy sword in right .
-
-My gracious father , by your kingly leave ,
-I'll draw it as apparent to the crown ,
-And in that quarrel use it to the death .
-
-Why , that is spoken like a toward prince .
-
-
-Royal commanders , be in readiness :
-For with a band of thirty thousand men
-Comes Warwick , backing of the Duke of York ;
-And in the towns , as they do march along ,
-Proclaims him king , and many fly to him :
-Darraign your battle , for they are at hand .
-
-I would your highness would depart the field :
-The queen hath best success when you are absent .
-
-Ay , good my lord , and leave us to our fortune .
-
-Why , that's my fortune too ; therefore I'll stay .
-
-Be it with resolution then to fight .
-
-My royal father , cheer these noble lords ,
-And hearten those that fight in your defence :
-Unsheathe your sword , good father : cry , 'Saint George !'
-
-
-Now , perjur'd Henry , wilt thou kneel for grace ,
-And set thy diadem upon my head ;
-Or bide the mortal fortune of the field ?
-
-Go , rate thy minions , proud insulting boy !
-Becomes it thee to be thus bold in terms
-Before thy sovereign and thy lawful king ?
-
-I am his king , and he should bow his knee ;
-I was adopted heir by his consent :
-Since when , his oath is broke ; for , as I hear ,
-You , that are king , though he do wear the crown ,
-Have caus'd him , by new act of parliament ,
-To blot out me , and put his own son in .
-
-And reason too :
-Who should succeed the father but the son ?
-
-Are you there , butcher ? O ! I cannot speak .
-
-Ay , crook-back ; here I stand to answer thee ,
-Or any he the proudest of thy sort .
-
-'Twas you that kill'd young Rutland , was it not ?
-
-Ay , and old York , and yet not satisfied .
-
-For God's sake , lords , give signal to the fight .
-
-What sayst thou , Henry , wilt thou yield the crown ?
-
-Why , how now , long-tongu'd Warwick ! dare you speak ?
-When you and I met at Saint Alban's last ,
-Your legs did better service than your hands .
-
-Then 'twas my turn to fly , and now 'tis thine .
-
-You said so much before , and yet you fled .
-
-'Twas not your valour , Clifford , drove me thence .
-
-No , nor your manhood that durst make you stay .
-
-Northumberland , I hold thee reverently .
-Break off the parley ; for scarce I can refrain
-The execution of my big-swoln heart
-Upon that Clifford , that cruel child-killer .
-
-I slew thy father : call'st thou him a child ?
-
-Ay , like a dastard and a treacherous coward ,
-As thou didst kill our tender brother Rutland ;
-But ere sun-set I'll make thee curse the deed .
-
-Have done with words , my lords , and hear me speak .
-
-Defy them , then , or else hold close thy lips .
-
-I prithee , give no limits to my tongue :
-I am a king , and privileg'd to speak .
-
-My liege , the wound that bred this meeting here
-Cannot be cur'd by words ; therefore be still .
-
-Then , executioner , unsheathe thy sword .
-By him that made us all , I am resolv'd
-That Clifford's manhood lies upon his tongue .
-
-Say , Henry , shall I have my right or no ?
-A thousand men have broke their fasts to-day ,
-That ne'er shall dine unless thou yield the crown .
-
-If thou deny , their blood upon thy head ;
-For York in justice puts his armour on .
-
-If that be right which Warwick says is right ,
-There is no wrong , but everything is right .
-
-Whoever got thee , there thy mother stands ;
-For well I wot thou hast thy mother's tongue .
-
-But thou art neither like thy sire nor dam ,
-But like a foul misshapen stigmatic ,
-Mark'd by the destinies to be avoided ,
-As venom toads , or lizards' dreadful stings .
-
-Iron of Naples hid with English gilt ,
-Whose father bears the title of a king ,
-As if a channel should be call'd the sea ,
-Sham'st thou not , knowing whence thou art extraught ,
-To let thy tongue detect thy base-born heart ?
-
-A wisp of straw were worth a thousand crowns ,
-To make this shameless callet know herself .
-Helen of Greece was fairer far than thou ,
-Although thy husband may be Menelaus ;
-And ne'er was Agamemnon's brother wrong'd
-By that false woman as this king by thee .
-His father revell'd in the heart of France ,
-And tam'd the king , and made the Dauphin stoop ;
-And had he match'd according to his state ,
-He might have kept that glory to this day ;
-But when he took a beggar to his bed ,
-And grac'd thy poor sire with his bridal day ,
-Even then that sunshine brew'd a shower for him ,
-That wash'd his father's fortunes forth of France ,
-And heap'd sedition on his crown at home .
-For what hath broach'd this tumult but thy pride ?
-Hadst thou been meek our title still had slept ,
-And we , in pity of the gentle king ,
-Had slipp'd our claim until another age .
-
-But when we saw our sunshine made thy spring ,
-And that thy summer bred us no increase ,
-We set the axe to thy usurping root ;
-And though the edge hath something hit ourselves ,
-Yet know thou , since we have begun to strike ,
-We'll never leave , till we have hewn thee down ,
-Or bath'd thy growing with our heated bloods .
-
-And in this resolution I defy thee ;
-Not willing any longer conference ,
-Since thou deny'st the gentle king to speak .
-Sound trumpets !let our bloody colours wave !
-And either victory , or else a grave .
-
-Stay , Edward .
-
-No , wrangling woman , we'll no longer stay :
-These words will cost ten thousand lives this day
-
-
-Forspent with toil , as runners with a race ,
-I lay me down a little while to breathe ;
-For strokes receiv'd , and many blows repaid ,
-Have robb'd my strong-knit sinews of their strength ,
-And spite of spite needs must I rest a while .
-
-
-Smile , gentle heaven ! or strike , ungentle death !
-For this world frowns , and Edward's sun is clouded .
-
-How now , my lord ! what hap ? what hope of good ?
-
-
-Our hap is loss , our hope but sad despair ,
-Our ranks are broke , and ruin follows us .
-What counsel give you ? whither shall we fly ?
-
-Bootless is flight , they follow us with wings ;
-And weak we are and cannot shun pursuit .
-
-
-Ah ! Warwick , why hast thou withdrawn thyself ?
-Thy brother's blood the thirsty earth hath drunk ,
-Broach'd with the steely point of Clifford's lance ;
-And in the very pangs of death he cried ,
-Like to a dismal clangor heard from far ,
-'Warwick , revenge ! brother , revenge my death !'
-So , underneath the belly of their steeds ,
-That stain'd their fetlocks in his smoking blood ,
-The noble gentleman gave up the ghost .
-
-Then let the earth be drunken with our blood :
-I'll kill my horse because I will not fly .
-Why stand we like soft-hearted women here ,
-Wailing our losses , whiles the foe doth rage ;
-And look upon , as if the tragedy
-Were play'd in jest by counterfeiting actors ?
-Here on my knee I vow to God above ,
-I'll never pause again , never stand still
-Till either death hath clos'd these eyes of mine ,
-Of fortune given me measure of revenge .
-
-O Warwick ! I do bend my knee with thine ;
-And in this vow do chain my soul to thine .
-And , ere my knee rise from the earth's cold face ,
-I throw my hands , mine eyes , my heart to thee ,
-Thou setter up and plucker down of kings ,
-Beseeching thee , if with thy will it stands
-That to my foes this body must be prey ,
-Yet that thy brazen gates of heaven may ope ,
-And give sweet passage to my sinful soul !
-Now , lords , take leave until we meet again ,
-Where'er it be , in heaven or in earth .
-
-Brother , give me thy hand ; and , gentle Warwick ,
-Let me embrace thee in my weary arms :
-I , that did never weep , now melt with woe
-That winter should cut off our spring-time so .
-
-Away , away ! Once more , sweet lords , farewell .
-
-Yet let us all together to our troops ,
-And give them leave to fly that will not stay ,
-And call them pillars that will stand to us ;
-And if we thrive , promise them such rewards
-As victors wear at the Olympian games .
-This may plant courage in their quailing breasts ;
-For yet is hope of life and victory .
-Forslow no longer ; make we hence amain .
-
-
-Now , Clifford , I have singled thee alone .
-Suppose this arm is for the Duke of York ,
-And this for Rutland ; both bound to revenge ,
-Wert thou environ'd with a brazen wall .
-
-Now , Richard , I am with thee here alone .
-This is the hand that stabb'd thy father York ,
-And this the hand that slew thy brother Rutland ;
-And here's the heart that triumphs in their death
-And cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother ,
-To execute the like upon thyself ;
-And so , have at thee !
-
-
-Nay , Warwick , single out some other chase ;
-For I myself will hunt this wolf to death .
-
-
-This battle fares like to the morning's war ,
-When dying clouds contend with growing light ,
-What time the shepherd , blowing of his nails ,
-Can neither call it perfect day nor night .
-Now sways it this way , like a mighty sea
-Forc'd by the tide to combat with the wind ;
-Now sways it that way , like the self-same sea
-Forc'd to retire by fury of the wind :
-Sometime the flood prevails , and then the wind ;
-Now one the better , then another best ;
-Both tugging to be victors , breast to breast ,
-Yet neither conqueror nor conquered :
-So is the equal poise of this fell war .
-Here on this molehill will I sit me down .
-To whom God will , there be the victory !
-For Margaret my queen , and Clifford too ,
-Have chid me from the battle ; swearing both
-They prosper best of all when I am thence .
-Would I were dead ! if God's good will were so ;
-For what is in this world but grief and woe ?
-O God ! methinks it were a happy life ,
-To be no better than a homely swain ;
-To sit upon a hill , as I do now ,
-To carve out dials quaintly , point by point ,
-Thereby to see the minutes how they run ,
-How many make the hour full complete ;
-How many hours bring about the day ;
-How many days will finish up the year ;
-How many years a mortal man may live .
-When this is known , then to divide the times :
-So many hours must I tend my flock ;
-So many hours must I take my rest ;
-So many hours must I contemplate ;
-So many hours must I sport myself ;
-So many days my ewes have been with young ;
-So many weeks ere the poor fools will ean ;
-So many years ere I shall shear the fleece :
-So minutes , hours , days , months , and years ,
-Pass'd over to the end they were created ,
-Would bring white hairs unto a quiet grave .
-Ah ! what a life were this ! how sweet ! how lovely !
-Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade
-To shepherds , looking on their silly sheep ,
-Than doth a rich embroider'd canopy
-To kings , that fear their subjects' treachery ?
-O , yes ! it doth ; a thousand-fold it doth .
-And to conclude , the shepherd's homely curds ,
-His cold thin drink out of his leather bottle ,
-His wonted sleep under a fresh tree's shade ,
-All which secure and sweetly he enjoys ,
-Is far beyond a prince's delicates ,
-His viands sparkling in a golden cup ,
-His body couched in a curious bed ,
-When care , mistrust , and treason wait on him .
-
-
-Ill blows the wind that profits nobody .
-This man whom hand to hand I slew in fight ,
-May be possessed with some store of crowns ;
-And I , that haply take them from him now ,
-May yet ere night yield both my life and them
-To some man else , as this dead man doth me .
-Who's this ? O God ! it is my father's face ,
-Whom in this conflict I unwares have kill'd .
-O heavy times , begetting such events !
-From London by the king was I press'd forth ;
-My father , being the Earl of Warwick's man ,
-Came on the part of York , press'd by his master ;
-And I , who at his hands receiv'd my life ,
-Have by my hands of life bereaved him .
-Pardon me , God , I knew not what I did !
-And pardon , father , for I knew not thee !
-My tears shall wipe away these bloody marks ;
-And no more words till they have flow'd their fill .
-
-O piteous spectacle ! O bloody times !
-Whiles lions war and battle for their dens ,
-Poor harmless lambs abide their enmity .
-Weep , wretched man , I'll aid thee tear for tear ;
-And let our hearts and eyes , like civil war ,
-Be blind with tears , and break o'ercharg'd with grief .
-
-
-Thou that so stoutly hast resisted me ,
-Give me thy gold , if thou hast any gold ,
-For I have bought it with a hundred blows .
-But let me see : is this our foeman's face ?
-Ah ! no , no , no , it is mine only son .
-Ah ! boy , if any life be left in thee ,
-Throw up thine eye : see , see ! what showers arise ,
-Blown with the windy tempest of my heart ,
-Upon thy wounds , that kill mine eye and heart .
-O ! pity , God , this miserable age .
-What stratagems , how fell , how butcherly ,
-Erroneous , mutinous , and unnatural ,
-This deadly quarrel daily doth beget !
-O boy ! thy father gave thee life too soon ,
-And hath bereft thee of thy life too late .
-
-Woe above woe ! grief more than common grief !
-O ! that my death would stay these ruthful deeds .
-O ! pity , pity ; gentle heaven , pity .
-The red rose and the white are on his face ,
-The fatal colours of our striving houses :
-The one his purple blood right well resembles ;
-The other his pale cheeks , methinks , presenteth :
-Wither one rose , and let the other flourish !
-If you contend , a thousand lives must wither .
-
-How will my mother for a father's death
-Take on with me and ne'er be satisfied !
-
-How will my wife for slaughter of my son
-Shed seas of tears and ne'er be satisfied !
-
-How will the country for these woeful chances
-Misthink the king and not be satisfied !
-
-Was ever son so ru'd a father's death ?
-
-Was ever father so bemoan'd a son ?
-
-Was ever king so griev'd for subjects' woe ?
-Much is your sorrow ; mine , ten times so much .
-
-I'll bear thee hence , where I may weep my fill .
-
-
-These arms of mine shall be thy winding-sheet ;
-My heart , sweet boy , shall be thy sepulchre ,
-For from my heart thine image ne'er shall go :
-My sighing breast shall be thy funeral bell ;
-And so obsequious will thy father be ,
-E'en for the loss of thee , having no more ,
-As Priam was for all his valiant sons .
-I'll bear thee hence ; and let them fight that will ,
-For I have murder'd where I should not kill .
-
-
-Sad-hearted men ,' much overgone with care ,
-Here sits a king more woeful than you are .
-
-
-Fly , father , fly ! for all your friends are fled ,
-And Warwick rages like a chafed bull .
-Away ! for death doth hold us in pursuit .
-
-Mount you , my lord ; towards Berwick post amain .
-Edward and Richard , like a brace of greyhounds
-Having the fearful flying hare in sight ,
-With fiery eyes sparkling for very wrath ,
-And bloody steel grasp'd in their ireful hands ,
-Are at our backs ; and therefore hence amain .
-
-Away ! for vengeance comes along with them .
-Nay , stay not to expostulate ; make speed ,
-Or else come after : I'll away before .
-
-Nay , take me with thee , good sweet Exeter :
-Not that I fear to stay , but love to go
-Whither the queen intends . Forward ! away !
-
-
-Here burns my candle out ; ay , here it dies ,
-Which , while it lasted , gave King Henry light .
-O Lancaster ! I fear thy overthrow
-More than my body's parting with my soul .
-My love and fear glu'd many friends to thee ;
-And , now I fall , thy tough commixtures melt ,
-Impairing Henry , strengthening misproud York :
-The common people swarm like summer flies ;
-And whither fly the gnats but to the sun ?
-And who shines now but Henry's enemies ?
-O Ph bus ! hadst thou never given consent
-That Ph thon should check thy fiery steeds ,
-Thy burning car never had scorch'd the earth ;
-And , Henry , hadst thou sway'd as kings should do ,
-Or as thy father and his father did ,
-Giving no ground unto the house of York ,
-They never then had sprung like summer flies ;
-I and ten thousand in this luckless realm
-Had left no mourning widows for our death ,
-And thou this day hadst kept thy chair in peace .
-For what doth cherish weeds but gentle air ?
-And what makes robbers bold but too much lenity ?
-Bootless are plaints , and cureless are my wounds ;
-No way to fly , nor strength to hold out flight :
-The foe is merciless , and will not pity ;
-For at their hands I have deserv'd no pity .
-The air hath got into my deadly wounds ,
-And much effuse of blood doth make me faint .
-Come , York and Richard , Warwick and the rest ;
-I stabb'd your fathers' bosoms , split my breast .
-
-Now breathe we , lords : good fortune bids us pause ,
-And smooth the frowns of war with peaceful looks .
-Some troops pursue the bloody-minded queen ,
-That led calm Henry , though he were a king ,
-As doth a sail , fill'd with a fretting gust ,
-Command an argosy to stern the waves .
-But think you , lords , that Clifford fled with them ?
-
-No , 'tis impossible he should escape ;
-For , though before his face I speak the words ,
-Your brother Richard mark'd him for the grave ;
-And wheresoe'er he is , he's surely dead .
-
-
-Whose soul is that which takes her heavy leave ?
-
-A deadly groan , like life and death's departing .
-
-See who it is : and now the battle's ended ,
-If friend or foe let him be gently us'd .
-
-Revoke that doom of mercy , for 'tis Clifford ;
-Who not contented that he lopp'd the branch
-In hewing Rutland when his leaves put forth ,
-But set his murd'ring knife unto the root
-From whence that tender spray did sweetly spring ,
-I mean our princely father , Duke of York .
-
-From off the gates of York fetch down the head ,
-Your father's head , which Clifford placed there ;
-Instead whereof let this supply the room :
-Measure for measure must be answered .
-
-Bring forth that fatal screech-owl to our house ,
-That nothing sung but death to us and ours :
-Now death shall stop his dismal threatening sound ,
-And his ill-boding tongue no more shall speak .
-
-
-I think his understanding is bereft .
-Speak , Clifford ; dost thou know who speaks to thee ?
-Dark cloudy death o'ershades his beams of life ,
-And he nor sees , nor hears us what we say .
-
-O ! would he did ; and so perhaps he doth :
-'Tis but his policy to counterfeit ,
-Because he would avoid such bitter taunts
-Which in the time of death he gave our father .
-
-If so thou think'st , vex him with eager words .
-
-Clifford ! ask mercy and obtain no grace .
-
-Clifford , repent in bootless penitence .
-
-Clifford ! devise excuses for thy faults .
-
-While we devise fell tortures for thy faults .
-
-Thou didst love York , and I am son to York .
-
-Thou pitiedst Rutland , I will pity thee .
-
-Where's Captain Margaret , to fence you now ?
-
-They mock thee , Clifford : swear as thou wast wont .
-
-What ! not an oath ? nay , then the world goes hard
-When Clifford cannot spare his friends an oath .
-I know by that he's dead ; and , by my soul ,
-If this right hand would buy two hours' life ,
-That I in all despite might rail at him ,
-This hand should chop it off , and with the issuing blood
-Stifle the villain whose unstaunched thirst
-York and young Rutland could not satisfy .
-
-Ay , but he's dead : off with the traitor's head ,
-And rear it in the place your father's stands .
-And now to London with triumphant march ,
-There to be crowned England's royal king :
-From whence shall Warwick cut the sea to France ,
-And ask the Lady Bona for thy queen .
-So shalt thou sinew both these lands together ;
-And , having France thy friend , thou shalt not dread
-The scatter'd foe that hopes to rise again ;
-For though they cannot greatly sting to hurt ,
-Yet look to have them buzz to offend thine ears .
-First will I see the coronation ;
-And then to Brittany I'll cross the sea ,
-To effect this marriage , so it please my lord .
-
-Even as thou wilt , sweet Warwick , let it be ;
-For on thy shoulder do I build my seat ,
-And never will I undertake the thing
-Wherein thy counsel and consent is wanting .
-Richard , I will create thee Duke of Gloucester ;
-And George , of Clarence ; Warwick , as ourself ,
-Shall do and undo as him pleaseth best .
-
-Let me be Duke of Clarence , George of Gloucester ,
-For Gloucester's dukedom is too ominous .
-
-Tut ! that's a foolish observation :
-Richard , be Duke of Gloucester . Now to London ,
-To see these honours in possession .
-
-Under this thick-grown hrake we'll shroud ourselves ;
-For through this laund anon the deer will come ;
-And in this covert will we make our stand ,
-Culling the principal of all the deer .
-
-I'll stay above the hill , so both may shoot .
-
-That cannot be ; the noise of thy cross-bow
-Will scare the herd , and so my shoot is lost .
-Here stand we both , and aim we at the best :
-And , for the time shall not seem tedious ,
-I'll tell thee what befell me on a day
-In this self place where now we mean to stand .
-
-Here comes a man ; let's stay till he be past .
-
-
-From Scotland am I stol'n , even of pure love ,
-To greet mine own land with my wishful sight .
-No , Harry , Harry , 'tis no land of thine ;
-Thy place is fill'd , thy sceptre wrung from thee ,
-Thy balm wash'd off wherewith thou wast anointed :
-No bending knee will call thee C sar now ,
-No humble suitors press to speak for right ,
-No , not a man comes for redress of thee ;
-For how can I help them , and not myself ?
-
-Ay , here's a deer whose skin's a keeper's fee :
-This is the quondam king ; let's seize upon him .
-
-Let me embrace thee , sour adversity ,
-For wise men say it is the wisest course .
-
-Why linger we ? let us lay hands upon him .
-
-Forbear awhile ; we'll hear a little more .
-
-My queen and son are gone to France for aid ;
-And , as I hear , the great commanding Warwick
-Is thither gone , to crave the French king's sister
-To wife for Edward . If this news be true ,
-Poor queen and son , your labour is but lost ;
-For Warwick is a subtle orator ,
-And Lewis a prince soon won with moving words .
-By this account then Margaret may win him ,
-For she's a woman to be pitied much :
-Her sighs will make a battery in his breast ;
-Her tears will pierce into a marble heart ;
-The tiger will be mild whiles she doth mourn ;
-And Nero will be tainted with remorse ,
-To hear and see her plaints , her brinish tears .
-Ay , but she's come to beg ; Warwick , to give :
-She on his left side craving aid for Henry ;
-He on his right asking a wife for Edward .
-She weeps , and says her Henry is depos'd ;
-He smiles , and says his Edward is install'd ;
-That she , poor wretch , for grief can speak no more :
-Whiles Warwick tells his title , smooths the wrong ,
-Inferreth arguments of mighty strength ,
-And in conclusion wins the king from her ,
-With promise of his sister , and what else ,
-To strengthen and support King Edward's place .
-O Margaret ! thus 'twill be ; and thou , poor soul ,
-Art then forsaken , as thou went'st forlorn .
-
-Say , what art thou , that talk'st of kings and queens ?
-
-More than I seem , and less than I was born to :
-A man at least , for less I should not be ;
-And men may talk of kings , and why not I ?
-
-Ay , but thou talk'st as if thou wert a king .
-
-Why , so I am , in mind ; and that's enough .
-
-But , if thou be a king , where is thy crown ?
-
-My crown is in my heart , not on my head ;
-Not deck'd with diamonds and Indian stones ,
-Nor to be seen : my crown is call'd content ;
-A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy .
-
-Well , if you be a king crown'd with content ,
-Your crown content and you must be contented
-To go along with us ; for , as we think ,
-You are the king King Edward hath depos'd ;
-And we his subjects , sworn in all allegiance ,
-Will apprehend you as his enemy .
-
-But did you never swear , and break an oath ?
-
-No , never such an oath ; nor will not now .
-
-Where did you dwell when I was King of England ?
-
-Here in this country , where we now remain .
-
-I was anointed king at nine months old ;
-My father and my grandfather were kings ,
-And you were sworn true subjects unto me :
-And tell me , then , have you not broke your oaths ?
-
-No ;
-For we were subjects but while you were king .
-
-Why , am I dead ? do I not breathe a man ?
-Ah ! simple men , you know not what you swear .
-Look , as I blow this feather from my face ,
-And as the air blows it to me again ,
-Obeying with my wind when I do blow ,
-And yielding to another when it blows ,
-Commanded always by the greater gust ;
-Such is the lightness of you common men .
-But do not break your oaths ; for of that sin
-My mild entreaty shall not make you guilty .
-Go where you will , the king shall be commanded ;
-And be you kings : command , and I'll obey .
-
-We are true subjects to the king , King Edward .
-
-So would you be again to Henry ,
-If he were seated as King Edward is .
-
-We charge you , in God's name , and in the king's ,
-To go with us unto the officers .
-
-In God's name , lead ; your king's name be obey'd :
-And what God will , that let your king perform ;
-And what he will , I humbly yield unto .
-
-
-Brother of Gloucester , at Saint Alban's field
-This lady's husband , Sir John Grey , was slain ,
-His lands then seiz'd on by the conqueror :
-Her suit is now , to repossess those lands ;
-Which we in justice cannot well deny ,
-Because in quarrel of the house of York
-The worthy gentleman did lose his life .
-
-Your highness shall do well to grant her suit ;
-It were dishonour to deny it her .
-
-It were no less : but yet I'll make a pause .
-
-Yea ; is it so ?
-I see the lady hath a thing to grant
-Before the king will grant her humble suit .
-
-He knows the game : how true he keeps the wind !
-
-Silence !
-
-Widow , we will consider of your suit ,
-And come some other time to know our mind .
-
-Right gracious lord , I cannot brook delay :
-May it please your highness to resolve me now ,
-And what your pleasure is shall satisfy me .
-
-Ay , widow ? then I'll warrant you all your lands ,
-An if what pleases him shall pleasure you ,
-Fight closer , or , good faith , you'll catch a blow .
-
-I fear her not , unless she chance to fall .
-
-God forbid that ! for he'll take vantages .
-
-How many children hast thou , widow ? tell me .
-
-I think he means to beg a child of her .
-
-Nay , whip me , then ; he'll rather give her two .
-
-Three , my most gracious lord .
-
-You shall have four , if you'll be rul'd by him .
-
-'Twere pity they should lose their father's lands .
-
-Be pitiful , dread lord , and grant it then .
-
-Lords , give us leave : I'll try this widow's wit .
-
-Ay , good leave have you ; for you will have leave ,
-Till youth take leave and leave you to the crutch .
-
-
-Now , tell me , madam , do you love your children ?
-
-Ay , full as dearly as I love myself .
-
-And would you not do much to do them good ?
-
-To do them good I would sustain some harm .
-
-Then get your husband's lands , to do them good .
-
-Therefore I came unto your majesty .
-
-I'll tell you how these lands are to be got .
-
-So shall you bind me to your highness' service .
-
-What service wilt thou do me , if I give them ?
-
-What you command , that rests in me to do .
-
-But you will take exceptions to my boon .
-
-No , gracious lord , except I cannot do it .
-
-Ay , but thou canst do what I mean to ask .
-
-Why , then I will do what your Grace commands .
-
-He plies her hard ; and much rain wears the marble .
-
-As red as fire ! nay , then her wax must melt .
-
-Why stops my lord ? shall I not hear my task ?
-
-An easy task : 'tis but to love a king .
-
-That's soon perform'd , because I am a subject .
-
-Why then , thy husband's lands I freely give thee .
-
-I take my leave with many thousand thanks .
-
-The match is made ; she seals it with a curtsy .
-
-But stay thee ; 'tis the fruits of love I mean .
-
-The fruits of love I mean , my loving liege .
-
-Ay , but , I fear me , in another sense .
-What love think'st thou I sue so much to get ?
-
-My love till death , my humble thanks , my prayers :
-That love which virtue begs and virtue grants .
-
-No , by my troth , I did not mean such love .
-
-Why , then you mean not as I thought you did .
-
-But now you partly may perceive my mind .
-
-My mind will never grant what I perceive
-Your highness aims at , if I aim aright .
-
-To tell thee plain , I aim to lie with thee .
-
-To tell you plain , I had rather lie in prison .
-
-Why , then thou shalt not have thy husband's lands .
-
-Why , then mine honesty shall be my dower ;
-For by that loss I will not purchase them .
-
-Therein thou wrong'st thy children mightily .
-
-Herein your highness wrongs both them and me .
-But , mighty lord , this merry inclination
-Accords not with the sadness of my suit :
-Please you dismiss me , either with 'ay ,' or 'no .'
-
-Ay , if thou wilt say 'ay' to my request ;
-No , if thou dost say 'no' to my demand .
-
-Then , no , my lord . My suit is at an end .
-
-The widow likes him not , she knits her brows .
-
-He is the bluntest wooer in Christendom .
-
-Her looks do argue her replete with modesty ;
-Her words do show her wit incomparable ;
-All her perfections challenge sovereignty :
-One way or other , she is for a king ;
-And she shall be my love , or else my queen .
-Say that King Edward take thee for his queen ?
-
-'Tis better said than done , my gracious lord :
-I am a subject fit to jest withal ,
-But far unfit to be a sovereign .
-
-Sweet widow , by my state I swear to thee ,
-I speak no more than what my soul intends ;
-And that is , to enjoy thee for my love .
-
-And that is more than I will yield unto .
-I know I am too mean to be your queen ,
-And yet too good to be your concubine .
-
-You cavil , widow : I did mean , my queen .
-
-'Twill grieve your Grace my sons should call you father .
-
-No more than when my daughters call thee mother .
-Thou art a widow , and thou hast some children ;
-And , by God's mother , I , being but a bachelor ,
-Have other some : why , 'tis a happy thing
-To be the father unto many sons .
-Answer no more , for thou shalt be my queen .
-
-The ghostly father now hath done his shrift .
-
-When he was made a shriver , 'twas for shift .
-
-Brothers , you muse what chat we two have had .
-
-The widow likes it not , for she looks very sad .
-
-You'd think it strange if I should marry her .
-
-To whom , my lord ?
-
-Why , Clarence , to myself .
-
-That would be ten days' wonder at the least .
-
-That's a day longer than a wonder lasts .
-
-By so much is the wonder in extremes .
-
-Well , jest on , brothers : I can tell you both
-Her suit is granted for her husband's lands .
-
-
-My gracious lord , Henry your foe is taken ,
-And brought as prisoner to your palace gate .
-
-See that he be convey'd unto the Tower :
-And go we , brothers , to the man that took him ,
-To question of his apprehension .
-Widow , go you along . Lords , use her honourably .
-
-
-Ay , Edward will use women honourably .
-Would he were wasted , marrow , bones , and all ,
-That from his loins no hopeful branch may spring ,
-To cross me from the golden time I look for !
-And yet , between my soul's desire and me
-The lustful Edward's title buried ,
-Is Clarence , Henry , and his son young Edward ,
-And all the unlook'd for issue of their bodies ,
-To take their rooms , ere I can place myself :
-A cold premeditation for my purpose !
-Why then , I do but dream on sovereignty ;
-Like one that stands upon a promontory ,
-And spies a far-off shore where he would tread ,
-Wishing his foot were equal with his eye ;
-And chides the sea that sunders him from thence ,
-Saying , he'll lade it dry to have his way :
-So do I wish the crown , being so far off ,
-And so I chide the means that keep me from it ,
-And so I say I'll cut the causes off ,
-Flattering me with impossibilities .
-My eye's too quick , my heart o'erweens too much ,
-Unless my hand and strength could equal them .
-Well , say there is no kingdom then for Richard ;
-What other pleasure can the world afford ?
-I'll make my heaven in a lady's lap ,
-And deck my body in gay ornaments ,
-And witch sweet ladies with my words and looks .
-O miserable thought ! and more unlikely
-Than to accomplish twenty golden crowns .
-Why , love forswore me in my mother's womb :
-And , for I should not deal in her soft laws ,
-She did corrupt frail nature with some bribe ,
-To shrink mine arm up like a wither'd shrub ;
-To make an envious mountain on my back ,
-Where sits deformity to mock my body ;
-To shape my legs of an unequal size ;
-To disproportion me in every part ,
-Like to a chaos , or an unlick'd bear-whelp
-That carries no impression like the dam .
-And am I then a man to be belov'd ?
-O monstrous fault ! to harbour such a thought .
-Then , since this earth affords no joy to me
-But to command , to check , to o'erbear such
-As are of better person than myself ,
-I'll make my heaven to dream upon the crown ;
-And , whiles I live , to account this world but hell ,
-Until my mis-shap'd trunk that bears this head
-Be round impaled with a glorious crown .
-And yet I know not how to get the crown ,
-For many lives stand between me and home :
-And I , like one lost in a thorny wood ,
-That rents the thorns and is rent with the thorns ,
-Seeking a way and straying from the way ;
-Not knowing how to find the open air ,
-But toiling desperately to find it out ,
-Torment myself to catch the English crown :
-And from that torment I will free myself ,
-Or hew my way out with a bloody axe .
-Why , I can smile , and murder while I smile ,
-And cry , 'Content ,' to that which grieves my heart ,
-And wet my cheeks with artificial tears ,
-And frame my face to all occasions .
-I'll drown more sailors than the mermaid shall ;
-I'll slay more gazers than the basilisk ;
-I'll play the orator as well as Nestor ,
-Deceive more slily than Ulysses could ,
-And , like a Sinon , take another Troy .
-I can add colours to the chameleon ,
-Change shapes with Proteus for advantages ,
-And set the murd'rous Machiavel to school .
-Can I do this , and cannot get a crown ?
-Tut ! were it further off , I'll pluck it down .
-
-Fair Queen of England , worthy Margaret ,
-Sit down with us : it ill befits thy state
-And birth , that thou shouldst stand while Lewis doth sit .
-
-No , mighty King of France : now Margaret
-Must strike her sail , and learn a while to serve
-Where kings command . I was , I must confess ,
-Great Albion's queen in former golden days ;
-But now mischance hath trod my title down ,
-And with dishonour laid me on the ground ,
-Where I must take like seat unto my fortune ,
-And to my humble seat conform myself .
-
-Why , say , fair queen , whence springs this deep despair ?
-
-From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears
-And stops my tongue , while heart is drown'd in cares .
-
-Whate'er it be , be thou still like thyself ,
-And sit thee by our side .
-
-Yield not thy neck
-To fortune's yoke , but let thy dauntless mind
-Still ride in triumph over all mischance .
-Be plain , Queen Margaret , and tell thy grief ;
-It shall be eas'd , if France can yield relief .
-
-Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts ,
-And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak .
-Now , therefore , be it known to noble Lewis ,
-That Henry , sole possessor of my love ,
-Is of a king become a banish'd man ,
-And forc'd to live in Scotland a forlorn ;
-While proud ambitious Edward Duke of York
-Usurps the regal title and the seat
-Of England's true-anointed lawful king .
-This is the cause that I , poor Margaret ,
-With this my son , Prince Edward , Henry's heir ,
-Am come to crave thy just and lawful aid ;
-And if thou fail us , all our hope is done .
-Scotland hath will to help , but cannot help ;
-Our people and our peers are both misled ,
-Our treasure seiz'd , our soldiers put to flight ,
-And , as thou seest , ourselves in heavy plight .
-
-Renowned queen , with patience calm the storm ,
-While we bethink a means to break it off .
-
-The more we stay , the stronger grows our foe .
-
-The more I stay , the more I'll succour thee .
-
-O ! but impatience waiteth on true sorrow :
-And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow .
-
-
-What's he , approacheth boldly to our presence ?
-
-Our Earl of Warwick , Edward's greatest friend .
-
-Welcome , brave Warwick ! What brings thee to France ?
-
-
-Ay , now begins a second storm to rise ;
-For this is he that moves both wind and tide .
-
-From worthy Edward , King of Albion ,
-My lord and sovereign , and thy vowed friend ,
-I come , in kindness and unfeigned love ,
-First , to do greetings to thy royal person ;
-And then to crave a league of amity ;
-And lastly to confirm that amity
-With nuptial knot , if thou vouchsafe to grant
-That virtuous Lady Bona , thy fair sister ,
-To England's king in lawful marriage .
-
-If that go forward , Henry's hope is done .
-
-And , gracious madam , in our king's behalf ,
-I am commanded , with your leave and favour ,
-Humbly to kiss your hand , and with my tongue
-To tell the passion of my sov'reign's heart ;
-Where fame , late entering at his heedful ears ,
-Hath plac'd thy beauty's image and thy virtue .
-
-King Lewis and Lady Bona , hear me speak ,
-Before you answer Warwick . His demand
-Springs not from Edward's well-meant honest love ,
-But from deceit bred by necessity ;
-For how can tyrants safely govern home ,
-Unless abroad they purchase great alliance ?
-To prove him tyrant this reason may suffice ,
-That Henry liveth still ; but were he dead ,
-Yet here Prince Edward stands , King Henry's son .
-Look , therefore , Lewis , that by this league and marriage
-Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonour ;
-For though usurpers sway the rule awhile ,
-Yet heavens are just , and time suppresseth wrongs .
-
-Injurious Margaret !
-
-And why not queen ?
-
-Because thy father Henry did usurp ,
-And thou no more art prince than she is queen .
-
-Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt ,
-Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain ;
-And , after John of Gaunt , Henry the Fourth ,
-Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest ;
-And , after that wise prince , Henry the Fifth ,
-Who by his prowess conquered all France :
-From these our Henry lineally descends .
-
-Oxford , how haps it , in this smooth discourse ,
-You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
-All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten ?
-Methinks these peers of France should smile at that .
-But for the rest , you tell a pedigree
-Of threescore and two years ; a silly time
-To make prescription for a kingdom's worth .
-
-Why , Warwick , canst thou speak against thy liege ,
-Whom thou obeyedst thirty and six years ,
-And not bewray thy treason with a blush ?
-
-Can Oxford , that did ever fence the right ,
-Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree ?
-For shame ! leave Henry , and call Edward king .
-
-Call him my king , by whose injurious doom
-My elder brother , the Lord Aubrey Vere ,
-Was done to death ? and more than so , my father ,
-Even in the downfall of his mellow'd years ,
-When nature brought him to the door of death ?
-No , Warwick , no ; while life upholds this arm ,
-This arm upholds the house of Lancaster .
-
-And I the house of York .
-
-Queen Margaret , Prince Edward , and Oxford ,
-Vouchsafe at our request to stand aside ,
-While I use further conference with Warwick .
-
-
-Heaven grant that Warwick's words bewitch him not !
-
-Now , Warwick , tell me , even upon thy conscience ,
-Is Edward your true king ? for I were loath
-To link with him that were not lawful chosen .
-
-Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour .
-
-But is he gracious in the people's eye ?
-
-The more that Henry was unfortunate .
-
-Then further , all dissembling set aside ,
-Tell me for truth the measure of his love
-Unto our sister Bona .
-
-Such it seems
-As may beseem a monarch like himself .
-Myself have often heard him say and swear
-That this his love was an eternal plant ,
-Whereof the root was fix'd in virtue's ground ,
-The leaves and fruit maintain'd with beauty's sun ,
-Exempt from envy , but not from disdain ,
-Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain .
-
-Now , sister , let us hear your firm resolve .
-
-Your grant , or your denial , shall be mine :
-
-
-Yet I confess that often ere this day ,
-When I have heard your king's desert recounted ,
-Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire .
-
-Then , Warwick , thus : our sister shall be Edward's ;
-And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
-Touching the jointure that your king must make ,
-Which with her dowry shall be counterpois'd .
-Draw near , Queen Margaret , and be a witness
-That Bona shall be wife to the English king .
-
-To Edward , but not to the English king .
-
-Deceitful Warwick ! it was thy device
-By this alliance to make void my suit :
-Before thy coming Lewis was Henry's friend .
-
-And still is friend to him and Margaret :
-But if your title to the crown be weak ,
-As may appear by Edward's good success ,
-Then 'tis but reason that I be releas'd
-From giving aid which late I promised .
-Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
-That your estate requires and mine can yield .
-
-Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease ,
-Where having nothing , nothing can he lose .
-And as for you yourself , our quondam queen ,
-You have a father able to maintain you ,
-And better 'twere you troubled him than France .
-
-Peace ! impudent and shameless Warwick , peace ;
-Proud setter up and puller down of kings ;
-I will not hence , till , with my talk and tears ,
-Both full of truth , I make King Lewis behold
-Thy sly conveyance and thy lord's false love ;
-For both of you are birds of self-same feather .
-
-
-Warwick , this is some post to us or thee .
-
-
-My lord ambassador , these letters are for you ,
-Sent from your brother , Marquess Montague :
-These from our king unto your majesty ;
-
-
-And , madam , these for you ; from whom I know not .
-
-
-I like it well that our fair queen and mistress
-Smiles at her news , while Warwick frowns at his .
-
-Nay , mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled :
-I hope all's for the best .
-
-Warwick , what are thy news ? and yours , fair queen ?
-
-Mine , such as fill my heart with unhop'd joys .
-
-Mine , full of sorrow and heart's discontent .
-
-What ! has your king married the Lady Grey ?
-And now , to soothe your forgery and his ,
-Sends me a paper to persuade me patience ?
-Is this the alliance that he seeks with France ?
-Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner ?
-
-I told your majesty as much before :
-This proveth Edward's love and Warwick's honesty .
-
-King Lewis , I here protest , in sight of heaven ,
-And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss ,
-That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward's ;
-No more my king , for he dishonours me ;
-But most himself , if he could see his shame .
-Did I forget that by the house of York
-My father came untimely to his death ?
-Did I let pass the abuse done to my niece ?
-Did I impale him with the regal crown ?
-Did I put Henry from his native right ?
-And am I guerdon'd at the last with shame ?
-Shame on himself ! for my desert is honour :
-And , to repair my honour , lost for him ,
-I here renounce him and return to Henry .
-My noble queen , let former grudges pass ,
-And henceforth I am thy true servitor .
-I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona ,
-And replant Henry in his former state .
-
-Warwick , these words have turn'd my hate to love ;
-And I forgive and quite forget old faults ,
-And joy that thou becom'st King Henry's friend .
-
-So much his friend , ay , his unfeigned friend ,
-That , if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
-With some few bands of chosen soldiers ,
-I'll undertake to land them on our coast ,
-And force the tyrant from his seat by war .
-'Tis not his new-made bride shall succour him :
-And as for Clarence , as my letters tell me ,
-He's very likely now to fall from him ,
-For matching more for wanton lust than honour ,
-Or than for strength and safety of our country .
-
-Dear brother , how shall Bona be reveng'd ,
-But by thy help to this distressed queen ?
-
-Renowned prince , how shall poor Henry live ,
-Unless thou rescue him from foul despair ?
-
-My quarrel and this English queen's are one .
-
-And mine , fair Lady Bona , joins with yours .
-
-And mine with hers , and thine and Margaret's .
-Therefore , at last , I firmly am resolv'd
-You shall have aid .
-
-Let me give humble thanks for all at once .
-
-Then , England's messenger , return in post ,
-And tell false Edward , thy supposed king ,
-That Lewis of France is sending over masquers ,
-To revel it with him and his new bride .
-Thou seest what's past ; go fear thy king withal .
-
-Tell him , in hope he'll prove a widower shortly ,
-I'll wear the willow garland for his sake .
-
-Tell him , my mourning weeds are laid aside ,
-And I am ready to put armour on .
-
-Tell him from me , that he hath done me wrong ,
-And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long .
-There's thy reward : be gone .
-
-
-But , Warwick ,
-Thou and Oxford , with five thousand men ,
-Shall cross the seas , and bid false Edward battle ;
-And , as occasion serves , this noble queen
-And prince shall follow with a fresh supply .
-Yet ere thou go , but answer me one doubt :
-What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty ?
-
-This shall assure my constant loyalty :
-That if our queen and this young prince agree ,
-I'll join mine eldest daughter and my joy
-To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands .
-
-Yes , I agree , and thank you for your motion .
-Son Edward , she is fair and virtuous ,
-Therefore delay not , give thy hand to Warwick ;
-And , with thy hand , thy faith irrevocable ,
-That only Warwick's daughter shall be thine .
-
-Yes , I accept her , for she well deserves it ;
-And here , to pledge my vow , I give my hand .
-
-
-Why stay we now ? These soldiers shall be levied ,
-And thou , Lord Bourbon , our high admiral ,
-Shall waft them over with our royal fleet .
-I long till Edward fall by war's mischance ,
-For mocking marriage with a dame of France .
-
-
-I came from Edward as ambassador ,
-But I return his sworn and mortal foe :
-Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me ,
-But dreadful war shall answer his demand .
-Had he none else to make a stale but me ?
-Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow .
-I was the chief that rais'd him to the crown ,
-And I'll be chief to bring him down again :
-Not that I pity Henry's misery ,
-But seek revenge on Edward's mockery .
-
-Now tell me , brother Clarence , what think you
-Of this new marriage with the Lady Grey ?
-Hath not our brother made a worthy choice ?
-
-Alas ! you know , 'tis far from hence to France ;
-How could he stay till Warwick made return ?
-
-My lords , forbear this talk ; here comes the king .
-
-And his well-chosen bride .
-
-I mind to tell him plainly what I think .
-
-Now , brother Clarence , how like you our choice ,
-That you stand pensive , as half malcontent ?
-
-As well as Lewis of France , or the Earl of Warwick ;
-Which are so weak of courage and in judgment
-That they'll take no offence at our abuse .
-
-Suppose they take offence without a cause ,
-They are but Lewis and Warwick : I am Edward ,
-Your king and Warwick's , and must have my will .
-
-And you shall have your will , because our king :
-Yet hasty marriage seldom proveth well .
-
-Yea , brother Richard , are you offended too ?
-
-Not I :
-No , God forbid , that I should wish them sever'd
-Whom God hath join'd together ; ay , and 'twere pity
-To sunder them that yoke so well together .
-
-Setting your scorns and your mislike aside ,
-Tell me some reason why the Lady Grey
-Should not become my wife and England's queen :
-And you too , Somerset and Montague ,
-Speak freely what you think .
-
-Then this is mine opinion : that King Lewis
-Becomes your enemy for mocking him
-About the marriage of the Lady Bona .
-
-And Warwick , doing what you gave in charge ,
-Is now dishonoured by this new marriage .
-
-What if both Lewis and Warwick be appeas'd
-By such invention as I can devise ?
-
-Yet to have join'd with France in such alliance
-Would more have strengthen'd this our commonwealth
-'Gainst foreign storms , than any home-bred marriage .
-
-Why , knows not Montague , that of itself
-England is safe , if true within itself ?
-
-Yes ; but the safer when 'tis back'd with France .
-
-'Tis better using France than trusting France :
-Let us be back'd with God and with the seas
-Which he hath given for fence impregnable ,
-And with their helps only defend ourselves :
-In them and in ourselves our safety lies .
-
-For this one speech Lord Hastings well deserves
-To have the heir of the Lord Hungerford .
-
-Ay , what of that ? it was my will and grant ;
-And for this once my will shall stand for law .
-
-And yet methinks your Grace hath not done well ,
-To give the heir and daughter of Lord Scales
-Unto the brother of your loving bride :
-She better would have fitted me or Clarence :
-But in your bride you bury brotherhood .
-
-Or else you would not have bestow'd the heir
-Of the Lord Bonville on your new wife's son ,
-And leave your brothers to go speed elsewhere .
-
-Alas , poor Clarence , is it for a wife
-That thou art malcontent ? I will provide thee .
-
-In choosing for yourself you show'd your judgment ,
-Which being shallow , you shall give me leave
-To play the broker on mine own behalf ;
-And to that end I shortly mind to leave you .
-
-Leave me , or tarry , Edward will be king ,
-And not be tied unto his brother's will .
-
-My lords , before it pleas'd his majesty
-To raise my state to title of a queen ,
-Do me but right , and you must all-confess
-That I was not ignoble of descent ;
-And meaner than myself have had like fortune .
-But as this title honours me and mine ,
-So your dislikes , to whom I would be pleasing ,
-Do cloud my joys with danger and with sorrow .
-
-My love , forbear to fawn upon their frowns :
-What danger or what sorrow can befall thee ,
-So long as Edward is thy constant friend ,
-And their true sovereign , whom they must obey ?
-Nay , whom they shall obey , and love thee too ,
-Unless they seek for hatred at my hands ;
-Which if they do , yet will I keep thee safe ,
-And they shall feel the vengeance of my wrath .
-
-I hear , yet say not much , but think the more .
-
-
-Now , messenger , what letters or what news
-From France ?
-
-My sovereign liege , no letters ; and few words ;
-But such as I , without your special pardon ,
-Dare not relate .
-
-Go to , we pardon thee : therefore , in brief ,
-Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess them .
-What answer makes King Lewis unto our letters ?
-
-At my depart these were his very words :
-'Go tell false Edward , thy supposed king ,
-That Lewis of France is sending over masquers ,
-To revel it with him and his new bride .'
-
-Is Lewis so brave ? belike he thinks me Henry .
-But what said Lady Bona to my marriage ?
-
-These were her words , utter'd with mild disdain :
-'Tell him , in hope he'll prove a widower shortly ,
-I'll wear the willow garland for his sake .'
-
-I blame not her , she could say little less ;
-She had the wrong . But what said Henry's queen ?
-For I have heard that she was there in place .
-
-'Tell him ,' quoth she , 'my mourning weeds are done ,
-And I am ready to put armour on .'
-
-Belike she minds to play the Amazon .
-But what said Warwick to these injuries ?
-
-He , more incens'd against your majesty
-Than all the rest , discharg'd me with these words :
-'Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong ,
-And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long .'
-
-Ha ! durst the traitor breathe out so proud words ?
-Well , I will arm me , being thus forewarn'd :
-They shall have wars , and pay for their presumption .
-But say , is Warwick friends with Margaret ?
-
-Ay , gracious sovereign ; they are so link'd in friendship ,
-That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter .
-
-Belike the elder ; Clarence will have the younger .
-Now , brother king , farewell , and sit you fast ,
-For I will hence to Warwick's other daughter ;
-That , though I want a kingdom , yet in marriage
-I may not prove inferior to yourself .
-You , that love me and Warwick , follow me .
-
-
-Not I .
-My thoughts aim at a further matter ; I
-Stay not for love of Edward , but the crown .
-
-Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick !
-Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen ,
-And haste is needful in this desperate case .
-Pembroke and Stafford , you in our behalf
-Go levy men , and make prepare for war :
-They are already , or quickly will be landed :
-Myself in person will straight follow you ,
-
-But ere I go , Hastings and Montague ,
-Resolve my doubt . You twain , of all the rest ,
-Are near to Warwick by blood , and by alliance :
-Tell me if you love Warwick more than me ?
-If it be so , then both depart to him ;
-I rather wish you foes than hollow friends :
-But if you mind to hold your true obedience ,
-Give me assurance with some friendly vow
-That I may never have you in suspect .
-
-So God help Montague as he proves true !
-
-And Hastings as he favours Edward's cause !
-
-Now , brother Richard , will you stand by us ?
-
-Ay , in despite of all that shall withstand you .
-
-Why , so ! then am I sure of victory .
-Now therefore let us hence ; and lose no hour
-Till we meet Warwick with his foreign power .
-
-
-Trust me , my lord , all hitherto goes well ;
-The common people by numbers swarm to us .
-
-
-But see where Somerset and Clarence come !
-
-Speak suddenly , my lords , are we all friends ?
-
-Fear not that , my lord .
-
-Then , gentle Clarence , welcome unto Warwick ;
-And welcome , Somerset : I hold it cowardice ,
-To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
-Hath pawn'd an open hand in sign of love ;
-Else might I think that Clarence , Edward's brother ,
-Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings :
-But welcome , sweet Clarence ; my daughter shall be thine .
-And now what rests , but in night's coverture ,
-Thy brother being carelessly encamp'd ,
-His soldiers lurking in the towns about ,
-And but attended by a simple guard ,
-We may surprise and take him at our pleasure ?
-Our scouts have found the adventure very easy .
-That as Ulysses , and stout Diomede ,
-With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents ,
-And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds ;
-So we , well cover'd with the night's black mantle ,
-At unawares may beat down Edward's guard ,
-And seize himself ; I say not , slaughter him ,
-For I intend but only to surprise him .
-You , that will follow me to this attempt ,
-Applaud the name of Henry with your leader .
-
-Why , then , let's on our way in silent sort .
-For Warwick and his friends , God and Saint George !
-
-
-Come on , my masters , each man take his stand ;
-The king , by this , is set him down to sleep .
-
-What , will he not to bed ?
-
-Why , no : for he hath made a solemn vow
-Never to lie and take his natural rest
-Till Warwick or himself be quite suppress'd .
-
-To-morrow then belike shall be the day ,
-If Warwick be so near as men report .
-
-But say , I pray , what nobleman is that
-That with the king here resteth in his tent ?
-
-'Tis the Lord Hastings , the king's chiefest friend .
-
-O ! is it so ? But why commands the king
-That his chief followers lodge in towns about him ,
-While he himself keeps in the cold field ?
-
-'Tis the more honour , because the more dangerous .
-
-Ay , but give me worship and quietness ;
-I like it better than a dangerous honour .
-If Warwick knew in what estate he stands ,
-'Tis to be doubted he would waken him .
-
-Unless our halberds did shut up his passage .
-
-Ay ; wherefore else guard we his royal tent ,
-But to defend his person from night-foes ?
-
-
-This is his tent ; and see where stand his guard .
-Courage , my masters ! honour now or never !
-But follow me , and Edward shall be ours .
-
-Who goes there ?
-
-Stay , or thou diest .
-
-
-What are they that fly there ?
-
-Richard and Hastings : let them go ; here's the duke .
-
-The duke ! Why , Warwick , when we parted last ,
-Thou call'dst me king !
-
-Ay , but the case is alter'd :
-When you disgrac'd me in my embassade ,
-Then I degraded you from being king ,
-And come now to create you Duke of York .
-Alas ! how should you govern any kingdom ,
-That know not how to use ambassadors ,
-Nor how to be contented with one wife ,
-Nor how to use your brothers brotherly ,
-Nor how to study for the people's welfare ,
-Nor how to shroud yourself from enemies ?
-
-Yea , brother of Clarence , art thou here too ?
-Nay , then , I see that Edward needs must down .
-Yet , Warwick , in despite of all mischance ,
-Of thee thyself , and all thy complices ,
-Edward will always bear himself as king :
-Though Fortune's malice overthrow my state ,
-My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel .
-
-Then , for his mind , be Edward England's king :
-
-But Henry now shall wear the English crown ,
-And be true king indeed , thou but the shadow .
-My Lord of Somerset , at my request ,
-See that forthwith Duke Edward be convey'd
-Unto my brother , Archbishop of York .
-When I have fought with Pembroke and his fellows ,
-I'll follow you , and tell what answer
-Lewis and the Lady Bona send to him :
-Now , for a while farewell , good Duke of York .
-
-What fates impose , that men must needs abide ;
-It boots not to resist both wind and tide .
-
-
-What now remains , my lords , for us to do ,
-But march to London with our soldiers ?
-
-Ay , that's the first thing that we have to do ;
-To free King Henry from imprisonment ,
-And see him seated in the regal throne .
-
-
-Madam , what makes you in this sudden change ?
-
-Why , brother Rivers , are you yet to learn ,
-What late misfortune is befall'n King Edward ?
-
-What ! loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick ?
-
-No , but the loss of his own royal person .
-
-Then is my sovereign slain ?
-
-Ay , almost slain , for he is taken prisoner ;
-Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard
-Or by his foe surpris'd 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 .
-
-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 .
-
-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 .
-
-But , madam , where is Warwick then become ?
-
-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 .
-
-
-Now , my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley ,
-Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither ,
-Into this chiefest thicket of the park .
-Thus stands the case . You know , our king , my brother ,
-Is prisoner to the bishop here , at whose hands
-He hath good usage and great liberty ,
-And often but attended with weak guard ,
-Comes hunting this way to disport himself .
-I have advertis'd him by secret means ,
-That if about this hour he make this way ,
-Under the colour of his usual game ,
-He shall here find his friends , with horse and men
-To set him free from his captivity .
-
-
-This way , my lord , for this way lies the game .
-
-Nay , this way , man : see where the huntsmen stand .
-Now , brother of Gloucester , Lord Hastings , and the rest ,
-Stand you thus close , to steal the bishop's deer ?
-
-Brother , the time and case requireth haste .
-Your horse stands ready at the park corner .
-
-But whither shall we then ?
-
-To Lynn , my lord ; and ship from thence to Flanders .
-
-Well guess'd , believe me ; for that was my meaning .
-
-Stanley , I will requite thy forwardness .
-
-But wherefore stay we ? 'tis no time to talk .
-
-Huntsman , what sayst thou ? wilt thou go along ?
-
-Better do so than tarry and be hang'd .
-
-Come then , away ; let's ha' no more ado .
-
-Bishop , farewell : shield thee from Warwick's frown ,
-And pray that I may repossess the crown .
-
-Master lieutenant , now that God and friends
-Have shaken Edward from the regal seat ,
-And turn'd my captive state to liberty ,
-My fear to hope , my sorrows unto joys ,
-At our enlargement what are thy due fees ?
-
-Subjects may challenge nothing of their sovereigns ;
-But if a humble prayer may prevail ,
-I then crave pardon of your majesty .
-
-For what , lieutenant ? for well using me ?
-Nay , be thou sure , I'll well requite thy kindness ,
-For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure ;
-Ay , such a pleasure as encaged birds
-Conceive , when , after many moody thoughts
-At last by notes of household harmony
-They quite forget their loss of liberty .
-But , Warwick , after God , thou set'st me free ,
-And chiefly therefore I thank God and thee ;
-He was the author , thou the instrument .
-Therefore , that I may conquer Fortune's spite
-By living low , where Fortune cannot hurt me ,
-And that the people of this blessed land
-May not be punish'd with my thwarting stars ,
-Warwick , although my head still wear the crown ,
-I here resign my government to thee ,
-For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds .
-
-Your Grace hath still been fam'd for virtuous ;
-And now may seem as wise as virtuous ,
-By spying and avoiding Fortune's malice ;
-For few men rightly temper with the stars :
-Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace ,
-For choosing me when Clarence is in place .
-
-No , Warwick , thou art worthy of the sway ,
-To whom the heavens , in thy nativity
-Adjudg'd an olive branch and laurel crown ,
-As likely to be blest in peace , and war ;
-And therefore I yield thee my free consent .
-
-And I choose Clarence only for protector .
-
-Warwick and Clarence , give me both your hands :
-Now join your hands , and with your hands your hearts ,
-That no dissension hinder government :
-I make you both protectors of this land ,
-While I myself will lead a private life ,
-And in devotion spend my latter days ,
-To sin's rebuke and my Creator's praise .
-
-What answers Clarence to his sovereign's will ?
-
-That he consents , if Warwick yield consent ;
-For on thy fortune I repose myself .
-
-Why then , though loath , yet must I be content :
-We'll yoke together , like a double shadow
-To Henry's body , and supply his place ;
-I mean , in bearing weight of government ,
-While he enjoys the honour and his ease .
-And , Clarence , now then it is more than needful
-Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a traitor ,
-And all his lands and goods be confiscate .
-
-What else ? and that succession be determin'd .
-
-Ay , therein Clarence shall not want his part .
-
-But , with the first of all your chief affairs ,
-Let me entreat , for I command no more ,
-That Margaret your queen , and my son Edward ,
-Be sent for , to return from France with speed :
-For , till I see them here , by doubtful fear
-My joy of liberty is half eclips'd .
-
-It shall be done , my sov'reign , with all speed .
-
-My Lord of Somerset , what youth is that
-Of whom you seem to have so tender care ?
-
-My liege , it is young Henry , Earl of Richmond .
-
-Come hither , England's hope :
-
-If secret powers
-Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts ,
-This pretty lad will prove our country's bliss .
-His looks are full of peaceful majesty ,
-His head by nature fram'd to wear a crown ,
-His hand to wield a sceptre , and himself
-Likely in time to bless a regal throne .
-Make much of him , my lords ; for this is he
-Must help you more than you are hurt by me .
-
-
-What news , my friend ?
-
-That Edward is escaped from your brother ,
-And fled , as he hears since , to Burgundy .
-
-Unsavoury news ! but how made he escape ?
-
-He was convey'd by Richard Duke of Gloucester ,
-And the Lord Hastings , who attended him
-In secret ambush on the forest side ,
-And from the bishop's huntsmen rescu'd him :
-For hunting was his daily exercise .
-
-My brother was too careless of his charge .
-But let us hence , my sovereign , to provide
-A salve for any sore that may betide .
-
-
-My lord , I like not of this flight of Edward's ;
-For doubtless Burgundy will yield him help ,
-And we shall have more wars before't be long .
-As Henry's late presaging prophecy
-Did glad my heart with hope of this young Richmond ,
-So doth my heart misgive me , in these conflicts
-What may befall him to his harm and ours :
-Therefore , Lord Oxford , to prevent the worst ,
-Forthwith we'll send him hence to Brittany ,
-Till storms be past of civil enmity .
-
-Ay , for if Edward repossess the crown ,
-'Tis like that Richmond with the rest shall down .
-
-It shall be so ; he shall to Brittany .
-Come , therefore , let's about it speedily .
-
-
-Now , brother Richard , Lord Hastings , and the rest ,
-Yet thus far Fortune maketh us amends ,
-And says , that once more I shall interchange
-My waned state for Henry's regal crown .
-Well have we pass'd , and now repass'd the seas ,
-And brought desired help from Burgundy :
-What then remains , we being thus arriv'd
-From Ravenspurgh haven before the gates of York ,
-But that we enter , as into our dukedom ?
-
-The gates made fast ! Brother , I like not this ;
-For many men that stumble at the threshold
-Are well foretold that danger lurks within .
-
-Tush , man ! abodements must not now affright us .
-By fair or foul means we must enter in ,
-For hither will our friends repair to us .
-
-My liege , I'll knock once more to summon them .
-
-
-My lords , we were forewarned of your coming ,
-And shut the gates for safety of ourselves ;
-For now we owe allegiance unto Henry .
-
-But , Master Mayor , if Henry be your king ,
-Yet Edward , at the least , is Duke of York .
-
-True , my good lord , I know you for no less .
-
-Why , and I challenge nothing but my dukedom ,
-As being well content with that alone .
-
-But when the fox hath once got in his nose ,
-He'll soon find means to make the body follow .
-
-Why , Master Mayor , why stand you in a doubt ?
-Open the gates ; we are King Henry's friends .
-
-Ay , say you so ? the gates shall then be open'd .
-
-
-A wise stout captain , and soon persuaded .
-
-The good old man would fain that all were well ,
-So 'twere not 'long of him ; but being enter'd ,
-I doubt not , I , but we shall soon persuade
-Both him and all his brothers unto reason .
-
-
-So , Master Mayor : these gates must not be shut
-But in the night , or in the time of war .
-What ! fear not , man , but yield me up the keys ;
-
-For Edward will defend the town and thee ,
-And all those friends that deign to follow me .
-
-
-Brother , this is Sir John Montgomery ,
-Our trusty friend , unless I be deceiv'd .
-
-Welcome , Sir John ! but why come you in arms ?
-
-To help King Edward in his time of storm ,
-As every loyal subject ought to do .
-
-Thanks , good Montgomery ; but we now forget
-Our title to the crown , and only claim
-Our dukedom till God please to send the rest .
-
-Then fare you well , for I will hence again :
-I came to serve a king and not a duke .
-Drummer , strike up , and let us march away .
-
-
-Nay , stay , Sir John , awhile ; and we'll debate
-By what safe means the crown may be recover'd .
-
-What talk you of debating ? in few words ,
-If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king .
-I'll leave you to your fortune , and be gone
-To keep them back that come to succour you .
-Why shall we fight , if you pretend no title ?
-
-Why , brother , wherefore stand you on nice points ?
-
-When we grow stronger then we'll make our claim ;
-Till then , 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning .
-
-Away with scrupulous wit ! now arms must rule .
-
-And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns .
-Brother , we will proclaim you out of hand ;
-The bruit thereof will bring you many friends .
-
-Then be it as you will ; for 'tis my right ,
-And Henry but usurps the diadem .
-
-Ay , now my sov'reign speaketh like himself ;
-And now will I be Edward's champion .
-
-Sound , trumpet ! Edward shall be here proclaim'd ;
-Come , fellow soldier , make thou proclamation .
-
-
-Edward the Fourth , by the grace of God , King of England and France , and Lord of Ireland , &c .
-
-And whosoe'er gainsays King Edward's right ,
-By this I challenge him to single fight .
-
-
-Long live Edward the Fourth !
-
-Thanks , brave Montgomery ;and thanks unto you all :
-If Fortune serve me , I'll requite this kindness .
-Now , for this night , let's harbour here in York ;
-And when the morning sun shall raise his car
-Above the border of this horizon ,
-We'll forward towards Warwick , and his mates ;
-For well I wot that Henry is no soldier .
-Ah , froward Clarence , how evil it beseems thee
-To flatter Henry , and forsake thy brother !
-Yet , as we may , we'll meet both thee and Warwick .
-Come on , brave soldiers : doubt not of the day ;
-And , that once gotten , doubt not of large pay .
-
-
-What counsel , lords ? Edward from Belgia ,
-With hasty Germans and blunt Hollanders ,
-Hath pass'd in safety through the narrow seas ,
-And with his troops doth march amain to London ;
-And many giddy people flock to him .
-
-Let's levy men , and beat him back again .
-
-A little fire is quickly trodden out ,
-Which , being suffer'd , rivers cannot quench .
-
-In Warwickshire I have true-hearted friends ,
-Not mutinous in peace , yet bold in war ;
-Those will I muster up : and thou , son Clarence ,
-Shalt stir up in Suffolk , Norfolk , and in Kent ,
-The knights and gentlemen to come with thee :
-Thou , brother Montague , in Buckingham ,
-Northampton , and in Leicestershire , shalt find
-Men well inclin'd to hear what thou command'st :
-And thou , brave Oxford , wondrous well belov'd
-In Oxfordshire , shalt muster up thy friends .
-My sov'reign , with the loving citizens ,
-Like to his island girt in with the ocean ,
-Or modest Dian circled with her nymphs ,
-Shall rest in London till we come to him .
-Fair lords , take leave , and stand not to reply .
-Farewell , my sovereign .
-
-Farewell , my Hector , and my Troy's true hope .
-
-In sign of truth , I kiss your highness' hand .
-
-Well-minded Clarence , be thou fortunate !
-
-Comfort , my lord ; and so , I take my leave .
-
-And thus I seal my truth , and bid adieu .
-
-Sweet Oxford , and my loving Montague ,
-And all at once , once more a happy farewell .
-
-Farewell , sweet lords : let's meet at Coventry .
-
-
-Here at the palace will I rest awhile .
-Cousin of Exeter , what thinks your lordship ?
-Methinks the power that Edward hath in field
-Should not be able to encounter mine .
-
-The doubt is that he will seduce the rest .
-
-That's not my fear ; my meed hath got me fame :
-I have not stopp'd mine ears to their demands ,
-Nor posted off their suits with slow delays ;
-My pity hath been balm to heal their wounds ,
-My mildness hath allay'd their swelling griefs ,
-My mercy dried their water-flowing tears ;
-I have not been desirous of their wealth ;
-Nor much oppress'd them with great subsidies ,
-Nor forward of revenge , though they much err'd .
-Then why should they love Edward more than me ?
-No , Exeter , these graces challenge grace :
-And , when the lion fawns upon the lamb ,
-The lamb will never cease to follow him .
-
-
-Hark , hark , my lord ! what shouts are these ?
-
-
-Seize on the shame-fac'd Henry ! bear him hence :
-And once again proclaim us King of England .
-You are the fount that makes small brooks to flow :
-Now stops thy spring ; my sea shall suck them dry ,
-And swell so much the higher by their ebb .
-Hence with him to the Tower ! let him not speak .
-
-And , lords , towards Coventry bend we our course ,
-Where peremptory Warwick now remains :
-The sun shines hot ; and , if we use delay ,
-Cold biting winter mars our hop'd-for hay .
-
-Away betimes , before his forces join ,
-And take the great-grown traitor unawares :
-Brave warriors , march amain towards Coventry .
-
-Where is the post that came from valiant Oxford ?
-How far hence is thy lord , mine honest fellow ?
-
-By this at Dunsmore , marching hitherward .
-
-How far off is our brother Montague ?
-Where is the post that came from Montague ?
-
-By this at Daintry , with a puissant troop .
-
-
-Say , Somerville , what says my loving son ?
-And , by thy guess , how nigh is Clarence now ?
-
-At Southam I did leave him with his forces ,
-And do expect him here some two hours hence .
-
-
-Then Clarence is at hand , I hear his drum .
-
-It is not his , my lord ; here Southam lies :
-The drum your honour hears marcheth from Warwick .
-
-Who should that be ? belike , unlook'd for friends .
-
-They are at hand , and you shall quickly know .
-
-
-Go , trumpet , to the walls , and sound a parle .
-
-See how the surly Warwick mans the wall .
-
-O , unbid spite ! is sportful Edward come ?
-Where slept our scouts , or how are they seduc'd ,
-That we could hear no news of his repair ?
-
-Now , Warwick , wilt thou ope the city gates ,
-Speak gentle words , and humbly bend thy knee ?
-Call Edward king , and at his hands beg mercy ?
-And he shall pardon thee these outrages .
-
-Nay , rather , wilt thou draw thy forces hence ,
-Confess who set thee up and pluck'd thee down ?
-Call Warwick patron , and be penitent ;
-And thou shalt still remain the Duke of York .
-
-I thought , at least , he would have said the king ;
-Or did he make the jest against his will ?
-
-Is not a dukedom , sir , a goodly gift ?
-
-Ay , by my faith , for a poor earl to give :
-I'll do thee service for so good a gift .
-
-'Twas I that gave the kingdom to thy brother .
-
-Why then 'tis mine , if but by Warwick's gift .
-
-Thou art no Atlas for so great a weight :
-And , weakling , Warwick takes his gift again ;
-And Henry is my king , Warwick his subject .
-
-But Warwick's king is Edward's prisoner ;
-And , gallant Warwick , do but answer this ,
-What is the body , when the head is off ?
-
-Alas ! that Warwick had no more forecast ,
-But , whiles he thought to steal the single ten ,
-The king was slily finger'd from the deck .
-You left poor Henry at the bishop's palace ,
-And , ten to one , you'll meet him in the Tower .
-
-'Tis even so : yet you are Warwick still .
-
-Come , Warwick , take the time ; kneel down , kneel down :
-Nay , when ? strike now , or else the iron cools .
-
-I had rather chop this hand off at a blow ,
-And with the other fling it at thy face ,
-Than bear so low a sail to strike to thee .
-
-Sail how thou canst , have wind and tide thy friend ;
-This hand , fast wound about thy coal-black hair ,
-Shall , whiles thy head is warm and new cut off ,
-Write in the dust this sentence with thy blood :
-'Wind-changing Warwick now can change no more .'
-
-
-O cheerful colours ! see where Oxford comes !
-
-Oxford , Oxford , for Lancaster !
-
-
-The gates are open , let us enter too .
-
-So other foes may set upon our backs .
-Stand we in good array ; for they no doubt
-Will issue out again and bid us battle :
-If not , the city being but of small defence ,
-We'll quickly rouse the traitors in the same .
-
-O ! welcome , Oxford ! for we want thy help .
-
-
-Montague , Montague , for Lancaster !
-
-
-Thou and thy brother both shall buy this treason
-Even with the dearest blood your bodies bear .
-
-The harder match'd , the greater victory :
-My mind presageth happy gain , and conquest .
-
-
-Somerset , Somerset , for Lancaster !
-
-
-Two of thy name , both Dukes of Somerset ,
-Have sold their lives unto the house of York ;
-And thou shalt be the third , if this sword hold .
-
-
-And lo ! where George of Clarence sweeps along ,
-Of force enough to bid his brother battle ;
-With whom an upright zeal to right prevails
-More than the nature of a brother's love .
-Come , Clarence , come ; thou wilt , if Warwick call .
-
-Father of Warwick , know you what this means ?
-
-Look here , I throw my infamy at thee :
-I will not ruinate my father's house ,
-Who gave his blood to lime the stones together ,
-And set up Lancaster . Why , trow'st thou , Warwick ,
-That Clarence is so harsh , so blunt , unnatural ,
-To bend the fatal instruments of war
-Against his brother and his lawful king ?
-Perhaps thou wilt object my holy oath :
-To keep that oath were more impiety
-Than Jephthah's , when he sacrific'd his daughter .
-I am so sorry for my trespass made
-That , to deserve well at my brother's hands ,
-I here proclaim myself thy mortal foe ;
-With resolution , wheresoe'er I meet thee
-As I will meet thee if thou stir abroad
-To plague thee for thy foul misleading me .
-And so , proud-hearted Warwick , I defy thee ,
-And to my brother turn my blushing cheeks .
-Pardon me , Edward , I will make amends ;
-And , Richard , do not frown upon my faults ,
-For I will henceforth be no more unconstant .
-
-Now welcome more , and ten times more belov'd ,
-Than if thou never hadst deserv'd our hate .
-
-Welcome , good Clarence ; this is brother-like .
-
-O passing traitor , perjur'd , and unjust !
-
-What , Warwick , wilt thou leave the town , and fight ?
-Or shall we beat the stones about thine ears ?
-
-Alas ! I am not coop'd here for defence :
-I will away towards Barnet presently ,
-And bid thee battle , Edward , if thou dar'st .
-
-Yes , Warwick , Edward dares , and leads the way .
-Lords , to the field ; Saint George and victory !
-
-
-So , lie thou there : die thou , and die our fear ;
-For Warwick was a bug that fear'd us all .
-Now Montague , sit fast ; I seek for thee ,
-That Warwick's bones may keep thine company .
-
-
-Ah ! who is nigh ? come to me , friend or foe ,
-And tell me who is victor , York or Warwick ?
-Why ask I that ? my mangled body shows ,
-My blood , my want of strength , my sick heart shows ,
-That I must yield my body to the earth ,
-And , by my fall , the conquest to my foe .
-Thus yields the cedar to the axe's edge ,
-Whose arms gave shelter to the princely eagle ,
-Under whose shade the ramping lion slept ,
-Whose top branch overpeer'd Jove's spreading tree ,
-And kept low shrubs from winter's powerful wind .
-These eyes , that now are dimm'd with death's black veil ,
-Have been as piercing as the mid-day sun ,
-To search the secret treasons of the world :
-The wrinkles in my brows , now fill'd with blood ,
-Were liken'd oft to kingly sepulchres ;
-For who liv'd king , but I could dig his grave ?
-And who durst smile when Warwick bent his brow ?
-Lo ! now my glory smear'd in dust and blood ;
-My parks , my walks , my manors that I had ,
-Even now forsake me ; and , of all my lands
-Is nothing left me but my body's length .
-Why , what is pomp , rule , reign , but earth and dust ?
-And , live we how we can , yet die we must .
-
-
-Ah ! Warwick , Warwick , wert thou as we are ,
-We might recover all our loss again .
-The queen from France hath brought a puissant power ;
-Even now we heard the news . Ah ! couldst thou fly .
-
-Why , then , I would not fly . Ah ! Montague ,
-If thou be there , sweet brother , take my hand ,
-And with thy lips keep in my soul awhile .
-Thou lov'st me not ; for , brother , if thou didst ,
-Thy tears would wash this cold congealed blood
-That glues my lips and will not let me speak .
-Come quickly , Montague , or I am dead .
-
-Ah ! Warwick , Montague hath breath'd his last ;
-And to the latest gasp , cried out for Warwick ,
-And said , 'Commend me to my valiant brother .'
-And more he would have said ; and more he spoke ,
-Which sounded like a clamour in a vault ,
-That mought not be distinguish'd : but at last
-I well might hear , deliver'd with a groan ,
-'O ! farewell , Warwick !'
-
-Sweet rest his soul ! Fly , lords , and save yourselves ;
-For Warwick bids you all farewell , to meet in heaven .
-
-
-Away , away , to meet the queen's great power .
-
-
-Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course ,
-And we are grac'd with wreaths of victory .
-But in the midst of this bright-shining day ,
-I spy a black , suspicious , threat'ning 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 rais'd in Gallia , have arriv'd 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 :
-Thy very beams will dry those vapours up ,
-For every cloud engenders not a storm .
-
-The queen is valu'd thirty thousand strong ,
-And Somerset , with Oxford , fled to her :
-If she have time to breathe , be well assur'd
-Her faction will be full as strong as ours .
-
-We are advertis'd 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 .
-
-
-Great lords , wise men ne'er sit and wail their loss ,
-But cheerly seek how to redress their harms .
-What though the mast be now blown over-board ,
-The cable broke , the holding anchor lost ,
-And half our sailors swallow'd in the flood ?
-Yet lives our pilot still : is't meet that he
-Should leave the helm and like a fearful lad
-With tearful eyes add water to the sea ,
-And give more strength to that which hath too much ;
-Whiles in his moan the ship splits on the rock ,
-Which industry and courage might have sav'd ?
-Ah ! what a shame ! ah , what a fault were this .
-Say , Warwick was our anchor ; what of that ?
-And Montague our top-mast ; what of him ?
-Our slaughter'd friends the tackles ; what of these ?
-Why , is not Oxford here another anchor ?
-And Somerset , another goodly mast ?
-The friends of France our shrouds and tacklings ?
-And , though unskilful , why not Ned and I
-For once allow'd the skilful pilot's charge ?
-We will not from the helm , to sit and weep ,
-But keep our course , though the rough wind say no ,
-From shelves and rocks that threaten us with wrack .
-As good to chide the waves as speak them fair .
-And what is Edward but a ruthless sea ?
-What Clarence but a quicksand of deceit ?
-And Richard but a ragged fatal rock ?
-All those the enemies to our poor bark .
-Say you can swim ; alas ! 'tis but a while :
-Tread on the sand ; why , there you quickly sink :
-Bestride the rock ; the tide will wash you off ,
-Or else you famish ; that's a threefold death .
-This speak I , lords , to let you understand ,
-In case some one of you would fly from us ,
-That there's no hop'd-for mercy with the brothers
-More than with ruthless waves , with sands and rocks .
-Why , courage , then ! what cannot be avoided
-'Twere childish weakness to lament or fear .
-
-Methinks a woman of this valiant spirit
-Should , if a coward heard her speak these words ,
-Infuse his breast with magnanimity ,
-And make him , naked , foil a man at arms .
-I speak not this , as doubting any here ;
-For did I but suspect a fearful man ,
-He should have leave to go away betimes ,
-Lest in our need he might infect another ,
-And make him of like spirit to himself .
-If any such be here , as God forbid !
-Let him depart before we need his help .
-
-Women and children of so high a courage ,
-And warriors faint ! why , 'twere perpetual shame .
-O brave young prince ! thy famous grandfather
-Doth live again in thee : long mayst thou live
-To bear his image and renew his glories !
-
-And he , that will not fight for such a hope ,
-Go home to bed , and , like the owl by day ,
-If he arise , be mock'd and wonder'd at .
-
-Thanks , gentle Somerset : sweet Oxford , thanks .
-
-And take his thanks that yet hath nothing else .
-
-
-Prepare you , lords , for Edward is at hand ,
-Ready to fight ; therefore be resolute .
-
-I thought no less : it is his policy
-To haste thus fast , to find us unprovided .
-
-But he's deceiv'd ; we are in readiness .
-
-This cheers my heart to see your forwardness .
-
-Here pitch our battle ; hence we will not budge .
-
-
-Brave followers , yonder stands the thorny wood ,
-Which , by the heavens' assistance , and your strength ,
-Must by the roots be hewn up yet ere night .
-I need not add more fuel to your fire ,
-For well I wot ye blaze to burn them out :
-Give signal to the fight , and to it , lords .
-
-Lords , knights , and gentlemen , what I should say
-My tears gainsay ; for every word I speak ,
-Ye see , I drink the water of mine eyes .
-Therefore , no more but this : Henry , your sovereign ,
-Is prisoner to the foe ; his state usurp'd ,
-His realm a slaughter house , his subjects slain ,
-His statutes cancell'd , and his treasure spent ;
-And yonder is the wolf that makes this spoil .
-You fight in justice : then , in God's name , lords ,
-Be valiant , and give signal to the fight .
-
-
-Now , here a period of tumultuous broils .
-Away with Oxford to Hames Castle straight :
-For Somerset , off with his guilty head .
-Go , bear them hence ; I will not hear them speak .
-
-For my part , I'll not trouble thee with words .
-
-Nor I , but stoop with patience to my fortune .
-
-
-So part we sadly in this troublous world ,
-To meet with joy in sweet Jerusalem .
-
-Is proclamation made , that who finds Edward
-Shall have a high reward , and he his life ?
-
-It is : and lo , where youthful Edward comes .
-
-
-Bring forth the gallant : let us hear him speak .
-What ! can so young a thorn begin to prick ?
-Edward , what satisfaction canst thou make ,
-For bearing arms , for stirring up my subjects ,
-And all the trouble thou hast turn'd me to ?
-
-Speak like a subject , proud ambitious York !
-Suppose that I am now my father's mouth :
-Resign thy chair , and where I stand kneel thou ,
-Whilst I propose the self-same words to thee ,
-Which , traitor , thou wouldst have me answer to .
-
-Ah ! that thy father had been so resolv'd .
-
-That you might still have worn the petticoat ,
-And ne'er have stol'n the breech from Lancaster .
-
-Let sop fable in a winter's night ;
-His currish riddles sort not with this place .
-
-By heaven , brat , I'll plague you for that word .
-
-Ay , thou wast born to be a plague to men .
-
-For God's sake , take away this captive scold .
-
-Nay , take away this scolding crookback rather .
-
-Peace , wilful boy , or I will charm your tongue .
-
-Untutor'd lad , thou art too malapert .
-
-I know my duty ; you are all undutiful :
-Lascivious Edward , and thou perjur'd George ,
-And thou mis-shapen Dick , I tell ye all ,
-I am your better , traitors as ye are ;
-And thou usurp'st my father's right and mine .
-
-Take that , the likeness of this railer here .
-
-
-Sprawl'st thou ? take that , to end thy agony .
-
-
-And there's for twitting me with perjury .
-
-
-O , kill me too !
-
-Marry , and shall .
-
-
-Hold , Richard , hold ! for we have done too much .
-
-Why should she live , to fill the world with words ?
-
-What ! doth she swoon ? use means for her recovery .
-
-Clarence , excuse me to the king , my brother ;
-I'll hence to London on a serious matter :
-Ere ye come there , be sure to hear some news .
-
-What ? what ?
-
-The Tower ! the Tower !
-
-
-O Ned , sweet Ned ! speak to thy mother , boy !
-Canst thou not speak ? O traitors ! murderers !
-They that stabb'd C sar shed no blood at all ,
-Did not offend , nor were not worthy blame ,
-If this foul deed were by , to equal it :
-He was a man ; this , in respect , a child ;
-And men ne'er spend their fury on a child .
-What's worse than murderer , that I may name it ?
-No , no , my heart will burst , an if I speak :
-And I will speak , that so my heart may burst .
-Butchers and villains ! bloody cannibals !
-How sweet a plant have you untimely cropp'd !
-You have no children , butchers ! if you had ,
-The thought of them would have stirr'd up remorse :
-But if you ever chance to have a child ,
-Look in his youth to have him so cut off
-As , deathsmen , you have rid this sweet young prince !
-
-Away with her ! go , bear her hence perforce .
-
-Nay , never bear me hence , dispatch me here :
-Here sheathe thy sword , I'll pardon thee my death .
-What ! wilt thou not ? then , Clarence , do it thou .
-
-By heaven , I will not do thee so much ease .
-
-Good Clarence , do ; sweet Clarence , do thou do it .
-
-Didst thou not hear me swear I would not do it ?
-
-Ay , but thou usest to forswear thyself :
-'Twas sin before , but now 'tis charity .
-What ! wilt thou not ? Where is that devil's butcher ,
-Hard-favour'd Richard ? Richard , where art thou ?
-Thou art not here : murder is thy alms-deed ;
-Petitioners for blood thou ne'er put'st back .
-
-Away , I say ! I charge ye , bear her hence .
-
-So come to you and yours , as to this prince !
-
-
-Where's Richard gone ?
-
-To London , all in post ; and , as I guess ,
-To make a bloody supper in the Tower .
-
-He's sudden if a thing comes in his head .
-Now march we hence : discharge the common sort
-With pay and thanks , and let's away to London
-And see our gentle queen how well she fares ;
-By this , I hope , she hath a son for me .
-
-Good day , my lord . What ! at your book so hard ?
-
-Ay , my good lord :my lord , I should say rather ;
-'Tis sin to flatter , 'good' was little better :
-'Good Gloucester' and 'good devil' were alike ,
-And both preposterous ; therefore , not 'good lord .'
-
-Sirrah , leave us to ourselves : we must confer .
-
-
-So flies the reckless shepherd from the wolf ;
-So first the harmless sheep doth yield his fleece ,
-And next his throat unto the butcher's knife .
-What scene of death hath Roscius now to act ?
-
-Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind ;
-The thief doth fear each bush an officer .
-
-The bird that hath been limed in a bush ,
-With trembling wings misdoubteth every bush ;
-And I , the hapless male to one sweet bird ,
-Have now the fatal object in my eye
-Where my poor young was lim'd , was caught , and kill'd .
-
-Why , what a peevish fool was that of Crete ,
-That taught his son the office of a fowl !
-And yet , for all his wings , the fool was drown'd .
-
-I , D dalus ; my poor boy , Icarus ;
-Thy father , Minos , that denied our course ;
-The sun , that sear'd the wings of my sweet boy ,
-Thy brother Edward , and thyself the sea ,
-Whose envious gulf did swallow up his life .
-Ah ! kill me with thy weapon , not with words .
-My breast can better brook thy dagger's point
-Than can my ears that tragic history .
-But wherefore dost thou come ? is't for my life ?
-
-Think'st thou I am an executioner ?
-
-A persecutor , I am sure , thou art :
-If murd'ring innocents be executing ,
-Why , then thou art an executioner .
-
-Thy son I kill'd for his presumption .
-
-Hadst thou been kill'd , when first thou didst presume ,
-Thou hadst not liv'd to kill a son of mine .
-And thus I prophesy : that many a thousand ,
-Which now mistrust no parcel of my fear ,
-And many an old man's sigh , and many a widow's ,
-And many an orphan's water-standing eye ,
-Men for their sons' , wives for their husbands' ,
-And orphans for their parents' timeless death ,
-Shall rue the hour that ever thou wast born .
-The owl shriek'd at thy birth , an evil sign ;
-The night-crow cried , aboding luckless time ;
-Dogs howl'd , and hideous tempest shook down trees !
-The raven rook'd her on the chimney's top ,
-And chattering pies in dismal discords sung .
-Thy mother felt more than a mother's pain ,
-And yet brought forth less than a mother's hope ;
-To wit an indigest deformed lump ,
-Not like the fruit of such a goodly tree .
-Teeth hadst thou in thy head when thou wast born ,
-To signify thou cam'st to bite the world :
-And , if the rest be true which I have heard ,
-Thou cam'st
-
-I'll hear no more : die , prophet , in thy speech :
-
-For this , amongst the rest , was I ordain'd .
-
-Ay , and for much more slaughter after this .
-O , God forgive my sins , and pardon thee !
-
-
-What ! will the aspiring blood of Lancaster
-Sink in the ground ? I thought it would have mounted .
-See how my sword weeps for the poor king's death !
-O ! may such purple tears be always shed
-From those that wish the downfall of our house .
-If any spark of life be yet remaining ,
-Down , down to hell ; and say I sent thee thither ,
-
-I , that have neither pity , love , nor fear .
-Indeed , 'tis true , that Henry told me of ;
-For I have often heard my mother say
-I came into the world with my legs forward .
-Had I not reason , think ye , to make haste ,
-And seek their ruin that usurp'd our right ?
-The midwife wonder'd , and the women cried
-'O ! Jesus bless us , he is born with teeth .'
-And so I was ; which plainly signified
-That I should snarl and bite and play the dog .
-Then , since the heavens have shap'd my body so ,
-Let hell make crook'd my mind to answer it .
-I have no brother , I am like no brother ;
-And this word 'love ,' which greybeards call divine ,
-Be resident in men like one another
-And not in me : I am myself alone .
-Clarence , beware ; thou keep'st me from the light :
-But I will sort a pitchy day for thee ;
-For I will buzz abroad such prophecies
-That Edward shall be fearful of his life ;
-And then , to purge his fear , I'll be thy death .
-King Henry and the prince his son are gone :
-Clarence , thy turn is next , and then the rest ,
-Counting myself but bad till I be best .
-I'll throw thy body in another room ,
-And triumph , Henry , in thy day of doom .
-
-Once more we sit in England's royal throne ,
-Re-purchas'd with the blood of enemies .
-What valiant foemen like to autumn's corn ,
-Have we mow'd down , in tops of all their pride !
-Three Dukes of Somerset , threefold renown'd
-For hardy and undoubted champions ;
-Two Cliffords , as the father and the son ;
-And two Northumberlands : two braver men
-Ne'er spurr'd their coursers at the trumpet's sound ;
-With them , the two brave bears , Warwick and Montague ,
-That in their chains fetter'd the kingly lion ,
-And made the forest tremble when they roar'd .
-Thus have we swept suspicion from our seat ,
-And made our footstool of security .
-Come hither , Bess , and let me kiss my boy .
-Young Ned , for thee thine uncles and myself
-Have in our armours watch'd the winter's night ;
-Went all a-foot in summer's scalding heat ,
-That thou might'st repossess the crown in peace ;
-And of our labours thou shalt reap the gain .
-
-I'll blast his harvest , if your head were laid ;
-For yet I am not look'd on in the world .
-This shoulder was ordain'd so thick to heave ;
-And heave it shall some weight , or break my back :
-Work thou the way , and thou shalt execute .
-
-Clarence and Gloucester , love my lovely queen ;
-And kiss your princely nephew , brothers both .
-
-The duty , that I owe unto your majesty ,
-I seal upon the lips of this sweet babe .
-
-Thanks , noble Clarence ; worthy brother , thanks .
-
-And , that I love the tree from whence thou sprang'st ,
-Witness the loving kiss I give the fruit .
-
-
-To say the truth , so Judas kiss'd his master ,
-And cried 'all hail !' when as he meant all harm .
-
-Now am I seated as my soul delights ,
-Having my country's peace and brothers' loves .
-
-What will your Grace have done with Margaret ?
-Reignier , her father , to the King of France
-Hath pawn'd the Sicils and Jerusalem ,
-And hither have they sent it for her ransom .
-
-Away with her , and waft her hence to France .
-And now what rests but that we spend the time
-With stately triumphs , mirthful comic shows ,
-Such as befit the pleasure of the court ?
-Sound , drums and trumpets ! farewell , sour annoy !
-For here , I hope , begins our lasting joy .
-
-THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD II
-
-Old John of Gaunt , time-honour'd Lancaster ,
-Hast thou , according to thy oath and band ,
-Brought hither Henry Hereford thy bold son ,
-Here to make good the boisterous late appeal ,
-Which then our leisure would not let us hear ,
-Against the Duke of Norfolk , Thomas Mowbray ?
-
-I have , my liege .
-
-Tell me , moreover , hast thou sounded him ,
-If he appeal the duke on ancient malice ,
-Or worthily , as a good subject should ,
-On some known ground of treachery in him ?
-
-As near as I could sift him on that argument ,
-On some apparent danger seen in him
-Aim'd at your highness , no inveterate malice .
-
-Then call them to our presence : face to face ,
-And frowning brow to brow , ourselves will hear
-The accuser and the accused freely speak :
-
-High-stomach'd are they both , and full of ire ,
-In rage deaf as the sea , hasty as fire .
-
-
-Many years of happy days befall
-My gracious sovereign , my most loving liege !
-
-Each day still better other's happiness ;
-Until the heavens , envying earth's good hap ,
-Add an immortal title to your crown !
-
-We thank you both : yet one but flatters us ,
-As well appeareth by the cause you come ;
-Namely , to appeal each other of high treason .
-Cousin of Hereford , what dost thou object
-Against the Duke of Norfolk , Thomas Mowbray ?
-
-First ,heaven be the record to my speech !
-In the devotion of a subject's love ,
-Tendering the precious safety of my prince ,
-And free from other misbegotten hate ,
-Come I appellant to this princely presence .
-Now , Thomas Mowbray , do I turn to thee ,
-And mark my greeting well ; for what I speak
-My body shall make good upon this earth ,
-Or my divine soul answer it in heaven .
-Thou art a traitor and a miscreant ;
-Too good to be so and too bad to live ,
-Since the more fair and crystal is the sky ,
-The uglier seem the clouds that in it fly .
-Once more , the more to aggravate the note ,
-With a foul traitor's name stuff I thy throat ;
-And wish , so please my sovereign , ere I move ,
-What my tongue speaks , my right drawn sword may prove .
-
-Let not my cold words here accuse my zeal :
-'Tis not the trial of a woman's war ,
-The bitter clamour of two eager tongues ,
-Can arbitrate this cause betwixt us twain ;
-The blood is hot that must be cool'd for this :
-Yet can I not of such tame patience boast
-As to be hush'd and nought at all to say .
-First , the fair reverence of your highness curbs me
-From giving reins and spurs to my free speech ;
-Which else would post until it had return'd
-These terms of treason doubled down his throat .
-Setting aside his high blood's royalty ,
-And let him be no kinsman to my liege ,
-I do defy him , and I spit at him ;
-Call him a slanderous coward and a villain :
-Which to maintain I would allow him odds ,
-And meet him , were I tied to run afoot
-Even to the frozen ridges of the Alps ,
-Or any other ground inhabitable ,
-Wherever Englishman durst set his foot .
-Meantime let this defend my loyalty :
-By all my hopes , most falsely doth he lie .
-
-Pale trembling coward , there I throw my gage ,
-Disclaiming here the kindred of the king ;
-And lay aside my high blood's royalty ,
-Which fear , not reverence , makes thee to except :
-If guilty dread have left thee so much strength
-As to take up mine honour's pawn , then stoop :
-By that , and all the rites of knighthood else ,
-Will I make good against thee , arm to arm ,
-What I have spoke , or thou canst worse devise .
-
-I take it up ; and by that sword I swear ,
-Which gently laid my knighthood on my shoulder ,
-I'll answer thee in any fair degree ,
-Or chivalrous design of knightly trial :
-And when I mount , alive may I not light ,
-If I be traitor or unjustly fight !
-
-What doth our cousin lay to Mowbray's charge ?
-It must be great that can inherit us
-So much as of a thought of ill in him .
-
-Look , what I speak , my life shall prove it true ;
-That Mowbray hath receiv'd eight thousand nobles
-In name of lendings for your highness' soldiers ,
-The which he hath detain'd for lewd employments ,
-Like a false traitor and injurious villain .
-Besides I say and will in battle prove ,
-Or here or elsewhere to the furthest verge
-That ever was survey'd by English eye ,
-That all the treasons for these eighteen years
-Complotted and contrived in this land ,
-Fetch from false Mowbray their first head and spring .
-Further I say and further will maintain
-Upon his bad life to make all this good ,
-That he did plot the Duke of Gloucester's death ,
-Suggest his soon believing adversaries ,
-And consequently , like a traitor coward ,
-Sluic'd out his innocent soul through streams of blood :
-Which blood , like sacrificing Abel's , cries ,
-Even from the tongueless caverns of the earth ,
-To me for justice and rough chastisement ;
-And , by the glorious worth of my descent ,
-This arm shall do it , or this life be spent .
-
-How high a pitch his resolution soars !
-Thomas of Norfolk , what sayst thou to this ?
-
-O ! let my sovereign turn away his face
-And bid his ears a little while be deaf ,
-Till I have told this slander of his blood
-How God and good men hate so foul a liar .
-
-Mowbray , impartial are our eyes and ears :
-Were he my brother , nay , my kingdom's heir ,
-As he is but my father's brother's son ,
-Now , by my sceptre's awe I make a vow ,
-Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood
-Should nothing privilege him , nor partialize
-The unstooping firmness of my upright soul .
-He is our subject , Mowbray ; so art thou :
-Free speech and fearless I to thee allow .
-
-Then , Bolingbroke , as low as to thy heart ,
-Through the false passage of thy throat , thou liest .
-Three parts of that receipt I had for Calais
-Disburs'd I duly to his highness' soldiers ;
-The other part reserv'd I by consent ,
-For that my sovereign liege was in my debt
-Upon remainder of a dear account ,
-Since last I went to France to fetch his queen .
-Now swallow down that lie . For Gloucester's death ,
-I slew him not ; but to mine own disgrace
-Neglected my sworn duty in that case .
-For you , my noble Lord of Lancaster ,
-The honourable father to my foe ,
-Once did I lay an ambush for your life ,
-A trespass that doth vex my grieved soul ;
-But ere I last receiv'd the sacrament
-I did confess it , and exactly begg'd
-Your Grace's pardon , and I hope I had it .
-This is my fault : as for the rest appeal'd ,
-It issues from the rancour of a villain ,
-A recreant and most degenerate traitor ;
-Which in myself I boldly will defend ,
-And interchangeably hurl down my gage
-Upon this overweening traitor's foot ,
-To prove myself a loyal gentleman
-Even in the best blood chamber'd in his bosom .
-In haste whereof , most heartily I pray
-Your highness to assign our trial day .
-
-Wrath-kindled gentlemen , be rul'd by me ;
-Let's purge this choler without letting blood :
-This we prescribe , though no physician ;
-Deep malice makes too deep incision :
-Forget , forgive ; conclude and be agreed ,
-Our doctors say this is no month to bleed .
-Good uncle , let this end where it begun ;
-We'll calm the Duke of Norfolk , you your son .
-
-To be a make-peace shall become my age :
-Throw down , my son , the Duke of Norfolk's gage .
-
-And , Norfolk , throw down his .
-
-When , Harry , when ?
-Obedience bids I should not bid again .
-
-Norfolk , throw down , we bid ; there is no boot .
-
-Myself I throw , dread sovereign , at thy foot .
-My life thou shalt command , but not my shame :
-The one my duty owes ; but my fair name ,
-Despite of death that lives upon my grave ,
-To dark dishonour's use thou shalt not have .
-I am disgrac'd , impeach'd , and baffled here ,
-Pierc'd to the soul with slander's venom'd spear ,
-The which no balm can cure but his heart-blood
-Which breath'd this poison .
-
-Rage must be withstood :
-Give me his gage : lions make leopards tame .
-
-Yea , but not change his spots : take but my shame ,
-And I resign my gage . My dear dear lord ,
-The purest treasure mortal times afford
-Is spotless reputation ; that away ,
-Men are but gilded loam or painted clay .
-A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest
-Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast .
-Mine honour is my life ; both grow in one ;
-Take honour from me , and my life is done :
-Then , dear my liege , mine honour let me try ;
-In that I live and for that will I die .
-
-Cousin , throw down your gage : do you begin .
-
-O ! God defend my soul from such deep sin .
-Shall I seem crest fall'n in my father's sight ,
-Or with pale beggar-fear impeach my height
-Before this out-dar'd dastard ? Ere my tongue
-Shall wound mine honour with such feeble wrong ,
-Or sound so base a parle , my teeth shall tear
-The slavish motive of recanting fear ,
-And spit it bleeding in his high disgrace ,
-Where shame doth harbour , even in Mowbray's face .
-
-
-We were not born to sue , but to command :
-Which since we cannot do to make you friends ,
-Be ready , as your lives shall answer it ,
-At Coventry , upon Saint Lambert's day :
-There shall your swords and lances arbitrate
-The swelling difference of your settled hate :
-Since we cannot atone you , we shall see
-Justice design the victor's chivalry .
-Marshal , command our officers-at-arms
-Be ready to direct these home alarms .
-
-
-Alas ! the part I had in Woodstock's blood
-Doth more solicit me than your exclaims ,
-To stir against the butchers of his life .
-But since correction lieth in those hands
-Which made the fault that we cannot correct ,
-Put we our quarrel to the will of heaven ;
-Who , when they see the hours ripe on earth ,
-Will rain hot vengeance on offenders' heads .
-
-Finds brotherhood in thee no sharper spur ?
-Hath love in thy old blood no living fire ?
-Edward's seven sons , whereof thyself art one ,
-Were as seven vials of his sacred blood ,
-Or seven fair branches springing from one root :
-Some of those seven are dried by nature's course ,
-Some of those branches by the Destinies cut ;
-But Thomas , my dear lord , my life , my Gloucester ,
-One vial full of Edward's sacred blood ,
-One flourishing branch of his most royal root ,
-Is crack'd , and all the precious liquor spilt ;
-Is hack'd down , and his summer leaves all vaded ,
-By envy's hand and murder's bloody axe .
-Ah , Gaunt ! his blood was thine : that bed , that womb ,
-That metal , that self-mould , that fashion'd thee
-Made him a man ; and though thou liv'st and breath'st ,
-Yet art thou slain in him : thou dost consent
-In some large measure to thy father's death
-In that thou seest thy wretched brother die ,
-Who was the model of thy father's life .
-Call it not patience , Gaunt ; it is despair :
-In suffering thus thy brother to be slaughter'd
-Thou show'st the naked pathway to thy life ,
-Teaching stern murder how to butcher thee :
-That which in mean men we entitle patience
-Is pale cold cowardice in noble breasts .
-What shall I say ? to safeguard thine own life ,
-The best way is to venge my Gloucester's death .
-
-God's is the quarrel ; for God's substitute ,
-His deputy anointed in his sight ,
-Hath caus'd his death ; the which if wrongfully ,
-Let heaven revenge , for I may never lift
-An angry arm against his minister .
-
-Where then , alas ! may I complain myself ?
-
-To God , the widow's champion and defence .
-
-Why then , I will . Farewell , old Gaunt .
-Thou go'st to Coventry , there to behold
-Our cousin Hereford and fell Mowbray fight :
-O ! sit my husband's wrongs on Hereford's spear ,
-That it may enter butcher Mowbray's breast .
-Or if misfortune miss the first career ,
-Be Mowbray's sins so heavy in his bosom
-That they may break his foaming courser's back ,
-And throw the rider headlong in the lists ,
-A caitiff recreant to my cousin Hereford !
-Farewell , old Gaunt : thy sometimes brother's wife
-With her companion grief must end her life .
-
-Sister , farewell ; I must to Coventry .
-As much good stay with thee as go with me !
-
-Yet one word more . Grief boundeth where it falls ,
-Not with the empty hollowness , but weight :
-I take my leave before I have begun ,
-For sorrow ends not when it seemeth done .
-Commend me to my brother , Edmund York .
-Lo ! this is all : nay , yet depart not so ;
-Though this be all , do not so quickly go ;
-I shall remember more . Bid him ah , what ?
-With all good speed at Plashy visit me .
-Alack ! and what shall good old York there see
-But empty lodgings and unfurnish'd walls ,
-Unpeopled offices , untrodden stones ?
-And what hear there for welcome but my groans ?
-Therefore commend me ; let him not come there ,
-To seek out sorrow that dwells every where .
-Desolate , desolate will I hence , and die :
-The last leave of thee takes my weeping eye .
-
-
-My Lord Aumerle , is Harry Hereford arm'd ?
-
-Yea , at all points , and longs to enter in .
-
-The Duke of Norfolk , sprightfully and bold ,
-Stays but the summons of the appellant's trumpet .
-
-Why then , the champions are prepar'd , and stay
-For nothing but his majesty's approach .
-
-
-Marshal , demand of yonder champion
-The cause of his arrival here in arms :
-Ask him his name , and orderly proceed
-To swear him in the justice of his cause .
-
-In God's name , and the king's , say who thou art ,
-And why thou com'st thus knightly clad in arms ,
-Against what man thou com'st , and what thy quarrel .
-Speak truly , on thy knighthood and thine oath :
-As so defend thee heaven and thy valour !
-
-My name is Thomas Mowbray , Duke of Norfolk ,
-Who hither come engaged by my oath ,
-Which God defend a knight should violate !
-Both to defend my loyalty and truth
-To God , my king , and his succeeding issue ,
-Against the Duke of Hereford that appeals me ;
-And , by the grace of God and this mine arm ,
-To prove him , in defending of myself ,
-A traitor to my God , my king , and me :
-And as I truly fight , defend me heaven !
-
-Marshal , ask yonder knight in arms ,
-Both who he is and why he cometh hither
-Thus plated in habiliments of war ;
-And formally , according to our law ,
-Depose him in the justice of his cause .
-
-What is thy name ? and wherefore com'st thou hither ,
-Before King Richard in his royal lists ?
-Against whom comest thou ? and what's thy quarrel ?
-Speak like a true knight , so defend thee heaven !
-
-Harry of Hereford , Lancaster , and Derby ,
-Am I ; who ready here do stand in arms ,
-To prove by God's grace and my body's valour ,
-In lists , on Thomas Mowbray , Duke of Norfolk ,
-That he's a traitor foul and dangerous ,
-To God of heaven , King Richard , and to me :
-And as I truly fight , defend me heaven !
-
-On pain of death , no person be so bold
-Or daring-hardy as to touch the lists ,
-Except the marshal and such officers
-Appointed to direct these fair designs .
-
-Lord marshal , let me kiss my sovereign's hand ,
-And bow my knee before his majesty :
-For Mowbray and myself are like two men
-That vow a long and weary pilgrimage ;
-Then let us take a ceremonious leave
-And loving farewell of our several friends .
-
-The appellant in all duty greets your highness ,
-And craves to kiss your hand and take his leave .
-
-We will descend and fold him in our arms .
-Cousin of Hereford , as thy cause is right ,
-So be thy fortune in this royal fight !
-Farewell , my blood ; which if to-day thou shed ,
-Lament we may , but not revenge thee dead .
-
-O ! let no noble eye profane a tear
-For me , if I be gor'd with Mowbray's spear .
-As confident as is the falcon's flight
-Against a bird , do I with Mowbray fight .
-My loving lord , I take my leave of you ;
-Of you , my noble cousin , Lord Aumerle ;
-Not sick , although I have to do with death ,
-But lusty , young , and cheerly drawing breath .
-Lo ! as at English feasts , so I regreet
-The daintiest last , to make the end most sweet :
-O thou , the earthly author of my blood ,
-Whose youthful spirit , in me regenerate ,
-Doth with a two-fold vigour lift me up
-To reach at victory above my head ,
-Add proof unto mine armour with thy prayers ,
-And with thy blessings steel my lance's point ,
-That it may enter Mowbray's waxen coat ,
-And furbish new the name of John a Gaunt ,
-Even in the lusty haviour of his son .
-
-God in thy good cause make thee prosperous !
-Be swift like lightning in the execution ;
-And let thy blows , doubly redoubled ,
-Fall like amazing thunder on the casque
-Of thy adverse pernicious enemy :
-Rouse up thy youthful blood , be valiant and live .
-
-Mine innocency and Saint George to thrive !
-
-
-However God or fortune cast my lot ,
-There lives or dies , true to King Richard's throne ,
-A loyal , just , and upright gentleman .
-Never did captive with a freer heart
-Cast off his chains of bondage and embrace
-His golden uncontroll'd enfranchisement ,
-More than my dancing soul doth celebrate
-This feast of battle with mine adversary .
-Most mighty liege , and my companion peers ,
-Take from my mouth the wish of happy years .
-As gentle and as jocund as to jest ,
-Go I to fight : truth has a quiet breast .
-
-Farewell , my lord : securely I espy
-Virtue with valour couched in thine eye .
-Order the trial , marshal , and begin .
-
-
-Harry of Hereford , Lancaster , and Derby ,
-Receive thy lance ; and God defend the right !
-
-Strong as a tower in hope , I cry 'amen .'
-
-Go bear this lance to Thomas , Duke of Norfolk .
-
-Harry of Hereford , Lancaster , and Derby ,
-Stands here for God , his sovereign , and himself ,
-On pain to be found false and recreant ,
-To prove the Duke of Norfolk , Thomas Mowbray ,
-A traitor to his God , his king , and him ;
-And dares him to set forward to the fight .
-
-Here standeth Thomas Mowbray , Duke of Norfolk ,
-On pain to be found false and recreant ,
-Both to defend himself and to approve
-Henry of Hereford , Lancaster , and Derby ,
-To God , his sovereign , and to him , disloyal ;
-Courageously and with a free desire ,
-Attending but the signal to begin .
-
-Sound , trumpets ; and set forward , combatants .
-
-Stay , stay , the king hath thrown his warderdown .
-
-Let them lay by their helmets and their spears ,
-And both return back to their chairs again :
-Withdraw with us ; and let the trumpets sound
-While we return these dukes what we decree .
-
-Draw near ,
-And list what with our council we have done .
-For that our kingdom's earth should not be soil'd
-With that dear blood which it hath fostered ;
-And for our eyes do hate the dire aspect
-Of civil wounds plough'd up with neighbours' swords ;
-And for we think the eagle-winged pride
-Of sky-aspiring and ambitious thoughts ,
-With rival-hating envy , set on you
-To wake our peace , which in our country's cradle
-Draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleep ;
-Which so rous'd up with boist'rous untun'd drums ,
-With harsh-resounding trumpets' dreadful bray ,
-And grating shock of wrathful iron arms ,
-Might from our quiet confines fright fair peace
-And make us wade even in our kindred's blood :
-Therefore , we banish you our territories :
-You , cousin Hereford , upon pain of life ,
-Till twice five summers have enrich'd our fields ,
-Shall not regreet our fair dominions ,
-But tread the stranger paths of banishment .
-
-Your will be done : this must my comfort be ,
-That sun that warms you here shall shine on me ;
-And those his golden beams to you here lent
-Shall point on me and gild my banishment .
-
-Norfolk , for thee remains a heavier doom ,
-Which I with some unwillingness pronounce :
-The sly slow hours shall not determinate
-The dateless limit of thy dear exile ;
-The hopeless word of 'never to return'
-Breathe I against thee , upon pain of life .
-
-A heavy sentence , my most sovereign liege ,
-And all unlook'd for from your highness' mouth :
-A dearer merit , not so deep a maim
-As to be cast forth in the common air ,
-Have I deserved at your highness' hands .
-The language I have learn'd these forty years ,
-My native English , now I must forego ;
-And now my tongue's use is to me no more
-Than an unstringed viol or a harp ,
-Or like a cunning instrument cas'd up ,
-Or , being open , put into his hands
-That knows no touch to tune the harmony :
-Within my mouth you have engaol'd my tongue ,
-Doubly portcullis'd with my teeth and lips ;
-And dull , unfeeling , barren ignorance
-Is made my gaoler to attend on me .
-I am too old to fawn upon a nurse ,
-Too far in years to be a pupil now :
-What is thy sentence then but speechless death ,
-Which robs my tongue from breathing native breath ?
-
-It boots thee not to be compassionate :
-After our sentence plaining comes too late .
-
-Then , thus I turn me from my country's light ,
-To dwell in solemn shades of endless night .
-
-
-Return again , and take an oath with thee .
-Lay on our royal sword your banish'd hands ;
-Swear by the duty that you owe to God
-Our part therein we banish with yourselves
-To keep the oath that we administer .
-You never shall ,so help you truth and God !
-Embrace each other's love in banishment ;
-Nor never look upon each other's face ;
-Nor never write , regreet , nor reconcile
-This low'ring tempest of your home-bred hate ;
-Nor never by advised purpose meet
-To plot , contrive , or complot any ill
-'Gainst us , our state , our subjects , or our land .
-
-I swear .
-
-And I , to keep all this .
-
-Norfolk , so far , as to mine enemy :
-By this time , had the king permitted us ,
-One of our souls had wander'd in the air ,
-Banish'd this frail sepulchre of our flesh ,
-As now our flesh is banish'd from this land :
-Confess thy treasons ere thou fly the realm ;
-Since thou hast far to go , bear not along
-The clogging burden of a guilty soul .
-
-No , Bolingbroke : if ever I were traitor ,
-My name be blotted from the book of life ,
-And I from heaven banish'd as from hence !
-But what thou art , God , thou , and I do know ;
-And all too soon , I fear , the king shall rue .
-Farewell , my liege . Now no way can I stray ;
-Save back to England , all the world's my way .
-
-
-Uncle , even in the glasses of thine eyes
-I see thy grieved heart : thy sad aspect
-Hath from the number of his banish'd years
-Pluck'd four away .
-
-Six frozen winters spent ,
-Return with welcome home from banishment .
-
-How long a time lies in one little word !
-Four lagging winters and four wanton springs
-End in a word : such is the breath of kings .
-
-I thank my liege , that in regard of me
-He shortens four years of my son's exile ;
-But little vantage shall I reap thereby :
-For , ere the six years that he hath to spend
-Can change their moons and bring their times about ,
-My oil-dried lamp and time-bewasted light
-Shall be extinct with age and endless night ;
-My inch of taper will be burnt and done ,
-And blindfold death not let me see my son .
-
-Why , uncle , thou hast many years to live .
-
-But not a minute , king , that thou canst give :
-Shorten my days thou canst with sullen sorrow ,
-And pluck nights from me , but not lend a morrow ;
-Thou canst help time to furrow me with age .
-But stop no wrinkle in his pilgrimage ;
-Thy word is current with him for my death ,
-But dead , thy kingdom cannot buy my breath .
-
-Thy son is banish'd upon good advice ,
-Whereto thy tongue a party-verdict gave :
-Why at our justice seem'st thou then to lower ?
-
-Things sweet to taste prove in digestion sour .
-You urg'd me as a judge ; but I had rather
-You would have bid me argue like a father .
-O ! had it been a stranger , not my child ,
-To smooth his fault I should have been more mild :
-A partial slander sought I to avoid ,
-And in the sentence my own life destroy'd .
-Alas ! I look'd when some of you should say ,
-I was too strict to make mine own away ;
-But you gave leave to my unwilling tongue
-Against my will to do myself this wrong .
-
-Cousin , farewell ; and , uncle , bid him so :
-Six years we banish him , and he shall go .
-
-
-Cousin , farewell : what presence must not know ,
-From where you do remain let paper show .
-
-My lord , no leave take I ; for I will ride ,
-As far as land will let me , by your side .
-
-O ! to what purpose dost thou hoard thy words ,
-That thou return'st no greeting to thy friends ?
-
-I have too few to take my leave of you ,
-When the tongue's office should be prodigal
-To breathe the abundant dolour of the heart .
-
-Thy grief is but thy absence for a time .
-
-Joy absent , grief is present for that time .
-
-What is six winters ? they are quickly gone .
-
-To men in joy ; but grief makes one hour ten .
-
-Call it a travel that thou tak'st for pleasure .
-
-My heart will sigh when I miscall it so ,
-Which finds it an inforced pilgrimage .
-
-The sullen passage of thy weary steps
-Esteem as foil wherein thou art to set
-The precious jewel of thy home return .
-
-Nay , rather , every tedious stride I make
-Will but remember me what a deal of world
-I wander from the jewels that I love .
-Must I not serve a long apprenticehood
-To foreign passages , and in the end ,
-Having my freedom , boast of nothing else
-But that I was a journeyman to grief ?
-
-All places that the eye of heaven visits
-Are to a wise man ports and happy havens .
-Teach thy necessity to reason thus ;
-There is no virtue like necessity .
-Think not the king did banish thee ,
-But thou the king . Woe doth the heavier sit ,
-Where it perceives it is but faintly borne .
-Go , say I sent thee forth to purchase honour ,
-And not the king exil'd thee ; or suppose
-Devouring pestilence hangs in our air ,
-And thou art flying to a fresher clime .
-Look , what thy soul holds dear , imagine it
-To lie that way thou go'st , not whence thou com'st .
-Suppose the singing birds musicians ,
-The grass whereon thou tread'st the presence strew'd ,
-The flowers fair ladies , and thy steps no more
-Than a delightful measure or a dance ;
-For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite
-The man that mocks at it and sets it light .
-
-O ! who can hold a fire in his hand
-By thinking on the frosty Caucasus ?
-Or cloy the hungry edge of appetite
-By bare imagination of a feast ?
-Or wallow naked in December snow
-By thinking on fantastic summer's heat ?
-O , no ! the apprehension of the good
-Gives but the greater feeling to the worse :
-Fell sorrow's tooth doth never rankle more
-Than when it bites , but lanceth not the sore .
-
-Come , come , my son , I'll bring thee on thy way .
-Had I thy youth and cause , I would not stay .
-
-Then , England's ground , farewell ; sweet soil , adieu :
-My mother , and my nurse , that bears me yet !
-Where'er I wander , boast of this I can ,
-Though banish'd , yet a true-born Englishman .
-
-
-We did observe . Cousin Aumerle ,
-How far brought you high Hereford on his way ?
-
-I brought high Hereford , if you call him so ,
-But to the next highway , and there I left him .
-
-And say , what store of parting tears were shed ?
-
-Faith , none for me ; except the northeast wind ,
-Which then blew bitterly against our faces ,
-Awak'd the sleeping rheum , and so by chance
-Did grace our hollow parting with a tear .
-
-What said our cousin when you parted with him ?
-
-'Farewell :'
-And , for my heart disdained that my tongue
-Should so profane the word , that taught me craft
-To counterfeit oppression of such grief
-That words seem'd buried in my sorrow's grave .
-Marry , would the word 'farewell' have lengthen'd hours
-And added years to his short banishment ,
-He should have had a volume of farewells ;
-But , since it would not , he had none of me .
-
-He is our cousin , cousin ; but 'tis doubt ,
-When time shall call him home from banishment ,
-Whether our kinsman come to see his friends .
-Ourself and Bushy , Bagot here and Green
-Observ'd his courtship to the common people ,
-How he did seem to dive into their hearts
-With humble and familiar courtesy ,
-What reverence he did throw away on slaves ,
-Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles
-And patient underbearing of his fortune ,
-As 'twere to banish their affects with him .
-Off goes his bonnet to an oyster-wench ;
-A brace of draymen bid God speed him well ,
-And had the tribute of his supple knee ,
-With 'Thanks , my countrymen , my loving friends ;'
-As were our England in reversion his ,
-And he our subjects' next degree in hope .
-
-Well , he is gone ; and with him go these thoughts .
-Now for the rebels which stand out in Ireland ;
-Expedient manage must be made , my liege ,
-Ere further leisure yield them further means
-For their advantage and your highness' loss .
-
-We will ourself in person to this war .
-And , for our coffers with too great a court
-And liberal largess are grown somewhat light ,
-We are enforc'd to farm our royal realm ;
-The revenue whereof shall furnish us
-For our affairs in hand . If that come short ,
-Our substitutes at home shall have blank charters ;
-Whereto , when they shall know what men are rich ,
-They shall subscribe them for large sums of gold ,
-And send them after to supply our wants ;
-For we will make for Ireland presently .
-
-Bushy , what news ?
-
-Old John of Gaunt is grievous sick , my lord ,
-Suddenly taken , and hath sent post-haste
-To entreat your majesty to visit him .
-
-Where lies he ?
-
-At Ely House .
-
-Now , put it , God . in his physician's mind
-To help him to his grave immediately !
-The lining of his coffers shall make coats
-To deck our soldiers for these Irish wars .
-Come , gentlemen , let's all go visit him :
-Pray God we may make haste , and come too late .
-
-Amen .
-
-Will the king come , that I may breathe my last
-In wholesome counsel to his unstaid youth ?
-
-Vex not yourself , nor strive not with your breath ;
-For all in vain comes counsel to his ear .
-
-O ! but they say the tongues of dying men
-Enforce attention like deep harmony :
-Where words are scarce , they are seldom spent in vain ,
-For they breathe truth that breathe their words in pain .
-He that no more must say is listen'd more
-Than they whom youth and ease have taught to glose ;
-More are men's ends mark'd than their lives before :
-The setting sun , and music at the close ,
-As the last taste of sweets , is sweetest last ,
-Writ in remembrance more than things long past :
-Though Richard my life's counsel would not hear ,
-My death's sad tale may yet undeaf his ear .
-
-No ; it is stopp'd with other flattering sounds ,
-As praises of his state : then there are fond
-Lascivious metres , to whose venom sound
-The open ear of youth doth always listen :
-Report of fashions in proud Italy ,
-Whose manners still our tardy apish nation
-Limps after in base imitation .
-Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity ,
-So it be new there's no respect how vile ,
-That is not quickly buzz'd into his ears ?
-Then all too late comes counsel to be heard ,
-Where will doth mutiny with wit's regard .
-Direct not him whose way himself will choose :
-'Tis breath thou lack'st , and that breath wilt thou lose .
-
-Methinks I am a prophet new inspir'd ,
-And thus expiring do foretell of him :
-His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last ,
-For violent fires soon burn out themselves ;
-Small showers last long , but sudden storms are short ;
-He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes ;
-With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder :
-Light vanity , insatiate cormorant ,
-Consuming means , soon preys upon itself .
-This royal throne of kings , this scepter'd isle ,
-This earth of majesty , this seat of Mars ,
-This other Eden , demi-paradise ,
-This fortress built by Nature for herself
-Against infection and the hand of war ,
-This happy breed of men , this little world ,
-This precious stone set in the silver sea ,
-Which serves it in the office of a wall ,
-Or as a moat defensive to a house ,
-Against the envy of less happier lands ,
-This blessed plot , this earth , this realm , this England ,
-This nurse , this teeming womb of royal kings ,
-Fear'd by their breed and famous by their birth ,
-Renowned for their deeds as far from home ,
-For Christian service and true chivalry ,
-As is the sepulchre in stubborn Jewry
-Of the world's ransom , blessed Mary's Son :
-This land of such dear souls , this dear , dear land ,
-Dear for her reputation through the world ,
-Is now leas'd out ,I die pronouncing it ,
-Like to a tenement , or pelting farm :
-England , bound in with the triumphant sea ,
-Whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege
-Of watery Neptune , is now bound in with shame ,
-With inky blots , and rotten parchment bonds :
-That England , that was wont to conquer others ,
-Hath made a shameful conquest of itself .
-Ah ! would the scandal vanish with my life ,
-How happy then were my ensuing death .
-
-
-The king is come : deal mildly with his youth ;
-For young hot colts , being rag'd , do rage the more .
-
-How fares our noble uncle , Lancaster ?
-
-What comfort , man ? How is't with aged Gaunt ?
-
-O ! how that name befits my composition ;
-Old Gaunt indeed , and gaunt in being old :
-Within me grief hath kept a tedious fast ;
-And who abstains from meat that is not gaunt ?
-For sleeping England long time have I watch'd ;
-Watching breeds leanness , leanness is all gaunt .
-The pleasure that some fathers feed upon
-Is my strict fast , I mean my children's looks ;
-And therein fasting hast thou made me gaunt .
-Gaunt am I for the grave , gaunt as a grave ,
-Whose hollow womb inherits nought but bones .
-
-Can sick men play so nicely with their names ?
-
-No ; misery makes sport to mock itself :
-Since thou dost seek to kill my name in me ,
-I mock my name , great king , to flatter thee .
-
-Should dying men flatter with those that live ?
-
-No , no ; men living flatter those that die .
-
-Thou , now a-dying , sayst thou flatter'st me .
-
-O , no ! thou diest , though I the sicker be .
-
-I am in health , I breathe , and see thee ill .
-
-Now , he that made me knows I see thee ill ;
-Ill in myself to see , and in thee seeing ill .
-Thy death-bed is no lesser than thy land
-Wherein thou liest in reputation sick :
-And thou , too careless patient as thou art ,
-Committ'st thy anointed body to the cure
-Of those physicians that first wounded thee :
-A thousand flatterers sit within thy crown ,
-Whose compass is no bigger than thy head ;
-And yet , incaged in so small a verge ,
-The waste is no whit lesser than thy land .
-O ! had thy grandsire , with a prophet's eye ,
-Seen how his son's son should destroy his sons ,
-From forth thy reach he would have laid thy shame ,
-Deposing thee before thou wert possess'd ,
-Which art possess'd now to depose thyself .
-Why , cousin , wert thou regent of the world ,
-It were a shame to let this land by lease ;
-But for thy world enjoying but this land ,
-Is it not more than shame to shame it so ?
-Landlord of England art thou now , not king :
-Thy state of law is bond-slave to the law ,
-And
-
-And thou a lunatic lean-witted fool ,
-Presuming on an ague's privilege ,
-Dar'st with thy frozen admonition
-Make pale our cheek , chasing the royal blood
-With fury from his native residence .
-Now , by my seat's right royal majesty ,
-Wert thou not brother to great Edward's son ,
-This tongue that runs so roundly in thy head
-Should run thy head from thy unreverent shoulders .
-
-O ! spare me not , my brother Edward's son ,
-For that I was his father Edward's son .
-That blood already , like the pelican ,
-Hast thou tapp'd out and drunkenly carous'd :
-My brother Gloucester , plain well-meaning soul ,
-Whom fair befall in heaven 'mongst happy souls !
-May be a precedent and witness good
-That thou respect'st not spilling Edward's blood :
-Join with the present sickness that I have ;
-And thy unkindness be like crooked age ,
-To crop at once a too-long wither'd flower .
-Live in thy shame , but die not shame with thee !
-These words hereafter thy tormentors be !
-Convey me to my bed , then to my grave :
-Love they to live that love and honour have .
-
-
-And let them die that age and sullens have ;
-For both hast thou , and both become the grave .
-
-I do beseech your majesty , impute his words
-To wayward sickliness and age in him :
-He loves you , on my life , and holds you dear
-As Harry , Duke of Hereford , were he here .
-
-Right , you say true : as Hereford's love , so his ;
-As theirs , so mine ; and all be as it is .
-
-
-My liege , old Gaunt commends him to your majesty .
-
-What says he ?
-
-Nay , nothing ; all is said :
-His tongue is now a stringless instrument ;
-Words , life , and all , old Lancaster hath spent .
-
-Be York the next that must be bankrupt so !
-Though death be poor , it ends a mortal woe .
-
-The ripest fruit first falls , and so doth he :
-His time is spent ; our pilgrimage must be .
-So much for that . Now for our Irish wars .
-We must supplant those rough rug-headed kerns ,
-Which live like venom where no venom else
-But only they have privilege to live .
-And for these great affairs do ask some charge ,
-Towards our assistance we do seize to us
-The plate , coin , revenues , and moveables ,
-Whereof our uncle Gaunt did stand possess'd .
-
-How long shall I be patient ? Ah ! how long
-Shall tender duty make me suffer wrong ?
-Not Gloucester's death , nor Hereford's banishment ,
-Not Gaunt's rebukes , nor England's private wrongs ,
-Nor the prevention of poor Bolingbroke
-About his marriage , nor my own disgrace ,
-Have ever made me sour my patient cheek ,
-Or bend one wrinkle on my sovereign's face .
-I am the last of noble Edward's sons ,
-Of whom thy father , Prince of Wales , was first ;
-In war was never lion rag'd more fierce ,
-In peace was never gentle lamb more mild ,
-Than was that young and princely gentleman .
-His face thou hast , for even so look'd he ,
-Accomplish'd with the number of thy hours ;
-But when he frown'd , it was against the French ,
-And not against his friends ; his noble hand
-Did win what he did spend , and spent not that
-Which his triumphant father's hand had won :
-His hands were guilty of no kindred's blood ,
-But bloody with the enemies of his kin .
-O , Richard ! York is too far gone with grief ,
-Or else he never would compare between .
-
-Why , uncle , what's the matter ?
-
-O ! my liege .
-Pardon me , if you please ; if not , I , pleas'd
-Not to be pardon'd , am content withal .
-Seek you to seize and gripe into your hands
-The royalties and rights of banish'd Hereford ?
-Is not Gaunt dead , and doth not Hereford live ?
-Was not Gaunt just , and is not Harry true ?
-Did not the one deserve to have an heir ?
-Is not his heir a well-deserving son ?
-Take Hereford's rights away , and take from Time
-His charters and his customary rights ;
-Let not to-morrow then ensue to-day ;
-Be not thyself ; for how art thou a king
-But by fair sequence and succession ?
-Now , afore God ,God forbid I say true !
-If you do wrongfully seize Hereford's rights ,
-Call in the letters-patent that he hath
-By his attorneys-general to sue
-His livery , and deny his offer'd homage ,
-You pluck a thousand dangers on your head ,
-You lose a thousand well-disposed hearts ,
-And prick my tender patience to those thoughts
-Which honour and allegiance cannot think .
-
-Think what you will : we seize into our hands
-His plate , his goods , his money , and his lands .
-
-I'll not be by the while : my liege , farewell :
-What will ensue hereof , there's none can tell ;
-But by bad courses may be understood
-That their events can never fall out good .
-
-
-Go , Bushy , to the Earl of Wiltshire straight :
-Bid him repair to us to Ely House
-To see this business . To-morrow next
-We will for Ireland ; and 'tis time , I trow :
-And we create , in absence of ourself ,
-Our uncle York lord governor of England ;
-For he is just , and always lov'd us well .
-Come on , our queen : to-morrow must we part ;
-Be merry , for our time of stay is short .
-
-Well , lords , the Duke of Lancaster is dead .
-
-And living too ; for now his son is duke .
-
-Barely in title , not in revenue .
-
-Richly in both , if justice had her right .
-
-My heart is great ; but it must break with silence ,
-Ere't be disburden'd with a liberal tongue .
-
-Nay , speak thy mind ; and let him ne'er speak more
-That speaks thy words again to do thee harm !
-
-Tends that thou'dst speak to the Duke of Hereford ?
-If it be so , out with it boldly , man ;
-Quick is mine ear to hear of good towards him .
-
-No good at all that I can do for him ,
-Unless you call it good to pity him ,
-Bereft and gelded of his patrimony .
-
-Now , afore God , 'tis shame such wrongs are borne
-In him , a royal prince , and many more
-Of noble blood in this declining land .
-The king is not himself , but basely led
-By flatterers ; and what they will inform ,
-Merely in hate , 'gainst any of us all ,
-That will the king severely prosecute
-'Gainst us , our lives , our children , and our heirs .
-
-The commons hath he pill'd with grievous taxes ,
-And quite lost their hearts : the nobles hath he fin'd
-For ancient quarrels , and quite lost their hearts .
-
-And daily new exactions are devis'd ;
-As blanks , benevolences , and I wot not what :
-But what , o' God's name , doth become of this ?
-
-Wars have not wasted it , for warr'd he hath not ,
-But basely yielded upon compromise
-That which his ancestors achiev'd with blows .
-More hath he spent in peace than they in wars .
-
-The Earl of Wiltshire hath the realm in farm .
-
-The king's grown bankrupt , like a broken man .
-
-Reproach and dissolution hangeth over him .
-
-He hath not money for these Irish wars ,
-His burdenous taxations notwithstanding ,
-But by the robbing of the banish'd duke .
-
-His noble kinsman : most degenerate king !
-But , lords , we hear this fearful tempest sing ,
-Yet seek no shelter to avoid the storm ;
-We see the wind sit sore upon our sails ,
-And yet we strike not , but securely perish .
-
-We see the very wrack that we must suffer ;
-And unavoided is the danger now ,
-For suffering so the causes of our wrack .
-
-Not so : even through the hollow eyes of death
-Ispy life peering ; but I dare not say
-How near the tidings of our comfort is .
-
-Nay , let us share thy thoughts , as thou dost ours .
-
-Be confident to speak , Northumberland :
-We three are but thyself : and , speaking so ,
-Thy words are but as thoughts ; therefore , be bold .
-
-Then thus : I have from Port le Blanc , a bay
-In Brittany , receiv'd intelligence
-That Harry Duke of Hereford , Rainold Lord Cobham ,
-That late broke from the Duke of Exeter ,
-His brother , Archbishop late of Canterbury ,
-Sir Thomas Erpingham , Sir John Ramston ,
-Sir John Norbery , Sir Robert Waterton , and Francis Quoint ,
-All these well furnish'd by the Duke of Britaine ,
-With eight tall ships , three thousand men of war ,
-Are making hither with all due expedience ,
-And shortly mean to touch our northern shore .
-Perhaps they had ere this , but that they stay
-The first departing of the king for Ireland .
-If then we shall shake off our slavish yoke ,
-Imp out our drooping country's broken wing ,
-Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown ,
-Wipe off the dust that hides our sceptre's gilt ,
-And make high majesty look like itself ,
-Away with me in post to Ravenspurgh ;
-But if you faint , as fearing to do so ,
-Stay and be secret , and myself will go .
-
-To horse , to horse ! urge doubts to them that fear .
-
-Hold out my horse , and I will first be there .
-
-
-Madam , your majesty is too much sad :
-You promis'd , when you parted with the king ,
-To lay aside life-harming heaviness ,
-And entertain a cheerful disposition .
-
-To please the king I did ; to please myself
-I cannot do it ; yet I know no cause
-Why I should welcome such a guest as grief ,
-Save bidding farewell to so sweet a guest
-As my sweet Richard : yet , again , methinks ,
-Some unborn sorrow , ripe in fortune's womb ,
-Is coming towards me , and my inward soul
-With nothing trembles ; at some thing it grieves
-More than with parting from my lord the king .
-
-Each substance of a grief hath twenty shadows ,
-Which show like grief itself , but are not so .
-For sorrow's eye , glazed with blinding tears ,
-Divides one thing entire to many objects ;
-Like perspectives , which rightly gaz'd upon
-Show nothing but confusion ; ey'd awry
-Distinguish form : so your sweet majesty ,
-Looking awry upon your lord's departure ,
-Finds shapes of grief more than himself to wail ;
-Which , look'd on as it is , is nought but shadows
-Of what it is not . Then , thrice-gracious queen ,
-More than your lord's departure weep not : more's not seen ;
-Or if it be , 'tis with false sorrow's eye ,
-Which for things true weeps things imaginary .
-
-It may be so ; but yet my inward soul
-Persuades me it is otherwise : howe'er it be ,
-I cannot but be sad , so heavy sad ,
-As , though in thinking on no thought I think ,
-Makes me with heavy nothing faint and shrink .
-
-'Tis nothing but conceit , my gracious lady .
-
-'Tis nothing less : conceit is still deriv'd
-From some forefather grief ; mine is not so ,
-For nothing hath begot my something grief ;
-Or something hath the nothing that I grieve :
-'Tis in reversion that I do possess ;
-But what it is , that is not yet known ; what
-I cannot name ; 'tis nameless woe , I wot .
-
-
-God save your majesty ! and well met , gentlemen :
-I hope the king is not yet shipp'd for Ireland .
-
-Why hop'st thou so ? 'tis better hope he is ,
-For his designs crave haste , his haste good hope :
-Then wherefore dost thou hope he is not shipp'd ?
-
-That he , our hope , might have retir'd his power ,
-And driven into despair an enemy's hope ,
-Who strongly hath set footing in this land :
-The banish'd Bolingbroke repeals himself ,
-And with uplifted arms is safe arriv'd
-At Ravenspurgh .
-
-Now God in heaven forbid !
-
-Ah ! madam , 'tis too true : and that is worse ,
-The Lord Northumberland , his son young Henry Percy ,
-The Lords of Ross , Beaumond , and Willoughby ,
-With all their powerful friends , are fled to him .
-
-Why have you not proclaim'd Northumberland
-And all the rest of the revolted faction traitors ?
-
-We have : whereupon the Earl of Worcester
-Hath broke his staff , resign'd his stewardship ,
-And all the household servants fled with him
-To Bolingbroke .
-
-So , Green , thou art the midwife to my woe ,
-And Bolingbroke my sorrow's dismal heir :
-Now hath my soul brought forth her prodigy ,
-And I , a gasping new-deliver'd mother ,
-Have woe to woe , sorrow to sorrow join'd .
-
-Despair not , madam .
-
-Who shall hinder me ?
-I will despair , and be at enmity
-With cozening hope : he is a flatterer ,
-A parasite , a keeper-back of death ,
-Who gently would dissolve the bands of life ,
-Which false hope lingers in extremity .
-
-
-Here comes the Duke of York .
-
-With signs of war about his aged neck :
-O ! full of careful business are his looks .
-Uncle , for God's sake , speak comfortable words .
-
-Should I do so , I should belie my thoughts :
-Comfort's in heaven ; and we are on the earth ,
-Where nothing lives but crosses , cares , and grief .
-Your husband , he is gone to save far off ,
-Whilst others come to make him lose at home :
-Here am I left to underprop his land ,
-Who , weak with age , cannot support myself .
-Now comes the sick hour that his surfeit made ;
-Now shall he try his friends that flatter'd him .
-
-
-My lord , your son was gone before I came .
-
-He was ? Why , so ! go all which way it will !
-The nobles they are fled , the commons they are cold ,
-And will , I fear , revolt on Hereford's side .
-Sirrah , get thee to Plashy , to my sister Gloucester ;
-Bid her send me presently a thousand pound .
-Hold , take my ring .
-
-My lord , I had forgot to tell your lordship :
-To-day , as I came by , I called there ;
-But I shall grieve you to report the rest .
-
-What is't , knave ?
-
-An hour before I came the duchess died .
-
-God for his mercy ! what a tide of woes
-Comes rushing on this woeful land at once !
-I know not what to do : I would to God ,
-So my untruth had not provok'd him to it ,
-The king had cut off my head with my brother's .
-What ! are there no posts dispatch'd for Ireland ?
-How shall we do for money for these wars ?
-Come , sister ,cousin , I would say ,pray , pardon me .
-Go , fellow , get thee home ; provide some carts
-And bring away the armour that is there .
-
-Gentlemen , will you go muster men ? If I know
-How or which way to order these affairs
-Thus thrust disorderly into my hands ,
-Never believe me . Both are my kinsmen :
-The one is my sovereign , whom both my oath
-And duty bids defend ; the other again
-Is my kinsman , whom the king hath wrong'd ,
-Whom conscience and my kindred bids to right .
-Well , somewhat we must do . Come , cousin ,
-I'll dispose of you . Gentlemen , go muster up your men ,
-And meet me presently at Berkeley Castle .
-I should to Plashy too :
-But time will not permit . All is uneven ,
-And every thing is left at six and seven .
-
-
-The wind sits fair for news to go to Ireland ,
-But none returns . For us to levy power
-Proportionable to the enemy
-Is all unpossible .
-
-Besides , our nearness to the king in love
-Is near the hate of those love not the king .
-
-And that's the wavering commons ; for their love
-Lies in their purses , and whoso empties them ,
-By so much fills their hearts with deadly hate .
-
-Wherein the king stands generally condemn'd .
-
-If judgment lie in them , then so do we ,
-Because we ever have been near the king .
-
-Well , I'll for refuge straight to Bristol Castle ;
-The Earl of Wiltshire is already there .
-
-Thither will I with you ; for little office
-Will the hateful commons perform for us ,
-Except like curs to tear us all to pieces .
-Will you go along with us ?
-
-No ; I will to Ireland to his majesty .
-Farewell : if heart's presages be not vain ,
-We three here part that ne'er shall meet again .
-
-That's as York thrives to beat back Bolingbroke .
-
-Alas , poor duke ! the task he undertakes
-Is numbering sands and drinking oceans dry :
-Where one on his side fights , thousands will fly .
-Farewell at once ; for once , for all , and ever .
-
-Well , we may meet again .
-
-I fear me , never .
-
-
-How far is it , my lord , to Berkeley now ?
-
-Believe me , noble lord ,
-I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire :
-These high wild hills and rough uneven ways
-Draw out our miles and make them wearisome ;
-But yet your fair discourse hath been as sugar ,
-Making the hard way sweet and delectable .
-But I bethink me what a weary way
-From Ravenspurgh to Cotswold will be found
-In Ross and Willoughby , wanting your company ,
-Which , I protest , hath very much beguil'd
-The tediousness and process of my travel :
-But theirs is sweeten'd with the hope to have
-The present benefit which I possess ;
-And hope to joy is little less in joy
-Than hope enjoy'd : by this the weary lords
-Shall make their way seem short , as mine hath done
-By sight of what I have , your noble company .
-
-Of much less value is my company
-Than your good words . But who comes here ?
-
-
-It is my son , young Harry Percy ,
-Sent from my brother Worcester , whencesoever .
-Harry , how fares your uncle ?
-
-I had thought , my lord , to have learn'd his health of you .
-
-Why , is he not with the queen ?
-
-No , my good lord ; he hath forsook the court ,
-Broken his staff of office , and dispers'd
-The household of the king .
-
-What was his reason ?
-He was not so resolv'd when last we spake together .
-
-Because your lordship was proclaimed traitor .
-But he , my lord , is gone to Ravenspurgh ,
-To offer service to the Duke of Hereford ,
-And sent me over by Berkeley to discover
-What power the Duke of York had levied there ;
-Then with direction to repair to Ravenspurgh .
-
-Have you forgot the Duke of Hereford , boy ?
-
-No , my good lord ; for that is not forgot
-Which ne'er I did remember : to my knowledge
-I never in my life did look on him .
-
-Then learn to know him now : this is the duke .
-
-My gracious lord , I tender you my service ,
-Such as it is , being tender , raw , and young ,
-Which elder days shall ripen and confirm
-To more approved service and desert .
-
-I thank thee , gentle Percy ; and be sure
-I count myself in nothing else so happy
-As in a soul remembering my good friends ;
-And as my fortune ripens with thy love ,
-It shall be still thy true love's recompense :
-My heart this covenant makes , my hand thus seals it .
-
-How far is it to Berkeley ? and what stir
-Keeps good old York there with his men of war ?
-
-There stands the castle , by yon tuft of trees ,
-Mann'd with three hundred men , as I have heard ;
-And in it are the Lords of York , Berkeley , and Seymour ;
-None else of name and noble estimate .
-
-
-Here come the Lords of Ross and Willoughby ,
-Bloody with spurring , fiery-red with haste .
-
-Welcome , my lords . I wot your love pursues
-A banish'd traitor ; all my treasury
-Is yet but unfelt thanks , which , more enrich'd ,
-Shall be your love and labour's recompense .
-
-Your presence makes us rich , most noble lord .
-
-And far surmounts our labour to attain it .
-
-Evermore thanks , the exchequer of the poor ;
-Which , till my infant fortune comes to years ,
-Stands for my bounty . But who comes here ?
-
-
-It is my Lord of Berkeley , as I guess .
-
-My lord of Hereford , my message is to you .
-
-My lord , my answer is to Lancaster ;
-And I am come to seek that name in England ;
-And I must find that title in your tongue
-Before I make reply to aught you say .
-
-Mistake me not , my lord ; 'tis not my meaning
-To raze one title of your honour out :
-To you , my lord , I come , what lord you will ,
-From the most gracious regent of this land ,
-The Duke of York , to know what pricks you on
-To take advantage of the absent time
-And fright our native peace with self-born arms .
-
-
-I shall not need transport my words by you :
-Here comes his Grace in person .
-My noble uncle !
-
-
-Show me thy humble heart , and not thy knee ,
-Whose duty is deceivable and false .
-
-My gracious uncle
-
-Tut , tut !
-Grace me no grace , nor uncle me no uncle :
-I am no traitor's uncle ; and that word 'grace'
-In an ungracious mouth is but profane .
-Why have those banish'd and forbidden legs
-Dar'd once to touch a dust of England's ground ?
-But then , more 'why ?' why have they dar'd to march
-So many miles upon her peaceful bosom ,
-Frighting her pale-fac'd villages with war
-And ostentation of despised arms ?
-Com'st thou because the anointed king is hence ?
-Why , foolish boy , the king is left behind ,
-And in my loyal bosom lies his power .
-Were I but now the lord of such hot youth
-As when brave Gaunt thy father , and myself ,
-Rescu'd the Black Prince , that young Mars of men ,
-From forth the ranks of many thousand French ,
-O ! then , how quickly should this arm of mine ,
-Now prisoner to the palsy , chastise thee
-And minister correction to thy fault !
-
-My gracious uncle , let me know my fault :
-On what condition stands it and wherein ?
-
-Even in condition of the worst degree ,
-In gross rebellion and detested treason :
-Thou art a banish'd man , and here art come
-Before the expiration of thy time ,
-In braving arms against thy sovereign .
-
-As I was banish'd , I was banish'd Hereford ;
-But as I come , I come for Lancaster .
-And , noble uncle , I beseech your Grace
-Look on my wrongs with an indifferent eye :
-You are my father , for methinks in you
-I see old Gaunt alive : O ! then , my father ,
-Will you permit that I shall stand condemn'd
-A wandering vagabond ; my rights and royalties
-Pluck'd from my arms perforce and given away
-To upstart unthrifts ? Wherefore was I born ?
-If that my cousin king be King of England ,
-It must be granted I am Duke of Lancaster .
-You have a son , Aumerle , my noble kinsman ;
-Had you first died , and he been thus trod down ,
-He should have found his uncle Gaunt a father ,
-To rouse his wrongs and chase them to the bay .
-I am denied to sue my livery here ,
-And yet my letters-patent give me leave :
-My father's goods are all distrain'd and sold ,
-And these and all are all amiss employ'd .
-What would you have me do ? I am a subject ,
-And challenge law : attorneys are denied me ,
-And therefore personally I lay my claim
-To my inheritance of free descent .
-
-The noble duke hath been too much abus'd .
-
-It stands your Grace upon to do him right .
-
-Base men by his endowments are made great .
-
-My lords of England , let me tell you this :
-I have had feeling of my cousin's wrongs ,
-And labour'd all I could to do him right ;
-But in this kind to come , in braving arms ,
-Be his own carver and cut out his way ,
-To find out right with wrong , it may not be ;
-And you that do abet him in this kind
-Cherish rebellion and are rebels all .
-
-The noble duke hath sworn his coming is
-But for his own ; and for the right of that
-We all have strongly sworn to give him aid ;
-And let him ne'er see joy that breaks that oath !
-
-Well , well , I see the issue of these arms :
-I cannot mend it , I must needs confess ,
-Because my power is weak and all ill left ;
-But if I could , by him that gave me life ,
-I would attach you all and make you stoop
-Unto the sovereign mercy of the king ;
-But since I cannot , be it known to you
-I do remain as neuter . So , fare you well ;
-Unless you please to enter in the castle
-And there repose you for this night .
-
-An offer , uncle , that we will accept :
-But we must win your Grace to go with us
-To Bristol Castle ; which they say is held
-By Bushy , Bagot , and their complices ,
-The caterpillars of the commonwealth ,
-Which I have sworn to weed and pluck away .
-
-It may be I will go with you ; but yet I'll pause ;
-For I am loath to break our country's laws .
-Nor friends nor foes , to me welcome you are :
-Things past redress are now with me past care .
-
-
-My Lord of Salisbury , we have stay'd ten days ,
-And hardly kept our countrymen together ,
-And yet we hear no tidings from the king ;
-Therefore we will disperse ourselves : farewell .
-
-Stay yet another day , thou trusty Welshman :
-The king reposeth all his confidence in thee .
-
-'Tis thought the king is dead : we will not stay .
-The bay-trees in our country are all wither'd
-And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven ,
-The pale-fac'd moon looks bloody on the earth
-And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change ,
-Rich men look sad and ruffians dance and leap ,
-The one in fear to lose what they enjoy ,
-The other to enjoy by rage and war :
-These signs forerun the death or fall of kings .
-Farewell : our countrymen are gone and fled ,
-As well assur'd Richard their king is dead .
-
-
-Ah , Richard ! with the eyes of heavy mind
-I see thy glory like a shooting star
-Fall to the base earth from the firmament .
-Thy sun sets weeping in the lowly west ,
-Witnessing storms to come , woe , and unrest .
-Thy friends are fled to wait upon thy foes ,
-And crossly to thy good all fortune goes .
-
-
-Bring forth these men .
-Bushy and Green , I will not vex your souls
-Since presently your souls must part your bodies
-With too much urging your pernicious lives ,
-For 'twere no charity ; yet , to wash your blood
-From off my hands , here in the view of men
-I will unfold some causes of your deaths .
-You have misled a prince , a royal king ,
-A happy gentleman in blood and lineaments ,
-By you unhappied and disfigur'd clean :
-You have in manner with your sinful hours
-Made a divorce betwixt his queen and him ,
-Broke the possession of a royal bed ,
-And stain'd the beauty of a fair queen's cheeks
-With tears drawn from her eyes by your foul wrongs .
-Myself , a prince by fortune of my birth ,
-Near to the king in blood , and near in love
-Till you did make him misinterpret me ,
-Have stoop'd my neck under your injuries ,
-And sigh'd my English breath in foreign clouds ,
-Eating the bitter bread of banishment ;
-Whilst you have fed upon my signories ,
-Dispark'd my parks , and felled my forest woods ,
-From mine own windows torn my household coat ,
-Raz'd out my impress , leaving me no sign ,
-Save men's opinions and my living blood ,
-To show the world I am a gentleman .
-This and much more , much more than twice all this ,
-Condemns you to the death . See them deliver'd over
-To execution and the hand of death .
-
-More welcome is the stroke of death to me
-Than Bolingbroke to England . Lords , farewell .
-
-My comfort is , that heaven will take our souls
-And plague injustice with the pains of hell .
-
-My Lord Northumberland , see them dispatch'd .
-
-Uncle , you say the queen is at your house ;
-For God's sake , fairly let her be entreated :
-Tell her I send to her my kind commends ;
-Take special care my greetings be deliver'd .
-
-A gentleman of mine I have dispatch'd
-With letters of your love to her at large .
-
-Thanks , gentle uncle . Come , lords , away ,
-To fight with Glendower and his complices :
-Awhile to work , and after holiday .
-
-
-Barkloughly Castle call they this at hand ?
-
-Yea , my lord . How brooks your Grace the air ,
-After your late tossing on the breaking seas ?
-
-Needs must I like it well : I weep for joy
-To stand upon my kingdom once again .
-Dear earth , I do salute thee with my hand ,
-Though rebels wound thee with their horses' hoofs :
-As a long-parted mother with her child
-Plays fondly with her tears and smiles in meeting ,
-So , weeping , smiling , greet I thee , my earth ,
-And do thee favour with my royal hands .
-Feed not thy sovereign's foe , my gentle earth ,
-Nor with thy sweets comfort his revenous sense ;
-But let thy spiders , that suck up thy venom ,
-And heavy-gaited toads lie in their way ,
-Doing annoyance to the treacherous feet
-Which with usurping steps do trample thee .
-Yield stinging nettles to mine enemies ;
-And when they from thy bosom pluck a flower ,
-Guard it , I pray thee , with a lurking adder
-Whose double tongue may with a mortal touch
-Throw death upon thy sovereign's enemies .
-Mock not my senseless conjuration , lords :
-This earth shall have a feeling and these stones
-Prove armed soldiers , ere her native king
-Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms .
-
-Fear not , my lord : that power that made you king
-Hath power to keep you king in spite of all .
-The means that heaven yields must be embrac'd ,
-And not neglected ; else , if heaven would ,
-And we will not , heaven's offer we refuse ,
-The proffer'd means of succour and redress .
-
-He means , my lord , that we are too remiss ;
-Whilst Bolingbroke , through our security ,
-Grows strong and great in substance and in friends .
-
-Discomfortable cousin ! know'st thou not
-That when the searching eye of heaven is hid
-Behind the globe , and lights the lower world ,
-Then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen ,
-In murders and in outrage bloody here ;
-But when , from under this terrestrial ball
-He fires the proud tops of the eastern pines
-And darts his light through every guilty hole ,
-Then murders , treasons , and detested sins ,
-The cloak of night being pluck'd from off their backs ,
-Stand bare and naked , trembling at themselves ?
-So when this thief , this traitor , Bolingbroke ,
-Who all this while hath revell'd in the night
-Whilst we were wandering with the antipodes ,
-Shall see us rising in our throne , the east ,
-His treasons will sit blushing in his face ,
-Not able to endure the sight of day ,
-But self-affrighted tremble at his sin .
-Not all the water in the rough rude sea
-Can wash the balm from an anointed king ;
-The breath of worldly men cannot depose
-The deputy elected by the Lord .
-For every man that Bolingbroke hath press'd
-To lift shrewd steel against our golden crown ,
-God for his Richard hath in heavenly pay
-A glorious angel : then , if angels fight ,
-Weak men must fall , for heaven still guards the right .
-
-Welcome , my lord : how far off lies your power ?
-
-Nor near nor further off , my gracious lord ,
-Than this weak arm : discomfort guides my tongue
-And bids me speak of nothing but despair .
-One day too late , I fear me , noble lord ,
-Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth .
-O ! call back yesterday , bid time return ,
-And thou shalt have twelve thousand fighting men :
-To-day , to-day , unhappy day too late ,
-O'erthrows thy joys , friends , fortune , and thy state ;
-For all the Welshmen , hearing thou wert dead ,
-Are gone to Bolingbroke , dispers'd , and fled .
-
-Comfort , my liege ! why looks your Grace so pale ?
-
-But now , the blood of twenty thousand men
-Did triumph in my face , and they are fled ;
-And till so much blood thither come again
-Have I not reason to look pale and dead ?
-All souls that will be safe , fly from my side ;
-For time hath set a blot upon my pride .
-
-Comfort , my liege ! remember who you are .
-
-I had forgot myself . Am I not king ?
-Awake , thou sluggard majesty ! thou sleepest .
-Is not the king's name twenty thousand names ?
-Arm , arm , my name ! a puny subject strikes
-At thy great glory . Look not to the ground ,
-Ye favourites of a king : are we not high ?
-High be our thoughts : I know my uncle York
-Hath power enough to serve our turn . But who comes here ?
-
-
-More health and happiness betide my liege
-Than can my care-tun'd tongue deliver him !
-
-Mine ear is open and my heart prepar'd :
-The worst is worldly loss thou canst unfold .
-Say , is my kingdom lost ? why , 'twas my care ;
-And what loss is it to be rid of care ?
-Strives Bolingbroke to be as great as we ?
-Greater he shall not be : if he serve God
-We'll serve him too , and be his fellow so :
-Revolt our subjects ? that we cannot mend ;
-They break their faith to God as well as us :
-Cry woe , destruction , ruin , loss , decay ;
-The worst is death , and death will have his day .
-
-Glad am I that your highness is so arm'd
-To bear the tidings of calamity .
-Like an unseasonable stormy day
-Which makes the silver rivers drown their shores ,
-As if the world were all dissolv'd to tears ,
-So high above his limits swells the rage
-Of Bolingbroke , covering your fearful land
-With hard bright steel and hearts harder than steel .
-White-beards have arm'd their thin and hairless scalps
-Against thy majesty ; and boys , with women's voices ,
-Strive to speak big , and clap their female joints
-In stiff unwieldy arms against thy crown ;
-Thy very beadsmen learn to bend their bows
-Of double-fatal yew against thy state ;
-Yea , distaff-women manage rusty bills
-Against thy seat : both young and old rebel ,
-And all goes worse than I have power to tell .
-
-Too well , too well thou tell'st a tale so ill .
-Where is the Earl of Wiltshire ? where is Bagot ?
-What is become of Bushy ? where is Green ?
-That they have let the dangerous enemy
-Measure our confines with such peaceful steps ?
-If we prevail , their heads shall pay for it .
-I warrant they have made peace with Bolingbroke .
-
-Peace have they made with him , indeed , my lord .
-
-O villains , vipers , damn'd without redemption !
-Dogs , easily won to fawn on any man !
-Snakes , in my heart-blood warm'd , that sting my heart !
-Three Judases , each one thrice worse than Judas !
-Would they make peace ? terrible hell make war
-Upon their spotted souls for this offence !
-
-Sweet love , I see , changing his property ,
-Turns to the sourest and most deadly hate .
-Again uncurse their souls ; their peace is made
-With heads and not with hands : those whom you curse
-Have felt the worst of death's destroying wound
-And lie full low , grav'd in the hollow ground .
-
-Is Bushy , Green , and the Earl of Wiltshire dead ?
-
-Yea , all of them at Bristol lost their heads .
-
-Where is the duke my father with his power ?
-
-No matter where . Of comfort no man speak :
-Let's talk of graves , of worms , and epitaphs ;
-Make dust our paper , and with rainy eyes
-Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth ;
-Let's choose executors and talk of wills :
-And yet not so for what can we bequeath
-Save our deposed bodies to the ground ?
-Our lands , our lives , and all are Bolingbroke's ,
-And nothing can we call our own but death ,
-And that small model of the barren earth
-Which serves as paste and cover to our bones .
-For God's sake , let us sit upon the ground
-And tell sad stories of the death of kings :
-How some have been depos'd , some slain in war ,
-Some haunted by the ghosts they have depos'd ,
-Some poison'd by their wives , some sleeping kill'd ;
-All murder'd : for within the hollow crown
-That rounds the mortal temples of a king
-Keeps Death his court , and there the antick sits ,
-Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp ;
-Allowing him a breath , a little scene ,
-To monarchize , be fear'd , and kill with looks ,
-Infusing him with self and vain conceit
-As if this flesh which walls about our life
-Were brass impregnable ; and humour'd thus
-Comes at the last , and with a little pin
-Bores through his castle wall , and farewell king !
-Cover your heads , and mock not flesh and blood
-With solemn reverence : throw away respect ,
-Tradition , form , and ceremonious duty ,
-For you have but mistook me all this while :
-I live with bread like you , feel want ,
-Taste grief , need friends : subjected thus ,
-How can you say to me I am a king ?
-
-My lord , wise men ne'er sit and wail their woes ,
-But presently prevent the ways to wail .
-To fear the foe , since fear oppresseth strength ,
-Gives in your weakness strength unto your foe ,
-And so your follies fight against yourself .
-Fear and be slain ; no worse can come to fight :
-And fight and die is death destroying death ;
-Where fearing dying pays death servile breath .
-
-My father hath a power ; inquire of him
-And learn to make a body of a limb .
-
-Thou chid'st me well . Proud Boling broke , I come
-To change blows with thee for our day of doom .
-This ague-fit of fear is over-blown ;
-An easy task it is , to win our own .
-Say , Scroop , where lies our uncle with his power ?
-Speak sweetly , man , although thy looks be sour .
-
-Men judge by the complexion of the sky
-The state and inclination of the day ;
-So may you by my dull and heavy eye ,
-My tongue hath but a heavier tale to say .
-I play the torturer , by small and small
-To lengthen out the worst that must be spoken .
-Your uncle York is join'd with Bolingbroke ,
-And all your northern castles yielded up ,
-And all your southern gentlemen in arms
-Upon his party .
-
-Thou hast said enough .
-
-
-Beshrew thee , cousin , which didst lead me forth
-Of that sweet way I was in to despair !
-What say you now ? What comfort have we now ?
-By heaven , I'll hate him everlastingly
-That bids me be of comfort any more .
-Go to Flint Castle : there I'll pine away ;
-A king , woe's slave , shall kingly woe obey .
-That power I have , discharge ; and let them go
-To ear the land that hath some hope to grow ,
-For I have none : let no man speak again
-To alter this , for counsel is but vain .
-
-My liege , one word .
-
-He does me double wrong ,
-That wounds me with the flatteries of his tongue .
-Discharge my followers : let them hence away ,
-From Richard's night to Bolingbroke's fair day .
-
-
-So that by this intelligence we learn
-The Welshmen are dispers'd and Salisbury
-Is gone to meet the king , who lately landed
-With some few private friends upon this coast .
-
-The news is very fair and good , my lord :
-Richard not far from hence hath hid his head .
-
-It would beseem the Lord Northumberland
-To say , 'King Richard :' alack the heavy day
-When such a sacred king should hide his head !
-
-Your Grace mistakes ; only to be brief
-Left I his title out .
-
-The time hath been ,
-Would you have been so brief with him , he would
-Have been so brief with you , to shorten you ,
-For taking so the head , your whole head's length .
-
-Mistake not , uncle , further than you should .
-
-Take not , good cousin , further than you should ,
-Lest you mistake the heavens are o'er our heads .
-
-I know it , uncle ; and oppose not myself
-Against their will . But who comes here ?
-
-Welcome , Harry : what , will not this castle yield ?
-
-The castle royally is mann'd , my lord ,
-Against thy entrance .
-
-Royally !
-Why , it contains no king ?
-
-Yes , my good lord ,
-It doth contain a king : King Richard lies
-Within the limits of yon lime and stone ;
-And with him are the Lord Aumerle , Lord Salisbury ,
-Sir Stephen Scroop ; besides a clergyman
-Of holy reverence ; who , I cannot learn .
-
-O ! belike it is the Bishop of Carlisle .
-
-Noble lord ,
-Go to the rude ribs of that ancient castle ,
-Through brazen trumpet send the breath of parley
-Into his ruin'd ears , and thus deliver :
-Henry Bolingbroke
-On both his knees doth kiss King Richard's hand ,
-And sends allegiance and true faith of heart
-To his most royal person ; hither come
-Even at his feet to lay my arms and power ,
-Provided that my banishment repeal'd ,
-And lands restor'd again be freely granted .
-If not , I'll use the advantage of my power ,
-And lay the summer's dust with showers of blood
-Rain'd from the wounds of slaughter'd Englishmen :
-The which , how far off from the mind of Bolingbroke
-It is , such crimson tempest should bedrench
-The fresh green lap of fair King Richard's land ,
-My stooping duty tenderly shall show .
-Go , signify as much , while here we march
-Upon the grassy carpet of this plain .
-Let's march without the noise of threat'ning drum ,
-That from the castle's totter'd battlements
-Our fair appointments may be well perus'd .
-Methinks King Richard and myself should meet
-With no less terror than the elements
-Of fire and water , when their thundering shock
-At meeting tears the cloudy cheeks of heaven .
-Be he the fire , I'll be the yielding water :
-The rage be his , while on the earth I rain
-My waters ; on the earth , and not on him .
-March on , and mark King Richard how he looks .
-
-
-See , see , King Richard doth himself appear ,
-As doth the blushing discontented sun
-From out the fiery portal of the east ,
-When he perceives the envious clouds are bent
-To dim his glory and to stain the track
-Of his bright passage to the occident .
-
-Yet looks he like a king : behold , his eye ,
-As bright as is the eagle's , lightens forth
-Controlling majesty : alack , alack , for woe ,
-That any harm should stain so fair a show !
-
-We are amaz'd ; and thus long have we stood
-To watch the fearful bending of thy knee ,
-Because we thought ourself thy lawful king :
-And if we be , how dare thy joints forget
-To pay their awful duty to our presence ?
-If we be not , show us the hand of God
-That hath dismiss'd us from our stewardship ;
-For well we know , no hand of blood and bone
-Can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptre ,
-Unless he do profane , steal , or usurp .
-And though you think that all , as you have done ,
-Have torn their souls by turning them from us ,
-And we are barren and bereft of friends ;
-Yet know , my master , God omnipotent ,
-Is mustering in his clouds on our behalf
-Armies of pestilence ; and they shall strike
-Your children yet unborn and unbegot ,
-That lift your vassal hands against my head
-And threat the glory of my precious crown .
-Tell Bolingbroke ,for yond methinks he is ,
-That every stride he makes upon my land
-Is dangerous treason : he is come to open
-The purple testament of bleeding war ;
-But ere the crown he looks for live in peace ,
-Ten thousand bloody crowns of mothers' sons
-Shall ill become the flower of England's face ,
-Change the complexion of her maid-pale peace
-To scarlet indignation , and bedew
-Her pastures' grass with faithful English blood .
-
-The king of heaven forbid our lord the king
-Should so with civil and uncivil arms
-Be rush'd upon ! Thy thrice-noble cousin ,
-Harry Bolingbroke , doth humbly kiss thy hand ;
-And by the honourable tomb he swears ,
-That stands upon your royal grandsire's bones ,
-And by the royalties of both your bloods ,
-Currents that spring from one most gracious head ,
-And by the buried hand of war-like Gaunt ,
-And by the worth and honour of himself ,
-Comprising all that may be sworn or said ,
-His coming hither hath no further scope
-Than for his lineal royalties and to beg
-Enfranchisement immediate on his knees :
-Which on thy royal party granted once ,
-His glittering arms he will commend to rust ,
-His barbed steeds to stables , and his heart
-To faithful service of your majesty .
-This swears he , as he is a prince , is just ;
-And , as I am a gentleman , I credit him .
-
-Northumberland , say , thus the king returns :
-His noble cousin is right welcome hither ;
-And all the number of his fair demands
-Shall be accomplish'd without contradiction :
-With all the gracious utterance thou hast
-Speak to his gentle hearing kind commends .
-
-We do debase ourself , cousin , do we not ,
-To look so poorly and to speak so fair ?
-Shall we call back Northumberland and send
-Defiance to the traitor , and so die ?
-
-No , good my lord ; let's fight with gentle words ,
-Till time lend friends and friends their helpful swords .
-
-O God ! O God ! that e'er this tongue of mine ,
-That laid the sentence of dread banishment
-On yond proud man , should take it off again
-With words of sooth . O ! that I were as great
-As is my grief , or lesser than my name ,
-Or that I could forget what I have been ,
-Or not remember what I must be now .
-Swell'st thou , proud heart ? I'll give thee scope to beat ,
-Since foes have scope to beat both thee and me .
-
-Northumberland comes back from Bolingbroke .
-
-What must the king do now ? Must he submit ?
-The king shall do it : must he be depos'd ?
-The king shall be contented : must he lose
-The name of king ? o' God's name , let it go :
-I'll give my jewels for a set of beads ,
-My gorgeous palace for a hermitage ,
-My gay apparel for an almsman's gown ,
-My figur'd goblets for a dish of wood ,
-My sceptre for a palmer's walking-staff ,
-My subjects for a pair of carved saints ,
-And my large kingdom for a little grave ,
-A little little grave , an obscure grave ;
-Or I'll be buried in the king's highway ,
-Some way of common trade , where subjects' feet
-May hourly trample on their sovereign's head ;
-For on my heart they tread now whilst I live ;
-And buried once , why not upon my head ?
-Aumerle , thou weep'st , my tender-hearted cousin !
-We'll make foul weather with despised tears ;
-Our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn ,
-And make a dearth in this revolting land .
-Or shall we play the wantons with our woes ,
-And make some pretty match with shedding tears ?
-As thus ; to drop them still upon one place ,
-Till they have fretted us a pair of graves
-Within the earth ; and , there inlaid : 'There lies
-Two kinsmen digg'd their graves with weeping eyes .'
-Would not this ill do well ? Well , well , I see
-I talk but idly and you laugh at me .
-Most mighty prince , my Lord Northumberland ,
-What says King Bolingbroke ? will his majesty
-Give Richard leave to live till Richard die ?
-You make a leg , and Bolingbroke says ay .
-
-My lord , in the base court he doth attend
-To speak with you ; may't please you to come down ?
-
-Down , down , I come ; like glistering Phaethon ,
-Wanting the manage of unruly jades .
-In the base court ? Base court , where kings grow base ,
-To come at traitors' calls and do them grace .
-In the base court ? Come down ? Down , court ! down , king !
-For night-owls shriek where mounting larks should sing .
-
-
-What says his majesty ?
-
-Sorrow and grief of heart
-Makes him speak fondly , like a frantic man :
-Yet he is come .
-
-
-Stand all apart ,
-And show fair duty to his majesty .
-
-My gracious lord ,
-
-Fair cousin , you debase your princely knee
-To make the base earth proud with kissing it :
-Me rather had my heart might feel your love
-Than my unpleas'd eye see your courtesy .
-Up , cousin , up ; your heart is up , I know ,
-Thus high at least , although your knee be low .
-
-My gracious lord , I come but for mine own .
-
-Your own is yours , and I am yours , and all .
-
-So far be mine , my most redoubted lord ,
-As my true service shall deserve your love .
-
-Well you deserve : they well deserve to have
-That know the strong'st and surest way to get .
-Uncle , give me your hand : nay , dry your eyes ;
-Tears show their love , but want their remedies .
-Cousin , I am too young to be your father ,
-Though you are old enough to be my heir .
-What you will have I'll give , and willing too ;
-For do we must what force will have us do .
-Set on towards London . Cousin , is it so ?
-
-Yea , my good lord .
-
-Then I must not say no .
-
-
-What sport shall we devise here in this garden ,
-To drive away the heavy thought of care ?
-
-Madam , we'll play at bowls .
-
-'Twill make me think the world is full of rubs ;
-And that my fortune runs against the bias .
-
-Madam , we'll dance .
-
-My legs can keep no measure in delight
-When my poor heart no measure keeps in grief :
-Therefore , no dancing , girl ; some other sport .
-
-Madam , we'll tell tales .
-
-Of sorrow or of joy ?
-
-Of either , madam .
-
-Of neither , girl :
-For if of joy , being altogether wanting ,
-It doth remember me the more of sorrow ;
-Or if of grief , being altogether had ,
-It adds more sorrow to my want of joy :
-For what I have I need not to repeat ,
-And what I want it boots not to complain .
-
-Madam , I'll sing .
-
-'Tis well that thou hast cause ;
-But thou shouldst please me better wouldst thou weep .
-
-I could weep , madam , would it do you good .
-
-And I could sing would weeping do me good ,
-And never borrow any tear of thee .
-But stay , here come the gardeners :
-Let's step into the shadow of these trees .
-My wretchedness unto a row of pins ,
-They'll talk of state ; for every one doth so
-Against a change : woe is forerun with woe .
-
-Go , bind thou up yon dangling apricocks ,
-Which , like unruly children , make their sire
-Stoop with oppression of their prodigal weight :
-Give some supportance to the bending twigs .
-Go thou , and like an executioner ,
-Cut off the heads of too fast growing sprays ,
-That look too lofty in our commonwealth :
-All must be even in our government .
-You thus employ'd , I will go root away
-The noisome weeds , that without profit suck
-The soil's fertility from wholesome flowers .
-
-Why should we in the compass of a pale
-Keep law and form and due proportion ,
-Showing , as in a model , our firm estate ,
-When our sea-walled garden , the whole land ,
-Is full of weeds , her fairest flowers chok'd up ,
-Her fruit-trees all unprun'd , her hedges ruin'd ,
-Her knots disorder'd , and her wholesome herbs
-Swarming with caterpillars ?
-
-Hold thy peace :
-He that hath suffer'd this disorder'd spring
-Hath now himself met with the fall of leaf ;
-The weeds that his broad-spreading leaves did shelter ,
-That seem'd in eating him to hold him up ,
-Are pluck'd up root and all by Bolingbroke ;
-I mean the Earl of Wiltshire , Bushy , Green .
-
-What ! are they dead ?
-
-They are ; and Bolingbroke
-Hath seiz'd the wasteful king . O ! what pity is it
-That he hath not so trimm'd and dress'd his land
-As we this garden . We at time of year
-Do wound the bark , the skin of our fruit-trees ,
-Lest , being over-proud with sap and blood ,
-With too much riches it confound itself :
-Had he done so to great and growing men ,
-They might have liv'd to bear and he to taste
-Their fruits of duty : superfluous branches
-We lop away that bearing boughs may live :
-Had he done so , himself had borne the crown ,
-Which waste of idle hours hath quite thrown down .
-
-What ! think you then the king shall be depos'd ?
-
-Depress'd he is already , and depos'd
-'Tis doubt he will be : letters came last night
-To a dear friend of the good Duke of York's ,
-That tell black tidings .
-
-O ! I am press'd to death through want of speaking .
-
-Thou , old Adam's likeness , set to dress this garden ,
-How dares thy harsh rude tongue sound this unpleasing news ?
-What Eve , what serpent , hath suggested thee
-To make a second fall of cursed man ?
-Why dost thou say King Richard is depos'd ?
-Dar'st thou , thou little better thing than earth ,
-Divine his downfall ? Say , where , when , and how
-Cam'st thou by these ill tidings ? speak , thou wretch .
-
-Pardon me , madam : little joy have I
-To breathe these news , yet what I say is true .
-King Richard , he is in the mighty hold
-Of Bolingbroke ; their fortunes both are weigh'd :
-In your lord's scale is nothing but himself ,
-And some few vanities that make him light ;
-But in the balance of great Bolingbroke ,
-Besides himself , are all the English peers ,
-And with that odds he weighs King Richard down .
-Post you to London and you'll find it so ;
-I speak no more than every one doth know .
-
-Nimble mischance . that art so light of foot ,
-Doth not thy embassage belong to me ,
-And am I last that knows it ? O ! thou think'st
-To serve me last , that I may longest keep
-Thy sorrow in my breast . Come , ladies , go ,
-To meet at London London's king in woe .
-What ! was I born to this , that my sad look
-Should grace the triumph of great Bolingbroke ?
-Gardener , for telling me these news of woe ,
-Pray God the plants thou graft'st may never grow .
-
-
-Poor queen ! so that thy state might be no worse ,
-I would my skill were subject to thy curse .
-Here did she fall a tear ; here , in this place ,
-I'll set a bank of rue , sour herb of grace ;
-Rue , even for ruth , here shortly shall be seen ,
-In the remembrance of a weeping queen .
-
-Call forth Bagot .
-Now , Bagot , freely speak thy mind ;
-What thou dost know of noble Gloucester's death ,
-Who wrought it with the king , and who perform'd
-The bloody office of his timeless end .
-
-Then set before my face the Lord Aumerle .
-
-Cousin , stand forth , and look upon that man .
-
-My Lord Aumerle , I know your daring tongue
-Scorns to unsay what once it hath deliver'd .
-In that dead time when Gloucester's death was plotted ,
-I heard you say , 'Is not my arm of length ,
-That reacheth from the restful English court
-As far as Calais , to my uncle's head ?'
-Amongst much other talk , that very time ,
-I heard you say that you had rather refuse
-The offer of a hundred thousand crowns
-Than Bolingbroke's return to England ;
-Adding withal , how blest this land would be
-In this your cousin's death .
-
-Princes and noble lords ,
-What answer shall I make to this base man ?
-Shall I so much dishonour my fair stars ,
-On equal terms to give him chastisement ?
-Either I must , or have mine honour soil'd
-With the attainder of his slanderous lips .
-There is my gage , the manual seal of death ,
-That marks thee out for hell : I say thou liest ,
-And will maintain what thou hast said is false
-In thy heart-blood , though being all too base
-To stain the temper of my knightly sword .
-
-Bagot , forbear ; thou shalt not take it up .
-
-Excepting one , I would he were the best
-In all this presence that hath mov'd me so .
-
-If that thy valour stand on sympathies ,
-There is my gage , Aumerle , in gage to thine :
-By that fair sun which shows me where thou stand'st ,
-I heard thee say , and vauntingly thou spak'st it ,
-That thou wert cause of noble Gloucester's death .
-If thou deny'st it twenty times , thou liest ;
-And I will turn thy falsehood to thy heart ,
-Where it was forged , with my rapier's point .
-
-Thou dar'st not , coward , live to see that day .
-
-Now , by my soul , I would it were this hour .
-
-Fitzwater , thou art damn'd to hell for this .
-
-Aumerle , thou liest ; his honour is as true
-In this appeal as thou art all unjust ;
-And that thou art so , there I throw my gage ,
-To prove it on thee to the extremest point
-Of mortal breathing : seize it if thou dar'st .
-
-And if I do not may my hands rot off
-And never brandish more revengeful steel
-Over the glittering helmet of my foe !
-
-I task the earth to the like , forsworn Aumerle ;
-And spur thee on with full as many lies
-As may be holla'd in thy treacherous ear
-From sun to sun : there is my honour's pawn ;
-Engage it to the trial if thou dar'st .
-
-Who sets me else ? by heaven , I'll throw at all :
-I have a thousand spirits in one breast ,
-To answer twenty thousand such as you .
-
-My Lord Fitzwater , I do remember well
-The very time Aumerle and you did talk .
-
-'Tis very true : you were in presence then ;
-And you can witness with me this is true .
-
-As false , by heaven , as heaven itself is true .
-
-Surrey , thou best .
-
-Dishonourable boy !
-That he shall lie so heavy on my sword
-That it shall render vengeance and revenge ,
-Till thou the lie-giver and that lie do lie
-In earth as quiet as thy father's skull .
-In proof whereof , there is my honour's pawn :
-Engage it to the trial if thou dar'st .
-
-How fondly dost thou spur a forward horse !
-If I dare eat , or drink , or breathe , or live ,
-I dare meet Surrey in a wilderness ,
-And spit upon him , whilst I say he lies ,
-And lies , and lies : there is my bond of faith
-To tie thee to my strong correction .
-As I intend to thrive in this new world ,
-Aumerle is guilty of my true appeal :
-Besides , I heard the banish'd Norfolk say
-That thou , Aumerle , didst send two of thy men
-To execute the noble duke at Calais .
-
-Some honest Christian trust me with a gage .
-That Norfolk lies , here do I throw down this ,
-If he may be repeal'd to try his honour .
-
-These differences shall all rest under gage
-Till Norfolk be repeal'd : repeal'd he shall be ,
-And though mine enemy , restor'd again
-To all his lands and signories ; when he's return'd ,
-Against Aumerle we will enforce his trial .
-
-That honourable day shall ne'er be seen .
-Many a time hath banish'd Norfolk fought
-For Jesu Christ in glorious Christian field ,
-Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross
-Against black pagans , Turks , and Saracens ;
-And toil'd with works of war , retir'd himself
-To Italy ; and there at Venice gave
-His body to that pleasant country's earth ,
-And his pure soul unto his captain Christ ,
-Under whose colours he had fought so long .
-
-Why , bishop , is Norfolk dead ?
-
-As surely as I live , my lord .
-
-Sweet peace conduct his sweet soul to the bosom
-Of good old Abraham ! Lords appellants ,
-Your differences shall all rest under gage
-Till we assign you to your days of trial .
-
-
-Great Duke of Lancaster , I come to thee
-From plume-pluck'd Richard ; who with willing soul
-Adopts thee heir , and his high sceptre yields
-To the possession of thy royal hand .
-Ascend his throne , descending now from him ;
-And long live Henry , of that name the fourth !
-
-In God's name , I'll ascend the regal throne .
-
-Marry , God forbid !
-Worst in this royal presence may I speak ,
-Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth .
-Would God that any in this noble presence
-Were enough noble to be upright judge
-Of noble Richard ! then , true noblesse would
-Learn him forbearance from so foul a wrong .
-What subject can give sentence on his king ?
-And who sits here that is not Richard's subject ?
-Thieves are not judg'd but they are by to hear ,
-Although apparent guilt be seen in them ;
-And shall the figure of God's majesty ,
-His captain , steward , deputy elect ,
-Anointed , crowned , planted many years ,
-Be judg'd by subject and inferior breath ,
-And he himself not present ? O ! forfend it , God ,
-That in a Christian climate souls refin'd
-Should show so heinous , black , obscene a deed .
-I speak to subjects , and a subject speaks ,
-Stirr'd up by God thus boldly for his king .
-My Lord of Hereford here , whom you call king ,
-Is a foul traitor to proud Hereford's king ;
-And if you crown him , let me prophesy ,
-The blood of English shall manure the ground
-And future ages groan for this foul act ;
-Peace shall go sleep with Turks and infidels ,
-And in this seat of peace tumultuous wars
-Shall kin with kin and kind with kind confound ;
-Disorder , horror , fear and mutiny
-Shall here inhabit , and this land be call'd
-The field of Golgotha and dead men's skulls .
-O ! if you rear this house against this house ,
-It will the woefullest division prove
-That ever fell upon this cursed earth .
-Prevent it , resist it , let it not be so ,
-Lest child , child's children , cry against you 'woe !'
-
-Well have you argu'd , sir ; and , for your pains ,
-Of capital treason we arrest you here .
-My Lord of Westminster , be it your charge
-To keep him safely till his day of trial .
-May it please you , lords , to grant the commons' suit ?
-
-Fetch hither Richard , that in common view
-He may surrender ; so we shall proceed
-Without suspicion .
-
-I will be his conduct .
-
-
-Lords , you that here are under our arrest ,
-Procure your sureties for your days of answer .
-
-
-Little are we beholding to your love ,
-And little look'd for at your helping hands .
-
-
-Alack ! why am I sent for to a king
-Before I have shook off the regal thoughts
-Wherewith I reign'd ? I hardly yet have learn'd
-To insinuate , flatter , bow , and bend my limbs :
-Give sorrow leave awhile to tutor me
-To this submission . Yet I well remember
-The favours of these men : were they not mine ?
-Did they not sometime cry , 'All haill' to me ?
-So Judas did to Christ : but he , in twelve ,
-Found truth in all but one ; I , in twelve thousand , none .
-God save the king ! Will no man say , amen ?
-Am I both priest and clerk ? well then , amen .
-God save the king ! although I be not he ;
-And yet , amen , if heaven do think him me .
-To do what service am I sent for hither ?
-
-To do that office of thine own good will
-Which tired majesty did make thee offer ,
-The resignation of thy state and crown
-To Henry Bolingbroke .
-
-Give me the crown . Here , cousin , seize the crown ;
-Here cousin ,
-On this side my hand and on that side thine .
-Now is this golden crown like a deep well
-That owes two buckets filling one another ;
-The emptier ever dancing in the air ,
-The other down , unseen and full of water :
-That bucket down and full of tears am I ,
-Drinking my griefs , whilst you mount up on high .
-
-I thought you had been willing to resign .
-
-My crown , I am ; but still my griefs are mine .
-You may my glories and my state depose ,
-But not my griefs ; still am I king of those .
-
-Part of your cares you give me with your crown .
-
-Your cares set up do not pluck my cares down .
-My care is loss of care , by old care done ;
-Your care is gain of care , by new care won .
-The cares I give I have , though given away ;
-They tend the crown , yet still with me they stay .
-
-Are you contented to resign the crown ?
-
-Ay , no ; no , ay ; for I must nothing be ;
-Therefore no no , for I resign to thee .
-Now mark me how I will undo myself :
-I give this heavy weight from off my head ,
-And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand ,
-The pride of kingly sway from out my heart ;
-With mine own tears I wash away my balm ,
-With mine own hands I give away my crown ,
-With mine own tongue deny my sacred state ,
-With mine own breath release all duteous rites :
-All pomp and majesty I do forswear ;
-My manors , rents , revenues , I forego ;
-My acts , decrees , and statutes I deny :
-God pardon all oaths that are broke to me !
-God keep all vows unbroke are made to thee !
-Make me , that nothing have , with nothing griev'd ,
-And thou with all pleas'd , that hast all achiev'd !
-Long mayst thou live in Richard's seat to sit ,
-And soon lie Richard in an earthy pit !
-God save King Henry , unking'd Richard says ,
-And send him many years of sunshine days !
-What more remains ?
-
-No more , but that you read
-These accusations and these grievous crimes
-Committed by your person and your followers
-Against the state and profit of this land ;
-That , by confessing them , the souls of men
-May deem that you are worthily depos'd .
-
-Must I do so ? and must I ravel out
-My weav'd-up follies ? Gentle Northumberland ,
-If thy offences were upon record ,
-Would it not shame thee in so fair a troop
-To read a lecture of them ? If thou wouldst ,
-There shouldst thou find one heinous article ,
-Containing the deposing of a king ,
-And cracking the strong warrant of an oath ,
-Mark'd with a blot , damn'd in the book of heaven .
-Nay , all of you that stand and look upon me ,
-Whilst that my wretchedness doth bait myself ,
-Though some of you with Pilate wash your hands ,
-Showing an outward pity ; yet you Pilates
-Have here deliver'd me to my sour cross ,
-And water cannot wash away your sin .
-
-My lord , dispatch ; read o'er these articles .
-
-Mine eyes are full of tears , I cannot see :
-And yet salt water blinds them not so much
-But they can see a sort of traitors here .
-Nay , if I turn mine eyes upon myself ,
-I find myself a traitor with the rest ;
-For I have given here my soul's consent
-To undeck the pompous body of a king ;
-Made glory base and sovereignty a slave ,
-Proud majesty a subject , state a peasant ,
-
-My lord ,
-
-No lord of thine , thou haught insulting man ,
-Nor no man's lord ; I have no name , no title ,
-No , not that name was given me at the font ,
-But 'tis usurp'd : alack the heavy day !
-That I have worn so many winters out ,
-And know not now what name to call myself .
-O ! that I were a mockery king of snow ,
-Standing before the sun of Bolingbroke ,
-To melt myself away in water-drops .
-Good king , great king ,and yet not greatly good ,
-An if my word be sterling yet in England ,
-Let it command a mirror hither straight ,
-That it may show me what a face I have ,
-Since it is bankrupt of his majesty .
-
-Go some of you and fetch a looking-glass .
-
-
-Read o'er this paper while the glass doth come .
-
-Fiend ! thou torment'st me ere I come to hell .
-
-Urge it no more , my Lord Northumberland .
-
-The commons will not then be satisfied .
-
-They shall be satisfied : I'll read enough
-When I do see the very book indeed
-Where all my sins are writ , and that's myself .
-
-
-Give me the glass , and therein will I read .
-No deeper wrinkles yet ? Hath sorrow struck
-So many blows upon this face of mine
-And made no deeper wounds ? O , flattering glass !
-Like to my followers in prosperity ,
-Thou dost beguile me . Was this face the face
-That every day under his household roof
-Did keep ten thousand men ? Was this the face
-That like the sun did make beholders wink ?
-Was this the face that fac'd so many follies ,
-And was at last out-fac'd by Bolingbroke ?
-A brittle glory shineth in this face :
-As brittle as the glory is the face ;
-
-For there it is , crack'd in a hundred shivers .
-Mark , silent king , the moral of this sport ,
-
-How soon my sorrow hath destroy'd my face .
-
-The shadow of your sorrow hath destroy'd
-The shadow of your face .
-
-Say that again .
-The shadow of my sorrow ! Ha ! let's see :
-'Tis very true , my grief lies all within ;
-And these external manners of laments
-Are merely shadows to the unseen grief
-That swells with silence in the tortur'd soul ;
-There lies the substance : and I thank thee , king ,
-For thy great bounty , that not only giv'st
-Me cause to wail , but teachest me the way
-How to lament the cause . I'll beg one boon ,
-And then be gone and trouble you no more .
-Shall I obtain it ?
-
-Name it , fair cousin .
-
-'Fair cousin !' I am greater than a king ;
-For when I was a king , my flatterers
-Were then but subjects ; being now a subject ,
-I have a king here to my flatterer .
-Being so great , I have no need to beg .
-
-Yet ask .
-
-And shall I have ?
-
-You shall .
-
-Then give me leave to go .
-
-Whither ?
-
-Whither you will , so I were from your sights .
-
-Go , some of you convey him to the Tower .
-
-O , good ! convey ? conveyers are you all ,
-That rise thus nimbly by a true king's fall .
-
-
-On Wednesday next we solemnly set down
-Our coronation : lords , prepare yourselves .
-
-
-A woeful pageant have we here beheld .
-
-The woe's to come ; the children yet unborn
-Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn .
-
-You holy clergymen , is there no plot
-To rid the realm of this pernicious blot ?
-
-My lord ,
-Before I freely speak my mind herein ,
-You shall not only take the sacrament
-To bury mine intents , but also to effect
-Whatever I shall happen to devise .
-I see your brows are full of discontent ,
-Your hearts of sorrow , and your eyes of tears :
-Come home with me to supper ; I will lay
-A plot shall show us all a merry day .
-
-This way the king will come ; this is the way
-To Julius C sar's ill-erected tower ,
-To whose flint bosom my condemned lord
-Is doom'd a prisoner by proud Bolingbroke .
-Here let us rest , if this rebellious earth
-Have any resting for her true king's queen .
-
-
-But soft , but see , or rather do not see ,
-My fair rose wither : yet look up , behold ,
-That you in pity may dissolve to dew ,
-And wash him fresh again with true-love tears .
-Ah ! thou , the model where old Troy did stand ,
-Thou map of honour , thou King Richard's tomb ,
-And not King Richard ; thou most beauteous inn ,
-Why should hard-favour'd grief be lodg'd in thee ,
-
-When triumph is become an alehouse guest ?
-
-Join not with grief , fair woman , do not so ,
-To make my end too sudden : learn , good soul ,
-To think our former state a happy dream ;
-From which awak'd , the truth of what we are
-Shows us but this . I am sworn brother , sweet ,
-To grim Necessity , and he and I
-Will keep a league till death . Hie thee to France ,
-And cloister thee in some religious house :
-Our holy lives must win a new world's crown ,
-Which our profane hours here have stricken down .
-
-What ! is my Richard both in shape and mind
-Transform'd and weaken'd ! Hath Bolingbroke depos'd
-Thine intellect ? hath he been in thy heart ?
-The lion dying thrusteth forth his paw
-And wounds the earth , if nothing else , with rage
-To be o'erpower'd ; and wilt thou , pupil-like ,
-Take thy correction mildly , kiss the rod ,
-And fawn on rage with base humility ,
-Which art a lion and a king of beasts ?
-
-A king of beasts indeed ; if aught but beasts ,
-I had been still a happy king of men .
-Good sometime queen , prepare thee hence for France ,
-Think I am dead , and that even here thou tak'st ,
-As from my death-bed , my last living leave .
-In winter's tedious nights sit by the fire
-With good old folks , and let them tell thee tales
-Of woeful ages , long ago betid ;
-And ere thou bid good night , to quit their grief ,
-Tell thou the lamentable tale of me ,
-And send the hearers weeping to their beds :
-For why the senseless brands will sympathize
-The heavy accent of thy moving tongue ,
-And in compassion weep the fire out ;
-And some will mourn in ashes , some coal-black ,
-For the deposing of a rightful king .
-
-
-My lord , the mind of Bolingbroke is chang'd ;
-You must to Pomfret , not unto the Tower .
-And , madam , there is order ta'en for you ;
-With all swift speed you must away to France .
-
-Northumberland , thou ladder wherewithal
-The mounting Bolingbroke ascends my throne ,
-The time shall not be many hours of age
-More than it is , ere foul sin gathering head
-Shall break into corruption . Thou shalt think ,
-Though he divide the realm and give thee half ,
-It is too little , helping him to all ;
-And he shall think that thou , which know'st the way
-To plant unrightful kings , wilt know again ,
-Being ne'er so little urg'd , another way
-To pluck him headlong from the usurped throne .
-The love of wicked friends converts to fear ;
-That fear to hate , and hate turns one or both
-To worthy danger and deserved death .
-
-My guilt be on my head , and there an end .
-Take leave and part ; for you must part forthwith .
-
-Doubly divorc'd ! Bad men , ye violate
-A two-fold marriage ; 'twixt my crown and me ,
-And then , betwixt me and my married wife .
-Let me unkiss the oath 'twixt thee and me ;
-And yet not so , for with a kiss 'twas made .
-Part us , Northumberland : I towards the north ,
-Where shivering cold and sickness pines the clime ;
-My wife to France : from whence , set forth in pomp ,
-She came adorned hither like sweet May ,
-Sent back like Hallowmas or short'st of day .
-
-And must we be divided ? must we part ?
-
-Ay , hand from hand , my love , and heart from heart .
-
-Banish us both and send the king with me .
-
-That were some love but little policy .
-
-Then whither he goes , thither let me go .
-
-So two , together weeping , make one woe .
-Weep thou for me in France , I for thee here ;
-Better far off , than near , be ne'er the near .
-Go , count thy way with sighs , I mine with groans .
-
-So longest way shall have the longest moans .
-
-Twice for one step I'll groan , the way being short ,
-And piece the way out with a heavy heart .
-Come , come , in wooing sorrow let's be brief ,
-Since , wedding it , thero is such length in grief .
-One kiss shall stop our mouths , and dumbly part ;
-Thus give I mine , and thus take I thy heart .
-
-
-Give me mine own again ; 'twere no good part
-To take on me to keep and kill thy heart .
-
-So , now I have mine own again , be gone ,
-That I may strive to kill it with a groan .
-
-We make woe wanton with this fond delay :
-Once more , adieu ; the rest let sorrow say .
-
-
-My lord , you told me you would tell the rest ,
-When weeping made you break the story off ,
-Of our two cousins coming into London .
-
-Where did I leave ?
-
-At that sad stop , my lord ,
-Where rude misgovern'd hands , from windows' tops ,
-Threw dust and rubbish on King Richard's head .
-
-Then , as I said , the duke , great Bolingbroke ,
-Mounted upon a hot and fiery steed ,
-Which his aspiring rider seem'd to know ,
-With slow but stately pace kept on his course ,
-While all tongues cried , 'God save thee , Bolingbroke !'
-You would have thought the very windows spake ,
-So many greedy looks of young and old
-Through casements darted their desiring eyes
-Upon his visage , and that all the walls
-With painted imagery had said at once
-'Jesu preserve thee ! welcome , Bolingbroke !'
-Whilst he , from one side to the other turning ,
-Bare-headed , lower than his proud steed's neck ,
-Bespake them thus , 'I thank you , countrymen :'
-And thus still doing , thus he pass'd along .
-
-Alack , poor Richard ! where rode he the whilst ?
-
-As in a theatre , the eyes of men ,
-After a well-grac'd actor leaves the stage ,
-Are idly bent on him that enters next ,
-Thinking his prattle to be tedious ;
-Even so , or with much more contempt , men's eyes
-Did scowl on Richard : no man cried , 'God save him ;'
-No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home ;
-But dust was thrown upon his sacred head ,
-Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off ,
-His face still combating with tears and smiles ,
-The badges of his grief and patience ,
-That had not God , for some strong purpose , steel'd
-The hearts of men , they must perforce have melted ,
-And barbarism itself have pitied him .
-But heaven hath a hand in these events ,
-To whose high will we bound our calm contents .
-To Bolingbroke are we sworn subjects now ,
-Whose state and honour I for aye allow .
-
-Here comes my son Aumerle .
-
-Aumerle that was ;
-But that is lost for being Richard's friend ,
-And , madam , you must call him Rutland now .
-I am in parliament pledge for his truth
-And lasting fealty to the new-made king .
-
-
-Welcome , my son : who are the violets now
-That strew the green lap of the new come spring ?
-
-Madam , I know not , nor I greatly care not :
-God knows I had as lief be none as one .
-
-Well , bear you well in this new spring of time ,
-Lest you be cropp'd before you come to prime .
-What news from Oxford ? hold those justs and triumphs ?
-
-For aught I know , my lord , they do .
-
-You will be there , I know .
-
-If God prevent it not , I purpose so .
-
-What seal is that that hangs without thy bosom ?
-Yea , look'st thou pale ? let me see the writing .
-
-My lord , 'tis nothing .
-
-No matter then , who sees it :
-I will be satisfied ; let me see the writing .
-
-I do beseech your Grace to pardon me :
-It is a matter of small consequence ,
-Which for some reasons I would not have seen .
-
-Which for some reasons , sir , I mean to see .
-I fear , I fear ,
-
-What should you fear ?
-'Tis nothing but some bond he's enter'd into
-For gay apparel 'gainst the triumph day .
-
-Bound to himself ! what doth he with a bond
-That he is bound to ? Wife , thou art a fool .
-Boy , let me see the writing .
-
-I do beseech you , pardon me ; I may not show it .
-
-I will be satisfied ; let me see it , I say .
-
-Treason ! foul treason ! villain ! traitor ! slave !
-
-What is the matter , my lord ?
-
-Ho ! who is within there ?
-
-
-Saddle my horse .
-
-God for his mercy ! what treachery is here !
-
-Why , what is it , my lord ?
-
-Give me my boots , I say ; saddle my horse .
-Now , by mine honour , by my life , my troth ,
-I will appeach the villain .
-
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Peace , foolish woman .
-
-I will not peace . What is the matter , Aumerle ?
-
-Good mother , be content ; it is no more
-Than my poor life must answer .
-
-Thy life answer !
-
-Bring me my boots : I will unto the king .
-
-
-Strike him , Aumerle . Poor boy , thou art amaz'd .
-
-
-Hence , villain ! never more come in my sight .
-
-
-Give me my boots , I say .
-
-Why , York , what wilt thou do ?
-Wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine own ?
-Have we more sons , or are we like to have ?
-Is not my teeming date drunk up with time ?
-And wilt thou pluck my fair son from mine age ,
-And rob me of a happy mother's name ?
-Is he not like thee ? is he not thine own ?
-
-Thou fond , mad woman ,
-Wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracy ?
-A dozen of them here have ta'en the sacrament ,
-And interchangeably set down their hands ,
-To kill the king at Oxford .
-
-He shall be none ;
-We'll keep him here : then , what is that to him ?
-
-Away , fond woman ! were he twenty times
-My son , I would appeach him .
-
-Hadst thou groan'd for him
-As I have done , thou'dst be more pitiful .
-But now I know thy mind : thou dost suspect
-That I have been disloyal to thy bed ,
-And that he is a bastard , not thy son :
-Sweet York , sweet husband , be not of that mind :
-He is as like thee as a man may be ,
-Not like to me , nor any of my kin ,
-And yet I love him .
-
-Make way , unruly woman !
-
-
-After , Aumerle ! Mount thee upon his horse ;
-Spur post , and get before him to the king ,
-And beg thy pardon ere he do accuse thee .
-I'll not be long behind ; though I be old ,
-I doubt not but to ride as fast as York :
-And never will I rise up from the ground
-Till Bolingbroke have pardon'd thee . Away ! be gone .
-
-
-Can no man tell of my unthrifty son ?
-'Tis full three months since I did see him last .
-If any plague hang over us , 'tis he .
-I would to God , my lords , he might be found :
-Inquire at London , 'mongst the taverns there ,
-For there , they say , he daily doth frequent ,
-With unrestrained loose companions ,
-Even such , they say , as stand in narrow lanes
-And beat our watch and rob our passengers ;
-While he , young wanton and effeminate boy ,
-Takes on the point of honour to support
-So dissolute a crew .
-
-My lord , some two days since I saw the prince ,
-And told him of these triumphs held at Oxford .
-
-And what said the gallant ?
-
-His answer was : he would unto the stews ,
-And from the common'st creature pluck a glove ,
-And wear it as a favour ; and with that
-He would unhorse the lustiest challenger .
-
-As dissolute as desperate ; yet , through both ,
-I see some sparkles of a better hope ,
-Which elder days may happily bring forth .
-But who comes here ?
-
-
-Where is the king ?
-
-What means
-Our cousin , that he stares and looks so wildly ?
-
-God save your Grace ! I do beseech your majesty ,
-To have some conference with your Grace alone .
-
-Withdraw yourselves , and leave us here alone .
-
-What is the matter with our cousin now ?
-
-For ever may my knees grow to the earth ,
-My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth ,
-Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak .
-
-Intended or committed was this fault ?
-If on the first , how heinous e'er it be ,
-To win thy after-love I pardon thee .
-
-Then give me leave that I may turn the key ,
-That no man enter till my tale be done .
-
-Have thy desire .
-
-
-My liege , beware ! look to thyself ;
-Thou hast a traitor in thy presence there .
-
-Villain , I'll make thee safe .
-
-Stay thy revengeful hand ; thou hast no cause to fear .
-
-Open the door , secure , foolhardy king :
-Shall I for love speak treason to thy face ?
-Open the door , or I will break it open .
-
-What is the matter , uncle ? speak ;
-Recover breath ; tell us how near is danger ,
-That we may arm us to encounter it .
-
-Peruse this writing here , and thou shalt know
-The treason that my haste forbids me show .
-
-Remember , as thou read'st , thy promise pass'd :
-I do repent me ; read not my name there ;
-My heart is not confederate with my hand .
-
-'Twas , villain , ere thy hand did set it down .
-I tore it from the traitor's bosom , king ;
-Fear , and not love , begets his penitence .
-Forget to pity him , lest thy pity prove
-A serpent that will sting thee to the heart .
-
-O heinous , strong , and bold conspiracy !
-O loyal father of a treacherous son !
-Thou sheer , immaculate , and silver fountain ,
-From whence this stream through muddy passages
-Hath held his current and defil'd himself !
-Thy overflow of good converts to bad ,
-And thy abundant goodness shall excuse
-This deadly blot in thy digressing son .
-
-So shall my virtue be his vice's bawd ,
-And he shall spend mine honour with his shame ,
-As thriftless sons their scraping fathers' gold .
-Mine honour lives when his dishonour dies ,
-Or my sham'd life in his dishonour lies :
-Thou kill'st me in his life ; giving him breath ,
-The traitor lives , the true man's put to death .
-
-What ho , my liege ! for God's sake let me in .
-
-What shrill-voic'd suppliant makes this eager cry ?
-
-A woman , and thine aunt , great king ; 'tis I .
-Speak with me , pity me , open the door :
-A beggar begs , that never begg'd before .
-
-Our scene is alter'd from a serious thing ,
-And now chang'd to 'The Beggar and the King .'
-My dangerous cousin , let your mother in :
-I know she's come to pray for your foul sin .
-
-
-If thou do pardon , whosoever pray ,
-More sins , for this forgiveness , prosper may .
-This fester'd joint cut off , the rest rests sound ;
-This , let alone , will all the rest confound .
-
-
-O king ! believe not this hard-hearted man :
-Love , loving not itself , none other can .
-
-Thou frantic woman , what dost thou make here ?
-Shall thy old dugs once more a traitor rear ?
-
-Sweet York , be-patient .
-
-Hear me , gentle liege .
-
-Rise up , good aunt .
-
-Not yet , I thee beseech .
-For ever will I walk upon my knees ,
-And never see day that the happy sees ,
-Till thou give joy ; until thou bid me joy ,
-By pardoning Rutland , my transgressing boy .
-
-Unto my mother's prayers I bend my knee .
-
-
-Against them both my true joints bended be .
-
-Ill mayst thou thrive if thou grant any grace !
-
-Pleads he in earnest ? look upon his face ;
-His eyes do drop no tears , his prayers are in jest ;
-His words come from his mouth , ours from our breast :
-He prays but faintly and would be denied ;
-We pray with heart and soul and all beside :
-His weary joints would gladly rise , I know ;
-Our knees shall kneel till to the ground they grow :
-His prayers are full of false hypocrisy ;
-Ours of true zeal and deep integrity .
-Our prayers do out-pray his ; then let them have
-That mercy which true prayer ought to have .
-
-Good aunt , stand up .
-
-Nay , do not say 'stand up ;'
-But 'pardon' first , and afterwards 'stand up .'
-An if I were thy nurse , thy tongue to teach ,
-'Pardon' should be the first word of thy speech .
-I never long'd to hear a word till now ;
-Say 'pardon ,' king ; let pity teach thee how :
-The word is short , but not so short as sweet ;
-No word like 'pardon ,' for kings' mouths so meet .
-
-Speak it in French , king ; say , 'pardonnez moy .'
-
-Dost thou teach pardon pardon to destroy ?
-Ah ! my sour husband , my hard-hearted lord ,
-That sett'st the word itself against the word .
-Speak 'pardon' as 'tis current in our land ;
-The chopping French we do not understand .
-Thine eye begins to speak , set thy tongue there ,
-Or in thy piteous heart plant thou thine ear ,
-That hearing how our plants and prayers do pierce ,
-Pity may move thee pardon to rehearse .
-
-Good aunt , stand up .
-
-I do not sue to stand ;
-Pardon is all the suit I have in hand .
-
-I pardon him , as God shall pardon me .
-
-O happy vantage of a kneeling knee !
-Yet am I sick for fear : speak it again ;
-Twice saying 'pardon' doth not pardon twain ,
-But makes one pardon strong .
-
-With all my heart
-I pardon him .
-
-A god on earth thou art .
-
-But for our trusty brother-in-law and the abbot ,
-With all the rest of that consorted crew ,
-Destruction straight shall dog them at the heels .
-Good uncle , help to order several powers
-To Oxford , or where'er these traitors are :
-They shall not live within this world , I swear ,
-But I will have them , if I once know where .
-Uncle , farewell : and cousin too , adieu :
-Your mother well hath pray'd , and prove you true .
-
-Come , my old son : I pray God make thee new .
-
-
-Didst thou not mark the king , what words he spake ?
-'Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear ?'
-Was it not so ?
-
-Those were his very words .
-
-'Have I no friend ?' quoth he : he spake it twice ,
-And urg'd it twice together , did he not ?
-
-He did .
-
-And speaking it , he wistly looked on me ,
-As who should say , 'I would thou wert the man
-That would divorce this terror from my heart ;'
-Meaning the king at Pomfret . Come , let's go :
-I am the king's friend , and will rid his foe .
-
-
-I have been studying how I may compare
-This prison where I live unto the world :
-And for because the world is populous ,
-And here is not a creature but myself ,
-I cannot do it ; yet I'll hammer it out .
-My brain I'll prove the female to my soul ;
-My soul the father : and these two beget
-A generation of still-breeding thoughts ,
-And these same thoughts people this little world
-In humours like the people of this world ,
-For no thought is contented . The better sort ,
-As thoughts of things divine , are intermix'd
-With scruples , and do set the word itself
-Against the word :
-As thus , 'Come , little ones ;' and then again ,
-'It is as hard to come as for a camel
-To thread the postern of a needle's eye .'
-Thoughts tending to ambition , they do plot
-Unlikely wonders ; how these vain weak nails
-May tear a passage through the flinty ribs
-Of this hard world , my ragged prison walls ;
-And , for they cannot , die in their own pride .
-Thoughts tending to content flatter themselves
-That they are not the first of fortune's slaves ,
-Nor shall not be the last ; like silly beggars
-Who sitting in the stocks refuge their shame ,
-That many have and others must sit there :
-And in this thought they find a kind of ease ,
-Bearing their own misfortune on the back
-Of such as have before endur'd the like .
-Thus play I in one person many people ,
-And none contented : sometimes am I king ;
-Then treason makes me wish myself a beggar ,
-And so I am : then crushing penury
-Persuades me I was better when a king ;
-Then am I king'd again ; and by and by
-Think that I am unking'd by Bolingbroke ,
-And straight am nothing : but whate'er I be ,
-Nor I nor any man that but man is
-With nothing shall be pleas'd , till he be eas'd
-With being nothing . Music do I hear ?
-
-Ha , ha ! keep time . How sour sweet music is
-When time is broke and no proportion kept !
-So is it in the music of men's lives .
-And here have I the daintiness of ear
-To check time broke in a disorder'd string ;
-But for the concord of my state and time
-Had not an ear to hear my true time broke .
-I wasted time , and now doth time waste me ;
-For now hath time made me his numbering clock :
-My thoughts are minutes , and with sighs they jar
-Their watches on unto mine eyes , the outward watch ,
-Whereto my finger , like a dial's point ,
-Is pointing still , in cleansing them from tears .
-Now sir , the sound that tells what hour it is
-Are clamorous groans , that strike upon my heart
-Which is the bell : so sighs and tears and groans
-Show minutes , times , and hours ; but my time
-Runs posting on in Bolingbroke's proud joy ,
-While I stand fooling here , his Jack o' the clock .
-This music mads me : let it sound no more ;
-For though it have holp madmen to their wits ,
-In me it seems it will make wise men mad .
-Yet blessing on his heart that gives it me !
-For 'tis a sign of love , and love to Richard
-Is a strange brooch in this all-hating world .
-
-
-Hail , royal prince !
-
-Thanks , noble peer ;
-The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear .
-What art thou ? and how comest thou hither , man ,
-Where no man never comes but that sad dog
-That brings me food to make misfortune live ?
-
-I was a poor groom of thy stable , king ,
-When thou wert king ; who , travelling towards York ,
-With much ado at length have gotten leave
-To look upon my sometimes royal master's face .
-O ! how it yearn'd my heart when I beheld
-In London streets , that coronation day
-When Bolingbroke rode on roan Barbary ,
-That horse that thou so often hast bestrid ,
-That horse that I so carefully have dress'd .
-
-Rode he on Barbary ? Tell me , gentle friend ,
-How went he under him ?
-
-So proudly as if he disdain'd the ground .
-
-So proud that Bolingbroke was on his back !
-That jade hath eat bread from my royal hand ;
-This hand hath made him proud with clapping him .
-Would he not stumble ? Would he not fall down ,
-Since pride must have a fall ,and break the neck
-Of that proud man that did usurp his back ?
-Forgiveness , horse ! why do I rail on thee ,
-Since thou , created to be aw'd by man ,
-Wast born to bear ? I was not made a horse ;
-And yet I bear a burden like an ass ,
-Spur-gall'd and tir'd by jauncing Bolingbroke .
-
-
-Fellow , give place ; here is no longer stay .
-
-If thou love me , 'tis time thou wert away .
-
-What my tongue dares not , that my heart shall say .
-
-
-My lord , will't please you to fall to ?
-
-Taste of it first , as thou art wont to do .
-
-My lord , I dare not : Sir Pierce of Exton , who lately came from the king , commands the contrary .
-
-The devil take Henry of Lancaster , and thee !
-Patience is stale , and I am weary of it .
-
-
-Help , help , help !
-
-
-How now ! what means death in this rude assault ?
-Villain , thine own hand yields thy death's instrument .
-
-Go thou and fill another room in hell .
-
-That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire
-That staggers thus my person . Exton , thy fierce hand
-Hath with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land .
-Mount , mount , my soul ! thy seat is up on high ,
-Whilst my gross flesh sinks downward , here to die .
-
-
-As full of valour as of royal blood :
-Both have I spilt ; O ! would the deed were good ;
-For now the devil , that told me I did well ,
-Says that this deed is chronicled in hell .
-This dead king to the living king I'll bear .
-Take hence the rest and give them burial here .
-
-
-Kind uncle York , the latest news we hear
-Is that the rebels have consum'd with fire
-Our town of Cicester in Gloucestershire ;
-But whether they be ta'en or slain we hear not .
-
-Welcome , my lord . What is the news ?
-
-First , to thy sacred state wish I all happiness .
-The next news is : I have to London sent
-The heads of Salisbury , Spencer , Blunt , and Kent .
-The manner of their taking may appear
-At large discoursed in this paper here .
-
-We thank thee , gentle Percy , for thy pains ,
-And to thy worth will add right worthy gains .
-
-
-My lord , I have from Oxford sent to London
-The heads of Brocas and Sir Bennet Seely ,
-Two of the dangerous consorted traitors
-That sought at Oxford thy dire overthrow .
-
-Thy pains , Fitzwater , shall not be forgot ;
-Right noble is thy merit , well I wot .
-
-
-The grand conspirator , Abbot of Westminster ,
-With clog of conscience and sour melancholy ,
-Hath yielded up his body to the grave ;
-But here is Carlisle living , to abide
-Thy kingly doom and sentence of his pride .
-
-Carlisle , this is your doom :
-Choose out some secret place , some reverend room ,
-More than thou hast , and with it joy thy life ;
-So , as thou livest in peace , die free from strife :
-For though mine enemy thou hast ever been ,
-High sparks of honour in thee have I seen .
-
-
-Great king , within this coffin I present
-Thy buried fear : herein all breathless lies
-The mightiest of thy greatest enemies ,
-Richard of Bordeaux , by me hither brought .
-
-Exton , I thank thee not ; for thou hast wrought
-A deed of slander with thy fatal hand
-Upon my head and all this famous land .
-
-From your own mouth , my lord , did I this deed .
-
-They love not poison that do poison need ,
-Nor do I thee : though I did wish him dead ,
-I hate the murderer , love him murdered .
-The guilt of conscience take thou for thy labour ,
-But neither my good word nor princely favour :
-With Cain go wander through the shade of night ,
-And never show thy head by day nor light .
-Lords , I protest , my soul is full of woe ,
-That blood should sprinkle me to make me grow :
-Come , mourn with me for that I do lament ,
-And put on sullen black incontinent .
-I'll make a voyage to the Holy Land ,
-To wash this blood off from my guilty hand .
-March sadly after ; grace my mournings here ,
-In weeping after this untimely bier .
-
-THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD III
-
-Now is the winter of our discontent
-Made glorious summer by this sun of York ;
-And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house
-In the deep bosom of the ocean buried .
-Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths ;
-Our bruised arms hung up for monuments ;
-Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings ;
-Our dreadful marches to delightful measures .
-Grim-visag'd war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front ;
-And now ,instead of mounting barbed steeds ,
-To fright the souls of fearful adversaries ,
-He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber
-To the lascivious pleasing of a lute .
-But I , that am not shap'd for sportive tricks ,
-Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass ;
-I , that am rudely stamp'd , and want love's majesty
-To strut before a wanton ambling nymph ;
-I , that am curtail'd of this fair proportion ,
-Cheated of feature by dissembling nature ,
-Deform'd , unfinish'd , sent before my time
-Into this breathing world , scarce half made up ,
-And that so lamely and unfashionable
-That dogs bark at me , as I halt by them ;
-Why , I , in this weak piping time of peace ,
-Have no delight to pass away the time ,
-Unless to see my shadow in the sun
-And descant on mine own deformity :
-And therefore , since I cannot prove a lover ,
-To entertain these fair well-spoken days ,
-I am determined to prove a villain ,
-And hate the idle pleasures of these days .
-Plots have I laid , inductions dangerous ,
-By drunken prophecies , libels , and dreams ,
-To set my brother Clarence and the king
-In deadly hate the one against the other :
-And if King Edward be as true and just
-As I am subtle , false , and treacherous ,
-This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up ,
-About a prophecy , which says , that G
-Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be .
-Dive , thoughts , down to my soul : here Clarence comes .
-
-
-Brother , good day : what means this armed guard
-
-That waits upon your Grace ?
-
-His majesty ,
-Tendering my person's safety , hath appointed
-This conduct to convey me to the Tower .
-
-Upon what cause ?
-
-Because my name is George .
-
-Alack ! my lord , that fault is none of yours ;
-He should , for that , commit your godfathers .
-O ! belike his majesty hath some intent
-That you should be new-christen'd in the Tower .
-But what's the matter , Clarence ? may I know ?
-
-Yea , Richard , when I know ; for I protest
-As yet I do not : but , as I can learn ,
-He hearkens after prophecies and dreams ;
-And from the cross-row plucks the letter G ,
-And says a wizard told him that by G
-His issue disinherited should be ;
-And , for my name of George begins with G ,
-It follows in his thought that I am he .
-These , as I learn , and such like toys as these ,
-Have mov'd his highness to commit me now .
-
-Why , this it is , when men are rul'd by women :
-'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower ;
-My Lady Grey , his wife , Clarence , 'tis she
-That tempers him to this extremity .
-Was it not she and that good man of worship ,
-Antony Woodville , her brother there ,
-That made him send Lord Hastings to the Tower ,
-From whence this present day he is deliver'd ?
-We are not safe , Clarence ; we are not safe .
-
-By heaven , I think there is no man secure
-But the queen's kindred and night-walking heralds
-That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore .
-Heard you not what a humble suppliant
-Lord Hastings was to her for his delivery ?
-
-Humbly complaining to her deity
-Got my lord chamberlain his liberty .
-I'll tell you what ; I think it is our way ,
-If we will keep in favour with the king ,
-To be her men and wear her livery :
-The jealous o'er-worn widow and herself ,
-Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen ,
-Are mighty gossips in our monarchy .
-
-I beseech your Graces both to pardon me ;
-His majesty hath straitly given in charge
-That no man shall have private conference ,
-Of what degree soever , with your brother .
-
-Even so ; an please your worship , Brakenbury ,
-You may partake of anything we say :
-We speak no treason , man : we say the king
-Is wise and virtuous , and his noble queen
-Well struck in years , fair , and not jealous ;
-We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot ,
-A cherry lip , a bonny eye , a passing pleasing tongue ;
-And that the queen's kindred are made gentlefolks .
-How say you , sir ? can you deny all this ?
-
-With this , my lord , myself have nought to do .
-
-Naught to do with Mistress Shore ! I tell thee , fellow ,
-He that doth naught with her , excepting one ,
-Were best to do it secretly , alone .
-
-What one , my lord ?
-
-Her husband , knave . Wouldst thou betray me ?
-
-I beseech your Grace to pardon me ; and withal
-Forbear your conference with the noble duke .
-
-We know thy charge , Brakenbury , and will obey .
-
-We are the queen's abjects , and must obey .
-Brother , farewell : I will unto the king ;
-And whatsoe'er you will employ me in ,
-Were it to call King Edward's widow sister ,
-I will perform it to enfranchise you .
-Meantime , this deep disgrace in brotherhood
-Touches me deeper than you can imagine .
-
-I know it pleaseth neither of us well .
-
-Well , your imprisonment shall not be long ;
-I will deliver you , or else lie for you :
-Meantime , have patience .
-
-I must perforce : farewell .
-
-
-Go , tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return ,
-Simple , plain Clarence ! I do love thee so
-That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven ,
-If heaven will take the present at our hands .
-But who comes here ? the new-deliver'd Hastings !
-
-
-Good time of day unto my gracious lord !
-
-As much unto my good lord chamberlain !
-Well are you welcome to this open air .
-How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment ?
-
-With patience , noble lord , as prisoners must :
-But I shall live , my lord , to give them thanks
-That were the cause of my imprisonment .
-
-No doubt , no doubt ; and so shall Clarence too ;
-For they that were your enemies are his ,
-And have prevail'd as much on him as you .
-
-More pity that the eagles should be mew'd ,
-While kites and buzzards prey at liberty .
-
-What news abroad ?
-
-No news so bad abroad as this at home ;
-The king is sickly , weak , and melancholy ,
-And his physicians fear him mightily .
-
-Now by Saint Paul , this news is bad indeed .
-O ! he hath kept an evil diet long ,
-And over-much consum'd his royal person :
-'Tis very grievous to be thought upon .
-What , is he in his bed ?
-
-He is .
-
-Go you before , and I will follow you .
-
-He cannot live , I hope ; and must not die
-Till George be pack'd with post-horse up to heaven .
-I'll in , to urge his hatred more to Clarence ,
-With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments ;
-And , if I fail not in my deep intent ,
-Clarence hath not another day to live :
-Which done , God take King Edward to his mercy ,
-And leave the world for me to bustle in !
-For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter .
-What though I kill'd her husband and her father ,
-The readiest way to make the wench amends
-Is to become her husband and her father :
-The which will I ; not all so much for love
-As for another secret close intent ,
-By marrying her , which I must reach unto .
-But yet I run before my horse to market :
-Clarence still breathes ; Edward still lives and reigns :
-When they are gone , then must I count my gains .
-
-Set down , set down your honourable load ,
-If honour may be shrouded in a hearse ,
-Whilst I a while obsequiously lament
-The untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster .
-Poor key-cold figure of a holy king !
-Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster !
-Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood !
-Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost ,
-To hear the lamentations of poor Anne ,
-Wife to thy Edward , to thy slaughter'd son ,
-Stabb'd by the self-same hand that made these wounds !
-Lo , in these windows that let forth thy life ,
-I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes .
-O ! cursed be the hand that made these holes ;
-Cursed the heart that had the heart to do it !
-Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence !
-More direful hap betide that hated wretch ,
-That makes us wretched by the death of thee ,
-Than I can wish to adders , spiders , toads ,
-Or any creeping venom'd thing that lives !
-If ever he have child , abortive be it ,
-Prodigious , and untimely brought to light ,
-Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
-May fright the hopeful mother at the view ;
-And that be heir to his unhappiness !
-If ever he have wife , let her be made
-More miserable by the death of him
-Than I am made by my young lord and thee !
-Come , now toward Chertsey with your holy load ,
-Taken from Paul's to be interred there ;
-And still , as you are weary of the weight ,
-Rest you , whiles I lament King Henry's corse .
-
-Stay , you that bear the corse , and set it down .
-
-What black magician conjures up this fiend ,
-To stop devoted charitable deeds ?
-
-Villains ! set down the corse ; or , by Saint Paul ,
-I'll make a corse of him that disobeys .
-
-My lord , stand back , and let the coffin pass .
-
-Unmanner'd dog ! stand thou when I command :
-Advance thy halberd higher than my breast ,
-Or , by Saint Paul , I'll strike thee to my foot ,
-And spurn upon thee , beggar , for thy boldness .
-
-
-What ! do you tremble ? are you all afraid ?
-Alas ! I blame you not ; for you are mortal ,
-And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil .
-Avaunt ! thou dreadful minister of hell ,
-Thou hadst but power over his mortal body ,
-His soul thou canst not have : therefore , be gone .
-
-Sweet saint , for charity , be not so curst .
-
-Foul devil , for God's sake hence , and trouble us not ;
-For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell ,
-Fill'd it with cursing cries and deep exclaims .
-If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds ,
-Behold this pattern of thy butcheries .
-O ! gentlemen ; see , see ! dead Henry's wounds
-Open their congeal'd mouths and bleed afresh .
-Blush , blush , thou lump of foul deformity ,
-For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood
-From cold and empty veins , where no blood dwells :
-Thy deed , inhuman and unnatural ,
-Provokes this deluge most unnatural .
-O God ! which this blood mad'st , revenge his death ;
-O earth ! which this blood drink'st , revenge his death ;
-Either heaven with lightning strike the murderer dead ,
-Or earth , gape open wide , and eat him quick ,
-As thou dost swallow up this good king's blood ,
-Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered !
-
-Lady , you know no rules of charity ,
-Which renders good for bad , blessings for curses .
-
-Villain , thou know'st no law of God nor man :
-No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity .
-
-But I know none , and therefore am no beast .
-
-O ! wonderful , when devils tell the truth .
-
-More wonderful when angels are so angry .
-Vouchsafe , divine perfection of a woman ,
-Of these supposed evils , to give me leave ,
-By circumstance , but to acquit myself .
-
-Vouchsafe , diffus'd infection of a man ,
-For these known evils , but to give me leave ,
-By circumstance , to curse thy cursed self .
-
-Fairer than tongue can name thee , let me have
-Some patient leisure to excuse myself .
-
-Fouler than heart can think thee , thou canst make
-No excuse current , but to hang thyself .
-
-By such despair I should accuse myself .
-
-And by despairing shouldst thou stand excus'd
-For doing worthy vengeance on thyself ,
-Which didst unworthy slaughter upon others .
-
-Say that I slew them not .
-
-Then say they were not slain :
-But dead they are , and , devilish slave , by thee .
-
-I did not kill your husband .
-
-Why , then he is alive .
-
-Nay , he is dead ; and slain by Edward's hand .
-
-In thy foul throat thou liest : Queen Margaret saw
-Thy murderous falchion smoking in his blood ;
-The which thou once didst bend against her breast ,
-But that thy brothers beat aside the point .
-
-I was provoked by her sland'rous tongue ,
-That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders .
-
-Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind ,
-That never dreamt on aught but butcheries .
-Didst thou not kill this king ?
-
-I grant ye .
-
-Dost grant me , hedge-hog ? Then , God grant me too
-Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed !
-O ! he was gentle , mild , and virtuous .
-
-The fitter for the King of heaven , that hath him .
-
-He is in heaven , where thou shalt never come .
-
-Let him thank me , that help'd to send him thither ;
-For he was fitter for that place than earth .
-
-And thou unfit for any place but hell .
-
-Yes , one place else , if you will bear me name it .
-
-Some dungeon .
-
-Your bed-chamber .
-
-Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest !
-
-So will it , madam , till I lie with you .
-
-I hope so .
-
-I know so . But , gentle Lady Anne ,
-To leave this keen encounter of our wits ,
-And fall somewhat into a slower method ,
-Is not the causer of the timeless deaths
-Of these Plantagenets , Henry and Edward ,
-As blameful as the executioner ?
-
-Thou wast the cause , and most accurs'd effect .
-
-Your beauty was the cause of that effect ;
-Your beauty , that did haunt me in my sleep
-To undertake the death of all the world ,
-So might I live one hour in your sweet bosom .
-
-If I thought that , I tell thee , homicide ,
-These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks .
-
-These eyes could not endure that beauty's wrack ;
-You should not blemish it if I stood by :
-As all the world is cheered by the sun ,
-So I by that ; it is my day , my life .
-
-Black night o'ershade thy day , and death thy life !
-
-Curse not thyself , fair creature ; thou art both .
-
-I would I were , to be reveng'd on thee .
-
-It is a quarrel most unnatural ,
-To be reveng'd on him that loveth thee .
-
-It is a quarrel just and reasonable ,
-To be reveng'd on him that kill'd my husband .
-
-He that bereft thee , lady , of thy husband ,
-Did it to help thee to a better husband .
-
-His better doth not breathe upon the earth .
-
-He lives that loves thee better than he could .
-
-Name him .
-
-Plantagenet .
-
-Why , that was he .
-
-The self-same name , but one of better nature .
-
-Where is he ?
-
-Here .
-
-Why dost thou spit at me ?
-
-Would it were mortal poison , for thy sake !
-
-Never came poison from so sweet a place .
-
-Never hung poison on a fouler toad .
-Out of my sight ! thou dost infect mine eyes .
-
-Thine eyes , sweet lady , have infected mine .
-
-Would they were basilisks , to strike thee dead !
-
-I would they were , that I might die at once ;
-For now they kill me with a living death .
-Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears ,
-Sham'd their aspects with store of childish drops ;
-These eyes , which never shed remorseful tear ;
-No , when my father York and Edward wept
-To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
-When black-fac'd Clifford shook his sword at him ;
-Nor when thy war-like father like a child ,
-Told the sad story of my father's death ,
-And twenty times made pause to sob and weep ,
-That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks ,
-Like trees bedash'd with rain : in that sad time ,
-My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear ;
-And what these sorrows could not thence exhale ,
-Thy beauty hath , and made them blind with weeping .
-I never su'd to friend , nor enemy ;
-My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing words ;
-But , now thy beauty is propos'd my fee ,
-My proud heart sues , and prompts my tongue to speak .
-
-Teach not thy lip such scorn , for it was made
-For kissing , lady , not for such contempt .
-If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive ,
-Lo ! here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword ;
-Which if thou please to hide in this true breast ,
-And let the soul forth that adoreth thee ,
-I lay it open to the deadly stroke ,
-And humbly beg the death upon my knee .
-
-Nay , do not pause ; for I did kill King Henry ;
-But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me .
-Nay , now dispatch ; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward ;
-
-But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on .
-
-Take up the sword again , or take up me .
-
-Arise , dissembler : though I wish thy death ,
-I will not be thy executioner .
-
-Then bid me kill myself , and I will do it .
-
-I have already .
-
-That was in thy rage :
-Speak it again , and , even with the word ,
-This hand , which for thy love did kill thy love ,
-Shall , for thy love , kill a far truer love :
-To both their deaths shalt thou be accessary .
-
-I would I knew thy heart .
-
-'Tis figur'd in my tongue .
-
-I fear me both are false .
-
-Then never man was true .
-
-Well , well , put up your sword .
-
-Say , then , my peace is made .
-
-That shalt thou know hereafter .
-
-But shall I live in hope ?
-
-All men , I hope , live so .
-
-Vouchsafe to wear this ring .
-
-To take is not to give .
-
-
-Look , how my ring encompasseth thy finger ,
-Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart ;
-Wear both of them , for both of them are thine .
-And if thy poor devoted servant may
-But beg one favour at thy gracious hand ,
-Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever .
-
-What is it ?
-
-That it may please you leave these sad designs
-To him that hath most cause to be a mourner ,
-And presently repair to Crosby-place ;
-Where , after I have solemnly interr'd
-At Chertsey monastery this noble king ,
-And wet his grave with my repentant tears ,
-I will with all expedient duty see you :
-For divers unknown reasons , I beseech you ,
-Grant me this boon .
-
-With all my heart ; and much it joys me too
-To see you are become so penitent .
-Tressel and Berkeley , go along with me .
-
-Bid me farewell .
-
-'Tis more than you deserve ;
-But since you teach me how to flatter you ,
-Imagine I have said farewell already .
-
-
-Sirs , take up the corse .
-
-Toward Chertsey , noble lord ?
-
-No , to White-Friars ; there attend my coming .
-
-Was ever woman in this humour woo'd ?
-Was ever woman in this humour won ?
-I'll have her ; but I will not keep her long .
-What ! I , that kill'd her husband , and his father ,
-To take her in her heart's extremest hate ;
-With curses in her mouth , tears in her eyes ,
-The bleeding witness of her hatred by ;
-Having God , her conscience , and these bars against me ,
-And nothing I to back my suit withal
-But the plain devil and dissembling looks ,
-And yet to win her , all the world to nothing !
-Ha !
-Hath she forgot already that brave prince ,
-Edward , her lord , whom I , some three months since ,
-Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury ?
-A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman ,
-Fram'd in the prodigality of nature ,
-Young , valiant , wise , and , no doubt , right royal ,
-The spacious world cannot again afford :
-And will she yet abase her eyes on me ,
-That cropp'd the golden prime of this sweet prince ,
-And made her widow to a woeful bed ?
-On me , whose all not equals Edward's moiety ?
-On me , that halt and am misshapen thus ?
-My dukedom to a beggarly denier
-I do mistake my person all this while :
-Upon my life , she finds , although I cannot ,
-Myself to be a marvellous proper man .
-I'll be at charges for a looking-glass ,
-And entertain a score or two of tailors ,
-To study fashions to adorn my body :
-Since I am crept in favour with myself ,
-I will maintain it with some little cost .
-But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave ,
-And then return lamenting to my love .
-Shine out , fair sun , till I have bought a glass ,
-That I may see my shadow as I pass .
-
-
-Have patience , madam : there's no doubt his majesty
-Will soon recover his accustom'd health .
-
-In that you brook it ill , it makes him worse :
-Therefore , for God's sake , entertain good comfort ,
-And cheer his Grace with quick and merry words .
-
-If he were dead , what would betide on me ?
-
-No other harm but loss of such a lord .
-
-The loss of such a lord includes all harms .
-
-The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son ,
-To be your comforter when he is gone .
-
-Ah ! he is young ; and his minority
-Is put into the trust of Richard Gloucester ,
-A man that loves not me , nor none of you .
-
-Is it concluded he shall be protector ?
-
-It is determin'd , not concluded yet :
-But so it must be if the king miscarry .
-
-
-Here come the Lords of Buckingham and Stanley .
-
-Good time of day unto your royal Grace !
-
-God make your majesty joyful as you have been !
-
-The Countess Richmond , good my Lord of Stanley ,
-To your good prayer will scarcely say amen .
-Yet , Stanley , notwithstanding she's your wife ,
-And loves not me , be you , good lord , assur'd
-I hate not you for her proud arrogance .
-
-I do beseech you , either not believe
-The envious slanders of her false accusers ;
-Or , if she be accus'd on true report ,
-Bear with her weakness , which , I think , proceeds
-From wayward sickness , and no grounded malice .
-
-Saw you the king to-day , my Lord of Stanley ?
-
-But now the Duke of Buckingham and I ,
-Are come from visiting his majesty .
-
-What likelihood of his amendment , lords ?
-
-Madam , good hope ; his Grace speaks cheerfully .
-
-God grant him health ! did you confer with him ?
-
-Ay , madam : he desires to make atonement
-Between the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers ,
-And between them and my lord chamberlain ;
-And sent to warn them to his royal presence .
-
-Would all were well ! But that will never be .
-I fear our happiness is at the highest .
-
-
-They do me wrong , and I will not endure it :
-Who are they that complain unto the king ,
-That I , forsooth , am stern and love them not ?
-By holy Paul , they love his Grace but lightly
-That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours .
-Because I cannot flatter and speak fair ,
-Smile in men's faces , smooth , deceive , and cog ,
-Duck with French nods and apish courtesy ,
-I must be held a rancorous enemy .
-Cannot a plain man live and think no harm ,
-But thus his simple truth must be abus'd
-By silken , sly , insinuating Jacks ?
-
-To whom in all this presence speaks your Grace ?
-
-To thee , that hast nor honesty nor grace .
-When have I injur'd thee ? when done thee wrong ?
-Or thee ? or thee ? or any of your faction ?
-A plague upon you all ! His royal person ,
-Whom God preserve better than you would wish !
-Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing-while ,
-But you must trouble him with lewd complaints .
-
-Brother of Gloucester , you mistake the matter .
-The king , on his own royal disposition ,
-And not provok'd by any suitor else ,
-Aiming , belike , at your interior hatred ,
-That in your outward action shows itself
-Against my children , brothers , and myself ,
-Makes him to send ; that thereby he may gather
-The ground of your ill-will , and so remove it .
-
-I cannot tell ; the world is grown so bad
-That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch :
-Since every Jack became a gentleman
-There's many a gentle person made a Jack .
-
-Come , come , we know your meaning , brother Gloucester ;
-You envy my advancement and my friends' .
-God grant we never may have need of you !
-
-Meantime , God grants that we have need of you :
-Our brother is imprison'd by your means ,
-Myself disgrac'd , and the nobility
-Held in contempt ; while great promotions
-Are daily given to ennoble those
-That scarce , some two days since , were worth a noble .
-
-By him that rais'd me to this careful height
-From that contented hap which I enjoy'd ,
-I never did incense his majesty
-Against the Duke of Clarence , but have been
-An earnest advocate to plead for him .
-My lord , you do me shameful injury ,
-Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects .
-
-You may deny that you were not the mean
-Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment .
-
-She may , my lord ; for
-
-She may , Lord Rivers ! why , who knows not so ?
-She may do more , sir , than denying that :
-She may help you to many fair preferments ,
-And then deny her aiding hand therein ,
-And lay those honours on your high deserts .
-What may she not ? She may ,ay , marry , may she ,
-
-What , marry , may she ?
-
-What , marry , may she ! marry with a king ,
-A bachelor , a handsome stripling too .
-I wis your grandam had a worser match .
-
-My Lord of Gloucester , I have too long borne
-Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs ;
-By heaven , I will acquaint his majesty
-Of those gross taunts that oft I have endur'd .
-I had rather be a country servantmaid
-Than a great queen , with this condition ,
-To be so baited , scorn'd , and stormed at :
-Small joy have I in being England's queen .
-
-
-And lessen'd be that small , God , I beseech him !
-Thy honour , state , and seat is due to me .
-
-What ! threat you me with telling of the king ?
-Tell him , and spare not : look , what I have said
-I will avouch in presence of the king :
-I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower .
-'Tis time to speak ; my pains are quite forgot .
-
-Out , devil ! I remember them too well :
-Thou kill'dst my husband Henry in the Tower ,
-And Edward , my poor son , at Tewksbury .
-
-Ere you were queen , ay , or your husband king ,
-I was a pack-horse in his great affairs ,
-A weeder-out of his proud adversaries ,
-A liberal rewarder of his friends ;
-To royalize his blood I split mine own .
-
-Ay , and much better blood than his , or thine .
-
-In all which time you and your husband Grey
-Were factious for the house of Lancaster ;
-And , Rivers , so were you . Was not your husband
-In Margaret's battle at Saint Alban's slain ?
-Let me put in your minds , if you forget ,
-What you have been ere now , and what you are ;
-Withal , what I have been , and what I am .
-
-A murderous villain , and so still thou art .
-
-Poor Clarence did forsake his father , Warwick ,
-Ay , and forswore himself ,which Jesu pardon !
-
-Which God revenge !
-
-To fight on Edward's party for the crown ;
-And for his meed , poor lord , he is mew'd up .
-I would to God my heart were flint , like Edward's ;
-Or Edward's soft and pitiful , like mine :
-I am too childish-foolish for this world .
-
-Hie thee to hell for shame , and leave this world ,
-Thou cacodemon ! there thy kingdom is .
-
-My Lord of Gloucester , in those busy days
-Which here you urge to prove us enemies ,
-We follow'd then our lord , our lawful king ;
-So should we you , if you should be our king .
-
-If I should be ! I had rather be a pedlar .
-Far be it from my heart the thought thereof !
-
-As little joy , my lord , as you suppose
-You should enjoy , were you this country's king ,
-As little joy you may suppose in me
-That I enjoy , being the queen thereof .
-
-As little joy enjoys the queen thereof ;
-For I am she , and altogether joyless .
-I can no longer hold me patient .
-
-Hear me , you wrangling pirates , that fall out
-In sharing that which you have pill'd from me !
-Which of you trembles not that looks on me ?
-If not , that , I being queen , you bow like subjects ,
-Yet that , by you depos'd , you quake like rebels ?
-Ah ! gentle villain , do not turn away .
-
-Foul wrinkled witch , what mak'st thou in my sight ?
-
-But repetition of what thou hast marr'd ;
-That will I make before I let thee go .
-
-Wert thou not banished on pain of death ?
-
-I was ; but I do find more pain in banishment
-Than death can yield me here by my abode .
-A husband and a son thou ow'st to me ;
-And thou , a kingdom ; all of you , allegiance :
-This sorrow that I have by right is yours ,
-And all the pleasures you usurp are mine .
-
-The curse my noble father laid on thee ,
-When thou didst crown his war-like brows with paper ,
-And with thy scorns drew'st rivers from his eyes ;
-And then , to dry them , gav'st the duke a clout
-Steep'd in the faultless blood of pretty Rutland ;
-His curses , then from bitterness of soul
-Denounc'd against thee , are all fall'n upon thee ;
-And God , not we , hath plagu'd thy bloody deed .
-
-So just is God , to right the innocent
-
-O ! 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe ,
-And the most merciless , that e'er was heard of .
-
-Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported .
-
-No man but prophesied revenge for it .
-
-Northumberland , then present , wept to see it .
-
-What ! were you snarling all before I came ,
-Ready to catch each other by the throat ,
-And turn you all your hatred now on me ?
-Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven
-That Henry's death , my lovely Edward's death ,
-Their kingdom's loss , my woeful banishment ,
-Should all but answer for that peevish brat ?
-Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven ?
-Why then , give way , dull clouds , to my quick curses !
-Though not by war , by surfeit die your king ,
-As ours by murder , to make him a king !
-Edward , thy son , that now is Prince of Wales ,
-For Edward , my son , which was Prince of Wales ,
-Die in his youth by like untimely violence !
-Thyself a queen , for me that was a queen ,
-Outlive thy glory , like my wretched self !
-Long mayst thou live to wail thy children's loss ,
-And see another , as I see thee now ,
-Deck'd in thy rights , as thou art stall'd in mine !
-Long die thy happy days before thy death ;
-And , after many lengthen'd hours of grief ,
-Die neither mother , wife , nor England's queen !
-Rivers , and Dorset , you were standers by ,
-And so wast thou , Lord Hastings ,when my son
-Was stabb'd with bloody daggers : God , I pray him ,
-That none of you may live your natural age ,
-But by some unlook'd accident cut off .
-
-Have done thy charm , thou hateful wither'd hag !
-
-And leave out thee ? stay , dog , for thou shalt hear me .
-If heaven have any grievous plague in store
-Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee ,
-O ! let them keep it till thy sins be ripe ,
-And then hurl down their indignation
-On thee , the troubler of the poor world's peace .
-The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul !
-Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou liv'st
-And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends !
-No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine ,
-Unless it be while some tormenting dream
-Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils !
-Thou elvish-mark'd , abortive , rooting hog !
-Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity
-The slave of nature and the son of hell !
-Thou slander of thy mother's heavy womb !
-Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins !
-Thou rag of honour ! thou detested
-
-Margaret !
-
-Richard !
-
-Ha !
-
-I call thee not .
-
-I cry thee mercy then , for I did think
-That thou hadst call'd me all these bitter names .
-
-Why , so I did ; but look'd for no reply .
-O ! let me make the period to my curse .
-
-'Tis done by me , and ends in 'Margaret .'
-
-Thus have you breath'd your curso against yourself .
-
-Poor painted queen , vain flourish of my fortune !
-Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider ,
-Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about ?
-Fool , fool ! thou whet'st a knife to kill thyself .
-The day will come that thou shalt wish for me
-To help thee curse this pois'nous bunch-back'd toad .
-
-False-boding woman , end thy frantic curse ,
-Lest to thy harm thou move our patience .
-
-Foul shame upon you ! you have all mov'd mine .
-
-Were you well serv'd , you would be taught your duty .
-
-To serve me well , you all should do me duty ,
-Teach me to be your queen , and you my subjects :
-O ! serve me well , and teach yourselves that duty .
-
-Dispute not with her , she is lunatic .
-
-Peace ! Master marquess , you are malapert :
-Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current .
-O ! that your young nobility could judge
-What 'twere to lose it , and be miserable !
-They that stand high have many blasts to shake them ,
-And if they fall , they dash themselves to pieces .
-
-Good counsel , marry : learn it , learn it , marquess .
-
-It touches you , my lord , as much as me .
-
-Ay , and much more ; but I was born so high ,
-Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top ,
-And dallies with the wind , and scorns the sun .
-
-And turns the sun to shade ; alas ! alas !
-Witness my son , now in the shade of death ;
-Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath
-Hath in eternal darkness folded up .
-Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest :
-O God ! that seest it , do not suffer it ;
-As it was won with blood , lost be it so !
-
-Peace , peace ! for shame , if not for charity .
-
-Urge neither charity nor shame to me :
-Uncharitably with me have you dealt ,
-And shamefully my hopes by you are butcher'd .
-My charity is outrage , life my shame ;
-And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage !
-
-Have done , have done .
-
-O princely Buckingham ! I'll kiss thy hand ,
-In sign of league and amity with thee :
-Now fair befall thee and thy noble house !
-Thy garments are not spotted with our blood ,
-Nor thou within the compass of my curse .
-
-Nor no one here ; for curses never pass
-The lips of those that breathe them in the air .
-
-I will not think but they ascend the sky ,
-And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace .
-O Buckingham ! take heed of yonder dog :
-Look , when he fawns , he bites ; and when he bites
-His venom tooth will rankle to the death :
-Have not to do with him , beware of him ;
-Sin , death and hell have set their marks on him ,
-And all their ministers attend on him .
-
-What doth she say , my Lord of Buckingham ?
-
-Nothing that I respect , my gracious lord .
-
-What ! dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel ,
-And soothe the devil that I warn thee from ?
-O ! but remember this another day ,
-When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow ,
-And say poor Margaret was a prophetess .
-Live each of you the subject to his hate ,
-And he to yours , and all of you to God's !
-
-
-My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses .
-
-And so doth mine . I muse why she's at liberty .
-
-I cannot blame her : by God's holy mother ,
-She hath had too much wrong , and I repent
-My part thereof that I have done to her .
-
-I never did her any , to my knowledge .
-
-Yet you have all the vantage of her wrong .
-I was too hot to do somebody good ,
-That is too cold in thinking of it now .
-Marry , as for Clarence , he is well repaid ;
-He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains :
-God pardon them that are the cause thereof !
-
-A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion ,
-To pray for them that have done scath to us .
-
-So do I ever
-
-being well-advis'd ;
-For had I curs'd now , I had curs'd myself .
-
-
-Madam , his majesty doth call for you ;
-And for your Grace ; and you , my noble lords .
-
-Catesby , I come . Lords , will you go with me ?
-
-We wait upon your Grace .
-
-
-I do the wrong , and first begin to brawl .
-The secret mischiefs that I set abroach
-I lay unto the grievous charge of others .
-Clarence , whom I , indeed , have cast in darkness ,
-I do beweep to many simple gulls ;
-Namely , to Stanley , Hastings , Buckingham ;
-And tell them 'tis the queen and her allies
-That stir the king against the duke my brother .
-Now they believe it ; and withal whet me
-To be reveng'd on Rivers , Vaughan , Grey ;
-But then I sigh , and , with a piece of scripture ,
-Tell them that God bids us do good for evil :
-And thus I clothe my naked villany
-With odd old ends stol'n forth of holy writ ,
-And seem a saint when most I play the devil .
-
-
-But soft ! here come my executioners .
-How now , my hardy , stout resolved mates !
-
-Are you now going to dispatch this thing ?
-
-We are , my lord ; and come to have the warrant ,
-That we may be admitted where he is .
-
-Well thought upon ; I have it here about me :
-
-When you have done , repair to Crosby-place .
-But , sirs , be sudden in the execution ,
-Withal obdurate , do not hear him plead ;
-For Clarence is well-spoken , and perhaps
-May move your hearts to pity , if you mark him .
-
-Tut , tut , my lord , we will not stand to prate ;
-Talkers are no good doers : be assur'd
-We go to use our hands and not our tongues .
-
-Your eyes drop millstones , when fools' eyes fall tears :
-I like you , lads ; about your business straight ;
-Go , go , dispatch .
-
-We will , my noble lord .
-
-
-Why looks your Grace so heavily to-day ?
-
-O , I have pass'd a miserable night ,
-So full of ugly sights , of ghastly dreams ,
-That , as I am a Christian faithful man ,
-I would not spend another such a night ,
-Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days ,
-So full of dismal terror was the time .
-
-What was your dream , my lord ? I pray you , tell me .
-
-Methought that I had broken from the Tower ,
-And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy ;
-And in my company my brother Gloucester ,
-Who from my cabin tempted me to walk
-Upon the hatches : thence we look'd toward England ,
-And cited up a thousand heavy times ,
-During the wars of York and Lancaster ,
-That had befall'n us . As we pac'd along
-Upon the giddy footing of the hatches ,
-Methought that Gloucester stumbled ; and , in falling ,
-Struck me , that thought to stay him , overboard ,
-Into the tumbling billows of the main .
-Lord , Lord ! methought what pain it was to drown :
-What dreadful noise of water in mine ears !
-What sights of ugly death within mine eyes !
-Methought I saw a thousand fearful wracks ;
-A thousand men that fishes gnaw'd upon ;
-Wedges of gold , great anchors , heaps of pearl ,
-Inestimable stones , unvalu'd jewels ,
-All scatter'd in the bottom of the sea .
-Some lay in dead men's skulls ; and in those holes
-Where eyes did once inhabit , there were crept ,
-As 'twere in scorn of eyes , reflecting gems ,
-That woo'd the slimy bottom of the deep ,
-And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by .
-
-Had you such leisure in the time of death
-To gaze upon those secrets of the deep ?
-
-Methought I had ; and often did I strive
-To yield the ghost ; but still the envious flood
-Stopt in my soul , and would not let it forth
-To find the empty , vast , and wandering air ;
-But smother'd it within my panting bulk ,
-Which almost burst to belch it in the sea .
-
-Awak'd you not with this sore agony ?
-
-No , no , my dream was lengthen'd after life ;
-O ! then began the tempest to my soul .
-I pass'd , methought , the melancholy flood ,
-With that grim ferryman which poets write of ,
-Unto the kingdom of perpetual night .
-The first that there did greet my stranger soul ,
-Was my great father-in-law , renowned Warwick ;
-Who cried aloud , 'What scourge for perjury
-Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence ?'
-And so he vanish'd : then came wandering by
-A shadow like an angel , with bright hair
-Dabbled in blood ; and he shriek'd out aloud ,
-'Clarence is come ,false , fleeting , perjur'd Clarence ,
-That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury ;
-Seize on him ! Furies , take him unto torment .'
-With that , methought , a legion of foul fiends
-Environ'd me , and howled in mine ears
-Such hideous cries , that , with the very noise
-I trembling wak'd , and , for a season after
-Could not believe but that I was in hell ,
-Such terrible impression made my dream .
-
-No marvel , lord , though it affrighted you ;
-I am afraid , methinks , to hear you tell it .
-
-O Brakenbury ! I have done these things
-That now give evidence against my soul ,
-For Edward's sake ; and see how he requites me .
-O God ! if my deep prayers cannot appease thee ,
-But thou wilt be aveng'd on my misdeeds ,
-Yet execute thy wrath on me alone :
-O ! spare my guiltless wife and my poor children .
-I pray thee , gentle keeper , stay by me ;
-My soul is heavy , and I fain would sleep .
-
-I will , my lord . God give your Grace good rest !
-
-Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours ,
-Makes the night morning , and the noon-tide night .
-Princes have but their titles for their glories ,
-An outward honour for an inward toil ;
-And , for unfelt imaginations ,
-They often feel a world of restless cares :
-So that , between their titles and low names ,
-There's nothing differs but the outward fame .
-
-
-Ho ! who's here ?
-
-What wouldst thou , fellow ? and how cam'st thou hither ?
-
-I would speak with Clarence , and I came hither on my legs .
-
-What ! so brief ?
-
-'Tis better , sir , than to be tedious .
-Let him see our commission , and talk no more .
-
-
-I am , in this , commanded to deliver
-The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands :
-I will not reason what is meant hereby ,
-Because I will be guiltless of the meaning .
-There lies the duke asleep , and there the keys .
-I'll to the king ; and signify to him
-That thus I have resign'd to you my charge .
-
-You may , sir ; 'tis a point of wisdom : fare you well .
-
-
-What ! shall we stab him as he sleeps ?
-
-No ; he'll say 'twas done cowardly , when he wakes .
-
-When he wakes ! why , fool , he shall never wake till the judgment-day .
-
-Why , then he'll say we stabbed him sleeping .
-
-The urging of that word 'judgment' hath bred a kind of remorse in me .
-
-What ! art thou afraid ?
-
-Not to kill him , having a warrant for it ; but to be damn'd for killing him , from the which no warrant can defend me .
-
-I thought thou hadst been resolute .
-
-So I am , to let him live .
-
-I'll back to the Duke of Gloucester , and tell him so .
-
-Nay , I prithee , stay a little : I hope my holy humour will change ; it was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty .
-
-How dost thou feel thyself now ?
-
-Some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me .
-
-Remember our reward when the deed's done .
-
-'Zounds ! he dies : I had forgot the reward .
-
-Where's thy conscience now ?
-
-In the Duke of Gloucester's purse .
-
-So when he opens his purse to give us our reward , thy conscience flies out .
-
-'Tis no matter ; let it go : there's few or none will entertain it .
-
-What if it come to thee again ?
-
-I'll not meddle with it ; it makes a man a coward ; a man cannot steal , but it accuseth him ; a man cannot swear , but it checks him ; a man cannot lie with his neighbour's wife , but it detects him : 'tis a blushing shamefast spirit , that mutinies in a man's bosom ; it fills one full of obstacles ; it made me once restore a purse of gold that I found ; it beggars any man that keeps it ; it is turned out of all towns and cities for a dangerous thing ; and every man that means to live well , endeavours to trust to himself and live without it .
-
-'Zounds ! it is even now at my elbow , persuading me not to kill the duke .
-
-Take the devil in thy mind , and believe him not : he would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh .
-
-Tut , I am strong-framed ; he cannot prevail with me .
-
-Spoke like a tall fellow that respects his reputation . Come , shall we to this gear ?
-
-Take him over the costard with the hilts of thy sword , and then throw him into the malmsey-butt in the next room .
-
-O , excellent device ! make a sop of him .
-
-Soft ! he wakes .
-
-Strike !
-
-No , we'll reason with him .
-
-Where art thou , keeper ? give me a cup of wine .
-
-You shall have wine enough , my lord , anon .
-
-In God's name , what art thou ?
-
-A man , as you are .
-
-But not , as I am , royal .
-
-Nor you , as we are , loyal .
-
-Thy voice is thunder , but thy looks are humble .
-
-My voice is now the king's , my looks mine own .
-
-How darkly , and how deadly dost thou speak !
-Your eyes do menace me : why look you pale ?
-Who sent you hither ? Wherefore do you come ?
-
-To , to , to
-
-To murder me ?
-
-Ay , ay .
-
-You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so ,
-And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it .
-Wherein , my friends , have I offended you ?
-
-Offended us you have not , but the king .
-
-I shall be reconcil'd to him again .
-
-Never , my lord ; therefore prepare to die .
-
-Are you call'd forth from out a world of men
-To slay the innocent ? What is my offence ?
-Where is the evidence that doth accuse me ?
-What lawful quest have given their verdict up
-Unto the frowning judge ? or who pronounc'd
-The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death ?
-Before I be convict by course of law ,
-To threaten me with death is most unlawful .
-I charge you , as you hope to have redemption
-By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins ,
-That you depart and lay no hands on me ;
-The deed you undertake is damnable .
-
-What we will do , we do upon command .
-
-And he that hath commanded is our king .
-
-Erroneous vassal ! the great King of kings
-Hath in the table of his law commanded
-That thou shalt do no murder : will you , then ,
-Spurn at his edict and fulfil a man's ?
-Take heed ; for he holds vengeance in his hand ,
-To hurl upon their heads that break his law .
-
-And that same vengeance doth he hurl on thee ,
-For false forswearing and for murder too :
-Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
-In quarrel of the house of Lancaster .
-
-And , like a traitor to the name of God ,
-Didst break that vow , and , with thy treacherous blade
-Unripp'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son .
-
-Whom thou wast sworn to cherish and defend .
-
-How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us ,
-When thou hast broke it in such dear degree ?
-
-Alas ! for whose sake did I that ill deed ?
-For Edward , for my brother , for his sake :
-He sends you not to murder me for this ;
-For in that sin he is as deep as I .
-If God will be avenged for the deed ,
-O ! know you yet , he doth it publicly :
-Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm ;
-He needs no indirect or lawless course
-To cut off those that have offended him .
-
-Who made thee then a bloody minister ,
-When gallant-springing , brave Plantagenet ,
-That princely novice , was struck dead by thee ?
-
-My brother's love , the devil , and my rage .
-
-Thy brother's love , our duty , and thy fault ,
-Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee .
-
-If you do love my brother , hate not me ;
-I am his brother , and I love him well .
-If you are hir'd for meed , go back again ,
-And I will send you to my brother Gloucester ,
-Who shall reward you better for my life
-Than Edward will for tidings of my death .
-
-You are deceiv'd , your brother Gloucester hates you .
-
-O , no ! he loves me , and he holds me dear :
-Go you to him from me .
-
-Ay , so we will .
-
-Tell him , when that our princely father York
-Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm ,
-And charg'd us from his soul to love each other ,
-He little thought of this divided friendship :
-Bid Gloucester think on this , and he will weep .
-
-Ay , millstones ; as he lesson'd us to weep .
-
-O ! do not slander him , for he is kind .
-
-Right ;
-As snow in harvest . Thou deceiv'st thyself :
-'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here .
-
-It cannot be ; for he bewept my fortune ,
-And hugg'd me in his arms , and swore , with sobs ,
-That he would labour my delivery .
-
-Why , so he doth , when he delivers you
-From this earth's thraldom to the joys of heaven .
-
-Make peace with God , for you must die , my lord .
-
-Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul ,
-To counsel me to make my peace with God ,
-And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind ,
-That thou wilt war with God by murdering me ?
-O ! sirs , consider , he that set you on
-To do this deed , will hate you for the deed .
-
-What shall we do ?
-
-Relent and save your souls .
-
-Relent ! 'tis cowardly , and womanish .
-
-Not to relent , is beastly , savage , devilish .
-Which of you , if you were a prince's son ,
-Being pent from liberty , as I am now ,
-If two such murd'rers as yourselves came to you ,
-Would not entreat for life ?
-My friend , I spy some pity in thy looks ;
-O ! if thine eye be not a flatterer ,
-Come thou on my side , and entreat for me ,
-As you would beg , were you in my distress :
-A begging prince what beggar pities not ?
-
-Look behind you , my lord .
-
-Take that , and that : if all this will not do ,
-I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within .
-
-
-A bloody deed , and desperately dispatch'd !
-How fain , like Pilate , would I wash my hands
-Of this most grievous murder .
-
-
-How now ! what mean'st thou , that thou help'st me not ?
-By heaven , the duke shall know how slack you have been .
-
-I would he knew that I had sav'd his brother !
-Take thou the fee , and tell him what I say ;
-For I repent me that the duke is slain .
-
-
-So do not I : go , coward as thou art .
-Well , I'll go hide the body in some hole ,
-Till that the duke give order for his burial :
-And when I have my meed , I will away ;
-For this will out , and here I must not stay .
-
-Why , so : now have I done a good day's work .
-You peers , continue this united league :
-I every day expect an embassage
-From my Redeemer to redeem me hence ;
-And more in peace my soul shall part to heaven ,
-Since I have made my friends at peace on earth .
-Rivers and Hastings , take each other's hand ;
-Dissemble not your hatred , swear your love .
-
-By heaven , my soul is purg'd from grudging hate ;
-And with my hand I seal my true heart's love .
-
-So thrive I , as I truly swear the like !
-
-Take heed , you dally not before your king ;
-Lest he that is the supreme King of kings
-Confound your hidden falsehood , and award
-Either of you to be the other's end .
-
-So prosper I , as I swear perfect love !
-
-And I , as I love Hastings with my heart !
-
-Madam , yourself are not exempt in this ,
-Nor you , son Dorset , Buckingham , nor you ;
-You have been factious one against the other .
-Wife , love Lord Hastings , let him kiss your hand ;
-And what you do , do it unfeignedly .
-
-There , Hastings ; I will never more remember
-Our former hatred , so thrive I and mine !
-
-Dorset , embrace him ; Hastings , love lord marquess .
-
-This interchange of love , I here protest ,
-Upon my part shall be inviolable .
-
-And so swear I .
-
-
-Now , princely Buckingham , seal thou this league
-With thy embracements to my wife's allies ,
-And make me happy in your unity .
-
-Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate
-Upon your Grace , but with all duteous love
-Doth cherish you and yours , God punish me
-With hate in those where I expect most love !
-When I have most need to employ a friend ,
-And most assured that he is a friend ,
-Deep , hollow , treacherous , and full of guile ,
-Be he unto me ! This do I beg of God ,
-When I am cold in love to you or yours .
-
-
-A pleasing cordial , princely Buckingham ,
-Is this thy vow unto my sickly heart .
-There wanteth now our brother Gloucester here
-To make the blessed period of this peace .
-
-And , in good time , here comes the noble duke .
-
-
-Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen ;
-And princely peers , a happy time of day !
-
-Happy , indeed , as we have spent the day .
-Gloucester , we have done deeds of charity ;
-Made peace of enmity , fair love of hate ,
-Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers .
-
-A blessed labour , my most sovereign lord .
-Among this princely heap , if any here ,
-By false intelligence , or wrong surmise ,
-Hold me a foe ;
-If I unwittingly , or in my rage ,
-Have aught committed that is hardly borne
-By any in this presence , I desire
-To reconcile me to his friendly peace :
-'Tis death to me to be at enmity ;
-I hate it , and desire all good men's love .
-First , madam , I entreat true peace of you ,
-Which I will purchase with my duteous service ;
-Of you , my noble cousin Buckingham ,
-If ever any grudge were lodg'd between us ;
-Of you , Lord Rivers , and Lord Grey , of you ,
-That all without desert have frown'd on me ;
-Of you , Lord Woodvile , and Lord Scales , of you ;
-Dukes , earls , lords , gentlemen ; indeed , of all .
-I do not know that Englishman alive
-With whom my soul is any jot at odds
-More than the infant that is born to-night :
-I thank my God for my humility .
-
-A holy day shall this be kept hereafter :
-I would to God all strifes were well compounded .
-My sov'reign lord , I do beseech your highness
-To take our brother Clarence to your grace .
-
-Why , madam , have I offer'd love for this ,
-To be so flouted in this royal presence ?
-Who knows not that the gentle duke is dead ?
-
-You do him injury to scorn his corse .
-
-Who knows not he is dead ! who knows he is ?
-
-All-seeing heaven , what a world is this !
-
-Look I so pale , Lord Dorset , as the rest ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; and no man in the presence
-But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks .
-
-Is Clarence dead ? the order was revers'd .
-
-But he , poor man , by your first order died ,
-And that a winged Mercury did bear ;
-Some tardy cripple bore the countermand ,
-That came too lag to see him buried .
-God grant that some , less noble and less loyal ,
-Nearer in bloody thoughts , and not in blood ,
-Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did ,
-And yet go current from suspicion .
-
-
-A boon , my sov'reign , for my service done !
-
-I prithee , peace : my soul is full of sorrow .
-
-I will not rise , unless your highness hear me .
-
-Then say at once , what is it thou request'st .
-
-The forfeit , sovereign , of my servant's life ;
-Who slew to-day a riotous gentleman
-Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolk .
-
-Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death ,
-And shall that tongue give pardon to a slave ?
-My brother kill'd no man , his fault was thought ;
-And yet his punishment was bitter death .
-Who su'd to me for him ? who , in my wrath ,
-Kneel'd at my feet , and bade me be advis'd ?
-Who spoke of brotherhood ? who spoke of love ?
-Who told me how the poor soul did forsake
-The mighty Warwick , and did fight for me ?
-Who told me , in the field at Tewksbury ,
-When Oxford had me down , he rescu'd me ,
-And said , 'Dear brother , live , and be a king ?'
-Who told me , when we both lay in the field
-Frozen almost to death , how he did lap me
-Even in his garments ; and did give himself ,
-All thin and naked , to the numb cold night ?
-All this from my remembrance brutish wrath
-Sinfully pluck'd , and not a man of you
-Had so much grace to put it in my mind .
-But when your carters or your waiting-vassals
-Have done a drunken slaughter , and defac'd
-The precious image of our dear Redeemer ,
-You straight are on your knees for pardon , pardon ;
-And I , unjustly too , must grant it you ;
-But for my brother not a man would speak ,
-Nor I , ungracious , speak unto myself
-For him , poor soul . The proudest of you all
-Have been beholding to him in his life ,
-Yet none of you would once beg for his life .
-O God ! I fear , thy justice will take hold
-On me and you and mine and yours for this .
-Come , Hastings , help me to my closet . O ! poor Clarence !
-
-
-This is the fruit of rashness . Mark'd you not
-How that the guilty kindred of the queen
-Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' death ?
-O ! they did urge it still unto the king :
-God will revenge it . Come , lords ; will you go
-To comfort Edward with our company ?
-
-We wait upon your Grace .
-
-
-Good grandam , tell us , is our father dead ?
-
-No , boy .
-
-Why do you wring your hands , and beat your breast ,
-And cry 'O Clarence , my unhappy son ?'
-
-Why do you look on us , and shake your head ,
-And call us orphans , wretches , castaways ,
-If that our noble father be alive ?
-
-My pretty cousins , you mistake me much ;
-I do lament the sickness of the king ,
-As loath to lose him , not your father's death ;
-It were lost sorrow to wail one that's lost .
-
-Then , grandam , you conclude that he is dead .
-The king mine uncle is to blame for it :
-God will revenge it ; whom I will importune
-With earnest prayers all to that effect .
-
-And so will I .
-
-Peace , children , peace ! the king doth love you well :
-Incapable and shallow innocents ,
-You cannot guess who caus'd your father's death .
-
-Grandam , we can ; for my good uncle Gloucester
-Told me , the king , provok'd to't by the queen ,
-Devis'd impeachments to imprison him :
-And when my uncle told me so , he wept ,
-And pitied me , and kindly kiss'd my cheek ;
-Bade me rely on him , as on my father ,
-And he would love me dearly as his child .
-
-Ah ! that deceit should steal such gentle shape ,
-And with a virtuous vizard hide deep vice .
-He is my son , ay , and therein my shame ,
-Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit .
-
-Think you my uncle did dissemble , grandam ?
-
-Ay , boy .
-
-I cannot think it . Hark ! what noise is this ?
-
-
-Oh ! who shall hinder me to wail and weep ,
-To chide my fortune , and torment myself ?
-I'll join with black despair against my soul ,
-And to myself become an enemy .
-
-What means this scene of rude impatience ?
-
-To make an act of tragic violence :
-Edward , my lord , thy son , our king , is dead !
-Why grow the branches now the root is wither'd ?
-Why wither not the leaves that want their sap ?
-If you will live , lament : if die , be brief ,
-That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's ;
-Or , like obedient subjects , follow him
-To his new kingdom of perpetual rest .
-
-Ah ! so much interest have I in thy sorrow
-As I had title in thy noble husband .
-I have bewept a worthy husband's death ,
-And liv'd with looking on his images ;
-But now two mirrors of his princely semblance
-Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death ,
-And I for comfort have but one false glass ,
-That grieves me when I see my shame in him .
-Thou art a widow ; yet thou art a mother ,
-And hast the comfort of thy children left thee :
-But death hath snatch'd my husband from mine arms ,
-And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble limbs ,
-Clarence and Edward . O ! what cause have I
-Thine being but a moiety of my grief
-To overgo thy plaints , and drown thy cries !
-
-Ah , aunt , you wept not for our father's death ;
-How can we aid you with our kindred tears ?
-
-Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd ;
-Your widow-dolour likewise be unwept .
-
-Give me no help in lamentation ;
-I am not barren to bring forth complaints :
-All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes ,
-That I , being govern'd by the wat'ry moon ,
-May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world !
-Ah ! for my husband , for my dear Lord Edward !
-
-Ah ! for our father , for our dear Lord Clarence !
-
-Alas ! for both , both mine , Edward and Clarence !
-
-What stay had I but Edward ? and he's gone .
-
-What stay had we but Clarence ? and he's gone .
-
-What stays had I but they ? and they are gone .
-
-Was never widow had so dear a loss .
-
-Were never orphans had so dear a loss .
-
-Was never mother had so dear a loss .
-Alas ! I am the mother of these griefs :
-Their woes are parcell'd , mine are general .
-She for an Edward weeps , and so do I ;
-I for a Clarence weep , so doth not she :
-These babes for Clarence weep , and so do I ;
-I for an Edward weep , so do not they :
-Alas ! you three , on me , threefold distress'd ,
-Pour all your tears ; I am your sorrow's nurse ,
-And I will pamper it with lamentation .
-
-Comfort , dear mother : God is much displeas'd
-That you take with unthankfulness his doing .
-In common worldly things 'tis call'd ungrateful
-With dull unwillingness to repay a debt
-Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent ;
-Much more to be thus opposite with heaven ,
-For it requires the royal debt it lent you .
-
-Madam , bethink you , like a careful mother ,
-Of the young prince your son : send straight for him ;
-Let him be crown'd ; in him your comfort lives .
-Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave ,
-And plant your joys in living Edward's throne .
-
-
-Sister , have comfort : all of us have cause
-To wail the dimming of our shining star ;
-But none can cure their harms by wailing them .
-Madam , my mother , I do cry you mercy ;
-I did not see your Grace : humbly on my knee
-I crave your blessing .
-
-God bless thee ! and put meekness in thy mind ,
-Love , charity , obedience , and true duty .
-
-Amen ;
-
-and make me die a good old man !
-That is the butt-end of a mother's blessing ;
-I marvel that her Grace did leave it out .
-
-You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers ,
-That bear this heavy mutual load of moan ,
-Now cheer each other in each other's love :
-Though we have spent our harvest of this king ,
-We are to reap the harvest of his son .
-The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts ,
-But lately splinter'd , knit , and join'd together ,
-Must gently be preserv'd , cherish'd , and kept :
-Me seemeth good , that , with some little train ,
-Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetch'd
-Hither to London , to be crown'd our king .
-
-Why with some little train , my Lord of Buckingham ?
-
-Marry , my lord , lest , by a multitude ,
-The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out ;
-Which would be so much the more dangerous ,
-By how much the estate is green and yet ungovern'd ;
-Where every horse bears his commanding rein ,
-And may direct his course as please himself ,
-As well the fear of harm , as harm apparent ,
-In my opinion , ought to be prevented .
-
-I hope the king made peace with all of us ;
-And the compact is firm and true in me .
-
-And so in me ; and so , I think , in all :
-Yet , since it is but green , it should be put
-To no apparent likelihood of breach ,
-Which haply by much company might be urg'd :
-Therefore I say with noble Buckingham ,
-That it is meet so few should fetch the prince .
-
-And so say I .
-
-Then be it so ; and go we to determine
-Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow .
-Madam , and you my mother , will you go
-To give your censures in this business ?
-
-
-My lord , whoever journeys to the prince ,
-For God's sake , let not us two stay at home :
-For by the way I'll sort occasion ,
-As index to the story we late talk'd of ,
-To part the queen's proud kindred from the prince .
-
-My other self , my counsel's consistory ,
-My oracle , my prophet ! My dear cousin ,
-I , as a child , will go by thy direction .
-Towards Ludlow then , for we'll not stay behind .
-
-
-Good morrow , neighbour : whither away so fast ?
-
-I promise you , I scarcely know myself :
-Hear you the news abroad ?
-
-Ay ; that the king is dead .
-
-Ill news , by'r lady ; seldom comes the better :
-I fear , I fear , 'twill prove a giddy world .
-
-
-Neighbours , God speed !
-
-Give you good morrow , sir .
-
-Doth the news hold of good King Edward's death ?
-
-Ay , sir , it is too true ; God help the while !
-
-Then , masters , look to see a troublous world .
-
-No , no ; by God's good grace , his son shall reign .
-
-Woe to that land that's govern'd by a child !
-
-In him there is a hope of government ,
-That in his nonage council under him ,
-And in his full and ripen'd years himself ,
-No doubt , shall then and till then govern well .
-
-So stood the state when Henry the Sixth
-Was crown'd at Paris but at nine months old .
-
-Stood the state so ? no , no , good friends , God wot ;
-For then this land was famously enrich'd
-With politic grave counsel ; then the king
-Had virtuous uncles to protect his Grace .
-
-Why , so hath this , both by his father and mother .
-
-Better it were they all came by his father ,
-Or by his father there were none at all ;
-For emulation , who shall now be nearest ,
-Will touch us all too near , if God prevent not .
-O ! full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester !
-And the queen's sons and brothers haught and proud ;
-And were they to be rul'd , and not to rule ,
-This sickly land might solace as before .
-
-Come , come , we fear the worst , all will be well .
-
-When clouds are seen , wise men put on their cloaks ;
-When great leaves fall , then winter is at hand ;
-When the sun sets , who doth not look for night ?
-Untimely storms make men expect a dearth .
-All may be well ; but , if God sort it so ,
-'Tis more than we deserve , or I expect .
-
-Truly , the hearts of men are full of fear :
-You cannot reason almost with a man
-That looks not heavily and full of dread .
-
-Before the days of change , still is it so :
-By a divine instinct men's minds mistrust
-Ensuing danger ; as , by proof , we see
-The waters swell before a boisterous storm .
-But leave it all to God . Whither away ?
-
-Marry , we were sent for to the justices .
-
-And so was I : I'll bear you company .
-
-
-Last night , I hear , they lay at Northampton ;
-At Stony-Stratford they do rest to-night :
-To-morrow , or next day , they will be here .
-
-I long with all my heart to see the prince .
-I hope he is much grown since last I saw him .
-
-But I hear , no ; they say my son of York
-Hath almost overta'en him in his growth .
-
-Ay , mother , but I would not have it so .
-
-Why , my young cousin , it is good to grow .
-
-Grandam , one night , as we did sit at supper ,
-My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow
-More than my brother : 'Ay ,' quoth my uncle Gloucester ,
-'Small herbs have grace , great weeds do grow apace :'
-And since , methinks , I would not grow so fast ,
-Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste .
-
-Good faith , good faith , the saying did not hold
-In him that did object the same to thee :
-He was the wretched'st thing when he was young ,
-So long a-growing , and so leisurely ,
-That , if his rule were true , he should be gracious .
-
-And so , no doubt , he is , my gracious madam .
-
-I hope he is ; but yet let mothers doubt .
-
-Now , by my troth , if I had been remember'd ,
-I could have given my uncle's grace a flout ,
-To touch his growth nearer than he touch'd mine .
-
-How , my young York ? I prithee , let me hear it .
-
-Marry , they say my uncle grew so fast ,
-That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old :
-'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth .
-Grandam , this would have been a biting jest .
-
-I prithee , pretty York , who told thee this ?
-
-Grandam , his nurse .
-
-His nurse ! why , she was dead ere thou wast born .
-
-If 'twere not she , I cannot tell who told me .
-
-A parlous boy : go to , you are too shrewd .
-
-Good madam , be not angry with the child .
-
-Pitchers have ears .
-
-
-Here comes a messenger . What news ?
-
-Such news , my lord , as grieves me to report .
-
-How doth the prince ?
-
-Well , madam , and in health .
-
-What is thy news ?
-
-Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret ,
-With them Sir Thomas Vaughan , prisoners .
-
-Who hath committed them ?
-
-The mighty dukes ,
-Gloucester and Buckingham .
-
-For what offence ?
-
-The sum of all I can I have disclos'd :
-Why or for what the nobles were committed
-Is all unknown to me , my gracious lord .
-
-Ah me ! I see the ruin of my house !
-The tiger now hath seiz'd the gentle hind ;
-Insulting tyranny begins to jet
-Upon the innocent and aweless throne :
-Welcome , destruction , death , and massacre !
-I see , as in a map , the end of all .
-
-Accursed and unquiet wrangling days ,
-How many of you have mine eyes beheld !
-My husband lost his life to get the crown ,
-And often up and down my sons were toss'd ,
-For me to joy and weep their gain and loss :
-And being seated , and domestic broils
-Clean over-blown , themselves , the conquerors ,
-Make war upon themselves ; brother to brother ,
-Blood to blood , self against self : O ! preposterous
-And frantic outrage , end thy damned spleen ;
-Or let me die , to look on death no more .
-
-Come , come , my boy ; we will to sanctuary .
-Madam , farewell .
-
-Stay , I will go with you .
-
-You have no cause .
-
-My gracious lady , go ;
-And thither bear your treasure and your goods .
-For my part , I'll resign unto your Grace
-The seal I keep : and so betide to me
-As well I tender you and all of yours !
-Come ; I'll conduct you to the sanctuary .
-
-
-Welcome , sweet prince , to London , to your chamber .
-
-Welcome , dear cousin , my thoughts' sovereign ;
-The weary way hath made you melancholy .
-
-No , uncle ; but our crosses on the way
-Have made it tedious , wearisome , and heavy :
-I want more uncles here to welcome me .
-
-Sweet prince , the untainted virtue of your years
-Hath not yet div'd into the world's deceit :
-No more can you distinguish of a man
-Than of his outward show ; which , God he knows ,
-Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart .
-Those uncles which you want were dangerous ;
-Your Grace attended to their sugar'd words ,
-But look'd not on the poison of their hearts :
-God keep you from them , and from such false friends !
-
-God keep me from false friends ! but they were none .
-
-My lord , the Mayor of London comes to greet you .
-
-
-God bless your Grace with health and happy days !
-
-I thank you , good my lord ; and thank you all .
-I thought my mother and my brother York
-Would long ere this have met us on the way :
-Fie ! what a slug is Hastings , that he comes not
-To tell us whether they will come or no .
-
-
-And in good time here comes the sweating lord .
-
-Welcome , my lord . What , will our mother come ?
-
-On what occasion , God he knows , not I ,
-The queen your mother , and your brother York ,
-Have taken sanctuary : the tender prince
-Would fain have come with me to meet your Grace ,
-But by his mother was perforce withheld .
-
-Fie ! what an indirect and peevish course
-Is this of hers ! Lord Cardinal , will your Grace
-Persuade the queen to send the Duke of York
-Unto his princely brother presently ?
-If she deny , Lord Hastings , go with him ,
-And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce .
-
-My Lord of Buckingham , if my weak oratory
-Can from his mother win the Duke of York ,
-Anon expect him here ; but if she be obdurate
-To mild entreaties , God in heaven forbid
-We should infringe the holy privilege
-Of blessed sanctuary ! not for all this land
-Would I be guilty of so great a sin .
-
-You are too senseless-obstinate , my lord ,
-Too ceremonious and traditional :
-Weigh it but with the grossness of this age ,
-You break not sanctuary in seizing him .
-The benefit thereof is always granted
-To those whose dealings have deserv'd the place
-And those who have the wit to claim the place :
-This prince hath neither claim'd it , nor deserv'd it ;
-And therefore , in mine opinion , cannot have it :
-Then , taking him from thence that is not there ,
-You break no privilege nor charter there .
-Oft have I heard of sanctuary men ,
-But sanctuary children ne'er till now .
-
-My lord , you shall o'er-rule my mind for once .
-Come on , Lord Hastings , will you go with me ?
-
-I go , my lord .
-
-Good lords , make all the speedy haste you may .
-
-Say , uncle Gloucester , if our brother come ,
-Where shall we sojourn till our coronation ?
-
-Where it seems best unto your royal self .
-If I may counsel you , some day or two
-Your highness shall repose you at the Tower :
-Then where you please , and shall be thought most fit
-For your best health and recreation .
-
-I do not like the Tower , of any place :
-Did Julius C sar build that place , my lord ?
-
-He did , my gracious lord , begin that place ,
-Which , since , succeeding ages have re-edified .
-
-Is it upon record , or else reported
-Successively from age to age , he built it ?
-
-Upon record , my gracious lord .
-
-But say , my lord , it were not register'd ,
-Methinks the truth should live from age to age ,
-As 'twere retail'd to all posterity ,
-Even to the general all-ending day .
-
-So wise so young , they say , do never live long .
-
-What say you , uncle ?
-
-I say , without characters , fame lives long .
-
-
-Thus , like the formal Vice , Iniquity ,
-I moralize two meanings in one word .
-
-That Julius C sar was a famous man ;
-With what his valour did enrich his wit ,
-His wit set down to make his valour live :
-Death makes no conquest of this conqueror ,
-For now he lives in fame , though not in life .
-I'll tell you what , my cousin Buckingham ,
-
-What , my gracious lord ?
-
-An if I live until I be a man ,
-I'll win our ancient right in France again ,
-Or die a soldier , as I liv'd a king .
-
-Short summers lightly have a forward spring .
-
-
-Now , in good time , here comes the Duke of York .
-
-Richard of York ! how fares our loving brother ?
-
-Well , my dread lord ; so must I call you now .
-
-Ay , brother , to our grief , as it is yours :
-Too late he died that might have kept that title ,
-Which by his death hath lost much majesty .
-
-How fares our cousin , noble Lord of York ?
-
-I thank you , gentle uncle . O , my lord ,
-You said that idle weeds are fast in growth :
-The prince my brother hath outgrown me far .
-
-He hath , my lord .
-
-And therefore is he idle ?
-
-O , my fair cousin , I must not say so .
-
-Then he is more beholding to you than I .
-
-He may command me as my sovereign ;
-But you have power in me as in a kinsman .
-
-I pray you , uncle , give me this dagger .
-
-My dagger , little cousin ? with all my heart .
-
-A beggar , brother ?
-
-Of my kind uncle , that I know will give ;
-And , being but a toy , which is no grief to give .
-
-A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin .
-
-A greater gift ! O , that's the sword to it .
-
-Ay , gentle cousin , were it light enough .
-
-O , then , I see , you'll part but with light gifts ;
-In weightier things you'll say a beggar nay .
-
-It is too weighty for your Grace to wear .
-
-I weigh it lightly , were it heavier .
-
-What ! would you have my weapon , little lord ?
-
-I would , that I might thank you , as you call me .
-
-How ?
-
-Little .
-
-My Lord of York will still be cross in talk .
-Uncle , your Grace knows how to bear with him .
-
-You mean , to bear me , not to bear with me :
-Uncle , my brother mocks both you and me .
-Because that I am little , like an ape ,
-He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders .
-
-With what a sharp provided with he reasons !
-To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle ,
-He prettily and aptly taunts himself :
-So cunning and so young is wonderful .
-
-My lord , will't please you pass along ?
-Myself and my good cousin Buckingham
-Will to your mother , to entreat of her
-To meet you at the Tower and welcome you .
-
-What ! will you go unto the Tower , my lord ?
-
-My Lord Protector needs will have it so .
-
-I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower .
-
-Why , what would you fear ?
-
-Marry , my uncle Clarence' angry ghost :
-My grandam told me he was murder'd there .
-
-I fear no uncles dead .
-
-Nor none that live , I hope .
-
-An if they live , I hope , I need not fear .
-But come , my lord ; and , with a heavy heart ,
-Thinking on them , go I unto the Tower .
-
-
-Think you , my lord , this little prating York
-Was not incensed by his subtle mother
-To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously ?
-
-No doubt , no doubt : O ! 'tis a parlous boy ;
-Bold , quick , ingenious , forward , capable :
-He's all the mother's , from the top to toe .
-
-Well , let them rest . Come hither , Catesby ; thou art sworn
-As deeply to effect what we intend
-As closely to conceal what we impart .
-Thou know'st our reasons urg'd upon the way :
-What think'st thou ? is it not an easy matter
-To make William Lord Hastings of our mind ,
-For the instalment of this noble duke
-In the seat royal of this famous isle ?
-
-He for his father's sake so loves the prince
-That he will not be won to aught against him .
-
-What think'st thou then of Stanley ? what will he ?
-
-He will do all in all as Hastings doth .
-
-Well then , no more but this : go , gentle Catesby ,
-And , as it were far off , sound thou Lord Hastings ,
-How he doth stand affected to our purpose ;
-And summon him to-morrow to the Tower ,
-To sit about the coronation .
-If thou dost find him tractable to us ,
-Encourage him , and tell him all our reasons :
-If he be leaden , icy-cold , unwilling ,
-Be thou so too , and so break off the talk ,
-And give us notice of his inclination ;
-For we to-morrow hold divided councils ,
-Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd .
-
-Commend me to Lord William : tell him , Catesby ,
-His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
-To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret Castle ;
-And bid my lord , for joy of this good news ,
-Give Mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more .
-
-Good Catesby , go , effect this business soundly .
-
-My good lords both , with all the heed I can .
-
-Shall we hear from you , Catesby , ere we sleep ?
-
-You shall , my lord .
-
-At Crosby-place , there shall you find us both .
-
-
-Now , my lord , what shall we do if we perceive
-Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots ?
-
-Chop off his head ; something we will determine :
-And , look , when I am king , claim thou of me
-The earldom of Hereford , and all the moveables
-Whereof the king my brother stood possess'd .
-
-I'll claim that promise at your Grace's hand .
-
-And look to have it yielded with all kindness .
-Come , let us sup betimes , that afterwards
-We may digest our complots in some form .
-
-
-My lord ! my lord !
-
-Who knocks ?
-
-One from the Lord Stanley .
-
-What is't o'clock ?
-
-Upon the stroke of four .
-
-
-Cannot my Lord Stanley sleep these tedious nights ?
-
-So it appears by that I have to say .
-First , he commends him to your noble self .
-
-What then ?
-
-Then certifies your lordship , that this night
-He dreamt the boar had razed off his helm :
-Besides , he says there are two councils held ;
-And that may be determin'd at the one
-Which may make you and him to rue at the other .
-Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure ,
-If you will presently take horse with him ,
-And with all speed post with him towards the north ,
-To shun the danger that his soul divines .
-
-Go , fellow , go , return unto thy lord ;
-Bid him not fear the separated councils :
-His honour and myself are at the one ,
-And at the other is my good friend Catesby ;
-Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us
-Whereof I shall not have intelligence .
-Tell him his fears are shallow , wanting instance :
-And for his dreams , I wonder he's so fond
-To trust the mockery of unquiet slumbers .
-To fly the boar before the boar pursues ,
-Were to incense the boar to follow us
-And make pursuit where he did mean no chase .
-Go , bid thy master rise and come to me ;
-And we will both together to the Tower ,
-Where , he shall see , the boar will use us kindly .
-
-I'll go , my lord , and tell him what you say .
-
-Many good morrows to my noble lord !
-
-Good morrow , Catesby ; you are early stirring .
-What news , what news , in this our tottering state ?
-
-It is a reeling world , indeed , my lord ;
-And I believe will never stand upright
-Till Richard wear the garland of the realm .
-
-How ! wear the garland ! dost thou mean the crown ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders
-Before I'll see the crown so foul misplac'd .
-But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it ?
-
-Ay , on my life ; and hopes to find you forward
-Upon his party for the gain thereof :
-And thereupon he sends you this good news ,
-That this same very day your enemies ,
-The kindred of the queen , must die at Pomfret .
-
-Indeed , I am no mourner for that news ,
-Because they have been still my adversaries ;
-But that I'll give my voice on Richard's side ,
-To bar my master's heirs in true descent ,
-God knows I will not do it , to the death .
-
-God keep your lordship in that gracious mind !
-
-But I shall laugh at this a twelve-month hence ,
-That they which brought me in my master's hate ,
-I live to look upon their tragedy .
-Well , Catesby , ere a fortnight make me older ,
-I'll send some packing that yet think not on't .
-
-'Tis a vile thing to die , my gracious lord ,
-When men are unprepar'd and look not for it .
-
-O monstrous , monstrous ! and so falls it out
-With Rivers , Vaughan , Grey ; and so 'twill do
-With some men else , who think themselves as safe
-As thou and I ; who , as thou know'st , are dear
-To princely Richard and to Buckingham .
-
-The princes both make high account of you ;
-
-
-For they account his head upon the bridge .
-
-I know they do , and I have well deserv'd it .
-
-
-Come on , come on ; where is your boar-spear , man ?
-
-Fear you the boar , and go so unprovided ?
-
-My lord , good morrow ; good morrow Catesby :
-You may jest on , but by the holy rood ,
-I do not like these several councils , I .
-
-My lord , I hold my life as dear as you do yours ;
-And never , in my days , I do protest ,
-Was it so precious to me as 'tis now .
-Think you , but that I know our state secure ,
-I would be so triumphant as I am ?
-
-The lords at Pomfret , when they rode from London ,
-Were jocund and suppos'd their state was sure ,
-And they indeed had no cause to mistrust ;
-But yet you see how soon the day o'ercast .
-This sudden stab of rancour I misdoubt ;
-Pray God , I say , I prove a needless coward !
-What , shall we toward the Tower ? the day is spent .
-
-Come , come , have with you . Wot you what , my lord ?
-To-day the lords you talk of are beheaded .
-
-They , for their truth , might better wear their heads ,
-Than some that have accus'd them wear their hats .
-But come , my lord , let's away .
-
-
-Go on before ; I'll talk with this good fellow .
-
-How now , sirrah ! how goes the world with thee ?
-
-The better that your lordship please to ask .
-
-I tell thee , man , 'tis better with me now
-Than when I met thee last where now we meet :
-Then was I going prisoner to the Tower ,
-By the suggestion of the queen's allies ;
-But now , I tell thee ,keep it to thyself ,
-This day those enemies are put to death ,
-And I in better state than e'er I was .
-
-God hold it to your honour's good content !
-
-Gramercy , fellow : there , drink that for me .
-
-
-God save your lordship .
-
-Well met , my lord ; I am glad to see your honour .
-
-I thank thee , good Sir John , with all my heart .
-I am in your debt for your last exercise ;
-Come the next Sabbath , and I will content you .
-
-
-What , talking with a priest , lord chamberlain ?
-Your friends at Pomfret , they do need the priest :
-Your honour hath no shriving work in hand .
-
-Good faith , and when I met this holy man ,
-The men you talk of came into my mind .
-What , go you toward the Tower ?
-
-I do , my lord ; but long I shall not stay :
-I shall return before your lordship thence .
-
-Nay , like enough , for I stay dinner there .
-
-And supper too , although thou know'st it not .
-Come , will you go ?
-
-I'll wait upon your lordship .
-
-
-Sir Richard Ratcliff , let me tell thee this :
-To-day shalt thou behold a subject die
-For truth , for duty , and for loyalty .
-
-God bless the prince from all the pack of you !
-A knot you are of damned blood suckers .
-
-You live that shall cry woe for this hereafter .
-
-Dispatch ; the limit of your lives is out .
-
-O Pomfret , Pomfret ! O thou bloody prison !
-Fatal and ominous to noble peers !
-Within the guilty closure of thy walls
-Richard the Second here was hack'd to death ;
-And , for more slander to thy dismal seat ,
-We give thee up our guitless blood to drink .
-
-Now Margaret's curse is fall'n upon our heads ,
-When she exclaim'd on Hastings , you , and I ,
-For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son .
-
-Then curs'd she Richard , then curs'd she Buckingham ,
-Then curs'd she Hastings : O ! remember , God ,
-To hear her prayer for them , as now for us ;
-And for my sister and her princely sons ,
-Be satisfied , dear God , with our true blood ,
-Which , as thou know'st , unjustly must be spilt .
-
-Make haste ; the hour of death is expiate .
-
-Come , Grey , come , Vaughan ; let us here embrace :
-And take our leave until we meet in heaven .
-
-My lords , at once : the cause why we are met
-Is to determine of the coronation :
-In God's name , speak , when is the royal day ?
-
-Are all things ready for that royal time ?
-
-It is ; and wants but nomination .
-
-To-morrow then I judge a happy day .
-
-Who knows the Lord Protector's mind herein ?
-Who is most inward with the noble duke ?
-
-Your Grace , we think , should soonest know his mind .
-
-We know each other's faces ; for our hearts ,
-He knows no more of mine than I of yours ;
-Nor I of his , my lord , than you of mine .
-Lord Hastings , you and he are near in love .
-
-I thank his Grace , I know he loves me well ;
-But , for his purpose in the coronation ,
-I have not sounded him , nor he deliver'd
-His gracious pleasure any way therein :
-But you , my noble lords , may name the time ;
-And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice ,
-Which , I presume , he'll take in gentle part .
-
-
-In happy time , here comes the duke himself .
-
-My noble lords and cousins all , good morrow .
-I have been long a sleeper ; but , I trust ,
-My absence doth neglect no great design ,
-Which by my presence might have been concluded .
-
-Had you not come upon your cue , my lord ,
-William Lord Hastings had pronounc'd your part ,
-I mean , your voice , for crowning of the king .
-
-Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder :
-His lordship knows me well , and loves me well .
-My Lord of Ely , when I was last in Holborn ,
-I saw good strawberries in your garden there ;
-I do beseech you send for some of them .
-
-Marry , and will , my lord , with all my heart .
-
-
-Cousin of Buckingham , a word with you .
-
-Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business ,
-And finds the testy gentleman so hot ,
-That he will lose his head ere give consent
-His master's child , as worshipfully he terms it ,
-Shall lose the royalty of England's throne .
-
-Withdraw yourself a while ; I'll go with you .
-
-
-We have not yet set down this day of triumph .
-To-morrow , in my judgment , is too sudden ;
-For I myself am not so well provided
-As else I would be , were the day prolong'd .
-
-
-Where is my lord , the Duke of Gloucester ?
-I have sent for these strawberries .
-
-His Grace looks cheerfully and smooth this morning :
-There's some conceit or other likes him well ,
-When that he bids good morrow with such spirit .
-I think there's never a man in Christendom
-Can lesser hide his hate or love than he ;
-For by his face straight shall you know his heart .
-
-What of his heart perceiv'd you in his face
-By any livelihood he show'd to-day ?
-
-Marry , that with no man here he is offended ;
-For , were he , he had shown it in his looks .
-
-
-I pray you all , tell me what they deserve
-That do conspire my death with devilish plots
-Of damned witchcraft , and that have prevail'd
-Upon my body with their hellish charms ?
-
-The tender love I bear your Grace , my lord ,
-Makes me most forward in this princely presence
-To doom th' offenders , whosoe'er they be :
-I say , my lord , they have deserved death .
-
-Then be your eyes the witness of their evil .
-Look how I am bewitch'd ; behold mine arm
-Is like a blasted sapling , wither'd up :
-And this is Edward's wife , that monstrous witch
-Consorted with that harlot strumpet Shore ,
-That by their witchcraft thus have marked me .
-
-If they have done this thing , my noble lord ,
-
-If ! thou protector of this damned strumpet ,
-Talk'st thou to me of ifs ? Thou art a traitor :
-Off with his head ! now , by Saint Paul , I swear ,
-I will not dine until I see the same .
-Lovel and Ratcliff , look that it be done :
-The rest , that love me , rise , and follow me .
-
-
-Woe , woe , for England ! not a whit for me ;
-For I , too fond , might have prevented this .
-Stanley did dream the boar did raze his helm ;
-And I did scorn it , and disdain'd to fly .
-Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble ,
-And startled when he looked upon the Tower ,
-As loath to bear me to the slaughter-house .
-O ! now I need the priest that spake to me :
-I now repent I told the pursuivant ,
-As too triumphing , how mine enemies
-To-day at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd
-And I myself secure in grace and favour .
-O Margaret , Margaret ! now thy heavy curse
-Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head .
-
-Come , come , dispatch ; the duke would be at dinner :
-Make a short shrift , he longs to see your head .
-
-O momentary grace of mortal man ,
-Which we more hunt for than the grace of God !
-Who builds his hope in air of your good looks ,
-Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast ;
-Ready with every nod to tumble down
-Into the fatal bowels of the deep .
-
-Come , come , dispatch ; 'tis bootless to exclaim .
-
-O bloody Richard ! miserable England !
-I prophesy the fearfull'st time to thee
-That ever wretched age hath look'd upon .
-Come , lead me to the block ; bear him my head :
-They smile at me who shortly shall be dead .
-
-
-Come , cousin , canst thou quake , and change thy colour ,
-Murder thy breath in middle of a word ,
-And then again begin , and stop again ,
-As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror ?
-
-Tut ! I can counterfeit the deep tragedian ,
-Speak and look back , and pry on every side ,
-Tremble and start at wagging of a straw ,
-Intending deep suspicion : ghastly looks
-Are at my service , like enforced smiles ;
-And both are ready in their offices ,
-At any time , to grace my stratagems .
-But what ! is Catesby gone ?
-
-He is ; and , see , he brings the mayor along .
-
-
-Lord Mayor ,
-
-Look to the drawbridge there !
-
-Hark ! a drum .
-
-Catesby , o'erlook the walls .
-
-Lord Mayor , the reason we have sent ,
-
-Look back , defend thee ; here are enemies .
-
-God and our innocency defend and guard us !
-
-
-Be patient , they are friends , Ratcliff and Lovel .
-
-Here is the head of that ignoble traitor ,
-The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings .
-
-So dear I lov'd the man , that I must weep .
-I took him for the plainest harmless creature
-That breath'd upon the earth a Christian ;
-Made him my book , wherein my soul recorded
-The history of all her secret thoughts :
-So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue ,
-That , his apparent open guilt omitted ,
-I mean his conversation with Shore's wife ,
-He liv'd from all attainder of suspect .
-
-Well , well , he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor
-That ever liv'd .
-Would you imagine , or almost believe ,
-Were't not that by great preservation
-We live to tell it , that the subtle traitor
-This day had plotted , in the council-house ,
-To murder me and my good Lord of Gloucester ?
-
-Had he done so ?
-
-What ! think you we are Turks or infidels ?
-Or that we would , against the form of law ,
-Proceed thus rashly in the villain's death ,
-But that the extreme peril of the case ,
-The peace of England and our person's safety ,
-Enforc'd us to this execution ?
-
-Now , fair befall you ! he deserv'd his death ;
-And your good Graces both have well proceeded ,
-To warn false traitors from the like attempts .
-I never look'd for better at his hands ,
-After he once fell in with Mistress Shore .
-
-Yet had we not determin'd he should die ,
-Until your lordship came to see his end ;
-Which now the loving haste of these our friends ,
-Something against our meaning , hath prevented :
-Because , my lord , we would have had you heard
-The traitor speak , and timorously confess
-The manner and the purpose of his treason ;
-That you might well have signified the same
-Unto the citizens , who haply may
-Misconster us in him , and wail his death .
-
-But , my good lord , your Grace's word shall serve ,
-As well as I had seen and heard him speak :
-And do not doubt , right noble princes both ,
-But I'll acquaint our duteous citizens
-With all your just proceedings in this cause .
-
-And to that end we wish'd your lordship here ,
-To avoid the censures of the carping world .
-
-But since you come too late of our intent ,
-Yet witness what you hear we did intend :
-And so , my good Lord Mayor , we bid farewell .
-
-
-Go , after , after , cousin Buckingham .
-The mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post :
-There , at your meetest vantage of the time ,
-Infer the bastardy of Edward's children :
-Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen ,
-Only for saying he would make his son
-Heir to the crown ; meaning indeed his house ,
-Which by the sign thereof was termed so .
-Moreover , urge his hateful luxury
-And bestial appetite in change of lust ;
-Which stretch'd unto their servants , daughters , wives ,
-Even where his raging eye or savage heart
-Without control lusted to make a prey .
-Nay , for a need , thus far come near my person :
-Tell them , when that my mother went with child
-Of that insatiate Edward , noble York
-My princely father then had wars in France ;
-And , by true computation of the time ,
-Found that the issue was not his begot ;
-Which well appeared in his lineaments ,
-Being nothing like the noble duke my father .
-Yet touch this sparingly , as 'twere far off ;
-Because , my lord , you know my mother lives .
-
-Doubt not , my lord , I'll play the orator
-As if the golden fee for which I plead
-Were for myself : and so , my lord , adieu .
-
-If you thrive well , bring them to Baynard's Castle ;
-Where you shall find me well accompanied
-With reverend fathers and well-learned bishops .
-
-I go ; and towards three or four o'clock
-Look for the news that the Guildhall affords .
-
-
-Go , Lovel , with all speed to Doctor Shaw ;
-
-
-Go thou to Friar Penker ; bid them both
-Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle .
-
-Now will I in , to take some privy order ,
-To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight ;
-And to give notice that no manner person
-Have any time recourse unto the princes .
-
-
-Here is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings ;
-Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd ,
-That it may be to-day read o'er in Paul's :
-And mark how well the sequel hangs together .
-Eleven hours I have spent to write it over ,
-For yesternight by Catesby was it sent me .
-The precedent was full as long a-doing ;
-And yet within these five hours Hastings liv'd ,
-Untainted , unexamin'd , free , at liberty .
-Here's a good world the while ! Who is so gross
-That cannot see this palpable device ?
-Yet who so bold but says he sees it not ?
-Bad is the world ; and all will come to naught ,
-When such ill dealing must be seen in thought .
-
-
-How , now , how now ! what say the citizens ?
-
-Now , by the holy mother of our Lord ,
-The citizens are mum , say not a word .
-
-Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children ?
-
-I did ; with his contract with Lady Lucy ,
-And his contract by deputy in France ;
-The insatiate greediness of his desires ,
-And his enforcement of the city wives ;
-His tyranny for trifles ; his own bastardy ,
-As being got , your father then in France ,
-And his resemblance , being not like the duke :
-Withal I did infer your lineaments ,
-Being the right idea of your father ,
-Both in your form and nobleness of mind ;
-Laid open all your victories in Scotland ,
-Your discipline in war , wisdom in peace ,
-Your bounty , virtue , fair humility ;
-Indeed , left nothing fitting for your purpose
-Untouch'd or slightly handled in discourse ;
-And when my oratory drew toward end ,
-I bade them that did love their country's good
-Cry 'God save Richard , England's royal king !'
-
-And did they so ?
-
-No , so God help me , they spake not a word ;
-But , like dumb statuas or breathing stones ,
-Star'd each on other , and look'd deadly pale .
-Which when I saw , I reprehended them ;
-And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence :
-His answer was , the people were not wont
-To be spoke to but by the recorder .
-Then he was urg'd to tell my tale again :
-'Thus saith the duke , thus hath the duke inferr'd ;'
-But nothing spoke in warrant from himself .
-When he had done , some followers of mine own ,
-At lower end of the hall , hurl'd up their caps ,
-And some ten voices cried , 'God save King Richard !'
-And thus I took the vantage of those few ,
-'Thanks , gentle citizens and friends ,' quoth I ;
-'This general applause and cheerful shout
-Argues your wisdom and your love to Richard :'
-And even here brake off , and came away .
-
-What tongueless blocks were they ! would they not speak ?
-Will not the mayor then and his brethren come ?
-
-The mayor is here at hand . Intend some fear ;
-Be not you spoke with but by mighty suit :
-And look you get a prayer-book in your hand ,
-And stand between two churchmen , good my lord :
-For on that ground I'll make a holy descant :
-And be not easily won to our requests ;
-Play the maid's part , still answer nay , and take it .
-
-I go ; and if you plead as well for them
-As I can say nay to thee for myself ,
-No doubt we bring it to a happy issue .
-
-Go , go , up to the leads ! the Lord Mayor knocks .
-
-Welcome , my lord : I dance attendance here ;
-I think the duke will not be spoke withal .
-
-
-Now , Catesby ! what says your lord to my request ?
-
-He doth entreat your Grace , my noble lord ,
-To visit him to-morrow or next day .
-He is within , with two right reverend fathers ,
-Divinely bent to meditation ;
-And in no worldly suit would he be mov'd ,
-To draw him from his holy exercise .
-
-Return , good Catesby , to the gracious duke :
-Tell him , myself , the mayor and aldermen ,
-In deep designs in matter of great moment ,
-No less importing than our general good ,
-Are come to have some conference with his Grace .
-
-I'll signify so much unto him straight .
-
-
-Ah , ha , my lord , this prince is not an Edward !
-He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed ,
-But on his knees at meditation ;
-Not dallying with a brace of courtezans ,
-But meditating with two deep divines ;
-Not sleeping , to engross his idle body ,
-But praying , to enrich his watchful soul .
-Happy were England , would this virtuous prince
-Take on his Grace the sovereignty thereof :
-But sore , I fear , we shall not win him to it .
-
-Marry , God defend his Grace should say us nay !
-
-I fear he will . Here Catesby comes again .
-
-Now , Catesby , what says his Grace ?
-
-He wonders to what end you have assembled
-Such troops of citizens to come to him ,
-His Grace not being warn'd thereof before :
-My lord , he fears you mean no good to him .
-
-Sorry I am my noble cousin should
-Suspect me that I mean no good to him .
-By heaven , we come to him in perfect love ;
-And so once more return , and tell his Grace .
-
-When holy and devout religious men
-Are at their beads , 'tis much to draw them thence ;
-So sweet is zealous contemplation .
-
-
-See , where his Grace stands 'tween two clergymen !
-
-Two props of virtue for a Christian prince ,
-To stay him from the fall of vanity ;
-And , see , a book of prayer in his hand ;
-True ornament to know a holy man .
-Famous Plantagenet , most gracious prince ,
-Lend favourable ear to our requests ,
-And pardon us the interruption
-Of thy devotion , and right Christian zeal .
-
-My lord , there needs no such apology ;
-I do beseech your Grace to pardon me ,
-Who , earnest in the service of my God ,
-Deferr'd the visitation of my friends .
-But , leaving this , what is your Grace's pleasure ?
-
-Even that , I hope , which pleaseth God above ,
-And all good men of this ungovern'd isle .
-
-I do suspect I have done some offence
-That seems disgracious in the city's eye ;
-And that you come to reprehend my ignorance .
-
-You have , my lord : would it might please your Grace ,
-On our entreaties to amend your fault !
-
-Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land ?
-
-Know then , it is your fault that you resign
-The supreme seat , the throne majestical ,
-The sceptred office of your ancestors ,
-Your state of fortune and your due of birth ,
-The lineal glory of your royal house ,
-To the corruption of a blemish'd stock ;
-Whiles , in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts ,
-Which here we waken to our country's good ,
-This noble isle doth want her proper limbs ;
-Her face defac'd with scars of infamy ,
-Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants ,
-And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulf
-Of dark forgetfulness and deep oblivion .
-Which to recure we heartily solicit
-Your gracious self to take on you the charge
-And kingly government of this your land ;
-Not as protector , steward , substitute ,
-Or lowly factor for another's gain ;
-But as successively from blood to blood ,
-Your right of birth , your empery , your own .
-For this , consorted with the citizens ,
-Your very worshipful and loving friends ,
-And by their vehement instigation ,
-In this just cause come I to move your Grace .
-
-I cannot tell , if to depart in silence
-Or bitterly to speak in your reproof ,
-Best fitteth my degree or your condition :
-If not to answer , you might haply think
-Tongue-tied ambition , not replying , yielded
-To bear the golden yoke of sov'reignty ,
-Which fondly you would here impose on me ;
-If to reprove you for this suit of yours ,
-So season'd with your faithful love to me ,
-Then , on the other side , I check'd my friends .
-Therefore , to speak , and to avoid the first ,
-And then , in speaking , not to incur the last ,
-Definitively thus I answer you .
-Your love deserves my thanks ; but my desert
-Unmeritable shuns your high request .
-First , if all obstacles were cut away ,
-And that my path were even to the crown ,
-As the ripe revenue and due of birth ,
-Yet so much is my poverty of spirit ,
-So mighty and so many my defects ,
-That I would rather hide me from my greatness ,
-Being a bark to brook no mighty sea ,
-Than in my greatness covet to be hid ,
-And in the vapour of my glory smother'd .
-But , God be thank'd , there is no need of me ;
-And much I need to help you , were there need ;
-The royal tree hath left us royal fruit ,
-Which , mellow'd by the stealing hours of time ,
-Will well become the seat of majesty ,
-And make , no doubt , us happy by his reign .
-On him I lay that you would lay on me ,
-The right and fortune of his happy stars ;
-Which God defend that I should wring from him !
-
-My lord , this argues conscience in your Grace ;
-But the respects thereof are nice and trivial ,
-All circumstances well considered .
-You say that Edward is your brother's son :
-So say we too , but not by Edward's wife ;
-For first was he contract to Lady Lucy ,
-Your mother lives a witness to his vow ,
-And afterward by substitute betroth'd
-To Bona , sister to the King of France .
-These both put by , a poor petitioner ,
-A care-craz'd mother to a many sons ,
-A beauty-waning and distressed widow ,
-Even in the afternoon of her best days ,
-Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye ,
-Seduc'd the pitch and height of his degree
-To base declension and loath'd bigamy :
-By her , in his unlawful bed , he got
-This Edward , whom our manners call the prince .
-More bitterly could I expostulate ,
-Save that , for reverence to some alive ,
-I give a sparing limit to my tongue .
-Then , good my lord , take to your royal self
-This proffer'd benefit of dignity ;
-If not to bless us and the land withal ,
-Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry
-From the corruption of abusing times ,
-Unto a lineal true-derived course .
-
-Do , good my lord ; your citizens entreat you .
-
-Refuse not , mighty lord , this proffer'd love .
-
-O ! make them joyful : grant their lawful suit :
-
-Alas ! why would you heap those cares on me ?
-I am unfit for state and majesty :
-I do beseech you , take it not amiss ,
-I cannot nor I will not yield to you .
-
-If you refuse it , as , in love and zeal ,
-Loath to depose the child , your brother's son ;
-As well we know your tenderness of heart
-And gentle , kind , effeminate remorse ,
-Which we have noted in you to your kindred ,
-And egally , indeed , to all estates ,
-Yet whether you accept our suit or no ,
-Your brother's son shall never reign our king ;
-But we will plant some other in the throne ,
-To the disgrace and downfall of your house :
-And in this resolution here we leave you .
-Come , citizens , we will entreat no more .
-
-
-Call them again , sweet prince ; accept their suit :
-If you deny them , all the land will rue it .
-
-Will you enforce me to a world of cares ?
-Call them again : I am not made of stone ,
-But penetrable to your kind entreats ,
-
-Albeit against my conscience and my soul .
-
-
-Cousin of Buckingham , and sage , grave men ,
-Since you will buckle fortune on my back ,
-To bear her burden , whe'r I will or no ,
-I must have patience to endure the load :
-But if black scandal or foul-fac'd reproach
-Attend the sequel of your imposition ,
-Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me
-From all the impure blots and stains thereof ;
-For God doth know , and you may partly see ,
-
-How far I am from the desire of this .
-
-God bless your Grace ! we see it , and will say it .
-
-In saying so , you shall but say the truth .
-
-Then I salute you with this royal title :
-Long live King Richard , England's worthy king !
-
-Amen .
-
-To-morrow may it please you to be crown'd ?
-
-Even when you please , for you will have it so .
-
-To-morrow then we will attend your Grace :
-And so most joyfully we take our leave .
-
-Come , let us to our holy work again .
-Farewell , my cousin ;farewell , gentle friends .
-
-Who meets us here ? my niece Plantagenet ,
-Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloucester ?
-Now , for my life , she's wand'ring to the Tower ,
-On pure heart's love , to greet the tender princes .
-Daughter , well met .
-
-God give your Graces both
-A happy and a joyful time of day !
-
-As much to you , good sister ! whither away ?
-
-No further than the Tower ; and , as I guess ,
-Upon the like devotion as yourselves ,
-To gratulate the gentle princes there .
-
-Kind sister , thanks : we'll enter all together :
-
-
-And , in good time , here the lieutenant comes .
-Master lieutenant , pray you , by your leave ,
-
-How doth the prince , and my young son of York ?
-
-Right well , dear madam . By your patience ,
-I may not suffer you to visit them :
-The king hath strictly charg'd the contrary .
-
-The king ! who's that ?
-
-I mean the Lord Protector .
-
-The Lord protect him from that kingly title !
-Hath he set bounds between their love and me ?
-I am their mother ; who shall bar me from them ?
-
-I am their father's mother ; I will see them .
-
-Their aunt I am in law , in love their mother :
-Then bring me to their sights ; I'll bear thy blame ,
-And take thy office from thee , on my peril .
-
-No , madam , no , I may not leave it so :
-I am bound by oath , and therefore pardon me .
-
-Let me but meet you , ladies , one hour hence ,
-And I'll salute your Grace of York as mother ,
-And reverend looker-on of two fair queens .
-
-
-Come , madam , you must straight to Westminster ,
-There to be crowned Richard's royal queen .
-
-Ah ! cut my lace asunder ,
-That my pent heart may have some scope to beat ,
-Or else I swoon with this dead-killing news .
-
-Despiteful tidings ! O ! unpleasing news !
-
-Be of good cheer : mother , how fares your Grace ?
-
-O , Dorset ! speak not to me , get thee gone ;
-Death and destruction dog thee at the heels :
-Thy mother's name is ominous to children .
-If thou wilt outstrip death , go cross the seas ,
-And live with Richmond , from the reach of hell :
-Go , hie thee , hie thee , from this slaughter-house ,
-Lest thou increase the number of the dead ,
-And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse ,
-Nor mother , wife , nor England's counted queen .
-
-Full of wise care is this your counsel , madam .
-
-
-Take all the swift advantage of the hours ;
-You shall have letters from me to my son
-In your behalf , to meet you on the way :
-Be not ta'en tardy by unwise delay .
-
-O ill-dispersing wind of misery !
-O ! my accursed womb , the bed of death ,
-A cockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world ,
-Whose unavoided eye is murderous !
-
-Come , madam , come ; I in all haste was sent .
-
-And I with all unwillingness will go .
-O ! would to God that the inclusive verge
-Of golden metal that must round my brow
-Were red-hot steel to sear me to the brain .
-Anointed let me be with deadly venom ;
-And die , ere men can say 'God save the queen !'
-
-Go , go , poor soul , I envy not thy glory ;
-To feed my humour , wish thyself no harm .
-
-No ! why ? When he , that is my husband now
-Came to me , as I follow'd Henry's corse ;
-When scarce the blood was well wash'd from his hands ,
-Which issu'd from my other angel husband ,
-And that dead saint which then I weeping follow'd ;
-O ! when I say , I look'd on Richard's face ,
-This was my wish , 'Be thou ,' quoth I , 'accurs'd ,
-For making me so young , so old a widow !
-And , when thou wedd'st , let sorrow haunt thy bed ;
-And be thy wife if any be so mad
-More miserable by the life of thee
-Than thou hast made me by my dear lord's death !'
-Lo ! ere I can repeat this curse again ,
-Within so small a time , my woman's heart
-Grossly grew captive to his honey words ,
-And prov'd the subject of mine own soul's curse :
-Which hitherto hath held mine eyes from rest ;
-For never yet one hour in his bed
-Did I enjoy the golden dew of sleep ,
-But with his timorous dreams was still awak'd .
-Besides , he hates me for my father Warwick ,
-And will , no doubt , shortly be rid of me .
-
-Poor heart , adieu ! I pity thy complaining .
-
-No more than with my soul I mourn for yours .
-
-Farewell ! thou woeful welcomer of glory !
-
-Adieu , poor soul , that tak'st thy leave of it !
-
-Go thou to Richmond , and good fortune guide thee !
-
-
-Go thou to Richard , and good angels tend thee !
-
-
-Go thou to sanctuary , and good thoughts possess thee !
-I to my grave , where peace and rest lie with me !
-Eighty odd years of sorrow have I seen ,
-And each hour's joy wrack'd with a week of teen .
-
-Stay yet , look back with me unto the Tower .
-Pity , you ancient stones , those tender babes
-Whom envy hath immur'd within your walls ,
-Rough cradle for such little pretty ones !
-Rude ragged nurse , old sullen playfellow
-For tender princes , use my babies well .
-So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewell .
-
-
-Stand all apart . Cousin of Buckingham .
-
-My gracious sovereign !
-
-Give me thy hand .
-
-Thus high , by thy advice ,
-And thy assistance , is King Richard seated :
-But shall we wear these glories for a day ?
-Or shall they last , and we rejoice in them ?
-
-Still live they , and for ever let them last !
-
-Ah ! Buckingham , now do I play the touch ,
-To try if thou be current gold indeed :
-Young Edward lives : think now what I would speak .
-
-Say on , my loving lord .
-
-Why , Buckingham , I say , I would be king .
-
-Why , so you are , my thrice-renowned liege .
-
-Ha ! am I king ? 'Tis so : but Edward lives .
-
-True , noble prince .
-
-O bitter consequence ,
-That Edward still should live ! 'True , noble prince !'
-Cousin , thou wast not wont to be so dull :
-Shall I be plain ? I wish the bastards dead ;
-And I would have it suddenly perform'd .
-What sayst thou now ? speak suddenly , be brief .
-
-Your Grace may do your pleasure .
-
-Tut , tut ! thou art all ice , thy kindness freezes :
-Say , have I thy consent that they shall die ?
-
-Give me some little breath , some pause , dear lord ,
-Before I positively speak in this :
-I will resolve you herein presently .
-
-
-The king is angry : see , he gnaws his lip .
-
-I will converse with iron-witted fools
-And unrespective boys : none are for me
-That look into me with considerate eyes .
-High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect .
-Boy !
-
-My lord !
-
-Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
-Will tempt unto a close exploit of death ?
-
-I know a discontented gentleman ,
-Whose humble means match not his haughty spirit :
-Gold were as good as twenty orators ,
-And will , no doubt , tempt him to anything .
-
-What is his name ?
-
-His name , my lord , is Tyrrell .
-
-I partly know the man : go , call him hither .
-
-The deep-revolving witty Buckingham
-No more shall be the neighbour to my counsel .
-Hath he so long held out with me untir'd ,
-And stops he now for breath ? well , be it so .
-
-How now , Lord Stanley ! what's the news ?
-
-Know , my loving lord ,
-The Marquess Dorset , as I hear , is fled
-To Richmond , in the parts where he abides .
-
-Come hither , Catesby : rumour it abroad ,
-That Anne my wife is very grievous sick ;
-I will take order for her keeping close .
-Inquire me out some mean poor gentleman ,
-Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter :
-The boy is foolish , and I fear not him .
-Look , how thou dream'st ! I say again , give out
-That Anne my queen is sick , and like to die :
-About it ; for it stands me much upon ,
-To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me .
-
-I must be married to my brother's daughter ,
-Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass .
-Murder her brothers , and then marry her !
-Uncertain way of gain ! But I am in
-So far in blood , that sin will pluck on sin :
-Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye .
-
-Is thy name Tyrrell ?
-
-James Tyrrell , and your most obedient subject .
-
-Art thou , indeed ?
-
-Prove me , my gracious lord .
-
-Dar'st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine ?
-
-Please you ; but I had rather kill two enemies .
-
-Why , then thou hast it : two deep enemies ,
-Foes to my rest , and my sweet sleep's disturbers ,
-Are they that I would have thee deal upon .
-Tyrrell , I mean those bastards in the Tower .
-
-Let me have open means to come to them ,
-And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them .
-
-Thou sing'st sweet music . Hark , come hither , Tyrrell :
-Go , by this token : rise , and lend thine ear .
-
-There is no more but so : say it is done ,
-And I will love thee , and prefer thee for it .
-
-I will dispatch it straight .
-
-My lord , I have consider'd in my mind
-The late demand that you did sound me in .
-
-Well , let that rest . Dorset is fled to Richmond .
-
-I hear the news , my lord .
-
-Stanley , he is your wife's son : well , look to it .
-
-My lord , I claim the gift , my due by promise ,
-For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd ;
-The earldom of Hereford and the moveables
-Which you have promised I shall possess .
-
-Stanley , look to your wife : if she convey
-Letters to Richmond , you shall answer it .
-
-What says your highness to my just request ?
-
-I do remember me , Henry the Sixth
-Did prophesy that Richmond should be king ,
-When Richmond was a little peevish boy .
-A king ! perhaps
-
-My lord !
-
-How chance the prophet could not at that time
-Have told me , I being by , that I should kill him ?
-
-My lord , your promise for the earldom ,
-
-Richmond ! When last I was at Exeter ,
-The mayor in courtesy show'd me the castle ,
-And call'd it Rougemont : at which name I started ,
-Because a bard of Ireland told me once
-I should not live long after I saw Richmond .
-
-My lord !
-
-Ay , what's o'clock ?
-
-I am thus bold to put your Grace in mind
-Of what you promis'd me .
-
-Well , but what is't o'clock ?
-
-Upon the stroke of ten .
-
-Well , let it strike .
-
-Why let it strike ?
-
-Because that , like a Jack , thou keep'st the stroke
-Betwixt thy begging and my meditation .
-I am not in the giving vein to-day .
-
-Why , then resolve me whe'r you will , or no .
-
-Thou troublest me : I am not in the vein .
-
-
-And is it thus ? repays he my deep service
-With such contempt ? made I him king for this ?
-O , let me think on Hastings , and be gone
-To Brecknock , while my fearful head is on .
-
-
-The tyrannous and bloody act is done ;
-The most arch deed of piteous massacre
-That ever yet this land was guilty of .
-Dighton and Forrest , whom I did suborn
-To do this piece of ruthless butchery ,
-Albeit they were flesh'd villains , bloody dogs ,
-Melting with tenderness and mild compassion ,
-Wept like to children in their death's sad story .
-'Oh ! thus ,' quoth Dighton , 'lay the gentle babes :'
-'Thus , thus ,' quoth Forrest , 'girdling one another
-Within their alabaster innocent arms :
-Their lips were four red roses on a stalk ,
-Which in their summer beauty kiss'd each other .
-A book of prayers on their pillow lay ;
-Which once ,' quoth Forrest , 'almost chang'd my mind ;
-But , O , the devil' there the villain stopp'd ;
-When Dighton thus told on : 'We smothered
-The most replenished sweet work of nature ,
-That from the prime creation e'er she fram'd .'
-Hence both are gone with conscience and remorse ;
-They could not speak ; and so I left them both ,
-To bear this tidings to the bloody king :
-And here he comes .
-
-All health , my sovereign lord !
-
-Kind Tyrrell , am I happy in thy news ?
-
-If to have done the thing you gave in charge
-Beget your happiness , be happy then ,
-For it is done .
-
-But didst thou see them dead ?
-
-I did , my lord .
-
-And buried , gentle Tyrrell ?
-
-The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them ;
-But how or in what place I do not know .
-
-Come to me , Tyrrell , soon at after-supper ,
-When thou shalt tell the process of their death .
-Meantime , but think how I may do thee good ,
-And be inheritor of thy desire .
-Farewell till then .
-
-I humbly take my leave .
-
-
-The son of Clarence have I pent up close ;
-His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage ;
-The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom ,
-And Anne my wife hath bid the world good night .
-Now , for I know the Breton Richmond aims
-At young Elizabeth , my brother's daughter ,
-And , by that knot , looks proudly on the crown ,
-To her go I , a jolly thriving wooer .
-
-
-My lord !
-
-Good or bad news , that thou com'st in so bluntly ?
-
-Bad news , my lord : Morton is fled to Richmond ;
-And Buckingham , back'd with the hardy Welshmen ,
-Is in the field , and still his power increaseth .
-
-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 .
-
-
-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 ?
-
-
-Ah ! my poor princes ! ah , my tender babes ,
-My unblown flowers , new-appearing sweets ,
-If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
-And be not fix'd in doom perpetual ,
-Hover about me with your airy wings ,
-And hear your mother's lamentation .
-
-Hover about her ; say , that right for right
-Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night .
-
-So many miseries have craz'd my voice ,
-That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute .
-Edward Plantagenet , why art thou dead ?
-
-Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet ;
-Edward for Edward pays a dying debt .
-
-Wilt thou , O God ! fly from such gentle lambs ,
-And throw them in the entrails of the wolf ?
-When didst thou sleep when such a deed was done ?
-
-When holy Harry died , and my sweet son .
-
-Dead life , blind sight , poor mortal living ghost ,
-Woe's scene , world's shame , grave's due by life usurp'd ,
-Brief abstract and record of tedious days ,
-Rest thy unrest on England's lawful earth ,
-
-Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood !
-
-Ah ! that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave
-As thou canst yield a melancholy seat ;
-Then would I hide my bones , not rest them here .
-Ah ! who hath any cause to mourn but I ?
-
-
-If ancient sorrow be most reverend ,
-Give mine the benefit of seniory ,
-And let my griefs frown on the upper hand ,
-If sorrow can admit society .
-
-Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine :
-I had an Edward , till a Richard kill'd him ;
-I had a Harry , till a Richard kill'd him :
-Thou hadst an Edward , till a Richard kill'd him ;
-Thou hadst a Richard , till a Richard kill'd him .
-
-I had a Richard too , and thou didst kill him ;
-I had a Rutland too , thou holp'st to kill him .
-
-Thou hadst a Clarence too , and Richard kill'd him .
-From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
-A hellhound that doth hunt us all to death :
-That dog , that had his teeth before his eyes ,
-To worry lambs , and lap their gentle blood ,
-That foul defacer of God's handiwork ,
-That excellent grand-tyrant of the earth ,
-That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls ,
-Thy womb let loose , to chase us to our graves .
-O ! upright , just , and true-disposing God ,
-How do I thank thee that this carnal cur
-Preys on the issue of his mother's body ,
-And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan .
-
-O ! Harry's wife , triumph not in my woes :
-God witness with me , I have wept for thine .
-
-Bear with me ; I am hungry for revenge ,
-And now I cloy me with beholding it .
-Thy Edward he is dead , that kill'd my Edward ;
-Thy other Edward dead , to quit my Edward ;
-Young York he is but boot , because both they
-Match not the high perfection of my loss :
-Thy Clarence he is dead that stabb'd my Edward ;
-And the beholders of this tragic play ,
-The adulterate Hastings , Rivers , Vaughan , Grey ,
-Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves .
-Richard yet lives , hell's black intelligencer ,
-Only reserv'd their factor , to buy souls
-And send them thither ; but at hand , at hand ,
-Ensues his piteous and unpitied end :
-Earth gapes , hell burns , fiends roar , saints pray ,
-To have him suddenly convey'd from hence .
-Cancel his bond of life , dear God ! I pray ,
-That I may live to say , The dog is dead .
-
-O ! thou didst prophesy the time would come
-That I should wish for thee to help me curse
-That bottled spider , that foul bunchback'd toad .
-
-I call'd thee then vain flourish of my fortune ;
-I call'd thee then poor shadow , painted queen ;
-The presentation of but what I was ;
-The flattering index of a direful pageant ;
-One heav'd a-high to be hurl'd down below ;
-A mother only mock'd with two fair babes ;
-A dream of what thou wert , a breath , a bubble ,
-A sign of dignity , a garish flag ,
-To be the aim of every dangerous shot ;
-A queen in jest , only to fill the scene .
-Where is thy husband now ? where be thy brothers ?
-Where are thy children ? wherein dost thou joy ?
-Who sues and kneels and cries God save the queen ?
-Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee ?
-Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee ?
-Decline all this , and see what now thou art :
-For happy wife , a most distressed widow ;
-For joyful mother , one that wails the name ;
-For one being su'd to , one that humbly sues ;
-For queen , a very caitiff crown'd with care ;
-For one that scorn'd at me , now scorn'd of me ;
-For one being fear'd of all , now fearing one ;
-For one commanding all , obey'd of none .
-Thus hath the course of justice whirl'd about ,
-And left thee but a very prey to time ;
-Having no more but thought of what thou wert ,
-To torture thee the more , being what thou art .
-Thou didst usurp my place , and dost thou not
-Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow ?
-Now thy proud neck bears half my burden'd yoke ;
-From which even here , I slip my wearied head ,
-And leave the burden of it all on thee .
-Farewell , York's wife , and queen of sad mischance :
-These English woes shall make me smile in France .
-
-O thou , well skill'd in curses , stay awhile ,
-And teach me how to curse mine enemies .
-
-Forbear to sleep the night , and fast the day ;
-Compare dead happiness with living woe ;
-Think that thy babes were fairer than they were ,
-And he that slew them fouler than he is :
-Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse :
-Revolving this will teach thee how to curse .
-
-My words are dull ; O ! quicken them with thine !
-
-Thy woes will make them sharp , and pierce like mine .
-
-
-Why should calamity be full of words ?
-
-Windy attorneys to their client woes ,
-Airy succeeders of intestate joys ,
-Poor breathing orators of miseries !
-Let them have scope : though what they do impart
-Help nothing else , yet do they ease the heart .
-
-If so , then be not tongue-tied : go with me ,
-And in the breath of bitter words let's smother
-My damned son , that thy two sweet sons smother'd .
-
-The trumpet sounds : be copious in exclaims .
-
-
-Who intercepts me in my expedition ?
-
-O ! she that might have intercepted thee ,
-By strangling thee in her accursed womb ,
-From all the slaughters , wretch , that thou hast done !
-
-Hid'st thou that forehead with a golden crown ,
-Where should be branded , if that right were right ,
-The slaughter of the prince that ow'd that crown ,
-And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers ?
-Tell me , thou villain slave , where are my children ?
-
-Thou toad , thou toad , where is thy brother Clarence
-And little Ned Plantagenet , his son ?
-
-Where is the gentle Rivers , Vaughan , Grey ?
-
-Where is kind Hastings ?
-
-A flourish , trumpets ! strike alarum , drums !
-Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women
-Rail on the Lord's anointed . Strike , I say !
-
-Either be patient , and entreat me fair ,
-Or with the clamorous report of war
-Thus will I drown your exclamations .
-
-Art thou my son ?
-
-Ay ; I thank God , my father , and yourself .
-
-Then patiently hear my impatience .
-
-Madam , I have a touch of your condition ,
-That cannot brook the accent of reproof .
-
-O , let me speak !
-
-Do , then ; but I'll not hear .
-
-I will be mild and gentle in my words .
-
-And brief , good mother ; for I am in haste .
-
-Art thou so hasty ? I have stay'd for thee ,
-God knows , in torment and in agony .
-
-And came I not at last to comfort you ?
-
-No , by the holy rood , thou know'st it well ,
-Thou cam'st on earth to make the earth my hell .
-A grievous burden was thy birth to me ;
-Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy ;
-Thy school-days frightful , desperate , wild and furious ;
-Thy prime of manhood daring , bold , and venturous ;
-Thy age confirm'd , proud , subtle , sly , and bloody ,
-More mild , but yet more harmful , kind in hatred :
-What comfortable hour canst thou name
-That ever grac'd me in thy company ?
-
-Faith , none , but Humphrey Hour , that call'd your Grace
-To breakfast once forth of my company .
-If I be so disgracious in your eye ,
-Let me march on , and not offend you , madam .
-Strike up the drum !
-
-I prithee , hear me speak .
-
-You speak too bitterly .
-
-Hear me a word ;
-For I shall never speak to thee again .
-
-So !
-
-Either thou wilt die by God's just ordinance ,
-Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror ;
-Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish
-And never look upon thy face again .
-Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse ,
-Which , in the day of battle , tire thee more
-Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st !
-My prayers on the adverse party fight ;
-And there the little souls of Edward's children
-Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
-And promise them success and victory .
-Bloody thou art , bloody will be thy end ;
-Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend .
-
-
-Though far more cause , yet much less spirit to curse
-Abides in me : I say amen to her .
-
-
-Stay , madam ; I must talk a word with you .
-
-I have no moe sons of the royal blood
-For thee to slaughter : for my daughters , Richard ,
-They shall be praying nuns , not weeping queens ;
-And therefore level not to hit their lives .
-
-You have a daughter call'd Elizabeth ,
-Virtuous and fair , royal and gracious .
-
-And must she die for this ? O ! let her live ,
-And I'll corrupt her manners , stain her beauty ;
-Slander myself as false to Edward's bed ;
-Throw over her the veil of infamy :
-So she may live unscarr'd of bleeding slaughter ,
-I will confess she was not Edward's daughter .
-
-Wrong not her birth ; she is of royal blood .
-
-To save her life , I'll say she is not so .
-
-Her life is safest only in her birth .
-
-And only in that safety died her brothers .
-
-Lo ! at their births good stars were opposite !
-
-No , to their lives ill friends were contrary .
-
-All unavoided is the doom of destiny .
-
-True , when avoided grace makes destiny .
-My babes were destin'd to a fairer death ,
-If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life .
-
-You speak as if that I had slain my cousins .
-
-Cousins , indeed ; and by their uncle cozen'd
-Of comfort , kingdom , kindred , freedom , life .
-Whose hands soever lanc'd their tender hearts
-Thy head , all indirectly , gave direction :
-No doubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt
-Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart ,
-To revel in the entrails of my lambs .
-But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame ,
-My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
-Till that my nails were anchor'd in thine eyes ;
-And I , in such a desperate bay of death ,
-Like a poor bark , of sails and tackling reft ,
-Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom .
-
-Madam , so thrive I in my enterprise
-And dangerous success of bloody wars ,
-As I intend more good to you and yours
-Than ever you or yours by me were harm'd .
-
-What good is cover'd with the face of heaven ,
-To be discover'd , that can do me good ?
-
-The advancement of your children , gentle lady .
-
-Up to some scaffold , there to lose their heads ?
-
-No , to the dignity and height of fortune ,
-The high imperial type of this earth's glory .
-
-Flatter my sorrow with report of it :
-Tell me what state , what dignity , what honour ,
-Canst thou demise to any child of mine ?
-
-Even all I have ; ay , and myself and all ,
-Will I withal endow a child of thine ;
-So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
-Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
-Which thou supposest I have done to thee .
-
-Be brief , lest that the process of thy kindness
-Last longer telling than thy kindness' date .
-
-Then know , that from my soul I love thy daughter .
-
-My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul .
-
-What do you think ?
-
-That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul :
-So from thy soul's love didst thou love her brothers ;
-And from my heart's love I do thank thee for it .
-
-Be not too hasty to confound my meaning :
-I mean , that with my soul I love thy daughter ,
-And do intend to make her Queen of England .
-
-Well then , who dost thou mean shall be her king ?
-
-Even he that makes her queen : who else should be ?
-
-What ! thou ?
-
-Even so : what think you of it ?
-
-How canst thou woo her ?
-
-That I would learn of you ,
-As one being best acquainted with her humour .
-
-And wilt thou learn of me ?
-
-Madam , with all my heart .
-
-Send to her , by the man that slew her brothers ,
-A pair of bleeding hearts ; thereon engrave
-Edward and York ; then haply will she weep :
-Therefore present to her , as sometime Margaret
-Did to thy father , steep'd in Rutland's blood ,
-A handkerchief , which , say to her , did drain
-The purple sap from her sweet brother's body ,
-And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal .
-If this inducement move her not to love ,
-Send her a letter of thy noble deeds ;
-Tell her thou mad'st away her uncle Clarence ,
-Her uncle Rivers ; ay , and for her sake ,
-Mad'st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne .
-
-You mock me , madam ; this is not the way
-To win your daughter .
-
-There is no other way
-Unless thou couldst put on some other shape ,
-And not be Richard that hath done all this .
-
-Say , that I did all this for love of her ?
-
-Nay , then indeed , she cannot choose but hate thee ,
-Having bought love with such a bloody spoil .
-
-Look , what is done cannot be now amended :
-Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes ,
-Which after-hours give leisure to repent .
-If I did take the kingdom from your sons ,
-To make amends I'll give it to your daughter .
-If I have kill'd the issue of your womb ,
-To quicken your increase , I will beget
-Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter :
-A grandam's name is little less in love
-Than is the doting title of a mother ;
-They are as children but one step below ,
-Even of your mettle , of your very blood ;
-Of all one pain , save for a night of groans
-Endur'd of her for whom you bid like sorrow .
-Your children were vexation to your youth ,
-But mine shall be a comfort to your age .
-The loss you have is but a son being king ,
-And by that loss your daughter is made queen .
-I cannot make you what amends I would ,
-Therefore accept such kindness as I can .
-Dorset your son , that with a fearful soul
-Leads discontented steps in foreign soil ,
-This fair alliance quickly shall call home
-To high promotions and great dignity :
-The king that calls your beauteous daughter wife ,
-Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother ;
-Again shall you be mother to a king ,
-And all the ruins of distressful times
-Repair'd with double riches of content .
-What ! we have many goodly days to see :
-The liquid drops of tears that you have shed
-Shall come again , transform'd to orient pearl ,
-Advantaging their loan with interest
-Of ten times double gain of happiness .
-Go then , my mother ; to thy daughter go :
-Make bold her bashful years with your experience ;
-Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale ;
-Put in her tender heart the aspiring flame
-Of golden sovereignty ; acquaint the princess
-With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys :
-And when this arm of mine hath chastised
-The petty rebel , dull-brain'd Buckingham ,
-Bound with triumphant garlands will I come ,
-And lead thy daughter to a conqueror's bed ;
-To whom I will retail my conquest won ,
-And she shall be sole victress , C sar's C sar .
-
-What were I best to say ? her father's brother
-Would be her lord ? Or shall I say , her uncle ?
-Or , he that slew her brothers and her uncles ?
-Under what title shall I woo for thee ,
-That God , the law , my honour , and her love
-Can make seem pleasing to her tender years ?
-
-Infer fair England's peace by this alliance .
-
-Which she shall purchase with still lasting war .
-
-Tell her , the king , that may command , entreats .
-
-That at her hands which the king's King forbids .
-
-Say , she shall be a high and mighty queen .
-
-To wail the title , as her mother doth .
-
-Say , I will love her everlastingly .
-
-But how long shall that title 'ever' last ?
-
-Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end .
-
-But how long fairly shall her sweet life last ?
-
-As long as heaven and nature lengthens it .
-
-As long as hell and Richard likes of it .
-
-Say , I , her sovereign , am her subject low .
-
-But she , your subject , loathes such sovereignty .
-
-Be eloquent in my behalf to her .
-
-An honest tale speeds best being plainly told .
-
-Then plainly to her tell my loving tale .
-
-Plain and not honest is too harsh a style .
-
-Your reasons are too shallow and too quick .
-
-O , no ! my reasons are too deep and dead ;
-Too deep and dead , poor infants , in their graves .
-
-Harp not on that string , madam ; that is past .
-
-Harp on it still shall I till heart-strings break .
-
-Now , by my George , my garter , and my crown ,
-
-Profan'd , dishonour'd , and the third usurp'd .
-
-I swear ,
-
-By nothing ; for this is no oath .
-Thy George , profan'd , hath lost his holy honour ;
-Thy garter , blemish'd , pawn'd his knightly virtue ;
-Thy crown , usurp'd , disgrac'd his kingly glory .
-If something thou wouldst swear to be believ'd ,
-Swear , then , by something that thou hast not wrong'd .
-
-Now , by the world ,
-
-'Tis full of thy foul wrongs .
-
-My father's death ,
-
-Thy life hath that dishonour'd .
-
-Then , by myself ,
-
-Thyself is self-misus'd .
-
-Why , then , by God ,
-
-God's wrong is most of all .
-If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by him ,
-The unity the king my husband made
-Had not been broken , nor my brothers died :
-If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by him ,
-The imperial metal , circling now thy head ,
-Had grac'd the tender temples of my child ,
-And both the princes had been breathing here ,
-Which now , too tender bed-fellows for dust ,
-Thy broken faith hath made a prey for worms .
-What canst thou swear by now ?
-
-The time to come .
-
-That thou hast wronged in the time o'erpast ;
-For I myself have many tears to wash
-Hereafter time for time past wrong'd by thee .
-The children live , whose parents thou hast slaughter'd ,
-Ungovern'd youth , to wail it in their age :
-The parents live , whose children thou hast butcher'd ,
-Old barren plants , to wail it with their age .
-Swear not by time to come ; for that thou hast
-Misus'd ere us'd , by times ill-us'd o'erpast .
-
-As I intend to prosper , and repent ,
-So thrive I in my dangerous affairs
-Of hostile arms ! myself myself confound !
-Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours !
-Day , yield me not thy light ; nor , night , thy rest !
-Be opposite all planets of good luck
-To my proceeding , if , with pure heart's love ,
-Immaculate devotion , holy thoughts ,
-I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter !
-In her consists my happiness and thine ;
-Without her , follows to myself , and thee ,
-Herself , the land , and many a Christian soul ,
-Death , desolation , ruin , and decay :
-It cannot be avoided but by this ;
-It will not be avoided but by this .
-Therefore , dear mother ,I must call you so ,
-Be the attorney of my love to her :
-Plead what I will be , not what I have been ;
-Not my deserts , but what I will deserve :
-Urge the necessity and state of times ,
-And be not peevish-fond in great designs .
-
-Shall I be tempted of the devil thus ?
-
-Ay , if the devil tempt thee to do good .
-
-Shall I forget myself to be myself ?
-
-Ay , if your self's remembrance wrong yourself .
-
-Yet thou didst kill my children .
-
-But in your daughter's womb I bury them :
-Where , in that nest of spicery , they shall breed
-Selves of themselves , to your recomforture .
-
-Shall I go win my daughter to thy will ?
-
-And be a happy mother by the deed .
-
-I go . Write to me very shortly ,
-And you shall understand from me her mind .
-
-Bear her my true love's kiss ; and so farewell .
-
-Relenting fool , and shallow changing woman !
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-Most mighty sovereign , on the western coast
-Rideth a puissant navy ; to the shores
-Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends ,
-Unarm'd , and unresolv'd to beat them back .
-'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral ;
-And there they hull , expecting but the aid
-Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore .
-
-Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of Norfolk :
-Ratcliff , thyself , or Catesby ; where is he ?
-
-Here , my good lord .
-
-Catesby , fly to the duke .
-
-I will , my lord , with all convenient haste .
-
-Ratcliff , come hither . Post to Salisbury :
-When thou com'st thither ,
-
-Dull , unmindful villain ,
-Why stay'st thou here , and go'st not to the duke ?
-
-First , mighty liege , tell me your highness' pleasure ,
-What from your Grace I shall deliver to him .
-
-O ! true , good Catesby : bid him levy straight
-The greatest strength and power he can make ,
-And meet me suddenly at Salisbury .
-
-I go .
-
-
-What , may it please you , shall I do at Salisbury ?
-
-Why , what wouldst thou do there before I go ?
-
-Your highness told me I should post before .
-
-
-My mind is chang'd . Stanley , what news with you ?
-
-None good , my liege , to please you with the hearing ;
-Nor none so bad but well may be reported .
-
-Hoyday , a riddle ! neither good nor bad !
-What need'st thou run so many miles about ,
-When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way ?
-Once more , what news ?
-
-Richmond is on the seas .
-
-There let him sink , and be the seas on him !
-White-liver'd runagate ! what doth he there ?
-
-I know not , mighty sovereign , but by guess .
-
-Well , as you guess ?
-
-Stirr'd up by Dorset , Buckingham , and Morton ,
-He makes for England , here to claim the crown .
-
-Is the chair empty ? is the sword unsway'd ?
-Is the king dead ? the empire unpossess'd ?
-What heir of York is there alive but we ?
-And who is England's king but great York's heir ?
-Then , tell me , what makes he upon the seas ?
-
-Unless for that , my liege , I cannot guess .
-
-Unless for that he comes to be your liege ,
-You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes .
-Thou wilt revolt and fly to him I fear .
-
-No , my good lord ; therefore mistrust me not .
-
-Where is thy power then to beat him back ?
-Where be thy tenants and thy followers ?
-Are they not now upon the western shore ,
-Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships ?
-
-No , my good lord , my friends are in the north .
-
-Cold friends to me : what do they in the north
-When they should serve their sovereign in the west ?
-
-They have not been commanded , mighty king :
-Pleaseth your majesty to give me leave ,
-I'll muster up my friends , and meet your Grace ,
-Where and what time your majesty shall please .
-
-Ay , ay , thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond :
-But I'll not trust thee .
-
-Most mighty sovereign ,
-You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful .
-I never was nor never will be false .
-
-Go then and muster men : but leave behind
-Your son , George Stanley : look your heart be firm ,
-Or else his head's assurance is but frail .
-
-So deal with him as I prove true to you .
-
-My gracious sovereign , now in Devonshire ,
-As I by friends am well advertised ,
-Sir Edward Courtney , and the haughty prelate ,
-Bishop of Exeter , his brother there ,
-With many moe confederates are in arms .
-
-
-In Kent , my liege , the Guildfords are in arms ;
-And every hour more competitors
-Flock to the rebels , and their power grows strong .
-
-
-My lord , the army of great Buckingham
-
-Out on ye , owls ! nothing but songs of death ?
-
-There , take thou that , till thou bring better news .
-
-The news I have to tell your majesty
-Is , that by sudden floods and fall of waters ,
-Buckingham's army is dispers'd and scatter'd ;
-And he himself wander'd away alone ,
-No man knows whither .
-
-I cry thee mercy :
-There is my purse , to cure that blow of thine .
-Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd
-Reward to him that brings the traitor in ?
-
-Such proclamation hath been made , my liege .
-
-
-Sir Thomas Lovel , and Lord Marquess Dorset ,
-'Tis said , my liege , in Yorkshire are in arms :
-But this good comfort bring I to your highness ,
-The Breton navy is dispers'd by tempest .
-Richmond , in Dorsetshire , sent out a boat
-Unto the shore to ask those on the banks
-If they were his assistants , yea or no ;
-Who answer'd him , they came from Buckingham
-Upon his party : he , mistrusting them ,
-Hois'd sail , and made away for Brittany .
-
-March on , march on , since we are up in arms ;
-If not to fight with foreign enemies ,
-Yet to beat down these rebels here at home .
-
-
-My liege , the Duke of Buckingham is taken ,
-That is the best news : that the Earl of Richmond
-Is with a mighty power landed at Milford
-Is colder news , but yet they must be told .
-
-Away towards Salisbury ! while we reason here ,
-A royal battle might be won and lost .
-Some one take order Buckingham be brought
-To Salisbury ; the rest march on with me .
-
-
-Sir Christopher , tell Richmond this from me :
-That in the sty of this most bloody boar
-My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold :
-If I revolt , off goes young George's head ;
-The fear of that holds off my present aid .
-So , get thee gone : commend me to thy lord .
-Withal , say that the queen hath heartily consented
-He should espouse Elizabeth her daughter .
-But , tell me , where is princely Richmond now ?
-
-At Pembroke , or at Ha'rford-west , in Wales .
-
-What men of name resort to him ?
-
-Sir Walter Herbert , a renowned soldier ,
-Sir Gilbert Talbot , Sir William Stanley ,
-Oxford , redoubted Pembroke , Sir James Blunt ,
-And Rice ap Thomas , with a valiant crew ;
-And many other of great name and worth :
-And towards London do they bend their power ,
-If by the way they be not fought withal .
-
-Well , hie thee to thy lord ; I kiss his hand :
-My letter will resolve him of my mind .
-Farewell .
-
-Will not King Richard let me speak with him ?
-
-No , my good lord ; therefore be patient .
-
-Hastings , and Edward's children , Grey and Rivers ,
-Holy King Henry , and thy fair son Edward ,
-Vaughan , and all that have miscarried
-By underhand corrupted foul injustice ,
-If that your moody discontented souls
-Do through the clouds behold this present hour ,
-Even for revenge mock my destruction !
-This is All-Souls' day , fellows , is it not ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-Why , then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday .
-This is the day that , in King Edward's time ,
-I wish'd might fall on me , when I was found
-False to his children or his wife's allies ;
-This is the day wherein I wish'd to fall
-By the false faith of him whom most I trusted ;
-This , this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul
-Is the determin'd respite of my wrongs .
-That high All-Seer which I dallied with
-Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head ,
-And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest .
-Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men
-To turn their own points on their masters' bosoms :
-Thus Margaret's curse falls heavy on my neck :
-'When he ,' quoth she , 'shall split thy heart with sorrow ,
-Remember Margaret was a prophetess .'
-Come , lead me , officers , to the block of shame :
-Wrong hath but wrong , and blame the due of blame .
-
-Fellows in arms , and my most loving friends ,
-Bruis'd underneath the yoke of tyranny ,
-Thus far into the bowels of the land
-Have we march'd on without impediment :
-And here receive we from our father Stanley
-Lines of fair comfort and encouragement .
-The wretched , bloody , and usurping boar ,
-That spoil'd your summer fields and fruitful vines ,
-Swills your warm blood like wash , and makes his trough
-In your embowell'd bosoms , this foul swine
-Is now even in the centre of this isle ,
-Near to the town of Leicester , as we learn :
-From Tamworth thither is but one day's march .
-In God's name , cheerly on , courageous friends ,
-To reap the harvest of perpetual peace
-By this one bloody trial of sharp war .
-
-Every man's conscience is a thousand men ,
-To fight against this guilty homicide .
-
-I doubt not but his friends will turn to us .
-
-He hath no friends but what are friends for fear ,
-Which in his dearest need will fly from him .
-
-All for our vantage : then , in God's name , march :
-True hope is swift , and flies with swallow's wings ;
-Kings it makes gods , and meaner creatures kings .
-
-
-Here pitch our tent , even here in Bosworth field .
-My Lord of Surrey , why look you so sad ?
-
-My heart is ten times lighter than my looks .
-
-My Lord of Norfolk ,
-
-Here , most gracious liege .
-
-Norfolk , we must have knocks ; ha ! must we not ?
-
-We must both give and take , my loving lord .
-
-Up with my tent ! here will I lie to-night ;
-
-But where to-morrow ? Well , all's one for that .
-Who hath descried the number of the traitors ?
-
-Six or seven thousand is their utmost power .
-
-Why , our battalia trebles that account ;
-Besides , the king's name is a tower of strength ,
-Which they upon the adverse faction want .
-Up with the tent ! Come , noble gentlemen ,
-Let us survey the vantage of the ground ;
-Call for some men of sound direction :
-Let's lack no discipline , make no delay ;
-For , lords , to-morrow is a busy day .
-
-
-The weary sun hath made a golden set ,
-And , by the bright track of his fiery car ,
-Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow .
-Sir William Brandon , you shall bear my standard .
-Give me some ink and paper in my tent :
-I'll draw the form and model of our battle ,
-Limit each leader to his several charge ,
-And part in just proportion our small power .
-My Lord of Oxford , you , Sir William Brandon ,
-And you , Sir Walter Herbert , stay with me .
-The Earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment :
-Good Captain Blunt , bear my good-night to him ,
-And by the second hour in the morning
-Desire the earl to see me in my tent .
-Yet one thing more , good captain , do for me ;
-Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd , do you know ?
-
-Unless I have mista'en his colours much ,
-Which , well I am assur'd , I have not done ,
-His regiment lies half a mile at least
-South from the mighty power of the king .
-
-If without peril it be possible ,
-Good Captain Blunt , bear my good-night to him ,
-And give him from me this most needful note .
-
-Upon my life , my lord , I'll undertake it ;
-And so , God give you quiet rest to-night !
-
-Good-night , good Captain Blunt . Come , gentlemen ,
-Let us consult upon to-morrow's business ;
-In to my tent , the air is raw and cold .
-
-What is 't o'clock ?
-
-It's supper-time , my lord ;
-It's nine o'clock .
-
-I will not sup to-night .
-Give me some ink and paper .
-What , is my beaver easier than it was ,
-And all my armour laid into my tent ?
-
-It is , my liege ; and all things are in readiness .
-
-Good Norfolk , hie thee to thy charge ;
-Use careful watch ; choose trusty sentinels .
-
-I go , my lord .
-
-Stir with the lark to-morrow , gentle Norfolk .
-
-I warrant you , my lord .
-
-
-Ratcliff !
-
-My lord ?
-
-Send out a pursuivant at arms
-To Stanley's regiment ; bid him bring his power
-Before sun-rising , lest his son George fall
-Into the blind cave of eternal night .
-Fill me a bowl of wine . Give me a watch .
-Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow .
-Look that my staves be sound , and not too heavy .
-Ratcliff !
-
-My lord !
-
-Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland ?
-
-Thomas the Earl of Surrey , and himself ,
-Much about cock-shut time , from troop to troop
-Went through the army , cheering up the soldiers .
-
-So , I am satisfied . Give me a bowl of wine :
-I have not that alacrity of spirit ,
-Nor cheer of mind , that I was wont to have .
-Set it down . Is ink and paper ready ?
-
-It is , my lord .
-
-Bid my guard watch ; leave me .
-Ratcliff , about the mid of night come to my tent
-And help to arm me . Leave me , I say .
-
-
-Fortune and victory sit on thy helm !
-
-All comfort that the dark night can afford
-Be to thy person , noble father-in-law !
-Tell me , how fares our loving mother ?
-
-I , by attorney , bless thee from thy mother ,
-Who prays continually for Richmond's good :
-So much for that . The silent hours steal on ,
-And flaky darkness breaks within the east .
-In brief , for so the season bids us be ,
-Prepare thy battle early in the morning ,
-And put thy fortune to the arbitrement
-Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war .
-I , as I may ,that which I would I cannot ,
-With best advantage will deceive the time ,
-And aid thee in this doubtful shock of arms :
-But on thy side I may not be too forward ,
-Lest , being seen , thy brother , tender George ,
-Be executed in his father's sight .
-Farewell : the leisure and the fearful time
-Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love
-And ample interchange of sweet discourse ,
-Which so long sunder'd friends should dwell upon :
-God give us leisure for these rites of love !
-Once more , adieu : be valiant , and speed well !
-
-Good lords , conduct him to his regiment .
-I'll strive , with troubled thoughts , to take a nap ,
-Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow ,
-When I should mount with wings of victory .
-Once more , good-night , kind lords and gentlemen .
-
-O ! thou , whose captain I account myself ,
-Look on my forces with a gracious eye ;
-Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath ,
-That they may crush down with a heavy fall
-The usurping helmets of our adversaries !
-Make us thy ministers of chastisement ,
-That we may praise thee in thy victory !
-To thee I do commend my watchful soul ,
-Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes :
-Sleeping and waking , O ! defend me still !
-
-Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow !
-Think how thou stab'dst me in my prime of youth
-At Tewksbury : despair , therefore , and die !
-Be cheerful , Richmond ; for the wronged souls
-Of butcher'd princes fight in thy behalf :
-King Henry's issue , Richmond , comforts thee .
-
-
-When I was mortal , my anointed body
-By thee was punched full of deadly holes :
-Think on the Tower and me ; despair and die !
-Henry the Sixth bids thee despair and die .
-
-
-Virtuous and holy , be thou conqueror !
-Harry , that prophesied thou shouldst be the king ,
-Doth comfort thee in thy sleep : live thou and flourish !
-
-
-Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow !
-I , that was wash'd to death with fulsome wine ,
-Poor Clarence , by thy guile betray'd to death !
-To-morrow in the battle think on me ,
-And fall thy edgeless sword : despair , and die !
-
-
-Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster ,
-The wronged heirs of York do pray for thee :
-Good angels guard thy battle ! live , and flourish !
-
-
-Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow !
-Rivers , that died at Pomfret ! despair , and die !
-
-Think upon Grey , and let thy soul despair .
-
-Think upon Vaughan , and with guilty fear
-Let fall thy pointless lance : despair , and die !
-
-Awake ! and think our wrongs in Richard's bosom
-Will conquer him : awake , and win the day !
-
-
-Bloody and guilty , guiltily awake ;
-And in a bloody battle end thy days !
-Think on Lord Hastings , so despair , and die !
-
-
-Quiet , untroubled soul , awake , awake !
-Arm , fight , and conquer , for fair England's sake !
-
-
-Dream on thy cousins smother'd in the Tower :
-Let us be lead within thy bosom , Richard ,
-And weigh thee down to ruin , shame , and death !
-Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair , and die !
-
-
-Sleep , Richmond , sleep in peace , and wake in joy ;
-Good angels guard thee from the boar's annoy !
-Live , and beget a happy race of kings !
-Edward's unhappy sons do bid thee flourish .
-
-
-Richard , thy wife , that wretched Anne thy wife ,
-That never slept a quiet hour with thee ,
-Now fills thy sleep with perturbations :
-To-morrow in the battle think on me ,
-And fall thy edgeless sword : despair , and die !
-
-
-Thou quiet soul , sleep thou a quiet sleep ;
-Dream of success and happy victory !
-Thy adversary's wife doth pray for thee .
-
-
-The first was I that help'd thee to the crown ;
-The last was I that felt thy tyranny .
-O ! in the battle think on Buckingham ,
-And die in terror of thy guiltiness !
-Dream on , dream on , of bloody deeds and death :
-Fainting , despair ; despairing , yield thy breath !
-
-
-I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid :
-But cheer thy heart , and be thou not dismay'd :
-God and good angels fight on Richmond's side ;
-And Richard falls in height of all his pride .
-
-
-Give me another horse ! bind up my wounds !
-Have mercy , Jesu ! Soft ! I did but dream .
-O coward conscience , how dost thou afflict me !
-The lights burn blue . It is now dead midnight .
-Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh .
-What ! do I fear myself ? there's none else by :
-Richard loves Richard , that is , I am I .
-Is there a murderer here ? No . Yes , I am :
-Then fly : what ! from myself ? Great reason why :
-Lest I revenge . What ! myself upon myself ?
-Alack ! I love myself . Wherefore ? for any good
-That I myself have done unto myself ?
-O ! no : alas ! I rather hate myself
-For hateful deeds committed by myself .
-I am a villain . Yet I lie ; I am not .
-Fool , of thyself speak well : fool , do not flatter .
-My conscience hath a thousand several tongues ,
-And every tongue brings in a several tale ,
-And every tale condemns me for a villain .
-Perjury , perjury , in the high'st degree :
-Murder , stern murder , in the dir'st degree ;
-All several sins , all us'd in each degree ,
-Throng to the bar , crying all , 'Guilty ! guilty !'
-I shall despair . There is no creature loves me ;
-And if I die , no soul will pity me :
-Nay , wherefore should they , since that I myself
-Find in myself no pity to myself ?
-Methought the souls of all that I had murder'd
-Came to my tent ; and every one did threat
-To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard .
-
-
-My lord !
-
-'Zounds ! who's there ?
-
-Ratcliff , my lord ; 'tis I . The early village cock
-Hath twice done salutation to the morn ;
-Your friends are up , and buckle on their armour .
-
-O Ratcliff ! I have dream'd a fearful dream .
-What thinkest thou , will our friends prove all true ?
-
-No doubt , my lord .
-
-O Ratcliff ! I fear , I fear ,
-
-Nay , good my lord , be not afraid of shadows .
-
-By the apostle Paul , shadows to-night
-Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
-Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
-Armed in proof , and led by shallow Richmond .
-It is not yet near day . Come , go with me ;
-Under our tents I'll play the eaves-dropper ,
-To hear if any mean to shrink from me .
-
-Good morrow , Richmond !
-
-Cry mercy , lords , and watchful gentlemen ,
-That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here .
-
-How have you slept , my lord ?
-
-The sweetest sleep , the fairest-boding dreams
-That ever enter'd in a drowsy head ,
-Have I since your departure had , my lords .
-Methought their souls , whose bodies Richard murder'd ,
-Came to my tent and cried on victory :
-I promise you , my heart is very jocund
-In the remembrance of so fair a dream .
-How far into the morning is it , lords ?
-
-Upon the stroke of four .
-
-Why , then 'tis time to arm and give direction .
-His oration to his Soldiers .
-More than I have said , loving countrymen ,
-The leisure and enforcement of the time
-Forbids to dwell on : yet remember this ,
-God and our good cause fight upon our side ;
-The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls ,
-Like high-rear'd bulwarks , stand before our faces ;
-Richard except , those whom we fight against
-Had rather have us win than him they follow .
-For what is he they follow ? truly , gentlemen ,
-A bloody tyrant and a homicide ;
-One rais'd in blood , and one in blood establish'd ;
-One that made means to come by what he hath ,
-And slaughter'd those that were the means to help him ;
-A base foul stone , made precious by the foil
-Of England's chair , where he is falsely set ;
-One that hath ever been God's enemy .
-Then , if you fight against God's enemy ,
-God will in justice , ward you as his soldiers ;
-If you do sweat to put a tyrant down ,
-You sleep in peace , the tyrant being slain ;
-If you do fight against your country's foes ,
-Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire ;
-If you do fight in safeguard of your wives ,
-Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors ;
-If you do free your children from the sword ,
-Your children's children quit it in your age .
-Then , in the name of God and all these rights ,
-Advance your standards , draw your willing swords .
-For me , the ransom of my bold attempt
-Shall be this cold corse on the earth's cold face ;
-But if I thrive , the gain of my attempt
-The least of your shall share his part thereof .
-Sound drums and trumpets , boldly and cheerfully ;
-God and Saint George ! Richmond and victory !
-
-What said Northumberland as touching Richmond ?
-
-That he was never trained up in arms .
-
-He said the truth : and what said Surrey then ?
-
-He smil'd , and said , 'The better for our purpose .'
-
-He was i' the right ; and so , indeed , it is .
-
-Tell the clock there . Give me a calendar .
-Who saw the sun to-day ?
-
-Not I , my lord .
-
-Then he disdains to shine ; for by the book
-He should have brav'd the east an hour ago :
-A black day will it be to somebody .
-Ratcliff !
-
-My lord ?
-
-The sun will not be seen to-day ;
-The sky doth frown and lower upon our army .
-I would these dewy tears were from the ground .
-Not shine to-day ! Why , what is that to me
-More than to Richmond ? for the self-same heaven
-That frowns on me looks sadly upon him .
-
-
-Arm , arm , my lord ! the foe vaunts in the field .
-
-Come , bustle , bustle ; caparison my horse .
-Call up Lord Stanley , bid him bring his power :
-I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain ,
-And thus my battle shall be ordered :
-My foreward shall be drawn out all in length
-Consisting equally of horse and foot ;
-Our archers shall be placed in the midst :
-John Duke of Norfolk , Thomas Earl of Surrey ,
-Shall have the leading of this foot and horse .
-They thus directed , we will follow
-In the main battle , whose puissance on either side
-Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse .
-This , and Saint George to boot ! What think'st thou , Norfolk ?
-
-A good direction , war-like sovereign .
-This found I on my tent this morning .
-
-
-Jockey of Norfolk , be not too bold ,
-For Dickon thy master is bought and sold .
-A thing devised by the enemy .
-Go , gentlemen ; every man to his charge :
-Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls ;
-Conscience is but a word that cowards use ,
-Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe :
-Our strong arms be our conscience , swords our law .
-March on , join bravely , let us to 't pell-mell ;
-If not to heaven , then hand in hand to hell .
-His oration to his Army .
-What shall I say more than I have inferr'd ?
-Remember whom you are to cope withal :
-A sort of vagabonds , rascals , and run-aways ,
-A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants ,
-Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth
-To desperate adventures and assur'd destruction .
-You sleeping safe , they bring you to unrest ;
-You having lands , and bless'd with beauteous wives ,
-They would restrain the one , distain the other .
-And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow ,
-Long kept in Britaine at our mother's cost ?
-A milksop , one that never in his life
-Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow ?
-Let's whip these stragglers o'er the sea again ;
-Lash hence these overweening rags of France ,
-These famish'd beggars , weary of their lives ;
-Who , but for dreaming on this fond exploit ,
-For want of means , poor rats , had hang'd themselves :
-If we be conquer'd , let men conquer us ,
-And not these bastard Bretons ; whom our fathers
-Have in their own land beaten , bobb'd , and thump'd ,
-And , on record , left them the heirs of shame .
-Shall these enjoy our lands ? lie with our wives ?
-Ravish our daughters ?
-
-Hark ! I hear their drum .
-Fight , gentlemen of England ! fight , bold yeomen !
-Draw , archers , draw your arrows to the head !
-Spur your proud horses hard , and ride in blood ;
-Amaze the welkin with your broken staves !
-
-What says Lord Stanley ? will he bring his power ?
-
-My lord , he doth deny to come .
-
-Off with his son George's head !
-
-My lord , the enemy is pass'd the marsh :
-After the battle let George Stanley die .
-
-A thousand hearts are great within my bosom :
-Advance our standards ! set upon our foes !
-Our ancient word of courage , fair Saint George ,
-Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons !
-Upon them ! Victory sits upon our helms .
-
-
-Rescue , my Lord of Norfolk ! rescue , rescue !
-The king enacts more wonders than a man ,
-Daring an opposite to every danger :
-His horse is slain , and all on foot he fights ,
-Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death .
-Rescue , fair lord , or else the day is lost !
-
-
-A horse ! a horse ! my kingdom for a horse !
-
-Withdraw , my lord ; I'll help you to a horse .
-
-Slave ! I have set my life upon a cast ,
-And I will stand the hazard of the die .
-I think there be six Richmonds in the field ;
-Five have I slain to-day , instead of him .
-A horse ! a horse ! my kingdom for a horse !
-
-God and your arms be prais'd , victorious friends ;
-The day is ours , the bloody dog is dead .
-
-Courageous Richmond , well hast thou acquit thee !
-Lo ! here , this long-usurped royalty
-From the dead temples of this bloody wretch
-Have I pluck'd off , to grace thy brows withal :
-Wear it , enjoy it , and make much of it .
-
-Great God of heaven , say amen to all !
-But , tell me , is young George Stanley living ?
-
-He is , my lord , and safe in Leicester town ;
-Whither , if you please , we may withdraw us .
-
-What men of name are slain on either side ?
-
-John Duke of Norfolk , Walter Lord Ferrers ,
-Sir Robert Brakenbury , and Sir William Brandon .
-
-Inter their bodies as becomes their births :
-Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fied
-That in submission will return to us ;
-And then , as we have ta'en the sacrament ,
-We will unite the white rose and the red :
-Smile , heaven , upon this fair conjunction ,
-That long hath frown'd upon their enmity !
-What traitor hears me , and says not amen ?
-England hath long been mad , and scarr'd herself ;
-The brother blindly shed the brother's blood ,
-The father rashly slaughter'd his own son ,
-The son , compell'd , been butcher to the sire :
-All this divided York and Lancaster ,
-Divided in their dire division ,
-O ! now , let Richmond and Elizabeth ,
-The true succeeders of each royal house ,
-By God's fair ordinance conjoin together ;
-And let their heirs God , if thy will be so ,
-Enrich the time to come with smooth-fac'd peace ,
-With smiling plenty , and fair prosperous days !
-Abate the edge of traitors , gracious Lord ,
-That would reduce these bloody days again ,
-And make poor England weep in streams of blood !
-Let them not live to taste this land's increase ,
-That would with treason wound this fair land's peace !
-Now civil wounds are stopp'd , peace lives again :
-That she may long live here , God say amen !
-
-ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA
-
-Nay , but this dotage of our general's
-O'erflows the measure ; those his goodly eyes ,
-That o'er the files and musters of the war
-Have glow'd like plated Mars , now bend , now turn
-The office and devotion of their view
-Upon a tawny front ; his captain's heart ,
-Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
-The buckles on his breast , reneges all temper ,
-And is become the bellows and the fan
-To cool a gipsy's lust . Look ! where they come .
-
-
-Take but good note , and you shall see in him
-The triple pillar of the world transform'd
-
-Into a strumpet's fool ; behold and see .
-
-If it be love indeed , tell me how much .
-
-There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd .
-
-I'll set a bourn how far to be belov'd .
-
-Then must thou needs find out new heaven , new earth .
-
-
-News , my good lord , from Rome .
-
-Grates me ; the sum .
-
-Nay , hear them , Antony :
-Fulvia , perchance , is angry ; or , who knows
-If the scarce-bearded C sar have not sent
-His powerful mandate to you , 'Do this , or this ;
-Take in that kingdom , and enfranchise that ;
-Perform 't , or else we damn thee .'
-
-How , my love !
-
-Perchance ! nay , and most like ;
-You must not stay here longer ; your dismission
-Is come from C sar ; therefore hear it , Antony .
-Where's Fulvia's process ? C sar's I would say ? both ?
-Call in the messengers . As I am Egypt's queen ,
-Thou blushest , Antony , and that blood of thine
-Is C sar's homager ; else so thy cheek pays shame
-When shrill-tongu'd Fulvia scolds . The messengers !
-
-Let Rome in Tiber melt , and the wide arch
-Of the rang'd empire fall ! Here is my space .
-Kingdoms are clay ; our dungy earth alike
-Feeds beast as man ; the nobleness of life
-Is to do thus ; when such a mutual pair
-
-And such a twain can do 't , in which I bind ,
-On pain of punishment , the world to weet
-We stand up peerless .
-
-Excellent falsehood !
-Why did he marry Fulvia and not love her ?
-I'll seem the fool I am not ; Antony
-Will be himself .
-
-But stirr'd by Cleopatra .
-Now , for the love of Love and her soft hours ,
-Let's not confound the time with conference harsh :
-There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
-Without some pleasure now . What sport to-night ?
-
-Hear the ambassadors .
-
-Fie , wrangling queen !
-Whom every thing becomes , to chide , to laugh ,
-To weep ; whose every passion fully strives
-To make itself , in thee , fair and admir'd .
-No messenger , but thine ; and all alone ,
-To-night we'll wander through the streets and note
-The qualities of people . Come , my queen ;
-Last night you did desire it : speak not to us .
-
-
-Is C sar with Antonius priz'd so slight ?
-
-Sir , sometimes , when he is not Antony ,
-He comes too short of that great property
-Which still should go with Antony .
-
-I am full sorry
-That he approves the common liar , who
-Thus speaks of him at Rome ; but I will hope
-Of better deeds to-morrow . Rest you happy !
-
-
-Lord Alexas , sweet Alexas , most any thing Alexas , almost most absolute Alexas , where's the soothsayer that you praised so to the queen ? O ! that I knew this husband , which , you say , must charge his horns with garlands .
-
-Soothsayer !
-
-Your will ?
-
-Is this the man ? Is't you , sir , that know things ?
-
-In nature's infinite book of secrecy
-A little I can read .
-
-Show him your hand .
-
-
-Bring in the banquet quickly ; wine enough
-Cleopatra's health to drink .
-
-Good sir , give me good fortune .
-
-I make not , but foresee .
-
-Pray then , foresee me one .
-
-You shall be yet far fairer than you are .
-
-He means in flesh .
-
-No , you shall paint when you are old .
-
-Wrinkles forbid !
-
-Vex not his prescience ; be attentive .
-
-Hush !
-
-You shall be more beloving than belov'd .
-
-I had rather heat my liver with drinking .
-
-Nay , hear him .
-
-Good now , some excellent fortune ! Let me be married to three kings in a forenoon , and widow them all ; let me have a child at fifty , to whom Herod of Jewry may do homage ; find me to marry me with Octavius C sar , and companion me with my mistress .
-
-You shall outlive the lady whom you serve .
-
-O excellent ! I love long life better than figs .
-
-You have seen and prov'd a fairer former fortune
-Than that which is to approach .
-
-Then , belike , my children shall have no names ; prithee , how many boys and wenches must I have ?
-
-If every of your wishes had a womb ,
-And fertile every wish , a million .
-
-Out , fool ! I forgive thee for a witch .
-
-You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes .
-
-Nay , come , tell Iras hers .
-
-We'll know all our fortunes .
-
-Mine , and most of our fortunes , to-night , shall be ,drunk to bed .
-
-There's a palm presages chastity , if nothing else .
-
-E'en as the overflowing Nilus presageth famine .
-
-Go , you wild bedfellow , you cannot soothsay .
-
-Nay , if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognostication , I cannot scratch mine ear .
-Prithee , tell her but a worky-day fortune .
-
-Your fortunes are alike .
-
-But how ? but how ? give me particulars .
-
-I have said .
-
-Am I not an inch of fortune better than she ?
-
-Well , if you were but an inch of fortune better than I , where would you choose it ?
-
-Not in my husband's nose .
-
-Our worser thoughts heaven mend ! Alexas ,come , his fortune , his fortune . O ! let him marry a woman that cannot go , sweet Isis , I beseech thee ; and let her die too , and give him a worse ; and let worse follow worse , till the worst of all follow him laughing to his grave , fifty-fold a cuckold ! Good Isis , hear me this prayer , though thou deny me a matter of more weight ; good Isis , I beseech thee !
-
-Amen . Dear goddess , hear that prayer of the people ! for , as it is a heart-breaking to see a handsome man loose-wived , so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a foul knave uncuckolded : therefore , dear Isis , keep decorum , and fortune him accordingly !
-
-Amen .
-
-Lo , now ! if it lay in their hands to make me acuckold , they would make themselves whores , but they'd do't !
-
-Hush ! here comes Antony .
-
-Not he ; the queen .
-
-
-Saw you my lord ?
-
-No , lady .
-
-Was he not here ?
-
-No , madam .
-
-He was dispos'd to mirth ; but on the sudden
-A Roman thought hath struck him . Enobarbus !
-
-Madam !
-
-Seek him , and bring him hither . Where's Alexas ?
-
-Here , at your service . My lord approaches .
-
-
-We will not look upon him ; go with us .
-
-
-Fulvia thy wife first came into the field .
-
-Against my brother Lucius ?
-
-Ay :
-But soon that war had end , and the time's state
-Made friends of them , jointing their force 'gainst C sar ,
-Whose better issue in the war , from Italy
-Upon the first encounter drave them .
-
-Well , what worst ?
-
-The nature of bad news infects the teller .
-
-When it concerns the fool , or coward . On ;
-Things that are past are done with me . 'Tis thus :
-Who tells me true , though in his tale lay death ,
-I hear him as he flatter'd .
-
-Labienus
-This is stiff news hath , with his Parthian force
-Extended Asia ; from Euphrates
-His conquering banner shook from Syria
-To Lydia and to Ionia : whilst
-
-Antony , thou wouldst say ,
-
-O ! my lord .
-
-Speak to me home , mince not the general tongue ;
-Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome ;
-Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase ; and taunt my faults
-With such full licence as both truth and malice
-Have power to utter . O ! then we bring forth weeds
-When our quick winds lie still ; and our ills told us
-Is as our earing . Fare thee well awhile .
-
-At your noble pleasure .
-
-
-From Sicyon , ho , the news ! Speak there !
-
-The man from Sicyon , is there such an one ?
-
-He stays upon your will .
-
-Let him appear .
-These strong Egyptian fetters I must break ,
-Or lose myself in dotage .
-
-What are you ?
-
-Fulvia thy wife is dead .
-
-Where died she ?
-
-In Sicyon :
-Her length of sickness , with what else more serious
-Importeth thee to know , this bears .
-
-
-Forbear me .
-
-There's a great spirit gone ! Thus did I desire it :
-What our contempts do often hurl from us
-We wish it ours again ; the present pleasure ,
-By revolution lowering , does become
-The opposite of itself : she's good , being gone ;
-The hand could pluck her back that shov'd her on .
-I must from this enchanting queen break off ;
-Ten thousand harms , more than the ills I know ,
-My idleness doth hatch . How now ! Enobarbus !
-
-
-What's your pleasure , sir ?
-
-I must with haste from hence .
-
-Why , then , we kill all our women . We see how mortal an unkindness is to them ; if they suffer our departure , death's the word .
-
-I must be gone .
-
-Under a compelling occasion let women die ; it were pity to cast them away for nothing ; though between them and a great cause they should be esteemed nothing . Cleopatra , catching but the least noise of this , dies instantly ; I have seen her die twenty times upon far poorer moment . I do think there is mettle in death which commits some loving act upon her , she hath such a celerity in dying .
-
-She is cunning past man's thought .
-
-Alack ! sir , no ; her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love . We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears ; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report : this cannot be cunning in her ; if it be , she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove .
-
-Would I had never seen her !
-
-O , sir ! you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of work which not to have been blessed withal would have discredited your travel .
-
-Fulvia is dead .
-
-Sir ?
-
-Fulvia is dead .
-
-Fulvia !
-
-Dead .
-
-Why , sir , give the gods a thankful sacrifice . When it pleaseth their de ties to take the wife of a man from him , it shows to man the tailors of the earth ; comforting therein , that when old robes are worn out , there are members to make new . If there were no more women but Fulvia , then had you indeed a cut , and the case to be lamented : this grief is crowned with consolation ; your old smock brings forth a new petticoat ; and indeed the tears live in an onion that should water this sorrow .
-
-The business she hath broached in the state
-Cannot endure my absence .
-
-And the business you have broached here cannot be without you ; especially that of Cleopatra's , which wholly depends on your abode .
-
-No more light answers . Let our officers Have notice what we purpose . I shall break
-The cause of our expedience to the queen ,
-And get her leave to part . For not alone
-The death of Fulvia , with more urgent touches ,
-Do strongly speak to us , but the letters too
-Of many our contriving friends in Rome
-Petition us at home . Sextus Pompeius
-Hath given the dare to C sar , and commands
-The empire of the sea ; our slippery people
-Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
-Till his deserts are past begin to throw
-Pompey the Great and all his dignities
-Upon his son ; who , high in name and power ,
-Higher than both in blood and life , stands up
-For the main soldier , whose quality , going on ,
-The sides o' the world may danger . Much is breeding ,
-Which , like the courser's hair , hath yet but life ,
-And not a serpent's poison . Say , our pleasure ,
-To such whose place is under us , requires
-Our quick remove from hence .
-
-I shall do it .
-
-
-Where is he ?
-
-I did not see him since .
-
-See where he is , who's with him , what he does ;
-I did not send you : if you find him sad ,
-Say I am dancing ; if in mirth , report
-That I am sudden sick : quick , and return .
-
-
-Madam , methinks , if you did love him dearly ,
-You do not hold the method to enforce
-The like from him .
-
-What should I do I do not ?
-
-In each thing give him way , cross him in nothing .
-
-Thou teachest like a fool ; the way to lose him .
-
-Tempt him not so too far ; I wish , forbear :
-In time we hate that which we often fear .
-But here comes Antony .
-
-
-I am sick and sullen .
-
-I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose ,
-
-Help me away , dear Charmian , I shall fall :
-It cannot be thus long , the sides of nature
-Will not sustain it .
-
-Now , my dearest queen ,
-
-Pray you , stand further from me .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-I know , by that same eye , there's some good news .
-What says the married woman ? You may go :
-Would she had never given you leave to come !
-Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here ;
-I have no power upon you ; hers you are .
-
-The gods best know ,
-
-O ! never was there queen
-So mightily betray'd ; yet at the first
-I saw the treasons planted .
-
-Cleopatra ,
-
-Why should I think you can be mine and true ,
-Though you in swearing shake the throned gods ,
-Who have been false to Fulvia ? Riotous madness ,
-To be entangled with those mouth-made vows ,
-Which break themselves in swearing !
-
-Most sweet queen ,
-
-Nay , pray you , seek no colour for your going ,
-But bid farewell , and go : when you su'd staying
-Then was the time for words ; no going then :
-Eternity was in our lips and eyes ,
-Bliss in our brows bent ; none our parts so poor
-But was a race of heaven ; they are so still ,
-Or thou , the greatest soldier of the world ,
-Art turn'd the greatest liar .
-
-How now , lady !
-
-I would I had thy inches ; thou shouldst know
-There were a heart in Egypt .
-
-Hear me , queen :
-The strong necessity of time commands
-Our services awhile , but my full heart
-Remains in use with you . Our Italy
-Shines o'er with civil swords ; Sextus Pompeius
-Makes his approaches to the port of Rome ;
-Equality of two domestic powers
-Breeds scrupulous faction . The hated , grown to strength ,
-Are newly grown to love ; the condemn'd Pompey ,
-Rich in his father's honour , creeps apace
-Into the hearts of such as have not thriv'd
-Upon the present state , whose numbers threaten ;
-And quietness , grown aick of rest , would purge
-By any desperate change . My more particular ,
-And that which most with you should safe my going ,
-Is Fulvia's death .
-
-Though age from folly could not give me freedom ,
-It does from childishness : can Fulvia die ?
-
-She's dead , my queen :
-Look here , and at thy sovereign leisure read
-The garboils she awak'd ; at the last , best ,
-See when and where she died .
-
-O most false love !
-Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
-With sorrowful water ? Now I see , I see ,
-In Fulvia's death , how mine receiv'd shall be .
-
-Quarrel no more , but be prepar'd to know
-The purposes I bear , which are or cease
-As you shall give the advice . By the fire
-That quickens Nilus' slime , I go from hence
-Thy soldier , servant , making peace or war
-As thou affect'st .
-
-Cut my lace , Charmian , come ;
-But let it be : I am quickly ill , and well ;
-So Antony loves .
-
-My precious queen , forbear ,
-And give true evidence to his love which stands
-An honourable trial .
-
-So Fulvia told me .
-I prithee , turn aside and weep for her ;
-Then bid adieu to me , and say the tears
-Belong to Egypt : good now , play one scene
-Of excellent dissembling , and let it look
-Like perfect honour .
-
-You'll heat my blood ; no more .
-
-You can do better yet , but this is meetly .
-
-Now , by my sword ,
-
-And target . Still he mends ;
-But this is not the best . Look , prithee , Charmian ,
-How this Herculean Roman does become
-The carriage of his chafe .
-
-I'll leave you , lady .
-
-Courteous lord , one word .
-Sir , you and I must part , but that 's not it :
-Sir , you and I have lov'd , but there 's not it ;
-That you know well : something it is I would ,
-O ! my oblivion is a very Antony ,
-And I am all forgotten .
-
-But that your royalty
-Holds idleness your subject , I should take you
-For idleness itself .
-
-'Tis sweating labour
-To bear such idleness so near the heart
-As Cleopatra this . But , sir , forgive me ;
-Since my becomings kill me when they do not
-Eye well to you : your honour calls you hence ;
-Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly ,
-And all the gods go with you ! Upon your sword
-Sit laurel victory ! and smooth success
-Be strew'd before your feet !
-
-Let us go . Come ;
-Our separation so abides and flies ,
-That thou , residing here , go'st yet with me ,
-And I , hence fleeting , here remain with thee .
-Away !
-
-
-You may see , Lepidus , and henceforth know ,
-It is not C sar's natural vice to hate
-Our great competitor . From Alexandria
-This is the news : he fishes , drinks , and wastes
-The lamps of night in revel ; is not more manlike
-Than Cleopatra , nor the queen of Ptolemy
-More womanly than he ; hardly gave audience , or
-Vouchsaf'd to think he had partners : you shall find there
-A man who is the abstract of all faults
-That all men follow .
-
-I must not think there are
-Evils enow to darken all his goodness ;
-His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven ,
-More fiery by night's blackness ; hereditary
-Rather than purchas'd ; what he cannot change
-Than what he chooses .
-
-You are too indulgent . Let us grant it is not
-Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy ,
-To give a kingdom for a mirth , to sit
-And keep the turn of tippling with a slave ,
-To reel the streets at noon , and stand the buffet
-With knaves that smell of sweat ; say this becomes him ,
-As his composure must be rare indeed
-Whom these things cannot blemish ,yet must Antony
-No way excuse his soils , when we do bear
-So great weight in his lightness . If he fill'd
-His vacancy with his voluptuousness ,
-Full surfeits and the dryness of his bones
-Call on him for 't ; but to confound such time
-That drums him from his sport , and speaks as loud
-As his own state and ours , 'tis to be chid
-As we rate boys , who , being mature in knowledge ,
-Pawn their experience to their present pleasure ,
-And so rebel to judgment .
-
-
-Here's more news .
-
-Thy biddings have been done , and every hour ,
-Most noble C sar , shalt thou have report
-How 'tis abroad . Pompey is strong at sea ,
-And it appears he is belov'd of those
-That only have fear'd C sar ; to the ports
-The discontents repair , and men's reports
-Give him much wrong'd .
-
-I should have known no less .
-It hath been taught us from the primal state ,
-That he which is was wish'd until he were ;
-And the ebb'd man , ne'er lov'd till ne'er worth love ,
-Comes dear'd by being lack'd . This common body ,
-Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream ,
-Goes to and back , lackeying the varying tide ,
-To rot itself with motion .
-
-C sar , I bring thee word ,
-Menecrates and Menas , famous pirates ,
-Make the sea serve them , which they ear and wound
-With keels of every kind : many hot inroads
-They make in Italy ; the borders maritime
-Lack blood to think on't , and flush youth revolt ;
-No vessel can peep forth , but 'tis as soon
-Taken as seen ; for Pompey's name strikes more
-Than could his war resisted .
-
-Antony ,
-Leave thy lascivious wassails . When thou once
-Wast beaten from Modena , where thou slew'st
-Hirtius and Pansa , consuls , at thy heel
-Did famine follow , whom thou fought'st against ,
-Though daintily brought up , with patience more
-Than savages could suffer ; thou didst drink
-The stale of horses and the gilded puddle
-Which beasts would cough at ; thy palate then did deign
-The roughest berry on the rudest hedge ;
-Yea , like the stag , when snow the pasture sheets ,
-The barks of trees thou browsed'st ; on the Alps
-It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh ,
-Which some did die to look on ; and all this
-It wounds thy honour that I speak it now
-Was borne so like a soldier , that thy cheek
-So much as lank'd not .
-
-'Tis pity of him .
-
-Let his shames quickly
-Drive him to Rome . 'Tis time we twain
-Did show ourselves i' the field ; and to that end
-Assemble me immediate council ; Pompey
-Thrives in our idleness .
-
-To-morrow , C sar ,
-I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
-Both what by sea and land I can be able
-To front this present time .
-
-Till which encounter ,
-It is my business too . Farewell .
-
-Farewell , my lord . What you shall know meantime
-Of stirs abroad , I shall beseech you , sir ,
-To let me be partaker .
-
-Doubt not , sir ;
-I knew it for my bond .
-
-
-Charmian !
-
-Madam !
-
-Ha , ha !
-Give me to drink mandragora .
-
-Why , madam ?
-
-That I might sleep out this great gap of time
-My Antony is away .
-
-You think of him too much .
-
-O ! 'tis treason .
-
-Madam , I trust , not so .
-
-Thou , eunuch Mardian !
-
-What 's your highness' pleasure ?
-
-Not now to hear thee sing ; I take no pleasure
-In aught a eunuch has . 'Tis well for thee ,
-That , being unseminar'd , thy freer thoughts
-May not fly forth of Egypt . Hast thou affections ?
-
-Yes , gracious madam .
-
-Indeed !
-
-Not in deed , madam ; for I can do nothing
-But what in deed is honest to be done ;
-Yet have I fierce affections , and think
-What Venus did with Mars .
-
-O Charmian !
-Where think'st thou he is now ? Stands he , or sits he ?
-Or does he walk ? or is he on his horse ?
-O happy horse , to bear the weight of Antony !
-Do bravely , horse , for wot'st thou whom thou mov'st ?
-The demi-Atlas of this earth , the arm
-And burgonet of men . He's speaking now ,
-Or murmuring 'Where's my serpent of old Nile ?'
-For so he calls me . Now I feed myself
-With most delicious poison . Think on me ,
-That am with Ph bus' amorous pinches black ,
-And wrinkled deep in time ? Broad-fronted C sar ,
-When thou wast here above the ground I was
-A morsel for a monarch , and great Pompey
-Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow ;
-There would he anchor his aspect and die
-With looking on his life .
-
-
-Sovereign of Egypt , hail !
-
-How much unlike art thou Mark Antony !
-Yet , coming from him , that great medicine hath
-With his tinct gilded thee .
-How goes it with my brave Mark Antony ?
-
-Last thing he did , dear queen ,
-He kiss'd , the last of many doubled kisses ,
-This orient pearl . His speech sticks in my heart .
-
-Mine ear must pluck it thence .
-
-'Good friend ,' quoth he ,
-'Say , the firm Roman to great Egypt sends
-This treasure of an oyster ; at whose foot ,
-To mend the petty present , I will piece
-Her opulent throne with kingdoms ; all the east ,
-Say thou , shall call her mistress .' So he nodded ,
-And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed ,
-Who neigh'd so high that what I would have spoke
-Was beastly dumb'd by him .
-
-What ! was he sad or merry ?
-
-Like to the time o' the year between the extremes
-Of hot and cold ; he was nor sad nor merry .
-
-O well-divided disposition ! Note him ,
-Note him , good Charmian , 'tis the man ; but note him :
-He was not sad , for he would shire on those
-That make their looks by his ; he was not merry ,
-Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay
-In Egypt with his joy ; but between both :
-O heavenly mingle ! Be'st thou sad or merry ,
-The violence of either thee becomes ,
-So does it no man else . Mett'st thou my posts ?
-
-Ay , madam , twenty several messengers .
-Why do you send so thick ?
-
-Who's born that day
-When I forget to send to Antony ,
-Shall die a beggar . Ink and paper , Charmian .
-Welcome , my good Alexas . Did I , Charmian ,
-Ever love C sar so ?
-
-O ! that brave C sar .
-
-Be chok'd with such another emphasis !
-Say the brave Antony .
-
-The valiant C sar !
-
-By Isis , I will give thee bloody teeth ,
-If thou with C sar paragon again
-My man of men .
-
-By your most gracious pardon ,
-I sing but after you .
-
-My salad days ,
-When I was green in judgment , cold in blood ,
-To say as I said then ! But come , away ;
-Get me ink and paper :
-He shall have every day a several greeting ,
-Or I'll unpeople Egypt .
-
-If the great gods be just , they shall assist
-The deeds of justest men .
-
-Know , worthy Pompey ,
-That what they do delay , they not deny .
-
-Whiles we are suitors to their throne , decays
-The thing we sue for .
-
-We , ignorant of ourselves ,
-Beg often our own harms , which the wise powers
-Deny us for our good ; so find we profit
-By losing of our prayers .
-
-I shall do well :
-The people love me , and the sea is mine ;
-My powers are crescent , and my auguring hope
-Says it will come to the full . Mark Antony
-In Egypt sits at dinner , and will make
-No wars without doors ; C sar gets money where
-He loses hearts ; Lepidus flatters both ,
-Of both is flatter'd ; but he neither loves ,
-Nor either cares for him .
-
-C sar and Lepidus
-Are in the field ; a mighty strength they carry .
-
-Where have you this ? 'tis false .
-
-From Silvius , sir .
-
-He dreams ; I know they are in Rome together ,
-Looking for Antony . But all the charms of love ,
-Salt Cleopatra , soften thy wan'd lip !
-Let witchcraft join with beauty , lust with both !
-Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts ,
-Keep his brain fuming ; Epicurean cooks
-Sharpen with cloyless sance his appetite ,
-That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
-Even till a Lethe'd dulness !
-
-How now , Varrius !
-
-This is most certain that I shall deliver :
-Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
-Expected ; since he went from Egypt 'tis
-A space for further travel .
-
-I could have given less matter
-A better ear . Menas , I did not think
-This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
-For such a petty war ; his soldiership
-Is twice the other twain . But let us rear
-The higher our opinion , that our stirring
-Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck
-The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony .
-
-I cannot hope
-C sar and Antony shall well greet together ;
-His wife that's dead did trespasses to C sar ,
-His brother warr'd upon him , although I think
-Not mov'd by Antony .
-
-I know not , Menas ,
-How lesser enmities may give way to greater .
-Were 't not that we stand up against them all
-'Twere pregnant they should square between themselves ,
-For they have entertained cause enough
-To draw their swords ; but how the fear of us
-May cement their divisions and bind up
-The petty difference , we yet not know .
-Be it as our gods will have 't ! It only stands
-Our lives upon , to use our strongest hands .
-Come , Menas .
-
-
-Good Enobarbus , 'tis a worthy deed ,
-And shall become you well , to entreat your captain
-To soft and gentle speech .
-
-I shall entreat him
-To answer like himself : if C sar move him ,
-Let Antony look over C sar's head ,
-And speak as loud as Mars . By Jupiter ,
-Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard ,
-I would not shave 't to-day .
-
-'Tis not a time
-For private stomaching .
-
-Every time
-Serves for the matter that is then born in 't .
-
-But small to greater matters must give way .
-
-Not if the small come first .
-
-Your speech is passion ;
-But , pray you , stir no embers up . Here comes
-The noble Antony .
-
-
-And yonder , C sar .
-
-
-If we compose well here , to Parthia :
-Hark ye , Ventidius .
-
-I do not know ,
-Mec nas ; ask Agrippa .
-
-Noble friends ,
-That which combin'd us was most great , and let not
-A leaner action rend us . What's amiss ,
-May it be gently heard ; when we debate
-Our trivial difference loud , we do commit
-Murder in healing wounds ; then , noble partners ,
-The rather for I earnestly beseech ,
-Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms ,
-Nor curstness grow to the matter .
-
-'Tis spoken well .
-Were we before our armies , and to fight ,
-I should do thus .
-
-Welcome to Rome .
-
-Thank you .
-
-Sit .
-
-Sit , sir .
-
-Nay , then .
-
-I learn , you take things ill which are not so ,
-Or being , concern you not .
-
-I must be laugh'd at
-If , or for nothing or a little , I
-Should say myself offended , and with you
-Chiefly i' the world ; more laugh'd at that I should
-Once name you derogately , when to sound your name
-It not concern'd me .
-
-My being in Egypt , C sar ,
-What was 't to you ?
-
-No more than my residing here at Rome
-Might be to you in Egypt ; yet , if you there
-Did practise on my state , your being in Egypt
-Might be my question .
-
-How intend you , practis'd ?
-
-You may be pleas'd to catch at mine intent
-By what did here befall me . Your wife and brother
-Made wars upon me , and their contestation
-Was theme for you , you were the word of war .
-
-You do mistake your business ; my brother never
-Did urge me in his act : I did inquire it ;
-And have my learning from some true reports ,
-That drew their swords with you . Did he not rather
-Discredit my authority with yours ,
-And make the wars alike against my stomach ,
-Having alike your cause ? Of this my letters
-Before did satisfy you . If you'll patch a quarrel ,
-As matter whole you n' have to make it with ,
-It must not be with this .
-
-You praise yourself
-By laying defects of judgment to me , but
-You patch'd up your excuses .
-
-Not so , not so ;
-I know you could not lack , I am certain on 't ,
-Very necessity of this thought , that I ,
-Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought ,
-Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars
-Which fronted mine own peace . As for my wife ,
-I would you had her spirit in such another :
-The third o' the world is yours , which with a snaffle
-You may pace easy , but not such a wife .
-
-Would we had all such wives , that the men might go to wars with the women !
-
-So much uncurbable , her garboils , C sar ,
-Made out of her impatience ,which not wanted
-Shrewdness of policy too ,I grieving grant
-Did you too much disquiet ; for that you must
-But say I could not help it .
-
-I wrote to you
-When rioting in Alexandria ; you
-Did pocket up my letters , and with taunts
-Did gibe my missive out of audience .
-
-Sir ,
-He fell upon me , ere admitted : then
-Three kings I had newly feasted , and did want
-Of what I was i' the morning ; but next day
-I told him of myself , which was as much
-As to have ask'd him pardon . Let this fellow
-Be nothing of our strife ; if we contend ,
-Out of our question wipe him .
-
-You have broken
-The article of your oath , which you shall never
-Have tongue to charge me with .
-
-Soft , C sar !
-
-No ,
-Lepidus , let him speak :
-The honour's sacred which he talks on now ,
-Supposing that I lack'd it . But on , C sar ;
-The article of my oath .
-
-To lend me arms and aid when I requir'd them ,
-The which you both denied .
-
-Neglected , rather ;
-And then , when poison'd hours had bound me up
-From mine own knowledge . As nearly as I may ,
-I'll play the penitent to you ; but mine honesty
-Shall not make poor my greatness , nor my power
-Work without it . Truth is , that Fulvia ,
-To have me out of Egypt , made wars here ;
-For which myself , the ignorant motive , do
-So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
-To stoop in such a case .
-
-'Tis noble spoken .
-
-If it might please you , to enforce no further
-The griefs between ye : to forget them quite
-Were to remember that the present need
-Speaks to atone you .
-
-Worthily spoken , Mec nas .
-
-Or , if you borrow one another's love for the instant , you may , when you hear no more words of Pompey , return it again : you shall have time to wrangle in when you have nothing else to do .
-
-Thou art a soldier only ; speak no more .
-
-That truth should be silent I had almost forgot .
-
-You wrong this presence ; therefore speak no more .
-
-Go to , then ; your considerate stone .
-
-I do not much dislike the matter , but
-The manner of his speech ; for it cannot be
-We shall remain in friendship , our conditions
-So differing in their acts . Yet , if I knew
-What hoop should hold us stanch , from edge to edge
-O' the world I would pursue it .
-
-Give me leave , C sar .
-
-Speak , Agrippa .
-
-Thou hast a sister by the mother's side ,
-Admir'd Octavia ; great Mark Antony
-Is now a widower .
-
-Say not so , Agrippa :
-If Cleopatra heard you , your reproof
-Were well deserv'd of rashness .
-
-I am not married , C sar ; let me hear
-Agrippa further speak .
-
-To hold you in perpetual amity ,
-To make you brothers , and to knit your hearts
-With an unslipping knot , take Antony
-Octavia to his wife ; whose beauty claims
-No worse a husband than the best of men ,
-Whose virtue and whose general graces speak
-That which none else can utter . By this marriage ,
-All little jealousies which now seem great ,
-And all great fears which now import their dangers ,
-Would then be nothing ; truths would be but tales
-Where now half tales be truths ; her love to both
-Would each to other and all loves to both
-Draw after her . Pardon what I have spoke ,
-For 'tis a studied , not a present thought ,
-By duty ruminated .
-
-Will C sar speak ?
-
-Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd
-With what is spoke already .
-
-What power is in Agrippa ,
-If I would say , 'Agrippa , be it so ,'
-To make this good ?
-
-The power of C sar , and
-His power unto Octavia .
-
-May I never
-To this good purpose , that so fairly shows ,
-Dream of impediment ! Let me have thy hand ;
-Further this act of grace , and from this hour
-The heart of brothers govern in our loves
-And sway our great designs !
-
-There is my hand .
-A sister I bequeath you , whom no brother
-Did ever love so dearly ; let her live
-To join our kingdoms and our hearts , and never
-Fly off our loves again !
-
-Happily , amen !
-
-I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey ,
-For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
-Of late upon me ; I must thank him only ,
-Lest my remembrance suffer ill report ;
-At heel of that , defy him .
-
-Time calls upon 's :
-Of us must Pompey presently be sought ,
-Or else he seeks out us .
-
-Where lies he ?
-
-About the Mount Misenum .
-
-What's his strength
-By land ?
-
-Great and increasing ; but by sea
-He is an absolute master .
-
-So is the fame .
-Would we had spoke together ! Haste we for it ;
-Yet , ere we put ourselves in arms , dispatch we
-The business we have talk'd of .
-
-With most gladness ;
-And do invite you to my sister's view ,
-Whither straight I'll lead you .
-
-Let us , Lepidus ,
-Not lack your company .
-
-Noble Antony ,
-Not sickness should detain me .
-
-
-Welcome from Egypt , sir .
-
-Half the heart of C sar , worthy Mec nas ! My honourable friend , Agrippa !
-
-Good Enobarbus !
-
-We have cause to be glad that matters are so well digested . You stayed well by 't in
-Egypt .
-
-Ay , sir ; we did sleep day out of countenance , and made the night light with drinking .
-
-Eight wild boars roasted whole at a breakfast , and but twelve persons there ; is this true ?
-
-This was but as a fly by an eagle ; we had much more monstrous matter of feast , which worthily deserved noting .
-
-She's a most triumphant lady , if report be square to her .
-
-When she first met Mark Antony she pursed up his heart , upon the river of Cydnus .
-
-There she appeared indeed , or my reporter devised well for her .
-
-I will tell you .
-The barge she sat in , like a burnish'd throne ,
-Burn'd on the water ; the poop was beaten gold ,
-Purple the sails , and so perfumed , that
-The winds were love-sick with them , the oars were silver ,
-Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke , and made
-The water which they beat to follow faster ,
-As amorous of their strokes . For her own person ,
-It beggar'd all description ; she did lie
-In her pavilion ,cloth-of-gold of tissue ,
-O'er-picturing that Venus where we see
-The fancy outwork nature ; on each side her
-Stood pretty-dimpled boys , like smiling Cupids ,
-With divers-colour'd fans , whose wind did seem
-To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool ,
-And what they undid did .
-
-O ! rare for Antony .
-
-Her gentlewomen , like the Nereides ,
-So many mermaids , tended her i' the eyes ,
-And made their bends adornings ; at the helm
-A seeming mermaid steers ; the silken tackle
-Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands ,
-That yarely frame the office . From the barge
-A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
-Of the adjacent wharfs . The city cast
-Her people out upon her , and Antony ,
-Enthron'd i' the market-place , did sit alone ,
-Whistling to the air ; which , but for vacancy ,
-Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too
-And made a gap in nature .
-
-Rare Egyptian !
-
-Upon her landing , Antony sent to her ,
-Invited her to supper ; she replied
-It should be better he became her guest ,
-Which she entreated . Our courteous Antony ,
-Whom ne'er the word of 'No' woman heard speak ,
-Being barber'd ten times o'er , goes to the feast ,
-And , for his ordinary pays his heart
-For what his eyes eat only .
-
-Royal wench !
-She made great C sar lay his sword to bed ;
-He plough'd her , and she cropp'd .
-
-I saw her once
-Hop forty paces through the public street ;
-And having lost her breath , she spoke , and panted
-That she did make defect perfection ,
-And , breathless , power breathe forth .
-
-Now Antony must leave her utterly .
-
-Never ; he will not :
-Age cannot wither her , nor custom stale
-Her infinite variety ; other women cloy
-The appetites they feed , but she makes hungry
-Where most she satisfies ; for vilest things
-Become themselves in her , that the holy priests
-Bless her when she is riggish .
-
-If beauty , wisdom , modesty , can settle
-The heart of Antony , Octavia is
-A blessed lottery to him .
-
-Let us go .
-Good Enobarbus , make yourself my guest
-Whilst you abide here .
-
-Humbly , sir , I thank you .
-
-
-The world and my great office will sometimes
-Divide me from your bosom .
-
-All which time
-Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
-To them for you .
-
-Good night , sir . My Octavia ,
-Read not my blemishes in the world's report ;
-I have not kept my square , but that to come
-Shall all be done by the rule . Good night , dear lady .
-
-Good night , sir .
-
-Good night .
-
-Now , sirrah ; you do wish yourself in Egypt ?
-
-Would I had never come from thence , nor you
-Thither !
-
-If you can , your reason ?
-
-I see it in
-My motion , have it not in my tongue : but yet
-Hie you to Egypt again .
-
-Say to me ,
-Whose fortunes shall rise higher , C sar's or mine ?
-
-C sar's .
-Therefore , O Antony ! stay not by his side ;
-Thy demon that's thy spirit which keeps thee ,is
-Noble , courageous , high , unmatchable ,
-Where C sar's is not ; but near him thy angel
-Becomes a fear , as being o'erpower'd ; therefore
-Make space enough between you .
-
-Speak this no more .
-
-To none but thee ; no more but when to thee .
-If thou dost play with him at any game
-Thou art sure to lose , and , of that natural luck ,
-He beats thee 'gainst the odds ; thy lustre thickens
-When he shines by . I say again , thy spirit
-Is all afraid to govern thee near him ,
-But he away , 'tis noble .
-
-Get thee gone :
-Say to Ventidius I would speak with him .
-
-He shall to Parthia . Be it art or hap
-He hath spoken true ; the very dice obey him .
-And in our sports my better cunning faints
-Under his chance ; if we draw lots he speeds ,
-His cocks do win the battle still of mine
-When it is all to nought , and his quails ever
-Beat mine , inhoop'd , at odds . I will to Egypt ;
-And though I make this marriage for my peace ,
-I' the east my pleasure lies .
-
-
-O ! come , Ventidius ,
-You must to Parthia ; your commission's ready ;
-Follow me , and receive 't .
-
-Trouble yourselves no further ; pray you hasten
-Your generals after .
-
-Sir , Mark Antony
-Will e'en but kiss Octavia , and we'll follow .
-
-Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress ,
-Which will become you both , farewell .
-
-We shall ,
-As I conceive the journey , be at the Mount
-Before you , Lepidus .
-
-Your way is shorter ;
-My purposes to draw me much about :
-You 'll win two days upon me .
-
-Sir , good success !
-
-Sir , good success !
-
-Farewell .
-
-
-Give me some music ; music , moody food
-Of us that trade in love .
-
-The music , ho !
-
-
-Let it alone ; let 's to billiards : come , Charmian .
-
-My arm is sore ; best play with Mardian .
-
-As well a woman with a eunuch play'd
-As with a woman . Come , you 'll play with me , sir ?
-
-As well as I can , madam .
-
-And when good will is show'd , though't come too short ,
-The actor may plead pardon . I 'll none now .
-Give me mine angle ; we'll to the river : there
-My music playing far off I will betray
-Tawny-finn'd fishes ; my bended hook shall pierce
-Their slimy jaws ; and , as I draw them up ,
-I'll think them every one an Antony ,
-And say , 'Ah , ha !' you're caught .
-
-'Twas merry when
-You wager'd on your angling ; when your diver
-Did hang a salt-fish on his hook , which he
-With fervency drew up .
-
-That time O times !
-I laugh'd him out of patience ; and that night
-I laugh'd him into patience : and next morn ,
-Ere the ninth hour , I drunk him to his bed ;
-Then put my tires and mantles on him , whilst
-I wore his sword Philippan .
-
-
-O ! from Italy ;
-Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears ,
-
-That long time have been barren .
-
-Madam , madam ,
-
-Antony's dead ! if thou say so , villain ,
-Thou kill'st thy mistress ; but well and free ,
-If thou so yield him , there is gold , and here
-My bluest veins to kiss ; a hand that kings
-Have lipp'd , and trembled kissing .
-
-First , madam , he is well .
-
-Why , there's more gold .
-But , sirrah , mark , we use
-To say the dead are well : bring it to that ,
-The gold I give thee will I melt , and pour
-Down thy ill-uttering throat .
-
-Good madam , hear me .
-
-Well , go to , I will ;
-But there's no goodness in thy face ; if Antony
-Be free and healthful , so tart a favour
-To trumpet such good tidings ! if not well ,
-Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes ,
-Not like a formal man .
-
-Will't please you hear me ?
-
-I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st :
-Yet , if thou say Antony lives , is well ,
-Or friends with C sar , or not captive to him ,
-I'll set thee in a shower of gold , and hail
-Rich pearls upon thee .
-
-Madam , he's well .
-
-Well said .
-
-And friends with C sar .
-
-Thou'rt an honest man .
-
-C sar and he are greater friends than ever .
-
-Make thee a fortune from me .
-
-But yet , madam ,
-
-I do not like 'but yet ,' it does allay
-The good precedence ; fie upon 'but yet !'
-'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth
-Some monstrous malefactor . Prithee , friend ,
-Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear ,
-The good and bad together . He's friends with C sar ;
-In state of health , thou sayst ; and thou sayst , free .
-
-Free , madam ! no ; I made no such report :
-He's bound unto Octavia .
-
-For what good turn ?
-
-For the best turn i' the bed .
-
-I am pale , Charmian !
-
-Madam , he's married to Octavia .
-
-The most infectious pestilence upon thee !
-
-
-Good madam , patience .
-
-What say you ? Hence ,
-
-Horrible villain ! or I'll spurn thine eyes
-Like balls before me ; I'll unhair thy head :
-
-Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire , and stew'd in brine ,
-Smarting in lingering pickle .
-
-Gracious madam ,
-I , that do bring the news made not the match .
-
-Say 'tis not so , a province I will give thee ,
-And make thy fortunes proud ; the blow thou hadst
-Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage ,
-And I will boot thee with what gift beside
-Thy modesty can beg .
-
-He's married , madam .
-
-Rogue ! thou hast liv'd too long .
-
-
-Nay , then I'll run .
-What mean you , madam ? I have made no fault .
-
-
-Good madam , keep yourself within yourself ;
-The man is innocent .
-
-Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt .
-Melt Egypt into Nile ! and kindly creatures
-Turn all to serpents ! Call the slave again :
-Though I am mad , I will not bite him . Call .
-
-He is afeard to come .
-
-I will not hurt him .
-
-These hands do lack nobility , that they strike
-A meaner than myself ; since I myself
-Have given myself the cause .
-
-
-Come hither , sir .
-Though it be honest , it is never good
-To bring bad news ; give to a gracious message
-A host of tongues , but let ill tidings tell
-
-Themselves when they be felt .
-
-I have done my duty .
-
-Is he married ?
-I cannot hate thee worser than I do
-If thou again say 'Yes .'
-
-He's married , madam .
-
-The gods confound thee ! dost thou hold there still ?
-
-Should I lie , madam ?
-
-O ! I would thou didst ,
-So half my Egypt were submerg'd and made
-A cistern for scal'd snakes . Go , get thee hence ;
-Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face , to me
-Thou wouldst appear most ugly . He is married ?
-
-I crave your highness' pardon .
-
-He is married ?
-
-Take no offence that I would not offend you ;
-To punish me for what you make me do
-Seems much unequal ; he's married to Octavia .
-
-O ! that his fault should make a knave of thee ,
-That art not what thou'rt sure of . Get thee hence ;
-The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome
-Are all too dear for me ; lie they upon thy hand
-And be undone by 'em !
-
-
-Good your highness , patience .
-
-In praising Antony I have disprais'd C sar .
-
-Many times , madam .
-
-I am paid for 't now .
-Lead me from hence ;
-I faint . O Iras ! Charmian ! 'Tis no matter .
-Go to the fellow , good Alexas ; bid him
-Report the feature of Octavia , her years ,
-Her inclination , let him not leave out
-The colour of her hair : bring me word quickly .
-
-Let him forever go :let him not Charmian !
-Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon ,
-The other way's a Mars .
-
-Bid you Alexas
-Bring me word how tall she is . Pity me , Charmian ,
-But do not speak to me . Lead me to my chamber .
-
-
-Your hostages I have , so have you mine ;
-And we shall talk before we fight .
-
-Most meet
-That first we come to words , and therefore have we
-Our written purposes before us sent ;
-Which if thou hast consider'd , let us know
-If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword ,
-And carry back to Sicily much tall youth
-That else must perish here .
-
-To you all three ,
-The senators alone of this great world ,
-Chief factors for the gods , I do not know
-Wherefore my father should revengers want ,
-Having a son and friends ; since Julius C sar ,
-Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted ,
-There saw you labouring for him . What was 't
-That mov'd pale Cassius to conspire ? and what
-Made the all-honour'd , honest Roman , Brutus ,
-With the arm'd rest , courtiers of beauteous freedom ,
-To drench the Capitol , but that they would
-Have one man but a man ? And that is it
-Hath made me rig my navy , at whose burden
-The anger'd ocean foams , with which I meant
-To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome
-Cast on my noble father .
-
-Take your time .
-
-Thou canst not fear us , Pompey , with thy sails ;
-We 'll speak with thee at sea : at land , thou know'st
-How much we do o'er-count thee .
-
-At land , indeed ,
-Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house ;
-But , since the cuckoo builds not for himself ,
-Remain in 't as thou mayst .
-
-Be pleas'd to tell us
-For this is from the present how you take
-The offers we have sent you .
-
-There's the point .
-
-Which do not be entreated to , but weigh
-What it is worth embrac'd .
-
-And what may follow ,
-To try a larger fortune .
-
-You have made me offer
-Of Sicily , Sardinia ; and I must
-Rid all the sea of pirates ; then , to send
-Measures of wheat to Rome ; this 'greed upon ,
-To part with unhack'd edges , and bear back
-Our targets undinted .
-
-That's our offer .
-
-That's our offer .
-
-That's our offer .
-
-Know , then ,
-I came before you here a man prepar'd
-To take this offer ; but Mark Antony
-Put me to some impatience . Though I lose
-The praise of it by telling , you must know ,
-When C sar and your brother were at blows ,
-Your mother came to Sicily and did find
-Her welcome friendly .
-
-I have heard it , Pompey ;
-And am well studied for a liberal thanks
-Which I do owe you .
-
-Let me have your hand :
-I did not think , sir , to have met you here .
-
-The beds i' the east are soft ; and thanks to you ,
-That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither ,
-For I have gain'd by 't .
-
-Since I saw you last ,
-There is a change upon you .
-
-Well , I know not
-What counts harsh Fortune casts upon my face ,
-But in my bosom shall she never come
-To make my heart her vassal .
-
-Well met here .
-
-I hope so , Lepidus . Thus we are agreed .
-I crave our composition may be written
-And seal'd between us .
-
-That 's the next to do .
-
-We'll feast each other ere we part ; and let's
-Draw lots who shall begin .
-
-That will I , Pompey .
-
-No , Antony , take the lot :
-But , first or last , your fine Egyptian cookery
-Shall have the fame . I have heard that Julius C sar
-Grew fat with feasting there .
-
-You have heard much .
-
-I have fair meanings , sir .
-
-And fair words to them .
-
-Then , so much have I heard ;
-And I have heard Apollodorus carried
-
-No more of that : he did so .
-
-What , I pray you ?
-
-A certain queen to C sar in a mattress .
-
-I know thee now ; how far'st thou , soldier ?
-
-Well ;
-And well am like to do ; for I perceive
-Four feasts are toward .
-
-Let me shake thy hand ;
-I never hated thee . I have seen thee fight ,
-When I have envied thy behaviour .
-
-Sir ,
-I never lov'd you much , but I ha' prais'd ye
-When you have well deserv'd ten times as much
-As I have said you did .
-
-Enjoy thy plainness ,
-It nothing ill becomes thee .
-Aboard my galley I invite you all :
-Will you lead , lords ?
-
-Show us the way , sir .
-
-Show us the way , sir .
-
-Show us the way , sir .
-
-Come .
-
-
-Thy father , Pompey , would ne'er have made this treaty . You and I have known , sir .
-
-At sea , I think .
-
-We have , sir .
-
-You have done well by water .
-
-And you by land .
-
-I will praise any man that will praise me ; though it cannot be denied what I have done by land .
-
-Nor what I have done by water .
-
-Yes , something you can deny for your own safety ; you have been a great thief by sea .
-
-And you by land .
-
-There I deny my land service . But give me your hand , Menas ; if our eyes had authority , here they might take two thieves kissing .
-
-All men's faces are true , whatsoe'er their hands are .
-
-But there is never a fair woman has a true face .
-
-No slander ; they steal hearts .
-
-We came hither to fight with you .
-
-For my part , I am sorry it is turned to a drinking . Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune .
-
-If he do , sure , he cannot weep it back again .
-
-You have said , sir . We looked not for Mark Antony here : pray you , is he married to Cleopatra ?
-
-C sar's sister is called Octavia .
-
-True , sir ; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus .
-
-But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius .
-
-Pray ye , sir ?
-
-'Tis true .
-
-Then is C sar and he for ever knit together .
-
-If I were bound to divine of this unity , I would not prophesy so .
-
-I think the policy of that purpose made more in the marriage than the love of the parties .
-
-I think so too ; but you shall find the band that seems to tie their friendship together will be the very strangler of their amity . Octavia is of a holy , cold , and still conversation .
-
-Who would not have his wife so ?
-
-Not he that himself is not so ; which is Mark Antony . He will to his Egyptian dish again ; then , shall the sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in C sar , and , as I said before , that which is the strength of their amity shall prove the immediate author of their variance . Antony will use his affection where it is ; he married but his occasion here .
-
-And thus it may be . Come , sir , will you aboard ? I have a health for you .
-
-I shall take it , sir : we have used our throats in Egypt .
-
-Come ; let 's away .
-
-
-Here they'll be , man . Some o' their plants are ill-rooted already ; the least wind i' the world will blow them down .
-
-Lepidus is high-coloured .
-
-They have made him drink alms-drink .
-
-As they pinch one another by the disposition , he cries out , 'No more ;' reconciles them to his entreaty , and himself to the drink .
-
-But it raises the greater war between him and his discretion .
-
-Why , this it is to have a name in great men's fellowship ; I had as lief have a reed that will do me no service as a partisan I could not heave .
-
-To be called into a huge sphere , and not to be seen to move in't , are the holes where eyes should be , which pitifully disaster the cheeks .
-
-Thus do they , sir . They take the flow o' the Nile
-By certain scales i' the pyramid ; they know
-By the height , the lowness , or the mean , if dearth
-Or foison follow . The higher Nilus swells
-The more it promises ; as it ebbs , the seedsman
-Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain ,
-And shortly comes to harvest .
-
-You've strange serpents there .
-
-Ay , Lepidus .
-
-Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the operation of your sun ; so is your crocodile .
-
-They are so .
-
-Sit ,and some wine ! A health to Lepidus !
-
-I am not so well as I should be , but I'll ne'er out .
-
-Not till you have slept ; I fear me you'll be in till then .
-
-Nay , certainly , I have heard the Ptolemies' pyramises are very goodly things ; without contradiction , I have heard that .
-
-Pompey , a word .
-
-Say in mine ear ; what is't ?
-
-Forsake thy seat , I do beseech thee , captain ,
-And bear me speak a word .
-
-Forbear me till anon .
-This wine for Lepidus !
-
-What manner o' thing is your crocodile ?
-
-It is shaped , sir , like itself , and it is as broad as it hath breadth ; it is just so high as it is , and moves with it own organs ; it lives by that which nourisheth it ; and the elements once out of it , it transmigrates .
-
-What colour is it of ?
-
-Of it own colour too .
-
-'Tis a strange serpent .
-
-'Tis so ; and the tears of it are wet .
-
-Will this description satisfy him ?
-
-With the health that Pompey gives him , else he is a very epicure .
-
-Go hang , sir , hang ! Tell me of that ? away !
-Do as I bid you . Where's this cup I call'd for ?
-
-If for the sake of merit thou wilt hear me ,
-Rise from thy stool .
-
-I think thou'rt mad . The matter ?
-
-
-I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes .
-
-Thou hast serv'd me with much faith . What 's else to say ?
-Be jolly , lords .
-
-These quick-sands , Lepidus ,
-Keep off them , for you sink .
-
-Wilt thou be lord of all the world ?
-
-What sayst thou ?
-
-Wilt thou be lord of the whole world ? That 's twice .
-
-How should that be ?
-
-But entertain it ,
-And though thou think me poor , I am the man
-Will give thee all the world .
-
-Hast thou drunk well ?
-
-No , Pompey , I have kept me from the cup .
-Thou art , if thou dar'st be , the earthly Jove :
-Whate'er the ocean pales , or sky inclips ,
-Is thine , if thou wilt ha 't .
-
-Show me which way .
-
-These three world-sharers , these competitors ,
-Are in thy vessel : let me cut the cable ;
-And , when we are put off , fall to their throats :
-All there is thine .
-
-Ah ! this thou shouldst have done ,
-And not have spoke on 't . In me 'tis villany ;
-In thee 't had been good service . Thou must know
-'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour ;
-Mine honour it . Repent that e'er thy tongue
-Hath so betray'd thine act ; being done unknown ,
-I should have found it afterwards well done ,
-But must condemn it now . Desist , and drink .
-
-For this ,
-I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more .
-Who seeks , and will not take when once 'tis offer'd ,
-Shall never find it more .
-
-This health to Lepidus !
-
-Bear him ashore . I'll pledge it for him , Pompey .
-
-Here's to thee , Menas !
-
-Enobarbus , welcome !
-
-Fill till the cup be hid .
-
-There's a strong fellow , Menas .
-
-
-Why ?
-
-A' bears the third part of the world , man ; see'st not ?
-
-The third part then is drunk ; would it were all ,
-That it might go on wheels !
-
-Drink thou ; increase the reels .
-
-Come .
-
-This is not yet an Alexandrian feast .
-
-It ripens towards it . Strike the vessels , ho !
-Here is to C sar !
-
-I could well forbear't .
-It's monstrous labour , when I wash my brain ,
-And it grows fouler .
-
-Be a child o' the time .
-
-Possess it , I'll make answer ;
-But I had rather fast from all four days
-Than drink so much in one .
-
-Ha ! my brave emperor ;
-Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals ,
-And celebrate our drink ?
-
-Let 's ha 't , good soldier .
-
-Come , let 's all take hands ,
-Till that the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense
-In soft and delicate Lethe .
-
-All take hands .
-Make battery to our ears with the loud music ;
-The while I'll place you ; then the boy shall sing ,
-The holding every man shall bear as loud
-As his strong sides can volley .
-
-
-Come , thou monarch of the vine ,
-Plumpy Bacchus , with pink eyne !
-In thy fats our cares be drown'd ,
-With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd :
-Cup us , till the world go round ,
-Cup us , till the world go round !
-
-What would you more ? Pompey , good night . Good brother ,
-Let me request you off ; our graver business
-Frowns at this levity . Gentle lords , let's part ;
-You see we have burnt our cheeks ; strong Enobarb
-Is weaker than the wine , and mine own tongue
-Splits what it speaks ; the wild disguise hath almost
-Antick'd us all . What needs more words ? Good night .
-Good Antony , your hand .
-
-I'll try you on the shore .
-
-And shall , sir . Give's your hand .
-
-O , Antony !
-You have my father s house ,But , what ? we are friends .
-Come down into the boat .
-
-Take heed you fall not .
-
-Menas , I'll not on shore .
-
-No , to my cabin .
-These drums ! these trumpets , flutes ! what !
-Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
-To these great fellows : sound and be hang'd ! sound out !
-
-
-Hoo ! says a' . There's my cap .
-
-Hoo ! noble captain ! come .
-
-
-Now , darting Parthia , art thou struck ; and now
-Pleas'd fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death
-Make me revenger . Bear the king's son's body
-Before our army . Thy Pacorus , Orodes ,
-Pays this for Marcus Crassus .
-
-Noble Ventidius ,
-Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm ,
-The fugitive Parthians follow ; spur through Media ,
-Mesopotamia , and the shelters whither
-The routed fly ; so thy grand captain Antony
-Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and
-Put garlands on thy head .
-
-O Silius , Silius !
-I have done enough ; a lower place , note well ,
-May make too great an act ; for learn this , Silius ,
-Better to leave undone than by our deed
-Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away .
-C sar and Antony have ever won
-More in their officer than person ; Sossius ,
-One of my place in Syria , his lieutenant ,
-For quick accumulation of renown ,
-Which he achiev'd by the minute , lost his favour .
-Who does i' the wars more than his captain can
-Becomes his captain's captain ; and ambition ,
-The soldier's virtue , rather makes choice of loss
-Than gain which darkens him .
-I could do more to do Antonius good ,
-But 'twould offend him ; and in his offence
-Should my performance perish .
-
-Thou hast , Ventidius , that
-Without the which a soldier , and his sword ,
-Grants scarce distinction . Thou wilt write to Antony ?
-
-I'll humbly signify what in his name ,
-That magical word of war , we have effected ;
-How , with his banners and his well-paid ranks ,
-The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia
-We have jaded out o' the field .
-
-Where is he now ?
-
-He purposeth to Athens ; whither , with what haste
-The weight we must convey with 's will permit ,
-We shall appear before him . On , there ; pass along .
-
-
-What ! are the brothers parted ?
-
-They have dispatch'd with Pompey ; he is gone ;
-The other three are sealing . Octavia weeps
-To part from Rome ; C sar is sad ; and Lepidus ,
-Since Pompey's feast , as Menas says , is troubled
-With the green sickness .
-
-'Tis a noble Lepidus .
-
-A very fine one . O ! how he loves C sar .
-
-Nay , but how dearly he adores Mark Antony !
-
-C sar ? Why , he's the Jupiter of men .
-
-What's Antony ? The god of Jupiter .
-
-Spake you of C sar ? How ! the non-pareil !
-
-O , Antony ! O thou Arabian bird !
-
-Would you praise C sar , say , 'C sar ,' go no further .
-
-Indeed , he plied them both with excellent praises .
-
-But he loves C sar best ; yet he loves Antony .
-Hoo ! hearts , tongues , figures , scribes , bards , poets , cannot
-Think , speak , cast , write , sing , number ; hoo !
-His love to Antony . But as for C sar ,
-Kneel down , kneel down , and wonder .
-
-Both he loves .
-
-They are his shards , and he their beetle .
-
-
-So ;
-This is to horse . Adieu , noble Agrippa .
-
-Good fortune , worthy soldier , and farewell .
-
-
-No further , sir .
-
-You take from me a great part of myself ;
-Use me well in't . Sister , prove such a wife
-As my thoughts make thee , and as my furthest band
-Shall pass on thy approof . Most noble Antony ,
-Let not the piece of virtue , which is set
-Betwixt us as the cement of our love
-To keep it builded , be the ram to batter
-The fortress of it ; for better might we
-Have lov'd without this mean , if on both parts
-This be not cherish'd .
-
-Make me not offended
-In your distrust .
-
-I have said .
-
-You shall not find ,
-Though you be therein curious , the least cause
-For what you seem to fear . So , the gods keep you ,
-And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends !
-We will here part .
-
-Farewell , my dearest sister , fare thee well :
-The elements be kind to thee , and make
-Thy spirits all of comfort ! fare thee well .
-
-My noble brother !
-
-The April's in her eyes ; it is love's spring ,
-And these the showers to bring it on . Be cheerful .
-
-Sir , look well to my husband's house ; and
-
-What ,
-Octavia ?
-
-I'll tell you in your ear .
-
-Her tongue will not obey her heart , nor can
-Her heart obey her tongue ; the swan's downfeather ,
-That stands upon the swell at full of tide ,
-And neither way inclines .
-
-Will C sar weep ?
-
-He has a cloud in's face .
-
-He were the worse for that were he a horse ;
-So is he , being a man .
-
-Why , Enobarbus ,
-When Antony found Julius C sar dead
-He cried almost to roaring ; and he wept
-When at Philippi he found Brutus slain .
-
-That year , indeed , he was troubled with a rheum ;
-What willingly he did confound he wail'd ,
-Believe 't , till I wept too .
-
-No , sweet Octavia ,
-You shall hear from me still ; the time shall not
-Out-go my thinking on you .
-
-Come , sir , come ;
-I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love :
-Look , here I have you ; thus I let you go ,
-And give you to the gods .
-
-Adieu ; be happy !
-
-Let all the number of the stars give light
-To thy fair way !
-
-Farewell , farewell !
-
-
-Farewell !
-
-
-Where is the fellow ?
-
-Half afeard to come .
-
-Go to , go to .
-
-Come hither , sir .
-
-Good majesty ,
-Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you
-But when you are well pleas'd .
-
-That Herod's head
-I'll have ; but how , when Antony is gone
-Through whom I might command it ? Come thou near .
-
-Most gracious majesty !
-
-Didst thou behold
-Octavia ?
-
-Ay , dread queen .
-
-Where ?
-
-Madam , in Rome ;
-I look'd her in the face , and saw her led
-Between her brother and Mark Antony .
-
-Is she as tall as me ?
-
-She is not , madam .
-
-Didst hear her speak ? is she shrill-tongu'd , or low ?
-
-Madam , I heard her speak ; she is low-voic'd .
-
-That's not so good . He cannot like her long .
-
-Like her ! O Isis ! 'tis impossible .
-
-I think so , Charmian : dull of tongue , and dwarfish !
-What majesty is in her gait ? Remember ,
-If e'er thou look'dst on majesty .
-
-She creeps ;
-Her motion and her station are as one ;
-She shows a body rather than a life ,
-A statue than a breather .
-
-Is this certain ?
-
-Or I have no observance .
-
-Three in Egypt
-Cannot make better note .
-
-He's very knowing ,
-I do perceive 't . There's nothing in her yet .
-The fellow has good judgment .
-
-Excellent .
-
-Guess at her years , I prithee .
-
-Madam ,
-She was a widow ,
-
-Widow ! Charmian , hark .
-
-And I do think she's thirty .
-
-Bear'st thou her face in mind ? is't long or round ?
-
-Round even to faultiness .
-
-For the most part , too , they are foolish that are so .
-Her hair , what colour ?
-
-Brown , madam ; and her forehead
-As low as she would wish it .
-
-There's gold for thee :
-Thou must not take my former sharpness ill .
-I will employ thee back again ; I find thee
-Most fit for business . Go , make thee ready ;
-Our letters are prepar'd .
-
-
-A proper man .
-
-Indeed , he is so ; I repent me much
-That so I harried him . Why , methinks , by him ,
-This creature's no such thing .
-
-Nothing , madam .
-
-The man hath seen some majesty , and should know .
-
-Hath he seen majesty ? Isis else defend ,
-And serving you so long !
-
-I have one thing more to ask him yet , good Charmian :
-But 'tis no matter ; thou shalt bring him to me
-Where I will write . All may be well enough .
-
-I warrant you , madam .
-
-
-Nay , nay , Octavia , not only that ,
-That were excusable , that , and thousands more
-Of semblable import , but he hath wag'd
-New wars 'gainst Pompey ; made his will , and read it
-To public ear :
-Spoke scantly of me ; when perforce he could not
-But pay me terms of honour , cold and sickly
-He vented them ; most narrow measure lent me ;
-When the best hint was given him , he not took 't ,
-Or did it from his teeth .
-
-O my good lord !
-Believe not all ; or , if you must believe ,
-Stomach not all . A more unhappy lady ,
-If this division chance , ne'er stood between ,
-Praying for both parts :
-The good gods will mock me presently ,
-When I shall pray , 'O ! bless my lord and husband ;'
-Undo that prayer , by crying out as loud ,
-'O ! bless my brother !' Husband win , win brother ,
-Prays , and destroys the prayer ; no midway
-'Twixt these extremes at all .
-
-Gentle Octavia ,
-Let your best love draw to that point which seeks
-Best to preserve it . If I lose mine honour
-I lose myself ; better I were not yours
-Than yours so branchless . But , as you requested ,
-Yourself shall go between's ; the mean time , lady ,
-I'll raise the preparation of a war
-Shall stain your brother ; make your soonest haste ,
-So your desires are yours .
-
-Thanks to my lord .
-The Jove of power make me most weak , most weak ,
-Your reconciler ! Wars 'twixt you twain would be
-As if the world should cleave , and that slain men
-Should solder up the rift .
-
-When it appears to you where this begins ,
-Turn your displeasure that way ; for our faults
-Can never be so equal that your love
-Can equally move with them . Provide your going ;
-Choose your own company , and command what cost
-Your heart has mind to .
-
-
-How now , friend Eros !
-
-There's strange news come , sir .
-
-What , man ?
-
-C sar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey .
-
-This is old : what is the success ?
-
-C sar , having made use of him in the wars 'gainst Pompey , presently denied him rivality , would not let him partake in the glory of the action ; and not resting here , accuses him of letters he had formerly wrote to Pompey ; upon his own appeal , seizes him : so the poor third is up , till death enlarge his confine .
-
-Then , world , thou hast a pair of chaps , no more ;
-And throw between them all the food thou hast ,
-They'll grind the one the other . Where's Antony ?
-
-He's walking in the garden thus : and spurns
-The rush that lies before him ; cries , 'Fool , Lepidus !'
-And threats the throat of that his officer
-That murder'd Pompey .
-
-Our great navy's rigg'd .
-
-For Italy and C sar . More , Domitius ;
-My lord desires you presently : my news
-I might have told hereafter .
-
-'Twill be naught ;
-But let it be . Bring me to Antony .
-
-Come , sir .
-
-
-Contemning Rome , he has done all this and more
-In Alexandria ; here's the manner of 't ;
-I' the market-place , on a tribunal silver'd ,
-Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold
-Were publicly enthron'd ; at the feet sat
-C sarion , whom they call my father's son ,
-And all the unlawful issue that their lust
-Since then hath made between them . Unto her
-He gave the 'stablishment of Egypt ; made her
-Of Lower Syria , Cyprus , Lydia ,
-Absolute queen .
-
-This in the public eye ?
-
-I' the common show-place , where they exercise .
-His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings ;
-Great Media , Parthia , and Armenia
-He gave to Alexander ; to Ptolemy he assign'd
-Syria , Cilicia , and Ph nicia . She
-In the habiliments of the goddess Isis
-That day appear'd ; and oft before gave audience ,
-As 'tis reported , so .
-
-Let Rome be thus
-Informed .
-
-Who , queasy with his insolence
-Already , will their good thoughts call from him .
-
-The people know it ; and have now receiv'd
-His accusations .
-
-Whom does he accuse ?
-
-C sar ; and that , having in Sicily
-Sextus Pompeius spoil'd , we had not rated him
-His part o' the isle ; then does he say , he lent me
-Some shipping unrestor'd ; lastly , he frets
-That Lepidus of the triumvirate
-Should be depos'd ; and , being , that we detain
-All his revenue .
-
-Sir , this should be answer'd .
-
-'Tis done already , and the messenger gone .
-I have told him , Lepidus was grown too cruel ;
-That he his high authority abus'd ,
-And did deserve his change : for what I have conquer'd ,
-I grant him part ; but then , in his Armenia ,
-And other of his conquer'd kingdoms , I
-Demand the like .
-
-He'll never yield to that .
-
-Nor must not then be yielded to in this .
-
-
-Hail , C sar , and my lord ! hail , most dear C sar !
-
-That ever I should call thee cast-away !
-
-You have not call'd me so , nor have you cause .
-
-Why have you stol'n upon us thus ? You come not
-Like C sar's sister ; the wife of Antony
-Should have an army for an usher , and
-The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
-Long ere she did appear ; the trees by the way
-Should have borne men ; and expectation fainted ,
-Longing for what it had not ; nay , the dust
-Should have ascended to the roof of heaven ,
-Rais'd by your populous troops . But you are come
-A market-maid to Rome , and have prevented
-The ostentation of our love , which , left unshown ,
-Is often left unlov'd : we should have met you
-By sea and land , supplying every stage
-With an augmented greeting .
-
-Good my lord ,
-To come thus was I not constrain'd , but did it
-On my free-will . My lord , Mark Antony ,
-Hearing that you prepar'd for war , acquainted
-My grieved ear withal ; whereon , I begg'd
-His pardon for return .
-
-Which soon he granted ,
-Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him .
-
-Do not say so , my lord .
-
-I have eyes upon him ,
-And his affairs come to me on the wind .
-Where is he now ?
-
-My lord , in Athens .
-
-No , my most wrong'd sister ; Cleopatra
-Hath nodded him to her . He hath given his empire
-Up to a whore ; who now are levying
-The kings o' the earth for war . He hath assembled
-Bocchus , the King of Libya ; Archelaus ,
-Of Cappadocia ; Philadelphos , King
-Of Paphlagonia ; the Thracian king , Adallas ;
-King Malchus of Arabia ; King of Pont ;
-Herod of Jewry ; Mithridates , King
-Of Comagene ; Polemon and Amintas ,
-The Kings of Mede and Lycaonia ,
-With a more larger list of sceptres .
-
-Ay me , most wretched ,
-That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
-That do afflict each other !
-
-Welcome hither :
-Your letters did withhold our breaking forth ,
-Till we perceiv'd both how you were wrong led
-And we in negligent danger . Cheer your heart ;
-Be you not troubled with the time , which drives
-O'er your content these strong necessities ,
-But let determin'd things to destiny
-Hold unbewail'd their way . Welcome to Rome ;
-Nothing more dear to me . You are abus'd
-Beyond the mark of thought , and the high gods ,
-To do you justice , make their ministers
-Of us and those that love you . Best of comfort ,
-And ever welcome to us .
-
-Welcome , lady .
-
-Welcome , dear madam .
-Each heart in Rome does love and pity you ;
-Only the adulterous Antony , most large
-In his abominations , turns you off ,
-And gives his potent regiment to a trull ,
-That noises it against us .
-
-Is it so , sir ?
-
-Most certain . Sister , welcome ; pray you ,
-Be ever known to patience ; my dearest sister !
-
-
-I will be even with thee , doubt it not .
-
-But why , why , why ?
-
-Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars ,
-And sayst it is not fit .
-
-Well , is it , is it ?
-
-If not denounc'd against us , why should not we
-Be there in person ?
-
-Well , I could reply :
-If we should serve with horse and mares together ,
-The horse were merely lost ; the mares would bear
-A soldier and his horse .
-
-What is 't you say ?
-
-Your presence needs must puzzle Antony ;
-Take from his heart , take from his brain , from 's time ,
-What should not then be spar'd . He is already
-Traduc'd for levity , and 'tis said in Rome
-That Photinus a eunuch and your maids
-Manage this war .
-
-Sink Rome , and their tongues rot
-That speak against us ! A charge we bear i' the war ,
-And , as the president of my kingdom , will
-Appear there for a man . Speak not against it ;
-I will not stay behind .
-
-Nay , I have done .
-Here comes the emperor .
-
-
-Is it not strange , Canidius ,
-That from Tarentum and Brundusium
-He could so quickly cut the Ionian sea ,
-And take in Toryne ? You have heard on 't , sweet ?
-
-Celerity is never more admir'd
-Than by the negligent .
-
-A good rebuke ,
-Which might have well becom'd the best of men ,
-To taunt at slackness . Canidius , we
-Will fight with him by sea .
-
-By sea ! What else ?
-
-Why will my lord do so ?
-
-For that he dares us to 't .
-
-So hath my lord dar'd him to single fight .
-
-Ay , and to wage his battle at Pharsalia ,
-Where C sar fought with Pompey ; but these offers ,
-Which serve not for his vantage , he shakes off ;
-And so should you .
-
-Your ships are not well mann'd ;
-Your mariners are muleters , reapers , people
-Ingross'd by swift impress ; in C sar's fleet
-Are those that often have gainst Pompey fought :
-Their ships are yare ; yours , heavy . No disgrace
-Shall fall you for refusing him at sea ,
-Being prepar'd for land .
-
-By sea , by sea .
-
-Most worthy sir , you therein throw away
-The absolute soldiership you have by land ;
-Distract your army , which doth most consist
-Of war-mark'd footmen ; leave unexecuted
-Your own renowned knowledge ; quite forego
-The way which promises assurance ; and
-Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard
-From firm security .
-
-I'll fight at sea .
-
-I have sixty sails , C sar none better .
-
-Our overplus of shipping will we burn ;
-And with the rest , full-mann'd , from the head of Actium
-Beat the approaching C sar . But if we fail ,
-We then can do 't at land .
-
-Thy business ?
-
-The news is true , my lord ; he is descried ;
-C sar has taken Toryne .
-
-Can he be there in person ? 'tis impossible ;
-Strange that his power should be . Canidius ,
-Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land ,
-And our twelve thousand horse . We'll to our ship :
-Away , my Thetis !
-
-How now , worthy soldier !
-
-O noble emperor ! do not fight by sea ;
-Trust not to rotten planks : do you misdoubt
-This sword and these my wounds ? Let the Egyptians
-And the Ph nicians go a-ducking ; we
-Have used to conquer , standing on the earth ,
-And fighting foot to foot .
-
-Well , well : away !
-
-
-By Hercules , I think I am i' the right .
-
-Soldier , thou art ; but his whole action grows
-Not in the power on 't : so our leader's led ,
-And we are women's men .
-
-You keep by land
-The legions and the horse whole , do you not ?
-
-Marcus Octavius , Marcus Justeius ,
-Publicola , and C lius , are for sea ;
-But we keep whole by land . This speed of C sar's
-Carries beyond belief .
-
-While he was yet in Rome
-His power went out in such distractions as
-Beguil'd all spies .
-
-Who's his lieutenant , hear you ?
-
-They say , one Taurus .
-
-Well I know the man .
-
-
-The emperor calls Canidius .
-
-With news the time's with labour , and throes forth
-Each minute some .
-
-
-Taurus !
-
-My lord ?
-
-Strike not by land ; keep whole : provoke not battle .
-Till we have done at sea . Do not exceed
-The prescript of this scroll : our fortune lies
-Upon this jump .
-
-Set we our squadrons on yond side o' the hill ,
-In eye of C sar's battle ; from which place
-We may the number of the ships behold ,
-And so proceed accordingly .
-
-
-Naught , naught , all naught ! I can behold no longer .
-The Antoniad , the Egyptian admiral ,
-With all their sixty , fly , and turn the rudder ;
-To see 't mine eyes are blasted .
-
-
-Gods and goddesses ,
-All the whole synod of them !
-
-What's thy passion ?
-
-The greater cantle of the world is lost
-With very ignorance ; we have kiss'd away
-Kingdoms and provinces .
-
-How appears the fight ?
-
-On our side like the token'd pestilence ,
-Where death is sure . Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt ,
-Whom leprosy o'ertake ! i' the midst o' the fight ,
-When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd ,
-Both as the same , or rather ours the elder ,
-The breese upon her , like a cow in June ,
-Hoists sails and flies .
-
-That I beheld :
-Mine eyes did sicken at the sight , and could not
-Endure a further view .
-
-She once being loof'd ,
-The noble ruin of her magic , Antony ,
-Clapson his sea-wing , and like a doting mallard ,
-Leaving the fight in height , flies after her .
-I never saw an action of such shame ;
-Experience , manhood , honour , ne'er before
-Did violate so itself .
-
-Alack , alack !
-
-
-Our fortune on the sea is out of breath ,
-And sinks most lamentably . Had our general
-Been what he knew himself , it had gone well :
-O ! he has given example for our flight
-Most grossly by his own .
-
-Ay , are you thereabouts ?
-Why , then , good night , indeed .
-
-Towards Peloponnesus are they fled .
-
-'Tis easy to 't ; and there I will attend
-What further comes .
-
-To C sar will I render
-My legions and my horse ; six kings already
-Show me the way of yielding .
-
-I'll yet follow
-The wounded chance of Antony , though my reason
-Sits in the wind against me .
-
-
-Hark ! the land bids me tread no more upon 't ;
-It is asham'd to bear me . Friends , come hither :
-I am so lated in the world that I
-Have lost my way for ever . I have a ship
-Laden with gold ; take that , divide it ; fly ,
-And make your peace with C sar .
-
-Fly ! not we .
-
-I have fled myself , and have instructed cowards
-To run and show their shoulders . Friends , be gone ;
-I have myself resolv'd upon a course
-Which has no need of you ; be gone :
-My treasure's in the harbour , take it . O !
-I follow'd that I blush to look upon :
-My very hairs do mutiny , for the white
-Reprove the brown for rashness , and they them
-For fear and doting . Friends , be gone ; you shall
-Have letters from me to some friends that will
-Sweep your way for you . Pray you , look not sad ,
-Nor make replies of loathness ; take the hint
-Which my despair proclaims ; let that be left
-Which leaves itself ; to the sea-side straightway ;
-I will possess you of that ship and treasure .
-Leave me , I pray , a little ; pray you now :
-Nay , do so ; for , indeed , I have lost command ,
-Therefore I pray you . I'll see you by and by .
-
-Nay , gentle madam , to him , comfort him .
-
-Do , most dear queen .
-
-Do ! Why , what else ?
-
-Let me sit down . O Juno !
-
-No , no , no , no , no .
-
-See you here , sir ?
-
-O fie , fie , fie !
-
-Madam !
-
-Madam ; O good empress !
-
-Sir , sir !
-
-Yes , my lord , yes . He , at Philippi kept
-His sword e'en like a dancer , while I struck
-The lean and wrinkled Cassius ; and 'twas I
-That the mad Brutus ended : he alone
-Dealt on lieutenantry , and no practice had
-In the brave squares of war : yet now No matter .
-
-Ah ! stand by .
-
-The queen , my lord , the queen .
-
-Go to him , madam , speak to him ;
-He is unqualitied with very shame .
-
-Well then , sustain me : O !
-
-Most noble sir , arise ; the queen approaches :
-Her head's declin'd , and death will seize her , but
-Your comfort makes the rescue .
-
-I have offended reputation ,
-A most unnoble swerving .
-
-Sir , the queen .
-
-O ! whither hast thou led me , Egypt ? See ,
-How I convey my shame out of thine eyes
-By looking back what I have left behind
-'Stroy'd in dishonour .
-
-O my lord , my lord !
-Forgive my fearful sails : I little thought
-You would have follow'd .
-
-Egypt , thou knew'st too well
-My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings ,
-And thou shouldst tow me after ; o'er my spirit
-Thy full supremacy thou knew'st , and that
-Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
-Command me .
-
-O ! my pardon .
-
-Now I must
-To the young man send humble treaties , dodge
-And palter in the shifts of lowness , who
-With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleas'd ,
-Making and marring fortunes . You did know
-How much you were my conqueror , and that
-My sword , made weak by my affection , would
-Obey it on all cause .
-
-Pardon , pardon !
-
-Fall not a tear , I say ; one of them rates
-All that is won and lost . Give me a kiss ;
-Even this repays me . We sent our schoolmaster ;
-Is he come back ? Love , I am full of lead .
-Some wine , within there , and our viands ! Fortune knows ,
-We scorn her most when most she offers blows .
-
-Let him appear that's come from Antony .
-Know you him ?
-
-C sar , 'tis his schoolmaster :
-An argument that he is pluck'd , when hither
-He sends so poor a pinion of his wing ,
-Which had superfluous kings for messengers
-Not many moons gone by .
-
-
-Approach , and speak .
-
-Such as I am , I come from Antony :
-I was of late as petty to his ends
-As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf
-To his grand sea .
-
-Be 't so . Declare thine office .
-
-Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee , and
-Requires to live in Egypt ; which not granted ,
-He lessens his requests , and to thee sues
-To let him breathe between the heavens and earth ,
-A private man in Athens ; this for him .
-Next , Cleopatra does confess thy greatness ,
-Submits her to thy might , and of thee craves
-The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs ,
-Now hazarded to thy grace .
-
-For Antony ,
-I have no ears to his request . The queen
-Of audience nor desire shall fail , so she
-From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend ,
-Or take his life there ; this if she perform ,
-She shall not sue unheard . So to them both .
-
-Fortune pursue thee !
-
-Bring him through the bands .
-
-From Antony win Cleopatra ; promise ,
-And in our name , what she requires ; add more ,
-From thine invention , offers . Women are not
-In their best fortunes strong , but want will perjure
-The ne'er-touch'd vestal . Try thy cunning , Thyreus ;
-Make thine own edict for thy pains , which we
-
-Will answer as a law .
-
-C sar , I go .
-
-Observe how Antony becomes his flaw ,
-And what thou think'st his very action speaks
-In every power that moves .
-
-C sar , I shall .
-
-What shall we do , Enobarbus ?
-
-Think , and die .
-
-Is Antony or we , in fault for this ?
-
-Antony only , that would make his will
-Lord of his reason . What though you fled
-From that great face of war , whose several ranges
-Frighted each other , why should he follow ?
-The itch of his affection should not then
-Have nick'd his captainship ; at such a point ,
-When half to half the world oppos'd , he being
-The mered question . 'Twas a shame no less
-Than was his loss , to course your flying flags ,
-And leave his navy gazing .
-
-Prithee , peace .
-
-
-Is that his answer ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-The queen shall then have courtesy , so she
-Will yield us up ?
-
-He says so .
-
-Let her know't .
-To the boy C sar send this grizzled head ,
-And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
-With principalities .
-
-That head , my lord ?
-
-To him again . Tell him he wears the rose
-Of youth upon him , from which the world should note
-Something particular ; his coin , ships , legions ,
-May be a coward's , whose ministers would prevail
-Under the service of a child as soon
-As i' the command of C sar : I dare him therefore
-To lay his gay comparisons apart ,
-And answer me declin'd , sword against sword ,
-Ourselves alone . I'll write it : follow me .
-
-
-Yes , like enough , high-battled C sar will
-Unstate his happiness , and be stag'd to the show
-Against a sworder ! I see men's judgments are
-A parcel of their fortunes , and things outward
-Do draw the inward quality after them ,
-To suffer all alike . That he should dream ,
-Knowing all measures , the full C sar will
-Answer his emptiness ! C sar , thou hast subdu'd
-His judgment too .
-
-
-A messenger from C sar .
-
-What ! no more ceremony ? See ! my women ;
-Against the blown rose may they stop their nose ,
-That kneel'd unto the buds . Admit him , sir .
-
-
-Mine honesty and I begin to square .
-The loyalty well held to fools does make
-Our faith mere folly ; yet he that can endure
-To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord ,
-Does conquer him that did his master conquer ,
-And earns a place i' the story .
-
-
-C sar's will ?
-
-Hear it apart .
-
-None but friends ; say boldly .
-
-So , haply , are they friends to Antony .
-
-He needs as many , sir , as C sar has ,
-Or needs not us . If C sar please , our master
-Will leap to be his friend ; for us , you know
-Whose he is we are , and that is C sar's .
-
-So .
-Thus then , thou most renown'd : C sar entreats ,
-Not to consider in what case thou stand'st ,
-Further than he is C sar .
-
-Go on ; right royal .
-
-He knows that you embrace not Antony
-As you did love , but as you fear'd him .
-
-O !
-
-The scars upon your honour therefore he
-Does pity , as constrained blemishes ,
-Not as deserv'd .
-
-He is a god , and knows
-What is most right . Mine honour was not yielded ,
-But conquer'd merely .
-
-To be sure of that ,
-I will ask Antony . Sir , sir , thou'rt so leaky ,
-That we must leave thee to thy sinking , for
-Thy dearest quit thee .
-
-
-Shall I say to C sar
-What you require of him ? for he partly begs
-To be desir'd to give . It much would please him ,
-That of his fortunes you should make a staff
-To lean upon ; but it would warm his spirits
-To hear from me you had left Antony ,
-And put yourself under his shroud ,
-The universal landlord .
-
-What's your name ?
-
-My name is Thyreus .
-
-Most kind messenger ,
-Say to great C sar this : in deputation
-I kiss his conqu'ring hand ; tell him , I am prompt
-To lay my crown at 's feet , and there to kneel ;
-Tell him , from his all-obeying breath I hear
-The doom of Egypt .
-
-'Tis your noblest course .
-Wisdom and fortune combating together ,
-If that the former dare but what it can ,
-No chance may shake it . Give me grace to lay
-My duty on your hand .
-
-Your C sar's father oft ,
-When he hath mus'd of taking kingdoms in ,
-Bestow'd his lips on that unworthy place ,
-As it rain'd kisses .
-
-
-Favours , by Jove that thunders !
-What art thou , fellow ?
-
-One that but performs
-The bidding of the fullest man , and worthiest
-To have command obey'd .
-
-You will be whipp'd .
-
-Approach there ! Ah , you kite ! Now , gods and devils !
-Authority melts from me : of late , when I cried 'Ho !'
-Like boys unto a muss , kings would start forth ,
-And cry , 'Your will ?' Have you no ears ? I am
-Antony yet .
-
-Take hence this Jack and whip him .
-
-'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp
-Than with an old one dying .
-
-Moon and stars !
-Whip him . Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries
-That do acknowledge C sar , should I find them
-So saucy with the hand of she here , what's her name ,
-Since she was Cleopatra ? Whip him , fellows ,
-Till , like a boy , you see him cringe his face
-And whine aloud for mercy ; take him hence .
-
-Mark Antony ,
-
-Tug him away ; being whipp'd ,
-Bring him again ; this Jack of C sar's shall
-Bear us an errand to him .
-
-You were half blasted ere I knew you : ha !
-Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome ,
-Forborne the getting of a lawful race ,
-And by a gem of women , to be abus'd
-By one that looks on feeders ?
-
-Good my lord ,
-
-You have been a boggler ever :
-But when we in our viciousness grow hard ,
-O misery on 't !the wise gods seel our eyes ;
-In our own filth drop our clear judgments ; make us
-Adore our errors ; laugh at 's while we strut
-To our confusion .
-
-O ! is't come to this ?
-
-I found you as a morsel , cold upon
-Dead C sar's trencher ; nay , you were a fragment
-Of Cneius Pompey's ; besides what hotter hours ,
-Unregister'd in vulgar fame , you have
-Luxuriously pick'd out ; for , I am sure ,
-Though you can guess what temperance should be ,
-You know not what it is .
-
-Wherefore is this ?
-
-To let a fellow that will take rewards
-And say 'God quit you !' be familiar with
-My playfellow , your hand ; this kingly seal
-And plighter of high hearts . O ! that I were
-Upon the hill of Basan , to outroar
-The horned herd ; for I have savage cause ;
-And to proclaim it civilly were like
-A halter'd neck , which does the hangman thank
-For being yare about him .
-
-Is he whipp'd ?
-
-Soundly , my lord .
-
-Cried he ? and begg'd a' pardon ?
-
-He did ask favour .
-
-If that thy father live , let him repent
-Thou wast not made his daughter ; and be thou sorry
-To follow C sar in his triumph , since
-Thou hast been whipp'd for following him : henceforth ,
-The white hand of a lady fever thee ,
-Shake thou to look on 't . Get thee back to C sar ,
-Tell him thy entertainment ; look , thou say
-He makes me angry with him ; for he seems
-Proud and disdainful , harping on what I am ,
-Not what he knew I was : he makes me angry ;
-And at this time most easy 'tis to do 't ,
-When my good stars , that were my former guides ,
-Have empty left their orbs , and shot their fires
-Into the abysm of hell . If he mislike
-My speech and what is done , tell him he has
-Hipparchus , my enfranched bondman , whom
-He may at pleasure whip , or hang , or torture ,
-As he shall like , to quit me : urge it thou :
-Hence with thy stripes ; be gone !
-
-
-Have you done yet ?
-
-Alack ! our terrene moon
-Is now eclips'd ; and it portends alone
-The fall of Antony .
-
-I must stay his time .
-
-To flatter C sar , would you mingle eyes
-With one that ties his points ?
-
-Not know me yet ?
-
-Cold-hearted toward me ?
-
-Ah ! dear , if I be so ,
-From my cold heart let heaven engender hail ,
-And poison it in the source ; and the first stone
-Drop in my neck : as it determines , so
-Dissolve my life . The next C sarion smite ,
-Till by degrees the memory of my womb ,
-Together with my brave Egyptians all ,
-By the discandying of this pelleted storm ,
-Lie graveless , till the flies and gnats of Nile
-Have buried them for prey !
-
-I am satisfied .
-C sar sits down in Alexandria , where
-I will oppose his fate . Our force by land
-Hath nobly held ; our sever'd navy too
-Have knit again , and fleet , threat'ning most sea-like .
-Where hast thou been , my heart ? Dost thou hear , lady ?
-If from the field I shall return once more
-To kiss these lips , I will appear in blood ;
-I and my sword will earn our chronicle :
-There's hope in 't yet .
-
-That's my brave lord !
-
-I will betreble-sinew'd , hearted , breath'd ,
-And fight maliciously ; for when mine hours
-Were nice and lucky , men did ransom lives
-Of me for jests ; but now I'll set my teeth ,
-And send to darkness all that stop me . Come ,
-Let's have one other gaudy night : call to me
-All my sad captains ; fill our bowls once more ;
-Let's mock the midnight bell .
-
-It is my birth-day :
-I had thought to have held it poor ; but , since my lord
-Is Antony again , I will be Cleopatra .
-
-We will yet do well .
-
-Call all his noble captains to my lord .
-
-Do so , we'll speak to them ; and to-night I'll force
-The wine peep through their scars . Come on , my queen ;
-There's sap in 't yet . The next time I do fight
-I'll make death love me , for I will contend
-Even with his pestilent scythe .
-
-
-Now he'll outstare the lightning . To be furious
-Is to be frighted out of fear , and in that mood
-The dove will peck the estridge ; and I see still ,
-A diminution in our captain's brain
-Restores his heart . When valour preys on reason
-It eats the sword it fights with . I will seek
-Some way to leave him .
-
-He calls me boy , and chides as he had power
-To beat me out of Egypt ; my messenger
-He hath whipp'd with rods ; dares me to personal combat ,
-C sar to Antony . Let the old ruffian know
-I have many other ways to die ; meantime
-Laugh at his challenge .
-
-C sar must think ,
-When one so great begins to rage , he's hunted
-Even to falling . Give him no breath , but now
-Make boot of his distraction : never anger
-Made good guard for itself .
-
-Let our best heads
-Know that to-morrow the last of many battles
-We mean to fight . Within our files there are ,
-Of those that serv'd Mark Antony but late ,
-Enough to fetch him in . See it done ;
-And feast the army ; we have store to do 't ,
-And they have earn'd the waste . Poor Antony !
-
-
-He will not fight with me , Domitius .
-
-No .
-
-Why should he not ?
-
-He thinks , being twenty times of better fortune ,
-He is twenty men to one .
-
-To-morrow , soldier ,
-By sea and land I'll fight : or I will live ,
-Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
-Shall make it live again . Woo't thou fight well ?
-
-I'll strike , and cry , 'Take all .'
-
-Well said ; come on .
-Call forth my household servants ; let's to-night
-Be bounteous at our meal .
-
-
-Give me thy hand ,
-Thou hast been rightly honest ; so hast thou ;
-Thou ; and thou , and thou : you have serv'd me well ,
-
-And kings have been your fellows .
-
-What means this ?
-
-'Tis one of those odd tricks which sorrow shoots
-Out of the mind .
-
-And thou art honest too .
-I wish I could be made so many men ,
-And all of you clapp'd up together in
-An Antony , that I might do you service
-So good as you have done .
-
-The gods forbid !
-
-Well , my good fellows , wait on me to-night ,
-Scant not my cups , and make as much of me
-As when mine empire was your fellow too ,
-And suffer'd my command .
-
-What does he mean ?
-
-To make his followers weep .
-
-Tend me to-night ;
-May be it is the period of your duty :
-Haply , you shall not see me more ; or if ,
-A mangled shadow : perchance to-morrow
-You'll serve another master . I look on you
-As one that takes his leave . Mine honest friends ,
-I turn you not away ; but , like a master
-Married to your good service , stay till death .
-Tend me to-night two hours , I ask no more ,
-And the gods yield you for 't !
-
-What mean you , sir ,
-To give them this discomfort ? Look , they weep ;
-And I , an ass , am onion-ey'd : for shame ,
-Transform us not to women .
-
-Ho , ho , ho !
-Now , the witch take me , if I meant it thus !
-Grace grow where those drops fall ! My hearty friends ,
-You take me in too dolorous a sense ,
-For I spake to you for your comfort ; did desire you
-To burn this night with torches . Know , my hearts ,
-I hope well of to-morrow ; and will lead you
-Where rather I'll expect victorious life
-Than death and honour . Let's to supper , come ,
-And drown consideration .
-
-
-Brother , good night ; to-morrow is the day .
-
-It will determine one way ; fare you well .
-Heard you of nothing strange about the streets ?
-
-Nothing . What news ?
-
-Belike , 'tis but a rumour . Good night to you .
-
-Well , sir , good night .
-
-
-Soldiers , have careful watch .
-
-And you . Good night , good night .
-
-
-Here we :
-
-And if to-morrow
-Our navy thrive , I have an absolute hope
-Our landmen will stand up .
-
-'Tis a brave army ,
-And full of purpose .
-
-
-Peace ! what noise ?
-
-List , list !
-
-Hark !
-
-Music i' the air .
-
-Under the earth .
-
-It signs well , does it not ?
-
-No .
-
-Peace , I say !
-What should this mean ?
-
-'Tis the god Hercules , whom Antony lov'd ,
-Now leaves him .
-
-Walk ; let's see if other watchmen
-Do hear what we do .
-
-
-How now , masters !
-
-How now !
-How now !do you hear this ?
-
-Ay ; is 't not strange ?
-
-Do you hear , masters ? do you hear ?
-
-Follow the noise so far as we have quarter ;
-Let's see how 't will give off .
-
-Content .'Tis strange .
-
-
-Eros ! mine armour , Eros !
-
-Sleep a little .
-
-No , my chuck . Eros , come ; mine armour , Eros !
-
-Come , good fellow , put mine iron on :
-If Fortune be not ours to-day , it is
-Because we brave her . Come .
-
-Nay , I'll help too .
-What's this for ?
-
-Ah ! let be , let be ; thou art
-The armourer of my heart : false , false ; this , this .
-
-Sooth , la ! I'll help : thus it must be .
-
-Well , well ;
-We shall thrive now . Seest thou , my good fellow ?
-Go put on thy defences .
-
-Briefly , sir .
-
-Is not this buckled well ?
-
-Rarely , rarely :
-He that unbuckles this , till we do please
-To daff 't for our repose , shall hear a storm .
-Thou fumblest , Eros ; and my queen's a squire
-More tight at this than thou : dispatch . O love !
-That thou couldst see my wars to-day , and knew'st
-The royal occupation , thou shouldst see
-A workman in 't .
-
-
-Good morrow to thee ; welcome ;
-Thou look'st like him that knows a war-like charge :
-To business that we love we rise betime ,
-
-And go to 't with delight .
-
-A thousand , sir ,
-Early though 't be , have on their riveted trim ,
-And at the port expect you .
-
-The morn is fair . Good morrow , general .
-
-Good morrow , general .
-
-'Tis well blown , lads .
-This morning , like the spirit of a youth
-That means to be of note , begins betimes .
-So , so ; come , give me that : this way ; well said .
-Fare thee well , dame , whate'er becomes of me ;
-This is a soldier's kiss .
-
-Rebukeable
-And worthy shameful check it were , to stand
-On more mechanic compliment ; I'll leave thee
-Now , like a man of steel . You that will fight ,
-Follow me close ; I'll bring you to 't . Adieu .
-
-
-Please you , retire to your chamber .
-
-Lead me .
-He goes forth gallantly . That he and C sar might
-Determine this great war in single fight !
-Then , Antony ,but now .Well , on .
-
-
-The gods make this a happy day to Antony !
-
-Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
-To make me fight at land !
-
-Hadst thou done so ,
-The kings that have revolted , and the soldier
-That has this morning left thee , would have still
-Follow'd thy heels .
-
-Who's gone this morning ?
-
-Who !
-One ever near thee : call for Enobarbus ,
-He shall not hear thee ; or from C sar's camp
-Say , 'I am none of thine .'
-
-What sayst thou ?
-
-Sir ,
-He is with C sar .
-
-Sir , his chests and treasure
-He has not with him .
-
-Is he gone ?
-
-Most certain .
-
-Go , Eros , send his treasure after ; do it ;
-Detain no jot , I charge thee . Write to him
-I will subscribe gentle adieus and greetings ;
-Say that I wish he never find more cause
-To change a master . O ! my fortunes have
-Corrupted honest men . Dispatch . Enobarbus !
-
-
-Go forth , Agrippa , and begin the fight :
-Our will is Antony be took alive ;
-Make it so known .
-
-C sar , I shall .
-
-
-The time of universal peace is near :
-Prove this a prosperous day , the three-nook'd world
-Shall bear the olive freely .
-
-
-Antony
-Is come into the field .
-
-Go charge Agrippa
-Plant those that have revolted in the van ,
-That Antony may seem to spend his fury
-Upon himself .
-
-
-Alexas did revolt , and went to Jewry on
-Affairs of Antony ; there did persuade
-Great Herod to incline himself to C sar ,
-And leave his master Antony : for this pains
-C sar hath hang'd him . Canidius and the rest
-That fell away have entertainment , but
-No honourable trust . I have done ill ,
-Of which I do accuse myself so sorely
-That I will joy no more .
-
-
-Enobarbus , Antony
-Hath after thee sent all thy treasure , with
-His bounty overplus : the messenger
-Came on my guard ; and at thy tent is now
-Unloading of his mules .
-
-I give it you .
-
-Mock not , Enobarbus .
-I tell you true : best you saf'd the bringer
-Out of the host ; I must attend mine office
-Or would have done 't myself . Your emperor
-Continues still a Jove .
-
-
-I am alone the villain of the earth ,
-And feel I am so most . O Antony !
-Thou mine of bounty , how wouldst thou have paid
-My better service , when my turpitude
-Thou dost so crown with gold ! This blows my heart :
-If swift thought break it not , a swifter mean
-Shall outstrike thought ; but thought will do 't , I feel .
-I fight against thee ! No : I will go seek
-Some ditch , wherein to die ; the foul'st best fits
-My latter part of life .
-
-
-Retire , we have engag'd ourselves too far .
-C sar himself has work , and our oppression
-Exceeds what we expected .
-
-O my brave emperor , this is fought indeed !
-Had we done so at first , we had droven them home
-With clouts about their heads .
-
-Thou bleed'st apace .
-
-I had a wound here that was like a T ,
-But now 'tis made an H .
-
-They do retire .
-
-We'll beat 'em into bench-holes : I have yet
-Room for six scotches more .
-
-
-They are beaten , sir ; and our advantage serves
-For a fair victory .
-
-Let us score their backs ,
-And snatch 'em up , as we take hares , behind :
-'Tis sport to maul a runner .
-
-I will reward thee
-Once for thy sprightly comfort , and ten-fold
-For thy good valour . Come thee on .
-
-I'll halt after .
-
-
-We have beat him to his camp ; run one before
-And let the queen know of our gests . To-morrow ,
-Before the sun shall see 's , we'll spill the blood
-That has to-day escap'd . I thank you all ;
-For doughty-handed are you , and have fought
-Not as you serv'd the cause , but as 't had been
-Each man's like mine ; you have shown all Hectors .
-Enter the city , clip your wives , your friends ,
-Tell them your feats ; whilst they with joyful tears
-Wash the congealment from your wounds , and kiss
-The honour'd gashes whole .
-
-Give me thy hand :
-
-
-To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts ,
-Make her thanks bless thee . O thou day o' the world !
-Chain mine arm'd neck ; leap thou , attire and all ,
-Through proof of harness to my heart , and there
-
-Ride on the pants triumphing .
-
-Lord of lords !
-O infinite virtue ! com'st thou smiling from
-The world's great snare uncaught ?
-
-My nightingale ,
-We have beat them to their beds . What , girl ! though grey
-Do something mingle with our younger brown , yet ha' we
-A brain that nourishes our nerves , and can
-Get goal for goal of youth . Behold this man ;
-Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand :
-Kiss it , my warrior : he hath fought to-day
-As if a god , in hate of mankind , had
-Destroy'd in such a shape .
-
-I'll give thee , friend ,
-An armour all of gold ; it was a king's .
-
-He has deserv'd it , were it carbuncled
-Like holy Ph bus' car . Give me thy hand :
-Through Alexandria make a jolly march ;
-Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them :
-Had our great palace the capacity
-To camp this host , we all would sup together
-And drink carouses to the next day's fate ,
-Which promises royal peril . Trumpeters ,
-With brazen din blast you the city's ear ,
-Make mingle with our rattling tabourines ,
-That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together ,
-Applauding our approach .
-
-
-If we be not reliev'd within this hour ,
-We must return to the court of guard : the night
-Is shiny , and they say we shall embattle
-By the second hour i' the morn .
-
-This last day was
-A shrewd one to 's .
-
-
-O ! bear me witness , night ,
-
-What man is this ?
-
-Stand close and list him .
-
-Be witness to me , O thou blessed moon ,
-When men revolted shall upon record
-Bear hateful memory , poor Enobarbus did
-Before thy face repent !
-
-Enobarbus !
-
-Peace !
-Hark further .
-
-O sovereign mistress of true melancholy ,
-The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me ,
-That life , a very rebel to my will ,
-May hang no longer on me ; throw my heart
-Against the flint and hardness of my fault ,
-Which , being dried with grief , will break to powder ,
-And finish all foul thoughts . O Antony !
-Nobler than my revolt is infamous ,
-Forgive me in thine own particular ;
-But let the world rank me in register
-A master-leaver and a fugitive .
-O Antony ! O Antony !
-
-
-Let's speak to him .
-
-Let's hear him , for the things he speaks
-May concern C sar .
-
-Let's do so . But he sleeps .
-
-Swounds rather ; for so bad a prayer as his
-Was never yet for sleep .
-
-Go we to him .
-
-Awake , sir , awake ! speak to us .
-
-Hear you , sir ?
-
-The Land of death hath raught him .
-
-Hark ! the drums
-Demurely wake the sleepers . Let us bear him
-To the court of guard ; he is of note : our hour
-Is fully out .
-
-Come on , then ;
-He may recover yet .
-
-Their preparation is to-day by sea ;
-We please them not by land .
-
-For both , my lord .
-
-I would they'd fight i' the fire or i' the air ;
-We'd fight there too . But this it is ; our foot
-Upon the hills adjoining to the city
-Shall stay with us ; order for sea is given ,
-They have put forth the haven ,
-Where their appointment we may best discover
-And look on their endeavour .
-
-But being charg'd , we will be still by land ,
-Which , as I take 't , we shall ; for his best force
-Is forth to man his galleys . To the vales ,
-And hold our best advantage !
-
-Yet they are not join'd . Where yond pine does stand
-I shall discover all ; I'll bring thee word
-Straight how 'tis like to go .
-
-
-Swallows have built
-In Cleopatra's sails their nests ; the augurers
-Say they know not , they cannot tell ; look grimly ,
-And dare not speak their knowledge . Antony
-Is valiant , and dejected ; and , by starts ,
-His fretted fortunes give him hope and fear
-Of what he has and has not .
-
-All is lost !
-This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me ;
-My fleet hath yielded to the foe , and yonder
-They cast their caps up and carouse together
-Like friends long lost . Triple-turn'd whore ! 'tis thou
-Hast sold me to this novice , and my heart
-Makes only wars on thee . Bid them all fly ;
-For when I am reveng'd upon my charm ,
-I have done all . Bid them all fly ; be gone .
-
-O sun ! thy uprise shall I see no more ;
-Fortune and Antony part here ; even here
-Do we shake hands . All come to this ? The hearts
-That spaniel'd me at heels , to whom I gave
-Their wishes , do discandy , melt their sweets
-On blossoming C sar ; and this pine is bark'd ,
-That overtopp'd them all . Betray'd I am .
-O this false soul of Egypt ! this grave charm ,
-Whose eyes beck'd forth my wars , and call'd them home ,
-Whose bosom was my crownet , my chief end ,
-Like a right gipsy , hath , at fast and loose ,
-Beguil'd me to the very heart of loss .
-What , Eros ! Eros !
-
-Ah ! thou spell . Avaunt !
-
-Why is my lord enrag'd against his love ?
-
-Vanish , or I shall give thee thy deserving ,
-And blemish C sar's triumph . Let him take thee ,
-And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians ;
-Follow his chariot , like the greatest spot
-Of all thy sex ; most monster-like , be shown
-For poor'st diminutives , for doits ; and let
-Patient Octavia plough thy visage up
-With her prepared nails .
-
-'Tis well thou'rt gone ,
-If it be well to live ; but better 'twere
-Thou fell'st into my fury , for one death
-Might have prevented many . Eros , ho !
-The shirt of Nessus is upon me ; teach me ,
-Alcides , thou mine ancestor , thy rage ;
-Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon ;
-And with those hands , that grasp'd the heaviest club ,
-Subdue my worthiest self . The witch shall die :
-To the young Roman boy she hath sold me , and I fall
-Under this plot ; she dies for 't . Eros , ho !
-
-Help me , my women ! O ! he is more mad
-Than Telamon for his shield ; the boar of Thessaly
-Was never so emboss'd .
-
-To the monument !
-There lock yourself , and send him word you are dead .
-The soul and body rive not more in parting
-Than greatness going off .
-
-To the monument !
-Mardian , go tell him I have slain myself ;
-Say that the last I spoke was 'Antony ,'
-And word it , prithee , piteously . Hence ,
-Mardian , and bring me how he takes my death .
-To the monument !
-
-Eros , thou yet behold'st me ?
-
-Ay , noble lord .
-
-Sometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish ;
-A vapour sometime like a bear or lion ,
-A tower'd citadel , a pendant rock ,
-A forked mountain , or blue promontory
-With trees upon 't , that nod unto the world
-And mock our eyes with air : thou hast seen these signs ;
-They are black vesper's pageants .
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-That which is now a horse , even with a thought
-The rack dislimns , and makes it indistinct ,
-As water is in water .
-
-It does , my lord .
-
-My good knave , Eros , now thy captain is
-Even such a body : here I am Antony ;
-Yet cannot hold this visible shape , my knave .
-I made these wars for Egypt ; and the queen ,
-Whose heart I thought I had , for she had mine ,
-Which whilst it was mine had annex'd unto 't
-A million more , now lost ; she , Eros , has
-Pack'd cards with C sar , and false-play'd my glory
-Unto an enemy's triumph .
-Nay , weep not , gentle Eros ; there is left us
-Ourselves to end ourselves .
-
-
-O ! thy vile lady ;
-
-She has robb'd me of my sword .
-
-No , Antony ;
-My mistress lov'd thee , and her fortunes mingled
-With thine entirely .
-
-Hence , saucy eunuch ; peace !
-She hath betray'd me and shall die the death .
-
-Death of one person can be paid but once ,
-And that she has discharg'd . What thou wouldst do
-Is done unto thy hand ; the last she spake
-Was , 'Antony ! most noble Antony !'
-Then in the midst a tearing groan did break
-The name of Antony ; it was divided
-Between her heart and lips . She render'd life ,
-Thy name so buried in her .
-
-Dead , then ?
-
-Dead .
-
-Unarm , Eros ; the long day's task is done ,
-And we must sleep .
-
-That thou depart'st hence safe ,
-Does pay thy labour richly ; go .
-
-Off , pluck off :
-The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep
-The battery from my heart . O ! cleave , my sides ;
-Heart , once be stronger than thy continent ,
-Crack thy frail case ! Apace , Eros , apace .
-No more a soldier ; bruised pieces , go ;
-You have been nobly borne . From me awhile .
-
-I will o'ertake thee , Cleopatra , and
-Weep for my pardon . So it must be , for now
-All length is torture ; since the torch is out ,
-Lie down , and stray no further . Now all labour
-Mars what it does ; yea , very force entangles
-Itself with strength ; seal then , and all is done .
-Eros !I come , my queen .Eros !Stay for me :
-Where souls do couch on flowers , we'll hand in hand ,
-And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze ;
-Dido and her neas shall want troops ,
-And all the haunt be ours . Come , Eros ! Eros !
-
-
-What would my lord ?
-
-Since Cleopatra died ,
-I have liv'd in such dishonour , that the gods
-Detest my baseness . I , that with my sword
-Quarter'd the world , and o'er green Neptune's back
-With ships made cities , condemn myself to lack
-The courage of a woman ; less noble mind
-Than she , which by her death our C sar tells
-'I am conqueror of myself .' Thou art sworn , Eros ,
-That , when the exigent should come ,which now
-Is come indeed ,when I should see behind me
-The inevitable prosecution of
-Disgrace and horror , that , on my command ,
-Thou then wouldst kill me : do 't ; the time is come .
-Thou strik'st not me , 'tis C sar thou defeat'st .
-Put colour in thy cheek .
-
-The gods withhold me !
-Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts ,
-Though enemy , lost aim and could not ?
-
-Eros ,
-Wouldst thou be window'd in great Rome , and see
-Thy master thus with pleach'd arms , bending down
-His corrigible neck , his face subdu'd
-To penetrative shame , whilst the wheel'd seat
-Of fortunate C sar , drawn before him , branded
-His baseness that ensu'd ?
-
-I would not see't .
-
-Come , then ; for with a wound I must be cur'd .
-Draw that thy honest sword , which thou hast worn
-Most useful for thy country .
-
-O , sir ! pardon me .
-
-When I did make thee free , swor'st thou not then
-To do this when I bade thee ? Do it at once ,
-Or thy precedent services are all
-But accidents unpurpos'd . Draw , and come .
-
-Turn from me then that noble countenance ,
-Wherein the worship of the whole world lies .
-
-Lo thee !
-
-
-My sword is drawn .
-
-Then let it do at once
-The thing why thou hast drawn it .
-
-My dear master ,
-My captain , and my emperor , let me say ,
-Before I strike this bloody stroke , farewell .
-
-'Tis said , man ; and farewell .
-
-Farewell , great chief . Shall I strike now ?
-
-Now , Eros .
-
-Why , there then ; thus do I escape the sorrow
-
-Of Antony's death .
-
-Thrice-nobler than myself !
-Thou teachest me , O valiant Eros , what
-I should , and thou couldst not . My queen and Eros
-Have by their brave instruction got upon me
-A nobleness in record ; but I will be
-A bridegroom in my death , and run into 't
-As to a lover's bed . Come , then ; and , Eros ,
-Thy master dies thy scholar : to do thus
-
-I learn'd of thee . How ! not dead ? not dead ?
-The guard , ho ! O ! dispatch me .
-
-
-What's the noise ?
-
-I have done my work ill , friends : O ! make an end
-Of what I have begun .
-
-The star is fallen .
-
-And time is at his period .
-
-Alas , and woe !
-
-Let him that loves me strike me dead .
-
-Not I .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Nor any one .
-
-
-Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly .
-This sword but shown to C sar , with this tidings ,
-Shall enter me with him .
-
-
-Where's Antony ?
-
-There , Diomed , there .
-
-Lives he ?
-Wilt thou not answer , man ?
-
-
-Art thou there , Diomed ? Draw thy sword , and give me
-Sufficing strokes for death .
-
-Most absolute lord ,
-My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee .
-
-When did she send thee ?
-
-Now , my lord .
-
-Where is she ?
-
-Lock'd in her monument . She had a prophesying fear
-Of what hath come to pass ; for when she saw
-Which never shall be found you did suspect
-She had dispos'd with C sar , and that your rage
-Would not be purg'd , she sent you word she was dead ;
-But , fearing since how it might work , hath sent
-Me to proclaim the truth ; and I am come ,
-I dread , too late .
-
-Too late , good Diomed . Call my guard , I prithee .
-
-What , ho ! the emperor's guard ! The guard , what , ho !
-Come , your lord calls !
-
-
-Bear me , good friends , where Cleopatra bides ;
-'Tis the last service that I shall command you .
-
-Woe , woe are we , sir , you may not live to wear
-All your true followers out .
-
-Most heavy day !
-
-Nay , good my fellows , do not please sharp fate
-To grace it with your sorrows ; bid that welcome
-Which comes to punish us , and we punish it
-Seeming to bear it lightly . Take me up ;
-I have led you oft ; carry me now , good friends ,
-And have my thanks for all .
-
-O Charmian ! I will never go from hence .
-
-Be comforted , dear madam .
-
-No , I will not .
-All strange and terrible events are welcome ,
-But comforts we despise ; our size of sorrow ,
-Proportion'd to our cause , must be as great
-As that which makes it .
-
-How now ! is he dead ?
-
-His death's upon him , but not dead .
-Look out o' the other side your monument ;
-His guard have brought him thither .
-
-
-O sun !
-Burn the great sphere thou mov'st in ; darkling stand
-The varying star o' the world . O Antony ,
-Antony , Antony ! Help , Charmian , help , Iras , help ;
-Help , friends below ! let's draw him hither .
-
-Peace !
-Not C sar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony ,
-But Antony's hath triumph'd on itself .
-
-So it should be , that none but Antony
-Should conquer Antony ; but woe 'tis so !
-
-I am dying , Egypt , dying ; only
-I here importune death awhile , until
-Of many thousand kisses the poor last
-I lay upon thy lips .
-
-I dare not , dear ,
-Dear my lord , pardon ,I dare not ,
-Lest I be taken : not the imperious show
-Of the full-fortun'd C sar ever shall
-Be brooch'd with me ; if knife , drugs , serpents , have
-Edge , sting , or operation , I am safe :
-Your wife Octavia , with her modest eyes
-And still conclusion , shall acquire no honour
-Demuring upon me . But come , come , Antony ,
-Help me , my women ,we must draw thee up .
-Assist , good friends .
-
-O ! quick , or I am gone .
-
-Here's sport indeed ! How heavy weighs my lord !
-Our strength is all gone into heaviness ,
-That makes the weight . Had I great Juno's power ,
-The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up ,
-And set thee by Jove's side . Yet come a little ,
-Wishers were ever fools . O ! come , come , come ;
-
-And welcome , welcome ! die where thou hastliv'd ;
-Quicken with kissing ; had my lips that power ,
-Thus would I wear them out .
-
-A heavy sight !
-
-I am dying , Egypt , dying :
-Give me some wine , and let me speak a little .
-
-No , let me speak ; and let me rail so high ,
-That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel ,
-Provok'd by my offence .
-
-One word , sweet queen .
-Of C sar seek your honour with your safety . O !
-
-They do not go together .
-
-Gentle , hear me :
-None about C sar trust , but Proculeius .
-
-My resolution and my hands I'll trust ;
-None about C sar .
-
-The miserable change now at my end
-Lament nor sorrow at ; but please your thoughts
-In feeding them with those my former fortunes
-Wherein I liv'd , the greatest prince o' the world ,
-The noblest ; and do now not basely die ,
-Not cowardly put off my helmet to
-My countryman ; a Roman by a Roman
-Valiantly vanquish'd . Now my spirit is going ;
-I can no more .
-
-Noblest of men , woo 't die ?
-Hast thou no care of me ? shall I abide
-In this dull world , which in thy absence is
-No better than a sty ? O ! see my women ,
-
-The crown o' the earth doth melt . My lord !
-O ! wither'd is the garland of the war ,
-The soldier's pole is fall'n ; young boys and girls
-Are level now with men ; the odds is gone ,
-And there is nothing left remarkable
-Beneath the visiting moon .
-
-
-O , quietness , lady !
-
-She is dead too , our sovereign .
-
-Lady !
-
-Madam !
-
-O madam , madam , madam !
-
-Royal Egypt !
-Empress !
-
-Peace , peace , Iras !
-
-No more , but e'en a woman , and commanded
-By such poor passion as the maid that milks
-And does the meanest chares . It were for me
-To throw my sceptre at the injurious gods ;
-To tell them that this world did equal theirs
-Till they had stol'n our jewel . All's but naught ;
-Patience is sottish , and impatience does
-Become a dog that's mad ; then is it sin
-To rush into the secret house of death ,
-Ere death dare come to us ? How do you , women ?
-What , what ! good cheer ! Why , how now , Charmian !
-My noble girls ! Ah , women , women , look !
-Our lamp is spent , it's out . Good sirs , take heart ;
-We'll bury him ; and then , what's brave , what's noble ,
-Let's do it after the high Roman fashion ,
-And make death proud to take us . Come , away ;
-This case of that huge spirit now is cold ;
-Ah ! women , women . Come ; we have no friend
-But resolution , and the briefest end .
-
-Go to him , Dolabella , bid him yield ;
-Being so frustrate , tell him he mocks
-The pauses that he makes .
-
-C sar , I shall .
-
-Wherefore is that ? and what art thou that dar'st
-Appear thus to us ?
-
-I am call'd Dercetas ;
-Mark Antony I serv'd , who best was worthy
-Best to be serv'd ; whilst he stood up and spoke
-He was my master , and I wore my life
-To spend upon his haters . If thou please
-To take me to thee , as I was to him
-I'll be to C sar ; if thou pleasest not ,
-I yield thee up my life .
-
-What is 't thou sayst ?
-
-I say , O C sar , Antony is dead .
-
-The breaking of so great a thing should make
-A greater crack ; the round world
-Should have shook lions into civil streets ,
-And citizens to their dens . The death of Antony
-Is not a single doom ; in the name lay
-A moiety of the world .
-
-He is dead , C sar ;
-Not by a public minister of justice ,
-Nor by a hired knife ; but that self hand ,
-Which writ his honour in the acts it did ,
-Hath , with the courage which the heart did lend it ,
-Splitted the heart . This is his sword ;
-I robb'd his wound of it ; behold it stain'd
-With his most noble blood .
-
-Look you sad , friends ?
-The gods rebuke me , but it is tidings
-To wash the eyes of kings .
-
-And strange it is ,
-That nature must compel us to lament
-Our most persisted deeds .
-
-His taints and honours
-Wag'd equal with him .
-
-A rarer spirit never
-Did steer humanity ; but you , gods , will give us
-Some faults to make us men . C sar is touch'd .
-
-When such a spacious mirror's set before him ,
-He needs must see himself .
-
-O Antony !
-I have follow'd thee to this ; but we do lance
-Diseases in our bodies : I must perforce
-Have shown to thee such a declining day ,
-Or look on thine ; we could not stall together
-In the whole world . But yet let me lament ,
-With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts ,
-That thou , my brother , my competitor
-In top of all design , my mate in empire ,
-Friend and companion in the front of war ,
-The arm of mine own body , and the heart
-Where mine his thoughts did kindle , that our stars ,
-Unreconciliable , should divide
-Our equalness to this . Hear me , good friends ,
-
-
-But I will tell you at some meeter season :
-The business of this man looks out of him ;
-
-We'll hear him what he says . Whence are you ?
-
-A poor Egyptian yet . The queen my mistress ,
-Confin'd in all she has , her monument ,
-Of thy intents desires instruction ,
-That she preparedly may frame herself
-To the way she's forc'd to .
-
-Bid her have good heart ;
-She soon shall know of us , by some of ours ,
-How honourable and how kindly we
-Determine for her ; for C sar cannot live
-To be ungentle .
-
-So the gods preserve thee !
-
-
-Come hither , Proculeius . Go and say ,
-We purpose her no shame ; give her what comforts
-The quality of her passion shall require ,
-Lest , in her greatness , by some mortal stroke
-She do defeat us ; for her life in Rome
-Would be eternal in our triumph . Go ,
-And with your speediest bring us what she says ,
-And how you find of her .
-
-C sar , I shall .
-
-
-Gallus , go you along .
-
-To second Proculeius ?
-
-Dolabella !
-
-Dolabella !
-
-Let him alone , for I remember now
-How he's employ'd , he shall in time be ready .
-Go with me to my tent ; where you shall see
-How hardly I was drawn into this war ;
-How calm and gentle I proceeded still
-In all my writings . Go with me , and see
-What I can show in this .
-
-
-My desolation does begin to make
-A better life . 'Tis paltry to be C sar ;
-Not being Fortune , he's but Fortune's knave ,
-A minister of her will ; and it is great
-To do that thing that ends all other deeds ,
-Which shackles accidents , and bolts up change ,
-Which sleeps , and never palates more the dug ,
-The beggar's nurse and C sar's .
-
-
-C sar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt ;
-And bids thee study on what fair demands
-Thou mean'st to have him grant thee .
-
-What's thy name ?
-
-My name is Proculeius .
-
-Antony
-Did tell me of you , bade me trust you ; but
-I do not greatly care to be deceiv'd ,
-That have no use for trusting . If your master
-Would have a queen his beggar , you must tell him ,
-That majesty , to keep decorum , must
-No less beg than a kingdom ; if he please
-To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son ,
-He gives me so much of mine own as I
-Will kneel to him with thanks .
-
-Be of good cheer ;
-You're fall'n into a princely hand , fear nothing .
-Make your full reference freely to my lord ,
-Who is so full of grace , that it flows over
-On all that need ; let me report to him
-Your sweet dependancy , and you shall find
-A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness
-Where he for grace is kneel'd to .
-
-Pray you , tell him
-I am his fortune's vassal , and I send him
-The greatness he has got . I hourly learn
-A doctrine of obedience , and would gladly
-Look him i' the face .
-
-This I'll report , dear lady :
-Have comfort , for I know your plight is pitied
-Of him that caus'd it .
-
-You see how easily she may be surpris'd .
-
-
-Guard her till C sar come .
-
-Royal queen !
-
-O Cleopatra ! thou art taken , queen .
-
-Quick , quick , good hands .
-
-
-Hold , worthy lady , hold !
-
-Do not yourself such wrong , who are in this
-Reliev'd , but not betray'd .
-
-What , of death too ,
-That rids our dogs of languish ?
-
-Cleopatra ,
-Do not abuse my master's bounty by
-The undoing of yourself ; let the world see
-His nobleness well acted , which your death
-Will never let come forth .
-
-Where art thou , death ?
-Come hither , come ! come , come , and take a queen
-Worth many babes and beggars !
-
-O ! temperance , lady .
-
-Sir , I will eat no meat , I'll not drink , sir ;
-If idle talk will once be necessary ,
-I'll not sleep neither . This mortal house I'll ruin ,
-Do C sar what he can . Know , sir , that I
-Will not wait pinion'd at your master's court ,
-Nor once be chastis'd with the sober eye
-Of dull Octavia . Shall they hoist me up
-And show me to the shouting varletry
-Of censuring Rome ? Rather a ditch in Egypt
-Be gentle grave unto me ! rather on Nilus' mud
-Lay me stark nak'd , and let the water-flies
-Blow me into abhorring ! rather make
-My country's high pyramides my gibbet ,
-And hang me up in chains !
-
-You do extend
-These thoughts of horror further than you shall
-Find cause in C sar .
-
-
-Proculeius ,
-What thou hast done thy master C sar knows ,
-And he hath sent for thee ; as for the queen ,
-I'll take her to my guard .
-
-So , Dolabella ,
-It shall content me best ; be gentle to her .
-
-
-To C sar I will speak what you shall please ,
-If you'll employ me to him .
-
-Say , I would die .
-
-
-Most noble empress , you have heard of me ?
-
-I cannot tell .
-
-Assuredly you know me .
-
-No matter , sir , what I have heard or known .
-You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams ;
-Is 't not your trick ?
-
-I understand not , madam .
-
-I dream'd there was an Emperor Antony :
-O ! such another sleep , that I might see
-But such another man .
-
-If it might please ye ,
-
-His face was as the heavens , and therein stuck
-A sun and moon , which kept their course , and lighted
-The little O , the earth .
-
-Most sovereign creature ,
-
-His legs besfrid the ocean ; his rear'd arm
-Crested the world ; his voice was propertied
-As all the tuned spheres , and that to friends ;
-But when he meant to quail and shake the orb ,
-He was as rattling thunder . For his bounty ,
-There was no winter in 't , an autumn 'twas
-That grew the more by reaping ; his delights
-Were dolphin-like , they show'd his back above
-The element they liv'd in ; in his livery
-Walk'd crowns and crownets , realms and islands were
-As plates dropp'd from his pocket .
-
-Cleopatra ,
-
-Think you there was , or might be , such a man
-As this I dream'd of ?
-
-Gentle madam , no .
-
-You lie , up to the hearing of the gods .
-But , if there be , or ever were , one such ,
-It's past the size of dreaming ; nature wants stuff
-To vie strange forms with fancy ; yet to imagine
-An Antony were nature's piece 'gainst fancy ,
-Condemning shadows quite .
-
-Hear me , good madam .
-Your loss is as yourself , great ; and you bear it
-As answering to the weight : would I might never
-O'ertake pursu'd success , but I do feel ,
-By the rebound of yours , a grief that smites
-My very heart at root .
-
-I thank you , sir .
-Know you what C sar means to do with me ?
-
-I am loath to tell you what I would you knew .
-
-Nay , pray you , sir ,
-
-Though he be honourable ,
-
-He'll lead me then in triumph ?
-
-Madam , he will ; I know 't .
-
-Which is the Queen of Egypt ?
-
-It is the emperor , madam .
-
-
-Arise , you shall not kneel .
-I pray you , rise ; rise , Egypt .
-
-Sir , the gods
-Will have it thus ; my master and my lord
-I must obey .
-
-Take to you no hard thoughts ;
-The record of what injuries you did us ,
-Though written in our flesh , we shall remember
-As things but done by chance .
-
-Sole sir o' the world ,
-I cannot project mine own cause so well
-To make it clear ; but do confess I have
-Been laden with like frailties which before
-Have often sham'd our sex .
-
-Cleopatra , know ,
-We will extenuate rather than enforce :
-If you apply yourself to our intents ,
-Which towards you are most gentle ,you shall find
-A benefit in this change ; but if you seek
-To lay on me a cruelty , by taking
-Antony's course , you shall bereave yourself
-Of my good purposes , and put your children
-To that destruction which I'll guard them from ,
-If thereon you rely . I'll take my leave .
-
-And may through all the world : 'tis yours ; and we ,
-Your scutcheons , and your signs of conquest , shall
-Hang in what place you please . Here , my good lord .
-
-You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra .
-
-This is the brief of money , plate , and jewels ,
-I am possess'd of : 'tis exactly valued ;
-Not petty things admitted . Where's Seleucus ?
-
-Here , madam .
-
-This is my treasurer ; let him speak , my lord ,
-Upon his peril , that I have reserv'd
-To myself nothing . Speak the truth , Seleucus .
-
-Madam ,
-I had rather seal my lips , than , to my peril ,
-Speak that which is not .
-
-What have I kept back ?
-
-Enough to purchase what you have made known .
-
-Nay , blush not , Cleopatra ; I approve
-Your wisdom in the deed .
-
-See ! C sar ! O , behold ,
-How pomp is follow'd ; mine will now be yours ;
-And , should we shift estates , yours would be mine .
-The ingratitude of this Seleucus does
-Even make me wild . O slave ! of no more trust
-Than love that's hir'd . What ! goest thou back ? thou shalt
-Go back , I warrant thee ; but I'll catch thine eyes ,
-Though they had wings : slave , soulless villain , dog !
-O rarely base !
-
-Good queen , let us entreat you .
-
-O C sar ! what a wounding shame is this ,
-That thou , vouchsafing here to visit me ,
-Doing the honour of thy lordliness
-To one so meek , that mine own servant should
-Parcel the sum of my disgraces by
-Addition of his envy . Say , good C sar ,
-That I some lady trifles have reserv'd ,
-Immoment toys , things of such dignity
-As we greet modern friends withal ; and say ,
-Some nobler token I have kept apart
-For Livia and Octavia , to induce
-Their mediation ; must I be unfolded
-With one that I have bred ? The gods ! it smites me
-Beneath the fall I have .
-
-Prithee , go hence ;
-Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits
-Through the ashes of my chance . Wert thou a man ,
-Thou wouldst have mercy on me .
-
-Forbear , Seleucus .
-
-
-Be it known that we , the greatest , are misthought
-For things that others do ; and , when we fall ,
-We answer others' merits in our name ,
-Are therefore to be pitied .
-
-Cleopatra ,
-Not what you have reserv'd , nor what acknowledg'd ,
-Put we i' the roll of conquest : still be 't yours ,
-Bestow it at your pleasure ; and believe ,
-C sar's no merchant , to make prize with you
-Of things that merchants sold . Therefore be cheer'd ;
-Make not your thoughts your prisons : no , dear queen ;
-For we intend so to dispose you as
-Yourself shall give us counsel . Feed , and sleep :
-Our care and pity is so much upon you ,
-That we remain your friend ; and so , adieu .
-
-My master , and my lord !
-
-Not so . Adieu .
-
-
-He words me , girls , he words me , that I should not
-Be noble to myself : but , hark thee , Charmian .
-
-
-Finish , good lady ; the bright day is done ,
-And we are for the dark .
-
-Hie thee again :
-I have spoke already , and it is provided ;
-Go , put it to the haste .
-
-Madam , I will .
-
-
-Where is the queen ?
-
-Behold , sir .
-
-
-Dolabella !
-
-Madam , as thereto sworn by your command ,
-Which my love makes religion to obey ,
-I tell you this : C sar through Syria
-Intends his journey ; and within three days
-You with your children will be send before .
-Make your best use of this ; I have perform'd
-Your pleasure and my promise .
-
-Dolabella ,
-I shall remain your debtor .
-
-I your servant .
-Adieu , good queen ; I must attend on C sar .
-
-Farewell , and thanks .
-
-Now , Iras , what think'st thou ?
-Thou , an Egyptian puppet , shall be shown
-In Rome , as well as I ; mechanic slaves
-With greasy aprons , rules and hammers , shall
-Uplift us to the view ; in their thick breaths ,
-Rank of gross diet , shall we be enclouded ,
-And forc'd to drink their vapour .
-
-The gods forbid !
-
-Nay , 'tis most certain , Iras . Saucy lictors
-Will catch at us , like strumpets , and scald rimers
-Ballad us out o' tune ; the quick comedians
-Extemporally will stage us , and present
-Our Alexandrian revels . Antony
-Shall be brought drunken forth , and I shall see
-Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
-I' the posture of a whore .
-
-O , the good gods !
-
-Nay , that's certain .
-
-I'll never see it ; for , I am sure my nails
-Are stronger than mine eyes .
-
-Why , that's the way
-To fool their preparation , and to conquer
-Their most absurd intents .
-
-
-Now , Charmian ,
-Show me , my women , like a queen ; go fetch
-My best attires ; I am again for Cydnus ,
-To meet Mark Antony . Sirrah Iras , go .
-Now , noble Charmian , we'll dispatch indeed ;
-And , when thou hast done this chare , I'll give thee leave
-To play till doomsday . Bring our crown and all .
-
-Wherefore's this noise ?
-
-Here is a rural fellow
-That will not be denied your highness' presence :
-He brings you figs .
-
-Let him come in .
-
-What poor an instrument
-May do a noble deed ! he brings me liberty .
-My resolution's plac'd , and I have nothing
-Of woman in me ; now from head to foot
-I am marble-constant , now the fleeting moon
-No planet is of mine .
-
-
-This is the man .
-
-Avoid , and leave him .
-
-Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there ,
-That kills and pains not ?
-
-Truly , I have him ; but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him , for his biting is immortal ; those that do die of it do seldom or never recover .
-
-Remember'st thou any that have died on 't ?
-
-Very many , men and women too . I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday ; a very honest woman , but something given to lie , as a woman should not do but in the way of honesty , how she died of the biting of it , what pain she felt . Truly , she makes a very good report o' the worm ; but he that will believe all that they say shall never be saved by half that they do . But this is most fallible , the worm's an odd worm .
-
-Get thee hence ; farewell .
-
-I wish you all joy of the worm .
-
-
-Farewell .
-
-You must think this , look you , that the worm will do his kind .
-
-Ay , ay ; farewell .
-
-Look you , the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise people ; for indeed there is no goodness in the worm .
-
-Take thou no care ; it shall be heeded .
-
-Very good . Give it nothing , I pray you , for it is not worth the feeding .
-
-Will it eat me ?
-
-You must not think I am so simple but I know the devil himself will not eat a woman ; I know that a woman is a dish for the gods , if the devil dress her not . But , truly , these same whoreson devils do the gods great harm in their women , for in every ten that they make , the devils mar five .
-
-Well , get thee gone ; farewell .
-
-Yes , forsooth ; I wish you joy of the worm .
-
-Give me my robe , put on my crown ; I have
-Immortal longings in me ; now no more
-The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip .
-Yare , yare , good Iras ; quick . Methinks I hear
-Antony call ; I see him rouse himself
-To praise my noble act ; I hear him mock
-The luck of C sar , which the gods give men
-To excuse their after wrath : husband , I come :
-Now to that name my courage prove my title !
-I am fire , and air ; my other elements
-I give to baser life . So ; have you done ?
-Come then , and take the last warmth of my lips .
-Farewell , kind Charmian ; Iras , long farewell .
-
-Have I the aspic in my lips ? Dost fall ?
-If thou and nature can so gently part ,
-The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch ,
-Which hurts , and is desir'd . Dost thou lie still ?
-If thus thou vanishest , thou tell'st the world
-It is not worth leave-taking .
-
-Dissolve , thick cloud , and rain ; that I may say ,
-The gods themselves do weep .
-
-This proves me base :
-If she first meet the curled Antony ,
-He'll make demand of her , and spend that kiss
-Which is my heaven to have . Come , thou mortal wretch ,
-
-With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
-Of life at once untie ; poor venomous fool ,
-Be angry , and dispatch . O ! couldst thou speak ,
-That I might hear thee call great C sar ass
-Unpolicied .
-
-O eastern star !
-
-Peace , peace !
-Dost thou not see my baby at my breast ,
-That sucks the nurse asleep ?
-
-O , break ! O , break !
-
-As sweet as balm , as soft as air , as gentle ,
-O Antony !Nay , I will take thee too .
-
-What should I stay
-
-
-In this vile world ? So , fare thee well .
-Now boast thee , death , in thy possession lies
-A lass unparallel'd . Downy windows , close ;
-And golden Ph bus never be beheld
-Of eyes again so royal ! Your crown's awry ;
-I'll mend it , and then play .
-
-
-Where is the queen ?
-
-Speak softly , wake her not .
-
-C sar hath sent
-
-Too slow a messenger .
-
-O ! come apace , dispatch ; I partly feel thee .
-
-Approach , ho ! All's not well ; C sar's beguil'd .
-
-There's Dolabella sent from C sar ; call him .
-
-What work is here ! Charmian , is this well done ?
-
-It is well done , and fitting for a princess
-Descended of so many royal kings .
-Ah ! soldier .
-
-How goes it here ?
-
-All dead .
-
-C sar , thy thoughts
-Touch their effects in this ; thyself art coming
-To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou
-So sought'st to hinder .
-
-O ! sir , you are too sure an augurer ;
-That you did fear is done .
-
-Bravest at the last ,
-She levell'd at our purposes , and , being royal ,
-Took her own way . The manner of their deaths ?
-I do not see them bleed .
-
-Who was last with them ?
-
-A simple countryman that brought her figs :
-This was his basket .
-
-Poison'd then .
-
-O C sar !
-This Charmian liv'd but now ; she stood , and spake :
-I found her trimming up the diadem
-On her dead mistress ; tremblingly she stood ,
-And on the sudden dropp'd .
-
-O noble weakness !
-If they had swallow'd poison 'twould appear
-By external swelling ; but she looks like sleep ,
-As she would catch another Antony
-In her strong toil of grace .
-
-Here , on her breast ,
-There is a vent of blood , and something blown ;
-The like is on her arm .
-
-This is an aspic's trail ; and these fig-leaves
-Have slime upon them , such as the aspic leaves
-Upon the caves of Nile .
-
-Most probable
-That so she died ; for her physician tells me
-She hath pursu'd conclusions infinite
-Of easy ways to die . Take up her bed ;
-And bear her women from the monument .
-She shall be buried by her Antony :
-No grave upon the earth shall clip in it
-A pair so famous . High events as these
-Strike those that make them ; and their story is
-No less in pity than his glory which
-Brought them to be lamented . Our army shall ,
-In solemn show , attend this funeral ,
-And then to Rome . Come , Dolabella , see
-High order in this great solemnity .
-
-CORIOLANUS
-
-Before we proceed any further , hear me speak .
-
-Speak , speak .
-
-You are all resolved rather to die than to famish ?
-
-Resolved , resolved .
-
-First , you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy to the people .
-
-We know't , we know't .
-
-Let us kill him , and we'll have corn at our own price . Is't a verdict ?
-
-No more talking on't ; let it be done .
-Away , away !
-
-One word , good citizens .
-
-We are accounted poor citizens , the patricians good . What authority surfeits on would relieve us . If they would yield us but the superfluity , while it were wholesome , we might guess they relieved us humanely ; but they think we are too dear : the leanness that afflicts us , the object of our misery , is as an inventory to particularise their abundance ; our sufferance is a gain to them . Let us revenge this with our pikes , ere we become rakes : for the gods know I speak this in hunger for bread , not in thirst for revenge .
-
-Would you proceed especially against Caius Marcius ?
-
-Against him first : he's a very dog to the commonalty .
-
-Consider you what services he has done for his country ?
-
-Very well ; and could be content to give him good report for't , but that he pays himself with being proud .
-
-Nay , but speak not maliciously .
-
-I say unto you , what he hath done famously , he did it to that end : though soft-conscienced men can be content to say it was for his country , he did it to please his mother , and to be partly proud ; which he is , even to the altitude of his virtue .
-
-What he cannot help in his nature , you account a vice in him . You must in no way say he is covetous .
-
-If I must not , I need not be barren of accusations : he hath faults , with surplus , to tire in repetition .
-
-What shouts are these ? The other side o' the city is risen : why stay we prating here ? to the Capitol !
-
-Come , come .
-
-Soft ! who comes here ?
-
-
-Worthy Menenius Agrippa ; one that hath always loved the people .
-
-He's one honest enough : would all the rest were so !
-
-What work's , my countrymen , in hand ? Where go you
-With bats and clubs ? The matter ? Speak , I pray you .
-
-Our business is not unknown to the senate ; they have had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do , which now we'll show 'em in deeds . They say poor suitors have strong breaths : they shall know we have strong arms too .
-
-Why , masters , my good friends , mine honest neighbours ,
-Will you undo yourselves ?
-
-We cannot , sir ; we are undone already .
-
-I tell you , friends , most charitable care
-Have the patricians of you . For your wants ,
-Your suffering in this dearth , you may as well
-Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them
-Against the Roman state , whose course will on
-The way it takes , cracking ten thousand curbs
-Of more strong link asunder than can ever
-Appear in your impediment . For the dearth ,
-The gods , not the patricians , make it , and
-Your knees to them , not arms , must help . Alack !
-You are transported by calamity
-Thither where more attends you ; and you slander
-The helms o' the state , who care for you like fathers ,
-When you curse them as enemies .
-
-Care for us ! True , indeed ! They ne'er cared for us yet : suffer us to famish , and their storehouses crammed with grain ; make edicts for usury , to support usurers ; repeal daily any wholesome act established against the rich , and provide more piercing statutes daily to chain up and restrain the poor . If the wars eat us not up , they will ; and there's all the love they bear us .
-
-Either you must
-Confess yourselves wondrous malicious ,
-Or be accus'd of folly . I shall tell you
-A pretty tale : it may be you have heard it ;
-But , since it serves my purpose , I will venture
-To scale't a little more .
-
-Well , I'll hear it , sir ; yet you must not think to fob off our disgrace with a tale ; but , an't please you , deliver .
-
-There was a time when all the body's members
-Rebell'd against the belly ; thus accus'd it :
-That only like a gulf it did remain
-I' the midst o' the body , idle and unactive ,
-Still cupboarding the viand , never bearing
-Like labour with the rest , where the other instruments
-Did see and hear , devise , instruct , walk , feel ,
-And , mutually participate , did minister
-Unto the appetite and affection common
-Of the whole body . The belly answer'd ,
-
-Well , sir , what answer made the belly ?
-
-Sir , I shall tell you .With a kind of smile ,
-Which ne'er came from the lungs , but even thus
-For , look you , I may make the belly smile
-As well as speak it tauntingly replied
-To the discontented members , the mutinous parts
-That envied his receipt ; even so most fitly
-As you malign our senators for that
-They are not such as you .
-
-Your belly's answer ? What !
-The kingly crowned head , the vigilant eye ,
-The counsellor heart , the arm our soldier ,
-Our steed the leg , the tongue our trumpeter ,
-With other muniments and petty helps
-In this our fabric , if that they
-
-What then ?
-'Fore me , this fellow speaks ! what then ? what then ?
-
-Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd ,
-Who is the sink o' the body ,
-
-Well , what then ?
-
-The former agents , if they did complain ,
-What could the belly answer ?
-
-I will tell you ;
-If you'll bestow a small , of what you have little ,
-Patience a while , you'll hear the belly's answer .
-
-You're long about it .
-
-Note me this , good friend ;
-Your most grave belly was deliberate ,
-Not rash like his accusers , and thus answer'd :
-'True is it , my incorporate friends ,' quoth he ,
-'That I receive the general food at first ,
-Which you do live upon ; and fit it is ;
-Because I am the store-house and the shop
-Of the whole body : but , if you do remember ,
-I send it through the rivers of your blood ,
-Even to the court , the heart , to the seat o' the brain ;
-And , through the cranks and offices of man ,
-The strongest nerves and small inferior veins
-From me receive that natural competency
-Whereby they live . And though that all at once ,
-You , my good friends ,' this says the belly , mark me ,
-
-Ay , sir ; well , well .
-
-'Though all at once cannot
-See what I do deliver out to each ,
-Yet I can make my audit up , that all
-From me do back receive the flour of all ,
-And leave me but the bran .' What say you to't ?
-
-It was an answer : how apply you this ?
-
-The senators of Rome are this good belly ,
-And you the mutinous members ; for , examine
-Their counsels and their cares , digest things rightly
-Touching the weal o' the common , you shall find
-No public benefit which you receive
-But it proceeds or comes from them to you ,
-And no way from yourselves . What do you think ,
-You , the great toe of this assembly ?
-
-I the great toe ? Why the great toe ?
-
-For that , being one o' the lowest , basest , poorest ,
-Of this most wise rebellion , thou go'st foremost :
-Thou rascal , that art worst in blood to run ,
-Lead'st first to win some vantage .
-But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs :
-Rome and her rats are at the point of battle ;
-The one side must have bale .
-
-Hail , noble Marcius !
-
-Thanks .What's the matter , you dissentious rogues ,
-That , rubbing the poor itch of your opinion ,
-Make yourselves scabs ?
-
-We have ever your good word .
-
-He that will give good words to thee will flatter
-Beneath abhorring . What would you have , you curs ,
-That like nor peace nor war ? the one affrights you ,
-The other makes you proud . He that trusts to you ,
-Where he should find you lions , finds you hares ;
-Where foxes , geese : you are no surer , no ,
-Than is the coal of fire upon the ice ,
-Or hailstone in the sun . Your virtue is ,
-To make him worthy whose offence subdues him ,
-And curse that justice did it . Who deserves greatness
-Deserves your hate ; and your affections are
-A sick man's appetite , who desires most that
-Which would increase his evil . He that depends
-Upon your favours swims with fins of lead
-And hews down oaks with rushes . Hang ye ! Trust ye ?
-With every minute you do change a mind ,
-And call him noble that was now your hate ,
-Him vile that was your garland . What's the matter ,
-That in these several places of the city
-You cry against the noble senate , who ,
-Under the gods , keep you in awe , which else
-Would feed on one another ? What's their seeking ?
-
-For corn at their own rates ; whereof they say
-The city is well stor'd .
-
-Hang 'em ! They say !
-They'll sit by the fire , and presume to know
-What's done i' the Capitol ; who's like to rise ,
-Who thrives , and who declines ; side factions , and give out
-Conjectural marriages ; making parties strong ,
-And feebling such as stand not in their liking ,
-Below their cobbled shoes . They say there's grain enough !
-Would the nobility lay aside their ruth ,
-And let me use my sword , I'd make a quarry
-With thousands of these quarter'd slaves , as high
-As I could pick my lance .
-
-Nay , these are almost thoroughly persuaded ;
-For though abundantly they lack discretion ,
-Yet are they passing cowardly . But , I beseech you ,
-What says the other troop ?
-
-They are dissolv'd : hang 'em !
-They said they were an-hungry ; sigh'd forth proverbs :
-That hunger broke stone walls ; that dogs must eat ;
-That meat was made for mouths ; that the gods sent not
-Corn for the rich men only . With these shreds
-They vented their complainings ; which being answer'd ,
-And a petition granted them , a strange one ,
-To break the heart of generosity ,
-And make bold power look pale ,they threw their caps
-As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon ,
-Shouting their emulation .
-
-What is granted them ?
-
-Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms ,
-Of their own choice : one's Junius Brutus ,
-Sicinius Velutus , and I know not 'Sdeath !
-The rabble should have first unroof'd the city ,
-Ere so prevail'd with me ; it will in time
-Win upon power , and throw forth greater themes
-For insurrection's arguing .
-
-This is strange .
-
-Go ; get you home , you fragments !
-
-
-Where's Caius Marcius ?
-
-Here : what's the matter ?
-
-The news is , sir , the Volsces are in arms .
-
-I am glad on't ; then we shall ha' means to vent
-Our musty superfluity . See , our best elders .
-
-
-Marcius , 'tis true that you have lately told us ;
-The Volsces are in arms .
-
-They have a leader ,
-Tullus Aufidius , that will put you to't .
-I sin in envying his nobility ,
-And were I anything but what I am ,
-I would wish me only he .
-
-You have fought together .
-
-Were half to half the world by the ears , and he
-Upon my party , I'd revolt , to make
-Only my wars with him : he is a lion
-That I am proud to hunt .
-
-Then , worthy Marcius ,
-Attend upon Cominius to these wars .
-
-It is your former promise .
-
-Sir , it is ;
-And I am constant . Titus Lartius , thou
-Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face .
-What ! art thou stiff ? stand'st out ?
-
-No , Caius Marcius ;
-I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other ,
-Ere stay behind this business .
-
-O ! true-bred .
-
-Your company to the Capitol ; where I know
-Our greatest friends attend us .
-
-Lead you on :
-
-
-Follow Cominius ; we must follow you ;
-Right worthy you priority .
-
-Noble Marcius !
-
-Hence ! to your homes ! be gone .
-
-Nay , let them follow :
-The Volsces have much corn ; take these rats thither
-To gnaw their garners . Worshipful mutiners ,
-Your valour puts well forth ; pray , follow .
-
-
-Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius ?
-
-He has no equal .
-
-When we were chosen tribunes for the people ,
-
-Mark'd you his lip and eyes ?
-
-Nay , but his taunts .
-
-Being mov'd , he will not spare to gird the gods .
-
-Bemock the modest moon .
-
-The present wars devour him ; he is grown
-Too proud to be so valiant .
-
-Such a nature ,
-Tickled with good success , disdains the shadow
-Which he treads on at noon . But I do wonder
-His insolence can brook to be commanded
-Under Cominius .
-
-Fame , at the which he aims ,
-In whom already he is well grac'd , cannot
-Better be held nor more attain'd than by
-A place below the first ; for what miscarries
-Shall be the general's fault , though he perform
-To the utmost of a man ; and giddy censure
-Will then cry out of Marcius 'O ! if he
-Had borne the business .'
-
-Besides , if things go well ,
-Opinion , that so sticks on Marcius , shall
-Of his demerits rob Cominius .
-
-Come :
-Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius ,
-Though Marcius earn'd them not ; and all his faults
-To Marcius shall be honours , though indeed
-In aught he merit not .
-
-Let's hence and hear
-How the dispatch is made ; and in what fashion ,
-More than his singularity , he goes
-Upon this present action .
-
-Let's along .
-
-
-So , your opinion is , Aufidius ,
-That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels ,
-And know how we proceed .
-
-Is it not yours ?
-What ever have been thought on in this state ,
-That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
-Had circumvention ? 'Tis not four days gone
-Since I heard thence ; these are the words : I think
-I have the letter here ; yes , here it is .
-They have press'd a power , but it is not known
-Whether for east , or west : the dearth is great ;
-The people mutinous ; and it is rumour'd ,
-Cominius , Marcius , your old enemy ,
-Who is of Rome worse hated than of you ,
-And Titus Lartius , a most valiant Roman ,
-These three lead on this preparation
-Whither 'tis bent : most likely 'tis for you :
-Consider of it .
-
-Our army's in the field :
-We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
-To answer us .
-
-Nor did you think it folly
-To keep your great pretences veil'd till when
-They needs must show themselves ; which in the hatching ,
-It seem'd , appear'd to Rome . By the discovery
-We shall be shorten'd in our aim , which was
-To take in many towns ere almost Rome
-Should know we were afoot .
-
-Noble Aufidius ,
-Take your commission ; hie you to your bands ;
-Let us alone to guard Corioli :
-If they set down before's , for the remove
-Bring up your army ; but , I think you'll find
-They've not prepared for us .
-
-O ! doubt not that ;
-I speak from certainties . Nay , more ;
-Some parcels of their power are forth already ,
-And only hitherward . I leave your honours .
-If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet ,
-'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
-Till one can do no more .
-
-The gods assist you !
-
-And keep your honours safe !
-
-Farewell .
-
-Farewell .
-
-Farewell .
-
-
-I pray you , daughter , sing ; or express yourself in a more comfortable sort . If my son were my husband , I would freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than in the embracements of his bed where he would show most love . When yet he was but tender-bodied and the only son of my womb , when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way , when for a day of kings' entreaties a mother should not sell him an hour from her beholding , I , considering how honour would become such a person , that it was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall , if renown made it not stir , was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame . To a cruel war I sent him ; from whence he returned , his brows bound with oak . I tell thee , daughter , I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man .
-
-But had he died in the business , madam ; how then ?
-
-Then , his good report should have been my son ; I therein would have found issue . Hear me profess sincerely : had I a dozen sons , each in my love alike , and none less dear than thine and my good Marcius , I had rather had eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action .
-
-
-Madam , the Lady Valeria is come to visit you .
-
-Beseech you , give me leave to retire myself .
-
-Indeed , you shall not .
-Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum ,
-See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair ,
-As children from a bear , the Volsces shunning him :
-Methinks I see him stamp thus , and call thus :
-'Come on , you cowards ! you were got in fear ,
-Though you were born in Rome .' His bloody brow
-With his mail'd hand then wiping , forth he goes ,
-Like to a harvestman that's task'd to mow
-Or all or lose his hire .
-
-His bloody brow ! O Jupiter ! no blood .
-
-Away , you fool ! it more becomes a man
-Than gilt his trophy : the breasts of Hecuba ,
-When she did suckle Hector , look'd not lovelier
-Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood
-At Grecian swords , contemning . Tell Valeria
-We are fit to bid her welcome .
-
-
-Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius !
-
-He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee ,
-And tread upon his neck .
-
-
-My ladies both , good day to you .
-
-Sweet madam .
-
-I am glad to see your ladyship .
-
-How do you both ? you are manifest housekeepers . What are you sewing here ? A fine spot , in good faith . How does your little son ?
-
-I thank your ladyship ; well , good madam .
-
-He had rather see the swords and hear a drum , than look upon his schoolmaster .
-
-O' my word , the father's son ; I'll swear 'tis a very pretty boy . O' my troth , I looked upon him o' Wednesday half an hour together : he has such a confirmed countenance . I saw him run after a gilded butterfly ; and when he caught it , he let it go again ; and after it again ; and over and over he comes , and up again ; catched it again : or whether his fall enraged him , or how 'twas , he did so set his teeth and tear it ; O ! I warrant , how he mammocked it !
-
-One on's father's moods .
-
-Indeed , la , 'tis a noble child .
-
-A crack , madam .
-
-Come , lay aside your stitchery ; I must have you play the idle huswife with me this afternoon .
-
-No , good madam ; I will not out of doors .
-
-Not out of doors !
-
-She shall , she shall .
-
-Indeed , no , by your patience ; I'll not over the threshold till my lord return from the wars .
-
-Fie ! you confine yourself most unreasonably . Come ; you must go visit the good lady that lies in .
-
-I will wish her speedy strength , and visit her with my prayers ; but I cannot go thither .
-
-Why , I pray you ?
-
-'Tis not to save labour , nor that I want love .
-
-You would be another Penelope ; yet , they say , all the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths . Come ; I would your cambric were sensible as your finger , that you might leave pricking it for pity . Come , you shall go with us .
-
-No , good madam , pardon me ; indeed , I will not forth .
-
-In truth , la , go with me ; and I'll tell you excellent news of your husband .
-
-O , good madam , there can be none yet .
-
-Verily , I do not jest with you ; there came news from him last night .
-
-Indeed , madam ?
-
-In earnest , it's true ; I heard a senator speak it . Thus it is : The Volsces have an army forth ; against whom Cominius the general is gone , with one part of our Roman power : your lord and Titus Lartius are set down before their city Corioli ; they nothing doubt prevailing and to make it brief wars . This is true , on mine honour ; and so , I pray , go with us .
-
-Give me excuse , good madam ; I will obey you in every thing hereafter .
-
-Let her alone , lady : as she is now she will but disease our better mirth .
-
-In troth , I think she would . Fare you well then . Come , good sweet lady . Prithee , Virgilia , turn thy solemness out o' door , and go along with us .
-
-No , at a word , madam ; indeed I must not . I wish you much mirth .
-
-Well then , farewell .
-
-
-Yonder comes news : a wager they have met .
-
-My horse to yours , no .
-
-'Tis done .
-
-Agreed .
-
-Say , has our general met the enemy ?
-
-They lie in view , but have not spoke as yet .
-
-So the good horse is mine .
-
-I'll buy him of you .
-
-No , I'll nor sell nor give him ; lend you him I will
-For half a hundred years . Summon the town .
-
-How far off lie these armies ?
-
-Within this mile and half .
-
-Then shall we hear their 'larum , and they ours .
-Now , Mars , I prithee , make us quick in work ,
-That we with smoking swords may march from hence ,
-To help our fielded friends ! Come , blow thy blast .
-
-Tullus Aufidius , is he within your walls ?
-
-No , nor a man that fears you less than he ,
-That's lesser than a little . Hark , our drums
-
-Are bringing forth our youth : we'll break our walls ,
-Rather than they shall pound us up : our gates ,
-Which yet seem shut , we have but pinn'd with rushes ;
-They'll open of themselves . Hark you , far off !
-
-There is Aufidius : list , what work he makes
-Amongst your cloven army .
-
-O ! they are at it !
-
-Their noise be our instruction . Ladders , ho !
-
-
-They fear us not , but issue forth their city .
-Now put your shields before your hearts , and fight
-With hearts more proof than shields . Advance , brave Titus :
-They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts ,
-Which makes me sweat with wrath . Come on , my fellows :
-He that retires , I'll take him for a Volsce ,
-And he shall feel mine edge .
-
-
-All the contagion of the south light on you ,
-You shames of Rome ! you herd of Boils and plagues
-Plaster you o'er , that you may be abhorr'd
-Further than seen , and one infect another
-Against the wind a mile ! You souls of geese ,
-That bear the shapes of men , how have you run
-From slaves that apes would beat ! Pluto and hell !
-All hurt behind ; backs red , and faces pale
-With flight and agu'd fear ! Mend and charge home ,
-Or , by the fires of heaven , I'll leave the foe
-And make my wars on you ; look to 't : come on ;
-If you'll stand fast , we'll beat them to their wives ,
-As they us to our trenches follow'd .
-
-
-So , now the gates are ope : now prove good seconds :
-'Tis for the followers Fortune widens them ,
-Not for the fliers : mark me , and do the like .
-
-
-Foolhardiness ! not I .
-
-Nor I .
-
-
-See , they have shut him in .
-
-To the pot , I warrant him .
-
-What is become of Marcius ?
-
-Slain , sir , doubtless .
-
-Following the fliers at the very heels ,
-With them he enters ; who , upon the sudden ,
-Clapp'd-to their gates ; he is himself alone ,
-To answer all the city .
-
-O noble fellow !
-Who , sensibly , outdares his senseless sword ,
-And , when it bows , stands up . Thou art left , Marcius :
-A carbuncle entire , as big as thou art ,
-Were not so rich a jewel . Thou wast a soldier
-Even to Cato's wish , not fierce and terrible
-Only in strokes ; but , with thy grim looks and
-The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds ,
-Thou mad'st thine enemies shake , as if the world
-Were feverous and did tremble .
-
-
-Look , sir !
-
-O ! 'tis Marcius !
-Let's fetch him off , or make remain alike .
-
-
-This will I carry to Rome .
-
-And I this .
-
-A murrain on't ! I took this for silver .
-
-See here these movers that do prize their hours
-At a crack'd drachme ! Cushions , leaden spoons ,
-Irons of a doit , doublets that hangmen would
-Bury with those that wore them , these base slaves ,
-Ere yet the fight be done , pack up . Down with them !
-And hark , what noise the general makes ! To him !
-There is the man of my soul's hate , Aufidius ,
-Piercing our Romans : then , valiant Titus , take
-Convenient numbers to make good the city ,
-Whilst I , with those that have the spirit , will haste
-To help Cominius .
-
-Worthy sir , thou bleed'st ;
-Thy exercise hath been too violent
-For a second course of fight .
-
-Sir , praise me not ;
-My work hath yet not warm'd me : fare you well :
-The blood I drop is rather physical
-Than dangerous to me : to Aufidius thus
-I will appear , and fight .
-
-Now the fair goddess , Fortune ,
-Fall deep in love with thee ; and her great charms
-Misguide thy opposers' swords ! Bold gentleman ,
-Prosperity be thy page !
-
-Thy friend no less
-Than those she places highest ! So , farewell .
-
-Thou worthiest Marcius !
-
-Go , sound thy trumpet in the market-place ;
-Call thither all the officers of the town ,
-Where they shall know our mind . Away !
-
-
-Breathe you , my friends : well fought ; we are come off
-Like Romans , neither foolish in our stands ,
-Nor cowardly in retire : believe me , sirs ,
-We shall be charg'd again . Whiles we have struck ,
-By interims and conveying gusts we have heard
-The charges of our friends . Ye Roman gods !
-Lead their successes as we wish our own ,
-That both our powers , with smiling fronts encountering ,
-May give you thankful sacrifice .
-
-Thy news ?
-
-The citizens of Corioli have issu'd ,
-And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle :
-I saw our party to their trenches driven ,
-And then I came away .
-
-Though thou speak'st truth ,
-Methinks thou speak'st not well . How long is't since ?
-
-Above an hour , my lord .
-
-'Tis not a mile ; briefly we heard their drums :
-How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour ,
-And bring thy news so late ?
-
-Spies of the Volsces
-Held me in chase , that I was forc'd to wheel
-Three or four miles about ; else had I , sir ,
-Half an hour since brought my report .
-
-Who's yonder ,
-That does appear as he were flay'd ? O gods !
-He has the stamp of Marcius ; and I have
-Before-time seen him thus .
-
-Come I too late ?
-
-The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor ,
-More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue
-From every meaner man .
-
-
-Come I too late ?
-
-Ay , if you come not in the blood of others ,
-But mantled in your own .
-
-O ! let me clip ye
-In arms as sound as when I woo'd , in heart
-As merry as when our nuptial day was done ,
-And tapers burn'd to bedward .
-
-Flower of warriors .
-How is't with Titus Lartius ?
-
-As with a man busied about decrees :
-Condemning some to death , and some to exile ;
-Ransoming him , or pitying , threat'ning the other ;
-Holding Corioli in the name of Rome ,
-Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash ,
-To let him slip at will .
-
-Where is that slave
-Which told me they had beat you to your trenches ?
-Where is he ? Call him hither .
-
-Let him alone ;
-He did inform the truth : but for our gentlemen ,
-The common file a plague ! tribunes for them !
-The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge
-From rascals worse than they .
-
-But how prevail'd you ?
-
-Will the time serve to tell ? I do not think .
-Where is the enemy ? Are you lords o' the field ?
-If not , why cease you till you are so ?
-
-Marcius , we have at disadvantage fought ,
-And did retire to win our purpose .
-
-How lies their battle ? Know you on which side
-They have plac'd their men of trust ?
-
-As I guess , Marcius ,
-Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates ,
-Of their best trust ; o'er them Aufidius ,
-Their very heart of hope .
-
-I do beseech you ,
-By all the battles wherein we have fought ,
-By the blood we have shed together , by the vows
-We have made to endure friends , that you directly
-Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates ;
-And that you not delay the present , but ,
-Filling the air with swords advanc'd and darts ,
-We prove this very hour .
-
-Though I could wish
-You were conducted to a gentle bath ,
-And balms applied to you , yet dare I never
-Deny your asking : take your choice of those
-That best can aid your action .
-
-Those are they
-That most are willing . If any such be here
-As it were sin to doubt that love this painting
-Wherein you see me smear'd ; if any fear
-Lesser his person than an ill report ;
-If any think brave death outweighs bad life ,
-And that his country's dearer than himself ;
-Let him , alone , or so many so minded ,
-Wave thus , to express his disposition ,
-And follow Marcius .
-
-O ! me alone ? Make you a sword of me ?
-If these shows be not outward , which of you
-But is four Volsces ? None of you but is
-Able to bear against the great Aufidius
-A shield as hard as his . A certain number ,
-Though thanks to all , must I select from all : the rest
-Shall bear the business in some other fight ,
-As cause will be obey'd . Please you to march ;
-And four shall quickly draw out my command ,
-Which men are best inclin'd .
-
-March on , my fellows :
-Make good this ostentation , and you shall
-Divide in all with us .
-
-
-So ; let the ports be guarded : keep your duties ,
-As I have set them down . If I do send , dispatch
-Those centuries to our aid ; the rest will serve
-For a short holding : if we lose the field ,
-We cannot keep the town .
-
-Fear not our care , sir .
-
-Hence , and shut your gates upon us .
-Our guider , come ; to the Roman camp conduct us .
-
-
-I'll fight with none but thee ; for I do hate thee
-Worse than a promise-breaker .
-
-We hate alike :
-Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor
-More than thy fame and envy . Fix thy foot .
-
-Let the first budger die the other's slave ,
-And the gods doom him after !
-
-If I fly , Marcius ,
-Halloo me like a hare .
-
-Within these three hours , Tullus ,
-Alone I fought in your Corioli walls ,
-And made what work I pleas'd ; 'tis not my blood
-Wherein thou seest me mask'd ; for thy revenge
-Wrench up thy power to the highest .
-
-Wert thou the Hector
-That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny ,
-Thou shouldst not 'scape me here .
-
-Officious , and not valiant , you have sham'd me
-In your condemned seconds .
-
-
-If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work ,
-Thou'lt not believe thy deeds : but I'll report it
-Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles ,
-Where great patricians shall attend and shrug ,
-I' the end , admire ; where ladies shall be frighted ,
-And , gladly quak'd , hear more ; where the dull Tribunes ,
-That , with the fusty plebeians , hate thine honours ,
-Shall say , against their hearts ,
-'We thank the gods our Rome hath such a soldier !'
-Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast ,
-Having fully din'd before .
-
-
-O general ,
-Here is the steed , we the caparison :
-Hadst thou beheld
-
-Pray now , no more : my mother ,
-Who has a charter to extol her blood ,
-When she does praise me grieves me . I have done
-As you have done ; that's what I can ; induc'd
-As you have been ; that's for my country :
-He that has but effected his good will
-Hath overta'en mine act .
-
-You shall not be
-The grave of your deserving ; Rome must know
-The value of her own : 'twere a concealment
-Worse than a theft , no less than a traducement ,
-To hide your doings ; and to silence that ,
-Which , to the spire and top of praises vouch'd ,
-Would seem but modest . Therefore , I beseech you ,
-In sign of what you are , not to reward
-What you have done ,before our army hear me .
-
-I have some wounds upon me , and they smart
-To hear themselves remember'd .
-
-Should they not .
-Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude ,
-And tent themselves with death . Of all the horses ,
-Whereof we have ta'en good , and good store , of all
-The treasure , in this field achiev'd and city ,
-We render you the tenth ; to be ta'en forth ,
-Before the common distribution ,
-At your only choice .
-
-I thank you , general ;
-But cannot make my heart consent to take
-A bribe to pay my sword : I do refuse it ;
-And stand upon my common part with those
-That have beheld the doing .
-
-May these same instruments , which you profane ,
-Never sound more ! When drums and trumpets shall
-I' the field prove flatterers , let courts and cities be
-Made all of false-fac'd soothing !
-When steel grows soft as is the parasite's silk ,
-Let him be made a coverture for the wars !
-No more , I say ! For that I have not wash'd
-My nose that bled , or foil'd some debile wretch ,
-Which , without note , here's many else have done ,
-You shout me forth
-In acclamations hyperbolical ;
-As if I lov'd my little should be dieted
-In praises sauc'd with lies .
-
-Too modest are you ;
-More cruel to your good report than grateful
-To us that give you truly . By your patience ,
-If 'gainst yourself you be incens'd , we'll put you ,
-Like one that means his proper harm , in manacles ,
-Then reason safely with you . Therefore , be it known ,
-As to us , to all the world , that Caius Marcius
-Wears this war's garland ; in token of the which ,
-My noble steed , known to the camp , I give him ,
-With all his trim belonging ; and from this time ,
-For what he did before Corioli , call him ,
-With all the applause and clamour of the host ,
-The addition nobly ever !
-
-Caius Marcius Coriolanus !
-
-
-I will go wash ;
-And when my face is fair , you shall perceive
-Whether I blush , or no : howbeit , I thank you .
-I mean to stride your steed , and at all times
-To undercrest your good addition
-To the fairness of my power .
-
-So , to our tent ;
-Where , ere we do repose us , we will write
-To Rome of our success . You , Titus Lartius ,
-Must to Corioli back : send us to Rome
-The best , with whom we may articulate ,
-For their own good and ours .
-
-I shall , my lord .
-
-The gods begin to mock me . I , that now
-Refus'd most princely gifts , am bound to beg
-Of my lord general .
-
-Take it ; 'tis yours . What is't ?
-
-I sometime lay here in Corioli
-At a poor man's house ; he us'd me kindly :
-He cried to me ; I saw him prisoner ;
-But then Aufidius was within my view ,
-And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity : I request you
-To give my poor host freedom .
-
-O ! well begg'd !
-Were he the butcher of my son , he should
-Be free as is the wind . Deliver him , Titus .
-
-Marcius , his name ?
-
-By Jupiter ! forgot .
-I am weary ; yea , my memory is tir'd .
-Have we no wine here ?
-
-Go we to our tent :
-The blood upon your visage dries ; 'tis time
-It should be look'd to : come .
-
-The town is ta'en !
-
-'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition .
-
-Condition !
-I would I were a Roman ; for I cannot ,
-Being a Volsce , be that I am . Condition !
-What good condition can a treaty find
-I' the part that is at mercy ? Five times , Marcius ,
-I have fought with thee ; so often hast thou beat me ,
-And wouldst do so , I think , should we encounter
-As often as we eat . By the elements ,
-If e'er again I meet him beard to beard ,
-He is mine , or I am his : mine emulation
-Hath not that honour in't it had ; for where
-I thought to crush him in an equal force
-True sword to sword I'll potch at him some way
-Or wrath or craft may get him .
-
-He's the devil .
-
-Bolder , though not so subtle . My valour's poison'd
-With only suffering stain by him ; for him
-Shall fly out of itself . Nor sleep nor sanctuary ,
-Being naked , sick , nor fane nor Capitol ,
-The prayers of priests , nor times of sacrifice ,
-Embarquements all of fury , shall lift up
-Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
-My hate to Marcius . Where I find him , were it
-At home , upon my brother's guard , even there
-Against the hospitable canon , would I
-Wash my fierce hand in 's heart . Go you to the city ;
-Learn how 'tis held , and what they are that must
-Be hostages for Rome .
-
-Will not you go ?
-
-I am attended at the cypress grove : I pray you
-'Tis south the city mills bring me word thither
-How the world goes , that to the pace of it
-I may spur on my journey .
-
-I shall , sir .
-
-The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night .
-
-Good or bad ?
-
-Not according to the prayer of the people , for they love not Marcius .
-
-Nature teaches beasts to know their friends .
-
-Pray you , who does the wolf love ?
-
-The lamb .
-
-Ay , to devour him ; as the hungry plebeians would the noble Marcius .
-
-He's a lamb indeed , that baes like a bear .
-
-He's a bear indeed , that lives like a lamb . You two are old men ; tell me one thing that I shall ask you .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-In what enormity is Marcius poor in , that you two have not in abundance ?
-
-He's poor in no one fault , but stored with all .
-
-Especially in pride .
-
-And topping all others in boasting .
-
-This is strange now : do you two know how you are censured here in the city , I mean of us o' the right hand file ? Do you ?
-
-Why , how are we censured ?
-
-Because you talk of pride now ,Will you not be angry ?
-
-Well , well , sir ; well .
-
-Why , 'tis no great matter ; for a very little thief of occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience : give your dispositions the reins , and be angry at your pleasures ; at the least , if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so . You blame Marcius for being proud ?
-
-We do it not alone , sir .
-
-I know you can do very little alone ; for your helps are many , or else your actions would grow wondrous single : your abilities are too infant-like , for doing much alone . You talk of pride : O ! that you could turn your eyes towards the napes of your necks , and make but an interior survey of your good selves . O ! that you could .
-
-What then , sir ?
-
-Why , then you should discover a brace of unmeriting , proud , violent , testy magistrates alias fools as any in Rome .
-
-Menenius , you are known well enough too .
-
-I am known to be a humorous patrician , and one that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber in't ; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first complaint ; hasty and tinder-like upon too trivial motion ; one that converses more with the buttock of the night than with the forehead of the morning . What I think I utter , and spend my malice in my breath . Meeting two such wealsmen as you are ,I cannot call you Lycurguses ,if the drink you give me touch my palate adversely , I make a crooked face at it . I cannot say your worships have delivered the matter well when I find the ass in compound with the major part of your syllables ; and though I must be content to bear with those that say you are reverend grave men , yet they lie deadly that tell you have good faces . If you see this in the map of my microcosm , follows it that I am known well enough too ? What harm can your bisson conspectuities glean out of this character , if I be known well enough too ?
-
-Come , sir , come , we know you well enough .
-
-You know neither me , yourselves , nor anything . You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs : you wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between an orange-wife and a fosset-seller , and then rejourn the controversy of three-pence to a second day of audience . When you are hearing a matter between party and party , if you chance to be pinched with the colic , you make faces like mummers , set up the bloody flag against all patience , and , in roaring for a chamber-pot , dismiss the controversy bleeding , the more entangled by your hearing : all the peace you make in their cause is , calling both the parties knaves . You are a pair of strange ones .
-
-Come , come , you are well understood to be a perfecter giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the Capitol .
-
-Our very priests must become mockers if they shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are . When you speak best unto the purpose it is not worth the wagging of your beards ; and your beards deserve not so honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion , or to be entombed in an ass's pack-saddle . Yet you must be saying Marcius is proud ; who , in a cheap estimation , is worth all your predecessors since Deucalion , though peradventure some of the best of 'em were hereditary hangmen . Good den to your worships : more of your conversation would infect my brain , being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians : I will be bold to take my leave of you .
-
-
-How now , my as fair as noble ladies ,and the moon , were she earthly , no nobler ,whither do you follow your eyes so fast ?
-
-Honourable Menenius , my boy Marcius approaches ; for the love of Juno , let's go .
-
-Ha ! Marcius coming home ?
-
-Ay , worthy Menenius ; and with most prosperous approbation .
-
-Take my cap , Jupiter , and I thank thee . Hoo ! Marcius coming home !
-
-Nay , 'tis true .
-
-Nay , 'tis true .
-
-Look , here's a letter from him : the state hath another , his wife another ; and , I think , there's one at home for you .
-
-I will make my very house reel to-night . A letter for me !
-
-Yes , certain , there's a letter for you ; I saw it .
-
-A letter for me ! It gives me an estate of seven years' health ; in which time I will make a lip at the physician : the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic , and , to this preservative , of no better report than a horse-drench . Is he not wounded ? he was wont to come home wounded .
-
-O ! no , no , no .
-
-O ! he is wounded , I thank the gods for't .
-
-So do I too , if it be not too much . Brings a' victory in his pocket ? The wounds become him .
-
-On 's brows , Menenius ; he comes the third time home with the oaken garland .
-
-Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly ?
-
-Titus Lartius writes they fought together , but Aufidius got off .
-
-And 'twas time for him too , I'll warrant him that : an he had stayed by him I would not have been so fidiused for all the chests in Corioli , and the gold that's in them . Is the senate possessed of this ?
-
-Good ladies , let's go . Yes , yes , yes ; the senate has letters from the general , wherein he gives my son the whole name of the war . He hath in this action outdone his former deeds doubly .
-
-In troth there's wondrous things spoke of him .
-
-Wondrous ! ay , I warrant you , and not without his true purchasing .
-
-The gods grant them true !
-
-True ! pow , wow .
-
-True ! I'll be sworn they are true . Where is he wounded ?
-
-
-Where is he wounded ?
-
-I' the shoulder , and i' the left arm : there will be large cicatrices to show the people when he shall stand for his place . He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven hurts i' the body .
-
-One i' the neck , and two i' the thigh , there's nine that I know .
-
-He had , before this last expedition , twenty-five wounds upon him .
-
-Now , it's twenty-seven : every gash was an enemy's grave .
-
-Hark ! the trumpets .
-
-These are the ushers of Marcius : before him he carries noise , and behind him he leaves tears :
-Death , that dark spirit , in 's nervy arm doth lie ;
-Which , being advanc'd , declines , and then men die .
-
-
-Know , Rome , that all alone Marcius did fight
-Within Corioli gates : where he hath won ,
-With fame , a name to Caius Marcius ; these
-In honour follows Coriolanus .
-Welcome to Rome , renowned Coriolanus !
-
-
-Welcome to Rome , renowned Coriolanus !
-
-No more of this ; it does offend my heart :
-Pray now , no more .
-
-Look , sir , your mother !
-
-O !
-You have , I know , petition'd all the gods
-For my prosperity .
-
-
-Nay , my good soldier , up ;
-My gentle Marcius , worthy Caius , and
-By deed-achieving honour newly nam'd ,
-What is it ?Coriolanus must I call thee ?
-But O ! thy wife !
-
-My gracious silence , hail !
-Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home ,
-That weep'st to see me triumph ? Ah ! my dear ,
-Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear ,
-And mothers that lack sons .
-
-Now , the gods crown thee !
-
-And live you yet ?
-
-O my sweet lady , pardon .
-
-I know not where to turn : O ! welcome home ;
-And welcome , general ; and ye're welcome all .
-
-A hundred thousand welcomes : I could weep ,
-And I could laugh ; I am light , and heavy . Welcome .
-A curse begnaw at very root on 's heart
-That is not glad to see thee ! You are three
-That Rome should dote on ; yet , by the faith of men ,
-We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not
-Be grafted to your relish . Yet , welcome , warriors !
-We call a nettle but a nettle , and
-The faults of fools but folly .
-
-Ever right .
-
-Menenius , ever , ever .
-
-Give way there , and go on !
-
-Your hand , and yours :
-Ere in our own house I do shade my head ,
-The good patricians must be visited ;
-From whom I have receiv'd not only greetings ,
-But with them change of honours .
-
-I have liv'd
-To see inherited my very wishes ,
-And the buildings of my fancy : only
-There's one thing wanting , which I doubt not but
-Our Rome will cast upon thee .
-
-Know , good mother ,
-I had rather be their servant in my way
-Than sway with them in theirs .
-
-On , to the Capitol !
-
-
-All tongues speak of him , and the bleared sights
-Are spectacled to see him : your prattling nurse
-Into a rapture lets her baby cry
-While she chats him : the kitchen malkin pins
-Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck ,
-Clambering the walls to eye him : stalls , bulks , windows ,
-Are smother'd up , leads fill'd , and ridges hors'd
-With variable complexions , all agreeing
-In earnestness to see him : seld-shown flamens
-Do press among the popular throngs , and puff
-To win a vulgar station : our veil'd dames
-Commit the war of white and damask in
-Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil
-Of Ph bus' burning kisses : such a pother
-As if that whatsoever god who leads him
-Were slily crept into his human powers ,
-And gave him graceful posture .
-
-On the sudden
-I warrant him consul .
-
-Then our office may ,
-During his power , go sleep .
-
-He cannot temperately transport his honours
-From where he should begin and end , but will
-Lose those he hath won .
-
-In that there's comfort .
-
-Doubt not , the commoners , for whom we stand ,
-But they upon their ancient malice will
-Forget with the least cause these his new honours ,
-Which that he'll give them , make I as little question
-As he is proud to do't .
-
-I heard him swear ,
-Were he to stand for consul , never would he
-Appear i' the market-place , nor on him put
-The napless vesture of humility ;
-Nor , showing , as the manner is , his wounds
-To the people , beg their stinking breaths .
-
-'Tis right .
-
-It was his word . O ! he would miss it rather
-Than carry it but by the suit o' the gentry to him
-And the desire of the nobles .
-
-I wish no better
-Than have him hold that purpose and to put it
-In execution .
-
-'Tis most like he will .
-
-It shall be to him then , as our good wills ,
-A sure destruction .
-
-So it must fall out
-To him or our authorities . For an end ,
-We must suggest the people in what hatred
-He still hath held them ; that to his power he would
-Have made them mules , silenc'd their pleaders , and
-Dispropertied their freedoms ; holding them ,
-In human action and capacity ,
-Of no more soul nor fitness for the world
-Than camels in the war ; who have their provand
-Only for bearing burdens , and sore blows
-For sinking under them .
-
-This , as you say , suggested
-At some time when his soaring insolence
-Shall teach the people which time shall not want ,
-If he be put upon 't ; and that's as easy
-As to set dogs on sheep will be his fire
-To kindle their dry stubble ; and their blaze
-Shall darken him for ever .
-
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-You are sent for to the Capitol . 'Tis thought
-That Marcius shall be consul .
-I have seen the dumb men throng to see him , and
-The blind to hear him speak : matrons flung gloves ,
-Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers
-Upon him as he pass'd ; the nobles bended ,
-As to Jove's statue , and the commons made
-A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts :
-I never saw the like .
-
-Let's to the Capitol ;
-And carry with us ears and eyes for the time ,
-But hearts for the event .
-
-Have with you .
-
-
-Come , come , they are almost here .
-How many stand for consulships ?
-
-Three , they say ; but 'tis thought of every one Coriolanus will carry it .
-
-That's a brave fellow ; but he's vengeance proud , and loves not the common people .
-
-Faith , there have been many great men that have flattered the people , who ne'er loved them ; and there be many that they have loved , they know not wherefore : so that if they love they know not why , they hate upon no better a ground . Therefore , for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge he has in their disposition ; and out of his noble carelessness lets them plainly see't .
-
-If he did not care whether he had their love or no , he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good nor harm ; but he seeks their hate with greater devotion than they can render it him ; and leaves nothing undone that may fully discover him their opposite . Now , to seem to affect the malice and displeasure of the people is as bad as that which he dislikes , to flatter them for their love .
-
-He hath deserved worthily of his country ; and his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who , having been supple and courteous to the people , bonneted , without any further deed to have them at all into their estimation and report ; but he hath so planted his honours in their eyes , and his actions in their hearts , that for their tongues to be silent , and not confess so much , were a kind of ingrateful injury ; to report otherwise , were a malice , that , giving itself the lie , would pluck reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it .
-
-No more of him ; he is a worthy man : make way , they are coming .
-
-Having determin'd of the Volsces , and
-To send for Titus Lartius , it remains ,
-As the main point of this our after-meeting ,
-To gratify his noble service that
-Hath thus stood for his country : therefore , please you ,
-Most reverend and grave elders , to desire
-The present consul , and last general
-In our well-found successes , to report
-A little of that worthy work perform'd
-By Caius Marcius Coriolanus , whom
-We meet here both to thank and to remember
-With honours like himself .
-
-Speak , good Cominius :
-Leave nothing out for length , and make us think
-Rather our state's defective for requital ,
-Than we to stretch it out .
-
-Masters o' the people ,
-We do request your kindest ears , and , after ,
-Your loving motion toward the common body ,
-To yield what passes here .
-
-We are convented
-Upon a pleasing treaty , and have hearts
-Inclinable to honour and advance
-The theme of our assembly .
-
-Which the rather
-We shall be bless'd to do , if he remember
-A kinder value of the people than
-He hath hereto priz'd them at .
-
-That's off , that's off ;
-I would you rather had been silent . Please you
-To hear Cominius speak ?
-
-Most willingly ;
-But yet my caution was more pertinent
-Than the rebuke you give it .
-
-He loves your people ;
-But tie him not to be their bedfellow .
-Worthy Cominius , speak .
-
-Nay , keep your place .
-
-Sit , Coriolanus ; never shame to hear
-What you have nobly done .
-
-Your honours' pardon :
-I had rather have my wounds to heal again
-Than hear say how I got them .
-
-Sir , I hope
-My words disbench'd you not .
-
-No , sir : yet oft ,
-When blows have made me stay , I fled from words .
-You sooth'd not , therefore hurt not . But your people ,
-I love them as they weigh .
-
-Pray now , sit down .
-
-I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun
-When the alarum were struck than idly sit
-To hear my nothings monster'd .
-
-
-Masters of the people ,
-Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter ,
-That's thousand to one good one ,when you now see
-He had rather venture all his limbs for honour
-Than one on 's ears to hear it . Proceed , Cominius .
-
-I shall lack voice : the deeds of Coriolanus
-Should not be utter'd feebly . It is held
-That valour is the chiefest virtue , and
-Most dignifies the haver : if it be ,
-The man I speak of cannot in the world
-Be singly counterpois'd . At sixteen years ,
-When Tarquin made a head for Rome , he fought
-Beyond the mark of others ; our then dictator ,
-Whom with all praise I point at , saw him fight ,
-When with his Amazonian chin he drove
-The bristled lips before him . He bestrid
-An o'er-press'd Roman , and i' the consul's view
-Slew three opposers : Tarquin's self he met ,
-And struck him on his knee : in that day's feats ,
-When he might act the woman in the scene ,
-He prov'd best man i' the field , and for his meed
-Was brow-bound with the oak . His pupil age
-Man-enter'd thus , he waxed like a sea ,
-And in the brunt of seventeen battles since
-He lurch'd all swords of the garland . For this last ,
-Before and in Corioli , let me say ,
-I cannot speak him home : he stopp'd the fliers ,
-And by his rare example made the coward
-Turn terror into sport : as weeds before
-A vessel under sail , so men obey'd ,
-And fell below his stem : his sword , death's stamp ,
-Where it did mark , it took ; from face to foot
-He was a thing of blood , whose every motion
-Was tim'd with dying cries : alone he enter'd
-The mortal gate of the city , which he painted
-With shunless destiny ; aidless came off ,
-And with a sudden re-enforcement struck
-Corioli like a planet . Now all's his :
-When by and by the din of war 'gan pierce
-His ready sense ; then straight his doubled spirit
-Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate ,
-And to the battle came he ; where he did
-Run reeking o'er the lives of men , as if
-'Twere a perpetual spoil ; and till we call'd
-Both field and city ours , he never stood
-To ease his breast with panting .
-
-Worthy man !
-
-He cannot but with measure fit the honours
-Which we devise him .
-
-Our spoils he kick'd at ,
-And look'd upon things precious as they were
-The common muck o' the world : he covets less
-Than misery itself would give ; rewards
-His deeds with doing them , and is content
-To spend the time to end it .
-
-He's right noble :
-Let him be call'd for .
-
-Call Coriolanus .
-
-He doth appear .
-
-
-The senate , Coriolanus , are well pleas'd
-To make thee consul .
-
-I do owe them still
-My life and services .
-
-It then remains
-That you do speak to the people .
-
-I do beseech you ,
-Let me o'erleap that custom , for I cannot
-Put on the gown , stand naked , and entreat them ,
-For my wounds' sake , to give their suffrage : please you ,
-That I may pass this doing .
-
-Sir , the people
-Must have their voices ; neither will they bate
-One jot of ceremony .
-
-Put them not to 't :
-Pray you , go fit you to the custom , and
-Take to you , as your predecessors have ,
-Your honour with your form .
-
-It is a part
-That I shall blush in acting , and might well
-Be taken from the people .
-
-Mark you that ?
-
-To brag unto them , thus I did , and thus ;
-Show them the unaching scars which I should hide ,
-As if I had receiv'd them for the hire
-Of their breath only !
-
-Do not stand upon't .
-We recommend to you , tribunes of the people ,
-Our purpose to them ; and to our noble consul
-Wish we all joy and honour .
-
-To Coriolanus come all joy and honour !
-
-
-You see how he intends to use the people .
-
-May they perceive 's intent ! He will require them ,
-As if he did contemn what he requested
-Should be in them to give .
-
-Come ; we'll inform them
-Of our proceedings here : on the market-place
-I know they do attend us .
-
-
-Once , if he do require our voices , we ought not to deny him .
-
-We may , sir , if we will .
-
-We have power in ourselves to do it , but it is a power that we have no power to do ; for if he show us his wounds , and tell us his deeds , we are to put our tongues into those wounds and speak for them ; so , if he tell us his noble deeds , we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them . Ingratitude is monstrous , and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a monster of the multitude ; of the which , we being members , should bring ourselves to be monstrous members .
-
-And to make us no better thought of , a little help will serve ; for once we stood up about the corn , he himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude .
-
-We have been called so of many ; not that our heads are some brown , some black , some abram , some bald , but that our wits are so diversely coloured : and truly I think , if all our wits were to issue out of one skull , they would fly east , west , north , south ; and their consent of one direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass .
-
-Think you so ? Which way do you judge my wit would fly ?
-
-Nay , your wit will not so soon out as another man's will ; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head ; but if it were at liberty , 'twould , sure , southward .
-
-Why that way ?
-
-To lose itself in a fog ; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews , the fourth would return for conscience' sake , to help to get thee a wife .
-
-You are never without your tricks . you may , you may .
-
-Are you all resolved to give your voices ? But that's no matter , the greater part carries it . I say , if he would incline to the people , there was never a worthier man .
-
-Here he comes , and in a gown of humility mark his behaviour . We are not to stay all together , but to come by him where he stands , by ones , by twos , and by threes . He's to make his requests by particulars ; wherein every one of us has a single honour , in giving him our own voices with our own tongues : therefore follow me , and I'll direct you how you shall go by him .
-
-Content , content .
-
-
-O , sir , you are not right : have you not known
-The worthiest men have done't ?
-
-What must I say ?
-'I pray , sir ,' Plague upon't ! I cannot bring
-My tongue to such a pace . 'Look , sir , my wounds !
-I got them in my country's service , when
-Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran
-From the noise of our own drums .'
-
-O me ! the gods !
-You must not speak of that : you must desire them
-To think upon you .
-
-Think upon me ! Hang 'em !
-I would they would forget me , like the virtues
-Which our divines lose by 'em .
-
-You'll mar all :
-I'll leave you . Pray you , speak to 'em , I pray you ,
-In wholesome manner .
-
-Bid them wash their faces ,
-And keep their teeth clean .
-
-So , here comes a brace .
-
-You know the cause , sir , of my standing here ?
-
-We do , sir ; tell us what hath brought you to 't .
-
-Mine own desert .
-
-Your own desert !
-
-Ay , not mine own desire .
-
-How ! not your own desire ?
-
-No , sir , 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the poor with begging .
-
-You must think , if we give you any thing , we hope to gain by you .
-
-Well , then , I pray , your price o' the consulship ?
-
-The price is , to ask it kindly .
-
-Kindly ! sir , I pray , let me ha 't : I have wounds to show you , which shall be yours in private . Your good voice , sir ; what say you ?
-
-You shall ha 't , worthy sir .
-
-A match , sir . There is in all two worthy voices begged . I have your alms : adieu .
-
-But this is something odd .
-
-An 'twere to give again ,but 'tis no matter .
-
-Pray you now , if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul , I have here the customary gown .
-
-You have deserved nobly of your country , and you have not deserved nobly .
-
-Your enigma ?
-
-You have been a scourge to her enemies , you have been a rod to her friends ; you have not indeed loved the common people .
-
-You should account me the more virtuous that I have not been common in my love . I will , sir , flatter my sworn brother the people , to earn a dearer estimation of them ; 'tis a condition they account gentle : and since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart , I will practise the insinuating nod , and be off to them most counterfeitly ; that is , sir , I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man , and give it bountifully to the desirers . Therefore , beseech you , I may be consul .
-
-We hope to find you our friend , and therefore give you our voices heartily .
-
-You have received many wounds for your country .
-
-I will not seal your knowledge with showing them . I will make much of your voices , and so trouble you no further .
-
-The gods give you joy , sir , heartily !
-
-
-Most sweet voices !
-Better it is to die , better to starve ,
-Than crave the hire which first we do deserve .
-Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here ,
-To beg of Hob and Dick , that do appear ,
-Their needless vouches ? Custom calls me to 't :
-What custom wills , in all things should we do 't ,
-The dust on antique time would lie unswept ,
-And mountainous error be too highly heap'd
-For truth to o'er-peer . Rather than fool it so ,
-Let the high office and the honour go
-To one that would do thus . I am half through ;
-The one part suffer'd , the other will I do .
-Here come more voices .
-
-
-Your voices : for your voices I have fought ;
-Watch'd for your voices ; for your voices bear
-Of wounds two dozen odd ; battles thrice six
-I have seen and heard of ; for your voices have
-Done many things , some less , some more ; your voices :
-
-Indeed , I would be consul .
-
-He has done nobly , and cannot go without any honest man's voice .
-
-Therefore let him be consul . The gods give him joy , and make him good friend to the people !
-
-Amen , amen .
-God save thee , noble consul !
-
-
-Worthy voices !
-
-
-You have stood your limitation ; and the tribunes
-Endue you with the people's voice : remains
-That , in the official marks invested , you
-Anon do meet the senate .
-
-Is this done ?
-
-The custom of request you have discharg'd :
-The people do admit you , and are summon'd
-To meet anon , upon your approbation .
-
-Where ? at the senate-house ?
-
-There , Coriolanus .
-
-May I change these garments ?
-
-You may , sir .
-
-That I'll straight do ; and , knowing myself again ,
-Repair to the senate-house .
-
-I'll keep you company . Will you along ?
-
-We stay here for the people .
-
-Fare you well .
-
-He has it now ; and by his looks , methinks ,
-'Tis warm at's heart .
-
-With a proud heart he wore
-His humble weeds . Will you dismiss the people ?
-
-
-How now , my masters ! have you chose this man ?
-
-He has our voices , sir .
-
-We pray the gods he may deserve your love .
-
-Amen , sir . To my poor unworthy notice ,
-He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices .
-
-Certainly ,
-He flouted us downright .
-
-No , 'tis his kind of speech ; he did not mock us .
-
-Not one amongst us , save yourself , but says
-He used us scornfully : he should have show'd us
-His marks of merit , wounds receiv'd for's country .
-
-Why , so he did , I am sure .
-
-No , no ; no man saw 'em .
-
-He said he had wounds , which he could show in private ;
-And with his hat , thus waving it in scorn ,
-'I would be consul ,' says he : 'aged custom ,
-But by your voices , will not so permit me ;
-Your voices therefore :' when we granted that ,
-Here was , 'I thank you for your voices , thank you ,
-Your most sweet voices : now you have left your voices
-I have no further with you .' Was not this mockery ?
-
-Why , either were you ignorant to see 't ,
-Or , seeing it , of such childish friendliness
-To yield your voices ?
-
-Could you not have told him
-As you were lesson'd , when he had no power ,
-But was a petty servant to the state ,
-He was your enemy , ever spake against
-Your liberties and the charters that you bear
-I' the body of the weal ; and now , arriving
-A place of potency and sway o' the state ,
-If he should still malignantly remain
-Fast foe to the plebeii , your voices might
-Be curses to yourselves ? You should have said
-That as his worthy deeds did claim no less
-Than what he stood for , so his gracious nature
-Would think upon you for your voices and
-Translate his malice towards you into love ,
-Standing your friendly lord .
-
-Thus to have said ,
-As you were fore-advis'd , had touch'd his spirit
-And tried his inclination ; from him pluck'd
-Either his gracious promise , which you might ,
-As cause had call'd you up , have held him to ;
-Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature ,
-Which easily endures not article
-Tying him to aught ; so , putting him to rage ,
-You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler ,
-And pass'd him unelected .
-
-Did you perceive
-He did solicit you in free contempt
-When he did need your loves , and do you think
-That his contempt shall not be bruising to you
-When he hath power to crush ? Why , had your bodies
-No heart among you ? or had you tongues to cry
-Against the rectorship of judgment ?
-
-Have you
-Ere now denied the asker ? and now again
-Of him that did not ask , but mock , bestow
-Your su'd-for tongues ?
-
-He's not confirm'd ; we may deny him yet .
-
-And will deny him :
-I'll have five hundred voices of that sound .
-
-Ay , twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em .
-
-Get you hence instantly , and tell those friends ,
-They have chose a consul that will from them take
-Their liberties ; make them of no more voice
-Than dogs that are as often beat for barking
-As therefore kept to do so .
-
-Let them assemble ;
-And , on a safer judgment , all revoke
-Your ignorant election . Enforce his pride ,
-And his old hate unto you ; besides , forget not
-With what contempt he wore the humble weed ;
-How in his suit he scorn'd you ; but your loves ,
-Thinking upon his services , took from you
-The apprehension of his present portance ,
-Which most gibingly , ungravely , he did fashion
-After the inveterate hate he bears you .
-
-Lay
-A fault on us , your tribunes ; that we labour'd ,
-No impediment between ,but that you must
-Cast your election on him .
-
-Say , you chose him
-More after our commandment than as guided
-By your own true affections ; and that , your minds ,
-Pre-occupied with what you rather must do
-Than what you should , made you against the grain
-To voice him consul : lay the fault on us .
-
-Ay , spare us not . Say we read lectures to you ,
-How youngly he began to serve his country ,
-How long continu'd , and what stock he springs of ,
-The noble house o' the Marcians , from whence came
-That Ancus Marcius , Numa's daughter's son ,
-Who , after great Hostilius , here was king ;
-Of the same house Publius and Quintus were ,
-That our best water brought by conduits hither ;
-And Censorinus , that was so surnam'd ,
-And nobly nam'd so , twice being censor ,
-Was his great ancestor .
-
-One thus descended ,
-That hath , beside , well in his person wrought
-To be set high in place , we did commend
-To your remembrances : but you have found ,
-Scaling his present bearing with his past ,
-That he's your fixed enemy , and revoke
-Your sudden approbation .
-
-Say you ne'er had done 't
-Harp on that still but by our putting on ;
-And presently , when you have drawn your number ,
-Repair to the Capitol .
-
-We will so ; almost all
-Repent in their election .
-
-
-Let them go on ;
-This mutiny were better put in hazard
-Than stay , past doubt , for greater .
-If , as his nature is , he fall in rage
-With their refusal , both observe and answer
-The vantage of his anger .
-
-To the Capitol , come :
-We will be there before the stream o' the people ;
-And this shall seem , as partly 'tis , their own ,
-Which we have goaded onward .
-
-Tullus Aufidius then had made new head ?
-
-He had , my lord ; and that it was which caus'd
-Our swifter composition .
-
-So then the Volsces stand but as at first ,
-Ready , when time shall prompt them , to make road
-Upon 's again .
-
-They are worn , lord consul , so ,
-That we shall hardly in our ages see
-Their banners wave again .
-
-Saw you Aufidius ?
-
-On safe-guard he came to me ; and did curse
-Against the Volsces , for they had so vilely
-Yielded the town : he is retir'd to Antium .
-
-Spoke he of me ?
-
-He did , my lord .
-
-How ? what ?
-
-How often he had met you , sword to sword ;
-That of all things upon the earth he hated
-Your person most , that he would pawn his fortunes
-To hopeless restitution , so he might
-Be call'd your vanquisher .
-
-At Antium lives he ?
-
-At Antium .
-
-I wish I had a cause to seek him there ,
-To oppose his hatred fully . Welcome home .
-
-
-Behold ! these are the tribunes of the people ,
-The tongues o' the common mouth : I do despise them ;
-For they do prank them in authority
-
-Against all noble sufferance .
-
-Pass no further .
-
-Ha ! what is that ?
-
-It will be dangerous to go on : no further .
-
-What makes this change ?
-
-The matter ?
-
-Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common ?
-
-Cominius , no .
-
-Have I had children's voices ?
-
-Tribunes , give way ; he shall to the market-place .
-
-The people are incens'd against him .
-
-Stop ,
-Or all will fall in broil .
-
-Are these your herd ?
-Must these have voices , that can yield them now ,
-And straight disclaim their tongues ? What are your offices ?
-You being their mouths , why rule you not their teeth ?
-Have you not set them on ?
-
-Be calm , be calm .
-
-It is a purpos'd thing , and grows by plot ,
-To curb the will of the nobility :
-Suffer't , and live with such as cannot rule
-Nor ever will be rul'd .
-
-Call't not a plot :
-The people cry you mock'd them , and of late ,
-When corn was given them gratis , you repin'd ;
-Scandall'd the suppliants for the people , call'd them
-Time-pleasers , flatterers , foes to nobleness .
-
-Why , this was known before .
-
-Not to them all .
-
-Have you inform'd them sithence ?
-
-How ! I inform them !
-
-You are like to do such business .
-
-Not unlike ,
-Each way , to better yours .
-
-Why then should I be consul ? By yond clouds ,
-Let me deserve so ill as you , and make me
-Your fellow tribune .
-
-You show too much of that
-For which the people stir ; if you will pass
-To where you are bound , you must inquire your way ,
-Which you are out of , with a gentler spirit ;
-Or never be so noble as a consul ,
-Nor yoke with him for tribune .
-
-Let's be calm .
-
-The people are abus'd ; set on . This paltering
-Becomes not Rome , nor has Coriolanus
-Deserv'd this so dishonour'd rub , laid falsely
-I' the plain way of his merit .
-
-Tell me of corn !
-This was my speech , and I will speak't again ,
-
-Not now , not now .
-
-Not in this heat , sir , now .
-
-Now , as I live , I will . My nobler friends ,
-I crave their pardons :
-For the mutable , rank-scented many , let them
-Regard me as I do not flatter , and
-Therein behold themselves : I say again ,
-In soothing them we nourish 'gainst our senate
-The cockle of rebellion , insolence , sedition ,
-Which we ourselves have plough'd for , sow'd and scatter'd ,
-By mingling them with us , the honour'd number ;
-Who lack'd not virtue , no , nor power , but that
-Which they have given to beggars .
-
-Well , no more .
-
-No more words , we beseech you .
-
-How ! no more !
-As for my country I have shed my blood ,
-Not fearing outward force , so shall my lungs
-Coin words till they decay against those measles ,
-Which we disdain should tetter us , yet sought
-The very way to catch them .
-
-You speak o' the people ,
-As if you were a god to punish , not
-A man of their infirmity .
-
-'Twere well
-We let the people know't .
-
-What , what ? his choler ?
-
-Choler !
-Were I as patient as the midnight sleep ,
-By Jove , 'twould be my mind !
-
-It is a mind
-That shall remain a poison where it is ,
-Not poison any further .
-
-Shall remain !
-Hear you this Triton of the minnows ? mark you
-His absolute 'shall ?'
-
-'Twas from the canon .
-
-'Shall !'
-O good but most unwise patricians ! why ,
-You grave but reckless senators , have you thus
-Given Hydra here to choose an officer ,
-That with his peremptory 'shall ,' being but
-The horn and noise o' the monster's , wants not spirit
-To say he'll turn your current in a ditch ,
-And make your channel his ? If he have power ,
-Then vail your ignorance ; if none , awake
-Your dangerous lenity . If you are learned ,
-Be not as common fools ; if you are not ,
-Let them have cushions by you . You are plebeians
-If they be senators ; and they are no less ,
-When , both your voices blended , the great'st taste
-Most palates theirs . They choose their magistrate ,
-And such a one as he , who puts his 'shall ,'
-His popular 'shall ,' against a graver bench
-Than ever frown'd in Greece . By Jove himself !
-It makes the consuls base ; and my soul aches
-To know , when two authorities are up ;
-Neither supreme , how soon confusion
-May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take
-The one by the other .
-
-Well , on to the market-place .
-
-Whoever gave that counsel , to give forth
-The corn o' the store-house gratis , as 'twas us'd
-Sometime in Greece ,
-
-Well , well ; no more of that .
-
-Though there the people had more absolute power ,
-I say , they nourish'd disobedience , fed
-The ruin of the state .
-
-Why , shall the people give
-One that speaks thus their voice ?
-
-I'll give my reasons ,
-More worthier than their voices . They know the corn
-Was not our recompense , resting well assur'd
-They ne'er did service for 't . Being press'd to the war ,
-Even when the navel of the state was touch'd ,
-They would not thread the gates : this kind of service
-Did not deserve corn gratis . Being i' the war ,
-Their mutinies and revolts , wherein they show'd
-Most valour , spoke not for them . The accusation
-Which they have often made against the senate ,
-All cause unborn , could never be the motive
-Of our so frank donation . Well , what then ?
-How shall this bisson multitude digest
-The senate's courtesy ? Let deeds express
-What's like to be their words : 'We did request it ;
-We are the greater poll , and in true fear
-They gave us our demands .' Thus we debase
-The nature of our seats , and make the rabble
-Call our cares , fears ; which will in time break ope
-The locks o' the senate , and bring in the crows
-To peck the eagles .
-
-Come , enough .
-
-Enough , with over-measure .
-
-No , take more :
-What may be sworn by , both divine and human ,
-Seal what I end withal ! This double worship ,
-Where one part does disdain with cause , the other
-Insult without all reason ; where gentry , title , wisdom ,
-Cannot conclude , but by the yea and no
-Of general ignorance ,it must omit
-Real necessities , and give way the while
-To unstable slightness : purpose so barr'd , it follows
-Nothing is done to purpose . Therefore , beseech you ,
-You that will be less fearful than discreet ,
-That love the fundamental part of state
-More than you doubt the change on 't , that prefer
-A noble life before a long , and wish
-To jump a body with a dangerous physic
-That's sure of death without it , at once pluck out
-The multitudinous tongue ; let them not lick
-The sweet which is their poison . Your dishonour
-Mangles true judgment , and bereaves the state
-Of that integrity which should become it ,
-Not having the power to do the good it would ,
-For the ill which doth control 't .
-
-He has said enough .
-
-He has spoken like a traitor , and shall answer
-As traitors do .
-
-Thou wretch ! despite o'erwhelm thee !
-What should the people do with these bald tribunes ?
-On whom depending , their obedience fails
-To the greater bench . In a rebellion ,
-When what's not meet , but what must be , was law ,
-Then were they chosen : in a better hour ,
-Let what is meet be said it must be meet ,
-And throw their power i' the dust .
-
-Manifest treason !
-
-This a consul ? no .
-
-The diles , ho ! Let him be apprehended .
-
-
-Go , call the people ;
-
-in whose name , myself
-Attach thee as a traitorous innovator ,
-A foe to the public weal : obey , I charge thee ,
-And follow to thine answer .
-
-Hence , old goat !
-
-We'll surety him .
-
-Aged sir , hands off .
-
-Hence , rotten thing ! or I shall shake thy bones
-Out of thy garments .
-
-Help , ye citizens !
-
-
-On both sides more respect .
-
-Here's he that would take from you all your power .
-
-Seize him , diles !
-
-Down with him !down with him !
-
-Weapons !weapons !weapons !
-
-What is about to be ?I am out of breath ;
-Confusion's near ; I cannot speak . You , tribunes
-To the people ! Coriolanus , patience !
-Speak , good Sicinius .
-
-Hear me , people ; peace !
-
-Let's hear our tribune :Peace !Speak , speak , speak .
-
-You are at point to lose your liberties :
-Marcius would have all from you ; Marcius ,
-Whom late you have nam'd for consul .
-
-Fie , fie , fie !
-This is the way to kindle , not to quench .
-
-To unbuild the city and to lay all flat .
-
-What is the city but the people ?
-
-True ,
-The people are the city .
-
-By the consent of all , we were establish'd
-The people's magistrates .
-
-You so remain .
-
-And so are like to do .
-
-That is the way to lay the city flat ;
-To bring the roof to the foundation ,
-And bury all , which yet distinctly ranges ,
-In heaps and piles of ruin .
-
-This deserves death .
-
-Or let us stand to our authority ,
-Or let us lose it . We do here pronounce ,
-Upon the part o' the people , in whose power
-We were elected theirs , Marcius is worthy
-Of present death .
-
-Therefore lay hold of him ;
-Bear him to the rock Tarpeian , and from thence
-Into destruction cast him .
-
-diles , seize him !
-
-Yield , Marcius , yield !
-
-Hear me one word ;
-Beseech you , tribunes , hear me but a word .
-
-Peace , peace !
-
-Be that you seem , truly your country's friends ,
-And temperately proceed to what you would
-Thus violently redress .
-
-Sir , those cold ways ,
-That seem like prudent helps , are very poisonous
-Where the disease is violent . Lay hands upon him ,
-And bear him to the rock .
-
-No , I'll die here .
-
-There's some among you have beheld me fighting :
-Come , try upon yourselves what you have seen me .
-
-Down with that sword ! Tribunes , withdraw awhile .
-
-Lay hands upon him .
-
-Help Marcius , help ,
-You that be noble ; help him , young and old !
-
-Down with him !down with him !
-
-
-Go , get you to your house ; be gone , away !
-All will be naught else .
-
-Get you gone .
-
-Stand fast ;
-We have as many friends as enemies .
-
-Shall it be put to that ?
-
-The gods forbid !
-I prithee , noble friend , home to thy house ;
-Leave us to cure this cause .
-
-For 'tis a sore upon us ,
-You cannot tent yourself : be gone , beseech you .
-
-Come , sir , along with us .
-
-I would they were barbarians ,as they are ,
-Though in Rome litter'd ,not Romans ,as they are not ,
-Though calv'd i' the porch o' the Capitol ,
-
-Be gone ;
-Put not your worthy rage into your tongue ;
-One time will owe another .
-
-On fair ground
-I could beat forty of them .
-
-I could myself
-Take up a brace o' the best of them ; yea , the two tribunes .
-
-But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic ;
-And manhood is call'd foolery when it stands
-Against a falling fabric . Will you hence ,
-Before the tag return ? whose rage doth rend
-Like interrupted waters and o'erbear
-What they are us'd to bear .
-
-Pray you , be gone .
-I'll try whether my old wit be in request
-With those that have but little : this must be patch'd
-With cloth of any colour .
-
-Nay , come away .
-
-
-This man has marr'd his fortune .
-
-His nature is too noble for the world :
-He would not flatter Neptune for his trident ,
-Or Jove for 's power to thunder . His heart's his mouth :
-What his breast forges , that his tongue must vent ;
-And , being angry , does forget that ever
-He heard the name of death .
-
-Here's goodly work !
-
-I would they were a-bed !
-
-I would they were in Tiber ! What the vengeance !
-Could he not speak 'em fair ?
-
-
-Where is this viper
-That would depopulate the city and
-Be every man himself ?
-
-You worthy tribunes ,
-
-He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock
-With rigorous hands : he hath resisted law ,
-And therefore law shall scorn him further trial
-Than the severity of the public power ,
-Which he so sets at nought .
-
-He shall well know
-The noble tribunes are the people's mouths ,
-And we their hands .
-
-He shall , sure on't .
-
-Sir , sir ,
-
-Peace !
-
-Do not cry havoc , where you should but hunt
-With modest warrant .
-
-Sir , how comes 't that you
-Have holp to make this rescue ?
-
-Hear me speak :
-As I do know the consul's worthiness ,
-So can I name his faults .
-
-Consul ! what consul ?
-
-The Consul Coriolanus .
-
-He consul !
-
-No , no , no , no , no .
-
-If , by the tribunes' leave , and yours , good people ,
-I may be heard , I would crave a word or two ,
-The which shall turn you to no further harm
-Than so much loss of time .
-
-Speak briefly then ;
-For we are peremptory to dispatch
-This viperous traitor . To eject him hence
-Were but one danger , and to keep him here
-Our certain death ; therefore it is decreed
-He dies to-night .
-
-Now the good gods forbid
-That our renowned Rome , whose gratitude
-Towards her deserved children is enroll'd
-In Jove's own book , like an unnatural dam
-Should now eat up her own !
-
-He's a disease that must be cut away .
-
-O ! he's a limb that has but a disease ;
-Mortal to cut it off ; to cure it easy .
-What has he done to Rome that's worthy death ?
-Killing our enemies , the blood he hath lost ,
-Which , I dare vouch , is more than that he hath
-By many an ounce ,he dropp'd it for his country ;
-And what is left , to lose it by his country ,
-Were to us all , that do't and suffer it ,
-A brand to th' end o' the world .
-
-This is clean kam .
-
-Merely awry : when he did love his country
-It honour'd him .
-
-The service of the foot
-Being once gangren'd , is not then respected
-For what before it was .
-
-We'll hear no more .
-Pursue him to his house , and pluck him thence ,
-Lest his infection , being of catching nature ,
-Spread further .
-
-One word more , one word .
-This tiger-footed rage , when it shall find
-The harm of unscann'd swiftness , will , too late ,
-Tie leaden pounds to's heels . Proceed by process ;
-Lest parties as he is belov'd break out ,
-And sack great Rome with Romans .
-
-If 'twere so ,
-
-What do ye talk ?
-Have we not had a taste of his obedience ?
-Our diles smote ? ourselves resisted ? Come !
-
-Consider this : he has been bred i' the wars
-Since he could draw a sword , and is ill school'd
-In bolted language ; meal and bran together
-He throws without distinction . Give me leave ,
-I'll go to him , and undertake to bring him
-Where he shall answer by a lawful form ,
-In peace ,to his utmost peril .
-
-Noble tribunes ,
-It is the humane way : the other course
-Will prove too bloody , and the end of it
-Unknown to the beginning .
-
-Noble Menenius ,
-Be you then as the people's officer .
-Masters , lay down your weapons .
-
-Go not home .
-
-Meet on the market-place . We'll attend you there :
-Where , if you bring not Marcius , we'll proceed
-In our first way .
-
-I'll bring him to you .
-
-
-Let me desire your company . He must come ,
-Or what is worst will follow .
-
-Pray you , let's to him .
-
-
-Let them pull all about mine ears ; present me
-Death on the wheel , or at wild horses' heels ;
-Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock ,
-That the precipitation might down stretch
-Below the beam of sight ; yet will I still
-Be thus to them .
-
-You do the nobler .
-
-I muse my mother
-Does not approve me further , who was wont
-To call them woollen vassals , things created
-To buy and sell with groats , to show bare heads
-In congregations , to yawn , be still , and wonder ,
-When one but of my ordinance stood up
-To speak of peace or war .
-
-
-I talk of you :
-Why did you wish me milder ? Would you have me
-False to my nature ? Rather say I play
-
-The man I am .
-
-O ! sir , sir , sir ,
-I would have had you put your power well on
-Before you had worn it out .
-
-Let go .
-
-You might have been enough the man you are
-With striving less to be so : lesser had been
-The thwarting of your dispositions if
-You had not show'd them how you were dispos'd ,
-Ere they lack'd power to cross you .
-
-Let them hang .
-
-Ay , and burn too .
-
-
-Come , come ; you have been too rough , something too rough ;
-You must return and mend it .
-
-There's no remedy ;
-Unless , by not so doing , our good city
-Cleave in the midst , and perish .
-
-Pray be counsell'd .
-I have a heart of mettle apt as yours ,
-But yet a brain that leads my use of anger
-To better vantage .
-
-Well said , noble woman !
-Before he should thus stoop to the herd , but that
-The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic
-For the whole state , I would put mine armour on ,
-Which I can scarcely bear .
-
-What must I do ?
-
-Return to the tribunes .
-
-Well , what then ? what then ?
-
-Repent what you have spoke .
-
-For them ! I cannot do it to the gods ;
-Must I then do't to them ?
-
-You are too absolute ;
-Though therein you can never be too noble ,
-But when extremities speak . I have heard you say ,
-Honour and policy , like unsever'd friends ,
-I' the war do grow together : grant that , and tell me ,
-In peace what each of them by th' other lose ,
-That they combine not there .
-
-Tush , tush !
-
-A good demand .
-
-If it be honour in your wars to seem
-The same you are not ,which , for your best ends ,
-You adopt your policy ,how is it less or worse ,
-That it shall hold companionship in peace
-With honour , as in war , since that to both
-It stands in like request ?
-
-Why force you this ?
-
-Because that now it lies you on to speak
-To the people ; not by your own instruction ,
-Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you ,
-But with such words that are but rooted in
-Your tongue , though but bastards and syllables
-Of no allowance to your bosom's truth .
-Now , this no more dishonours you at all
-Than to take in a town with gentle words ,
-Which else would put you to your fortune and
-The hazard of much blood .
-I would dissemble with my nature where
-My fortunes and my friends at stake requir'd
-I should do so in honour : I am in this ,
-Your wife , your son , these senators , the nobles ;
-And you will rather show our general louts
-How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em ,
-For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard
-Of what that want might ruin .
-
-Noble lady !
-Come , go with us ; speak fair ; you may salve so ,
-Not what is dangerous present , but the loss
-Of what is past .
-
-I prithee now , my son ,
-Go to them , with this bonnet in thy hand ;
-And thus far having stretch'd it ,here be with them ,
-Thy knee bussing the stones ,for in such business
-Action is eloquence , and the eyes of the ignorant
-More learned than the ears ,waving thy head ,
-Which often , thus , correcting thy stout heart ,
-Now humble as the ripest mulberry
-That will not hold the handling : or say to them ,
-Thou art their soldier , and being bred in broils
-Hast not the soft way which , thou dost confess ,
-Were fit for thee to use as they to claim ,
-In asking their good loves ; but thou wilt frame
-Thyself , forsooth , hereafter theirs , so far
-As thou hast power and person .
-
-This but done ,
-Even as she speaks , why , their hearts were yours ;
-For they have pardons , being ask'd , as free
-As words to little purpose .
-
-Prithee now ,
-Go , and be rul'd ; although I know thou hadst rather
-Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf
-Than flatter him in a bower . Here is Cominius .
-
-
-I have been i' the market-place ; and , sir , 'tis fit
-You make strong party , or defend yourself
-By calmness or by absence : all's in anger .
-
-Only fair speech .
-
-I think 'twill serve if he
-Can thereto frame his spirit .
-
-He must , and will .
-Prithee now , say you will , and go about it .
-
-Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce ?
-Must I with my base tongue give to my noble heart
-A lie that it must bear ? Well , I will do't :
-Yet , were there but this single plot to lose ,
-This mould of Marcius , they to dust should grind it ,
-And throw 't against the wind . To the market-place !
-You have put me now to such a part which never
-I shall discharge to the life .
-
-Come , come , we'll prompt you .
-
-I prithee now , sweet son , as thou hast said
-My praises made thee first a soldier , so ,
-To have my praise for this , perform a part
-Thou hast not done before .
-
-Well , I must do 't :
-Away , my disposition , and possess me
-Some harlot's spirit ! My throat of war be turn'd ,
-Which quired with my drum , into a pipe
-Small as a eunuch , or the virgin voice
-That babies lulls asleep ! The smiles of knaves
-Tent in my cheeks , and school-boys' tears take up
-The glasses of my sight ! A beggar's tongue
-Make motion through my lips , and my arm'd knees ,
-Who bow'd but in my stirrup , bend like his
-That hath receiv'd an alms ! I will not do 't ,
-Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth ,
-And by my body's action teach my mind
-A most inherent baseness .
-
-At thy choice then :
-To beg of thee it is my more dishonour
-Than thou of them . Come all to ruin ; let
-Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear
-Thy dangerous stoutness , for I mock at death
-With as big heart as thou . Do as thou list ,
-Thy valiantness was mine , thou suck'dst it from me ,
-But owe thy pride thyself .
-
-Pray , be content :
-Mother , I am going to the market-place ;
-Chide me no more . I'll mountebank their loves ,
-Cog their hearts from them , and come home belov'd
-Of all the trades in Rome . Look , I am going :
-Commend me to my wife . I'll return consul ,
-Or never trust to what my tongue can do
-I' the way of flattery further .
-
-Do your will .
-
-
-Away ! the tribunes do attend you : arm yourself
-To answer mildly ; for they are prepar'd
-With accusations , as I hear , more strong
-Than are upon you yet .
-
-The word is 'mildly .'
-
-Pray you , let us go :
-Let them accuse me by invention , I
-Will answer in mine honour .
-
-Ay , but mildly .
-
-Well , mildly be it then . Mildly !
-
-
-In this point charge him home , that he affects
-Tyrannical power : if he evade us there ,
-Enforce him with his envy to the people ,
-And that the spoil got on the Antiates
-Was ne'er distributed .
-
-What , will he come ?
-
-He's coming .
-
-How accompanied ?
-
-With old Menenius , and those senators
-That always favour'd him .
-
-Have you a catalogue
-Of all the voices that we have procur'd ,
-Set down by the poll ?
-
-I have ; 'tis ready .
-
-Have you collected them by tribes ?
-
-I have .
-
-Assemble presently the people hither ;
-And when they hear me say , 'It shall be so ,
-I' the right and strength o' the commons ,' be it either
-For death , for fine , or banishment , then let them ,
-If I say , fine , cry 'fine ,' if death , cry 'death ,'
-Insisting on the old prerogative
-And power i' the truth o' the cause .
-
-I shall inform them .
-
-And when such time they have begun to cry ,
-Let them not cease , but with a din confus'd
-Enforce the present execution
-Of what we chance to sentence .
-
-Very well .
-
-Make them be strong and ready for this hint ,
-When we shall hap to give 't them .
-
-Go about it .
-
-Put him to choler straight . He hath been us'd
-Ever to conquer , and to have his worth
-Of contradiction : being once chaf'd , he cannot
-Be rein'd again to temperance ; then he speaks
-What's in his heart ; and that is there which looks
-With us to break his neck .
-
-Well , here he comes .
-
-
-Calmly , I do beseech you .
-
-Ay , as an ostler , that for the poorest piece
-Will bear the knave by the volume . The honour'd gods
-Keep Rome in safety , and the chairs of justice
-Supplied with worthy men ! plant love among us !
-Throng our large temples with the shows of peace ,
-And not our streets with war !
-
-Amen , amen .
-
-A noble wish .
-
-
-Draw near , ye people .
-
-List to your tribunes ; audience ; peace ! I say .
-
-First , hear me speak .
-
-Well , say . Peace , ho !
-
-Shall I be charg'd no further than this present ?
-Must all determine here ?
-
-I do demand ,
-If you submit you to the people's voices ,
-Allow their officers , and are content
-To suffer lawful censure for such faults
-As shall be prov'd upon you ?
-
-I am content .
-
-Lo ! citizens , he says he is content :
-The war-like service he has done , consider ; think
-Upon the wounds his body bears , which show
-Like graves i' the holy churchyard .
-
-Scratches with briers ,
-Scars to move laughter only .
-
-Consider further ,
-That when he speaks not like a citizen ,
-You find him like a soldier : do not take
-His rougher accents for malicious sounds ,
-But , as I say , such as become a soldier ,
-Rather than envy you .
-
-Well , well ; no more .
-
-What is the matter ,
-That being pass'd for consul with full voice
-I am so dishonour'd that the very hour
-You take it off again ?
-
-Answer to us .
-
-Say , then : 'tis true , I ought so .
-
-We charge you , that you have contriv'd to take
-From Rome all season'd office , and to wind
-Yourself into a power tyrannical ;
-For which you are a traitor to the people .
-
-How ! Traitor !
-
-Nay , temperately ; your promise .
-
-The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people !
-Call me their traitor ! Thou injurious tribune !
-Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths ,
-In thy hands clutch'd as many millions , in
-Thy lying tongue both numbers , I would say
-'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free
-As I do pray the gods .
-
-Mark you this , people !
-
-To the rock !to the rock with him !
-
-Peace !
-We need not put new matter to his charge :
-What you have seen him do , and heard him speak ,
-Beating your officers , cursing yourselves ,
-Opposing laws with strokes , and here defying
-Those whose great power must try him ; even this ,
-So criminal and in such capital kind ,
-Deserves the extremest death .
-
-But since he hath
-Serv'd well for Rome ,
-
-What do you prate of service ?
-
-I talk of that , that know it .
-
-You !
-
-Is this the promise that you made your mother ?
-
-Know , I pray you ,
-
-I'll know no further :
-Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death ,
-Vagabond exile , flaying , pent to linger
-But with a grain a day , I would not buy
-Their mercy at the price of one fair word ,
-Nor check my courage for what they can give ,
-To have 't with saying 'Good morrow .'
-
-For that he has ,
-As much as in him lies ,from time to time
-Envied against the people , seeking means
-To pluck away their power , as now at last
-Given hostile strokes , and that not in the presence
-Of dreaded justice , but on the ministers
-That do distribute it ; in the name o' the people ,
-And in the power of us the tribunes , we ,
-Even from this instant , banish him our city ,
-In peril of precipitation
-From off the rock Tarpeian , never more
-To enter our Rome gates : i' the people's name ,
-I say , it shall be so .
-
-It shall be so ,It shall be so ,Let him away .
-He's banish'd , and it shall be so .
-
-Hear me , my masters , and my common friends ,
-
-He's sentenc'd ; no more hearing .
-
-Let me speak :
-I have been consul , and can show for Rome
-Her enemies' marks upon me . I do love
-My country's good with a respect more tender ,
-More holy , and profound , than mine own life ,
-My dear wife's estimate , her womb's increase ,
-And treasure of my loins ; then if I would
-Speak that
-
-We know your drift : speak what ?
-
-There's no more to be said , but he is banish'd ,
-As enemy to the people and his country :
-It shall be so .
-
-It shall be so ,it shall be so .
-
-You common cry of curs ! whose breath I hate
-As reek o' the rotten fens , whose loves I prize
-As the dead carcases of unburied men
-That do corrupt my air , I banish you ;
-And here remain with your uncertainty !
-Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts !
-Your enemies , with nodding of their plumes ,
-Fan you into despair ! Have the power still
-To banish your defenders ; till at length
-Your ignorance ,which finds not , till it feels ,
-Making but reservation of yourselves ,
-Still your own foes ,deliver you as most
-Abated captives to some nation
-That won you without blows ! Despising ,
-For you , the city , thus I turn my back :
-There is a world elsewhere .
-
-
-The people's enemy is gone , is gone !
-
-Our enemy is banish'd !he is gone !Hoo ! hoo !
-
-
-Go , see him out at gates , and follow him ,
-As he hath follow'd you , with all despite ;
-Give him deserv'd vexation . Let a guard
-Attend us through the city .
-
-Come , come ,let us see him out at gates ! come !
-The gods preserve our noble tribunes ! Come !
-
-Come , leave your tears : a brief farewell : the beast
-With many heads butts me away . Nay , mother ,
-Where is your ancient courage ? you were us'd ,
-To say extremity was the trier of spirits ;
-That common chances common men could bear ;
-That when the sea was calm all boats alike
-Show'd mastership in floating ; fortune's blows ,
-When most struck home , being gentle wounded , craves
-A noble cunning : you were us'd to load me
-With precepts that would make invincible
-The heart that conn'd them .
-
-O heavens ! O heavens !
-
-Nay , I prithee , woman ,
-
-Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome ,
-And occupations perish !
-
-What , what , what !
-I shall be lov'd when I am lack'd . Nay , mother ,
-Resume that spirit , when you were wont to say ,
-If you had been the wife of Hercules ,
-Six of his labours you'd have done , and sav'd
-Your husband so much sweat . Cominius ,
-Droop not ; adieu . Farewell , my wife ! my mother !
-I'll do well yet . Thou old and true Menenius ,
-Thy tears are salter than a younger man's .
-And venomous to thine eyes . My sometime general ,
-I have seen thee stern , and thou hast oft beheld
-Heart-hardening spectacles ; tell these sad women
-'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes
-As 'tis to laugh at them . My mother , you wot well
-My hazards still have been your solace ; and
-Believe 't not lightly ,though I go alone
-Like to a lonely dragon , that his fen
-Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen ,your son
-Will or exceed the common or be caught
-With cautelous baits and practice .
-
-My first son ,
-Whither wilt thou go ? Take good Cominius
-With thee awhile : determine on some course ,
-More than a wild exposture to each chance
-That starts i' the way before thee .
-
-O the gods !
-
-I'll follow thee a month , devise with thee
-Where thou shalt rest , that thou mayst hear of us ,
-And we of thee : so , if the time thrust forth
-A cause for thy repeal , we shall not send
-O'er the vast world to seek a single man ,
-And lose advantage , which doth ever cool
-I' the absence of the needer .
-
-Fare ye well :
-Thou hast years upon thee ; and thou art too full
-Of the wars' surfeits , to go rove with one
-That's yet unbruis'd : bring me but out at gate .
-Come , my sweet wife , my dearest mother , and
-My friends of noble touch , when I am forth ,
-Bid me farewell , and smile . I pray you , come .
-While I remain above the ground you shall
-Hear from me still ; and never of me aught
-But what is like me formerly .
-
-That's worthily
-As any ear can hear . Come , let's not weep .
-If I could shake off but one seven years
-From these old arms and legs , by the good gods ,
-I'd with thee every foot .
-
-Give me thy hand :
-Come .
-
-
-Bid them all home ; he's gone , and we'll no further .
-The nobility are vex'd , whom we see have sided
-In his behalf .
-
-Now we have shown our power ,
-Let us seem humbler after it is done
-Than when it was a-doing .
-
-Bid them home ;
-Say their great enemy is gone , and they
-Stand in their ancient strength .
-
-Dismiss them home .
-
-
-Here comes his mother .
-
-Let's not meet her .
-
-Why ?
-
-They say she's mad .
-
-They have ta'en note of us : keep on your way .
-
-O ! you're well met . The hoarded plague o' the gods
-Requite your love !
-
-Peace , peace ! be not so loud .
-
-If that I could for weeping , you should hear ,
-Nay , and you shall hear some .
-
-Will you be gone ?
-
-You shall stay too . I would I had the power
-To say so to my husband .
-
-Are you mankind ?
-
-Ay , fool ; is that a shame ? Note but this fool .
-Was not a man my father ? Hadst thou foxship
-To banish him that struck more blows for Rome
-Than thou hast spoken words ?
-
-O blessed heavens !
-
-More noble blows than ever thou wise words ;
-And for Rome's good . I'll tell thee what ; yet go :
-Nay , but thou shalt stay too : I would my son
-Were in Arabia , and thy tribe before him ,
-His good sword in his hand .
-
-What then ?
-
-What then !
-He'd make an end of thy posterity .
-
-Bastards and all .
-Good man , the wounds that he does bear for Rome !
-
-Come , come : peace !
-
-I would he had continu'd to his country
-As he began , and not unknit himself
-The noble knot he made .
-
-I would he had .
-
-'I would he had !' 'Twas you incens'd the rabble :
-Cats , that can judge as fitly of his worth
-As I can of those mysteries which heaven
-Will not have earth to know .
-
-Pray , let us go .
-
-Now , pray , sir , get you gone :
-You have done a brave deed . Ere you go , hear this :
-As far as doth the Capitol exceed
-The meanest house in Rome , so far my son ,
-This lady's husband here , this , do you see ,
-Whom you have banish'd , does exceed you all .
-
-Well , well , we'll leave you .
-
-Why stay we to be baited
-With one that wants her wits ?
-
-Take my prayers with you .
-
-I would the gods had nothing else to do
-But to confirm my curses ! Could I meet 'em
-But once a day , it would unclog my heart
-Of what lies heavy to 't .
-
-You have told them home ,
-And , by my troth , you have cause . You'll sup with me ?
-
-Anger's my meat ; I sup upon myself ,
-And so shall starve with feeding . Come , let's go .
-Leave this faint puling and lament as I do ,
-In anger , Juno-like . Come , come , come .
-
-Fie , fie , fie !
-
-
-I know you well , sir , and you know me : your name I think is Adrian .
-
-It is so , sir : truly , I have forget you .
-
-I am a Roman ; and my services are , as you are , against 'em : know you me yet ?
-
-Nicanor ? No .
-
-The same , sir .
-
-You had more beard , when I last saw you ; but your favour is well approved by your tongue . What's the news in Rome ? I have a note from the Volscian state to find you out there : you have well saved me a day's journey .
-
-There hath been in Rome strange insurrections : the people against the senators , patricians , and nobles .
-
-Hath been ! Is it ended then ? Our state thinks not-so ; they are in a most war-like preparation , and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division .
-
-The main blaze of it is past , but a small thing would make it flame again . For the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus , that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever . This lies glowing , I can tell you , and is almost mature for the violent breaking out .
-
-Coriolanus banished !
-
-Banished , sir .
-
-You will be welcome with this intelligence , Nicanor .
-
-The day serves well for them now . I have heard it said , the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband . Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars , his great opposer , Coriolanus , being now in no request of his country .
-
-He cannot choose . I am most fortunate , thus accidentally to encounter you : you have ended my business , and I will merrily accompany you home .
-
-I shall , between this and supper , tell you most strange things from Rome ; all tending to the good of their adversaries . Have you an army ready , say you ?
-
-A most royal one : the centurions and their charges distinctly billeted , already in the entertainment , and to be on foot at an hour's warning .
-
-I am joyful to hear of their readiness , and am the man , I think , that shall set them in present action . So , sir , heartily well met , and most glad of your company .
-
-You take my part from me , sir ; I have the most cause to be glad of yours .
-
-Well , let us go together .
-
-
-A goodly city is this Antium . City ,
-'Tis I that made thy widows : many an heir
-Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars
-Have I heard groan and drop : then , know me not ,
-Lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stones
-In puny battle slay me .
-
-Save you , sir .
-
-And you .
-
-Direct me , if it be your will ,
-Where great Aufidius lies . Is he in Antium ?
-
-He is , and feasts the nobles of the state
-At his house this night .
-
-Which is his house , beseech you ?
-
-This , here before you .
-
-Thank you , sir . Farewell .
-
-O world ! thy slippery turns . Friends now fast sworn ,
-Whose double bosoms seem to wear one heart ,
-Whose hours , whose bed , whose meal , and exercise ,
-Are still together , who twin , as 'twere , in love
-Unseparable , shall within this hour ,
-On a dissension of a doit , break out
-To bitterest enmity : so , fellest foes ,
-Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep
-To take the one the other , by some chance ,
-Some trick not worth an egg , shall grow dear friends
-And interjoin their issues . So with me :
-My birth-place hate I , and my love's upon
-This enemy town . I'll enter : if he slay me ,
-He does fair justice ; if he give me way ,
-I'll do his country service .
-
-
-Wine , wine , wine ! What service is here ! I think our fellows are asleep .
-
-Where's Cotus ? my master calls for him . Cotus !
-
-A goodly house : the feast smells well ; but I
-Appear not like a guest .
-
-
-What would you have , friend ? Whence are you ? Here's no place for you : pray , go to the door .
-
-
-I have deserv'd no better entertainment ,
-In being Coriolanus .
-
-
-Whence are you , sir ? Has the porter his eyes in his head , that he gives entrance to such companions ? Pray , get you out .
-
-Away !
-
-'Away !' Get you away .
-
-Now , thou art troublesome .
-
-Are you so brave ? I'll have you talked with anon .
-
-
-What fellow's this ?
-
-A strange one as ever I looked on :
-I cannot get him out o' the house : prithee , call my master to him .
-
-What have you to do here , fellow ? Pray you , avoid the house .
-
-Let me but stand ; I will not hurt your hearth .
-
-What are you ?
-
-A gentleman .
-
-A marvellous poor one .
-
-True , so I am .
-
-Pray you , poor gentleman , take up some other station ; here's no place for you ; pray you , avoid : come .
-
-Follow your function ; go , and batten on cold bits .
-
-
-What , you will not ? Prithee , tell my master what a strange guest he has here .
-
-And I shall .
-
-
-Where dwell'st thou ?
-
-Under the canopy .
-
-'Under the canopy !'
-
-Ay .
-
-Where's that ?
-
-I' the city of kites and crows .
-
-'I' the city of kites and crows !' What an ass it is ! Then thou dwell'st with daws too ?
-
-No ; I serve not thy master .
-
-How sir ! Do you meddle with my master ?
-
-Ay ; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with thy mistress .
-Thou prat'st , and prat'st : serve with thy trencher . Hence .
-
-Where is this fellow ?
-
-Here , sir : I'd have beaten him like a dog , but for disturbing the lords within .
-
-Whence com'st thou ? what wouldst thou ? Thy name ?
-Why speak'st not ? Speak , man : what's thy name ?
-
-If , Tullus ,
-Not yet thou know'st me , and , seeing me , dost not
-Think me for the man I am , necessity
-Commands me name myself .
-
-What is thy name ?
-
-
-A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears ,
-And harsh in sound to thine .
-
-Say , what's thy name ?
-Thou hast a grim appearance , and thy face
-Bears a command in 't ; though thy tackle's torn ,
-Thou show'st a noble vessel . What's thy name ?
-
-Prepare thy brow to frown . Know'st thou me yet ?
-
-I know thee not . Thy name ?
-
-My name is Caius Marcius , who hath done
-To thee particularly , and to all the Volsces ,
-Great hurt and mischief ; thereto witness may
-My surname , Coriolanus : the painful service ,
-The extreme dangers , and the drops of blood
-Shed for my thankless country , are requited
-But with that surname ; a good memory ,
-And witness of the malice and displeasure
-Which thou shouldst bear me : only that name remains ;
-The cruelty and envy of the people ,
-Permitted by our dastard nobles , who
-Have all forsook me , hath devour'd the rest ;
-And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be
-Whoop'd out of Rome . Now this extremity
-Hath brought me to thy hearth ; not out of hope ,
-Mistake me not , to save my life ; for if
-I had fear'd death , of all the men i' the world
-I would have 'voided thee ; but in mere spite ,
-To be full quit of those my banishers ,
-Stand I before thee here . Then if thou hast
-A heart of wreak in thee , that will revenge
-Thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims
-Of shame seen through thy country , speed thee straight ,
-And make my misery serve thy turn : so use it ,
-That my revengeful services may prove
-As benefits to thee , for I will fight
-Against my canker'd country with the spleen
-Of all the under fiends . But if so be
-Thou dar'st not this , and that to prove more fortunes
-Thou art tir'd , then , in a word , I also am
-Longer to live most weary , and present
-My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice ;
-Which not to cut would show thee but a fool ,
-Since I have ever follow'd thee with hate ,
-Drawn tuns of blood out of thy country's breast ,
-And cannot live but to thy shame , unless
-It be to do thee service .
-
-O Marcius , Marcius !
-Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart
-A root of ancient envy . If Jupiter
-Should from yond cloud speak divine things ,
-And say , ''Tis true ,' I'd not believe them more
-Than thee , all noble Marcius . Let me twine
-Mine arms about that body , where against
-My grained ash a hundred times hath broke ,
-And scarr'd the moon with splinters : here I clip
-The anvil of my sword , and do contest
-As hotly and as nobly with thy love
-As ever in ambitious strength I did
-Contend against thy valour . Know thou first ,
-I lov'd the maid I married ; never man
-Sigh'd truer breath ; but that I see thee here ,
-Thou noble thing ! more dances my rapt heart
-Than when I first my wedded mistress saw
-Bestride my threshold . Why , thou Mars ! I tell thee ,
-We have a power on foot ; and I had purpose
-Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn ,
-Or lose mine arm for 't . Thou hast beat me out
-Twelve several times , and I have nightly since
-Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me ;
-We have been down together in my sleep ,
-Unbuckling helms , fisting each other's throat ,
-And wak'd half dead with nothing . Worthy Marcius ,
-Had we no quarrel else to Rome , but that
-Thou art thence banish'd , we would muster all
-From twelve to seventy , and , pouring war
-Into the bowels of ungrateful Rome ,
-Like a bold flood o'er-bear . O ! come ; go in ,
-And take our friendly senators by the hands ,
-Who now are here , taking their leaves of me ,
-Who am prepar'd against your territories ,
-Though not for Rome itself .
-
-You bless me , gods !
-
-Therefore , most absolute sir , if thou wilt have
-The leading of thine own revenges , take
-The one half of my commission , and set down ,
-As best thou art experienc'd , since thou know'st
-Thy country's strength and weakness , thine own ways ;
-Whether to knock against the gates of Rome ,
-Or rudely visit them in parts remote ,
-To fright them , ere destroy . But come in :
-Let me commend thee first to those that shall
-Say yea to thy desires . A thousand welcomes !
-And more a friend than e'er an enemy ;
-Yet , Marcius , that was much . Your hand : most welcome !
-
-
-Here's a strange alteration !
-
-By my hand , I had thought to have strucken him with a cudgel ; and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a false report of him .
-
-What an arm he has ! He turned me about with his finger and his thumb , as one would set up a top .
-
-Nay , I knew by his face that there was something in him : he had , sir , a kind of face , methought ,I cannot tell how to term it .
-
-He had so ; looking as it were , would I were hanged but I thought there was more in him than I could think .
-
-So did I , I'll be sworn : he is simply the rarest man i' the world .
-
-I think he is ; but a greater soldier than he you wot on .
-
-Who ? my master ?
-
-Nay , it's no matter for that .
-
-Worth six on him .
-
-Nay , not so neither ; but I take him to be the greater soldier .
-
-Faith , look you , one cannot tell how to say that : for the defence of a town our general is excellent .
-
-Ay , and for an assault too .
-
-
-O slaves ! I can tell you news ; news , you rascals .
-
-What , what , what ? let's partake .
-
-What , what , what ? let's partake .
-
-I would not be a Roman , of all nations ; I had as lief be a condemned man .
-
-Wherefore ? wherefore ?
-
-Wherefore ? wherefore ?
-
-Why , here's he that was wont to thwack our general , Caius Marcius .
-
-Why do you say 'thwack our general ?'
-
-I do not say , 'thwack our general ;' but he was always good enough for him .
-
-Come , we are fellows and friends : he was ever too hard for him ; I have heard him say so himself .
-
-He was too hard for him ,directly to say the truth on 't : before Corioli he scotched him and notched him like a carbonado .
-
-An he had been cannibally given , he might have broiled and eaten him too .
-
-But , more of thy news .
-
-Why , he is so made on here within , as if he were son and heir to Mars ; set at upper end o' the table ; no question asked him by any of the senators , but they stand bald before him . Our general himself makes a mistress of him ; sanctifies himself with 's hand , and turns up the white o' the eye to his discourse . But the bottom of the news is , our general is out i' the middle , and but one half of what he was yesterday , for the other has half , by the entreaty and grant of the whole table . He'll go , he says , and sowle the porter of Rome gates by the ears : he will mow down all before him , and leave his passage polled .
-
-And he's as like to do 't as any man I can imagine .
-
-Do 't ! he will do 't for look you , sir he has as many friends as enemies ; which friends , sir as it were durst not look you , sir show themselves as we term it his friends , whilst he's in directitude .
-
-Directitude ! what's that ?
-
-But when they shall see , sir , his crest up again , and the man in blood , they will out of their burrows , like comes after rain , and revel all with him .
-
-But when goes this forward ?
-
-To-morrow ; to-day ; presently . You shall have the drum struck up this afternoon ; 'tis , as it were , a parcel of their feast , and to be executed ere they wipe their lips .
-
-Why , then we shall have a stirring world again . This peace is nothing but to rust iron , increase tailors , and breed ballad-makers .
-
-Let me have war , say I ; it exceeds peace as far as day does night ; it's spritely , waking , audible , and full of vent . Peace is a very apoplexy , lethargy ; mulled , deaf , sleepy , insensible ; a getter of more bastard children than war's a destroyer of men .
-
-'Tis so : and as war , in some sort , may be said to be a ravisher , so it cannot be denied but peace is a great maker of cuckolds .
-
-Ay , and it makes men hate one another .
-
-Reason : because they then less need one another . The wars for my money . I hope to see Romans as cheap as Volscians . They are rising , they are rising .
-
-In , in , in , in !
-
-
-We hear not of him , neither need we fear him ;
-His remedies are tame i' the present peace
-And quietness o' the people , which before
-Were in wild hurry . Here do we make his friends
-Blush that the world goes well , who rather had ,
-Though they themselves did suffer by 't , behold
-Dissentious numbers pestering streets , than see
-Our tradesmen singing in their shops and going
-About their functions friendly .
-
-
-We stood to 't in good time . Is this Menenius ?
-
-'Tis he , 'tis he O ! he is grown most kind
-Of late . Hail , sir !
-
-Hail to you both !
-
-Your Coriolanus is not much miss'd
-But with his friends : the commonwealth doth stand ,
-And so would do , were he more angry at it .
-
-All's well ; and might have been much better , if
-He could have temporiz'd .
-
-Where is he , hear you ?
-
-Nay , I hear nothing : his mother and his wife
-Hear nothing from him .
-
-
-The gods preserve you both !
-
-Good den , our neighbours .
-
-Good den to you all , good den to you all .
-
-Ourselves , our wives , and children , on our knees ,
-Are bound to pray for you both .
-
-Live , and thrive !
-
-Farewell , kind neighbours : we wish'd Coriolanus
-Had lov'd you as we did .
-
-Now the gods keep you !
-
-Farewell , farewell .
-
-
-Farewell , farewell .
-
-This is a happier and more comely time
-Than when these fellows ran about the streets
-Crying confusion .
-
-Caius Marcius was
-A worthy officer i' the war ; but insolent ,
-O'ercome with pride , ambitious past all thinking ,
-Self-loving ,
-
-And affecting one sole throne .
-Without assistance .
-
-I think not so .
-
-We should by this , to all our lamentation ,
-If he had gone forth consul , found it so .
-
-The gods have well prevented it , and Rome
-Sits safe and still without him .
-
-
-Worthy tribunes ,
-There is a slave , whom we have put in prison ,
-Reports , the Volsces with two several powers
-Are enter'd in the Roman territories ,
-And with the deepest malice of the war
-Destroy what lies before them .
-
-'Tis Aufidius ,
-Who , hearing of our Marcius' banishment ,
-Thrusts forth his horns again into the world ;
-Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome ,
-And durst not once peep out .
-
-Come , what talk you of Marcius ?
-
-Go see this rumourer whipp'd . It cannot be
-The Volsces dare break with us .
-
-Cannot be !
-We have record that very well it can ,
-And three examples of the like have been
-Within my age . But reason with the fellow ,
-Before you punish him , where he heard this ,
-Lest you shall chance to whip your information ,
-And beat the messenger who bids beware
-Of what is to be dreaded .
-
-Tell not me :
-I know this cannot be .
-
-Not possible .
-
-
-The nobles in great earnestness are going
-All to the senate-house : some news is come ,
-That turns their countenances .
-
-'Tis this slave .
-Go whip him 'fore the people's eyes : his raising ;
-Nothing but his report .
-
-Yes , worthy sir ,
-The slave's report is seconded ; and more ,
-More fearful , is deliver'd .
-
-What more fearful ?
-
-It is spoke freely out of many mouths
-How probable I do not know that Marcius ,
-Join'd with Aufidius , leads a power 'gainst Rome ,
-And vows revenge as spacious as between
-The young'st and oldest thing .
-
-This is most likely .
-
-Rais'd only , that the weaker sort may wish
-Good Marcius home again .
-
-The very trick on 't .
-
-This is unlikely :
-He and Aufidius can no more atone ,
-Than violentest contrariety .
-
-
-You are sent for to the senate :
-A fearful army , led by Caius Marcius ,
-Associated with Aufidius , rages
-Upon our territories ; and have already
-O'erborne their way , consum'd with fire , and took
-What lay before them .
-
-
-O ! you have made good work !
-
-What news ? what news ?
-
-You have holp to ravish your own daughters ; and
-To melt the city leads upon your pates .
-To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses ,
-
-What's the news ? what's the news ?
-
-Your temples burned in their cement , and
-Your franchises , whereon you stood , confin'd
-Into an auger's bore .
-
-Pray now , your news ?
-You have made fair work , I fear me . Pray , your news ?
-If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians ,
-
-If !
-He is their god : he leads them like a thing
-Made by some other deity than Nature ,
-That shapes man better ; and they follow him ,
-Against us brats , with no less confidence
-Than boys pursuing summer butterflies ,
-Or butchers killing flies .
-
-You have made good work ,
-You , and your apron-men ; you that stood so much
-Upon the voice of occupation and
-The breath of garlic-eaters !
-
-He will shake
-Your Rome about your ears .
-
-As Hercules
-Did shake down mellow fruit . You have made fair work !
-
-But is this true , sir ?
-
-Ay ; and you'll look pale
-Before you find it other . All the regions
-Do smilingly revolt ; and who resist
-Are mock'd for valiant ignorance ,
-And perish constant fools . Who is't can blame him ?
-Your enemies , and his , find something in him .
-
-We are all undone unless
-The noble man have mercy .
-
-Who shall ask it ?
-The tribunes cannot do't for shame ; the people
-Deserve such pity of him as the wolf
-Does of the shepherds : for his best friends , if they
-Should say , 'Be good to Rome ,' they charg'd him even
-As those should do that had deserv'd his hate ,
-And therein show'd like enemies .
-
-'Tis true :
-If he were putting to my house the brand
-That should consume it , I have not the face
-To say , 'Beseech you , cease .' You have made fair hands ,
-You and your crafts ! you have crafted fair !
-
-You have brought
-A trembling upon Rome , such as was never
-So incapable of help .
-
-Say not we brought it .
-
-Say not we brought it .
-
-How ! Was it we ? We lov'd him ; but , like beasts
-And cowardly nobles , gave way unto your clusters ,
-Who did hoot him out o' the city .
-
-But I fear
-They'll roar him in again . Tullus Aufidius ,
-The second name of men , obeys his points
-As if he were his officer : desperation
-Is all the policy , strength , and defence ,
-That Rome can make against them .
-
-
-Here come the clusters .
-And is Aufidius with him ? You are they
-That made the air unwholesome , when you cast
-Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at
-Coriolanus' exile . Now he's coming ;
-And not a hair upon a soldier's head
-Which will not prove a whip : as many coxcombs
-As you threw caps up will he tumble down ,
-And pay you for your voices . 'Tis no matter ;
-If he could burn us all into one coal ,
-We have deserv'd it .
-
-Faith , we hear fearful news .
-
-For mine own part ,
-When I said banish him , I said 'twas pity .
-
-And so did I .
-
-And so did I ; and , to say the truth , so did very many of us . That we did we did for the best ; and though we willingly consented to his banishment , yet it was against our will .
-
-You're goodly things , you voices !
-
-You have made
-Good work , you and your cry ! Shall's to the Capitol ?
-
-O ! ay ; what else ?
-
-
-Go , masters , get you home ; be not dismay'd :
-These are a side that would be glad to have
-This true which they so seem to fear . Go home ,
-And show no sign of fear .
-
-The gods be good to us ! Come , masters , let's home . I ever said we were i' the wrong when we banished him .
-
-So did we all . But come , let's home .
-
-
-I do not like this news .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Let's to the Capitol . Would half my wealth
-Would buy this for a lie !
-
-Pray let us go .
-
-
-Do they still fly to the Roman ?
-
-I do not know what witchcraft's in him , but
-Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat ,
-Their talk at table , and their thanks at end ;
-And you are darken'd in this action , sir ,
-Even by your own .
-
-I cannot help it now ,
-Unless , by using means , I lame the foot
-Of our design . He bears himself more proudlier ,
-Even to my person , than I thought he would
-When first I did embrace him ; yet his nature
-In that's no changeling , and I must excuse
-What cannot be amended .
-
-Yet , I wish , sir ,
-I mean for your particular ,you had not
-Join'd in commission with him ; but either
-Had borne the action of yourself , or else
-To him had left it solely .
-
-I understand thee well ; and be thou sure ,
-When he shall come to his account , he knows not
-What I can urge against him . Although it seems ,
-And so he thinks , and is no less apparent
-To the vulgar eye , that he bears all things fairly ,
-And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state ,
-Fights dragon-like , and does achieve as soon
-As draw his sword ; yet he hath left undone
-That which shall break his neck or hazard mine ,
-Whene'er we come to our account .
-
-Sir , I beseech you , think you he'll carry Rome ?
-
-All places yield to him ere he sits down ;
-And the nobility of Rome are his :
-The senators and patricians love him too :
-The tribunes are no soldiers ; and their people
-Will be as rash in the repeal as hasty
-To expel him thence . I think he'll be to Rome
-As is the osprey to the fish , who takes it
-By sovereignty of nature . First he was
-A noble servant to them , but he could not
-Carry his honours even ; whether 'twas pride ,
-Which out of daily fortune ever taints
-The happy man ; whether defect of judgment ,
-To fail in the disposing of those chances
-Which he was lord of ; or whether nature ,
-Not to be other than one thing , not moving
-From the casque to the cushion , but commanding peace
-Even with the same austerity and garb
-As he controll'd the war ; but one of these ,
-As he hath spices of them all , not all ,
-For I dare so far free him , made him fear'd ,
-So hated , and so banish'd : but he has a merit
-To choke it in the utterance . So our virtues
-Lie in the interpretation of the time ;
-And power , unto itself most commendable ,
-Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair
-To extol what it hath done .
-One fire drives out one fire ; one nail , one nail ;
-Rights by rights falter , strengths by strengths do fail .
-Come , let's away . When , Caius , Rome is thine ,
-Thou art poor'st of all ; then shortly art thou mine .
-
-No , I'll not go : you hear what he hath said
-Which was sometime his general ; who lov'd him
-In a most dear particular . He call'd me father :
-But what o' that ? Go , you that banish'd him ;
-A mile before his tent fall down , and knee
-The way into his mercy . Nay , if he coy'd
-To hear Cominius speak , I'll keep at home .
-
-He would not seem to know me .
-
-Do you hear ?
-
-Yet one time he did call me by my name .
-I urg'd our old acquaintance , and the drops
-That we have bled together . Coriolanus
-He would not answer to ; forbad all names ;
-He was a kind of nothing , titleless ,
-Till he had forg'd himself a name o' the fire
-Of burning Rome .
-
-Why , so : you have made good work !
-A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome ,
-To make coals cheap : a noble memory !
-
-I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon
-When it was less expected : he replied ,
-It was a bare petition of a state
-To one whom they had punish'd .
-
-Very well .
-Could he say less ?
-
-I offer'd to awaken his regard
-For's private friends : his answer to me was ,
-He could not stay to pick them in a pile
-Of noisome musty chaff : he said 'twas folly ,
-For one poor grain or two , to leave unburnt ,
-And still to nose the offence .
-
-For one poor grain or two !
-I am one of those ; his mother , wife , his child ,
-And this brave fellow too , we are the grains :
-You are the musty chaff , and you are smelt
-Above the moon . We must be burnt for you .
-
-Nay , pray , be patient : if you refuse your aid
-In this so-never-needed help , yet do not
-Upbraid's with our distress . But , sure , if you
-Would be your country's pleader , your good tongue ,
-More than the instant army we can make ,
-Might stop our countryman .
-
-No ; I'll not meddle .
-
-Pray you , go to him .
-
-What should I do ?
-
-Only make trial what your love can do
-For Rome , towards Marcius .
-
-Well ; and say that Marcius
-Return me , as Cominius is return'd ,
-Unheard ; what then ?
-But as a discontented friend , grief-shot
-With his unkindness ? say 't be so ?
-
-Yet your good will
-Must have that thanks from Rome , after the measure
-As you intended well .
-
-I'll undertake it :
-I think he'll hear me . Yet , to bite his lip ,
-And hum at good Cominius , much unhearts me .
-He was not taken well ; he had not din'd :
-The veins unfill'd , our blood is cold , and then
-We pout upon the morning , are unapt
-To give or to forgive ; but when we have stuff'd
-These pipes and these conveyances of our blood
-With wine and feeding , we have suppler souls
-Than in our priest-like fasts : therefore , I'll watch him
-Till he be dieted to my request ,
-And then I'll set upon him .
-
-You know the very road into his kindness ,
-And cannot lose your way .
-
-Good faith , I'll prove him ,
-Speed how it will . I shall ere long have knowledge
-Of my success .
-
-
-He'll never hear him .
-
-Not ?
-
-I tell you he does sit in gold , his eye
-Red as 'twould burn Rome , and his injury
-The gaoler to his pity . I kneel'd before him ;
-'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise ;' dismiss'd me
-Thus , with his speechless hand : what he would do
-He sent in writing after me ; what he would not ,
-Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions :
-So that all hope is vain
-Unless his noble mother and his wife ,
-Who , as I hear , mean to solicit him
-For mercy to his country . Therefore let's hence ,
-And with our fair entreaties haste them on .
-
-
-Stay ! whence are you ?
-
-Stand ! and go back .
-
-You guard like men ; 'tis well ; but , by your leave ,
-I am an officer of state , and come
-To speak with Coriolanus .
-
-From whence ?
-
-From Rome .
-
-You may not pass ; you must return : our general
-Will no more hear from thence .
-
-You'll see your Rome embrac'd with fire before
-You'll speak with Coriolanus .
-
-Good my friends ,
-If you have heard your general talk of Rome ,
-And of his friends there , it is lots to blanks
-My name hath touch'd your ears : it is Menenius .
-
-Be it so ; go back : the virtue of your name
-Is not here passable .
-
-I tell thee , fellow ,
-Thy general is my lover : I have been
-The book of his good acts , whence men have read
-His fame unparallel'd , haply amplified ;
-For I have ever glorified my friends
-Of whom he's chief with all the size that verity
-Would without lapsing suffer : nay , sometimes ,
-Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground ,
-I have tumbled past the throw , and in his praise
-Have almost stamp'd the leasing . Therefore , fellow ,
-I must have leave to pass .
-
-Faith , sir , if you had told as many lies in his behalf as you have uttered words in your own , you should not pass here ; no , though it were as virtuous to lie as to live chastely . Therefore go back .
-
-Prithee , fellow , remember my name is Menenius , always factionary on the party of your general .
-
-Howsoever you have been his liar as you say you have I am one that , telling true under him , must say you cannot pass . Therefore go back .
-
-Has he dined , canst thou tell ? for I would not speak with him till after dinner .
-
-You are a Roman , are you ?
-
-I am as thy general is .
-
-Then you should hate Rome , as he does . Can you , when you have pushed out your gates the very defender of them , and , in a violent popular ignorance , given your enemy your shield , think to front his revenges with the easy groans of old women , the virginal palms of your daughters , or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be ? Can you think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame in with such weak breath as this ? No , you are deceived ; therefore , back to Rome , and prepare for your execution : you are condemned , our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon .
-
-Sirrah , if thy captain know I were here , he would use me with estimation .
-
-Come , my captain knows you not .
-
-I mean , thy general .
-
-My general cares not for you .
-Back , I say : go , lest I let forth your half-pint of blood ; back , that's the utmost of your having : back .
-
-Nay , but , fellow , fellow ,
-
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Now , you companion , I'll say an errand for you : you shall know now that I am in estimation ; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus : guess , but by my entertainment with him , if thou standest not i' the state of hanging , or of some death more long in spectatorship , and crueller in suffering ; behold now presently , and swound for what's to come upon thee .
-
-The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity , and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does ! O my son ! my son ! thou art preparing fire for us ; look thee , here's water to quench it . I was hardly moved to come to thee ; but being assured none but myself could move thee , I have been blown out of your gates with sighs ; and conjure thee to pardon Rome , and thy petitionary countrymen . The good gods assuage thy wrath , and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here ; this , who , like a block , hath denied my access to thee .
-
-Away !
-
-How ! away !
-
-Wife , mother , child , I know not . My affairs
-Are servanted to others : though I owe
-My revenge properly , my remission lies
-In Volscian breasts . That we have been familiar ,
-Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison , rather
-Than pity note how much . Therefore , be gone :
-Mine ears against your suits are stronger than
-Your gates against my force . Yet , for I lov'd thee ,
-Take this along ; I writ it for thy sake ,
-
-And would have sent it . Another word , Menenius ,
-I will not hear thee speak . This man , Aufidius ,
-Was my belov'd in Rome : yet thou behold'st !
-
-You keep a constant temper .
-
-
-Now , sir , is your name Menenius ?
-
-'Tis a spell , you see , of much power . You know the way home again .
-
-Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back ?
-
-What cause , do you think , I have to swound ?
-
-I neither care for the world , nor your general : for such things as you , I can scarce think there's any , ye're so slight . He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another . Let your general do his worst . For you , be that you are , long ; and your misery increase with your age ! I say to you , as I was said to , Away !
-
-
-A noble fellow , I warrant him .
-
-The worthy fellow is our general : he is the rock , the oak not to be wind-shaken .
-
-
-We will before the walls of Rome to-morrow
-Set down our host . My partner in this action ,
-You must report to the Volscian lords , how plainly
-I have borne this business .
-
-Only their ends
-You have respected ; stopp'd your ears against
-The general suit of Rome ; never admitted
-A private whisper ; no , not with such friends
-That thought them sure of you .
-
-This last old man ,
-Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome ,
-Lov'd me above the measure of a father ;
-Nay , godded me indeed . Their latest refuge
-Was to send him ; for whose old love I have ,
-Though I show'd sourly to him , once more offer'd
-The first conditions , which they did refuse ,
-And cannot now accept , to grace him only
-That thought he could do more . A very little
-I have yielded to ; fresh embassies and suits ,
-Nor from the state , nor private friends , hereafter
-Will I lend ear to .
-
-Ha ! what shout is this ?
-Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow
-In the same time 'tis made ? I will not .
-
-
-My wife comes foremost ; then the honour'd mould
-Wherein this trunk was fram'd , and in her hand
-The grandchild to her blood . But out , affection !
-All bond and privilege of nature , break !
-Let it be virtuous to be obstinate .
-What is that curtsy worth ? or those doves' eyes ,
-Which can make gods forsworn ? I melt , and am not
-Of stronger earth than others . My mother bows ,
-As if Olympus to a molehill should
-In supplication nod ; and my young boy
-Hath an aspect of intercession , which
-Great nature cries , 'Deny not .' Let the Volsces
-Plough Rome , and harrow Italy ; I'll never
-Be such a gosling to obey instinct , but stand
-As if a man were author of himself
-
-And knew no other kin .
-
-My lord and husband !
-
-These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome .
-
-The sorrow that delivers us thus chang'd
-Makes you think so .
-
-Like a dull actor now ,
-I have forgot my part , and I am out ,
-Even to a full disgrace . Best of my flesh ,
-Forgive my tyranny ; but do not say
-For that , 'Forgive our Romans .' O ! a kiss
-Long as my exile , sweet as my revenge !
-Now , by the jealous queen of heaven , that kiss
-I carried from thee , dear , and my true lip
-Hath virgin'd it e'er since . You gods ! I prate ,
-And the most noble mother of the world
-Leave unsaluted . Sink , my knee , i' the earth ;
-
-Of thy deep duty more impression show
-Than that of common sons .
-
-O ! stand up bless'd ;
-Whilst , with no softer cushion than the flint ,
-I kneel before thee , and unproperly
-Show duty , as mistaken all this while
-Between the child and parent .
-
-
-What is this ?
-Your knees to me ! to your corrected son !
-Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach
-Fillip the stars ; then let the mutinous winds
-Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun ,
-Murd'ring impossibility , to make
-What cannot be , slight work .
-
-Thou art my warrior ;
-I holp to frame thee . Do you know this lady ?
-
-The noble sister of Publicola ,
-The moon of Rome ; chaste as the icicle
-That's curdied by the frost from purest snow ,
-And hangs on Dian's temple : dear Valeria !
-
-This is a poor epitome of yours ,
-
-Which by the interpretation of full time
-May show like all yourself .
-
-The god of soldiers ,
-With the consent of supreme Jove , inform
-Thy thoughts with nobleness ; that thou mayst prove
-To shame unvulnerable , and stick i' the wars
-Like a great sea-mark , standing every flaw ,
-And saving those that eye thee !
-
-Your knee , sirrah .
-
-That's my brave boy !
-
-Even he , your wife , this lady , and myself ,
-Are suitors to you .
-
-I beseech you , peace :
-Or , if you'd ask , remember this before :
-The things I have forsworn to grant may never
-Be held by you denials . Do not bid me
-Dismiss my soldiers , or capitulate
-Again with Rome's mechanics : tell me not
-Wherein I seem unnatural : desire not
-To allay my rages and revenges with
-Your colder reasons .
-
-O ! no more , no more ;
-You have said you will not grant us any thing ;
-For we have nothing else to ask but that
-Which you deny already : yet we will ask ;
-That , if you fail in our request , the blame
-May hang upon your hardness . Therefore , hear us .
-
-Aufidius , and you Volsces , mark ; for we'll
-Hear nought from Rome in private . Your request ?
-
-Should we be silent and not speak , our raiment
-And state of bodies would bewray what life
-We have led since thy exile . Think with thyself
-How more unfortunate than all living women
-Are we come hither : since that thy sight , which should
-Make our eyes flow with joy , hearts dance with comforts ,
-Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow ;
-Making the mother , wife , and child to see
-The son , the husband , and the father tearing
-His country's bowels out . And to poor we
-Thine enmity's most capital : thou barr'st us
-Our prayers to the gods , which is a comfort
-That all but we enjoy ; for how can we ,
-Alas ! how can we for our country pray ,
-Whereto we are bound , together with thy victory ,
-Whereto we are bound ? Alack ! or we must lose
-The country , our dear nurse , or else thy person ,
-Our comfort in the country . We must find
-An evident calamity , though we had
-Our wish , which side should win ; for either thou
-Must , as a foreign recreant , be led
-With manacles through our streets , or else
-Triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin ,
-And bear the palm for having bravely shed
-Thy wife and children's blood . For myself , son ,
-I purpose not to wait on Fortune till
-These wars determine : if I cannot persuade thee
-Rather to show a noble grace to both parts
-Than seek the end of one , thou shalt no sooner
-March to assault thy country than to tread
-Trust to't , thou shalt not on thy mother's womb ,
-That brought thee to this world .
-
-Ay , and mine ,
-That brought you forth this boy , to keep your name
-Living to time .
-
-A' shall not tread on me :
-I'll run away till I am bigger , but then I'll fight .
-
-Not of a woman's tenderness to be ,
-Requires nor child nor woman's face to see .
-I have sat too long .
-
-
-Nay , go not from us thus .
-If it were so , that our request did tend
-To save the Romans , thereby to destroy
-The Volsces whom you serve , you might condemn us ,
-As poisonous of your honour : no ; our suit
-Is , that you reconcile them : while the Volsces
-May say , 'This mercy we have show'd ;' the Romans ,
-'This we receiv'd ;' and each in either side
-Give the all-hail to thee , and cry , 'Be bless'd
-For making up this peace !' Thou know'st , great son ,
-The end of war's uncertain ; but this certain ,
-That , if thou conquer Rome , the benefit
-Which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name
-Whose repetition will be dogg'd with curses ;
-Whose chronicle thus writ : 'The man was noble ,
-But with his last attempt he wip'd it out ,
-Destroy'd his country , and his name remains
-To the ensuing age abhorr'd .' Speak to me , son !
-Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour ,
-To imitate the graces of the gods ;
-To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air ,
-And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt
-That should but rive an oak . Why dost not speak ?
-Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man
-Still to remember wrongs ? Daughter , speak you :
-He cares not for your weeping . Speak thou , boy :
-Perhaps thy childishness will move him more
-Than can our reasons . There is no man in the world
-More bound to 's mother ; yet here he lets me prate
-Like one i' the stocks . Thou hast never in thy life
-Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy ;
-When she poor hen ! fond of no second brood
-Has cluck'd thee to the wars , and safely home ,
-Loaden with honour . Say my request's unjust ,
-And spurn me back ; but if it be not so ,
-Thou art not honest , and the gods will plague thee ,
-That thou restrain'st from me the duty which
-To a mother's part belongs . He turns away :
-Down , ladies ; let us shame him with our knees .
-To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride
-Than pity to our prayers . Down : an end ;
-This is the last : so we will home to Rome ,
-And die among our neighbours . Nay , behold us .
-This boy , that cannot tell what he would have ,
-But kneels and holds up hands for fellowship ,
-Does reason our petition with more strength
-Than thou hast to deny 't . Come , let us go :
-This fellow had a Volscian to his mother ;
-His wife is in Corioli , and his child
-Like him by chance . Yet give us our dispatch :
-I am hush'd until our city be a-fire ,
-And then I'll speak a little .
-
-
-O , mother , mother !
-What have you done ? Behold ! the heavens do ope ,
-The gods look down , and this unnatural scene
-They laugh at . O my mother ! mother ! O !
-You have won a happy victory to Rome ;
-But , for your son , believe it , O ! believe it ,
-Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd ,
-If not most mortal to him . But let it come .
-Aufidius , though I cannot make true wars ,
-I'll frame convenient peace . Now , good Aufidius ,
-Were you in my stead , would you have heard
-A mother less , or granted less , Aufidius ?
-
-I was mov'd withal .
-
-I dare be sworn you were :
-And , sir , it is no little thing to make
-Mine eyes to sweat compassion . But , good sir ,
-What peace you'll make , advise me : for my part ,
-I'll not to Rome , I'll back with you ; and pray you ,
-Stand to me in this cause . O mother ! wife !
-
-I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour
-At difference in thee : out of that I'll work
-Myself a former fortune .
-
-
-Ay , by and by ;
-But we will drink together ; and you shall bear
-A better witness back than words , which we ,
-On like conditions , would have counter-seal'd .
-Come , enter with us . Ladies , you deserve
-To have a temple built you : all the swords
-In Italy , and her confederate arms ,
-Could not have made this peace .
-
-
-See you yond coign o' the Capitol , yond corner-stone ?
-
-Why , what of that ?
-
-If it be possible for you to displace it with your little finger , there is some hope the ladies of Rome , especially his mother , may prevail with him . But I say , there is no hope in 't . Our throats are sentenced and stay upon execution .
-
-Is't possible that so short a time can alter the condition of a man ?
-
-There is differency between a grub and a butterfly ; yet your butterfly was a grub . This Marcius is grown from man to dragon : he has wings ; he's more than a creeping thing .
-
-He loved his mother dearly .
-
-So did he me ; and he no more remembers his mother now than an eight-year-old horse . The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes : when he walks , he moves like an engine , and the ground shrinks before his treading : he is able to pierce a corslet with his eye ; talks like a knell , and his hum is a battery . He sits in his state , as a thing made for Alexander . What he bids be done is finished with his bidding . He wants nothing of a god but eternity and a heaven to throne in .
-
-Yes , mercy , if you report him truly .
-
-I paint him in the character . Mark what mercy his mother shall bring from him : there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger ; that shall our poor city find : and all this is 'long of you .
-
-The gods be good unto us !
-
-No , in such a case the gods will not be good unto us . When we banished him , we respected not them ; and , he returning to break our necks , they respect not us .
-
-
-Sir , if you'd save your life , fly to your house :
-The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune ,
-And hale him up and down ; all swearing , if
-The Roman ladies bring not comfort home ,
-They'll give him death by inches .
-
-
-What's the news ?
-
-Good news , good news ! the ladies have prevail'd ,
-The Volscians are dislodg'd , and Marcius gone .
-A merrier day did never yet greet Rome ,
-No , not the expulsion of the Tarquins .
-
-Friend ,
-Art thou certain this is true ? is it most certain ?
-
-As certain as I know the sun is fire :
-Where have you lurk'd that you make doubt of it ?
-Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide ,
-As the recomforted through the gates . Why , hark you !
-
-The trumpets , sackbuts , psalteries , and fifes ,
-Tabors , and cymbals , and the shouting Romans ,
-Make the sun dance . Hark you !
-
-
-This is good news :
-I will go meet the ladies . This Volumnia
-Is worth of consuls , senators , patricians ,
-A city full ; of tribunes , such as you ,
-A sea and land full . You have pray'd well to-day :
-This morning for ten thousand of your throats
-I'd not have given a doit . Hark , how they joy !
-
-
-First , the gods bless you for your tidings ; next ,
-Accept my thankfulness .
-
-Sir , we have all
-Great cause to give great thanks .
-
-They are near the city ?
-
-Almost at point to enter .
-
-We will meet them ,
-And help the joy .
-
-Behold our patroness , the life of Rome !
-Call all your tribes together , praise the gods ,
-And make triumphant fires ; strew flowers before them :
-Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius ;
-Repeal him with the welcome of his mother ;
-Cry , 'Welcome , ladies , welcome !'
-
-Welcome , ladies ,
-Welcome !
-
-
-Go tell the lords o' the city I am here :
-Deliver them this paper : having read it ,
-Bid them repair to the market-place ; where I ,
-Even in theirs and in the commons' ears ,
-Will vouch the truth of it . Him I accuse
-The city ports by this hath enter'd , and
-Intends to appear before the people , hoping
-To purge himself with words : dispatch .
-
-
-Most welcome !
-
-How is it with our general ?
-
-Even so
-As with a man by his own alms empoison'd ,
-And with his charity slain .
-
-Most noble sir ,
-If you do hold the same intent wherein
-You wish'd us parties , we'll deliver you
-Of your great danger .
-
-Sir , I cannot tell :
-We must proceed as we do find the people .
-
-The people will remain uncertain whilst
-'Twixt you there's difference ; but the fall of either
-Makes the survivor heir of all .
-
-I know it ;
-And my pretext to strike at him admits
-A good construction . I rais'd him , and I pawn'd
-Mine honour for his truth : who being so heighten'd ,
-He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery ,
-Seducing so my friends ; and , to this end ,
-He bow'd his nature , never known before
-But to be rough , unswayable , and free .
-
-Sir , his stoutness
-When he did stand for consul , which he lost
-By lack of stooping ,
-
-That I would have spoke of :
-Being banish'd for't , he came unto my hearth ;
-Presented to my knife his throat : I took him ;
-Made him joint-servant with me ; gave him way
-In all his own desires ; nay , let him choose
-Out of my files , his projects to accomplish ,
-My best and freshest men ; serv'd his designments
-In mine own person ; holp to reap the fame
-Which he did end all his ; and took some pride
-To do myself this wrong : till , at the last ,
-I seem'd his follower , not partner ; and
-He wag'd me with his countenance , as if
-I had been mercenary .
-
-So he did , my lord :
-The army marvell'd at it ; and , in the last ,
-When we had carried Rome , and that we look'd
-For no less spoil than glory ,
-
-There was it ;
-For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him .
-At a few drops of women's rheum , which are
-As cheap as lies , he sold the blood and labour
-Of our great action : therefore shall he die ,
-And I'll renew me in his fall . But , hark !
-
-
-Your native town you enter'd like a post ,
-And had no welcomes home ; but he returns ,
-Splitting the air with noise .
-
-And patient fools ,
-Whose children he hath slain , their base throats tear
-With giving him glory .
-
-Therefore , at your vantage ,
-Ere he express himself , or move the people
-With what he would say , let him feel your sword ,
-Which we will second . When he lies along ,
-After your way his tale pronounc'd shall bury
-His reasons with his body .
-
-Say no more :
-Here come the lords .
-
-
-You are most welcome home .
-
-I have not deserv'd it .
-But , worthy lords , have you with heed perus'd
-What I have written to you ?
-
-We have .
-
-And grieve to hear 't .
-What faults he made before the last , I think
-Might have found easy fines ; but there to end
-Where he was to begin , and give away
-The benefit of our levies , answering us
-With our own charge , making a treaty where
-There was a yielding , this admits no excuse .
-
-He approaches : you shall hear him .
-
-
-Hail , lords ! I am return'd your soldier ;
-No more infected with my country's love
-Than when I parted hence , but still subsisting
-Under your great command . You are to know ,
-That prosperously I have attempted and
-With bloody passage led your wars even to
-The gates of Rome . Our spoils we have brought home
-Do more than counterpoise a full third part
-The charges of the action . We have made peace
-With no less honour to the Antiates
-Than shame to the Romans ; and we here deliver ,
-Subscrib'd by the consuls and patricians ,
-Together with the seal o' the senate , what
-We have compounded on .
-
-Read it not , noble lords ;
-But tell the traitor in the highest degree
-He hath abus'd your powers .
-
-Traitor ! How now ?
-
-Ay , traitor , Marcius .
-
-Marcius !
-
-Ay , Marcius , Caius Marcius . Dost thou think
-I'll grace thee with that robbery , thy stol'n name
-Coriolanus in Corioli ?
-You lords and heads of the state , perfidiously
-He has betray'd your business , and given up ,
-For certain drops of salt , your city Rome ,
-I say 'your city ,' to his wife and mother ;
-Breaking his oath and resolution like
-A twist of rotten silk , never admitting
-Counsel o' the war , but at his nurse's tears
-He whin'd and roar'd away your victory ,
-That pages blush'd at him , and men of heart
-Look'd wondering each at other .
-
-Hear'st thou , Mars ?
-
-Name not the god , thou boy of tears .
-
-Ha !
-
-No more .
-
-Measureless liar , thou hast made my heart
-Too great for what contains it . Boy ! O slave !
-Pardon me , lords , 'tis the first time that ever
-I was forc'd to scold . Your judgments , my grave lords ,
-Must give this cur the lie : and his own notion
-Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him , that
-Must bear my beating to his grave shall join
-To thrust the lie unto him .
-
-Peace , both , and hear me speak .
-
-Cut me to pieces , Volsces ; men and lads ,
-Stain all your edges on me . Boy ! False hound !
-If you have writ your annals true , 'tis there ,
-That , like an eagle in a dove-cote , I
-Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli :
-Alone I did it . Boy !
-
-Why , noble lords ,
-Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune ,
-Which was your shame , by this unholy braggart ,
-'Fore your own eyes and ears ?
-
-Let him die for 't .
-
-Tear him to pieces .Do it presently .He killed my son .My daughter .He killed my cousin Marcus .He killed my father .
-
-Peace , ho ! no outrage : peace !
-The man is noble and his fame folds in
-This orb o' the earth . His last offences to us
-Shall have judicious hearing . Stand , Aufidius ,
-And trouble not the peace .
-
-O ! that I had him ,
-With six Aufidiuses , or more , his tribe ,
-To use my lawful sword !
-
-Insolent villain !
-
-Kill , kill , kill , kill , kill him !
-
-
-Hold , hold , hold , hold !
-
-My noble masters , hear me speak .
-
-O Tullus !
-
-Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep .
-
-Tread not upon him . Masters all , be quiet .
-Put up your swords .
-
-My lords , when you shall know ,as in this rage ,
-Provok'd by him , you cannot ,the great danger
-Which this man's life did owe you , you'll rejoice
-That he is thus cut off . Please it your honours
-To call me to your senate , I'll deliver
-Myself your loyal servant , or endure
-Your heaviest censure .
-
-Bear from hence his body ;
-And mourn you for him ! Let him be regarded
-As the most noble corse that ever herald
-Did follow to his urn .
-
-His own impatience
-Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame .
-Let's make the best of it .
-
-My rage is gone ,
-And I am struck with sorrow . Take him up :
-Help , three o' the chiefest soldiers ; I'll be one .
-Beat thou the drum , that it speak mournfully ;
-Trail your steel pikes . Though in this city he
-Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one ,
-Which to this hour bewail the injury ,
-Yet he shall have a noble memory .
-Assist .
-
-HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
-
-Ghost of Hamlet's Father .
-
-
-Who's there ?
-
-Nay , answer me ; stand , and unfold yourself .
-
-Long live the king !
-
-Bernardo ?
-
-He .
-
-You come most carefully upon your hour .
-
-'Tis now struck twelve ; get thee to bed , Francisco .
-
-For this relief much thanks ; 'tis bitter cold ,
-And I am sick at heart .
-
-Have you had quiet guard ?
-
-Not a mouse stirring .
-
-Well , good-night .
-If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus ,
-The rivals of my watch , bid them make hasie .
-
-I think I hear them . Stand , ho ! Who's there ?
-
-
-Friends to this ground .
-
-And liegemen to the Dane .
-
-Give you good-night .
-
-O ! farewell , honest soldier :
-Who hath reliev'd you ?
-
-Bernardo has my place .
-Give you good-night .
-
-
-Holla ! Bernardo !
-
-Say ,
-What ! is Horatio there ?
-
-A piece of him .
-
-Welcome , Horatio ; welcome , good Marcellus .
-
-What ! has this thing appear'd again to-night ?
-
-I have seen nothing .
-
-Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy ,
-And will not let belief take hold of him
-Touching this dreaded sight twice seen of us :
-Therefore I have entreated him along
-With us to watch the minutes of this night ;
-That if again this apparition come ,
-He may approve our eyes and speak to it .
-
-Tush , tush ! 'twill not appear .
-
-Sit down awhile ,
-And let us once again assail your ears ,
-That are so fortified against our story ,
-What we two nights have seen .
-
-Well , sit we down ,
-And let us hear Bernardo speak of this .
-
-Last night of all ,
-When yond same star that's westward from the pole
-Had made his course to illume that part of heaven
-Where now it burns , Marcellus and myself ,
-The bell then beating one ,
-
-Peace ! break thee off ; look , where it comes again !
-
-
-In the same figure , like the king that's dead .
-
-Thou art a scholar ; speak to it , Horatio .
-
-Looks it not like the king ? mark it , Horatio .
-
-Most like : it harrows me with fear and wonder .
-
-It would be spoke to .
-
-Question it , Horatio .
-
-What art thou that usurp'st this time of night ,
-Together with that fair and war-like form
-In which the majesty of buried Denmark
-Did sometimes march ? by heaven I charge thee , speak !
-
-It is offended .
-
-See ! it stalks away .
-
-Stay ! speak , speak ! I charge thee , speak !
-
-
-'Tis gone , and will not answer .
-
-How now , Horatio ! you tremble and look pale :
-Is not this something more than fantasy ?
-What think you on 't ?
-
-Before my God , I might not this believe
-Without the sensible and true avouch
-Of mine own eyes .
-
-Is it not like the king ?
-
-As thou-art to thyself :
-Such was the very armour he had on
-When he the ambitious Norway combated ;
-So frown'd he once , when , in an angry parle ,
-He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice .
-'Tis strange .
-
-Thus twice before , and jump at this dead hour ,
-With martial stalk hath he gone by our watch .
-
-In what particular thought to work I know not ;
-But in the gross and scope of my opinion ,
-This bodes some strange eruption to our state .
-
-Good now , sit down , and tell me , he that knows ,
-Why this same strict and most observant watch
-So nightly toils the subject of the land ;
-And why such daily cast of brazen cannon ,
-And foreign mart for implements of war ;
-Why such impress of shipwrights , whose sore task
-Does not divide the Sunday from the week ;
-What might be toward , that this sweaty haste
-Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day :
-Who is 't that can inform me ?
-
-That can I ;
-At least , the whisper goes so . Our last king ,
-Whose image even but now appear'd to us ,
-Was , as you know , by Fortinbras of Norway ,
-Thereto prick'd on by a most emulate pride ,
-Dar'd to the combat ; in which our valiant Hamlet
-For so this side of our known world esteem'd him
-Did slay this Fortinbras ; who , by a seal'd compact ,
-Well ratified by law and heraldry ,
-Did forfeit with his life all those his lands
-Which he stood seiz'd of , to the conqueror ;
-Against the which , a moiety competent
-Was gaged by our king ; which had return'd
-To the inheritance of Fortinbras ,
-Had he been vanquisher ; as , by the same covenant ,
-And carriage of the article design'd ,
-His fell to Hamlet . Now , sir , young Fortinbras ,
-Of unimproved mettle hot and full ,
-Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there
-Shark'd up a list of lawless resolutes ,
-For food and diet , to some enterprise
-That hath a stomach in 't ; which is no other
-As it doth well appear unto our state
-But to recover of us , by strong hand
-And terms compulsative , those foresaid lands
-So by his father lost . And this , I take it ,
-Is the main motive of our preparations ,
-The source of this our watch and the chief head
-Of this post-haste and romage in the land .
-
-I think it be no other but e'en so ;
-Well may it sort that this portentous figure
-Comes armed through our watch , so like the king
-That was and is the question of these wars .
-
-A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye .
-In the most high and palmy state of Rome ,
-A little ere the mightiest Julius fell ,
-The graves stood tenantless and the sheeted dead
-Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets ;
-As stars with trains of fire and dews of blood ,
-Disasters in the sun ; and the moist star
-Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands
-Was sick almost to doomsday with eclipse ;
-And even the like precurse of fierce events ,
-As harbingers preceding still the fates
-And prologue to the omen coming on ,
-Have heaven and earth together demonstrated
-Unto our climatures and countrymen .
-But , soft ! behold ! lo ! where it comes again .
-
-
-I'll cross it , though it blast me . Stay , illusion !
-If thou hast any sound , or use of voice ,
-Speak to me :
-If there be any good thing to be done ,
-That may to thee do ease and grace to me ,
-Speak to me :
-If thou art privy to thy country's fate ,
-Which happily foreknowing may avoid ,
-O ! speak ;
-Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life
-Extorted treasure in the womb of earth ,
-For which , they say , you spirits oft walk in death ,
-
-
-Speak of it : stay , and speak ! Stop it , Marcellus .
-
-Shall I strike at it with my partisan ?
-
-Do , if it will not stand .
-
-'Tis here !
-
-'Tis here !
-
-
-'Tis gone !
-We do it wrong , being so majestical ,
-To offer it the show of violence ;
-For it is , as the air , invulnerable ,
-And our vain blows malicious mockery .
-
-It was about to speak when the cock crew .
-
-And then it started like a guilty thing
-Upon a fearful summons . I have heard ,
-The cock , that is the trumpet to the morn ,
-Doth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat
-Awake the god of day ; and at his warning ,
-Whether in sea or fire , in earth or air ,
-The extravagant and erring spirit hies
-To his confine ; and of the truth herein
-This present object made probation .
-
-It faded on the crowing of the cock .
-Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
-Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated ,
-The bird of dawning singeth all night long ;
-And then , they say , no spirit can walk abroad ;
-The nights are wholesome ; then no planets strike ,
-No fairy takes , nor witch hath power to charm ,
-So hallow'd and so gracious is the time .
-
-So have I heard and do in part believe it .
-But , look , the morn in russet mantle clad ,
-Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastern hill ;
-Break we our watch up ; and by my advice
-Let us impart what we have seen to-night
-Unto young Hamlet ; for , upon my life ,
-This spirit , dumb to us , will speak to him .
-Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it ,
-As needful in our loves , fitting our duty ?
-
-Let's do't , I pray ; and I this morning know
-Where we shall find him most conveniently .
-
-
-Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death
-The memory be green , and that it us befitted
-To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom
-To be contracted in one brow of woe ,
-Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature
-That we with wisest sorrow think on him ,
-Together with remembrance of ourselves .
-Therefore our sometime sister , now our queen ,
-The imperial jointress of this war-like state ,
-Have we , as 'twere with a defeated joy ,
-With one auspicious and one dropping eye ,
-With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage ,
-In equal scale weighing delight and dole ,
-Taken to wife : nor have we herein barr'd
-Your better wisdoms , which have freely gone
-With this affair along : for all , our thanks .
-Now follows , that you know , young Fortinbras ,
-Holding a weak supposal of our worth ,
-Or thinking by our late dear brother's death
-Our state to be disjoint and out of frame ,
-Colleagued with the dream of his advantage ,
-He hath not fail'd to pester us with message ,
-Importing the surrender of those lands
-Lost by his father , with all bands of law ,
-To our most valiant brother . So much for him .
-Now for ourself and for this time of meeting .
-Thus much the business is : we have here writ
-To Norway , uncle of young Fortinbras ,
-Who , impotent and bed-rid , scarcely hears
-Of this his nephew's purpose , to suppress
-His further gait herein ; in that the levies ,
-The lists and full proportions , are all made
-Out of his subject ; and we here dispatch
-You , good Cornelius , and you , Voltimand ,
-For bearers of this greeting to old Norway ,
-Giving to you no further personal power
-To business with the king more than the scope
-Of these delated articles allow .
-Farewell and let your haste commend your duty .
-
-In that and all things will we show our duty .
-
-In that and all things will we show our duty .
-
-We doubt it nothing : heartily farewell .
-
-And now , Laertes , what's the news with you ?
-You told us of some suit ; what is't , Laertes ?
-You cannot speak of reason to the Dane ,
-And lose your voice ; what wouldst thou beg , Laertes ,
-That shall not be my offer , not thy asking ?
-The head is not more native to the heart ,
-The hand more instrumental to the mouth ,
-Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father .
-What wouldst thou have , Laertes ?
-
-Dread my lord ,
-Your leave and favour to return to France ;
-From whence though willingly I came to Denmark ,
-To show my duty in your coronation ,
-Yet now , I must confess , that duty done ,
-My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France
-And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon .
-
-Have you your father's leave ? What says Polonius ?
-
-He hath , my lord , wrung from me my slow leave
-By laboursome petition , and at last
-Upon his will I seal'd my hard consent :
-I do beseech you , give him leave to go .
-
-Take thy fair hour , Laertes ; time be thine ,
-And thy best graces spend it at thy will .
-But now , my cousin Hamlet , and my son ,
-
-A little more than kin , and less than kind .
-
-How is it that the clouds still hang on you ?
-
-Not so , my lord ; I am too much i' the sun .
-
-Good Hamlet , cast thy nighted colour off ,
-And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark .
-Do not for ever with thy vailed lids
-Seek for thy noble father in the dust :
-Thou know'st 'tis common ; all that live must die ,
-Passing through nature to eternity .
-
-Ay , madam , it is common .
-
-If it be ,
-Why seems it so particular with thee ?
-
-Seems , madam ! Nay , it is ; I know not 'seems .'
-'Tis not alone my inky cloak , good mother ,
-Nor customary suits of solemn black ,
-Nor windy suspiration of forc'd breath ,
-No , nor the fruitful river in the eye ,
-Nor the dejected haviour of the visage ,
-Together with all forms , modes , shows of grief ,
-That can denote me truly ; these indeed seem ,
-For they are actions that a man might play :
-But I have that within which passeth show ;
-These but the trappings and the suits of woe .
-
-'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature , Hamlet ,
-To give these mourning duties to your father :
-But , you must know , your father lost a father ;
-That father lost , lost his ; and the survivor bound
-In filial obligation for some term
-To do obsequious sorrow ; but to persever
-In obstinate condolement is a course
-Of impious stubbornness ; 'tis unmanly grief :
-It shows a will most incorrect to heaven ,
-A heart unfortified , a mind impatient ,
-An understanding simple and unschool'd :
-For what we know must be and is as common
-As any the most vulgar thing to sense ,
-Why should we in our peevish opposition
-Take it to heart ? Fie ! 'tis a fault to heaven ,
-A fault against the dead , a fault to nature ,
-To reason most absurd , whose common theme
-Is death of fathers , and who still hath cried ,
-From the first corse till he that died to-day ,
-'This must be so .' We pray you , throw to earth
-This unprevailing woe , and think of us
-As of a father ; for let the world take note ,
-You are the most immediate to our throne ;
-And with no less nobility of love
-Than that which dearest father bears his son
-Do I impart toward you . For your intent
-In going back to school in Wittenberg ,
-It is most retrograde to our desire ;
-And we beseech you , bend you to remain
-Here , in the cheer and comfort of our eye ,
-Our chiefest courtier , cousin , and our son .
-
-Let not thy mother lose her prayers , Hamlet :
-I pray thee , stay with us ; go not to Wittenberg .
-
-I shall in all my best obey you , madam .
-
-Why , 'tis a loving and a fair reply :
-Be as ourself in Denmark . Madam , come ;
-This gentle and unforc'd accord of Hamlet
-Sits smiling to my heart ; in grace whereof ,
-No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day ,
-But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell ,
-And the king's rouse the heavens shall bruit again ,
-Re-speaking earthly thunder . Come away .
-
-
-O ! that this too too solid flesh would melt ,
-Thaw and resolve itself into a dew ;
-Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd
-His canon 'gainst self-slaughter ! O God ! O God !
-How weary , stale , flat , and unprofitable
-Seem to me all the uses of this world .
-Fie on 't ! O fie ! 'tis an unweeded garden ,
-That grows to seed ; things rank and gross in nature
-Possess it merely . That it should come to this !
-But two months dead : nay , not so much , not two :
-So excellent a king ; that was , to this ,
-Hyperion to a satyr ; so loving to my mother
-That he might not beteem the winds of heaven
-Visit her face too roughly . Heaven and earth !
-Must I remember ? why , she would hang on him ,
-As if increase of appetite had grown
-By what it fed on ; and yet , within a month ,
-Let me not think on't : Frailty , thy name is woman !
-A little month ; or ere those shoes were old
-With which she follow'd my poor father's body ,
-Like Niobe , all tears ; why she , even she ,
-O God ! a beast , that wants discourse of reason ,
-Would have mourn'd longer ,married with mine uncle ,
-My father's brother , but no more like my father
-Than I to Hercules : within a month ,
-Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears
-Had left the flushing in her galled eyes ,
-She married . O ! most wicked speed , to post
-With such dexterity to incestuous sheets .
-It is not nor it cannot come to good ;
-But break , my heart , for I must hold my tongue !
-
-
-Hail to your lordship !
-
-I am glad to see you well :
-Horatio , or I do forget myself .
-
-The same , my lord , and your poor servant ever .
-
-Sir , my good friend ; I'll change that name with you .
-And what make you from Wittenberg , Horatio ?
-Marcellus ?
-
-My good lord ,
-
-I am very glad to see you .
-
-Good even , sir .
-But what , in faith , make you from Wittenberg ?
-
-A truant disposition , good my lord .
-
-I would not hear your enemy say so ,
-Nor shall you do mine ear that violence ,
-To make it truster of your own report
-Against yourself ; I know you are no truant .
-But what is your affair in Elsinore ?
-We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart .
-
-My lord , I came to see your father's funeral .
-
-I pray thee , do not mock me , fellow-student ;
-I think it was to see my mother's wedding .
-
-Indeed , my lord , it follow'd hard upon .
-
-Thrift , thrift , Horatio ! the funeral bak'd meats
-Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables .
-Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
-Ere I had ever seen that day , Horatio !
-My father , methinks I see my father .
-
-O ! where , my lord ?
-
-In my mind's eye , Horatio .
-
-I saw him once ; he was a goodly king .
-
-He was a man , take him for all in all ,
-I shall not look upon his like again .
-
-My lord , I think I saw him yesternight .
-
-Saw who ?
-
-My lord , the king your father .
-
-The king , my father !
-
-Season your admiration for a while
-With an attent ear , till I may deliver ,
-Upon the witness of these gentlemen ,
-This marvel to you .
-
-For God's love , let me hear .
-
-Two nights together had these gentlemen ,
-Marcellus and Bernardo , on their watch ,
-In the dead vast and middle of the night ,
-Been thus encounter'd : a figure like your father ,
-Armed at points exactly , cap-a-pe ,
-Appears before them , and with solemn march
-Goes slow and stately by them : thrice he walk'd
-By their oppress'd and fear-surprised eyes ,
-Within his truncheon's length ; whilst they , distill'd
-Almost to jelly with the act of fear ,
-Stand dumb and speak not to him . This to me
-In dreadful secrecy impart they did ,
-And I with them the third night kept the watch ;
-Where , as they had deliver'd , both in time ,
-Form of the thing , each word made true and good ,
-The apparition comes . I knew your father ;
-These hands are not more like .
-
-But where was this ?
-
-My lord , upon the platform where we watch'd .
-
-Did you not speak to it ?
-
-My lord , I did ;
-But answer made it none ; yet once methought
-It lifted up its head and did address
-Itself to motion , like as it would speak ;
-But even then the morning cock crew loud ,
-And at the sound it shrunk in haste away
-And vanish'd from our sight .
-
-'Tis very strange .
-
-As I do live , my honour'd lord , 'tis true ;
-And we did think it writ down in our duty
-To let you know of it .
-
-Indeed , indeed , sirs , but this troubles me .
-Hold you the watch to-night ?
-
-We do , my lord .
-
-We do , my lord .
-
-Arm'd , say you ?
-
-Arm'd , my lord .
-
-Arm'd , my lord .
-
-From top to toe ?
-
-My lord , from head to foot .
-
-My lord , from head to foot .
-
-Then saw you not his face ?
-
-O yes ! my lord ; he wore his beaver up .
-
-What ! look'd he frowningly ?
-
-A countenance more in sorrow than in anger .
-
-Pale or red ?
-
-Nay , very pale .
-
-And fix'd his eyes upon you ?
-
-Most constantly .
-
-I would I had been there .
-
-It would have much amaz'd you .
-
-Very like , very like . Stay'd it long ?
-
-While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred .
-
-Longer , longer .
-
-Longer , longer .
-
-Not when I saw it .
-
-His beard was grizzled , no ?
-
-It was , as I have seen it in his life ,
-A sable silver'd .
-
-I will watch to-night ;
-Perchance 'twill walk again .
-
-I warrant it will .
-
-If it assume my noble father's person ,
-I'll speak to it , though hell itself should gape
-And bid me hold my peace . I pray you all ,
-If you have hitherto conceal'd this sight ,
-Let it be tenable in your silence still ;
-And whatsoever else shall hap to-night ,
-Give it an understanding , but no tongue :
-I will requite your loves . So , fare you well .
-Upon the platform , 'twixt eleven and twelve ,
-I'll visit you .
-
-Our duty to your honour .
-
-Your loves , as mine to you . Farewell .
-
-My father's spirit in arms ! all is not well ;
-I doubt some foul play : would the night were come !
-Till then sit still , my soul : foul deeds will rise ,
-Though all the earth o'erwhelm them , to men's eyes .
-
-
-My necessaries are embark'd ; farewell :
-And , sister , as the winds give benefit
-And convoy is assistant , do not sleep ,
-But let me hear from you .
-
-Do you doubt that ?
-
-For Hamlet , and the trifling of his favour ,
-Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood ,
-A violet in the youth of primy nature ,
-Forward , not permanent , sweet , not lasting ,
-The perfume and suppliance of a minute ;
-No more .
-
-No more but so ?
-
-Think it no more :
-For nature , crescent , does not grow alone
-In thews and bulk ; but , as this temple waxes ,
-The inward service of the mind and soul
-Grows wide withal . Perhaps he loves you now ,
-And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
-The virtue of his will ; but you must fear ,
-His greatness weigh'd , his will is not his own ,
-For he himself is subject to his birth ;
-He may not , as unvalu'd persons do ,
-Carve for himself , for on his choice depends
-The safety and the health of the whole state ;
-And therefore must his choice be circumscrib'd
-Unto the voice and yielding of that body
-Whereof he is the head . Then if he says he loves you ,
-It fits your wisdom so far to believe it
-As he in his particular act and place
-May give his saying deed ; which is no further
-Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal .
-Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain ,
-If with too credent ear you list his songs ,
-Or lose your heart , or your chaste treasure open
-To his unmaster'd importunity .
-Fear it , Ophelia , fear it , my dear sister ;
-And keep you in the rear of your affection ,
-Out of the shot and danger of desire .
-The chariest maid is prodigal enough
-If she unmask her beauty to the moon ;
-Virtue herself 'scapes not calumnious strokes ;
-The canker galls the infants of the spring
-Too oft before their buttons be disclos'd ,
-And in the morn and liquid dew of youth
-Contagious blastments are most imminent .
-Be wary then ; best safety lies in fear :
-Youth to itself rebels , though none else near .
-
-I shall th' effect of this good lesson keep ,
-As watchman to my heart . But , good my brother ,
-Do not , as some ungracious pastors do ,
-Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven ,
-Whiles , like a puff'd and reckless libertine ,
-Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads ,
-And recks not his own rede .
-
-O ! fear me not .
-I stay too long ; but here my father comes .
-
-
-A double blessing is a double grace ;
-
-Occasion smiles upon a second leave .
-
-Yet here , Laertes ! aboard , aboard , for shame !
-The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail ,
-And you are stay'd for . There , my blessing with thee !
-And these few precepts in thy memory
-Look thou character . Give thy thoughts no tongue ,
-Nor any unproportion'd thought his act .
-Be thou familiar , but by no means vulgar ;
-The friends thou hast , and their adoption tried ,
-Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel ;
-But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
-Of each new-hatch'd , unfledg'd comrade . Beware
-Of entrance to a quarrel , but , being in ,
-Bear 't that th' opposed may beware of thee .
-Give every man thine ear , but few thy voice ;
-Take each man's censure , but reserve thy judgment .
-Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy ,
-But not express'd in fancy ; rich , not gaudy ;
-For the apparel oft proclaims the man ,
-And they in France of the best rank and station
-Are most select and generous , chief in that .
-Neither a borrower , nor a lender be ;
-For loan oft loses both itself and friend ,
-And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry .
-This above all : to thine own self be true ,
-And it must follow , as the night the day ,
-Thou canst not then be false to any man .
-Farewell ; my blessing season this in thee !
-
-Most humbly do I take my leave , my lord .
-
-The time invites you ; go , your servants tend .
-
-Farewell , Ophelia ; and remember well
-What I have said to you .
-
-'Tis in my memory lock'd ,
-And you yourself shall keep the key of it .
-
-Farewell .
-
-
-What is 't , Ophelia , he hath said to you ?
-
-So please you , something touching the Lord Hamlet .
-
-Marry , well bethought :
-'Tis told me , he hath very oft of late
-Given private time to you ; and you yourself
-Have of your audience been most free and bounteous .
-If it be so ,as so 'tis put on me ,
-And that in way of caution ,I must tell you ,
-You do not understand yourself so clearly
-As it behoves my daughter and your honour .
-What is between you ? give me up the truth .
-
-He hath , my lord , of late made many tenders
-Of his affection to me .
-
-Affection ! pooh ! you speak like a green girl ,
-Unsifted in such perilous circumstance .
-Do you believe his tenders , as you call them ?
-
-I do not know , my lord , what I should think .
-
-Marry , I'll teach you : think yourself a baby ,
-That you have ta'en these tenders for true pay ,
-Which are not sterling . Tender yourself more dearly ;
-Or ,not to crack the wind of the poor phrase ,
-Running it thus ,you'll tender me a fool .
-
-My lord , he hath importun'd me with love
-In honourable fashion .
-
-Ay , fashion you may call it : go to , go to .
-
-And hath given countenance to his speech , my lord ,
-With almost all the holy vows of heaven .
-
-Ay , springes to catch woodcocks . I do know ,
-When the blood burns , how prodigal the soul
-Lends the tongue vows : these blazes , daughter ,
-Giving more light than heat , extinct in both ,
-Even in their promise , as it is a-making ,
-You must not take for fire . From this time
-Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence ;
-Set your entreatments at a higher rate
-Than a command to parley . For Lord Hamlet ,
-Believe so much in him , that he is young ,
-And with a larger tether may he walk
-Than may be given you : in few , Ophelia ,
-Do not believe his vows , for they are brokers ,
-Not of that dye which their investments show ,
-But mere implorators of unholy suits ,
-Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds ,
-The better to beguile . This is for all :
-I would not , in plain terms , from this time forth ,
-Have you so slander any moment's leisure ,
-As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet .
-Look to 't , I charge you ; come your ways .
-
-I shall obey , my lord .
-
-
-The air bites shrewdly ; it is very cold .
-
-It is a nipping and an eager air .
-
-What hour now ?
-
-I think it lacks of twelve .
-
-No , it is struck .
-
-Indeed ? I heard it not : then it draws near the season
-Wherein the spirit held his wont to walk .
-
-What does this mean , my lord ?
-
-The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse ,
-Keeps wassail , and the swaggering up-spring reels ;
-And , as he drains his draughts of Rhenish down ,
-The kettle-drum and trumpet thus bray out
-The triumph of his pledge .
-
-Is it a custom ?
-
-Ay , marry , is 't :
-But to my mind ,though I am native here
-And to the manner born ,it is a custom
-More honour'd in the breach than the observance .
-This heavy-headed revel east and west
-Makes us traduc'd and tax'd of other nations ;
-They clepe us drunkards , and with swinish phrase
-Soil our addition ; and indeed it takes
-From our achievements , though perform'd at height ,
-The pith and marrow of our attribute .
-So , oft it chances in particular men ,
-That for some vicious mole of nature in them ,
-As , in their birth ,wherein they are not guilty ,
-Since nature cannot choose his origin ,
-By the o'ergrowth of some complexion ,
-Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason ,
-Or by some habit that too much o'er-leavens
-The form of plausive manners ; that these men ,
-Carrying , I say , the stamp of one defect ,
-Being nature's livery , or fortune's star ,
-Their virtues else , be they as pure as grace ,
-As infinite as man may undergo ,
-Shall in the general censure take corruption
-From that particular fault : the dram of eale
-Doth all the noble substance of a doubt ,
-To his own scandal .
-
-
-Look , my lord , it comes .
-
-Angels and ministers of grace defend us !
-Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd ,
-Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell ,
-Be thy intents wicked or charitable ,
-Thou com'st in such a questionable shape
-That I will speak to thee : I'll call thee Hamlet ,
-King , father ; royal Dane , O ! answer me :
-Let me not burst in ignorance ; but tell
-Why thy canoniz'd bones , hearsed in death ,
-Have burst their cerements ; why the sepulchre ,
-Wherein we saw thee quietly inurn'd ,
-Hath op'd his ponderous and marble jaws ,
-To cast thee up again . What may this mean ,
-That thou , dead corse , again in complete steel
-Revisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon ,
-Making night hideous ; and we fools of nature
-So horridly to shake our disposition
-With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls ?
-Say , why is this ? wherefore ? what should we do ?
-
-
-It beckons you to go away with it ,
-As if it some impartment did desire
-To you alone .
-
-Look , with what courteous action
-It waves you to a more removed ground :
-But do not go with it .
-
-No , by no means .
-
-It will not speak ; then , will I follow it .
-
-Do not , my lord .
-
-Why , what should be the fear ?
-I do not set my life at a pin's fee ;
-And for my soul , what can it do to that ,
-Being a thing immortal as itself ?
-It waves me forth again ; I'll follow it .
-
-What if it tempt you toward the flood , my lord ,
-Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff
-That beetles o'er his base into the sea ,
-And there assume some other horrible form ,
-Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason
-And draw you into madness ? think of it ;
-The very place puts toys of desperation ,
-Without more motive , into every brain
-That looks so many fathoms to the sea
-And hears it roar beneath .
-
-It waves me still . Go on , I'll follow thee .
-
-You shall not go , my lord .
-
-Hold off your hands !
-
-Be rul'd ; you shall not go .
-
-My fate cries out ,
-And makes each petty artery in this body
-As hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve .
-
-Still am I call'd . Unhand me , gentlemen ,
-
-By heaven ! I'll make a ghost of him that lets me :
-I say , away ! Go on , I'll follow thee .
-
-
-He wares desperate with imagination .
-
-Let's follow ; 'tis not fit thus to obey him .
-
-Have after . To what issue will this come ?
-
-Something is rotten in the state of Denmark .
-
-Heaven will direct it .
-
-Nay , let's follow him .
-
-
-Whither wilt thou lead me ? speak ; I'll go no further .
-
-Mark me .
-
-I will .
-
-My hour is almost come ,
-When I to sulphurous and tormenting flames
-Must render up myself .
-
-Alas ! poor ghost .
-
-Pity me not , but lend thy serious hearing
-To what I shall unfold .
-
-Speak ; I am bound to hear .
-
-So art thou to revenge , when thou shalt hear .
-
-What ?
-
-I am thy father's spirit ;
-Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night ,
-And for the day confin'd to fast in fires ,
-Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature
-Are burnt and purg'd away . But that I am forbid
-To tell the secrets of my prison-house ,
-I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
-Would harrow up thy soul , freeze thy young blood ,
-Make thy two eyes , like stars , start from their spheres ,
-Thy knotted and combined locks to part ,
-And each particular hair to stand an end ,
-Like quills upon the fretful porpentine :
-But this eternal blazon must not be
-To ears of flesh and blood . List , list , O list !
-If thou didst ever thy dear father love
-
-O God !
-
-Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder .
-
-Murder !
-
-Murder most foul , as in the best it is ;
-But this most foul , strange , and unnatural .
-
-Haste me to know't , that I , with wings as swift
-As meditation or the thoughts of love ,
-May sweep to my revenge .
-
-I find thee apt ;
-And duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed
-That rots itself in ease on Lethe wharf ,
-Wouldst thou not stir in this . Now , Hamlet , hear :
-'Tis given out that , sleeping in mine orchard ,
-A serpent stung me ; so the whole ear of Denmark
-Is by a forged process of my death
-Rankly abus'd ; but know , thou noble youth ,
-The serpent that did sting thy father's life
-Now wears his crown .
-
-O my prophetic soul !
-My uncle !
-
-Ay , that incestuous , that adulterate beast ,
-With witchcraft of his wit , with traitorous gifts ,
-O wicked wit and gifts , that have the power
-So to seduce !won to his shameful lust
-The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen .
-O Hamlet ! what a falling-off was there ;
-From me , whose love was of that dignity
-That it went hand in hand even with the vow
-I made to her in marriage ; and to decline
-Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor
-To those of mine !
-But virtue , as it never will be mov'd ,
-Though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven ,
-So lust , though to a radiant angel link'd ,
-Will sate itself in a celestial bed ,
-And prey on garbage .
-But , soft ! methinks I scent the morning air ;
-Brief let me be . Sleeping within mine orchard ,
-My custom always in the afternoon ,
-Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole ,
-With juice of cursed hebona in a vial ,
-And in the porches of mine ears did pour
-The leperous distilment ; whose effect
-Holds such an enmity with blood of man
-That swift as quicksilver it courses through
-The natural gates and alleys of the body ,
-And with a sudden vigour it doth posset
-And curd , like eager droppings into milk ,
-The thin and wholesome blood : so did it mine ;
-And a most instant tetter bark'd about ,
-Most lazar-like , with vile and loathsome crust ,
-All my smooth body .
-Thus was I , sleeping , by a brother's hand ,
-Of life , of crown , of queen , at once dispatch'd ;
-Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin ,
-Unhousel'd , disappointed , unanel'd ,
-No reckoning made , but sent to my account
-With all my imperfections on my head :
-O , horrible ! O , horrible ! most horrible !
-If thou hast nature in thee , bear it not ;
-Let not the royal bed of Denmark be
-A couch for luxury and damned incest .
-But , howsoever thou pursu'st this act ,
-Taint not thy mind , nor let thy soul contrive
-Against thy mother aught ; leave her to heaven ,
-And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge ,
-To prick and sting her . Fare thee well at once !
-The glow-worm shows the matin to be near ,
-And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire ;
-Adieu , adieu ! Hamlet , remember me .
-
-
-O all you host of heaven ! O earth ! What else ?
-And shall I couple hell ? O fie ! Hold , hold , my heart !
-And you , my sinews , grow not instant old ,
-But bear me stiffly up ! Remember thee !
-Ay , thou poor ghost , while memory holds a seat
-In this distracted globe . Remember thee !
-Yea , from the table of my memory
-I'll wipe away all trivial fond records ,
-All saws of books , all forms , all pressures past ,
-That youth and observation copied there ;
-And thy commandment all alone shall live
-Within the book and volume of my brain ,
-Unmix'd with baser matter : yes , by heaven !
-O most pernicious woman !
-O villain , villain , smiling , damned villain !
-My tables ,meet it is I set it down ,
-That one may smile , and smile , and be a villain ;
-At least I'm sure it may be so in Denmark :
-
-So , uncle , there you are . Now to my word ;
-It is , 'Adieu , adieu ! remember me .
-I have sworn 't .
-
-My lord ! my lord !
-
-Lord Hamlet !
-
-Heaven secure him !
-
-So be it !
-
-Hillo , ho , ho , my lord !
-
-Hillo , ho , ho , boy ! come , bird , come .
-
-
-How is't , my noble lord ?
-
-What news , my lord ?
-
-O ! wonderful .
-
-Good my lord , tell it .
-
-No ; you will reveal it .
-
-Not I , my lord , by heaven !
-
-Nor I , my lord .
-
-How say you , then ; would heart of man once think it ?
-But you'll be secret ?
-
-Ay , by heaven , my lord .
-
-Ay , by heaven , my lord .
-
-There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark ,
-But he's an arrant knave .
-
-There needs no ghost , my lord , come from the grave ,
-To tell us this .
-
-Why , right ; you are i' the right ;
-And so , without more circumstance at all ,
-I hold it fit that we shake hands and part ;
-You , as your business and desire shall point you ,
-For every man hath business and desire ,
-Such as it is ,and , for mine own poor part ,
-Look you , I'll go pray .
-
-These are but wild and whirling words , my lord .
-
-I am sorry they offend you , heartily ;
-Yes , faith , heartily .
-
-There's no offence , my lord .
-
-Yes , by Saint Patrick , but there is , Horatio ,
-And much offence , too . Touching this vision here ,
-It is an honest ghost , that let me tell you ;
-For your desire to know what is between us ,
-O'ermaster't as you may . And now , good friends ,
-As you are friends , scholars , and soldiers ,
-Give me one poor request .
-
-What is't , my lord ? we will .
-
-Never make known what you have seen to-night .
-
-My lord , we will not .
-
-My lord , we will not .
-
-Nay , but swear't .
-
-In faith ,
-My lord , not I .
-
-Nor I , my lord , in faith .
-
-Upon my sword .
-
-We have sworn , my lord , already .
-
-Indeed , upon my sword , indeed .
-
-Swear .
-
-Ah , ha , boy ! sayst thou so ? art thou there , true-penny ?
-Come on ,you hear this fellow in the cellar-age ,
-Consent to swear .
-
-Propose the oath , my lord .
-
-Never to speak of this that you have seen ,
-Swear by my sword .
-
-Swear .
-
-Hic et ubique ? then we'll shift our ground .
-Come hither , gentlemen ,
-And lay your hands again upon my sword :
-Never to speak of this that you have heard ,
-Swear by my sword .
-
-Swear .
-
-Well said , old mole ! canst work i' the earth so fast ?
-A worthy pioner ! once more remove , good friends .
-
-O day and night , but this is wondrous strange !
-
-And therefore as a stranger give it welcome .
-There are more things in heaven and earth , Horatio ,
-Than are dreamt of in your philosophy .
-But come ;
-Here , as before , never , so help you mercy ,
-How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself ,
-As I perchance hereafter shall think meet
-To put an antic disposition on ,
-That you , at such times seeing me , never shall ,
-With arms encumber'd thus , or this head-shake ,
-Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase ,
-As , 'Well , well , we know ,' or , 'We could , an if we would ;'
-Or , 'If we list to speak ,' or , 'There be , an if they might ;'
-Or such ambiguous giving out , to note
-That you know aught of me : this not to do ,
-So grace and mercy at your most need help you ,
-Swear .
-
-Swear .
-
-
-Rest , rest , perturbed spirit ! So , gentlemen ,
-With all my love I do commend me to you :
-And what so poor a man as Hamlet is
-May do , to express his love and friending to you ,
-God willing , shall not lack . Let us go in together ;
-And still your fingers on your lips , I pray .
-The time is out of joint ; O cursed spite ,
-That ever I was born to set it right !
-Nay , come , let's go together .
-
-Give him this money and these notes , Reynaldo .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-You shall do marvellous wisely , good Reynaldo ,
-Before you visit him , to make inquiry
-Of his behaviour .
-
-My lord , I did intend it .
-
-Marry , well said , very well said . Look you , sir ,
-Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris ;
-And how , and who , what means , and where they keep ,
-What company , at what expense ; and finding
-By this encompassment and drift of question
-That they do know my son , come you more nearer
-Than your particular demands will touch it :
-Take you , as 'twere , some distant knowledge of him ;
-As thus , 'I know his father , and his friends ,
-And , in part , him ;' do you mark this , Reynaldo ?
-
-Ay , very well , my lord .
-
-'And , in part , him ; but ,' you may say , 'not well :
-But if't be he I mean , he's very wild ,
-Addicted so and so ;' and there put on him
-What forgeries you please ; marry , none so rank
-As may dishonour him ; take heed of that ;
-But , sir , such wanton , wild , and usual slips
-As are companions noted and most known
-To youth and liberty .
-
-As gaming , my lord ?
-
-Ay , or drinking , fencing , swearing , quarrelling ,
-Drabbing ; you may go so far .
-
-My lord , that would dishonour him .
-
-Faith , no ; as you may season it in the charge .
-You must not put another scandal on him ,
-That he is open to incontinency ;
-That's not my meaning ; but breathe his faults so quaintly
-That they may seem the taints of liberty ,
-The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind ,
-A savageness in unreclaimed blood ,
-Of general assault .
-
-But , my good lord ,
-
-Wherefore should you do this ?
-
-Ay , my lord ,
-I would know that .
-
-Marry , sir , here's my drift ;
-And , I believe , it is a fetch of warrant :
-You laying these slight sullies on my son ,
-As 'twere a thing a little soil'd i' the working ,
-Mark you ,
-Your party in converse , him you would sound ,
-Having ever seen in the prenominate crimes
-The youth you breathe of guilty , be assur'd ,
-He closes with you in this consequence ;
-'Good sir ,' or so ; or 'friend ,' or 'gentleman ,'
-According to the phrase or the addition
-Of man and country .
-
-Very good , my lord .
-
-And then , sir , does he this ,he does ,what was I about to say ? By the mass I was about to say something : where did I leave ?
-
-At 'closes in the consequence .'
-At 'friend or so ,' and 'gentleman .'
-
-At 'closes in the consequence ,' ay , marry ;
-He closes with you thus : 'I know the gentleman ;
-I saw him yesterday , or t' other day ,
-Or then , or then ; with such , or such ; and , as you say ,
-There was a' gaming ; there o'ertook in 's rouse ;
-There falling out at tennis ;' or perchance ,
-'I saw him enter such a house of sale ,'
-Videlicet , a brothel , or so forth .
-See you now ;
-Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth ;
-And thus do we of wisdom and of reach ,
-With windlasses , and with assays of bias ,
-By indirections find directions out :
-So by my former lecture and advice
-Shall you my son . You have me , have you not ?
-
-My lord , I have .
-
-God be wi' you ; fare you well .
-
-Good my lord !
-
-Observe his inclination in yourself .
-
-I shall , my lord .
-
-And let him ply his music .
-
-Well , my lord .
-
-Farewell !
-
-
-How now , Ophelia ! what's the matter ?
-
-Alas ! my lord , I have been so affrighted .
-
-With what , in the name of God ?
-
-My lord , as I was sewing in my closet ,
-Lord Hamlet , with his doublet all unbrac'd ;
-No hat upon his head ; his stockings foul'd ,
-Ungarter'd , and down-gyved to his ancle ;
-Pale as his shirt ; his knees knocking each other ;
-And with a look so piteous in purport
-As if he had been loosed out of hell
-To speak of horrors , he comes before me .
-
-Mad for thy love ?
-
-My lord , I do not know ;
-But truly I do fear it .
-
-What said he ?
-
-He took me by the wrist and held me hard ,
-Then goes he to the length of all his arm ,
-And , with his other hand thus o'er his brow ,
-He falls to such perusal of my face
-As he would draw it . Long stay'd he so ;
-At last , a little shaking of mine arm ,
-And thrice his head thus waving up and down ,
-He rais'd a sigh so piteous and profound
-That it did seem to shatter all his bulk
-And end his being . That done , he lets me go ,
-And , with his head over his shoulder turn'd ,
-He seem'd to find his way without his eyes ;
-For out o' doors he went without their help ,
-And to the last bended their light on me .
-
-Come , go with me ; I will go seek the king .
-This is the very ecstasy of love ,
-Whose violent property fordoes itself
-And leads the will to desperate undertakings
-As oft as any passion under heaven
-That does afflict our natures . I am sorry .
-What ! have you given him any hard words of late ?
-
-No , my good lord ; but , as you did command ,
-I did repel his letters and denied
-His access to me .
-
-That hath made him mad .
-I am sorry that with better heed and judgment
-I had not quoted him ; I fear'd he did but trifle ,
-And meant to wrack thee ; but , beshrew my jealousy !
-By heaven , it is as proper to our age
-To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions
-As it is common for the younger sort
-To lack discretion . Come , go we to the king :
-This must be known ; which , being kept close , might move
-More grief to hide than hate to utter love .
-Come .
-
-
-Welcome , dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern !
-Moreover that we much did long to see you ,
-The need we have to use you did provoke
-Our hasty sending . Something have you heard
-Of Hamlet's transformation ; so I call it ,
-Since nor the exterior nor the inward man
-Resembles that it was . What it should be
-More than his father's death , that thus hath put him
-So much from the understanding of himself ,
-I cannot dream of : I entreat you both ,
-That , being of so young days brought up with him ,
-And since so neighbour'd to his youth and humour ,
-That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
-Some little time ; so by your companies
-To draw him on to pleasures , and to gather ,
-So much as from occasion you may glean ,
-Whe'r aught to us unknown afflicts him thus ,
-That , open'd , lies within our remedy .
-
-Good gentlemen , he hath much talk'd of you ;
-And sure I am two men there are not living
-To whom he more adheres . If it will please you
-To show us so much gentry and good will
-As to expend your time with us awhile ,
-For the supply and profit of our hope ,
-Your visitation shall receive such thanks
-As fits a king's remembrance .
-
-Both your majesties
-Might , by the sovereign power you have of us ,
-Put your dread pleasures more into command
-Than to entreaty .
-
-But we both obey ,
-And here give up ourselves , in the full bent ,
-To lay our service freely at your feet ,
-To be commanded .
-
-Thanks , Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern .
-
-Thanks , Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz ;
-And I beseech you instantly to visit
-My too much changed son . Go , some of you ,
-And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is .
-
-Heavens make our presence , and our practices
-Pleasant and helpful to him !
-
-Ay , amen !
-
-The ambassadors from Norway , my good lord ,
-Are joyfully return'd .
-
-Thou still hast been the father of good news .
-
-Have I , my lord ? Assure you , my good liege ,
-I hold my duty , as I hold my soul ,
-Both to my God and to my gracious king ;
-And I do think or else this brain of mine
-Hunts not the trail of policy so sure
-As it hath us'd to do that I have found
-The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy .
-
-O ! speak of that ; that do I long to hear .
-
-Give first admittance to the ambassadors ;
-My news shall be the fruit to that great feast .
-
-Thyself do grace to them , and bring them in .
-
-He tells me , my sweet queen , that he hath found
-The head and source of all your son's distemper .
-
-I doubt it is no-other but the main ;
-His father's death , and our o'erhasty marriage .
-
-Well , we shall sift him .
-
-
-Welcome , my good friends !
-
-Say , Voltimand , what from our brother Norway ?
-
-Most fair return of greetings , and desires .
-Upon our first , he sent out to suppress
-His nephew's levies , which to him appear'd
-To be a preparation 'gainst the Polack ;
-But , better look'd into , he truly found
-It was against your highness : whereat griev'd ,
-That so his sickness , age , and impotence
-Was falsely borne in hand , sends out arrests
-On Fortinbras ; which he , in brief , obeys ,
-Receives rebuke from Norway , and , in fine ,
-Makes vow before his uncle never more
-To give the assay of arms against your majesty .
-Whereon old Norway , overcome with joy ,
-Gives him three thousand crowns in annual fee ,
-And his commission to employ those soldiers ,
-So levied as before , against the Polack ;
-With an entreaty , herein further shown ,
-
-That it might please you to give quiet pass
-Through your dominions for this enterprise ,
-On such regards of safety and allowance
-As therein are set down .
-
-It likes us well ;
-And at our more consider'd time we'll read ,
-Answer , and think upon this business :
-Meantime we thank you for your well-took labour .
-Go to your rest ; at night we'll feast together :
-Most welcome home .
-
-
-This business is well ended .
-My liege , and madam , to expostulate
-What majesty should be , what duty is ,
-Why day is day , night night , and time is time ,
-Were nothing but to waste night , day , and time .
-Therefore , since brevity is the soul of wit ,
-And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes ,
-I will be brief . Your noble son is mad :
-Mad call I it ; for , to define true madness ,
-What is 't but to be nothing else but mad ?
-But let that go .
-
-More matter , with less art .
-
-Madam , I swear I use no art at all .
-That he is mad , 'tis true ; 'tis true 'tis pity ;
-And pity 'tis 'tis true : a foolish figure ;
-But farewell it , for I will use no art .
-Mad let us grant him , then ; and now remains
-That we find out the cause of this effect ,
-Or rather say , the cause of this defect ,
-For this effect defective comes by cause ;
-Thus it remains , and the remainder thus .
-Perpend .
-I have a daughter , have while she is mine ;
-Who , in her duty and obedience , mark ,
-Hath given me this : now , gather , and surmise .
-"To the celestial , and my soul's idol , the most beautified Ophelia ."
-That's an ill phrase , a vile phrase ; 'beautified'
-is a vile phrase ; but you shall hear . Thus :
-In her excellent white bosom , these , &c .
-
-Came this from Hamlet to her ?
-
-Good madam , stay awhile ; I will be faithful .
-
-"Doubt thou the stars are fire ;
-Doubt that the sun doth move ;
-Doubt truth to be a liar ;
-But never doubt I love .
-
-O dear Ophelia ! I am ill at these numbers : I have not art to reckon my groans ; but that I love thee best , O most best ! believe it . Adieu .
-Thine evermore , most dear lady , whilst this machine is to him ,HAMLET ."
-
-This in obedience hath my daughter shown me ;
-And more above , hath his solicitings ,
-As they fell out by time , by means , and place ,
-All given to mine ear .
-
-But how hath she
-Receiv'd his love ?
-
-What do you think of me ?
-
-As of a man faithful and honourable .
-
-I would fain prove so . But what might you think ,
-When I had seen this hot love on the wing ,
-As I perceiv'd it , I must tell you that ,
-Before my daughter told me ,what might you ,
-Or my dear majesty , your queen here , think ,
-If I had play'd the desk or table-book ,
-Or given my heart a winking , mute and dumb ,
-Or look'd upon this love with idle sight ;
-What might you think ? No , I went round to work ,
-And my young mistress thus I did bespeak :
-'Lord Hamlet is a prince , out of thy star ;
-This must not be :' and then I precepts gave her ,
-That she should lock herself from his resort ,
-Admit no messengers , receive no tokens .
-Which done , she took the fruits of my advice ;
-And he , repulsed ,a short tale to make ,
-Fell into a sadness , then into a fast ,
-Thence to a watch , thence into a weakness ,
-Thence to a lightness ; and by this declension
-Into the madness wherein now he raves ,
-And all we wail for .
-
-Do you think 'tis this ?
-
-It may be , very likely .
-
-Hath there been such a time ,I'd fain know that ,
-That I have positively said , ''Tis so ,'
-When it prov'd otherwise ?
-
-Not that I know .
-
-Take this from this , if this be otherwise :
-
-If circumstances lead me , I will find
-Where truth is hid , though it were hid indeed
-Within the centre .
-
-How may we try it further ?
-
-You know sometimes he walks four hours together
-Here in the lobby .
-
-So he does indeed .
-
-At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him ;
-Be you and I behind an arras then ;
-Mark the encounter ; if he love her not ,
-And be not from his reason fallen thereon ,
-Let me be no assistant for a state ,
-But keep a farm , and carters .
-
-We will try it .
-
-But look , where sadly the poor wretch comes reading .
-
-Away ! I do beseech you , both away .
-I'll board him presently .
-
-O ! give me leave .
-
-How does my good Lord Hamlet ?
-
-Well , God a-mercy .
-
-Do you know me , my lord ?
-
-Excellent well ; you are a fishmonger .
-
-Not I , my lord .
-
-Then I would you were so honest a man .
-
-Honest , my lord !
-
-Ay , sir ; to be honest , as this world goes , is to be one man picked out of ten thousand .
-
-That's very true , my lord .
-
-For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog , being a good kissing carrion ,Have you a daughter ?
-
-I have , my lord .
-
-Let her not walk i' the sun : conception is a blessing ; but not as your daughter may conceive . Friend , look to 't .
-
-How say you by that ? Still harping on my daughter : yet he knew me not at first ; he said I was a fishmonger : he is far gone , far gone : and truly in my youth I suffered much extremity for love ; very near this . I'll speak to him again . What do you read , my lord ?
-
-Words , words , words .
-
-What is the matter , my lord ?
-
-Between who ?
-
-I mean the matter that you read , my lord .
-
-Slanders , sir : for the satirical rogue says here that old men have grey beards , that their faces are wrinkled , their eyes purging thick amber and plum-tree gum , and that they have a plentiful lack of wit , together with most weak hams : all which , sir , though I most powerfully and potently believe , yet I hold it not honesty to have it thus set down ; for you yourself , sir , should be old as I am , if , like a crab , you could go backward .
-
-Though this be madness , yet there is method in 't . Will you walk out of the air , my lord ?
-
-Into my grave ?
-
-Indeed , that is out o' the air .
-
-How pregnant sometimes his replies are ! a happiness that often madness hits on , which reason and sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of . I will leave him , and suddenly contrive the means of meeting between him and my daughter . My honourable lord , I will most humbly take my leave of you .
-
-You cannot , sir , take from me any thing that I will more willingly part withal ; except my life , except my life , except my life .
-
-Fare you well , my lord .
-
-
-These tedious old fools !
-
-
-You go to seek the Lord Hamlet ; there he is .
-
-God save you , sir !
-
-
-Mine honoured lord !
-
-My most dear lord !
-
-My excellent good friends ! How dost thou , Guildenstern ? Ah , Rosencrantz ! Good lads , how do ye both ?
-
-As the indifferent children of the earth .
-
-Happy in that we are not over happy ; On Fortune's cap we are not the very button .
-
-Nor the soles of her shoe ?
-
-Neither , my lord .
-
-Then you live about her waist , or in the middle of her favours ?
-
-Faith , her privates we .
-
-In the secret parts of Fortune ? O ! most true ; she is a strumpet . What news ?
-
-None , my lord , but that the world's grown honest .
-
-Then is doomsday near ; but your news is not true . Let me question more in particular : what have you , my good friends , deserved at the hands of Fortune , that she sends you to prison hither ?
-
-Prison , my lord !
-
-Denmark's a prison .
-
-Then is the world one .
-
-A goodly one ; in which there are many confines , wards , and dungeons , Denmark being one o' the worst .
-
-We think not so , my lord .
-
-Why , then , 'tis none to you ; for there is nothing either good or bad , but thinking makes it so : to me it is a prison .
-
-Why , then your ambition makes it one ; 'tis too narrow for your mind .
-
-O God ! I could be bounded in a nutshell , and count myself a king of infinite space , were it not that I have bad dreams .
-
-Which dreams , indeed , are ambition , for the very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream .
-
-A dream itself is but a shadow .
-
-Truly , and I hold ambition of so airy and light a quality that it is but a shadow's shadow .
-
-Then are our beggars bodies , and our monarchs and outstretched heroes the beggars' shadows . Shall we to the court ? for , by my fay , I cannot reason .
-
-We'll wait upon you .
-
-We'll wait upon you .
-
-No such matter ; I will not sort you with the rest of my servants , for , to speak to you like an honest man , I am most dreadfully attended . But , in the beaten way of friendship , what make you at Elsinore ?
-
-To visit you , my lord ; no other occasion .
-
-Beggar that I am , I am even poor in thanks ; but I thank you : and sure , dear friends , my thanks are too dear a halfpenny . Were you not sent for ? Is it your own inclining ? Is it a free visitation ? Come , come , deal justly with me : come , come ; nay , speak .
-
-What should we say , my lord ?
-
-Why anything , but to the purpose . You were sent for ; and there is a kind of confession in your looks which your modesties have not craft enough to colour : I know the good king and queen have sent for you .
-
-To what end , my lord ?
-
-That you must teach me . But let me conjure you , by the rights of our fellowship , by the consonancy of our youth , by the obligation of our ever-preserved love , and by what more dear a better proposer could charge you withal , be even and direct with me , whether you were sent for or no !
-
-What say you ?
-
-Nay , then , I have an eye of you . If you love me , hold not off .
-
-My lord , we were sent for .
-
-I will tell you why ; so shall my anticipation prevent your discovery , and your secrecy to the king and queen moult no feather . I have of late ,but wherefore I know not ,lost all my mirth , forgone all custom of exercises ; and indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame , the earth , seems to me a sterile promontory ; this most excellent canopy , the air , look you , this brave o'erhanging firmament , this majestical roof fretted with golden fire , why , it appears no other thing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours . What a piece of work is a man ! How noble in reason ! how infinite in faculty ! in form , in moving , how express and admirable ! in action how like an angel ! in apprehension how like a god ! the beauty of the world ! the paragon of animals ! And yet , to me , what is this quintessence of dust ? man delights not me ; no , nor woman neither , though , by your smiling , you seem to say so .
-
-My lord , there was no such stuff in my thoughts .
-
-Why did you laugh then , when I said , 'man delights not me ?'
-
-To think , my lord ; if you delight not in man , what lenten entertainment the players shall receive from you : we coted them on the way ; and hither are they coming , to offer you service .
-
-He that plays the king shall be welcome ; his majesty shall have tribute of me ; the adventurous knight shall use his foil and target ; the lover shall not sigh gratis ; the humorous man shall end his part in peace ; the clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle o' the sere ; and the lady shall say her mind freely , or the blank verse shall halt for't . What players are they ?
-
-Even those you were wont to take delight in , the tragedians of the city .
-
-How chances it they travel ? their residence , both in reputation and profit , was better both ways .
-
-I think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovation .
-
-Do they hold the same estimation they did when I was in the city ? Are they so followed ?
-
-No , indeed they are not .
-
-How comes it ? Do they grow rusty ?
-
-Nay , their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace : but there is , sir , an aery of children , little eyases , that cry out on the top of question , and are most tyrannically clapped for't : these are now the fashion , and so berattle the common stages ,so they call them ,that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose-quills , and dare scarce come thither .
-
-What ! are they children ? who maintains 'em ? how are they escoted ? Will they pursue the quality no longer than they can sing ? will they not say afterwards , if they should grow themselves to common players ,as it is most like , if their means are no better ,their writers do them wrong , to make them exclaim against their own succession ?
-
-Faith , there has been much to-do on both sides : and the nation holds it no sin to tarre them to controversy : there was , for a while , no money bid for argument , unless the poet and the player went to cuffs in the question .
-
-Is it possible ?
-
-O ! there has been much throwing about of brains .
-
-Do the boys carry it away ?
-
-Ay , that they do , my lord ; Hercules and his load too .
-
-It is not very strange ; for my uncle is King of Denmark , and those that would make mows at him while my father lived , give twenty , forty , fifty , a hundred ducats a-piece for his picture in little . 'Sblood , there is something in this more than natural , if philosophy could find it out .
-
-
-There are the players .
-
-Gentlemen , you are welcome to Elsinore . Your hands , come then ; the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony : let me comply with you in this garb , lest my extent to the players which , I tell you , must show fairly outward should more appear like entertainment than yours . You are welcome ; but my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived .
-
-In what , my dear lord ?
-
-I am but mad north-north-west : when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw .
-
-
-Well be with you , gentlemen !
-
-Hark you , Guildenstern ; and you too ; at each ear a hearer : that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling-clouts .
-
-Happily he's the second time come to them ; for they say an old man is twice a child .
-
-I will prophesy he comes to tell me of the players ; mark it . You say right , sir ; o' Monday morning ; 'twas so indeed .
-
-My lord , I have news to tell you .
-
-My lord , I have news to tell you . When Roscius was an actor in Rome ,
-
-The actors are come hither , my lord .
-
-Buzz , buzz !
-
-Upon my honour ,
-
-Then came each actor on his ass ,
-
-The best actors in the world , either for tragedy , comedy , history , pastoral , pastoral-comical , historical-pastoral , tragical-historical , tragical-comical-historical-pastoral , scene individable , or poem unlimited : Seneca cannot be too heavy , nor Plautus too light . For the law of writ and the liberty , these are the only men .
-
-O Jephthah , judge of Israel , what a treasure hadst thou !
-
-What a treasure had he , my lord ?
-
-Why
-
-One fair daughter and no more ,
-The which he loved passing well .
-
-
-Still on my daughter .
-
-Am I not i' the right , old Jephthah ?
-
-If you call me Jephthah , my lord , I have a daughter that I love passing well .
-
-Nay , that follows not .
-
-What follows , then , my lord ?
-
-Why ,
-As by lot , God wot .
-And then , you know ,
-It came to pass , as most like it was .
-The first row of the pious chanson will show you more ; for look where my abridgment comes .
-
-You are welcome , masters ; welcome , all . I am glad to see thee well : welcome , good friends . O , my old friend ! Thy face is valanced since I saw thee last : comest thou to beard me in Denmark ? What ! my young lady and mistress ! By 'r lady , your ladyship is nearer heaven than when I saw you last , by the altitude of a chopine . Pray God , your voice , like a piece of uncurrent gold , be not cracked within the ring . Masters , you are all welcome . We'll e'en to't like French falconers , fly at anything we see : we'll have a speech straight . Come , give us a taste of your quality ; come , a passionate speech .
-
-What speech , my good lord ?
-
-I heard thee speak me a speech once , but it was never acted ; or , if it was , not above once ; for the play , I remember , pleased not the million ; 'twas caviare to the general : but it was as I received it , and others , whose judgments in such matters cried in the top of mine an excellent play , well digested in the scenes , set down with as much modesty as cunning . I remember one said there were no sallets in the lines to make the matter savoury , nor no matter in the phrase that might indict the author of affectation ; but called it an honest method , as wholesome as sweet , and by very much more handsome than fine . One speech in it I chiefly loved ; 'twas neas' tale to Dido ; and thereabout of it especially , where he speaks of Priam's slaughter . If it live in your memory , begin at this line : let me see , let me see :
-Therugged Pyrrhus , like the Hyrcanian beast ,
-'tis not so , it begins with Pyrrhus :
-The rugged Pyrrhus , he whose sable arm ,
-Black as his purpose , did the night resemble
-When he lay couched in the ominous horse ,
-Hath now this dread and black complexion smear'd
-With heraldry more dismal ; head to foot
-Now is he total gules ; horridly trick'd
-With blood of fathers , mothers , daughters , sons ,
-Bak'd and impasted with the parching streets ,
-That lend a tyrannous and damned light
-To their vile murders : rousted in wrath and fire ,
-And thus o'er-sized with coagulate gore ,
-With eyes like carbuncles , the hellish Pyrrhus
-Old grandsire Priam seeks .
-So proceed you .
-
-'Fore God , my lord , well spoken ; with good accent and good discretion .
-
-Anon , he finds him
-Striking too short at Greeks ; his antique sword ,
-Rebellious to his arm , lies where it falls ,
-Repugnant to command . Unequal match'd ,
-Pyrrhus at Priam drives ; in rage strikes wide ;
-But with the whiff and wind of his fell sword
-The unnerved father falls . Then senseless Ilium ,
-Seeming to feel this blow , with flaming top
-Stoops to his base , and with a hideous crash
-Takes prisoner Pyrrhus' ear : for lo ! his sword ,
-Which was declining on the milky head
-Of rever end Priam , seem'd i' the air to stick :
-So , as a painted tyrant , Pyrrhus stood ,
-And like a neutral to his will and matter ,
-Did nothing .
-But , as we often see , against some storm ,
-A silence in the heavens , the rack stand still ,
-The bold winds speechless and the orb below
-As hush as death , anon the dreadful thunder
-Doth rend the region ; so , after Pyrrhus' pause ,
-Aroused vengeance sets him new a-work ;
-And never did the Cyclops' hammers fall
-On Mars's armour , forg'd for proof eterne ,
-With less remorse than Pyrrhus' bleeding sword
-Now falls on Priam .
-Out , out , thou strumpet , Fortune ! All you gods ,
-In general synod , take away her power ;
-Break all the spokes and fellies from her wheel ,
-And bowl the round nave down the hill of heaven ,
-As low as to the fiends !
-
-This is too long .
-
-It shall to the barber's , with your beard . Prithee , say on : he's for a jig or a tale of bawdry , or he sleeps . Say on ; come to Hecuba .
-
-But who , O ! who had seen the mobled queen
-
-'The mobled queen ?'
-
-That's good ; 'mobled queen' is good .
-
-Run barefoot up and down , threat'ning the flames
-With bisson rheum ; a clout upon that head
-Where late the diadem stood ; and , for a robe ,
-About her lank and all o'er-teemed loins ,
-A blanket , in the alarm of fear caught up ;
-Who this had seen , with tongue in venom steep'd ,
-'Gainst Fortune's state would treason have pronounc'd :
-But if the gods themselves did see her then ,
-When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport
-In mincing with his sword her husband's limbs ,
-The instant burst of clamour that she made
-Unless things mortal move them not at all
-Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven ,
-And passion in the gods .
-
-Look ! wh'er he has not turned his colour and has tears in's eyes . Prithee , no more .
-
-'Tis well ; I'll have thee speak out the rest soon . Good my lord , will you see the players well bestowed ? Do you hear , let them be well used ; for they are the abstracts and brief chronicles of the time : after your death you were better have a bad epitaph than their ill report while you live .
-
-My lord , I will use them according to their desert .
-
-God's bodikins , man , much better ; use every man after his desert , and who should 'scape whipping ? Use them after your own honour and dignity : the less they deserve , the more merit is in your bounty . Take them in .
-
-Come , sirs .
-
-Follow him , friends : we'll hear a play to-morrow .
-
-Dost thou hear me , old friend ; can you play the Murder of Gonzago ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-We'll ha't to-morrow night . You could , for a need , study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines , which I would set down and insert in't , could you not ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Very well . Follow that lord ; and look you mock him not .
-
-My good friends , I'll leave you till night ; you are welcome to Elsinore .
-
-Good my lord !
-
-
-Ay , so , God be wi' ye ! Now I am alone .
-O ! what a rogue and peasant slave am I :
-Is it not monstrous that this player here ,
-But in a fiction , in a dream of passion ,
-Could force his soul so to his own conceit
-That from her working all his visage wann'd ,
-Tears in his eyes , distraction in 's aspect ,
-A broken voice , and his whole function suiting
-With forms to his conceit ? and all for nothing !
-For Hecuba !
-What 's Hecuba to him or he to Hecuba
-That he should weep for her ? What would he do
-Had he the motive and the cue for passion
-That I have ? He would drown the stage with tears ,
-And cleave the general ear with horrid speech ,
-Make mad the guilty and appal the free ,
-Confound the ignorant , and amaze indeed
-The very faculties of eyes and ears .
-Yet I ,
-A dull and muddy-mettled rascal , peak ,
-Like John-a-dreams , unpregnant of my cause ,
-And can say nothing ; no , not for a king ,
-Upon whose property and most dear life
-A damn'd defeat was made . Am I a coward ?
-Who calls me villain ? breaks my pate across ?
-Plucks off my beard and blows it in my face ?
-Tweaks me by the nose ? gives me the lie i' the throat ,
-As deep as to the lungs ? Who does me this ?
-Ha !
-Swounds , I should take it , for it cannot be
-But I am pigeon-liver'd , and lack gall
-To make oppression bitter , or ere this
-I should have fatted all the region kites
-With this slave's offal . Bloody , bawdy villain !
-Remorseless , treacherous , lecherous , kindless villain !
-O ! vengeance !
-Why , what an ass am I ! This is most brave
-That I , the son of a dear father murder'd ,
-Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell ,
-Must , like a whore , unpack my heart with words ,
-And fall a-cursing , like a very drab ,
-A scullion !
-Fie upon't ! foh ! About , my brain ! I have heard ,
-That guilty creatures sitting at a play
-Have by the very cunning of the scene
-Been struck so to the soul that presently
-They have proclaim'd their malefactions ;
-For murder , though it have no tongue , will speak
-With most miraculous organ . I'll have these players
-Play something like the murder of my father
-Before mine uncle ; I'll observe his looks ;
-I'll tent him to the quick : if he but blench
-I know my course . The spirit that I have seen
-May be the devil : and the devil hath power
-To assume a pleasing shape ; yea , and perhaps
-Out of my weakness and my melancholy
-As he is very potent with such spirits
-Abuses me to damn me . I'll have grounds
-More relative than this : the play 's the thing
-Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king .
-
-And can you , by no drift of circumstance ,
-Get from him why he puts on this confusion ,
-Grating so harshly all his days of quiet
-With turbulent and dangerous lunacy ?
-
-He does confess he feels himself distracted ;
-But from what cause he will by no means speak .
-
-Nor do we find him forward to be sounded ,
-But , with a crafty madness , keeps aloof ,
-When we would bring him on to some confession
-Of his true state .
-
-Did he receive you well ?
-
-Most like a gentleman .
-
-But with much forcing of his disposition .
-
-Niggard of question , but of our demands
-Most free in his reply .
-
-Did you assay him
-To any pastime ?
-
-Madam , it so fell out that certain players
-We o'er-raught on the way ; of these we told him ,
-And there did seem in him a kind of joy
-To hear of it : they are about the court ,
-And , as I think , they have already order
-This night to play before him .
-
-'Tis most true ;
-And he beseech'd me to entreat your majesties
-To hear and see the matter .
-
-With all my heart ; and it doth much content me
-To hear him so inclin'd .
-Good gentlemen , give him a further edge ,
-And drive his purpose on to these delights .
-
-We shall , my lord .
-
-
-Sweet Gertrude , leave us too ;
-For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither ,
-That he , as 'twere by accident , may here
-Affront Ophelia .
-Her father and myself , lawful espials ,
-Will so bestow ourselves , that , seeing , unseen ,
-We may of their encounter frankly judge ,
-And gather by him , as he is behav'd ,
-If 't be the affliction of his love or no
-That thus he suffers for .
-
-I shall obey you .
-And for your part , Ophelia , I do wish
-That your good beauties be the happy cause
-Of Hamlet's wildness ; so shall I hope your virtues
-Will bring him to his wonted way again ,
-To both your honours .
-
-Madam , I wish it may .
-
-
-Ophelia , walk you here . Gracious , so please you ,
-We will bestow ourselves .
-
-Read on this book ;
-That show of such an exercise may colour
-Your loneliness . We are oft to blame in this ,
-'Tis too much prov'd , that with devotion's visage
-And pious action we do sugar o'er
-The devil himself .
-
-O ! 'tis too true ;
-How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience !
-The harlot's cheek , beautied with plastering art ,
-Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
-Than is my deed to my most painted word :
-O heavy burden !
-
-I hear him coming ; let's withdraw , my lord .
-
-To be , or not to be : that is the question :
-Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
-The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune ,
-Or to take arms against a sea of troubles ,
-And by opposing end them ? To die : to sleep ;
-No more ; and , by a sleep to say we end
-The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
-That flesh is heir to , 'tis a consummation
-Devoutly to be wish'd . To die , to sleep ;
-To sleep : perchance to dream : ay , there's the rub ;
-For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
-When we have shuffled off this mortal coil ,
-Must give us pause . There's the respect
-That makes calamity of so long life ;
-For who would bear the whips and scorns of time ,
-The oppressor's wrong , the proud man's contumely ,
-The pangs of dispriz'd love , the law's delay ,
-The insolence of office , and the spurns
-That patient merit of the unworthy takes ,
-When he himself might his quietus make
-With a bare bodkin ? who would fardels bear ,
-To grunt and sweat under a weary life ,
-But that the dread of something after death ,
-The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
-No traveller returns , puzzles the will ,
-And makes us rather bear those ills we have
-Than fly to others that we know not of ?
-Thus conscience does make cowards of us all ;
-And thus the native hue of resolution
-Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought ,
-And enterprises of great pith and moment
-With this regard their currents turn awry ,
-And lose the name of action . Soft you now !
-The fair Ophelia ! Nymph , in thy orisons
-Be all my sins remember'd .
-
-Good my lord ,
-How does your honour for this many a day ?
-
-I humbly thank you ; well , well , well .
-
-My lord , I have remembrances of yours ,
-That I have longed long to re-deliver ;
-I pray you , now receive them .
-
-No , not I ;
-I never gave you aught .
-
-My honour'd lord , you know right well you did ;
-And , with them , words of so sweet breath compos'd
-As made the things more rich : their perfume lost ,
-Take these again ; for to the noble mind
-Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind .
-There , my lord .
-
-Ha , ha ! are you honest ?
-
-My lord !
-
-Are you fair ?
-
-What means your lordship ?
-
-That if you be honest and fair , your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty .
-
-Could beauty , my lord , have better commerce than with honesty ?
-
-Ay , truly ; for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness : this was sometime a paradox , but now the time gives it proof . I did love thee once .
-
-Indeed , my lord , you made me believe so .
-
-You should not have believed me ; for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it : I loved you not .
-
-I was the more deceived .
-
-Get thee to a nunnery : why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners ? I am myself indifferent honest ; but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me . I am very proud , revengeful , ambitious ; with more offences at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in , imagination to give them shape , or time to act them in . What should such fellows as I do crawling between heaven and earth ? We are arrant knaves , all ; believe none of us . Go thy ways to a nunnery . Where's your father ?
-
-At home , my lord .
-
-Let the doors be shut upon him , that he may play the fool nowhere but in's own house . Farewell .
-
-O ! help him , you sweet heavens !
-
-If thou dost marry , I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry : be thou as chaste as ice , as pure as snow , thou shalt not escape calumny . Get thee to a nunnery , go ; farewell . Or , if thou wilt needs marry , marry a fool ; for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them . To a nunnery , go ; and quickly too . Farewell .
-
-O heavenly powers , restore him !
-
-I have heard of your paintings too , well enough ; God hath given you one face , and you make yourselves another : you jig , you amble , and you lisp , and nickname God's creatures , and make your wantonness your ignorance . Go to , I'll no more on't ; it hath made me mad . I say , we will have no more marriages ; those that are married already , all but one , shall live ; the rest shall keep as they are . To a nunnery , go .
-
-
-O ! what a noble mind is here o'erthrown :
-The courtier's , soldier's , scholar's , eye , tongue , sword ;
-The expectancy and rose of the fair state ,
-The glass of fashion and the mould of form ,
-The observ'd of all observers , quite , quite down !
-And I , of ladies most deject and wretched ,
-That suck'd the honey of his music vows ,
-Now see that noble and most sovereign reason ,
-Like sweet bells jangled , out of tune and harsh ;
-That unmatch'd form and feature of blown youth
-Blasted with ecstasy : O ! woe is me ,
-To have seen what I have seen , see what I see !
-
-
-Love ! his affections do not that way tend ;
-Nor what he spake , though it lack'd form a little ,
-Was not like madness . There's something in his soul
-O'er which his melancholy sits on brood ;
-And , I do doubt , the hatch and the disclose
-Will be some danger ; which for to prevent ,
-I have in quick determination
-Thus set it down : he shall with speed to England ,
-For the demand of our neglected tribute :
-Haply the seas and countries different
-With variable objects shall expel
-This something-settled matter in his heart ,
-Whereon his brains still beating puts him thus
-From fashion of himself . What think you on't ?
-
-It shall do well : but yet do I believe
-The origin and commencement of his grief
-Sprung from neglected love . How now , Ophelia !
-You need not tell us what Lord Hamlet said ;
-We heard it all . My lord , do as you please ;
-But , if you hold it fit , after the play ,
-Let his queen mother all alone entreat him
-To show his griefs : let her be round with him ;
-And I'll be plac'd , so please you , in the ear
-Of all their conference . If she find him not ,
-To England send him , or confine him where
-Your wisdom best shall think .
-
-It shall be so :
-Madness in great ones must not unwatch'd go .
-
-
-Speak the speech , I pray you , as I pronounced it to you , trippingly on the tongue ; but if you mouth it , as many of your players do , I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines . Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand , thus ; but use all gently : for in the very torrent , tempest , and as I may say whirlwind of passion , you must acquire and beget a temperance , that may give it smoothness . O ! it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwigpated fellow tear a passion to tatters , to very rage , to split the ears of the groundlings , who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb-shows and noise : I would have such a fellow whipped for o'er-doing Termagant ; it out-herods Herod : pray you , avoid it .
-
-I warrant your honour .
-
-Be not too tame neither , but let your own discretion be your tutor : suit the action to the word , the word to the action ; with this special observance , that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature ; for anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing , whose end , both at the first and now , was and is , to hold , as 'twere , the mirror up to nature ; to show virtue her own feature , scorn her own image , and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure . Now , this overdone , or come tardy off , though it make the unskilful laugh , cannot but make the judicious grieve ; the censure of which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others . O ! there be players that I have seen play , and heard others praise , and that highly , not to speak it profanely , that , neither having the accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian , pagan , nor man , have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature's journeymen had made men and not made them well , they imitated humanity so abominably .
-
-I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us .
-
-O ! reform it altogether . And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them ; for there be of them that will themselves laugh , to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too , though in the mean time some necessary question of the play be then to be considered ; that's villanous , and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it . Go , make you ready .
-
-
-How now , my lord ! will the king hear this piece of work ?
-
-And the queen too , and that presently .
-
-Bid the players make haste .
-
-Will you two help to hasten them ?
-
-We will , my lord .
-
-We will , my lord .
-
-
-What , ho ! Horatio !
-
-
-Here , sweet lord , at your service .
-
-Horatio , thou art e'en as just a man
-As e'er my conversation cop'd withal .
-
-O ! my dear lord ,
-
-Nay , do not think I flatter ;
-For what advancement may I hope from thee ,
-That no revenue hast but thy good spirits
-To feed and clothe thee ? Why should the poor be flatter'd ?
-No ; let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp ,
-And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
-Where thrift may follow fawning . Dost thou hear ?
-Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
-And could of men distinguish , her election
-Hath seal'd thee for herself ; for thou hast been
-As one , in suffering all , that suffers nothing ,
-A man that fortune's buffets and rewards
-Hast ta'en with equal thanks ; and bless'd are those
-Whose blood and judgment are so well comingled
-That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger
-To sound what stop she please . Give me that man
-That is not passion's slave , and I will wear him
-In my heart's core , ay , in my heart of heart ,
-As I do thee . Something too much of this .
-There is a play to-night before the king ;
-One scene of it comes near the circumstance
-Which I have told thee of my father's death :
-I prithee , when thou seest that act afoot ,
-Even with the very comment of thy soul
-Observe mine uncle ; if his occulted guilt
-Do not itself unkennel in one speech ,
-It is a damned ghost that we have seen ,
-And my imaginations are as foul
-As Vulcan's stithy . Give him heedful note ;
-For I mine eyes will rivet to his face ,
-And after we will both our judgments join
-In censure of his seeming .
-
-Well , my lord :
-If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing ,
-And 'scape detecting , I will pay the theft .
-
-They are coming to the play ; I must be idle :
-Get you a place .
-
-How fares our cousin Hamlet ?
-
-Excellent , i' faith ; of the chameleon's dish : I eat the air , promise-crammed ; you cannot feed capons so .
-
-I have nothing with this answer , Hamlet ; these words are not mine .
-
-No , nor mine now .
-
-My lord , you played once i' the university , you say ?
-
-That did I , my lord , and was accounted a good actor .
-
-And what did you enact ?
-
-I did enact Julius C sar : I was killed i' the Capitol ; Brutus killed me .
-
-It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there . Be the playcrs ready ?
-
-Ay , my lord ; they stay upon your patience .
-
-Come hither , my good Hamlet , sit by me .
-
-No , good mother , here's metal more attractive .
-
-O ho ! do you mark that ?
-
-Lady , shall I lie in your lap ?
-
-
-No , my lord .
-
-I mean , my head upon your lap ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Do you think I meant country matters ?
-
-I think nothing , my lord .
-
-That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs .
-
-What is , my lord ?
-
-Nothing .
-
-You are merry , my lord .
-
-Who , I ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-O God , your only jig-maker . What should a man do but be merry ? for , look you , how cheerfully my mother looks , and my father died within's two hours .
-
-Nay , 'tis twice two months , my lord .
-
-So long ? Nay , then , let the devil wear black , for I'll have a suit of sables . O heavens ! die two months ago , and not forgotten yet ? Then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year ; but , by'r lady , he must build churches then , or else shall he suffer not thinking on , with the hobby-horse , whose epitaph is , 'For , O ! for , O ! the hobby-horse is forgot .'
-
-
-What means this , my lord ?
-
-Marry , this is miching mallecho ; it means mischief .
-
-Belike this show imports the argument of the play .
-
-
-We shall know by this fellow : the players cannot keep counsel ; they'll tell all .
-
-Will he tell us what this show meant ?
-
-Ay , or any show that you'll show him ; be not you ashamed to show , he'll not shame to tell you what it means .
-
-You are naught , you are naught . I'll mark the play .
-
-
-For us and for our tragedy ,
-Here stooping to your clemency ,
-We beg your hearing patiently .
-
-
-Is this a prologue , or the posy of a ring ?
-
-'Tis brief , my lord .
-
-As woman's love .
-
-
-Full thirty times hath Ph bus' cart gone round
-Neptune's salt wash and Tellus' orbed ground ,
-And thirty dozen moons with borrow'd sheen
-About the world have times twelve thirties been ,
-Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
-Unite commutual in most sacred bands .
-
-So many journeys may the sun and moon
-Make us again count o'er ere love be done !
-But , woe is me ! you are so sick of late ,
-So far from cheer and from your former state ,
-That I distrust you . Yet , though I distrust ,
-Discomfort you , my lord , it nothing must ;
-For women's fear and love holds quantity ,
-In neither aught , or in extremity .
-Now , what my love is , proof hath made you know ;
-And as my love is siz'd , my fear is so .
-Where love is great , the littlest doubts are fear ;
-Where little fears grow great , great love grows there .
-
-Faith , I must leave thee , love , and shortly too ;
-My operant powers their functions leave to do :
-And thou shall live in this fair world behind ,
-Honour'd , belov'd ; and haply one as kind
-For husband shalt thou
-
-O ! confound the rest ;
-Such love must needs be treason in my breast :
-In second husband let me be accurst :
-None wed the second but who kill'd the first .
-
-Wormwood , wormwood .
-
-The instances that second marriage move ,
-Are base respects of thrift , but none of love ;
-A second time I kill my husband dead ,
-When second husband kisses me in bed .
-
-I do believe you think what now you speak ;
-But what we do determine oft we break .
-Purpose is but the slave to memory ,
-Of violent birth , but poor validity ;
-Which now , like fruit unripe , sticks on the tree ,
-But fall unshaken when they mellow be .
-Most necessary 'tis that we forget
-To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt ;
-What to ourselves in passion we propose ,
-The passion ending , doth the purpose lose .
-The violence of either grief or joy
-Their own enactures with themselves destroy ;
-Where joy most revels grief doth most lament ,
-Grief joys , joy grieves , on slender accident .
-This world is not for aye , nor 'tis not strange ,
-That even our love should with our fortunes change ;
-For 'tis a question left us yet to prove
-Whe'r love lead fortune or else fortune love .
-The great man down , you mark his favourite flies ;
-The poor advanc'd makes friends of enemies .
-And hitherto doth love on fortune tend ,
-For who not needs shall never lack a friend ;
-And who in want a hollow friend doth try
-Directly seasons him his enemy .
-But , orderly to end where I begun ,
-Our wills and fates do so contrary run
-That our devices still are overthrown ,
-Our thoughts are ours , their ends none of our own :
-So think thou wilt no second husband wed ;
-But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead
-
-Nor earth to me give food , nor heaven light !
-Sport and repose lock from me day and night !
-To desperation turn my trust and hope !
-An anchor's cheer in prison be my scope !
-Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
-Meet what I would have well , and it destroy !
-Both here and hence pursue me lasting strife ,
-If , once a widow , ever I be wife !
-
-If she should break it now !
-
-'Tis deeply sworn . Sweet , leave me here awhile ;
-My spirits grow dull , and fain I would beguile
-The tedious day with sleep .
-
-
-Sleep rock thy brain ;
-And never come mischance between us twain !
-
-
-Madam , how like you this play ?
-
-The lady doth protest too much , methinks .
-
-O ! but she'll keep her word .
-
-Have you heard the argument ? Is there no offence in 't ?
-
-No , no , they do but jest , poison in jest ; no offence i' the world .
-
-What do you call the play ?
-
-The Mouse-trap . Marry , how ? Tropically . This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna : Gonzago is the duke's name ; his wife , Baptista . You shall see anon ; 'tis a knavish piece of work : but what of that ? your majesty and we that have free souls , it touches us not : let the galled jade wince , our withers are unwrung .
-
-This is one Lucianus , nephew to the king .
-
-You are a good chorus , my lord .
-
-I could interpret between you and your love , if I could see the puppets dallying .
-
-You are keen , my lord , you are keen .
-
-It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge .
-
-Still better , and worse .
-
-So you must take your husbands . Begin , murderer ; pox , leave thy damnable faces , and begin . Come ; the croaking raven doth bellow for revenge .
-
-Thoughts black , hands apt , drugs fit , and time agreeing ;
-Confederate season , else no creature seeing ;
-Thou mixture rank , of midnight weeds collected ,
-With Hecate's ban thrice blasted , thrice infected ,
-Thy natural magic and dire property ,
-On wholesome life usurp immediately .
-
-
-He poisons him i' the garden for's estate . Hisname's Gonzago ; the story is extant , and writ in very choice Italian . You shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago's wife .
-
-The king rises .
-
-What ! frighted with false fire ?
-
-How fares my lord ?
-
-Give o'er the play .
-
-Give me some light : away !
-
-Lights , lights , lights !
-
-Why , let the stricken deer go weep ,
-The hart ungalled play ;
-For some must watch , while some must sleep :
-So runs the world away .
-
-Would not this , sir , and a forest of feathers , if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me , with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes , get me a fellowship in a cry of players , sir ?
-
-Half a share .
-
-A whole one , I .
-
-For thou dost know , O Damon dear ,
-This realm dismantled was
-Of Jove himself ; and now reigns here
-A very , very pajock .
-
-
-You might have rimed .
-
-O good Horatio ! I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand pound . Didst perceive ?
-
-Very well , my lord .
-
-Upon the talk of the poisoning ?
-
-I did very well note him .
-
-Ah , ha ! Come , some music ! come , the recorders !
-
-For if the king like not the comedy ,
-Why then , belike he likes it not , perdy .
-
-Come , some music !
-
-
-Good my lord , vouchsafe me a word with you .
-
-Sir , a whole history .
-
-The king , sir ,
-
-Ay , sir , what of him ?
-
-Is in his retirement marvellous distempered .
-
-With drink , sir ?
-
-No , my lord , rather with choler .
-
-Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to his doctor ; for , for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler .
-
-Good my lord , put your discourse into some frame , and start not so wildly from my affair .
-
-I am tame , sir ; pronounce .
-
-The queen , your mother , in most great affliction of spirit , hath sent me to you .
-
-You are welcome .
-
-Nay , good my lord , this courtesy is not of the right breed . If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer , I will do your mother's commandment ; if not , your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business .
-
-Sir , I cannot .
-
-What , my lord ?
-
-Make you a wholesome answer ; my wit's diseased ; but , sir , such answer as I can make , you shall command ; or , rather , as you say , my mother : therefore no more , but to the matter : my mother , you say ,
-
-Then , thus she says : your behaviour hath struck her into amasement and admiration .
-
-O wonderful son , that can so astonish a mother ! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother's admiration ? Impart .
-
-She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed .
-
-We shall obey , were she ten times our mother . Have you any further trade with us ?
-
-My lord , you once did love me .
-
-So I do still , by these pickers and stealers .
-
-Good my lord , what is your cause of distemper ? you do surely bar the door upon your own liberty , if you deny your griefs to your friend .
-
-Sir , I lack advancement .
-
-How can that be when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark ?
-
-Ay , sir , but 'While the grass grows ,' the proverb is something musty .
-
-O ! the recorders : let me see one . To withdraw with you : why do you go about to recover the wind of me , as if you would drive me into a toil ?
-
-O ! my lord , if my duty be too bold , my love is too unmannerly .
-
-I do not well understand that . Will you play upon this pipe ?
-
-My lord , I cannot .
-
-I pray you .
-
-Believe me , I cannot .
-
-I do beseech you .
-
-I know no touch of it , my lord .
-
-'Tis as easy as lying ; govern these ventages with your finger and thumb , give it breath with your mouth , and it will discourse most eloquent music . Look you , these are the stops .
-
-But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony ; I have not the skill .
-
-Why , look you now , how unworthy a thing you make of me . You would play upon me ; you would seem to know my stops ; you would pluck out the heart of my mystery ; you would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass ; and there is much music , excellent voice , in this little organ , yet cannot you make it speak . 'Sblood , do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe ? Call me what instrument you will , though you can fret me , you cannot play upon me .
-
-God bless you , sir !
-
-My lord , the queen would speak with you , and presently .
-
-Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel ?
-
-By the mass , and 'tis like a camel , indeed .
-
-Methinks it is like a weasel .
-
-It is backed like a weasel .
-
-Or like a whale ?
-
-Very like a whale .
-
-Then I will come to my mother by and by
-
-They fool me to the top of my bent . [Aloud .] I will come by and by .
-
-I will say so .
-
-
-By and by is easily said . Leave me , friends .
-
-'Tis now the very witching time of night ,
-When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
-Contagion to this world : now could I drink hot blood ,
-And do such bitter business as the day
-Would quake to look on . Soft ! now to my mother .
-O heart ! lose not thy nature ; let not ever
-The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom ;
-Let me be cruel , not unnatural ;
-I will speak daggers to her , but use none ;
-My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites ;
-How in my words soever she be shent ,
-To give them seals never , my soul , consent !
-
-
-I like him not , nor stands it safe with us
-To let his madness range . Therefore prepare you ;
-I your commission will forth with dispatch ,
-And he to England shall along with you .
-The terms of our estate may not endure
-Hazard so dangerous as doth hourly grow
-Out of his lunacies .
-
-We will ourselves provide .
-Most holy and religious fear it is
-To keep those many many bodies safe
-That live and feed upon your majesty .
-
-The single and peculiar life is bound
-With all the strength and armour of the mind
-To keep itself from noyance ; but much more
-That spirit upon whose weal depend and rest
-The lives of many . The cease of majesty
-Dies not alone , but , like a gulf doth draw
-What's near it with it ; it is a massy wheel ,
-Fix'd on the summit of the highest mount ,
-To whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things
-Are mortis'd and adjoin'd ; which , when it falls ,
-Each small annexment , petty consequence ,
-Attends the boisterous ruin . Never alone
-Did the king sigh , but with a general groan .
-
-Arm you , I pray you , to this speedy voyage ;
-For we will fetters put upon this fear ,
-Which now goes too free-footed .
-
-We will haste us .
-
-We will haste us .
-
-My lord , he's going to his mother's closet :
-Behind the arras I'll convey myself
-To hear the process ; I'll warrant she'll tax him home ;
-And , as you said , and wisely was it said ,
-'Tis meet that some more audience than a mother ,
-Since nature makes them partial , should o'erhear
-The speech , of vantage . Fare you well , my liege :
-I'll call upon you ere you go to bed
-And tell you what I know .
-
-Thanks , dear my lord .
-
-O ! my offence is rank , it smells to heaven ;
-It hath the primal eldest curse upon't ;
-A brother's murder ! Pray can I not ,
-Though inclination be as sharp as will :
-My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent ;
-And , like a man to double business bound ,
-I stand in pause where I shall first begin ,
-And both neglect . What if this cursed hand
-Were thicker than itself with brother's blood ,
-Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens
-To wash it white as snow ? Whereto serves mercy
-But to confront the visage of offence ?
-And what's in prayer but this two-fold force ,
-To be forestalled , ere we come to fall ,
-Or pardon'd , being down ? Then , I'll look up ;
-My fault is past . But , O ! what form of prayer
-Can serve my turn ? 'Forgive me my foul murder ?'
-That cannot be ; since I am still possess'd
-Of those effects for which I did the murder ,
-My crown , mine own ambition , and my queen .
-May one be pardon'd and retain the offence ?
-In the corrupted currents of this world
-Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice ,
-And oft 'tis seen the wicked prise itself
-Buys out the law ; but 'tis not so above ;
-There is no shuffling , there the action lies
-In his true nature , and we ourselves compell'd
-Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults
-To give in evidence . What then ? what rests ?
-Try what repentance can : what can it not ?
-Yet what can it , when one can not repent ?
-O wretched state ! O bosom black as death !
-O limed soul , that struggling to be free
-Art more engaged ! Help , angels ! make assay ;
-Bow , stubborn knees ; and heart with strings of steel
-Be soft as sinews of the new-born babe .
-All may be well .
-
-Now might I do it pat , now he is praying ;
-And now I'll do't : and so he goes to heaven ;
-And so am I reveng'd . That would be scann'd :
-A villain kills my father ; and for that ,
-I , his sole son , do this same villain send
-To heaven .
-Why , this is hire and salary , not revenge .
-He took my father grossly , full of bread ,
-With all his crimes broad blown , as flush as May ;
-And how his audit stands who knows save heaven ?
-But in our circumstance and course of thought
-'Tis heavy with him . And am I then reveng'd ,
-To take him in the purging of his soul ,
-When he is fit and season'd for his passage ?
-No .
-Up , sword , and know thou a more horrid hent ;
-When he is drunk asleep , or in his rage ,
-Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed ,
-At gaming , swearing , or about some act
-That has no relish of salvation in't ;
-Then trip him , that his heels may kick at heaven ,
-And that his soul may be as damn'd and black
-As hell , whereto it goes . My mother stays :
-This physic but prolongs thy sickly days .
-
-My words fly up , my thoughts remain below :
-Words without thoughts never to heaven go .
-
-
-He will come straight . Look you lay home to him ;
-Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear with ,
-And that your Grace hath screen'd and stood between
-Much heat and him . I'll silence me e'en here .
-Pray you , be round with him .
-
-Mother , mother , mother !
-
-I'll warrant you ;
-Fear me not . Withdraw , I hear him coming .
-
-
-Now , mother , what's the matter ?
-
-Hamlet , thou hast thy father much offended .
-
-Mother , you have my father much offended .
-
-Come , come , you answer with an idle tongue .
-
-Go , go , you question with a wicked tongue .
-
-Why , how now , Hamlet !
-
-What's the matter now ?
-
-Have you forgot me ?
-
-No , by the rood , not so :
-You are the queen , your husband's brother's wife ;
-And ,would it were not so !you are my mother .
-
-Nay then , I'll set those to you that can speak .
-
-Come , come , and sit you down ; you shall not budge ;
-You go not , till I set you up a glass
-Where you may see the inmost part of you .
-
-What wilt thou do ? thou wilt not murder me ?
-Help , help , ho !
-
-What , ho ! help ! help ! help !
-
-How now ! a rat ? Dead , for a ducat , dead !
-
-
-O ! I am slain .
-
-O me ! what hast thou done ?
-
-Nay , I know not : is it the king ?
-
-O ! what a rash and bloody deed is this !
-
-A bloody deed ! almost as bad , good mother ,
-As kill a king , and marry with his brother .
-
-As kill a king !
-
-Ay , lady , 'twas my word .
-
-Thou wretched , rash , intruding fool , farewell !
-I took thee for thy better ; take thy fortune ;
-Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger .
-Leave wringing of your hands : peace ! sit you down ,
-And let me wring your heart ; for so I shall
-If it be made of penetrable stuff ,
-If damned custom have not brass'd it so
-That it is proof and bulwark against sense
-
-What have I done that thou dar'st wag thy tongue
-In noise so rude against me ?
-
-Such an act
-That blurs the grace and blush of modesty ,
-Calls virtue hypocrite , takes off the rose
-From the fair forehead of an innocent love
-And sets a blister there , makes marriage vows
-As false as dicers' oaths ; O ! such a deed
-As from the body of contraction plucks
-The very soul , and sweet religion makes
-A rhapsody of words ; heaven's face doth glow ,
-Yea , this solidity and compound mass ,
-With tristful visage , as against the doom ,
-Is thought-sick at the act .
-
-Ay me ! what act ,
-That roars so loud and thunders in the index ?
-
-Look here , upon this picture , and on this ;
-The counterfeit presentment of two brothers .
-See , what a grace was seated on this brow ;
-Hyperion's curls , the front of Jove himself ,
-An eye like Mars , to threaten and command ,
-A station like the herald Mercury
-New-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill ,
-A combination and a form indeed ,
-Where every god did seem to set his seal ,
-To give the world assurance of a man .
-This was your husband : look you now , what follows .
-Here is your husband ; like a mildew'd ear ,
-Blasting his wholesome brother . Have you eyes ?
-Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed ,
-And batten on this moor ? Ha ! have you eyes ?
-You cannot call it love , for at your age
-The hey-day in the blood is tame , it's humble ,
-And waits upon the judgment ; and what judgment
-Would step from this to this ? Sense , sure , you have ,
-Else could you not have motion ; but sure , that sense
-Is apoplex'd ; for madness would not err ,
-Nor sense to ecstasy was ne'er so thrall'd
-But it reserv'd some quantity of choice ,
-To serve in such a difference . What devil was 't
-That thus hath comen'd you at hoodman-blind ?
-Eyes without feeling , feeling without sight ,
-Ears without hands or eyes , smelling sans all ,
-Or but a sickly part of one true sense
-Could not so mope .
-O shame ! where is thy blush ? Rebellious hell ,
-If thou canst mutine in a matron's bones ,
-To flaming youth let virtue be as wax ,
-And melt in her own fire : proclaim no shame
-When the compulsive ardour gives the charge ,
-Since first itself as actively doth burn ,
-And reason panders will .
-
-O Hamlet ! speak no more ;
-Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul ;
-And there I see such black and grained spots
-As will not leave their tinct .
-
-Nay , but to live
-In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed ,
-Stew'd in corruption , honeying and making love
-Over the nasty sty ,
-
-O ! speak to me no more ;
-These words like daggers enter in mine ears ;
-No more , sweet Hamlet !
-
-A murderer , and a villain ;
-A slave that is not twentieth part the tithe
-Of your precedent lord ; a vice of kings ;
-A cut-purse of the empire and the rule ,
-That from a shelf the precious diadem stole ,
-And put it in his pocket !
-
-No more !
-
-A king of shreds and patches ,
-
-
-Save me , and hover o'er me with your wings ,
-
-You heavenly guards ! What would your gracious figure ?
-
-Alas ! he's mad !
-
-Do you not come your tardy son to chide ,
-That , laps'd in time and passion , lets go by
-The important acting of your dread command ?
-O ! say .
-
-Do not forget : this visitation
-Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose .
-But , look ! amazement on thy mother sits ;
-O ! step between her and her fighting soul ;
-Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works :
-Speak to her , Hamlet .
-
-How is it with you , lady ?
-
-Alas ! how is't with you ,
-That you do bend your eye on vacancy
-And with the incorporal air do hold discourse ?
-Forth at your eyes your spirits wildly peep ;
-And , as the sleeping soldiers in the alarm ,
-Your bedded hair , like life in excrements ,
-Starts up and stands an end . O gentle son !
-Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper
-Sprinkle cool patience . Whereon do you look ?
-
-On him , on him ! Look you , how pale he glares !
-His form and cause conjoin'd , preaching to stones ,
-Would make them capable . Do not look upon me ;
-Lest with this piteous action you convert
-My stern effects : then what I have to do
-Will want true colour ; tears perchance for blood .
-
-To whom do you speak this ?
-
-Do you see nothing there ?
-
-Nothing at all ; yet all that is I see .
-
-Nor did you nothing hear ?
-
-No , nothing but ourselves .
-
-Why , look you there ! look , how it steals away ;
-My father , in his habit as he liv'd ;
-Look ! where he goes , even now , out at the portal .
-
-
-This is the very coinage of your brain :
-This bodiless creation ecstasy
-Is very cunning in .
-
-Ecstasy !
-My pulse , as yours , doth temperately keep time ,
-And makes as healthful music . It is not madness
-That I have utter'd : bring me to the test ,
-And I the matter will re-word , which madness
-Would gambol from . Mother , for love of grace ,
-Lay not that flattering unction to your soul ,
-That not your trespass but my madness speaks ;
-It will but skin and film the ulcerous place ,
-Whiles rank corruption , mining all within ,
-Infects unseen . Confess yourself to heaven ;
-Repent what's past ; avoid what is to come ;
-And do not spread the compost on the weeds
-To make them ranker . Forgive me this my virtue ;
-For in the fatness of these pursy times
-Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg ,
-Yea , curb and woo for leave to do him good .
-
-O Hamlet ! thou hast cleft my heart in twain .
-
-O ! throw away the worser part of it ,
-And live the purer with the other half .
-Good night ; but go not to mine uncle's bed ;
-Assume a virtue , if you have it not .
-That monster , custom , who all sense doth eat ,
-Of habits devil , is angel yet in this ,
-That to the use of actions fair and good
-He likewise gives a frock or livery ,
-That aptly is put on . Refrain to-night ;
-And that shall lend a kind of easiness
-To the next abstinence : the next more easy ;
-For use almost can change the stamp of nature ,
-And master ev'n the devil or throw him out
-With wondrous potency . Once more , goodnight :
-And when you are desirous to be bless'd ,
-I'll blessing beg of you . For this same lord ,
-
-I do repent : but heaven hath pleas'd it so ,
-To punish me with this , and this with me ,
-That I must be their scourge and minister .
-I will bestow him , and will answer well
-The death I gave him . So , again , good-night .
-I must be cruel only to be kind :
-Thus bad begins and worse remains behind .
-One word more , good lady .
-
-What shall I do ?
-
-Not this , by no means , that I bid you do :
-Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed ;
-Pinch wanton on your cheek ; call you his mouse ;
-And let him , for a pair of reechy kisses ,
-Or paddling in your neck with his damn'd fingers ,
-Make you to ravel all this matter out ,
-That I essentially am not in madness ,
-But mad in craft . 'Twere good you let him know ;
-For who that's but a queen , fair , sober , wise ,
-Would from a paddock , from a bat , a gib ,
-Such dear concernings hide ? who would do so ?
-No , in despite of sense and secrecy ,
-Unpeg the basket on the house's top ,
-Let the birds fly , and , like the famous ape ,
-To try conclusions , in the basket creep ,
-And break your own neck down .
-
-Be thou assur'd , if words be made of breath ,
-And breath of life , I have no life to breathe
-What thou hast said to me .
-
-I must to England ; you know that ?
-
-Alack !
-I had forgot : 'tis so concluded on .
-
-There's letters seal'd ; and my two schoolfellows ,
-Whom I will trust as I will adders fang'd ,
-They bear the mandate ; they must sweep my way ,
-And marshal me to knavery . Let it work ;
-For 'tis the sport to have the enginer
-Hoist with his own petar : and it shall go hard
-But I will delve one yard below their mines ,
-And blow them at the moon . O ! 'tis most sweet ,
-When in one line two crafts directly meet .
-This man shall set me packing ;
-I'll lug the guts into the neighbour room .
-Mother , good-night . Indeed this counsellor
-Is now most still , most secret , and most grave ,
-Who was in life a foolish prating knave .
-Come , sir , to draw toward an end with you .
-Good-night , mother .
-
-There's matter in these sighs , these profound heaves :
-You must translate ; 'tis fit we understand them .
-Where is your son ?
-
-Bestow this place on us a little while .
-
-Ah ! my good lord , what have I seen to-night .
-
-What , Gertrude ? How does Hamlet ?
-
-Mad as the sea and wind , when both contend
-Which is the mightier . In his lawless fit ,
-Behind the arras hearing something stir ,
-Whips out his rapier , cries , 'A rat ! a rat !'
-And , in his brainish apprehension , kills
-The unseen good old man .
-
-O heavy deed !
-It had been so with us had we been there .
-His liberty is full of threats to all ;
-To you yourself , to us , to every one .
-Alas ! how shall this bloody deed be answer'd ?
-It will be laid to us , whose providence
-Should have kept short , restrain'd , and out of haunt ,
-This mad young man : but so much was our love ,
-We would not understand what was most fit ,
-But , like the owner of a foul disease ,
-To keep it from divulging , let it feed
-Even on the pith of life . Where is he gone ?
-
-To draw apart the body he hath kill'd ;
-O'er whom his very madness , like some ore
-Among a mineral of metals base ,
-Shows itself pure : he weeps for what is done .
-
-O Gertrude ! come away .
-The sun no sooner shall the mountains touch
-But we will ship him hence ; and this vile deed
-We must , with all our majesty and skill ,
-Both countenance and excuse . Ho ! Guildenstern !
-
-
-Friends both , go join you with some further aid :
-Hamlet in madness hath Polonius slain ,
-And from his mother's closet hath he dragg'd him :
-Go seek him out ; speak fair , and bring the body
-Into the chapel . I pray you , haste in this .
-
-Come , Gertrude , we'll call up our wisest friends ;
-And let them know both what we mean to do ,
-And what's untimely done : so , haply , slander ,
-Whose whisper o'er the world's diameter ,
-As level as the cannon to his blank
-Transports his poison'd shot , may miss our name ,
-And hit the woundless air . O ! come away ;
-My soul is full of discord and dismay .
-
-Safely stowed .
-
-Hamlet ! Lord Hamlet !
-
-Hamlet ! Lord Hamlet !
-
-What noise ? who calls on Hamlet ?
-O ! here they come .
-
-
-What have you done , my lord , with the dead body ?
-
-Compounded it with dust , whereto 'tis kin .
-
-Tell us where 'tis , that we may take it thence
-And bear it to the chapel .
-
-Do not believe it .
-
-Believe what ?
-
-That I can keep your counsel and not mine own . Besides , to be demanded of a sponge ! what replication should be made by the son of a king ?
-
-Take you me for a sponge , my lord ?
-
-Ay , sir , that soaks up the king's countenance , his rewards , his authorities . But such officers do the king best service in the end : he keeps them , like an ape , in the corner of his jaw ; first mouthed , to be last swallowed : when he needs what you have gleaned , it is but squeezing you , and , sponge , you shall be dry again .
-
-I understand you not , my lord .
-
-I am glad of it : a knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear .
-
-My lord , you must tell us where the body is , and go with us to the king .
-
-The body is with the king , but the king is not with the body . The king is a thing
-
-A thing , my lord !
-
-Of nothing : bring me to him . Hide fox , and all after .
-
-
-I have sent to seek him , and to find the body .
-How dangerous is it that this man goes loose !
-Yet must not we put the strong law on him :
-He's lov'd of the distracted multitude ,
-Who like not in their judgment , but their eyes ;
-And where 'tis so , the offender's scourge is weigh'd ,
-But never the offence . To bear all smooth and even ,
-This sudden sending him away must seem
-Deliberate pause : diseases desperate grown
-By desperate appliance are reliev'd ,
-Or not at all .
-
-How now ! what hath befall'n ?
-
-Where the dead body is bestow'd , my lord ,
-We cannot get from him .
-
-But where is he ?
-
-Without , my lord ; guarded , to know your pleasure .
-
-Bring him before us .
-
-Ho , Guildenstern ! bring in my lord .
-
-
-Now , Hamlet , where's Polonius ?
-
-At supper .
-
-At supper ! Where ?
-
-Not where he eats , but where he is eaten : a certain convocation of politic worms are e'en at him . Your worm is your only emperor for diet : we fat all creatures else to fat us , and we fat ourselves for maggots : your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service ; two dishes , but to one table : that's the end .
-
-Alas , alas !
-
-A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king , and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm .
-
-What dost thou mean by this ?
-
-Nothing , but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar .
-
-Where is Polonius ?
-
-In heaven ; send thither to see : if your messenger find him not there , seek him i' the other place yourself . But , indeed , if you find him not within this month , you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby .
-
-Go seek him there .
-
-He will stay till you come .
-
-
-Hamlet , this deed , for thine especial safety ,
-Which we do tender , as we dearly grieve
-For that which thou hast done , must send thee hence
-With fiery quickness : therefore prepare thyself ;
-The bark is ready , and the wind at help ,
-The associates tend , and every thing is bent
-For England .
-
-For England !
-
-Ay , Hamlet .
-
-Good .
-
-So is it , if thou knew'st our purposes .
-
-I see a cherub that sees them . But , come ; for England ! Farewell , dear mother .
-
-Thy loving father , Hamlet .
-
-My mother : father and mother is man and wife , man and wife is one flesh , and so , my mother . Come , for England !
-
-
-Follow him at foot ; tempt him with speed aboard :
-Delay it not , I'll have him hence to-night .
-Away ! for every thing is seal'd and done
-That else leans on the affair : pray you , make haste .
-
-And , England , if my love thou hold'st at aught ,
-As my great power thereof may give thee sense ,
-Since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red
-After the Danish sword , and thy free awe
-Pays homage to us ,thou mayst not coldly set
-Our sovereign process , which imports at full ,
-By letters conjuring to that effect ,
-The present death of Hamlet . Do it , England ;
-For like the hectic in my blood he rages ,
-And thou must cure me . Till I know 'tis done ,
-Howe'er my haps , my joys were ne'er begun .
-
-
-Go , captain , from me greet the Danish king ;
-Tell him that , by his licence , Fortinbras
-Claims the conveyance of a promis'd march
-Over his kingdom . You know the rendezvous .
-If that his majesty would aught with us ,
-We shall express our duty in his eye ,
-And let him know so .
-
-I will do 't , my lord .
-
-Go softly on .
-
-Good sir , whose powers are these ?
-
-They are of Norway , sir .
-
-How purpos'd , sir , I pray you ?
-
-Against some part of Poland .
-
-Who commands them , sir ?
-
-The nephew to old Norway , Fortinbras .
-
-Goes it against the main of Poland , sir ,
-Or for some frontier ?
-
-Truly to speak , and with no addition ,
-We go to gain a little patch of ground
-That hath in it no profit but the name .
-To pay five ducats , five , I would not farm it ;
-Nor will it yield to Norway or the Pole
-A ranker rate , should it be sold in fee .
-
-Why , then the Polack never will defend it .
-
-Yes , 'tis already garrison'd .
-
-Two thousand souls and twenty thousand ducats
-Will not debate the question of this straw :
-This is the imposthume of much wealth and peace ,
-That inward breaks , and shows no cause without
-Why the man dies . I humbly thank you , sir .
-
-God be wi' you , sir .
-
-
-Will 't please you go , my lord ?
-
-I'll be with you straight . Go a little before .
-
-How all occasions do inform against me ,
-And spur my dull revenge ! What is a man ,
-If his chief good and market of his time
-Be but to sleep and feed ? a beast , no more .
-Sure he that made us with such large discourse ,
-Looking before and after , gave us not
-That capability and god-like reason
-To fust in us unus'd . Now , whe'r it be
-Bestial oblivion , or some craven scruple
-Of thinking too precisely on the event ,
-A thought , which , quarter'd , hath but one part wisdom ,
-And ever three parts coward , I do not know
-Why yet I live to say 'This thing's to do ;'
-Sith I have cause and will and strength and means
-To do 't . Examples gross as earth exhort me :
-Witness this army of such mass and charge
-Led by a delicate and tender prince ,
-Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd
-Makes mouths at the invisible event ,
-Exposing what is mortal and unsure
-To all that fortune , death and danger dare ,
-Even for an egg-shell . Rightly to be great
-Is not to stir without great argument ,
-But greatly to find quarrel in a straw
-When honour's at the stake . How stand I then ,
-That have a father kill'd , a mother stain'd ,
-Excitements of my reason and my blood ,
-And let all sleep , while , to my shame , I see
-The imminent death of twenty thousand men ,
-That , for a fantasy and trick of fame ,
-Go to their graves like beds , fight for a plot
-Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause ,
-Which is not tomb enough and continent
-To hide the slaim ? O ! from this time forth ,
-My thoughts be bloody , or be nothing worth !
-
-
-I will not speak with her .
-
-She is importunate , indeed distract :
-Her mood will needs be pitied .
-
-What would she have ?
-
-She speaks much of her father ; says she hears
-There's tricks i' the world ; and hems , and beats her heart ;
-Spurns enviously at straws ; speaks things in doubt ,
-That carry but half sense : her speech is nothing ,
-Yet the unshaped use of it doth move
-The hearers to collection ; they aim at it ,
-And botch the words up fit to their own thoughts ;
-Which , as her winks , and nods , and gestures yield them ,
-Indeed would make one think there might be thought ,
-Though nothing sure , yet much unhappily .
-
-'Twere good she were spoken with , for she may strew
-Dangerous conjectures in ill-breeding minds .
-
-Let her come in .
-
-To my sick soul , as sin's true nature is ,
-Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss :
-So full of artless jealousy is guilt ,
-It spills itself in fearing to be spilt .
-
-
-Where is the beauteous majesty of Denmark ?
-
-How now , Ophelia !
-
-
-How should I your true love know
-From another one ?
-By his cockle hat and staff ,
-And his sandal shoon .
-
-
-Alas ! sweet lady , what imports this song ?
-
-Say you ? nay , pray you , mark .
-
-He is dead and gone , lady ,
-He is dead and gone ;
-At his head a grass-green turf ;
-At his heals a stone .
-
-O , ho !
-
-Nay , but Ophelia ,
-
-Pray you , mark .
-
-White his shroud as the mountain snow ,
-
-Alas ! look here , my lord .
-
-
-Larded with sweet flowers ;
-Which bewept to the grave did go
-With true-love showers .
-
-
-How do you , pretty lady ?
-
-Well , God 'ild you ! They say the owl was a baker's daughter . Lord ! we know what we are , but know not what we may be . God be at your table !
-
-Conceit upon her father .
-
-Pray you , let's have no words of this ; but when they ask you what it means , say you this :
-
-To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day ,
-All in the morning betime ,
-And I a maid at your window ,
-To be your Valentine :
-Then up he rose , and donn'd his clothes ,
-And dupp'd the chamber door ;
-Let in the maid , that out a maid
-Never departed more .
-
-
-Pretty Ophelia !
-
-Indeed , la ! without an oath , I'll make an end on 't :
-
-By Gis and by Saint Charity ,
-Alack , and fie for shame !
-Young men will do't , if they come to't ;
-By Cock they are to blame .
-Quoth she , before you tumbled me ,
-You promis'd me to wed :
-So would I ha' done , by yonder sun ,
-An thou hadst not come to my bed .
-
-
-How long hath she been thus ?
-
-I hope all will be well . We must be patient : but I cannot choose but weep , to think they should lay him i' the cold ground . My brother shall know of it : and so I thank you for your good counsel . Come , my coach ! Good-night , ladies ; good-night , sweet ladies ; good-night , good-night .
-
-
-Follow her close ; give her good watch , I pray you .
-
-O ! this is the poison of deep grief ; it springs
-All from her father's death . O Gertrude , Gertrude !
-When sorrows come , they come not single spies ,
-But in battalions . First , her father slain ;
-Next , your son gone ; but he most violent author
-Of his own just remove : the people muddied ,
-Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers ,
-For good Polonius' death ; and we have done but greenly ,
-In hugger-mugger to inter him : poor Ophelia
-Divided from herself and her fair judgment ,
-Without the which we are pictures , or mere beasts :
-Last , and as much containing as all these ,
-Her brother is in secret come from France ,
-Feeds on his wonder , keeps himself in clouds ,
-And wants not buzzers to infect his ear
-With pestilent speeches of his father's death ;
-Wherein necessity , of matter beggar'd ,
-Will nothing stick our person to arraign
-In ear and ear . O my dear Gertrude ! this ,
-Like to a murdering-piece , in many places
-Gives me superfluous death .
-
-
-Alack ! what noise is this ?
-
-
-Where are my Switzers ? Let them guard the door .
-What is the matter ?
-
-Save yourself , my lord ;
-The ocean , overpeering of his list ,
-Eats not the flats with more impetuous haste
-Than young Laertes , in a riotous head ,
-O'erbears your officers . The rabble call him lord ;
-And , as the world were now but to begin ,
-Antiquity forgot , custom not known ,
-The ratifiers and props of every word ,
-They cry , 'Choose we ; Laertes shall be king !'
-Caps , hands , and tongues , applaud it to the clouds ,
-'Laertes shall be king , Laertes king !'
-
-How cheerfully on the false trail they cry !
-O ! this is counter , you false Danish dogs !
-
-The doors are broke .
-
-Where is the king ? Sirs , stand you all without .
-
-No , let's come in .
-
-I pray you , give me leave .
-
-We will , we will .
-
-
-I thank you : keep the door . O thou vile king !
-Give me my father .
-
-Calmly , good Laertes .
-
-That drop of blood that's calm proclaims me bastard ,
-Cries cuckold to my father , brands the harlot
-Even here , between the chaste unsmirched brow
-Of my true mother .
-
-What is the cause , Laertes ,
-That thy rebellion looks so giant-like ?
-Let him go , Gertrude ; do not fear our person :
-There's such divinity doth hedge a king ,
-That treason can but peep to what it would ,
-Acts little of his will . Tell me , Laertes ,
-Why thou art thus incens'd . Let him go , Gertrude .
-Speak , man .
-
-Where is my father ?
-
-Dead .
-
-But not by him .
-
-Let him demand his fill .
-
-How came he dead ? I'll not be juggled with .
-To hell , allegiance ! vows , to the blackest devil !
-Conscience and grace , to the profoundest pit !
-I dare damnation . To this point I stand ,
-That both the worlds I give to negligence ,
-Let come what comes ; only I'll be reveng'd
-Most throughly for my father .
-
-Who shall stay you ?
-
-My will , not all the world :
-And , for my means , I'll husband them so well ,
-They shall go far with little .
-
-Good Laertes ,
-If you desire to know the certainty
-Of your dear father's death , is't writ in your revenge ,
-That , swoopstake , you will draw both friend and foe ,
-Winner and loser ?
-
-None but his enemies .
-
-Will you know them then ?
-
-To his good friends thus wide I'll ope my arms ;
-And like the kind life-rendering pelican ,
-Repast them with my blood .
-
-Why , now you speak
-Like a good child and a true gentleman .
-That I am guiltless of your father's death ,
-And am most sensibly in grief for it ,
-It shall as level to your judgment pierce
-As day does to your eye .
-
-Let her come in .
-
-How now ! what noise is that ?
-
-
-O heat , dry up my brains ! tears seven times salt ,
-Burn out the sense and virtue of mine eye ;
-By heaven , thy madness shall be paid by weight ,
-Till our scale turn the beam . O rose of May !
-Dear maid , kind sister , sweet Ophelia !
-O heavens ! is't possible a young maid's wits
-Should be as mortal as an old man's life ?
-Nature is fine in love , and where 'tis fine
-It sends some precious instance of itself
-
-After the thing it loves .
-
-
-They bore him barefac'd on the bier ;
-Hey non nonny , nonny , hey nonny ;
-And in his grave rain'd many a tear ;
-
-Fare you well , my dove !
-
-Hadst thou thy wits , and didst persuade revenge ,
-It could not move thus .
-
-
-You must sing , a-down a-down ,
-And you call him a-down-a .
-
-O how the wheel becomes it ! It is the false steward that stole his master's daughter .
-
-This nothing's more than matter .
-
-There's rosemary , that's for remembrance ; brance ; pray , love , remember : and there is pansies , that's for thoughts .
-
-A document in madness , thoughts and remembrance fitted .
-
-There's fennel for you , and columbines ; there's rue for you ; and here's some for me ; we may call it herb of grace o' Sundays . O ! you must wear your rue with a difference . There's a daisy ; I would give you some violets , but they withered all when my father died . They say he made a good end ,
-
-For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy .
-
-
-Thought and affliction , passion , hell itself ,
-She turns to favour and to prettiness .
-
-
-And will he not come again ?
-And will he not come again ?
-No , no , he is dead ;
-Go to thy death-bed ,
-He never will come again .
-His beard was as white as snow
-All fiaxen was his poll ,
-He is gone , he is gone ,
-And we cast away moan :
-God ha' mercy on his soul !
-
-And of all Christian souls ! I pray God . God be wi' ye !
-
-
-Do you see this , O God ?
-
-Laertes , I must common with your grief ,
-Or you deny me right . Go but apart ,
-Make choice of whom your wisest friends you will ,
-And they shall hear and judge 'twixt you and me .
-If by direct or by collateral hand
-They find us touch'd , we will our kingdom give ,
-Our crown , our life , and all that we call ours ,
-To you in satisfaction ; but if not ,
-Be you content to lend your patience to us ,
-And we shall jointly labour with your soul
-To give it due content .
-
-Let this be so :
-His means of death , his obscure burial ,
-No trophy , sword , nor hatchment o'er his bones ,
-No noble rite nor formal ostentation ,
-Cry to be heard , as 'twere from heaven to earth ,
-That I must call 't in question .
-
-So you shall ;
-And where the offence is let the great axe fall .
-I pray you go with me .
-
-
-What are they that would speak with me ?
-
-Sailors , sir : they say , they have letters for you .
-
-Let them come in .
-
-I do not know from what part of the world
-I should be greeted , if not from Lord Hamlet .
-
-
-God bless you , sir .
-
-Let him bless thee too .
-
-He shall , sir , an't please him . There's a letter for you , sir ;it comes from the ambassador that was bound for England ;if your name be Horatio , as I am let to know it is .
-
-Horatio , when thou shalt have overlooked this , give these fellows some means to the king : they have letters for him . Ere we were two days old at sea , a pirate of very war-like appointment gave us chase . Finding ourselves too slow of sail , we put on a compelled valour ; in the grapple I boarded them : on the instant they got clear of our ship , so I alone became their prisoner . They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy , but they knew what they did ; I am to do a good turn for them . Let the king have the letters I have sent ; and repair thou to me with as much haste as thou wouldst fly death . I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb ; yet are they much too light for the bore of the matter . These good fellows will bring thee where I am . Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course for England : of them I have much to tell thee . Farewell .
-He that thou knowest thine ,
-Come , I will give you way for these your letters ;
-And do 't the speedier , that you may direct me
-To him from whom you brought them .
-
-
-Now must your conscience my acquittance seal ,
-And you must put me in your heart for friend ,
-Sith you have heard , and with a knowing ear ,
-That he which hath your noble father slain
-Pursu'd my life .
-
-It well appears : but tell me
-Why you proceeded not against these feats ,
-So crimeful and so capital in nature ,
-As by your safety , wisdom , all things else ,
-You mainly were stirr'd up .
-
-O ! for two special reasons ;
-Which may to you , perhaps , seem much unsinew'd ,
-But yet to me they are strong . The queen his mother
-Lives almost by his looks , and for myself ,
-My virtue or my plague , be it either which ,
-She's so conjunctive to my life and soul ,
-That , as the star moves not but in his sphere ,
-I could not but by her . The other motive ,
-Why to a public count I might not go ,
-Is the great love the general gender bear him ;
-Who , dipping all his faults in their affection ,
-Would , like the spring that turneth wood to stone ,
-Convert his gyves to graces ; so that my arrows ,
-Too slightly timber'd for so loud a wind ,
-Would have reverted to my bow again ,
-And not where I had aim'd them .
-
-And so have I a noble father lost ;
-A sister driven into desperate terms ,
-Whose worth , if praises may go back again ,
-Stood challenger on mount of all the age
-For her perfections . But my revenge will come .
-
-Break not your sleeps for that ; you must not think
-That we are made of stuff so flat and dull
-That we can let our beard be shook with danger
-And think it pastime . You shortly shall hear more ;
-I lov'd your father , and we love ourself ,
-And that , I hope , will teach you to imagine ,
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-Letters , my lord , from Hamlet :
-This to your majesty ; this to the queen .
-
-From Hamlet ! who brought them ?
-
-Sailors , my lord , they say ; I saw them not :
-They were given me by Claudio , he receiv'd them
-Of him that brought them .
-
-Laertes , you shall hear them .
-Leave us .
-
-High and mighty , you shall know I am set naked on your kingdom . To-morrow shall I beg leave to see your kingly eyes ; when I shall , first asking your pardon thereunto , recount the occasions of my sudden and more strange return
-What should this mean ? Are all the rest come back ?
-Or is it some abuse and no such thing ?
-
-Know you the hand ?
-
-'Tis Hamlet's character . 'Naked ,'
-And in a postscript here , he says , 'alone .'
-Can you advise me ?
-
-I'm lost in it , my lord . But let him come :
-It warms the very sickness in my heart ,
-That I shall live and tell him to his teeth ,
-'Thus diddest thou .'
-
-If it be so , Laertes ,
-As how should it be so ? how otherwise ?
-Will you be rul'd by me ?
-
-Ay , my lord ;
-So you will not o'er-rule me to a peace .
-
-To thine own peace . If he be now return'd ,
-As checking at his voyage , and that he means
-No more to undertake it , I will work him
-To an exploit , now ripe in my device ,
-Under the which he shall not choose but fall ;
-And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe ,
-But even his mother shall uncharge the practice
-And call it accident .
-
-My lord , I will be rul'd ;
-The rather , if you could devise it so
-That I might be the organ .
-
-It falls right .
-You have been talk'd of since your travel much ,
-And that in Hamlet's hearing , for a quality
-Wherein , they say , you shine ; your sum of parts
-Did not together pluck such envy from him
-As did that one , and that , in my regard ,
-Of the unworthiest siege .
-
-What part is that , my lord ?
-
-A very riband in the cap of youth ,
-Yet needful too ; for youth no less becomes
-The light and careless livery that it wears
-Than settled age his sables and his weeds ,
-Importing health and graveness . Two months since
-Here was a gentleman of Normandy :
-I've seen myself , and serv'd against , the French ,
-And they can well on horseback ; but this gallant
-Had witchcraft in 't , he grew unto his seat ,
-And to such wondrous doing brought his horse ,
-As he had been incorps'd and demi-natur'd
-With the brave beast ; so far he topp'd my thought ,
-That I , in forgery of shapes and tricks ,
-Come short of what he did .
-
-A Norman was 't ?
-
-A Norman .
-
-Upon my life , Lamord .
-
-The very same .
-
-I know him well ; he is the brooch indeed
-And gem of all the nation .
-
-He made confession of you ,
-And gave you such a masterly report
-For art and exercise in your defence ,
-And for your rapier most especially ,
-That he cried out , 'twould be a sight indeed
-If one could match you ; the scrimers of their nation ,
-He swore , had neither motion , guard , nor eye ,
-If you oppos'd them . Sir , this report of his
-Did Hamlet so envenom with his envy
-That he could nothing do but wish and beg
-Your sudden coming o'er , to play with him .
-Now , out of this ,
-
-What out of this , my lord ?
-
-Laertes , was your father dear to you ?
-Or are you like the painting of a sorrow ,
-A face without a heart ?
-
-Why ask you this ?
-
-Not that I think you did not love your father ,
-But that I know love is begun by time ,
-And that I see , in passages of proof ,
-Time qualifies the spark and fire of it .
-There lives within the very flame of love
-A kind of wick or snuff that will abate it ,
-And nothing is at a like goodness still ,
-For goodness , growing to a plurisy ,
-Dies in his own too-much . That we would do ,
-We should do when we would , for this 'would' changes ,
-And hath abatements and delays as many
-As there are tongues , are hands , are accidents ;
-And then this 'should' is like a spendthrift sigh ,
-That hurts by easing . But , to the quick o' the ulcer ;
-Hamlet comes back ; what would you undertake
-To show yourself your father's son in deed
-More than in words ?
-
-To cut his throat i' the church .
-
-No place , indeed , should murder sanctuarize ;
-Revenge should have no bounds . But , good Laertes ,
-Will you do this , keep close within your chamber .
-Hamlet return'd shall know you are come home ;
-We'll put on those shall praise your excellence ,
-And set a double varnish on the fame
-The Frenchman gave you , bring you , in fine , together ,
-And wager on your heads : he , being remise ,
-Most generous and free from all contriving ,
-Will not peruse the foils ; so that , with ease
-Or with a little shuffling , you may choose
-A sword unbated , and , in a pass of practice
-Requite him for your father .
-
-I will do 't ;
-And , for that purpose , I'll anoint my sword .
-I bought an unction of a mountebank ,
-So mortal that , but dip a knife in it ,
-Where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare ,
-Collected from all simples that have virtue
-Under the moon , can save the thing from death
-That is but scratch'd withal ; I'll touch my point
-With this contagion , that , if I gall him slightly ,
-It may be death .
-
-Let's further think of this ;
-Weigh what convenience both of time and means
-May fit us to our shape . If this should fail ,
-And that our drift look through our bad performance
-'Twere better not assay'd ; therefore this project
-Should have a back or second , that might hold ,
-If this should blast in proof . Soft ! let me see ;
-We'll make a solemn wager on your cunnings :
-I ha't :
-When in your motion you are hot and dry ,
-As make your bouts more violent to that end ,
-And that he calls for drink , I'll have prepar'd him
-A chalice for the nonce , whereon but sipping ,
-If he by chance escape your venom'd stuck ,
-Our purpose may hold there . But stay ! what noise ?
-
-How now , sweet queen !
-
-One woe doth tread upon another's heel ,
-So fast they follow : your sister's drown'd , Laertes .
-
-Drown'd ! O , where ?
-
-There is a willow grows aslant a brook ,
-That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream ;
-There with fantastic garlands did she come ,
-Of crow-flowers , nettles , daisies , and long purples ,
-That liberal shepherds give a grosser name ,
-But our cold maids do dead men's fingers call them :
-There , on the pendent boughs her coronet weeds
-Clambering to hang , an envious sliver broke ,
-When down her weedy trophies and herself
-Fell in the weeping brook . Her clothes spread wide ,
-And , mermaid-like , awhile they bore her up ;
-Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes ,
-As one incapable of her own distress ,
-Or like a creature native and indu'd
-Unto that element ; but long it could not be
-Till that her garments , heavy with their drink ,
-Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
-To muddy death .
-
-Alas ! then , she is drown'd ?
-
-Drown'd , drown'd .
-
-Too much of water hast thou , poor Ophelis ,
-And therefore I forbid my tears ; but yet
-It is our trick , nature her custom holds ,
-Let shame say what it will ; when these are gone
-The woman will be out . Adieu , my lord !
-I have a speech of fire , that fain would blaze ,
-But that this folly douts it .
-
-
-Let's follow , Gertrude .
-How much I had to do to calm his rage !
-Now fear I this will give it start again ;
-Therefore let's follow .
-
-Is she to be buried in Christian burial that wilfully seeks her own salvation ?
-
-I tell thee she is ; and therefore make her grave straight : the crowner hath sat on her , and finds it Christian burial .
-
-How can that be , unless she drowned herself in her own defence ?
-
-Why , 'tis found so .
-
-It must be se offendendo ; it cannot be else . For here lies the point : if I drown myself wittingly it argues an act ; and an act hath three branches ; it is , to act , to do , and to perform : argal , she drowned herself wittingly .
-
-Nay , but hear you , goodman delver ,
-
-Give me leave . Here lies the water ; good : here stands the man ; good : if the man go to this water , and drown himself , it is , will he , nill he , he goes ; mark you that ? but if the water come to him , and drown him , he drowns not himself : argal , he that is not guilty of his own death shortens not his own life .
-
-But is this law ?
-
-Ay , marry , is 't ; crowner's quest law .
-
-Will you ha' the truth on 't ? If this had not been a gentlewoman she should have been buried out o' Christian burial .
-
-Why , there thou sayest ; and the more pity that great folk should have countenance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their even Christian . Come , my spade . There is no ancient gentlemen but gardeners , ditchers , and grave-makers ; they hold up Adam's profession .
-
-Was he a gentleman ?
-
-A' was the first that ever bore arms .
-
-Why , he had none .
-
-What ! art a heathen ? How dost thou understand the Scripture ? The Scripture says , Adam digged ; could be dig without arms ?
-I'll put another question to thee ; if thou answerest me not to the purpose , confess thyself
-
-Go to .
-
-What is he that builds stronger than either the mason , the shipwright , or the carpenter ?
-
-The gallows-maker ; for that frame outlives a thousand tenants .
-
-I like thy wit well , in good faith ; the gallows does well , but how does it well ? it does well to those that do ill ; now thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church : argal , the gallows may do well to thee .
-To 't again ; come .
-
-Who builds stronger than a mason , a shipwright , or a carpenter ?
-
-Ay , tell me that , and unyoke .
-
-Marry , now I can tell .
-
-To 't .
-
-Mass , I cannot tell .
-
-
-Cudgel thy brains no more about it , for your dull ass will not mend his pace with beating ; and , when you are asked this question next , say , 'a grave-maker :' the houses that he makes last till doomsday . Go , get thee to Yaughan ; fetch me a stoup of liquor .
-
-First Clown digs , and sings .
-
-In youth , when I did love , did love ,
-Methought it was very sweet ,
-To contract , O ! the time , for-a my behove ,
-O ! methought there was nothing meet .
-
-
-Has this fellow no feeling of his business , that he sings at grave-making ?
-
-Custom hath made it in him a property of easiness .
-
-'Tis e'en so ; the hand of little employment hath the daintier sense .
-
-
-But age , with his stealing steps ,
-Hath claw'd me in his clutch ,
-And hath shipped me intil the land ,
-As if I had never been such .
-
-That skull had a tongue in it , and could sing once ; how the knave jowls it to the ground , as if it were Cain's jaw-bone , that did the first murder ! This might be the pate of a politician , which this ass now o'er-offices , one that would circumvent God , might it not ?
-
-It might , my lord .
-
-Or of a courtier , which could say , 'Good morrow , sweet lord ! How dost thou , good lord ?' This might be my Lord Such-a-one , that praised my Lord Such-a-one's horse , when he meant to beg it , might it not ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Why , e'en so , and now my Lady Worm's ; chapless , and knocked about the mazzard with a sexton's spade . Here's fine revolution , an we had the trick to see 't . Did these bones cost no more the breeding but to play at loggats with 'em ? mine ache to think on 't .
-
-
-A pick-axe , and a spade , a spade ,
-For and a shrouding sheet ;
-O ! a pit of clay for to be made
-For such a guest is meet .
-
-There's another ; why may not that be the skull of a lawyer ? Where be his quiddities now , his quillets , his cases , his tenures , and his tricks ? why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock him about the sconce with a dirty shovel , and will not tell him of his action of battery ? Hum ! This fellow might be in 's time a great buyer of land , with his statutes , his recognizances , his fines , his double vouchers , his recoveries ; is this the fine of his fines , and the recovery of his recoveries , to have his fine pate full of fine dirt ? will his vouchers vouch him no more of his purchases , and double ones too , than the length and breadth of a pair of indentures ? The very conveyance of his lands will hardly lie in this box , and must the inheritor himself have no more , ha ?
-
-Not a jot more , my lord .
-
-Is not parchment made of sheep-skins ?
-
-Ay , my lord , and of calf-skins too .
-
-They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in that . I will speak to this fellow . Whose grave's this , sir ?
-
-Mine , sir ,
-
-O ! a pit of clay for to be made
-For such a guest is meet .
-
-
-I think it be thine , indeed ; for thou liest in 't .
-
-You lie out on 't , sir , and therefore it is not yours ; for my part , I do not lie in 't , and yet it is mine .
-
-Thou dost lie in 't , to be in 't and say it is thine : 'tis for the dead , not for the quick ; therefore thou liest .
-
-'Tis a quick lie , sir ; 'twill away again , from me to you .
-
-What man dost thou dig it for ?
-
-For no man , sir .
-
-What woman , then ?
-
-For none , neither .
-
-Who is to be buried in 't ?
-
-One that was a woman , sir ; but , rest her soul , she's dead .
-
-How absolute the knave is ! we must speak by the card , or equivocation will undo us . By the Lord , Horatio , these three years I have taken note of it ; the age is grown so picked that the toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier , he galls his kibe . How long hast thou been a grave-maker ?
-
-Of all the days i' the year , I came to 't that day that our last King Hamlet overcame Fortinbras .
-
-How long is that since ?
-
-Cannot you tell that ? every fool can tell that ; it was the very day that young Hamlet was born ; he that is mad , and sent into England .
-
-Ay , marry ; why was he sent into England ?
-
-Why , because he was mad : he shall recover his wits there ; or , if he do not , 'tis no great matter there
-
-Why ?
-
-'Twill not be seen in him there ; there the men are as mad as he .
-
-How came he mad ?
-
-Very strangely , they say .
-
-How strangely ?
-
-Faith , e'en with losing his wits .
-
-Upon what ground ?
-
-Why , here in Denmark ; I have been sexton here , man and boy , thirty years .
-
-How long will a man lie i' the earth ere he rot ?
-
-Faith , if he be not rotten before he die ,as we have many pocky corses now-a-days , that will scarce hold the laying in ,he will last you some eight year or nine year ; a tanner will last you nine year .
-
-Why he more than another ?
-
-Why , sir , his hide is so tanned with his trade that he will keep out water a great while , and your water is a sore decayer of your whoreson dead body . Here's a skull now ; this skull hath lain you i' the earth three-and-twenty years .
-
-Whose was it ?
-
-A whoreson mad fellow's it was : whose do you think it was ?
-
-Nay , I know not .
-
-A pestilence on him for a mad rogue ! a' poured a flagon of Rhenish on my head once . This same skull , sir , was Yorick's skull , the king's jester .
-
-This !
-
-E'en that .
-
-Let me see .
-
-Alas ! poor Yorick . I knew him , Horatio ; a fellow of infinite jest , of most excellent fancy ; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times ; and now , how abhorred in my imagination it is ! my gorge rises at it . Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft . Where be your gibes now ? your gambols ? your songs ? your flashes of merriment , that were wont to set the table on a roar ? Not one now , to mock your own grinning ? quite chapfallen ? Now get you to my lady's chamber , and tell her , let her paint an inch thick , to this favour she must come ; make her laugh at that . Prithee , Horatio , tell me one thing .
-
-What's that , my lord ?
-
-Dost thou think Alexander looked o' this fashion i' the earth ?
-
-E'en so .
-
-And smelt so ? pah !
-
-
-E'en so , my lord .
-
-To what base uses we may return , Horatio ! Why may not imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander , till he find it stopping a bung-hole ?
-
-'Twere to consider too curiously , to consider so .
-
-No , faith , not a jot ; but to follow him thither with modesty enough , and likelihood to lead it ; as thus : Alexander died , Alexander was buried , Alexander returneth into dust ; the dust is earth ; of earth we make loam , and why of that loam , whereto he was converted , might they not stop a beer-barrel ?
-
-Imperious C sar , dead and turn'd to clay ,
-Might stop a hole to keep the wind away :
-O ! that that earth , which kept the world in awe ,
-Should patch a wall to expal the winter's flaw .
-
-But soft ! but soft ! aside : here comes the king .
-
-The queen , the courtiers : who is that they follow ?
-And with such maimed rites ? This doth betoken
-The corse they follow did with desperate hand
-Fordo its own life ; 'twas of some estate .
-Couch we awhile , and mark .
-
-What ceremony else ?
-
-That is Laertes ,
-A very noble youth : mark .
-
-What ceremony else ?
-
-Her obsequies have been as far enlarg'd
-As we have warrantise : her death was doubtful ,
-And , but that great command o'ersways the order ,
-She should in ground unsanctified have lodg'd
-Till the last trumpet ; for charitable prayers ,
-Shards , flints , and pebbles should be thrown on her ;
-Yet here she is allow'd her virgin crants ,
-Her maiden strewments , and the bringing home
-Of bell and burial .
-
-Must there no more be done ?
-
-No more be done :
-We should profane the service of the dead ,
-To sing a requiem , and such rest to her
-As to peace-parted souls .
-
-Lay her i' the earth ;
-And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
-May violets spring ! I tell thee , churlish priest ,
-A ministering angel shall my sister be ,
-When thou liest howling .
-
-What ! the fair Ophelia ?
-
-Sweets to the sweet : farewell !
-
-I hop'd thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife ;
-I thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd , sweet maid ,
-And not have strew'd thy grave .
-
-O ! treble woe
-Fall ten times treble on that cursed head
-Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense
-Depriv'd thee of . Hold off the earth awhile ,
-Till I have caught her once more in mine arms .
-
-Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead ,
-Till of this flat a mountain you have made ,
-To o'er-top old Pelion or the skyish head
-Of blue Olympus .
-
-What is he whose grief
-Bears such an emphasis ? whose phrase of sorrow
-Conjures the wandering stars , and makes them stand
-Like wonder-wounded hearers ? this is I ,
-Hamlet the Dane .
-
-
-The devil take thy soul !
-
-
-Thou pray'st not well .
-I prithee , take thy fingers from my throat ;
-For though I am not splenetive and rash
-Yet have I in me something dangerous ,
-Which let thy wisdom fear . Away thy hand !
-
-Pluck them asunder .
-
-Hamlet ! Hamlet !
-
-Gentlemen ,
-
-Good my lord , be quiet .
-
-
-Why , I will fight with him upon this theme
-Until my eyelids will no longer wag .
-
-O my son ! what theme ?
-
-I lov'd Ophelia : forty thousand brothers
-Could not , with all their quantity of love ,
-Make up my sum . What wilt thou do for her ?
-
-O ! he is mad , Laertes .
-
-For love of God , forbear him .
-
-'Swounds , show me what thou'lt do :
-Woo't weep ? woo't fight ? woo't fast ? woo't tear thyself ?
-Woo't drink up eisel ? eat a crocodile ?
-I'll do't . Dost thou come here to whine ?
-To outface me with leaping in her grave ?
-Be buried quick with her , and so will I :
-And , if thou prate of mountains , let them throw
-Millions of acres on us , till our ground ,
-Singeing his pate against the burning zone ,
-Make Ossa like a wart ! Nay , an thou'lt mouth ,
-I'll rant as well as thou .
-
-This is mere madness :
-And thus a while the fit will work on him ;
-Anon , as patient as the female dove ,
-When that her golden couplets are disclos'd ,
-His silence will sit drooping .
-
-Hear you , sir ;
-What is the reason that you use me thus ?
-I lov'd you ever : but it is no matter ;
-Let Hercules himself do what he may ,
-The cat will mew and dog will have his day .
-
-
-I pray you , good Horatio , wait upon him .
-
-Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech ;
-We'll put the matter to the present push .
-Good Gertrude , set some watch over your son .
-This grave shall have a living monument :
-An hour of quiet shortly shall we see ;
-Till then , in patience our proceeding be .
-
-
-So much for this , sir : now shall you see the other ;
-You do remember all the circumstance ?
-
-Remember it , my lord ?
-
-Sir , in my heart there was a kind of fighting
-That would not let me sleep ; methought I lay
-Worse than the mutines in the bilboes . Rashly ,
-And prais'd be rashness for it , let us know ,
-Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well
-When our deep plots do pall ; and that should teach us
-There's a divinity that shapes our ends ,
-Rough-hew them how we will .
-
-That is most certain .
-
-Up from my cabin ,
-My sea-gown scarf'd about me , in the dark
-Grop'd I to find out them , had my desire ,
-Finger'd their packet , and in fine withdrew
-To mine own room again ; making so bold
-My fears forgetting manners to unseal
-Their grand commission ; where I found , Horatio ,
-O royal knavery ! an exact command ,
-Larded with many several sorts of reasons
-Importing Denmark's health , and England's too ,
-With , ho ! such bugs and goblins in my life ,
-That , on the supervise , no leisure bated ,
-No , not to stay the grinding of the axe ,
-My head should be struck off .
-
-Is 't possible ?
-
-Here's the commission : read it at more leisure .
-But wilt thou hear me how I did proceed ?
-
-I beseech you .
-
-Being thus be-netted round with villanies ,
-Ere I could make a prologue to my brains
-They had begun the play ,I sat me down ,
-Devis'd a new commission , wrote it fair ;
-I once did hold it , as our statists do ,
-A baseness to write fair , and labour'd much
-How to forget that learning ; but , sir , now
-It did me yeoman's service . Wilt thou know
-The effect of what I wrote ?
-
-Ay , good my lord .
-
-An earnest conjuration from the king ,
-As England was his faithful tributary ,
-As love between them like the palm should flourish ,
-As peace should still her wheaten garland wear ,
-And stand a comma 'tween their amities ,
-And many such-like 'As'es of great charge ,
-That , on the view and knowing of these contents ,
-Without debatement further , more or less ,
-He should the bearers put to sudden death ,
-Not shriving-time allow'd .
-
-How was this seal'd ?
-
-Why , even in that was heaven ordinant .
-I had my father's signet in my purse ,
-Which was the model of that Danish seal ;
-Folded the writ up in form of the other ,
-Subscrib'd it , gave't th' impression , plac'd it safely ,
-The changeling never known . Now , the next day
-Was our sea-fight , and what to this was sequent
-Thou know'st already .
-
-So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to 't .
-
-Why , man , they did make love to this employment ;
-They are not near my conscience ; their defeat
-Does by their own insinuation grow .
-'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes
-Between the pass and fell-incensed points
-Of mighty opposites .
-
-Why , what a king is this !
-
-Does it not , thinks't thee , stand me now upon
-He that hath kill'd my king and whor'd my mother ,
-Popp'd in between the election and my hopes ,
-Thrown out his angle for my proper life ,
-And with such cozenage is 't not perfect conscience
-To quit him with this arm ? and is 't not to be damn'd
-To let this canker of our nature come
-In further evil ?
-
-It must be shortly known to him from England
-What is the issue of the business there .
-
-It will be short : the interim is mine ;
-And a man's life's no more than to say 'One .'
-But I am very sorry , good Horatio ,
-That to Laertes I forgot myself ;
-For , by the image of my cause , I see
-The portraiture of his : I'll count his favours :
-But , sure , the bravery of his grief did put me
-Into a towering passion .
-
-Peace ! who comes here ?
-
-
-Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark .
-
-I humbly thank you , sir .
-
-Dost know this water-fly ?
-
-No , my good lord .
-
-Thy state is the more gracious ; for 'tis a vice to know him . He hath much land , and fertile : let a beast be lord of beasts , and his crib shall stand at the king's mess : 'tis a chough ; but , as I say , spacious in the possession of dirt .
-
-Sweet lord , if your lordship were at leisure , I should impart a thing to you from his majesty .
-
-I will receive it , sir , with all diligence of spirit . Your bonnet to his right use ; 'tis for the head .
-
-I thank your lordship , 'tis very hot .
-
-No , believe me , 'tis very cold ; the wind is northerly .
-
-It is indifferent cold , my lord , indeed .
-
-But yet methinks it is very sultry and hot for my complexion .
-
-Exceedingly , my lord ; it is very sultry , as 'twere , I cannot tell how . But , my lord , his majesty bade me signify to you that he has laid a great wager on your head . Sir , this is the matter ,
-
-I beseech you , remember
-
-
-Nay , good my lord ; for mine ease , in good faith . Sir , here is newly come to court Laertes ; believe me , an absolute gentleman , full of most excellent differences , of very soft society and great showing ; indeed , to speak feelingly of him , he is the card or calendar of gentry , for you shall find in him the continent of what part a gentleman would see .
-
-Sir , his definement suffers no perdition in you ; though , I know , to divide him inventorially would dizzy the arithmetic of memory , and yet but yaw neither , in respect of his quick sail . But , in the verity of extolment , I take him to be a soul of great article ; and his infusion of such dearth and rareness , as , to make true diction of him , his semblable is his mirror ; and who else would trace him , his umbrage , nothing more .
-
-Your lordship speaks most infallibly of him .
-
-The concernancy , sir ? why do we wrap the gentleman in our more rawer breath ?
-
-Sir ?
-
-Is 't not possible to understand in another tongue ? You will do 't , sir , really .
-
-What imports the nomination of this gentleman ?
-
-Of Laertes ?
-
-His purse is empty already ; all 's golden words are spent .
-
-Of him , sir .
-
-I know you are not ignorant
-
-I would you did , sir ; in faith , if you did , it would not much approve me . Well , sir .
-
-You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is
-
-I dare not confess that , lest I should compare with him in excellence ; but , to know a man well , were to know himself .
-
-I mean , sir , for his weapon ; but in the imputation laid on him by them , in his meed he's unfellowed .
-
-What's his weapon ?
-
-Rapier and dagger .
-
-That's two of his weapons ; but , well .
-
-The king , sir , hath wagered with him six Barbary horses ; against the which he has imponed , as I take it , six French rapiers and poniards , with their assigns , as girdle , hangers , and so : three of the carriages , in faith , are very dear to fancy , very responsive to the hilts , most delicate carriages , and of very liberal conceit .
-
-What call you the carriages ?
-
-I knew you must be edified by the margent , ere you had done .
-
-The carriages , sir , are the hangers .
-
-The phrase would be more german to the matter , if we could carry cannon by our sides ; I would it might be hangers till then . But , on ; six Barbary horses against six French swords , their assigns , and three liberal-conceited carriages ; that's the French bet against the Danish . Why is this 'imponed ,' as you call it ?
-
-The king , sir , hath laid , that in a dozen passes between yourself and him , he shall not exceed you three hits ; he hath laid on twelve for nine , and it would come to immediate trial , if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer .
-
-How if I answer no ?
-
-I mean , my lord , the opposition of your person in trial .
-
-Sir , I will walk here in the hall ; if it please his majesty , 'tis the breathing time of day with me ; let the foils be brought , the gentleman willing , and the king hold his purpose , I will win for him an I can ; if not , I will gain nothing but my shame and the odd hits .
-
-Shall I re-deliver you so ?
-
-To this effect , sir ; after what flourish your nature will .
-
-I commend my duty to your lordship .
-
-Yours , yours .
-
-He does well to commend it himself ; there are no tongues else for 's turn .
-
-This lapwing runs away with the shell on his head .
-
-He did comply with his dug before he sucked it . Thus has he and many more of the same bevy , that I know the drossy age dotes on only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter , a kind of yesty collection which carries them through and through the most fond and winnowed opinions ; and do but blow them to their trial , the bubbles are out .
-
-
-My lord , his majesty commended him to you by young Osric , who brings back to him , that you attend him in the hall ; he sends to know if your pleasure hold to play with Laertes , or that you will take longer time .
-
-I am constant to my purposes ; they follow the king's pleasure : if his fitness speaks , mine is ready ; now , or whensoever , provided I be so able as now .
-
-The king , and queen , and all are coming down .
-
-In happy time .
-
-The queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment to Laertes before you fall to play .
-
-She well instructs me .
-
-
-You will lose this wager , my lord .
-
-I do not think so ; since he went into France , I have been in continual practice ; I shall win at the odds . But thou wouldst not think how ill all 's here about my heart ; but it is no matter .
-
-Nay , good my lord ,
-
-It is but foolery ; but it is such a kind of gain-giving as would perhaps trouble a woman .
-
-If your mind dislike any thing , obey it ; I will forestal their repair hither , and say you are not fit .
-
-Not a whit , we defy augury ; there's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow . If it be now , 'tis not to come ; if it be not to come , it will be now ; if it be not now , yet it will come : the readiness is all . Since no man has aught of what he leaves , what is 't to leave betimes ? Let be .
-
-
-Come , Hamlet , come , and take this hand from me .
-
-
-Give me your pardon , sir ; I've done you wrong ;
-But pardon 't , as you are a gentleman .
-This presence knows ,
-And you must needs have heard , how I am punish'd
-With sore distraction . What I have done ,
-That might your nature , honour and exception
-Roughly awake , I here proclaim was madness .
-Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes ? Never Hamlet :
-If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away ,
-And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes ,
-Then Hamlet does it not ; Hamlet denies it .
-Who does it then ? His madness . If 't be so ,
-Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd ;
-His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy .
-Sir , in this audience ,
-Let my disclaiming from a purpos'd evil
-Free me so far in your most generous thoughts ,
-That I have shot mine arrow o'er the house ,
-And hurt my brother .
-
-I am satisfied in nature ,
-Whose motive , in this case , should stir me most
-To my revenge ; but in my terms of honour
-I stand aloof , and will no reconcilement ,
-Till by some elder masters , of known honour ,
-I have a voice and precedent of peace ,
-To keep my name ungor'd . But till that time ,
-I do receive your offer'd love like love ,
-And will not wrong it .
-
-I embrace it freely ;
-And will this brother's wager frankly play .
-Give us the foils . Come on .
-
-Come , one for me .
-
-I'll be your foil , Laertes ; in mine ignorance
-Your skill shall , like a star i' the darkest night ,
-Stick fiery off indeed .
-
-You mock me , sir .
-
-No , by this hand .
-
-Give them the foils , young Osric . Cousin Hamlet ,
-You know the wager ?
-
-Very well , my lord ;
-Your Grace hath laid the odds o' the weaker side .
-
-I do not fear it ; I have seen you both ;
-But since he is better'd , we have therefore odds .
-
-This is too heavy ; let me see another .
-
-This likes me well . These foils have all a length ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-
-Set me the stoups of wine upon that table .
-If Hamlet give the first or second hit ,
-Or quit in answer of the third exchange ,
-Let all the battlements their ordnance fire ;
-The king shall drink to Hamlet's better breath ;
-And in the cup an union shall he throw ,
-Richer than that which four successive kings
-In Denmark's crown have worn . Give me the cups ;
-And let the kettle to the trumpet speak ,
-The trumpet to the cannoneer without ,
-The cannons to the heavens , the heavens to earth ,
-'Now the king drinks to Hamlet !' Come , begin ;
-And you , the judges , bear a wary eye .
-
-Come on , sir .
-
-Come , my lord .
-
-
-One .
-
-No .
-
-Judgment .
-
-A hit , a very palpable hit .
-
-Well ; again .
-
-Stay ; give me drink . Hamlet , this pearl is thine ;
-Here's to thy health . Give him the cup .
-
-
-I'll play this bout first ; set it by awhile .
-Come .
-
-Another hit ; what say you ?
-
-A touch , a touch , I do confess .
-
-Our son shall win .
-
-He's fat , and scant of breath .
-Here , Hamlet , take my napkin , rub thy brows ;
-The queen carouses to thy fortune , Hamlet .
-
-Good madam !
-
-Gertrude , do not drink .
-
-I will , my lord ; I pray you , pardon me .
-
-It is the poison'd cup ! it is too late .
-
-I dare not drink yet , madam ; by and by .
-
-Come , let me wipe thy face .
-
-My lord , I'll hit him now .
-
-I do not think 't
-
-And yet 'tis almost 'gainst my conscience .
-
-Come , for the third , Laertes . You but dally ;
-I pray you , pass with your best violence .
-I am afeard you make a wanton of me .
-
-Say you so ? come on .
-
-
-Nothing , neither way .
-
-Have at you now .
-
-
-Part them ! they are incens'd
-
-Nay , come , again .
-
-
-Look to the queen there , ho !
-
-They bleed on both sides . How is it , my lord ?
-
-How is it , Laertes ?
-
-Why , as a woodcock to mine own springe , Osric ;
-I am justly kill'd with mine own treachery .
-
-How does the queen ?
-
-She swounds to see them bleed .
-
-No , no , the drink , the drink ,O my dear Hamlet !
-The drink , the drink ; I am poison'd .
-
-
-O villany ! Ho ! let the door be lock'd :
-Treachery ! seek it out .
-
-
-It is here , Hamlet . Hamlet , thou art slain ;
-No medicine in the world can do thee good ;
-In thee there is not half an hour of life ;
-The treacherous instrument is in thy hand ,
-Unbated and envenom'd . The foul practice
-Hath turn'd itself on me ; lo ! here I lie ,
-Never to rise again . Thy mother's poison'd .
-I can no more . The king , the king's to blame .
-
-The point envenom'd tool .
-Then , venom , to thy work .
-
-
-Treason ! treason !
-
-O ! yet defend me , friends ; I am but hurt .
-
-Here , thou incestuous , murderous , damned Dane ,
-Drink off this potion ;is thy union here ?
-Follow my mother .
-
-
-He is justly serv'd ;
-It is a poison temper'd by himself .
-Exchange forgiveness with me , noble Hamlet :
-Mine and my father's death come not upon thee ,
-Nor thine on me !
-
-
-Heaven make thee free of it ! I follow thee .
-I am dead , Horatio . Wretched queen , adieu !
-You that look pale and tremble at this chance ,
-That are but mutes or audience to this act ,
-Had I but time ,as this fell sergeant , death ,
-Is strict in his arrest ,O ! I could tell you
-But let it be . Horatio , I am dead ;
-Thou liv'st ; report me and my cause aright
-To the unsatisfied .
-
-Never believe it ;
-I am more an antique Roman than a Dane :
-Here's yet some liquor left .
-
-As thou'rt a man ,
-Give me the cup : let go ; by heaven , I'll have 't .
-O God ! Horatio , what a wounded name ,
-Things standing thus unknown , shall live behind me .
-If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart ,
-Absent thee from felicity awhile ,
-And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain ,
-To tell my story .
-
-What war-like noise is this ?
-
-Young Fortinbras , with conquest come from Poland ,
-To the ambassadors of England gives
-This war-like volley .
-
-O ! I die , Horatio ;
-The potent poison quite o'er-crows my spirit :
-I cannot live to hear the news from England ,
-But I do prophesy the election lights
-On Fortinbras : he has my dying voice ;
-So tell him , with the occurrents , more and less ,
-Which have solicited The rest is silence .
-
-
-Now cracks a noble heart . Good-night , sweet prince ,
-And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest !
-Why does the drum come hither ?
-
-Where is this sight ?
-
-What is it ye would see ?
-If aught of woe or wonder , cease your search .
-
-This quarry cries on havoc . O proud death !
-What feast is toward in thine eternal cell ,
-That thou so many princes at a shot
-So bloodily hast struck ?
-
-The sight is dismal ;
-And our affairs from England come too late :
-The ears are senseless that should give us hearing ,
-To tell him his commandment is fulfill'd ,
-That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead .
-Where should we have our thanks ?
-
-Not from his mouth ,
-Had it the ability of life to thank you :
-He never gave commandment for their death .
-But since , so jump upon this bloody question ,
-You from the Polack wars , and you from England ,
-Are here arriv'd , give order that these bodies
-High on a stage be placed to the view ;
-And let me speak to the yet unknowing world
-How these things came about : so shall you hear
-Of carnal , bloody , and unnatural acts ,
-Of accidental judgments , casual slaughters ;
-Of deaths put on by cunning and forc'd cause ,
-And , in this upshot , purposes mistook
-Fall'n on the inventors' heads ; all this can I
-Truly deliver .
-
-Let us haste to hear it ,
-And call the noblest to the audience .
-For me , with sorrow I embrace my fortune ;
-I have some rights of memory in this kingdom ,
-Which now to claim my vantage doth invite me .
-
-Of that I shall have also cause to speak ,
-And from his mouth whose voice will draw on more :
-But let this same be presently perform'd ,
-Even while men's minds are wild , lest more mischance
-On plots and errors happen .
-
-Let four captains
-Bear Hamlet , like a soldier , to the stage ;
-For he was likely , had he been put on ,
-To have prov'd most royally : and , for his passage ,
-The soldiers' music and the rites of war
-Speak loudly for him .
-Take up the bodies : such a sight as this
-Becomes the field , but here shows much amiss .
-Go , bid the soldiers shoot .
-
-JULIUS CAESAR
-
-Hence ! home , you idle creatures , get you home :
-Is this a holiday ? What ! know you not ,
-Being mechanical , you ought not walk
-Upon a labouring day without the sign
-Of your profession ? Speak , what trade art thou ?
-
-Why , sir , a carpenter .
-
-Where is thy leather apron , and thy rule ?
-What dost thou with thy best apparel on ?
-You , sir , what trade are you ?
-
-Truly , sir , in respect of a fine workman , I am but , as you would say , a cobbler .
-
-But what trade art thou ? Answer me directly .
-
-A trade , sir , that , I hope , I may use with a safe conscience ; which is , indeed , sir , a mender of bad soles .
-
-What trade , thou knave ? thou naughty knave , what trade ?
-
-Nay , I beseech you , sir , be not out with me : yet , if you be out , sir , I can mend you .
-
-What meanest thou by that ? Mend me , thou saucy fellow !
-
-Why , sir , cobble you .
-
-Thou art a cobbler , art thou ?
-
-Truly , sir , all that I live by is with the awl : I meddle with no tradesman's matters , nor women's matters , but with awl . I am , indeed , sir , a surgeon to old shoes ; when they are in great danger , I recover them . As proper men as ever trod upon neat's leather have gone upon my handiwork .
-
-But wherefore art not in thy shop to-day ?
-Why dost thou lead these men about the streets ?
-
-Truly , sir , to wear out their shoes , to get myself into more work . But , indeed , sir , we make holiday to see C sar and to rejoice in his triumph .
-
-Wherefore rejoice ? What conquest brings he home ?
-What tributaries follow him to Rome
-To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels ?
-You blocks , you stones , you worse than senseless things !
-O you hard hearts , you cruel men of Rome ,
-Knew you not Pompey ? Many a time and oft
-Have you climb'd up to walls and battlements ,
-To towers and windows , yea , to chimney-tops ,
-Your infants in your arms , and there have sat
-The livelong day , with patient expectation ,
-To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome :
-And when you saw his chariot but appear ,
-Have you not made a universal shout ,
-That Tiber trembled underneath her banks ,
-To hear the replication of your sounds
-Made in her concave shores ?
-And do you now put on your best attire ?
-And do you now cull out a holiday ?
-And do you now strew flowers in his way ,
-That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood ?
-Be gone !
-Run to your houses , fall upon your knees ,
-Pray to the gods to intermit the plague
-That needs must light on this ingratitude .
-
-Go , go , good countrymen , and , for this fault
-Assemble all the poor men of your sort ;
-Draw them to Tiber banks , and weep your tears
-Into the channel , till the lowest stream
-Do kiss the most exalted shores of all .
-
-See whe'r their basest metal be not mov'd ;
-They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness .
-Go you down that way towards the Capitol ;
-This way will I . Disrobe the images
-If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies .
-
-May we do so ?
-You know it is the feast of Lupercal .
-
-It is no matter ; let no images
-Be hung with C sar's trophies . I'll about
-And drive away the vulgar from the streets :
-So do you too where you perceive them thick .
-These growing feathers pluck'd from C sar's wing
-Will make him fly an ordinary pitch ,
-Who else would soar above the view of men
-And keep us all in servile fearfulness .
-
-
-Calphurnia !
-
-Peace , ho ! C sar speaks .
-
-
-Calphurnia !
-
-Here , my lord .
-
-Stand you directly in Antonius' way
-When he doth run his course . Antonius !
-
-C sar , my lord .
-
-Forget not , in your speed , Antonius ,
-To touch Calphurnia ; for our elders say ,
-The barren , touched in this holy chase ,
-Shake off their sterile curse .
-
-I shall remember :
-When C sar says 'Do this ,' it is perform'd .
-
-Set on ; and leave no ceremony out .
-
-
-C sar !
-
-Ha ! Who calls ?
-
-Bid every noise be still : peace yet again !
-
-
-Who is it in the press that calls on me ?
-I hear a tongue , shriller than all the music ,
-Cry 'C sar .' Speak ; C sar is turn'd to hear .
-
-Beware the ides of March .
-
-What man is that ?
-
-A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March .
-
-Set him before me ; let me see his face .
-
-Fellow , come from the throng ; look upon C sar .
-
-What sayst thou to me now ? Speak once again .
-
-Beware the ides of March .
-
-He is a dreamer ; let us leave him : pass .
-
-
-Will you go see the order of the course ?
-
-Not I .
-
-I pray you , do .
-
-I am not gamesome : I do lack some part
-Of that quick spirit that is in Antony .
-Let me not hinder , Cassius , your desires ;
-I'll leave you .
-
-Brutus , I do observe you now of late :
-I have not from your eyes that gentleness
-And show of love as I was wont to have :
-You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
-Over your friend that loves you .
-
-Cassius ,
-Be not deceiv'd : if I have veil'd my look ,
-I turn the trouble of my countenance
-Merely upon myself . Vexed I am
-Of late with passions of some difference ,
-Conceptions only proper to myself ,
-Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviours ;
-But let not therefore my good friends be griev'd ,
-Among which number , Cassius , be you one ,
-Nor construe any further my neglect ,
-Than that poor Brutus , with himself at war ,
-Forgets the shows of love to other men .
-
-Then , Brutus , I have much mistook your passion ;
-By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
-Thoughts of great value , worthy cogitations .
-Tell me , good Brutus , can you see your face ?
-
-No , Cassius ; for the eye sees not itself ,
-But by reflection , by some other things .
-
-'Tis just :
-And it is very much lamented , Brutus ,
-That you have no such mirrors as will turn
-Your hidden worthiness into your eye ,
-That you might see your shadow . I have heard ,
-Where many of the best respect in Rome ,
-Except immortal C sar ,speaking of Brutus ,
-And groaning underneath this age's yoke ,
-Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes .
-
-Into what dangers would you lead me , Cassius ,
-That you would have me seek into myself
-For that which is not in me ?
-
-Therefore , good Brutus , be prepar'd to hear ;
-And , since you know you cannot see yourself
-So well as by reflection , I , your glass ,
-Will modestly discover to yourself
-That of yourself which you yet know not of .
-And be not jealous on me , gentle Brutus :
-Were I a common laugher , or did use
-To stale with ordinary oaths my love
-To every new protester ; if you know
-That I do fawn on men and hug them hard ,
-And after scandal them ; or if you know
-That I profess myself in banqueting
-To all the rout , then hold me dangerous .
-
-
-What means this shouting ? I do fear the people
-Choose C sar for their king .
-
-Ay , do you fear it ?
-Then must I think you would not have it so .
-
-I would not , Cassius ; yet I love him well .
-But wherefore do you hold me here so long ?
-What is it that you would impart to me ?
-If it be aught toward the general good ,
-Set honour in one eye and death i' the other ,
-And I will look on both indifferently ;
-For let the gods so speed me as I love
-The name of honour more than I fear death .
-
-I know that virtue to be in you , Brutus ,
-As well as I do know your outward favour .
-Well , honour is the subject of my story .
-I cannot tell what you and other men
-Think of this life ; but , for my single self ,
-I had as lief not be as live to be
-In awe of such a thing as I myself .
-I was born free as C sar ; so were you :
-We both have fed as well , and we can both
-Endure the winter's cold as well as he :
-For once , upon a raw and gusty day ,
-The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores ,
-C sar said to me , 'Dar'st thou , Cassius , now
-Leap in with me into this angry flood ,
-And swim to yonder point ?' Upon the word ,
-Accoutred as I was , I plunged in
-And bade him follow ; so , indeed he did .
-The torrent roar'd , and we did buffet it
-With lusty sinews , throwing it aside
-And stemming it with hearts of controversy ;
-But ere we could arrive the point propos'd ,
-C sar cried , 'Help me , Cassius , or I sink !'
-I , as neas , our great ancestor ,
-Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
-The old Anchises bear , so from the waves of Tiber
-Did I the tired C sar . And this man
-Is now become a god , and Cassius is
-A wretched creature and must bend his body
-If C sar carelessly but nod on him .
-He had a fever when he was in Spain ,
-And when the fit was on him , I did mark
-How he did shake ; 'tis true , this god did shake ;
-His coward lips did from their colour fly ,
-And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
-Did lose his lustre ; I did hear him groan ;
-Ay , and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
-Mark him and write his speeches in their books ,
-Alas ! it cried , 'Give me some drink , Titinius ,'
-As a sick girl . Ye gods , it doth amaze me ,
-A man of such a feeble temper should
-So get the start of the majestic world ,
-And bear the palm alone .
-
-
-Another general shout !
-I do believe that these applauses are
-For some new honours that are heaped on C sar .
-
-Why , man , he doth bestride the narrow world
-Like a Colossus ; and we petty men
-Walk under his huge legs , and peep about
-To find ourselves dishonourable graves .
-Men at some time are masters of their fates :
-The fault , dear Brutus , is not in our stars ,
-But in ourselves , that we are underlings .
-Brutus and C sar : what should be in that 'C sar ?'
-Why should that name be sounded more than yours ?
-Write them together , yours is as fair a name ;
-Sound them , it doth become the mouth as well ;
-Weigh them , it is as heavy ; conjure with 'em ,
-'Brutus' will start a spirit as soon as 'C sar .'
-Now , in the names of all the gods at once ,
-Upon what meat doth this our C sar feed ,
-That he is grown so great ? Age , thou art sham'd !
-Rome , thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods !
-When went there by an age , since the great flood ,
-But it was fam'd with more than with one man ?
-When could they say , till now , that talk'd of Rome ,
-That her wide walls encompass'd but one man ?
-Now is it Rome indeed and room enough ,
-When there is in it but one only man .
-O ! you and I have heard our fathers say ,
-There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
-Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
-As easily as a king .
-
-That you do love me , I am nothing jealous ;
-What you would work me to , I have some aim :
-How I have thought of this and of these times ,
-I shall recount hereafter ; for this present ,
-I would not , so with love I might entreat you ,
-Be any further mov'd . What you have said
-I will consider ; what you have to say
-I will with patience hear , and find a time
-Both meet to hear and answer such high things .
-Till then , my noble friend , chew upon this :
-Brutus had rather be a villager
-Than to repute himself a son of Rome
-Under these hard conditions as this time
-Is like to lay upon us .
-
-I am glad
-That my weak words have struck but thus much show
-Of fire from Brutus .
-
-The games are done and C sar is returning .
-
-As they pass by , pluck Casca by the sleeve ,
-And he will , after his sour fashion , tell you
-What hath proceeded worthy note to-day .
-
-
-I will do so . But , look you , Cassius ,
-The angry spot doth glow on C sar's brow ,
-And all the rest look like a chidden train :
-Calphurnia's cheek is pale , and Cicero
-Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
-As we have seen him in the Capitol ,
-Being cross'd in conference by some senators .
-
-Casca will tell us what the matter is .
-
-Antonius !
-
-C sar .
-
-Let me have men about me that are fat ;
-Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights .
-Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look ;
-He thinks too much : such men are dangerous :
-
-Fear him not , C sar , he's not dangerous ;
-He is a noble Roman , and well given .
-
-Would he were fatter ! but I fear him not :
-Yet if my name were liable to fear ,
-I do not know the man I should avoid
-So soon as that spare Cassius . He reads much ;
-He is a great observer , and he looks
-Quite through the deeds of men ; he loves no plays ,
-As thou dost , Antony ; he hears no music ;
-Seldom he smiles , and smiles in such a sort
-As if he mock'd himself , and scorn'd his spirit
-That could be mov'd to smile at any thing .
-Such men as he be never at heart's ease
-Whiles they behold a greater than themselves ,
-And therefore are they very dangerous .
-I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd
-Than what I fear , for always I am C sar .
-Come on my right hand , for this ear is deaf ,
-And tell me truly what thou think'st of him .
-
-
-You pull'd me by the cloak ; would you speak with me ?
-
-Ay , Casca ; tell us what hath chanc'd to-day ,
-That C sar looks so sad .
-
-Why , you were with him , were you not ?
-
-I should not then ask Casca what had chanc'd .
-
-Why , there was a crown offered him ; and , being offered him , he put it by with the back of his hand , thus ; and then the people fell a-shouting .
-
-What was the second noise for ?
-
-Why , for that too .
-
-They shouted thrice : what was the last cry for ?
-
-Why , for that too .
-
-Was the crown offered him thrice ?
-
-Ay , marry , was 't , and he put it by thrice , everytime gentler than other ; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted .
-
-Who offered him the crown ?
-
-Why , Antony .
-
-Tell us the manner of it , gentle Casca .
-
-I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it : it was mere foolery ; I did not mark it . I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown ; yet 'twas not a crown neither , 'twas one of these coronets ; and , as I told you , he put it by once ; but , for all that , to my thinking , he would fain have had it . Then he offered it to him again ; then he put it by again ; but , to my thinking , he was very loath to lay his fingers off it . And then he offered it the third time ; he put it the third time by ; and still as he refused it the rabblement shouted and clapped their chopped hands , and threw up their sweaty night-caps , and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because C sar refused the crown , that it had almost choked C sar ; for he swounded and fell down at it : and for mine own part , I durst not laugh , for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air .
-
-But soft , I pray you : what ! did C sar swound ?
-
-He fell down in the market-place , and foamed at mouth , and was speechless .
-
-'Tis very like : he hath the falling-sickness .
-
-No , C sar hath it not ; but you , and I , And honest Casca , we have the falling-sickness .
-
-I know not what you mean by that ; but I am sure C sar fell down . If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him , according as he pleased and displeased them , as they use to do the players in the theatre , I am no true man .
-
-What said he , when he came unto himself ?
-
-Marry , before he fell down , when he perceiv'd the common herd was glad he refused the crown , he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut . An I had been a man of any occupation , if I would not have taken him at a word , I would I might go to hell among the rogues . And so he fell . When he came to himself again , he said , if he had done or said any thing amiss , he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity . Three or four wenches , where I stood , cried , 'Alas ! good soul ,' and forgave him with all their hearts : but there's no head to be taken of them ; if C sar had stabbed their mothers , they would have done no less .
-
-And after that he came , thus sad , away ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Did Cicero say any thing ?
-
-Ay , he spoke Greek .
-
-To what effect ?
-
-Nay , an I tell you that , I'll ne'er look you i' the face again ; but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads ; but , for mine own part , it was Greek to me . I could tell you more news too ; Marullus and Flavius , for pulling scarfs off C sar's images , are put to silence . Fare you well . There was more foolery yet , if I could remember it .
-
-Will you sup with me to-night , Casca ?
-
-No , I am promised forth .
-
-Will you dine with me to-morrow ?
-
-Ay , if I be alive , and your mind hold , and your dinner worth the eating .
-
-Good ; I will expect you .
-
-Do so . Farewell , both .
-
-
-What a blunt fellow is this grown to be !
-He was quick mettle when he went to school .
-
-So is he now in execution
-Of any bold or noble enterprise ,
-However he puts on this tardy form .
-This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit ,
-Which gives men stomach to digest his words
-With better appetite .
-
-And so it is . For this time I will leave you :
-To-morrow , if you please to speak with me ,
-I will come home to you ; or , if you will ,
-Come home to me , and I will wait for you .
-
-I will do so : till then , think of the world .
-
-Well , Brutus , thou art noble ; yet , I see ,
-Thy honourable metal may be wrought
-From that it is dispos'd : therefore 'tis meet
-That noble minds keep ever with their likes ;
-For who so firm that cannot be seduc'd ?
-C sar doth bear me hard ; but he loves Brutus :
-If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius
-He should not humour me . I will this night ,
-In several hands , in at his windows throw ,
-As if they came from several citizens ,
-Writings all tending to the great opinion
-That Rome holds of his name ; wherein obscurely
-C sar's ambition shall be glanced at :
-And after this let C sar seat him sure ;
-For we will shake him , or worse days endure .
-
-
-Good even , Casca : brought you C sar home ?
-Why are you breathless ? and why stare you so ?
-
-Are not you mov'd , when all the sway of earth
-Shakes like a thing unfirm ? O Cicero !
-I have seen tempests , when the scolding winds
-Have riv'd the knotty oaks ; and I have seen
-The ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam ,
-To be exalted with the threat'ning clouds :
-But never till to-night , never till now ,
-Did I go through a tempest dropping fire .
-Either there is a civil strife in heaven ,
-Or else the world , too saucy with the gods ,
-Incenses them to send destruction .
-
-Why , saw you any thing more wonderful ?
-
-A common slave you know him well by sight
-Held up his left hand , which did flame and burn
-Like twenty torches join'd ; and yet his hand ,
-Not sensible of fire , remain'd unscorch'd .
-Besides ,I have not since put up my sword ,
-Against the Capitol I met a hon ,
-Who glar'd upon me , and went surly by ,
-Without annoying me ; and there were drawn
-Upon a heap a hundred ghastly women ,
-Transformed with their fear , who swore they saw
-Men all in fire walk up and down the streets .
-And yesterday the bird of night did sit ,
-Even at noon-day , upon the market-place ,
-Hooting and shrieking . When these prodigies
-Do so conjointly meet , let not men say
-'These are their reasons , they are natural ;'
-For , I believe , they are portentous things
-Unto the climate that they point upon .
-
-Indeed , it is a strange-disposed time :
-But men may construe things after their fashion ,
-Clean from the purpose of the things themselves .
-Comes C sar to the Capitol to-morrow ?
-
-He doth ; for he did bid Antonius
-Send word to you he would be there to-morrow .
-
-Good-night then , Casca : this disturbed sky
-Is not to walk in .
-
-Farewell , Cicero .
-
-Who's there ?
-
-A Roman .
-
-Casca , by your voice .
-
-Your ear is good . Cassius , what night is this !
-
-A very pleasing night to honest men .
-
-Who ever knew the heavens menace so ?
-
-Those that have known the earth so full of faults .
-For my part , I have walk'd about the streets ,
-Submitting me unto the perilous night ,
-And , thus unbraced , Casca , as you see ,
-Have bar'd my bosom to the thunder-stone ;
-And , when the cross blue lightning seem'd to open
-The breast of heaven , I did present myself
-Even in the aim and very flash of it .
-
-But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens ?
-It is the part of men to fear and tremble
-When the most mighty gods by tokens send
-Such dreadful heralds to astonish us .
-
-You are dull , Casca , and those sparks of life
-That should be in a Roman you do want ,
-Or else you use not . You look pale , and gaze ,
-And put on fear , and cast yourself in wonder ,
-To see the strange impatience of the heavens ;
-But if you would consider the true cause
-Why all these fires , why all these gliding ghosts ,
-Why birds and beasts , from quality and kind ;
-Why old men , fools , and children calculate ;
-Why all these things change from their ordinance ,
-Their natures , and pre-formed faculties ,
-To monstrous quality , why , you shall find
-That heaven hath infus'd them with these spirits
-To make them instruments of fear and warning
-Unto some monstrous state .
-Now could I , Casca , name to thee a man
-Most like this dreadful night ,
-That thunders , lightens , opens graves , and roars
-As doth the lion in the Capitol ,
-A man no mightier than thyself or me
-In personal action , yet prodigious grown
-And fearful as these strange eruptions are .
-
-'Tis C sar that you mean ; is it not , Cassius ?
-
-Let it be who it is : for Romans now
-Have thews and limbs like to their ancestors ;
-But , woe the while ! our fathers' minds are dead ,
-And we are govern'd with our mothers' spirits ;
-Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish .
-
-Indeed , they say the senators to-morrow
-Mean to establish C sar as a king ;
-And he shall wear his crown by sea and land ,
-In every place , save here in Italy .
-
-I know where I will wear this dagger then ;
-Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius :
-Therein , ye gods , you make the weak most strong ;
-Therein , ye gods , you tyrants do defeat :
-Nor stony tower , nor walls of beaten brass ,
-Nor airless dungeon , nor strong links of iron ,
-Can be retentive to the strength of spirit ;
-But life , being weary of those worldly bars ,
-Never lacks power to dismiss itself .
-If I know this , know all the world besides ,
-That part of tyranny that I do bear
-I can shake off at pleasure .
-
-
-So can I :
-So every bondman in his own hand bears
-The power to cancel his captivity .
-
-And why should C sar be a tyrant then ?
-Poor man ! I know he would not be a wolf
-But that he sees the Romans are but sheep ;
-He were no lion were not Romans hinds .
-Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
-Begin it with weak straws ; what trash is Rome ,
-What rubbish , and what offal , when it serves
-For the base matter to illuminate
-So vile a thing as C sar ! But , O grief !
-Where hast thou led me ? I , perhaps , speak this
-Before a willing bondman ; then I know
-My answer must be made : but I am arm'd ,
-And dangers are to me indifferent .
-
-You speak to Casca , and to such a man
-That is no fleering tell-tale . Hold , my hand :
-Be factious for redress of all these griefs ,
-And I will set this foot of mine as far
-As who goes furthest .
-
-There's a bargain made .
-Now know you , Casca , I have mov'd already
-Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
-To undergo with me an enterprise
-Of honourable-dangerous consequence ;
-And I do know by this they stay for me
-In Pompey's porch : for now , this fearful night ,
-There is no stir , or walking in the streets ;
-And the complexion of the element
-In favour's like the work we have in hand ,
-Most bloody , fiery , and most terrible .
-
-Stand close awhile , for here comes one in haste .
-
-'Tis Cinna ; I do know him by his gait :
-He is a friend .
-
-Cinna , where haste you so ?
-
-To find out you . Who's that ? Metellus Cimber ?
-
-No , it is Casca ; one incorporate
-To our attempts . Am I not stay'd for , Cinna ?
-
-I am glad on 't . What a fearful night is this !
-There's two or three of us have seen strange sights .
-
-Am I not stay'd for ? Tell me .
-
-Yes , you are .
-O Cassius ! if you could
-But win the noble Brutus to our party
-
-Be you content . Good Cinna , take this paper ,
-And look you lay it in the pr tor's chair ,
-Where Brutus may but find it ; and throw this
-In at his window ; set this up with wax
-Upon old Brutus' statue : all this done ,
-Repair to Pompey's porch , where you shall find us .
-Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there ?
-
-All but Metellus Cimber ; and he's gone
-To seek you at your house . Well , I will hie ,
-And so bestow these papers as you bade me .
-
-That done , repair to Pompey's theatre .
-
-Come , Casca , you and I will yet ere day
-See Brutus at his house : three parts of him
-Is ours already , and the man entire
-Upon the next encounter yields him ours .
-
-O ! he sits high in all the people's hearts :
-And that which would appear offence in us ,
-His countenance , like richest alchemy ,
-Will change to virtue and to worthiness .
-
-Him and his worth and our great need of him
-You have right well conceited . Let us go ,
-For it is after midnight ; and ere day
-We will awake him and be sure of him .
-
-What , Lucius ! ho !
-I cannot , by the progress of the stars ,
-Give guess how near to day . Lucius , I say !
-I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly .
-When , Lucius , when ! Awake , I say ! what , Lucius !
-
-
-Call'd you , my lord ?
-
-Get me a taper in my study , Lucius :
-When it is lighted , come and call me here .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-
-It must be by his death : and , for my part ,
-I know no personal cause to spurn at him ,
-But for the general . He would be crown'd :
-How that might change his nature , there's the question :
-It is the bright day that brings forth the adder ;
-And that craves wary walking . Crown him ?that !
-And then , I grant , we put a sting in him ,
-That at his will he may do danger with .
-The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins
-Remorse from power ; and , to speak truth of C sar ,
-I have not known when his affections sway'd
-More than his reason . But 'tis a common proof ,
-That lowliness is young ambition's ladder ,
-Whereto the climber-upward turns his face ;
-But when he once attains the upmost round ,
-He then unto the ladder turns his back ,
-Looks in the clouds , scorning the base degrees
-By which he did ascend . So C sar may :
-Then , lest he may , prevent . And , since the quarrel
-Will bear no colour for the thing he is ,
-Fashion it thus ; that what he is , augmented ,
-Would run to these and these extremities ;
-And therefore think him as a serpent's egg
-Which , hatch'd , would , as his kind , grow mischievous ,
-And kill him in the shell .
-
-
-The taper burneth in your closet , sir .
-Searching the window for a flint , I found
-This paper , thus seal'd up ; and I am sure
-It did not lie there when I went to bed .
-
-Get you to bed again ; it is not day .
-Is not to-morrow , boy , the ides of March ?
-
-I know not , sir .
-
-Look in the calendar , and bring me word .
-
-I will , sir .
-
-
-The exhalations whizzing in the air
-Give so much light that I may read by them .
-
-Brutus , thou sleep'st : awake and see thyself .
-Shall Rome , &c . Speak , strike , redress !
-Brutus , thou sleep'st : awake !
-Such instigations have been often dropp'd
-Where I have took them up .
-'Shall Rome , &c .' Thus must I piece it out :
-Shall Rome stand under one man's awe ? What , Rome ?
-My ancestors did from the streets of Rome
-The Tarquin drive , when he was call'd a king .
-'Speak , strike , redress !' Am I entreated
-To speak , and strike ? O Rome ! I make thee promise ;
-If the redress will follow , thou receiv'st
-Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus !
-
-
-Sir , March is wasted fourteen days .
-
-
-'Tis good . Go to the gate : somebody knocks .
-
-Since Cassius first did whet me against C sar ,
-I have not slept .
-Between the acting of a dreadful thing
-And the first motion , all the interim is
-Like a phantasma , or a hideous dream :
-The genius and the mortal instruments
-Are then in council ; and the state of man ,
-Like to a little kingdom , suffers then
-The nature of an insurrection .
-
-
-Sir , 'tis your brother Cassius at the door ,
-Who doth desire to see you .
-
-Is he alone ?
-
-No , sir , there are more with him .
-
-Do you know them ?
-
-No , sir ; their hats are pluck'd about their ears ,
-And half their faces buried in their cloaks ,
-That by no means I may discover them
-By any mark of favour .
-
-Let 'em enter .
-
-They are the faction . O conspiracy !
-Sham'st thou to show thy dangerous brow by night ,
-When evils are most free ? O ! then by day
-Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
-To mask thy monstrous visage ? Seek none , conspiracy ;
-Hide it in smiles and affability :
-For if thou path , thy native semblance on ,
-Not Erebus itself were dim enough
-To hide thee from prevention .
-
-
-I think we are too bold upon your rest :
-Good morrow , Brutus ; do we trouble you ?
-
-I have been up this hour , awake all night .
-Know I these men that come along with you ?
-
-Yes , every man of them ; and no man here
-But honours you ; and every one doth wish
-You had but that opinion of yourself
-Which every noble Roman bears of you .
-This is Trebonius .
-
-He is welcome hither .
-
-This , Decius Brutus .
-
-He is welcome too .
-
-This , Casca ; this , Cinna ;
-And this , Metellus Cimber .
-
-They are all welcome .
-What watchful cares do interpose themselves
-Betwixt your eyes and night ?
-
-Shall I entreat a word ?
-
-
-Here lies the east : doth not the day break here ?
-
-No .
-
-O ! pardon , sir , it doth ; and yon grey lines
-That fret the clouds are messengers of day .
-
-You shall confess that you are both deceiv'd .
-Here , as I point my sword , the sun arises ;
-Which is a great way growing on the south ,
-Weighing the youthful season of the year .
-Some two months hence up higher toward the north
-He first presents his fire ; and the high east
-Stands , as the Capitol , directly here .
-
-Give me your hands all over , one by one .
-
-And let us swear our resolution .
-
-No , not an oath : if not the face of men ,
-The sufferance of our souls , the time's abuse ,
-If these be motives weak , break off betimes ,
-And every man hence to his idle bed ;
-So let high-sighted tyranny range on ,
-Till each man-drop by lottery . But if these ,
-As I am sure they do , bear fire enough
-To kindle cowards and to steel with valour
-The melting spirits of women , then , countrymen ,
-What need we any spur but our own cause
-To prick us to redress ? what other bond
-Than secret Romans , that have spoke the word
-And will not palter ? and what other oath
-Than honesty to honesty engag'd ,
-That this shall be , or we will fall for it ?
-Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous ,
-Old feeble carrions and such suffering souls
-That welcome wrongs ; unto bad causes swear
-Such creatures as men doubt ; but do not stain
-The even virtue of our enterprise ,
-Nor th' insuppressive mettle of our spirits ,
-To think that or our cause or our performance
-Did need an oath ; when every drop of blood
-That every Roman bears , and nobly bears ,
-Is guilty of a several bastardy ,
-If he do break the smallest particle
-Of any promise that hath pass'd from him .
-
-But what of Cicero ? Shall we sound him ?
-I think he will stand very strong with us .
-
-Let us not leave him out .
-
-No , by no means .
-
-O ! let us have him ; for his silver hairs
-Will purchase us a good opinion
-And buy men's voices to commend our deeds :
-It shall be said his judgment rul'd our hands ;
-Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear ,
-But all be buried in his gravity .
-
-O ! name him not : let us not break with him ;
-For he will never follow any thing
-That other men begin .
-
-Then leave him out .
-
-Indeed he is not fit .
-
-Shall no man else be touch'd but only C sar ?
-
-Decius , well urg'd . I think it is not meet ,
-Mark Antony , so well belov'd of C sar ,
-Should outlive C sar : we shall find of him
-A shrewd contriver ; and , you know , his means ,
-If he improve them , may well stretch so far
-As to annoy us all ; which to prevent ,
-Let Antony and C sar fall together .
-
-Our course will seem too bloody , Caius Cassius ,
-To cut the head off and then hack the limbs ,
-Like wrath in death and envy afterwards ;
-For Antony is but a limb of C sar .
-Let us be sacrificers , but not butchers , Caius .
-We all stand up against the spirit of C sar ;
-And in the spirit of men there is no blood :
-O ! then that we could come by C sar's spirit ,
-And not dismember C sar . But , alas !
-C sar must bleed for it . And , gentle friends ,
-Let's kill him boldly , but not wrathfully ;
-Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods ,
-Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds :
-And let our hearts , as subtle masters do ,
-Stir up their servants to an act of rage ,
-And after seem to chide 'em . This shall make
-Our purpose necessary and not envious ;
-Which so appearing to the common eyes ,
-We shall be call'd purgers , not murderers .
-And , for Mark Antony , think not of him ;
-For he can do no more than C sar's arm
-When C sar's head is off .
-
-Yet I fear him ;
-For in the engrafted love he bears to C sar
-
-Alas ! good Cassius , do not think of him :
-If he love C sar , all that he can do
-Is to himself , take thought and die for C sar :
-And that were much he should ; for he is given
-To sports , to wildness , and much company .
-
-There is no fear in him ; let him not die :
-For he will live , and laugh at this hereafter .
-
-
-Peace ! count the clock .
-
-The clock hath stricken three .
-
-'Tis time to part .
-
-But it is doubtful yet
-Whether C sar will come forth to-day or no ;
-For he is superstitious grown of late ,
-Quite from the main opinion he held once
-Of fantasy , of dreams , and ceremonies .
-It may be , these apparent prodigies ,
-The unaccustom'd terror of this night ,
-And the persuasion of his augurers ,
-May hold him from the Capitol to-day .
-
-Never fear that : if he be so resolv'd ,
-I can o'ersway him ; for he loves to hear
-That unicorns may be betray'd with trees ,
-And bears with glasses , elephants with holes ,
-Lions with toils , and men with flatterers ;
-But when I tell him he hates flatterers ,
-He says he does , being then most flattered .
-Let me work ;
-For I can give his humour the true bent ,
-And I will bring him to the Capitol .
-
-Nay , we will all of us be there to fetch him .
-
-By the eighth hour : is that the uttermost ?
-
-Be that the uttermost , and fail not then .
-
-Caius Ligarius doth bear C sar hard ,
-Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey :
-I wonder none of you have thought of him .
-
-Now , good Metellus , go along by him :
-He loves me well , and I have given him reasons ;
-Send him but hither , and I'll fashion him .
-
-The morning comes upon 's : we'll leave you , Brutus .
-And , friends , disperse yourselves ; but all remember
-What you have said , and show yourselves true Romans .
-
-Good gentlemen , look fresh and merrily ;
-Let not our looks put on our purposes ,
-But bear it as our Roman actors do ,
-With untir'd spirits and formal constancy :
-And so good morrow to you every one .
-
-Boy ! Lucius ! Fast asleep ? It is no matter ;
-Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber :
-Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies
-Which busy care draws in the brains of men ;
-Therefore thou sleep'st so sound .
-
-
-Brutus , my lord !
-
-Portia , what mean you ? Wherefore rise you now ?
-It is not for your health thus to commit
-Your weak condition to the raw cold morning .
-
-Nor for yours neither . You've ungently , Brutus ,
-Stole from my bed ; and yesternight at supper
-You suddenly arose , and walk'd about ,
-Musing and sighing , with your arms across ,
-And when I ask'd you what the matter was ,
-You star'd upon me with ungentle looks .
-I urg'd you further ; then you scratch'd your head ,
-And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot ;
-Yet I insisted , yet you answer'd not ,
-But , with an angry wafture of your hand .
-Gave sign for me to leave you . So I did ,
-Fearing to strengthen that impatience
-Which seem'd too much enkindled , and withal
-Hoping it was but an effect of humour ,
-Which sometime hath his hour with every man .
-It will not let you eat , nor talk , nor sleep ,
-And could it work so much upon your shape
-As it hath much prevail'd on your condition ,
-I should not know you , Brutus . Dear my lord ,
-Make me acquainted with your cause of grief .
-
-I am not well in health , and that is all .
-
-Brutus is wise , and were he not in health ,
-He would embrace the means to come by it .
-
-Why , so I do . Good Portia , go to bed .
-
-Is Brutus sick , and is it physical
-To walk unbraced and suck up the humours
-Of the dank morning ? What ! is Brutus sick ,
-And will he steal out of his wholesome bed
-To dare the vile contagion of the night ,
-And tempt the rheumy and unpurged air
-To add unto his sickness ? No , my Brutus ;
-You have some sick offence within your mind ,
-Which , by the right and virtue of my place ,
-I ought to know of ; and , upon my knees ,
-I charm you , by my once-commended beauty ,
-By all your vows of love , and that great vow
-Which did incorporate and make us one ,
-That you unfold to me , your self , your half ,
-Why are you heavy , and what men to-night
-Have had resort to you ; for here have been
-Some six or seven , who did hide their faces
-Even from darkness .
-
-Kneel not , gentle Portia .
-
-I should not need , if you were gentle Brutus .
-Within the bond of marriage , tell me , Brutus ,
-Is it excepted , I should know no secrets
-That appertain to you ? Am I yourself
-But , as it were , in sort of limitation ,
-To keep with you at meals , comfort your bed ,
-And talk to you sometimes ? Dwell I but in the suburbs
-Of your good pleasure ? If it be no more ,
-Portia is Brutus' harlot , not his wife .
-
-You are my true and honourable wife ,
-As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
-That visit my sad heart .
-
-If this were true then should I know this secret .
-I grant I am a woman , but , withal ,
-A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife ;
-I grant I am a woman , but , withal ,
-A woman well-reputed , Cato's daughter .
-Think you I am no stronger than my sex ,
-Being so father'd and so husbanded ?
-Tell me your counsels , I will not disclose 'em .
-I have made strong proof of my constancy ,
-Giving myself a voluntary wound
-Here , in the thigh : can I bear that with patience
-And not my husband's secrets ?
-
-O ye gods !
-Render me worthy of this noble wife .
-
-Hark , hark ! one knocks . Portia , go in awhile ;
-And by and by thy bosom shall partake
-The secrets of my heart .
-All my engagements I will construe to thee ,
-All the charactery of my sad brows .
-Leave me with haste .
-
-Lucius , who's that knocks ?
-
-
-Here is a sick man that would speak with you .
-
-Caius Ligarius , that Metellus spoke of .
-Boy , stand aside . Caius Ligarius ! how ?
-
-Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue .
-
-O ! what a time have you chose out , brave Caius ,
-To wear a kerchief . Would you were not sick .
-
-I am not sick if Brutus have in hand
-Any exploit worthy the name of honour .
-
-Such an exploit have I in hand , Ligarius ,
-Had you a healthful ear to hear of it .
-
-By all the gods that Romans bow before
-I here discard my sickness . Soul of Rome !
-Brave son , deriv'd from honourable loins !
-Thou , like an exorcist , hast conjur'd up
-My mortified spirit . Now bid me run ,
-And I will strive with things impossible ;
-Yea , get the better of them . What's to do ?
-
-A piece of work that will make sick men whole .
-
-But are not some whole that we must make sick ?
-
-That must we also . What it is , my Caius ,
-I shall unfold to thee as we are going
-To whom it must be done .
-
-Set on your foot ,
-And with a heart new-fir'd I follow you ,
-To do I know not what ; but it sufficeth
-That Brutus leads me on .
-
-Follow me then .
-
-
-Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night :
-Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out ,
-'Help , ho ! They murder C sar !' Who's within ?
-
-
-My lord !
-
-Go bid the priests do present sacrifice ,
-And bring me their opinions of success .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-What mean you , C sar ? Think you to walk forth ?
-You shall not stir out of your house to-day .
-
-C sar shall forth : the things that threaten'd me
-Ne'er look'd but on my back ; when they shall see
-The face of C sar , they are vanished .
-
-C sar , I never stood on ceremonies ,
-Yet now they fright me . There is one within ,
-Besides the things that we have heard and seen ,
-Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch .
-A lioness hath whelped in the streets ;
-And graves have yawn'd and yielded up their dead ;
-Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds ,
-In ranks and squadrons and right form of war ,
-Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol ;
-The noise of battle hurtled in the air ,
-Horses did neigh , and dying men did groan ,
-And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets .
-O C sar ! these things are beyond all use ,
-And I do fear them .
-
-What can be avoided
-Whose end is purpos'd by the mighty gods ?
-Yet C sar shall go forth ; for these predictions
-Are to the world in general as to C sar .
-
-When beggars die there are no comets seen ;
-The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes .
-
-Cowards die many times before their deaths ;
-The valiant never taste of death but once .
-Of all the wonders that I yet have heard ,
-It seems to me most strange that men should fear ;
-Seeing that death , a necessary end ,
-Will come when it will come .
-
-What say the augurers ?
-
-They would not have you to stir forth to-day .
-Plucking the entrails of an offering forth ,
-They could not find a heart within the beast .
-
-The gods do this in shame of cowardice :
-C sar should be a beast without a heart
-If he should stay at home to-day for fear .
-No , C sar shall not ; danger knows full well
-That C sar is more dangerous than he :
-We are two lions litter'd in one day ,
-And I the elder and more terrible :
-And C sar shall go forth .
-
-Alas ! my lord ,
-Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence .
-Do not go forth to-day : call it my fear
-That keeps you in the house , and not your own .
-We'll send Mark Antony to the senate-house ,
-And he shall say you are not well to-day :
-Let me , upon my knee , prevail in this .
-
-Mark Antony shall say I am not well ;
-And , for thy humour , I will stay at home .
-
-Here's Decius Brutus , he shall tell them so .
-
-C sar , all hail ! Good morrow , worthy C sar :
-I come to fetch you to the senate-house .
-
-And you are come in very happy time
-To bear my greeting to the senators ,
-And tell them that I will not come to-day :
-Cannot , is false , and that I dare not , falser ;
-I will not come to-day : tell them so , Decius .
-
-Say he is sick .
-
-Shall C sar send a lie ?
-Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far
-To be afeard to tell greybeards the truth ?
-Decius , go tell them C sar will not come .
-
-Most mighty C sar , let me know some cause ,
-Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so .
-
-The cause is in my will : I will not come ;
-That is enough to satisfy the senate :
-But for your private satisfaction ,
-Because I love you , I will let you know :
-Calphurnia here , my wife , stays me at home :
-She dreamt to-night she saw my statua ,
-Which , like a fountain with a hundred spouts ,
-Did run pure blood ; and many lusty Romans
-Came smiling , and did bathe their hands in it :
-And these does she apply for warnings and portents ,
-And evils imminent ; and on her knee
-Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day .
-
-This dream is all amiss interpreted ;
-It was a vision fair and fortunate :
-Your statue spouting blood in many pipes ,
-In which so many smiling Romans bath'd ,
-Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
-Reviving blood , and that great men shall press
-For tinctures , stains , relics , and cognizance .
-This by Calphurnia's dream is signified .
-
-And this way have you well expounded it .
-
-I have , when you have heard what I can say :
-And know it now : the senate have concluded
-To give this day a crown to mighty C sar .
-If you shall send them word you will not come ,
-Their minds may change . Besides , it were a mock
-Apt to be render'd , for some one to say
-'Break up the senate till another time ,
-When C sar's wife shall meet with better dreams .'
-If C sar hide himself , shall they not whisper
-'Lo ! C sar is afraid ?'
-Pardon me , C sar ; for my dear dear love
-To your proceeding bids me tell you this ,
-And reason to my love is liable .
-
-How foolish do your fears seem now , Calphurnia !
-I am ashamed I did yield to them .
-Give me my robe , for I will go :
-
-And look where Publius is come to fetch me .
-
-Good morrow , C sar .
-
-Welcome , Publius .
-What ! Brutus , are you stirr'd so early too ?
-Good morrow , Casca . Caius Ligarius ,
-C sar was ne'er so much your enemy
-As that same ague which hath made you lean .
-What is't o'clock ?
-
-C sar , 'tis strucken eight .
-
-I thank you for your pains and courtesy .
-
-
-See ! Antony , that revels long o' nights ,
-
-Is notwithstanding up . Good morrow , Antony .
-
-So to most noble C sar .
-
-Bid them prepare within :
-I am to blame to be thus waited for .
-Now , Cinna ; now , Metellus ; what , Trebonius !
-I have an hour's talk in store for you ;
-Remember that you call on me to-day :
-Be near me , that I may remember you .
-
-C sar , I will :
-
-and so near will I be ,
-That your best friends shall wish I had been further .
-
-Good friends , go in , and taste some wine with me ;
-And we , like friends , will straightway go together .
-
-That every like is not the same , O C sar !
-The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon .
-
-
-C sar , beware of Brutus ; take heed of Cassius ; come not near Casca ; have an eye to Cinna ; trust not Trebonius ; mark well Metellus Cimber ; Decius Brutus loves thee not ; thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius . There is but one mind in all these men , and it is bent against C sar . If thou be'st not immortal , look about you : security gives way to conspiracy . The mighty gods defend thee ! Thy lover ,
-Here will I stand till C sar pass along ,
-And as a suitor will I give him this .
-My heart laments that virtue cannot live
-Out of the teeth of emulation .
-If thou read this , O C sar ! thou mayst live ;
-If not , the Fates with traitors do contrive .
-
-
-I prithee , boy , run to the senate-house ;
-Stay not to answer me , but get thee gone .
-Why dost thou stay ?
-
-To know my errand , madam .
-
-I would have had thee there , and here again ,
-Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there .
-O constancy ! be strong upon my side ;
-Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue ;
-I have a man's mind , but a woman's might .
-How hard it is for women to keep counsel !
-Art thou here yet ?
-
-Madam , what shall I do ?
-Run to the Capitol , and nothing else ?
-And so return to you , and nothing else ?
-
-Yes , bring me word , boy , if thy lord look well ,
-For he went sickly forth ; and take good note
-What C sar doth , what suitors press to him .
-Hark , boy ! what noise is that ?
-
-I hear none , madam .
-
-Prithee , listen well :
-I heard a bustling rumour , like a fray ,
-And the wind brings it from the Capitol .
-
-Sooth , madam , I hear nothing .
-
-
-Come hither , fellow : which way hast thou been ?
-
-At mine own house , good lady .
-
-What is 't o'clock ?
-
-About the ninth hour , lady .
-
-Is C sar yet gone to the Capitol ?
-
-Madam , not yet : I go to take my stand ,
-To see him pass on to the Capitol .
-
-Thou hast some suit to C sar , hast thou not ?
-
-That I have , lady : if it will please C sar
-To be so good to C sar as to hear me ,
-I shall beseech him to befriend himself .
-
-Why , know'st thou any harm's intended towards him ?
-
-None that I know will be , much that I fear may chance .
-Good morrow to you . Here the street is narrow :
-The throng that follows C sar at the heels ,
-Of senators , of pr tors , common suitors ,
-Will crowd a feeble man almost to death :
-I'll get me to a place more void , and there
-Speak to great C sar as he comes along .
-
-
-I must go in . Ay me ! how weak a thing
-The heart of woman is . O Brutus !
-The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise .
-Sure , the boy heard me : Brutus hath a suit
-That C sar will not grant . O ! I grow faint .
-Run , Lucius , and commend me to my lord ;
-Say I am merry : come to me again ,
-And bring me word what he doth say to thee .
-
-The idea of March are come .
-
-Ay , C sar ; but not gone .
-
-Hail , C sar ! Read this schedule .
-
-Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read ,
-At your best leisure , this his humble suit .
-
-O C sar ! read mine first ; for mine's a suit
-That touches C sar nearer . Read it , great C sar .
-
-What touches us ourself shall be last serv'd
-
-Delay not , C sar ; read it instantly .
-
-What ! is the fellow mad ?
-
-Sirrah , give place .
-
-What ! urge you your petitions in the street ?
-Come to the Capitol .
-
-
-I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive .
-
-What enterprise , Popilius ?
-
-Fare you well .
-
-
-What said Popilius Lena ?
-
-He wish'd to-day our enterprise might thrive .
-I fear our purpose is discovered .
-
-Look , how he makes to C sar : mark him .
-
-Casca , be sudden , for we fear prevention .
-Brutus , what shall be done ? If this be known ,
-Cassius or C sar never shall turn back ,
-For I will slay myself .
-
-Cassius , be constant :
-Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes ;
-For , look , he smiles , and C sar doth not change .
-
-Trebonius knows his time ; for , look you , Brutus ,
-He draws Mark Antony out of the way .
-
-
-Where is Metellus Cimber ? Let him go ,
-And presently prefer his suit to C sar .
-
-He is address'd ; press near and second him .
-
-Casca , you are the first that rears your hand .
-
-Are we all ready ? What is now amiss ,
-That C sar and his senate must redress ?
-
-Most high , most mighty , and most puissant C sar ,
-Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
-A humble heart ,
-
-
-I must prevent thee , Cimber .
-These couchings and these lowly courtesies ,
-Might fire the blood of ordinary men ,
-And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
-Into the law of children . Be not fond ,
-To think that C sar bears such rebel blood
-That will be thaw'd from the true quality
-With that which melteth fools ; I mean sweet words ,
-Low-crooked curtsies , and base spaniel fawning .
-Thy brother by decree is banished :
-If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him ,
-I spurn thee like a cur out of my way .
-Know , C sar doth not wrong , nor without cause
-Will he be satisfied .
-
-Is there no voice more worthy than my own ,
-To sound more sweetly in great C sar's ear
-For the repealing of my banish'd brother ?
-
-I kiss thy hand , but not in flattery , C sar ;
-Desiring thee , that Publius Cimber may
-Have an immediate freedom of repeal .
-
-What , Brutus !
-
-Pardon , C sar ; C sar , pardon :
-As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall ,
-To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber .
-
-I could be well mov'd if I were as you ;
-If I could pray to move , prayers would move me ;
-But I am constant as the northern star ,
-Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
-There is no fellow in the firmament .
-The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks ,
-They are all fire and every one doth shine ,
-But there's but one in all doth hold his place :
-So , in the world ; 'tis furnish'd well with men ,
-And men are flesh and blood , and apprehensive ;
-Yet in the number I do know but one
-That unassailable holds on his rank ,
-Unshak'd of motion : and that I am he ,
-Let me a little show it , even in this ,
-That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd ,
-And constant do remain to keep him so .
-
-O C sar ,
-
-Hence ! Wilt thou lift up Olympus !
-
-Great C sar ,
-
-Doth not Brutus bootless kneel ?
-
-Speak , hands , for me !
-
-
-Et tu , Brute ? Then fall , C sar !
-
-
-Liberty ! Freedom ! Tyranny is dead !
-Run hence , proclaim , cry it about the streets .
-
-Some to the common pulpits , and cry out ,
-'Liberty , freedom , and enfranchisement !'
-
-People and senators be not affrighted ;
-Fly not ; stand still ; ambition's debt is paid .
-
-Go to the pulpit , Brutus .
-
-And Cassius too .
-
-Where's Publius ?
-
-Here , quite confounded with this mutiny .
-
-Stand fast together , lest some friend of C sar's
-Should chance
-
-Talk not of standing . Publius , good cheer ;
-There is no harm intended to your person ,
-Nor to no Roman else ; so tell them , Publius .
-
-And leave us , Publius ; lest that the people ,
-Rushing on us , should do your age some mischief .
-
-Do so ; and let no man abide this deed
-But we the doers .
-
-
-Where's Antony ?
-
-Fled to his house amaz'd .
-Men , wives and children stare , cry out and run
-As it were doomsday .
-
-Fates , we will know your pleasures .
-That we shall die , we know ; 'tis but the time
-And drawing days out , that men stand upon .
-
-Why , he that cuts off twenty years of life
-Cuts off so many years of fearing death .
-
-Grant that , and then is death a benefit :
-So are we C sar's friends , that have abridg'd
-His time of fearing death . Stoop , Romans , stoop ,
-And let us bathe our hands in C sar's blood
-Up to the elbows , and besmear our swords :
-Then walk we forth , even to the market-place ;
-And waving our red weapons o'er our heads ,
-Let's all cry , 'Peace , freedom , and liberty !'
-
-Stoop , then , and wash . How many ages hence
-Shall this our lofty scene be acted o'er ,
-In states unborn and accents yet unknown !
-
-How many times shall C sar bleed in sport ,
-That now on Pompey's basis lies along
-No worthier than the dust !
-
-So oft as that shall be ,
-So often shall the knot of us be call'd
-The men that gave their country liberty .
-
-What ! shall we forth ?
-
-Ay , every man away :
-Brutus shall lead ; and we will grace his heels
-With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome .
-
-
-Soft ! who comes here ? A friend of Antony's .
-
-Thus , Brutus , did my master bid me kneel ;
-Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down ;
-And , being prostrate , thus he bade me say :
-Brutus is noble , wise , valiant , and honest ;
-C sar was mighty , bold , royal , and loving :
-Say I love Brutus , and I honour him ;
-Say I fear'd C sar , honour'd him , and lov'd him .
-If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
-May safely come to him , and be resolv'd
-How C sar hath deserv'd to lie in death ,
-Mark Antony shall not love C sar dead
-So well as Brutus living ; but will follow
-The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
-Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
-With all true faith . So says my master Antony .
-
-Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman ;
-I never thought him worse .
-Tell him , so please him come unto this place ,
-He shall be satisfied ; and , by my honour ,
-Depart untouch'd .
-
-I'll fetch him presently .
-
-
-I know that we shall have him well to friend .
-
-I wish we may : but yet have I a mind
-That fears him much ; and my misgiving still
-Falls shrewdly to the purpose .
-
-
-But here comes Antony . Welcome , Mark Antony .
-
-O mighty C sar ! dost thou lie so low ?
-Are all thy conquests , glories , triumphs , spoils ,
-Shrunk to this little measure ? Fare thee well .
-I know not , gentlemen , what you intend ,
-Who else must be let blood , who else is rank :
-If I myself , there is no hour so fit
-As C sar's death's hour , nor no instrument
-Of half that worth as those your swords , made rich
-With the most noble blood of all this world .
-I do beseech ye , if ye bear me hard ,
-Now , whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke ,
-Fulfil your pleasure . Live a thousand years ,
-I shall not find myself so apt to die :
-No place will please me so , no mean of death ,
-As here by C sar , and by you cut off ,
-The choice and master spirits of this age .
-
-O Antony ! beg not your death of us .
-Though now we must appear bloody and cruel ,
-As , by our hands and this our present act ,
-You see we do , yet see you but our hands
-And this the bleeding business they have done :
-Our hearts you see not ; they are pitiful ;
-And pity to the general wrong of Rome
-As fire drives out fire , so pity pity
-Hath done this deed on C sar . For your part ,
-To you our swords have leaden points , Mark Antony ;
-Our arms , in strength of malice , and our hearts
-Of brothers' temper , do receive you in
-With all kind love , good thoughts , and reverence .
-
-Your voice shall be as strong as any man's
-In the disposing of new dignities .
-
-Only be patient till we have appeas'd
-The multitude , beside themselves with fear ,
-And then we will deliver you the cause
-Why I , that did love C sar when I struck him ,
-Have thus proceeded .
-
-I doubt not of your wisdom .
-Let each man render me his bloody hand :
-First , Marcus Brutus , will I shake with you ;
-Next , Caius Cassius , do I take your hand ;
-Now , Decius Brutus , yours ; now yours , Metellus ;
-Yours , Cinna ; and , my valiant Casca , yours ;
-Though last , not least in love , yours , good Trebonius .
-Gentlemen all ,alas ! what shall I say ?
-My credit now stands on such slippery ground ,
-That one of two bad ways you must conceit me ,
-Either a coward or a flatterer .
-That I did love thee , C sar , O ! 'tis true :
-If then thy spirit look upon us now ,
-Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death ,
-To see thy Antony making his peace ,
-Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes ,
-Most noble ! in the presence of thy corse ?
-Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds ,
-Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood ,
-It would become me better than to close
-In terms of friendship with thine enemies .
-Pardon me , Julius ! Here wast thou bay'd , brave hart ;
-Here didst thou fall ; and here thy hunters stand ,
-Sign'd in thy spoil , and crimson'd in thy leth
-O world ! thou wast the forest to this hart ;
-And this , indeed , O world ! the heart of thee .
-How like a deer , strucken by many princes ,
-Dost thou here lie !
-
-Mark Antony ,
-
-Pardon me , Caius Cassius :
-The enemies of C sar shall say this ;
-Then , in a friend , it is cold modesty .
-
-I blame you not for praising C sar so ;
-But what compact mean you to have with us ?
-Will you be prick'd in number of our friends ,
-Or shall we on , and not depend on you ?
-
-Therefore I took your hands , but was indeed
-Sway'd from the point by looking down on C sar .
-Friends am I with you all , and love you all ,
-Upon this hope , that you shall give me reasons
-Why and wherein C sar was dangerous .
-
-Or else were this a savage spectacle .
-Our reasons are so full of good regard
-That were you , Antony , the son of C sar ,
-You should be satisfied .
-
-That's all I seek :
-And am moreover suitor that I may
-Produce his body to the market place ;
-And in the pulpit , as becomes a friend ,
-Speak in the order of his funeral .
-
-You shall , Mark Antony .
-
-Brutus , a word with you .
-
-
-You know not what you do ; do not consent
-That Antony speak in his funeral :
-Know you how much the people may be mov'd
-By that which he will utter ?
-
-By your pardon ;
-I will myself into the pulpit first ,
-And show the reason of our C sar's death :
-What Antony shall speak , I will protest
-He speaks by leave and by permission ,
-And that we are contented C sar shall
-Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies .
-It shall advantage more than do us wrong .
-
-I know not what may fall ; I like it not .
-
-Mark Antony , here , take you C sar's body .
-You shall not in your funeral speech blame us ,
-But speak all good you can devise of C sar ,
-And say you do 't by our permission ;
-Else shall you not have any hand at all
-About his funeral ; and you shall speak
-In the same pulpit whereto I am going ,
-After my speech is ended .
-
-Be it so ;
-I do desire no more .
-
-Prepare the body then , and follow us .
-
-
-O ! pardon me , thou bleeding piece of earth ,
-That I am meek and gentle with these butchers ;
-Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
-That ever lived in the tide of times .
-Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood !
-Over thy wounds now do I prophesy ,
-Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips ,
-To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue ,
-A curse shall light upon the limbs of men ;
-Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
-Shall cumber all the parts of Italy ;
-Blood and destruction shall be so in use ,
-And dreadful objects so familiar ,
-That mothers shall but smile when they behold
-Their infants quarter'd with the hands of war ;
-All pity chok'd with custom of fell deeds :
-And C sar's spirit , ranging for revenge ,
-With Ate by his side come hot from hell ,
-Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
-Cry 'Havoc !' and let slip the dogs of war ;
-That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
-With carrion men , groaning for burial .
-
-You serve Octavius C sar , do you not ?
-
-I do , Mark Antony .
-
-C sar did write for him to come to Rome .
-
-He did receive his letters , and is coming ;
-And bid me say to you by word of mouth
-
-O C sar !
-
-Thy heart is big , get thee apart and weep .
-Passion , I see , is catching ; for mine eyes ,
-Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine ,
-Began to water . Is thy master coming ?
-
-He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome .
-
-Post back with speed , and tell him what hath chanc'd :
-Hare is a mourning Rome , a dangerous Rome ,
-No Rome of safety for Octavius yet ;
-Hie hence and tell him so . Yet , stay awhile ;
-Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corpse
-Into the market-place ; there shall I try ,
-In my oration , how the people take
-The cruel issue of these bloody men ;
-According to the which thou shalt discourse
-To young Octavius of the state of things .
-Lead me your hand .
-
-
-We will be satisfied : let us be satisfied .
-
-Then follow me , and give me audience , friends .
-Cassius , go you into the other street ,
-And part the numbers .
-Those that will hear me speak , let 'em stay here ;
-Those that will follow Cassius , go with him ;
-And public reasons shall be rendered
-Of C sar's death .
-
-I will hear Brutus speak .
-
-I will hear Cassius ; and compare their reasons ,
-When severally we hear them rendered .
-
-
-The noble Brutus is ascended : silence !
-
-Be patient till the last .
-Romans , countrymen , and lovers ! hear me for my cause ; and be silent , that you may hear : believe me for mine honour , and have respect to mine honour , that you may believe : censure me in your wisdom , and awake your senses , that you may the better judge . If there be any in this assembly , any dear friend of C sar's , to him I say , that Brutus' love to C sar was no less than his . If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against C sar , this is my answer : Not that I loved C sar less , but that I loved Rome more . Had you rather C sar were living , and die all slaves , than that C sar were dead , to live all free men ? As C sar loved me , I weep for him ; as he was fortunate , I rejoice at it ; as he was valiant , I honour him ; but , as he was ambitious , I slew him . There is tears for his love ; joy for his fortune ; honour for his valour ; and death for his ambition . Who is here so base that would be a bondman ? If any , speak ; for him have I offended . Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman ? If any , speak ; for him have I offended . Who is here so vile that will not love his country ? If any , speak ; for him have I offended . I pause for a reply .
-
-None , Brutus , none .
-
-Then none have I offended . I have done no more to C sar , than you shall do to Brutus . The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol ; his glory not extenuated , wherein he was worthy , nor his offences enforced , for which he suffered death .
-
-Here comes his body , mourned by Mark Antony : who , though he had no hand in his death , shall receive the benefit of his dying , a place in the commonwealth ; as which of you shall not ? With this I depart : that , as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome , I have the same dagger for myself , when it shall please my country to need my death .
-
-Live , Brutus ! live ! live !
-
-Bring him with triumph home unto his house .
-
-Give him a statue with his ancestors .
-
-Let him be C sar .
-
-C sar's better parts
-Shall be crown'd in Brutus .
-
-We'll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours .
-
-My countrymen ,
-
-Peace ! silence ! Brutus speaks .
-
-Peace , ho !
-
-Good countrymen , let me depart alone ,
-And , for my sake , stay here with Antony .
-Do grace to C sar's corpse , and grace his speech
-Tending to C sar's glories , which Mark Antony ,
-By our permission , is allow'd to make .
-I do entreat you , not a man depart ,
-Save I alone , till Antony have spoke .
-
-
-Stay , ho ! and let us hear Mark Antony .
-
-Let him go up into the public chair ;
-We'll hear him . Noble Antony , go up .
-
-For Brutus' sake , I am beholding to you .
-
-
-What does he say of Brutus ?
-
-He says , for Brutus' sake ,
-He finds himself beholding to us all .
-
-'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here .
-
-This C sar was a tyrant .
-
-Nay , that's certain :
-We are bless'd that Rome is rid of him .
-
-Peace ! let us hear what Antony can say .
-
-You gentle Romans ,
-
-Peace , ho ! let us hear him .
-
-Friends , Romans , countrymen , lend me your ears ;
-I come to bury C sar , not to praise him .
-The evil that men do lives after them ,
-The good is oft interred with their bones ;
-So let it be with C sar . The noble Brutus
-Hath told you C sar was ambitious ;
-If it were so , it was a grievous fault ,
-And grievously hath C sar answer'd it .
-Here , under leave of Brutus and the rest ,
-For Brutus is an honourable man ;
-So are they all , all honourable men ,
-Come I to speak in C sar's funeral .
-He was my friend , faithful and just to me :
-But Brutus says he was ambitious ;
-And Brutus is an honourable man .
-He hath brought many captives home to Rome ,
-Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill :
-Did this in C sar seem ambitious ?
-When that the poor have cried , C sar hath wept ;
-Ambition should be made of sterner stuff :
-Yet Brutus says he was ambitious ;
-And Brutus is an honourable man .
-You all did see that on the Lupercal
-I thrice presented him a kingly crown ,
-Which he did thrice refuse : was this ambition ?
-Yet Brutus says he was ambitious ;
-And , sure , he is an honourable man .
-I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke ,
-But here I am to speak what I do know ,
-You all did love him once , not without cause :
-What cause withholds you then to mourn for him ?
-O judgment ! thou art fled to brutish beasts ,
-And men have lost their reason . Bear with me ;
-My heart is in the coffin there with C sar ,
-And I must pause till it come back to me .
-
-Methinks there is much reason in his sayings .
-
-If thou consider rightly of the matter ,
-C sar has had great wrong .
-
-Has he , masters ?
-I fear there will a worse come in his place .
-
-Mark'd ye his words ? He would not take the crown ;
-Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious .
-
-If it be found so , some will dear abide it .
-
-Poor soul ! his eyes are red as fire with weeping .
-
-There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony .
-
-Now mark him ; he begins again to speak .
-
-But yesterday the word of C sar might
-Have stood against the world ; now lies he there ,
-And none so poor to do him reverence .
-O masters ! if I were dispos'd to stir
-Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage ,
-I should do Brutus wrong , and Cassius wrong ,
-Who , you all know , are honourable men .
-I will not do them wrong ; I rather choose
-To wrong the dead , to wrong myself , and you ,
-Than I will wrong such honourable men
-But here's a parchment with the seal of C sar ;
-I found it in his closet , 'tis his will .
-Let but the commons hear this testament
-Which , pardon me , I do not mean to read
-And they would go and kiss dead C sar's wounds ,
-And dip their napkins in his sacred blood ,
-Yea , beg a hair of him for memory ,
-And , dying , mention it within their wills ,
-Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
-Unto their issue .
-
-We'll hear the will : read it , Mark Antony .
-
-The will , the will ! we will hear C sar's will .
-
-Have patience , gentle friends ; I must not read it :
-It is not meet you know how C sar lov'd you .
-You are not wood , you are not stones , but men ;
-And , being men , hearing the will of C sar ,
-It will inflame you , it will make you mad .
-'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs ;
-For if you should , O ! what would come of it .
-
-Read the will ! we'll hear it , Antony ;
-You shall read us the will , C sar's will .
-
-Will you be patient ? Will you stay awhile ?
-I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it .
-I fear I wrong the honourable men
-Whose daggers have stabb'd C sar ; I do fear it .
-
-They were traitors : honourable men !
-
-The will ! the testament !
-
-They were villains , murderers . The will ! read the will .
-
-You will compel me then to read the will ?
-Then make a ring about the corpse of C sar ,
-And let me show you him that made the will .
-Shall I descend ? and will you give me leave ?
-
-Come down .
-
-Descend .
-
-
-You shall have leave .
-
-A ring ; stand round .
-
-Stand from the hearse ; stand from the body .
-
-Room for Antony ; most noble Antony .
-
-Nay , press not so upon me ; stand far off .
-
-Stand back ! room ! bear back !
-
-If you have tears , prepare to shed them now .
-You all do know this mantle : I remember
-The first time ever C sar put it on ;
-'Twas on a summer's evening , in his tent ,
-That day he overcame the Nervii .
-Look ! in this place ran Cassius' dagger through :
-See what a rent the envious Casca made :
-Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd ;
-And , as he pluck'd his cursed steel away ,
-Mark how the blood of C sar follow'd it ,
-As rushing out of doors , to be resolv'd
-If Brutus so unkindly knock'd or no ;
-For Brutus , as you know , was C sar's angel :
-Judge , O you gods ! how dearly C sar lov'd him .
-This was the most unkindest cut of all ;
-For when the noble C sar saw him stab ,
-Ingratitude , more strong than traitors' arms ,
-Quite vanquish'd him : then burst his mighty heart ;
-And , in his mantle muffling up his face ,
-Even at the base of Pompey's status ,
-Which all the while ran blood , great C sar fell .
-O ! what a fall was there , my countrymen ;
-Then I , and you , and all of us fell down ,
-Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us .
-O ! now you weep , and I perceive you feel
-The dint of pity ; these are gracious drops .
-Kind souls , what ! weep you when you but behold
-Our C sar's vesture wounded ? Look you here ,
-Here is himself , marr'd , as you see , with traitors .
-
-O piteous spectacle !
-
-O noble C sar !
-
-O woeful day !
-
-O traitors ! villains !
-
-O most bloody sight !
-
-We will be revenged .
-
-Revenge !About !Seek !Burn !
-Fire !Kill !Slay ! Let not a traitor live .
-
-Stay , countrymen !
-
-Peace there ! Hear the noble Antony .
-
-We'll hear him , we'll follow him , we'll die with him .
-
-Good friends , sweet friends , let me not stir you up
-To such a sudden flood of mutiny .
-They that have done this deed are honourable :
-What private griefs they have , alas ! I know not ,
-That made them do it ; they are wise and honourable ,
-And will , no doubt , with reasons answer you .
-I come not , friends , to steal away your hearts :
-I am no orator , as Brutus is ;
-But , as you know me all , a plain blunt man ,
-That love my friend ; and that they know full well
-That gave me public leave to speak of him .
-For I have neither wit , nor words , nor worth ,
-Action , nor utterance , nor the power of speech ,
-To stir men's blood : I only speak right on ;
-I tell you that which you yourselves do know ,
-Show you sweet C sar's wounds , poor poor dumb mouths ,
-And bid them speak for me : but were I Brutus ,
-And Brutus Antony , there were an Antony
-Would ruffle up your spirits , and put a tongue
-In every wound of C sar , that should move
-The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny .
-
-We'll mutiny .
-
-We'll burn the house of Brutus .
-
-Away , then ! come , seek the conspirators .
-
-Yet hear me , countrymen ; yet hear me speak .
-
-Peace , ho !Hear Antony ,most noble Antony .
-
-Why , friends , you go to do you know not what .
-Wherein hath C sar thus deserv'd your loves ?
-Alas ! you know not : I must tell you then .
-You have forgot the will I told you of .
-
-Most true . The will ! let's stay and hear the will .
-
-Here is the will , and under C sar's seal .
-To every Roman citizen he gives ,
-To every several man , seventy-five drachmas .
-
-Most noble C sar ! we'll revenge his death .
-
-O royal C sar !
-
-Hear me with patience .
-
-Peace , ho !
-
-Moreover , he hath left you all his walks ,
-His private arbours , and new-planted orchards ,
-On this side Tiber ; he hath left them you ,
-And to your heirs for ever ; common pleasures ,
-To walk abroad , and recreate yourselves .
-Here was a C sar ! when comes such another ?
-
-Never , never ! Come , away , away !
-We'll burn his body in the holy place ,
-And with the brands fire the traitors' houses .
-Take up the body .
-
-Go fetch fire .
-
-Pluck down benches .
-
-Pluck down forms , windows , any thing .
-
-
-Now let it work : mischief , thou art afoot ,
-Take thou what course thou wilt !
-
-How now , fellow !
-
-Sir , Octavius is already come to Rome .
-
-Where is he ?
-
-He and Lepidus are at C sar's house .
-
-And thither will I straight to visit him .
-He comes upon a wish . Fortune is merry ,
-And in this mood will give us any thing .
-
-I heard him say Brutus and Cassius
-Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome .
-
-Belike they had some notice of the people ,
-How I had mov'd them . Bring me to Octavius .
-
-
-I dreamt to-night that I did feast with C sar ,
-And things unlucky charge my fantasy :
-I have no will to wander forth of doors ,
-Yet something leads me forth .
-
-
-What is your name ?
-
-Whither are you going ?
-
-Where do you dwell ?
-
-Are you a married man , or a bachelor ?
-
-Answer every man directly .
-
-Ay , and briefly .
-
-Ay , and wisely .
-
-Ay , and truly , you were best .
-
-What is my name ? Whither am I going ? Where do I dwell ? Am I a married man , or a bachelor ? Then , to answer every man directly and briefly , wisely and truly : wisely I say , I am a bachelor .
-
-That's as much as to say , they are fools that marry ; you'll bear me a bang for that , I fear . Proceed ; directly .
-
-Directly , I am going to C sar's funeral .
-
-As a friend or an enemy ?
-
-As a friend .
-
-That matter is answered directly .
-
-For your dwelling , briefly .
-
-Briefly , I dwell by the Capitol .
-
-Your name , sir , truly .
-
-Truly , my name is Cinna .
-
-Tear him to pieces ; he's a conspirator .
-
-I am Cinna the poet , I am Cinna the poet .
-
-Tear him for his bad verses , tear him for his bad verses .
-
-I am not Cinna the conspirator .
-
-It is no matter , his name's Cinna ; pluck but his name out of his heart , and turn him going .
-
-Tear him , tear him ! Come , brands , ho ! firebrands ! To Brutus' , to Cassius' ; burn all . Some to Decius' house , and some to Casca's ; some to Ligarius' . Away ! go !
-
-These many then shall die ; their names are prick'd .
-
-Your brother too must die ; consent you , Lepidus ?
-
-I do consent .
-
-Prick him down , Antony .
-
-Upon condition Publius shall not live ,
-Who is your sister's son , Mark Antony .
-
-He shall not live ; look , with a spot I damn him .
-But , Lepidus , go you to C sar's house ;
-Fetch the will hither , and we shall determine
-How to cut off some charge in legacies .
-
-What ! shall I find you here ?
-
-Or here or at the Capitol .
-
-
-This is a slight unmeritable man ,
-Meet to be sent on errands : is it fit ,
-The three-fold world divided , he should stand
-One of the three to share it ?
-
-So you thought him ;
-And took his voice who should be prick'd to die ,
-In our black sentence and proscription .
-
-Octavius , I have seen more days than you :
-And though we lay these honours on this man ,
-To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads ,
-He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold ,
-To groan and sweat under the business ,
-Either led or driven , as we point the way ;
-And having brought our treasure where we will ,
-Then take we down his load , and turn him off ,
-Like to the empty ass , to shake his ears ,
-And graze in commons .
-
-You may do your will ;
-But he's a tried and valiant soldier .
-
-So is my horse , Octavius ; and for that
-I do appoint him store of provender .
-It is a creature that I teach to fight ,
-To wind , to stop , to run directly on ,
-His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit .
-And , in some taste , is Lepidus but so ;
-He must be taught , and train'd , and bid go forth ;
-A barren-spirited fellow ; one that feeds
-On abject orts , and imitations ,
-Which , out of use and stal'd by other men ,
-Begin his fashion : do not talk of him
-But as a property . And now , Octavius ,
-Listen great things : Brutus and Cassius
-Are levying powers ; we must straight make head ;
-Therefore let our alliance be combin'd ,
-Our best friends made , and our best means stretch'd out ;
-And let us presently go sit in council ,
-How covert matters may be best disclos'd ,
-And open perils surest answered .
-
-Let us do so : for we are at the stake ,
-And bay'd about with many enemies ;
-And some that smile have in their hearts , I fear ,
-Millions of mischiefs .
-
-
-Stand , ho !
-
-Give the word , ho ! and stand .
-
-What now , Lucilius ! is Cassius near ?
-
-He is at hand ; and Pindarus is come
-To do you salutation from his master .
-
-
-He greets me well . Your master , Pindarus ,
-In his own change , or by ill officers ,
-Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
-Things done , undone ; but , if he be at hand ,
-I shall be satisfied .
-
-I do not doubt
-But that my noble master will appear
-Such as he is , full of regard and honour .
-
-He is not doubted . A word , Lucilius ;
-How he receiv'd you , let me be resolv'd .
-
-With courtesy and with respect enough ;
-But not with such familiar instances ,
-Nor with such free and friendly conference ,
-As he hath us'd of old .
-
-Thou hast describ'd
-A hot friend cooling . Ever note , Lucilius ,
-When love begins to sicken and decay ,
-It useth an enforced ceremony .
-There are no tricks in plain and simple faith ;
-But hollow men , like horses hot at hand ,
-Make gallant show and promise of their mettle ;
-But when they should endure the bloody spur ,
-They fall their crests , and , like deceitful jades ,
-Sink in the trial . Comes his army on ?
-
-They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter'd ;
-The greater part , the horse in general ,
-Are come with Cassius .
-
-Hark ! he is arriv'd .
-
-March gently on to meet him .
-
-
-Stand , ho !
-
-Stand , ho ! Speak the word along .
-
-Stand !
-
-Stand !
-
-Stand !
-
-Most noble brother , you have done me wrong .
-
-Judge me , you gods ! Wrong I mine enemies ?
-And , if not so , how should I wrong a brother ?
-
-Brutus , this sober form of yours hides wrongs ;
-And when you do them
-
-Cassius , be content ;
-Speak your griefs softly : I do know you well .
-Before the eyes of both our armies here ,
-Which should perceive nothing but love from us ,
-Let us not wrangle : bid them move away ;
-Then in my tent , Cassius , enlarge your griefs ,
-And I will give you audience .
-
-Pindarus ,
-Bid our commanders lead their charges off
-A little from this ground .
-
-Lucilius , do you the like ; and let no man
-Come to our tent till we have done our conference .
-Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door .
-
-
-That you have wrong'd me doth appear in this :
-You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella
-For taking bribes here of the Sardians ;
-Wherein my letters , praying on his side ,
-Because I knew the man , were slighted off .
-
-You wrong'd yourself to write in such a case .
-
-In such a time as this it is not meet
-That every nice offence should bear his comment .
-
-Let me tell you , Cassius , you yourself
-Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm ;
-To sell and mart your offices for gold
-To undeservera .
-
-I an itching palm !
-You know that you are Brutus that speak this ,
-Or , by the gods , this speech were else your last .
-
-The name of Cassius honours this corruption ,
-And chastisement doth therefore hide his head .
-
-Chastisement !
-
-Remember March , the ides of March remember :
-Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake ?
-What villain touch'd his body , that did stab ,
-And not for justice ? What ! shall one of us ,
-That struck the foremost man of all this world
-But for supporting robbers , shall we now
-Contaminate our fingers with base bribes ,
-And sell the mighty space of our large honours
-For so much trash as may be grasped thus ?
-I had rather be a dog , and bay the moon ,
-Than such a Roman .
-
-Brutus , bay not me ;
-I'll not endure it : you forget yourself ,
-To hedge me in . I am a soldier , I ,
-Older in practice , abler than yourself
-To make conditions .
-
-Go to ; you are not , Cassius .
-
-I am .
-
-I say you are not .
-
-Urge me no more , I shall forget myself ;
-Have mind upon your health ; tempt me no further .
-
-Away , slight man !
-
-Is 't possible ?
-
-Hear me , for I will speak .
-Must I give way and room to your rash choler ?
-Shall I be frighted when a madman stares ?
-
-O ye gods ! ye gods ! Must I endure all this ?
-
-All this ! ay , more : fret till your proud heart break ;
-Go show your slaves how choleric you are ,
-And make your bondmen tremble . Must I budge ?
-Must I observe you ? Must I stand and crouch
-Under your testy humour ? By the gods ,
-You shall digest the venom of your spleen ,
-Though it do split you ; for , from this day forth ,
-I'll use you for my mirth , yea , for my laughter ,
-When you are waspish .
-
-Is it come to this ?
-
-You say you are a better soldier :
-Let it appear so ; make your vaunting true ,
-And it shall please me well . For mine own part ,
-I shall be glad to learn of noble men .
-
-You wrong me every way ; you wrong me , Brutus ;
-I said an elder soldier , not a better :
-Did I say , 'better ?'
-
-If you did , I care not .
-
-When C sar liv'd , he durst not thus have mov'd me .
-
-Peace , peace ! you durst not so have tempted him .
-
-I durst not !
-
-No .
-
-What ! durst not tempt him !
-
-For your life you durst not .
-
-Do not presume too much upon my love ;
-I may do that I shall be sorry for .
-
-You have done that you should be sorry for .
-There is no terror , Cassius , in your threats ;
-For I am arm'd so strong in honesty
-That they pass by me as the idle wind ,
-Which I respect not . I did send to you
-For certain sums of gold , which you denied me ;
-For I can raise no money by vile means :
-By heaven , I had rather coin my heart ,
-And drop my blood for drachmas , than to wring
-From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
-By any indirection . I did send
-To you for gold to pay my legions ,
-Which you denied me : was that done like Cassius ?
-Should I have answer'd Caius Cassius so ?
-When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous ,
-To lock such rascal counters from his friends ,
-Be ready , gods , with all your thunderbolts ;
-Dash him to pieces !
-
-I denied you not .
-
-You did .
-
-I did not : he was but a fool
-That brought my answer back . Brutus hath riv'd my heart .
-A friend should bear his friend's infirmities ,
-But Brutus makes mine greater than they are .
-
-I do not , till you practise them on me .
-
-You love me not .
-
-I do not like your faults .
-
-A friendly eye could never see such faults .
-
-A flatterer's would not , though they do appear
-As huge as high Olympus .
-
-Come , Antony , and young Octavius , come ,
-Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius ,
-For Cassius is aweary of the world ;
-Hated by one he loves ; brav'd by his brother ;
-Check'd like a bondman ; all his faults observ'd ,
-Set in a note-book , learn'd , and conn'd by rote ,
-To cast into my teeth . O ! I could weep
-My spirit from mine eyes . There is my dagger ,
-And here my naked breast ; within , a heart
-Dearer than Plutus' mine , richer than gold :
-If that thou be'st a Roman , take it forth ;
-I , that denied thee gold , will give my heart :
-Strike , as thou didst at C sar ; for , I know ,
-When thou didst hate him worst , thou lov'dst him better
-Than ever thou lov'dst Cassius .
-
-Sheathe your dagger :
-Be angry when you will , it shall have scope ;
-Do what you will , dishonour shall be humour .
-O Cassius ! you are yoked with a lamb
-That carries anger as the flint bears fire ,
-Who , much enforced , shows a hasty spark ,
-And straight is cold again .
-
-Hath Cassius liv'd
-To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus ,
-When grief and blood ill-temper'd vexeth him ?
-
-When I spoke that I was ill-temper'd too .
-
-Do you confess so much ? Give me your hand .
-
-And my heart too .
-
-O Brutus !
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Have not you love enough to bear with me ,
-When that rash humour which my mother gave me
-Makes me forgetful ?
-
-Yes , Cassius ; and from henceforth
-When you are over-earnest with your Brutus ,
-He'll think your mother chides , and leave you so .
-
-
-Let me go in to see the generals ;
-There is some grudge between 'em , 'tis not meet
-They be alone .
-
-You shall not come to them .
-
-Nothing but death shall stay me .
-
-
-How now ! What's the matter ?
-
-For shame , you generals ! What do you mean ?
-Love , and be friends , as two such men should be ;
-For I have seen more years , I'm sure , than ye .
-
-Ha , ha ! how vilely doth this cynic rime !
-
-Get you hence , sirrah ; saucy fellow , hence !
-
-Bear with him , Brutus ; 'tis his fashion .
-
-I'll know his humour , when he knows his time :
-What should the wars do with these jigging fools ?
-Companion , hence !
-
-Away , away ! be gone .
-
-
-Lucilius and Titinius , bid the commanders
-Prepare to lodge their companies to-night .
-
-And come yourselves , and bring Messala with you ,
-Immediately to us .
-
-
-Lucius , a bowl of wine !
-
-
-I did not think you could have been so angry .
-
-O Cassius ! I am sick of many griefs .
-
-Of your philosophy you make no use
-If you give place to accidental evils .
-
-No man bears sorrow better : Portia is dead .
-
-Ha ! Portia !
-
-She is dead .
-
-How 'scap'd I killing when I cross'd you so ?
-O insupportable and touching loss !
-Upon what sickness ?
-
-Impatient of my absence ,
-And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony
-Have made themselves so strong ;for with her death
-That tidings came :with this she fell distract ,
-And , her attendants absent , swallow'd fire .
-
-And died so ?
-
-Even so .
-
-O ye immortal gods !
-
-
-Speak no more of her . Give me a bowl of wine .
-In this I bury all unkindness , Cassius .
-
-
-My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge .
-Fill , Lucius , till the wine o'erswell the cup ;
-I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love .
-
-
-Come in , Titinius .
-
-Welcome , good Messala .
-Now sit we close about this taper here ,
-
-And call in question our necessities .
-
-Portia , art thou gone ?
-
-No more , I pray you .
-Messala , I have here received letters ,
-That young Octavius and Mark Antony
-Come down upon us with a mighty power ,
-Bending their expedition towards Philippi .
-
-Myself have letters of the self-same tenour .
-
-With what addition ?
-
-That by proscription and bills of outlawry ,
-Octavius , Antony , and Lepidus ,
-Have put to death an hundred senators .
-
-Therein our letters do not well agree ;
-Mine speak of seventy senators that died
-By their proscriptions , Cicero being one .
-
-Cicero one !
-
-Cicero is dead ,
-And by that order of proscription .
-Had you your letters from your wife , my lord ?
-
-No , Messala .
-
-Nor nothing in your letters writ of her ?
-
-Nothing , Messala .
-
-That , methinks , is strange .
-
-Why ask you ? Hear you aught of her in yours ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-Now , as you are a Roman , tell me true .
-
-Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell :
-For certain she is dead , and by strange manner .
-
-Why , farewell , Portia . We must die , Messala :
-With meditating that she must die once ,
-I have the patience to endure it now .
-
-Even so great men great losses should endure .
-
-I have as much of this in art as you ,
-But yet my nature could not bear it so .
-
-Well , to our work alive . What do you think
-Of marching to Philippi presently ?
-
-I do not think it good .
-
-Your reason ?
-
-This is it :
-'Tis better that the enemy seek us :
-So shall he waste his means , weary his soldiers ,
-Doing himself offence ; whilst we , lying still ,
-Are full of rest , defence , and nimbleness .
-
-Good reasons must , of force , give place to better ,
-The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground
-Do stand but in a forc'd affection ;
-For they have grudg'd us contribution :
-The enemy , marching along by them ,
-By them shall make a fuller number up ,
-Come on refresh'd , new-added , and encourag'd ;
-From which advantage shall we cut him off ,
-If at Philippi we do face him there ,
-These people at our back .
-
-Hear me , good brother .
-
-Under your pardon . You must note beside ,
-That we have tried the utmost of our friends ,
-Our legions are brim-full , our cause is ripe :
-The enemy increaseth every day ;
-We , at the height , are ready to decline .
-There is a tide in the affairs of men ,
-Which , taken at the flood , leads on to fortune ;
-Omitted , all the voyage of their life
-Is bound in shallows and in miseries .
-On such a full sea are we now afloat ;
-And we must take the current when it serves ,
-Or lose our ventures .
-
-Then , with your will , go on ;
-We'll along ourselves , and meet them at Philippi .
-
-The deep of night is crept upon our talk ,
-And nature must obey necessity ,
-Which we will niggard with a little rest .
-There is no more to say ?
-
-No more . Good-night :
-Early to-morrow will we rise , and hence .
-
-Lucius !
-
-
-My gown .
-
-Farewell , good Messala :
-Good-night , Titinius . Noble , noble Cassius ,
-
-Good-night , and good repose .
-
-O my dear brother !
-This was an ill beginning of the night :
-Never come such division 'tween our souls !
-Let it not , Brutus .
-
-Every thing is well .
-
-Good-night , my lord .
-
-Good-night , good brother .
-
-Good-night , Lord Brutus .
-
-Good-night , Lord Brutus .
-
-Farewell , every one .
-
-
-Give me the gown . Where is thy instrument ?
-
-Here in the tent .
-
-What ! thou speak'st drowsily ?
-Poor knave , I blame thee not ; thou art o'erwatch'd .
-Call Claudius and some other of my men ;
-I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent .
-
-Varro ! and Claudius !
-
-
-Calls my lord ?
-
-I pray you , sirs , lie in my tent and sleep :
-It may be I shall raise you by and by
-On business to my brother Cassius .
-
-So please you , we will stand and watch your pleasure .
-
-I will not have it so ; lie down , good sirs ;
-It may be I shall otherwise bethink me .
-Look , Lucius , here's the book I sought for so ;
-I put it in the pocket of my gown .
-
-
-I was sure your lordship did not give it me .
-
-Bear with me , good boy , I am much forgetful .
-Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile ,
-And touch thy instrument a strain or two ?
-
-Ay , my lord , an 't please you .
-
-It does , my boy :
-I trouble thee too much , but thou art willing .
-
-It is my duty , sir .
-
-I should not urge thy duty past thy might ;
-I know young bloods look for a time of rest .
-
-I have slept , my lord , already .
-
-It was well done , and thou shalt sleep again ;
-I will not hold thee long : if I do live ,
-I will be good to thee .
-
-This is a sleepy tune : O murderous slumber !
-Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy ,
-That plays thee music ? Gentle knave , good-night ;
-I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee .
-If thou dost nod , thou break'st thy instrument ;
-I'll take it from thee ; and , good boy , good-night .
-Let me see , let me see ; is not the leaf turn'd down
-Where I left reading ? Here it is , I think .
-
-
-How ill this taper burns ! Ha ! who comes here ?
-I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
-That shapes this monstrous apparition .
-It comes upon me . Art thou any thing ?
-Art thou some god , some angel , or some devil ,
-That mak'st my blood cold and my hair to stare ?
-
-Speak to me what thou art .
-
-Thy evil spirit , Brutus .
-
-Why com'st thou ?
-
-To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi .
-
-Well ; then I shall see thee again ?
-
-Ay , at Philippi .
-
-Why , I will see thee at Philippi then .
-
-Now I have taken heart thou vanishest :
-Ill spirit , I would hold more talk with thee .
-Boy , Lucius ! Varro ! Claudius ! Sirs , awake !
-Claudius !
-
-The strings , my lord , are false .
-
-He thinks he still is at his instrument .
-Lucius , awake !
-
-My lord !
-
-Didst thou dream , Lucius , that thou so criedst out ?
-
-My lord , I do not know that I did cry .
-
-Yes , that thou didst . Didst thou see any thing ?
-
-Nothing , my lord .
-
-Sleep again , Lucius . Sirrah , Claudius !
-Fellow thou ! awake !
-
-My lord !
-
-My lord !
-
-Why did you so cry out , sirs , in your sleep ?
-
-Did we , my lord ?
-
-Did we , my lord ?
-
-Ay : saw you any thing ?
-
-No , my lord , I saw nothing .
-
-Nor I , my lord .
-
-Go , and commend me to my brother Cassius .
-Bid him set on his powers betimes before ,
-And we will follow .
-
-It shall be done , my lord .
-
-It shall be done , my lord .
-
-Now , Antony , our hopes are answered :
-You said the enemy would not come down ,
-But keep the hills and upper regions ;
-It proves not so ; their battles are at hand ;
-They mean to warn us at Philippi here ,
-Answering before we do demand of them .
-
-Tut ! I am in their bosoms , and I know
-Wherefore they do it : they could be content
-To visit other places ; and come down
-With fearful bravery , thinking by this face
-To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage ;
-But 'tis not so .
-
-
-Prepare you , generals :
-The enemy comes on in gallant show ;
-Their bloody sign of battle is hung out ,
-And something to be done immediately .
-
-Octavius , lead your battle softly on ,
-Upon the left hand of the even field .
-
-Upon the right hand I ; keep thou the left .
-
-Why do you cross me in this exigent ?
-
-I do not cross you ; but I will do so .
-
-They stand , and would have parley .
-
-Stand fast , Titinius : we must out and talk .
-
-Mark Antony , shall we give sign of battle ?
-
-No , C sar , we will answer on their charge .
-Make forth ; the generals would have some words .
-
-Stir not until the signal .
-
-Words before blows : is it so , countrymen ?
-
-Not that we love words better , as you do .
-
-Good words are better than bad strokes , Octavius .
-
-In your bad strokes , Brutus , you give good words :
-Witness the hole you made in C sar's heart ,
-Crying , 'Long live ! hail , C sar !'
-
-Antony ,
-The posture of your blows are yet unknown ;
-But for your words , they rob the Hybla bees ,
-And leave them honeyless .
-
-Not stingless too .
-
-O ! yes , and soundless too ;
-For you have stol'n their buzzing , Antony ,
-And very wisely threat before you sting .
-
-Villains ! you did not so when your vile daggers
-Hack'd one another in the sides of C sar :
-How show'd your teeth like apes , and fawn'd like hounds ,
-And bow'd like bondmen , kissing C sar's feet ;
-Whilst damned Casca , like a cur , behind
-Struck C sar on the neck . O you flatterers !
-
-Flatterers ! Now , Brutus , thank yourself :
-This tongue had not offended so to-day ,
-If Cassius might have rul'd .
-
-Come , come , the cause : if arguing make us sweat ,
-The proof of it will turn to redder drops .
-Look ;
-I draw a sword against conspirators ;
-When think you that the sword goes up again ?
-Never , till C sar's three-and-thirty wounds
-Be well aveng'd ; or till another C sar
-Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors .
-
-C sar , thou canst not die by traitors' hands ,
-Unless thou bring'st them with thee .
-
-So I hope ;
-I was not born to die on Brutus' sword .
-
-O ! if thou wert the noblest of thy strain ,
-Young man , thou couldst not die more honourable .
-
-A peevish schoolboy , worthless of such honour ,
-Join'd with a masquer and a reveller .
-
-Old Cassius still !
-
-Come , Antony ; away !
-Defiance , traitors , hurl we in your teeth .
-If you dare fight to-day , come to the field ;
-If not , when you have stomachs .
-
-
-Why now , blow wind , swell billow , and swim bark !
-The storm is up , and all is on the hazard .
-
-Ho !
-Lucilius ! hark , a word with you .
-
-My lord ?
-
-
-Messala !
-
-What says my general ?
-
-Messala ,
-This is my birth-day ; as this very day
-Was Cassius born . Give me thy hand , Messala :
-Be thou my witness that against my will ,
-As Pompey was , am I compell'd to set
-Upon one battle all our liberties .
-You know that I held Epicurus strong ,
-And his opinion ; now I change my mind ,
-And partly credit things that do presage .
-Coming from Sardis , on our former ensign
-Two mighty eagles fell , and there they perch'd ,
-Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands ;
-Who to Philippi here consorted us :
-This morning are they fled away and gone ,
-And in their stead do ravens , crows , and kites
-Fly o'er our heads , and downward look on us ,
-As we were sickly prey : their shadows seem
-A canopy most fatal , under which
-Our army lies , ready to give up the ghost .
-
-Believe not so .
-
-I but believe it partly ,
-For I am fresh of spirit and resolv'd
-To meet all perils very constantly .
-
-Even so , Lucilius .
-
-Now , most noble Brutus ,
-The gods to-day stand friendly , that we may ,
-Lovers in peace , lead on our days to age !
-But since the affairs of men rest still incertain ,
-Let's reason with the worst that may befall .
-If we do lose this battle , then is this
-The very last time we shall speak together :
-What are you then , determined to do ?
-
-Even by the rule of that philosophy
-By which I did blame Cato for the death
-Which he did give himself ; I know not how ,
-But I do find it cowardly and vile ,
-For fear of what might fall , so to prevent
-The time of life : arming myself with patience ,
-To stay the providence of some high powers
-That govern us below .
-
-Then , if we lose this battle ,
-You are contented to be led in triumph
-Thorough the streets of Rome ?
-
-No , Cassius , no : think not , thou noble Roman ,
-That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome ;
-He bears too great a mind : but this same day
-Must end that work the ides of March begun ;
-And whether we shall meet again I know not .
-Therefore our everlasting farewell take :
-For ever , and for ever , farewell , Cassius !
-If we do meet again , why , we shall smile ;
-If not , why then , this parting was well made .
-
-For ever , and for ever , farewell , Brutus !
-If we do meet again , we'll smile indeed ;
-If not , 'tis true this parting was well made .
-
-Why , then , lead on . O ! that a man might know
-The end of this day's business , ere it come ;
-But it sufficeth that the day will end ,
-And then the end is known . Come , ho ! away !
-
-
-Ride , ride , Messala , ride , and give these bills
-Unto the legions on the other side .
-
-Let them set on at once , for I perceive
-But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing ,
-And sudden push gives them the overthrow .
-Ride , ride , Messala : let them all come down .
-
-
-O ! look , Titinius , look , the villains fly :
-Myself have to mine own turn'd enemy ;
-This ensign here of mine was turning back ;
-I slew the coward , and did take it from him .
-
-O Cassius ! Brutus gave the word too early ;
-Who , having some advantage on Octavius ,
-Took it too eagerly : his soldiers fell to spoil ,
-Whilst we by Antony are all enclos'd .
-
-
-Fly further off , my lord , fly further off ;
-Mark Antony is in your tents , my lord :
-Fly , therefore , noble Cassius , fly far off .
-
-This hill is far enough . Look , look , Titinius ;
-Are those my tents where I perceive the fire ?
-
-They are , my lord .
-
-Titinius , if thou lov'st me ,
-Mount thou my horse , and hide thy spurs in him ,
-Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops
-And here again ; that I may rest assur'd
-Whether yond troops are friend or enemy .
-
-I will be here again , even with a thought .
-
-
-Go , Pindarus , get higher on that hill ;
-My sight was ever thick ; regard Titinius ,
-And tell me what thou not'st about the field .
-
-This day I breathed first ; time is come round ,
-And where I did begin , there shall I end ;
-My life is run his compass . Sirrah , what news ?
-
-O my lord !
-
-What news ?
-
-Titinius is enclosed round about
-With horsemen , that make to him on the spur ;
-Yet he spurs on : now they are almost on him ;
-Now , Titinius ! now some light ; O ! he lights too :
-He's ta'en ;
-
-and , hark ! they shout for joy .
-
-Come down ; behold no more .
-O , coward that I am , to live so long ,
-To see my best friend ta'en before my face !
-
-Come hither , sirrah :
-In Parthia did I take thee prisoner ;
-And then I swore thee , saving of thy life ,
-That whatsoever I did bid thee do ,
-Thou shouldst attempt it . Come now , keep thine oath ;
-Now be a freeman ; and with this good sword ,
-That ran through C sar's bowels , search this bosom .
-Stand not to answer ; here , take thou the hilts ;
-And , when my face is cover'd , as 'tis now ,
-Guide thou the sword . C sar , thou art reveng'd ,
-Even with the sword that kill'd thee .
-
-
-So , I am free ; yet would not so have been ;
-Durst I have done my will . O Cassius ,
-Far from this country Pindarus shall run ,
-Where never Roman shall take note of him .
-
-It is but change , Titinius ; for Octavius
-Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power ,
-As Cassius' legions are by Antony .
-
-These tidings will well comfort Cassius .
-
-Where did you leave him ?
-
-All disconsolate ,
-With Pindarus his bondman , on this hill .
-
-Is not that he that lies upon the ground ?
-
-He lies not like the living . O my heart !
-
-Is not that he ?
-
-No , this was he , Messala ,
-But Cassius is no more . O setting sun !
-As in thy red rays thou dost sink to-night ,
-So in his red blood Cassius' day is set ;
-The sun of Rome is set . Our day is gone ;
-Clouds , dews , and dangers come ; our deeds are done .
-Mistrust of my success hath done this deed .
-
-Mistrust of good success hath done this deed .
-O hateful error , melancholy's child !
-Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men
-The things that are not ? O error ! soon conceiv'd ,
-Thou never com'st unto a happy birth ,
-But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee .
-
-What , Pindarus ! Where art thou , Pindarus ?
-
-Seek him , Titinius , whilst I go to meet
-The noble Brutus , thrusting this report
-Into his ears ; I may say , thrusting it ;
-For piercing steel and darts envenomed
-Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus
-As tidings of this sight .
-
-Hie you , Messala ,
-And I will seek for Pindarus the while .
-
-Why didst thou send me forth , brave Cassius ?
-Did I not meet thy friends ? and did not they
-Put on my brows this wreath of victory ,
-And bid me give it thee ? Didst thou not hear their shouts ?
-Alas ! thou hast misconstru'd every thing .
-But , hold thee , take this garland on thy brow ;
-Thy Brutus bid me give it thee , and I
-Will do his bidding . Brutus , come apace ,
-And see how I regarded Caius Cassius .
-By your leave , gods : this is a Roman's part :
-Come , Cassius' sword , and find Titinius' heart .
-
-Where , where , Messala , doth his body lie ?
-
-Lo , yonder : and Titinius mourning it .
-
-Titinius' face is upward .
-
-He is slain .
-
-O Julius C sar ! thou art mighty yet !
-Thy spirit walks abroad , and turns our swords
-In our own proper entrails .
-
-
-Brave Titinius !
-Look whe'r he have not crown'd dead Cassius !
-
-Are yet two Romans living such as these ?
-The last of all the Romans , fare thee well !
-It is impossible that ever Rome
-Should breed thy fellow . Friends , I owe more tears
-To this dead man than you shall see me pay .
-I shall find time , Cassius , I shall find time .
-Come therefore , and to Thassos send his body :
-His funerals shall not be in our camp ,
-Lest it discomfort us . Lucilius , come ;
-And come , young Cato ;let us to the field .
-Labeo and Flavius , set our battles on :
-'Tis three o'clock ; and , Romans , yet ere night
-We shall try fortune in a second fight .
-
-
-Yet , countrymen , O ! yet hold up your heads !
-
-What bastard doth not ? Who will go with me ?
-I will proclaim my name about the field :
-I am the son of Marcus Cato , ho !
-A foe to tyrants , and my country's friend ;
-I am the son of Marcus Cato , ho !
-
-And I am Brutus , Marcus Brutus , I ;
-Brutus , my country's friend ; know me for Brutus !
-
-
-O young and noble Cato , art thou down ?
-Why , now thou diest as bravely as Titinius ,
-And mayst be honour'd being Cato's son .
-
-Yield , or thou diest .
-
-Only I yield to die :
-There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight .
-
-Kill Brutus , and be honour'd in his death .
-
-We must not . A noble prisoner !
-
-Room , ho ! Tell Antony , Brutus is ta'en .
-
-I'll tell the news : here comes the general .
-
-Brutus is ta'en , my lord .
-
-Where is he ?
-
-Safe , Antony ; Brutus is safe enough :
-I dare assure thee that no enemy
-Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus :
-The gods defend him from so great a shame !
-When you do find him , or alive or dead ,
-He will be found like Brutus , like himself .
-
-This is not Brutus , friend ; but , I assure you ,
-A prize no less in worth . Keep this man safe ,
-Give him all kindness : I had rather have
-Such men my friends than enemies . Go on ,
-And see whe'r Brutus be alive or dead ;
-And bring us word unto Octavius' tent ,
-How every thing is chanc'd .
-
-
-Come , poor remains of friends , rest on this rock .
-
-Statilius show'd the torch-light ; but , my lord ,
-He came not back : he is or ta'en or slain .
-
-Sit thee down , Clitus : slaying is the word ;
-It is a deed in fashion . Hark thee , Clitus .
-
-
-What , I , my lord ? No , not for all the world .
-
-Peace , then ! no words .
-
-I'll rather kill myself .
-
-Hark thee , Dardanius .
-
-
-Shall I do such a deed ?
-
-O , Dardanius !
-
-O , Clitus !
-
-What ill request did Brutus make to thee ?
-
-To kill him , Clitus . Look , he meditates .
-
-Now is that noble vessel full of grief ,
-That it runs over even at his eyes .
-
-Come hither , good Volumnius : list a word .
-
-What says my lord ?
-
-Why this , Volumnius :
-The ghost of C sar hath appear'd to me
-Two several times by night ; at Sardis once ,
-And this last night here in Philippi fields .
-I know my hour is come .
-
-Not so , my lord .
-
-Nay , I am sure it is , Volumnius .
-Thou seest the world , Volumnius , how it goes ;
-Our enemies have beat us to the pit :
-It is more worthy to leap in ourselves ,
-Than tarry till they push us . Good Volumnius ,
-Thou know'st that we two went to school together :
-Even for that our love of old , I prithee ,
-Hold thou my sword-hilts , whilst I run on it .
-
-That's not an office for a friend , my lord .
-
-
-Fly , fly , my lord ! there is no tarrying here .
-
-Farewell to you ; and you ; and you , Volumnius .
-Strato , thou hast been all this while asleep ;
-Farewell to thee too , Strato . Countrymen ,
-My heart doth joy that yet , in all my life ,
-I found no man but he was true to me .
-I shall have glory by this losing day ,
-More than Octavius and Mark Antony
-By this vile conquest shall attain unto .
-So fare you well at once ; for Brutus' tongue
-Hath almost ended his life's history :
-Night hangs upon mine eyes ; my bones would rest ,
-That have but labour'd to attain this hour .
-
-
-Fly , my lord , fly .
-
-Hence ! I will follow .
-
-I prithee , Strato , stay thou by thy lord :
-Thou art a fellow of a good respect ;
-Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it :
-Hold then my sword , and turn away thy face ,
-While I do run upon it . Wilt thou , Strato ?
-
-Give me your hand first : fare you well , my lord .
-
-Farewell , good Strato .
-
-C sar , now be still ;
-I kill'd not thee with half so good a will .
-
-What man is that ?
-
-My master's man . Strato , where is thy master ?
-
-Free from the bondage you are in , Messala ;
-The conquerors can but make a fire of him ;
-For Brutus only overcame himself ,
-And no man else hath honour by his death .
-
-So Brutus should be found . I thank thee , Brutus ,
-That thou hast prov'd Lucilius' saying true .
-
-All that serv'd Brutus , I will entertain them .
-Fellow , wilt thou bestow thy time with me ?
-
-Ay , if Messala will prefer me to you .
-
-Do so , good Messala .
-
-How died my master , Strato ?
-
-I held the sword , and he did run on it .
-
-Octavius , then take him to follow thee ,
-That did the latest service to my master .
-
-This was the noblest Roman of them all ;
-All the conspirators save only he
-Did that they did in envy of great C sar ;
-He only , in a general honest thought
-And common good to all , made one of them .
-His life was gentle , and the elements
-So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up
-And say to all the world , 'This was a man !'
-
-According to his virtue let us use him ,
-With all respect and rites of burial .
-Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie ,
-Most like a soldier , order'd honourably .
-So , call the field to rest ; and let's away ,
-To part the glories of this happy day .
-
-KING LEAR
-
-I thought the king had more affected the Duke of Albany than Cornwall .
-
-It did always seem so to us ; but now , in the division of the kingdom , it appears not which of the dukes he values most ; for equalities are so weighed that curiosity in neither can make choice of either's moiety .
-
-Is not this your son , my lord ?
-
-His breeding , sir , hath been at my charge : I have so often blushed to acknowledge him , that now I am brazed to it .
-
-I cannot conceive you .
-
-Sir , this young fellow's mother could ; whereupon she grew round-wombed , and had , indeed , sir , a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed . Do you smell a fault ?
-
-I cannot wish the fault undone , the issue of it being so proper .
-
-But I have a son , sir , by order of law , some year elder than this , who yet is no dearer in my account : though this knave came somewhat saucily into the world before he was sent for , yet was his mother fair ; there was good sport at his making , and the whoreson must be acknowledged . Do you know this noble gentleman , Edmund ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-My Lord of Kent : remember him hereafter as my honourable friend .
-
-My services to your lordship .
-
-I must love you , and sue to know you better .
-
-Sir , I shall study deserving .
-
-He hath been out nine years , and away he shall again . The king is coming .
-
-
-Attend the Lords of France and Burgundy , Gloucester .
-
-I shall , my liege .
-
-
-Meantime we shall express our darker purpose .
-Give me the map there . Know that we have divided
-In three our kingdom ; and 'tis our fast intent
-To shake all cares and business from our age ,
-Conferring them on younger strengths , while we
-Unburden'd crawl toward death . Our son of Cornwall ,
-And you , our no less loving son of Albany ,
-We have this hour a constant will to publish
-Our daughters' several dowers , that future strife
-May be prevented now . The princes , France and Burgundy ,
-Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love ,
-Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn ,
-And here are to be answer'd . Tell me , my daughters ,
-Since now we will divest us both of rule ,
-Interest of territory , cares of state ,
-Which of you shall we say doth love us most ?
-That we our largest bounty may extend
-Where nature doth with merit challenge . Goneril ,
-Our eldest-born , speak first .
-
-Sir , I love you more than words can wield the matter ;
-Dearer than eye-sight , space , and liberty ;
-Beyond what can be valu'd , rich or rare ;
-No less than life , with grace , health , beauty , honour ;
-As much as child e'er lov'd , or father found ;
-A love that makes breath poor and speech unable ;
-Beyond all manner of so much I love you .
-
-What shall Cordelia do ? Love , and be silent .
-
-Of all these bounds , even from this line to this ,
-With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd ,
-With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads ,
-We make thee lady : to thine and Albany's issue
-Be this perpetual . What says our second daughter ,
-Our dearest Regan , wife to Cornwall ? Speak .
-
-I am made of that self metal as my sister ,
-And prize me at her worth . In my true heart
-I find she names my very deed of love ;
-Only she comes too short : that I profess
-Myself an enemy to all other joys
-Which the most precious square of sense possesses
-And find I am alone felicitate
-In your dear highness' love .
-
-Then , poor Cordelia !
-And yet not so ; since , I am sure , my love's
-More richer than my tongue .
-
-To thee and thine , hereditary ever ,
-Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom ,
-No less in space , validity , and pleasure ,
-Than that conferr'd on Goneril . Now , our joy ,
-Although our last , not least ; to whose young love
-The vines of France and milk of Burgundy
-Strive to be interess'd ; what can you say to draw
-A third more opulent than your sisters ? Speak .
-
-Nothing , my lord .
-
-Nothing ?
-
-Nothing .
-
-Nothing will come of nothing : speak again .
-
-Unhappy that I am , I cannot heave
-My heart into my mouth : I love your majesty
-According to my bond ; nor more nor less .
-
-How , how , Cordelia ! mend your speech a little ,
-Lest you may mar your fortunes .
-
-Good my lord ,
-You have begot me , bred me , lov'd me : I
-Return those duties back as are right fit ,
-Obey you , love you , and most honour you .
-Why have my sisters husbands , if they say
-They love you all ? Haply , when I shall wed ,
-That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry
-Half my love with him , half my care and duty :
-Sure I shall never marry like my sisters ,
-To love my father all .
-
-But goes thy heart with this ?
-
-Ay , good my lord .
-
-So young , and so untender ?
-
-So young , my lord , and true .
-
-Let it be so ; thy truth then be thy dower :
-For , by the sacred radiance of the sun ,
-The mysteries of Hecate and the night ,
-By all the operation of the orbs
-From whom we do exist and cease to be ,
-Here I disclaim all my paternal care ,
-Propinquity and property of blood ,
-And as a stranger to my heart and me
-Hold thee from this for ever . The barbarous Scythian ,
-Or he that makes his generation messes
-To gorge his appetite , shall to my bosom
-Be as well neighbour'd , pitied , and reliev'd ,
-As thou my sometime daughter .
-
-Good my liege ,
-
-Peace , Kent !
-Come not between the dragon and his wrath .
-I lov'd her most , and thought to set my rest
-On her kind nursery . Hence , and avoid my sight !
-So be my grave my peace , as here I give
-Her father's heart from her ! Call France . Who stirs ?
-Call Burgundy . Cornwall and Albany ,
-With my two daughters' dowers digest the third ;
-Let pride , which she calls plainness , marry her .
-I do invest you jointly with my power ,
-Pre-eminence , and all the large effects
-That troop with majesty . Ourself by monthly course ,
-With reservation of a hundred knights ,
-By you to be sustain'd , shall our abode
-Make with you by due turn . Only we shall retain
-The name and all th' addition to a king ;
-The sway , revenue , execution of the rest ,
-Beloved sons , be yours : which to confirm ,
-This coronet part between you .
-
-Royal Lear ,
-Whom I have ever honour'd as my king ,
-Lov'd as my father , as my master follow'd ,
-As my great patron thought on in my prayers ,
-
-The bow is bent and drawn ; make from the shaft .
-
-Let it fall rather , though the fork invade
-The region of my heart : be Kent unmannerly
-When Lear is mad . What wouldst thou do , old man ?
-Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak
-When power to flattery bows ? To plainness honour's bound
-When majesty falls to folly . Reserve thy state ;
-And , in thy best consideration , check
-This hideous rashness : answer my life my judgment ,
-Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least ;
-Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sound
-Reverbs no hollowness .
-
-Kent , on thy life , no more .
-
-My life I never held but as a pawn
-To wage against thine enemies ; nor fear to lose it ,
-Thy safety being the motive .
-
-Out of my sight !
-
-See better , Lear ; and let me still remain
-The true blank of thine eye .
-
-Now , by Apollo ,
-
-Now , by Apollo , king ,
-Thou swear'st thy gods in vain .
-
-O vassal ! miscreant !
-
-
-Dear sir , forbear .
-
-Dear sir , forbear .
-
-Do ;
-Kill thy physician , and the fee bestow
-Upon the foul disease . Revoke thy gift ;
-Or , whilst I can vent clamour from my throat ,
-I'll tell thee thou dost evil .
-
-Hear me , recreant !
-On thine allegiance , hear me !
-Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow ,
-Which we durst never yet ,and , with strain'd pride
-To come betwixt our sentence and our power ,
-Which nor our nature nor our place can hear ,
-Our potency made good , take thy reward .
-Five days we do allot thee for provision
-To shield thee from diseases of the world ;
-And , on the sixth , to turn thy hated back
-Upon our kingdom : if , on the tenth day following
-Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions ,
-The moment is thy death . Away ! By Jupiter ,
-This shall not be revok'd .
-
-Fare thee well , king ; sith thus thou wilt appear ,
-Freedom lives hence , and banishment is here .
-
-
-The gods to their dear shelter take thee , maid ,
-That justly think'st , and hast most rightly said !
-
-
-And your large speeches may your deeds approve ,
-That good effects may spring from words of love .
-Thus Kent , O princes ! bids you all adieu ;
-He'll shape his old course in a country new .
-
-Here's France and Burgundy , my noble lord .
-
-My Lord of Burgundy ,
-We first address toward you , who with this king
-Hath rivall'd for our daughter . What , in the least ,
-Will you require in present dower with her ,
-Or cease your quest of love ?
-
-Most royal majesty ,
-I crave no more than hath your highness offer'd ,
-Nor will you tender less .
-
-Right noble Burgundy ,
-When she was dear to us we did hold her so ,
-But now her price is fall'n . Sir , there she stands :
-If aught within that little-seeming substance ,
-Or all of it , with our displeasure piec'd ,
-And nothing more , may fitly like your Grace ,
-She's there , and she is yours .
-
-I know no answer .
-
-Will you , with those infirmities she owes ,
-Unfriended , new-adopted to our hate ,
-Dower'd with our curse , and stranger'd with our oath ,
-Take her , or leave her ?
-
-Pardon me , royal sir ;
-Election makes not up on such conditions .
-
-Then leave her , sir ; for , by the power that made me ,
-I tell you all her wealth .
-
-For you , great king ,
-I would not from your love make such a stray
-To match you where I hate ; therefore , beseech you
-To avert your liking a more worthier way
-Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd
-Almost to acknowledge hers .
-
-This is most strange ,
-That she , who even but now was your best object ,
-The argument of your praise , balm of your age ,
-The best , the dearest , should in this trice of time
-Commit a thing so monstrous , to dismantle
-So many folds of favour . Sure , her offence
-Must be of such unnatural degree
-That monsters it , or your fore-vouch'd affection
-Fall into taint ; which to believe of her ,
-Must be a faith that reason without miracle
-Could never plant in me .
-
-I yet beseech your majesty
-If for I want that glib and oily art
-To speak and purpose not ; since what I well intend ,
-I'll do 't before I speak that you make known
-It is no vicious blot nor other foulness ,
-No unchaste action , or dishonour'd step ,
-That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour ,
-But even for want of that for which I am richer ,
-A still-soliciting eye , and such a tongue
-That I am glad I have not , though not to have it
-Hath lost me in your liking .
-
-Better thou
-Hadst not been born than not to have pleas'd me better .
-
-Is it but this ? a tardiness in nature
-Which often leaves the history unspoke
-That it intends to do ? My Lord of Burgundy ,
-What say you to the lady ? Love is not love
-When it is mingled with regards that stand
-Aloof from the entire point . Will you have her ?
-She is herself a dowry .
-
-Royal Lear ,
-Give but that portion which yourself propos'd ,
-And here I take Cordelia by the hand ,
-Duchess of Burgundy .
-
-Nothing : I have sworn ; I am firm .
-
-I am sorry , then , you have so lost a father
-That you must lose a husband .
-
-Peace be with Burgundy !
-Since that respects of fortune are his love ,
-I shall not be his wife .
-
-Fairest Cordelia , that art most rich , being poor ;
-Most choice , forsaken ; and most lov'd , despis'd !
-Thee and thy virtues here I seize upon :
-Be it lawful I take up what's cast away .
-Gods , gods ! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect
-My love should kindle to inflam'd respect .
-Thy dowerless daughter , king , thrown to my chance ,
-Is queen of us , of ours , and our fair France :
-Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy
-Shall buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me .
-Bid them farewell , Cordelia , though unkind :
-Thou losest here , a better where to find .
-
-Thou hast her , France ; let her be thine , for we
-Have no such daughter , nor shall ever see
-That face of hers again , therefore be gone
-Without our grace , our love , our benison .
-Come , noble Burgundy .
-
-
-Bid farewell to your sisters .
-
-The jewels of our father , with wash'd eyes
-Cordelia leaves you : I know you what you are ;
-And like a sister am most loath to call
-Your faults as they are nam'd . Use well our father :
-To your professed bosoms I commit him :
-But yet , alas ! stood I within his grace ,
-I would prefer him to a better place .
-So farewell to you both .
-
-Prescribe not us our duties .
-
-Let your study
-Be to content your lord , who hath receiv'd you
-At fortune's alms ; you have obedience scanted ,
-And well are worth the want that you have wanted .
-
-Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides ;
-Who covers faults , at last shame them derides .
-Well may you prosper !
-
-Come , my fair Cordelia .
-
-
-Sister , it is not little I have to say of what most nearly appertains to us both . I think our father will hence to-night .
-
-That's most certain , and with you ; next month with us .
-
-You see how full of changes his age is ; the observation we have made of it hath not been little : he always loved our sister most ; and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her off appears too grossly .
-
-'Tis the infirmity of his age ; yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself .
-
-The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash ; then , must we look to receive from his age , not alone the imperfections of long-engraffed condition , but , therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with them .
-
-Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of Kent's banishment .
-
-There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and him . Pray you , let us hit together : if our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears , this last surrender of his will but offend us .
-
-We shall further think on't .
-
-We must do something , and i' the heat .
-
-
-Thou , Nature , art my goddess ; to thy law
-My services are bound . Wherefore should I
-Stand in the plague of custom , and permit
-The curiosity of nations to deprive me ,
-For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines
-Lag of a brother ? Why bastard ? wherefore base ?
-When my dimensions are as well compact ,
-My mind as generous , and my shape as true ,
-As honest madam's issue ? Why brand they us
-With base ? with baseness ? bastardy ? base , base ?
-Who in the lusty stealth of nature take
-More composition and fierce quality
-Than doth , within a dull , stale , tired bed ,
-Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops ,
-Got 'tween asleep and wake ? Well then ,
-Legitimate Edgar , I must have your land :
-Our father's love is to the bastard Edmund
-As to the legitimate . Fine word , 'legitimate !'
-Well , my legitimate , if this letter speed ,
-And my invention thrive , Edmund the base
-Shall top the legitimate :I grow , I prosper ;
-Now , gods , stand up for bastards !
-
-
-Kent banished thus ! And France in choler parted !
-And the king gone to-night ! subscrib'd his power !
-Confin'd to exhibition ! All this done
-Upon the gad ! Edmund , how now ! what news ?
-
-So please your lordship , none .
-
-
-Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter ?
-
-I know no news , my lord .
-
-What paper were you reading ?
-
-Nothing , my lord .
-
-No ? What needed then that terrible dispatch of it into your pocket ? the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself . Let's see ; come ; if it be nothing , I shall not need spectacles .
-
-I beseech you , sir , pardon me ; it is a letter from my brother that I have not all o'er-read , and for so much as I have perused , I find it not fit for your o'er-looking .
-
-Give me the letter , sir .
-
-I shall offend , either to detain or give it . The contents , as in part I understand them , are to blame .
-
-Let's see , let's see .
-
-I hope , for my brother's justification , he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue .
-
-This policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times ; keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish them . I begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny , who sways , not as it hath power , but as it is suffered . Come to me , that of this I may speak more . If our father would sleep till I waked him , you should enjoy half his revenue for ever , and live the beloved of your brother ,
-
-It was not brought me , my lord ; there's the cunning of it ; I found it thrown in at the casement of my closet .
-
-You know the character to be your brother's ?
-
-If the matter were good , my lord , I durst swear it were his ; but , in respect of that , I would fain think it were not .
-
-It is his .
-
-It is his hand , my lord ; but I hope his heart is not in the contents .
-
-Hath he never heretofore sounded you in this business ?
-
-Never , my lord : but I have often heard him maintain it to be fit that , sons at perfect age , and fathers declined , the father should be as ward to the son , and the son manage his revenue .
-
-O villain , villain ! His very opinion in the letter ! Abhorred villain ! Unnatural , detested , brutish villain ! worse than brutish ! Go , sirrah , seek him ; I'll apprehend him . Abominable villain ! Where is he ?
-
-I do not well know , my lord . If it shall please you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better testimony of his intent , you shall run a certain course ; where , if you violently proceed against him , mistaking his purpose , it would make a great gap in your own honour , and shake in pieces the heart of his obedience . I dare pawn down my life for him , that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honour , and to no other pretence of danger .
-
-Think you so ?
-
-If your honour judge it meet , I will place you where you shall hear us confer of this , and by an auricular assurance have your satisfaction ; and that without any further delay than this very evening .
-
-He cannot be such a monster
-
-Nor is not , sure .
-
-to his father , that so tenderly and entirely loves him . Heaven and earth ! Edmund , seek him out ; wind me into him , I pray you : frame the business after your own wisdom . I would unstate myself to be in a due resolution .
-
-I will seek him , sir , presently ; convey the business as I shall find means , and acquaint you withal .
-
-These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us : though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus , yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects . Love cools , friendship falls off , brothers divide : in cities , mutinies ; in countries , discord ; in palaces , treason ; and the bond cracked between son and father . This villain of mine comes under the prediction ; there's son against father : the king falls from bias of nature ; there's father against child . We have seen the best of our time : machinations , hollowness , treachery , and all ruinous disorders , follow us disquietly to our graves . Find out this villain , Edmund ; it shall lose thee nothing : do it carefully . And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished ! his offence , honesty ! 'Tis strange !
-
-
-This is the excellent foppery of the world , that , when we are sick in fortune ,often the surfeit of our own behaviour ,we make guilty of our disasters the sun , the moon , and the stars ; as if we were villains by necessity , fools by heavenly compulsion , knaves , thieves , and treachers by spherical predominance , drunkards , liars , and adulterers by an enforced obedience of planetary influence ; and all that we are evil in , by a divine thrusting on : an admirable evasion of whoremaster man , to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a star ! My father compounded with my mother under the dragon's tail , and my nativity was under ursa major ; so that it follows I am rough and lecherous . 'Sfoot ! I should have been that I am had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing . Edgar
-
-and pat he comes , like the catastrophe of the old comedy : my cue is villanous melancholy , with a sigh like Tom o' Bedlam . O , these eclipses do portend these divisions ! Fa , sol , la , mi .
-
-How now , brother Edmund ! What serious contemplation are you in ?
-
-I am thinking , brother , of a prediction I read this other day , what should follow these eclipses .
-
-Do you busy yourself with that ?
-
-I promise you the effects he writes of succeed unhappily ; as of unnaturalness between the child and the parent ; death , dearth , dissolutions of ancient amities ; divisions in state ; menaces and maledictions against king and nobles ; needless diffidences , banishment of friends , dissipation of cohorts , nuptial breaches , and I know not what .
-
-How long have you been a sectary astronomical ?
-
-Come , come ; when saw you my father last ?
-
-The night gone by .
-
-Spake you with him ?
-
-Ay , two hours together .
-
-Parted you in good terms ? Found you no displeasure in him by word or countenance ?
-
-None at all .
-
-Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him ; and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure , which at this instant so rageth in him that with the mischief of your person it would scarcely allay .
-
-Some villain hath done me wrong .
-
-That's my fear . I pray you have a continent forbearance till the speed of his rage goes slower , and , as I say , retire with me to my lodging , from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord speak . Pray you , go ; there's my key . If you do stir abroad , go armed .
-
-Armed , brother !
-
-Brother , I advise you to the best ; go armed ; I am no honest man if there be any good meaning toward you ; I have told you what I have seen and heard ; but faintly , nothing like the image and horror of it ; pray you , away .
-
-Shall I hear from you anon ?
-
-I do serve you in this business .
-
-A credulous father , and a brother noble ,
-Whose nature is so far from doing harms
-That he suspects none ; on whose foolish honesty
-My practices ride easy ! I see the business .
-Let me , if not by birth , have lands by wit :
-All with me's meet that I can fashion fit .
-
-
-Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of his fool ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-By day and night he wrongs me ; every hour
-He flashes into one gross crime or other ,
-That sets us all at odds : I'll not endure it :
-His knights grow riotous , and himself upbraids us
-On every trifle . When he returns from hunting
-I will not speak with him ; say I am sick :
-If you come slack of former services ,
-You shall do well ; the fault of it I'll answer .
-
-He's coming , madam ; I hear him .
-
-
-Put on what weary negligence you please ,
-You and your fellows ; I'd have it come to question :
-If he distaste it , let him to my sister ,
-Whose mind and mine , I know , in that are one ,
-Not to be over-rul'd . Idle old man ,
-That still would manage those authorities
-That he hath given away ! Now , by my life ,
-Old fools are babes again , and must be us'd
-With cheeks as flatteries , when they are seen abus'd .
-Remember what I have said .
-
-Well , madam .
-
-And let his knights have colder looks among you ;
-What grown of it , no matter ; advise your fellows so :
-I would breed from hence occasions , and I shall ,
-That I may speak : I'll write straight to my sister
-To hold my very source . Prepare for dinner .
-
-
-If but as well I other accents borrow ,
-That can my speech diffuse , my good intent
-May carry through itself to that full issue
-For which I raz'd my likeness . Now , banish'd Kent ,
-If thou canst serve where thou dost stand condemn'd ,
-So may it come , thy master , whom thou lov'st ,
-Shall find thee full of labours .
-
-
-Let me not stay a jot for dinner : go , get it ready .
-
-How now ! what art thou ?
-
-A man , sir .
-
-What dost thou profess ? What wouldst thou with us ?
-
-I do profess to be no less than I seem ; to serve him truly that will put me in trust ; to love him that is honest ; to converse with him that is wise , and says little ; to fear judgment ; to fight when I cannot choose ; and to eat no fish .
-
-What art thou ?
-
-A very honest-hearted fellow , and as poor as the king .
-
-If thou be as poor for a subject as he is for a king , thou art poor enough . What wouldst thou ?
-
-Service .
-
-Whom wouldst thou serve ?
-
-You .
-
-Dost thou know me , fellow ?
-
-No , sir ; but you have that in your countenance which I would fain call master .
-
-What's that ?
-
-Authority .
-
-What services canst thou do ?
-
-I can keep honest counsel , ride , run , mar a curious tale in telling it , and deliver a plain message bluntly ; that which ordinary men are fit for , I am qualified in , and the best of me is diligence .
-
-How old art thou ?
-
-Not so young , sir , to love a woman for singing , nor so old to dote on her for any thing ; I have years on my back forty-eight .
-
-Follow me ; thou shalt serve me ; if I like thee no worse after dinner I will not part from thee yet . Dinner , ho ! dinner ! Where's my knave ? my fool ? Go you and call my fool hither .
-
-
-You , you , sirrah , where's my daughter ?
-
-So please you ,
-
-
-What says the fellow there ? Call the clotpoll back .
-
-Where's my fool , ho ? I think the world's asleep . How now ! where's that mongrel ?
-
-
-He says , my lord , your daughter is not well .
-
-Why came not the slave back to me when I called him ?
-
-Sir , he answered me in the roundest manner , he would not .
-
-He would not !
-
-My lord , I know not what the matter is ; but , to my judgment , your highness is not entertained with that ceremonious affection as you were wont ; there's a great abatement of kindness appears as well in the general dependants as in the duke himself also and your daughter .
-
-Ha ! sayest thou so ?
-
-I beseech you , pardon me , my lord , if I be mistaken ; for my duty cannot be silent when I think your highness wronged .
-
-Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception : I have perceived a most faint neglect of late ; which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness : I will look further into 't . But where's my fool ? I have not seen him this two days .
-
-Since my young lady's going into France , sir , the fool hath much pined him away .
-
-No more of that ; I have noted it well .
-Go you and tell my daughter I would speak with her .
-
-Go you , call hither my fool .
-
-O ! you sir , you , come you hither , sir . Who am
-
-I , sir ?
-
-My lady's father .
-
-'My lady's father !' my lord's knave : you whoreson dog ! you slave ! you cur !
-
-I am none of these , my lord ; I beseech your pardon .
-
-Do you bandy looks with me , you rascal ?
-
-
-I'll not be struck , my lord .
-
-Nor tripped neither , you base football player .
-
-
-I thank thee , fellow ; thou servest me , and I'll love thee .
-
-Come , sir , arise , away ! I'll teach you differences : away , away ! If you will measure your lubber's length again , tarry ; but away !
-Go to ; have you wisdom ? so .
-
-
-Now , my friendly knave , I thank thee : there's earnest of thy service .
-
-Let me hire him too : here's my coxcomb .
-
-
-How now , my pretty knave ! how dost thou ?
-
-Sirrah , you were best take my coxcomb .
-
-Why , fool ?
-
-Why ? for taking one's part that's out of favour . Nay , an thou canst not smile as the wind sits , thou'lt catch cold shortly : there , take my coxcomb . Why , this fellow has banished two on 's daughters , and did the third a blessing against his will : if thou follow him thou must needs wear my coxcomb . How now , nuncle ! Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters !
-
-Why , my boy ?
-
-If I gave them all my living , I'd keep my coxcombs myself . There's mine ; beg another of thy daughters .
-
-Take heed , sirrah ; the whip .
-
-Truth's a dog must to kennel ; he must be whipped out when Lady the brach may stand by the fire and stink .
-
-A pestilent gall to me !
-
-Sirrah , I'll teach' thee a speech .
-
-Do .
-
-Mark it , nuncle :
-
-Have more than thou showest ,
-Speak less than thou knowest ,
-Lend less than thou owest ,
-Ride more than thou goest ,
-Learn more than thou trowest ,
-Set less than thou throwest ;
-Leave thy drink and thy whore ,
-And keep in-a-door ,
-And thou shalt have more
-Than two tens to a score .
-
-
-This is nothing , fool .
-
-Then 'tis like the breath of an unfee'd lawyer , you gave me nothing for 't . Can you make no use of nothing , nuncle ?
-
-Why , no , boy ; nothing can be made out of nothing .
-
-Prithee , tell him , so much the rent of his land comes to : he will not believe a fool .
-
-A bitter fool !
-
-Dost thou know the difference , my boy , between a bitter fool and a sweet fool ?
-
-No , lad ; teach me .
-
-
-That lord that counsell'd thee
-To give away thy land ,
-Come place him here by me ,
-Do thou for him stand :
-The sweet and bitter fool
-Will presently appear ;
-The one in motley here ,
-The other found out there .
-
-
-Dost thou call me fool , boy ?
-
-All thy other titles thou hast given away ; that thou wast born with .
-
-This is not altogether fool , my lord .
-
-No , faith , lords and great men will not let me ; if I had a monopoly out , they would have part on 't , and ladies too : they will not let me have all fool to myself ; they'll be snatching . Nuncle , give me an egg , and I'll give thee two crowns .
-
-What two crowns shall they be ?
-
-Why , after I have cut the egg i' the middle and eat up the meat , the two crowns of the egg . When thou clovest thy crown i' the middle , and gavest away both parts , thou borest thine ass on thy back o'er the dirt : thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away . If I speak like myself in this , let him be whipped that first finds it so .
-
-Fools had ne'er less grace in a year ;
-For wise men are grown foppish ,
-And know not how their wits to wear ,
-Their manners are so apish .
-
-
-When were you wont to be so full of songs , sirrah ?
-
-I have used it , nuncle , ever since thou madest thy daughters thy mothers ; for when thou gavest them the rod and puttest down thine own breeches ,
-
-Then they for sudden joy did weep ,
-And I for sorrow sung ,
-That such a king should play bo-peep ,
-And go the fools among .
-
-Prithee , nuncle , keep a schoolmaster that can teach thy fool to lie : I would fain learn to lie .
-
-An you lie , sirrah , we'll have you whipped .
-
-I marvel what kin thou and thy daughters are : they'll have me whipped for speaking true , thou'lt have me whipped for lying ; and sometimes I am whipped for holding my peace . I had rather be any kind o' thing than a fool ; and yet I would not be thee , nuncle ; thou hast pared thy wit o' both sides , and left nothing i' the middle : here comes one o' the parings .
-
-
-How now , daughter ! what makes that frontlet on ? Methinks you are too much of late i' the frown .
-
-Thou wast a pretty fellow when thou hadst no need to care for her frowning ; now thou art an O without a figure . I am better than thou art now ; I am a fool , thou art nothing .
-
-Yes , forsooth , I will hold my tongue ; so your face bids me , though you say nothing .
-
-Mum , mum ;
-He that keeps nor crust nor crumb ,
-Weary of all , shall want some .
-
-That's a shealed peascod .
-
-
-Not only , sir , this your all-licens'd fool ,
-But other of your insolent retinue
-Do hourly carp and quarrel , breaking forth
-In rank and not-to-be-endured riots . Sir ,
-I had thought , by making this well known unto you ,
-To have found a safe redress ; but now grow fearful ,
-By what yourself too late have spoke and done .
-That you protect this course , and put it on
-By your allowance ; which if you should , the fault
-Would not 'scape censure , nor the redresses sleep ,
-Which , in the tender of a wholesome weal ,
-Might in their working do you that offence ,
-Which else were shame , that then necessity
-Will call discreet proceeding .
-
-For you trow , nuncle ,
-
-The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long ,
-That it had it head bit off by it young .
-
-So out went the candle , and we were left darkling .
-
-Are you our daughter ?
-
-I would you would make use of your good wisdom ,
-Whereof I know you are fraught ; and put away
-These dispositions which of late transform you
-From what you rightly are .
-
-May not an ass know when the cart draws the horse ? Whoop , Jug ! I love thee .
-
-Does any here know me ? This is not Lear :
-Does Lear walk thus ? speak thus ? Where are his eyes ?
-Either his notion weakens , his discernings
-Are lethargied . Ha ! waking ? 'tis not so .
-Who is it that can tell me who I am ?
-
-Lear's shadow .
-
-I would learn that ; for , by the marks of sovereignty , knowledge and reason , I should be false persuaded I had daughters .
-
-Which they will make an obedient father .
-
-Your name , fair gentlewoman ?
-
-This admiration , sir , is much o' the favour
-Of other your new pranks . I do beseech you
-To understand my purposes aright :
-As you are old and reverend , should be wise .
-Here do you keep a hundred knights and squires ;
-Men so disorder'd , so debosh'd , and bold ,
-That this our court , infected with their manners ,
-Shows like a riotous inn : epicurism and lust
-Make it more like a tavern or a brothel
-Than a grac'd palace . The shame itself doth speak
-For instant remedy ; be then desir'd
-By her that else will take the thing she begs ,
-A little to disquantity your train ;
-And the remainder , that shall still depend ,
-To be such men as may besort your age ,
-Which know themselves and you .
-
-Darkness and devils !
-Saddle my horses ; call my train together .
-Degenerate bastard ! I'll not trouble thee :
-Yet have I left a daughter .
-
-You strike my people , and your disorder'd rabble
-Make servants of their betters .
-
-
-Woe , that too late repents ;
-
-
-O ! sir , are you come ?
-Is it your will ? Speak , sir . Prepare my horses .
-Ingratitude , thou marble-hearted fiend ,
-More hideous , when thou show'st thee in a child ,
-Than the sea-monster .
-
-Pray , sir , be patient .
-
-Detested kite ! thou liest :
-My train are men of choice and rarest parts ,
-That all particulars of duty know ,
-And in the most exact regard support
-The worships of their name . O most small fault ,
-How ugly didst thou in Cordelia show !
-Which , like an engine , wrench'd my frame of nature
-From the fix'd place , drew from my heart all love ,
-And added to the gall . O Lear , Lear , Lear !
-Beat at this gate , that let thy folly in ,
-
-And thy dear judgment out ! Go , go , my people .
-
-My lord , I am guiltless , as I am ignorant
-Of what hath mov'd you .
-
-It may be so , my lord .
-Hear , Nature , hear ! dear goddess , hear !
-Suspend thy purpose , if thou didst intend
-To make this creature fruitful !
-Into her womb convey sterility !
-Dry up in her the organs of increase ,
-And from her derogate body never spring
-A babe to honour her ! If she must teem ,
-Create her child of spleen , that it may live
-And be a thwart disnatur'd torment to her !
-Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth ,
-With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks ,
-Turn all her mother's pains and benefits
-To laughter and contempt , that she may feel
-How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
-To have a thankless child ! Away , away !
-
-
-Now , gods that we adore , whereof comes this ?
-
-Never afflict yourself to know the cause ;
-But let his disposition have that scope
-That dotage gives it .
-
-
-What ! fifty of my followers at a clap ,
-Within a fortnight ?
-
-What's the matter , sir ?
-
-I'll tell thee .
-
-Life and death ! I am asham'd
-That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus ,
-That these hot tears , which break from me perforce ,
-Should make thee worth them . Blasts and fogs upon thee !
-Th' untented woundings of a father's curse
-Pierce every sense about thee ! Old fond eyes ,
-Beweep this cause again , I'll pluck ye out ,
-And cast you , with the waters that you lose ,
-To temper clay . Yea , is it come to this ?
-Let it be so : I have another daughter ,
-Who , I am sure , is kind and comfortable :
-When she shall hear this of thee , with her nails
-She'll flay thy wolvish visage . Thou shalt find
-That I'll resume the shape which thou dost think
-I have cast off for ever ; thou shalt , I warrant thee .
-
-
-Do you mark that ?
-
-I cannot be so partial , Goneril ,
-To the great love I bear you .
-
-Pray you , content . What , Oswald , ho !
-
-
-You , sir , more knave than fool , after your master .
-
-Nuncle Lear , nuncle Lear ! tarry , and take the fool with thee .
-
-A fox , when one has caught her ,
-And such a daughter ,
-Should sure to the slaughter ,
-If my cap would buy a halter ;
-So the fool follows after .
-
-This man hath had good counsel . A hundred knights !
-'Tis politic and safe to let him keep
-At point a hundred knights ; yes , that on every dream ,
-Each buzz , each fancy , each complaint , dislike ,
-He may enguard his dotage with their powers ,
-And hold our lives in mercy . Oswald , I say !
-
-Well , you may fear too far .
-
-Safer than trust too far .
-Let me still take away the harms I fear ,
-Not fear still to be taken : I know his heart .
-What he hath utter'd I have writ my sister ;
-If she sustain him and his hundred knights ,
-When I have show'd the unfitness ,
-
-
-How now , Oswald !
-
-What ! have you writ that letter to my sister ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-Take you some company , and away to horse :
-Inform her full of my particular fear ;
-And thereto add such reasons of your own
-As may compact it more . Get you gone ,
-And hasten your return .
-
-No , no , my lord ,
-This milky gentleness and course of yours
-Though I condemn not , yet , under pardon ,
-You are much more attask'd for want of wisdom
-Than prais'd for harmful mildness .
-
-How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell :
-Striving to better , oft we mar what's well .
-
-Nay , then
-
-Well , well ; the event .
-
-
-Go you before to Gloucester with these letters . Acquaint my daughter no further with any thing you know than comes from her demand out of the letter . If your diligence be not speedy I shall be there before you .
-
-I will not sleep , my lord , till I have delivered your letter .
-
-
-If a man's brains were in 's heels , were't not in danger of kibes ?
-
-Ay , boy .
-
-Then , I prithee , be merry ; thy wit shall not go slip-shod .
-
-Ha , ha , ha !
-
-Shalt see thy other daughter will use thee kindly ; for though she's as like this as a crab is like an apple , yet I can tell what I can tell .
-
-What canst tell , boy ?
-
-She will taste as like this as a crab does to a crab . Thou canst tell why one's nose stands i' the middle on 's face ?
-
-No .
-
-Why , to keep one's eyes of either side's nose , that what a man cannot smell out , he may spy into .
-
-I did her wrong ,
-
-Canst tell how an oyster makes his shell ?
-
-No .
-
-Nor I neither ; but I can tell why a snail has a house .
-
-Why ?
-
-Why , to put his head in ; not to give it away to his daughters , and leave his horns without a case .
-
-I will forget my nature . So kind a father ! Be my horses ready ?
-
-Thy asses are gone about 'em . The reason why the seven stars are no more than seven is a pretty reason .
-
-Because they are not eight ?
-
-Yes , indeed : thou wouldst make a good fool .
-
-To take it again perforce ! Monster ingratitude !
-
-If thou wert my fool , nuncle , I'd have thee beaten for being old before thy time .
-
-How's that ?
-
-Thou shouldst not have been old before thou hadst been wise .
-
-O ! let me not be mad , not mad , sweet heaven ;
-Keep me in temper ; I would not be mad !
-
-How now ! Are the horses ready ?
-
-Ready , my lord .
-
-Come , boy .
-
-She that's a maid now , and laughs at my departure ,
-Shall not be a maid long , unless things be cut shorter .
-
-Save thee , Curan .
-
-And you , sir . I have been with your father , and given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be here with him to-night .
-
-How comes that ?
-
-Nay , I know not . You have heard of the news abroad ? I mean the whispered ones , for they are yet but ear-kissing arguments ?
-
-Not I : pray you , what are they ?
-
-Have you heard of no likely wars toward , 'twixt the Dukes of Cornwall and Albany ?
-
-Not a word .
-
-You may do then , in time . Fare you well , sir .
-
-
-The duke be here to-night ! The better ! best !
-This weaves itself perforce into my business .
-My father hath set guard to take my brother ;
-And I have one thing , of a queasy question ,
-Which I must act . Briefness and fortune , work !
-Brother , a word ; descend : brother , I say !
-
-
-My father watches : O sir ! fly this place ;
-Intelligence is given where you are hid ;
-You have now the good advantage of the night .
-Have you not spoken 'gainst the Duke of Cornwall ?
-He's coming hither , now , i' the night , i' the haste ,
-And Regan with him ; have you nothing said
-Upon his party 'gainst the Duke of Albany ?
-
-Advise yourself .
-
-I am sure on 't , not a word .
-
-I hear my father coming ; pardon me ;
-In cunning I must draw my sword upon you ;
-Draw ; seem to defend yourself ; now 'quit you well .
-Yield ;come before my father . Light , ho ! here !
-Fly , brother . Torches ! torches ! So , farewell .
-
-Some blood drawn on me would beget opinion
-
-Of my more fierce endeavour : I have seen drunkards
-Do more than this in sport . Father ! father !
-Stop , stop ! No help ?
-
-
-Now , Edmund , where's the villain ?
-
-Here stood he in the dark , his sharp sword out ,
-Mumbling of wicked charms , conjuring the moon
-To stand auspicious mistress .
-
-But where is he ?
-
-Look , sir , I bleed .
-
-Where is the villain , Edmund ?
-
-Fled this way , sir . When by no means he could
-
-Pursue him , ho ! Go after .
-
-'By no means' what ?
-
-Persuade me to the murder of your lordship ;
-But that I told him , the revenging gods
-'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend ;
-Spoke with how manifold and strong a bond
-The child was bound to the father ; sir , in fine ,
-Seeing how loathly opposite I stood
-To his unnatural purpose , in fell motion ,
-With his prepared sword he charges home
-My unprovided body , lanc'd mine arm :
-But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits
-Bold in the quarrel's right , rous'd to the encounter ,
-Or whether gasted by the noise I made ,
-Full suddenly he fled .
-
-Let him fly far :
-Not in this land shall he remain uncaught ;
-And found dispatch . The noble duke my master ,
-My worthy arch and patron , comes to-night :
-By his authority I will proclaim it ,
-That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks ,
-Bringing the murderous coward to the stake ;
-He that conceals him , death .
-
-When I dissuaded him from his intent ,
-And found him pight to do it , with curst speech
-I threaten'd to discover him : he replied ,
-'Thou unpossessing bastard ! dost thou think ,
-If I would stand against thee , would the reposal
-Of any trust , virtue , or worth , in thee
-Make thy words faith'd ? No : what I should deny ,
-As this I would ; ay , though thou didst produce
-My very character ,I'd turn it all
-To thy suggestion , plot , and damned practice :
-And thou must make a dullard of the world ,
-If they not thought the profits of my death
-Were very pregnant and potential spurs
-To make thee seek it .'
-
-Strong and fasten'd villain !
-Would he deny his letter ? I never got him .
-
-Hark ! the duke's trumpets . I know not why he comes .
-All ports I'll bar ; the villain shall not 'scape ;
-The duke must grant me that : besides , his picture
-I will send far and near , that all the kingdom
-May have due note of him ; and of my land ,
-Loyal and natural boy , I'll work the means
-To make thee capable .
-
-
-How now , my noble friend ! since I came hither ,
-Which I can call but now ,I have heard strange news .
-
-If it be true , all vengeance comes too short
-Which can pursue the offender . How dost , my lord ?
-
-O ! madam , my old heart is crack'd , it's crack'd .
-
-What ! did my father's godson seek your life ?
-He whom my father nam'd ? your Edgar ?
-
-O ! lady , lady , shame would have it hid .
-
-Was he not companion with the riotous knights
-That tend upon my father ?
-
-I know not , madam ; 'tis too bad , too bad .
-
-Yes , madam , he was of that consort .
-
-No marvel then though he were ill affected ;
-'Tis they have put him on the old man's death ,
-To have the expense and waste of his revenues .
-I have this present evening from my sister
-Been well-inform'd of them , and with such cautions
-That if they come to sojourn at my house ,
-I'll not be there .
-
-Nor I , assure thee , Regan .
-Edmund , I hear that you have shown your father
-A child-like office .
-
-'Twas my duty , sir .
-
-He did bewray his practice ; and receiv'd
-This hurt you see , striving to apprehend him .
-
-Is he pursu'd ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-If he be taken he shall never more
-Be fear'd of doing harm ; make your own purpose ,
-How in my strength you please . For you , Edmund ,
-Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant
-So much commend itself , you shall be ours :
-Natures of such deep trust we shall much need ;
-You we first seize on .
-
-I shall serve you , sir ,
-Truly , however else .
-
-For him I thank your Grace .
-
-You know not why we came to visit you ,
-
-Thus out of season , threading dark-ey'd night :
-Occasions , noble Gloucester , of some prize ,
-Wherein we must have use of your advice .
-Our father he hath writ , so hath our sister ,
-Of differences , which I best thought it fit
-To answer from our home ; the several messengers
-From hence attend dispatch . Our good old friend ,
-Lay comforts to your bosom , and bestow
-Your needful counsel to our businesses ,
-Which craves the instant use .
-
-I serve you , madam .
-Your Graces are right welcome .
-
-
-Good dawning to thee , friend : art of this house ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Where may we set our horses ?
-
-I' the mire .
-
-Prithee , if thou lovest me , tell me .
-
-I love thee not .
-
-Why , then I care not for thee .
-
-If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold , I would make thee care for me .
-
-Why dost thou use me thus ? I know thee not .
-
-Fellow , I know thee .
-
-What dost thou know me for ?
-
-A knave , a rascal , an eater of broken meats ; a base , proud , shallow , beggarly , three-suited , hundred-pound , filthy , worsted-stocking knave ; a lily-liver'd , action-taking knave ; a whoreson , glass-gazing , superserviceable , finical rogue ; one-trunk-inheriting slave ; one that wouldst be a bawd , in way of good service , and art nothing but the composition of a knave , beggar , coward , pandar , and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch : one whom I will beat into clamorous whining if thou deniest the least syllable of thy addition .
-
-Why , what a monstrous fellow art thou , thus to rail on one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee !
-
-What a brazen-faced varlet art thou , to deny thou knowest me ! Is it two days since I tripped up thy heels and beat thee before the king ? Draw , you rogue ; for , though it be night , yet the moon shines : I'll make a sop o' the moonshine of you .
-
-Draw , you whoreson , cullionly , barber-monger , draw .
-
-Away ! I have nothing to do with thee .
-
-Draw , you rascal ; you come with letters against the king , and take vanity the pupet's part against the royalty of her father . Draw , you rogue , or I'll so carbonado your shanks : draw , you rascal ; come your ways .
-
-Help , ho ! murder ! help !
-
-Strike , you slave ; stand , rogue , stand ; you neat slave , strike .
-
-
-Help , oh ! murder ! murder !
-
-
-How now ! What's the matter ?
-
-
-With you , goodman boy , if you please : come ,
-I'll flesh ye ; come on , young master .
-
-
-Weapons ! arms ! What's the matter here ?
-
-Keep peace , upon your lives :
-He dies that strikes again . What is the matter ?
-
-The messengers from our sister and the king .
-
-What is your difference ? speak .
-
-I am scarce in breath , my lord .
-
-No marvel , you have so bestirred your valour . You cowardly rascal , nature disclaims in thee : a tailor made thee .
-
-Thou art a strange fellow ; a tailor make a man ?
-
-Ay , a tailor , sir : a stone-cutter or a painter could not have made him so ill , though they had been but two hours o' the trade .
-
-Speak yet , how grew your quarrel ?
-
-This ancient ruffian , sir , whose life I have spar'd at suit of his grey beard ,
-
-Thou whoreson zed ! thou unnecessary letter ! My lord , if you will give me leave , I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar , and daub the wall of a jakes with him . Spare my grey beard , you wagtail ?
-
-Peace , sirrah !
-You beastly knave , know you no reverence ?
-
-Yes , sir ; but anger hath a privilege .
-
-Why art thou angry ?
-
-That such a slave as this should wear a sword ,
-Who wears no honesty . Such smiling rogues as these ,
-Like rats , oft bite the holy cords a-twain
-Which are too intrinse t' unloose ; smooth every passion
-That in the natures of their lords rebel ;
-Bring oil to fire , snow to their colder moods ;
-Renege , affirm , and turn their halcyon beaks
-With every gale and vary of their masters ,
-Knowing nought , like dogs , but following .
-A plague upon your epileptic visage !
-Smile you my speeches , as I were a fool ?
-Goose , if I had you upon Sarum plain ,
-I'd drive ye cackling home to Camelot .
-
-What ! art thou mad , old fellow ?
-
-How fell you out ? say that .
-
-No contraries hold more antipathy
-Than I and such a knave .
-
-Why dost thou call him knave ? What is his fault ?
-
-His countenance likes me not .
-
-No more , perchance , does mine , nor his , nor hers .
-
-Sir , 'tis my occupation to be plain :
-I have seen better faces in my time
-Than stands on any shoulder that I see
-Before me at this instant .
-
-This is some fellow ,
-Who , having been prais'd for bluntness , doth affect
-A saucy roughness , and constrains the garb
-Quite from his nature : he cannot flatter , he ,
-An honest mind and plain , he must speak truth :
-An they will take it , so ; if not , he's plain .
-These kind of knaves I know , which in this plainness
-Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends
-Than twenty silly-ducking observants ,
-That stretch their duties nicely .
-
-Sir , in good sooth , in sincere verity ,
-Under the allowance of your grand aspect ,
-Whose influence , like the wreath of radiant fire
-On flickering Ph bus' front ,
-
-What mean'st by this ?
-
-To go out of my dialect , which you discommend so much . I know , sir , I am no flatterer : he that beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain knave ; which for my part I will not be , though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to 't .
-
-What was the offence you gave him ?
-
-I never gave him any :
-It pleas'd the king his master very late
-To strike at me , upon his misconstruction ;
-When he , conjunct , and flattering his displeasure ,
-Tripp'd me behind ; being down , insulted , rail'd ,
-And put upon him such a deal of man ,
-That worthied him , got praises of the king
-For him attempting who was self-subdu'd ;
-And , in the fleshment of this dread exploit ,
-Drew on me here again .
-
-None of these rogues and cowards
-But Ajax is their fool .
-
-Fetch forth the stocks !
-You stubborn ancient knave , you reverend braggart ,
-We'll teach you .
-
-Sir , I am too old to learn ,
-Call not your stocks for me ; I serve the king ,
-On whose employment I was sent to you ;
-You shall do small respect , show too bold malice
-Against the grace and person of my master ,
-Stocking his messenger .
-
-Fetch forth the stocks ! As I have life and honour ,
-There shall he sit till noon .
-
-Till noon ! Till night , my lord ; and all night too .
-
-Why , madam , if I were your father's dog ,
-You should not use me so .
-
-Sir , being his knave , I will .
-
-This is a fellow of the self-same colour
-Our sister speaks of . Come , bring away the stocks .
-
-
-Let me beseech your Grace not to do so .
-His fault is much , and the good king his master
-Will check him for't : your purpos'd low correction
-Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches
-For pilferings and most common trespasses
-Are punish'd with : the king must take it ill ,
-That he , so slightly valu'd in his messenger ,
-Should have him thus restrain'd .
-
-I'll answer that .
-
-My sister may receive it much more worse
-To have her gentleman abus'd , assaulted ,
-For following her affairs . Put in his legs .
-
-Come , my good lord , away .
-
-
-I am sorry for thee , friend ; 'tis the duke's pleasure ,
-Whose disposition , all the world well knows ,
-Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd ; I'll entreat for thee .
-
-Pray , do not , sir . I have watch'd and travell'd hard ;
-Some time I shall sleep out , the rest I'll whistle .
-A good man's fortune may grow out at heels :
-Give you good morrow !
-
-The duke's to blame in this ; 'twill be ill taken .
-
-
-Good king , that must approve the common saw ,
-Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st
-To the warm sun .
-Approach , thou beacon to this under globe ,
-That by thy comfortable beams I may
-Peruse this letter . Nothing almost sees miracles
-But misery : I know 'tis from Cordelia ,
-Who hath most fortunately been inform'd
-Of my obscured course ; and shall find time
-From this enormous state , seeking to give
-Losses their remedies . All weary and o'erwatch'd ,
-Take vantage , heavy eyes , not to behold
-This shameful lodging .
-Fortune , good night , smile once more ; turn thy wheel !
-
-
-I heard myself proclaim'd ;
-And by the happy hollow of a tree
-Escap'd the hunt . No port is free ; no place ,
-That guard , and most unusual vigilance ,
-Does not attend my taking . While I may 'scape
-I will preserve myself ; and am bethought
-To take the basest and most poorest shape
-That ever penury , in contempt of man ,
-Brought near to beast ; my face I'll grime with filth ,
-Blanket my loins , elf all my hair in knots ,
-And with presented nakedness outface
-The winds and persecutions of the sky .
-The country gives me proof and precedent
-Of Bedlam beggars , who with roaring voices ,
-Strike in their numb'd and mortified bare arms
-Pins , wooden pricks , nails , sprigs of rosemary ;
-And with this horrible object , from low farms ,
-Poor pelting villages , sheep-cotes , and mills ,
-Sometime with lunatic bans , sometime with prayers ,
-Enforce their charity . Poor Turlygood ! poor Tom !
-That's something yet : Edgar I nothing am .
-
-
-'Tis strange that they should so depart from home ,
-And not send back my messenger .
-
-As I learn'd ,
-The night before there was no purpose in them
-Of this remove .
-
-Hail to thee , noble master !
-
-Ha !
-Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-Ha , ha ! he wears cruel garters . Horses are tied by the head , dogs and bears by the neck , monkeys by the loins , and men by the legs : when a man is over-lusty at legs , then he wears wooden nether-stocks .
-
-What's he that hath so much thy place mistook
-To set thee here ?
-
-It is both he and she ,
-Your son and daughter .
-
-No .
-
-Yes .
-
-No , I say .
-
-I say , yea .
-
-No , no ; they would not .
-
-Yes , they have .
-
-By Jupiter , I swear , no .
-
-By Juno , I swear , ay .
-
-They durst not do't ;
-They could not , would not do 't ; 'tis worse than murder ,
-To do upon respect such violent outrage .
-Resolve me , with all modest haste , which way
-Thou mightst deserve , or they impose , this usage ,
-Coming from us .
-
-My lord , when at their home
-I did commend your highness' letters to them ,
-Ere I was risen from the place that show'd
-My duty kneeling , there came a reeking post ,
-Stew'd in his haste , half breathless , panting forth
-From Goneril his mistress salutations ;
-Deliver'd letters , spite of intermission ,
-Which presently they read : on whose contents
-They summon'd up their meiny , straight took horse ;
-Commanded me to follow , and attend
-The leisure of their answer ; gave me cold looks :
-And meeting here the other messenger ,
-Whose welcome , I perceiv'd , had poison'd mine ,
-Being the very fellow which of late
-Display'd so saucily against your highness ,
-Having more man than wit about me ,drew :
-He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries .
-Your son and daughter found this trespass worth
-The shame which here it suffers .
-
-Winter's not gone yet , if the wild geese fly that way .
-
-Fathers that wear rags
-Do make their children blind ,
-But fathers that bear bags
-Shall see their children kind .
-Fortune , that arrant whore ,
-Ne'er turns the key to the poor .
-
-But for all this thou shalt have as many dolours for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year .
-
-O ! how this mother swells up toward my heart ;
-Hysterica passio ! down , thou climbing sorrow !
-Thy element's below . Where is this daughter ?
-
-With the earl , sir : here within .
-
-Follow me not ; stay here .
-
-
-Made you no more offence than what you speak of ?
-
-None .
-How chance the king comes with so small a number ?
-
-An thou hadst been set i' the stocks for that question , thou hadst well deserved it .
-
-Why , fool ?
-
-We'll set thee to school to an ant , to teach thee there's no labouring i' the winter . All that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men ; and there's not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's stinking . Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill , lest it break thy neck with following it ; but the great one that goes up the hill , let him draw thee after . When a wise man gives thee better counsel , give me mine again : I would have none but knaves follow it , since a fool gives it .
-
-That sir which serves and seeks for gain ,
-And follows but for form ,
-Will pack when it begins to rain ,
-And leave thee in the storm .
-But I will tarry ; the fool will stay ,
-And let the wise man fly :
-The knave turns fool that runs away ;
-The fool no knave , perdy .
-
-
-Where learn'd you this , fool ?
-
-Not i' the stocks , fool .
-
-
-Deny to speak with me ! They are sick ! they are weary ,
-They have travell'd hard to-night ! Mere fetches ,
-The images of revolt and flying off .
-Fetch me a better answer .
-
-My dear lord ,
-You know the fiery quality of the duke ;
-How unremovable and fix'd he is
-In his own course .
-
-Vengeance ! plague ! death ! confusion !
-Fiery ! what quality ? Why , Gloucester , Gloucester ,
-I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife .
-
-Well , my good lord , I have inform'd them so .
-
-Inform'd them ! Dost thou understand me , man ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-The king would speak with Cornwall ; the dear father
-Would with his daughter speak , commands her service :
-Are they inform'd of this ? My breath and blood !
-Fiery ! the fiery duke ! Tell the hot duke that
-No , but not yet ; may be he is not well :
-Infirmity doth still neglect all office
-Whereto our health is bound ; we are not ourselves
-When nature , being oppress'd , commands the mind
-To suffer with the body . I'll forbear ;
-And am fall'n out with my more headier will ,
-To take the indispos'd and sickly fit
-For the sound man . Death on my state !
-
-Wherefore
-Should he sit here ? This act persuades me
-That this remotion of the duke and her
-Is practice only . Give me my servant forth .
-Go , tell the duke and's wife I'd speak with them ,
-Now , presently : bid them come forth and hear me ,
-Or at their chamber-door I'll beat the drum
-Till it cry sleep to death .
-
-I would have all well betwixt you .
-
-
-O , me ! my heart , my rising heart ! but , down !
-
-Cry to it , nuncle , as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' the paste alive ; she knapped 'em o' the coxcombs with a stick , and cried , 'Down , wantons , down !' 'Twas her brother that , in pure kindness to his horse , buttered his hay .
-
-
-Good morrow to you both .
-
-Hail to your Grace !
-
-
-I am glad to see your highness .
-
-Regan , I think you are ; I know what reason
-I have to think so : if thou shouldst not be glad ,
-I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb ,
-Sepulchring an adult'ress .
-
-O ! are you free ?
-Some other time for that . Beloved Regan ,
-Thy sister's naught : O Regan ! she hath tied
-Sharp-tooth'd unkindness , like a vulture , here :
-
-I can scarce speak to thee ; thou'lt not believe
-With how deprav'd a quality O Regan !
-
-I pray you , sir , take patience . I have hope
-You less know how to value her desert
-Than she to scant her duty .
-
-Say , how is that ?
-
-I cannot think my sister in the least
-Would fail her obligation : if , sir , perchance
-She have restrain'd the riots of your followers ,
-'Tis on such ground , and to such wholesome end ,
-As clears her from all blame .
-
-My curses on her !
-
-O , sir ! you are old ;
-Nature in you stands on the very verge
-Of her confine : you should be rul'd and led
-By some discretion that discerns your state
-Better than you yourself . Therefore I pray you
-That to our sister you do make return ;
-Say , you have wrong'd her , sir .
-
-Ask her forgiveness ?
-Do you but mark how this becomes the house :
-'Dear daughter , I confess that I am old ;
-Age is unnecessary : on my knees I beg
-
-That you'll vouchsafe me raiment , bed , and food .'
-
-Good sir , no more ; these are unsightly tricks :
-Return you to my sister .
-
-Never , Regan .
-She hath abated me of half my train ;
-Look'd black upon me ; struck me with her tongue ,
-Most serpent-like , upon the very heart .
-All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall
-On her ingrateful top ! Strike her young bones ,
-You taking airs , with lameness !
-
-Fie , air , fie !
-
-You nimble lightnings , dart your blinding flames
-Into her scornful eyes ! Infect her beauty ,
-You fen-suck'd fogs , drawn by the powerful sun ,
-To fall and blast her pride !
-
-O the blest gods ! So will you wish on me ,
-When the rash mood is on .
-
-No , Regan , thou shalt never have my curse :
-Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give
-Thee o'er to harshness : her eyes are fierce , but thine
-Do comfort and not burn . 'Tis not in thee
-To grudge my pleasures , to cut off my train ,
-To bandy hasty words , to scant my sizes ,
-And , in conclusion , to oppose the bolt
-Against my coming in : thou better know'st
-The offices of nature , bond of childhood ,
-Effects of courtesy , dues of gratitude ;
-Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot ,
-Wherein I thee endow'd .
-
-Good sir , to the purpose .
-
-Who put my man i' the stocks ?
-
-
-What trumpet's that ?
-
-I know't , my sister's ; this approves her letter ,
-That she would soon be here . Is your lady come ?
-
-
-This is a slave , whose easy-borrow'd pride
-Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows .
-Out , varlet , from my sight !
-
-What means your Grace ?
-
-Who stock'd my servant ? Regan , I have good hope
-Thou didst not know on 't . Who comes here ? O heavens ,
-
-
-If you do love old men , if your sweet sway
-Allow obedience , if yourselves are old ,
-Make it your cause ; send down and take my part !
-
-
-Art not asham'd to look upon this beard ?
-
-O Regan , wilt thou take her by the hand ?
-
-Why not by the hand , sir ? How have I offended ?
-All's not offence that indiscretion finds
-And dotage terms so .
-
-O sides ! you are too tough ;
-Will you yet hold ? How came my man i' the stocks ?
-
-I set him there , sir : but his own disorders
-Deserv'd much less advancement .
-
-You ! did you ?
-
-I pray you , father , being weak , seem so .
-If , till the expiration of your month ,
-You will return and sojourn with my sister ,
-Dismissing half your train , come then to me :
-I am now from home , and out of that provision
-Which shall be needful for your entertainment .
-
-Return to her ? and fifty men dismiss'd !
-No , rather I abjure all roofs , and choose
-To wage against the enmity o' the air ;
-To be a comrade with the wolf and owl ,
-Necessity's sharp pinch ! Return with her !
-Why , the hot-blooded France , that dowerless took
-Our youngest born , I could as well be brought
-To knee his throne , and , squire-like , pension beg
-To keep base life afoot . Return with her !
-Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter
-To this detested groom .
-
-
-At your choice , sir .
-
-I prithee , daughter , do not make me mad :
-I will not trouble thee , my child ; farewell .
-We'll no more meet , no more see one another ;
-But yet thou art my flesh , my blood , my daughter ;
-Or rather a disease that's in my flesh ,
-Which I must needs call mine : thou art a boil ,
-A plague-sore , an embossed carbuncle ,
-In my corrupted blood . But I'll not chide thee ;
-Let shame come when it will , I do not call it :
-I do not bid the thunder-bearer shoot ,
-Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove .
-Mend when thou canst ; be better at thy leisure :
-I can be patient ; I can stay with Regan ,
-I and my hundred knights .
-
-Not altogether so :
-I look'd not for you yet , nor am provided
-For your fit welcome . Give ear , sir , to my sister ;
-For those that mingle reason with your passion
-Must be content to think you old , and so
-But she knows what she does .
-
-Is this well spoken ?
-
-I dare avouch it , sir : what ! fifty followers ?
-Is it not well ? What should you need of more ?
-Yea , or so many , sith that both charge and danger
-Speak 'gainst so great a number ? How , in one house ,
-Should many people , under two commands ,
-Hold amity ? 'Tis hard ; almost impossible .
-
-Why might not you , my lord , receive attendance
-From those that she calls servants , or from mine ?
-
-Why not , my lord ? If then they chanc'd to slack you
-We could control them . If you will come to me ,
-For now I spy a danger ,I entreat you
-To bring but five-and-twenty ; to no more
-Will I give place or notice .
-
-I gave you all
-
-And in good time you gave it
-
-Made you my guardians , my depositaries ,
-But kept a reservation to be follow'd
-With such a number . What ! must I come to you
-With five-and-twenty ? Regan , said you so ?
-
-And speak't again , my lord ; no more with me .
-
-Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd ,
-When others are more wicked ; not being the worst
-Stands in some rank of praise .
-
-I'll go with thee :
-Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty ,
-And thou art twice her love .
-
-Hear me , my lord .
-What need you five-and-twenty , ten , or five ,
-To follow in a house , where twice so many
-Have a command to tend you ?
-
-What need one ?
-
-O ! reason not the need ; our basest beggars
-Are in the poorest thing superfluous :
-Allow not nature more than nature needs ,
-Man's life is cheap as beast's . Thou art a lady ;
-If only to go warm were gorgeous ,
-Why , nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st ,
-Which scarcely keeps thee warm . But , for true need ,
-You heavens , give me that patience , patience I need !
-You see me here , you gods , a poor old man ,
-As full of grief as age ; wretched in both !
-If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts
-Against their father , fool me not so much
-To bear it tamely ; touch me with noble anger ,
-And let not women's weapons , water-drops ,
-Stain my man's cheeks ! No , you unnatural hags ,
-I will have such revenges on you both
-That all the world shall I will do such things ,
-What they are yet I know not ,but they shall be
-The terrors of the earth . You think I'll weep ;
-No , I'll not weep :
-I have full cause of weeping , but this heart
-Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws
-Or ere I'll weep . O fool ! I shall go mad .
-
-
-Let us withdraw ; 'twill be a storm .
-
-
-This house is little : the old man and his people
-Cannot be well bestow'd .
-
-'Tis his own blame ; hath put himself from rest ,
-And must needs taste his folly .
-
-For his particular , I'll receive him gladly ,
-But not one follower .
-
-So am I purpos'd .
-Where is my Lord of Gloucester ?
-
-Follow'd the old man forth . He is return'd .
-
-
-The king is in high rage .
-
-Whither is he going ?
-
-He calls to horse ; but will I know not whither .
-
-'Tis best to give him way ; he leads himself .
-
-My lord , entreat him by no means to stay .
-
-Alack ! the night comes on , and the bleak winds
-Do sorely ruffle ; for many miles about
-There's scarce a bush .
-
-O ! sir , to wilful men ,
-The injuries that they themselves procure
-Must be their schoolmasters . Shut up your doors ;
-He is attended with a desperate train ,
-And what they may incense him to , being apt
-To have his ear abus'd , wisdom bids fear .
-
-Shut up your doors , my lord ; 'tis a wild night :
-My Regan counsels well : come out o' the storm .
-
-Who's here , beside foul weather ?
-
-One minded like the weather , most unquietly .
-
-I know you . Where's the king ?
-
-Contending with the fretful elements ;
-Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea ,
-Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main ,
-That things might change or cease ; tears his white hair ,
-Which the impetuous blasts , with eyeless rage ,
-Catch in their fury , and make nothing of ;
-Strives in his little world of man to out-scorn
-The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain .
-This night , wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch ,
-The lion and the belly-pinched wolf
-Keep their fur dry , unbonneted he runs ,
-And bids what will take all .
-
-But who is with him ?
-
-None but the fool , who labours to out-jest
-His heart-struck injuries .
-
-Sir , I do know you ;
-And dare , upon the warrant of my note ,
-Commend a dear thing to you . There is division ,
-Although as yet the face of it be cover'd
-With mutual cunning , 'twixt Albany and Cornwall ;
-Who have as who have not , that their great stars
-Thron'd and set high servants , who seem no less ,
-Which are to France the spies and speculations
-Intelligent of our state ; what hath been seen ,
-Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes ,
-Or the hard rein which both of them have borne
-Against the old kind king ; or something deeper ,
-Whereof perchance these are but furnishings ;
-But , true it is , from France there comes a power
-Into this scatter'd kingdom ; who already ,
-Wise in our negligence , have secret feet
-In some of our best ports , and are at point
-To show their open banner . Now to you :
-If on my credit you dare build so far
-To make your speed to Dover , you shall find
-Some that will thank you , making just report
-Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow
-The king hath cause to plain .
-I am a gentleman of blood and breeding ,
-And from some knowledge and assurance offer
-This office to you .
-
-I will talk further with you .
-
-No , do not .
-For confirmation that I am much more
-Than my out-wall , open this purse , and take
-What it contains . If you shall see Cordelia ,
-As doubt not but you shall ,show her this ring ,
-And she will tell you who your fellow is
-That yet you do not know . Fie on this storm !
-I will go seek the king .
-
-Give me your hand . Have you no more to say ?
-
-Few words , but , to effect , more than all yet ;
-That , when we have found the king ,in which your pain
-That way , I'll this ,he that first lights on him
-Holla the other .
-
-
-Blow , winds , and crack your cheeks ! rage ! blow !
-You cataracts and hurricanoes , spout
-Till you have drench'd our steeples , drown'd the cocks !
-You sulphurous and thought-executing fires ,
-Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts ,
-Singe my white head ! And thou , all-shaking thunder ,
-Strike flat the thick rotundity o' the world !
-Crack nature's moulds , all germens spill at once
-That make ingrateful man !
-
-O nuncle , court holy-water in a dry house is better than this rain-water out o' door . Good nuncle , in , and ask thy daughters' blessing ; here's a night pities neither wise man nor fool .
-
-Rumble thy bellyfull Spit , fire ! spout , rain !
-Nor rain , wind , thunder , fire , are my daughters :
-I tax not you , you elements , with unkindness ;
-I never gave you kingdom , call'd you children ,
-You owe me no subscription : then , let fall
-Your horrible pleasure ; here I stand , your slave ,
-A poor , infirm , weak , and despis'd old man .
-But yet I call you servile ministers ,
-That have with two pernicious daughters join'd
-Your high-engender'd battles 'gainst a head
-So old and white as this . O ! O ! 'tis foul .
-
-He that has a house to put his head in has a good head-piece .
-
-The cod-piece that will house
-Before the head has any ,
-The head and he shall louse ;
-So beggars marry many .
-The man that makes his toe
-What he his heart should make ,
-Shall of a corn cry woe ,
-And turn his sleep to wake .
-
-For there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in a glass .
-
-
-No , I will be the pattern of all patience ; I will say nothing .
-
-Who's there ?
-
-Marry , here's grace and a cod-piece ; that's a wise man and a fool .
-
-Alas ! sir , are you here ? things that love night
-Love not such nights as these ; the wrathful skies
-Gallow the very wanderers of the dark ,
-And make them keep their caves . Since I was man
-Such sheets of fire , such bursts of horrid thunder ,
-Such groans of roaring wind and rain , I never
-Remember to have heard ; man's nature cannot carry
-The affliction nor the fear .
-
-Let the great gods ,
-That keep this dreadful pother o'er our heads ,
-Find out their enemies now . Tremble , thou wretch ,
-That hast within thee undivulged crimes ,
-Unwhipp'd of justice ; hide thee , thou bloody hand ;
-Thou perjur'd , and thou simular of virtue
-That art incestuous ; caitiff , to pieces shake ,
-That under covert and convenient seeming
-Hast practis'd on man's life ; close pent-up guilts ,
-Rive your concealing continents , and cry
-These dreadful summoners grace . I am a man
-More sinn'd against than sinning .
-
-Alack ! bare-headed !
-Gracious my lord , hard by here is a hovel ;
-Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest ;
-Repose you there while I to this hard house ,
-More harder than the stone whereof 'tis rais'd ,
-Which even but now , demanding after you ,
-Denied me to come in , return and force
-Their scanted courtesy .
-
-My wits begin to turn .
-Come on , my boy . How dost , my boy ? Art cold ?
-I am cold myself . Where is this straw , my fellow ?
-The art of our necessities is strange ,
-That can make vile things precious . Come , your hovel .
-Poor fool and knave , I have one part in my heart
-That's sorry yet for thee .
-
-
-He that has a little tiny wit ,
-With hey , ho , the wind and the rain ,
-Must make content with his fortunes fit ,
-Though the rain it raineth every day .
-
-
-True , my good boy . Come , bring us to this hovel .
-
-
-This is a brave night to cool a courtezan .
-I'll speak a prophecy ere I go :
-
-When priests are more in word than matter ;
-When brewers mar their malt with water ;
-When nobles are their tailors' tutors ;
-No heretics burn'd , but wenches' suitors ;
-When every case in law is right ;
-No squire in debt , nor no poor knight ;
-When slanders do not live in tongues ;
-Nor cutpurses come not to throngs ;
-When usurers tell their gold i' the field ;
-And bawds and whores do churches build ;
-Then shall the realm of Albion
-Come to great confusion :
-Then comes the time , who lives to see 't ,
-That going shall be us'd with feet .
-
-This prophecy Merlin shall make ; for I live before his time .
-
-
-Alack , alack ! Edmund , I like not this unnatural dealing . When I desired their leave that I might pity him , they took from me the use of mine own house ; charged me , on pain of their perpetual displeasure , neither to speak of him , entreat for him , nor any way sustain him .
-
-Most savage , and unnatural !
-
-Go to ; say you nothing . There is division between the dukes , and a worse matter than that . I have received a letter this night ; 'tis dangerous to be spoken ; I have locked the letter in my closet . These injuries the king now bears will be revenged home ; there's part of a power already footed ; we must incline to the king . I will seek him and privily relieve him ; go you and maintain talk with the duke , that my charity be not of him perceived . If he ask for me , I am ill and gone to bed . If I die for it , as no less is threatened me , the king , my old master , must be relieved . There is some strange thing toward , Edmund ; pray you , be careful .
-
-
-This courtesy , forbid thee , shall the duke
-Instantly know ; and of that letter too :
-This seems a fair deserving , and must draw me
-That which my father loses ; no less than all :
-The younger rises when the old doth fall .
-
-
-Here is the place , my lord ; good my lord , enter :
-The tyranny of the open night's too rough
-For nature to endure .
-
-
-Let me alone .
-
-Good my lord , enter here .
-
-Wilt break my heart ?
-
-I'd rather break mine own . Good my lord , enter .
-
-Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm
-Invades us to the skin : so 'tis to thee ;
-But where the greater malady is fix'd ,
-The lesser is scarce felt . Thou'dst shun a bear ;
-But if thy flight lay toward the roaring sea ,
-Thou'dst meet the bear i' the mouth . When the mind's free
-The body's delicate ; the tempest in my mind
-Doth from my senses take all feeling else
-Save what beats there . Filial ingratitude !
-Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand
-For lifting food to 't ? But I will punish home :
-No , I will weep no more . In such a night
-To shut me out ! Pour on ; I will endure .
-In such a night as this ! O Regan , Goneril !
-Your old kind father , whose frank heart gave all ,
-O ! that way madness lies ; let me shun that ;
-No more of that .
-
-Good , my lord , enter here .
-
-Prithee , go in thyself ; seek thine own ease :
-This tempest will not give me leave to ponder
-On things would hurt me more . But I'll go in .
-
-
-In , boy ; go first . You houseless poverty ,
-Nay , get thee in . I'll pray , and then I'll sleep .
-
-Poor naked wretches , wheresoe'er you are ,
-That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm ,
-How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides ,
-Your loop'd and window'd raggedness , defend you
-From seasons such as these ? O ! I have ta'en
-Too little care of this . Take physic , pomp ;
-Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel ,
-That thou mayst shake the superflux to them ,
-And show the heavens more just .
-
-Fathom and half , fathom and half ! Poor Tom !
-
-
-Come not in here , nuncle ; here's a spirit .
-Help me ! help me !
-
-Give me thy hand . Who's there ?
-
-A spirit , a spirit : he says his name's poor Tom .
-
-What art thou that dost grumble there i' the straw ?
-Come forth .
-
-
-Away ! the foul fiend follows me !
-Through the sharp hawthorn blow the winds .
-Hum ! go to thy cold bed and warm thee .
-
-Didst thou give all to thy two daughters ?
-And art thou come to this ?
-
-Who gives anything to poor Tom ? whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame , through ford and whirlpool , o'er bog and quagmire ; that hath laid knives under his pillow , and halters in his pew ; set ratsbane by his porridge ; made him proud of heart , to ride on a bay trotting-horse over four-inched bridges , to course his own shadow for a traitor . Bless thy five wits ! Tom's a-cold . O ! do de , do de , do de . Bless thee from whirlwinds , starblasting , and taking ! Do poor Tom some charity , whom the foul fiend vexes . There could I have him now , and there , and there again , and there .
-
-
-What ! have his daughters brought him to this pass ?
-Couldst thou save nothing ? Didst thou give them all ?
-
-Nay , he reserved a blanket , else we had been all shamed .
-
-Now all the plagues that in the pendulous air
-Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters !
-
-He hath no daughters , sir .
-
-Death , traitor ! nothing could have subdu'd nature
-To such a lowness , but his unkind daughters .
-Is it the fashion that discarded fathers
-Should have thus little mercy on their flesh ?
-Judicious punishment ! 'twas this flesh begot
-Those pelican daughters .
-
-Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill :
-Halloo , halloo , loo , loo !
-
-This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen .
-
-Take heed o' the foul fiend . Obey thy parents ; keep thy word justly ; swear not ; commit not with man's sworn spouse ; set not thy sweet heart on proud array . Tom's a-cold .
-
-What hast thou been ?
-
-A servingman , proud in heart and mind ; that curled my hair , wore gloves in my cap , served the lust of my mistress's heart , and did the act of darkness with her ; swore as many oaths as I spake words , and broke them in the sweet face of heaven ; one that slept in the contriving of lust , and waked to do it . Wine loved I deeply , dice dearly , and in woman out-paramoured the Turk : false of heart , light of ear , bloody of hand ; hog in sloth , fox in stealth , wolf in greediness , dog in madness , lion in prey . Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to woman : keep thy foot out of brothels , thy hand out of plackets , thy pen from lenders' books , and defy the foul fiend . Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind ; says suum , mun ha no nonny . Dolphin my boy , my boy ; sessa ! let him trot by .
-
-
-Why , thou wert better in thy grave than to answer with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies . Is man no more than this ? Consider him well . Thou owest the worm no silk , the beast no hide , the sheep no wool , the cat no perfume . Ha ! here's three on's are sophisticated ; thou art the thing itself ; unaccommodated man is no more but such a poor , bare , forked animal as thou art . Off , off , you lendings ! Come ; unbutton here .
-
-
-Prithee , nuncle , be contented ; 'tis a naughty night to swim in . Now a little fire in a wide field were like an old lecher's heart ; a small spark , all the rest on's body cold . Look ! here comes a walking fire .
-
-
-This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet : he begins at curfew , and walks till the first cock ; he gives the web and the pin , squints the eye , and makes the harelip ; mildews the white wheat , and hurts the poor creature of earth .
-
-Swithold footed thrice the old ;
-He met the night-mare , and her nine-fold ;
-Bid her alight ,
-And her troth plight ,
-And aroint thee , witch , aroint thee !
-
-
-How fares your Grace ?
-
-What's he ?
-
-Who's there ? What is't you seek ?
-
-What are you there ? Your names ?
-
-Poor Tom ; that eats the swimming frog ; the toad , the tadpole , the wall-newt , and the water ; that in the fury of his heart , when the foul fiend rages , eats cow-dung for sallets ; swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog ; drinks the green mantle of the standing pool ; who is whipped from tithing to tithing , and stock-punished , and imprisoned ; who hath had three suits to his back , six shirts to his body , horse to ride , and weapon to wear ;
-
-But mice and rats and such small deer
-Have been Tom's food for seven long year .
-
-Beware my follower . Peace , Smulkin ! peace , thou fiend .
-
-What ! hath your Grace no better company ?
-
-The prince of darkness is a gentleman ;
-Modo he's call'd , and Mahu .
-
-Our flesh and blood , my lord , is grown so vile ,
-That it doth hate what gets it .
-
-Poor Tom's a-cold .
-
-Go in with me . My duty cannot suffer
-To obey in all your daughters' hard commands :
-Though their injunction be to bar my doors ,
-And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you ,
-Yet have I ventur'd to come seek you out
-And bring you where both fire and food is ready .
-
-First let me talk with this philosopher .
-What is the cause of thunder ?
-
-Good my lord , take his offer ; go into the house .
-
-I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban .
-What is your study ?
-
-How to prevent the fiend , and to kill vermin .
-
-Let me ask you one word in private .
-
-Importune him once more to go , my lord ;
-His wits begin to unsettle .
-
-Canst thou blame him ?
-
-His daughters seek his death . Ah ! that good Kent ;
-He said it would be thus , poor banish'd man !
-Thou sayst the king grows mad ; I'll tell thee , friend ,
-I am almost mad myself . I had a son ,
-Now outlaw'd from my blood ; he sought my life ,
-But lately , very late ; I lov'd him , friend ,
-No father his son dearer ; true to tell thee ,
-
-The grief hath craz'd my wits . What a night's this !
-I do beseech your Grace ,
-
-O ! cry you mercy , sir .
-Noble philosopher , your company .
-
-Tom's a-cold .
-
-In , fellow , there , into the hovel : keep thee warm .
-
-Come , let's in all .
-
-This way , my lord .
-
-With him ;
-I will keep still with my philosopher .
-
-Good my lord , soothe him ; let him take the fellow .
-
-Take him you on .
-
-Sirrah , come on ; go along with us .
-
-Come , good Athenian .
-
-No words , no words : hush .
-
-
-Child Rowland to the dark tower came ,
-His word was still , Fie , foh , and fum ,
-I smell the blood of a British man .
-
-I will have my revenge ere I depart his house .
-
-How , my lord , I may be censured , that nature thus gives way to loyalty , something fears me to think of .
-
-I now perceive it was not altogether your brother's evil disposition made him seek his death ; but a provoking merit , set a-work by a reproveable badness in himself .
-
-How malicious is my fortune , that I must repent to be just ! This is the letter he spoke of , which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of France . O heavens ! that this treason were not , or not I the detector !
-
-Go with me to the duchess .
-
-If the matter of this paper be certain , you have mighty business in hand .
-
-True , or false , it hath made thee Earl of Gloucester . Seek out where thy father is , that he may be ready for our apprehension .
-
-If I find him comforting the king , it will stuff his suspicion more fully . I will persever in my course of loyalty , though the conflict be sore between that and my blood .
-
-I will lay trust upon thee ; and thou shalt find a dearer father in my love .
-
-
-Here is better than the open air ; take it thankfully . I will piece out the comfort with what addition I can : I will not be long from you .
-
-All the power of his wits has given way to his impatience . The gods reward your kindness !
-
-
-Frateretto calls me , and tells me Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness . Pray , innocent , and beware the foul fiend .
-
-Prithee , nuncle , tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeoman !
-
-A king , a king !
-
-No ; he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son ; for he's a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him .
-
-To have a thousand with red burning spits
-Come hizzing in upon 'em ,
-
-The foul fiend bites my back .
-
-He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf , a horse's health , a boy's love , or a whore's oath .
-
-It shall be done ; I will arraign them straight .
-
-
-Come , sit thou here , most learned justicer ;
-
-
-Thou , sapient sir , sit here . Now , you she foxes !
-
-Look , where he stands and glares ! wantest thou eyes at trial , madam ?
-Come o'er the bourn , Bessy , to me ,
-
-
-Her boat hath a leak ,
-And she must not speak
-Why she dares not come over to thee .
-
-
-The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of a nightingale . Hopdance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring . Croak not , black angel ; I have no food for thee .
-
-How do you , sir ? Stand you not so amaz'd :
-Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions ?
-
-I'll see their trial first . Bring in their evidence .
-
-
-Thou robed man of justice , take thy place ;
-
-
-And thou , his yoke-fellow of equity ,
-Bench by his side .
-
-You are o' the commission ,
-Sit you too .
-
-Let us deal justly .
-
-Sleepest or wakest thou , jolly shepherd ?
-Thy sheep be in the corn ,
-And for one blast of thy minikin mouth ,
-Thy sheep shall take no harm .
-
-Purr ! the cat is grey .
-
-Arraign her first ; 'tis Goneril . I here take my oath before this honourable assembly , she kicked the poor king her father .
-
-Come hither , mistress . Is your name Goneril ?
-
-She cannot deny it .
-
-Cry you mercy , I took you for a joint-stool .
-
-And here's another , whose warp'd looks proclaim
-What store her heart is made on . Stop her there !
-Arms , arms , sword , fire ! Corruption in the place !
-False justicer , why hast thou let her 'scape ?
-
-Bless thy five wits !
-
-O pity ! Sir , where is the patience now
-That you so oft have boasted to retain ?
-
-My tears begin to take his part so much ,
-They'll mar my counterfeiting .
-
-The little dogs and all ,
-Tray , Blanch , and Sweet-heart , see , they bark at me .
-
-Tom will throw his head at them .
-Avaunt , you curs !
-
-Be thy mouth or black or white ,
-Tooth that poisons if it bite ;
-Mastiff , greyhound , mongrel grim ,
-Hound or spaniel , brach or lym ;
-Or bobtail tike or trundle-tail ;
-Tom will make them weep and wail :
-For , with throwing thus my head ,
-Dogs leap the hatch , and all are fled .
-
-Do de , de , de . Sessa ! Come , march to wakes and fairs and market-towns . Poor Tom , thy horn is dry .
-
-Then let them anatomize Regan , see what breeds about her heart . Is there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts ?
-
-You , sir , I entertain you for one of my hundred ; only I do not like the fashion of your garments : you will say , they are Persian attire ; but let them be changed .
-
-Now , good my lord , lie here and rest awhile .
-
-Make no noise , make no noise ; draw the curtains : so , so , so . We'll go to supper i' the morning : so , so , so .
-
-And I'll go to bed at noon .
-
-
-Come hither , friend : where is the king my master ?
-
-Here , sir ; but trouble him not , his wits are gone .
-
-Good friend , I prithee , take him in thy arms ;
-I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him .
-There is a litter ready ; lay him in 't ,
-And drive toward Dover , friend , where thou shalt meet
-Both welcome and protection . Take up thy master :
-If thou shouldst dally half an hour , his life ,
-With thine , and all that offer to defend him ,
-Stand in assured loss . Take up , take up ;
-And follow me , that will to some provision
-Give thee quick conduct .
-
-Oppress'd nature sleeps :
-This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken sinews ,
-Which , if convenience will not allow ,
-Stand in hard cure .
-
-Come , help to bear thy master ;
-Thou must not stay behind .
-
-Come , come , away .
-
-
-When we our betters see bearing our woes ,
-We scarcely think our miseries our foes .
-Who alone suffers suffers most i' the mind ,
-Leaving free things and happy shows behind ;
-But then the mind much sufferance doth o'erskip ,
-When grief hath mates , and bearing fellowship .
-How light and portable my pain seems now ,
-When that which makes me bend makes the king bow ;
-He childed as I father'd ! Tom , away !
-Mark the high noises , and thyself bewray
-When false opinion , whose wrong thought defiles thee ,
-In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee .
-What will hap more to-night , safe 'scape the king !
-Lurk , lurk .
-
-
-Post speedily to my lord your husband ; show him this letter : the army of France is landed . Seek out the traitor Gloucester .
-
-
-Hang him instantly .
-
-Pluck out his eyes .
-
-Leave him to my displeasure . Edmund , keep you our sister company : the revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding . Advise the duke , where you are going , to a most festinate preparation : we are bound to the like . Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us . Farewell , dear sister : farewell , my Lord of Gloucester .
-
-How now ? Where's the king ?
-
-My Lord of Gloucester hath convey'd him hence :
-Some five or six and thirty of his knights ,
-Hot questrists after him , met him at gate ;
-Who , with some other of the lord's dependants ,
-Are gone with him toward Dover , where they boast
-To have well-armed friends .
-
-Get horses for your mistress .
-
-Farewell , sweet lord , and sister .
-
-Edmund , farewell .
-
-Go seek the traitor Gloucester ,
-Pinion him like a thief , bring him before us .
-
-Though well we may not pass upon his life
-Without the form of justice , yet our power
-Shall do a courtesy to our wrath , which men
-May blame but not control . Who's there ? The traitor ?
-
-
-Ingrateful fox ! 'tis he .
-
-Bind fast his corky arms .
-
-What mean your Graces ? Good my friends , consider
-You are my guests : do me no foul play , friends
-
-Bind him , I say .
-
-
-Hard , hard . O filthy traitor !
-
-Unmerciful lady as you are , I'm none .
-
-To this chair bind him . Villain , thou shalt find
-
-
-By the kind gods , 'tis most ignobly done
-To pluck me by the beard .
-
-So white , and such a traitor !
-
-Naughty lady ,
-These hairs , which thou dost ravish from my chin ,
-Will quicken , and accuse thee : I am your host :
-With robbers' hands my hospitable favours
-You should not ruffle thus . What will you do ?
-
-Come , sir , what letters had you late from France ?
-
-Be simple-answer'd , for we know the truth .
-
-And what confederacy have you with the traitors
-Late footed in the kingdom ?
-
-To whose hands have you sent the lunatic king ?
-Speak .
-
-I have a letter guessingly set down ,
-Which came from one that's of a neutral heart ,
-And not from one oppos'd .
-
-Cunning .
-
-And false .
-
-Where hast thou sent the king ?
-
-To Dover .
-
-Wherefore to Dover ? Wast thou not charg'd at peril
-
-Wherefore to Dover ? Let him answer that .
-
-I am tied to the stake , and I must stand the course .
-
-Wherefore to Dover ?
-
-Because I would not see thy cruel nails
-Pluck out his poor old eyes ; nor thy fierce sister
-In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs .
-The sea , with such a storm as his bare head
-In hell-black night endur'd , would have buoy'd up ,
-And quench'd the stelled fires ;
-Yet , poor old heart , he holp the heavens to rain .
-If wolves had at thy gate howl'd that dern time ,
-Thou shouldst have said , 'Good porter , turn the key ,'
-All cruels else subscrib'd : but I shall see
-The winged vengeance overtake such children .
-
-See 't shalt thou never . Fellows , hold the chair .
-Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot .
-
-He that will think to live till he be old ,
-Give me some help ! O cruel ! O ye gods !
-
-
-One side will mock another ; the other too .
-
-If you see vengeance .
-
-Hold your hand , my lord :
-I have serv'd you ever since I was a child ,
-But better service have I never done you
-Than now to bid you hold .
-
-How now , you dog !
-
-If you did wear a beard upon your chin ,
-I'd shake it on this quarrel . What do you mean ?
-
-My villain !
-
-
-Nay then , come on , and take the chance of anger .
-
-
-Give me thy sword . A peasant stand up thus !
-
-
-O ! I am slain . My lord , you have one eye left
-To see some mischief on him . O !
-
-
-Lest it see more , prevent it . Out , vile jelly !
-Where is thy lustre now ?
-
-All dark and comfortless . Where's my son Edmund ?
-Edmund , enkindle all the sparks of nature
-To quit this horrid act .
-
-Out , treacherous villain !
-Thou call'st on him that hates thee ; it was he
-That made the overture of thy treasons to us ,
-Who is too good to pity thee .
-
-O my follies ! Then Edgar was abus'd .
-Kind gods , forgive me that , and prosper him !
-
-Go thrust him out at gates , and let him smell
-His way to Dover .
-
-How is 't , my lord ? How look you ?
-
-I have receiv'd a hurt . Follow me , lady .
-Turn out that eyeless villain ; throw this slave
-Upon the dunghill . Regan , I bleed apace :
-Untimely comes this hurt . Give me your arm .
-
-
-I'll never care what wickedness I do
-If this man come to good .
-
-If she live long ,
-And , in the end , meet the old course of death ,
-Women will all turn monsters .
-
-Let's follow the old earl , and get the Bedlam
-To lead him where he would : his roguish madness
-Allows itself to any thing .
-
-Go thou ; I'll fetch some flax , and whites of eggs ,
-To apply to his bleeding face . Now , heaven help him !
-
-Yet better thus , and known to be contemn'd ,
-Than still contemn'd and flatter'd . To be worst ,
-The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune ,
-Stands still in esperance , lives not in fear :
-The lamentable change is from the best ;
-The worst returns to laughter . Welcome , then ,
-Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace :
-The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst
-Owes nothing to thy blasts . But who comes here ?
-
-
-My father , poorly led ? World , world , O world !
-But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee ,
-
-Life would not yield to age .
-
-O my good lord !
-I have been your tenant , and your father's tenant ,
-These fourscore years .
-
-Away , get thee away ; good friend , be gone ;
-Thy comforts can do me no good at all ;
-Thee they may hurt .
-
-You cannot see your way .
-
-I have no way , and therefore want no eyes ;
-I stumbled when I saw . Full oft 'tis seen ,
-Our means secure us , and our mere defects
-Prove our commodities . Ah ! dear son Edgar .
-The food of thy abused father's wrath ;
-Might I but live to see thee in my touch ,
-I'd say I had eyes again .
-
-How now ! Who's there ?
-
-O gods ! Who is 't can say , 'I am at the worst ?'
-I am worse than e'er I was .
-
-'Tis poor mad Tom .
-
-And worse I may be yet ; the worst is not ,
-So long as we can say , 'This is the worst .'
-
-Fellow , where goest ?
-
-Is it a beggar-man ?
-
-Madman and beggar too .
-
-He has some reason , else he could not beg .
-I' the last night's storm I such a fellow saw ,
-Which made me think a man a worm : my son
-Came then into my mind ; and yet my mind
-Was then scarce friends with him : I have heard more since .
-As flies to wanton boys , are we to the gods ;
-They kill us for their sport .
-
-How should this be ?
-Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow ,
-Angering itself and others .
-
-Bless thee , master !
-
-Is that the naked fellow ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-Then , prithee , get thee gone . If , for my sake ,
-Thou wilt o'ertake us , hence a mile or twain ,
-I' the way toward Dover , do it for ancient love ;
-And bring some covering for this naked soul
-Who I'll entreat to lead me .
-
-Alack , sir ! he is mad .
-
-'Tis the times' plague , when madmen lead the blind .
-Do as I bid thee , or rather do thy pleasure ;
-Above the rest , be gone .
-
-I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have ,
-Come on 't what will .
-
-
-Sirrah , naked fellow ,
-
-Poor Tom's a-cold .
-
-I cannot daub it further .
-
-Come hither , fellow .
-
-And yet I must . Bless thy sweet eyes , they bleed .
-
-Know'st thou the way to Dover ?
-
-Both stile and gate , horse-way and footpath . Poor Tom hath been scared out of his good wits : bless thee , good man's son , from the foul fiend ! Five fiends have been in poor Tom at once ; of lust , as Obidicut ; Hobbididance , prince of dumbness ; Mahu , of stealing ; Modo , of murder ; and Flibbertigibbet , of mopping and mowing ; who since possesses chambermaids and waiting-women . So , bless thee , master !
-
-Here , take this purse , thou whom the heavens' plagues
-Have humbled to all strokes : that I am wretched
-Makes thee the happier : heavens , deal so still !
-Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man ,
-That slaves your ordinance , that will not see
-Because he doth not feel , feel your power quickly ;
-So distribution should undo excess ,
-And each man have enough . Dost thou know Dover ?
-
-Ay , master .
-
-There is a cliff , whose high and bending head
-Looks fearfully in the confined deep ;
-Bring me but to the very brim of it ,
-And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear ;
-With something rich about me ; from that place
-I shall no leading need .
-
-Give me thy arm :
-Poor Tom shall lead thee .
-
-
-Welcome , my lord ; I marvel our mild husband
-Not met us on the way .
-
-Now , where's your master ?
-
-Madam , within ; but never man so chang'd .
-I told him of the army that was landed ;
-He smil'd at it : I told him you were coming ;
-His answer was , 'The worse :' of Gloucester's treachery ,
-And of the loyal service of his son ,
-When I inform'd him , then he call'd me sot ,
-And told me I had turn'd the wrong side out :
-What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him ;
-What like , offensive .
-
-Then , shall you go no further .
-It is the cowish terror of his spirit
-That dares not undertake ; he'll not feel wrongs
-Which tie him to an answer . Our wishes on the way
-May prove effects . Back , Edmund , to my brother ;
-Hasten his musters and conduct his powers :
-I must change arms at home , and give the distaff
-Into my husband's hands . This trusty servant
-Shall pass between us ; ere long you are like to hear ,
-If you dare venture in your own behalf ,
-A mistress's command . Wear this ; spare speech ;
-
-Decline your head : this kiss , if it durst speak ,
-Would stretch thy spirits up into the air .
-Conceive , and fare thee well .
-
-Yours in the ranks of death .
-
-My most dear Gloucester !
-
-O ! the difference of man and man !
-To thee a woman's services are due :
-My fool usurps my bed .
-
-Madam , here comes my lord .
-
-I have been worth the whistle .
-
-O Goneril !
-You are not worth the dust which the rude wind
-Blows in your face . I fear your disposition :
-That nature , which contemns its origin ,
-Cannot be border'd certain in itself ;
-She that herself will sliver and disbranch
-From her material sap , perforce must wither
-And come to deadly use .
-
-No more ; the text is foolish .
-
-Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile ;
-Filths savour but themselves . What have you done ?
-Tigers , not daughters , what have you perform'd ?
-A father , and a gracious aged man ,
-Whose reverence the head-lugg'd bear would lick ,
-Most barbarous , most degenerate ! have you madded .
-Could my good brother suffer you to do it ?
-A man , a prince , by him so benefited !
-If that the heavens do not their visible spirits
-Send quickly down to tame these vile offences ,
-It will come ,
-Humanity must perforce prey on itself ,
-Like monsters of the deep .
-
-Milk-liver'd man !
-That bear'st a cheek for blows , a head for wrongs ;
-Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning
-Thine honour from thy suffering ; that not know'st
-Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd
-Ere they have done their mischief . Where's thy drum ?
-France spreads his banners in our noiseless land ,
-With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats ,
-Whilst thou , a moral fool , sitt'st still , and criest
-'Alack ! why does he so ?'
-
-See thyself , devil !
-Proper deformity seems not in the fiend
-So horrid as in woman .
-
-O vain fool !
-
-Thou changed and self-cover'd thing , for shame ,
-Be-monster not thy feature . Were 't my fitness
-To let these hands obey my blood ,
-They are apt enough to dislocate and tear
-Thy flesh and bones ; howe'er thou art a fiend ,
-A woman's shape doth shield thee .
-
-Marry , your manhood .Mew !
-
-
-What news ?
-
-O ! my good lord , the Duke of Cornwall's dead ;
-Slain by his servant , going to put out
-The other eye of Gloucester .
-
-Gloucester's eyes !
-
-A servant that he bred , thrill'd with remorse ,
-Oppos'd against the act , bending his sword
-To his great master ; who , thereat enrag'd ,
-Flew on him , and amongst them fell'd him dead ;
-But not without that harmful stroke , which since
-Hath pluck'd him after .
-
-This shows you are above ,
-You justicers , that these our nether crimes
-So speedily can venge ! But , O poor Gloucester !
-Lost he his other eye ?
-
-Both , both , my lord .
-This letter , madam , craves a speedy answer ;
-'Tis from your sister .
-
-One way I like this well ;
-But being widow , and my Gloucester with her ,
-May all the building in my fancy pluck
-Upon my hateful life : another way ,
-This news is not so tart .
-
-I'll read and answer .
-
-
-Where was his son when they did take his eyes ?
-
-Come with my lady hither .
-
-He is not here .
-
-No , my good lord ; I met him back again .
-
-Knows he the wickedness ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; 'twas he inform'd against him ,
-And quit the house on purpose that their punishment
-Might have the freer course .
-
-Gloucester , I live
-To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king ,
-And to revenge thine eyes . Come hither , friend :
-Tell me what more thou knowest .
-
-
-Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason ?
-
-Something he left imperfect in the state , which since his coming forth is thought of ; which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger , that his personal return was most required and necessary .
-
-Who hath he left behind him general ?
-
-The Marshal of France , Monsieur la Far .
-
-Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief ?
-
-Ay , sir ; she took them , read them in my presence ;
-And now and then an ample tear trill'd down
-Her delicate cheek ; it seem'd she was a queen
-Over her passion ; who , most rebel-like ,
-Sought to be king o'er her .
-
-O ! then it mov'd her .
-
-Not to a rage ; patience and sorrow strove
-Who should express her goodliest . You have seen
-Sunshine and rain at once ; her smiles and tears
-Were like a better way ; those happy smilets
-That play'd on her ripe lip seem'd not to know
-What guests were in her eyes ; which parted thence ,
-As pearls from diamonds dropp'd . In brief ,
-Sorrow would be a rarity most belov'd ,
-If all could so become it .
-
-Made she no verbal question ?
-
-Faith , once or twice she heav'd the name of 'father'
-Pantingly forth , as if it press'd her heart ;
-Cried , 'Sisters ! sisters ! Shame of ladies ! sisters !
-Kent ! father ! sisters ! What , i' the storm ? i' the night ?
-Let pity not be believed !' There she shook
-The holy water from her heavenly eyes ,
-And clamour-moisten'd , then away she started
-To deal with grief alone .
-
-It is the stars ,
-The stars above us , govern our conditions ;
-Else one self mate and make could not beget
-Such different issues . You spoke not with her since ?
-
-No .
-
-Was this before the king return'd ?
-
-No , since .
-
-Well , sir , the poor distress'd Lear's i' the town ,
-Who sometime , in his better tune , remembers
-What we are come about , and by no means
-Will yield to see his daughter .
-
-Why , good sir ?
-
-A sovereign shame so elbows him : his own unkindness ,
-That stripp'd her from his benediction , turn'd her
-To foreign casualties , gave her dear rights
-To his dog-hearted daughters ,these things sting
-His mind so venomously that burning shame
-Detains him from Cordelia .
-
-Alack ! poor gentleman .
-
-Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not ?
-
-'Tis so , they are afoot .
-
-Well , sir , I'll bring you to our master Lear ,
-And leave you to attend him . Some dear cause
-Will in concealment wrap me up awhile ;
-When I am known aright , you shall not grieve
-Lending me this acquaintance . I pray you , go
-Along with me .
-
-
-Alack ! 'tis he : why , he was met even now
-As mad as the vex'd sea ; singing aloud ;
-Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow weeds ,
-With burdocks , hemlock , nettles , cuckoo-flowers ,
-Darnel , and all the idle weeds that grow
-In our sustaining corn . A century send forth ;
-Search every acre in the high-grown field ,
-And bring him to our eye .
-
-What can man's wisdom
-In the restoring his bereaved sense ?
-He that helps him take all my outward worth .
-
-There is means , madam ;
-Our foster-nurse of nature is repose ,
-The which he lacks ; that to provoke in him ,
-Are many simples operative , whose power
-Will close the eye of anguish .
-
-All bless'd secrets ,
-All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth ,
-Spring with my tears ! be aidant and remediate
-In the good man's distress ! Seek , seek for him ,
-Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life
-That wants the means to lead it .
-
-
-News , madam ;
-The British powers are marching hitherward .
-
-'Tis known before ; our preparation stands
-In expectation of them . O dear father !
-It is thy business that I go about ;
-Therefore great France
-My mourning and important tears hath pitied ,
-No blown ambition doth our arms incite ,
-But love , dear love , and our ag'd father's right ,
-Soon may I hear and see him !
-
-
-But are my brother's powers set forth ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-Himself in person there ?
-
-Madam , with much ado :
-Your sister is the better soldier .
-
-Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home ?
-
-No , madam .
-
-What might import my sister's letter to him ?
-
-I know not , lady .
-
-Faith , he is posted hence on serious matter .
-It was great ignorance , Gloucester's eyes being out ,
-To let him live ; where he arrives he moves
-All hearts against us . Edmund , I think , is gone ,
-In pity of his misery , to dispatch
-His nighted life ; moreover , to descry
-The strength o' the enemy .
-
-I must needs after him , madam , with my letter .
-
-Our troops set forth to-morrow ; stay with us ,
-The ways are dangerous .
-
-I may not , madam ;
-My lady charg'd my duty in this business .
-
-Why should she write to Edmund ? Might not you
-Transport her purposes by word ? Belike ,
-Something I know not what . I'll love thee much ,
-Let me unseal the letter .
-
-Madam , I had rather
-
-I know your lady does not love her husband ;
-I am sure of that : and at her late being here
-She gave strange ceilliades and most speaking looks
-To noble Edmund . I know you are of her bosom .
-
-I , madam !
-
-I speak in understanding ; you are , I know't :
-Therefore I do advise you , take this note :
-My lord is dead ; Edmund and I have talk'd ,
-And more convenient is he for my hand
-Than for your lady's . You may gather more .
-If you do find him , pray you , give him this ,
-And when your mistress hears thus much from you ,
-I pray desire her call her wisdom to her :
-So , fare you well .
-If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor ,
-Preferment falls on him that cuts him off .
-
-Would I could meet him , madam : I would show
-What party I do follow .
-
-Fare thee well .
-
-
-When shall I come to the top of that same hill ?
-
-You do climb up it now ; look how we labour .
-
-Methinks the ground is even .
-
-Horrible steep :
-Hark ! do you hear the sea ?
-
-No , truly .
-
-Why , then you other senses grow imperfect
-By your eyes' anguish .
-
-So may it be , indeed .
-Methinks thy voice is alter'd , and thou speak'st
-In better phrase and matter than thou didst .
-
-Y'are much deceiv'd ; in nothing am I chang'd
-But in my garments .
-
-Methinks you're better spoken .
-
-Come on , sir ; here's the place : stand still .
-How fearful
-And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low !
-The crows and choughs that wing the midway air
-Show scarce so gross as beetles ; half way down
-Hangs one that gathers samphire , dreadful trade !
-Methinks he seems no bigger than his head .
-The fishermen that walk upon the beach
-Appear like mice , and yond tall anchoring bark
-Diminish'd to her cock , her cock a buoy
-Almost too small for sight . The murmuring surge ,
-That on the unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes ,
-Cannot be heard so high . I'll look no more ,
-Lest my brain turn , and the deficient sight
-Topple down headlong .
-
-Set me where you stand .
-
-Give me your hand ; you are now within a foot
-Of the extreme verge : for all beneath the moon
-Would I not leap upright .
-
-Let go my hand .
-Here , friend , 's another purse ; in it a jewel
-Well worth a poor man's taking : fairies and gods
-Prosper it with thee ! Go thou further off ;
-Bid me farewell , and let me hear thee going .
-
-Now fare you well , good sir .
-
-
-With all my heart .
-
-Why I do trifle thus with his despair
-Is done to cure it .
-
-O you mighty gods !
-This world I do renounce , and , in your sights ,
-Shake patiently my great affliction off ;
-If I could bear it longer , and not fall
-To quarrel with your great opposeless wills ,
-My snuff and loathed part of nature should
-Burn itself out . If Edgar live , O , bless him !
-Now , fellow , fare thee well .
-
-
-Gone , sir : farewell .
-
-
-And yet I know not how conceit may rob
-The treasury of life when life itself
-Yields to the theft ; had he been where he thought
-By this had thought been past . Alive or dead ?
-
-
-Ho , you sir ! friend ! Hear you , sir ? speak !
-Thus might he pass indeed ; yet he revives .
-What are you , sir ?
-
-Away and let me die .
-
-Hadst thou been aught but gossamer , feathers , air ,
-So many fathom down precipitating ,
-Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg ; but thou dost breathe ,
-Hast heavy substance , bleed'st not , speak'st , art sound .
-Ten masts at each make not the altitude
-Which thou hast perpendicularly fell :
-Thy life's a miracle . Speak yet again .
-
-But have I fallen or no ?
-
-From the dread summit of this chalky bourn .
-Look up a-height ; the shrill-gorg'd lark so far
-Cannot be seen or heard : do but look up .
-
-Alack ! I have no eyes .
-Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit
-To end itself by death ? 'Twas yet some comfort ,
-When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage ,
-And frustrate his proud will .
-
-Give me your arm :
-Up : so . How is 't ? Feel you your legs ? You stand .
-
-Too well , too well .
-
-This is above all strangeness .
-Upon the crown o' the cliff , what thing was that
-Which parted from you ?
-
-A poor unfortunate beggar .
-
-As I stood here below methought his eyes
-Were two full moons ; he had a thousand noses ,
-Horns whelk'd and wav'd like the enridged sea :
-It was some fiend ; therefore , thou happy father ,
-Think that the clearest gods , who make them honours
-Of men's impossibilities , have preserv'd thee .
-
-I do remember now ; henceforth I'll bear
-Affliction till it do cry out itself
-'Enough , enough ,' and die . That thing you speak of
-I took it for a man ; often 'twould say
-'The fiend , the fiend :' he led me to that place .
-
-Bear free and patient thoughts . But who comes here ?
-
-
-The safer sense will ne'er accommodate
-
-His master thus .
-
-No , they cannot touch me for coining ;
-I am the king himself .
-
-O thou side-piercing sight !
-
-Nature's above art in that respect . There's your press-money . That fellow handles his bow like a crow-keeper : draw me a clothier's yard . Look , look ! a mouse . Peace , peace ! this piece of toasted cheese will do 't . There's my gauntlet ; I'll prove it on a giant . Bring up the brown bills . O ! well flown , bird ; i' the clout , i' the clout : hewgh ! Give the word .
-
-Sweet marjoram .
-
-Pass .
-
-I know that voice .
-
-Ha ! Goneril , with a white beard ! They flatter'd me like a dog , and told me I had white hairs in my beard ere the black ones were there . To say 'ay' and 'no' to everything I said ! 'Ay' and 'no' too was no good divinity . When the rain came to wet me once and the wind to make me chatter , when the thunder would not peace at my bidding , there I found 'em , there I smelt 'em out . Go to , they are not men o' their words : they told me I was every thing ; 'tis a lie , I am not ague-proof .
-
-The trick of that voice I do well remember :
-Is 't not the king ?
-
-Ay , every inch a king :
-When I do stare , see how the subject quakes .
-I pardon that man's life . What was thy cause ?
-Adultery ?
-Thou shalt not die : die for adultery ! No :
-The wren goes to 't , and the small gilded fly
-Does lecher in my sight .
-Let copulation thrive ; for Gloucester's bastard son
-Was kinder to his father than my daughters
-Got 'tween the lawful sheets .
-To 't luxury , pell-mell ! for I lack soldiers .
-Behold yond simpering dame ,
-Whose face between her forks presageth snow ;
-That minces virtue , and does shake the head
-To hear of pleasure's name ;
-The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to 't
-With a more riotous appetite .
-Down from the waist they are Centaurs ,
-Though women all above :
-But to the girdle do the gods inherit ,
-Beneath is all the fiends' :
-There's hell , there's darkness , there is the sulphurous pit ,
-Burning , scalding , stench , consumption ; fie , fie , fie ! pah , pah ! Give me an ounce of civet , good apothecary , to sweeten my imagination : there's money for thee .
-
-O ! let me kiss that hand !
-
-Let me wipe it first ; it smells of mortality .
-
-O ruin'd piece of nature ! This great world
-Shall so wear out to nought . Dost thou know me ?
-
-I remember thine eyes well enough .
-Dost thou squiny at me ? No , do thy worst , blind Cupid ; I'll not love . Read thou this challenge ; mark but the penning of it .
-
-Were all the letters suns , I could not see .
-
-I would not take this from report ; it is ,
-And my heart breaks at it .
-
-Read .
-
-What ! with the case of eyes ?
-
-O , ho ! are you there with me ? No eyes in your head , nor no money in your purse ? Your eyes are in a heavy case , your purse in a light : yet you see how this world goes .
-
-I see it feelingly .
-
-What ! art mad ? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes . Look with thine ears : see how yound justice rails upon yon simple thief . Hark , in thine ear : change places ; and , handy-dandy , which is the justice , which is the thief ? Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-And the creature run from the cur ? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority ; a dog's obey'd in office .
-Thou rascal beadle , hold thy bloody hand !
-Why dost thou lash that whore ? Strip thine own back ;
-Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind
-For which thou whipp'st her . The usurer hangs the cozener .
-Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear ;
-Robes and furr'd gowns hide all . Plate sin with gold ,
-And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks ;
-Arm it in rags , a pigmy's straw doth pierce it .
-None does offend , none , I say none ; I'll able 'em :
-Take that of me , my friend , who have the power
-To seal the accuser's lips . Get thee glass eyes ;
-And , like a scurvy politician , seem
-To see the things thou dost not . Now , now , now , now ;
-Pull off my boots ; harder , harder ; so .
-
-O ! matter and impertinency mix'd ;
-Reason in madness !
-
-If thou wilt weep my fortunes , take my eyes ;
-I know thee well enough ; thy name is Gloucester :
-Thou must be patient ; we came crying hither :
-Thou know'st the first time that we smell the air
-We waul and cry . I will preach to thee : mark .
-
-Alack ! alack the day !
-
-When we are born , we cry that we are come
-To this great stage of fools . This' a good block !
-It were a delicate stratagem to shoe
-A troop of horse with felt ; I'll put it in proof ,
-And when I have stol'n upon these sons-in-law ,
-Then , kill , kill , kill , kill , kill , kill !
-
-
-O ! here he is ; lay hand upon him . Sir ,
-Your most dear daughter
-
-No rescue ? What ! a prisoner ? I am even
-The natural fool of fortune . Use me well ;
-You shall have ransom . Let me have surgeons ;
-I am cut to the brains .
-
-You shall have any thing .
-
-No seconds ? All myself ?
-Why this would make a man a man of salt ,
-To use his eyes for garden water-pots ,
-Ay , and laying autumn's dust .
-
-Good sir ,
-
-I will die bravely as a bridegroom . What !
-I will be jovial : come , come ; I am a king ,
-My masters , know you that ?
-
-You are a royal one , and we obey you .
-
-Then there's life in it . Nay , an you get it , you shall get it by running . Sa , sa , sa , sa
-
-
-A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch ,
-Past speaking of in a king ! Thou hast one daughter ,
-Who redeems nature from the general curse
-Which twain have brought her to .
-
-Hail , gentle sir !
-
-Sir , speed you : what's your will ?
-
-Do you hear aught , sir , of a battle toward ?
-
-Most sure and vulgar ; every one hears that ,
-Which can distinguish sound .
-
-But , by your favour ,
-How near's the other army ?
-
-Near , and on speedy foot ; the main descry
-Stands on the hourly thought .
-
-I thank you , sir : that's all
-
-Though that the queen on special cause is here ,
-Her army is mov'd on .
-
-I thank you , sir .
-
-
-You ever-gentle gods , take my breath from me :
-Let not my worser spirit tempt me again
-To die before you please !
-
-Well pray you , father .
-
-Now , good sir , what are you ?
-
-A most poor man , made tame to fortune's blows ;
-Who , by the art of known and feeling sorrows ,
-Am pregnant to good pity . Give me your hand ,
-I'll lead you to some biding .
-
-Hearty thanks :
-The bounty and the benison of heaven
-To boot , and boot !
-
-
-A proclaim'd prize ! Most happy !
-That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh
-To raise my fortunes . Thou old unhappy traitor ,
-Briefly thyself remember : the sword in out
-That must destroy thee .
-
-Now let thy friendly hand
-Put strength enough to 't .
-
-
-Wherefore , bold peasant ,
-Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor ? Hence ;
-Lest that infection of his fortune take
-Like hold on thee . Let go his arm .
-
-Chill not let go , zur , without vurther 'casion .
-
-Let go , slave , or thou diest .
-
-Good gentleman , go your gait , and let poor volk pass . An chud ha' bin zwaggered out of my life , 'twould not ha' bin zo long as 'tis by a vortnight . Nay , come not near th' old man ; keep out , che vor ye , or ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the harder . Chill be plain with you .
-
-Out , dunghill !
-
-Chill pick your teeth , zur . Come ; no matter vor your foins .
-
-
-Slave , thou hast slain me . Villain , take my purse .
-If ever thou wilt thrive , bury my body ;
-And give the letters which thou find'st about me
-To Edmund Earl of Gloucester ; seek him out
-Upon the English party : O ! untimely death .
-
-
-I know thee well : a serviceable villain ;
-As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
-As badness would desire .
-
-What ! is he dead ?
-
-Sit you down , father ; rest you .
-Let's see his pockets : these letters that he speaks of
-May be my friends . He's dead ; I am only sorry
-He had no other deaths-man . Let us see :
-Leave , gentle wax ; and , manners , blame us not :
-To know our enemies' minds , we'd rip their hearts ;
-Their papers , is more lawful .
-Let our reciprocal vows be remembered . You have many opportunities to cut him off ; if your will want not , time and place will be fruitfully offered . There is nothing done if he return the conqueror ; then am I the prisoner , and his bed my gaol ; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me , and supply the place for your labour .
-Your wife , so I would say
-Affectionate servant ,
-O undistinguish'd space of woman's will !
-A plot upon her virtuous husband's life ,
-And the exchange my brother ! Here , in the sands ,
-Thee I'll rake up , the post unsanctified
-Of murderous lechers ; and in the mature time
-With this ungracious paper strike the sight
-Of the death-practis'd duke . For him 'tis well
-That of thy death and business I can tell .
-
-The king is mad : how stiff is my vile sense ,
-That I stand up , and have ingenious feeling
-Of my huge sorrows ! Better I were distract :
-So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs ,
-And woes by wrong imaginations lose
-The knowledge of themselves .
-
-
-Give me your hand :
-Far off , methinks , I hear the beaten drum .
-Come , father , I'll bestow you with a friend .
-
-
-O thou good Kent ! how shall I live and work
-To match thy goodness ? My life will be too short ,
-And every measure fail me .
-
-To be acknowledg'd , madam , is o'erpaid .
-All my reports go with the modest truth ,
-Nor more nor clipp'd , but so .
-
-Be better suited :
-These weeds are memories of those worser hours :
-I prithee , put them off .
-
-Pardon me , dear madam ;
-Yet to be known shortens my made intent :
-My boon I make it that you know me not
-Till time and I think meet .
-
-Then be 't so , my good lord .
-
-How does the king ?
-
-Madam , sleeps still .
-
-O you kind gods ,
-Cure this great breach in his abused nature !
-The untun'd and jarring senses , O ! wind up
-Of this child-changed father !
-
-So please your majesty
-That we may wake the king ? he hath slept long .
-
-Be govern'd by your knowledge , and proceed
-I' the sway of your own will . Is he array'd ?
-
-
-Ay , madam ; in the heaviness of sleep ,
-We put fresh garments on him .
-
-Be by , good madam , when we do awake him ;
-I doubt not of his temperance .
-
-Very well .
-
-
-Please you , draw near . Louder the music there .
-
-O my dear father ! Restoration , hang
-Thy medicine on my lips , and let this kiss
-Repair those violent harms that my two sisters
-Have in thy reverence made !
-
-Kind and dear princess !
-
-Had you not been their father , these white flakes
-Had challeng'd pity of them . Was this a face
-To be expos'd against the warring winds ?
-To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder ?
-In the most terrible and nimble stroke
-Of quick cross lightning ? to watch poor perdu !
-With this thin helm ? Mine enemy's dog ,
-Though he had bit me , should have stood that night
-Against my fire . And wast thou fain , poor father ,
-To hovel thee with swine and rogues forlorn ,
-In short and musty straw ? Alack , alack !
-'Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once
-Had not concluded all . He wakes ; speak to him .
-
-Madam , do you ; 'tis fittest .
-
-How does my royal lord ? How fares your majesty ?
-
-You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave ;
-Thou art a soul in bliss ; but I am bound
-Upon a wheel of fire , that mine own tears
-Do scald like molten lead .
-
-Sir , do you know me ?
-
-You are a spirit , I know ; when did you die ?
-
-Still , still , far wide .
-
-He's scarce awake ; let him alone awhile .
-
-Where have I been ? Where am I ? Fair day-light ?
-I am mightily abus'd . I should even die with pity
-To see another thus . I know not what to say .
-I will not swear these are my hands : let's see ;
-I feel this pin prick . Would I were assur'd
-Of my condition !
-
-O ! look upon me , sir ,
-And hold your hands in benediction o'er me .
-No , sir , you must not kneel .
-
-Pray , do not mock me :
-I am a very foolish fond old man ,
-Fourscore and upward , not an hour more or less ;
-And , to deal plainly ,
-I fear I am not in my perfect mind .
-Methinks I should know you and know this man ;
-Yet I am doubtful : for I am mainly ignorant
-What place this is , and all the skill I have
-Remembers not these garments ; nor I know not
-Where I did lodge last night . Do not laugh at me ;
-For , as I am a man , I think this lady
-To be my child Cordelia .
-
-And so I am , I am .
-
-Be your tears wet ? Yes , faith . I pray , weep not :
-If you have poison for me , I will drink it .
-I know you do not love me ; for your sisters
-Have , as I do remember , done me wrong :
-You have some cause , they have not .
-
-No cause , no cause .
-
-Am I in France ?
-
-In your own kingdom , sir .
-
-Do not abuse me .
-
-Be comforted , good madam ; the great rage ,
-You see , is kill'd in him ; and yet it is danger
-To make him even o'er the time he has lost .
-Desire him to go in ; trouble him no more
-Till further settling .
-
-Will 't please your highness walk ?
-
-You must bear with me .
-Pray you now , forget and forgive : I am old and foolish .
-
-
-Holds it true , sir , that the Duke of Cornwall was so slain ?
-
-Most certain , sir .
-
-Who is conductor of his people ?
-
-As 'tis said , the bastard son of Gloucester .
-
-They say Edgar , his banished son , is with the Earl of Kent in Germany .
-
-Report is changeable . 'Tis time to look about ; the powers of the kingdom approach apace .
-
-The arbitrement is like to be bloody .
-Fare you well , sir .
-
-
-My point and period will be throughly wrought ,
-Or well or ill , as this day's battle's fought .
-
-Know of the duke if his last purpose hold ,
-Or whether since he is advis'd by aught
-To change the course ; he's full of alteration
-And self-reproving ; bring his constant pleasure .
-
-
-Our sister's man is certainly miscarried .
-
-'Tis to be doubted , madam .
-
-Now , sweet lord ,
-You know the goodness I intend upon you :
-Tell me , but truly , but then speak the truth ,
-Do you not love my sister ?
-
-In honour'd love .
-
-But have you never found my brother's way
-To the forefended place ?
-
-That thought abuses you .
-
-I am doubtful that you have been conjunct
-And bosom'd with her , as far as we call hers .
-
-No , by mine honour , madam .
-
-I never shall endure her : dear my lord ,
-Be not familiar with her .
-
-Fear me not .
-She and the duke her husband !
-
-
-I had rather lose the battle than that sister
-Should loosen him and me .
-
-Our very loving sister , well be-met .
-Sir , this I heard , the king is come to his daughter ,
-With others ; whom the rigour of our state
-Forc'd to cry out . Where I could not be honest
-I never yet was valiant : for this business ,
-It toucheth us , as France invades our land ,
-Not bolds the king , with others , whom , I fear ,
-Most just and heavy causes make oppose .
-
-Sir , you speak nobly .
-
-Why is this reason'd ?
-
-Combine together 'gainst the enemy ;
-For these domestic and particular broils
-Are not the question here .
-
-Let's then determine
-With the ancient of war on our proceeding .
-
-I shall attend you presently at your tent .
-
-Sister , you'll go with us ?
-
-No .
-
-'Tis most convenient ; pray you , go with us .
-
-O , ho ! I know the riddle . [Aloud .] I will go .
-
-
-If e'er your Grace had speech with man so poor ,
-Hear me one word .
-
-I'll overtake you . Speak .
-
-
-Before you fight the battle , ope this letter .
-If you have victory , let the trumpet sound
-For him that brought it : wretched though I seem ,
-I can produce a champion that will prove
-What is avouched there . If you miscarry ,
-Your business of the world hath so an end ,
-And machination ceases . Fortune love you !
-
-Stay till I have read the letter .
-
-I was forbid it .
-When time shall serve , let but the herald cry ,
-And I'll appear again .
-
-Why , fare thee well : I will o'erlook thy paper .
-
-The enemy's in view ; draw up your powers .
-Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
-By diligent discovery ; but your haste
-Is now urg'd on you .
-
-We will greet the time .
-
-
-To both these sisters have I sworn my love ;
-Each jealous of the other , as the stung
-Are of the adder . Which of them shall I take ?
-Both ? one ? or neither ? Neither can be enjoy'd
-If both remain alive : to take the widow
-Exasperates , makes mad her sister Goneril ;
-And hardly shall I carry out my side ,
-Her husband being alive . Now then , we'll use
-His countenance for the battle ; which being done
-Let her who would be rid of him devise
-His speedy taking off . As for the mercy
-Which he intends to Lear , and to Cordelia ,
-The battle done , and they within our power ,
-Shall never see his pardon ; for my state
-Stands on me to defend , not to debate .
-
-Here , father , take the shadow of this tree
-For your good host ; pray that the right may thrive .
-If ever I return to you again ,
-I'll bring you comfort .
-
-Grace go with you , sir !
-
-Away , old man ! give me thy hand : away !
-King Lear hath lost , he and his daughter ta'en .
-Give me thy hand ; come on .
-
-No further , sir ; a man may rot even here .
-
-What ! in ill thoughts again ? Men must endure
-Their going hence , even as their coming hither :
-Ripeness is all . Come on .
-
-And that's true too .
-
-Some officers take them away : good guard ,
-Until their greater pleasures first be known
-That are to censure them .
-
-We are not the first
-Who , with best meaning , have incurr'd the worst .
-For thee , oppressed king , am I cast down ;
-Myself could else out-frown false Fortune's frown .
-Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters ?
-
-No , no , no , no ! Come , let's away to prison ;
-We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage :
-When thou dost ask me blessing , I'll kneel down ,
-And ask of thee forgiveness : so we'll live ,
-And pray , and sing , and tell old tales , and laugh
-At gilded butterflies , and hear poor rogues
-Talk of court news ; and we'll talk with them too ,
-Who loses and who wins ; who's in , who's out ;
-And take upon's the mystery of things ,
-As if we were God's spies : and we'll wear out ,
-In a wall'd prison , packs and sets of great ones
-That ebb and flow by the moon .
-
-Take them away .
-
-Upon such sacrifices , my Cordelia ,
-The gods themselves throw incense . Have I caught thee ?
-He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven ,
-And fire us hence like foxes . Wipe thine eyes ;
-The goujeres shall devour them , flesh and fell ,
-Ere they shall make us weep : we'll see 'em starve first .
-Come .
-
-
-Come hither , captain ; hark ,
-Take thou this note ;
-
-go follow them to prison :
-One step I have advanc'd thee ; if thou dost
-As this instructs thee , thou dost make thy way
-To noble fortunes ; know thou this , that men
-Are as the time is ; to be tender-minded
-Does not become a sword ; thy great employment
-Will not bear question ; either say thou'lt do't ,
-Or thrive by other means .
-
-I'll do't , my lord .
-
-About it ; and write happy when thou hast done .
-Mark ,I say , instantly , and carry it so
-As I have set it down .
-
-I cannot draw a cart nor eat dried oats ;
-If it be man's work I will do it .
-
-Sir , you have show'd to-day your valiant strain ,
-And fortune led you well ; you have the captives
-Who were the opposites of this day's strife ;
-We do require them of you , so to use them
-As we shall find their merits and our safety
-May equally determine .
-
-Sir , I thought it fit
-To send the old and miserable king
-To some retention , and appointed guard ;
-Whose age has charms in it , whose title more ,
-To pluck the common bosom on his side ,
-And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes
-Which do command them . With him I sent the queen ;
-My reason all the same ; and they are ready
-To-morrow , or at further space , to appear
-Where you shall hold your session . At this time
-We sweat and bleed ; the friend hath lost his friend ,
-And the best quarrels , in the heat , are curs'd
-By those that feel their sharpness ;
-The question of Cordelia and her father
-Requires a fitter place .
-
-Sir , by your patience ,
-I hold you but a subject of this war ,
-Not as a brother .
-
-That's as we list to grace him :
-Methinks our pleasure might have been demanded ,
-Ere you had spoke so far . He led our powers ,
-Bore the commission of my place and person ;
-The which immediacy may well stand up ,
-And call itself your brother .
-
-Not so hot ;
-In his own grace he doth exalt himself
-More than in your addition .
-
-In my rights ,
-By me invested , he compeers the best .
-
-That were the most , if he should husband you .
-
-Jesters do oft prove prophets .
-
-Holla , holla !
-That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint .
-
-Lady , I am not well ; else I should answer
-From a full-flowing stomach . General ,
-Take thou my soldiers , prisoners , patrimony ;
-Dispose of them , of me ; the walls are thine ;
-Witness the world , that I create thee here
-My lord and master .
-
-Mean you to enjoy him ?
-
-The let-alone lies not in your good will .
-
-Nor in thine , lord .
-
-Half-blooded fellow , yes .
-
-Let the drum strike , and prove my title thine .
-
-Stay yet ; hear reason . Edmund , I arrest thee
-On capital treason ; and , in thy arrest ,
-This gilded serpent .
-
-For your claim , fair sister ,
-I bar it in the interest of my wife ;
-'Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord ,
-And I , her husband , contradict your bans .
-If you will marry , make your love to me ,
-My lady is bespoke .
-
-An interlude !
-
-Thou art arm'd , Gloucester ; let the trumpet sound :
-If none appear to prove upon thy person
-Thy heinous , manifest , and many treasons ,
-There is my pledge ;
-
-I'll prove it on thy heart ,
-Ere I taste bread , thou art in nothing less
-Than I have here proclaim'd thee .
-
-Sick ! O sick !
-
-If not , I'll ne'er trust medicine .
-
-There's my exchange :
-
-what in the world he is
-That names me traitor , villain-like be lies .
-Call by thy trumpet : he that dares approach ,
-On him , on you , who not ? I will maintain
-My truth and honour firmly .
-
-A herald , ho !
-
-A herald , ho ! a herald !
-
-Trust to thy single virtue ; for thy soldiers ,
-All levied in my name , have in my name
-Took their discharge .
-
-My sickness grows upon me .
-
-She is not well ; convey her to my tent .
-
-Come hither , herald ,
-
-
-Let the trumpet sound ,
-
-And read out this .
-
-Sound , trumpet !
-
-
-If any man of quality or degree within the lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund , supposed Earl of Gloucester , that he is a manifold traitor , let him appear at the third sound of the trumpet . He is bold in his defence .
-
-Sound !
-
-
-Again !
-
-
-Again !
-
-
-Ask him his purposes , why he appears
-Upon this call o' the trumpet .
-
-What are you ?
-Your name ? your quality ? and why you answer
-This present summons ?
-
-Know , my name is lost ;
-By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit :
-Yet am I noble as the adversary
-I come to cope .
-
-Which is that adversary ?
-
-What's he that speaks for Edmund Earl of Gloucester ?
-
-Himself : what sayst thou to him ?
-
-Draw thy sword ,
-That , if my speech offend a noble heart ,
-Thy arm may do thee justice ; here is mine :
-Behold , it is the privilege of mine honours ,
-My oath , and my profession : I protest ,
-Maugre thy strength , youth , place , and eminence ,
-Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune ,
-Thy valour and thy heart , thou art a traitor ,
-False to thy gods , thy brother , and thy father ,
-Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince ,
-And , from the extremest upward of thy head
-To the descent and dust below thy foot ,
-A most toad-spotted traitor . Say thou 'No ,'
-This sword , this arm , and my best spirits are bent
-To prove upon thy heart , whereto I speak ,
-Thou liest .
-
-In wisdom I should ask thy name ;
-But since thy outside looks so fair and war-like ,
-And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes ,
-What safe and nicely I might well delay
-By rule of knighthood , I disdain and spurn ;
-Back do I toss these treasons to thy head ,
-With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart ,
-Which , for they yet glance by and scarcely bruise ,
-This sword of mine shall give them instant way ,
-Where they shall rest for ever . Trumpets , speak !
-
-
-Save him , save him !
-
-This is practice , Gloucester :
-By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer
-An unknown opposite ; thou art not vanquish'd ,
-But cozen'd and beguil'd .
-
-Shut your mouth , dame ,
-Or with this paper shall I stop it . Hold , sir ;
-Thou worse than any name , read thine own evil :
-No tearing , lady ; I perceive you know it .
-
-
-Say , if I do , the laws are mine , not thine :
-Who can arraign me for 't ?
-
-
-Most monstrous !
-Know'st thou this paper ?
-
-Ask me not what I know .
-
-Go after her : she's desperate ; govern her .
-
-
-What you have charg'd me with , that have I done ,
-And more , much more ; the time will bring it out :
-'Tis past , and so am I . But what art thou
-That hast this fortune on me ? If thou'rt noble ,
-I do forgive thee .
-
-Let's exchange charity .
-I am no less in blood than thou art , Edmund ;
-If more , the more thou hast wrong'd me .
-My name is Edgar , and thy father's son .
-The gods are just , and of our pleasant vices
-Make instruments to plague us :
-The dark and vicious place where thee he got
-Cost him his eyes .
-
-Thou hast spoken right , 'tis true ;
-The wheel is come full circle ; I am here .
-
-Methought thy very gait did prophesy
-A royal nobleness : I must embrace thee :
-Let sorrow split my heart , if ever I
-Did hate thee or thy father .
-
-Worthy prince , I know 't .
-
-Where have you hid yourself ?
-How have you known the miseries of your father ?
-
-By nursing them , my lord . List a brief tale ;
-And , when 'tis told , O ! that my heart would burst ,
-The bloody proclamation to escape
-That follow'd me so near ,O ! our lives' sweetness ,
-That we the pain of death would hourly die
-Rather than die at once !taught me to shift
-Into a madman's rags , to assume a semblance
-That very dogs disdain'd : and in this habit
-Met I my father with his bleeding rings ,
-Their precious stones new lost ; became his guide ,
-Led him , begg'd for him , sav'd him from despair ;
-Never ,O fault !reveal'd myself unto him ,
-Until some half hour past , when I was arm'd ;
-Not sure , though hoping , of this good success ,
-I ask'd his blessing , and from first to last
-Told him my pilgrimage : but his flaw'd heart ,
-Alack ! too weak the conflict to support ;
-'Twixt two extremes of passion , joy and grief ,
-Burst smilingly .
-
-This speech of yours hath mov'd me ,
-And shall perchance do good ; but speak you on ;
-You look as you had something more to say .
-
-If there be more , more woeful , hold it in ;
-For I am almost ready to dissolve ,
-Hearing of this .
-
-This would have seem'd a period
-To such as love not sorrow ; but another ,
-To amplify too much , would make much more ,
-And top extremity .
-Whilst I was big in clamour came there a man ,
-Who , having seen me in my worst estate ,
-Shunn'd my abhorr'd society ; but then , finding
-Who 'twas that so endur'd , with his strong arms
-He fasten'd on my neck , and bellow'd out
-As he'd burst heaven ; threw him on my father ;
-Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him
-That ever ear receiv'd ; which in recounting
-His grief grew puissant , and the strings of life
-Began to crack : twice then the trumpet sounded ,
-And there I left him tranc'd .
-
-But who was this ?
-
-Kent , sir , the banish'd Kent ; who in disguise
-Follow'd his enemy king , and did him service
-Improper for a slave .
-
-
-Help , help ! O help !
-
-What kind of help ?
-
-Speak , man .
-
-What means that bloody knife ?
-
-'Tis hot , it smokes ;
-It came even from the heart of O ! she's dead .
-
-Who dead ? speak , man .
-
-Your lady , sir , your lady : and her sister
-By her is poison'd ; she confesses it .
-
-I was contracted to them both : all three
-Now marry in an instant .
-
-Here comes Kent .
-
-Produce the bodies , be they alive or dead :
-This judgment of the heavens , that makes us tremble ,
-Touches us not with pity .
-
-O ! is this he ?
-The time will not allow the compliment
-
-Which very manners urges .
-
-I am come
-To bid my king and master aye good-night ;
-Is he not here ?
-
-Great thing of us forgot !
-Speak , Edmund , where's the king ? and where's Cordelia ?
-Seest thou this object , Kent ?
-
-
-Alack ! why thus ?
-
-Yet Edmund was belov'd :
-The one the other poison'd for my sake ,
-And after slew herself .
-
-Even so . Cover their faces .
-
-I pant for life : some good I mean to do
-Despite of mine own nature . Quickly send ,
-Be brief in it , to the castle ; for my writ
-Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia .
-Nay , send in time .
-
-Run , run ! O run !
-
-To whom , my lord ? Who has the office ? send
-Thy token of reprieve .
-
-Well thought on : take my sword ,
-Give it the captain .
-
-Haste thee , for thy life .
-
-
-He hath commission from my wife and me
-To hang Cordelia in the prison , and
-To lay the blame upon her own despair ,
-That she fordid herself .
-
-The gods defend her ! Bear him hence awhile .
-
-Howl , howl , howl , howl ! O ! you are men of stones :
-Had I your tongues and eyes , I'd use them so
-That heaven's vaults should crack . She's gone for ever .
-I know when one is dead , and when one lives ;
-She's dead as earth . Lend me a looking-glass ;
-If that her breath will mist or stain the stone ,
-Why , then she lives .
-
-Is this the promis'd end ?
-
-Or image of that horror ?
-
-Fall and cease ?
-
-This feather stirs ; she lives ! if it be so ,
-It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows
-That ever I have felt .
-
-O , my good master !
-
-Prithee , away .
-
-'Tis noble Kent , your friend .
-
-A plague upon you , murderers , traitors all !
-I might have sav'd her ; now , she's gone for ever !
-Cordelia , Cordelia ! stay a little . Ha !
-What is 't thou sayst ? Her voice was ever soft ,
-Gentle and low , an excellent thing in woman .
-I kill'd the slave that was a hanging thee .
-
-'Tis true , my lord , he did .
-
-Did I not , fellow ?
-I have seen the day , with my good biting falchion
-I would have made them skip : I am old now ,
-And these same crosses spoil me . Who are you ?
-Mine eyes are not o' the best : I'll tell you straight .
-
-If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated ,
-One of them we behold .
-
-This is a dull sight . Are you not Kent ?
-
-The same ,
-Your servant Kent . Where is your servant Caius ?
-
-He's a good fellow , I can tell you that ;
-He'll strike , and quickly too . He's dead and rotten .
-
-No , my good lord ; I am the very man
-
-I'll see that straight .
-
-That , from your first of difference and decay ,
-Have follow'd your sad steps .
-
-You are welcome hither .
-
-Nor no man else ; all's cheerless , dark , and deadly :
-Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves ,
-And desperately are dead .
-
-Ay , so I think .
-
-He knows not what he says , and vain it is
-That we present us to him .
-
-Very bootless .
-
-
-Edmund is dead , my lord .
-
-That's but a trifle here .
-You lords and noble friends , know our intent ;
-What comfort to this great decay may come
-Shall be applied : for us , we will resign ,
-During the life of this old majesty ,
-To him our absolute power :
-
-You , to your rights ;
-With boot and such addition as your honours
-Have more than merited . All friends shall taste
-The wages of their virtue , and all foes
-The cup of their deservings . O ! see , see !
-
-And my poor fool is hang'd ! No , no , no life !
-Why should a dog , a horse , a rat , have life ,
-And thou no breath at all ? Thou'lt come no more ,
-Never , never , never , never , never !
-Pray you , undo this button : thank you , sir .
-Do you see this ? Look on her , look , her lips ,
-Look there , look there !
-
-
-He faints !my lord , my lord !
-
-Break , heart ; I prithee , break .
-
-Look up , my lord .
-
-Vex not his ghost : O ! let him pass ; he hates him
-That would upon the rack of this tough world
-Stretch him out longer .
-
-He is gone , indeed .
-
-The wonder is he hath endur'd so long :
-He but usurp'd his life .
-
-Bear them from hence . Our present business
-Is general woe .
-
-Friends of my soul , you twain
-Rule in this realm , and the gor'd state sustain .
-
-I have a journey , sir , shortly to go ;
-My master calls me , I must not say no .
-
-The weight of this sad time we must obey ;
-Speak what we feel , not what we ought to say .
-The oldest hath borne most : we that are young ,
-Shall never see so much , nor live so long .
-
-MACBETH
-
-When shall we three meet again
-In thunder , lightning , or in rain ?
-
-When the hurlyburly's done ,
-When the battle's lost and won .
-
-That will be ere the set of sun .
-
-Where the place ?
-
-Upon the heath .
-
-There to meet with Macbeth .
-
-I come , Graymalkin !
-
-Paddock calls .
-
-Anon .
-
-Fair is foul , and foul is fair :
-Hover through the fog and filthy air .
-
-What bloody man is that ? He can report ,
-As seemeth by his plight , of the revolt
-The newest state .
-
-This is the sergeant
-Who , like a good and hardy soldier fought
-'Gainst my captivity . Hail , brave friend !
-Say to the king the knowledge of the broil
-As thou didst leave it .
-
-Doubtful it stood ;
-As two spent swimmers , that do cling together
-And choke their art . The merciless Macdonwald
-Worthy to be a rebel , for to that
-The multiplying villanies of nature
-Do swarm upon him from the western isles
-Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied ;
-And fortune , on his damned quarrel smiling ,
-Show'd like a rebel's whore : but all's too weak ;
-For brave Macbeth ,well he deserves that name ,
-Disdaining fortune , with his brandish'd steel ,
-Which smok'd with bloody execution ,
-Like valour's minion carv'd out his passage
-Till he fac'd the slave ;
-Which ne'er shook hands , nor bade farewell to him ,
-Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps ,
-And fix'd his head upon our battlements .
-
-O valiant cousin ! worthy gentleman !
-
-As whence the sun 'gins his reflection
-Shipwracking storms and direful thunders break ,
-So from that spring whence comfort seem'd to come
-Discomfort swells . Mark , King of Scotland , mark :
-No sooner justice had with valour arm'd
-Compell'd these skipping kerns to trust their heels ,
-But the Norweyan lord surveying vantage ,
-With furbish'd arms and new supplies of men
-Began a fresh assault .
-
-Dismay'd not this
-Our captains , Macbeth and Banquo ?
-
-Yes ;
-As sparrows eagles , or the hare the lion .
-If I say sooth , I must report they were
-As cannons overcharg'd with double cracks ;
-So they
-Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe :
-Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds ,
-Or memorize another Golgotha ,
-I cannot tell
-But I am faint , my gashes cry for help .
-
-So well thy words become thee as thy wounds ;
-They smack of honour both . Go , get him surgeons .
-
-
-Who comes here ?
-
-The worthy Thane of Ross .
-
-What a haste looks through his eyes ! So should he look
-That seems to speak things strange .
-
-God save the king !
-
-Whence cam'st thou , worthy thane ?
-
-From Fife , great king ;
-Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky
-And fan our people cold . Norway himself ,
-With terrible numbers ,
-Assisted by that most disloyal traitor ,
-The Thane of Cawdor , began a dismal conflict ;
-Till that Bellona's bridegroom , lapp'd in proof ,
-Confronted him with self-comparisons ,
-Point against point , rebellious arm 'gainst arm ,
-Curbing his lavish spirit : and , to conclude ,
-The victory fell on us .
-
-Great happiness !
-
-That now
-Sweno , the Norways' king , craves composition ;
-Nor would we deign him burial of his men
-Till he disbursed , at Saint Colme's Inch ,
-Ten thousand dollars to our general use .
-
-No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive
-Our bosom interest . Go pronounce his present death ,
-And with his former title greet Macbeth .
-
-I'll see it done .
-
-What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won .
-
-
-Where hast thou been , sister ?
-
-Killing swine .
-
-Sister , where thou ?
-
-A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her lap ,
-And munch'd , and munch'd , and munch'd : 'Give me ,' quoth I :
-'Aroint thee , witch !' the rump-fed ronyon cries .
-Her husband's to Aleppo gone , master o' the Tiger :
-But in a sieve I'll thither sail ,
-And , like a rat without a tail ,
-I'll do , I'll do , and I'll do .
-
-I'll give thee a wind .
-
-Thou'rt kind .
-
-And I another .
-
-I myself have all the other ;
-And the very ports they blow ,
-All the quarters that they know
-I' the shipman's card .
-I'll drain him dry as hay :
-Sleep shall neither night nor day
-Hang upon his pent-house lid ;
-He shall live a man forbid .
-Weary se'nnights nine times nine
-Shall he dwindle , peak and pine :
-Though his bark cannot be lost ,
-Yet it shall be tempest-tost .
-Look what I have .
-
-Show me , show me .
-
-Here I have a pilot's thumb ,
-Wrack'd as homeward he did come .
-
-
-A drum ! a drum !
-Macbeth doth come .
-
-The weird sisters , hand in hand ,
-Posters of the sea and land ,
-Thus do go about , about :
-Thrice to thine , and thrice to mine ,
-And thrice again , to make up nine .
-Peace ! the charm's wound up .
-
-
-So foul and fair a day I have not seen .
-
-How far is 't call'd to Forres ? What are these ,
-So wither'd and so wild in their attire ,
-That look not like th' inhabitants o' the earth ,
-And yet are on 't ? Live you ? or are you aught
-That man may question ? You seem to understand me ,
-By each at once her choppy finger laying
-Upon her skinny lips : you should be women ,
-And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
-That you are so .
-
-Speak , if you can : what are you ?
-
-All hail , Macbeth ! hail to thee , Thane of Glamis !
-
-All hail , Macbeth ! hail to thee , Thane of Cawdor !
-
-All hail , Macbeth ! that shalt be king hereafter .
-
-Good sir , why do you start , and seem to fear
-Things that do sound so fair ? I' the name of truth ,
-Are ye fantastical , or that indeed
-Which outwardly ye show ? My noble partner
-You greet with present grace and great prediction
-Of noble having and of royal hope ,
-That he seems rapt withal : to me you speak not .
-If you can look into the seeds of time ,
-And say which grain will grow and which will not ,
-Speak then to me , who neither beg nor fear
-Your favours nor your hate .
-
-Hail !
-
-Hail !
-
-Hail !
-
-Lesser than Macbeth , and greater .
-
-Not so happy , yet much happier .
-
-Thou shalt get kings , though thou be none :
-So , all hail , Macbeth and Banquo !
-
-Banquo and Macbeth , all hail !
-
-Stay , you imperfect speakers , tell me more :
-By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of Glamis ;
-But how of Cawdor ? the Thane of Cawdor lives ,
-A prosperous gentleman ; and to be king
-Stands not within the prospect of belief
-No more than to be Cawdor . Say , from whence
-You owe this strange intelligence ? or why
-Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
-With such prophetic greeting ? Speak , I charge you .
-
-
-The earth hath bubbles , as the water has ,
-And these are of them . Whither are they vanish'd ?
-
-Into the air , and what seem'd corporal melted
-As breath into the wind . Would they had stay'd !
-
-Were such things here as we do speak about ?
-Or have we eaten on the insane root
-That takes the reason prisoner ?
-
-Your children shall be kings .
-
-You shall be king .
-
-And Thane of Cawdor too ; went it not so ?
-
-To the self-same tune and words . Who's here ?
-
-
-The king hath happily receiv'd , Macbeth ,
-The news of thy success ; and when he reads
-Thy personal venture in the rebels' fight ,
-His wonders and his praises do contend
-Which should be thine or his . Silenc'd with that ,
-In viewing o'er the rest o' the self-same day ,
-He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks ,
-Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make ,
-Strange images of death . As thick as hail
-Came post with post , and every one did bear
-Thy praises in his kingdom's great defence ,
-And pour'd them down before him .
-
-We are sent
-To give thee from our royal master thanks ;
-Only to herald thee into his sight ,
-Not pay thee .
-
-And , for an earnest of a greater honour ,
-He bade me , from him , call thee Thane of Cawdor :
-In which addition , hail , most worthy thane !
-For it is thine .
-
-What ! can the devil speak true ?
-
-The Thane of Cawdor lives : why do you dress me
-In borrow'd robes ?
-
-Who was the thane lives yet ;
-But under heavy judgment bears that life
-Which he deserves to lose . Whether he was combin'd
-With those of Norway , or did line the rebel
-With hidden help or vantage , or that with both
-He labour'd in his country's wrack , I know not ;
-But treasons capital , confess'd and prov'd ,
-Have overthrown him .
-
-Glamis , and Thane of Cawdor :
-The greatest is behind .
-
-Thanks for your pains .
-
-
-Do you not hope your children shall be kings ,
-When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
-Promis'd no less to them ?
-
-That , trusted home ,
-Might yet enkindle you unto the crown ,
-Besides the Thane of Cawdor . But 'tis strange :
-And oftentimes , to win us to our harm ,
-The instruments of darkness tell us truths ,
-Win us with honest trifles , to betray's
-In deepest consequence .
-Cousins , a word , I pray you .
-
-Two truths are told ,
-As happy prologues to the swelling act
-Of the imperial theme . I thank you , gentlemen .
-
-
-This supernatural soliciting
-Cannot be ill , cannot be good ; if ill ,
-Why hath it given me earnest of success ,
-Commencing in a truth ? I am Thane of Cawdor :
-If good , why do I yield to that suggestion
-Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
-And make my seated heart knock at my ribs ,
-Against the use of nature ? Present fears
-Are less than horrible imaginings ;
-My thought , whose murder yet is but fantastical ,
-Shakes so my single state of man that function
-Is smother'd in surmise , and nothing is
-But what is not .
-
-Look , how our partner's rapt .
-
-If chance will have me king , why , chance may crown me ,
-Without my stir .
-
-New honours come upon him ,
-Like our strange garments , cleave not to their mould
-But with the aid of use .
-
-Come what come may ,
-Time and the hour runs through the roughest day .
-
-Worthy Macbeth , we stay upon your leisure .
-
-Give me your favour : my dull brain was wrought
-With things forgotten . Kind gentlemen , your pains
-Are register'd where every day I turn
-The leaf to read them . Let us toward the king .
-Think upon what hath chanc'd ; and , at more time ,
-The interim having weigh'd it , let us speak
-Our free hearts each to other .
-
-Very gladly .
-
-Till then , enough . Come , friends .
-
-
-Is execution done on Cawdor ? Are not
-Those in commission yet return'd ?
-
-My liege ,
-They are not yet come back ; but I have spoke
-With one that saw him die ; who did report
-That very frankly he confess'd his treasons ,
-Implor'd your highness' pardon and set forth
-A deep repentance . Nothing in his life
-Became him like the leaving it ; he died
-As one that had been studied in his death
-To throw away the dearest thing he ow'd ,
-As 'twere a careless trifle .
-
-There's no art
-To find the mind's construction in the face :
-He was a gentleman on whom I built
-An absolute trust .
-
-
-O worthiest cousin !
-The sin of my ingratitude even now
-Was heavy on me . Thou art so far before
-That swiftest wing of recompense is slow
-To overtake thee ; would thou hadst less deserv'd ,
-That the proportion both of thanks and payment
-Might have been mine ! only I have left to say ,
-
-More is thy due than more than all can pay .
-
-The service and the loyalty I owe ,
-In doing it , pays itself . Your highness' part
-Is to receive our duties : and our duties
-Are to your throne and state , children and servants ;
-Which do but what they should , by doing everything
-Safe toward your love and honour .
-
-Welcome hither :
-I have begun to plant thee , and will labour
-To make thee full of growing . Noble Banquo ,
-That hast no less deserv'd , nor must be known
-No less to have done so , let me infold thee
-And hold thee to my heart .
-
-There if I grow ,
-The harvest is your own .
-
-My plenteous joys
-Wanton in fulness , seek to hide themselves
-In drops of sorrow . Sons , kinsmen , thanes ,
-And you whose places are the nearest , know
-We will establish our estate upon
-Our eldest , Malcolm , whom we name hereafter
-The Prince of Cumberland ; which honour must
-Not unaccompanied invest him only ,
-But signs of nobleness , like stars , shall shine
-On all deservers . From hence to Inverness ,
-And bind us further to you .
-
-The rest is labour , which is not us'd for you :
-I'll be myself the harbinger , and make joyful
-The hearing of my wife with your approach ;
-So , humbly take my leave .
-
-My worthy Cawdor !
-
-The Prince of Cumberland ! that is a step
-On which I must fall down , or else o'er-leap ,
-For in my way it lies . Stars , hide your fires !
-Let not light see my black and deep desires ;
-The eye wink at the hand ; yet let that be
-Which the eye fears , when it is done , to see .
-
-
-True , worthy Banquo ; he is full so valiant ,
-And in his commendations I am fed ;
-It is a banquet to me . Let's after him ,
-Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome :
-It is a peerless kinsman .
-
-They met me in the day of success ; and I have learned by the perfectest report , they have more in them than mortal knowledge . When I burned in desire to question them further , they made themselves air , into which they vanished . Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it , came missives from the king , who all-hailed me , 'Thane of Cawdor ;' by which title , before , these weird sisters saluted me , and referred me to the coming on of time , with , 'Hail , king that shall be !' This have I thought good to deliver thee , my dearest partner of greatness , that thou mightest not lose the dues of rejoicing , by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee . Lay it to thy heart , and farewell .
-Glamis thou art , and Cawdor ; and shalt be
-What thou art promis'd . Yet do I fear thy nature ;
-It is too full o' the milk of human kindness
-To catch the nearest way ; thou wouldst be great ,
-Art not without ambition , but without
-The illness should attend it ; what thou wouldst highly ,
-That thou wouldst holily ; wouldst not play false ,
-And yet wouldst wrongly win ; thou'dst have , great Glamis ,
-That which cries , 'Thus thou must do , if thou have it ;'
-And that which rather thou dost fear to do
-Than wishest should be undone . Hie thee hither ,
-That I may pour my spirits in thine ear ,
-And chastise with the valour of my tongue
-All that impedes thee from the golden round ,
-Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem
-To have thee crown'd withal .
-
-What is your tidings ?
-
-The king comes here to-night .
-
-Thou'rt mad to say it .
-Is not thy master with him ? who , were't so ,
-Would have inform'd for preparation .
-
-So please you , it is true : our thane is coming ;
-One of my fellows had the speed of him ,
-Who , almost dead for breath , had scarcely more
-Than would make up his message .
-
-Give him tending ;
-He brings great news .
-
-The raven himself is hoarse
-That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
-Under my battlements . Come , you spirits
-That tend on mortal thoughts ! unsex me here ,
-And fill me from the crown to the toe top full
-Of direst cruelty ; make thick my blood ,
-Stop up the access and passage to remorse ,
-That no compunctious visitings of nature
-Shake my fell purpose , nor keep peace between
-The effect and it ! Come to my woman's breasts ,
-And take my milk for gall , you murdering ministers ,
-Wherever in your sightless substances
-You wait on nature's mischief ! Come , thick night ,
-And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell ,
-That my keen knife see not the wound it makes ,
-Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark ,
-To cry , 'Hold , hold !'
-
-
-Great Glamis ! worthy Cawdor !
-Greater than both , by the all-hail hereafter !
-Thy letters have transported me beyond
-This ignorant present , and I feel now
-
-The future in the instant .
-
-My dearest love ,
-Duncan comes here to-night .
-
-And when goes hence ?
-
-To-morrow , as he purposes .
-
-O ! never
-Shall sun that morrow see .
-Your face , my thane , is as a book where men
-May read strange matters . To beguile the time ,
-Look like the time ; bear welcome in your eye ,
-Your hand , your tongue : look like the innocent flower ,
-But be the serpent under't . He that's coming
-Must be provided for ; and you shall put
-This night's great business into my dispatch ;
-Which shall to all our nights and days to come
-Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom .
-
-We will speak further .
-
-Only look up clear ;
-To alter favour ever is to fear .
-Leave all the rest to me .
-
-This castle hath a pleasant seat ; the air
-Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
-Unto our gentle senses .
-
-This guest of summer ,
-The temple-haunting martlet , does approve
-By his lov'd mansionry that the heaven's breath
-Smells wooingly here : no jutty , frieze ,
-Buttress , nor coign of vantage , but this bird
-Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle :
-Where they most breed and haunt , I have observ'd
-The air is delicate .
-
-
-See , see , our honour'd hostess !
-The love that follows us sometime is our trouble ,
-Which still we thank as love . Herein I teach you
-How you shall bid God 'eyld us for your pains ,
-And thank us for your trouble .
-
-All our service ,
-In every point twice done , and then done double ,
-Were poor and single business , to contend
-Against those honours deep and broad wherewith
-Your majesty loads our house : for those of old ,
-And the late dignities heap'd up to them ,
-We rest your hermits .
-
-Where's the Thane of Cawdor ?
-We cours'd him at the heels , and had a purpose
-To be his purveyor ; but he rides well ,
-And his great love , sharp as his spur , hath holp him
-To his home before us . Fair and noble hostess ,
-We are your guest to-night .
-
-Your servants ever
-Have theirs , themselves , and what is theirs , in compt ,
-To make their audit at your highness' pleasure ,
-Still to return your own .
-
-Give me your hand ;
-Conduct me to mine host : we love him highly ,
-And shall continue our graces towards him .
-By your leave , hostess .
-
-If it were done when 'tis done , then 'twere well
-It were done quickly ; if the assassination
-Could trammel up the consequence , and catch
-With his surcease success ; that but this blow
-Might be the be-all and the end-all here ,
-But here , upon this bank and shoal of time ,
-We'd jump the life to come . But in these cases
-We still have judgment here ; that we but teach
-Bloody instructions , which , being taught , return
-To plague the inventor ; this even-handed justice
-Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
-To our own lips . He's here in double trust :
-First , as I am his kinsman and his subject ,
-Strong both against the deed ; then , as his host ,
-Who should against his murderer shut the door ,
-Not bear the knife myself . Besides , this Duncan
-Hath borne his faculties so meek , hath been
-So clear in his great office , that his virtues
-Will plead like angels trumpet-tongu'd against
-The deep damnation of his taking-off ;
-And pity , like a naked new-born babe ,
-Striding the blast , or heaven's cherubin , hors'd
-Upon the sightless couriers of the air ,
-Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye ,
-That tears shall drown the wind . I have no spur
-To prick the sides of my intent , but only
-Vaulting ambition , which o'er-leaps itself
-And falls on the other .
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-He has almost supp'd : why have you left the chamber ?
-
-Hath he ask'd for me ?
-
-Know you not he has ?
-
-We will proceed no further in this business :
-He hath honour'd me of late ; and I have bought
-Golden opinions from all sorts of people ,
-Which would be worn now in their newest gloss ,
-Not cast aside so soon .
-
-Was the hope drunk ,
-Wherein you dress'd yourself ? hath it slept since ,
-And wakes it now , to look so green and pale
-At what it did so freely ? From this time
-Such I account thy love . Art thou afeard
-To be the same in thine own act and valour
-As thou art in desire ? Wouldst thou have that
-Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life ,
-And live a coward in thine own esteem ,
-Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would ,'
-Like the poor cat i' the adage ?
-
-Prithee , peace .
-I dare do all that may become a man ;
-Who dares do more is none .
-
-What beast was't , then ,
-That made you break this enterprise to me ?
-When you durst do it then you were a man ;
-And , to be more than what you were , you would
-Be so much more the man . Nor time nor place
-Did then adhere , and yet you would make both :
-They have made themselves , and that their fitness now
-Does unmake you . I have given suck , and know
-How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me :
-I would , while it was smiling in my face ,
-Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums ,
-And dash'd the brains out , had I so sworn as you
-Have done to this .
-
-If we should fail ,
-
-We fail !
-But screw your courage to the sticking-place ,
-And we'll not fail . When Duncan is asleep ,
-Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey
-Soundly invite him , his two chamberlains
-Will I with wine and wassail so convince
-That memory , the warder of the brain ,
-Shall be a fume , and the receipt of reason
-A limbeck only ; when in swinish sleep
-Their drenched natures lie , as in a death ,
-What cannot you and I perform upon
-The unguarded Duncan ? what not put upon
-His spongy officers , who shall bear the guilt
-Of our great quell ?
-
-Bring forth men-children only ;
-For thy undaunted mettle should compose
-Nothing but males . Will it not be receiv'd ,
-When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy two
-Of his own chamber and us'd their very daggers ,
-That they have done't ?
-
-Who dares receive it other ,
-As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar
-Upon his death ?
-
-I am settled , and bend up
-Each corporal agent to this terrible feat .
-Away , and mock the time with fairest show :
-False face must hide what the false heart doth know .
-
-How goes the night , boy ?
-
-The moon is down ; I have not heard the clock .
-
-And she goes down at twelve .
-
-I take't , 'tis later , sir .
-
-Hold , take my sword . There's husbandry in heaven ;
-Their candles are all out . Take thee that too .
-A heavy summons lies like lead upon me ,
-And yet I would not sleep : merciful powers !
-Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
-Gives way to in repose .
-
-
-Give me my sword .
-
-Who's there ?
-
-A friend .
-
-What , sir ! not yet at rest ? The king's a-bed :
-He hath been in unusual pleasure , and
-Sent forth great largess to your offices .
-This diamond he greets your wife withal ,
-By the name of most kind hostess ; and shut up
-In measureless content .
-
-Being unprepar'd ,
-Our will became the servant to defect ,
-Which else should free have wrought .
-
-All's well .
-I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters :
-To you they have show'd some truth .
-
-I think not of them :
-Yet , when we can entreat an hour to serve ,
-We would spend it in some words upon that business ,
-If you would grant the time .
-
-At your kind'st leisure .
-
-If you shall cleave to my consent , when 'tis ,
-It shall make honour for you .
-
-So I lose none
-In seeking to augment it , but still keep
-My bosom franchis'd and allegiance clear ,
-I shall be counsell'd .
-
-Good repose the while !
-
-Thanks , sir : the like to you .
-
-
-Go bid thy mistress , when my drink is ready
-She strike upon the bell . Get thee to bed .
-
-Is this a dagger which I see before me ,
-The handle toward my hand ? Come , let me clutch thee :
-I have thee not , and yet I see thee still .
-Art thou not , fatal vision , sensible
-To feeling as to sight ? or art thou but
-A dagger of the mind , a false creation ,
-Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain ?
-I see thee yet , in form as palpable
-As this which now I draw .
-Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going ;
-And such an instrument I was to use .
-Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses ,
-Or else worth all the rest : I see thee still ;
-And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood ,
-Which was not so before . There's no such thing :
-It is the bloody business which informs
-Thus to mine eyes . Now o'er the one half-world
-Nature seems dead , and wicked dreams abuse
-The curtain'd sleep ; witchcraft celebrates
-Pale Hecate's offerings ; and wither'd murder ,
-Alarum'd by his sentinel , the wolf ,
-Whose howl's his watch , thus with his stealthy pace ,
-With Tarquin's ravishing strides , toward his design
-Moves like a ghost . Thou sure and firm-set earth ,
-Hear not my steps , which way they walk , for fear
-Thy very stones prate of my whereabout ,
-And take the present horror from the time ,
-Which now suits with it . Whiles I threat he lives :
-Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives .
-
-I go , and it is done ; the bell invites me .
-Hear it not , Duncan ; for it is a knell
-That summons thee to heaven or to hell .
-
-
-That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold ,
-What hath quench'd them hath given me fire . Hark !
-Peace !
-It was the owl that shriek'd , the fatal bellman ,
-Which gives the stern'st good-night . He is about it :
-The doors are open , and the surfeited grooms
-Do mock their charge with snores : I have drugg'd their possets ,
-That death and nature do contend about them ,
-Whether they live or die .
-
-Who's there ? what , ho !
-
-Alack ! I am afraid they have awak'd ,
-And 'tis not done ; the attempt and not the deed
-Confounds us . Hark ! I laid their daggers ready ;
-He could not miss them . Had he not resembled
-My father as he slept I had done 't . My husband !
-
-
-I have done the deed . Didst thou not hear a noise ?
-
-I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry .
-Did not you speak ?
-
-When ?
-
-Now .
-
-As I descended ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Hark !
-Who lies i' the second chamber ?
-
-Donalbain .
-
-This is a sorry sight .
-
-A foolish thought to say a sorry sight .
-
-There's one did laugh in 's sleep , and one cried 'Murder !'
-That they did wake each other : I stood and heard them ;
-But they did say their prayers , and address'd them
-Again to sleep .
-
-There are two lodg'd together .
-
-One cried 'God bless us !' and 'Amen' the other :
-As they had seen me with these hangman's hands .
-Listening their fear , I could not say 'Amen ,'
-When they did say 'God bless us !'
-
-Consider it not so deeply .
-
-But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen ?'
-I had most need of blessing , and 'Amen'
-Stuck in my throat .
-
-These deeds must not be thought
-After these ways ; so , it will make us mad .
-
-Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more !
-Macbeth does murder sleep ,' the innocent sleep ,
-Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care ,
-The death of each day's life , sore labour's bath ,
-Balm of hurt minds , great nature's second course ,
-Chief nourisher in life's feast ,
-
-What do you mean ?
-
-Still it cried , 'Sleep no more !' to all the house :
-'Glamis hath murder'd sleep , and therefore Cawdor
-Shall sleep no more , Macbeth shall sleep no more !'
-
-Who was it that thus cried ? Why , worthy thane ,
-You do unbend your noble strength to think
-So brainsickly of things . Go get some water ,
-And wash this filthy witness from your hand .
-Why did you bring these daggers from the place ?
-They must lie there : go carry them , and smear
-The sleepy grooms with blood .
-
-I'll go no more :
-I am afraid to think what I have done ;
-Look on 't again I dare not .
-
-Infirm of purpose !
-Give me the daggers . The sleeping and the dead
-Are but as pictures ; 'tis the eye of childhood
-That fears a painted devil . If he do bleed ,
-I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal ;
-For it must seem their guilt .
-
-
-Whence is that knocking ?
-How is't with me , when every noise appals me ?
-What hands are here ! Ha ! they pluck out mine eyes .
-Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood
-Clean from my hand ? No , this my hand will rather
-The multitudinous seas incarnadine ,
-Making the green one red .
-
-
-My hands are of your colour , but I shame
-To wear a heart so white .
-
-I hear a knocking
-At the south entry ; retire we to our chamber ;
-A little water clears us of this deed ;
-How easy is it , then ! Your constancy
-Hath left you unattended .
-
-Hark ! more knocking .
-Get on your night-gown , lest occasion call us ,
-And show us to be watchers . Be not lost
-So poorly in your thoughts .
-
-To know my deed 'twere best not know myself .
-
-Wake Duncan with thy knocking ! I would thou couldst !
-
-
-Here's a knocking , indeed ! If a man were porter of hell-gate he should have old turning the key .
-
-Knock , knock , knock ! Who's there , i' the name of Beelzebub ? Here's a farmer that hanged himself on the expectation of plenty : come in time ; have napkins enough about you ; here you'll sweat for 't . [Knocking within .] Knock , knock ! Who's there i' the other devil's name ! Faith , here's an equivocator , that could swear in both the scales against either scale ; who committed treason enough for God's sake , yet could not equivocate to heaven : O ! come in , equivocator . [Knocking within .] Knock , knock , knock ! Who's there ? Faith , here's an English tailor come hither for stealing out of a French hose : come in , tailor ; here you may roast your goose . [Knocking within .] Knock , knock ; never at quiet ! What are you ? But this place is too cold for hell . I'll devil-porter it no further : I had thought to have let in some of all professions , that go the primrose way to the everlasting bonfire . [Knocking within .] Anon , anon ! I pray you , remember the porter .
-
-Was it so late , friend , ere you went to bed ,
-That you do lie so late ?
-
-Faith , sir , we were carousing till the second cock ; and drink , sir , is a great provoker of three things .
-
-What three things does drink especially provoke ?
-
-Marry , sir , mose-painting , sleep , and urine . Lechery , sir , it provokes , and unprovokes ; it provokes the desire , but it takes away the performance . Therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery ; it makes him , and it mars him ; it sets him on , and it takes him off ; it persuades him , and disheartens him ; makes him stand to , and not stand to ; in conclusion , equivocates him in a sleep , and , giving him the lie , leaves him .
-
-I believe drink gave thee the lie last night .
-
-That it did , sir , i' the very throat o' me : but I requited him for his lie ; and , I think , being too strong for him , though he took up my legs sometime , yet I made a shift to cast him .
-
-Is thy master stirring ?
-
-Our knocking has awak'd him ; here he comes .
-
-Good morrow , noble sir .
-
-Good morrow , both .
-
-Is the king stirring , worthy thane ?
-
-Not yet .
-
-He did command me to call timely on him :
-I have almost slipp'd the hour .
-
-I'll bring you to him .
-
-I know this is a joyful trouble to you ;
-But yet 'tis one .
-
-The labour we delight in physics pain .
-This is the door .
-
-I'll make so bold to call ,
-For 'tis my limited service .
-
-
-Goes the king hence to-day ?
-
-He does : he did appoint so .
-
-The night has been unruly : where we lay ,
-Ourchimneys were blown down ; and , as they say ,
-Lamentings heard i' the air ; strange screams of death ,
-And prophesying with accents terrible
-Of dire combustion and confus'd events
-New hatch'd to the woeful time . The obscure bird
-Clamour'd the livelong night : some say the earth
-Was feverous and did shake .
-
-'Twas a rough night .
-
-My young remembrance cannot parallel
-A fellow to it .
-
-
-O horror ! horror ! horror ! Tongue nor heart
-Cannot conceive nor name thee !
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-Confusion now hath made his masterpiece !
-Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope
-The Lord's anointed temple , and stole thence
-The life o' the building !
-
-What is 't you say ? the life ?
-
-Mean you his majesty ?
-
-Approach the chamber , and destroy your sight
-With a new Gorgon : do not bid me speak ;
-See , and then speak yourselves .
-
-Awake ! awake !
-Ring the alarum-bell . Murder and treason !
-Banquo and Donalbain ! Malcolm ! awake !
-Shake off this downy sleep , death's counterfeit ,
-And look on death itself ! up , up , and see
-The great doom's image ! Malcolm ! Banquo !
-As from your graves rise up , and walk like sprites ,
-To countenance this horror ! Ring the bell .
-
-What's the business ,
-That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley
-The sleepers of the house ? speak , speak !
-
-O gentle lady !
-'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak ;
-The repetition in a woman's ear
-Would murder as it fell .
-
-
-O Banquo ! Banquo !
-
-Our royal master's murder'd !
-
-Woe , alas !
-What ! in our house ?
-
-Too cruel any where .
-Dear Duff , I prithee , contradict thyself ,
-And say it is not so .
-
-
-Had I but died an hour before this chance
-I had liv'd a blessed time ; for , from this instant ,
-There's nothing serious in mortality ,
-All is but toys ; renown and grace is dead ,
-The wine of life is drawn , and the mere lees
-Is left this vault to brag of .
-
-
-What is amiss ?
-
-You are , and do not know 't :
-The spring , the head , the fountain of your blood
-Is stopp'd ; the very source of it is stopp'd .
-
-Your royal father's murder'd .
-
-O ! by whom ?
-
-Those of his chamber , as it seem'd , had done 't :
-Their hands and faces were all badg'd with blood ;
-So were their daggers , which unwip'd we found
-Upon their pillows : they star'd , and were distracted ; no man's life
-Was to be trusted with them .
-
-O ! yet I do repent me of my fury ,
-That I did kill them .
-
-Wherefore did you so ?
-
-Who can be wise , amaz'd , temperate and furious ,
-Loyal and neutral , in a moment ? No man :
-The expedition of my violent love
-Outran the pauser , reason . Here lay Duncan ,
-His silver skin lac'd with his golden blood ;
-And his gash'd stabs look'd like a breach in nature
-For ruin's wasteful entrance : there , the murderers ,
-Steep'd in the colours of their trade , their daggers
-Unmannerly breech'd with gore : who could refrain ,
-That had a heart to love , and in that heart
-Courage to make 's love known ?
-
-Help me hence , ho !
-
-Look to the lady .
-
-Why do we hold our tongues ,
-That most may claim this argument for ours :
-
-What should be spoken
-Here where our fate , hid in an auger-hole ,
-May rush and seize us ? Let's away : our tears
-Are not yet brew'd .
-
-Nor our strong sorrow
-Upon the foot of motion .
-
-Look to the lady :
-
-And when we have our naked frailties hid ,
-That suffer in exposure , let us meet ,
-And question this most bloody piece of work ,
-To know it further . Fears and scruples shake us :
-In the great hand of God I stand , and thence
-Against the undivulg'd pretence I fight
-Of treasonous malice .
-
-And so do I .
-
-So all .
-
-Let's briefly put on manly readiness ,
-And meet i' the hall together .
-
-Well contented .
-
-
-What will you do ? Let's not consort with them :
-To show an unfelt sorrow is an office
-Which the false man does easy . I'll to England .
-
-To Ireland , I ; our separated fortune
-Shall keep us both the safer : where we are ,
-There's daggers in men's smiles : the near in blood ,
-The nearer bloody .
-
-This murderous shaft that's shot
-Hath not yet lighted , and our safest way
-Is to avoid the aim : therefore , to horse ;
-And let us not be dainty of leave-taking ,
-But shift away : there's warrant in that theft
-Which steals itself when there's no mercy left .
-
-
-Threescore and ten I can remember well ;
-Within the volume of which time I have seen
-Hours dreadful and things strange , but this sore night
-Hath trifled former knowings .
-
-Ah ! good father ,
-Thou seest , the heavens , as troubled with man's act ,
-Threaten his bloody stage : by the clock 'tis day ,
-And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp .
-Is 't night's predominance , or the day's shame ,
-That darkness does the face of earth entomb ,
-When living light should kiss it ?
-
-'Tis unnatural ,
-Even like the deed that's done . On Tuesday last ,
-A falcon , towering in her pride of place ,
-Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd .
-
-And Duncan's horses ,a thing most strange and certain ,
-Beauteous and swift , the minions of their race ,
-Turn'd wild in nature , broke their stalls , flung out ,
-Contending 'gainst obedience , as they would
-Make war with mankind .
-
-'Tis said they eat each other .
-
-They did so ; to the amazement of mine eyes ,
-That look'd upon 't . Here comes the good Macduff .
-
-How goes the world , sir , now ?
-
-Why , see you not ?
-
-Is 't known who did this more than bloody deed ?
-
-Those that Macbeth hath slain .
-
-Alas , the day !
-What good could they pretend ?
-
-They were suborn'd .
-Malcolm and Donalbain , the king's two sons ,
-Are stol'n away and fled , which puts upon them
-Suspicion of the deed .
-
-'Gainst nature still !
-Thriftless ambition , that wilt ravin up
-Thine own life's means ! Then 'tis most like
-The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth .
-
-He is already nam'd , and gone to Scone
-To be invested .
-
-Where is Duncan's body ?
-
-Carried to Colmekill ;
-The sacred storehouse of his predecessors
-And guardian of their bones .
-
-Will you to Scone ?
-
-No , cousin , I'll to Fife .
-
-Well , I will thither .
-
-Well , may you see things well done there : adieu !
-Lest our old robes sit easier than our new !
-
-Farewell , father .
-
-God's benison go with you ; and with those
-That would make good of bad , and friends of foes !
-
-Thou hast it now : King , Cawdor , Glamis , all ,
-As the weird women promis'd ; and , I fear ,
-Thou play'dst most foully for 't ; yet it was said
-It should not stand in thy posterity ,
-But that myself should be the root and father
-Of many kings . If there come truth from them ,
-As upon thee , Macbeth , their speeches shine ,
-Why , by the verities on thee made good ,
-May they not be my oracles as well ,
-And set me up in hope ? But , hush ! no more .
-
-Here's our chief guest .
-
-If he had been forgotten
-It had been as a gap in our great feast ,
-And all-thing unbecoming .
-
-To-night we hold a solemn supper , sir ,
-And I'll request your presence .
-
-Let your highness
-Command upon me ; to the which my duties
-Are with a most indissoluble tie
-For ever knit .
-
-Ride you this afternoon ?
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-We should have else desir'd your good advice
-Which still hath been both grave and prosperous
-In this day's council ; but we'll take to-morrow .
-Is 't far you ride ?
-
-As far , my lord , as will fill up the time
-'Twixt this and supper ; go not my horse the better ,
-I must become a borrower of the night
-For a dark hour or twain .
-
-Fail not our feast .
-
-My lord , I will not .
-
-We hear our bloody cousins are bestow'd
-In England and in Ireland , not confessing
-Their cruel parricide , filling their hearers
-With strange invention ; but of that to-morrow ,
-When therewithal we shall have cause of state
-Craving us jointly . Hie you to horse ; adieu
-Till you return at night . Goes Fleance with you ?
-
-Ay , my good lord : our time does call upon 's .
-
-I wish your horses swift and sure of foot ;
-And so I do commend you to their backs .
-Farewell .
-
-Let every man be master of his time
-Till seven at night ; to make society
-The sweeter welcome , we will keep ourself
-Till supper-time alone ; while then , God be with you !
-
-Sirrah , a word with you . Attend those men
-Our pleasure ?
-
-They are , my lord , without the palace gate .
-
-Bring them before us .
-
-To be thus is nothing ;
-But to be safely thus . Our fears in Banquo
-Stick deep , and in his royalty of nature
-Reigns that which would be fear'd : 'tis much he dares ,
-And , to that dauntless temper of his mind ,
-He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
-To act in safety . There is none but he
-Whose being I do fear ; and under him
-My genius is rebuk'd , as it is said
-Mark Antony's was by C sar . He chid the sisters
-When first they put the name of king upon me ,
-And bade them speak to him ; then , prophet-like ,
-They hail'd him father to a line of kings .
-Upon my head they plac'd a fruitless crown ,
-And put a barren sceptre in my gripe ,
-Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand ,
-No son of mine succeeding . If 't be so ,
-For Banquo's issue have I fil'd my mind ;
-For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd ;
-Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
-Only for them ; and mine eternal jewel
-Given to the common enemy of man ,
-To make them kings , the seed of Banquo kings !
-Rather than so , come fate into the list ,
-And champion me to the utterance ! Who's there ?
-
-
-Now go to the door , and stay there till we call .
-
-
-Was it not yesterday we spoke together ?
-
-It was , so please your highness .
-
-Well then , now
-Have you consider'd of my speeches ? Know
-That it was he in the times past which held you
-So under fortune , which you thought had been
-Our innocent self . This I made good to you
-In our last conference , pass'd in probation with you ,
-How you were borne in hand , how cross'd , the instruments ,
-Who wrought with them , and all things else that might
-To half a soul and to a notion craz'd
-Say , 'Thus did Banquo .'
-
-You made it known to us .
-
-I did so ; and went further , which is now
-Our point of second meeting . Do you find
-Your patience so predominant in your nature
-That you can let this go ? Are you so gospell'd
-To pray for this good man and for his issue ,
-Whose heavy hand hath bow'd you to the grave
-And beggar'd yours for ever ?
-
-We are men , my liege .
-
-Ay , in the catalogue ye go for men ;
-As hounds and greyhounds , mongrels , spaniels , curs ,
-Shoughs , water-rugs , and demi-wolves , are clept
-All by the name of dogs : the valu'd file
-Distinguishes the swift , the slow , the subtle ,
-The housekeeper , the hunter , every one
-According to the gift which bounteous nature
-Hath in him clos'd ; whereby he does receive
-Particular addition , from the bill
-That writes them all alike : and so of men .
-Now , if you have a station in the file ,
-Not i' the worst rank of manhood , say it ;
-And I will put that business in your bosoms ,
-Whose execution takes your enemy off ,
-Grapples you to the heart and love of us ,
-Who wear our health but sickly in his life ,
-Which in his death were perfect .
-
-I am one , my liege ,
-Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
-Have so incens'd that I am reckless what
-I do to spite the world .
-
-And I another ,
-So weary with disasters , tugg'd with fortune ,
-That I would set my life on any chance ,
-To mend it or be rid on 't .
-
-Both of you
-Know Banquo was your enemy .
-
-True , my lord .
-
-So is he mine ; and in such bloody distance
-That every minute of his being thrusts
-Against my near'st of life : and though I could
-With bare-fac'd power sweep him from my sight
-And bid my will avouch it , yet I must not ,
-For certain friends that are both his and mine ,
-Whose loves I may not drop , but wail his fall
-Whom I myself struck down ; and thence it is
-That I to your assistance do make love ,
-Masking the business from the common eye
-For sundry weighty reasons .
-
-We shall , my lord ,
-Perform what you command us .
-
-Though our lives
-
-Your spirits shine through you . Within this hour at most
-I will advise you where to plant yourselves ,
-Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time ,
-The moment on 't ; for 't must be done to-night ,
-And something from the palace ; always thought
-That I require a clearness : and with him
-To leave no rubs nor botches in the work
-Fleance his son , that keeps him company ,
-Whose absence is no less material to me
-Than is his father's , must embrace the fate
-Of that dark hour . Resolve yourselves apart ;
-I'll come to you anon .
-
-We are resolv'd , my lord .
-
-I'll call upon you straight : abide within .
-
-It is concluded : Banquo , thy soul's flight ,
-If it find heaven , must find it out to-night .
-
-
-Is Banquo gone from court ?
-
-Ay , madam , but returns again to-night .
-
-Say to the king , I would attend his leisure
-For a few words .
-
-Madam , I will .
-
-
-Nought's had , all's spent ,
-Where our desire is got without content :
-'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
-Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy .
-
-
-How now , my lord ! why do you keep alone ,
-Of sorriest fancies your companions making ,
-Using those thoughts which should indeed have died
-With them they think on ? Things without all remedy
-
-Should be without regard : what's done is done .
-
-We have scotch'd the snake , not kill'd it :
-She'll close and be herself , whilst our poor malice
-Remains in danger of her former tooth .
-But let the frame of things disjoint , both the worlds suffer ,
-Ere we will eat our meal in fear , and sleep
-In the affliction of these terrible dreams
-That shake us nightly . Better be with the dead ,
-Whom we , to gain our peace , have sent to peace ,
-Than on the torture of the mind to lie
-In restless ecstasy . Duncan is in his grave ;
-After life's fitful fever he sleeps well ;
-Treason has done his worst : nor steel , nor poison ,
-Malice domestic , foreign levy , nothing
-Can touch him further .
-
-Come on ;
-Gentle my lord , sleek o'er your rugged looks ;
-Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night .
-
-So shall I , love ; and so , I pray , be you .
-Let your remembrance apply to Banquo ;
-Present him eminence , both with eye and tongue :
-Unsafe the while , that we
-Must lave our honours in these flattering streams ,
-And make our faces vizards to our hearts ,
-Disguising what they are .
-
-You must leave this .
-
-O ! full of scorpions is my mind , dear wife ;
-Thou know'st that Banquo and his Fleance lives .
-
-But in them nature's copy's not eterne .
-
-There's comfort yet ; they are assailable ;
-Then be thou jocund . Ere the bat hath flown
-His cloister'd flight , ere , to black Hecate's summons
-The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
-Hath rung night's yawning peal , there shall be done
-A deed of dreadful note .
-
-What's to be done ?
-
-Be innocent of the knowledge , dearest chuck ,
-Till thou applaud the deed . Come , seeling night ,
-Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day ,
-And with thy bloody and invisible hand
-Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
-Which keeps me pale ! Light thickens , and the crow
-Makes wing to the rooky wood ;
-Good things of day begin to droop and drowse ,
-Whiles night's black agents to their preys do rouse .
-Thou marvell'st at my words : but hold thee still ;
-Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill :
-So , prithee , go with me .
-
-
-But who did bid thee join with us ?
-
-Macbeth .
-
-He needs not our mistrust , since he delivers
-Our offices and what we have to do
-To the direction just .
-
-Then stand with us .
-The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day :
-Now spurs the lated traveller apace
-To gain the timely inn ; and near approaches
-The subject of our watch .
-
-Hark ! I hear horses .
-
-Give us a light there , ho !
-
-Then 'tis he : the rest
-That are within the note of expectation
-Already are i' the court .
-
-His horses go about .
-
-Almost a mile ; but he does usually ,
-So all men do , from hence to the palace gate
-Make it their walk .
-
-A light , a light !
-
-'Tis he .
-
-Stand to 't .
-
-
-It will be rain to-night .
-
-Let it come down .
-
-
-O , treachery ! Fly , good Fleance , fly , fly , fly !
-Thou mayst revenge . O slave !
-
-
-Who did strike out the light ?
-
-Was 't not the way ?
-
-There's but one down ; the son is fled .
-
-We have lost
-Best half of our affair .
-
-Well , let's away , and say how much is done .
-
-
-You know your own degrees ; sit down : at first and last ,
-The hearty welcome .
-
-Thanks to your majesty .
-
-Ourself will mingle with society
-And play the humble host .
-Our hostess keeps her state , but in best time
-We will require her welcome .
-
-Pronounce it for me , sir , to all our friends ;
-For my heart speaks they are welcome .
-
-
-See , they encounter thee with their hearts' thanks ;
-Both sides are even : here I'll sit i' the midst :
-Be large in mirth ; anon , we'll drink a measure
-The table round .
-
-There's blood upon thy face .
-
-'Tis Banquo's , then .
-
-'Tis better thee without than he within .
-Is he dispatch'd ?
-
-My lord , his throat is cut ; that I did for him .
-
-Thou art the best o' the cut-throats ; yet he's good
-That did the like for Fleance : if thou didst it ,
-Thou art the nonpareil .
-
-Most royal sir ,
-Fleance is 'scap'd .
-
-Then comes my fit again : I had else been perfect ;
-Whole as the marble , founded as the rock ,
-As broad and general as the casing air :
-But now I am cabin'd , cribb'd , confin'd , bound in
-To saucy doubts and fears . But Banquo's safe ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; safe in a ditch he bides ,
-With twenty trenched gashes on his head ;
-The least a death to nature .
-
-Thanks for that .
-There the grown serpent lies : the worm that's fled
-Hath nature that in time will venom breed ,
-No teeth for the present . Get thee gone ; to-morrow
-We'll hear ourselves again .
-
-
-My royal lord ,
-You do not give the cheer : the feast is sold
-That is not often vouch'd , while 'tis a-making ,
-'Tis given with welcome : to feed were best at home ;
-From thence , the sauce to meat is ceremony ;
-Meeting were bare without it .
-
-Sweet remembrancer !
-Now good digestion wait on appetite ,
-And health on both !
-
-May it please your highness sit ?
-
-
-Here had we now our country's honour roof'd ,
-Were the grac'd person of our Banquo present ;
-Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
-Than pity for mischance !
-
-His absence , sir ,
-Lays blame upon his promise . Please 't your highness
-To grace us with your royal company .
-
-The table's full .
-
-Here is a place reserv'd , sir .
-
-Where ?
-
-Here , my good lord . What is 't that moves your highness ?
-
-Which of you have done this ?
-
-What , my good lord ?
-
-Thou canst not say I did it : never shake
-Thy gory locks at me .
-
-Gentlemen , rise ; his highness is not well .
-
-Sit , worthy friends : my lord is often thus ,
-And hath been from his youth : pray you , keep seat ;
-The fit is momentary ; upon a thought
-He will again be well . If much you note him
-You shall offend him and extend his passion :
-Feed and regard him not . Are you a man ?
-
-Ay , and a bold one , that dare look on that
-Which might appal the devil .
-
-O proper stuff !
-This is the very painting of your fear ;
-This is the air-drawn dagger which , you said ,
-Led you to Duncan . O ! these flaws and starts
-Impostors to true fear would well become
-A woman's story at a winter's fire ,
-Authoriz'd by her grandam . Shame itself !
-Why do you make such faces ? When all's done
-You look but on a stool .
-
-Prithee , see there ! behold ! look ! lo ! how say you ?
-Why , what care I ? If thou canst nod , speak too .
-If charnel-houses and our graves must send
-Those that we bury back , our monuments
-Shall be the maws of kites .
-
-
-What ! quite unmann'd in folly ?
-
-If I stand here , I saw him .
-
-Fie , for shame !
-
-Blood hath been shed ere now , i' the olden time ,
-Ere human statute purg'd the gentle weal ;
-Ay , and since too , murders have been perform'd
-Too terrible for the ear : the times have been ,
-That , when the brains were out , the man would die ,
-
-And there an end ; but now they rise again ,
-With twenty mortal murders on their crowns ,
-And push us from our stools : this is more strange
-Than such a murder is .
-
-My worthy lord ,
-Your noble friends do lack you .
-
-I do forget .
-Do not muse at me , my most worthy friends ;
-I have a strange infirmity , which is nothing
-To those that know me . Come , love and health to all ;
-Then , I'll sit down . Give me some wine ; fill full .
-I drink to the general joy of the whole table ,
-And to our dear friend Banquo , whom we miss ;
-Would he were here ! to all , and him , we thirst ,
-And all to all .
-
-Our duties , and the pledge .
-
-
-Avaunt ! and quit my sight ! Let the earth hide thee !
-Thy bones are marrowless , thy blood is cold ;
-Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
-Which thou dost glare with .
-
-Think of this , good peers ,
-But as a thing of custom : 'tis no other ;
-Only it spoils the pleasure of the time .
-
-What man dare , I dare :
-Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear ,
-The arm'd rhinoceros , or the Hyrcan tiger ;
-Take any shape but that , and my firm nerves
-Shall never tremble : or be alive again ,
-And dare me to the desart with thy sword ;
-If trembling I inhabit then , protest me
-The baby of a girl . Hence , horrible shadow !
-Unreal mockery , hence !
-
-Why , so ; being gone ,
-I am a man again . Pray you , sit still .
-
-You have displac'd the mirth , broke the good meeting ,
-With most admir'd disorder .
-
-Can such things be
-And overcome us like a summer's cloud ,
-Without our special wonder ? You make me strange
-Even to the disposition that I owe ,
-When now I think you can behold such sights ,
-And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks ,
-When mine are blanch'd with fear .
-
-What sights , my lord ?
-
-I pray you , speak not ; he grows worse and worse ;
-Question enrages him . At once , good-night :
-Stand not upon the order of your going ,
-But go at once .
-
-Good-night ; and better health
-Attend his majesty !
-
-A kind good-night to all !
-
-
-It will have blood , they say ; blood will have blood :
-Stones have been known to move and trees to speak ;
-Augurs and understood relations have
-By maggot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth
-The secret'st man of blood . What is the night ?
-
-Almost at odds with morning , which is which .
-
-How sayst thou , that Macduff denies his person
-At our great bidding ?
-
-Did you send to him , sir ?
-
-I hear it by the way ; but I will send .
-There's not a one of them but in his house
-I keep a servant fee'd . I will to-morrow
-And betimes I will to the weird sisters :
-More shall they speak ; for now I am bent to know ,
-By the worst means , the worst . For mine own good
-All causes shall give way : I am in blood
-Stepp'd in so far , that , should I wade no more ,
-Returning were as tedious as go o'er .
-Strange things I have in head that will to hand ,
-Which must be acted ere they may be scann'd .
-
-You lack the season of all natures , sleep .
-
-Come , we'll to sleep . My strange and self-abuse
-Is the initiate fear that wants hard use :
-We are yet but young in deed .
-
-
-Why , how now , Hecate ! you look angerly .
-
-Have I not reason , beldams as you are ,
-Saucy and overbold ? How did you dare
-To trade and traffic with Macbeth
-In riddles and affairs of death ;
-And I , the mistress of your charms ,
-The close contriver of all harms ,
-Was never call'd to bear my part ,
-Or show the glory of our art ?
-And , which is worse , all you have done
-Hath been but for a wayward son ,
-Spiteful and wrathful ; who , as others do ,
-Loves for his own ends , not for you .
-But make amends now : get you gone ,
-And at the pit of Acheron
-Meet me i' the morning : thither he
-Will come to know his destiny :
-Your vessels and your spells provide ,
-Your charms and every thing beside .
-I am for the air ; this night I'll spend
-Unto a dismal and a fatal end :
-Great business must be wrought ere noon :
-Upon the corner of the moon
-There hangs a vaporous drop profound ;
-I'll catch it ere it come to ground :
-And that distill'd by magic sleights
-Shall raise such artificial sprites
-As by the strength of their illusion
-Shall draw him on to his confusion :
-He shall spurn fate , scorn death , and bear
-His hopes 'bove wisdom , grace , and fear ;
-And you all know security
-Is mortals' chiefest enemy .
-
-Hark ! I am call'd ; my little spirit , see ,
-Sits in a foggy cloud , and stays for me .
-
-
-Come , let's make haste ; she'll soon be back again .
-
-
-My former speeches have but hit your thoughts ,
-Which can interpret further : only , I say ,
-Things have been strangely borne . The gracious Duncan
-Was pitied of Macbeth : marry , he was dead :
-And the right-valiant Banquo walk'd too late ;
-Whom , you may say , if 't please you , Fleance kill'd ,
-For Fleance fled : men must not walk too late .
-Who cannot want the thought how monstrous
-It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
-To kill their gracious father ? damned fact !
-How it did grieve Macbeth ! did he not straight
-In pious rage the two delinquents tear ,
-That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep ?
-Was not that nobly done ? Ay , and wisely too ;
-For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive
-To hear the men deny 't . So that , I say ,
-He has borne all things well ; and I do think
-That , had he Duncan's sons under his key ,
-As , an 't please heaven , he shall not ,they should find
-What 'twere to kill a father ; so should Fleance .
-But , peace ! for from broad words , and 'cause he fail'd .
-His presence at the tyrant's feast , I hear ,
-Macduff lives in disgrace . Sir , can you tell
-Where he bestows himself ?
-
-The son of Duncan ,
-From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth ,
-Lives in the English court , and is receiv'd
-Of the most pious Edward with such grace
-That the malevolence of fortune nothing
-Takes from his high respect . Thither Macduff
-Is gone to pray the holy king , upon his aid
-To wake Northumberland and war-like Siward :
-That , by the help of these with him above
-To ratify the work we may again
-Give to our tables meat , sleep to our nights ,
-Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives ,
-Do faithful homage and receive free honours ;
-All which we pine for now . And this report
-Hath so exasperate the king that he
-Prepares for some attempt at war .
-
-Sent he to Macduff ?
-
-He did : and with an absolute , 'Sir , not I ,'
-The cloudy messenger turns me his back ,
-And hums , as who should say , 'You'll rue the time
-That clogs me with this answer .'
-
-And that well might
-Advise him to a caution to hold what distance
-His wisdom can provide . Some holy angel
-Fly to the court of England and unfold
-His message ere he come , that a swift blessing
-May soon return to this our suffering country
-Under a hand accurs'd !
-
-I'll send my prayers with him !
-
-Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd .
-
-Thrice and once the hedge-pig whin'd .
-
-Harper cries : 'Tis time , 'tis time .
-
-
-Round about the cauldron go ,
-In the poison'd entrails throw .
-Toad , that under cold stone
-Days and nights hast thirty-one
-Swelter'd venom sleeping got ,
-Boil thou first i' the charmed pot .
-
-Double , double toil and trouble ;
-Fire burn and cauldron bubble .
-
-Fillet of a fenny snake ,
-In the cauldron boil and bake ;
-Eye of newt , and toe of frog ,
-Wool of bat , and tongue of dog ,
-Adder's fork , and blind-worm's sting ,
-Lizard's leg , and howlet's wing ,
-For a charm of powerful trouble ,
-Like a hell-broth boil and bubble .
-
-Double , double toil and trouble ;
-Fire burn and cauldron bubble .
-
-Scale of dragon , tooth of wolf ,
-Witches' mummy , maw and gulf
-Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark ,
-Root of hemlock digg'd i' the dark ,
-Liver of blaspheming Jew ,
-Gall of goat , and slips of yew
-Sliver'd in the moon's eclipse ,
-Nose of Turk , and Tartar's lips ,
-Finger of birth-strangled babe
-Ditch-deliver'd by a drab ,
-Make the gruel thick and slab :
-Add thereto a tiger's chaudron ,
-For the ingredients of our cauldron .
-
-Double , double toil and trouble ;
-Fire burn and cauldron bubble .
-
-Cool it with a baboon's blood ,
-Then the charm is firm and good .
-
-
-O ! well done ! I commend your pains ,
-And every one shall share i' the gains .
-And now about the cauldron sing ,
-Like elves and fairies in a ring ,
-Enchanting all that you put in .
-
-
-By the pricking of my thumbs ,
-Something wicked this way comes .
-Open , locks ,
-Whoever knocks .
-
-How now , you secret , black , and mid-night hags !
-What is 't you do ?
-
-A deed without a name .
-
-I conjure you , by that which you profess ,
-Howe'er you come to know it ,answer me :
-Though you untie the winds and let them fight
-Against the churches ; though the yesty waves
-Confound and swallow navigation up ;
-Though bladed corn be lodg'd and trees blown down ;
-Though castles topple on their warders' heads ;
-Though palaces and pyramids do slope
-Their heads to their foundations ; though the treasure
-Of Nature's germens tumble all together ,
-Even till destruction sicken ; answer me
-To what I ask you .
-
-Speak .
-
-Demand .
-
-We'll answer .
-
-Say if thou'dst rather hear it from our mouths ,
-Or from our masters' ?
-
-Call 'em : let me see 'em .
-
-
-Pour in sow's blood , that hath eaten
-Her nine farrow ; grease , that's sweaten
-From the murderer's gibbet throw
-Into the flame .
-
-Come , high or low ;
-Thyself and office deftly show .
-
-Tell me , thou unknown power ,
-
-He knows thy thought :
-Hear his speech , but say thou nought .
-
-Macbeth ! Macbeth ! Macbeth ! beware Macduff ;
-Beware the Thane of Fife . Dismiss me . Enough .
-
-
-Whate'er thou art , for thy good caution thanks ;
-Thou hast harp'd my fear aright . But one word more ,
-
-He will not be commanded : here's another ,
-More potent than the first .
-
-
-Macbeth ! Macbeth ! Macbeth !
-
-Had I three ears , I'd hear thee .
-
-Be bloody , bold , and resolute ; laugh to scorn
-The power of man , for none of woman born
-Shall harm Macbeth .
-
-Then live , Macduff : what need I fear of thee ?
-But yet I'll make assurance double sure ,
-And take a bond of fate : thou shalt not live ;
-That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies ,
-And sleep in spite of thunder .
-
-What is this ,
-That rises like the issue of a king ,
-And wears upon his baby brow the round
-
-And top of sovereignty ?
-
-Listen , but speak not to 't .
-
-Be lion-mettled , proud , and take no care
-Who chafes , who frets or where conspirers are :
-Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until
-Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
-Shall come against him .
-
-
-That will never be :
-Who can impress the forest , bid the tree
-Unfix his earth-bound root ? Sweet bodements ! good !
-Rebellion's head , rise never till the wood
-Of Birnam rise , and our high-plac'd Macbeth
-Shall live the lease of nature , pay his breath
-To time and mortal custom . Yet my heart
-Throbs to know one thing : tell me if your art
-Can tell so much ,shall Banquo's issue ever
-Reign in this kingdom ?
-
-Seek to know no more .
-
-I will be satisfied : deny me this ,
-And an eternal curse fall on you ! Let me know .
-Why sinks that cauldron ? and what noise is this ?
-
-
-Show !
-
-Show !
-
-Show !
-
-Show his eyes , and grieve his heart ;
-Come like shadows , so depart .
-
-
-Thou art too like the spirit of Banquo ; down !
-Thy crown does sear mine eyeballs : and thy hair ,
-Thou other gold-bound brow , is like the first :
-A third is like the former . Filthy hags !
-Why do you show me this ? A fourth ! Start , eyes !
-What ! will the line stretch out to the crack of doom ?
-Another yet ? A seventh ! I'll see no more :
-And yet the eighth appears , who bears a glass
-Which shows me many more ; and some I see
-That two-fold balls and treble sceptres carry .
-Horrible sight ! Now , I see , 'tis true ;
-For the blood-bolter'd Banquo smiles upon me ,
-And points at them for his .
-
-What ! is this so ?
-
-Ay , sir , all this is so : but why
-Stands Macbeth thus amazedly ?
-Come , sisters , cheer we up his sprites ,
-And show the best of our delights .
-I'll charm the air to give a sound ,
-While you perform your antick round ,
-That this great king may kindly say ,
-Our duties did his welcome pay .
-
-
-Where are they ? Gone ? Let this pernicious hour
-Stand aye accursed in the calendar !
-Come in , without there !
-
-
-What's your Grace's will ?
-
-Saw you the weird sisters ?
-
-No , my lord .
-
-Came they not by you ?
-
-No indeed , my lord .
-
-Infected be the air whereon they ride ,
-And damn'd all those that trust them ! I did hear
-The galloping of horse : who was 't came by ?
-
-'Tis two or three , my lord , that bring you word
-Macduff is fled to England .
-
-Fled to England !
-
-Ay , my good lord .
-
-Time , thou anticipat'st my dread exploits ;
-The flighty purpose never is o'ertook
-Unless the deed go with it ; from this moment
-The very firstlings of my heart shall be
-The firstlings of my hand . And even now ,
-To crown my thoughts with acts , be it thought and done :
-The castle of Macduff I will surprise ;
-Seize upon Fife ; give to the edge of the sword
-His wife , his babes , and all unfortunate souls
-That trace him in his line . No boasting like a fool ;
-This deed I'll do , before this purpose cool :
-But no moresights ! Where are these gentlemen ?
-Come , bring me where they are .
-
-
-What had he done to make him fly the land ?
-
-You must have patience , madam .
-
-He had none :
-His flight was madness : when our actions do not ,
-Our fears do make us traitors .
-
-You know not
-Whether it was his wisdom or his fear .
-
-Wisdom ! to leave his wife , to leave his babes ,
-His mansion and his titles in a place
-From whence himself does fly ? He loves us not ;
-He wants the natural touch ; for the poor wren ,
-The most diminutive of birds , will fight
-Her young ones in her nest against the owl .
-All is the fear and nothing is the love ;
-As little is the wisdom , where the flight
-So runs against all reason .
-
-My dearest coz ,
-I pray you , school yourself : but , for your husband ,
-He is noble , wise , judicious , and best knows
-The fits o' the season . I dare not speak much further :
-But cruel are the times , when we are traitors
-And do not know ourselves , when we hold rumour
-From what we fear , yet know not what we fear ,
-But float upon a wild and violent sea
-Each way and move . I take my leave of you :
-Shall not be long but I'll be here again .
-Things at the worst will cease , or else climb upward
-To what they were before . My pretty cousin ,
-Blessing upon you !
-
-Father'd he is , and yet he's fatherless .
-
-I am so much a fool , should I stay longer ,
-It would be my disgrace , and your discomfort :
-I take my leave at once .
-
-
-Sirrah , your father's dead :
-And what will you do now ? How will you live ?
-
-As birds do , mother .
-
-What ! with worms and flies ?
-
-With what I get , I mean ; and so do they .
-
-Poor bird ! thou'dst never fear the net nor lime ,
-The pit-fall nor the gin .
-
-Why should I , mother ? Poor birds they are not set for .
-My father is not dead , for all your saying .
-
-Yes , he is dead : how wilt thou do for a father ?
-
-Nay , how will you do for a husband ?
-
-Why , I can buy me twenty at any market .
-
-Then you'll buy 'em to sell again .
-
-Thou speak'st with all thy wit ; and yet , i' faith ,
-With wit enough for thee .
-
-Was my father a traitor , mother ?
-
-Ay , that he was .
-
-What is a traitor ?
-
-Why , one that swears and lies .
-
-And be all traitors that do so ?
-
-Every one that does so is a traitor , and must be hanged .
-
-And must they all be hanged that swear and lie ?
-
-Every one .
-
-Who must hang them ?
-
-Why , the honest men .
-
-Then the liars and swearers are fools , for there are liars and swearers enow to beat the honest men , and hang up them .
-
-Now God help thee , poor monkey !
-But how wilt thou do for a father ?
-
-If he were dead , you'd weep for him : if you would not , it were a good sign that I should quickly have a new father .
-
-Poor prattler , how thou talk'st !
-
-
-Bless you , fair dame ! I am not to you known ,
-Though in your state of honour I am perfect .
-I doubt some danger does approach you nearly :
-If you will take a homely man's advice ,
-Be not found here ; hence , with your little ones .
-To fright you thus , methinks , I am too savage ;
-To do worse to you were fell cruelty ,
-Which is too nigh your person . Heaven preserve you !
-I dare abide no longer .
-
-
-Whither should I fly ?
-I have done no harm . But I remember now
-I am in this earthly world , where , to do harm
-Is often laudable , to do good sometime
-Accounted dangerous folly ; why then , alas !
-Do I put up that womanly defence ,
-To say I have done no harm ?
-
-What are these faces ?
-
-Where is your husband ?
-
-I hope in no place so unsanctified
-Where such as thou mayst find him .
-
-He's a traitor .
-
-Thou liest , thou shag-hair'd villain .
-
-What ! you egg .
-Young fry of treachery !
-
-
-He has killed me , mother :
-Run away , I pray you !
-
-Let us seek out some desolate shade , and there
-Weep our sad bosoms empty .
-
-Let us rather
-Hold fast the mortal sword , and like good men
-Bestride our down-fall'n birthdom ; each new morn
-New widowshowl , new orphans cry , new sorrows
-Strike heaven on the face , that it resounds
-As if it felt with Scotland and yell'd out
-Like syllable of dolour .
-
-What I believe I'll wail ,
-What know believe , and what I can redress ,
-As I shall find the time to friend , I will .
-What you have spoke , it may be so perchance .
-This tyrant , whosesole name blisters our tongues ,
-Was once thought honest : you have lov'd him well ;
-He hath not touch'd you yet . I am young ; but something
-You may deserve of him through me , and wisdom
-To offer up a weak , poor , innocent lamb
-To appease an angry god .
-
-I am not treacherous .
-
-But Macbeth is .
-A good and virtuous nature may recoil
-In an imperial charge . But I shall crave your pardon ;
-That which you are my thoughts cannot transpose ;
-Angels are bright still , though the brightest fell ;
-Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace ,
-Yet grace must still look so .
-
-I have lost my hopes .
-
-Perchance even there where I did find my doubts .
-Why in that rawness left you wife and child
-Those precious motives , those strong knots of love
-Without leave-taking ? I pray you ,
-Let not my jealousies be your dishonours ,
-But mine own safeties : you may be rightly just ,
-Whatever I shall think .
-
-Bleed , bleed , poor country !
-Great tyranny , lay thou thy basis sure ,
-For goodness dares not check thee ! wear thou thy wrongs ;
-The title is affeer'd ! Fare thee well , lord :
-I would not be the villain that thou think'st
-For the whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp ,
-And the rich East to boot .
-
-Be not offended :
-I speak not as in absolute fear of you .
-I think our country sinks beneath the yoke ;
-It weeps , it bleeds , and each new day a gash
-Is added to her wounds : I think withal ,
-There would be hands uplifted in my right ;
-And here from gracious England have I offer
-Of goodly thousands : but , for all this ,
-When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head ,
-Or wear it on my sword , yet my poor country
-Shall have more vices than it had before ,
-More suffer , and more sundry ways than ever ,
-By him that shall succeed .
-
-What should he be ?
-
-It is myself I mean ; in whom I know
-All the particulars of vice so grafted ,
-That , when they shall be open'd , black Macbeth
-Will seem as pure as snow , and the poor state
-Esteem him as a lamb , being compar'd
-With my confineless harms .
-
-Not in the legions
-Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd
-In evils to top Macbeth .
-
-I grant him bloody ,
-Luxurious , avaricious , false , deceitful ,
-Sudden , malicious , smacking of every sin
-That has a name ; but there's no bottom , none ,
-In my voluptuousness : your wives , your daughters ,
-Your matrons , and your maids , could not fill up
-The cistern of my lust ; and my desire
-All continent impediments would o'erbear
-That did oppose my will ; better Macbeth
-Than such an one to reign .
-
-Boundless intemperance
-In nature is a tyranny ; it hath been
-Th' untimely emptying of the happy throne ,
-And fall of many kings . But fear not yet
-To take upon you what is yours ; you may
-Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty ,
-And yet seem cold , the time you may so hoodwink .
-We have willing dames enough ; there cannot be
-That vulture in you , to devour so many
-As will to greatness dedicate themselves ,
-Finding it so inclin'd .
-
-With this there grows
-In my most ill-compos'd affection such
-A stanchless avarice that , were I king ,
-I should cut off the nobles for their lands ,
-Desire his jewels and this other's house ;
-And my more-having would be as a sauce
-To make me hunger more , that I should forge
-Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal ,
-Destroying them for wealth .
-
-This avarice
-Sticks deeper , grows with more pernicious root
-Than summer-seeming lust , and it hath been
-The sword of our slain kings : yet do not fear ;
-Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will ,
-Of your mere own ; all these are portable ,
-With other graces weigh'd .
-
-But I have none : the king-becoming graces ,
-As justice , verity , temperance , stableness ,
-Bounty , perseverance , mercy , lowliness ,
-Devotion , patience , courage , fortitude ,
-I have no relish of them , but abound
-In the division of each several crime ,
-Acting it many ways . Nay , had I power , I should
-Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell ,
-Uproar the universal peace , confound
-All unity on earth .
-
-O Scotland , Scotland !
-
-If such a one be fit to govern , speak :
-I am as I have spoken .
-
-Fit to govern !
-No , not to live . O nation miserable ,
-With an untitled tyrant bloody-scepter'd ,
-When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again ,
-Since that the truest issue of thy throne
-By his own interdiction stands accurs'd ,
-And does blaspheme his breed ? Thy royal father
-Was a most sainted king ; the queen that bore thee ,
-Oft'ner upon her knees than on her feet ,
-Died every day she liv'd . Fare thee well !
-These evils thou repeat'st upon thyself
-Have banish'd me from Scotland . O my breast ,
-Thy hope ends here !
-
-Macduff , this noble passion ,
-Child of integrity , hath from my soul
-Wip'd the black scruples , reconcil'd my thoughts
-To thy good truth and honour . Devilish Macbeth
-By many of these trains hath sought to win me
-Into his power , and modest wisdom plucks me
-From over-credulous haste ; but God above
-Deal between thee and me ! for even now
-I put myself to thy direction , and
-Unspeak mine own detraction , here abjure
-The taints and blames I laid upon myself ,
-For strangers to my nature . I am yet
-Unknown to woman , never was forsworn ,
-Scarcely have coveted what was mine own ;
-At no time broke my faith , would not betray
-The devil to his fellow , and delight
-No less in truth than life ; my first false speaking
-Was this upon myself . What I am truly ,
-Is thine and my poor country's to command ;
-Whither indeed , before thy here-approach ,
-Old Siward , with ten thousand war-like men ,
-Already at a point , was setting forth .
-Now we'll together , and the chance of goodness
-Be like our warranted quarrel . Why are you silent ?
-
-Such welcome and unwelcome things at once
-'Tis hard to reconcile .
-
-
-Well ; more anon . Comes the king forth , I pray you ?
-
-Ay , sir ; there are a crew of wretched souls
-That stay his cure ; their malady convinces
-The great assay of art ; but , at his touch ,
-Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand ,
-They presently amend .
-
-I thank you , doctor .
-
-
-What's the disease he means ?
-
-'Tis call'd the evil :
-A most miraculous work in this good king ,
-Which often , since my here-remain in England ,
-I have seen him do . How he solicits heaven ,
-Himself best knows ; but strangely-visited people ,
-All swoln and ulcerous , pitiful to the eye ,
-The mere despair of surgery , he cures ;
-Hanging a golden stamp about their necks ,
-Put on with holy prayers ; and 'tis spoken
-To the succeeding royalty he leaves
-The healing benediction . With this strange virtue ,
-He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy ,
-And sundry blessings hang about his throne
-That speak him full of grace .
-
-See , who comes here ?
-
-My countryman ; but yet I know him not .
-
-
-My ever-gentle cousin , welcome hither .
-
-I know him now . Good God , betimes remove
-The means that make us strangers !
-
-Sir , amen .
-
-Stands Scotland where it did ?
-
-Alas ! poor country ;
-Almost afraid to know itself . It cannot
-Be call'd our mother , but our grave ; where nothing ,
-But who knows nothing , is once seen to smile ;
-Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rent the air
-Are made , not mark'd ; where violent sorrow seems
-A modern ecstasy ; the dead man's knell
-Is there scarce ask'd for who ; and good men's lives
-Expire before the flowers in their caps ,
-Dying or ere they sicken .
-
-O ! relation
-Too nice , and yet too true !
-
-What's the newest grief ?
-
-That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker ;
-Each minute teems a new one .
-
-How does my wife ?
-
-Why , well .
-
-And all my children ?
-
-Well too .
-
-The tyrant has not batter'd at their peace ?
-
-No ; they were well at peace when I did leave 'em .
-
-Be not a niggard of your speech : how goes 't ?
-
-When I came hither to transport the tidings ,
-Which I have heavily borne , there ran a rumour
-Of many worthy fellows that were out ;
-Which was to my belief witness'd the rather
-For that I saw the tyrant's power a-foot .
-Now is the time of help ; your eye in Scotland
-Would create soldiers , make our women fight ,
-To doff their dire distresses .
-
-Be 't their comfort ,
-We are coming thither . Gracious England hath
-Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men ;
-An older and a better soldier none
-That Christendom gives out .
-
-Would I could answer
-This comfort with the like ! But I have words
-That would be howl'd out in the desert air ,
-Where hearing should not latch them .
-
-What concern they ?
-The general cause ? or is it a fee-grief
-Due to some single breast ?
-
-No mind that's honest
-But in it shares some woe , though the main part
-Pertains to you alone .
-
-If it be mine
-Keep it not from me ; quickly let me have it .
-
-Let not your ears despise my tongue for ever ,
-Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound
-That ever yet they heard .
-
-Hum ! I guess at it .
-
-Your castle is surpris'd ; your wife and babes
-Savagely slaughter'd ; to relate the manner ,
-Were , on the quarry of these murder'd deer ,
-To add the death of you .
-
-Merciful heaven !
-What ! man ; ne'er pull your hat upon your brows ;
-Give sorrow words ; the grief that does not speak
-Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break .
-
-My children too ?
-
-Wife , children , servants , all
-That could be found .
-
-And I must be from thence !
-My wife kill'd too ?
-
-I have said .
-
-Be comforted :
-Let's make us medicine of our great revenge ,
-To cure this deadly grief .
-
-He has no children . All my pretty ones ?
-Did you say all ? O hell-kite ! All ?
-What ! all my pretty chickens and their dam
-At one fell swoop ?
-
-Dispute it like a man .
-
-I shall do so ;
-But I must also feel it as a man :
-I cannot but remember such things were ,
-That were most precious to me . Did heaven look on ,
-And would not take their part ? Sinful Macduff !
-They were all struck for thee . Naught that I am ,
-Not for their own demerits , but for mine ,
-Fell slaughter on their souls . Heaven rest them now !
-
-Be this the whetstone of your sword : let grief
-Convert to anger ; blunt not the heart , enrage it .
-
-O ! I could play the woman with mine eyes ,
-And braggart with my tongue . But , gentle heavens ,
-Cut short all intermission ; front to front
-Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself ;
-Within my sword's length set him ; if he 'scape ,
-Heaven forgive him too !
-
-This tune goes manly .
-Come , go we to the king ; our power is ready ;
-Our lack is nothing but our leave . Macbeth
-Is ripe for shaking , and the powers above
-Put on their instruments . Receive what cheer you may ;
-The night is long that never finds the day .
-
-I have two nights watched with you , but can perceive no truth in your report . When was it she last walked ?
-
-Since his majesty went into the field , I have seen her rise from her bed , throw her night-gown upon her , unlock her closet , take forth paper , fold it , write upon 't , read it , afterwards seal it , and again return to bed ; yet all this while in a most fast sleep .
-
-A great perturbation in nature , to receive at once the benefit of sleep and do the effects of watching ! In this slumbery agitation , besides her walking and other actual performances , what , at any time , have you heard her say ?
-
-That , sir , which I will not report after her .
-
-You may to me , and 'tis most meet you should .
-
-Neither to you nor any one , having no witness to confirm my speech .
-
-Lo you ! here she comes . This is her very guise ; and , upon my life , fast asleep . Observe her ; stand close .
-
-How came she by that light ?
-
-Why , it stood by her : she has light by her continually ; 'tis her command .
-
-You see , her eyes are open .
-
-Ay , but their sense is shut .
-
-What is it she does now ? Look , how she rubs her hands .
-
-It is an accustomed action with her , to seem thus washing her hands . I have known her to continue in this a quarter of an hour .
-
-Yet here's a spot .
-
-Hark ! she speaks . I will set down what comes from her , to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly .
-
-Out , damned spot ! out , I say ! One ; two : why , then , 'tis time to do't . Hell is murky ! Fie , my lord , fie ! a soldier , and afeard ? What need we fear who knows it , when none can call our power to account ? Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him ?
-
-Do you mark that ?
-
-The Thane of Fife had a wife : where is she now ? What ! will these hands ne'er be clean ? No more o' that , my lord , no more o' that : you mar all with this starting .
-
-Go to , go to ; you have known what you should not .
-
-She has spoke what she should not , I am sure of that : Heaven knows what she has known .
-
-Here's the smell of the blood still : all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand . Oh ! oh ! oh !
-
-What a sigh is there ! The heart is sorely charged .
-
-I would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body .
-
-Well , well , well .
-
-Pray God it be , sir .
-
-This disease is beyond my practice : yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep who have died holily in their beds .
-
-Wash your hands , put on your night-gown ; look not so pale . I tell you yet again , Banquo's buried ; he cannot come out on 's grave .
-
-Even so ?
-
-To bed , to bed : there's knocking at the gate . Come , come , come , come , give me your hand . What's done cannot be undone .
-To bed , to bed , to bed .
-
-
-Will she go now to bed ?
-
-Directly .
-
-Foul whisperings are abroad . Unnatural deeds
-Do breed unnatural troubles ; infected minds
-To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets ;
-More needs she the divine than the physician .
-God , God forgive us all ! Look after her ;
-Remove from her the means of all annoyance ,
-And still keep eyes upon her . So , good-night :
-My mind she has mated , and amaz'd my sight .
-I think , but dare not speak .
-
-Good-night , good doctor .
-
-
-The English power is near , led on by Malcolm ,
-His uncle Siward , and the good Macduff .
-Revenges burn in them ; for their dear causes
-Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
-Excite the mortified man .
-
-Near Birnam wood
-Shall we well meet them ; that way are they coming .
-
-Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother ?
-
-For certain , sir , he is not : I have a file
-Of all the gentry : there is Siward's son ,
-And many unrough youths that even now
-Protest their first of manhood .
-
-What does the tyrant ?
-
-Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies .
-Some say he's mad ; others that lesser hate him
-Do call it valiant fury ; but , for certain ,
-He cannot buckle his distemper'd cause
-Within the belt of rule .
-
-Now does he feel
-His secret murders sticking on his hands ;
-Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach ;
-Those he commands move only in command ,
-Nothing in love ; now does he feel his title
-Hang loose about him , like a giant's robe
-Upon a dwarfish thief .
-
-Who then shall blame
-His pester'd senses to recoil and start ,
-When all that is within him does condemn
-Itself for being there ?
-
-Well , march we on ,
-To give obedience where 'tis truly ow'd ;
-Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal ,
-And with him pour we in our country's purge
-Each drop of us .
-
-Or so much as it needs
-To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds .
-Make we our march towards Birnam .
-
-
-Bring me no more reports ; let them fly all :
-Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane
-I cannot taint with fear . What's the boy Malcolm ?
-Was he not born of woman ? The spirits that know
-All mortal consequences have pronounc'd me thus :
-'Fear not , Macbeth ; no man that's born of woman
-Shall e'er have power upon thee .' Then fly , false thanes ,
-And mingle with the English epicures :
-The mind I sway by and the heart I bear
-Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear .
-
-
-The devil damn thee black , thou cream-fac'd loon !
-
-Where gott'st thou that goose look ?
-
-There is ten thousand
-
-Geese , villain ?
-
-Soldiers , sir .
-
-Go , prick thy face , and over-red thy fear ,
-Thou lily-liver'd boy . What soldiers , patch ?
-Death of thy soul ! those linen cheeks of thine
-Are counsellors to fear . What soldiers , wheyface ?
-
-The English force , so please you .
-
-Take thy face hence .
-
-Seyton !I am sick at heart
-When I behold Seyton , I say !This push
-Will cheer me ever or disseat me now .
-I have liv'd long enough : my way of life
-Is fall'n into the sear , the yellow leaf ;
-And that which should accompany old age ,
-As honour , love , obedience , troops of friends ,
-I must not look to have ; but , in their stead ,
-Curses , not loud but deep , mouth-honour , breath ,
-Which the poor heart would fain deny , and dare not .
-Seyton !
-
-
-What is your gracious pleasure ?
-
-What news more ?
-
-All is confirm'd , my lord , which was reported .
-
-I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd .
-Give me my armour .
-
-'Tis not needed yet .
-
-I'll put it on .
-Send out more horses , skirr the country round ;
-Hang those that talk of fear . Give me mine armour .
-How does your patient , doctor ?
-
-Not so sick , my lord ,
-As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies ,
-That keep her from her rest .
-
-Cure her of that :
-Canst thou not minister to a mind diseas'd ,
-Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow ,
-Raze out the written troubles of the brain ,
-And with some sweet oblivious antidote
-Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff
-Which weighs upon the heart ?
-
-Therein the patient
-Must minister to himself .
-
-Throw physic to the dogs ; I'll none of it .
-Come , put mine armour on ; give me my staff .
-Seyton , send out .Doctor , the thanes fly from me .
-Come , sir , dispatch .If thou couldst , doctor , cast
-The water of my land , find her disease ,
-And purge it to a sound and pristine health ,
-I would applaud thee to the very echo ,
-That should applaud again .Pull 't off , I say .
-What rhubarb , senna , or what purgative drug
-Would scour these English hence ? Hear'st thou of them ?
-
-Ay , my good lord ; your royal preparation
-Makes us hear something .
-
-Bring it after me .
-I will not be afraid of death and bane
-Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane .
-
-Were I from Dunsinane away and clear ,
-Profit again should hardly draw me here .
-
-Cousins , I hope the days are near at hand
-That chambers will be safe .
-
-We doubt it nothing .
-
-What wood is this before us ?
-
-The wood of Birnam .
-
-Let every soldier hew him down a bough
-And bear 't before him : thereby shall we shadow
-The numbers of our host , and make discovery
-Err in report of us .
-
-It shall be done .
-
-We learn no other but the confident tyrant
-Keeps still in Dunsinane , and will endure
-Our setting down before 't .
-
-'Tis his main hope ;
-For where there is advantage to be given ,
-Both more and less have given him the revolt ,
-And none serve with him but constrained things
-Whose hearts are absent too .
-
-Let our just censures
-Attend the true event , and put we on
-Industrious soldiership .
-
-The time approaches
-That will with due decision make us know
-What we shall say we have and what we owe .
-Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate ,
-But certain issue strokes must arbitrate ,
-Towards which advance the war .
-
-
-Hang out our banners on the outward walls ;
-The cry is still , 'They come ;' our castle's strength
-Will laugh a siege to scorn ; here let them lie
-Till famine and the ague eat them up ;
-Were they not forc'd with those that should be ours ,
-We might have met them dareful , beard to beard ,
-And beat them backward home .
-
-What is that noise ?
-
-It is the cry of women , my good lord .
-
-
-I have almost forgot the taste of fears .
-The time has been my senses would have cool'd
-To hear a night-shriek , and my fell of hair
-Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir
-As life were in 't . I have supp'd full with horrors ;
-Direness , familiar to my slaughterous thoughts ,
-Cannot once start me .
-
-Wherefore was that cry ?
-
-The queen , my lord , is dead .
-
-She should have died hereafter ;
-There would have been a time for such a word .
-To-morrow , and to-morrow , and to-morrow ,
-Creeps in this petty pace from day to day ,
-To the last syllable of recorded time ;
-And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
-The way to dusty death . Out , out , brief candle !
-Life's but a walking shadow , a poor player
-That struts and frets his hour upon the stage ,
-And then is heard no more ; it is a tale
-Told by an idiot , full of sound and fury ,
-Signifying nothing .
-
-Thou com'st to use thy tongue ; thy story quickly .
-
-Gracious my lord ,
-I should report that which I say I saw ,
-But know not how to do it .
-
-Well , say , sir .
-
-As I did stand my watch upon the hill ,
-I look'd towards Birnam , and anon , methought ,
-The wood began to move .
-
-Liar and slave !
-
-Let me endure your wrath if't be not so :
-Within this three mile may you see it coming ;
-I say , a moving grove .
-
-If thou speak'st false ,
-Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive ,
-Till famine cling thee ; if thy speech be sooth ,
-I care not if thou dost for me as much .
-I pull in resolution and begin
-To doubt the equivocation of the fiend
-That lies like truth ; 'Fear not , till Birnam wood
-Do come to Dunsinane ;' and now a wood
-Comes toward Dunsinane . Arm , arm , and out !
-If this which he avouches does appear ,
-There is nor flying hence , nor tarrying here .
-I 'gin to be aweary of the sun ,
-And wish the estate o' the world were now undone .
-Ring the alarum-bell ! Blow , wind ! come , wrack !
-At least we'll die with harness on our back .
-
-
-Now near enough ; your leavy screens throw down ,
-And show like those you are . You , worthy uncle ,
-Shall , with my cousin , your right-noble son ,
-Lead our first battle ; worthy Macduff and we
-Shall take upon 's what else remains to do ,
-According to our order .
-
-Fare you well .
-Do we but find the tyrant's power to-night ,
-Let us be beaten , if we cannot fight .
-
-Make all our trumpets speak ; give them all breath ,
-Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death .
-
-
-They have tied me to a stake ; I cannot fly ,
-But bear-like I must fight the course . What's he
-That was not born of woman ? Such a one
-Am I to fear , or none .
-
-
-What is thy name ?
-
-Thou'lt be afraid to hear it .
-
-No ; though thou call'st thyself a hotter name
-Than any is in hell .
-
-My name's Macbeth .
-
-The devil himself could not pronounce a title
-More hateful to mine ear .
-
-No , nor more fearful .
-
-Thou liest , abhorred tyrant ; with my sword
-I'll prove the lie thou speak'st .
-
-
-Thou wast born of woman :
-But swords I smile at , weapons laugh to scorn ,
-Brandish'd by man that's of a woman born .
-
-That way the noise is . Tyrant , show thy face :
-If thou be'st slain and with no stroke of mine ,
-My wife and children's ghosts will haunt me still .
-I cannot strike at wretched kerns , whose arms
-Are hir'd to bear their staves : either thou , Macbeth ,
-Or else my sword with an unbatter'd edge
-I sheathe again undeeded . There thou shouldst be ;
-By this great clatter , one of greatest note
-Seems bruited . Let me find him , fortune !
-And more I beg not .
-
-This way , my lord ; the castle's gently render'd :
-The tyrant's people on both sides do fight ;
-The noble thanes do bravely in the war ;
-The day almost itself professes yours ,
-And little is to do .
-
-We have met with foes
-That strike beside us .
-
-Enter , sir , the castle .
-
-Why should I play the Roman fool , and die
-On mine own sword ? whiles I see lives , the gashes
-Do better upon them .
-
-
-Turn , hell-hound , turn !
-
-Of all men else I have avoided thee :
-But get thee back , my soul is too much charg'd
-With blood of thine already .
-
-I have no words ;
-My voice is in my sword , thou bloodier villain
-Than terms can give thee out !
-
-
-Thou losest labour :
-As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
-With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed :
-Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests ;
-I bear a charmed life , which must not yield
-To one of woman born .
-
-Despair thy charm ;
-And let the angel whom thou still hast serv'd
-Tell thee , Macduff was from his mother's womb
-Untimely ripp'd .
-
-Accursed be that tongue that tells me so ,
-For it hath cow'd my better part of man :
-And be these juggling fiends no more believ'd ,
-That palter with us in a double sense ;
-That keep the word of promise to our ear ,
-And break it to our hope . I'll not fight with thee .
-
-Then yield thee , coward ,
-And live to be the show and gaze o' the time :
-We'll have thee , as our rarer monsters are ,
-Painted upon a pole , and underwrit ,
-'Here may you see the tyrant .'
-
-I will not yield ,
-To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet ,
-And to be baited with the rabble's curse .
-Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane ,
-And thou oppos'd , being of no woman born ,
-Yet I will try the last : before my body
-I throw my war-like shield . Lay on , Macduff ,
-And damn'd be him that first cries , 'Hold , enough !'
-
-
-I would the friends we miss were safe arriv'd .
-
-Some must go off ; and yet , by these I see ,
-So great a day as this is cheaply bought .
-
-Macduff is missing , and your noble son .
-
-Your son , my lord , has paid a soldier's debt :
-He only liv'd but till he was a man ;
-The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd
-In the unshrinking station where he fought ,
-But like a man he died .
-
-Then he is dead ?
-
-Ay , and brought off the field . Your cause of sorrow
-Must not be measur'd by his worth , for then
-It hath no end .
-
-Had he his hurts before ?
-
-Ay , on the front .
-
-Why then , God's soldier be he !
-Had I as many sons as I have hairs ,
-I would not wish them to a fairer death :
-And so , his knell is knoll'd .
-
-He's worth more sorrow ,
-And that I'll spend for him .
-
-He's worth no more ;
-They say , he parted well , and paid his score :
-And so , God be with him ! Here comes newer comfort .
-
-
-Hail , king ! for so thou art . Behold , where stands
-The usurper's cursed head : the time is free :
-I see thee compass'd with thy kingdom's pearl ,
-That speak my salutation in their minds ;
-Whose voices I desire aloud with mine ;
-Hail , King of Scotland !
-
-Hail , King of Scotland !
-
-
-We shall not spend a large expense of time
-Before we reckon with your several loves ,
-And make us even with you . My thanes and kinsmen ,
-Henceforth be earls , the first that ever Scotland
-In such an honour nam'd . What's more to do ,
-Which would be planted newly with the time ,
-As calling home our exil'd friends abroad
-That fled the snares of watchful tyranny ;
-Producing forth the cruel ministers
-Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen ,
-Who , as 'tis thought , by self and violent hands
-Took off her life ; this , and what needful else
-That calls upon us , by the grace of Grace
-We will perform in measure , time , and place :
-So , thanks to all at once and to each one ,
-Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone .
-
-OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE
-
-Tush ! Never tell me ; I take it much unkindly
-That thou , Iago , who hast had my purse
-As if the strings were thine , shouldst know of this .
-
-'Sblood , but you will not hear me :
-If ever I did dream of such a matter ,
-Abhor me .
-
-Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate .
-
-Despise me if I do not . Three great ones of the city ,
-In personal suit to make me his lieutenant ,
-Off-capp'd to him ; and , by the faith of man .
-I know my price , I am worth no worse a place ;
-But he , as loving his own pride and purposes ,
-Evades them , with a bombast circumstance
-Horribly stuff'd with epithets of war ;
-And , in conclusion ,
-Nonsuits my mediators ; for , 'Certes ,' says he ,
-'I have already chose my officer .'
-And what was he ?
-Forsooth , a great arithmetician ,
-One Michael Cassio , a Florentine ,
-A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife ;
-That never set a squadron in the field ,
-Nor the division of a battle knows
-More than a spinster ; unless the bookish theoric ,
-Wherein the toged consuls can propose
-As masterly as he : mere prattle , without practice ,
-Is all his soldiership . But he , sir , had the election ;
-And I of whom his eyes had seen the proof
-At Rhodes , at Cyprus , and on other grounds
-Christian and heathen must be be-lee'd and calm'd
-By debitor and creditor ; this counter caster ,
-He , in good time , must his lieutenant be ,
-And I God bless the mark !his Moorship's ancient .
-
-By heaven , I rather would have been his hangman .
-
-Why , there's no remedy : 'tis the curse of the service ,
-Preferment goes by letter and affection ,
-Not by the old gradation , where each second
-Stood heir to the first . Now , sir , be judge yourself ,
-Whe'r I in any just term am affin'd
-To love the Moor .
-
-I would not follow him then .
-
-O ! sir , content you ;
-I follow him to serve my turn upon him ;
-We cannot all be masters , nor all masters
-Cannot be truly follow'd . You shall mark
-Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave ,
-That , doting on his own obsequious bondage ,
-Wears out his time , much like his master's ass ,
-For nought but provender , and when he's old , cashier'd ;
-Whip me such honest knaves . Others there are
-Who , trimm'd in forms and visages of duty ,
-Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves ,
-And , throwing but shows of service on their lords ,
-Do well thrive by them , and when they have lin'd their coats
-Do themselves homage : these fellows have some soul ;
-And such a one do I profess myself . For , sir ,
-It is as sure as you are Roderigo ,
-Were I the Moor , I would not be Iago :
-In following him , I follow but myself ;
-Heaven is my judge , not I for love and duty ,
-But seeming so , for my peculiar end :
-For when my outward action doth demonstrate
-The native act and figure of my heart
-In compliment extern , 'tis not long after
-But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
-For daws to peck at : I am not what I am .
-
-What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe ,
-If he can carry 't thus !
-
-Call up her father ;
-Rouse him , make after him , poison his delight ,
-Proclaim him in the streets , incense her kinsmen ,
-And , though he in a fertile climate dwell ,
-Plague him with flies ; though that his joy be joy ,
-Yet throw such changes of vexation on 't
-As it may lose some colour .
-
-Here is her father's house ; I'll call aloud .
-
-Do ; with like timorous accent and dire yell
-As when , by night and negligence , the fire
-Is spied in populous cities .
-
-What , ho ! Brabantio ! Signior Brabantio , ho !
-
-Awake ! what , ho ! Brabantio ! thieves ! thieves ! thieves !
-Look to your house , your daughter , and your bags !
-Thieves ! thieves !
-
-
-What is the reason of this terrible summons ?
-What is the matter there ?
-
-Signior , is all your family within ?
-
-Are your doors lock'd ?
-
-Why ? wherefore ask you this ?
-
-'Zounds ! sir , you're robb'd ; for shame , put on your gown ;
-Your heart is burst , you have lost half your soul ;
-Even now , now , very now , an old black ram
-Is tupping your white ewe . Arise , arise !
-Awake the snorting citizens with the bell ,
-Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you .
-Arise , I say .
-
-What ! have you lost your wits ?
-
-Most reverend signior , do you know my voice ?
-
-Not I , what are you ?
-
-My name is Roderigo .
-
-The worser welcome :
-I have charg'd thee not to haunt about my doors :
-In honest plainness thou hast heard me say
-My daughter is not for thee ; and now , in madness ,
-Being full of supper and distempering draughts ,
-Upon malicious knavery dost thou come
-To start my quiet .
-
-Sir , sir , sir !
-
-But thou must needs be sure
-My spirit and my place have in them power
-To make this bitter to thee .
-
-Patience , good sir .
-
-What tell'st thou me of robbing ? this is Venice ;
-My house is not a grange .
-
-Most grave Brabantio ,
-In simple and pure soul I come to you .
-
-'Zounds ! sir , you are one of those that will not serve God if the devil bid you . Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians , you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse ; you'll have your nephews neigh to you ; you'll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans .
-
-What profane wretch art thou ?
-
-I am one , sir , that comes to tell you , your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs .
-
-Thou art a villain .
-
-You are a senator .
-
-This thou shalt answer ; I know thee , Roderigo .
-
-Sir , I will answer any thing . But , I beseech you ,
-If 't be your pleasure and most wise consent ,
-As partly , I find , it is ,that your fair daughter ,
-At this odd-even and dull-watch o' the night ,
-Transported with no worse nor better guard
-But with a knave of common hire , a gondolier ,
-To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor ,
-If this be known to you , and your allowance ,
-We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs ;
-But if you know not this , my manners tell me
-We have your wrong rebuke . Do not believe ,
-That , from the sense of all civility ,
-I thus would play and trifle with your reverence :
-Your daughter , if you have not given her leave ,
-I say again , hath made a gross revolt ;
-Tying her duty , beauty , wit and fortunes
-In an extravagant and wheeling stranger
-Of here and every where . Straight satisfy yourself :
-If she be in her chamber or your house ,
-Let loose on me the justice of the state
-For thus deluding you .
-
-Strike on the tinder , ho !
-Give me a taper ! call up all my people !
-This accident is not unlike my dream ;
-Belief of it oppresses me already .
-Light , I say ! light !
-
-
-Farewell , for I must leave you :
-It seems not meet nor wholesome to my place
-To be produc'd , as , if I stay , I shall ,
-Against the Moor ; for , I do know the state ,
-However this may gall him with some check ,
-Cannot with safety cast him ; for he's embark'd
-With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars ,
-Which even now stand in act ,that , for their souls ,
-Another of his fathom they have none ,
-To lead their business ; in which regard ,
-Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains ,
-Yet , for necessity of present life ,
-I must show out a flag and sign of love ,
-Which is indeed but sign . That you shall surely find him ,
-Lead to the Sagittary the raised search ;
-And there will I be with him . So , farewell .
-
-It is too true an evil : gone she is ,
-And what's to come of my despised time
-Is nought but bitterness . Now , Roderigo ,
-Where didst thou see her ? O , unhappy girl !
-With the Moor , sayst thou ? Who would be a father !
-How didst thou know 'twas she ? O , she deceives me
-Past thought . What said she to you ? Get more tapers !
-Raise all my kindred ! Are they married , think you ?
-
-Truly , I think they are .
-
-O heaven ! How got she out ? O , treason of the blood :
-Fathers , from hence trust not your daughters' minds
-By what you see them act . Are there not charms
-By which the property of youth and maidhood
-May be abus'd ? Have you not read , Roderigo ,
-Of some such thing ?
-
-Yes , sir , I have indeed .
-
-Call up my brother . O ! that you had had her .
-Some one way , some another ! Do you know
-Where we may apprehend her and the Moor ?
-
-I think I can discover him , if you please
-To get good guard and go along with me .
-
-Pray you , lead on . At every house I'll call ;
-I may command at most . Get weapons , ho !
-And raise some special officers of night .
-On , good Roderigo ; I'll deserve your pains .
-
-
-Though in the trade of war I have slain men ,
-Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience
-To do no contriv'd murder : I lack iniquity
-Sometimes to do me service . Nine or ten times
-I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs .
-
-'Tis better as it is .
-
-Nay , but he prated ,
-And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms
-Against your honour
-That , with the little godliness I have ,
-I did full hard forbear him . But , I pray , sir ,
-Are you fast married ? Be assur'd of this ,
-That the magnifico is much belov'd ,
-And hath in his effect a voice potential
-As double as the duke's ; he will divorce you ,
-Or put upon you what restraint and grievance
-The law with all his might to enforce it on
-Will give him cable .
-
-Let him do his spite :
-My services which I have done the signiory
-Shall out-tongue his complaints . 'Tis yet to know ,
-Which when I know that boasting is an honour
-I shall promulgate , I fetch my life and being
-From men of royal siege , and my demerits
-May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
-As this that I have reach'd ; for know , Iago ,
-But that I love the gentle Desdemona ,
-I would not my unhoused free condition
-Put into circumscription and confine
-For the sea's worth . But , look ! what lights come yond ?
-
-Those are the raised father and his friends :
-You were best go in .
-
-Not I ; I must be found :
-My parts , my title , and my perfect soul
-Shall manifest me rightly . Is it they ?
-
-By Janus , I think no .
-
-
-The servants of the duke , and my lieutenant .
-The goodness of the night upon you , friends !
-What is the news ?
-
-The duke does greet you , general ,
-And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance ,
-Even on the instant .
-
-What is the matter , think you ?
-
-Something from Cyprus , as I may divine .
-It is a business of some heat ; the galleys
-Have sent a dozen sequent messengers
-This very night at one another's heels ,
-And many of the consuls , rais'd and met ,
-Are at the duke's already . You have been hotly call'd for ;
-When , being not at your lodging to be found ,
-The senate hath sent about three several quests
-To search you out .
-
-'Tis well I am found by you .
-I will but spend a word here in the house ,
-And go with you .
-
-
-Ancient , what makes he here ?
-
-Faith , he to-night hath boarded a land carrack ;
-If it prove lawful prize , he's made for ever .
-
-I do not understand .
-
-He's married .
-
-To who ?
-
-
-Marry , to Come , captain , will you go ?
-
-Have with you .
-
-Here comes another troop to seek for you .
-
-It is Brabantio . General , be advis'd ;
-He comes to bad intent .
-
-
-Holla ! stand there !
-
-Signior , it is the Moor .
-
-Down with him , thief !
-
-
-You , Roderigo ! come , sir , I am for you .
-
-Keep up your bright swords , for the dew will rust them .
-Good signior , you shall more command with years
-Than with your weapons .
-
-O thou foul thief ! where hast thou stow'd my daughter ?
-Damn'd as thou art , thou hast enchanted her ;
-For I'll refer me to all things of sense ,
-If she in chains of magic were not bound ,
-Whether a maid so tender , fair , and happy ,
-So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd
-The wealthy curled darlings of our nation ,
-Would ever have , to incur a general mock ,
-Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
-Of such a thing as thou ; to fear , not to delight .
-Judge me the world , if 'tis not gross in sense
-That thou hast practis'd on her with foul charms ,
-Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs or minerals
-That weaken motion : I'll have 't disputed on ;
-'Tis probable , and palpable to thinking .
-I therefore apprehend and do attach thee
-For an abuser of the world , a practiser
-Of arts inhibited and out of warrant .
-Lay hold upon him : if he do resist ,
-Subdue him at his peril .
-
-Hold your hands ,
-Both you of my inclining , and the rest :
-Were it my cue to fight , I should have known it
-Without a prompter . Where will you that I go
-To answer this your charge ?
-
-To prison ; till fit time
-Of law and course of direct session
-Call thee to answer .
-
-What if I do obey ?
-How may the duke be therewith satisfied ,
-Whose messengers are here about my side ,
-Upon some present business of the state
-To bring me to him ?
-
-'Tis true , most worthy signior ;
-The duke's in council , and your noble self ,
-I am sure , is sent for .
-
-How ! the duke in council !
-In this time of the night ! Bring him away .
-Mine's not an idle cause : the duke himself ,
-Or any of my brothers of the state ,
-Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own ;
-For if such actions may have passage free ,
-Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be .
-
-There is no composition in these news
-That gives them credit .
-
-Indeed , they are disproportion'd ;
-My letters say a hundred and seven galleys .
-
-And mine , a hundred and forty .
-
-And mine , two hundred :
-But though they jump not on a just account ,
-As in these cases , where the aim reports ,
-'Tis oft with difference ,yet do they all confirm
-A Turkish fleet , and bearing up to Cyprus .
-
-Nay , it is possible enough to judgment :
-I do not so secure me in the error ,
-But the main article I do approve
-In fearful sense .
-
-What , ho ! what , ho ! what , ho !
-
-A messenger from the galleys .
-
-
-Now , what's the business ?
-
-The Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes ;
-So was I bid report here to the state
-By Signior Angelo .
-
-How say you by this change ?
-
-This cannot be ,
-By no assay of reason ; 'tis a pageant
-To keep us in false gaze . When we consider
-The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk ,
-And let ourselves again but understand ,
-That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes ,
-So may he with more facile question bear it ,
-For that it stands not in such war-like brace ,
-But altogether lacks the abilities
-That Rhodes is dress'd in : if we make thought of this ,
-We must not think the Turk is so unskilful
-To leave that latest which concerns him first ,
-Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain ,
-To wake and wage a danger profitless .
-
-Nay , in all confidence , he's not for Rhodes .
-
-Here is more news .
-
-
-The Ottomites , reverend and gracious ,
-Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes ,
-Have there injointed them with an after fleet .
-
-Ay , so I thought . How many , as you guess ?
-
-Of thirty sail ; and now they do re-stem
-Their backward course , bearing with frank appearance
-Their purposes toward Cyprus . Signior Montano ,
-Your trusty and most valiant servitor ,
-With his free duty recommends you thus ,
-And prays you to believe him .
-
-'Tis certain then , for Cyprus .
-Marcus Luccicos , is not he in town ?
-
-He's now in Florence .
-
-Write from us to him ; post-post-haste dispatch .
-
-Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor .
-
-
-Valiant Othello , we must straight employ you
-Against the general enemy Ottoman .
-
-
-I did not see you ; welcome , gentle signior ;
-We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night .
-
-So did I yours . Good your grace , pardon me ;
-Neither my place nor aught I heard of business
-Hath rais'd me from my bed , nor doth the general care
-Take hold of me , for my particular grief
-Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature
-That it engluts and swallows other sorrows
-And it is still itself .
-
-Why , what's the matter ?
-
-My daughter ! O ! my daughter .
-
-Dead ?
-
-Dead ?
-
-Ay , to me ;
-She is abus'd , stol'n from me , and corrupted
-By spells and medicines bought of mounte-banks ;
-For nature so preposterously to err ,
-Being not deficient , blind , or lame of sense ,
-Sans witchcraft could not .
-
-Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding
-Hath thus beguil'd your daughter of herself
-And you of her , the bloody book of law
-You shall yourself read in the bitter letter
-After your own sense ; yea , though our proper son
-Stood in your action .
-
-Humbly I thank your Grace .
-Here is the man , this Moor ; whom now , it seems ,
-Your special mandate for the state affairs ,
-Hath hither brought .
-
-We are very sorry for it .
-
-We are very sorry for it .
-
-What , in your own part , can you say to this ?
-
-Nothing , but this is so .
-
-Most potent , grave , and reverend signiors ,
-My very noble and approv'd good masters ,
-That I have ta'en away this old man's daughter ,
-It is most true ; true , I have married her :
-The very head and front of my offending
-Hath this extent , no more . Rude am I in my speech ,
-And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace ;
-For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith ,
-Till now some nine moons wasted , they have us'd
-Their dearest action in the tented field ;
-And little of this great world can I speak ,
-More than pertains to feats of broil and battle ;
-And therefore little shall I grace my cause
-In speaking for myself . Yet , by your gracious patience ,
-I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver
-Of my whole course of love ; what drugs , what charms ,
-What conjuration , and what mighty magic ,
-For such proceeding I am charg'd withal ,
-I won his daughter .
-
-A maiden never bold ;
-Of spirit so still and quiet , that her motion
-Blush'd at herself ; and she , in spite of nature ,
-Of years , of country , credit , every thing ,
-To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on !
-It is a judgment maim'd and most imperfect
-That will confess perfection so could err
-Against all rules of nature , and must be driven
-To find out practices of cunning hell ,
-Why this should be . I therefore vouch again
-That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood ,
-Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect ,
-He wrought upon her .
-
-To vouch this , is no proof ,
-Without more certain and more overt test
-Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
-Of modern seeming do prefer against him .
-
-But , Othello , speak :
-Did you by indirect and forced courses
-Subdue and poison this young maid's affections ;
-Or came it by request and such fair question
-As soul to soul affordeth ?
-
-I do beseech you ,
-Send for the lady to the Sagittary ,
-And let her speak of me before her father :
-If you do find me foul in her report ,
-The trust , the office I do hold of you ,
-Not only take away , but let your sentence
-Even fall upon my life .
-
-Fetch Desdemona hither .
-
-Ancient , conduct them ; you best know the place .
-
-And , till she come , as truly as to heaven
-I do confess the vices of my blood ,
-So justly to your grave ears I'll present
-How I did thrive in this fair lady's love ,
-And she in mine .
-
-Say it , Othello .
-
-Her father lov'd me ; oft invited me ;
-Still question'd me the story of my life
-From year to year , the battles , sieges , fortunes
-That I have pass'd .
-I ran it through , even from my boyish days
-To the very moment that he bade me tell it ;
-Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances ,
-Of moving accidents by flood and field ,
-Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach ,
-Of being taken by the insolent foe
-And sold to slavery , of my redemption thence
-And portance in my travel's history ;
-Wherein of antres vast and desarts idle ,
-Rough quarries , rocks and hills whose heads touch heaven ,
-It was my hint to speak , such was the process ;
-And of the Cannibals that each other eat ,
-The Anthropophagi , and men whose heads
-Do grow beneath their shoulders . This to hear
-Would Desdemona seriously incline ;
-But still the house-affairs would draw her thence ;
-Which ever as she could with haste dispatch ,
-She'd come again , and with a greedy ear
-Devour up my discourse . Which I observing ,
-Took once a pliant hour , and found good means
-To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart
-That I would all my pilgrimage dilate ,
-Whereof by parcels she had something heard ,
-But not intentively : I did consent ;
-And often did beguile her of her tears ,
-When I did speak of some distressful stroke
-That my youth suffer'd . My story being done ,
-She gave me for my pains a world of sighs :
-She swore , in faith , 'twas strange , 'twas passing strange ;
-'Twas pitiful , 'twas wondrous pitiful :
-She wish'd she had not heard it , yet she wish'd
-That heaven had made her such a man ; she thank'd me ,
-And bade me , if I had a friend that lov'd her ,
-I should but teach him how to tell my story ,
-And that would woo her . Upon this hint I spake :
-She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd ,
-And I lov'd her that she did pity them .
-This only is the witchcraft I have us'd :
-Here comes the lady ; let her witness it .
-
-
-I think this tale would win my daughter too .
-Good Brabantio ,
-Take up this mangled matter at the best ;
-Men do their broken weapons rather use
-Than their bare hands .
-
-I pray you , hear her speak :
-If she confess that she was half the wooer ,
-Destruction on my head , if my bad blame
-Light on the man ! Come hither , gentle mistress :
-Do you perceive in all this noble company
-Where most you owe obedience ?
-
-My noble father ,
-I do perceive here a divided duty :
-To you I am bound for life and education ;
-My life and education both do learn me
-How to respect you ; you are the lord of duty ,
-I am hitherto your daughter : but here's my husband ;
-And so much duty as my mother show'd
-To you , preferring you before her father ,
-So much I challenge that I may profess
-Due to the Moor my lord .
-
-God be with you ! I have done .
-Please it your Grace , on to the state affairs :
-I had rather to adopt a child than get it .
-Come hither , Moor :
-I here do give thee that with all my heart
-Which , but thou hast already , with all my heart
-I would keep from thee . For your sake , jewel ,
-I am glad at soul I have no other child ;
-For thy escape would teach me tyranny ,
-To hang clogs on them . I have done , my lord .
-
-Let me speak like yourself and lay a sentence ,
-Which as a grize or step , may help these lovers
-Into your favour .
-When remedies are past , the griefs are ended
-By seeing the worst , which late on hopes depended .
-To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
-Is the next way to draw new mischief on .
-What cannot be preserv'd when Fortune takes ,
-Patience her injury a mockery makes .
-The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief ;
-He robs himself that spends a bootless grief .
-
-So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile ;
-We lose it not so long as we can smile .
-He bears the sentence well that nothing bears
-But the free comfort which from thence he hears ;
-But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow
-That , to pay grief , must of poor patience borrow .
-These sentences , to sugar , or to gall ,
-Being strong on both sides , are equivocal :
-But words are words ; I never yet did hear
-That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the ear .
-I humbly beseech you , proceed to the affairs of state .
-
-The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes for Cyprus . Othello , the fortitude of the place is best known to you ; and though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency , yet opinion , a sovereign mistress of effects , throws a more safer voice on you : you must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition .
-
-The tyrant custom , most grave senators ,
-Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war
-My thrice-driven bed of down : I do agnize
-A natural and prompt alacrity
-I find in hardness , and do undertake
-These present wars against the Ottomites .
-Most humbly therefore bending to your state ,
-I crave fit disposition for my wife ,
-Due reference of place and exhibition ,
-With such accommodation and besort
-As levels with her breeding .
-
-If you please ,
-Be 't at her father's .
-
-I'll not have it so .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Nor I ; I would not there reside ,
-To put my father in impatient thoughts
-By being in his eye . Most gracious duke ,
-To my unfolding lend your gracious ear ;
-And let me find a charter in your voice
-To assist my simpleness .
-
-What would you , Desdemona ?
-
-That I did love the Moor to live with him ,
-My downright violence and storm of fortunes
-May trumpet to the world ; my heart's subdu'd
-Even to the very quality of my lord ;
-I saw Othello's visage in his mind ,
-And to his honours and his valiant parts
-Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate .
-So that , dear lords , if I be left behind ,
-A moth of peace , and he go to the war ,
-The rites for which I love him are bereft me ,
-And I a heavy interim shall support
-By his dear absence . Let me go with him .
-
-Let her have your voices .
-Vouch with me , heaven , I therefore beg it not
-To please the palate of my appetite ,
-Nor to comply with heat ,the young affects
-In me defunct ,and proper satisfaction ,
-But to be free and bounteous to her mind ;
-And heaven defend your good souls that you think
-I will your serious and great business scant
-For she is with me . No , when light-wing'd toys
-Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dulness
-My speculative and offic'd instruments ,
-That my disports corrupt and taint my business ,
-Let housewives make a skillet of my helm ,
-And all indign and base adversities
-Make head against my estimation !
-
-Be it as you shall privately determine ,
-Either for her stay or going . The affair cries haste ,
-And speed must answer it .
-
-You must away to-night .
-
-With all my heart .
-
-At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again .
-Othello , leave some officer behind ,
-And he shall our commission bring to you ;
-With such things else of quality and respect
-As doth import you .
-
-So please your Grace , my ancient ;
-A man he is of honesty and trust :
-To his conveyance I assign my wife ,
-With what else needful your good grace shall think
-To be sent after me .
-
-Let it be so .
-Good night to every one .
-
-And , noble signior ,
-If virtue no delighted beauty lack ,
-Your son-in-law is far more fair than black .
-
-Adieu , brave Moor ! use Desdemona well .
-
-Look to her , Moor , if thou hast eyes to see :
-She has deceiv'd her father , and may thee .
-
-
-My life upon her faith ! Honest Iago ,
-My Desdemona must I leave to thee :
-I prithee , let thy wife attend on her ;
-And bring them after in the best advantage .
-Come , Desdemona ; I have but an hour
-Of love , of worldly matters and direction ,
-To spend with thee : we must obey the time .
-
-
-Iago !
-
-What sayst thou , noble heart ?
-
-What will I do , think'st thou ?
-
-Why , go to bed , and sleep .
-
-I will incontinently drown myself .
-
-Well , if thou dost , I shall never love thee after . Why , thou silly gentleman !
-
-It is silliness to live when to live is torment ; and then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician .
-
-O ! villanous ; I have looked upon the world for four times seven years , and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injury , I never found man that knew how to love himself . Ere I would say , I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen , I would change my humanity with a baboon .
-
-What should I do ? I confess it is my shame to be so fond ; but it is not in my virtue to amend it .
-
-Virtue ! a fig ! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus , or thus . Our bodies are our gardens , to the which our wills are gardeners ; so that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce , set hyssop and woed up thyme , supply it with one gender of herbs or distract it with many , either to have it sterile with idleness or manured with industry , why , the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills . If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sensuality , the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions ; but we have reason to cool our raging motions , our carnal stings , our unbitted lusts , whereof I take this that you call love to be a sect or scion .
-
-It cannot be .
-
-It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will . Come , be a man . Drown thyself ! drown cats and blind puppies . I have professed me thy friend , and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness ; I could never better stead thee than now . Put money in thy purse ; follow these wars ; defeat thy favour with a usurped beard ; I say , put money in thy purse . It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor ,put money in thy purse ,nor he his to her . It was a violent commencement in her , and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration ; put but money in thy purse . These Moors are changeable in their wills ;fill thy purse with money :the food that to him now is as luscious as locusts , shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida . She must change for youth : when she is sated with his body , she will find the error of her choice . She must have change , she must : therefore put money in thy purse . If thou wilt needs damn thyself , do it a more delicate way than drowning . Make all the money thou canst . If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell , thou shalt enjoy her ; therefore make money . A pox of drowning thyself ! it is clean out of the way : seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without her .
-
-Wilt thou be fast to my hopes , if I depend on the issue ?
-
-Thou art sure of me : go , make money . I have told thee often , and I re-tell thee again and again , I hate the Moor : my cause is hearted : thine hath no less reason . Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him ; if thou canst cuckold him , thou dost thyself a pleasure , me a sport . There are many events in the womb of time which will be delivered . Traverse ; go : provide thy money . We will have more of this to-morrow . Adieu .
-
-Where shall we meet i' the morning ?
-
-At my lodging .
-
-I'll be with thee betimes .
-
-Go to ; farewell . Do you hear , Roderigo ?
-
-What say you ?
-
-No more of drowning , do you hear ?
-
-I am changed . I'll sell all my land .
-
-Go to ; farewell ! put money enough in your purse .
-
-Thus do I ever make my fool my purse ;
-For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane ,
-If I would time expend with such a snipe
-But for my sport and profit . I hate the Moor ,
-And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
-He has done my office : I know not if 't be true ,
-But I , for mere suspicion in that kind ,
-Will do as if for surety . He holds me well ;
-The better shall my purpose work on him .
-Cassio's a proper man ; let me see now :
-To get his place ; and to plume up my will
-In double knavery ; how , how ? Let's see :
-After some time to abuse Othello's ear
-That he is too familiar with his wife :
-He hath a person and a smooth dispose
-To be suspected ; framed to make women false .
-The Moor is of a free and open nature ,
-That thinks men honest that but seem to be so ,
-And will as tenderly be led by the nose
-As asses are .
-I have 't ; it is engender'd : hell and night
-Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light .
-
-What from the cape can you discern at sea ?
-
-Nothing at all : it is a high-wrought flood ;
-I cannot 'twixt the heaven and the main
-Descry a sail .
-
-Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land ;
-A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements ;
-If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea ,
-What ribs of oak , when mountains melt on them ,
-Can hold the mortise ? what shall we hear of this ?
-
-A segregation of the Turkish fleet ;
-For do but stand upon the foaming shore ,
-The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds ;
-The wind-shak'd surge , with high and monstrous mane ,
-Seems to cast water on the burning bear
-And quench the guards of the ever-fixed pole :
-I never did like molestation view
-On the enchafed flood .
-
-If that the Turkish fleet
-Be not enshelter'd and embay'd , they are drown'd ;
-It is impossible they bear it out .
-
-
-News , lads ! our wars are done .
-The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks
-That their designment halts ; a noble ship of Venice
-Hath seen a grievous wrack and sufferance
-On most part of their fleet .
-
-How ! is this true ?
-
-The ship is here put in ,
-A Veronesa ; Michael Cassio ,
-Lieutenant to the war-like Moor Othello ,
-Is come on shore : the Moor himself's at sea ,
-And is in full commission here for Cyprus .
-
-I am glad on 't ; 'tis a worthy governor .
-
-But this same Cassio , though he speak of comfort
-Touching the Turkish loss , yet he looks sadly
-And prays the Moor be safe ; for they were parted
-With foul and violent tempest .
-
-Pray heaven he be ;
-For I have serv'd him , and the man commands
-Like a full soldier . Let's to the sea-side , ho !
-As well to see the vessel that's come in
-As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello ,
-Even till we make the main and the aerial blue
-An indistinct regard .
-
-Come , let's do so ;
-For every minute is expectancy
-Of more arrivance .
-
-
-Thanks , you the valiant of this war-like isle ,
-That so approve the Moor . O ! let the heavens
-Give him defence against the elements ,
-For I have lost him on a dangerous sea .
-
-Is he well shipp'd ?
-
-His bark is stoutly timber'd , and his pilot
-Of very expert and approv'd allowance ;
-Therefore my hopes , not surfeited to death ,
-Stand in bold cure .
-
-What noise ?
-
-The town is empty ; on the brow o' the sea
-Stand ranks of people , and they cry , 'A sail !'
-
-My hopes do shape him for the governor .
-
-
-They do discharge their shot of courtesy ;
-Our friends at least .
-
-I pray you , sir , go forth ,
-And give us truth who 'tis that is arriv'd .
-
-I shall .
-
-
-But , good lieutenant , is your general wiv'd ?
-
-Most fortunately : he hath achiev'd a maid
-That paragons description and wild fame ;
-One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens ,
-And in th' essential vesture of creation
-Does tire the ingener .
-
-How now ! who has put in ?
-
-'Tis one Iago , ancient to the general .
-
-He has had most favourable and happy speed :
-Tempests themselves , high seas , and howling winds ,
-The gutter'd rocks , and congregated sands ,
-Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel ,
-As having sense of beauty , do omit
-Their mortal natures , letting go safely by
-The divine Desdemona .
-
-What is she ?
-
-She that I spake of , our great captain's captain ,
-Left in the conduct of the bold Iago ,
-Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts
-A se'nnight's speed . Great Jove , Othello guard ,
-And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath ,
-That he may bless this bay with his tall ship ,
-Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms ,
-Give renew'd fire to our extinc'ed spirits ,
-And bring all Cyprus comfort !
-
-
-O ! behold ,
-The riches of the ship is come on shore .
-Ye men of Cyprus , let her have your knees .
-Hail to thee , lady ! and the grace of heaven ,
-Before , behind thee , and on every hand ,
-
-Enwheel thee round !
-
-I thank you , valiant Cassio .
-What tidings can you tell me of my lord ?
-
-He is not yet arriv'd ; nor know I aught
-But that he's well , and will be shortly here .
-
-O ! but I fear How lost you company ?
-
-The great contention of the sea and skies
-Parted our fellowship . But hark ! a sail .
-
-
-They give their greeting to the citadel :
-This likewise is a friend .
-
-See for the news !
-
-Good ancient , you are welcome :
-
-welcome , mistress .
-Let it not gall your patience , good Iago ,
-That I extend my manners ; 'tis my breeding
-That gives me this bold show of courtesy .
-
-
-Sir , would she give you so much of her lips
-As of her tongue she oft bestows on me ,
-You'd have enough .
-
-Alas ! she has no speech .
-
-In faith , too much ;
-I find it still when I have list to sleep :
-Marry , before your ladyship , I grant ,
-She puts her tongue a little in her heart ,
-And chides with thinking .
-
-You have little cause to say so .
-
-Come on , come on ; you are pictures out of doors ,
-Bells in your parlours , wild cats in your kitchens ,
-Saints in your injuries , devils being offended ,
-Players in your housewifery , and housewives in your beds .
-
-O ! fie upon thee , slanderer .
-
-Nay , it is true , or else I am a Turk :
-You rise to play and go to bed to work .
-
-You shall not write my praise .
-
-No , let me not .
-
-What wouldst thou write of me , if thou shouldst praise me ?
-
-O gentle lady , do not put me to 't ,
-For I am nothing if not critical .
-
-Come on ; assay . There's one gone to the harbour ?
-
-Ay , madam .
-
-I am not merry , but I do beguile
-The thing I am by seeming otherwise .
-Come , how wouldst thou praise me ?
-
-I am about it ; but indeed my invention
-Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize ;
-It plucks out brains and all : but my muse labours ,
-And thus she is deliver'd .
-If she be fair and wise , fairness and wit ,
-The one's for use , the other useth it .
-
-Well prais'd ! How if she be black and witty ?
-
-If she be black , and thereto have a wit ,
-She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit .
-
-Worse and worse .
-
-How if fair and foolish ?
-
-She never yet was foolish that was fair ,
-For even her folly help'd her to an heir .
-
-These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i' the alehouse . What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish ?
-
-There's none so foul and foolish thereunto
-But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do .
-
-O heavy ignorance ! thou praisest the worst best . But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed , one that , in the authority of her merit , did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself ?
-
-She that was ever fair and never proud ,
-Had tongue at will and yet was never loud ,
-Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay ,
-Fled from her wish and yet said 'Now I may ,'
-She that being anger'd , her revenge being nigh ,
-Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly ,
-She that in wisdom never was so frail
-To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail ,
-She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind ,
-See suitors following and not look behind ,
-She was a wight , if ever such wight were ,
-
-To do what ?
-
-To suckle fools and chronicle small beer .
-
-O most lame and impotent conclusion ! Do not learn of him , Emilia , though he be thy husband . How say you , Cassio ? is he not a most profane and liberal counsellor ?
-
-He speaks home , madam ; you may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar .
-
-He takes her by the palm ; ay , well said , whisper ; with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio . Ay , smile upon her , do ; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship . You say true , 'tis so , indeed . If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry , it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft , which now again you are most apt to play the sir in . Very good ; well kissed ! an excellent courtesy ! 'tis so , indeed . Yet again your fingers to your lips ? would they were clyster-pipes for your sake ! [A trumpet heard .] The Moor ! I know his trumpet .
-
-'Tis truly so .
-
-Let's meet him and receive him .
-
-Lo ! where he comes .
-
-
-O my fair warrior !
-
-My dear Othello !
-
-It gives me wonder great as my content
-To see you here before me . O my soul's joy !
-If after every tempest come such calms ,
-May the winds blow till they have waken'd death !
-And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas
-Olympus-high , and duck again as low
-As hell's from heaven ! If it were now to die ,
-'Twere now to be most happy , for I fear
-My soul hath her content so absolute
-That not another comfort like to this
-Succeeds in unknown fate .
-
-The heavens forbid
-But that our loves and comforts should increase
-Even as our days do grow !
-
-Amen to that , sweet powers !
-I cannot speak enough of this content ;
-It stops me here ; it is too much of joy :
-And this , and this , the greatest discords be ,
-
-That e'er our hearts shall make !
-
-O ! you are well tun'd now ,
-But I'll set down the pegs that make this music ,
-As honest as I am .
-
-Come , let us to the castle .
-News , friends ; our wars are done , the Turks are drown'd .
-How does my old acquaintance of this isle ?
-Honey , you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus ;
-I have found great love amongst them . O my sweet ,
-I prattle out of fashion , and I dote
-In mine own comforts . I prithee , good Iago ,
-Go to the bay and disembark my coffers .
-Bring thou the master to the citadel ;
-He is a good one , and his worthiness
-Does challenge much respect . Come , Desdemona ,
-Once more well met at Cyprus .
-
-
-Do thou meet me presently at the harbour . Come hither . If thou be'st valiant , as they say base men being in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them , list me . The lieutenant to-night watches on the court of guard : first , I must tell thee this , Desdemona is directly in love with him .
-
-With him ! why , 'tis not possible .
-
-Lay thy finger thus , and let thy soul be instructed . Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies ; and will she love him still for prating ? let not thy discreet heart think it . Her eye must be fed ; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil ? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport , there should be , again to inflame it , and to give satiety a fresh appetite , loveliness in favour , sympathy in years , manners , and beauties ; all which the Moor is defective in . Now , for want of these required conveniences , her delicate tenderness will find itself abused , begin to heave the gorge , disrelish and abhor the Moor ; very nature will instruct her in it , and compel her to some second choice . Now , sir , this granted , as it is a most pregnant and unforced position , who stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does ? a knave very voluble , no further conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming , for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection ? why , none ; why , none : a slipper and subtle knave , a finder-out of occasions , that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages , though true advantage never present itself ; a devilish knave ! Besides , the knave is handsome , young , and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after ; a pestilent complete knave ! and the woman hath found him already .
-
-I cannot believe that in her ; she is full of most blessed condition .
-
-Blessed fig's end ! the wine she drinks is made of grapes ; if she had been blessed she would never have loved the Moor ; blessed pudding ! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand ? didst not mark that ?
-
-Yes , that I did ; but that was but courtesy .
-
-Lechery , by this hand ! an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts . They met so near with their lips , that their breaths embraced together . Villanous thoughts , Roderigo ! when these mutualities so marshal the way , hard at hand comes the master and main exercise , the incorporate conclusion . Pish ! But , sir , be you ruled by me : I have brought you from Venice . Watch you to-night ; for the command , I'll lay 't upon you : Cassio knows you not . I'll not be far from you : do you find some occasion to anger Cassio , either by speaking too loud , or tainting his discipline ; or from what other course you please , which the time shall more favourably minister .
-
-Well .
-
-Sir , he is rash and very sudden in choler , and haply may strike at you : provoke him , that he may ; for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny , whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio . So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires by the means I shall then have to prefer them ; and the impediment most profitably removed , without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity .
-
-I will do this , if I can bring it to any opportunity .
-
-I warrant thee . Meet me by and by at the citadel : I must fetch his necessaries ashore .
-Farewell .
-
-Adieu .
-
-
-That Cassio loves her , I do well believe it ;
-That she loves him , 'tis apt , and of great credit :
-The Moor , howbeit that I endure him not ,
-Is of a constant , loving , noble nature ;
-And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona
-A most dear husband . Now , I do love her too ;
-Not out of absolute lust ,though peradventure
-I stand accountant for as great a sin ,
-But partly led to diet my revenge ,
-For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
-Hath leap'd into my seat ; the thought whereof
-Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards ;
-And nothing can or shall content my soul
-Till I am even'd with him , wife for wife ;
-Or failing so , yet that I put the Moor
-At least into a jealousy so strong
-That judgment cannot cure . Which thing to do ,
-If this poor trash of Venice , whom I trash
-For his quick hunting , stand the putting on ,
-I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip ;
-Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb ,
-For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too ,
-Make the Moor thank me , love me , and reward me
-For making him egregiously an ass
-And practising upon his peace and quiet
-Even to madness . 'Tis here , but yet confus'd :
-Knavery's plain face is never seen till us'd .
-
-
-It is Othello's pleasure , our noble and valiant general , that , upon certain tidings now arrived , importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet , every man put himself into triumph ; some to dance , some to make bonfires , each man to what sport and revels his addiction leads him ; for , besides these beneficial news , it is the celebration of his nuptial . So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed . All offices are open , and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven . Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello !
-
-
-Good Michael , look you to the guard to-night :
-Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop ,
-Not to outsport discretion .
-
-Iago hath direction what to do ;
-But , notwithstanding , with my personal eye
-Will I look to 't .
-
-Iago is most honest .
-Michael , good night ; to-morrow with your earliest
-Let me have speech with you .
-
-Come , my dear love ,
-The purchase made , the fruits are to ensue ;
-That profit's yet to come 'twixt me and you .
-Good night .
-
-Welcome , Iago ; we must to the watch .
-
-Not this hour , lieutenant ; 'tis not yet ten o' the clock . Our general cast us thus early for the love of his Desdemona , who let us not therefore blame ; he hath not yet made wanton the night with her , and she is sport for Jove .
-
-She's a most exquisite lady .
-
-And , I'll warrant her , full of game .
-
-Indeed , she is a most fresh and delicate creature .
-
-What an eye she has ! methinks it sounds a parley of provocation .
-
-An inviting eye ; and yet methinks right modest .
-
-And when she speaks , is it not an alarum to love ?
-
-She is indeed perfection .
-
-Well , happiness to their sheets ! Come , lieutenant , I have a stoup of wine , and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello .
-
-Not to-night , good Iago : I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking : I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment .
-
-O ! they are our friends ; but one cup : I'll drink for you .
-
-I have drunk but one cup to-night , and that was craftily qualified too , and , behold , what innovation it makes here : I am unfortunate in the infirmity , and dare not task my weakness with any more .
-
-What , man ! 'tis a night of revels ; the gallants desire it .
-
-Where are they ?
-
-Here at the door ; I pray you , call them in .
-
-I'll do 't ; but it dislikes me .
-
-
-If I can fasten but one cup upon him ,
-With that which he hath drunk to-night already ,
-He'll be as full of quarrel and offence
-As my young mistress' dog . Now , my sick fool Roderigo ,
-Whom love has turn'd almost the wrong side out ,
-To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd
-Potations pottle deep ; and he's to watch .
-Three lads of Cyprus , noble swelling spirits ,
-That hold their honours in a wary distance ,
-The very elements of this war-like isle ,
-Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups ,
-And they watch too . Now , 'mongst this flock of drunkards ,
-Am I to put our Cassio in some action
-That may offend the isle . But here they come .
-If consequence do but approve my dream ,
-My boat sails freely , both with wind and stream .
-
-
-'Fore God , they have given me a rouse already .
-
-Good faith , a little one ; not past a pint , as I am a soldier .
-
-Some wine , ho !
-
-And let me the canakin clink , clink ;
-And let me the canakin clink :
-A soldier's a man ;
-A life's but a span ;
-Why then let a soldier drink .
-
-Some wine , boys !
-
-'Fore God , an excellent song .
-
-I learned it in England , where indeed they are most potent in potting ; your Dane , your German , and your swag-bellied Hollander , drink , ho !are nothing to your English .
-
-Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking ?
-
-Why , he drinks you with facility your Dane dead drunk ; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain ; he gives your Hollander a vomit ere the next pottle can be filled .
-
-To the health of our general !
-
-I am for it , lieutenant ; and I'll do you justice .
-
-O sweet England !
-
-King Stephen was a worthy peer ,
-His breeches cost him but a crown ;
-He held them sixpence all too dear ,
-With that he call'd the tailor lown .
-He was a wight of high renown ,
-And thou art but of low degree :
-'Tis pride that pulls the country down ,
-Then take thine auld cloak about thee .
-
-Some wine , ho !
-
-Why , this is a more exquisite song than the other .
-
-Will you hear 't again ?
-
-No ; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place that does those things . Well , God's above all ; and there be souls must be saved , and there be souls must not be saved .
-
-It's true , good lieutenant .
-
-For mine own part ,no offence to the general , nor any man of quality ,I hope to be saved .
-
-And so do I too , lieutenant .
-
-Ay ; but , by your leave , not before me ; the lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient . Let's have no more of this ; let's to our affairs . God forgive us our sins ! Gentlemen , let's look to our business . Do not think , gentlemen , I am drunk : this is my ancient ; this is my right hand , and this is my left hand . I am not drunk now ; I can stand well enough , and speak well enough .
-
-Excellent well .
-
-Why , very well , then ; you must not think then that I am drunk .
-
-
-To the platform , masters ; come , let's set the watch .
-
-You see this fellow that is gone before ;
-He is a soldier fit to stand by C sar
-And give direction ; and do but see his vice ;
-'Tis to his virtue a just equinox ,
-The one as long as the other ; 'tis pity of him .
-I fear the trust Othello puts him in ,
-On some odd time of his infirmity ,
-Will shake this island .
-
-But is he often thus ?
-
-'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep :
-He'll watch the horologe a double set ,
-If drink rock not his cradle .
-
-It were well
-The general were put in mind of it .
-Perhaps he sees it not ; or his good nature
-Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio ,
-And looks not on his evils . Is not this true ?
-
-
-How now , Roderigo !
-I pray you , after the lieutenant ; go .
-
-
-And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor
-Should hazard such a place as his own second
-With one of an ingraft infirmity ;
-It were an honest action to say
-So to the Moor .
-
-Not I , for this fair island :
-I do love Cassio well , and would do much
-To cure him of this evil . But hark ! what noise ?
-
-You rogue ! you rascal !
-
-What's the matter , lieutenant ?
-
-A knave teach me my duty !
-I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle .
-
-Beat me !
-
-Dost thou prate , rogue ?
-
-
-Nay , good lieutenant ;
-I pray you , sir , hold your hand .
-
-Let me go , sir ,
-Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard .
-
-Come , come ; you're drunk .
-
-Drunk !
-
-
-Away , I say ! go out , and cry a mutiny .
-
-Nay , good lieutenant ! God's will , gentlemen !
-Help , ho ! Lieutenant ! sir ! Montano ! sir !
-Help , masters ! Here's a goodly watch indeed !
-
-Who's that that rings the bell ? Diablo , ho !
-The town will rise : God's will ! lieutenant , hold !
-You will be sham'd for ever .
-
-
-What is the matter here ?
-
-'Zounds ! I bleed still ; I am hurt to the death .
-
-Hold , for your lives !
-
-Hold , ho , lieutenant ! Sir ! Montano ! gentlemen !
-Have you forgot all sense of place and duty ?
-Hold ! the general speaks to you ; hold for shame !
-
-Why , how now , ho ! from whence ariseth this ?
-Are we turn'd Turks , and to ourselves do that
-Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites ?
-For Christian shame put by this barbarous brawl ;
-He that stirs next to carve for his own rage
-Holds his soul light ; he dies upon his motion .
-Silence that dreadful bell ! it frights the isle
-From her propriety . What is the matter , masters ?
-Honest Iago , that look'st dead with grieving ,
-Speak , who began this ? on thy love , I charge thee .
-
-I do not know ; friends all but now , even now ,
-In quarter and in terms like bride and groom
-Devesting them for bed ; and then , but now ,
-As if some planet had unwitted men ,
-Swords out , and tilting one at other's breast ,
-In opposition bloody . I cannot speak
-Any beginning to this peevish odds ,
-And would in action glorious I had lost
-Those legs that brought me to a part of it !
-
-How comes it , Michael , you are thus forgot ?
-
-I pray you , pardon me ; I cannot speak .
-
-Worthy Montano , you were wont be civil ;
-The gravity and stillness of your youth
-The world hath noted , and your name is great
-In mouths of wisest censure : what's the matter ,
-That you unlace your reputation thus
-And spend your rich opinion for the name
-Of a night-brawler ? give me answer to it .
-
-Worthy Othello , I am hurt to danger ;
-Your officer , Iago , can inform you ,
-While I spare speech , which something now offends me ,
-Of all that I do know ; nor know I aught
-By me that's said or done amiss this night ,
-Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice ,
-And to defend ourselves it be a sin
-When violence assails us .
-
-Now , by heaven ,
-My blood begins my safer guides to rule ,
-And passion , having my best judgment collied ,
-Assays to lead the way . If I once stir ,
-Or do but lift this arm , the best of you
-Shall sink in my rebuke . Give me to know
-How this foul rout began , who set it on ;
-And he that is approv'd in this offence ,
-Though he had twinn'd with me both at a birth
-Shall lose me . What ! in a town of war ,
-Yet wild , the people's hearts brimful of fear ,
-To manage private and domestic quarrel ,
-In night , and on the court and guard of safety !
-'Tis monstrous . Iago , who began 't ?
-
-If partially affin'd , or leagu'd in office ,
-Thou dost deliver more or less than truth ,
-Thou art no soldier .
-
-Touch me not so near ;
-I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
-Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio ;
-Yet , I persuade myself , to speak the truth
-Shall nothing wrong him . Thus it is , general .
-Montano and myself being in speech ,
-There comes a fellow crying out for he'p ,
-And Cassio following with determin'd sword
-To execute upon him . Sir , this gentleman
-Steps in to Cassio , and entreats his pause ;
-Myself the crying fellow did pursue ,
-Lest by his clamour , as it so fell out ,
-The town might fall in fright ; he , swift of foot ,
-Outran my purpose , and I return'd the rather
-For that I heard the clink and fall of swords ,
-And Cassio high in oath , which till to-night
-I ne'er might say before . When I came back ,
-For this was brief ,I found them close together ,
-At blow and thrust , even as again they were
-When you yourself did part them .
-More of this matter can I not report :
-But men are men ; the best sometimes forget :
-Though Cassio did some little wrong to him ,
-As men in rage strike those that wish them best ,
-Yet , surely Cassio , I believe , receiv'd
-From him that fled some strange indignity ,
-Which patience could not pass .
-
-I know , Iago ,
-Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter ,
-Making it light to Cassio . Cassio , I love thee ;
-But never more be officer of mine .
-
-
-Look ! if my gentle love be not rais'd up ;
-
-I'll make thee an example .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-All's well now , sweeting ; come away to bed .
-Sir , for your hurts , myself will be your surgeon .
-Lead him off .
-
-Iago , look with care about the town ,
-And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted .
-Come , Desdemona ; 'tis the soldiers' life ,
-To have their balmy slumbers wak'd with strife .
-
-
-What ! are you hurt , lieutenant ?
-
-Ay ; past all surgery .
-
-Marry , heaven forbid !
-
-Reputation , reputation , reputation ! O ! I have lost my reputation . I have lost the immortal part of myself , and what remains is bestial . My reputation , Iago , my reputation !
-
-As I am an honest man , I thought you had received some bodily wound ; there is more offence in that than in reputation . Reputation is an idle and most false imposition ; oft got without merit , and lost without deserving : you have lost no reputation at all , unless you repute yourself such a loser . What ! man ; there are ways to recover the general again ; you are but now cast in his mood , a punishment more in policy than in malice ; even so as one would beat his offenceless dog to affright an imperious lion . Sue to him again , and he is yours .
-
-I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so good a commander with so slight , so drunken , and so indiscreet an officer . Drunk ! and speak parrot ! and squabble , swagger , swear , and discourse fustian with one's own shadow ! O thou invisible spirit of wine ! if thou hast no name to be known by , let us call thee devil !
-
-What was he that you followed with your sword ? What had he done to you ?
-
-I know not .
-
-Is 't possible ?
-
-I remember a mass of things , but nothing distinctly ; a quarrel , but nothing wherefore . O God ! that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains ; that we should , with joy , pleasance , revel , and applause , transform ourselves into beasts .
-
-Why , but you are now well enough ; how came you thus recovered ?
-
-It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to the devil wrath ; one unperfectness shows me another , to make me frankly despise myself .
-
-Come , you are too severe a moraler . As the time , the place , and the condition of this country stands , I could heartily wish this had not befallen , but since it is as it is , mend it for your own good .
-
-I will ask him for my place again ; he shall tell me I am a drunkard ! Had I as many mouths as Hydra , such an answer would stop them all . To be now a sensible man , by and by a fool , and presently a beast ! O strange ! Every inordinate cup is unblessed and the ingredient is a devil .
-
-Come , come ; good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used ; exclaim no more against it . And , good lieutenant , I think you think I love you .
-
-I have well approved it , sir . I drunk !
-
-You or any man living may be drunk at some time , man . I'll tell you what you shall do . Our general's wife is now the general : I may say so in this respect , for that he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation , mark , and denotement of her parts and graces : confess yourself freely to her ; importune her ; she'll help to put you in your place again . She is of so free , so kind , so apt , so blessed a disposition , that she holds it a vice in her goodness not to do more than she is requested . This broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to splinter ; and my fortunes against any lay worth naming , this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before .
-
-You advise me well .
-
-I protest , in the sincerity of love and honest kindness .
-
-I think it freely ; and betimes in the morning I will beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me . I am desperate of my fortunes if they check me here .
-
-You are in the right . Good night , lieutenant ; I must to the watch .
-
-Good night , honest Iago !
-
-
-And what's he then that says I play the villain ?
-When this advice is free I give and honest ,
-Probal to thinking and indeed the course
-To win the Moor again ? For 'tis most easy
-The inclining Desdemona to subdue
-In any honest suit ; she's fram'd as fruitful
-As the free elements . And then for her
-To win the Moor , were 't to renounce his baptism ,
-All seals and symbols of redeemed sin ,
-His soul is so enfetter'd to her love ,
-That she may make , unmake , do what she list ,
-Even as her appetite shall play the god
-With his weak function . How am I then a villain
-To counsel Cassio to this parallel course ,
-Directly to his good ? Divinity of hell !
-When devils will the blackest sins put on ,
-They do suggest at first with heavenly shows ,
-As I do now ; for while this honest fool
-Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes ,
-And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor ,
-I'll pour this pestilence into his ear
-That she repeals him for her body's lust ;
-And , by how much she strives to do him good ,
-She shall undo her credit with the Moor .
-So will I turn her virtue into pitch ,
-And out of her own goodness make the net
-That shall enmesh them all .
-
-How now , Roderigo !
-
-I do follow here in the chase , not like a hound that hunts , but one that fills up the cry . My money is almost spent ; I have been to-night exceedingly well cudgelled ; and I think the issue will be , I shall have so much experience for my pains ; and so , with no money at all and a little more wit , return again to Venice .
-
-How poor are they that have not patience !
-What wound did ever heal but by degrees ?
-Thou know'st we work by wit and not by witchcraft ,
-And wit depends on dilatory time .
-Does 't not go well ? Cassio hath beaten thee ,
-And thou by that small hurt hast cashiered Cassio .
-Though other things grow fair against the sun ,
-Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe :
-Content thyself awhile . By the mass , 'tis morning ;
-Pleasure and action make the hours seem short .
-Retire thee ; go where thou art billeted :
-Away , I say ; thou shalt know more hereafter :
-Nay , get thee gone .
-
-Two things are to be done ,
-My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress ;
-I'll set her on ;
-Myself the while to draw the Moor apart ,
-And bring him jump when he may Cassio find
-Soliciting his wife : ay , that's the way :
-Dull not device by coldness and delay .
-
-Masters , play here , I will content your pains ;
-Something that's brief ; and bid 'Good morrow , general .'
-
-Why , masters , have your instruments been in Naples , that they speak i' the nose thus ?
-
-How , sir , how ?
-
-Are these , I pray you , wind-instruments ?
-
-Ay , marry , are they , sir .
-
-O ! thereby hangs a tail .
-
-Whereby hangs a tale , sir ?
-
-Marry , sir , by many a wind-instrument that I know . But , masters , here's money for you ; and the general so likes your music , that he desires you , for love's sake , to make no more noise with it .
-
-Well , sir , we will not .
-
-If you have any music that may not be heard , to 't again ; but , as they say , to hear music the general does not greatly care .
-
-We have none such , sir .
-
-Then put up your pipes in your bag , for
-I'll away . Go ; vanish into air ; away !
-
-
-Dost thou hear , mine honest friend ?
-
-No , I hear not your honest friend ; I hear you .
-
-Prithee , keep up thy quillets . There's a poor piece of gold for thee . If the gentlewoman that attends the general's wife be stirring , tell her there's one Cassio entreats her a little favour of speech : wilt thou do this ?
-
-She is stirring , sir : if she will stir hither ,
-I shall seem to notify unto her .
-
-Do , good my friend .
-
-
-In happy time , Iago .
-
-You have not been a-bed , then ?
-
-Why , no ; the day had broke
-Before we parted . I have made bold , Iago ,
-To send in to your wife ; my suit to her
-Is , that she will to virtuous Desdemona
-Procure me some access .
-
-I'll send her to you presently ;
-And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor
-Out of the way , that your converse and business
-May be more free .
-
-I humbly thank you for 't .
-
-I never knew
-A Florentine more kind and honest .
-
-
-Good morrow , good lieutenant : I am sorry
-For your displeasure ; but all will soon be well .
-The general and his wife are talking of it ,
-And she speaks for you stoutly : the Moor replies
-That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus
-And great affinity , and that in wholesome wisdom
-He might not but refuse you ; but he protests he loves you ,
-And needs no other suitor but his likings
-To take the saf'st occasion by the front
-To bring you in again .
-
-Yet , I beseech you ,
-If you think fit , or that it may be done ,
-Give me advantage of some brief discourse
-With Desdemona alone .
-
-Pray you , come in :
-I will bestow you where you shall have time
-To speak your bosom freely .
-
-I am much bound to you .
-
-
-These letters give , Iago , to the pilot ,
-And by him do my duties to the senate ;
-That done , I will be walking on the works ;
-Repair there to me .
-
-Well , my good lord , I'll do t .
-
-This fortification , gentlemen , shall we see 't ?
-
-We'll wait upon your lordship .
-
-
-Be thou assur'd , good Cassio , I will do
-All my abilities in thy behalf .
-
-Good madam , do : I warrant it grieves my husband ,
-As if the case were his .
-
-O ! that's an honest fellow . Do not doubt , Cassio ,
-But I will have my lord and you again
-As friendly as you were .
-
-Bounteous madam ,
-Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio ,
-He's never anything but your true servant .
-
-I know 't ; I thank you . You do love my lord ;
-You have known him long ; and be you well assur'd
-He shall in strangeness stand no further off
-Than in a politic distance .
-
-Ay , but , lady ,
-That policy may either last so long ,
-Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet ,
-Or breed itself so out of circumstance ,
-That , I being absent and my place supplied ,
-My general will forget my love and service .
-
-Do not doubt that ; before Emilia here
-I give thee warrant of thy place . Assure thee ,
-If I do vow a friendship , I'll perform it
-To the last article ; my lord shall never rest ;
-I'll watch him tame , and talk him out of patience ;
-His bed shall seem a school , his board a shrift ;
-I'll intermingle every thing he does
-With Cassio's suit . Therefore be merry , Cassio ;
-For thy solicitor shall rather die
-Than give thy cause away .
-
-
-Madam , here comes my lord .
-
-Madam , I'll take my leave .
-
-Why , stay , and hear me speak .
-
-Madam , not now ; I am very ill at ease ,
-Unfit for mine own purposes .
-
-Well , do your discretion .
-
-
-Ha ! I like not that .
-
-What dost thou say ?
-
-Nothing , my lord : or if I know not what .
-
-Was not that Cassio parted from my wife ?
-
-Cassio , my lord ? No , sure , I cannot think it
-That he would steal away so guilty-like ,
-Seeing you coming .
-
-I do believe 'twas he .
-
-How now , my lord !
-I have been talking with a suitor here ,
-A man that languishes in your displeasure .
-
-Who is 't you mean ?
-
-Why , your lieutenant , Cassio . Good my lord ,
-If I have any grace or power to move you ,
-His present reconciliation take ;
-For if he be not one that truly loves you ,
-That errs in ignorance and not in cunning ,
-I have no judgment in an honest face .
-I prithee call him back .
-
-Went he hence now ?
-
-Ay , sooth ; so humbled ,
-That he hath left part of his grief with me ,
-To suffer with him . Good love , call him back .
-
-Not now , sweet Desdemona ; some other time .
-
-But shall 't be shortly ?
-
-The sooner , sweet , for you .
-
-Shall 't be to-night at supper ?
-
-No , not to-night .
-
-To-morrow dinner then ?
-
-I shall not dine at home ;
-I meet the captains at the citadel .
-
-Why then , to-morrow night ; or Tuesday morn ;
-On Tuesday noon , or night ; on Wednesday morn :
-I prithee name the time , but let it not
-Exceed three days : in faith , he's penitent ;
-And yet his trespass , in our common reason ,
-Save that they say , the wars must make examples
-Out of their best ,is not almost a fault
-To incur a private check . When shall he come ?
-Tell me , Othello : I wonder in my soul ,
-What you could ask me that I should deny ,
-Or stand so mammering on . What ! Michael Cassio ,
-That came a wooing with you , and so many a time ,
-When I have spoke of you dispraisingly ,
-Hath ta'en your part ; to have so much to do
-To bring him in ! Trust me , I could do much .
-
-Prithee , no more ; let him come when he will ;
-I will deny thee nothing .
-
-Why , this is not a boon ;
-'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves ,
-Or feed on nourishing dishes , or keep you warm ,
-Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit
-To your own person ; nay , when I have a suit
-Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed ,
-It shall be full of poise and difficult weight ,
-And fearful to be granted .
-
-I will deny thee nothing :
-Whereon , I do beseech thee , grant me this ,
-To leave me but a little to myself .
-
-Shall I deny you ? no : farewell , my lord .
-
-Farewell , my Desdemona : I'll come to thee straight .
-
-Emilia , come . Be as your fancies teach you ;
-Whate'er you be , I am obedient .
-
-
-Excellent wretch ! Perdition catch my soul
-But I do love thee ! and when I love thee not ,
-Chaos is come again .
-
-My noble lord ,
-
-What dost thou say , Iago ?
-
-Did Michael Cassio , when you woo'd my lady ,
-Know of your love ?
-
-He did , from first to last : why dost thou ask ?
-
-But for a satisfaction of my thought ;
-No further harm .
-
-Why of thy thought , Iago ?
-
-I did not think he had been acquainted with her .
-
-O ! yes ; and went between us very oft .
-
-Indeed !
-
-Indeed ! ay , indeed ; discern'st thou aught in that ?
-Is he not honest ?
-
-Honest , my lord ?
-
-Honest ! ay , honest .
-
-My lord , for aught I know .
-
-What dost thou think ?
-
-Think , my lord !
-
-Think , my lord !
-By heaven , he echoes me ,
-As if there were some monster in his thought
-Too hideous to be shown . Thou dost mean something :
-I heard thee say but now , thou lik'dst not that ,
-When Cassio left my wife ; what didst not like ?
-And when I told thee he was of my counsel
-In my whole course of wooing , thou criedst , 'Indeed !'
-And didst contract and purse thy brow together ,
-As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
-Some horrible conceit . If thou dost love me ,
-Show me thy thought .
-
-My lord , you know I love you .
-
-I think thou dost ;
-And , for I know thou art full of love and honesty ,
-And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath ,
-Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more ;
-For such things in a false disloyal knave
-Are tricks of custom , but in a man that's just
-They are close delations , working from the heart
-That passion cannot rule .
-
-For Michael Cassio ,
-I dare be sworn I think that he is honest .
-
-I think so too .
-
-Men should be what they seem ;
-Or those that be not , would they might seem none !
-
-Certain , men should be what they seem .
-
-Why then , I think Cassio 's an honest man .
-
-Nay , yet there's more in this .
-I pray thee , speak to me as to thy thinkings ,
-As thou dost ruminate , and give thy worst of thoughts
-The worst of words .
-
-Good my lord , pardon me ;
-Though I am bound to every act of duty ,
-I am not bound to that all slaves are free to .
-Utter my thoughts ? Why , say they are vile and false ;
-As where's that palace whereinto foul things
-Sometimes intrude not ? who has a breast so pure
-But some uncleanly apprehensions
-Keep leets and law days , and in session sit
-With meditations lawful ?
-
-Thou dost conspire against thy friend , Iago ,
-If thou but think'st him wrong'd , and mak'st his ear
-A stranger to thy thoughts .
-
-I do beseech you ,
-Though I perchance am vicious in my guess ,
-As , I confess , it is my nature's plague
-To spy into abuses , and oft my jealousy
-Shapes faults that are not ,that your wisdom yet ,
-From one that so imperfectly conceits ,
-Would take no notice , nor build yourself a trouble
-Out of his scattering and unsure observance .
-It were not for your quiet nor your good ,
-Nor for my manhood , honesty , or wisdom ,
-To let you know my thoughts .
-
-What dost thou mean ?
-
-Good name in man and woman , dear my lord ,
-Is the immediate jewel of their souls :
-Who steals my purse steals trash ; 'tis something , nothing ;
-'Twas mine , 'tis his , and has been slave to thousands ;
-But he that filches from me my good name
-Robs me of that which not enriches him ,
-And makes me poor indeed .
-
-By heaven , I'll know thy thoughts .
-
-You cannot , if my heart were in your hand ;
-Nor shall not , whilst 'tis in my custody .
-
-Ha !
-
-O ! beware , my lord , of jealousy ;
-It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock
-The meat it feeds on ; that cuckold lives in bliss
-Who , certain of his fate , loves not his wronger ;
-But , O ! what damned minutes tells he o'er
-Who dotes , yet doubts ; suspects , yet soundly loves !
-
-O misery !
-
-Poor and content is rich , and rich enough ,
-But riches fineless is as poor as winter
-To him that ever fears he shall be poor .
-Good heaven , the souls of all my tribe defend
-From jealousy !
-
-Why , why is this ?
-Think'st thou I'd make a life of jealousy ,
-To follow still the changes of the moon
-With fresh suspicions ? No ; to be once in doubt
-Is once to be resolved . Exchange me for a goat
-When I shall turn the business of my soul
-To such exsufflicate and blown surmises ,
-Matching thy inference . 'Tis not to make me jealous
-To say my wife is fair , feeds well , loves company ,
-Is free of speech , sings , plays , and dances well ;
-Where virtue is , these are more virtuous :
-Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
-The smallest fear , or doubt of her revolt ;
-For she had eyes , and chose me . No , Iago ;
-I'll see before I doubt ; when I doubt , prove ;
-And , on the proof , there is no more but this ,
-Away at once with love or jealousy !
-
-I am glad of it ; for now I shall have reason
-To show the love and duty that I bear you
-With franker spirit ; therefore , as I am bound ,
-Receive it from me ; I speak not yet of proof .
-Look to your wife ; observe her well with Cassio ;
-Wear your eye thus , not jealous nor secure :
-I would not have your free and noble nature
-Out of self-bounty be abus'd ; look to 't :
-I know our country disposition well ;
-In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks
-They dare not show their husbands ; their best conscience
-Is not to leave 't undone , but keep 't unknown .
-
-Dost thou say so ?
-
-She did deceive her father , marrying you :
-And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks ,
-She lov'd them most .
-
-And so she did .
-
-Why , go to , then ;
-She that so young could give out such a seeming ,
-To seel her father's eyes up close as oak ,
-He thought 'twas witchcraft ; but I am much to blame ;
-I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
-For too much loving you .
-
-I am bound to thee for ever .
-
-I see , this hath a little dash'd your spirits .
-
-Not a jot , not a jot .
-
-I' faith , I fear it has .
-I hope you will consider what is spoke
-Comes from my love . But , I do see you're mov'd ;
-I am to pray you not to strain my speech
-To grosser issues nor to larger reach
-Than to suspicion .
-
-I will not .
-
-Should you do so , my lord ,
-My speech should fall into such vile success
-As my thoughts aim not at . Cassio's my worthy friend
-My lord , I see you're mov'd .
-
-No , not much mov'd :
-I do not think but Desdemona's honest .
-
-Long live she so ! and long live you to think so !
-
-And , yet , how nature erring from itself ,
-
-Ay , there's the point : as , to be bold with you ,
-Not to affect many proposed matches
-Of her own clime , complexion , and degree ,
-Whereto , we see , in all things nature tends ;
-Foh ! one may smell in such , a will most rank ,
-Foul disproportion , thoughts unnatural .
-But pardon me ; I do not in position
-Distinctly speak of her , though I may fear
-Her will , recoiling to her better judgment ,
-May fail to match you with her country forms
-And happily repent .
-
-Farewell , farewell :
-If more thou dost perceive , let me know more ;
-Set on thy wife to observe . Leave me , Iago .
-
-My lord , I take my leave .
-
-
-Why did I marry ? This honest creature , doubtless ,
-Sees and knows more , much more , than he unfolds .
-
-My lord , I would I might entreat your honour
-To scan this thing no further ; leave it to time .
-Although 'tis fit that Cassio have his place ,
-For , sure he fills it up with great ability ,
-Yet , if you please to hold him off awhile ,
-You shall by that perceive him and his means :
-Note if your lady strain his entertainment
-With any strong or vehement importunity ;
-Much will be seen in that . In the mean time ,
-Let me be thought too busy in my fears ,
-As worthy cause I have to fear I am ,
-And hold her free , I do beseech your honour .
-
-Fear not my government .
-
-I once more take my leave .
-
-
-This fellow's of exceeding honesty ,
-And knows all qualities , with a learned spirit ,
-Of human dealings ; if I do prove her haggard ,
-Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings ,
-I'd whistle her off and let her down the wind ,
-To prey at fortune . Haply , for I am black ,
-And have not those soft parts of conversation
-That chamberers have , or , for I am declin'd
-Into the vale of years yet that's not much
-She's gone , I am abus'd ; and my relief
-Must be to loathe her . O curse of marriage !
-That we can call these delicate creatures ours ,
-And not their appetites . I had rather be a toad ,
-And live upon the vapour of a dungeon ,
-Than keep a corner in the thing I love
-For others' uses . Yet , 'tis the plague of great ones ;
-Prerogativ'd are they less than the base ;
-'Tis destiny unshunnable , like death :
-Even then this forked plague is fated to us
-When we do quicken .
-Look ! where she comes .
-If she be false , O ! then heaven mocks itself .
-I'll not believe it .
-
-
-How now , my dear Othello !
-Your dinner and the generous islanders
-By you invited , do attend your presence .
-
-I am to blame .
-
-Why do you speak so faintly ?
-Are you not well ?
-
-I have a pain upon my forehead here .
-
-Faith , that's with watching ; 'twill away again :
-Let me but bind it hard , within this hour
-It will be well .
-
-Your napkin is too little :
-
-Let it alone . Come , I'll go in with you .
-
-I am very sorry that you are not well .
-
-
-I am glad I have found this napkin ;
-This was her first remembrance from the Moor ;
-My wayward husband hath a hundred times
-Woo'd me to steal it , but she so loves the token ,
-For he conjur'd her she should ever keep it ,
-That she reserves it evermore about her
-To kiss and talk to . I'll have the work ta'en out ,
-And give 't Iago :
-What he will do with it heaven knows , not I ;
-I nothing but to please his fantasy .
-
-
-How now ! what do you here alone ?
-
-Do not you chide ; I have a thing for you .
-
-A thing for me ? It is a common thing
-
-Ha !
-
-To have a foolish wife .
-
-O ! is that all ? What will you give me now
-For that same handkerchief ?
-
-What handkerchief ?
-
-What handkerchief !
-Why , that the Moor first gave to Desdemona :
-That which so often you did bid me steal .
-
-Hast stol'n it from her ?
-
-No , faith ; she let it drop by negligence ,
-And , to the advantage , I , being there , took't up .
-Look , here it is .
-
-A good wench ; give it me .
-
-What will you do with 't , that you have been so earnest
-To have me filch it ?
-
-Why , what's that to you ?
-
-
-If it be not for some purpose of import
-Give 't me again ; poor lady ! she'll run mad
-When she shall lack it .
-
-Be not acknown on 't ; I have use for it .
-Go , leave me .
-
-I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin ,
-And let him find it ; trifles light as air
-Are to the jealous confirmations strong
-As proofs of holy writ ; this may do something .
-The Moor already changes with my poison :
-Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons ,
-Which at the first are scarce found to distaste ,
-But with a little act upon the blood ,
-Burn like the mines of sulphur . I did say so :
-Look ! where he comes !
-
-
-Not poppy , nor mandragora ,
-Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world ,
-Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
-
-Which thou ow'dst yesterday .
-
-Ha ! ha ! false to me ?
-
-Why , how now , generall no more of that .
-
-Avaunt ! be gone ! thou hast set me on the rack ;
-I swear 'tis better to be much abus'd
-Than but to know 't a little .
-
-How now , my lord !
-
-What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust ?
-I saw 't not , thought it not , it harm'd not me ;
-I slept the next night well , was free and merry ;
-I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips ;
-He that is robb'd , not wanting what is stol'n ,
-Let him not know 't and he's not robb'd at all .
-
-I am sorry to hear this .
-
-I had been happy , if the general camp ,
-Pioners and all , had tasted her sweet body ,
-So I had nothing known . O ! now , for ever
-Farewell the tranquil mind ; farewell content !
-Farewell the plumed troop and the big wars
-That make ambition virtue ! O , farewell !
-Farewell the neighing steed , and the shrill trump ,
-The spirit-stirring drum , the ear-piercing fife ,
-The royal banner , and all quality ,
-Pride , pomp , and circumstance of glorious war !
-And , O you mortal engines , whose rude throats
-The immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit ,
-Farewell ! Othello's occupation's gone !
-
-Is it possible , my lord ?
-
-Villain , be sure thou prove my love a whore ,
-Be sure of it ; give me the ocular proof ;
-Or , by the worth of mine eternal soul ,
-Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
-Than answer my wak'd wrath .
-
-Is 't come to this ?
-
-Make me to see 't ; or , at the least , so prove it ,
-That the probation bear no hinge nor loop
-To hang a doubt on ; or woe upon thy life !
-
-My noble lord ,
-
-If thou dost slander her and torture me ,
-Never pray more ; abandon all remorse ;
-On horror's head horrors accumulate ;
-Do deeds to make heaven weep , all earth amaz'd ;
-For nothing canst thou to damnation add
-Greater than that .
-
-O grace ! O heaven forgive me !
-Are you a man ! have you a soul or sense ?
-God be wi' you ; take mine office . O wretched fool !
-That liv'st to make thine honesty a vice .
-O monstrous world ! Take note , take note , O world !
-To be direct and honest is not safe .
-I thank you for this profit , and , from hence
-I'll love no friend , sith love breeds such offence .
-
-Nay , stay ; thou shouldst be honest .
-
-I should be wise ; for honesty's a fool ,
-And loses that it works for .
-
-By the world ,
-I think my wife be honest and think she is not ;
-I think that thou art just and think thou art not .
-I'll have some proof . Her name , that was as fresh
-As Dian's visage , is now begrim'd and black
-As mine own face . If there be cords or knives ,
-Poison or fire or suffocating streams ,
-I'll not endure it . Would I were satisfied !
-
-I see , sir , you are eaten up with passion .
-I do repent me that I put it to you .
-You would be satisfied ?
-
-Would ! nay , I will .
-
-And may ; but how ? how satisfied , my lord ?
-Would you , the supervisor , grossly gape on ;
-Behold her tupp'd ?
-
-Death and damnation ! O !
-
-It were a tedious difficulty , I think ,
-To bring them to that prospect ; damn them then ,
-If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster
-More than their own ! What then ? how then ?
-What shall I say ? Where's satisfaction ?
-It is impossible you should see this ,
-Were they as prime as goats , as hot as monkeys ,
-As salt as wolves in pride , and fools as gross
-As ignorance made drunk ; but yet , I say ,
-If imputation , and strong circumstances ,
-Which lead directly to the door of truth ,
-Will give you satisfaction , you may have it .
-
-Give me a living reason she's disloyal .
-
-I do not like the office ;
-But , sith I am enter'd in this cause so far ,
-Prick'd to 't by foolish honesty and love ,
-I will go on . I lay with Cassio lately ;
-And , being troubled with a raging tooth ,
-I could not sleep .
-There are a kind of men so loose of soul
-That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs ;
-One of this kind is Cassio .
-In sleep I heard him say , 'Sweet Desdemona ,
-Let us be wary , let us hide our loves !'
-And then , sir , would he gripe and wring my hand ,
-Cry , 'O , sweet creature !' and then kiss me hard ,
-As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots ,
-That grew upon my lips ; then laid his leg
-Over my thigh , and sigh'd , and kiss'd ; and then
-Cried , 'Cursed fate , that gave thee to the Moor !'
-
-O monstrous ! monstrous !
-
-Nay , this was but his dream .
-
-But this denoted a foregone conclusion :
-'Tis a shrewd doubt , though it be but a dream .
-
-And this may help to thicken other proofs
-That do demonstrate thinly .
-
-I'll tear her all to pieces .
-
-Nay , but be wise ; yet we see nothing done ;
-She may be honest yet . Tell me but this :
-Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
-Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand ?
-
-I gave her such a one ; 'twas my first gift .
-
-I know not that ; but such a handkerchief
-I am sure it was your wife's did I to-day
-See Cassio wipe his beard with .
-
-If it be that ,
-
-If it be that , or any that was hers ,
-It speaks against her with the other proofs .
-
-O ! that the slave had forty thousand lives ;
-One is too poor , too weak for my revenge .
-Now do I see 'tis true . Look here , Iago ;
-All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven :
-'Tis gone .
-Arise , black vengeance , from the hollow hell !
-Yield up , O love ! thy crown and hearted throne
-To tyrannous hate . Swell , bosom , with thy fraught ,
-For 'tis of aspics' tongues !
-
-Yet be content .
-
-O ! blood , blood , blood !
-
-Patience , I say ; your mind , perhaps , may change .
-
-Never , Iago . Like to the Pontick sea ,
-Whose icy current and compulsive course
-Ne'er feels retiring ebb , but keeps due on
-To the Propontic and the Hellespont ,
-Even so my bloody thoughts , with violent pace ,
-Shall ne'er look back , ne'er ebb to humble love ,
-Till that a capable and wide revenge
-Swallow them up .
-
-Now , by yond marble heaven ,
-In the due reverence of a sacred vow
-I here engage my words .
-
-Do not rise yet .
-
-Witness , you ever-burning lights above !
-You elements that clip us round about !
-Witness , that here Iago doth give up
-The execution of his wit , hands , heart ,
-To wrong'd Othello's service ! Let him command ,
-And to obey shall be in me remorse ,
-What bloody business ever .
-
-I greet thy love ,
-Not with vain thanks , but with acceptance bounteous ,
-And will upon the instant put thee to 't :
-Within these three days let me hear thee say
-That Cassio's not alive .
-
-My friend is dead ; 'tis done at your request :
-But let her live .
-
-Damn her , lewd minx ! O , damn her !
-Come , go with me apart ; I will withdraw
-To furnish me with some swift means of death
-For the fair devil . Now art thou my lieutenant .
-
-I am your own for ever .
-
-
-Do you know , sirrah , where Lieutenant Cassio lies ?
-
-I dare not say he lies any where .
-
-Why , man ?
-
-He is a soldier ; and for one to say a soldier lies , is stabbing .
-
-Go to ; where lodges he ?
-
-To tell you where he lodges is to tell you where I lie .
-
-Can anything be made of this ?
-
-I know not where he lodges , and for me to devise a lodging , and say he lies here or he lies there , were to lie in mine own throat .
-
-Can you inquire him out , and be edified by report ?
-
-I will catechize the world for him ; that is , make questions , and by them answer .
-
-Seek him , bid him come hither ; tell him I have moved my lord in his behalf , and hope all will be well .
-
-To do this is within the compass of man's wit , and therefore I will attempt the doing it .
-
-
-Where should I lose that handkerchief , Emilia ?
-
-I know not , madam .
-
-Believe me , I had rather have lost my purse
-Full of cruzadoes ; and , but my noble Moor
-Is true of mind , and made of no such baseness
-As jealous creatures are , it were enough
-To put him to ill thinking .
-
-Is he not jealous ?
-
-Who ! he ? I think the sun where he was born
-Drew all such humours from him .
-
-Look ! where he comes .
-
-I will not leave him now till Cassio
-Be call'd to him .
-
-How is 't with you , my lord ?
-
-Well , my good lady .
-
-O ! hardness to dissemble .
-How do you , Desdemona ?
-
-Well , my good lord .
-
-Give me your hand . This hand is moist , my lady .
-
-It yet has felt no age nor known no sorrow .
-
-This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart ;
-Hot , hot , and moist ; this hand of yours requires
-A sequester from liberty , fasting and prayer ,
-Much castigation , exercise devout ;
-For here's a young and sweating devil here ,
-That commonly rebels . 'Tis a good hand ,
-A frank one .
-
-You may , indeed , say so ;
-For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart .
-
-A liberal hand ; the hearts of old gave hands ,
-But our new heraldry is hands not hearts .
-
-I cannot speak of this . Come now , your promise .
-
-What promise , chuck ?
-
-I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you .
-
-I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me .
-Lend me thy handkerchief .
-
-Here , my lord .
-
-That which I gave you .
-
-I have it not about me .
-
-Not ?
-
-No , indeed , my lord .
-
-That is a fault .
-That handkerchief
-Did an Egyptian to my mother give ;
-She was a charmer , and could almost read
-The thoughts of people ; she told her , while she kept it ,
-'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father
-Entirely to her love , but if she lost it
-Or made a gift of it , my father's eye
-Should hold her loathed , and his spirits should hunt
-After new fancies . She dying gave it me ;
-And bid me , when my fate would have me wive ,
-To give it her . I did so : and take heed on 't ;
-Make it a darling like your precious eye ;
-To lose't or give't away , were such perdition
-As nothing else could match .
-
-Is 't possible ?
-
-'Tis true ; there's magic in the web of it ;
-A sibyl , that had number'd in the world
-The sun to course two hundred compasses ,
-In her prophetic fury sew'd the work ;
-The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk ,
-And it was dy'd in mummy which the skilful
-Conserv'd of maidens' hearts .
-
-Indeed ! is 't true ?
-
-Most veritable ; therefore look to 't well .
-
-Then would to heaven that I had never seen it !
-
-Ha ! wherefore ?
-
-Why do you speak so startingly and rash ?
-
-Is 't lost ? is 't gone ? speak , is it out o' the way ?
-
-Heaven bless us !
-
-Say you ?
-
-It is not lost : but what an if it were ?
-
-How !
-
-I say , it is not lost .
-
-Fetch 't , let me see 't .
-
-Why , so I can , sir , but I will not now .
-This is a trick to put me from my suit :
-Pray you let Cassio be receiv'd again .
-
-Fetch me the handkerchief ; my mind misgives .
-
-Come , come ;
-You'll never meet a more sufficient man .
-
-The handkerchief !
-
-I pray , talk me of Cassio .
-
-The handkerchief !
-
-A man that all his time
-Hath founded his good fortunes on your love ,
-Shar'd dangers with you ,
-
-The handkerchief !
-
-In sooth you are to blame .
-
-Away !
-
-
-Is not this man jealous ?
-
-I ne'er saw this before .
-Sure , there's some wonder in this handkerchief ;
-I am most unhappy in the loss of it .
-
-'Tis not a year or two shows us a man ;
-They are all but stomachs , and we all but food ;
-They eat us hungerly , and when they are full
-They belch us . Look you ! Cassio and my husband .
-
-
-There is no other way ; 'tis she must do 't :
-And , lo ! the happiness : go and importune her .
-
-How now , good Cassio ! what's the news with you ?
-
-Madam , my former suit : I do beseech you
-That by your virtuous means I may again
-Exist , and be a member of his love
-Whom I with all the office of my heart
-Entirely honour ; I would not be delay'd .
-If my offence be of such mortal kind
-That nor my service past , nor present sorrows ,
-Nor purpos'd merit in futurity ,
-Can ransom me into his love again ,
-But to know so must be my benefit ;
-So shall I clothe me in a forc'd content ,
-And shut myself up in some other course
-To fortune's alms .
-
-Alas ! thrice-gentle Cassio !
-My advocation is not now in tune ;
-My lord is not my lord ; nor should I know him ,
-Were he in favour as in humour alter'd .
-So help me every spirit sanctified ,
-As I have spoken for you all my best
-And stood within the blank of his displeasure
-For my free speech . You must awhile be patient ;
-What I can do I will , and more I will
-Than for myself I dare : let that suffice you .
-
-Is my lord angry ?
-
-He went hence but now ,
-And , certainly in strange unquietness .
-
-Can he be angry ? I have seen the cannon ,
-When it hath blown his ranks into the air ,
-And , like the devil , from his very arm
-Puff'd his own brother ; and can he be angry ?
-Something of moment then ; I will go meet him ;
-There's matter in 't indeed , if he be angry .
-
-I prithee , do so .
-
-Something , sure , of state ,
-Either from Venice , or some unhatch'd practice
-Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him ,
-Hath puddled his clear spirit ; and , in such cases
-Men's natures wrangle with inferior things ,
-Though great ones are their object . 'Tis even so ;
-For let our finger ache , and it indues
-Our other healthful members ev'n to that sense
-Of pain . Nay , we must think men are not gods ,
-Nor of them look for such observancy
-As fits the bridal . Beshrew me much , Emilia ,
-I was unhandsome warrior as I am
-Arraigning his unkindness with my soul ;
-But now I find I had suborn'd the witness ,
-And he's indicted falsely .
-
-Pray heaven it be state-matters , as you think ,
-And no conception , nor no jealous toy
-Concerning you .
-
-Alas the day ! I never gave him cause .
-
-But jealous souls will not be answer'd so ;
-They are not ever jealous for the cause ,
-But jealous for they are jealous ; 'tis a monster
-Begot upon itself , born on itself .
-
-Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind !
-
-Lady , amen .
-
-I will go seek him . Cassio , walk hereabout ;
-If I do find him fit , I'll move your suit
-And seek to effect it to my uttermost .
-
-I humbly thank your ladyship .
-
-Save you , friend Cassio !
-
-What make you from home ?
-How is it with you , my most fair Bianca ?
-I' faith , sweet love , I was coming to your house .
-
-And I was going to your lodging , Cassio .
-What ! keep a week away ? seven days and nights ?
-Eight score eight hours ? and lovers' absent hours ,
-More tedious than the dial eight score times ?
-O weary reckoning !
-
-Pardon me , Bianca ,
-I have this while with leaden thoughts been press'd ,
-But I shall , in a more continuate time ,
-Strike off this score of absence . Sweet Bianca .
-
-Take me this work out .
-
-O Cassio ! whence came this ?
-This is some token from a newer friend ;
-To the felt absence now I feel a cause ;
-Is 't come to this ? Well , well .
-
-Go to , woman !
-Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth ,
-From whence you have them . You are jealous now
-That this is from some mistress , some remembrance :
-No , in good troth , Bianca .
-
-Why , whose is it ?
-
-I know not , sweet ; I found it in my chamber .
-I like the work well ; ere it be demanded ,
-As like enough it will ,I'd have it copied ;
-Take it and do 't ; and leave me for this time .
-
-Leave you ! wherefore ?
-
-I do attend here on the general ,
-And think it no addition nor my wish
-To have him see me woman'd .
-
-Why , I pray you ?
-
-Not that I love you not .
-
-But that you do not love me .
-I pray you , bring me on the way a little
-And say if I shall see you soon at night .
-
-'Tis but a little way that I can bring you ,
-For I attend here ; but I'll see you soon .
-
-'Tis very good ; I must be circumstanc'd .
-
-Will you think so ?
-
-Think so , Iago !
-
-What !
-To kiss in private ?
-
-An unauthoriz'd kiss .
-
-Or to be naked with her friend a-bed
-An hour or more , not meaning any harm ?
-
-Naked a-bed , Iago , and not mean harm ?
-It is hypocrisy against the devil :
-They that mean virtuously , and yet do so ,
-The devil their virtue tempts , and they tempt heaven .
-
-If they do nothing , 'tis a venial slip ;
-But if I give my wife a handkerchief ,
-
-What then ?
-
-Why , then , 'tis hers , my lord ; and , being hers ,
-She may , I think , bestow 't on any man .
-
-She is protectress of her honour too ;
-May she give that ?
-
-Her honour is an essence that's not seen ;
-They have it very oft that have it not :
-But for the handkerchief ,
-
-By heaven , I would most gladly have forgot it :
-Thou said'st ,O ! it comes o'er my memory ,
-As doth the raven o'er the infected house ,
-Boding to all ,he had my handkerchief .
-
-Ay , what of that ?
-
-That's not so good now .
-
-What ,
-If I had said I had seen him do you wrong ?
-Or heard him say , as knaves be such abroad ,
-Who having , by their own importunate suit ,
-Or voluntary dotage of some mistress ,
-Convinced or supplied them , cannot choose
-But they must blab .
-
-Hath he said any thing ?
-
-He hath , my lord ; but be you well assur'd ,
-No more than he'll unswear .
-
-What hath he said ?
-
-Faith , that he did I know not what he did .
-
-What ? what ?
-
-Lie
-
-With her ?
-
-With her , on her ; what you will .
-
-Lie with her ! lie on her ! We say , lie on her , when they belie her . Lie with her ! that's fulsome . Handkerchief ,confessions ,handkerchief ! To confess , and be hanged for his labour . First , to be hanged , and then to confess : I tremble at it . Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction . It is not words that shake me thus . Pish ! Noses , ears , and lips . Is it possible ?Confess !Handkerchief !O devil !
-
-
-Work on ,
-My medicine , work ! Thus credulous fools are caught ;
-And many worthy and chaste dames even thus ,
-All guitless , meet reproach . What , ho ! my lord !
-My lord , I say ! Othello !
-
-How now , Cassio !
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-My lord is fallen into an epilepsy ;
-This is his second fit ; he had one yesterday .
-
-Rub him about the temples .
-
-No , forbear ;
-The lethargy must have his quiet course ,
-If not he foams at mouth , and by and by
-Breaks out to savage madness . Look ! he stirs ;
-Do you withdraw yourself a little while ,
-He will recover straight ; when he is gone ,
-I would on great occasion speak with you .
-
-How is it , general ? have you not hurt your head ?
-
-Dost thou mock me ?
-
-I mock you ! no , by heaven .
-Would you would bear your fortune like a man !
-
-A horned man's a monster and a beast .
-
-There's many a beast then , in a populous city ,
-And many a civil monster .
-
-Did he confess it ?
-
-Good sir , be a man ;
-Think every bearded fellow that's but yok'd
-May draw with you ; there's millions now alive
-That nightly lie in those unproper beds
-Which they dare swear peculiar ; your case is better .
-O ! 'tis the spite of hell , the fiend's arch-mock ,
-To lip a wanton in a secure couch ,
-And to suppose her chaste . No , let me know ;
-And knowing what I am I know what she shall be .
-
-O ! thou art wise ; 'tis certain .
-
-Stand you awhile apart ;
-Confine yourself but in a patient list .
-Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief ,
-A passion most unsuiting such a man ,
-Cassio came hither ; I shifted him away ,
-And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy ;
-Bade him anon return and here speak with me ;
-The which he promis'd . Do but encave yourself ,
-And mark the fleers , the gibes , and notable scorns ,
-That dwell in every region of his face ;
-For I will make him tell the tale anew ,
-Where , how , how oft , how long ago , and when
-He hath , and is again to cope your wife :
-I say , but mark his gesture . Marry , patience ;
-Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen ,
-And nothing of a man .
-
-Dost thou hear , Iago ?
-I will be found most cunning in my patience ;
-But dost thou hear ?most bloody .
-
-That's not amiss ;
-But yet keep time in all . Will you withdraw ?
-
-Now will I question Cassio of Bianca ,
-A housewife that by selling her desires
-Buys herself bread and clothes ; it is a creature
-That dotes on Cassio ; as 'tis the strumpet's plague
-To beguile many and be beguil'd by one .
-He , when he hears of her , cannot refrain
-From the excess of laughter . Here he comes :
-
-
-As he shall smile , Othello shall go mad ;
-And his unbookish jealousy must construe
-Poor Cassio's smiles , gestures , and light behaviour
-
-Quite in the wrong . How do you now , lieutenant ?
-
-The worser that you give me the addition
-Whose want even kills me .
-
-Ply Desdemona well , and you are sure on 't .
-
-
-Now , if this suit lay in Bianca's power ,
-How quickly should you speed !
-
-Alas ! poor caitiff !
-
-Look ! how he laughs already !
-
-I never knew woman love man so .
-
-Alas ! poor rogue , I think , i' faith , she loves me .
-
-Now he denies it faintly , and laughs it out .
-
-Do you hear , Cassio ?
-
-Now he importunes him
-To tell it o'er : go to ; well said , well said .
-
-She gives it out that you shall marry her ;
-Do you intend it ?
-
-Ha , ha , ha !
-
-Do you triumph , Roman ? do you triumph ?
-
-I marry her ! what ? a customer ? I prithee , bear some charity to my wit ; do not think it so unwholesome . Ha , ha , ha !
-
-So , so , so , so . They laugh that win .
-
-Faith , the cry goes that you shall marry her .
-
-Prithee , say true .
-
-I am a very villain else .
-
-Have you scored me ? Well .
-
-This is the monkey's own giving out : she is persuaded I will marry her , out of her own love and flattery , not out of my promise .
-
-Iago beckons me ; now he begins the story .
-
-She was here even now ; she haunts me in every place . I was the other day talking on the sea bank with certain Venetians , and thither come this bauble , and , by this hand , she falls me thus about my neck ;
-
-Crying , 'O dear Cassio !' as it were ; his gesture imports it .
-
-So hangs and lolls and weeps upon me ; so hales and pulls me ; ha , ha , ha !
-
-Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber . O ! I see that nose of yours , but not the dog I shall throw it to .
-
-Well , I must leave her company .
-
-Before me ! look , where she comes .
-
-'Tis such another fitchew ! marry , a perfumed one .
-
-What do you mean by this haunting of me ?
-
-Let the devil and his dam haunt you ! What did you mean by that same handkerchief you gave me even now ? I was a fine fool to take it . I must take out the work ! A likely piece of work , that you should find it in your chamber , and not know who left it there ! This is some minx's token , and I must take out the work ! There , give it your hobby-horse ; wheresoever you had it I'll take out no work on 't .
-
-How now , my sweet Bianca ! how now , how now !
-
-By heaven , that should be my handkerchief !
-
-An you'll come to supper to-night , you may ; an you will not , come when you are next prepared for .
-
-
-After her , after her .
-
-Faith , I must ; she'll rail in the street else .
-
-Will you sup there ?
-
-Faith , I intend so .
-
-Well , I may chance to see you , for I would very fain speak with you .
-
-Prithee , come ; will you ?
-
-Go to ; say no more .
-
-
-How shall I murder him , Iago ?
-
-Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice ?
-
-O ! Iago !
-
-And did you see the handkerchief ?
-
-Was that mine ?
-
-Yours , by this hand ; and to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife ! she gave it him , and he hath given it his whore .
-
-I would have him nine years a-killing .
-A fine woman ! a fair woman ! a sweet woman !
-
-Nay , you must forget that .
-
-Ay , let her rot , and perish , and be damned to-night ; for she shall not live . No , my heart is turned to stone ; I strike it , and it hurts my hand . O ! the world hath not a sweeter creature ; she might lie by an emperor's side and command him tasks .
-
-Nay , that's not your way .
-
-Hang her ! I do but say what she is . So delicate with her needle ! An admirable musician ! O , she will sing the savageness out of a bear . Of so high and plenteous wit and invention !
-
-She's the worse for all this .
-
-O ! a thousand , a thousand times . And then , of so gentle a condition !
-
-Ay , too gentle .
-
-Nay , that's certain ;but yet the pity of it , Iago ! O ! Iago , the pity of it , Iago !
-
-If you are so fond over her iniquity , give her patent to offend ; for , if it touch not you , it comes near nobody .
-
-I will chop her into messes . Cuckold me !
-
-O ! 'tis foul in her .
-
-With mine officer !
-
-That's fouler .
-
-Get me some poison , Iago ; this night : I'll not expostulate with her , lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again . This night , Iago .
-
-Do it not with poison , strangle her in her bed , even the bed she hath contaminated .
-
-Good , good ; the justice of it pleases ; very good .
-
-And for Cassio , let me be his undertaker ; you shall hear more by midnight .
-
-Excellent good .
-
-What trumpet is that same ?
-
-Something from Venice , sure . 'Tis Lodovico ,
-Come from the duke ; and see , your wife is with him .
-
-
-God save you , worthy general !
-
-With all my heart , sir .
-
-The duke and senators of Venice greet you .
-
-
-I kiss the instrument of their pleasures .
-
-
-And what's the news , good cousin Lodovico ?
-
-I am very glad to see you , signior ;
-Welcome to Cyprus .
-
-I thank you . How does Lieutenant Cassio ?
-
-Lives , sir .
-
-Cousin , there's fall'n between him and my lord
-An unkind breach ; but you shall make all well .
-
-Are you sure of that ?
-
-My lord ?
-
-This fail you not to do , as you will
-
-He did not call ; he's busy in the paper .
-Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio ?
-
-A most unhappy one ; I would do much
-To atone them , for the love I bear to Cassio .
-
-Fire and brimstone !
-
-My lord ?
-
-Are you wise ?
-
-What ! is he angry ?
-
-May be the letter mov'd him ;
-For , as I think , they do command him home ,
-Deputing Cassio in his government .
-
-Trust me , I am glad on 't .
-
-Indeed !
-
-My lord ?
-
-I am glad to see you mad .
-
-Why , sweet Othello ?
-
-Devil !
-
-
-I have not deserved this .
-
-My lord , this would not be believ'd in Venice ,
-Though I should swear I saw 't : 'tis very much ;
-Make her amends , she weeps .
-
-O devil , devil !
-If that the earth could teem with woman's tears ,
-Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile .
-Out of my sight !
-
-I will not stay to offend you .
-
-
-Truly , an obedient lady ;
-I do beseech your lordship , call her back .
-
-Mistress !
-
-My lord ?
-
-What would you with her , sir ?
-
-Who , I , my lord ?
-
-Ay ; you did wish that I would make her turn :
-Sir , she can turn , and turn , and yet go on ,
-And turn again ; and she can weep , sir , weep ;
-And she's obedient , as you say , obedient ,
-Very obedient . Proceed you in your tears .
-Concerning this , sir ,O well-painted passion !
-I am commanded home . Get you away ;
-I'll send for you anon . Sir , I obey the mandate ,
-And will return to Venice . Hence ! avaunt !
-
-Cassio shall have my place . And , sir , to-night ,
-I do entreat that we may sup together ;
-You are welcome , sir , to Cyprus . Goats and monkeys !
-
-
-Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate
-Call all-in-all sufficient ? is this the noble nature
-Whom passion could not shake ? whose solid virtue
-The shot of accident nor dart of chance
-Could neither graze nor pierce ?
-
-He is much chang'd .
-
-Are his wits safe ? is he not light of brain ?
-
-He's that he is ; I may not breathe my censure .
-What he might be , if , what he might , he is not ,
-I would to heaven he were !
-
-What ! strike his wife !
-
-Faith , that was not so well ; yet would I knew
-That stroke would prove the worst !
-
-Is it his use ?
-Or did the letters work upon his blood ,
-And new-create this fault ?
-
-Alas , alas !
-It is not honesty in me to speak
-What I have seen and known . You shall observe him ,
-And his own courses will denote him so
-That I may save my speech . Do but go after
-And mark how he continues .
-
-I am sorry that I am deceiv'd in him .
-
-
-You have seen nothing , then ?
-
-Nor ever heard , nor ever did suspect .
-
-Yes , you have seen Cassio and her together .
-
-But then I saw no harm , and then I heard
-Each syllable that breath made up between them .
-
-What ! did they never whisper ?
-
-Never , my lord .
-
-Nor send you out o' the way ?
-
-Never .
-
-To fetch her fan , her gloves , her mask , nor nothing ?
-
-Never , my lord .
-
-That's strange .
-
-I durst , my lord , to wager she is honest ,
-Lay down my soul at stake : if you think other ,
-Remove your thought ; it doth abuse your bosom .
-If any wretch have put this in your head ,
-Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse !
-For , if she be not honest , chaste , and true ,
-There's no man happy ; the purest of their wives
-Is foul as slander .
-
-Bid her come hither ; go .
-
-She says enough ; yet she's a simple bawd
-That cannot say as much . This is a subtle whore ,
-A closet lock and key of villanous secrets ;
-And yet she'll kneel and pray ; I have seen her do 't .
-
-
-My lord , what is your will ?
-
-Pray , chuck , come hither .
-
-What is your pleasure ?
-
-Let me see your eyes ;
-Look in my face .
-
-What horrible fancy's this ?
-
-Some of your function , mistress ;
-Leave procreants alone and shut the door ;
-Cough or cry 'hem' if any body come ;
-Your mystery , your mystery ; nay , dispatch .
-
-
-Upon my knees , what doth your speech import ?
-I understand a fury in your words ,
-But not the words .
-
-Why , what art thou ?
-
-Your wife , my lord ; your true
-And loyal wife .
-
-Come , swear it , damn thyself ;
-Lest , being like one of heaven , the devils themselves
-Should fear to seize thee ; therefore be double-damn'd ;
-Swear thou art honest .
-
-Heaven doth truly know it .
-
-Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell .
-
-To whom , my lord ? with whom ? how am I false ?
-
-Ah ! Desdemona ; away , away , away !
-
-Alas , the heavy day !Why do you weep ?
-Am I the motive of these tears , my lord ?
-If haply you my father do suspect
-An instrument of this your calling back ,
-Lay not your blame on me ; if you have lost him ,
-Why , I have lost him too .
-
-Had it pleas'd heaven
-To try me with affliction , had he rain'd
-All kinds of sores , and shames , on my bare head ,
-Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips ,
-Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes ,
-I should have found in some part of my soul
-A drop of patience ; but , alas ! to make me
-The fixed figure for the time of scorn
-To point his slow and moving finger at ;
-Yet could I bear that too ; well , very well :
-But there , where I have garner'd up my heart ,
-Where either I must live or bear no life ,
-The fountain from the which my current runs
-Or else dries up ; to be discarded thence !
-Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads
-To knot and gender in ! Turn thy complexion there ,
-Patience , thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin ;
-Ay , there , look grim as hell !
-
-I hope my noble lord esteems me honest .
-
-O ! ay ; as summer flies are in the shambles ,
-That quicken even with blowing . O thou weed !
-Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet
-That the sense aches at thee , would thou hadst ne'er been born .
-
-Alas ! what ignorant sin have I committed ?
-
-Was this fair paper , this most goodly book ,
-Made to write 'whore' upon ? What committed !
-Committed ! O thou public commoner !
-I should make very forges of my cheeks ,
-That would to cinders burn up modesty ,
-Did I but speak thy deeds . What committed !
-Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks ,
-The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets
-Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth ,
-And will not hear it . What committed !
-Impudent strumpet !
-
-By heaven , you do me wrong .
-
-Are not you a strumpet ?
-
-No , as I am a Christian .
-If to preserve this vessel for my lord
-From any other foul unlawful touch
-Be not to be a strumpet , I am none .
-
-What ! not a whore ?
-
-No , as I shall be sav'd .
-
-Is it possible ?
-
-O ! heaven forgive us .
-
-I cry you mercy , then ;
-I took you for that cunning whore of Venice
-That married with Othello . You , mistress ,
-That have the office opposite to Saint Peter ,
-And keep the gate of hell !
-
-
-You , you , ay , you !
-We have done our course ; there's money for your pains .
-I pray you , turn the key and keep our counsel .
-
-Alas ! what does this gentleman conceive ?
-How do you , madam ? how do you , my good lady ?
-
-Faith , half asleep .
-
-Good madam , what's the matter with my lord ?
-
-With who ?
-
-Why , with my lord , madam .
-
-Who is thy lord ?
-
-He that is yours , sweet lady .
-
-I have none ; do not talk to me , Emilia ;
-I cannot weep , nor answer have I none ,
-But what should go by water . Prithee , to-night
-Lay on my bed my wedding sheets : remember :
-And call thy husband hither .
-
-Here is a change indeed !
-
-
-'Tis meet I should be us'd so , very meet .
-How have I been behav'd , that he might stick
-The small'st opinion on my least misuse ?
-
-
-What is your pleasure , madam ? How is it with you ?
-
-I cannot tell . Those that do teach young babes
-Do it with gentle means and easy tasks ;
-He might have chid me so ; for , in good faith ,
-I am a child to chiding .
-
-What's the matter , lady ?
-
-Alas ! Iago , my lord hath so bewhor'd her ,
-Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her ,
-As true hearts cannot bear .
-
-Am I that name , Iago ?
-
-What name , fair lady ?
-
-Such as she says my lord did say I was .
-
-He call'd her whore ; a beggar in his drink
-Could not have laid such terms upon his callat .
-
-Why did he so ?
-
-I do not know ; I am sure I am none such .
-
-Do not weep , do not weep . Alas the day !
-
-Has she forsook so many noble matches ,
-Her father and her country and her friends ,
-To be call'd whore ? would it not make one weep ?
-
-It is my wretched fortune .
-
-Beshrew him for it !
-How comes this trick upon him ?
-
-Nay , heaven doth know .
-
-I will be hang'd , if some eternal villain ,
-Some busy and insinuating rogue ,
-Some cogging cozening slave , to get some office ,
-Have not devis'd this slander ; I'll be hang'd else .
-
-Fie ! there is no such man ; it is impossible .
-
-If any such there be , heaven pardon him !
-
-A halter pardon him , and hell gnaw his bones !
-Why should he call her whore ? who keeps her company ?
-What place ? what time ? what form ? what likelihood ?
-The Moor's abus'd by some most villanous knave ,
-Some base notorious knave , some scurvy fellow .
-O heaven ! that such companions thou'dst unfold ,
-And put in every honest hand a whip
-To lash the rascals naked through the world ,
-Even from the east to the west !
-
-Speak within door .
-
-O ! fie upon them . Some such squire he was
-That turn'd your wit the seamy side without ,
-And made you to suspect me with the Moor .
-
-You are a fool ; go to .
-
-O good Iago ,
-What shall I do to win my lord again ?
-Good friend , go to him ; for , by this light of heaven ,
-I know not how I lost him . Here I kneel :
-If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love ,
-Either in discourse of thought or actual deed ,
-Or that mine eyes , mine ears , or any sense ,
-Delighted them in any other form ;
-Or that I do not yet , and ever did ,
-And ever will , though he do shake me off
-To beggarly divorcement , love him dearly ,
-Comfort forswear me ! Unkindness may do much ;
-And his unkindness may defeat my life ,
-But never taint my love . I cannot say 'whore :'
-It does abhor me now I speak the word ;
-To do the act that might the addition earn
-Not the world's mass of vanity could make me .
-
-I pray you be content , 'tis but his humour ;
-The business of the state does him offence ,
-And he does chide with you .
-
-If 'twere no other ,
-
-'Tis but so , I warrant .
-
-Hark ! how these instruments summon to supper ;
-The messengers of Venice stay the meat :
-Go in , and weep not ; all things shall be well .
-
-
-How now , Roderigo !
-
-I do not find that thou dealest justly with me .
-
-What in the contrary ?
-
-Every day thou daffest me with some device , Iago ; and rather , as it seems to me now , keepest from me all conveniency , than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope . I will indeed no longer endure it , nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly suffered .
-
-Will you hear me , Roderigo ?
-
-Faith , I have heard too much , for your words and performances are no kin together .
-
-You charge me most unjustly .
-
-With nought but truth . I have wasted myself out of my means . The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist ; you have told me she has received them , and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance , but I find none .
-
-Well ; go to ; very well .
-
-Very well ! go to ! I cannot go to , man ; nor 'tis not very well : by this hand , I say , it is very scurvy , and begin to find myself fobbed in it .
-
-Very well .
-
-I tell you 'tis not very well . I will make myself known to Desdemona ; if she will return me my jewels , I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation ; if not , assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you .
-
-You have said now .
-
-Ay , and said nothing , but what I protest intendment of doing .
-
-Why , now I see there's mettle in thee , and even from this instant do build on thee a better opinion than ever before . Give me thy hand , Roderigo ; thou hast taken against me a most just exception ; but yet , I protest , I have dealt most directly in thy affair .
-
-It hath not appeared .
-
-I grant indeed it hath not appeared , and your suspicion is not without wit and judgment . But , Roderigo , if thou hast that in thee indeed , which I have greater reason to believe now than ever , I mean purpose , courage , and valour , this night show it : if thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona , take me from this world with treachery and devise engines for my life .
-
-Well , what is it ? is it within reason and compass ?
-
-Sir , there is especial commission come from Venice to depute Cassio in Othello's place .
-
-Is that true ? why , then Othello and Desdemona return again to Venice .
-
-O , no ! he goes into Mauritania , and takes away with him the fair Desdemona , unless his abode be lingered here by some accident ; wherein none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio .
-
-How do you mean , removing of him ?
-
-Why , by making him uncapable of Othello's place ; knocking out his brains .
-
-And that you would have me do ?
-
-Ay ; if you dare do yourself a profit and a right . He sups to-night with a harlotry , and thither will I go to him ; he knows not yet of his honourable fortune . If you will watch his going thence ,which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one ,you may take him at your pleasure ; I will be near to second your attempt , and he shall fall between us . Come , stand not amazed at it , but go along with me ; I will show you such a necessity in his death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him . It is now high supper-time , and the night grows to waste ; about it .
-
-I will hear further reason for this .
-
-And you shall be satisfied .
-
-
-I do beseech you , sir , trouble yourself no further .
-
-O ! pardon me ; 'twill do me good to walk .
-
-Madam , good night ; I humbly thank your ladyship .
-
-Your honour is most welcome .
-
-Will you walk , sir ?
-O ! Desdemona ,
-
-My lord ?
-
-Get you to bed on the instant ; I will be returned forthwith ; dismiss your attendant there ; look it be done .
-
-I will , my lord .
-
-
-How goes it now ? he looks gentler than he did .
-
-He says he will return incontinent ;
-He hath commanded me to go to bed ,
-And bade me to dismiss you .
-
-Dismiss me !
-
-It was his bidding ; therefore , good Emilia ,
-Give me my nightly wearing , and adieu :
-We must not now displease him .
-
-I would you had never seen him .
-
-So would not I ; my love doth so approve him ,
-That even his stubbornness , his checks and frowns ,
-Prithee , unpin me ,have grace and favour in them .
-
-I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed .
-
-All's one . Good faith ! how foolish are our minds !
-If I do die before thee , prithee , shroud me
-In one of those same sheets .
-
-Come , come , you talk .
-
-My mother had a maid call'd Barbara ;
-She was in love , and he she lov'd prov'd mad
-And did forsake her ; she had a song of 'willow ;'
-An old thing 'twas , but it express'd her fortune ,
-And she died singing it ; that song to-night
-Will not go from my mind ; I have much to do
-But to go hang my head all at one side ,
-And sing it like poor Barbara . Prithee , dispatch .
-
-Shall I go fetch your night-gown ?
-
-No , unpin me here .
-This Lodovico is a proper man .
-
-A very handsome man .
-
-He speaks well .
-
-I know a lady in Venice would have walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip .
-
-
-The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree ,
-Sing all a green willow ;
-Her hand on her bosom , her head on her knee ,
-Sing willow , willow , willow :
-The fresh streams ran by her , and murmur'd her moans ;
-Sing willow , willow , willow :
-Her salt tears fell from her , and soften'd the stones ;
-
-Lay by these :
-
-Sing willow , willow , willow :
-
-Prithee , hie thee ; he'll come anon .
-
-Sing all a green willow must be my garland .
-Let nobody blame him , his scorn I approve ,
-
-Nay , that's not next . Hark ! who is it that knocks ?
-
-It is the wind .
-
-
-I call'd my love false love ; but what said he then ?
-Sing willow , willow , willow :
-If I court moe women , you'll couch with moe men .
-
-So , get thee gone ; good night . Mine eyes do itch ;
-Doth that bode weeping ?
-
-'Tis neither here nor there .
-
-I have heard it said so . O ! these men , these men !
-Dost thou in conscience think , tell me , Emilia ,
-That there be women do abuse their husbands
-In such gross kind ?
-
-There be some such , no question .
-
-Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world ?
-
-Why , would not you ?
-
-No , by this heavenly light !
-
-Nor I neither by this heavenly light ; might do 't as well i' the dark .
-
-Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world ?
-
-The world is a huge thing ; 'tis a great price
-For a small vice .
-
-In troth , I think thou wouldst not .
-
-In troth , I think I should , and undo 't when I had done . Marry , I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring , nor measures of lawn , nor for gowns , petticoats , nor caps , nor any petty exhibition ; but for the whole world , who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch ? I should venture purgatory for 't .
-
-Beshrew me , if I would do such a wrong
-For the whole world .
-
-Why , the wrong is but a wrong i' the world ; and having the world for your labour , 'tis a wrong in your own world , and you might quickly make it right .
-
-I do not think there is any such woman .
-
-Yes , a dozen ; and as many to the vantage , as would store the world they played for .
-But I do think it is their husbands' faults
-If wives do fall . Say that they slack their duties ,
-And pour our treasures into foreign laps ,
-Or else break out in peevish jealousies ,
-Throwing restraint upon us ; or , say they strike us ,
-Or scant our former having in despite ;
-Why , we have galls , and though we have some grace ,
-Yet have we some revenge . Let husbands know
-Their wives have sense like them ; they see and smell ,
-And have their palates both for sweet and sour ,
-As husbands have . What is it that they do
-When they change us for others ? Is it sport ?
-I think it is ; and doth affection breed it ?
-I think it doth : is 't frailty that thus errs ?
-It is so too ; and have not we affections ,
-Desires for sport , and frailty , as men have ?
-Then , let them use us well ; else let them know ,
-The ills we do , their ills instruct us so .
-
-Good night , good night ; heaven me such usage send ,
-Not to pick bad from bad , but by bad mend !
-
-Here , stand behind this bulk ; straight will he come :
-Wear thy good rapier bare , and put it home .
-Quick , quick ; fear nothing ; I'll be at thy elbow .
-It makes us , or it mars us ; think on that ,
-And fix most firm thy resolution .
-
-Be near at hand ; I may miscarry in 't .
-
-Here , at thy hand : be bold , and take thy stand .
-
-
-I have no great devotion to the deed ;
-And yet he has given me satisfying reasons :
-'Tis but a man gone : forth , my sword ; he dies .
-
-I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense ,
-And he grows angry . Now , whether he kill Cassio ,
-Or Cassio him , or each do kill the other ,
-Every way makes my gain : live Roderigo ,
-He calls me to a restitution large
-Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him ,
-As gifts to Desdemona ;
-It must not be : if Cassio do remain ,
-He hath a daily beauty in his life
-That makes me ugly ; and , besides , the Moor
-May unfold me to him ; there stand I in much peril .
-No , he must die . But so ; I hear him coming .
-
-
-I know his gait ; 'tis he . Villain , thou diest !
-
-
-That thrust had been mine enemy indeed
-But that my coat is better than thou know'st ;
-I will make proof of thine .
-
-
-O ! I am slain .
-
-
-I am maim'd for ever . Help , ho ! murder ! murder !
-
-The voice of Cassio : Iago keeps his word .
-
-O ! villain that I am !
-
-It is e'en so .
-
-O , help , ho ! light ! a surgeon !
-
-'Tis he : O brave Iago , honest and just !
-That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wrong ;
-Thou teachest me . Minion , your dear lies dead ,
-And your unblest fate hies ; strumpet , I come !
-Forth of my heart those charms , thine eyes , are blotted ;
-Thy bed lust-stain'd shall with lust's blood be spotted .
-
-What ho ! no watch ? no passage ? murder ! murder !
-
-'Tis some mischance ; the cry is very direful .
-
-O , help !
-
-Hark !
-
-O wretched villain !
-
-Two or three groan : it is a heavy night ;
-These may be counterfeits ; let's think 't unsafe
-To come in to the cry without more help .
-
-Nobody come ? then shall I bleed to death .
-
-Hark !
-
-
-Here's one comes in his shirt , with light and weapons .
-
-Who's there ? whose noise is this that cries on murder ?
-
-We do not know .
-
-Did not you hear a cry ?
-
-Here , here ! for heaven's sake , help me .
-
-What's the matter ?
-
-This is Othello's ancient , as I take it .
-
-The same indeed ; a very valiant fellow .
-
-What are you here that cry so grievously ?
-
-Iago ? O ! I am spoil'd , undone by villains !
-Give me some help .
-
-O me , lieutenant ! what villains have done this ?
-
-I think that one of them is hereabout ,
-And cannot make away .
-
-O treacherous villains !
-
-
-What are you there ? come in , and give some help .
-
-O ! help me here .
-
-That's one of them .
-
-O murderous slave ! O villain !
-
-
-O damn'd Iago ! O inhuman dog !
-
-Kill men i' the dark ! Where be these bloody thieves ?
-How silent is this town ! Ho ! murder ! murder !
-What may you be ? are you of good or evil ?
-
-As you shall prove us , praise us .
-
-Signior Lodovico ?
-
-He , sir .
-
-I cry you mercy . Here's Cassio hurt by villains .
-
-Cassio !
-
-How is it , brother ?
-
-My leg is cut in two .
-
-Marry , heaven forbid ,
-Light , gentlemen ; I'll bind it with my shirt .
-
-
-What is the matter , ho ? who is 't that cried ?
-
-Who is 't that cried !
-
-O my dear Cassio ! my sweet Cassio !
-O Cassio , Cassio , Cassio !
-
-O notable strumpet ! Cassio , may you suspect
-Who they should be that have thus mangled you ?
-
-No .
-
-I am sorry to find you thus ; I have been to seek you .
-
-Lend me a garter . So . O ! for a chair ,
-To bear him easily hence !
-
-Alas ! he faints ! O Cassio , Cassio , Cassio !
-
-Gentlemen all , I do suspect this trash
-To be a party in this injury .
-Patience awhile , good Cassio . Come , come .
-Lend me a light . Know we this face , or no ?
-Alas ! my friend and my dear countryman ,
-Roderigo ? no : yes , sure , O heaven ! Roderigo .
-
-What ! of Venice ?
-
-Even he , sir : did you know him ?
-
-Know him ! ay .
-
-Signior Gratiano ? I cry you gentle pardon ;
-These bloody accidents must excuse my manners ,
-That so neglected you .
-
-I am glad to see you .
-
-How do you , Cassio ? O ! a chair , a chair !
-
-Roderigo !
-
-
-He , he , 'tis he .O ! that's well said ; the chair :
-Some good men bear him carefully from hence ;
-I'll fetch the general's surgeon .
-
-For you , mistress ,
-Save you your labour . He that lies slain here , Cassio ,
-Was my dear friend . What malice was between you ?
-
-None in the world ; nor do I know the man .
-
-What ! look you pale ? O ! bear him out o' the air
-
-Stay you , good gentlemen . Look you pale , mistress ?
-Do you perceive the gastness of her eye ?
-Nay , if you stare , we shall hear more anon .
-Behold her well ; I pray you , look upon her :
-Do you see , gentlemen ? nay , guiltiness will speak
-Though tongues were out of use .
-
-
-'Las ! what's the matter ? what's the matter , husband ?
-
-Cassio hath here been set on in the dark
-By Roderigo and fellows that are 'scap'd :
-He's almost slain , and Roderigo dead .
-
-Alas ! good gentleman ; alas ! good Cassio !
-
-This is the fruit of whoring . Prithee , Emilia ,
-Go know of Cassio where he supp'd to-night .
-What ! do you shake at that ?
-
-He supp'd at my house ; but I therefore shake not .
-
-O ! did he so ? I charge you , go with me .
-
-Fie , fie upon thee , strumpet !
-
-I am no strumpet , but of life as honest
-As you that thus abuse me .
-
-As I ! foh ! fie upon thee !
-
-Kind gentlemen , let's go see poor Cassio dress'd .
-Come , mistress , you must tell 's another tale .
-Emilia , run you to the citadel ,
-And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd .
-Will you go on afore ?
-
-This is the night
-That either makes me or fordoes me quite .
-
-
-It is the cause , it is the cause , my soul ;
-Let me not name it to you , you chaste stars !
-It is the cause . Yet I'll not shed her blood ,
-Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow ,
-And smooth as monumental alabaster .
-Yet she must die , else she'll betray more men .
-Put out the light , and then put out the light :
-If I quench thee , thou flaming minister ,
-I can again thy former light restore ,
-Should I repent me ; but once put out thy light ,
-Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature ,
-I know not where is that Promethean heat
-That can thy light relume . When I have pluck'd the rose ,
-I cannot give it vital growth again ,
-It needs must wither : I'll smell it on the tree .
-
-O balmy breath , that dost almost persuade
-Justice to break her sword ! One more , one more .
-Be thus when thou art dead , and I will kill thee ,
-And love thee after . One more , and this the last :
-So sweet was ne'er so fatal . I must weep ,
-But they are cruel tears ; this sorrow's heavenly ,
-It strikes where it doth love . She wakes .
-
-Who's there ? Othello ?
-
-Ay , Desdemona .
-
-Will you come to bed , my lord ?
-
-Have you pray'd to-night , Desdemona ?
-
-Ay , my lord .
-
-If you bethink yourself of any crime
-Unreconcil'd as yet to heaven and grace ,
-Solicit for it straight .
-
-Alas ! my lord , what may you mean by that ?
-
-Well , do it , and be brief ; I will walk by :
-I would not kill thy unprepared spirit ;
-No ; heaven forfend ! I would not kill thy soul .
-
-Talk you of killing ?
-
-Ay , I do .
-
-Then heaven
-Have mercy on me !
-
-Amen ! with all my heart .
-
-If you say so , I hope you will not kill me .
-
-Hum !
-
-And yet I fear you ; for you are fatal then
-When your eyes roll so . Why I should fear I know not ,
-Since guiltiness I know not ; but yet I feel I fear .
-
-Think on thy sins .
-
-They are loves I bear to you .
-
-Ay , and for that thou diest .
-
-That death's unnatural that kills for loving .
-Alas ! why gnaw you so your nether lip ?
-Some bloody passion shakes your very frame ;
-These are portents , but yet , I hope , I hope
-They do not point on me .
-
-Peace , and be still !
-
-I will so . What's the matter ?
-
-That handkerchief which I so lov'd and gave thee
-Thou gav'st to Cassio .
-
-No , by my life and soul !
-Send for the man and ask him .
-
-Sweet soul , take heed ,
-Take heed of perjury ; thou'rt on thy death-bed .
-
-Ay , but not yet to die .
-
-Yes , presently ;
-Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin ;
-For to deny each article with oath
-Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
-That I do groan withal . Thou art to die .
-
-Then Lord have mercy on me !
-
-I say , amen .
-
-And have you mercy too ! I never did
-Offend you in my life ; never lov'd Cassio
-But with such general warranty of heaven
-As I might love ; I never gave him token .
-
-By heaven , I saw my handkerchief in 's hand .
-O perjur'd woman ! thou dost stone my heart ,
-And mak'st me call what I intend to do
-A murder , which I thought a sacrifice :
-I saw the handkerchief .
-
-He found it then ;
-I never gave it him . Send for him hither ;
-Let him confess a truth .
-
-He hath confess'd .
-
-What , my lord ?
-
-That he hath us'd thee .
-
-How ? unlawfully ?
-
-Ay .
-
-He will not say so .
-
-No ; his mouth is stopp'd :
-Honest Iago hath ta'en order for 't .
-
-O ! my fear interprets . What ! is he dead ?
-
-Had all his hairs been lives , my great revenge
-Had stomach for them all .
-
-Alas ! he is betray'd and I undone .
-
-Out , strumpet ! Weep'st thou for him to my face ?
-
-O ! banish me , my lord , but kill me not !
-
-Down , strumpet !
-
-Kill me to-morrow ; let me live to-night !
-
-Nay , if you strive ,
-
-But half an hour !
-
-Being done , there is no pause .
-
-But while I say one prayer !
-
-It is too late .
-
-
-My lord , my lord ! what , ho ! my lord , my lord !
-
-What noise is this ? Not dead ? not yet quite dead ?
-I that am cruel am yet merciful ;
-I would not have thee linger in thy pain .
-So , so .
-
-What , ho ! my lord , my lord !
-
-Who's there ?
-
-O ! good my lord , I would speak a word with you !
-
-Yes ; 'tis Emilia : by and by . She's dead .
-'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death ;
-The noise was high . Ha ! no more moving ?
-Still as the grave . Shall she come in ? Were 't good ?
-I think she stirs again : no . What's best to do ?
-If she come in she'll sure speak to my wife :
-My wife ! my wife ! what wife ? I have no wife :
-O , insupportable ! O heavy hour !
-Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse
-Of sun and moon , and that the affrighted globe
-Should yawn at alteration .
-
-I do beseech you
-That I may speak with you , O ! good my lord .
-
-I had forgot thee : O ! come in , Emilia :
-Soft , by and by : let me the curtains draw .
-Where art thou ?
-
-
-What's the matter with thee now ?
-
-O ! my good lord , yonder's foul murder done .
-
-What ! now ?
-
-But now , my lord .
-
-It is the very error of the moon ;
-She comes more near the earth than she was wont ,
-And makes men mad .
-
-Cassio , my lord , has kill'd a young Venetian
-Call'd Roderigo .
-
-Roderigo kill'd !
-And Cassio kill'd ?
-
-No , Cassio is not kill'd .
-
-Not Cassio kill'd ! then murder's out of tune ,
-And sweet revenge grows harsh .
-
-O ! falsely , falsely murder'd .
-
-Alas ! what cry is that ?
-
-That ! what ?
-
-Out , and alas ! that was my lady's voice :
-Help ! Help , ho ! help ! O lady , speak again !
-Sweet Desdemona ! O ! sweet mistress , speak .
-
-A guiltless death I die .
-
-O ! who hath done this deed ?
-
-Nobody ; I myself ; farewell :
-Commend me to my kind lord . O ! farewell !
-
-
-Why , how should she be murder'd ?
-
-Alas ! who knows ?
-
-You heard her say herself it was not I .
-
-She said so ; I must needs report the truth .
-
-She's like a liar gone to burning hell ;
-'Twas I that kill'd her .
-
-O ! the more angel she ,
-And you the blacker devil .
-
-She turn'd to folly , and she was a whore .
-
-Thou dost belie her , and thou art a devil .
-
-She was false as water .
-
-Thou art rash as fire to say
-That she was false : O ! she was heavenly true .
-
-Cassio did tup her ; ask thy husband else .
-O ! I were damn'd beneath all depth in bell
-But that I did proceed upon just grounds
-To this extremity . Thy husband knew it all .
-
-My husband !
-
-Thy husband .
-
-That she was false to wedlock ?
-
-Ay , with Cassio . Nay , had she been true ,
-If heaven would make me such another world
-Of one entire and perfect chrysolite ,
-I'd not have sold her for it .
-
-My husband !
-
-Ay , 'twas he that told me first :
-An honest man he is , and hates the slime
-That sticks on filthy deeds .
-
-My husband !
-
-What needs this iterance , woman ? I say thy husband .
-
-O mistress ! villany hath made mocks with love .
-My husband say that she was false !
-
-He , woman ;
-I say , thy husband : dost understand the word ?
-My friend , thy husband , honest , honest Iago .
-
-If he say so , may his pernicious soul
-Rot half a grain a day ! he lies to the heart :
-She was too fond of her most filthy bargain .
-
-Ha !
-
-Do thy worst :
-This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven
-Than thou wast worthy her .
-
-Peace ! you were best .
-
-Thou hast not half the power to do me harm
-As I have to be hurt . O gull ! O dolt !
-As ignorant as dirt ! thou hast done a deed ,
-I care not for thy sword ; I'll make thee known ,
-Though I lost twenty lives . Help ! help , ho ! help !
-The Moor has kill'd my mistress ! Murder ! murder !
-
-
-What is the matter ? How now , general !
-
-O ! are you come , Iago ? you have done well ,
-That men must lay their murders on your neck .
-
-What is the matter ?
-
-Disprove this villain if thou be'st a man :
-He says thou told'st him that his wife was false .
-I know thou didst not , thou'rt not such a villain ,
-Speak , for my heart is full .
-
-I told him what I thought , and told no more
-Than what he found himself was apt and true .
-
-But did you ever tell him she was false ?
-
-I did .
-
-You told a lie , an odious damned lie ;
-Upon my soul , a lie , a wicked lie .
-She false with Cassio ! Did you say with Cassio ?
-
-With Cassio , mistress . Go to , charm your tongue .
-
-I will not charm my tongue ; I am bound to speak .
-My mistress here lies murder'd in her bed .
-
-O heavens forfend !
-
-And your reports have set the murder on .
-
-Nay , stare not , masters ; it is true , indeed .
-
-'Tis a strange truth .
-
-O monstrous act !
-
-Villany ! villany ! villany !
-I think upon 't , I think , I smell 't ; O villany !
-I thought so then ; I'll kill myself for grief .
-O ! villany , villany !
-
-What ! are you mad ? I charge you , get you home .
-
-Good gentlemen , let me have leave to speak :
-'Tis proper I obey him , but not now .
-Perchance , Iago , I will ne'er go home .
-
-O ! O ! O !
-
-
-Nay , lay thee down and roar ,
-For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent
-That e'er did lift up eye .
-
-O ! she was foul .
-I scarce did know you , uncle . There lies your niece ,
-Whose breath , indeed , these hands have newly stopp'd :
-I know this act shows terrible and grim .
-
-Poor Desdemona ! I am glad thy father's dead .
-Thy match was mortal to him , and pure grief
-Shore his old thread in twain : did he live now ,
-This sight would make him do a desperate turn ,
-Yea , curse his better angel from his side ,
-And fall to reprobation .
-
-'Tis pitiful ; but yet Iago knows
-That she with Cassio hath the act of shame
-A thousand times committed ; Cassio confess'd it :
-And she did gratify his amorous works
-With that recognizance and pledge of love
-Which I first gave her . I saw it in his hand :
-It was a handkerchief , an antique token
-My father gave my mother .
-
-O heaven ! O heavenly powers !
-
-Come , hold your peace .
-
-'Twill out , 'twill out ; I hold my peace , air ? no ;
-No , I will speak as liberal as the north ;
-Let heaven and men and devils , let them all ,
-All , all , cry shame against me , yet I'll speak .
-
-Be wise , and get you home .
-
-I will not .
-
-
-Fie !
-Your sword upon a woman ?
-
-O thou dull Moor ! that handkerchief thou speak'st of
-I found by fortune and did give my husband ;
-For often , with a solemn earnestness ,
-More than , indeed , belong'd to such a trifle ,
-He begg'd of me to steal it .
-
-Villanous whore !
-
-She give it Cassio ! no , alas ! I found it ,
-And I did give 't my husband .
-
-Filth , thou liest !
-
-By heaven , I do not , I do not , gentlemen .
-O murderous coxcomb ! what should such a fool
-Do with so good a wife ?
-
-Are there no stones in heaven
-But what serve for the thunder ? Precious villain !
-
-
-The woman falls : sure , he has kill'd his wife .
-
-Ay , ay ; O ! lay me by my mistress' side .
-
-He's gone ; but his wife's kill'd .
-
-'Tis a notorious villain . Take you this weapon ,
-Which I have here recover'd from the Moor .
-Come , guard the door without ; let him not pass ,
-But kill him rather . I'll after that same villain ,
-For 'tis a damned slave .
-
-
-I am not valiant neither ,
-But every puny whipster gets my sword .
-But why should honour outlive honesty ?
-Let it go all .
-
-What did thy song bode , lady ?
-Hark , canst thou hear me ? I will play the swan ,
-And die in music :
-Willow , willow , willow .
-Moor , she was chaste ; she lov'd thee , cruel Moor ;
-So come my soul to bliss as I speak true ;
-So speaking as I think , I die , I die .
-
-
-I have another weapon in this chamber ;
-It is a sword of Spain , the ice brook's temper .
-O ! here it is . Uncle , I must come forth .
-
-If thou attempt it , it will cost thee dear :
-Thou hast no weapon , and perforce must suffer .
-
-Look in upon me then , and speak with me ,
-Or , naked as I am , I will assault thee .
-
-
-What is the matter ?
-
-Behold ! I have a weapon ;
-A better never did itself sustain
-Upon a soldier's thigh : I have seen the day ,
-That with this little arm , and this good sword ,
-I have made my way through more impediments
-Than twenty times your stop : but , O vain boast !
-Who can control his fate ? 'tis not so now .
-Be not afraid , though you do see me weapon'd ;
-Here is my journey's end , here is my butt ,
-And very sea-mark of my utmost sail .
-Do you go back dismay'd ? 'tis a lost fear ;
-Man but a rush against Othello's breast ,
-And he retires . Where should Othello go ?
-Now how dost thou look now ? O ill-starr'd wench !
-Pale as thy smock ! when we shall meet at compt ,
-This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven ,
-And fiends will snatch at it . Cold , cold , my girl !
-Even like thy chastity .
-O ! cursed , cursed slave . Whip me , ye devils ,
-From the possession of this heavenly sight !
-Blow me about in winds ! roast me in sulphur !
-Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire !
-O Desdemona ! Desdemona ! dead !
-Oh ! Oh ! Oh !
-
-
-Where is this rash and most unfortunate man ?
-
-That's he that was Othello ; here I am .
-
-Where is that viper ? bring the villain forth .
-
-I look down towards his feet ; but that's a fable .
-If that thou be'st a devil , I cannot kill thee .
-
-
-Wrench his sword from him .
-
-I bleed , sir ; but not kill'd .
-
-I am not sorry neither ; I'd have thee live ;
-For , in my sense , 'tis happiness to die .
-
-O thou Othello ! that wert once so good ,
-Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave ,
-What shall be said to thee ?
-
-Why , any thing :
-An honourable murderer , if you will ;
-For nought did I in hate , but all in honour .
-
-This wretch hath part confess'd his villany :
-Did you and he consent in Cassio's death ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Dear general , I never gave you cause .
-
-I do believe it , and I ask your pardon .
-Will you , I pray , demand that demi-devil
-Why he hath thus ensnar'd my soul and body ?
-
-Demand me nothing : what you know , you know :
-From this time forth I never will speak word .
-
-What ! not to pray ?
-
-Torments will ope your lips .
-
-Well , thou dost best .
-
-Sir , you shall understand what hath befall'n ,
-Which , as I think , you know not . Here is a letter
-Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo ,
-And here another ; the one of them imports
-The death of Cassio to be undertook
-By Roderigo .
-
-O villain !
-
-Most heathenish and most gross !
-
-Now here's another discontented paper ,
-Found in his pocket too ; and this , it seems ,
-Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain ,
-But that , belike , Iago in the interim
-Came in and satisfied him .
-
-O the pernicious caitiff !
-How came you , Cassio , by that handkerchief
-That was my wife's ?
-
-I found it in my chamber ;
-And he himself confess'd but even now
-That there he dropp'd it for a special purpose
-Which wrought to his desire .
-
-O fool ! fool ! fool !
-
-There is besides in Roderigo's letter
-How he upbraids Iago that he made him
-Brave me upon the watch ; whereon it came
-That I was cast : and even but now he spake ,
-After long seeming dead , Iago hurt him ,
-Iago set him on .
-
-You must forsake this room and go with us ;
-Your power and your command is taken off ,
-And Cassio rules in Cyprus . For this slave ,
-If there be any cunning cruelty
-That can torment him much and hold him long ,
-It shall be his . You shall close prisoner rest .
-Till that the nature of your fault be known
-To the Venetian state . Come , bring him away .
-
-Soft you ; a word or two before you go .
-I have done the state some service , and they know't ;
-No more of that . I pray you , in your letters ,
-When you shall these unlucky deeds relate ,
-Speak of me as I am ; nothing extenuate ,
-Nor set down aught in malice : then , must you speak
-Of one that lov'd not wisely but too well ;
-Of one not easily jealous , but , being wrought ,
-Perplex'd in the extreme ; of one whose hand ,
-Like the base Indian , threw a pearl away
-Richer than all his tribe ; of one whose subdu'd eyes
-Albeit unused to the melting mood ,
-Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
-Their med'cinable gum . Set you down this ;
-And say besides , that in Aleppo once ,
-Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk
-Beat a Venetian and traduc'd the state ,
-I took by the throat the circumcised dog ,
-And smote him thus .
-
-
-O bloody period !
-
-All that's spoke is marr'd .
-
-I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee ; no way but this ,
-
-Killing myself to die upon a kiss .
-
-
-This did I fear , but thought he had no weapon ;
-For he was great of heart .
-
-O Spartan dog !
-More fell than anguish , hunger , or the sea .
-Look on the tragic loading of this bed ;
-This is thy work ; the object poisons sight ;
-Let it be hid . Gratiano , keep the house ,
-And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor ,
-For they succeed on you . To you , lord governor ,
-Remains the censure of this hellish villain ,
-The time , the place , the torture ; O ! enforce it .
-Myself will straight aboard , and to the state
-This heavy act with heavy heart relate .
-
-ROMEO AND JULIET
-
-Two households , both alike in dignity ,
-In fair Verona , where we lay our scene ,
-From ancient grudge break to new mutiny ,
-Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean .
-From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
-A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life ;
-Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows
-Do with their death bury their parents' strife .
-The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love ,
-And the continuance of their parents' rage ,
-Which , but their children's end , nought could remove ,
-Is now the two hours' traffick of our stage ;
-The which if you with patient ears attend ,
-What here shall miss , our toil shall strive to mend .
-
-Gregory , o' my word , we'll not carry coals .
-
-No . for then we should be colliers .
-
-I mean , an we be in choler , we'll draw .
-
-Ay , while you live , draw your neck out o' the collar .
-
-I strike quickly , being moved .
-
-But thou art not quickly moved to strike .
-
-A dog of the house of Montague moves me .
-
-To move is to stir , and to be valiant is to stand ; therefore , if thou art moved , thou runnest away .
-
-A dog of that house shall move me to stand : I will take the wall of any man or maid of Montague's .
-
-That shows thee a weak slave ; for the weakest goes to the wall .
-
-'Tis true ; and therefore women , being the weaker vessels , are ever thrust to the wall : therefore I will push Montague's men from the wall , and thrust his maids to the wall .
-
-The quarrel is between our masters and us their men .
-
-'Tis all one , I will show myself a tyrant : when I have fought with the men , I will be cruel with the maids ; I will cut off their heads .
-
-The heads of the maids ?
-
-Ay , the heads of the maids , or their maidenheads ; take it in what sense thou wilt .
-
-They must take it in sense that feel it .
-
-Me they shall feel while I am able to stand ; and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh .
-
-'Tis well thou art not fish ; if thou hadst , thou hadst been poor John . Draw thy tool ; here comes two of the house of the Montagues .
-
-
-My naked weapon is out ; quarrel , I will back thee .
-
-How ! turn thy back and run ?
-
-Fear me not .
-
-No , marry ; I fear thee !
-
-Let us take the law of our sides ; let them begin .
-
-I will frown as I pass by , and let them take it as they list .
-
-Nay , as they dare . I will bite my thumb at them ; which is a disgrace to them , if they bear it .
-
-Do you bite your thumb at us , sir ?
-
-I do bite my thumb , sir .
-
-Do you bite your thumb at us , sir ?
-
-Is the law of our side if I say ay ?
-
-No .
-
-No , sir , I do not bite my thumb at you , sir ; but I bite my thumb , sir .
-
-Do you quarrel , sir ?
-
-Quarrel , sir ! no , sir .
-
-If you do , sir , I am for you : I serve as good a man as you .
-
-No better .
-
-Well , sir .
-
-Say , 'better ;' here comes one of my master's kinsmen .
-
-Yes , better , sir .
-
-You lie .
-
-Draw , if you be men . Gregory , remember thy swashing blow .
-
-Part , fools !
-Put up your swords ; you know not what you do .
-
-What ! art thou drawn among these heartless hinds ?
-Turn-thee , Benvolio , look upon thy death .
-
-I do but keep the peace : put up thy sword ,
-Or manage it to part these men with me .
-
-What ! drawn , and talk of peace ? I hate the word ,
-As I hate hell , all Montagues , and thee .
-Have at thee , coward !
-
-
-Clubs , bills , and partisans ! strike ! beat them down !
-Down with the Capulets ! down with the Montagues !
-
-
-What noise is this ? Give me my long sword , ho !
-
-A crutch , a crutch ! Why call you for a sword ?
-
-My sword , I say ! Old Montague is come ,
-And flourishes his blade in spite of me .
-
-
-Thou villain Capulet ! Hold me not ; let me go .
-
-Thou shalt not stir one foot to seek a foe .
-
-
-Rebellious subjects , enemies to peace ,
-Profaners of this neighbour-stained steel ,
-Will they not hear ? What ho ! you men , you beasts ,
-That quench the fire of your pernicious rage
-With purple fountains issuing from your veins ,
-On pain of torture , from those bloody hands
-Throw your mis-temper'd weapons to the ground ,
-And hear the sentence of your moved prince .
-Three civil brawls , bred of an airy word ,
-By thee , old Capulet , and Montague ,
-Have thrice disturb'd the quiet of our streets ,
-And made Verona's ancient citizens
-Cast by their grave beseeming ornaments ,
-To wield old partisans , in hands as old ,
-Canker'd with peace , to part your canker'd hate .
-If ever you disturb our streets again
-Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace .
-For this time , all the rest depart away :
-You , Capulet , shall go along with me ;
-And , Montague , come you this afternoon
-To know our further pleasure in this case ,
-To old Free-town , our common judgment-place .
-Once more , on pain of death , all men depart .
-
-
-Who set this ancient quarrel new a-broach ?
-Speak , nephew , were you by when it began ?
-
-Here were the servants of your adversary
-And yours close fighting ere I did approach :
-I drew to part them ; in the instant came
-The fiery Tybalt , with his sword prepar'd ,
-Which , as he breath'd defiance to my ears ,
-He swung about his head , and cut the winds ,
-Who , nothing hurt withal hiss'd him in scorn .
-While we were interchanging thrusts and blows ,
-Came more and more , and fought on part and part ,
-Till the prince came , who parted either part .
-
-O ! where is Romeo ? saw you him to-day ?
-Right glad I am he was not at this fray .
-
-Madam , an hour before the worshipp'd sun
-Peer'd forth the golden window of the east ,
-A troubled mind drave me to walk abroad ;
-Where , underneath the grove of sycamore
-That westward rooteth from the city's side ,
-So early walking did I see your son :
-Towards him I made ; but he was ware of me ,
-And stole into the covert of the wood :
-I , measuring his affections by my own ,
-That most are busied when they're most alone ,
-Pursu'd my humour not pursuing his ,
-And gladly shunn'd who gladly fled from me .
-
-Many a morning hath he there been seen ,
-With tears augmenting the fresh morning's dew ,
-Adding to clouds more clouds with his deep sighs :
-But all so soon as the all-cheering sun
-Should in the furthest east begin to draw
-The shady curtains from Aurora's bed ,
-Away from light steals home my heavy son ,
-And private in his chamber pens himself ,
-Shuts up his windows , locks fair daylight out ,
-And makes himself an artificial night .
-Black and portentous must this humour prove
-Unless good-counsel may the cause remove .
-
-My noble uncle , do you know the cause ?
-
-I neither know it nor can learn of him .
-
-Have you importun'd him by any means ?
-
-Both by myself and many other friends :
-But he , his own affections' counsellor ,
-Is to himself , I will not say how true ,
-But to himself so secret and so close ,
-So far from sounding and discovery ,
-As is the bud bit with an envious worm ,
-Ere he can spread his sweet leaves to the air ,
-Or dedicate his beauty to the sun .
-Could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow ,
-We would as willingly give cure as know .
-
-See where he comes : so please you , step aside ;
-I'll know his grievance , or be much denied .
-
-I would thou wert so happy by thy stay ,
-To hear true shrift . Come , madam , let's away .
-
-Good morrow , cousin .
-
-Is the day so young ?
-
-But new struck nine .
-
-Ay me ! sad hours seem long .
-Was that my father that went hence so fast ?
-
-It was . What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours ?
-
-Not having that , which having , makes them short .
-
-In love ?
-
-Out
-
-Of love ?
-
-Out of her favour , where I am in love .
-
-Alas ! that love , so gentle in his view ,
-Should be so tyrannous and rough in proof .
-
-Alas ! that love , whose view is muffled still ,
-Should , without eyes , see pathways to his will .
-Where shall we dine ? O me ! What fray was here ?
-Yet tell me not , for I have heard it all .
-Here's much to do with hate , but more with love :
-Why then , O brawling love ! O loving hate !
-O any thing ! of nothing first create .
-O heavy lightness ! serious vanity !
-Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms !
-Feather of lead , bright smoke , cold fire , sick health !
-Still-waking sleep , that is not what it is !
-This love feel I , that feel no love in this .
-Dost thou not laugh ?
-
-No , coz , I rather weep .
-
-Good heart , at what ?
-
-At thy good heart's oppression .
-
-Why , such is love's transgression .
-Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast ,
-Which thou wilt propagate to have it press'd
-With more of thine : this love that thou hast shown
-Doth add more grief to too much of mine own .
-Love is a smoke rais'd with the fume of sighs ;
-Being purg'd , a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes ;
-Being vex'd , a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears :
-What is it else ? a madness most discreet ,
-A choking gall , and a preserving sweet .
-Farewell , my coz .
-
-
-Soft , I will go along ;
-An if you leave me so , you do me wrong .
-
-Tut ! I have lost myself ; I am not here ;
-This is not Romeo , he's some other where .
-
-Tell me in sadness , who is that you love .
-
-What ! shall I groan and tell thee ?
-
-Groan ! why , no ;
-But sadly tell me who .
-
-Bid a sick man in sadness make his will ;
-Ah ! word ill urg'd to one that is so ill .
-In sadness , cousin , I do love a woman .
-
-I aim'd so near when I suppos'd you lov'd .
-
-A right good mark-man ! And she's fair I love .
-
-A right fair mark , fair coz , is soonest hit .
-
-Well , in that hit you miss : she'll not be hit
-With Cupid's arrow ; she hath Dian's wit ;
-And , in strong proof of chastity well arm'd ,
-From love's weak childish bow she lives unharm'd .
-She will not stay the siege of loving terms ,
-Nor bide the encounter of assailing eyes ,
-Nor ope her lap to saint-seducing gold :
-O ! she is rich in beauty ; only poor
-That , when she dies , with beauty dies her store .
-
-Then she hath sworn that she will still live chaste ?
-
-She hath , and in that sparing makes huge waste ;
-For beauty , starv'd with her severity ,
-Cuts beauty off from all posterity .
-She is too fair , too wise , wisely too fair ,
-To merit bliss by making me despair :
-She hath forsworn to love , and in that vow
-Do I live dead that live to tell it now .
-
-Be rul'd by me ; forget to think of her .
-
-O ! teach me how I should forget to think .
-
-By giving liberty unto thine eyes :
-Examine other beauties .
-
-'Tis the way
-To call hers exquisite , in question more .
-These happy masks that kiss fair ladies' brows
-Being black put us in mind they hide the fair ;
-He , that is strucken blind cannot forget
-The precious treasure of his eyesight lost :
-Show me a mistress that is passing fair ,
-What doth her beauty serve but as a note
-Where I may read who pass'd that passing fair ?
-Farewell : thou canst not teach me to forget .
-
-I'll pay that doctrine , or else die in debt .
-
-
-But Montague is bound as well as I ,
-In penalty alike ; and 'tis not hard , I think ,
-For men so old as we to keep the peace .
-
-Of honourable reckoning are you both ;
-And pity 'tis you liv'd at odds so long .
-But now , my lord , what say you to my suit ?
-
-But saying o'er what I have said before :
-My child is yet a stranger in the world ,
-She hath not seen the change of fourteen years ;
-Let two more summers wither in their pride
-Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride .
-
-Younger than she are happy mothers made .
-
-And too soon marr'd are those so early made .
-Earth hath swallow'd all my hopes but she ,
-She is the hopeful lady of my earth :
-But woo her , gentle Paris , get her heart ,
-My will to her consent is but a part ;
-An she agree , within her scope of choice
-Lies my consent and fair according voice .
-This night I hold an old accustom'd feast ,
-Whereto I have invited many a guest
-Such as I love ; and you , among the store ,
-One more , most welcome , makes my number more .
-At my poor house look to behold this night
-Earth-treading stars that make dark heaven light :
-Such comfort as do lusty young men feel
-When well-apparel'd April on the heel
-Of limping winter treads , even such delight
-Among fresh female buds shall you this night
-Inherit at my house ; hear all , all see ,
-And like her most whose merit most shall be :
-Which on more view , of many mine being one
-May stand in number , though in reckoning none .
-Come , go with me .
-
-Go , sirrah , trudge about
-Through fair Verona ; find those persons out
-Whose names are written there , and to them say ,
-My house and welcome on their pleasure stay .
-
-
-Find them out whose names are written here ! It is written that the shoemaker should meddle with his yard , and the tailor with his last , the fisher with his pencil , and the painter with his nets ; but I am sent to find those persons , whose names are here writ , and can never find what names the writing person hath here writ . I must to the learned . In good time .
-
-
-Tut ! man , one fire burns out another's burning ,
-One pain is lessen'd by another's anguish ;
-Turn giddy , and be holp by backward turning ;
-One desperate grief cures with another's languish :
-Take thou some new infection to thy eye ,
-And the rank poison of the old will die .
-
-Your plantain leaf is excellent for that .
-
-For what , I pray thee ?
-
-For your broken shin .
-
-Why , Romeo , art thou mad ?
-
-Not mad , but bound more than a madman is ;
-Shut up in prison , kept without my food ,
-Whipp'd and tormented , and Good den , good fellow .
-
-God gi' good den . I pray , sir , can you read ?
-
-Ay , mine own fortune in my misery .
-
-Perhaps you have learn'd it without book : but , I pray , can you read any thing you see ?
-
-Ay , if I know the letters and the language .
-
-Ye say honestly ; rest you merry !
-
-
-Stay , fellow ; I can read .
-Signior Martino and his wife and daughters ; County Anselme and his beauteous sisters ; the lady widow of Vitruvio ; Signior Placentio , and his lovely nieces ; Mercutio and his brother Valentine ; mine uncle Capulet , his wife and daughters ; my fair niece Rosaline ; Livia ; Signior Valentio and his cousin Tybalt ; Lucio and the lively Helena .
-A fair assembly : whither should they come ?
-
-Up .
-
-Whither ?
-
-To supper ; to our house .
-
-Whose house ?
-
-My master's .
-
-Indeed , I should have asked you that before .
-
-Now I'll tell you without asking . My master is the great rich Capulet ; and if you be not of the house of Montagues , I pray , come and crush a cup of wine . Rest you merry !
-
-
-At this same ancient feast of Capulet's ,
-Sups the fair Rosaline , whom thou so lov'st ,
-With all the admired beauties of Verona :
-Go thither ; and , with unattainted eye
-Compare her face with some that I shall show ,
-And I will make thee think thy swan a crow .
-
-When the devout religion of mine eye
-Maintains such falsehood , then turn tears to fires !
-And these , who often drown'd could never die ,
-Transparent heretics , be burnt for liars !
-One fairer than my love ! the all-seeing sun
-Ne'er saw her match since first the world begun .
-
-Tut ! you saw her fair , none else being by ,
-Herself pois'd with herself in either eye ;
-But in that crystal scales let there be weigh'd
-Your lady's love against some other maid
-That I will show you shining at this feast ,
-And she shall scant show well that now shows best .
-
-I'll go along , no such sight to be shown ,
-But to rejoice in splendour of mine own .
-
-
-Nurse , where's my daughter ? call her forth to me .
-
-Now , by my maidenhead , at twelve year old ,
-I bade her come . What , lamb ! what , ladybird !
-God forbid ! where's this girl ? what , Juliet !
-
-
-How now ! who calls ?
-
-Your mother .
-
-Madam , I am here .
-What is your will ?
-
-This is the matter . Nurse , give leave awhile .
-We must talk in secret : nurse , come back again ;
-I have remember'd me , thou's hear our counsel .
-Thou know'st my daughter's of a pretty age .
-
-Faith , I can tell her age unto an hour .
-
-She's not fourteen .
-
-I'll lay fourteen of my teeth
-And yet to my teen be it spoken I have but four
-She is not fourteen . How long is it now
-To Lammas-tide ?
-
-A fortnight and odd days .
-
-Even or odd , of all days in the year ,
-Come Lammas-eve at night shall she be fourteen .
-Susan and she God rest all Christian souls !
-Were of an age . Well , Susan is with God ;
-She was too good for me . But , as I said ,
-On Lammas-eve at night shall she be fourteen ;
-That shall she , marry ; I remember it well .
-'Tis since the earthquake now eleven years ;
-And she was wean'd , I never shall forget it ,
-Of all the days of the year , upon that day ;
-For I had then laid wormwood to my dug ,
-Sitting in the sun under the dove-house wall ;
-My lord and you were then at Mantua .
-Nay , I do bear a brain :but , as I said ,
-When it did taste the wormwood on the nipple
-Of my dug and felt it bitter , pretty fool !
-To see it tetchy and fall out with the dug .
-'Shake ,' quoth the dove-house : 'twas no need , I trow ,
-To bid me trudge :
-And since that time it is eleven years ;
-For then she could stand high lone ; nay , by the rood ,
-She could have run and waddled all about ;
-For even the day before she broke her brow :
-And then my husband God be with his soul !
-A' was a merry man took up the child :
-'Yea ,' quoth he , 'dost thou fall upon thy face ?
-Thou wilt fall backward when thou hast more wit ;
-Wilt thou not , Jule ?' and , by my halidom ,
-The pretty wretch left crying , and said 'Ay .'
-To see now how a jest shall come about !
-I warrant , an I should live a thousand years ,
-I never should forget it : 'Wilt thou not , Jule ?' quoth he ;
-And , pretty fool , it stinted and said 'Ay .'
-
-Enough of this ; I pray thee , hold thy peace .
-
-Yes , madam . Yet I cannot choose but laugh ,
-To think it should leave crying , and say 'Ay .'
-And yet , I warrant , it had upon its brow
-A bump as big as a young cockerel's stone ;
-A parlous knock ; and it cried bitterly :
-'Yea ,' quoth my husband , 'fall'st upon thy face ?
-Thou wilt fall backward when thou com'st to age ;
-Wilt thou not , Jule ?' it stinted and said 'Ay .'
-
-And stint thou too , I pray thee , nurse , say I .
-
-Peace , I have done . God mark thee to his grace !
-Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er I nursed :
-An I might live to see thee married once ,
-I have my wish .
-
-Marry , that 'marry' is the very theme
-I came to talk of . Tell me , daughter Juliet ,
-How stands your disposition to be married ?
-
-It is an honour that I dream not of .
-
-An honour ! were not I thine only nurse ,
-I would say thou hadst suck'd wisdom from thy teat .
-
-Well , think of marriage now ; younger than you ,
-Here in Verona , ladies of esteem ,
-Are made already mothers : by my count ,
-I was your mother much upon these years
-That you are now a maid . Thus then in brief ,
-The valiant Paris seeks you for his love .
-
-A man , young lady ! lady , such a man
-As all the world why , he's a man of wax .
-
-Verona's summer hath not such a flower .
-
-Nay , he's a flower ; in faith , a very flower .
-
-What say you ? can you love the gentleman ?
-This night you shall behold him at our feast ;
-Read o'er the volume of young Paris' face
-And find delight writ there with beauty's pen ;
-Examine every married lineament ,
-And see how one another lends content ;
-And what obscur'd in this fair volume lies
-Find written in the margent of his eyes .
-This precious book of love , this unbound lover ,
-To beautify him , only lacks a cover :
-The fish lives in the sea , and 'tis much pride
-For fair without the fair within to hide :
-That book in many eyes doth share the glory ,
-That in gold clasps locks in the golden story :
-So shall you share all that he doth possess ,
-By having him making yourself no less .
-
-No less ! nay , bigger ; women grow by men .
-
-Speak briefly , can you like of Paris' love ?
-
-I'll look to like , if looking liking move ;
-But no more deep will I endart mine eye
-Than your consent gives strength to make it fly .
-
-
-Madam , the guests are come , supper served up , you called , my young lady asked for , the nurse cursed in the pantry , and everything in extremity . I must hence to wait ; I beseech you , follow straight .
-
-We follow thee . Juliet , the county stays .
-
-Go , girl , seek happy nights to happy days .
-
-
-What ! shall this speech be spoke for our excuse ,
-Or shall we on without apology ?
-
-The date is out of such prolixity :
-We'll have no Cupid hood-wink'd with a scarf ,
-Bearing a Tartar's painted bow of lath ,
-Scaring the ladies like a crow-keeper ;
-Nor no without-book prologue , faintly spoke
-After the prompter , for our entrance :
-But , let them measure us by what they will ,
-We'll measure them a measure , and be gone .
-
-Give me a torch : I am not for this ambling ;
-Being but heavy , I will bear the light .
-
-Nay , gentle Romeo , we must have you dance .
-
-Not I , believe me : you have dancing shoes
-With nimble soles ; I have a soul of lead
-So stakes me to the ground I cannot move .
-
-You are a lover ; borrow Cupid's wings ,
-And soar with them above a common bound .
-
-I am too sore enpierced with his shaft
-To soar with his light feathers ; and so bound
-I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe :
-Under love's heavy burden do I sink .
-
-And , to sink in it , should you burden love ;
-Too great oppression for a tender thing .
-
-Is love a tender thing ? it is too rough ,
-Too rude , too boisterous ; and it pricks like thorn .
-
-If love be rough with you , be rough with love ;
-Prick love for pricking , and you beat love down .
-Give me a case to put my visage in :
-
-A visor for a visor ! what care I ,
-What curious eye doth quote deformities ?
-Here are the beetle brows shall blush for me .
-
-Come , knock and enter ; and no sooner in ,
-But every man betake him to his legs .
-
-A torch for me ; let wantons , light of heart ,
-Tickle the senseless rushes with their heels ,
-For I am proverb'd with a grandsire phrase ;
-I'll be a candle holder , and look on .
-The game was ne'er so fair , and I am done .
-
-Tut ! dun's the mouse , the constable's own word .
-If thou art Dun , we'll draw thee from the mire ,
-Of save your reverence love , wherein thou stick'st
-Up to the ears . Come , we burn daylight , ho !
-
-Nay , that's not so .
-
-I mean , sir , in delay
-We waste our lights in vain , like lamps by day .
-Take our good meaning , for our judgment sits
-Five times in that ere once in our five wits .
-
-And we mean well in going to this masque ;
-But 'tis no wit to go .
-
-Why , may one ask ?
-
-I dream'd a dream to-night .
-
-And so did I .
-
-Well , what was yours ?
-
-That dreamers often lie .
-
-In bed asleep , while they do dream things true .
-
-O ! then , I see , Queen Mab hath been with you .
-
-Queen Mab ! What's she ?
-
-She is the fairies' midwife , and she comes
-In shape no bigger than an agate-stone
-On the fore-finger of an alderman ,
-Drawn with a team of little atomies
-Athwart men's noses as they lie asleep :
-Her waggon-spokes made of long spinners' legs ;
-The cover , of the wings of grasshoppers ;
-The traces , of the smallest spider's web ;
-The collars , of the moonshine's watery beams ;
-Her whip , of cricket's bone ; the lash , of film ;
-Her waggoner , a small grey-coated gnat ,
-Not half so big as a round little worm
-Prick'd from the lazy finger of a maid ;
-Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut ,
-Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub ,
-Time out o' mind the fairies' coach-makers .
-And in this state she gallops night by night
-Through lovers' brains , and then they dream of love ;
-O'er courtiers' knees , that dream on curtsies straight ;
-O'er lawyers' fingers , who straight dream on fees ;
-O'er ladies' lips , who straight on kisses dream ;
-Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues ,
-Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are .
-Sometimes she gallops o'er a courtier's nose ,
-And then dreams he of smelling out a suit ;
-And sometimes comes she with a tithe pig's tail ,
-Tickling a parson's nose as a' lies asleep ,
-Then dreams he of another benefice ;
-Sometime she driveth o'er a soldier's neck ,
-And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats ,
-Of breaches , ambuscadoes , Spanish bladed ,
-Of healths five fathom deep ; and then anon
-Drums in his ear , at which he starts and wakes ;
-And , being thus frighted , swears a prayer or two ,
-And sleeps again . This is that very Mab
-That plats the manes of horses in the night ;
-And bakes the elf-locks in foul sluttish hairs ,
-Which once untangled much misfortune bodes ;
-This is the hag , when maids lie on their backs ,
-That presses them and learns them first to bear ,
-Making them women of good carriage :
-This is she
-
-Peace , peace ! Mercutio , peace !
-Thou talk'st of nothing .
-
-True , I talk of dreams ,
-Which are the children of an idle brain ,
-Begot of nothing but vain fantasy ;
-Which is as thin of substance as the air ,
-And more inconstant than the wind , who woos
-Even now the frozen bosom of the north ,
-And , being anger'd , puffs away from thence ,
-Turning his face to the dew-dropping south .
-
-This wind you talk of blows us from ourselves ;
-Supper is done , and we shall come too late .
-
-I fear too early ; for my mind misgives
-Some consequence yet hanging in the stars
-Shall bitterly begin his fearful date
-With this night's revels , and expire the term
-Of a despised life clos'd in my breast
-By some vile forfeit of untimely death .
-But he , that hath the steerage of my course ,
-Direct my sail !, On , lusty gentlemen .
-
-Strike , drum .
-
-
-Where's Potpan , that he helps not to take away ? he shift a trencher ! he scrape a trencher !
-
-When good manners shall lie all in one or two men's hands , and they unwashed too , 'tis a foul thing .
-
-Away with the joint-stools , remove the court-cupboard , look to the plate . Good thou , save me a piece of marchpane ; and , as thou lovest me , let the porter let in Susan Grindstone and Nell . Antony ! and Potpan !
-
-Ay , boy ; ready .
-
-You are looked for and called for , asked for and sought for in the great chamber .
-
-We cannot be here and there too .
-
-Cheerly , boys ; be brisk awhile , and the longer liver take all .
-
-Welcome , gentlemen ! ladies that have their toes
-Unplagu'd with corns will walk a bout with you .
-Ah ha ! my mistresses , which of you all
-Will now deny to dance ? she that makes dainty , she ,
-I'll swear , hath corns ; am I come near ye now ?
-Welcome , gentlemen ! I have seen the day
-That I have worn a visor , and could tell
-A whispering tale in a fair lady's ear
-Such as would please ; 'tis gone , 'tis gone , 'tis gone .
-You are welcome , gentlemen ! Come , musicians , play .
-A hall ! a hall ! give room , and foot it , girls .
-
-More light , ye knaves ! and turn the tables up ,
-And quench the fire , the room has grown too hot .
-Ah ! sirrah , this unlook'd-for sport comes well .
-Nay , sit , nay , sit , good cousin Capulet ,
-For you and I are past our dancing days ;
-How long is 't now since last yourself and I
-Were in a mask ?
-
-By'r Lady , thirty years .
-
-What , man ! 'tis not so much , 'tis not so much :
-'Tis since the nuptial of Lucentio ,
-Come Pentecost as quickly as it will ,
-Some five and twenty years ; and then we mask'd .
-
-'Tis more , 'tis more ; his son is older , sir .
-His son is thirty .
-
-Will you tell me that ?
-His son was but a ward two years ago .
-
-What lady is that which doth enrich the hand
-Of yonder knight ?
-
-I know not , sir .
-
-O ! she doth teach the torches to burn bright .
-It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
-Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear ;
-Beauty too rich for use , for earth too dear !
-So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows ,
-As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows .
-The measure done , I'll watch her place of stand ,
-And , touching hers , make blessed my rude hand .
-Did my heart love till now ? forswear it , sight !
-For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night .
-
-This , by his voice , should be a Montague .
-Fetch me my rapier , boy . What ! dares the slave
-Come hither , cover'd with an antick face ,
-To fleer and scorn at our solemnity ?
-Now , by the stock and honour of my kin ,
-To strike him dead I hold it not a sin .
-
-Why , how now , kinsman ! wherefore storm you so ?
-
-Uncle , this is a Montague , our foe ;
-A villain that is hither come in spite ,
-To scorn at our solemnity this night .
-
-Young Romeo , is it ?
-
-'Tis he , that villain Romeo .
-
-Content thee , gentle coz , let him alone :
-He bears him like a portly gentleman ;
-And , to say truth , Verona brags of him
-To be a virtuous and well-govern'd youth .
-I would not for the wealth of all this town
-Here in my house do him disparagement ;
-Therefore be patient , take no note of him :
-It is my will ; the which if thou respect ,
-Show a fair presence and put off these frowns ,
-An ill-beseeming semblance for a feast .
-
-It fits , when such a villain is a guest :
-I'll not endure him .
-
-He shall be endur'd :
-What ! goodman boy ; I say , he shall , go to ;
-Am I the master here , or you ? go to .
-You'll not endure him ! God shall mend my soul !
-You'll make a mutiny among my guests !
-You will set cock-a-hoop ! you'll be the man !
-
-Why , uncle , 'tis a shame .
-
-Go to , go to ;
-You are a saucy boy is't so indeed ?
-This trick may chance to scathe you .I know what :
-You must contrary me ! marry , 'tis time .
-Well said , my hearts ! You are a princox ; go :
-Be quiet , or More light , more light !For shame !
-I'll make you quiet . What ! cheerly , my hearts !
-
-Patience perforce with wilful choler meeting
-Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting .
-I will withdraw ; but this intrusion shall
-Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall .
-
-
-If I profane with my unworthiest hand
-This holy shrine , the gentle sin is this ;
-My lips , two blushing pilgrims , ready stand
-To smooth that rough touch with a tenderkiss .
-
-Good pilgrim , you do wrong your hand too much ,
-Which mannerly devotion shows in this ;
-For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch ,
-And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss .
-
-Have not saints lips , and holy palmers too ?
-
-Ay , pilgrim , lips that they must use in prayer .
-
-O ! then , dear saint , let lips do what hands do ;
-They pray , grant thou , lest faith turn to despair .
-
-Saints do not move , though grant for prayers' sake .
-
-Then move not , while my prayers' effect I take .
-Thus from my lips , by thine , my sin is purg'd .
-
-
-Then have my lips the sin that they have took .
-
-Sin from my lips ? O trespass sweetly urg'd !
-Give me my sin again .
-
-You kiss by the book .
-
-Madam , your mother craves a word with you .
-
-What is her mother ?
-
-Marry , bachelor ,
-Her mother is the lady of the house ,
-And a good lady , and a wise , and virtuous :
-I nurs'd her daughter , that you talk'd withal ;
-I tell you he that can lay hold of her
-Shall have the chinks .
-
-Is she a Capulet ?
-O dear account ! my life is my foe's debt .
-
-Away , be gone ; the sport is at the best .
-
-Ay , so I fear ; the more is my unrest .
-
-Nay , gentlemen , prepare not to be gone ;
-We have a trifling foolish banquet towards .
-Is it e'en so ? Why then , I thank you all ;
-I thank you , honest gentlemen ; good-night .
-More torches here ! Come on then , let's to bed .
-Ah ! sirrah , by my fay , it waxes late ;
-I'll to my rest .
-
-
-Come hither , nurse . What is yond gentleman ?
-
-The son and heir of old Tiberio .
-
-What's he that now is going out of door ?
-
-Marry , that , I think , be young Petruchio .
-
-What's he , that follows there , that would not dance ?
-
-I know not .
-
-Go , ask his name .If he be married ,
-My grave is like to be my wedding bed .
-
-His name is Romeo , and a Montague ;
-The only son of your great enemy .
-
-My only love sprung from my only hate !
-Too early seen unknown , and known too late !
-Prodigious birth of love it is to me ,
-That I must love a loathed enemy .
-
-What's this , what's this ?
-
-A rime I learn'd even now
-Of one I danc'd withal .
-
-
-Anon , anon !
-Come , let's away ; the strangers are all gone .
-
-Now old desire doth in his death-bed lie ,
-And young affection gapes to be his heir ;
-That fair for which love groan'd for and would die ,
-With tender Juliet match'd , is now not fair .
-Now Romeo is belov'd and loves again ,
-Alike bewitched by the charm of looks ,
-But to his foe suppos'd he must complain ,
-And she steal love's sweet bait from fearful hooks :
-Being held a foe , he may not have access
-To breathe such vows as lovers us'd to swear ;
-And she as much in love , her means much less
-To meet her new-beloved any where :
-But passion lends them power , time means , to meet ,
-Tempering extremity with extreme sweet .
-
-Can I go forward when my heart is here ?
-Turn back , dull earth , and find thy centre out .
-
-Romeo ! my cousin Romeo !
-
-He is wise ;
-And , on my life , hath stol'n him home to bed .
-
-He ran this way , and leap'd this orchard wall :
-Call , good Mercutio .
-
-Nay , I'll conjure too .
-Romeo ! humours ! madman ! passion ! lover !
-Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh :
-Speak but one rime and I am satisfied ;
-Cry but 'Ay me !' couple but 'love' and 'dove ;'
-Speak to my gossip Venus one fair word .
-One nickname for her purblind son and heir ,
-Young Adam Cupid , he that shot so trim
-When King Cophetua lov'd the beggar-maid .
-He heareth not , he stirreth not , he moveth not ;
-The ape is dead , and I must conjure him .
-I conjure thee by Rosaline's bright eyes ,
-By her high forehead , and her scarlet lip ,
-By her fine foot , straight leg , and quivering thigh ,
-And the demesnes that there adjacent lie ,
-That in thy likeness thou appear to us .
-
-An if he hear thee , thou wilt anger him .
-
-This cannot anger him : 'twould anger him
-To raise a spirit in his mistress' circle
-Of some strange nature , letting it there stand
-Till she had laid it , and conjur'd it down ;
-That were some spite : my invocation
-Is fair and honest , and in his mistress' name
-I conjure only but to raise up him .
-
-Come , he hath hid himself among these trees ,
-To be consorted with the humorous night :
-Blind is his love and best befits the dark .
-
-If love be blind , love cannot hit the mark .
-Now will he sit under a medlar tree ,
-And wish his mistress were that kind of fruit
-As maids call medlars , when they laugh alone .
-O Romeo ! that she were , O ! that she were
-An open et c tera , thou a poperin pear .
-Romeo , good night : I'll to my truckle-bed ;
-This field-bed is too cold for me to sleep :
-Come , shall we go ?
-
-Go , then ; for 'tis in vain
-To seek him here that means not to be found .
-
-
-He jests at scars , that never felt a wound .
-
-But , soft ! what light through yonder window breaks ?
-It is the east , and Juliet is the sun !
-Arise , fair sun , and kill the envious moon ,
-Who is already sick and pale with grief ,
-That thou her maid art far more fair than she :
-Be not her maid , since she is envious ;
-Her vestal livery is but sick and green ,
-And none but fools do wear it ; cast it off .
-It is my lady ; O ! it is my love :
-O ! that she knew she were .
-She speaks , yet she says nothing : what of that ?
-Her eye discourses ; I will answer it .
-I am too bold , 'tis not to me she speaks :
-Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven ,
-Having some business , do entreat her eyes
-To twinkle in their spheres till they return .
-What if her eyes were there , they in her head ?
-The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars
-As daylight doth a lamp ; her eyes in heaven
-Would through the airy region stream so bright
-That birds would sing and think it were not night .
-See ! how she leans her cheek upon her hand :
-O ! that I were a glove upon that hand ,
-That I might touch that cheek .
-
-Ay me !
-
-She speaks :
-O ! speak again , bright angel ; for thou art
-As glorious to this night , being o'er my head ,
-As is a winged messenger of heaven
-Unto the white-upturned wond'ring eyes
-Of mortals , that fall back to gaze on him
-When he bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds ,
-And sails upon the bosom of the air .
-
-O Romeo , Romeo ! wherefore art thou Romeo ?
-Deny thy father , and refuse thy name ;
-Or , if thou wilt not , be but sworn my love ,
-And I'll no longer be a Capulet .
-
-Shall I hear more , or shall I speak at this ?
-
-'Tis but thy name that is my enemy ;
-Thou art thyself though , not a Montague .
-What's Montague ? it is nor hand , nor foot ,
-Nor arm , nor face , nor any other part
-Belonging to a man . O ! be some other name :
-What's in a name ? that which we call a rose
-By any other name would smell as sweet ;
-So Romeo would , were he not Romeo call'd ,
-Retain that dear perfection which he owes
-Without that title . Romeo , doff thy name ;
-And for that name , which is no part of thee ,
-Take all myself .
-
-I take thee at thy word .
-Call me but love , and I'll be new baptiz'd ;
-Henceforth I never will be Romeo .
-
-What man art thou , that , thus bescreen'd in night ,
-So stumblest on my counsel ?
-
-By a name
-I know not how to tall thee who I am :
-My name , dear saint , is hateful to myself ,
-Because it is an enemy to thee :
-Had I it written , I would tear the word .
-
-My ears have not yet drunk a hundred words
-Of that tongue's uttering , yet I know the sound :
-Art thou not Romeo , and a Montague ?
-
-Neither , fair maid , if either thee dislike .
-
-How cam'st thou hither , tell me , and wherefore ?
-The orchard walls are high and hard to climb ,
-And the place death , considering who thou art ,
-If any of my kinsmen find thee here .
-
-With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls ;
-For stony limits cannot hold love out ,
-And what love can do that dares love attempt ;
-Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me .
-
-If they do see thee they will murder thee .
-
-Alack ! there lies more peril in thine eye
-Than twenty of their swords : look thou but sweet ,
-And I am proof against their enmity .
-
-I would not for the world they saw thee here .
-
-I have night's cloak to hide me from their eyes ;
-And but thou love me , let them find me here ;
-My life were better ended by their hate ,
-Than death prorogued , wanting of thy love .
-
-By whose direction found'st thou out this place ?
-
-By Love , that first did prompt me to inquire ;
-He lent me counsel , and I lent him eyes .
-I am no pilot ; yet , wert thou as far
-As that vast shore wash'd with the furthest sea ,
-I would adventure for such merchandise .
-
-Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face ,
-Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
-For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night .
-Fain would I dwell on form , fain , fain deny
-What I have spoke : but farewell compliment !
-Dost thou love me ? I know thou wilt say 'Ay ;'
-And I will take thy word ; yet , if thou swear'st ,
-Thou mayst prove false ; at lovers' perjuries ,
-They say , Jove laughs . O gentle Romeo !
-If thou dost love , pronounce it faithfully :
-Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won ,
-I'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay ,
-So thou wilt woo ; but else , not for the world .
-In truth , fair Montague , I am too fond ,
-And therefore thou mayst think my haviour light :
-But trust me , gentleman , I'll prove more true
-Than those that have more cunning to be strange .
-I should have been more strange , I must confess ,
-But that thou over-heard'st , ere I was 'ware ,
-My true love's passion : therefore pardon me ,
-And not impute this yielding to light love ,
-Which the dark night hath so discovered .
-
-Lady , by yonder blessed moon I swear
-That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops ,
-
-O ! swear not by the moon , the inconstant moon ,
-That monthly changes in her circled orb ,
-Lest that thy love prove likewise variable .
-
-What shall I swear by ?
-
-Do not swear at all ;
-Or , if thou wilt , swear by thy gracious self ,
-Which is the god of my idolatry ,
-And I'll believe thee .
-
-If my heart's dear love
-
-Well , do not swear . Although I joy in thee ,
-I have no joy of this contract to-night :
-It is too rash , too unadvis'd , too sudden ;
-Too like the lightning , which doth cease to be
-Ere one can say it lightens . Sweet , good-night !
-This bud of love , by summer's ripening breath ,
-May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet .
-Good-night , good-night ! as sweet repose and rest
-Come to thy heart as that within my breast !
-
-O ! wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied ?
-
-What satisfaction canst thou have to-night ?
-
-The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine .
-
-I gave thee mine before thou didst request it ;
-And yet I would it were to give again .
-
-Wouldst thou withdraw it ? for what purpose , love ?
-
-But to be frank , and give it thee again .
-And yet I wish but for the thing I have :
-My bounty is as boundless as the sea ,
-My love as deep ; the more I give to thee ,
-The more I have , for both are infinite .
-
-I hear some noise within ; dear love , adieu !
-Anon , good nurse ! Sweet Montague , be true .
-Stay but a little , I will come again .
-
-
-O blessed , blessed night ! I am afeard ,
-Being in night , all this is but a dream ,
-Too flattering-sweet to be substantial .
-
-
-Three words , dear Romeo , and good-night indeed .
-If that thy bent of love be honourable ,
-Thy purpose marriage , send me word to-morrow ,
-By one that I'll procure to come to thee ,
-Where , and what time , thou wilt perform the rite ;
-And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay ,
-And follow thee my lord throughout the world .
-
-Madam !
-
-I come , anon .But if thou mean'st not well ,
-I do beseech thee ,
-
-Madam !
-
-By and by ; I come :
-To cease thy suit , and leave me to my grief :
-To-morrow will I send .
-
-So thrive my soul ,
-
-A thousand times good-night !
-
-
-A thousand times the worse , to want thy light .
-Love goes toward love , as schoolboys from their books ;
-But love from love , toward school with heavy looks .
-
-Hist ! Romeo , hist ! O ! for a falconer's voice ,
-To lure this tassel-gentle back again .
-Bondage is hoarse , and may not speak aloud ,
-Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies ,
-And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine ,
-With repetition of my Romeo's name .
-
-It is my soul that calls upon my name :
-How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by night ,
-Like softest music to attending ears !
-
-Romeo !
-
-My dear !
-
-At what o'clock to-morrow
-Shall I send to thee ?
-
-At the hour of nine .
-
-I will not fail ; 'tis twenty years till then .
-I have forgot why I did call thee back .
-
-Let me stand here till thou remember it .
-
-I shall forget , to have thee still stand there ,
-Remembering how I love thy company .
-
-And I'll still stay , to have thee still forget ,
-Forgetting any other home but this .
-
-'Tis almost morning ; I would have thee gone ;
-And yet no further than a wanton's bird ,
-Who lets it hop a little from her hand ,
-Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves ,
-And with a silk thread plucks it back again ,
-So loving-jealous of his liberty .
-
-I would I were thy bird .
-
-Sweet , so would I :
-Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing .
-Good-night , good-night ! parting is such sweet sorrow
-That I shall say good-night till it be morrow .
-
-
-Sleep dwell upon thine eyes , peace in thy breast !
-Would I were sleep and peace , so sweet to rest !
-Hence will I to my ghostly father's cell ,
-His help to crave , and my dear hap to tell .
-
-
-The grey-ey'd morn smiles on the frowning night ,
-Chequering the eastern clouds with streaks of light ,
-And flecked darkness like a drunkard reels
-From forth day's path and Titan's fiery wheels :
-Now , ere the sun advance his burning eye
-The day to cheer and night's dank dew to dry ,
-I must up-fill this osier cage of ours
-With baleful weeds and precious-juiced flowers .
-The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb ;
-What is her burying grave that is her womb ,
-And from her womb children of divers kind
-We sucking on her natural bosom find ,
-Many for many virtues excellent ,
-None but for some , and yet all different .
-O ! mickle is the powerful grace that lies
-In herbs , plants , stones , and their true qualities :
-For nought so vile that on the earth doth live
-But to the earth some special good doth give ,
-Nor aught so good but strain'd from that fair use
-Revolts from true birth , stumbling on abuse :
-Virtue itself turns vice , being misapplied ,
-And vice sometime's by action dignified .
-Within the infant rind of this weak flower
-Poison hath residence and medicine power :
-For this , being smelt , with that part cheers each part ;
-Being tasted , slays all senses with the heart .
-Two such opposed foes encamp them still
-In man as well as herbs , grace and rude will ;
-And where the worser is predominant ,
-Full soon the canker death eats up that plant .
-
-
-Good morrow , father !
-
-Benedicite !
-What early tongue so sweet saluteth me ?
-Young son , it argues a distemper'd head
-So soon to bid good morrow to thy bed :
-Care keeps his watch in every old man's eye ,
-And where care lodges , sleep will never lie ;
-But where unbruised youth with unstuff'd brain
-Doth couch his limbs , there golden sleep doth reign :
-Therefore thy earliness doth me assure
-Thou art up-rous'd by some distemperature ;
-Or if not so , then here I hit it right ,
-Our Romeo hath not been in bed to-night .
-
-That last is true ; the sweeter rest was mine .
-
-God pardon sin ! wast thou with Rosaline ?
-
-With Rosaline , my ghostly father ? no ;
-I have forgot that name , and that name's woe .
-
-That's my good son : but where hast thou been , then ?
-
-I'll tell thee , ere thou ask it me again .
-I have been feasting with mine enemy ,
-Where on a sudden one hath wounded me ,
-That's by me wounded : both our remedies
-Within thy help and holy physic lies :
-I bear no hatred , blessed man ; for , lo !
-My intercession likewise steads my foe .
-
-Be plain , good son , and homely in thy drift ;
-Riddling confession finds but riddling shrift .
-
-Then plainly know my heart's dear love is set
-On the fair daughter of rich Capulet :
-As mine on hers , so hers is set on mine ;
-And all combin'd , save what thou must combine
-By holy marriage : when and where and how
-We met we woo'd and made exchange of vow ,
-I'll tell thee as we pass ; but this I pray ,
-That thou consent to marry us to-day .
-
-Holy Saint Francis ! what a change is here ;
-Is Rosaline , whom thou didst love so dear ,
-So soon forsaken ? young men's love then lies
-Not truly in their hearts , but in their eyes .
-Jesu Maria ! what a deal of brine
-Hath wash'd thy sallow cheeks for Rosaline ;
-How much salt water thrown away in waste ,
-To season love , that of it doth not taste !
-The sun not yet thy sighs from heaven clears ,
-Thy old groans ring yet in my ancient ears ;
-Lo ! here upon thy cheek the stain doth sit
-Of an old tear that is not wash'd off yet .
-If e'er thou wast thyself and these woes thine ,
-Thou and these woes were all for Rosaline :
-And art thou chang'd ? pronounce this sentence then :
-Women may fall , when there's no strength in men .
-
-Thou chidd'st me oft for loving Rosaline .
-
-For doting , not for loving , pupil mine .
-
-And bad'st me bury love .
-
-Not in a grave ,
-To lay one in , another out to have .
-
-I pray thee , chide not ; she , whom I love now
-Doth grace for grace and love for love allow ;
-The other did not so .
-
-O ! she knew well
-Thy love did read by rote and could not spell .
-But come , young waverer , come , go with me ,
-In one respect I'll thy assistant be ;
-For this alliance may so happy prove ,
-To turn your households' rancour to pure love .
-
-O ! let us hence ; I stand on sudden haste .
-
-Wisely and slow ; they stumble that run fast .
-
-
-Where the devil should this Romeo be ?
-Came he not home to-night ?
-
-Not to his father's ; I spoke with his man .
-
-Why that same pale hard-hearted wench , that Rosaline ,
-Torments him so , that he will sure run mad .
-
-Tybalt , the kinsman of old Capulet ,
-Hath sent a letter to his father's house .
-
-A challenge , on my life .
-
-Romeo will answer it .
-
-Any man that can write may answer a letter .
-
-Nay , he will answer the letter's master , how he dares , being dared .
-
-Alas ! poor Romeo , he is already dead ; stabbed with a white wench's black eye ; shot through the ear with a love-song ; the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind bow-boy's butt-shaft ; and is he a man to encounter Tybalt ?
-
-Why , what is Tybalt ?
-
-More than prince of cats , I can tell you . O ! he is the courageous captain of compliments . He fights as you sing prick-song , keeps time , distance , and proportion ; rests me his minim rest , one , two , and the third in your bosom ; the very butcher of a silk button , a duellist , a duellist ; a gentleman of the very first house , of the first and second cause . Ah ! the immortal passado ! the punto reverso ! the hay !
-
-The what ?
-
-The pox of such antick , lisping , affecting fantasticoes , these new tuners of accents !'By Jesu , a very good blade !a very tall man ! a very good whore .' Why , is not this a lamentable thing , grandsire , that we should be thus afflicted with these strange flies , these fashion-mongers , these pardonnez-mois , who stand so much on the new form that they cannot sit at ease on the old bench ? O , their bons , their bons !
-
-
-Here comes Romeo , here comes Romeo .
-
-Without his roe , like a dried herring . O flesh , flesh , how art thou fishified ! Now is he for the numbers that Petrarch flowed in : Laura to his lady was but a kitchen-wench ; marry , she had a better love to be-rime her ; Dido a dowdy ; Cleopatra a gipsy ; Helen and Hero hildings and harlots ; Thisbe , a grey eye or so , but not to the purpose . Signior Romeo , bon jour ! there's a French salutation to your French slop . You gave us the counterfeit fairly last night .
-
-Good morrow to you both . What counterfeit did I give you ?
-
-The slip , sir , the slip ; can you not conceive ?
-
-Pardon , good Mercutio , my business was great ; and in such a case as mine a man may strain courtesy .
-
-That's as much as to say , such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams .
-
-Meaning to curtsy .
-
-Thou hast most kindly hit it .
-
-A most courteous exposition .
-
-Nay , I am the very pink of courtesy .
-
-Pink for flower .
-
-Right .
-
-Why , then , is my pump well flowered .
-
-Well said ; follow me this jest now till thou hast worn out the pump , that , when the single sole of it is worn , the jest may remain after the wearing sole singular .
-
-O single-soled jest ! solely singular for the singleness .
-
-Come between us , good Benvolio ; my wit faints .
-
-Switch and spurs , switch and spurs ; or I'll cry a match .
-
-Nay , if thy wits run the wild-goose chase , I have done , for thou hast more of the wild-goose in one of thy wits than , I am sure , I have in my whole five . Was I with you there for the goose ?
-
-Thou wast never with me for anything when thou wast not here for the goose .
-
-I will bite thee by the ear for that jest .
-
-Nay , good goose , bite not .
-
-Thy wit is a very bitter sweeting ; it is a most sharp sauce .
-
-And is it not then well served in to a sweet goose ?
-
-O ! here's a wit of cheveril , that stretches from an inch narrow to an ell broad .
-
-I stretch it out for that word 'broad ;' which added to the goose , proves thee far and wide a broad goose .
-
-Why , is not this better now than groaning for love ? now art thou sociable , now art thou Romeo ; now art thou what thou art , by art as well as by nature : for this drivelling love is like a great natural , that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole .
-
-Stop there , stop there .
-
-Thou desirest me to stop in my tale against the hair .
-
-Thou wouldst else have made thy tale large .
-
-O ! thou art deceived ; I would have made it short ; for I was come to the whole depth of my tale , and meant indeed to occupy the argument no longer .
-
-Here's goodly gear !
-
-
-A sail , a sail !
-
-Two , two ; a shirt and a smock .
-
-Peter !
-
-Anon !
-
-My fan , Peter .
-
-Good Peter , to hide her face ; for her fan's the fairer face .
-
-God ye good morrow , gentlemen .
-
-God ye good den , fair gentlewoman .
-
-Is it good den ?
-
-'Tis no less , I tell you ; for the bawdy hand of the dial is now upon the prick of noon .
-
-Out upon you ! what a man are you !
-
-One , gentlewoman , that God hath made for himself to mar .
-
-By my troth , it is well said ; 'for himself to mar ,' quoth a' ?Gentlemen , can any of you tell me where I may find the young Romeo ?
-
-I can tell you ; but young Romeo will be older when you have found him than he was when you sought him : I am the youngest of that name , for fault of a worse .
-
-You say well .
-
-Yea ! is the worst well ? very well took , i' faith ; wisely , wisely .
-
-If you be he , sir , I desire some confidence with you .
-
-She will indite him to some supper .
-
-A bawd , a bawd , a bawd ! So ho !
-
-What hast thou found ?
-
-No hare , sir ; unless a hare , sir , in a lenten pie , that is something stale and hoar ere it be spent .
-
-
-An old hare hoar , and an old hare hoar ,
-Is very good meat in Lent :
-But a hare that is hoar , is too much for a score ,
-When it hoars ere it be spent .
-
-Romeo , will you come to your father's ? we'll to dinner thither .
-
-I will follow you .
-
-Farewell , ancient lady ; farewell , Lady , lady , lady .
-
-
-Marry , farewell ! I pray you , sir , what saucy merchant was this , that was so full of his ropery ?
-
-A gentleman , nurse , that loves to hear himself talk , and will speak more in a minute than he will stand to in a month .
-
-An a' speak anything against me , I'll take him down , an a' were lustier than he is , and twenty such Jacks ; and if I cannot , I'll find those that shall . Scurvy knave ! I am none of his flirt-gills ; I am none of his skeins-mates .
-
-And thou must stand by too , and suffer every knave to use me at his pleasure !
-
-I saw no man use you at his pleasure ; if I had , my weapon should quickly have been out , I warrant you . I dare draw as soon as another man , if I see occasion in a good quarrel , and the law on my side .
-
-Now , afore God , I am so vexed , that every part about me quivers . Scurvy knave ! Pray you , sir , a word ; and as I told you , my young lady bade me inquire you out ; what she bid me say I will keep to myself ; but first let me tell ye , if ye should lead her into a fool's paradise , as they say , it were a very gross kind of behaviour , as they say : for the gentlewoman is young ; and , therefore , if you should deal double with her , truly it were an ill thing to be offered to any gentlewoman , and very weak dealing .
-
-Nurse , commend me to thy lady and mistress . I protest unto thee ,
-
-Good heart ! and i' faith , I will tell her as much . Lord , Lord ! she will be a joyful woman .
-
-What wilt thou tell her , nurse ? thou dost not mark me .
-
-I will tell her , sir , that you do protest ; which , as I take it , is a gentlemanlike offer .
-
-Bid her devise
-Some means to come to shrift this afternoon ;
-And there she shall at Friar Laurence' cell ,
-Be shriv'd and married . Here is for thy pains .
-
-No , truly , sir ; not a penny .
-
-Go to ; I say , you shall .
-
-This afternoon , sir ? well , she shall be there .
-
-And stay , good nurse ; behind the abbey wall :
-Within this hour my man shall be with thee ,
-And bring thee cords made like a tackled stair ;
-Which to the high top-gallant of my joy
-Must be my convoy in the secret night .
-Farewell ! Be trusty , and I'll quit thy pains .
-Farewell ! Commend me to thy mistress .
-
-Now God in heaven bless thee ! Hark you , sir .
-
-What sayst thou , my dear nurse ?
-
-Is your man secret ? Did you ne'er hear say ,
-Two may keep counsel , putting one away ?
-
-I warrant thee my man's as true as steel .
-
-Well , sir ; my mistress is the sweetest lady Lord , Lord !when 'twas a little prating thing ,O ! there's a nobleman in town , one Paris , that would fain lay knife aboard ; but she , good soul , had as lief see a toad , a very toad , as see him . I anger her sometimes and tell her that Paris is the properer man ; but , I'll warrant you , when I say so , she looks as pale as any clout in the versal world . Doth not rosemary and Romeo begin both with a letter ?
-
-Ay , nurse : what of that ? both with an R .
-
-Ah ! mocker ; that's the dog's name . R is for the No ; I know it begins with some other letter : and she had the prettiest sententious of it , of you and rosemary , that it would do you good to hear it .
-
-Commend me to thy lady .
-
-Ay , a thousand times .
-
-Peter !
-
-Anon !
-
-Before , and apace .
-
-
-The clock struck nine when I did send the nurse ;
-In half an hour she promis'd to return .
-Perchance she cannot meet him : that's not so .
-O ! she is lame : love's heralds should be thoughts ,
-Which ten times faster glide than the sun's beams ,
-Driving back shadows over lowering hills :
-Therefore do nimble-pinion'd doves draw Love ,
-And therefore hath the wind-swift Cupid wings .
-Now is the sun upon the highmost hill
-Of this day's journey , and from nine till twelve
-Is three long hours , yet she is not come .
-Had she affections , and warm youthful blood ,
-She'd be as swift in motion as a ball ;
-My words would bandy her to my sweet love ,
-And his to me :
-But old folks , many feign as they were dead ;
-Unwieldy , slow , heavy and pale as lead .
-
-
-O God ! she comes . O honey nurse ! what news ?
-
-Hast thou met with him ? Send thy man away .
-
-Peter , stay at the gate .
-
-
-Now , good sweet nurse ; O Lord ! why look'st thou sad ?
-Though news be sad , yet tell them merrily ;
-If good , thou sham'st the music of sweet news
-By playing it to me with so sour a face .
-
-I am aweary , give me leave awhile :
-Fie , how my bones ache ! What a jaunce have I had !
-
-I would thou hadst my bones , and I thy news .
-Nay , come , I pray thee , speak ; good , good nurse , speak .
-
-Jesu ! what haste ? can you not stay awhile ?
-Do you not see that I am out of breath ?
-
-How art thou out of breath when thou hast breath
-To say to me that thou art out of breath ?
-The excuse that thou dost make in this delay
-Is longer than the tale thou dost excuse .
-Is thy news good , or bad ? answer to that ;
-Say either , and I'll stay the circumstance :
-Let me be satisfied , is 't good or bad ?
-
-Well , you have made a simple choice ; you know not how to choose a man : Romeo ! no , not he ; though his face be better than any man's , yet his leg excels all men's ; and for a hand , and a foot , and a body , though they be not to be talked on , yet they are past compare . He is not the flower of courtesy , but , I'll warrant him , as gentle as a lamb . Go thy ways , wench ; serve God . What ! have you dined at home ?
-
-No , no : but all this did I know before .
-What says he of our marriage ? what of that ?
-
-Lord ! how my head aches ; what a head have I !
-It beats as it would fall in twenty pieces .
-My back o' t'other side ; O ! my back , my back !
-Beshrew your heart for sending me about ,
-To catch my death with jauncing up and down .
-
-I' faith , I am sorry that thou art not well .
-Sweet , sweet , sweet nurse , tell me , what says my love ?
-
-Your love says , like an honest gentleman , and a courteous , and a kind , and a handsome , and , I warrant , a virtuous ,Where is your mother ?
-
-Where is my mother ! why , she is within ;
-Where should she be ? How oddly thou repliest :
-'Your love says , like an honest gentleman ,
-Where is your mother ?'
-
-O ! God's lady dear ,
-Are you so hot ? Marry , come up , I trow ;
-Is this the poultice for my aching bones ?
-Henceforward do your messages yourself .
-
-Here's such a coil ! come , what says Romeo ?
-
-Have you got leave to go to shrift to-day ?
-
-I have .
-
-Then hie you hence to Friar Laurence' cell ,
-There stays a husband to make you a wife :
-Now comes the wanton blood up in your cheeks ,
-They'll be in scarlet straight at any news .
-Hie you to church ; I must another way ,
-To fetch a ladder , by the which your love
-Must climb a bird's nest soon when it is dark ;
-I am the drudge and toil in your delight ,
-But you shall bear the burden soon at night .
-Go ; I'll to dinner : hie you to the cell .
-
-Hie to high fortune ! Honest nurse , farewell .
-
-
-So smile the heaven upon this holy act ,
-That after hours with sorrow chide us not !
-
-Amen , amen ! but come what sorrow can ,
-It cannot countervail the exchange of joy
-That one short minute gives me in her sight :
-Do thou but close our hands with holy words ,
-Then love-devouring death do what he dare ;
-It is enough I may but call her mine .
-
-These violent delights have violent ends ,
-And in their triumph die , like fire and powder ,
-Which , as they kiss consume : the sweetest honey
-Is loathsome in his own deliciousness
-And in the taste confounds the appetite :
-Therefore love moderately ; long love doth so ;
-Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow .
-
-
-Here comes the lady : O ! so light a foot
-Will ne'er wear out the everlasting flint :
-A lover may bestride the gossamer
-That idles in the wanton summer air ,
-
-And yet not fall ; so light is vanity .
-
-Good even to my ghostly confessor .
-
-Romeo shall thank thee , daughter , for us both .
-
-As much to him , else are his thanks too much .
-
-Ah ! Juliet , if the measure of thy joy
-Be heap'd like mine , and that thy skill be more
-To blazon it , then sweeten with thy breath
-This neighbour air , and let rich music's tongue
-Unfold the imagin'd happiness that both
-Receive in either by this dear encounter .
-
-Conceit , more rich in matter than in words ,
-Brags of his substance , not of ornament :
-They are but beggars that can count their worth ;
-But my true love is grown to such excess
-I cannot sum up half my sum of wealth .
-
-Come , come with me , and we will make short work ;
-For , by your leaves , you shall not stay alone
-Till holy church incorporate two in one .
-
-
-I pray thee , good Mercutio , let's retire :
-The day is hot , the Capulets abroad ,
-And , if we meet , we shall not 'scape a brawl ;
-For now , these hot days , is the mad blood stirring .
-
-Thou art like one of those fellows that when he enters the confines of a tavern claps me his sword upon the table and says , 'God send me no need of thee !' and by the operation of the second cup draws him on the drawer , when , indeed , there is no need .
-
-Am I like such a fellow ?
-
-Come , come , thou art as hot a Jack in thy mood as any in Italy ; and as soon moved to be moody , and as soon moody to be moved .
-
-And what to ?
-
-Nay , an there were two such , we should have none shortly , for one would kill the other . Thou ! why , thou wilt quarrel with a man that hath a hair more or a hair less in his beard than thou hast . Thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts , having no other reason but because thou hast hazel eyes . What eye , but such an eye , would spy out such a quarrel ? Thy head is as full of quarrels as an egg is full of meat , and yet thy head hath been beaten as addle as an egg for quarrelling . Thou hast quarrelled with a man for coughing in the street , because he hath wakened thy dog that hath lain asleep in the sun . Didst thou not fall out with a tailor for wearing his new doublet before Easter ? with another , for tying his new shoes with old riband ? and yet thou wilt tutor me from quarrelling !
-
-An I were so apt to quarrel as thou art , any man should buy the fee-simple of my life for an hour and a quarter .
-
-The fee-simple ! O simple !
-
-By my head , here come the Capulets .
-
-By my heel , I care not .
-
-
-Follow me close , for I will speak to them . Gentlemen , good den ! a word with one of you .
-
-And but one word with one of us ? Couple it with something ; make it a word and a blow .
-
-You shall find me apt enough to that , sir , an you will give me occasion .
-
-Could you not take some occasion without giving ?
-
-Mercutio , thou consort'st with Romeo ,
-
-Consort ! What ! dost thou make us minstrels ? an thou make minstrels of us , look to hear nothing but discords : here's my fiddlestick ; here's that shall make you dance . 'Zounds ! consort !
-
-We talk here in the public haunt of men :
-Either withdraw unto some private place ,
-Or reason coldly of your grievances ,
-Or else depart ; here all eyes gaze on us .
-
-Men's eyes were made to look , and let them gaze ;
-I will not budge for no man's pleasure , I .
-
-
-Well , peace be with you , sir . Here comes my man .
-
-But I'll be hang'd , sir , if he wear your livery :
-Marry , go before to field , he'll be your follower ;
-Your worship in that sense may call him 'man .'
-
-Romeo , the hate I bear thee can afford
-No better term than this ,thou art a villain .
-
-Tybalt , the reason that I have to love thee
-Doth much excuse the appertaining rage
-To such a greeting ; villain am I none ,
-Therefore farewell ; I see thou know'st me not .
-
-Boy , this shall not excuse the injuries
-That thou hast done me ; therefore turn and draw .
-
-I do protest I never injur'd thee ,
-But love thee better than thou canst devise ,
-Till thou shalt know the reason of my love :
-And so , good Capulet , which name I tender
-As dearly as my own , be satisfied .
-
-O calm , dishonourable , vile submission !
-Alla stoccata carries it away .
-
-Tybalt , you rat-catcher , will you walk ?
-
-What wouldst thou have with me ?
-
-Good king of cats , nothing but one of your nine lives , that I mean to make bold withal , and , as you shall use me hereafter , dry-beat the rest of the eight . Will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher by the ears ? make haste , lest mine be about your ears ere it be out .
-
-I am for you .
-
-Gentle Mercutio , put thy rapier up .
-
-Come , sir , your passado .
-
-
-Draw , Benvolio ; beat down their weapons .
-Gentlemen , for shame , forbear this outrage !
-Tybalt , Mercutio , the prince expressly hath
-Forbidden bandying in Verona streets .
-Hold , Tybalt ! good Mercutio !
-
-
-I am hurt .
-A plague o' both your houses ! I am sped .
-Is he gone , and hath nothing ?
-
-What ! art thou hurt ?
-
-Ay , ay , a scratch , a scratch ; marry , 'tis enough .
-Where is my page ? Go , villain , fetch a surgeon .
-
-
-Courage , man ; the hurt cannot be much .
-
-No , 'tis not so deep as a well , nor so wide as a church door ; but 'tis enough , 'twill serve : ask for me to-morrow , and you shall find me a grave man . I am peppered , I warrant , for this world . A plague o' both your houses ! 'Zounds , a dog , a rat , a mouse , a cat , to scratch a man to death ! a braggart , a rogue , a villain , that fights by the book of arithmetic ! Why the devil came you between us ? I was hurt under your arm .
-
-I thought all for the best .
-
-Help me into some house , Benvolio ,
-Or I shall faint . A plague o' both your houses !
-They have made worms' meat of me : I have it ,
-And soundly too :your houses !
-
-
-This gentleman , the prince's near ally ,
-My very friend , hath got his mortal hurt
-In my behalf ; my reputation stain'd
-With Tybalt's slander , Tybalt , that an hour
-Hath been my kinsman . O sweet Juliet !
-Thy beauty hath made me effeminate ,
-And in my temper soften'd valour's steel !
-
-
-O Romeo , Romeo ! brave Mercutio's dead ;
-That gallant spirit hath aspir'd the clouds ,
-Which too untimely here did scorn the earth .
-
-This day's black fate on more days doth depend ;
-This but begins the woe others must end .
-
-
-Here comes the furious Tybalt back again .
-
-Alive ! in triumph ! and Mercutio slain !
-Away to heaven , respective lenity ,
-And fire-ey'd fury be my conduct now !
-Now , Tybalt , take the villain back again
-That late thou gav'st me ; for Mercutio's soul
-Is but a little way above our heads ,
-Staying for thine to keep him company :
-Either thou , or I , or both , must go with him .
-
-Thou wretched boy , that didst consort him here ,
-Shalt with him hence .
-
-This shall determine that .
-
-
-Romeo , away ! be gone !
-The citizens are up , and Tybalt slain .
-Stand not amaz'd : the prince will doom thee death
-If thou art taken : hence ! be gone ! away !
-
-O ! I am Fortune's fool .
-
-Why dost thou stay ?
-
-Which way ran he that kill'd Mercutio ?
-Tybalt , that murderer , which way ran he ?
-
-There lies that Tybalt .
-
-Up , sir , go with me .
-I charge thee in the prince's name , obey .
-
-
-Where are the vile beginners of this fray ?
-
-O noble prince ! I can discover all
-The unlucky manage of this fatal brawl :
-There lies the man , slain by young Romeo ,
-That slew thy kinsman , brave Mercutio .
-
-Tybalt , my cousin ! O my brother's child !
-O prince ! O cousin ! husband ! O ! the blood is spill'd
-Of my dear kinsman . Prince , as thou art true ,
-For blood of ours shed blood of Montague .
-O cousin , cousin !
-
-Benvolio , who began this bloody fray ?
-
-Tybalt , here slain , whom Romeo's hand did slay :
-Romeo , that spoke him fair , bade him bethink
-How nice the quarrel was , and urg'd withal
-Your high displeasure : all this , uttered
-With gentle breath , calm look , knees humbly bow'd ,
-Could not take truce with the unruly spleen
-Of Tybalt deaf to peace , but that he tilts
-With piercing steel at bold Mercutio's breast ,
-Who , all as hot , turns deadly point to point ,
-And , with a martial scorn , with one hand beats
-Cold death aside , and with the other sends
-It back to Tybalt , whose dexterity
-Retorts it : Romeo he cries aloud ,
-'Hold , friends ! friends , part !' and , swifter than his tongue ,
-His agile arm beats down their fatal points ,
-And 'twixt them rushes ; underneath whose arm
-An envious thrust from Tybalt hit the life
-Of stout Mercutio , and then Tybalt fled ;
-But by and by comes back to Romeo ,
-Who had but newly entertain'd revenge ,
-And to 't they go like lightning , for , ere I .
-Could draw to part them , was stout Tybalt slain ,
-And , as he fell , did Romeo turn and fly .
-This is the truth , or let Benvolio die .
-
-He is a kinsman to the Montague ;
-Affection makes him false , he speaks not true :
-Some twenty of them fought in this black strife
-And all those twenty could but kill one life .
-I beg for justice , which thou , prince , must give ;
-Romeo slew Tybalt , Romeo must not live .
-
-Romeo slew him , he slew Mercutio ;
-Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe ?
-
-Not Romeo , prince , he was Mercutio's friend ,
-His fault concludes but what the law should end ,
-The life of Tybalt .
-
-And for that offence
-Immediately we do exile him hence :
-I have an interest in your hate's proceeding ,
-My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding ;
-But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine
-That you shall all repent the loss of mine .
-I will be deaf to pleading and excuses ;
-Nor tears nor prayers shall purchase out abuses ;
-Therefore use none ; let Romeo hence in haste ,
-Else , when he's found , that hour is his last .
-Bear hence this body and attend our will :
-Mercy but murders , pardoning those that kill .
-
-
-Gallop apace , you fiery-footed steeds ,
-Towards Ph bus' lodging ; such a waggoner
-As Ph thon would whip you to the west ,
-And bring in cloudy night immediately .
-Spread thy close curtain , love-performing night !
-That runaway's eyes may wink , and Romeo
-Leap to these arms , untalk'd of and unseen !
-Lovers can see to do their amorous rites
-By their own beauties ; or , if love be blind ,
-It best agrees with night . Come , civil night ,
-Thou sober-suited matron , all in black ,
-And learn me how to lose a winning match ,
-Play'd for a pair of stainless maidenhoods :
-Hood my unmann'd blood , bating in my cheeks ,
-With thy black mantle ; till strange love , grown bold ,
-Think true love acted simple modesty .
-Come , night ! come , Romeo ! come , thou day in night !
-For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night ,
-Whiter than new snow on a raven's back .
-Come , gentle night ; come , loving , black-brow'd night ,
-Give me my Romeo : and , when he shall die ,
-Take him and cut him out in little stars ,
-And he will make the face of heaven so fine
-That all the world will be in love with night ,
-And pay no worship to the garish sun .
-O ! I have bought the mansion of a love ,
-But not possess'd it , and , though I am sold ,
-Not yet enjoy'd . So tedious is this day
-As is the night before some festival
-To an impatient child that hath new robes
-And may not wear them . O ! here comes my nurse ,
-
-
-And she brings news ; and every tongue that speaks
-But Romeo's name speaks heavenly eloquence .
-Now nurse , what news ? What hast thou there ? the cords
-
-That Romeo bade thee fetch ?
-
-Ay , ay , the cords .
-
-
-Ah me ! what news ? why dost thou wring thy hands ?
-
-Ah well-a-day ! he's dead , he's dead , he's dead !
-We are undone , lady , we are undone !
-Alack the day ! he's gone , he's killed , he's dead !
-
-Can heaven be so envious ?
-
-Romeo can ,
-Though heaven cannot . O ! Romeo , Romeo ;
-Who ever would have thought it ? Romeo !
-
-What devil art thou that dost torment me thus ?
-This torture should be roar'd in dismal hell .
-Hath Romeo slain himself ? say thou but 'I ,'
-And that bare vowel , 'I ,' shall poison more
-Than the death-darting eye of cockatrice :
-I am not I , if there be such an 'I ;'
-Or those eyes shut that make thee answer 'I .'
-If he be slain , say 'I ;' or if not 'no :'
-Brief sounds determine of my weal or woe .
-
-I saw the wound , I saw it with mine eyes ,
-God save the mark ! here on his manly breast :
-A piteous corse , a bloody piteous corse ;
-Pale , pale as ashes , all bedaub'd in blood ,
-All in gore blood ; I swounded at the sight .
-
-O break , my heart !poor bankrupt , break at once !
-To prison , eyes , ne'er look on liberty !
-Vile earth , to earth resign ; end motion here ;
-And thou and Romeo press one heavy bier !
-
-O Tybalt , Tybalt ! the best friend I had :
-O courteous Tybalt ! honest gentleman !
-That ever I should live to see thee dead !
-
-What storm is this that blows so contrary ?
-Is Romeo slaughter'd , and is Tybalt dead ?
-My dearest cousin , and my dearer lord ?
-Then , dreadful trumpet , sound the general doom !
-For who is living if those two are gone ?
-
-Tybalt is gone , and Romeo banished ;
-Romeo , that kill'd him , he is banished .
-
-O God ! did Romeo's hand shed Tybalt's blood ?
-
-It did , it did ; alas the day ! it did .
-
-O serpent heart , hid with a flowering face !
-Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave ?
-Beautiful tyrant ! fiend angelical !
-Dove-feather'd raven ! wolvish-ravening lamb !
-Despised substance of divinest show !
-Just opposite to what thou justly seem'st ;
-A damned saint , an honourable villain !
-O , nature ! what hadst thou to do in hell
-When thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend
-In mortal paradise of such sweet flesh ?
-Was ever book containing such vile matter
-So fairly bound ? O ! that deceit should dwell
-In such a gorgeous palace .
-
-There's no trust ,
-No faith , no honesty in men ; all naught ,
-All perjur'd , all dissemblers , all forsworn .
-Ah ! where's my man ? give me some aqua vit :
-These griefs , these woes , these sorrows make me old .
-Shame come to Romeo !
-
-Blister'd be thy tongue
-For such a wish ! he was not born to shame :
-Upon his brow shame is asham'd to sit ;
-For 'tis a throne where honour may be crown'd
-Sole monarch of the universal earth .
-O ! what a beast was I to chide at him .
-
-Will you speak well of him that kill'd your cousin ?
-
-Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband ?
-Ah ! poor my lord , what tongue shall smooth thy name ,
-When I , thy three-hours wife , have mangled it ?
-But , wherefore , villain , didst thou kill my cousin ?
-That villain cousin would have kill'd my husband :
-Back , foolish tears , back to your native spring ;
-Your tributary drops belong to woe ,
-Which you , mistaking , offer up to joy .
-My husband lives , that Tybalt would have slain ;
-And Tybalt's dead , that would have slain my husband :
-All this is comfort ; wherefore weep I then ?
-Some word there was , worser than Tybalt's death ,
-That murder'd me : I would forget it fain ;
-But O ! it presses to my memory ,
-Like damned guilty deeds to sinners' minds .
-'Tybalt is dead , and Romeo banished !'
-That 'banished ,' that one word 'banished ,'
-Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts . Tybalt's death
-Was woe enough , if it had ended there :
-Or , if sour woe delights in fellowship ,
-And needly will be rank'd with other griefs ,
-Why follow'd not , when she said 'Tybalt's dead ,'
-Thy father , or thy mother , nay , or both ,
-Which modern lamentation might have mov'd ?
-But with a rearward following Tybalt's death ,
-'Romeo is banished !' to speak that word
-Is father , mother , Tybalt , Romeo , Juliet ,
-All slain , all dead : 'Romeo is banished !'
-There is no end , no limit , measure , bound
-In that word's death ; no words can that woe sound .
-Where is my father and my mother , nurse ?
-
-Weeping and wailing over Tybalt's corse :
-Will you go to them ? I will bring you thither .
-
-Wash they his wounds with tears : mine shall be spent ,
-When theirs are dry , for Romeo's banishment .
-Take up those cords . Poor ropes , you are beguil'd ,
-Both you and I , for Romeo is exil'd :
-He made you for a highway to my bed ,
-But I , a maid , die maiden-widowed .
-Come , cords ; come , nurse ; I'll to my wedding bed ;
-And death , not Romeo , take my maidenhead !
-
-Hie to your chamber ; I'll find Romeo
-To comfort you : I wot well where he is .
-Hark ye , your Romeo will be here to-night :
-I'll to him ; he is hid at Laurence' cell .
-
-O ! find him ; give this ring to my true knight ,
-And bid him come to take his last farewell .
-
-
-Romeo , come forth ; come forth , thou fearful man :
-Affliction is enamour'd of thy parts ,
-And thou art wedded to calamity .
-
-
-Father , what news ? what is the prince's doom ?
-What sorrow craves acquaintance at my hand ,
-That I yet know not ?
-
-Too familiar
-Is my dear son with such sour company :
-I bring thee tidings of the prince's doom .
-
-What less than doomsday is the prince's doom ?
-
-A gentler judgment vanish'd from his lips ,
-Not body's death , but body's banishment .
-
-Ha ! banishment ! be merciful , say 'death ;'
-For exile hath more terror in his look ,
-Much more than death : do not say 'banishment .'
-
-Hence from Verona art thou banished .
-Be patient , for the world is broad and wide .
-
-There is no world without Verona walls ,
-But purgatory , torture , hell itself .
-Hence banished is banish'd from the world ,
-And world's exile is death ; then 'banished ,'
-Is death mis-term'd . Calling death 'banished ,'
-Thou cutt'st my head off with a golden axe ,
-And smil'st upon the stroke that murders me .
-
-O deadly sin ! O rude unthankfulness !
-Thy fault our law calls death ; but the kind prince ,
-Taking thy part , hath rush'd aside the law ,
-And turn'd that black word death to banishment :
-This is dear mercy , and thou seest it not .
-
-'Tis torture , and not mercy : heaven is here ,
-Where Juliet lives ; and every cat and dog
-And little mouse , every unworthy thing ,
-Live here in heaven and may look on her ;
-But Romeo may not : more validity ,
-More honourable state , more courtship lives
-In carrion flies than Romeo : they may seize
-On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand ,
-And steal immortal blessing from her lips ,
-Who , even in pure and vestal modesty ,
-Still blush , as thinking their own kisses sin ;
-Flies may do this , but I from this must fly :
-They are free men , but I am banished .
-And sayst thou yet that exile is not death ?
-Hadst thou no poison mix'd , no sharp-ground knife ,
-No sudden mean of death , though ne'er so mean ,
-But 'banished' to kill me ? 'Banished !'
-O friar ! the damned use that word in hell ;
-Howlings attend it : how hast thou the heart ,
-Being a divine , a ghostly confessor ,
-A sin-absolver , and my friend profess'd ,
-To mangle me with that word 'banished ?'
-
-Thou fond mad man , hear me but speak a word .
-
-O ! thou wilt speak again of banishment .
-
-I'll give thee armour to keep off that word ;
-Adversity's sweet milk , philosophy ,
-To comfort thee , though thou art banished .
-
-Yet 'banished !' Hang up philosophy !
-Unless philosophy can make a Juliet ,
-Displant a town , reverse a prince's doom ,
-It helps not , it prevails not : talk no more .
-
-O ! then I see that madmen have no ears .
-
-How should they , when that wise men have no eyes ?
-
-Let me dispute with thee of thy estate .
-
-Thou canst not speak of that thou dost not feel :
-Wert thou as young as I , Juliet thy love ,
-An hour but married , Tybalt murdered ,
-Doting like me , and like me banished ,
-Then mightst thou speak , then mightst thou tear thy hair ,
-And fall upon the ground , as I do now ,
-Taking the measure of an unmade grave .
-
-
-Arise ; one knocks : good Romeo , hide thyself .
-
-Not I ; unless the breath of heart-sick groans ,
-Mist-like , infold me from the search of eyes .
-
-
-Hark ! how they knock . Who's there ? Romeo arise ;
-Thou wilt be taken . Stay awhile ! Stand up ;
-
-Run to my study . By and by ! God's will !
-What wilfulness is this ! I come , I come !
-
-Who knocks so hard ? whence come you ? what's your will ?
-
-Let me come in , and you shall know my errand :
-I come from Lady Juliet .
-
-Welcome , then .
-
-
-O holy friar ! O ! tell me , holy friar ,
-Where is my lady's lord ? where's Romeo ?
-
-There on the ground , with his own tears made drunk .
-
-O ! he is even in my mistress' case ,
-Just in her case !
-
-O woeful sympathy !
-Piteous predicament ! Even so lies she ,
-Blubbering and weeping , weeping and blubbering .
-Stand up , stand up ; stand , an you be a man :
-For Juliet's sake , for her sake , rise and stand ;
-Why should you fall into so deep an O ?
-
-Nurse !
-
-Ah , sir ! ah , sir ! Well , death's the end of all .
-
-Spak'st thou of Juliet ? how is it with her ?
-Doth she not think me an old murderer ,
-Now I have stain'd the childhood of our joy .
-With blood remov'd but little from her own ?
-Where is she ? and how doth she ? and what says
-My conceal'd lady to our cancell'd love ?
-
-O ! she says nothing , sir , but weeps and weeps ;
-And now falls on her bed ; and then starts up ,
-And Tybalt calls , and then on Romeo cries ,
-And then down falls again .
-
-As if that name ,
-Shot from the deadly level of a gun ,
-Did murder her ; as that name's cursed hand
-Murder'd her kinsman . O ! tell me , friar , tell me ,
-In what vile part of this anatomy
-Doth my name lodge ? tell me , that I may sack
-The hateful mansion .
-
-
-Hold thy desperate hand :
-Art thou a man ? thy form cries out thou art :
-Thy tears are womanish ; thy wild acts denote
-The unreasonable fury of a beast :
-Unseemly woman in a seeming man ;
-Or ill-beseeming beast in seeming both !
-Thou hast amaz'd me : by my holy order ,
-I thought thy disposition better temper'd .
-Hast thou slain Tybalt ? wilt thou slay thyself ?
-And slay thy lady that in thy life lives ,
-By doing damned hate upon thyself ?
-Why rail'st thou on thy birth , the heaven , and earth ?
-Since birth , and heaven , and earth , all three do meet
-In thes at once , which thou at once wouldst lose .
-Fie , fie ! thou sham'st thy shape , thy love , thy wit ,
-Which , like a usurer , abound'st in all ,
-And usest none in that true use indeed
-Which should bedeck thy shape , thy love , thy wit .
-Thy noble shape is but a form of wax ,
-Digressing from the valour of a man ;
-Thy dear love , sworn , but hollow perjury ,
-Killing that love which thou hast vow'd to cherish ;
-Thy wit , that ornament to shape and love ,
-Misshapen in the conduct of them both ,
-Like powder in a skilless soldier's flask ,
-To set a-fire by thine own ignorance ,
-And thou dismember'd with thine own defence .
-What ! rouse thee , man ; thy Juliet is alive ,
-For whose dear sake thou wast but lately dead ;
-There art thou happy : Tybalt would kill thee ,
-But thou slew'st Tybalt ; there art thou happy too :
-The law that threaten'd death becomes thy friend ,
-And turns it to exile ; there art thou happy :
-A pack of blessings light upon thy back ;
-Happiness courts thee in her best array ;
-But , like a misbehav'd and sullen wench ,
-Thou pout'st upon thy fortune and thy love .
-Take heed , take heed , for such die miserable .
-Go , get thee to thy love , as was decreed ,
-Ascend her chamber , hence and comfort her ;
-But look thou stay not till the watch be set ,
-For then thou canst not pass to Mantua ;
-Where thou shalt live , till we can find a time
-To blaze your marriage , reconcile your friends ,
-Beg pardon of the prince , and call thee back
-With twenty hundred thousand times more joy
-Than thou went'st forth in lamentation .
-Go before , nurse : commend me to thy lady ;
-And bid her hasten all the house to bed ,
-Which heavy sorrow makes them apt unto :
-Romeo is coming .
-
-O Lord ! I could have stay'd here all the night
-To hear good counsel : O ! what learning is .
-My lord , I'll tell my lady you will come .
-
-Do so , and bid my sweet prepare to chide .
-
-Here , sir , a ring she bid me give you , sir .
-Hie you , make haste , for it grows very late .
-
-
-How well my comfort is reviv'd by this !
-
-Go hence ; good-night ; and here stands all your state :
-Either be gone before the watch be set ,
-Or by the break of day disguis'd from hence :
-Sojourn in Mantua ; I'll find out your man ,
-And he shall signify from time to time
-Every good hap to you that chances here .
-Give me thy hand ; 'tis late : farewell ; goodnight .
-
-But that a joy past joy calls out on me ,
-It were a grief so brief to part with thee :
-Farewell .
-
-
-Things have fall'n out , sir , so unluckily ,
-That we have had no time to move our daughter :
-Look you , she lov'd her kinsman Tybalt dearly ,
-And so did I : well , we were born to die .
-'Tis very late , she'll not come down to night :
-I promise you , but for your company ,
-I would have been a-bed an hour ago .
-
-These times of woe afford no time to woo .
-Madam , good-night : commend me to your daughter .
-
-I will , and know her mind early to-morrow ;
-To-night she's mew'd up to her heaviness .
-
-Sir Paris , I will make a desperate tender
-Of my child's love : I think she will be rul'd
-In all respects by me ; nay , more , I doubt it not .
-Wife go you to her ere you go to bed ;
-Acquaint her here of my son Paris' love ;
-And bid her , mark you me , on Wednesday next
-But , soft ! what day is this ?
-
-Monday , my lord .
-
-Monday ! ha , ha ! Well , Wednesday is too soon ;
-O' Thursday let it be : o' Thursday , tell her ,
-She shall be married to this noble earl .
-Will you be ready ? do you like this haste ?
-We'll keep no great ado ; a friend or two ;
-For , hark you , Tybalt being slain so late ,
-It may be thought we held him carelessly ,
-Being our kinsman , if we revel much .
-Therefore we'll have some half a dozen friends ,
-And there an end . But what say you to Thursday ?
-
-My lord , I would that Thursday were to-morrow .
-
-Well , get you gone : o' Thursday be it then .
-Go you to Juliet ere you go to bed ,
-Prepare her , wife , against this wedding-day .
-Farewell , my lord . Light to my chamber , ho !
-Afore me ! it is so very very late ,
-That we may call it early by and by .
-Good-night .
-
-
-Wilt thou be gone ? it is not yet near day :
-It was the nightingale , and not the lark ,
-That pierc'd the fearful hollow of thine ear ;
-Nightly she sings on you pomegranate tree :
-Believe me , love , it was the nightingale .
-
-It was the lark , the herald of the morn ,
-No nightingale : look , love , what envious streaks
-Do lace the severing clouds in yonder east :
-Night's candles are burnt out , and jocund day
-Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops :
-I must be gone and live , or stay and die .
-
-Yon light is not daylight , I know it , I :
-It is some meteor that the sun exhales ,
-To be to thee this night a torch-bearer ,
-And light thee on thy way to Mantua :
-Therefore stay yet ; thou need'st not to be gone .
-
-Let me be ta'en , let me be put to death ;
-I am content , so thou wilt have it so .
-I'll say yon grey is not the morning's eye ,
-'Tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow ;
-Nor that is not the lark , whose notes do beat
-The vaulty heaven so high above our heads :
-I have more care to stay than will to go :
-Come , death , and welcome ! Juliet wills it so .
-How is't , my soul ? let's talk ; it is not day .
-
-It is , it is ; hie hence , be gone , away !
-It is the lark that sings so out of tune ,
-Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps .
-Some say the lark makes sweet division ;
-This doth not so , for she divideth us :
-Some say the lark and loathed toad change eyes ;
-O ! now I would they had chang'd voices too ,
-Since arm from arm that voice doth us affray ,
-Hunting thee hence with hunts-up to the day .
-O ! now be gone ; more light and light it grows .
-
-More light and light ; more dark and dark our woes .
-
-
-Madam !
-
-Nurse !
-
-Your lady mother is coming to your chamber :
-The day is broke ; be wary , look about .
-
-
-Then , window , let day in , and let life out .
-
-Farewell , farewell ! one kiss , and I'll descend .
-
-
-Art thou gone so ? my lord , my love , my friend !
-I must hear from thee every day in the hour ,
-For in a minute there are many days :
-O ! by this count I shall be much in years
-Ere I again behold my Romeo .
-
-Farewell !
-I will omit no opportunity
-That may convey my greetings , love , to thee .
-
-O ! think'st thou we shall ever meet again ?
-
-I doubt it not ; and all these woes shall serve
-For sweet discourses in our time to come .
-
-O God ! I have an ill-divining soul :
-Methinks I see thee , now thou art so low ,
-As one dead in the bottom of a tomb :
-Either my eyesight fails , or thou look'st pale .
-
-And trust me , love , in my eye so do you :
-Dry sorrow drinks our blood . Adieu ! adieu !
-
-
-O fortune , fortune ! all men call thee fickle :
-If thou art fickle , what dost thou with him
-That is renown'd for faith ? Be fickle , fortune ;
-For then , I hope , thou wilt not keep him long ,
-But send him back .
-
-Ho , daughter ! are you up ?
-
-Who is't that calls ? is it my lady mother ?
-Is she not down so late , or up so early ?
-What unaccustom'd cause procures her hither ?
-
-
-Why , how now , Juliet !
-
-Madam , I am not well .
-
-Evermore weeping for your cousin's death ?
-What ! wilt thou wash him from his grave with tears ?
-And if thou couldst , thou couldst not make him live ;
-Therefore , have done : some grief shows much of love ;
-But much of grief shows still some want of wit .
-
-Yet let me weep for such a feeling loss .
-
-So shall you feel the loss , but not the friend
-Which you weep for .
-
-Feeling so the loss ,
-I cannot choose but ever weep the friend .
-
-Well , girl , thou weep'st not so much for his death ,
-As that the villain lives which slaughter'd him .
-
-What villain , madam ?
-
-That same villain , Romeo .
-
-Villain and he be many miles asunder .
-God pardon him ! I do , with all my heart ;
-And yet no man like he doth grieve my heart .
-
-That is because the traitor murderer lives .
-
-Ay , madam , from the reach of these my hands .
-Would none but I might venge my cousin's death !
-
-We will have vengeance for it , fear thou not :
-Then weep no more . I'll send to one in Mantua ,
-Where that same banish'd runsgate doth live ;
-Shall give him such an unaccustom'd dram
-That he shall soon keep Tybalt company :
-And then , I hope , thou wilt be satisfied .
-
-Indeed , I never shall be satisfied
-With Romeo , till I behold him dead
-Is my poor heart so for a kinsman vex'd :
-Madam , if you could find out but a man
-To bear a poison , I would temper it ,
-That Romeo should , upon receipt thereof ,
-Soon sleep in quiet . O ! how my heart abhors
-To hear him nam'd , and cannot come to him ,
-To wreak the love I bore my cousin Tybalt
-Upon his body that hath slaughter'd him .
-
-Find thou the means , and I'll find such a man .
-But now I'll tell thee joyful tidings , girl .
-
-And joy comes well in such a needy time :
-What are they , I beseech your ladyship ?
-
-Well , well , thou hast a careful father , child ;
-One who , to put thee from thy heaviness ,
-Hath sorted out a sudden day of joy
-That thou expect'st not , nor I look'd not for .
-
-Madam , in happy time , what day is that ?
-
-Marry , my child , early next Thursday morn
-The gallant , young , and noble gentleman ,
-The County Paris , at Saint Peter's church ,
-Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride .
-
-Now , by Saint Peter's church , and Peter too ,
-He shall not make me there a joyful bride .
-I wonder at this haste ; that I must wed
-Ere he that should be husband comes to woo .
-I pray you , tell my lord and father , madam ,
-I will not marry yet ; and , when I do , I swear ,
-It shall be Romeo , whom you know I hate ,
-Rather than Paris . These are news indeed !
-
-Here comes your father ; tell him so yourself ,
-And see how he will take it at your hands .
-
-
-When the sun sets , the air doth drizzle dew ;
-But for the sunset of my brother's son
-It rains downright .
-How now ! a conduit , girl ? what ! still in tears ?
-Evermore showering ? In one little body
-Thou counterfeit'st a bark , a sea , a wind ;
-For still thy eyes , which I may call the sea ,
-Do ebb and flow with tears ; the bark thy body is ,
-Sailing in this salt flood ; the winds , thy sighs ;
-Who , raging with thy tears , and they with them ,
-Without a sudden calm , will overset
-Thy tempest-tossed body . How now , wife !
-Have you deliver'd to her our decree ?
-
-Ay , sir ; but she will none , she gives you thanks .
-I would the fool were married to her grave !
-
-Soft ! take me with you , take me with you , wife .
-How ! will she none ? doth she not give us thanks ?
-Is she not proud ? doth she not count her bless'd ,
-Unworthy as she is , that we have wrought
-So worthy a gentleman to be her bridegroom ?
-
-Not proud , you have ; but thankful , that you have :
-Proud can I never be of what I hate ;
-But thankful even for hate , that is meant love .
-
-How now ! how now , chop-logic ! What is this ?
-'Proud ,' and 'I thank you ,' and 'I thank you not ;'
-And yet 'not proud ;' mistress minion , you ,
-Thank me no thankings , nor proud me no prouds ,
-But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next ,
-To go with Paris to Saint Peter's church ,
-Or I will drag thee on a hurdle thither .
-Out , you green-sickness carrion ! out , you baggage !
-You tallow face !
-
-Fie , fie ! what , are you mad ?
-
-Good father , I beseech you on my knees ,
-Hear me with patience but to speak a word .
-
-Hang thee , young baggage ! disobedient wretch !
-I tell thee what , get thee to church o' Thursday ,
-Or never after look me in the face .
-Speak not , reply not , do not answer me ;
-My fingers itch .Wife , we scarce thought us bless'd
-That God had lent us but this only child ;
-But now I see this one is one too much ,
-And that we have a curse in having her .
-Out on her , hilding !
-
-God in heaven bless her !
-You are to blame , my lord , to rate her so .
-
-And why , my lady wisdom ? hold your tongue ,
-Good prudence ; smatter with your gossips , go .
-
-I speak no treason .
-
-O ! God ye good den .
-
-May not one speak ?
-
-Peace , you mumbling fool ;
-Utter your gravity o'er a gossip's bowl ;
-For here we need it not .
-
-You are too hot .
-
-God's bread ! it makes me mad .
-Day , night , hour , tide , time , work , play ,
-Alone , in company , still my care hath been
-To have her match'd ; and having now provided
-A gentleman of noble parentage ,
-Of fair demesnes , youthful , and nobly train'd ,
-Stuff'd , as they say , with honourable parts ,
-Proportion'd as one's thought would wish a man ;
-And then to have a wretched puling fool ,
-A whining mammet , in her fortune's tender ,
-To answer 'I'll not wed ,' 'I cannot love ,'
-'I am too young ,' 'I pray you , pardon me ;'
-But , an you will not wed , I'll pardon you :
-Graze where you will , you shall not house with me :
-Look to't , think on't , I do not use to jest .
-Thursday is near ; lay hand on heart , advise .
-An you be mine , I'll give you to my friend ;
-An you be not , hang , beg , starve , die in the streets ,
-For , by my soul , I'll ne'er acknowledge thee ,
-Nor what is mine shall never do thee good .
-Trust to't , bethink you ; I'll not be forsworn .
-
-
-Is there no pity sitting in the clouds ,
-That sees into the bottom of my grief ?
-O ! sweet my mother , cast me not away :
-Delay this marriage for a month , a week ;
-Or , if you do not , make the bridal bed
-In that dim monument where Tybalt lies .
-
-Talk not to me , for I'll not speak a word .
-Do as thou wilt , for I have done with thee .
-
-
-O God ! O nurse ! how shall this be prevented ?
-My husband is on earth , my faith in heaven ;
-How shall that faith return again to earth ,
-Unless that husband send it me from heaven
-By leaving earth ? comfort me , counsel me .
-Alack , alack ! that heaven should practise stratagems
-Upon so soft a subject as myself !
-What sayst thou ? hast thou not a word of joy ?
-Some comfort , nurse ?
-
-Faith , here it is . Romeo
-Is banished ; and all the world to nothing
-That he dares ne'er come back to challenge you ;
-Or , if he do , it needs must be by stealth .
-Then , since the case so stands as now it doth ,
-I think it best you married with the county .
-O ! he's a lovely gentleman ;
-Romeo's a dishclout to him : an eagle , madam ,
-Hath not so green , so quick , so fair an eye
-As Paris hath . Beshrew my very heart ,
-I think you are happy in this second match ,
-For it excels your first : or if it did not ,
-Your first is dead ; or 'twere as good he were ,
-As living here and you no use of him .
-
-Speakest thou from thy heart ?
-
-And from my soul too ;
-Or else beshrew them both .
-
-Amen !
-
-What !
-
-Well , thou hast comforted me marvellous much .
-Go in ; and tell my lady I am gone ,
-Having displeas'd my father , to Laurence' cell ,
-To make confession and to be absolv'd .
-
-Marry , I will ; and this is wisely done .
-
-
-Ancient damnation ! O most wicked fiend !
-Is it more sin to wish me thus forsworn ,
-Or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue
-Which she hath prais'd him with above compare
-So many thousand times ? Go , counsellor ;
-Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain .
-I'll to the friar , to know his remedy :
-If all else fail , myself have power to die .
-
-
-On Thursday , sir ? the time is very short .
-
-My father Capulet will have it so ;
-And I am nothing slow to slack his haste .
-
-You say you do not know the lady's mind :
-Uneven is the course , I like it not .
-
-Immoderately she weeps for Tybalt's death ,
-And therefore have I little talk'd of love ;
-For Venus smiles not in a house of tears .
-Now , sir , her father counts it dangerous
-That she doth give her sorrow so much sway ,
-And in his wisdom hastes our marriage
-To stop the inundation of her tears ;
-Which , too much minded by herself alone ,
-May be put from her by society .
-Now do you know the reason of this haste .
-
-I would I knew not why it should be slow'd .
-Look , sir , here comes the lady towards my cell .
-
-
-Happily met , my lady and my wife !
-
-That may be , sir , when I may be a wife .
-
-That may be must be , love , on Thursday next .
-
-What must be shall be .
-
-That's a certain text .
-
-Come you to make confession to this father ?
-
-To answer that , I should confess to you .
-
-Do not deny to him that you love me .
-
-I will confess to you that I love him .
-
-So will ye , I am sure , that you love me .
-
-If I do so , it will be of more price ,
-Being spoke behind your back , than to your face .
-
-Poor soul , thy face is much abus'd with tears .
-
-The tears have got small victory by that ;
-For it was bad enough before their spite .
-
-Thou wrong'st it , more than tears , with that report .
-
-That is no slander , sir , which is a truth ;
-And what I spake , I spake it to my face .
-
-Thy face is mine , and thou hast slander'd it .
-
-It may be so , for it is not mine own .
-Are you at leisure , holy father , now ;
-Or shall I come to you at evening mass ?
-
-My leisure serves me , pensive daughter , now :
-My lord , we must entreat the time alone .
-
-God shield , I should disturb devotion !
-Juliet , on Thursday early will I rouse you :
-Till then , adieu ; and keep this holy kiss .
-
-
-O ! shut the door ! and when thou hast done so ,
-Come weep with me ; past hope , past cure , past help !
-
-Ah ! Juliet , I already know thy grief ;
-It strains me past the compass of my wits :
-I hear thou must , and nothing may prorogue it ,
-On Thursday next be married to this county .
-
-Tell me not , friar , that thou hear'st of this ,
-Unless thou tell me how I may prevent it :
-If , in thy wisdom , thou canst give no help ,
-Do thou but call my resolution wise ,
-And with this knife I'll help it presently ,
-God join'd my heart and Romeo's , thou our hands ;
-And ere this hand , by thee to Romeo seal'd ,
-Shall be the label to another deed ,
-Or my true heart with treacherous revolt
-Turn to another , this shall slay them both .
-Therefore , out of thy long-experienc'd time ,
-Give me some present counsel ; or behold ,
-'Twixt my extremes and me this bloody knife
-Shall play the umpire , arbitrating that
-Which the commission of thy years and art
-Could to no issue of true honour bring .
-Be not so long to speak ; I long to die ,
-If what thou speak'st speak not of remedy .
-
-Hold , daughter ; I do spy a kind of hope ,
-Which craves as desperate an execution
-As that is desperate which we would prevent .
-If , rather than to marry County Paris ,
-Thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself ,
-Then is it likely thou wilt undertake
-A thing like death to chide away this shame ,
-That cop'st with death himself to 'scape from it ;
-And , if thou dar'st , I'll give thee remedy .
-
-O ! bid me leap , rather than marry Paris ,
-From off the battlements of yonder tower ;
-Or walk in thievish ways ; or bid me lurk
-Where serpents are ; chain me with roaring bears ;
-Or shut me nightly in a charnel-house ,
-O'er-cover'd quite with dead men's rattling bones ,
-With reeky shanks , and yellow chapless skulls ;
-Or bid me go into a new-made grave
-And hide me with a dead man in his shroud ;
-Things that , to hear them told , have made me tremble ;
-And I will do it without fear or doubt ,
-To live an unstain'd wife to my sweet love .
-
-Hold , then ; go home , be merry , give consent
-To marry Paris : Wednesday is to-morrow !
-To-morrow night look that thou lie alone ,
-Let not thy nurse lie with thee in thy chamber :
-Take thou this vial , being then in bed ,
-And this distilled liquor drink thou off ;
-When presently through all thy veins shall run
-A cold and drowsy humour , for no pulse
-Shall keep his native progress , but surcease ;
-No warmth , no breath , shall testify thou liv'st ;
-The roses in thy lips and cheeks shall fade
-To paly ashes ; thy eyes' windows fall ,
-Like death , when he shuts up the day of life ;
-Each part , depriv'd of supple government ,
-Shall , stiff and stark and cold , appear like death ;
-And in this borrow'd likeness of shrunk death
-Thou shalt continue two-and-forty hours ,
-And then awake as from a pleasant sleep .
-Now , when the bridegroom in the morning comes
-To rouse thee from thy bed , there art thou dead :
-Then as the manner of our country is
-In thy best robes uncover'd on the bier ,
-Thou shalt be borne to that same ancient vault
-Where all the kindred of the Capulets lie .
-In the mean time , against thou shalt awake ,
-Shall Romeo by my letters know our drift ,
-And hither shall he come ; and he and I
-Will watch thy waking , and that very night
-Shall Romeo bear thee hence to Mantua .
-And this shall free thee from this present shame ;
-If no unconstant toy , nor womanish fear ,
-Abate thy valour in the acting it .
-
-Give me , give me ! O ! tell me not of fear !
-
-Hold ; get you gone , be strong and prosperous
-In this resolve . I'll send a friar with speed
-To Mantua , with my letters to thy lord .
-
-Love , give me strength ! and strength shall help afford .
-Farewell , dear father !
-
-
-So many guests invite as here are writ .
-
-Sirrah , go hire me twenty cunning cooks .
-
-You shall have none ill , sir ; for
-I'll try if they can lick their fingers .
-
-How canst thou try them so ?
-
-Marry , sir , 'tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers : therefore he that cannot lick his fingers goes not with me .
-
-Go , be gone .
-
-We shall be much unfurnish'd for this time .
-What ! is my daughter gone to Friar Laurence ?
-
-Ay , forsooth .
-
-Well , he may chance to do some good on her :
-A peevish self-will'd harlotry it is .
-
-See where she comes from shrift with merry look .
-
-
-How now , my headstrong ! where have you been gadding ?
-
-Where I have learn'd me to repent the sin
-Of disobedient opposition
-To you and your behests ; and am enjoin'd
-By holy Laurence to fall prostrate here ,
-And beg your pardon . Pardon , I beseech you !
-Henceforward I am ever rul'd by you .
-
-Send for the county ; go tell him of this :
-I'll have this knot knit up to-morrow morning .
-
-I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell ;
-And gave him what becomed love I might ,
-Not stepping o'er the bounds of modesty .
-
-Why , I'm glad on't ; this is well : stand up :
-This is as't should be . Let me see the county ;
-Ay , marry , go , I say , and fetch him hither .
-Now , afore God ! this reverend holy friar ,
-All our whole city is much bound to him .
-
-Nurse , will you go with me into my closet ,
-To help me sort such needful ornaments
-As you think fit to furnish me to-morrow ?
-
-No , not till Thursday ; there is time enough .
-
-Go , nurse , go with her . We'll to church to-morrow .
-
-
-We shall be short in our provision :
-'Tis now near night .
-
-Tush ! I will stir about ,
-And all things shall be well , I warrant thee , wife :
-Go thou to Juliet , help to deck up her ;
-I'll not to bed to-night ; let me alone ;
-I'll play the housewife for this once . What , ho !
-They are all forth : well , I will walk myself
-To County Paris ; to prepare him up
-Against to-morrow . My heart is wondrous light ,
-Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim'd .
-
-
-Ay , those attires are best ; but , gentle nurse ,
-I pray thee , leave me to myself to-night ;
-For I have need of many orisons
-To move the heavens to smile upon my state ,
-Which , well thou know'st , is cross and full of sin .
-
-
-What ! are you busy , ho ? need you my help ?
-
-No , madam ; we have cull'd such necessaries
-As are behoveful for our state to-morrow :
-So please you , let me now be left alone ,
-And let the nurse this night sit up with you ;
-For , I am sure , you have your hands full all
-In this so sudden business .
-
-Good-night :
-Get thee to bed , and rest ; for thou hast need .
-
-
-Farewell ! God knows when we shall meet again .
-I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins ,
-That almost freezes up the heat of life :
-I'll call them back again to comfort me :
-Nurse ! What should she do here ?
-My dismal scene I needs must act alone .
-Come , vial .
-What if this mixture do not work at all ?
-Shall I be married then to-morrow morning ?
-No , no ; this shall forbid it : lie thou there .
-
-What if it be a poison , which the friar
-Subtly hath minister'd to have me dead ,
-Lest in this marriage he should be dishonour'd
-Because he married me before to Romeo ?
-I fear it is : and yet , methinks , it should not ,
-For he hath still been tried a holy man .
-I will not entertain so bad a thought .
-How if , when I am laid into the tomb ,
-I wake before the time that Romeo
-Come to redeem me ? there's a fearful point !
-Shall I not then be stifled in the vault ,
-To whose foul mouth no healthsome air breathes in ,
-And there die strangled ere my Romeo comes ?
-Or , if I live , is it not very like ,
-The horrible conceit of death and night ,
-Together with the terror of the place ,
-As in a vault , an ancient receptacle ,
-Where , for these many hundred years , the bones
-Of all my buried ancestors are pack'd ;
-Where bloody Tybalt , yet but green in earth ,
-Lies festering in his shroud ; where , as they say ,
-At some hours in the night spirits resort :
-Alack , alack ! is it not like that I ,
-So early waking , what with loathsome smells ,
-And shrieks like mandrakes' torn out of the earth ,
-That living mortals , hearing them , run mad :
-O ! if I wake , shall I not be distraught ,
-Environed with all these hideous fears ,
-And madly play with my forefathers' joints ,
-And pluck the mangled Tybalt from his shroud ?
-And , in this rage , with some great kinsman's bone ,
-As with a club , dash out my desperate brains ?
-O , look ! methinks I see my cousin's ghost
-Seeking out Romeo , that did spit his body
-Upon a rapier's point . Stay , Tybalt , stay !
-Romeo , I come ! this do I drink to thee .
-
-
-Hold , take these keys , and fetch more spices , nurse .
-
-They call for dates and quinces in the pastry .
-
-
-Come , stir , stir , stir ! the second cock hath crow'd ,
-The curfew bell hath rung , 'tis three o'clock :
-Look to the bak'd meats , good Angelica :
-Spare not for cost .
-
-Go , go , you cot-quean , go ;
-Get you to bed ; faith , you'll be sick to-morrow
-For this night's watching .
-
-No , not a whit ; what ! I have watch'd ere now
-All night for lesser cause , and ne'er been sick .
-
-Ay , you have been a mouse-hunt in your time ;
-But I will watch you from such watching now .
-
-
-A jealous-hood , a jealous-hood !
-
-
-Now , fellow ,
-
-What's there ?
-
-Things for the cook , sir ; but I know not what .
-
-Make haste , make haste .
-
-Sirrah , fetch drier logs :
-Call Peter , he will show thee where they are .
-
-I have a head , sir , that will find out logs ,
-And never trouble Peter for the matter .
-
-
-Mass , and well said ; a merry whoreson , ha !
-Thou shalt be logger-head . Good faith ! 'tis day :
-The county will be here with music straight ,
-For so he said he would .
-
-I hear him near .
-Nurse ! Wife ! what , ho ! What , nurse , I say !
-
-
-Go waken Juliet , go and trim her up ;
-I'll go and chat with Paris . Hie , make haste ,
-Make haste ; the bridegroom he is come already :
-Make haste , I say .
-
-Mistress ! what , mistress ! Juliet ! fast , I warrant her , she :
-Why , lamb ! why , lady ! fie , you slug-a-bed !
-Why , love , I say ! madam ! sweet-heart ! why , bride !
-What ! not a word ? you take your pennyworths now :
-Sleep for a week ; for the next night , I warrant ,
-The County Paris hath set up his rest ,
-That you shall rest but little . God forgive me ,
-Marry , and amen , how sound is she asleep !
-I needs must wake her . Madam , madam , madam !
-Ay , let the county take you in your bed ;
-He'll fright you up , i' faith . Will it not be ?
-What , dress'd ! and in your clothes ! and down again !
-I must needs wake you . Lady ! lady ! lady !
-Alas ! alas ! Help ! help ! my lady's dead !
-O ! well-a-day , that ever I was born .
-Some aqua-vit , ho ! My lord ! my lady !
-
-
-What noise is here ?
-
-O lamentable day !
-
-What is the matter ?
-
-Look , look ! O heavy day !
-
-O me , O me ! my child , my only life ,
-Revive , look up , or I will die with thee !
-Help , help ! Call help .
-
-
-For shame ! bring Juliet forth ; her lord is come .
-
-She's dead , deceas'd , she's dead ; alack the day !
-
-Alack the day ! she's dead , she's dead ! she's dead !
-
-Ha ! let me see her . Out , alas ! she's cold ;
-Her blood is settled , and her joints are stiff ;
-Life and these lips have long been separated :
-Death lies on her like an untimely frost
-Upon the sweetest flower of all the field .
-
-O lamentable day !
-
-O woeful time !
-
-Death , that hath ta'en her hence to make me wail ,
-Ties up my tongue , and will not let me speak .
-
-
-Come , is the bride ready to go to church ?
-
-Ready to go , but never to return .
-O son ! the night before thy wedding-day
-Hath Death lain with thy wife . There she lies ,
-Flower as she was , deflowered by him .
-Death is my son-in-law , Death is my heir ;
-My daughter he hath wedded : I will die ,
-And leave him all ; life , living , all is Death's !
-
-Have I thought long to see this morning's face ,
-And doth it give me such a sight as this ?
-
-Accurs'd , unhappy , wretched , hateful-day !
-Most miserable hour , that e'er time saw
-In lasting labour of his pilgrimage !
-But one , poor one , one poor and loving child ,
-But one thing to rejoice and solace in ,
-And cruel death hath catch'd it from my sight !
-
-O woe ! O woeful , woeful , woeful day !
-Most lamentable day , most woeful day ,
-That ever , ever , I did yet behold !
-O day ! O day ! O day ! O hateful day !
-Never was seen so black a day as this :
-O woeful day , O woeful day !
-
-Beguil'd , divorced , wronged , spited , slain !
-Most detestable death , by thee beguil'd ,
-By cruel cruel thee quite overthrown !
-O love ! O life ! not life , but love in death !
-
-Despis'd , distressed , hated , martyr'd , kill'd !
-Uncomfortable time , why cam'st thou now
-To murder , murder our solemnity ?
-O child ! O child ! my soul , and not my child !
-Dead art thou ! dead ! alack , my child is dead ;
-And with my child my joys are buried !
-
-Peace , ho ! for shame ! confusion's cure lives not
-In these confusions . Heaven and yourself
-Had part in this fair maid ; now heaven hath all ,
-And all the better is it for the maid :
-Your part in her you could not keep from death ,
-But heaven keeps his part in eternal life .
-The most you sought was her promotion ,
-For 'twas your heaven she should be advanc'd ;
-And weep ye now , seeing she is advanc'd
-Above the clouds , as high as heaven itself ?
-O ! in this love , you love your child so ill ,
-That you run mad , seeing that she is well :
-She's not well married that lives married long ;
-But she's best married that dies married young .
-Dry up your tears , and stick your rosemary
-On this fair corse ; and , as the custom is ,
-In all her best array bear her to church ;
-For though fond nature bids us all lament ,
-Yet nature's tears are reason's merriment .
-
-All things that we ordained festival ,
-Turn from their office to black funeral ;
-Our instruments to melancholy bells ,
-Our wedding cheer to a sad burial feast ,
-Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change ,
-Our bridal flowers serve for a buried corse ,
-And all things change them to the contrary .
-
-Sir , go you in ; and , madam , go with him ;
-And go , Sir Paris ; every one prepare
-To follow this fair corse unto her grave .
-The heavens do lower upon you for some ill ;
-Move them no more by crossing their high will .
-
-
-Faith , we may put up our pipes , and be gone .
-
-Honest good fellows , ah ! put up , put up , for , well you know , this is a pitiful case .
-
-
-Ay , by my troth , the case may be amended .
-
-
-Musicians ! O ! musicians , 'Heart's ease , Heart's ease :' O ! an ye will have me live , play 'Heart's ease .'
-
-Why 'Heart's ease ?'
-
-O ! musicians , because my heart itself plays 'My heart is full of woe ;' O ! play me some merry dump , to comfort me .
-
-Not a dump we ; 'tis no time to play now .
-
-You will not then ?
-
-No .
-
-I will then give it you soundly .
-
-What will you give us ?
-
-No money , on my faith ! but the gleek ;
-I will give you the minstrel .
-
-Then will I give you the serving-creature .
-
-Then will I lay the serving-creature's dagger on your pate , I will carry no crotchets :
-I'll re you , I'll fa you . Do you note me ?
-
-An you re us , and fa us , you note us .
-
-Pray you , put up your dagger , and put out your wit .
-
-Then have at you with my wit ! I will dry-beat you with an iron wit , and put up my iron dagger . Answer me like men :
-
-When griping grief the heart doth wound ,
-And doleful dumps the mind oppress ,
-Then music with her silver sound
-
-Why 'silver sound ?' why 'music with her silver sound ?' What say you , Simon Catling ?
-
-Marry , sir , because silver hath a sweet sound .
-
-Pretty ! What say you , Hugh Rebeck ?
-
-I say 'silver sound ,' because musicians sound for silver .
-
-Pretty too ! What say you , James Soundpost ?
-
-Faith , I know not what to say .
-
-O ! I cry you mercy ; you are the singer ;
-I will say for you . It is , 'music with her silver sound ,' because musicians have no gold for sounding :
-
-Then music with her silver sound
-With speedy help doth lend redress .
-
-What a pestilent knave is this same !
-
-Hang him , Jack ! Come , we'll in here ; tarry for the mourners , and stay dinner .
-
-
-If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep ,
-My dreams presage some joyful news at hand :
-My bosom's lord sits lightly in his throne ;
-And all this day an unaccustom'd spirit
-Lifts me above the ground with cheerful thoughts .
-I dreamt my lady came and found me dead ;
-Strange dream , that gives a dead man leave to think ,
-And breath'd such life with kisses in my lips ,
-That I reviv'd , and was an emperor .
-Ah me ! how sweet is love itself possess'd ,
-When but love's shadows are so rich in joy !
-
-
-News from Verona ! How now , Balthasar ?
-Dost thou not bring me letters from the friar ?
-How doth my lady ? Is my father well ?
-How fares my Juliet ? That I ask again ;
-
-For nothing can be ill if she be well .
-
-Then she is well , and nothing can be ill ;
-Her body sleeps in Capel's monument ,
-And her immortal part with angels lives .
-I saw her laid low in her kindred's vault ,
-And presently took post to tell it you .
-O ! pardon me for bringing these ill news ,
-Since you did leave it for my office , sir .
-
-Is it even so ? then I defy you , stars !
-Thou know'st my lodging : get me ink and paper ,
-And hire post-horses ; I will hence to-night .
-
-I do beseech you , sir , have patience :
-Your looks are pale and wild , and do import
-Some misadventure .
-
-Tush , thou art deceiv'd ;
-Leave me , and do the thing I bid thee do .
-Hast thou no letters to me from the friar ?
-
-No , my good lord .
-
-No matter ; get thee gone ,
-And hire those horses : I'll be with thee straight .
-
-Well , Juliet , I will he with thee to-night .
-Let's see for means : O mischief ! thou art swift
-To enter in the thoughts of desperate men .
-I do remember an apothecary ,
-And hereabouts he dwells , which late I noted
-In tatter'd weeds , with overwhelming brows ,
-Culling of simples ; meagre were his looks ,
-Sharp misery had worn him to the bones :
-And in his needy shop a tortoise hung ,
-An alligator stuff'd , and other skins
-Of ill-shap'd fishes ; and about his shelves
-A beggarly account of empty boxes ,
-Green earthen pots , bladders , and musty seeds ,
-Remnants of packthread , and old cakes of roses ,
-Were thinly scatter'd , to make up a show .
-Noting this penury , to myself I said
-An if a man did need a poison now ,
-Whose sale is present death in Mantua ,
-Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him .
-O ! this same thought did but fore-run my need ,
-And this same needy man must sell it me .
-As I remember , this should be the house :
-Being holiday , the beggar's shop is shut .
-What , ho ! apothecary !
-
-
-Who calls so loud ?
-
-Come hither , man . I see that thou art poor ;
-Hold , there is forty ducats ; let me have
-A dram of poison , such soon-speeding gear
-As will disperse itself through all the veins
-That the life-weary taker may fall dead ,
-And that the trunk may be discharg'd of breath
-As violently as hasty powder fir'd
-Doth hurry from the fatal cannon's womb .
-
-Such mortal drugs I have ; but Mantua's law
-Is death to any he that utters them .
-
-Art thou so bare , and full of wretchedness ,
-And fear'st to die ? famine is in thy cheeks ,
-Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes ,
-Contempt and beggary hang upon thy back ;
-The world is not thy friend nor the world's law :
-The world affords no law to make thee rich ;
-Then be not poor , but break it , and take this .
-
-My poverty , but not my will , consents .
-
-I pay thy poverty , and not thy will .
-
-Put this in any liquid thing you will ,
-And drink it off ; and , if you had the strength
-Of twenty men , it would dispatch you straight .
-
-There is thy gold , worse poison to men's souls ,
-Doing more murders in this loathsome world
-Than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sell :
-I sell thee poison , thou hast sold me none .
-Farewell ; buy food , and get thyself in flesh .
-Come , cordial and not poison , go with me
-To Juliet's grave , for there must I use thee .
-
-
-Holy Franciscan friar ! brother , ho !
-
-
-This same should be the voice of Friar John .
-Welcome from Mantua : what says Romeo ?
-Or , if his mind be writ , give me his letter .
-
-Going to find a bare-foot brother out ,
-One of our order , to associate me ,
-Here in this city visiting the sick ,
-And finding him , the searchers of the town ,
-Suspecting that we both were in a house
-Where the infectious pestilence did reign ,
-Seal'd up the doors , and would not let us forth ;
-So that my speed to Mantua there was stay'd .
-
-Who bare my letter then to Romeo ?
-
-I could not send it , here it is again ,
-Nor get a messenger to bring it thee ,
-So fearful were they of infection .
-
-Unhappy fortune ! by my brotherhood ,
-The letter was not nice , but full of charge
-Of dear import ; and the neglecting it
-May do much danger . Friar John , go hence ;
-Get me an iron crow , and bring it straight
-Unto my cell .
-
-Brother , I'll go and bring it thee .
-
-
-Now must I to the monument alone ;
-Within these three hours will fair Juliet wake :
-She will beshrew me much that Romeo
-Hath had no notice of these accidents ;
-But I will write again to Mantus ,
-And keep her at my cell till Romeo come :
-Poor living corse , clos'd in a dead man's tomb !
-
-
-Give me thy torch , boy : hence , and stand aloof ;
-Yet put it out , for I would not be seen .
-Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along ,
-Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground :
-So shall no foot upon the churchyard tread ,
-Being loose , unfirm with digging up of graves ,
-But thou shalt hear it : whistle then to me ,
-As signal that thou hear'st something approach .
-Give me those flowers . Do as I bid thee ; go .
-
-I am almost afraid to stand alone
-Here in the churchyard ; yet I will adventure .
-
-
-Sweet flower , with flowers thy bridal bed I strew ,
-O woe ! thy canopy is dust and stones ;
-Which with sweet water nightly I will dew ,
-Or , wanting that , with tears distill'd by moans :
-The obsequies that I for thee will keep
-Nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep .
-
-The boy gives warning something doth approach .
-What cursed foot wanders this way to-night ,
-To cross my obsequies and true love's rite ?
-What ! with a torch ?muffle me , night , awhile .
-
-Give me that mattock , and the wrenching iron .
-Hold , take this letter ; early in the morning
-See thou deliver it to my lord and father .
-Give me the light : upon thy life I charge thee ,
-Whate'er thou hear'st or seest , stand all aloof ,
-And do not interrupt me in my course .
-Why I descend into this bed of death ,
-Is partly , to behold my lady's face ;
-But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger
-A precious ring , a ring that I must use
-In dear employment : therefore hence , be gone :
-But , if thou , jealous , dost return to pry
-In what I further shall intend to do ,
-By heaven , I will tear thee joint by joint ,
-And strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbs .
-The time and my intents are savage-wild ,
-More fierce and more inexorable far
-Than empty tigers or the roaring sea .
-
-I will be gone , sir , and not trouble you .
-
-So shalt thou show me friendship . Take thou that :
-Live , and be prosperous ; and farewell , good fellow .
-
-For all this same , I'll hide me here about :
-His looks I fear , and his intents I doubt .
-
-
-Thou detestable maw , thou womb of death ,
-Gorg'd with the dearest morsel of the earth ,
-Thus I enforce thy rotten jaws to open ,
-
-And , in despite , I'll cram thee with more food !
-
-This is that banish'd haughty Montague ,
-That murder'd my love's cousin , with which grief
-It is supposed the fair creature died ;
-And here is come to do some villanous shame
-To the dead bodies : I will apprehend him .
-
-Stop thy unhallow'd toil , vile Montague ,
-Can vengeance be pursu'd further than death ?
-Condemned villain , I do apprehend thee :
-Obey , and go with me ; for thou must die .
-
-I must , indeed ; and therefore came I hither .
-Good gentle youth , tempt not a desperate man ;
-Fly hence and leave me : think upon these gone ;
-Let them affright thee . I beseech thee , youth ,
-Put not another sin upon my head
-By urging me to fury : O ! be gone :
-By heaven , I love thee better than myself .
-For I come hither arm'd against myself :
-Stay not , be gone ; live , and hereafter say
-A madman's mercy bade thee run away .
-
-I do defy thy conjurations ,
-And apprehend thee for a felon here .
-
-Wilt thou provoke me ? then have at thee , boy !
-
-
-O Lord ! they fight : I will go call the watch .
-
-
-O , I am slain !If thou be merciful ,
-Open the tomb , lay me with Juliet .
-
-
-In faith , I will . Let me peruse this face :
-Mercutio's kinsman , noble County Paris !
-What said my man when my betossed soul
-Did not attend him as we rode ? I think
-He told me Paris should have married Juliet :
-Said he not so ? or did I dream it so ?
-Or am I mad , hearing him talk of Juliet ,
-To think it was so ? O ! give me thy hand ,
-One writ with me in sour misfortune's book :
-I'll bury thee in a triumphant grave ;
-A grave ? O , no ! a lanthorn , slaughter'd youth ,
-For here lies Juliet , and her beauty makes
-This vault a feasting presence full of light .
-Death , lie thou there , by a dead man interr'd ,
-
-How oft when men are at the point of death
-Have they been merry ! which their keepers call
-A lightning before death : O ! how may I
-Call this a lightning ? O my love ! my wife !
-Death , that hath suck'd the honey of thy breath ,
-Hath had no power yet upon thy beauty :
-Thou art not conquer'd ; beauty's ensign yet
-Is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks ,
-And death's pale flag is not advanced there .
-Tybalt , liest thou there in thy bloody sheet ?
-O ! what more favour can I do to thee ,
-Than with that hand that cut thy youth in twain
-To sunder his that was thine enemy ?
-Forgive me , cousin ! Ah ! dear Juliet ,
-Why art thou yet so fair ? Shall I believe
-That unsubstantial Death is amorous ,
-And that the lean abhorred monster keeps
-Thee here in dark to be his paramour ?
-For fear of that I still will stay with thee ,
-And never from this palace of dim night
-Depart again : here , here will I remain
-With worms that are thy chambermaids ; O ! here
-Will I set up my everlasting rest ,
-And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars
-From this world-wearied flesh . Eyes , look your last !
-Arms , take your last embrace ! and , lips , O you
-The doors of breath , seal with a righteous kiss
-A dateless bargain to engrossing death !
-Come , bitter conduct , come , unsavoury guide !
-Thou desperate pilot , now at once run on
-The dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark !
-Here's to my love !
-
-O true apothecary !
-Thy drugs are quick . Thus with a kiss I die .
-
-Saint Francis be my speed ! how oft to-night
-Have my old feet stumbled at graves ! Who's there ?
-
-Here's one , a friend , and one that knows you well .
-
-Bliss be upon you ! Tell me , good my friend ,
-What torch is yond , that vainly lends his light
-To grubs and eyeless skulls ? as I discern ,
-It burneth in the Capel's monument .
-
-It doth so , holy sir ; and there's my master ,
-One that you love .
-
-Who is it ?
-
-Romeo .
-
-How long hath he been there ?
-
-Full half an hour .
-
-Go with me to the vault .
-
-I dare not , sir .
-My master knows not but I am gone hence ;
-And fearfully did menace me with death
-If I did stay to look on his intents .
-
-Stay then , I'll go alone . Fear comes upon me ;
-O ! much I fear some ill unlucky thing .
-
-As I did sleep under this yew-tree here ,
-I dreamt my master and another fought ,
-And that my master slew him .
-
-Romeo !
-Alack , alack ! what blood is this which stains
-The stony entrance of this sepulchre ?
-What mean these masterless and gory swords
-To lie discolour'd by this place of peace ?
-
-Romeo ! O , pale ! Who else ? what ! Paris too ?
-And steep'd in blood ? Ah ! what an unkind hour
-Is guilty of this lamentable chance .
-The lady stirs .
-
-
-O , comfortable friar ! where is my lord ?
-I do remember well where I should be ,
-And there I am . Where is my Romeo ?
-
-
-I hear some noise . Lady , come from that nest
-Of death , contagion , and unnatural sleep :
-A greater power than we can contradict
-Hath thwarted our intents : come , come away .
-Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead ;
-And Paris too : come , I'll dispose of thee
-Among a sisterhood of holy nuns .
-Stay not to question , for the watch is coming ;
-Come , go , good Juliet .
-
-I dare no longer stay .
-
-Go , get thee hence , for I will not away .
-
-What's here ? a cup , clos'd in my true love's hand ?
-Poison , I see , hath been his timeless end .
-O churl ! drunk all , and left no friendly drop
-To help me after ! I will kiss thy lips ;
-Haply , some poison yet doth hang on them ,
-To make me die with a restorative .
-
-Thy lips are warm !
-
-Lead , boy : which way ?
-
-Yea , noise ? then I'll be brief . O happy dagger !
-
-This is thy sheath ;
-
-there rest , and let me die .
-
-This is the place ; there where the torch doth burn .
-
-The ground is bloody ; search about the churchyard .
-Go , some of you ; whoe'er you find , attach .
-
-Pitiful sight ! here lies the county slain ,
-And Juliet bleeding , warm , and newly dead ,
-Who here hath lain these two days buried .
-Go , tell the prince , run to the Capulets ,
-Raise up the Montagues , some others search :
-
-We see the ground whereon these woes do lie ;
-But the true ground of all these piteous woes
-We cannot without circumstance descry .
-
-
-Here's Romeo's man ; we found him in the churchyard .
-
-Hold him in safety , till the prince come hither .
-
-
-Here is a friar , that trembles , sighs , and weeps ;
-We took this mattock and this spade from him ,
-As he was coming from this churchyard side .
-
-A great suspicion : stay the friar too .
-
-
-What misadventure is so early up ,
-That calls our person from our morning's rest ?
-
-
-What should it be , that they so shriek abroad ?
-
-The people in the street cry Romeo ,
-Some Juliet , and some Paris ; and all run
-With open outcry toward our monument .
-
-What fear is this which startles in our ears ?
-
-Sovereign , here lies the County Paris slain ;
-And Romeo dead ; and Juliet , dead before ,
-Warm and new kill'd .
-
-Search , seek , and know how this foul murder comes .
-
-Here is a friar , and slaughter'd Romeo's man ;
-With instruments upon them , fit to open
-These dead men's tombs .
-
-O , heaven !O wife ! look how our daughter bleeds !
-This dagger hath mista'en !for , lo , his house
-Is empty on the back of Montague
-And is mis-sheathed in my daughter's bosom .
-
-O me ! this sight of death is as a bell ,
-That warns my old age to a sepulchre .
-
-
-Come , Montague : for thou art early up ,
-To see thy son and heir more early down .
-
-Alas ! my liege , my wife is dead to-night ;
-Grief of my son's exile hath stopp'd her breath .
-What further woe conspires against mine age ?
-
-Look , and thou shalt see .
-
-O thou untaught ! what manners is in this ,
-To press before thy father to a grave ?
-
-Seal up the mouth of outrage for a while ,
-Till we can clear these ambiguities ,
-And know their spring , their head , their true descent ;
-And then will I be general of your woes ,
-And lead you even to death : meantime forbear ,
-And let mischance be slave to patience .
-Bring forth the parties of suspicion .
-
-I am the greatest , able to do least ,
-Yet most suspected , as the time and place
-Doth make against me , of this direful murder ;
-And here I stand , both to impeach and purge
-Myself condemned and myself excus'd .
-
-Then say at once what thou dost know in this .
-
-I will be brief , for my short date of breath
-Is not so long as is a tedious tale .
-Romeo , there dead , was husband to that Juliet ;
-And she , there dead , that Romeo's faithful wife :
-I married them ; and their stolen marriage-day
-Was Tybalt's doomsday , whose untimely death
-Banish'd the new-made bridegroom from this city ;
-For whom , and not for Tybalt , Juliet pin'd .
-You , to remove that siege of grief from her ,
-Betroth'd , and would have married her perforce ,
-To County Paris : then comes she to me ,
-And , with wild looks bid me devise some mean
-To rid her from this second marriage ,
-Or in my cell there would she kill herself .
-Then gave I her ,so tutor'd by my art ,
-A sleeping potion ; which so took effect
-As I intended , for it wrought on her
-The form of death : meantime I writ to Romeo
-That he should hither come as this dire night ,
-To help to take her from her borrow'd grave ,
-Being the time the potion's force should cease .
-But he which bore my letter , Friar John ,
-Was stay'd by accident , and yesternight
-Return'd my letter back . Then , all alone ,
-At the prefixed hour of her waking ,
-Came I to take her from her kindred's vault ,
-Meaning to keep her closely at my cell ,
-Till I conveniently could send to Romeo :
-But , when I came ,some minute ere the time
-Of her awakening ,here untimely lay
-The noble Paris and true Romeo dead .
-She wakes ; and I entreated her come forth ,
-And bear this work of heaven with patience ;
-But then a noise did scare me from the tomb ,
-And she , too desperate , would not go with me ,
-But , as it seems , did violence on herself .
-All this I know ; and to the marriage
-Her nurse is privy : and , if aught in this
-Miscarried by my fault , let my old life
-Be sacrific'd , some hour before his time ,
-Unto the rigour of severest law .
-
-We still have known thee for a holy man .
-Where's Romeo's man ? what can he say in this ?
-
-I brought my master news of Juliet's death ;
-And then in post he came from Mantua
-To this same place , to this same monument .
-This letter he early bid me give his father ,
-And threaten'd me with death , going in the vault ,
-If I departed not and left him there .
-
-Give me the letter ; I will look on it .
-Where is the county's page that rais'd the watch ?
-Sirrah , what made your master in this place ?
-
-He came with flowers to strew his lady's grave ,
-And bid me stand aloof , and so I did ;
-Anon , comes one with light to ope the tomb ;
-And by and by my master drew on him ;
-And then I ran away to call the watch .
-
-This letter doth make good the friar's words ,
-Their course of love , the tidings of her death :
-And here he writes that he did buy a poison
-Of a poor 'pothecary , and therewithal
-Came to this vault to die , and lie with Juliet .
-Where be these enemies ?Capulet ! Montague !
-See what a scourge is laid upon your hate ,
-That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love ;
-And I , for winking at your discords too ,
-Have lost a brace of kinsmen : all are punish'd .
-
-O brother Montague ! give me thy hand :
-This is my daughter's jointure , for no more
-Can I demand .
-
-But I can give thee more ;
-For I will raise her statue in pure gold ;
-That while Verona by that name is known .
-There shall no figure at such rate be set
-As that of true and faithful Juliet .
-
-As rich shall Romeo by his lady lie ;
-Poor sacrifices of our enmity !
-
-A glooming peace this morning with it brings ;
-The sun , for sorrow , will not show his head :
-Go hence , to have more talk of these sad things :
-Some shall be pardon'd , and some punished :
-For never was a story of more woe
-Than this of Juliet and her Romeo .
-
-TIMON OF ATHENS
-
-Good day , sir .
-
-I am glad you're well .
-
-I have not seen you long . How goes the world ?
-
-It wears , sir , as it grows .
-
-Ay , that's well known ;
-But what particular rarity ? what strange ,
-Which manifold record not matches ? See ,
-Magic of bounty ! all these spirits thy power
-Hath conjur'd to attend . I know the merchant .
-
-I know them both ; th' other's a jeweller .
-
-O ! 'tis a worthy lord .
-
-Nay , that's most fix'd .
-
-A most incomparable man , breath'd , as it were ,
-To an untirable and continuate goodness :
-He passes .
-
-I have a jewel here
-
-O ! pray , let's see 't : for the Lord Timon , sir ?
-
-If he will touch the estimate : but , for that
-
-When we for recompense have prais'd the vile ,
-It stains the glory in that happy verse
-Which aptly sings the good .
-
-'Tis a good form .
-
-And rich : here is a water , look ye .
-
-You are rapt , sir , in some work , some dedication
-To the great lord .
-
-A thing slipp'd idly from me .
-Our poesy is as a gum , which oozes
-From whence 'tis nourish'd : the fire i' the flint
-Shows not till it be struck ; our gentle flame
-Provokes itself , and , like the current flies
-Each bound it chafes . What have you there ?
-
-A picture , sir . When comes your book forth ?
-
-Upon the heels of my presentment , sir .
-Let's see your piece .
-
-'Tis a good piece .
-
-So 'tis : this comes off well and excellent .
-
-Indifferent .
-
-Admirable ! How this grace
-Speaks his own standing ! what a mental power
-This eye shoots forth ! how big imagination
-Moves in this lip ! to the dumbness of the gesture
-One might interpret .
-
-It is a pretty mocking of the life .
-Here is a touch ; is 't good ?
-
-I'll say of it ,
-It tutors nature : artificial strife
-Lives in these touches , livelier than life .
-
-
-How this lord is follow'd !
-
-The senators of Athens : happy man !
-
-Look , more !
-
-You see this confluence , this great flood of visitors .
-I have , in this rough work , shap'd out a man ,
-Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug
-With amplest entertainment : my free drift
-Halts not particularly , but moves itself
-In a wide sea of wax : no levell'd malice
-Infects one comma in the course I hold ;
-But flies an eagle flight , bold and forth on ,
-Leaving no tract behind .
-
-How shall I understand you ?
-
-I will unbolt to you .
-You see how all conditions , how all minds
-As well of glib and slippery creatures as
-Of grave and austere quality tender down
-Their services to Lord Timon : his large fortune ,
-Upon his good and gracious nature hanging ,
-Subdues and properties to his love and tendance
-All sorts of hearts ; yea , from the glass-fac'd flatterer
-To Apemantus , that few things loves better
-Than to abhor himself : even he drops down
-The knee before him and returns in peace
-Most rich in Timon's nod .
-
-I saw them speak together .
-
-Sir , I have upon a high and pleasant hill
-Feign'd Fortune to be thron'd : the base o' the mount
-Is rank'd with all deserts , all kind of natures ,
-That labour on the bosom of this sphere
-To propagate their states : amongst them all ,
-Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix'd ,
-One do I personate of Lord Timon's frame ,
-Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her ;
-Whose present grace to present slaves and servants
-Translates his rivals .
-
-'Tis conceiv'd to scope .
-This throne , this Fortune , and this hill , methinks ,
-With one man beckon'd from the rest below ,
-Bowing his head against the steepy mount
-To climb his happiness , would be well express'd
-In our condition .
-
-Nay , sir , but hear me on .
-All those which were his fellows but of late ,
-Some better than his value , on the moment
-Follow his strides , his lobbies fill with tendance ,
-Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear ,
-Make sacred even his stirrup , and through him
-Drink the free air .
-
-Ay , marry , what of these ?
-
-When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
-Spurns down her late belov'd , all his dependants
-Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top
-Even on their knees and hands , let him slip down ,
-Not one accompanying his declining foot .
-
-'Tis common :
-A thousand moral paintings I can show
-That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune's
-More pregnantly than words . Yet you do well
-To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen
-The foot above the head .
-
-
-Imprison'd is he , say you ?
-
-Ay , my good lord : five talents is his debt ,
-His means most short , his creditors most strait :
-Your honourable letter he desires
-To those have shut him up ; which , failing ,
-Periods his comfort .
-
-Noble Ventidius ! Well ;
-I am not of that feather to shake off
-My friend when he must need me . I do know him
-A gentleman that well deserves a help ,
-Which he shall have : I'll pay the debt and free him .
-
-Your lordship ever binds him .
-
-Commend me to him . I will send his ransom ;
-And being enfranchis'd , bid him come to me .
-'Tis not enough to help the feeble up ,
-But to support him after . Fare you well .
-
-All happiness to your honour .
-
-Lord Timon , hear me speak .
-
-Freely , good father .
-
-Thou hast a servant nam'd Lucilius .
-
-I have so : what of him ?
-
-Most noble Timon , call the man before thee .
-
-Attends be here or no ? Lucilius !
-
-Here , at your lordship's service .
-
-This fellow here , Lord Timon , this thy creature ,
-By night frequents my house . I am a man
-That from my first have been inclin'd to thrift ,
-And my estate deserves an heir more rais'd
-Than one which holds a trencher .
-
-Well ; what further ?
-
-One only daughter have I , no kin else ,
-On whom I may confer what I have got :
-The maid is fair , o' the youngest for a bride ,
-And I have bred her at my dearest cost
-In qualities of the best . This man of thine
-Attempts her love : I prithee , noble lord ,
-Join with me to forbid him her resort ;
-Myself have spoke in vain .
-
-The man is honest .
-
-Therefore he will be , Timon :
-His honesty rewards him in itself ;
-It must not bear my daughter .
-
-Does she love him ?
-
-She is young and apt :
-Our own precedent passions do instruct us
-What levity's in youth .
-
-Love you the maid ?
-
-Ay , my good lord , and she accepts of it .
-
-If in her marriage my consent be missing ,
-I call the gods to witness , I will choose
-Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world ,
-And dispossess her all .
-
-How shall she be endow'd ,
-If she be mated with an equal husband ?
-
-Three talents on the present ; in future , all .
-
-This gentleman of mine hath serv'd me long :
-To build his fortune I will strain a little ,
-For 'tis a bond in men . Give him thy daughter ;
-What you bestow , in him I'll counterpoise ,
-And make him weigh with her .
-
-Most noble lord ,
-Pawn me to this your honour , she is his .
-
-My hand to thee ; mine honour on my promise .
-
-Humbly I thank your lordship : never may
-That state or fortune fall into my keeping
-Which is not ow'd to you !
-
-
-Vouchsafe my labour , and long live your lordship !
-
-I thank you ; you shall hear from me anon :
-Go not away . What have you there , my friend ?
-
-A piece of painting , which I do beseech
-Your lordship to accept .
-
-Painting is welcome .
-The painting is almost the natural man ;
-For since dishonour traffics with man's nature ,
-He is but outside : these pencil'd figures are
-Even such as they give out . I like your work ;
-And you shall find I like it : wait attendance
-Till you hear further from me .
-
-The gods preserve you !
-
-Well fare you , gentleman : give me your hand ;
-We must needs dine together . Sir , your jewel
-Hath suffer'd under praise .
-
-What , my lord ! dispraise ?
-
-A mere satiety of commendations .
-If I should pay you for 't as 'tis extoll'd ,
-It would unclew me quite .
-
-My lord , 'tis rated
-As those which sell would give : but you well know ,
-Things of like value , differing in the owners ,
-Are prized by their masters . Believe 't , dear lord ,
-You mend the jewel by the wearing it .
-
-Well mock'd .
-
-No , my good lord ; he speaks the common tongue ,
-Which all men speak with him .
-
-Look , who comes here . Will you be chid ?
-
-
-We'll bear , with your lordship .
-
-He'll spare none .
-
-Good morrow to thee , gentle Apemantus !
-
-Till I be gentle , stay thou for thy good morrow ;
-When thou art Timon's dog , and these knaves honest .
-
-Why dost thou call them knaves ? thou know'st them not .
-
-Are they not Athenians ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Then I repent not .
-
-You know me , Apemantus ?
-
-Thou know'st I do ; I call'd thee by thy name .
-
-Thou art proud , Apemantus .
-
-Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon .
-
-Whither art going ?
-
-To knock out an honest Athenian's brains .
-
-That's a deed thou'lt die for .
-
-Right , if doing nothing be death by the law .
-
-How likest thou this picture , Apemantus ?
-
-The best , for the innocence .
-
-Wrought he not well that painted it ?
-
-He wrought better that made the painter ; and yet he's but a filthy piece of work .
-
-You're a dog .
-
-Thy mother's of my generation : what's she , if I be a dog ?
-
-Wilt dine with me , Apemantus ?
-
-No ; I eat not lords .
-
-An thou shouldst , thou'dst anger ladies .
-
-O ! they eat lords ; so they come by great bellies .
-
-That's a lascivious apprehension .
-
-So thou apprehendest it , take it for thy labour .
-
-How dost thou like this jewel , Apemantus ?
-
-Not so well as plain-dealing , which will not cost a man a doit .
-
-What dost thou think 'tis worth ?
-
-Not worth my thinking . How now , poet !
-
-How now , philosopher !
-
-Thou liest .
-
-Art not one ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Then I lie not .
-
-Art not a poet ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Then thou liest : look in thy last work , where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow .
-
-That's not feigned ; he is so .
-
-Yes , he is worthy of thee , and to pay thee for thy labour : he that loves to be flattered is worthy o' the flatterer . Heavens , that I were a lord !
-
-What wouldst do then , Apemantus ?
-
-Even as Apemantus does now ; hate a lord with my heart .
-
-What , thyself ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Wherefore ?
-
-That I had no angry wit to be a lord .
-Art not thou a merchant ?
-
-Ay , Apemantus .
-
-Traffic confound thee , if the gods will not !
-
-If traffic do it , the gods do it .
-
-Traffic's thy god , and thy god confound thee !
-
-
-What trumpet's that ?
-
-'Tis Alcihiades , and some twenty horse ,
-All of companionship .
-
-Pray , entertain them ; give them guide to us .
-
-You must needs dine with me . Go not you hence
-Till I have thanked you ; when dinner's done ,
-Show me this piece . I am joyful of your sights .
-
-Most welcome , sir !
-
-So , so , there !
-Aches contract and starve your supple joints !
-That there should be small love 'mongst these sweet knaves ,
-And all this courtesy ! The strain of man's bred out
-Into baboon and monkey .
-
-Sir , you have sav'd my longing , and I feed
-Most hungerly on your sight .
-
-Right welcome , sir !
-Ere we depart , we'll share a bounteous time
-In different pleasures . Pray you , let us in .
-
-What time o'day is't , Apemantus ?
-
-Time to be honest .
-
-That time serves still .
-
-The more accursed thou , that still omitt'st it .
-
-Thou art going to Lord Timon's feast ?
-
-Ay ; to see meat fill khaves and wine heat fools .
-
-Fare thee well , fare thee well .
-
-Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice .
-
-Why , Apemantus ?
-
-Shouldst have kept one to thyself , for I mean to give thee none .
-
-Hang thyself !
-
-No , I will do nothing at thy bidding : make thy requests to thy friend .
-
-Away , unpeaceable dog ! or I'll spurn thee hence .
-
-I will fly , like a dog , the heels of an ass .
-
-
-He's opposite to humanity . Come , shall we in ,
-And taste Lord Timon's bounty ? he outgoes
-The very heart of kindness .
-
-He pours it out ; Plutus , the god of gold ,
-Is but his steward : no meed but he repays
-Sevenfold above itself ; no gift to him
-But breeds the giver a return exceeding
-All use of quittance .
-
-The noblest mind he carries
-That ever govern'd man .
-
-Long may he live in fortunes !
-Shall we in ?
-
-I'll keep you company .
-
-Most honour'd Timon ,
-It hath pleas'd the gods to remember my father's age ,
-And call him to long peace .
-He is gone happy , and has left me rich :
-Then , as in grateful virtue I am bound
-To your free heart , I do return those talents ,
-Doubled with thanks and service , from whose help
-I deriv'd liberty .
-
-O ! by no means ,
-Honest Ventidius ; you mistake my love ;
-I gave it freely ever ; and there's none
-Can truly say he gives , if he receives :
-If our betters play at that game , we must not dare
-To imitate them ; faults that are rich are fair .
-
-A noble spirit .
-
-
-Nay , my lords , ceremony was but devis'd at first
-To set a gloss on faint deeds , hollow welcomes ,
-Recanting goodness , sorry ere 'tis shown ;
-But where there is true friendship , there needs none .
-Pray , sit ; more welcome are ye to my fortunes
-Than my fortunes to me .
-
-
-My lord , we always have confess'd it .
-
-Ho , ho ! confess'd it ; hang'd it , have you not ?
-
-O ! Apemantus , you are welcome .
-
-No ,
-You shall not make me welcome :
-I come to have thee thrust me out of doors .
-
-Fie ! thou'rt a churl ; ye've got a humour there
-Does not become a man ; 'tis much to blame .
-They say , my lords , Ira furor brevis est ;
-But yond man is ever angry .
-Go , let him have a table by himself ,
-For he does neither affect company ,
-Nor is he fit for it , indeed .
-
-Let me stay at thine apperil , Timon :
-I come to observe ; I give thee warning on't .
-
-I take no heed of thee ; thou'rt an Athenian , therefore , welcome . I myself would have no power ; prithee , let my meat make thee silent .
-
-I scorn thy meat ; 'twould choke me , for I should
-Ne'er flatter thee . O you gods ! what a number
-Of men eat Timon , and he sees them not .
-It grieves me to see so many dip their meat
-In one man's blood ; and all the madness is ,
-He cheers them up too .
-I wonder men dare trust themselves with men :
-Methinks they should invite them without knives ;
-Good for their meat , and safer for their lives .
-There's much example for't ; the fellow that
-Sits next him now , parts bread with him , and pledges
-The breath of him in a divided draught ,
-Is the readiest man to kill him : 't has been prov'd .
-If I were a huge man , I should fear to drink at meals ;
-Lest they should spy my wind-pipe's dangerous notes :
-Great men should drink with harness on their throats .
-
-My lord , in heart ; and let the health go round .
-
-Let it flow this way , my good lord .
-
-Flow this way ! A brave fellow ! he keeps his tides well . Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill , Timon .
-Here's that which is too weak to be a sinner ,
-Honest water , which ne'er left man i' the mire :
-This and my food are equals , there's no odds :
-Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods .
-
-Immortal gods , I crave no pelf ;
-I pray for no man but myself :
-Grant I may never prove so fond ,
-To trust man on his oath or bond ;
-Or a harlot for her weeping ;
-Or a dog that seems a-sleeping ;
-Or a keeper with my freedom ;
-Or my friends , if I should need 'em .
-Amen . So fall to't :
-Rich men sin , and I eat root .
-
-
-Much good dich thy good heart , Apemantus !
-
-Captain Alcibiades , your heart's in the field now .
-
-My heart is ever at your service , my lord .
-
-You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends .
-
-So they were bleeding-new , my lord , there's no meat like 'em : I could wish my best friend at such a feast .
-
-'Would all those flatterers were thine enemies then , that then thou mightst kill 'em and bid me to 'em .
-
-Might we but have that happiness , my lord , that you would once use our hearts , whereby we might express some part of our zeals , we should think ourselves for ever perfect .
-
-O ! no doubt , my good friends , but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you : how had you been my friends else ? why have you that charitable title from thousands , did not you chiefly belong to my heart ? I have told more of you to myself than you can with modesty speak in your own behalf ; and thus far I confirm you . O you gods ! think I , what need we have any friends , if we should ne'er have need of 'em ? they were the most needless creatures living should we ne'er have use for 'em , and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases , that keep their sounds to themselves . Why , I have often wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to you . We are born to do benefits ; and what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends ? O ! what a precious comfort 'tis , to have so many , like brothers , commanding one another's fortunes . O joy ! e'en made away ere it can be born . Mine eyes cannot hold out water , methinks : to forget their faults , I drink to you .
-
-Thou weepest to make them drink , Timon .
-
-Joy had the like conception in our eyes ,
-And , at that instant , like a babe , sprung up .
-
-Ho , ho ! I laugh to think that babe a bastard .
-
-I promise you , my lord , you mov'd me much .
-
-Much !
-
-
-What means that trump ?
-
-How now !
-
-Please you , my lord , there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance .
-
-Ladies ? What are their wills ?
-
-There comes with them a forerunner , my lord , which bears that office , to signify their pleasures .
-
-I pray , let them be admitted .
-
-
-Hail to thee , worthy Timon ; and to all
-That of his bounties taste ! The five best senses
-Acknowledge thee their patron ; and come freely
-To gratulate thy plenteous bosom . Th' ear ,
-Taste , touch , smell , pleas'd from thy table rise ;
-They only now come but to feast thine eyes .
-
-They are welcome all ; let 'em have kind admittance :
-Music , make their welcome !
-
-
-You see , my lord , how ample you're belov'd .
-
-Hoy-day ! what a sweep of vanity comes this way :
-They dance ! they are mad women .
-Like madness is the glory of this life ,
-As this pomp shows to a little oil and root .
-We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves ;
-And spend our flatteries to drink those men
-Upon whose age we void it up again ,
-With poisonous spite and envy .
-Who lives that's not depraved or depraves ?
-Who dies that bears not one spurn to their graves
-Of their friend's gift ?
-I should fear those that dance before me now
-Would one day stamp upon me : it has been done ;
-Men shut their doors against a setting sun .
-
-
-You have done our pleasures much grace , fair ladies ,
-Set a fair fashion on our entertainment ,
-Which was not half so beautiful and kind ;
-You have added worth unto 't and lustre ,
-And entertain'd me with mine own device ;
-I am to thank you for 't .
-
-My lord , you take us even at the best .
-
-Faith , for the worst is filthy ; and would not hold taking , I doubt me .
-
-Ladies , there is an idle banquet
-Attends you : please you to dispose yourselves .
-
-Most thankfully , my lord .
-
-
-Flavius !
-
-My lord !
-
-The little casket bring me hither .
-
-Yes , my lord .
-
-More jewels yet !
-There is no crossing him in 's humour ;
-Else I should tell him well , i' faith , I should ,
-When all's spent , he'd be cross'd then , an he could .
-'Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind ,
-That man might ne'er be wretched for his mind .
-
-
-Where be our men ?
-
-Here , my lord , in readiness .
-
-Our horses !
-
-
-O , my friends ! I have one word to say to you ;
-Look you , my good lord ,
-I must entreat you , honour me so much
-As to advance this jewel ; accept it and wear it ,
-Kind my lord .
-
-I am so far already in your gifts
-
-So are we all .
-
-
-My lord , there are certain nobles of the senate
-Newly alighted , and come to visit you .
-
-They are fairly welcome .
-
-I beseech your honour ,
-Vouchsafe me a word ; it does concern you near .
-
-Near ! why then another time I'll hear thee .
-I prithee , let's be provided to show them entertainment .
-
-I scarce know how .
-
-
-May it please your honour , Lord Lucius ,
-Out of his free love , hath presented to you
-Four milk-white horses , trapp'd in silver .
-
-I shall accept them fairly ; let the presents
-Be worthily entertain'd .
-
-How now ! what news ?
-
-Please you , my lord , that honourable gentleman , Lord Lucullus , entreats your company to-morrow to hunt with him , and has sent your honour two brace of greyhounds .
-
-I'll hunt with him ; and let them be receiv'd ,
-Not without fair reward .
-
-What will this come to ?
-He commands us to provide , and give great gifts ,
-And all out of an empty coffer :
-Nor will he know his purse , or yield me this ,
-To show him what a beggar his heart is ,
-Being of no power to make his wishes good .
-His promises fly so beyond his state
-That what he speaks is all in debt ; he owes
-For every word : he is so kind that he now
-Pays interest for't ; his land's put to their books .
-Well , would I were gently put out of office
-Before I were forc'd out !
-Happier he that has no friend to feed
-Than such as do e'en enemies exceed .
-I bleed inwardly for my lord .
-
-
-You do yourselves
-Much wrong , you bate too much of your own merits :
-Here , my lord , a trifle of our love .
-
-With more than common thanks I will receive it .
-
-O ! he's the very soul of bounty .
-
-And now I remember , my lord , you gave
-Good words the other day of a bay courser
-I rode on : it is yours , because you lik'd it .
-
-O ! I beseech you , pardon me , my lord , in that .
-
-You may take my word , my lord ; I know no man
-Can justly praise but what he does affect :
-I weigh my friend's affection with mine own ;
-I'll tell you true . I'll call to you .
-
-O ! none so welcome .
-
-I take all and your several visitations
-So kind to heart , 'tis not enough to give ;
-Methinks , I could deal kingdoms to my friends ,
-And ne'er be weary . Alcibiades ,
-Thou art a soldier , therefore seldom rich ;
-It comes in charity to thee ; for all thy living
-Is 'mongst the dead , and all the lands thou hast
-Lie in a pitch'd field .
-
-Ay , defil'd land , my lord .
-
-We are so virtuously bound ,
-
-And so
-Am I to you .
-
-So infinitely endear'd ,
-
-All to you . Lights , more lights !
-
-The best of happiness ,
-Honour , and fortunes , keep with you , Lord Timon !
-
-Ready for his friends .
-
-
-What a coil's here !
-Serving of becks and jutting out of bums !
-I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums
-That are given for 'em . Friendship's full of dregs :
-Methinks , false hearts should never have sound legs .
-Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtsies .
-
-Now , Apemantus , if thou wert not sullen ,
-I would be good to thee .
-
-No , I'll nothing ; for if I should be bribed too , there would be none left to rail upon thee , and then thou wouldst sin the faster . Thou givest so long , Timon , I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly : what need these feasts , pomps , and vain-glories ?
-
-Nay , an you begin to rail on society once , I am sworn not to give regard to you . Farewell ; and come with better music .
-
-
-So :
-Thou wilt not hear me now ; thou shalt not then ;
-I'll lock thy heaven from thee .
-O ! that men's ears should be
-To counsel deaf , but not to flattery .
-
-And late , five thousand : to Varro and to Isidore
-He owes nine thousand ; besides my former sum ,
-Which makes it five-and-twenty . Still in motion
-Of raging waste ! It cannot hold ; it will not .
-If I want gold , steal but a beggar's dog
-And give it Timon , why , the dog coins gold ;
-If I would sell my horse , and buy twenty more
-Better than he , why , give my horse to Timon ,
-Ask nothing , give it him , it foals me , straight ,
-And able horses . No porter at his gate ,
-But rather one that smiles and still invites
-All that pass by . It cannot hold ; no reason
-Can found his state in safety . Caphis , ho !
-Caphis , I say !
-
-
-Here , sir ; what is your pleasure ?
-
-Get on your cloak , and haste you to Lord Timon ;
-Importune him for my moneys ; be not ceas'd
-With slight denial , nor then silenc'd when
-'Commend me to your master' and the cap
-Plays in the right hand , thus ;but tell him ,
-My uses cry to me ; I must serve my turn
-Out of mine own ; his days and times are past ,
-And my reliances on his fracted dates
-Have smit my credit : I love and honour him ,
-But must not break my back to heal his finger ;
-Immediate are my needs , and my relief
-Must not be toss'd and turn'd to me in words ,
-But find supply immediate . Get you gone :
-Put on a most importunate aspect ,
-A visage of demand ; for , I do fear ,
-When every feather sticks in his own wing ,
-Lord Timon will be left a naked gull ,
-Which flashes now a ph nix . Get you gone .
-
-I go , sir .
-
-'I go , sir !' Take the bonds along with you ,
-And have the dates in compt .
-
-I will , sir .
-
-Go .
-
-
-No care , no stop ! so senseless of expense ,
-That he will neither know how to maintain it ,
-Nor cease his flow of riot : takes no account
-How things go from him , nor resumes no care
-Of what is to continue : never mind
-Was to be so unwise , to be so kind .
-What shall be done ? He will not hear , till feel :
-I must be round with him , now he comes from hunting .
-Fie , fie , fie , fie !
-
-
-Good even , Varro . What !
-You come for money ?
-
-Is't not your business too ?
-
-It is : and yours too , Isidore ?
-
-It is so .
-
-Would we were all discharg'd !
-
-I fear it .
-
-Here comes the lord !
-
-
-So soon as dinner's done , we'll forth again ,
-My Alcibiades . With me ? what is your will ?
-
-My lord , here is a note of certain dues .
-
-Dues ! Whence are you ?
-
-Of Athens here , my lord .
-
-Go to my steward .
-
-Please it your lordship , he hath put me off
-To the succession of new days this month :
-My master is awak'd by great occasion
-To call upon his own ; and humbly prays you
-That with your other noble parts you'll suit
-In giving him his right .
-
-Mine honest friend ,
-I prithee , but repair to me next morning .
-
-Nay , good my lord ,
-
-Contain thyself , good friend .
-
-One Varro's servant , my good lord ,
-
-From Isidore ;
-He humbly prays your speedy payment .
-
-If you did know , my lord , my master's wants ,
-
-'Twas due on forfeiture , my lord , six weeks
-And past .
-
-Your steward puts me off , my lord ;
-And I am sent expressly to your lordship .
-
-Give me breath .
-I do beseech you , good my lords , keep on ;
-I'll wait upon you instantly .
-
-Come hither : pray you ,
-How goes the world , that I am thus encounter'd
-With clamorous demands of date-broke bonds ,
-And the detention of long-since-due debts ,
-Against my honour ?
-
-Please you , gentlemen ,
-The time is unagreeable to this business :
-Your importunacy cease till after dinner ,
-That I may make his lordship understand
-Wherefore you are not paid .
-
-Do so , my friends .
-See them well entertained .
-
-
-Pray , draw near .
-
-Stay , stay ; here comes the fool with
-Apemantus : let's ha' some sport with 'em .
-
-Hang him , he'll abuse us .
-
-A plague upon him , dog !
-
-How dost , fool ?
-
-Dost dialogue with thy shadow ?
-
-I speak not to thee .
-
-No ; 'tis to thyself .
-
-Come away .
-
-There's the fool hangs on your back already .
-
-No , thou stand'st single ; thou'rt not on him yet .
-
-Where's the fool now ?
-
-He last asked the question . Poor rogues , and usurers' men ! bawds between gold and want !
-
-What are we , Apemantus ?
-
-Asses .
-
-Why ?
-
-That you ask me what you are , and do not know yourselves . Speak to 'em , fool .
-
-How do you , gentlemen ?
-
-Gramercies , good fool . How does your mistress ?
-
-She's e'en setting on water to scald such chickens as you are . Would we could see you at Corinth !
-
-Good ! gramercy .
-
-
-Look you , here comes my mistress' page .
-
-Why , how now , captain ! what do you in this wise company ? How dost thou , Apemantus ?
-
-Would I had a rod in my mouth , that I might answer thee profitably .
-
-Prithee , Apemantus , read me the superscription of these letters : I know not which is which .
-
-Canst not read ?
-
-No .
-
-There will little learning die then that day thou art hanged . This is to Lord Timon ; this to Alcibiades . Go ; thou wast born a bastard , and thou'lt die a bawd .
-
-Thou wast whelped a dog , and thou shalt famish a dog's death . Answer not ; I am gone .
-
-
-E'en so thou outrunn'st grace .
-Fool , I will go with you to Lord Timon's .
-
-Will you leave me there ?
-
-If Timon stay at home . You three serve three usurers ?
-
-Ay ; would they served us !
-
-So would I , as good a trick as ever hangman served thief .
-
-Are you three usurers' men ?
-
-Ay , fool .
-
-I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant : my mistress is one , and I am her fool . When men come to borrow of your masters , they approach sadly , and go away merry ; but they enter my mistress' house merrily , and go away sadly : the reason of this ?
-
-I could render one .
-
-Do it , then , that we may account thee a whoremaster and a knave ; which , notwithstanding , thou shalt be no less esteemed .
-
-What is a whoremaster , fool ?
-
-A fool in good clothes , and something like thee . 'Tis a spirit : sometime 't appears like a lord ; sometime like a lawyer ; sometime like a philosopher , with two stones more than 's artificial one . He is very often like a knight ; and generally in all shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore to thirteen , this spirit walks in .
-
-Thou art not altogether a fool .
-
-Nor thou altogether a wise man : as much foolery as I have , so much wit thou lackest .
-
-That answer might have become Apemantus .
-
-Aside , aside ; here comes Lord Timon .
-
-
-Come with me , fool , come .
-
-I do not always follow lover , elder brother and woman ; sometime the philosopher .
-
-
-Pray you , walk near : I'll speak with you anon .
-
-
-You make me marvel : wherefore , ere this time ,
-Had you not fully laid my state before me ,
-That I might so have rated my expense
-As I had leave of means ?
-
-You would not hear me ,
-At many leisures I propos'd .
-
-Go to :
-Perchance some single vantages you took ,
-When my indisposition put you back ;
-And that unaptness made your minister ,
-Thus to excuse yourself .
-
-O my good lord !
-At many times I brought in my accounts ,
-Laid them before you ; you would throw them off ,
-And say you found them in mine honesty .
-When for some trifling present you have bid me
-Return so much , I have shook my head , and wept ;
-Yea , 'gainst the authority of manners , pray'd you
-To hold your hand more close : I did endure
-Not seldom , nor no slight checks , when I have
-Prompted you in the ebb of your estate
-And your great flow of debts . My loved lord ,
-Though you hear now , too late , yet now's a time ,
-The greatest of your having lacks a half
-To pay your present debts .
-
-Let all my land be sold .
-
-'Tis all engag'd , some forfeited and gone ;
-And what remains will hardly stop the mouth
-Of present dues ; the future comes apace :
-What shall defend the interim ? and at length
-How goes our reckoning ?
-
-To Laced mon did my land extend .
-
-O my good lord ! the world is but a word ;
-Were it all yours to give it in a breath ,
-How quickly were it gone !
-
-You tell me true .
-
-If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood ,
-Call me before the exactest auditors ,
-And set me on the proof . So the gods bless me ,
-When all our offices have been oppress'd
-With riotous feeders , when our vaults have wept
-With drunken spilth of wine , when every room
-Hath blaz'd with lights and bray'd with minstrelsy ,
-I have retir'd me to a wasteful cock ,
-And set mine eyes at flow .
-
-Prithee , no more .
-
-Heavens ! have I said , the bounty of this lord !
-How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants
-This night englutted ! Who is not Timon's ?
-What heart , head , sword , force , means , but is Lord Timon's ?
-Great Timon , noble , worthy , royal Timon !
-Ah ! when the means are gone that buy this praise ,
-The breath is gone whereof this praise is made :
-Feast-won , fast-lost ; one cloud of winter showers ,
-These flies are couch'd .
-
-Come , sermon me no further ;
-No villanous bounty yet hath pass'd my heart ;
-Unwisely , not ignobly , have I given .
-Why dost thou weep ? Canst thou the conscience lack ,
-To think I shall lack friends ? Secure thy heart ;
-If I would broach the vessels of my love ,
-And try the argument of hearts by borrowing ,
-Men and men's fortunes could I frankly use
-As I can bid thee speak .
-
-Assurance bless your thoughts !
-
-And , in some sort , these wants of mine are crown'd ,
-That I account them blessings ; for by these
-Shall I try friends . You shall perceive how you
-Mistake my fortunes ; I am wealthy in my friends .
-Within there ! Flaminius ! Servilius !
-
-
-My lord ! my lord !
-
-I will dispatch you severally : you , to Lord Lucius ; to Lord Lucullus you : I hunted with his honour to-day ; you , to Sempronius . Commend me to their loves ; and I am proud , say , that my occasions have found time to use them toward a supply of money : let the request be fifty talents .
-
-As you have said , my lord .
-
-Lord Lucius , and Lucullus ? hum !
-
-Go you , sir , to the senators ,
-Of whom , even to the state's best health , I have
-Deserv'd this hearing ,bid 'em send o' the instant
-A thousand talents to me .
-
-I have been bold ,
-For that I knew it the most general way ,
-To them to use your signet and your name ;
-But they do shake their heads , and I am here
-No richer in return .
-
-Is't true ? can't be ?
-
-They answer , in a joint and corporate voice ,
-That now they are at fall , want treasure , cannot
-Do what they would ; are sorry ; you are honourable ;
-But yet they could have wish'd ; they know not ;
-Something hath been amiss ; a noble nature
-May catch a wrench ; would all were well ; 'tis pity ;
-And so , intending other serious matters ,
-After distasteful looks and these hard fractions ,
-With certain half-caps and cold-moving nods
-They froze me into silence .
-
-You gods , reward them !
-Prithee , man , look cheerly . These old fellows
-Have their ingratitude in them hereditary ;
-Their blood is cak'd , 'tis cold , it seldom flows ;
-'Tis lack of kindly warmth they are not kind ;
-And nature , as it grows again toward earth ,
-Is fashion'd for the journey , dull and heavy .
-
-
-Prithee , be not sad ,
-Thou art true and honest ; ingenuously I speak ,
-No blame belongs to thee .
-
-Ventidius lately
-Buried his father ; by whose death he's stepp'd
-Into a great estate ; when he was poor ,
-Imprison'd and in scarcity of friends ,
-I clear'd him with five talents ; greet him from me ;
-Bid him suppose some good necessity
-Touches his friend , which craves to be remember'd
-With those five talents .
-
-That had , give't these fellows
-To whom 'tis instant due . Ne'er speak , or think
-That Timon's fortunes 'mong his friends can sink .
-
-I would I could not think it : that thought is bounty's foe ;
-Being free itself , it thinks all others so .
-
-I have told my lord of you ; he is coming down to you .
-
-I thank you , sir .
-
-
-Here's my lord .
-
-One of Lord Timon's men ! a gift , I warrant . Why , this hits right ; I dreamt of a silver bason and ewer to-night . Flaminius , honest Flaminius , you are very respectively welcome , sir . Fill me some wine . [Exit Servant .] And how does that honourable , complete , free-hearted gentleman of Athens , thy very bountiful good lord and master ?
-
-His health is well , sir .
-
-I am right glad that his health is well , sir . And what hast thou there under thy cloak , pretty Flaminius ?
-
-Faith , nothing but an empty box , sir ; which , in my lord's behalf , I come to entreat your honour to supply ; who , having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents , hath sent to your lordship to furnish him , nothing doubting your present assistance therein .
-
-La , la , la , la ! 'nothing doubting ,' says he ? Alas ! good lord ; a noble gentleman 'tis , if he would not keep so good a house . Many a time and often I ha' dined with him , and told him on't ; and come again to supper to him , of purpose to have him spend less ; and yet he would embrace no counsel , take no warning by my coming . Every man has his fault , and honesty is his ; I ha' told him on't , but I could ne'er get him from it .
-
-
-Please your lordship , here is the wine .
-
-Flaminius , I have noted thee always wise . Here's to thee .
-
-Your lordship speaks your pleasure .
-
-I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spirit , give thee thy due , and one that knows what belongs to reason ; and canst use the time well , if the time use thee well : good parts in thee .
-
-Get you gone , sirrah .[Exit Servant .] Draw nearer , honest Flaminius . Thy lord's a bountiful gentleman ; but thou art wise , and thou knowest well enough , although thou comest to me , that this is no time to lend money , especially upon bare friendship , without security . Here's three solidares for thee : good boy , wink at me , and say thou sawest me not . Fare thee well .
-
-Is't possible the world should so much differ ,
-And we alive that liv'd ? Fly , damned baseness ,
-To him that worships thee .
-
-
-Ha ! now I see thou art a fool , and fit for thy master .
-
-
-May these add to the number that may scald thee !
-Let molten coin be thy damnation ,
-Thou disease of a friend , and not himself !
-Has friendship such a faint and milky heart
-It turns in less than two nights ? O you gods !
-I feel my master's passion . This slave unto his honour
-Has my lord's meat in him :
-Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment
-When he is turn'd to poison ?
-O ! may diseases only work upon 't ,
-And , when he's sick to death , let not that part of nature
-Which my lord paid for , be of any power
-To expel sickness , but prolong his hour .
-
-
-Who , the Lord Timon ? he is my very good friend , and an honourable gentleman .
-
-We know him for no less , though we are but strangers to him . But I can tell you one thing , my lord , and which I hear from common rumours : now Lord Timon's happy hours are done and past , and his estate shrinks from him .
-
-Fie , no , do not believe it ; he cannot want for money .
-
-But believe you this , my lord , that , not long ago , one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus , to borrow so many talents , nay , urged extremely for 't , and showed what necessity belonged to 't , and yet was denied .
-
-How !
-
-I tell you , denied , my lord .
-
-What a strange case was that ! now , before the gods , I am ashamed on 't . Denied that honourable man ! there was very little honour showed in 't . For my own part , I must needs confess , I have received some small kindnesses from him , as money , plate , jewels , and such like trifles , nothing comparing to his ; yet , had he mistook him , and sent to me , I should ne'er have denied his occasion so many talents .
-
-
-See , by good hap , yonder's my lord ; I have sweat to see his honour .
-
-My honoured lord !
-
-Servilius ! you are kindly met , sir . Fare thee well : commend me to thy honourable virtuous lord , my very exquisite friend .
-
-May it please your honour , my lord hath sent
-
-Ha ! what has he sent ? I am so much endeared to that lord ; he's ever sending : how shall I thank him , thinkest thou ? And what has he sent now ?
-
-He has only sent his present occasion now , my lord ; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents .
-
-I know his lordship is but merry with me ;
-He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents .
-
-But in the mean time he wants less , my lord .
-If his occasion were not virtuous ,
-I should not urge it half so faithfully .
-
-Dost thou speak seriously , Servilius ?
-
-Upon my soul , 'tis true , sir .
-
-What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time , when I might ha' shown myself honourable ! how unluckily it happened , that I should purchase the day before for a little part , and undo a great deal of honour ! Servilius , now , before the gods , I am not able to do ; the more beast , I say ; I was sending to use Lord Timon myself , these gentlemen can witness ; but I would not , for the wealth of Athens , I had done it now . Commend me bountifully to his good lordship ; and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me , because I have no power to be kind : and tell him this from me , I count it one of my greatest afflictions say , that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman . Good Servilius , will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him ?
-
-Yes , sir , I shall .
-
-I'll look you out a good turn , Servilius .
-
-True , as you said , Timon is shrunk indeed ;
-And he that's once denied will hardly speed .
-
-
-Do you observe this , Hostilius ?
-
-Ay , too well .
-
-Why this is the world's soul ; and just of the same piece
-Is every flatterer's spirit . Who can call him
-His friend that dips in the same dish ? for , in
-My knowing , Timon has been this lord's father ,
-And kept his credit with his purse ,
-Supported his estate ; nay , Timon's money
-Has paid his men their wages : he ne'er drinks
-But Timon's silver treads upon his lip ;
-And yet , O ! see the monstrousness of man ,
-When he looks out in an ungrateful shape ,
-He does deny him , in respect of his ,
-What charitable men afford to beggars .
-
-Religion groans at it .
-
-For mine own part ,
-I never tasted Timon in my life ,
-Nor came any of his bounties over me ,
-To mark me for his friend ; yet , I protest ,
-For his right noble mind , illustrious virtue ,
-And honourable carriage ,
-Had his necessity made use of me ,
-I would have put my wealth into donation ,
-And the best half should have return'd to him ,
-So much I love his heart . But , I perceive ,
-Men must learn now with pity to dispense ;
-For policy sits above conscience .
-
-
-Must he needs trouble me in 't . Hum ! 'bove all others ?
-He might have tried Lord Lucius , or Lucullus ;
-And now Ventidius is wealthy too ,
-Whom he redeem'd from prison : all these
-Owe their estates unto him .
-
-My lord ,
-They have all been touch'd and found base metal , for
-They have all denied him .
-
-How ! have they denied him ?
-Have Ventidius and Lucullus denied him ?
-And does he send to me ? Three ? hum !
-It shows but little love or judgment in him :
-Must I be his last refuge ? His friends , like physicians ,
-Thrice give him over ; must I take the cure upon me ?
-He has much disgrac'd me in 't ; I'm angry at him ,
-That might have known my place . I see no sense for 't ,
-But his occasions might have woo'd me first ;
-For , in my conscience , I was the first man
-That e'er received gift from him :
-And does he think so backwardly of me now ,
-That I'll requite it last ? No :
-So it may prove an argument of laughter
-To the rest , and I 'mongst lords be thought a fool .
-I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum ,
-He had sent to me first , but for my mind's sake ;
-I'd such a courage to do him good . But now return ,
-And with their faint reply this answer join ;
-Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin .
-
-
-Excellent ! Your lordship's a goodly villain . The devil knew not what he did when he made man politic ; he crossed himself by 't : and I cannot think but in the end the villanies of man will set him clear . How fairly this lord strives to appear foul ! takes virtuous copies to be wicked , like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire :
-Of such a nature is his politic love .
-This was my lord's best hope ; now all are fled
-Save only the gods . Now his friends are dead ,
-Doors , that were ne'er acquainted with their wards
-Many a bounteous year , must be employ'd
-Now to guard sure their master :
-And this is all a liberal course allows ;
-Who cannot keep his wealth must keep his house .
-
-Well met ; good morrow , Titus and Hortensius .
-
-The like to you , kind Varro .
-
-Lucius !
-What ! do we meet together !
-
-Ay , and I think
-One business does command us all ; for mine
-Is money .
-
-So is theirs and ours .
-
-
-And Sir Philotus too !
-
-Good day at once .
-
-Welcome , good brother .
-What do you think the hour ?
-
-Labouring for nine .
-
-So much ?
-
-Is not my lord seen yet ?
-
-Not yet .
-
-I wonder on 't ; he was wont to shine at seven .
-
-Ay , but the days are waxed shorter with him :
-You must consider that a prodigal course
-Is like the sun's ; but not , like his , recoverable .
-I fear ,
-'Tis deepest winter in Lord Timon's purse ;
-That is , one may reach deep enough , and yet
-Find little .
-
-I am of your fear for that .
-
-I'll show you how to observe a strange event .
-Your lord sends now for money .
-
-Most true , he does .
-
-And he wears jewels now of Timon's gift ,
-For which I wait for money .
-
-It is against my heart .
-
-Mark , how strange it shows ,
-Timon in this should pay more than he owes :
-And e'en as if your lord should wear rich jewels ,
-And send for money for 'em .
-
-I'm weary of this charge , the gods can witness :
-I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth ,
-And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth .
-
-Yes , mine's three thousand crowns ; what's yours ?
-
-Five thousand mine .
-
-'Tis much deep : and it should seem by the sum ,
-Your master's confidence was above mine ;
-Else , surely , his had equall'd .
-
-
-One of Lord Timon's men .
-
-Flaminius ! Sir , a word . Pray , is my lord ready to come forth ?
-
-No , indeed , he is not .
-
-We attend his lordship ; pray , signify so much .
-
-I need not tell him that ; he knows you are too diligent .
-
-Ha ! is not that his steward muffled so ?
-He goes away in a cloud : call him , call him .
-
-Do you hear , sir ?
-
-By your leave , sir .
-
-What do you ask of me , my friend ?
-
-We wait for certain money here , sir .
-
-Ay ,
-If money were as certain as your waiting ,
-'Twere sure enough .
-Why then preferr'd you not your sums and bills ,
-When your false masters eat of my lord's meat ?
-Then they could smile and fawn upon his debts ,
-And take down the interest into their gluttonous maws .
-You do yourselves but wrong to stir me up ;
-Let me pass quietly :
-Believe't , my lord and I have made an end ;
-I have no more to reckon , he to spend .
-
-Ay , but this answer will not serve .
-
-If 'twill not serve , 'tis not so base as you ;
-For you serve knaves .
-
-
-How ! what does his cashiered worship mutter ?
-
-No matter what ; he's poor , and that's revenge enough . Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in ? such may rail against great buildings .
-
-
-O ! here's Servilius ; now we shall know some answer .
-
-If I might beseech you , gentlemen , to repair some other hour , I should derive much from 't ; for , take 't of my soul , my lord leans wondrously to discontent . His comfortable temper has forsook him ; he's much out of health , and keeps his chamber .
-
-Many do keep their chambers are not sick :
-And , if it be so far beyond his health ,
-Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts ,
-And make a clear way to the gods .
-
-Good gods !
-
-We cannot take this for answer , sir .
-
-Servilius , help ! my lord ! my lord !
-
-
-What ! are my doors oppos'd against my passage ?
-Have I been ever free , and must my house
-Be my retentive enemy , my gaol ?
-The place which I have feasted , does it now ,
-Like all mankind , show me an iron heart ?
-
-Put in now , Titus .
-
-My lord , here is my bill .
-
-Here's mine .
-
-And mine , my lord .
-
-And ours , my lord .
-
-All our bills .
-
-Knock me down with 'em : cleave me to the girdle .
-
-Alas ! my lord ,
-
-Cut my heart in sums .
-
-Mine , fifty talents .
-
-Tell out my blood .
-
-Five thousand crowns , my lord .
-
-Five thousand drops pays that . What yours ? and yours ?
-
-My lord ,
-
-My lord ,
-
-Tear me , take me ; and the gods fall upon you !
-
-
-Faith , I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money : these debts may well be called desperate ones , for a madman owes 'em .
-
-They have e'en put my breath from me , the slaves :
-Creditors ? devils !
-
-My dear lord ,
-
-What if it should be so ?
-
-My lord ,
-
-I'll have it so . My steward !
-
-Here , my lord .
-
-So fitly ! Go , bid all my friends again ,
-Lucius , Lucullus , and Sempronius ; all :
-I'll once more feast the rascals .
-
-O my lord !
-You only speak from your distracted soul ;
-There is not so much left to furnish out
-A moderate table .
-
-Be't not in thy care : go .
-I charge thee , invite them all : let in the tide
-Of knaves once more ; my cook and I'll provide .
-
-
-My lord , you have my voice to it ; the fault's
-Bloody ; 'tis necessary he should die ;
-Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy .
-
-Most true ; the law shall bruise him .
-
-
-Honour , health , and compassion to the senate !
-
-Now , captain .
-
-I am a humble suitor to your virtues ;
-For pity is the virtue of the law ,
-And none but tyrants use it cruelly .
-It pleases time and fortune to lie heavy
-Upon a friend of mine , who , in hot blood ,
-Hath stepp'd into the law , which is past depth
-To those that without heed to plunge into 't .
-He is a man , setting his fate aside ,
-Of comely virtues ;
-Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice ,
-An honour in him which buys out his fault ,
-But , with a noble fury and fair spirit ,
-Seeing his reputation touch'd to death ,
-He did oppose his foe ;
-And with such sober and unnoted passion
-He did behave his anger , ere 'twas spent ,
-As if he had but prov'd an argument .
-
-You undergo too strict a paradox ,
-Striving to make an ugly deed look fair :
-Your words have took such pains as if they labour'd
-To bring manslaughter into form , and set quarrelling
-Upon the head of valour ; which indeed
-Is valour misbegot , and came into the world
-When sects and factions were newly born .
-He's truly valiant that can wisely suffer
-The worst that man can breathe , and make his wrongs
-His outsides , to wear them like his raiment , carelessly ,
-And ne'er prefer his injuries to his heart ,
-To bring it into danger .
-If wrongs be evils and enforce us kill ,
-What folly 'tis to hazard life for ill !
-
-My lord ,
-
-You cannot make gross sins look clear ;
-To revenge is no valour , but to bear .
-
-My lords , then , under favour , pardon me ,
-If I speak like a captain .
-Why do fond men expose themselves to battle ,
-And not endure all threats ? sleep upon't ,
-And let the foes quietly cut their throats
-Without repugnancy ? If there be
-Such valour in the bearing , what make we
-Abroad ? why then , women are more valiant
-That stay at home , if bearing carry it ,
-And the ass more captain than the lion , the felon
-Loaden with irons wiser than the judge ,
-If wisdom be in suffering . O my lords !
-As you are great , be pitifully good :
-Who cannot condemn rashness in cold blood ?
-To kill , I grant , is sin's extremest gust ;
-But , in defence , by mercy , 'tis most just .
-To be in anger is impiety ;
-But who is man that is not angry ?
-Weigh but the crime with this .
-
-You breathe in vain .
-
-In vain ! his service done
-At Laced mon and Byzantium
-Were a sufficient briber for his life .
-
-What's that ?
-
-I say , my lords , he has done fair service ,
-And slain in fight many of your enemies .
-How full of valour did he bear himself
-In the last conflict , and made plenteous wounds !
-
-He has made too much plenty with 'em ;
-He's a sworn rioter ; he has a sin that often
-Drowns him and takes his valour prisoner ;
-If there were no foes , that were enough
-To overcome him ; in that beastly fury
-He has been known to commit outrages
-And cherish factions ; 'tis inferr'd to us ,
-His days are foul and his drink dangerous .
-
-He dies .
-
-Hard fate ! he might have died in war .
-My lords , if not for any parts in him ,
-Though his right arm might purchase his own time ,
-And be in debt to none ,yet , more to move you ,
-Take my deserts to his , and join 'em both ;
-And , for I know your reverend ages love
-Security , I'll pawn my victories , all
-My honour to you , upon his good returns .
-If by this crime he owes the law his life ,
-Why , let the war receive't in valiant gore ;
-For law is strict , and war is nothing more .
-
-We are for law ; he dies : urge it no more ,
-On height of our displeasure . Friend , or brother ,
-He forfeits his own blood that spills another .
-
-Must it be so ? it must not be . My lords ,
-I do beseech you , know me .
-
-How !
-
-Call me to your remembrances .
-
-What !
-
-I cannot think but your age has forgot me ;
-It could not else be I should prove so base ,
-To sue , and be denied such common grace .
-My wounds ache at you .
-
-Do you dare our anger ?
-'Tis in few words , but spacious in effect ;
-We banish thee for ever .
-
-Banish me !
-Banish your dotage ; banish usury ,
-That makes the senate ugly .
-
-If , after two days' shine , Athens contain thee ,
-Attend our weightier judgment . And , not to swell our spirit ,
-He shall be executed presently .
-
-
-Now the gods keep you old enough ; that you may live
-Only in bone , that none may look on you !
-I am worse than mad : I have kept back their foes ,
-While they have told their money and let out
-Their coin upon large interest ; I myself
-Rich only in large hurts : all those for this ?
-Is this the balsam that the usuring senate
-Pours into captains' wounds ? Banishment !
-It comes not ill ; I hate not to be banish'd ;
-It is a cause worthy my spleen and fury ,
-That I may strike at Athens . I'll cheer up
-My discontented troops , and lay for hearts .
-'Tis honour with most lands to be at odds ;
-Soldiers should brook as little wrongs as gods .
-
-The good time of day to you , sir .
-
-I also wish it you . I think this honourable lord did but try us this other day .
-
-Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encountered : I hope it is not so low with him as he made it seem in the trial of his several friends .
-
-It should not be , by the persuasion of his new feasting .
-
-I should think so : he hath sent me an earnest inviting , which many my near occasions did urge me to put off ; but he hath conjured me beyond them , and I must needs appear .
-
-In like manner was I in debt to my importunate business , but he would not hear my excuse . I am sorry , when he sent to borrow of me , that my provision was out .
-
-I am sick of that grief too , as I understand how all things go .
-
-Every man here's so . What would he have borrowed you ?
-
-A thousand pieces .
-
-A thousand pieces !
-
-What of you ?
-
-He sent to me , sir ,Here he comes .
-
-
-With all my heart , gentlemen both ; and how fare you ?
-
-Ever at the best , hearing well of your lordship .
-
-The swallow follows not summer more willing than we your lordship .
-
-Nor more willingly leaves winter ; such summer-birds are men . Gentlemen , our dinner will not recompense this long stay : feast your ears with the music awhile , if they will fare so harshly o' the trumpet's sound ; we shall to 't presently .
-
-I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that I returned you an empty messenger .
-
-O ! sir , let it not trouble you .
-
-My noble lord ,
-
-Ah ! my good friend , what cheer ?
-
-My most honourable lord , I am e'en sick of shame , that when your lordship this other day sent to me I was so unfortunate a beggar .
-
-Think not on 't , sir .
-
-If you had sent but two hours before ,
-
-Let it not cumber your better remembrance .
-
-Come , bring in all together .
-
-All covered dishes !
-
-Royal cheer , I warrant you .
-
-Doubt not that , if money and the season can yield it .
-
-How do you ? What's the news ?
-
-Alcibiades is banished : hear you of it ?
-
-Alcibiades banished !
-
-Alcibiades banished !
-
-'Tis so , be sure of it .
-
-How ? how ?
-
-I pray you , upon what ?
-
-My worthy friends , will you draw near ?
-
-I'll tell you more anon . Here's a noble feast toward .
-
-This is the old man still .
-
-Will't hold ? will't hold ?
-
-It does ; but time will and so
-
-I do conceive .
-
-Each man to his stool , with that spur as he would to the lip of his mistress ; your diet shall be in all places alike . Make not a city feast of it , to let the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place : sit , sit . The gods require our thanks .
-You great benefactors sprinkle our society with thankfulness . For your own gifts , make yourselves praised : but reserve still to give , lest your deities be despised . Lend to each man enough , that one need not lend to another ; for , were your godheads to borrow of men , men would forsake the gods . Make the meat be beloved more than the man that gives it . Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of villains : if there sit twelve women at the table , let a dozen of them be as they are . The rest of your fees , O gods ! the senators of Athens , together with the common lag of people , what is amiss in them , you gods , make suitable for destruction . For these my present friends , as they are to me nothing , so in nothing bless them , and to nothing are they welcome .
-Uncover , dogs , and lap .
-
-
-What does his lordship mean ?
-
-I know not .
-
-May you a better feast never behold ,
-You knot of mouth-friends ! smoke and lukewarm water
-Is your perfection . This is Timon's last ;
-Who , stuck and spangled with your flatteries ,
-Washes it off , and sprinkles in your faces
-
-Your reeking villany . Live loath'd , and long ,
-Most smiling , smooth , detested parasites ,
-Courteous destroyers , affable wolves , meek bears ,
-You fools of fortune , trencher-friends , time's flies ,
-Cap and knee slaves , vapours , and minute-jacks !
-Of man and beast the infinite malady
-Crust you quite o'er ! What ! dost thou go ?
-Soft ! take thy physic first ,thou too ,and thou ;
-Stay , I will lend thee money , borrow none .
-
-What ! all in motion ? Henceforth be no feast ,
-Whereat a villain's not a welcome guest .
-Burn , house ! sink , Athens ! henceforth hated be
-Of Timon man and all humanity !
-
-How now , my lords !
-
-Know you the quality of Lord Timon's fury ?
-
-Push ! did you see my cap ?
-
-I have lost my gown .
-
-He's but a mad lord , and nought but humour sways him . He gave me a jewel th' other day , and now he has beat it out of my hat : did you see my jewel ?
-
-Did you see my cap ?
-
-Here 'tis .
-
-Here lies my gown .
-
-Let's make no stay .
-
-Lord Timon's mad .
-
-I feel 't upon my bones .
-
-One day he gives us diamonds , next day stones .
-
-Let me look back upon thee . O thou wall ,
-That girdlest in those wolves , dive in the earth .
-And fence not Athens ! Matrons , turn incontinent !
-Obedience fail in children ! slaves and fools ,
-Pluck the grave wrinkled senate from the bench ,
-And minister in their steads ! To general filths
-Convert , o'the instant , green virginity !
-Do't in your parents' eyes ! Bankrupts , hold fast ;
-Rather than render back , out with your knives ,
-And cut your trusters' throats ! Bound servants , steal !
-Large-handed robbers your grave masters are ,
-And pill by law . Maid , to thy master's bed ;
-Thy mistress is o' the brothel ! Son of sixteen ,
-Pluck the lin'd crutch from thy old limping sire ,
-With it beat out his brains ! Piety , and fear ,
-Religion to the gods , peace , justice , truth ,
-Domestic awe , night-rest and neighbourhood ,
-Instruction , manners , mysteries and trades ,
-Degrees , observances , customs and laws ,
-Decline to your confounding contraries ,
-And let confusion live ! Plagues incident to men ,
-Your potent and infectious fevers heap
-On Athens , ripe for stroke ! Thou cold sciatica ,
-Cripple our senators , that their limbs may halt
-As lamely as their manners ! Lust and liberty
-Creep in the minds and marrows of our youth ,
-That'gainst the stream of virtue they may strive ,
-And drown themselves in riot ! Itches , blains ,
-Sow all the Athenian bosoms , and their crop
-Be general leprosy ! Breath infect breath ,
-That their society , as their friendship , may
-Be merely poison ! Nothing I'll bear from thee
-But nakedness , thou detestable town !
-Take thou that too , with multiplying bans !
-Timon will to the woods ; where he shall find
-The unkindest beast more kinder than mankind .
-The gods confound hear me , you good gods all
-The Athenians both within and out that wall !
-And grant , as Timon grows , his hate may grow
-To the whole race of mankind , high and low !
-Amen .
-
-
-Hear you , Master steward ! where's our master ?
-Are we undone ? cast off ? nothing remaining ?
-
-Alack ! my fellows , what should I say to you ?
-Let me be recorded by the righteous gods ,
-I am as poor as you .
-
-Such a house broke !
-So noble a master fall'n ! All gone ! and not
-One friend to take his fortune by the arm ,
-And go along with him !
-
-As we do turn our backs
-From our companion thrown into his grave ,
-So his familiars to his buried fortunes
-Slink all away , leave their false vows with him ,
-Like empty purses pick'd ; and his poor self ,
-A dedicated beggar to the air ,
-With his disease of all-shunn'd poverty ,
-Walks , like contempt , alone . More of our fellows .
-
-
-All broken implements of a ruin'd house .
-
-Yet do our hearts wear Timon's livery ,
-That see I by our faces ; we are fellows still ,
-Serving alike in sorrow . Leak'd is our bark ,
-And we , poor mates , stand on the dying deck ,
-Hearing the surges threat : we must all part
-Into this sea of air .
-
-Good fellows all ,
-The latest of my wealth I'll share amongst you .
-Wherever we shall meet , for Timon's sake
-Let's yet be fellows ; let's shake our heads , and say ,
-As 'twere a knell unto our master's fortunes ,
-'We have seen better days .' Let each take some ;
-
-Nay , put out all your hands . Not one word more :
-Thus part we rich in sorrow , parting poor .
-
-O ! the fierce wretchedness that glory brings us .
-Who would not wish to be from wealth exempt ,
-Since riches point to misery and contempt ?
-Who would be so mock'd with glory ? or so live ,
-But in a dream of friendship ?
-To have his pomp and all what state compounds
-But only painted , like his varnish'd friends ?
-Poor honest lord ! brought low by his own heart ,
-Undone by goodness . Strange , unusual blood ,
-When man's worst sin is he does too much good !
-Who then dares to be half so kind agen ?
-For bounty , that makes gods , does still mar men .
-My dearest lord , bless'd , to be most accurs'd ,
-Rich , only to be wretched , thy great fortunes
-Are made thy chief affictions . Alas ! kind lord ,
-He's flung in rage from this ingrateful seat
-Of monstrous friends ;
-Nor has he with him to supply his life ,
-Or that which can command it .
-I'll follow and inquire him out :
-I'll ever serve his mind with my best will ;
-Whilst I have gold I'll be his steward still .
-
-
-O blessed breeding sun ! draw from the earth
-Rotten humidity ; below thy sister's orb
-Infect the air ! Twinn'd brothers of one womb ,
-Whose procreation , residence and birth ,
-Scarce is dividant , touch them with several fortunes ;
-The greater scorns the lesser : not nature ,
-To whom all sores lay siege , can bear great fortune ,
-But by contempt of nature .
-Raise me this beggar , and deny't that lord ;
-The senator shall bear contempt hereditary ,
-The beggar native honour .
-It is the pasture lards the rother's sides ,
-The want that makes him lean . Who dares , who dares ,
-In purity of manhood stand upright ,
-And say , 'This man's a flatterer ?' if one be ,
-So are they all ; for every grize of fortune
-Is smooth'd by that below : the learned pate
-Ducks to the golden fool : all is oblique ;
-There's nothing level in our cursed natures
-But direct villany . Therefore , be abhorr'd
-All feasts , societies , and throngs of men !
-His semblable , yea , himself , Timon disdains :
-Destruction fang mankind ! Earth , yield me roots !
-
-Who seeks for better of thee , sauce his palate
-With thy most operant poison ! What is here ?
-Gold ! yellow , glittering , precious gold ! No , gods ,
-I am no idle votarist . Roots , you clear heavens !
-Thus much of this will make black white , foul fair ,
-Wrong right , base noble , old young , coward valiant .
-Ha ! you gods , why this ? What this , you gods ? Why , this
-Will lug your priests and servants from your sides ,
-Pluck stout men's pillows from below their head :
-This yellow slave
-Will knit and breah religions ; bless the accurs'd ;
-Make the hoar leprosy ador'd ; place thieves ,
-And give them title , knee , and approbation ,
-With senators on the bench ; this is it
-That makes the wappen'd widow wed again ;
-She , whom the spital-house and ulcerous sores
-Would cast the gorge at , this embalms and spices
-To the April day again . Come , damned earth ,
-Thou common whore of mankind , that putt'st odds
-Among the rout of nations , I will make thee
-Do thy right nature .
-
-Ha ! a drum ? thou'rt quick ,
-But yet I'll bury thee : thou'lt go , strong theif ,
-When gouty keepers of thee cannot stand :
-Nay , stay thou out for earnest .
-
-What art thou there ? speak .
-
-A beast , as thou art . The canker gnaw thy heart ,
-For showing me again the eyes of man !
-
-What is thy name ? Is man so hateful to thee ,
-That art thyself a man ?
-
-I am Misanthropos , and hate mankind .
-For thy part , I do wish thou wert a dog ,
-That I might love thee something .
-
-I know thee well ,
-But in thy fortunes am unlearn'd and strange .
-
-I know thee too ; and more than that I know thee
-I not desire to know . Follow thy drum ;
-With man's blood paint the ground , gules , gules ;
-Religious canons , civil laws are cruel ;
-Then what should war be ? This fell whore of thine
-Hath in her more destruction than thy sword
-For all her cherubin look .
-
-Thy lips rot off !
-
-I will not kiss thee ; then the rot returns
-To thine own lips again .
-
-How came the noble Timon to this change ?
-
-As the moon does , by wanting light to give :
-But then renew I could not like the moon ;
-There were no suns to borrow of .
-
-Noble Timon , what friendship may I do thee ?
-
-None , but to maintain my opinion .
-
-What is it , Timon ?
-
-Promise me friendship , but perform none : if thou wilt not promise , the gods plague thee , for thou art a man ! if thou dost perform , confound thee , for thou art a man !
-
-I have heard in some sort of thy miseries .
-
-Thou saw'st them , when I had prosperity .
-
-I see them now ; then was a blessed time .
-
-As thine is now , held with a brace of harlots .
-
-Is this the Athenian minion , whom the world
-Voic'd so regardfully ?
-
-Art thou Timandra ?
-
-Yes .
-
-Be a whore still ; they love thee not that use thee ;
-Give them diseases , leaving with thee their lust .
-Make use of thy salt hours ; season the slaves
-For tubs and baths ; bring down rose-cheeked youth
-To the tub-fast and the diet .
-
-Hang thee , monster !
-
-Pardon him , sweet Timandra , for his wits
-Are drown'd and lost in his calamities .
-I have but little gold of late , brave Timon ,
-The want whereof doth daily make revolt
-In my penurious band : I have heard and griev'd
-How cursed Athens , mindless of thy worth ,
-Forgetting thy great deeds , when neighbour states ,
-But for thy sword and fortune , trod upon them ,
-
-I prithee , beat thy drum , and get thee gone .
-
-I am thy friend , and pity thee , dear Timon .
-
-How dost thou pity him whom thou dost trouble ?
-I had rather be alone .
-
-Why , fare thee well :
-Here is some gold for thee .
-
-Keep it , I cannot eat it .
-
-When I have laid proud Athens on a heap ,
-
-Warr'st thou 'gainst Athens ?
-
-Ay , Timon , and have cause .
-
-The gods confound them all in thy conquest ; and
-Thee after , when thou hast conquer'd !
-
-Why me , Timon ?
-
-That , by killing of villains , thou wast born to conquer
-My country .
-Put up thy gold : go on ,here's gold ,go on ;
-Be as a planetary plague , when Jove
-Will o'er some high-vic'd city hang his poison
-In the sick air : let not thy sword skip one .
-Pity not honour'd age for his white beard ;
-He is a usurer . Strike me the counterfeit matron ;
-It is her habit only that is honest ,
-Herself's a bawd . Let not the virgin's cheek
-Make soft thy trenchant sword ; for those milkpaps ,
-That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes ,
-Are not within the leaf of pity writ ,
-But set them down horrible traitors . Spare not the babe ,
-Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy ;
-Think it a bastard , whom the oracle
-Hath doubtfully pronounc'd thy throat shall cut ,
-And mince it sans remorse . Swear against objects ;
-Put armour on thine ears and on thine eyes ,
-Whose proof nor yells of mothers , maids , nor babes ,
-Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding ,
-Shall pierce a jot . There's gold to pay thy soldiers :
-Make large confusion ; and , thy fury spent ,
-Confounded be thyself ! Speak not , be gone .
-
-Hast thou gold yet ? I'll take the gold thou giv'st me ,
-Not all thy counsel .
-
-Dost thou , or dost thou not , heaven's curse upon thee !
-
-Give us some gold , good Timon : hast thou more ?
-
-Give us some gold , good Timon : hast thou more ?
-
-Enough to make a whore forswear her trade ,
-And to make whores a bawd . Hold up , you sluts ,
-Your aprons mountant : you are not oathable ,
-Although , I know , you'll swear , terribly swear
-Into strong shudders and to heavenly agues
-The immortal gods that hear you , spare your oaths ,
-I'll trust to your conditions : be whores still ;
-And he whose pious breath seeks to convert you ,
-Be strong in whore , allure him , burn him up ;
-Let your close fire predominate his smoke ,
-And be no turncoats : yet may your pains , six months ,
-Be quite contrary : and thatch your poor thin roofs
-With burdens of the dead ; some that were hang'd ,
-No matter ; wear them , betray with them : whore still ;
-Paint till a horse may mire upon your face :
-A pox of wrinkles !
-
-Well , more gold . What then ?
-
-Well , more gold . What then ?
-Believe't , that we'll do anything for gold .
-
-Consumptions sow
-In hollow bones of man ; strike their sharp shins ,
-And mar men's spurring . Crack the lawyer's voice ,
-That he may never more false title plead ,
-Nor sound his quillets shrilly : hoar the flamen ,
-That scolds against the quality of flesh ,
-And not believes himself : down with the nose ,
-Down with it flat ; take the bridge quite away
-Of him that , his particular to foresee ,
-Smells from the general weal : make curl'd-pate ruffians bald ,
-And let the unscarr'd braggarts of the war
-Derive some pain from you : plague all ,
-That your activity may defeat and quell
-The source of all erection . There's more gold ;
-Do you damn others , and let this damn you ,
-And ditches grave you all !
-
-More counsel with more money , bounteous Timon .
-
-More counsel with more money , bounteous Timon .
-
-More whore , more mischief first ; I have given you earnest .
-
-Strike up the drum towards Athens ! Farewell , Timon :
-If I thrive well , I'll visit thee again .
-
-If I hope well , I'll never see thee more .
-
-I never did thee harm .
-
-Yes , thou spok'st well of me .
-
-Call'st thou that harm ?
-
-Men daily find it . Get thee away , and take
-Thy beagles with thee .
-
-We but offend him . Strike !
-
-
-That nature , being sick of man's unkindness ,
-Should yet be hungry ! Common mother , thou ,
-
-Whose womb unmeasurable , and infinite breast ,
-Teams , and feeds all ; whose self-same mettle ,
-Whereof thy proud child , arrogant man , is puff'd ,
-Engenders the black toad and adder blue ,
-The gilded newt and eyeless venom'd worm ,
-With all the abhorred births below crisp heaven
-Whareon Hyperion's quickening fire doth shine ;
-Yield him , who all thy human sons doth hate ,
-From forth thy plenteous bosom , one poor root !
-Ensear thy fertile and conceptious womb ,
-Let it no more bring out ingrateful man !
-Go great with tigers , dragons , wolves , and bears ;
-Teem with new monsters , whom thy upward face
-Hath to the marbled mansion all above
-Never presented ! O ! a root ; dear thanks :
-Dry up thy marrows , vines and plough-torn leas ;
-Whereof ingrateful man , with liquorish draughts
-And morsels unctuous , greases his pure mind ,
-That from it all consideration slips !
-
-More man ! Plague ! plague !
-
-I was directed hither : men report
-Thou dost affect my manners , and dost use them .
-
-'Tis , then , because thou dost not keep a dog
-Whom I would imitate : consumption catch thee !
-
-This is in thee a nature but infected ;
-A poor unmanly melancholy sprung
-From change of fortune . Why this spade ? this place ?
-This slave-like habit ? and these looks of care ?
-Thy flatterers yet wear silk , drink wine , lie soft ,
-Hug their diseas'd perfumes , and have forgot
-That ever Timon was . Shame not these woods
-By putting on the cunning of a carper .
-Be thou a flatterer now , and seak to thrive
-By that which has undone thee : hinge thy knee ,
-And let his very breath , whom thou'lt observe ,
-Blow off thy cap ; praise his most vicious strain ,
-And call it excellent . Thou wast told thus ;
-Thou gav'st thine ears , like tapsters that bid welcome ,
-To knaves and all approachers : 'tis most just
-That thou turn rascal ; hadst thou wealth again ,
-Rascals should have't . Do not assume my likeness .
-
-Were I like thee I'd throw away myself .
-
-Thou hast cast away thyself , being like thyself ;
-A madman so long , now a fool . What ! think'st
-That the bleak air , thy boisterous chamberlain ,
-Will put thy shirt on warm ? will these moss'd trees ,
-That have outliv'd the eagle , page thy heels
-And skip when thou point'st out ? will the cold brook ,
-Candied with ice , caudle thy morning taste
-To cure the o'er-night's surfeit ? Call the creatures
-Whose naked natures live in all the spite
-Of wreakful heaven , whose bare unhoused trunks
-To the conflicting elements expos'd ,
-Answer mere nature ; bid them flatter thee ;
-O ! thou shalt find
-
-A fool of thee . Depart .
-
-I love thee better now than e'er I did .
-
-I hate thee worse .
-
-Why ?
-
-Thou flatter'st misery .
-
-I flatter not , but say thou art a caitiff .
-
-Why dost thou seek me out ?
-
-To vex thee .
-
-Always a villain's office , or a fool's .
-Dost please thyself in 't ?
-
-Ay .
-
-What ! a knave too ?
-
-If thou didst put this sour-cold habit on
-To castigate thy pride , 'twere well ; but thou
-Dost it enforcedly ; thou'dst courtier be again
-Wert thou not beggar . Willing misery
-Outlives incertain pomp , is crown'd before ;
-The one is filling still , never complete ;
-The other , at high wish : best state , contentless ,
-Hath a distracted and most wretched being ,
-Worse than the worst , content .
-Thou shouldst desire to die , being miserable .
-
-Not by his breath that is more miserable .
-Thou art a slave , whom Fortune's tender arm
-With favour never clasp'd , but bred a dog .
-Hadst thou , like us from our first swath , proceeded
-The sweet degrees that this brief world affords
-To such as may the passive drudges of it
-Freely command , thou wouldst have plung'd thyself
-In general riot ; melted down thy youth
-In different beds of lust ; and never learn'd
-The icy precepts of respect , but follow'd
-The sugar'd game before thee . But myself ,
-Who had the world as my confectionary ,
-The mouths , the tongues , the eyes , and hearts of men
-At duty , more than I could frame employment ,
-That numberless upon me stuck as leaves
-Do on the oak , have with one winter's brush
-Fell from their boughs and left me open , bare
-For every storm that blows ; I , to bear this ,
-That never knew but better , is some burden :
-Thy nature did commence in sufferance , time
-Hath made thee hard in 't . Why shouldst thou hate men ?
-They never flatter'd thee : what hast thou given ?
-If thou wilt curse , thy father , that poor rag ,
-Must be thy subject , who in spite put stuff
-To some she beggar and compounded thee
-Poor rogue hereditary . Hence ! be gone !
-If thou hadst not been born the worst of men ,
-Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer .
-
-Art thou proud yet ?
-
-Ay , that I am not thee .
-
-I , that I was
-No prodigal .
-
-I , that I am one now :
-Were all the wealth I have shut up in thee ,
-I'd give thee leave to hang it . Get thee gone .
-That the whole life of Athens were in this !
-Thus would I eat it .
-
-
-Here ; I will mend thy feast .
-
-First mend my company , take away thyself .
-
-So I shall mend mine own , by the lack of thine .
-
-'Tis not well mended so , it is but botch'd ;
-If not , I would it were .
-
-What wouldst thou have to Athens ?
-
-Thee thither in a whirlwind . If thou wilt ,
-Tell them there I have gold ; look , so I have .
-
-Here is no use for gold .
-
-The best and truest ;
-For here it sleeps , and does no hired harm .
-
-Where liest o' nights , Timon ?
-
-Under that's above me .
-Where feed'st thou o' days , Apemantus ?
-
-Where my stomach finds meat ; or , rather , where I eat it .
-
-Would poison were obedient and knew my mind !
-
-Where wouldst thou send it ?
-
-To sauce thy dishes .
-
-The middle of humanity thou never knewest , but the extremity of both ends . When thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume , they mocked thee for too much curiosity ; in thy rags thou knowest none , but art despised for the contrary . There's a medlar for thee ; eat it .
-
-On what I hate I feed not .
-
-Dost hate a medlar ?
-
-Ay , though it look like thee .
-
-An thou hadst hated meddlers sooner , thou shouldst have loved thyself better now . What man didst thou ever know unthrift that was beloved after his means ?
-
-Who , without those means thou talkest of , didst thou ever know beloved ?
-
-Myself .
-
-I understand thee ; thou hadst some means to keep a dog .
-
-What things in the world canst thou nearest compare to thy flatterers ?
-
-Women nearest ; but men , men are the things themselves . What wouldst thou do with the world , Apemantus , if it lay in thy power ?
-
-Give it the beasts , to be rid of the men .
-
-Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of men , and remain a beast with the beasts ?
-
-Ay , Timon .
-
-A beastly ambition , which the gods grant thee to attain to . If thou wert the lion , the fox would beguile thee ; if thou wert the lamb , the fox would eat thee ; if thou wert the fox , the lion would suspect thee , when peradventure thou wert accused by the ass ; if thou wert the ass , thy dulness would torment thee , and still thou livedst but as a breakfast to the wolf ; if thou wert the wolf , thy greediness would afflict thee , and oft thou shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinner ; wert thou the unicorn , pride and wrath would confound thee and make thine own self the conquest of thy fury ; wert thou a bear , thou wouldst be killed by the horse ; wert thou a horse , thou wouldst be seized by the leopard ; wert thou a leopard , thou wert german to the lion , and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy life ; all thy safety were remotion , and thy defence absence . What beast couldst thou be , that were not subject to a beast ? and what a beast art thou already , that seest not thy loss in transformation !
-
-If thou couldst please me with speaking to me , thou mightst have hit upon it here ; the commonwealth of Athens is become a forest of beasts .
-
-How has the ass broke the wall , that thou art out of the city ?
-
-Yonder comes a poet and a painter : the plague of company light upon thee ! I will fear to catch it , and give way . When I know not what else to do , I'll see thee again .
-
-When there is nothing living but thee , thou shalt be welcome . I had rather be a beggar's dog than Apemantus .
-
-Thou art the cap of all the fools alive .
-
-Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon !
-
-A plague on thee ! thou art too bad to curse !
-
-All villains that do stand by thee are pure .
-
-There is no leprosy but what thou speak'st .
-
-If I name thee .
-I'll beat thee , but I should infect my hands .
-
-I would my tongue could rot them off !
-
-Away , thou issue of a mangy dog !
-Choler does kill me that thou art alive ;
-I swound to see thee .
-
-Would thou wouldst burst !
-
-Away ,
-Thou tedious rogue ! I am sorry I shall lose
-A stone by thee .
-
-
-Beast !
-
-Slave !
-
-Toad !
-
-Rogue , rogue , rogue !
-I am sick of this false world , and will love nought
-But even the mere necessities upon 't .
-Then , Timon , presently prepare thy grave ;
-Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat
-Thy grave-stone daily : make thine epitaph ,
-That death in me at others' lives may laugh .
-
-O thou sweet king-killer , and dear divorce
-'Twixt natural son and sire ! thou bright defiler
-Of Hymen's purest bed ! thou valiant Mars !
-Thou ever young , fresh , lov'd , and delicate wooer ,
-Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow
-That lies on Dian's lap ! thou visible god ,
-That solder'st close impossibilities ,
-And mak'st them kiss ! that speak'st with every tongue ,
-To every purpose ! O thou touch of hearts !
-Think , thy slave man rebels , and by thy virtue
-Set them into confounding odds , that beasts
-May have the world in empire .
-
-Would 'twere so :
-But not till I am dead ; I'll say thou'st gold :
-Thou wilt be throng'd to shortly .
-
-Throng'd to ?
-
-Ay .
-
-Thy back , I prithee .
-
-Live , and love thy misery !
-
-Long live so , and so die !
-
-I am quit .
-More things like men ! Eat , Timon , and abhor them .
-
-
-Where should he have this gold ? It is some poor fragment , some slender ort of his remainder . The mere want of gold , and the falling-from of his friends , drove him into this melancholy .
-
-It is noised he hath a mass of treasure .
-
-Let us make the assay upon him : if he care not for 't , he will supply us easily ; if he covetously reserve it , how shall's get it ?
-
-True ; for he bears it not about him , 'tis hid .
-
-Is not this he ?
-
-Where ?
-
-'Tis his description .
-
-He ; I know him .
-
-Save thee , Timon .
-
-Now , thieves ?
-
-Soldiers , not thieves .
-
-Both too ; and women's sons .
-
-We are not thieves , but men that much do want .
-
-Your greatest want is , you want much of meat .
-Why should you want ? Behold , the earth hath roots ;
-Within this mile break forth a hundred springs ;
-The oaks bear mast , the briers scarlet hips ;
-The bounteous housewife , nature , on each bush
-Lays her full mess before you . Want ! why want ?
-
-We cannot live on grass , on berries , water ,
-As beasts , and birds , and fishes .
-
-Nor on the beasts themselves , the birds , and fishes ;
-You must eat men . Yet thanks I must you con
-That you are thieves profess'd , that you work not
-In holier shapes ; for there is boundless theft
-In limited professions . Rascal thieves ,
-Here's gold . Go , suck the subtle blood o' the grape ,
-Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth ,
-And so 'scape hanging : trust not the physician ;
-His antidotes are poison , and he slays
-More than you rob : take wealth and lives together ;
-Do villany , do , since you protest to do't ,
-Like workmen . I'll example you with thievery :
-The sun's a thief , and with his great attraction
-Robs the vast sea ; the moon's an arrant thief ,
-And her pale fire she snatches from the sun ;
-The sea's a thief , whose liquid surge resolves
-The moon into salt tears ; the earth's a thief ,
-That feeds and breeds by a composture stolen
-From general excrement , each thing's a thief ;
-The laws , your curb and whip , in their rough power
-Have uncheck'd theft . Love not yourselves ; away !
-Rob one another . There's more gold : cut throats ;
-All that you meet are thieves . To Athens go ,
-Break open shops ; nothing can you steal
-But thieves do lose it : steal no less for this
-I give you ; and gold confound you howsoe'er !
-Amen .
-
-He has almost charmed me from my profession , by persuading me to it .
-
-'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises us ; not to have us thrive in our mystery .
-
-I'll believe him as an enemy , and give over my trade .
-
-Let us first see peace in Athens ; there is no time so miserable but a man may be true .
-
-O you gods !
-Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord ?
-Full of decay and failing ? O monument
-And wonder of good deeds evilly bestow'd !
-What an alteration of honour
-Has desperate want made !
-What viler thing upon the earth than friends
-Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends !
-How rarely does it meet with this time's guise ,
-When man was wish'd to love his enemies !
-Grant I may ever love , and rather woo
-Those that would mischief me than those that do !
-He hath caught me in his eye : I will present
-My honest grief unto him ; and , as my lord ,
-Still serve him with my life . My dearest master !
-
-
-Away ! what art thou ?
-
-Have you forgot me , sir ?
-
-Why dost ask that ? I have forgot all men ;
-Then , if thou grant'st thou'rt a man , I have forgot thee .
-
-An honest poor servant of yours .
-
-Then I know thee not :
-I never had an honest man about me ; ay all
-I kept were knaves , to serve in meat to villains .
-
-The gods are witness ,
-Ne'er did poor steward wear a truer grief
-For his undone lord than mine eyes for you .
-
-What ! dost thou weep ? Come nearer . Then I love thee ,
-Because thou art a woman , and disclaim'st
-Flinty mankind ; whose eyes do never give ,
-But thorough lust and laughter . Pity's sleeping :
-Strange times , that weep with laughing , not with weeping !
-
-I beg of you to know me , good my lord ,
-To accept my grief and whilst this poor wealth lasts
-To entertain me as your steward still .
-
-Had I a steward
-So true , so just , and now so comfortable ?
-It almost turns my dangerous nature mild .
-Let me behold thy face . Surely , this man
-Was born of woman .
-Forgive my general and exceptless rashness ,
-You perpetual sober gods ! I do proclaim
-One honest man , mistake me not , but one ;
-No more , I pray , and he's a steward .
-How fain would I have hated all mankind !
-And thou redeem'st thyself : but all , save thee ,
-I fell with curses .
-Methinks thou art more honest now than wise ;
-For , by oppressing and betraying me ,
-Thou mightst have sooner got another service :
-For many so arrive at second masters
-Upon their first lord's neck . But tell me true ,
-For I must ever doubt , though ne'er so sure ,
-Is not thy kindness subtle , covetous ,
-If not a usuring kindness and as rich men deal gifts ,
-Expecting in return twenty for one ?
-
-No , my most worthy master ; in whose breast
-Doubt and suspect , alas ! are plac'd too late .
-You should have fear'd false times when you did feast ;
-Suspect still comes when an estate is least .
-That which I show , heaven knows , is merely love ,
-Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind ,
-Care of your food and living ; and , believe it ,
-My most honour'd lord ,
-For any benefit that points to me ,
-Either in hope , or present , I'd exchange
-For this one wish , that you had power and wealth
-To requite me by making rich yourself .
-
-Look thee , 'tis so . Thou singly honest man ,
-Here , take : the gods out of my misery ,
-Have sent thee treasure . Go , live rich and happy ;
-But thus condition'd : thou shalt build from men ;
-Hate all , curse all , show charity to none ,
-But let the famish'd flesh slide from the bone ,
-Ere thou relieve the beggar ; give to dogs
-What thou deny'st to men ; let prisons swallow 'em ,
-Debts wither 'em to nothing ; be men like blasted woods ,
-And may diseases lick up their false bloods !
-And so , farewell and thrive .
-
-O ! let me stay
-And comfort you , my master .
-
-If thou hatest
-Curses , stay not ; fly , whilst thou'rt bless'd and free :
-Ne'er see thou man , and let me ne'er see thee .
-
-As I took note of the place , it cannot be far where he abides .
-
-What's to be thought of him ? Does the rumour hold for true that he is so full of gold ?
-
-Certain : Alcibiades reports it ; Phrynia and Timandra had gold of him : he likewise enriched poor straggling soldiers with great quantity . 'Tis said he gave unto his steward a mighty sum .
-
-Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friends .
-
-Nothing else ; you shall see him a palm in Athens again , and flourish with the highest . Therefore 'tis not amiss we tender our loves to him , in this supposed distress of his : it will show honestly in us , and is very likely to load our purposes with what they travel for , if it be a just and true report that goes of his having .
-
-What have you now to present unto him ?
-
-Nothing at this time but my visitation ; only , I will promise him an excellent piece .
-
-I must serve him so too ; tell him of an intent that's coming towards him .
-
-Good as the best . Promising is the very air o' the time ; it opens the eyes of expectation ; performance is ever the duller for his act ; and , but in the plainer and simpler kind of people , the deed of saying is quite out of use . To promise is most courtly and fashionable ; performance is a kind of will or testament which argues a great sickness in his judgment that makes it .
-
-
-Excellent workman ! Thou canst not paint a man so bad as is thyself .
-
-I am thinking what I shall say I have provided for him : it must be a personating of himself ; a satire against the softness of prosperity , with a discovery of the infinite flatteries that follow youth and opulency .
-
-Must thou needs stand for a villain in thine own work ? Wilt thou whip thine own faults in other men ? Do so , I have gold for thee .
-
-Nay , let's seek him :
-Then do we sin against our own estate ,
-When we may profit meet , and come too late .
-
-True ;
-When the day serves , before black-corner'd night ,
-Find what thou want'st by free and offer'd light .
-Come .
-
-I'll meet you at the turn . What a god's gold ,
-That he is worshipp'd in a baser temple
-Than where swine feed !
-'Tis thou that rigg'st the bark and plough'st the foam ,
-Settlest admired reverence in a slave :
-To thee be worship ; and thy saints for aye
-Be crown'd with plagues that thee alone obey .
-Fit I meet them .
-
-
-Hail , worthy Timon !
-
-Our late noble master !
-
-Have I once liv'd to see two honest men ?
-
-Sir ,
-Having often of your open bounty tasted ,
-Hearing you were retir'd , your friends fall'n off ,
-Whose thankless natures O abhorred spirits !
-Not all the whips of heaven are large enough
-What ! to you ,
-Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence
-To their whole being ! I am rapt , and cannot cover
-The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude
-With any size of words .
-
-Let it go naked , men may see 't the better :
-You , that are honest , by being what you are ,
-Make them best seen and known .
-
-He and myself
-Have travell'd in the great shower of your gifts ,
-And sweetly felt it .
-
-Ay , you are honest men .
-
-We are hither come to offer you our service .
-
-Most honest men ! Why , how shall I requite you ?
-Can you eat roots and drink cold water ? no .
-
-What we can do , we'll do , to do you service .
-
-Ye're honest men . Ye've heard that I have gold ;
-I am sure you have : speak truth ; ye're honest men .
-
-So it is said , my noble lord ; but therefore
-Came not my friend nor I .
-
-Good honest men ! Thou draw'st a counterfeit
-Best in all Athens : thou'rt , indeed , the best ;
-Thou counterfeit'st most lively .
-
-So , so , my lord .
-
-E'en so , sir , as I say . And , for thy fiction ,
-Why , thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth
-That thou art even natural in thine art .
-But for all this , my honest-natur'd friends ,
-I must needs say you have a little fault :
-Marry , 'tis not monstrous in you , neither wish I
-You take much pains to mend .
-
-Beseech your honour
-To make it known to us .
-
-You'll take it ill .
-
-Most thankfully , my lord .
-
-Will you indeed ?
-
-Doubt it not , worthy lord .
-
-There's never a one of you but trusts a knave ,
-That mightily deceives you .
-
-Do we , my lord ?
-
-Ay , and you hear him cog , see him dissemble ,
-Know his gross patchery , love him , feed him ,
-Keep in your bosom ; yet remain assur'd
-That he's a made-up villain .
-
-I know none such , my lord .
-
-Nor I .
-
-Look you , I love you well ; I'll give you gold ,
-Rid me these villains from your companies :
-Hang them or stab them , drown them in a draught ,
-Confound them by some course , and come to me ,
-I'll give you gold enough .
-
-Name them , my lord ; let's know them .
-
-You that way and you this , but two in company ;
-Each man apart , all single and alone ,
-Yet an arch villain keeps him company .
-If , where thou art two villains shall not be ,
-Come not near him .
-
-If thou would not reside
-But where one villain is , then him abandon .
-Hence ! pack ! there's gold ; ye came for gold , ye slaves :
-You have done work for me , there's payment : hence !
-You are an alchemist , make gold of that .
-Out , rascal dogs !
-
-It is in vain that you would speak with Timon ;
-For he is set so only to himself
-That nothing but himself , which looks like man ,
-Is friendly with him .
-
-Bring us to his cave :
-It is our part and promise to the Athenians
-To speak with Timon .
-
-At all times alike
-Men are not still the same : 'twas time and griefs
-That fram'd him thus : time , with his fairer hand ,
-Offering the fortunes of his former days ,
-The former man may make him . Bring us to him ,
-And chance it as it may .
-
-Here is his cave .
-Peace and content be here ! Lord Timon ! Timon !
-Look out , and speak to friends . The Athenians ,
-By two of their most reverend senate , greet thee :
-Speak to them , noble Timon .
-
-
-Thousun , that comfort'st , burn ! Speak , and be hang'd :
-For each true word , a blister ! and each false
-Be as a cauterizing to the root o'the tongue ,
-Consuming it with speaking !
-
-Worthy Timon ,
-
-Of none but such as you , and you of Timon .
-
-The senators of Athens greet thee , Timon .
-
-I thank them ; and would send them back the plague ,
-Could I but catch it for them .
-
-O ! forget
-What we are sorry for ourselves in thee .
-The senators with one consent of love
-Entreat thee back to Athens ; who have thought
-On special dignities , which vacant lie
-For thy best use and wearing .
-
-They confess
-Toward thee forgetfulness to general , gross ;
-Which now the public body , which doth seldom
-Play the recanter , feeling in itself
-A lack of Timon's aid , hath sense withal
-Of its own fail , restraining aid to Timon ;
-And send forth us , to make their sorrow'd render ,
-Together with a recompense more fruitful
-Than their offence can weigh down by the dram ;
-Ay , even such heaps and sums of love and wealth
-As shall to thee block out what wrongs were theirs ,
-And write in thee the figures of their love ,
-Ever to read them thine .
-
-You witch me in it ;
-Surprise me to the very brink of tears :
-Lend me a fool's heart and a woman's eyes ,
-And I'll beweep these comforts , worthy senators .
-
-Therefore so please thee to return with us ,
-And of our Athens thine and ours to take
-The captainship , thou shalt be met with thanks ,
-Allow'd with absolute power , and thy good name
-Live with authority : so soon we shall drive back
-Of Alcibiades the approaches wild ;
-Who , like a boar too savage , doth root up
-His country's peace .
-
-And shakes his threat'ning sword
-Against the walls of Athens .
-
-Therefore , Timon ,
-
-Well , sir , I will ; therefore , I will , sir ; thus :
-If Alcibiades kill my countrymen ,
-Let Alcibiades know this of Timon ,
-That Timon cares not . But if he sack fair Athens ,
-And take our goodly aged men by the beards ,
-Giving our holy virgins to the stain
-Of contumelious , beastly , mad-brain'd war ;
-Then let him know , and tell him Timon speaks it ,
-In pity of our aged and our youth
-I cannot choose but tell him , that I care not ,
-And let him take't at worst ; for their knives care not
-While you have throats to answer : for myself ,
-There's not a whittle in the unruly camp
-But I do prize it at my love before
-The reverend'st throat in Athens . So I leave you
-To the protection of the prosperous gods ,
-As thieves to keepers .
-
-Stay not ; all's in vain .
-
-Why , I was writing of my epitaph ;
-It will be seen to-morrow . My long sickness
-Of health and living now begins to mend ,
-And nothing brings me all things . Go ; live still :
-Be Alcibiades your plague , you his ,
-And last so long enough !
-
-We speak in vain .
-
-But yet I love my country , and am not
-One that rejoices in the common wrack ,
-As common bruit doth put it .
-
-That's well spoke .
-
-Commend me to my loving countrymen ,
-
-These words become your lips as they pass through them .
-
-And enter in our ears like great triumphers
-In their applauding gates .
-
-Commend me to them ;
-And tell them , that , to ease them of their griefs ,
-Their fears of hostile strokes , their aches , losses ,
-Their pangs of love , with other incident throes
-That nature's fragile vessel doth sustain
-In life's uncertain voyage , I will some kindness do them :
-I'll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades' wrath .
-
-I like this well ; he will return again .
-
-I have a tree which grows here in my close ,
-That mine own use invites me to cut down ,
-And shortly must I fell it ; tell my friends ,
-Tell Athens , in the sequence of degree ,
-From high to low throughout , that whoso please
-To stop affliction , let him take his haste ,
-Come hither , ere my tree hath felt the axe ,
-And hang himself . I pray you , do my greeting .
-
-Trouble him no further ; thus you still shall find him .
-
-Come not to me again ; but say to Athans ,
-Timon hath made his everlasting mansion
-Upon the beached verge of the salt flood ;
-Who once a day with his embossed froth
-The turbulent surge shall cover : thither come ,
-And let my grave-stone be your oracle .
-Lips , let sour words go by and language end :
-What is amiss plague and infection mend !
-Graves only be men's works and death their gain !
-Sun , hide thy beams ! Timon hath done his reign .
-
-
-His discontents are unremovably Coupled to nature .
-
-Our hope in him is dead : let us return ,
-And strain what other means is left unto us
-In our dear peril .
-
-It requires swift foot .
-
-
-Thou hast painfully discover'd : are his files
-As full as thy report ?
-
-I have spoke the least ;
-Besides , his expedition promises
-Present approach .
-
-We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon .
-
-I met a courier , one mine ancient friend ,
-Whom , though in general part we were oppos'd ,
-Yet our old love made a particular force ,
-And made us speak like friends : this man was riding
-From Alcibiades to Timon's cave ,
-With letters of entreaty , which imported
-His fellowship i' the cause against your city ,
-In part for his sake mov'd .
-
-Here come our brothers .
-
-
-No talk of Timon , nothing of him expect .
-The enemies' drum is heard , and fearful scouring
-Doth choke the air with dust . In , and prepare :
-Ours is the fall , I fear ; our foes the snare .
-
-
-By all description this should be the place .
-Who's here ? speak , ho ! No answer ! What is this ?
-Timon is dead , who hath outstretch'd his span :
-Some beast rear'd this ; here does not live a man .
-Dead , sure ; and this his grave . What's on this tomb
-I cannot read ; the character I'll take with wax :
-Our captain hath in every figure skill ;
-An ag'd interpreter , though young in days .
-Before proud Athens he's set down by this ,
-Whose fall the mark of his ambition is .
-
-
-Sound to this coward and lascivious town
-Our terrible approach .
-
-Till now you have gone on , and fill'd the time
-With all licentious measure , making your wills
-The scope of justice ; till now myself and such
-As slept within the shadow of your power
-Have wander'd with our travers'd arms , and breath'd
-Our sufferance vainly . Now the time is flush ,
-When crouching marrow , in the bearer strong ,
-Cries of itself , 'No more :' now breathless wrong
-Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease ,
-And pursy insolence shall break his wind
-
-With fear and horrid flight .
-
-Noble and young ,
-When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit ,
-Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear ,
-We sent to thee , to give thy rages balm ,
-To wipe out our ingratitude with loves
-Above their quantity .
-
-So did we woo
-Transformed Timon to our city's love
-By humble message and by promis'd means :
-We were not all unkind , nor all deserve
-The common stroke of war .
-
-These walls of ours
-Were not erected by their hands from whom
-You have receiv'd your grief ; nor are they such
-That these great towers , trophies , and schools should fall
-For private faults in them .
-
-Nor are they living
-Who were the motives that you first went out ;
-Shame that they wanted cunning in excess
-Hath broke their hearts . March , noble lord ,
-Into our city with thy banners spread :
-By decimation , and a tithed death ,
-If thy revenges hunger for that food
-Which nature loathes ,take thou the destin'd tenth ,
-And by the hazard of the spotted die
-Let die the spotted .
-
-All have not offended ;
-For those that were , it is not square to take
-On those that are , revenges : crimes , like lands ,
-Are not inherited . Then , dear countryman ,
-Bring in thy ranks , but leave without thy rage :
-Spare thyAthenian cradle , and those kin
-Which in the bluster of thy wrath must fall
-With those that have offended : like a shepherd ,
-Approach the fold and cull th' infected forth ,
-But kill not all together .
-
-What thou wilt ,
-Thou rather shalt enforce it with thy smile
-Thank hew to't with thy sword .
-
-Set but thy foot
-Against our rampir'd gates , and they shall ope ,
-So thou wilt send thy gentle heart before ,
-To say thou'lt enter friendly .
-
-Throw thy glove ,
-Or any token of thine honour else ,
-That thou wilt use the wars as thy redress
-And not as our confusion , all thy powers
-Shall make their harbour in our town , till we
-Have seal'd thy full desire .
-
-Then there's my glove ;
-Descend , and open your uncharged ports :
-Those enemies of Timon's and mine own
-Whom you yourselves shall set out for reproof ,
-Fall , and no more ; and , to atone your fears
-With my more noble meaning , not a man
-Shall pass his quarter , or offend the stream
-Of regular justice in your city's bounds ,
-But shall be render'd to your public laws
-At heaviest answer .
-
-'Tis most nobly spoken .
-
-Descend , and keep your words .
-
-My noble general , Timon is dead ;
-Entomb'd upon the very hem o' the sea :
-And on his grave-stone this insculpture , which
-With wax I brought away , whose soft impression
-Interprets for my poor ignorance .
-
-Here lies a wretched corse , of wretched soul bereft :
-Seek not my name : a plague consume you wicked caitiffs left !
-Here lie I , Timon ; who , alive , all living men did hate :
-Pass by , and curse thy fill ; but pass and stay not here thy gait .
-These well express in thee thy latter spirits :
-Though thou abhorr'dst in us our human griefs ,
-Scorn'dst our brain's flow and those our droplets which
-From niggard nature fall , yet rich conceit
-Taught thee to make vast Neptune weep for aye
-On thy low grave , on faults forgiven . Dead
-Is noble Timon ; of whose memory
-Hereafter more . Bring me into your city ,
-And I will use the olive with my sword ;
-Make war breed peace ; make peace stint war ; make each
-Prescribe to other as each other's leech .
-Let our drums strike .
-
-TITUS ANDRONICUS
-
-
-Noble patricians , patrons of my right ,
-Defend the justice of my cause with arms ;
-And , countrymen , my loving followers ,
-Plead my successive title with your swords :
-I am his first-born son that was the last
-That wore the imperial diadem of Rome ;
-Then let my father's honours live in me ,
-Nor wrong mine age with this indignity .
-
-Romans , friends , followers , favourers of my right ,
-If ever Bassianus , C sar's son ,
-Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome ,
-Keep then this passage to the Capitol ,
-And suffer not dishonour to approach
-The imperial seat , to virtue consecrate ,
-To justice , continence , and nobility ;
-But let desert in pure election shine ,
-And , Romans , fight for freedom in your choice .
-
-
-Princes , that strive by factions and by friends
-Ambitiously for rule and empery ,
-Know that the people of Rome , for whom we stand
-A special party , have , by common voice ,
-In election for the Roman empery ,
-Chosen Andronicus , surnamed Pius ,
-For many good and great deserts to Rome :
-A nobler man , a braver warrior ,
-Lives not this day within the city walls :
-He by the senate is accited home
-From weary wars against the barbarous Goths ;
-That , with his sons , a terror to our foes ,
-Hath yok'd a nation , strong , train'd up in arms .
-Ten years are spent since first he undertook
-This cause of Rome , and chastised with arms
-Our enemies' pride : five times he hath return'd
-Bleeding to Rome , bearing his valiant sons
-In coffins from the field ;
-And now at last , laden with honour's spoils ,
-Returns the good Andronicus to Rome ,
-Renowned Titus , flourishing in arms .
-Let us entreat , by honour of his name ,
-Whom worthily you would have now succeed ,
-And in the Capitol and senate's right ,
-Whom you pretend to honour and adore ,
-That you withdraw you and abate your strength ;
-Dismiss your followers , and , as suitors should ,
-Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness .
-
-How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts !
-
-Marcus Andronicus , so I do affy
-In thy uprightness and integrity ,
-And so I love and honour thee and thine ,
-Thy noble brother Titus and his sons ,
-And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all ,
-Gracious Lavinia , Rome's rich ornament ,
-That I will here dismiss my loving friends ,
-And to my fortunes and the people's favour
-Commit my cause in balance to be weigh'd .
-
-
-Friends , that have been thus forward in my right ,
-I thank you all and here dismiss you all ;
-And to the love and favour of my country
-Commit myself , my person , and the cause .
-
-Rome , be as just and gracious unto me
-As I am confident and kind to thee .
-Open the gates , and let me in .
-
-Tribunes , and me , a poor competitor .
-
-Romans , make way ! the good Andronicus ,
-Patron of virtue , Rome's best champion ,
-Successful in the battles that he fights ,
-With honour and with fortune is return'd
-From where he circumscribed with his sword ,
-And brought to yoke , the enemies of Rome .
-
-Hail , Rome , victorious in thy mourning weeds !
-Lo ! as the bark , that hath discharg'd her fraught ,
-Returns with precious lading to the bay
-From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage ,
-Cometh Andronicus , bound with laurel boughs ,
-To re-salute his country with his tears ,
-Tears of true joy for his return to Rome .
-Thou great defender of this Capitol ,
-Stand gracious to the rites that we intend !
-Romans , of five-and-twenty valiant sons ,
-Half of the number that King Priam had ,
-Behold the poor remains , alive , and dead !
-These that survive let Rome reward with love ;
-These that I bring unto their latest home .
-With burial among their ancestors :
-Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword .
-Titus , unkind and careless of thine own ,
-Why suffer'st thou thy sons , unburied yet
-To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx ?
-Make way to lay them by their brethren .
-
-There greet in silence , as the dead are wont ,
-And sleep in peace , slain in your country's wars !
-O sacred receptacle of my joys ,
-Sweet cell of virtue and nobility ,
-How many sons of mine hast thou in store ,
-That thou wilt never render to me more !
-
-Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths ,
-That we may hew his limbs , and on a pile
-Ad manes fratrum sacrifice his flesh ,
-Before this earthy prison of their bones ;
-That so the shadows be not unappeas'd ,
-Nor we disturb'd with prodigies on earth .
-
-I give him you , the noblest that survives
-The eldest son of this distressed queen .
-
-Stay , Roman brethren ! Gracious conqueror ,
-Victorious Titus , rue the tears I shed ,
-A mother's tears in passion for her son :
-And if thy sons were ever dear to thee ,
-O ! think my son to be as dear to me .
-Sufficeth not that we are brought to Rome ,
-To beautify thy triumphs and return ,
-Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke ;
-But must my sons be slaughter'd in the streets
-For valiant doings in their country's cause ?
-O ! if to fight for king and commonweal
-Were piety in thine , it is in these .
-Andronicus , stain not thy tomb with blood :
-Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods ?
-Draw near them then in being merciful ;
-Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge :
-Thrice-noble Titus , spare my first-born son .
-
-Patient yourself , madam , and pardon me .
-These are their brethren , whom your Goths beheld
-Alive and dead , and for their brethren slain
-Religiously they ask a sacrifice :
-To this your son is mark'd , and die he must ,
-To appease their groaning shadows that are gone .
-
-Away with him ! and make a fire straight ;
-And with our swords , upon a pile of wood ,
-Let's hew his limbs till they be clean consum'd .
-
-
-O cruel , irreligious piety !
-
-Was ever Scythia half so barbarous ?
-
-Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome .
-Alarbus goes to rest , and we survive
-To tremble under Titus' threatening look .
-Then , madam , stand resolv'd ; but hope withal
-The self-same gods , that arm'd the Queen of Troy
-With opportunity of sharp revenge
-Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent ,
-May favour Tamora , the Queen of Goths
-When Goths were Goths , and Tamora was queen
-To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes .
-
-
-See , lord and father , how we have perform'd
-Our Roman rites . Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd ,
-And entrails feed the sacrificing fire ,
-Whose smoke , like incense , doth perfume the sky .
-Remaineth nought but to inter our brethren ,
-And with loud 'larums welcome them to Rome .
-
-Let it be so ; and let Andronicus
-Make this his latest farewell to their souls .
-
-In peace and honour rest you here , my sons ;
-Rome's readiest champions , repose you here in rest ,
-Secure from worldly chances and mishaps !
-Here lurks no treason , here no envy swells ,
-Here grow no damned drugs , here are no storms ,
-No noise , but silence and eternal sleep :
-In peace and honour rest you here , my sons !
-
-
-In peace and honour live Lord Titus long ;
-My noble lord and father , live in fame !
-Lo ! at this tomb my tributary tears
-I render for my brethren's obsequies ;
-And at thy feet I kneel , with tears of joy
-Shed on the earth for thy return to Rome .
-O ! bless me here with thy victorious hand ,
-Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens applaud .
-
-Kind Rome , that hast thus lovingly reserv'd
-The cordial of mine age to glad my heart !
-Lavinia , live ; outlive thy father's days ,
-And fame's eternal date , for virtue's praise !
-
-
-Long live Lord Titus , my beloved brother ,
-Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome !
-
-Thanks , gentle Tribune , noble brother Marcus .
-
-And welcome , nephews , from successful wars ,
-You that survive , and you that sleep in fame !
-Fair lords , your fortunes are alike in all ,
-That in your country's service drew your swords ;
-But safer triumph is this funeral pomp ,
-That hath aspir'd to Solon's happiness ,
-And triumphs over chance in honour's bed .
-Titus Andronicus , the people of Rome ,
-Whose friend in justice thou hast ever been ,
-Send thee by me , their tribune and their trust ,
-This palliament of white and spotless hue ;
-And name thee in election for the empire ,
-With these our late-deceased emperor's sons :
-Be candidatus then , and put it on ,
-And help to set a head on headless Rome .
-
-A better head her glorious body fits
-Than his that shakes for age and feebleness .
-What should I don this robe , and trouble you ?
-Be chosen with proclamations to-day ,
-To-morrow yield up rule , resign my life ,
-And set abroad new business for you all ?
-Rome , I have been thy soldier forty years ,
-And led my country's strength successfully ,
-And buried one-and-twenty valiant sons ,
-Knighted in field , slain manfully in arms ,
-In right and service of their noble country .
-Give me a staff of honour for mine age ,
-But not a sceptre to control the world :
-Upright he held it , lords , that held it last .
-
-Titus , thou shalt obtain and ask the empery .
-
-Proud and ambitious tribune , canst thou tell ?
-
-Patience , Prince Saturninus .
-
-Romans , do me right :
-Patricians , draw your swords , and sheathe them not
-Till Saturninus be Rome's emperor .
-Andronicus , would thou wert shipp'd to hell ,
-Rather than rob me of the people's hearts !
-
-Proud Saturnine , interrupter of the good
-That noble-minded Titus means to thee !
-
-Content thee , prince ; I will restore to thee
-The people's hearts , and wean them from themselves .
-
-Andronicus , I do not flatter thee ,
-But honour thee , and will do till I die :
-My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends ,
-I will most thankful be ; and thanks to men
-Of noble minds is honourable meed .
-
-People of Rome , and people's tribunes here ,
-I ask your voices and your suffrages :
-Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus ?
-
-To gratify the good Andronicus ,
-And gratulate his safe return to Rome ,
-The people will accept whom he admits .
-
-Tribunes , I thank you ; and this suit I make ,
-That you create your emperor's eldest son ,
-Lord Saturnine ; whose virtues will , I hope ,
-Reflect on Rome as Titan's rays on earth ,
-And ripen justice in this commonweal :
-Then , if you will elect by my advice ,
-Crown him , and say , 'Long live our emperor !'
-
-With voices and applause of every sort ,
-Patricians and plebeians , we create
-Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor ,
-And say , 'Long live our Emperor Saturnine !'
-
-
-Titus Andronicus , for thy favours done
-To us in our election this day ,
-I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts ,
-And will with deeds requite thy gentleness :
-And , for an onset , Titus , to advance
-Thy name and honourable family ,
-Lavinia will I make my empress ,
-Rome's royal mistress , mistress of my heart ,
-And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse .
-Tell me , Andronicus , doth this motion please thee ?
-
-It doth , my worthy lord ; and in this match
-I hold me highly honour'd of your Grace :
-And here in sight of Rome to Saturnine ,
-King and commander of our commonweal ,
-The wide world's emperor , do I consecrate
-My sword , my chariot , and my prisoners ;
-Presents well worthy Rome's imperious lord :
-Receive them then , the tribute that I owe ,
-Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet .
-
-Thanks , noble Titus , father of my life !
-How proud I am of thee and of thy gifts
-Rome shall record , and , when I do forget
-The least of these unspeakable deserts ,
-Romans , forget your fealty to me .
-
-Now , madam , are you prisoner to an emperor ;
-To him that , for your honour and your state ,
-Will use you nobly and your followers .
-
-A goodly lady , trust me ; of the hue
-That I would choose , were I to choose anew .
-Clear up , fair queen , that cloudy countenance :
-Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer ,
-Thou com'st not to be made a scorn in Rome :
-Princely shall be thy usage every way .
-Rest on my word , and let not discontent
-Daunt all your hopes : madam , he comforts you
-Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths .
-Lavinia , you are not displeas'd with this ?
-
-Not I , my lord ; sith true nobility
-Warrants these words in princely courtesy .
-
-Thanks , sweet Lavinia . Romans , let us go ;
-Ransomless here we set our prisoners free :
-Proclaim our honours , lords , with trump and drum .
-
-
-Lord Titus , by your leave , this maid is mine .
-
-
-How , sir ! Are you in earnest then , my lord ?
-
-Ay , noble Titus ; and resolv'd withal
-To do myself this reason and this right .
-
-Suum cuique is our Roman justice :
-This prince in justice seizeth but his own .
-
-And that he will , and shall , if Lucius live .
-
-Traitors , avaunt ! Where is the emperor's guard ?
-Treason , my lord ! Lavinia is surpris'd .
-
-Surpris'd ! By whom ?
-
-By him that justly may
-Bear his betroth'd from all the world away .
-
-
-Brothers , help to convey her hence away ,
-And with my sword I'll keep this door safe .
-
-
-Follow , my lord , and I'll soon bring her back .
-
-My lord , you pass not here .
-
-What ! villain boy ;
-Barr'st me my way in Rome ?
-
-
-Help , Lucius , help !
-
-My lord , you are unjust ; and , more than so ,
-In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son .
-
-Nor thou , nor he , are any sons of mine ;
-My sons would never so dishonour me .
-Traitor , restore Lavinia to the emperor .
-
-Dead , if you will ; but not to be his wife
-That is another's lawful promis'd love .
-
-
-No , Titus , no ; the emperor needs her not ,
-Nor her , nor thee , nor any of thy stock :
-I'll trust , by leisure , him that mocks me once ;
-Thee never , nor thy traitorous haughty sons ,
-Confederates all thus to dishonour me .
-Was none in Rome to make a stale
-But Saturnine ? Full well , Andronicus ,
-Agreed these deeds with that proud brag of thine ,
-That saidst I begg'd the empire at thy hands .
-
-O monstrous ! what reproachful words are these !
-
-But go thy ways ; go , give that changing piece
-To him that flourish'd for her with his sword .
-A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy ;
-One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons ,
-To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome .
-
-These words are razors to my wounded heart .
-
-And therefore , lovely Tamora , Queen of Goths ,
-That like the stately Ph be 'mongst her nymphs ,
-Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome ,
-If thou be pleas'd with this my sudden choice ,
-Behold , I choose thee , Tamora , for my bride ,
-And will create thee Empress of Rome .
-Speak , Queen of Goths , dost thou applaud my choice ?
-And here I swear by all the Roman gods ,
-Sith priest and holy water are so near ,
-And tapers burn so bright , and every thing
-In readiness for Hymen us stand ,
-I will not re-salute the streets of Rome ,
-Or climb my palace , till from forth this place
-I lead espous'd my bride along with me .
-
-And here , in sight of heaven , to Rome I swear ,
-If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths ,
-She will a handmaid be to his desires ,
-A loving nurse , a mother to his youth .
-
-Ascend , fair queen , Pantheon . Lords , accompany
-Your noble emperor , and his lovely bride ,
-Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine ,
-Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered :
-There shall we consummate our spousal rights .
-
-
-I am not bid to wait upon this bride .
-Titus , when wert thou wont to walk alone ,
-Dishonour'd thus , and challenged of wrongs ?
-
-
-O ! Titus , see , O ! see what thou hast done ;
-In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son .
-
-No , foolish tribune , no ; no son of mine ,
-Nor thou , nor these , confederates in the deed
-That hath dishonour'd all our family :
-Unworthy brother , and unworthy sons !
-
-But let us give him burial , as becomes ;
-Give Mutius burial with our brethren .
-
-Traitors , away ! he rests not in this tomb .
-This monument five hundred years hath stood ,
-Which I have sumptuously re-edified :
-Here none but soldiers and Rome's servitors
-Repose in fame ; none basely slain in brawls .
-Bury him where you can ; he comes not here .
-
-My lord , this is impiety in you .
-My nephew Mutius' deeds do plead for him ;
-He must be buried with his brethren .
-
-And shall , or him we will accompany .
-
-And shall , or him we will accompany .
-
-And shall ! What villain was it spake that word ?
-
-He that would vouch it in any place but here .
-
-What ! would you bury him in my despite ?
-
-No , noble Titus ; but entreat of thee
-To pardon Mutius , and to bury him .
-
-Marcus , even thou hast struck upon my crest ,
-And , with these boys , mine honour thou hast wounded :
-My foes I do repute you every one ;
-So , trouble me no more , but get you gone .
-
-He is not with himself ; let us withdraw .
-
-Not I , till Mutius' bones be buried .
-
-
-Brother , for in that name doth nature plead ,
-
-Father , and in that name doth nature speak ,
-
-Speak thou no more , if all the rest will speed .
-
-Renowned Titus , more than half my soul ,
-
-Dear father , soul and substance of us all ,
-
-Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter
-His noble nephew here in virtue's nest ,
-That died in honour and Lavinia's cause .
-Thou art a Roman ; be not barbarous :
-The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax
-That slew himself ; and wise Laertes' son
-Did graciously plead for his funerals .
-Let not young Mutius then , that was thy joy ,
-Be barr'd his entrance here .
-
-Rise , Marcus , rise .
-The dismall'st day is this that e'er I saw ,
-To be dishonour'd by my sons in Rome !
-Well , bury him , and bury me the next .
-
-
-There lie thy bones , sweet Mutius , with thy friends ,
-Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb .
-
-No man shed tears for noble Mutius ;
-He lives in fame that died in virtue's cause .
-
-My lord ,to step out of these dreary dumps ,
-How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths
-Is of a sudden thus advanc'd in Rome ?
-
-I know not , Marcus ; but I know it is ,
-Whether by device or no , the heavens can tell .
-Is she not , then , beholding to the man
-That brought her for this high good turn so far ?
-
-Yes , and will nobly him remunerate .
-
-So , Bassianus , you have play'd your prize :
-God give you joy , sir , of your gallant bride .
-
-And you of yours , my lord ! I say no more ,
-Nor wish no less ; and so I take my leave .
-
-Traitor , if Rome have law or we have power ,
-Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape .
-
-Rape call you it , my lord , to seize my own ,
-My true-betrothed love and now my wife ?
-But let the laws of Rome determine all ;
-Meanwhile , I am possess'd of that is mine .
-
-'Tis good , sir : you are very short with us ;
-But , if we live , we'll be as sharp with you .
-
-My lord , what I have done , as best I may ,
-Answer I must and shall do with my life .
-Only thus much I give your Grace to know :
-By all the duties that I owe to Rome ,
-This noble gentleman , Lord Titus here ,
-Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd ;
-That , in the rescue of Lavinia ,
-With his own hand did slay his youngest son ,
-In zeal to you and highly mov'd to wrath
-To be controll'd in that he frankly gave :
-Receive him then to favour , Saturnine ,
-That hath express'd himself in all his deeds
-A father and a friend to thee and Rome .
-
-Prince Bassianus , leave to plead my deeds :
-'Tis thou and those that have dishonour'd me .
-Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge ,
-How I have lov'd and honour'd Saturnine !
-
-My worthy lord , if ever Tamora
-Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine ,
-Then hear me speak indifferently for all ;
-And at my suit , sweet , pardon what is past .
-
-What , madam ! be dishonour'd openly ,
-And basely put it up without revenge ?
-
-Not so , my lord ; the gods of Rome forfend
-I should be author to dishonour you !
-But on mine honour dare I undertake
-For good Lord Titus' innocence in all ,
-Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs .
-Then , at my suit , look graciously on him ;
-Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose ,
-Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart .
-
-
-My lord , be rul'd by me , be won at last ;
-Dissemble all your griefs and discontents :
-You are but newly planted in your throne ;
-Lest then , the people , and patricians too ,
-Upon a just survey , take Titus' part ,
-And so supplant you for ingratitude ,
-Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin ,
-Yield at entreats , and then let me alone .
-I'll find a day to massacre them all ,
-And raze their faction and their family ,
-The cruel father , and his traitorous sons ,
-To whom I sued for my dear son's life ;
-And make them know what 'tis to let a queen
-Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain .
-
-
-Come , come , sweet emperor ; come , Andronicus ;
-Take up this good old man , and cheer the heart
-That dies in tempest of thy angry frown :
-
-Rise , Titus , rise ; my empress hath prevail'd .
-
-I thank your majesty , and her , my lord .
-These words , these looks , infuse new life in me .
-
-Titus , I am incorporate in Rome ,
-A Roman now adopted happily ,
-And must advise the emperor for his good .
-This day all quarrels die , Andronicus ;
-And let it be mine honour , good my lord ,
-That I have reconcil'd your friends and you .
-For you , Prince Bassianus , I have pass'd
-My word and promise to the emperor ,
-That you will be more mild and tractable .
-And fear not , lords , and you , Lavinia ,
-By my advice , all humbled on your knees ,
-You shall ask pardon of his majesty .
-
-We do ; and vow to heaven and to his highness ,
-That what we did was mildly , as we might ,
-Tendering our sister's honour and our own .
-
-That on mine honour here I do protest .
-
-Away , and talk not ; trouble us no more .
-
-Nay , nay , sweet emperor , we must all be friends :
-The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace ;
-I will not be denied : sweet heart , look back .
-
-Marcus , for thy sake , and thy brother's here ,
-And at my lovely Tamora's entreats ,
-I do remit these young men's heinous faults :
-Stand up .
-Lavinia , though you left me like a churl ,
-I found a friend , and sure as death I swore
-I would not part a bachelor from the priest .
-Come ; if the emperor's court can feast two brides ,
-You are my guest , Lavinia , and your friends .
-This day shall be a love-day , Tamora .
-
-To-morrow , an it please your majesty
-To hunt the panther and the hart with me ,
-With horn and hound we'll give your Grace bon jour .
-
-Be it so , Titus , and gramercy too .
-
-
-Now climbeth Tamora Olympus' top ,
-Safe out of Fortune's shot ; and sits aloft ,
-Secure of thunder's crack or lightning flash ,
-Advanc'd above pale envy's threat'ning reach .
-As when the golden sun salutes the morn ,
-And , having gilt the ocean with his beams ,
-Gallops the zodiac in his glistering coach ,
-And overlooks the highest-peering hills ;
-So Tamora .
-Upon her wit doth earthly honour wait
-And virtue stoops and trembles at her frown .
-Then , Aaron , arm thy heart , and fit thy thoughts
-To mount aloft with thy imperial mistress ,
-And mount her pitch , whom thou in triumph long
-Hast prisoner held , fetter'd in amorous chains ,
-And faster bound to Aaron's charming eyes
-Than is Prometheus tied to Caucasus .
-Away with slavish weeds and servile thoughts !
-I will be bright , and shine in pearl and gold ,
-To wait upon this new-made empress .
-To wait , said I ? to wanton with this queen ,
-This goddess , this Semiramis , this nymph ,
-This siren , that will charm Rome's Saturnine ,
-And see his shipwrack and his commonweal's .
-Holla ! what storm is this ?
-
-
-Chiron , thy years want wit , thy wit wants edge
-And manners , to intrude where I am grac'd ,
-And may , for aught thou know'st , affected be .
-
-Demetrius , thou dost over-ween in all
-And so in this , to bear me down with braves .
-'Tis not the difference of a year or two
-Makes me less gracious or thee more fortunate :
-I am as able and as fit as thou
-To serve , and to deserve my mistress' grace ;
-And that my sword upon thee shall approve ,
-And plead my passions for Lavinia's love .
-
-Clubs , clubs ! these lovers will not keep the peace .
-
-Why , boy , although our mother , unadvis'd ,
-Gave you a dancing-rapier by your side ,
-Are you so desperate grown , to threat your friends ?
-Go to ; have your lath glu'd within your sheath
-Till you know better how to handle it .
-
-Meanwhile , sir , with the little skill I have ,
-Full well shalt thou perceive how much I dare .
-
-Ay , boy , grow ye so brave ?
-
-
-Why , how now , lords !
-So near the emperor's palace dare you draw ,
-And maintain such a quarrel openly ?
-Full well I wot the ground of all this grudge :
-I would not for a million of gold
-The cause were known to them it most concerns ;
-Nor would your noble mother for much more
-Be so dishonour'd in the court of Rome .
-For shame , put up .
-
-Not I , till I have sheath'd
-My rapier in his bosom , and withal
-Thrust those reproachful speeches down his throat
-That he hath breath'd in my dishonour here .
-
-For that I am prepar'd and full resolv'd ,
-Foul-spoken coward , that thunder'st with thy tongue ,
-And with thy weapon nothing dar'st perform !
-
-Away , I say !
-Now , by the gods that war-like Goths adore ,
-This petty brabble will undo us all .
-Why , lords , and think you not how dangerous
-It is to jet upon a prince's right ?
-What ! is Lavinia then become so loose ,
-Or Bassianus so degenerate ,
-That for her love such quarrels may be broach'd
-Without controlment , justice , or revenge ?
-Young lords , beware ! an should the empress know
-This discord's ground , the music would not please .
-
-I care not , I , knew she and all the world :
-I love Lavinia more than all the world .
-
-Youngling , learn thou to make some meaner choice :
-Lavinia is thine elder brother's hope .
-
-Why , are ye mad ? or know ye not in Rome
-How furious and impatient they be ,
-And cannot brook competitors in love ?
-I tell you , lords , you do but plot your deaths
-By this device .
-
-Aaron , a thousand deaths
-Would I propose , to achieve her whom I love .
-
-To achieve her ! how ?
-
-Why mak'st thou it so strange ?
-She is a woman , therefore may be woo'd ;
-She is a woman , therefore may be won ;
-She is Lavinia , therefore must be lov'd .
-What , man ! more water glideth by the mill
-Than wots the miller of ; and easy it is
-Of a cut loaf to steal a shive , we know :
-Though Bassianus be the emperor's brother ,
-Better than he have worn Vulcan's badge .
-
-Ay , and as good as Saturninus may .
-
-Then why should he despair that knows to court it
-With words , fair looks , and liberality ?
-What ! hast thou not full often struck a doe ,
-And borne her cleanly by the keeper's nose ?
-
-Why , then , it seems , some certain snatch or so
-Would serve your turns .
-
-Ay , so the turn were serv'd .
-
-Aaron , thou hast hit it .
-
-Would you had hit it too !
-Then should not we be tir'd with this ado .
-Why , hark ye , hark ye ! and are you such fools
-To square for this ? Would it offend you then
-That both should speed ?
-
-Faith , not me .
-
-Nor me , so I were one .
-
-For shame , be friends , and join for that you jar :
-'Tis policy and stratagem must do
-That you affect ; and so must you resolve ,
-That what you cannot as you would achieve ,
-You must perforce accomplish as you may .
-Take this of me : Lucrece was not more chaste
-Than this Lavinia , Bassianus' love .
-A speedier course than lingering languishment
-Must we pursue , and I have found the path .
-My lords , a solemn hunting is in hand ;
-There will the lovely Roman ladies troop :
-The forest walks are wide and spacious ,
-And many unfrequented plots there are
-Fitted by kind for rape and villany :
-Single you thither then this dainty doe ,
-And strike her home by force , if not by words :
-This way , or not at all , stand you in hope .
-Come , come , our empress , with her sacred wit
-To villany and vengeance consecrate ,
-Will we acquaint with all that we intend ;
-And she shall file our engines with advice ,
-That will not suffer you to square yourselves ,
-But to your wishes' height advance you both .
-The emperor's court is like the house of Fame ,
-The palace full of tongues , of eyes , and ears :
-The woods are ruthless , dreadful , deaf , and dull ;
-There speak , and strike , brave boys , and take your turns ;
-There serve your lusts , shadow'd from heaven's eye ,
-And revel in Lavinia's treasury .
-
-Thy counsel , lad , smells of no cowardice .
-
-Sit fas aut nefas , till I find the stream
-To cool this heat , a charm to calm these fits ,
-Per Styga , per manes vehor .
-
-The hunt is up , the morn is bright and grey ,
-The fields are fragrant and the woods are green .
-Uncouple here and let us make a bay ,
-And wake the emperor and his lovely bride ,
-And rouse the prince and ring a hunter's peal ,
-That all the court may echo with the noise .
-Sons , let it be your charge , as it is ours ,
-To attend the emperor's person carefully :
-I have been troubled in my sleep this night ,
-But dawning day new comfort hath inspir'd .
-
-Many good morrows to your majesty ;
-Madam , to you as many and as good ;
-
-I promised your Grace a hunter's peal .
-
-And you have rung it lustily , my lord ;
-Somewhat too early for new-married ladies .
-
-Lavinia , how say you ?
-
-I say , no ;
-I have been broad awake two hours and more .
-
-Come on , then ; horse and chariots let us have ,
-And to our sport .
-
-Madam , now shall ye see
-Our Roman hunting .
-
-I have dogs , my lord ,
-Will rouse the proudest panther in the chase ,
-And climb the highest promontory top .
-
-And I have horse will follow where the game
-Makes way , and run like swallows o'er the plain .
-
-Chiron , we hunt not , we , with horse nor hound ,
-But hope to pluck a dainty doe to ground .
-
-
-He that had wit would think that I had none ,
-To bury so much gold under a tree ,
-And never after to inherit it .
-Let him that thinks of me so abjectly
-Know that this gold must coin a stratagem ,
-Which , cunningly effected , will beget
-A very excellent piece of villany :
-And so repose , sweet gold , for their unrest
-That have their alms out of the empress' chest .
-
-My lovely Aaron , wherefore look'st thou sad ,
-When every thing doth make a gleeful boast ?
-The birds chant melody on every bush ,
-The snake lies rolled in the cheerful sun ,
-The green leaves quiver with the cooling wind ,
-And make a chequer'd shadow on the ground .
-Under their sweet shade , Aaron , let us sit ,
-And , whilst the babbling echo mocks the hounds ,
-Replying shrilly to the well-tun'd horns ,
-As if a double hunt were heard at once ,
-Let us sit down and mark their yelping noise ;
-And after conflict , such as was suppos'd
-The wandering prince and Dido once enjoy'd ,
-When with a happy storm they were surpris'd ,
-And curtain'd with a counsel-keeping cave ,
-We may , each wreathed in the other's arms ,
-Our pastimes done , possess a golden slumber ;
-Whiles hounds and horns and sweet melodious birds
-Be unto us as is a nurse's song
-Of lullaby to bring her babe asleep .
-
-Madam , though Venus govern your desires ,
-Saturn is dominator over mine :
-What signifies my deadly-standing eye ,
-My silence and my cloudy melancholy ;
-My fleece of woolly hair that now uncurls
-Even as an adder when she doth unroll
-To do some fatal execution ?
-No , madam , these are no venereal signs :
-Vengeance is in my heart , death in my hand ,
-Blood and revenge are hammering in my head .
-Hark , Tamora , the empress of my soul ,
-Which never hopes more heaven than rests in thee ,
-This is the day of doom for Bassianus ;
-His Philomel must lose her tongue to-day ,
-Thy sons make pillage of her chastity ,
-And wash their hands in Bassianus' blood .
-Seest thou this letter ? take it up , I pray thee ,
-And give the king this fatal-plotted scroll .
-Now question me no more ; we are espied ;
-Here comes a parcel of our hopeful booty ,
-Which dreads not yet their lives' destruction .
-
-Ah ! my sweet Moor , sweeter to me than life .
-
-No more , great empress ; Bassianus comes :
-Be cross with him ; and I'll go fetch thy sons
-To back thy quarrels , whatsoe'er they be .
-
-Who have we here ? Rome's royal empress ,
-Unfurnish'd of her well-beseeming troop ?
-Or is it Dian , habited like her ,
-Who hath abandoned her holy groves ,
-To see the general hunting in this forest ?
-
-Saucy controller of our private steps !
-Had I the power that some say Dian had ,
-Thy temples should be planted presently
-With horns , as was Act on's ; and the hounds
-Should drive upon thy new-transformed limbs ,
-Unmannerly intruder as thou art !
-
-Under your patience , gentle empress ,
-'Tis thought you have a goodly gift in horning ;
-And to be doubted that your Moor and you
-Are singled forth to try experiments .
-Jove shield your husband from his hounds to-day !
-'Tis pity they should take him for a stag .
-
-Believe me , queen , your swarth Cimmerian
-Doth make your honour of his body's hue ,
-Spotted , detested , and abominable .
-Why are you sequester'd from all your train ,
-Dismounted from your snow-white goodly steed ,
-And wander'd hither to an obscure plot ,
-Accompanied but with a barbarous Moor ,
-If foul desire had not conducted you ?
-
-And , being intercepted in your sport ,
-Great reason that my noble lord be rated
-For sauciness . I pray you , let us hence ,
-And let her joy her raven-colour'd love ;
-This valley fits the purpose passing well .
-
-The king my brother shall have note of this .
-
-Ay , for these slips have made him noted long :
-Good king , to be so mightily abus'd !
-
-Why have I patience to endure all this ?
-
-
-How now , dear sovereign , and our gracious mother !
-Why doth your highness look so pale and wan ?
-
-Have I not reason , think you , to look pale ?
-These two have 'tic'd me hither to this place :
-A barren detested vale , you see , it is ;
-The trees , though summer , yet forlorn and lean ,
-O'ercome with moss and baleful mistletoe :
-Here never shines the sun ; here nothing breeds ,
-Unless the nightly owl or fatal raven :
-And when they show'd me this abhorred pit ,
-They told me , here , at dead time of the night ,
-A thousand fiends , a thousand hissing snakes ,
-Ten thousand swelling toads , as many urchins ,
-Would make such fearful and confused cries ,
-As any mortal body hearing it
-Should straight fall mad , or else die suddenly .
-No sooner had they told this hellish tale ,
-But straight they told me they would bind me here
-Unto the body of a dismal yew ,
-And leave me to this miserable death :
-And then they called me foul adulteress ,
-Lascivious Goth , and all the bitterest terms
-That ever ear did hear to such effect ;
-And , had you not by wondrous fortune come ,
-This vengeance on me had they executed .
-Revenge it , as you love your mother's life ,
-Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children .
-
-This is a witness that I am thy son .
-
-
-And this for me , struck home to show my strength .
-
-
-Ay , come , Semiramis , nay , barbarous Tamora ;
-For no name fits thy nature but thy own .
-
-Give me thy poniard ; you shall know , my boys ,
-Your mother's hand shall right your mother's wrong .
-
-Stay , madam ; here is more belongs to her :
-First thrash the corn , than after burn the straw .
-This minion stood upon her chastity ,
-Upon her nuptial vow , her loyalty ,
-And with that painted hope she braves your mightiness :
-And shall she carry this unto her grave ?
-
-An if she do , I would I were an eunuch .
-Drag hence her husband to some secret hole ,
-And make his dead trunk pillow to our lust .
-
-But when ye have the honey ye desire ,
-Let not this wasp outlive , us both to sting .
-
-I warrant you , madam , we will make that sure .
-Come , mistress , now perforce we will enjoy
-That nice-preserved honesty of yours .
-
-O Tamora ! thou bear'st a woman's face ,
-
-I will not hear her speak ; away with her !
-
-Sweet lords , entreat her hear me but a word .
-
-Listen , fair madam : let it be your glory
-To see her tears ; but be your heart to them
-As unrelenting flint to drops of rain .
-
-When did the tiger's young ones teach the dam ?
-O ! do not learn her wrath ; she taught it thee ;
-The milk thou suck'dst from her did turn to marble ;
-Even at thy teat thou hadst thy tyranny .
-Yet every mother breeds not sons alike :
-
-
-Do thou entreat her show a woman pity .
-
-What ! wouldst thou have me prove myself a bastard ?
-
-'Tis true ! the raven doth not hatch a lark :
-Yet have I heard , O ! could I find it now ,
-The lion mov'd with pity did endure
-To have his princely paws par'd all away .
-Some say that ravens foster forlorn children ,
-The whilst their own birds famish in their nests :
-O ! be to me , though thy hard heart say no ,
-Nothing so kind , but something pitiful .
-
-I know not what it means ; away with her !
-
-O , let me teach thee ! for my father's sake ,
-That gave thee life when well he might have slain thee ,
-Be not obdurate , open thy deaf ears .
-
-Hadst thou in person ne'er offended me ,
-Even for his sake am I pitiless .
-Remember , boys , I pour'd forth tears in vain
-To save your brother from the sacrifice ;
-But fierce Andronicus would not relent :
-Therefore , away with her , and use her as you will :
-The worse to her , the better lov'd of me .
-
-O Tamora ! be call'd a gentle queen ,
-And with thine own hands kill me in this place ;
-For 'tis not life that I have begg'd so long ;
-Poor I was slain when Bassianus died .
-
-What begg'st thou then ? fond woman , let me go .
-
-'Tis present death I beg ; and one thing more
-That womanhood denies my tongue to tell .
-O ! keep me from their worse than killing lust ,
-And tumble me into some loathsome pit ,
-Where never man's eye may behold my body :
-Do this , and be a charitable murderer .
-
-So should I rob my sweet sons of their fee :
-No , let them satisfy their lust on thee .
-
-Away ! for thou hast stay'd us here too long .
-
-No grace ! no womanhood ! Ah , beastly creature ,
-The blot and enemy to our general name .
-Confusion fall
-
-Nay , then I'll stop your mouth . Bring thou her husband :
-This is the hole where Aaron bid us hide him .
-
-Farewell , my sons : see that you make her sure .
-Ne'er let my heart know merry cheer indeed
-Till all the Andronici be made away .
-Now will I hence to seek my lovely Moor ,
-And let my spleenful sons this trull deflower .
-
-Come on , my lords , the better foot before :
-Straight will I bring you to the loathsome pit
-Where I espied the panther fast asleep .
-
-My sight is very dull , whate'er it bodes .
-
-And mine , I promise you : were't not for shame ,
-Well could I leave our sport to sleep awhile .
-
-
-What ! art thou fall'n ? What subtle hole is this ,
-Whose mouth is cover'd with rude-growing briers ,
-Upon whose leaves are drops of new-shed blood
-As fresh as morning's dew distill'd on flowers ?
-A very fatal place it seems to me .
-Speak , brother , hast thou hurt thee with the fall ?
-
-O brother ! with the dismall'st object hurt
-That ever eye with sight made heart lament .
-
-Now will I fetch the king to find them here ,
-That he thereby may give a likely guess
-How these were they that made away his brother .
-
-
-Why dost not comfort me , and help me out
-From this unhallow'd and blood-stained hole ?
-
-I am surprised with an uncouth fear ;
-A chilling sweat o'erruns my trembling joints :
-My heart suspects more than mine eye can see .
-
-To prove thou hast a true-divining heart ,
-Aaron and thou look down into this den ,
-And see a fearful sight of blood and death .
-
-Aaron is gone ; and my compassionate heart
-Will not permit mine eyes once to behold
-The thing whereat it trembles by surmise .
-O ! tell me how it is ; for ne'er till now
-Was I a child , to fear I know not what .
-
-Lord Bassianus lies embrewed here ,
-All on a heap , like to a slaughter'd lamb ,
-In this detested , dark , blood-drinking pit .
-
-If it be dark , how dost thou know 'tis he ?
-
-Upon his bloody finger he doth wear
-A precious ring , that lightens all the hole ,
-Which , like a taper in some monument ,
-Doth shine upon the dead man's earthy cheeks ,
-And shows the ragged entrails of the pit :
-So pale did shine the moon on Pyramus
-When he by night lay bath'd in maiden blood .
-O brother ! help me with thy fainting hand ,
-If fear hath made thee faint , as me it hath ,
-Out of this fell devouring receptacle ,
-As hateful as Cocytus' misty mouth .
-
-Reach me thy hand , that I may help thee out ;
-Or , wanting strength to do thee so much good
-I may be pluck'd into the swallowing womb
-Of this deep pit , poor Bassianus' grave .
-I have no strength to pluck thee to the brink .
-
-Nor I no strength to climb without thy help .
-
-Thy hand once more ; I will not loose again ,
-Till thou art here aloft , or I below .
-Thou canst not come to me : I come to thee .
-
-Along with me : I'll see what hole is here ,
-And what he is that now is leap'd into it .
-Say , who art thou that lately didst descend
-Into this gaping hollow of the earth ?
-
-The unhappy son of old Andronicus ;
-Brought hither in a most unlucky hour ,
-To find thy brother Bassianus dead .
-
-My brother dead ! I know thou dost but jest :
-He and his lady both are at the lodge ,
-Upon the north side of this pleasant chase ;
-'Tis not an hour since I left him there .
-
-We know not where you left him all alive ;
-But , out alas ! here have we found him dead .
-
-
-Where is my lord , the king ?
-
-Here , Tamora ; though griev'd with killing grief .
-
-Where is thy brother Bassianus ?
-
-Now to the bottom dost thou search my wound :
-Poor Bassianus here lies murdered .
-
-Then all too late I bring this fatal writ ,
-
-The complot of this timeless tragedy ;
-And wonder greatly that man's face can fold
-In pleasing smiles such murderous tyranny .
-
-And if we miss to meet him handsomely ,
-Sweet huntsman , Bassianus 'tis we mean ,
-Do thou so much as dig the grave for him :
-Thou know'st our meaning . Look for thy reward
-Among the nettles at the elder-tree
-Which overshades the mouth of that same pit
-Where we decreed to bury Bassianus :
-Do this , and purchase us thy lasting friends .
-O Tamora ! was ever heard the like ?
-This is the pit , and this the elder-tree .
-Look , sirs , if you can find the huntsman out
-That should have murder'd Bassianus here .
-
-My gracious lord , here is the bag of gold .
-
-Two of thy whelps , fell curs of bloody kind ,
-Have here bereft my brother of his life .
-Sirs , drag them from the pit unto the prison :
-There let them bide until we have devis'd
-Some never-heard-of torturing pain for them .
-
-What ! are they in this pit ? O wondrous thing !
-How easily murder is discovered !
-
-High emperor , upon my feeble knee
-I beg this boon with tears not lightly shed ;
-That this fell fault of my accursed sons ,
-Accursed , if the fault be prov'd in them ,
-
-If it be prov'd ! you see it is apparent .
-Who found this letter ? Tamora , was it you ?
-
-Andronicus himself did take it up .
-
-I did , my lord : yet let me be their bail ;
-For , by my father's reverend tomb , I vow
-They shall be ready at your highness' will
-To answer their suspicion with their lives .
-
-Thou shalt not bail them : see thou follow me .
-Some bring the murder'd body , some the murderers :
-Let them not speak a word ; the guilt is plain ;
-For , by my soul , were there worse end than death ,
-That end upon them should be executed .
-
-Andronicus , I will entreat the king :
-Fear not thy sons , they shall do well enough .
-
-Come , Lucius , come ; stay not to talk with them .
-
-
-So , now go tell , an if thy tongue can speak ,
-Who 'twas that cut thy tongue and ravish'd thee .
-
-Write down thy mind , bewray thy meaning so ;
-An if thy stumps will let thee play the scribe .
-
-See , how with signs and tokens she can scrowl .
-
-Go home , call for sweet water , wash thy hands .
-
-She hath no tongue to call , nor hands to wash ;
-And so let's leave her to her silent walks .
-
-An 'twere my case , I should go hang myself .
-
-If thou hadst hands to help thee knit the cord .
-
-Who's this ? my niece , that flies away so fast ?
-Cousin , a word ; where is your husband ?
-If I do dream , would all my wealth would wake me !
-If I do wake , some planet strike me down ,
-That I may slumber in eternal sleep !
-Speak , gentle niece , what stern ungentle hands
-Have lopp'd and hew'd and made thy body bare
-Of her two branches , those sweet ornaments ,
-Whose circling shadows kings have sought to sleep in ,
-And might not gain so great a happiness
-As have thy love ? Why dost not speak to me ?
-Alas ! a crimson river of warm blood ,
-Like to a bubbling fountain stirr'd with wind ,
-Doth rise and fall between thy rosed lips ,
-Coming and going with thy honey breath .
-But , sure , some Tereus hath deflower'd thee ,
-And , lest thou shouldst detect him , cut thy tongue .
-Ah ! now thou turn'st away thy face for shame ;
-And , notwithstanding all this loss of blood ,
-As from a conduit with three issuing spouts ,
-Yet do thy cheeks look red as Titan's face
-Blushing to be encounter'd with a cloud .
-Shall I speak for thee ? shall I say 'tis so ?
-O ! that I knew thy heart ; and knew the beast ,
-That I might rail at him to ease my mind .
-Sorrow concealed , like to an oven stopp'd ,
-Doth burn the heart to cinders where it is .
-Fair Philomela , she but lost her tongue ,
-And in a tedious sampler sew'd her mind :
-But , lovely niece , that mean is cut from thee ;
-A craftier Tereus hast thou met withal ,
-And he hath cut those pretty fingers off ,
-That could have better sew'd than Philomel .
-O ! had the monster seen those lily hands
-Tremble , like aspen-leaves , upon a lute ,
-And make the silken strings delight to kiss them ,
-He would not , then , have touch'd them for his life ;
-Or had he heard the heavenly harmony
-Which that sweet tongue hath made ,
-He would have dropp'd his knife , and fell asleep ,
-As Cerberus at the Thracian poet's feet .
-Come , let us go , and make thy father blind ;
-For such a sight will blind a father's eye :
-One hour's storm will drown the fragrant meads ;
-What will whole months of tears thy father's eyes ?
-Do not draw back , for we will mourn with thee :
-O ! could our mourning ease thy misery .
-
-Hear me , grave fathers ! noble tribunes , stay !
-For pity of mine age , whose youth was spent
-In dangerous wars , whilst you securely slept ;
-For all my blood in Rome's great quarrel shed ;
-For all the frosty nights that I have watch'd ;
-And for these bitter tears , which now you see
-Filling the aged wrinkles in my cheeks ;
-Be pitiful to my condemned sons ,
-Whose souls are not corrupted as 'tis thought .
-For two and twenty sons I never wept ,
-Because they died in honour's lofty bed .
-For these , these , tribunes , in the dust I write
-
-My heart's deep languor and my soul's sad tears .
-Let my tears stanch the earth's dry appetite ;
-My sons' sweet blood will make it shame and blush .
-
-O earth ! I will befriend thee more with rain ,
-That shall distil from these two ancient urns ,
-Than youthful April shall with all his showers :
-In summer's drought I'll drop upon thee still ;
-In winter with warm tears I'll melt the snow ,
-And keep eternal spring-time on thy face ,
-So thou refuse to drink my dear sons' blood .
-
-
-O reverend tribunes ! O gentle , aged men !
-Unbind my sons , reverse the doom of death :
-And let me say , that never wept before ,
-
-My tears are now prevailing orators .
-
-O noble father , you lament in vain :
-The tribunes hear you not , no man is by ;
-And you recount your sorrows to a stone .
-
-Ah ! Lucius , for thy brothers let me plead .
-Grave tribunes , once more I entreat of you ,
-
-My gracious lord , no tribune hears you speak .
-
-Why , 'tis no matter , man : if they did hear ,
-They would not mark me , or if they did mark ,
-They would not pity me , yet plead I must ,
-All bootless unto them .
-Therefore I tell my sorrows to the stones ,
-Who , though they cannot answer my distress ,
-Yet in some sort they are better than the tribunes ,
-For that they will not intercept my tale .
-When I do weep , they humbly at my feet
-Receive my tears , and seem to weep with me ;
-And , were they but attired in grave weeds ,
-Rome could afford no tribune like to these .
-A stone is soft as wax , tribunes more hard than stones ;
-A stone is silent , and offendeth not ,
-And tribunes with their tongues doom men to death .
-
-But wherefore stand'st thou with thy weapon drawn ?
-
-To rescue my two brothers from their death ;
-For which attempt the judges have pronounc'd
-My everlasting doom of banishment .
-
-O happy man ! they have befriended thee .
-Why , foolish Lucius , dost thou not perceive
-That Rome is but a wilderness of tigers ?
-Tigers must prey ; and Rome affords no prey
-But me and mine : how happy art thou then ,
-From these devourers to be banished !
-But who comes with our brother Marcus here ?
-
-
-Titus , prepare thy aged eyes to weep ;
-Or , if not so , thy noble heart to break :
-I bring consuming sorrow to thine age .
-
-Will it consume me ? let me see it then .
-
-This was thy daughter .
-
-Why , Marcus , so she is .
-
-Ay me ! this object kills me .
-
-Faint-hearted boy , arise , and look upon her .
-Speak , Lavinia , what accursed hand
-Hath made thee handless in thy father's sight ?
-What fool hath added water to the sea ,
-Or brought a faggot to bright-burning Troy ?
-My grief was at the height before thou cam'st ;
-And now , like Nilus , it disdaineth bounds .
-Give me a sword , I'll chop off my hands too ;
-For they have fought for Rome , and all in vain ;
-And they have nurs'd this woe , in feeding life ;
-In bootless prayer have they been held up ,
-And they have serv'd me to effectless use :
-Now all the service I require of them
-Is that the one will help to cut the other .
-'Tis well , Lavinia , that thou hast no hands ,
-For hands , to do Rome service , are but vain .
-
-Speak , gentle sister , who hath martyr'd thee ?
-
-O ! that delightful engine of her thoughts ,
-That blabb'd them with such pleasing eloquence ,
-Is torn from forth that pretty hollow cage ,
-Where , like a sweet melodious bird , it sung
-Sweet varied notes , enchanting every ear .
-
-O ! say thou for her , who hath done this deed ?
-
-O ! thus I found her straying in the park ,
-Seeking to hide herself , as doth the deer ,
-That hath receiv'd some unrecuring wound .
-
-It was my dear ; and he that wounded her
-Hath hurt me more than had he kill'd me dead :
-For now I stand as one upon a rock
-Environ'd with a wilderness of sea ,
-Who marks the waxing tide grow wave by wave ,
-Expecting ever when some envious surge
-Will in his brinish bowels swallow him .
-This way to death my wretched sons are gone ;
-Here stands my other son , a banish'd man ,
-And here my brother , weeping at my woes :
-But that which gives my soul the greatest spurn ,
-Is dear Lavinia , dearer than my soul .
-Had I but seen thy picture in this plight
-It would have madded me : what shall I do
-Now I behold thy lively body so ?
-Thou hast no hands to wipe away thy tears ,
-Nor tongue to tell me who hath martyr'd thee :
-Thy husband he is dead , and for his death
-Thy brothers are condemn'd , and dead by this .
-Look ! Marcus ; ah ! son Lucius , look on her :
-When I did name her brothers , then fresh tears
-Stood on her cheeks , as doth the honey-dew
-Upon a gather'd lily almost wither'd .
-
-Perchance she weeps because they kill'd her husband ;
-Perchance because she knows them innocent .
-
-If they did kill thy husband , then be joyful ,
-Because the law hath ta'en revenge on them .
-No , no , they would not do so foul a deed ;
-Witness the sorrow that their sister makes .
-Gentle Lavinia , let me kiss thy lips ;
-Or make some sign how I may do thee ease .
-Shall thy good uncle , and thy brother Lucius ,
-And thou , and I , sit round about some fountain ,
-Looking all downwards , to behold our cheeks
-How they are stain'd , like meadows yet not dry ,
-With miry alime left on them by a flood ?
-And in the fountain shall we gaze so long
-Till the fresh taste be taken from that clearness ,
-And made a brine-pit with our bitter tears ?
-Or shall we cut away our hands , like thine ?
-Or shall we bite our tongues , and in dumb shows
-Pass the remainder of our hateful days ?
-What shall we do ? let us , that have our tongues ,
-Plot some device of further misery ,
-To make us wonder'd at in time to come .
-
-Sweet father , cease your tears ; for at your grief
-See how my wretched sister sobs and weeps .
-
-Patience , dear niece . Good Titus , dry thine eyes .
-
-Ah ! Marcus , Marcus , brother ; well I wot
-Thy napkin cannot drink a tear of mine ,
-For thou , poor man , hast drown'd it with thine own .
-
-Ah ! my Lavinia , I will wipe thy cheeks .
-
-Mark , Marcus , mark ! I understand her signs :
-Had she a tongue to speak , now would she say
-That to her brother which I said to thee :
-His napkin , with his true tears all bewet ,
-Can do no service on her sorrowful cheeks .
-O ! what a sympathy of woe is this ;
-As far from help as limbo is from bliss .
-
-
-Titus Andronicus , my lord the emperor
-Sends thee this word : that , if thou love thy sons ,
-Let Marcus , Lucius , or thyself , old Titus ,
-Or any one of you , chop off your hand ,
-And send it to the king : he for the same
-Will send thee hither both thy sons alive ;
-And that shall be the ransom for their fault .
-
-O gracious emperor ! O gentle Aaron !
-Did ever raven sing so like a lark ,
-That gives sweet tidings of the sun's uprise ?
-With all my heart , I'll send the emperor my hand :
-Good Aaron , wilt thou help to chop it off ?
-
-Stay , father ! for that noble hand of thine ,
-That hath thrown down so many enemies ,
-Shall not be sent ; my hand will serve the turn :
-My youth can better spare my blood than you ;
-And therefore mine shall save my brothers' lives .
-
-Which of your hands hath not defended Rome ,
-And rear'd aloft the bloody battle-axe ,
-Writing destruction on the enemy's castle ?
-O ! none of both but are of high desert :
-My hand hath been but idle ; let it serve
-To ransom my two nephews from their death ;
-Then have I kept it to a worthy end .
-
-Nay , come , agree whose hand shall go along ,
-For fear they die before their pardon come .
-
-My hand shall go .
-
-By heaven , it shall not go !
-
-Sirs , strive no more : such wither'd herbs as these
-Are meet for plucking up , and therefore mine .
-
-Sweet father , if I shall be thought thy son ,
-Let me redeem my brothers both from death .
-
-And for our father's sake , and mother's care ,
-Now let me show a brother's love to thee .
-
-Agree between you ; I will spare my hand .
-
-Then I'll go fetch an axe .
-
-But I will use the axe .
-
-
-Come hither , Aaron ; I'll deceive them both :
-Lend me thy hand , and I will give thee mine .
-
-If that be call'd deceit , I will be honest ,
-And never , whilst I live , deceive men so :
-But I'll deceive you in another sort ,
-And that you'll say , ere half an hour pass .
-
-Now stay your strife : what shall be is dispatch'd .
-Good Aaron , give his majesty my hand :
-Tell him it was a hand that warded him
-From thousand dangers ; bid him bury it ;
-More hath it merited ; that let it have .
-As for my sons , say I account of them
-As jewels purchas'd at an easy price ;
-And yet dear too , because I bought mine own .
-
-I go , Andronicus ; and for thy hand ,
-Look by and by to have thy sons with thee .
-
-
-Their heads , I mean . O ! how this villany
-Doth fat me with the very thoughts of it .
-Let fools do good , and fair men call for grace ,
-Aaron will have his soul black like his face .
-
-
-O ! here I lift this one hand up to heaven ,
-And how this feeble ruin to the earth :
-If any power pities wretched tears ,
-To that I call !
-
-What ! wilt thou kneel with me ?
-Do , then , dear heart ; for heaven shall hear our prayers ,
-Or with our sighs we'll breathe the welkin dim ,
-And stain the sun with fog , as sometime clouds
-When they do hug him in their melting bosoms .
-
-O ! brother , speak with possibilities ,
-And do not break into these deep extremes .
-
-Is not my sorrow deep , having no bottom ?
-Then be my passions bottomless with them .
-
-But yet let reason govern thy lament .
-
-If there were reason for these miseries ,
-Then into limits could I bind my woes .
-When heaven doth weep , doth not the earth o'erflow ?
-If the winds rage , doth not the sea wax mad ,
-Threat'ning the welkin with his big-swoln face ?
-And wilt thou have a reason for this coil ?
-I am the sea ; hark ! how her sighs do blow ;
-She is the weeping welkin , I the earth :
-Then must my sea be moved with her sighs ;
-Then must my earth with her continual tears
-Become a deluge , overflow'd and drown'd ;
-For why my bowels cannot hide her woes ,
-But like a drunkard must I vomit them .
-Then give me leave , for losers will have leave
-To ease their stomachs with their bitter tongues .
-
-
-Worthy Andronicus , ill art thou repaid
-For that good hand thou sent'st the emperor .
-Here are the heads of thy two noble sons ,
-And here's thy hand , in scorn to thee sent back :
-Thy griefs their sports , thy resolution mock'd ;
-That woe is me to think upon thy woes ,
-More than remembrance of my father's death .
-
-
-Now let hot tna cool in Sicily ,
-And be my heart an ever burning hell !
-These miseries are more than may be borne .
-To weep with them that weep doth ease some deal ,
-But sorrow flouted at is double death .
-
-Ah ! that this sight should make so deep a wound ,
-And yet detested life not shrink thereat ,
-That ever death should let life bear his name ,
-Where life hath no more interest but to breathe .
-
-
-Alas ! poor heart ; that kiss is comfortless
-As frozen water to a starved snake .
-
-When will this fearful slumber have an end ?
-
-Now , farewell , flattery : die , Andronicus ;
-Thou dost not slumber : see , thy two sons' heads ,
-Thy war-like hand , thy mangled daughter here ;
-Thy other banish'd son , with this dear sight
-Struck pale and bloodless ; and thy brother , I ,
-Even like a stony image , cold and numb .
-Ah ! now no more will I control thy griefs .
-Rent off thy silver hair , thy other hand
-Gnawing with thy teeth ; and be this dismal sight
-The closing up of our most wretched eyes !
-Now is a time to storm ; why art thou still ?
-
-Ha , ha , ha !
-
-Why dost thou laugh ? it fits not with this hour .
-
-Why , I have not another tear to shed :
-Besides , this sorrow is an enemy ,
-And would usurp upon my watery eyes ,
-And make them blind with tributary tears :
-Then which way shall I find Revenge's cave ?
-For these two heads do seem to speak to me ,
-And threat me I shall never come to bliss
-Till all these mischiefs be return'd again
-Even in their throats that have committed them .
-Come , let me see what task I have to do .
-You heavy people , circle me about ,
-That I may turn me to each one of you ,
-And swear unto my soul to right your wrongs .
-The vow is made . Come , brother , take a head ;
-And in this hand the other will I bear .
-Lavinia , thou shalt be employ'd in these things :
-Bear thou my hand , sweet wench , between thy teeth .
-As for thee , boy , go get thee from my sight ;
-Thou art an exile , and thou must not stay :
-Hie to the Goths , and raise an army there :
-And if you love me , as I think you do ,
-Let's kiss and part , for we have much to do .
-
-
-Farewell , Andronicus , my noble father ;
-The woefull'st man that ever liv'd in Rome :
-Farewell , proud Rome ; till Lucius come again ,
-He leaves his pledges dearer than his life .
-Farewell , Lavinia , my noble sister ;
-O ! would thou wert as thou tofore hast been ;
-But now nor Lucius nor Lavinia lives
-But in oblivion and hateful griefs .
-If Lucius live , he will requite your wrongs ,
-And make proud Saturnine and his empress
-Beg at the gates like Tarquin and his queen .
-Now will I to the Goths , and raise a power ,
-To be reveng'd on Rome and Saturnine .
-
-
-So , so ; now sit ; and look you eat no more
-Than will preserve just so much strength in us
-As will revenge these bitter woes of ours .
-Marcus , unknit that sorrow-wreathen knot :
-Thy niece and I , poor creatures , want our hands ,
-And cannot passionate our ten-fold grief
-With folded arms . This poor right hand of mine
-Is left to tyrannize upon my breast ;
-And when my heart , all mad with misery ,
-Beats in this hollow prison of my flesh ,
-Then thus I thump it down .
-
-
-Thou map of woe , that thus dost talk in signs !
-When thy poor heart beats with outrageous beating
-Thou canst not strike it thus to make it still .
-Wound it with sighing , girl , kill it with groans ;
-Or get some little knife between thy teeth ,
-And just against thy heart make thou a hole ;
-That all the tears that thy poor eyes let fall
-May run into that sink , and , soaking in ,
-Drown the lamenting fool in sea-salt tears .
-
-Fie , brother , fie ! teach her not thus to lay
-Such violent hands upon her tender life .
-
-How now ! has sorrow made thee dote already ?
-Why , Marcus , no man should be mad but I .
-What violent hands can she lay on her life ?
-Ah ! wherefore dost thou urge the name of hands ;
-To bid aeas tell the tale twice o'er ,
-How Troy was burnt and he made miserable ?
-O ! handle not the theme , to talk of hands ,
-Lest we remember still that we have none .
-Fie , fie ! how franticly I square my talk ,
-As if we should forget we had no hands ,
-If Marcus did not name the word of hands .
-Come , let's fall to ; and , gentle girl , eat this :
-Here is no drink . Hark , Marcus , what she says ;
-I can interpret all her martyr'd signs :
-She says she drinks no other drink but tears ,
-Brew'd with her sorrow , mash'd upon her cheeks .
-Speechless complainer , I will learn thy thought ;
-In thy dumb action will I be as perfect
-As begging hermits in their holy prayers :
-Thou shalt not sigh , nor hold thy stumps to heaven ,
-Nor wink , nor nod , nor kneel , nor make a sign ,
-But I of these will wrest an alphabet ,
-And by still practice learn to know thy meaning .
-
-Good grandsire , leave these bitter deep laments :
-Make my aunt merry with some pleasing tale .
-
-Alas ! the tender boy , in passion mov'd ,
-Doth weep to see his grandsire's heaviness .
-
-Peace , tender sapling ; thou art made of tears ,
-And tears will quickly melt thy life away .
-
-What dost thou strike at , Marcus , with thy knife ?
-
-At that that I have kill'd , my lord ; a fly .
-
-Out on thee , murderer ! thou kill'st my heart ;
-Mine eyes are cloy'd with view of tyranny :
-A deed of death , done on the innocent ,
-Becomes not Titus' brother . Get thee gone ;
-I see , thou art not for my company .
-
-Alas ! my lord , I have but kill'd a fly .
-
-But how if that fly had a father and a mother ?
-How would he hang his slender gilded wings
-And buzz lamenting doings in the air !
-Poor harmless fly ,
-That , with his pretty buzzing melody ,
-Came here to make us merry ! and thou hast kill'd him .
-
-Pardon me , sir ; it was a black ill-favour'd fly ,
-Like to the empress' Moor ; therefore I kill'd him .
-
-O , O , O !
-Then pardon me for reprehending thee ,
-For thou hast done a charitable deed .
-Give me thy knife , I will insult on him ;
-Flattering myself , as if it were the Moor
-Come hither purposely to poison me .
-There's for thyself , and that's for Tamora .
-Ah ! sirrah .
-Yet I think we are not brought so low ,
-But that between us we can kill a fly
-That comes in likeness of a coal-black Moor .
-
-Alas ! poor man ; grief has so wrought on him ,
-He takes false shadows for true substances .
-
-Come , take away . Lavinia , go with me :
-I'll to thy closet ; and go read with thee
-Sad stories chanced in the times of old .
-Come , boy , and go with me : thy sight is young ,
-And thou shalt read when mine begins to dazzle .
-
-Help , grandsire , help ! my aunt Lavinia
-Follows me everywhere , I know not why :
-Good uncle Marcus , see how swift she comes :
-Alas ! sweet aunt , I know not what you mean .
-
-Stand by me , Lucius ; do not fear thine aunt .
-
-She loves thee , boy , too well to do thee harm .
-
-Ay , when my father was in Rome , she did .
-
-What means my niece Lavinia by these signs ?
-
-Fear her not , Lucius : somewhat doth she mean .
-See , Lucius , see how much she makes of thee ;
-Somewhither would she have thee go with her .
-Ah ! boy ; Cornelia never with more care
-Read to her sons , than she hath read to thee
-Sweet poetry and Tully's Orator .
-
-Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus ?
-
-My lord , I know not , I , nor can I guess ,
-Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her ;
-For I have heard my grandsire say full oft ,
-Extremity of griefs would make men mad ;
-And I have read that Hecuba of Troy
-Ran mad through sorrow ; that made me to fear ,
-Although , my lord , I know my noble aunt
-Loves me as dear as e'er my mother did ,
-And would not , but in fury , fright my youth ;
-Which made me down to throw my books and fly ,
-Causeless , perhaps . But pardon me , sweet aunt ;
-And , madam , if my uncle Marcus go ,
-I will most willingly attend your ladyship .
-
-Lucius , I will .
-
-
-How now , Lavinia ! Marcus , what means this ?
-Some book there is that she desires to see .
-Which is it , girl , of these ? Open them , boy .
-But thou art deeper read , and better skill'd ;
-Come , and take choice of all my library ,
-And so beguile thy sorrow , till the heavens
-Reveal the damn'd contriver of this deed .
-Why lifts she up her arms in sequence thus ?
-
-I think she means that there was more than one
-Confederate in the fact : ay , more there was ;
-Or else to heaven she heaves them for revenge .
-
-Lucius ; what book is that she tosseth so ?
-
-Grandsire , 'tis Ovid's Metamorphoses ;
-My mother gave it me .
-
-For love of her that's gone ,
-Perhaps , she cull'd it from among the rest .
-
-Soft ! see how busily she turns the leaves !
-
-What would she find ? Lavinia , shall I read ?
-This is the tragic tale of Philomel ,
-And treats of Tereus' treason and his rape ;
-And rape , I fear , was root of thine annoy .
-
-See , brother , see ! note how she quotes the leaves .
-
-Lavinia , wert thou thus surpris'd , sweet girl ,
-Ravish'd and wrong'd , as Philomela was ,
-Forc'd in the ruthless , vast , and gloomy woods ?
-See , see !
-Ay , such a place there is , where we did hunt ,
-O ! had we never , never hunted there ,
-Pattern'd by that the poet here describes ,
-By nature made for murders and for rapes .
-
-O ! why should nature build so foul a den ,
-Unless the gods delight in tragedies ?
-
-Give signs , sweet girl , for here are none but friends ,
-What Roman lord it was durst do the deed :
-Or slunk not Saturnine , as Tarquin erst ,
-That left the camp to sin in Lucrece' bed ?
-
-Sit down , sweet niece : brother , sit down by me .
-Apollo , Pallas , Jove , or Mercury ,
-Inspire me , that I may this treason find !
-My lord , look here ; look here , Lavinia :
-This sandy plot is plain ; guide , if thou canst ,
-This after me .
-
-I have writ my name
-Without the help of any hand at all .
-Curs'd be that heart that forc'd us to this shift !
-Write thou , good niece , and here display at last
-What God will have discover'd for revenge .
-Heaven guide thy pen to print thy sorrows plain ,
-That we may know the traitors and the truth !
-
-
-O ! do you read , my lord , what she hath writ ?
-Stuprum , Chiron , Demetrius .
-
-What , what ! the lustful sons of Tamora
-Performers of this heinous , bloody deed ?
-
-Magni dominator poli ,
-Tam lentus audis scelera ? tam lentus vides ?
-
-O ! calm thee , gentle lord ; although I know
-There is enough written upon this earth
-To stir a mutiny in the mildest thoughts
-And arm the minds of infants to exclaims .
-My lord , kneel down with me ; Lavinia , kneel ;
-And kneel , sweet boy , the Roman Hector's hope ;
-And swear with me , as , with the woeful fere
-And father of that chaste dishonour'd dame ,
-Lord Junius Brutus sware for Lucrece' rape ,
-That we will prosecute by good advice
-Mortal revenge upon these traitorous Goths ,
-And see their blood , or die with this reproach .
-
-'Tis sure enough , an you knew how ;
-But if you hunt these bear-whelps , then beware :
-The dam will wake , an if she wind you once :
-She's with the lion deeply still in league ,
-And lulls him whilst she playeth on her back ,
-And when he sleeps will she do what she list .
-You're a young huntsman , Marcus ; let it alone ;
-And , come , I will go get a leaf of brass ,
-And with a gad of steel will write these words ,
-And lay it by : the angry northern wind
-Will blow these sands like Sibyl's leaves abroad ,
-And where's your lesson then ? Boy , what say you ?
-
-I say , my lord , that if I were a man ,
-Their mother's bed-chamber should not be safe
-For these bad bondmen to the yoke of Rome .
-
-Ay , that's my boy ! thy father hath full oft
-For his ungrateful country done the like .
-
-And , uncle , so will I , an if I live .
-
-Come , go with me into mine armoury :
-Lucius , I'll fit thee ; and withal my boy
-Shall carry from me to the empress' sons
-Presents that I intend to send them both :
-Come , come ; thou'lt do thy message , wilt thou not ?
-
-Ay , with my dagger in their bosoms , grandsire .
-
-No , boy , not so ; I'll teach thee another course .
-Lavinia , come . Marcus , look to my house ;
-Lucius and I'll go brave it at the court :
-Ay , marry , will we , sir ; and we'll be waited on .
-
-
-O heavens ! can you hear a good man groan ,
-And not relent or not compassion him ?
-Marcus , attend him in his ecstasy ,
-That hath more scars of sorrow in his heart
-Than foemen's marks upon his batter'd shield ;
-But yet so just that he will not revenge .
-Revenge , ye heavens , for old Andronicus !
-
-
-Demetrius , here's the son of Lucius ;
-He hath some message to deliver us .
-
-Ay , some mad message from his mad grandfather .
-
-My lords , with all the humbleness I may ,
-I greet your honours from Andronicus ;
-
-
-And pray the Roman gods , confound you both !
-
-Gramercy , lovely Lucius : what's the news ?
-
-That you are both decipher'd , that's the news ,
-For villains mark'd with rape .
-
-May it please you ,
-My grandsire , well advis'd , hath sent by me
-The goodliest weapons of his armoury ,
-To gratify your honourable youth ,
-The hope of Rome , for so he bade me say ;
-And so I do , and with his gifts present
-Your lordships , that whenever you have need ,
-You may be armed and appointed well .
-And so I leave you both :
-
-like bloody villains .
-
-
-What's here ? A scroll ; and written round about ?
-Let's see :
-
-'Integer vit , scelerisque purus ,
-Non eget Mauri jaculis , nec arcu .
-
-
-O ! 'tis a verse in Horace ; I know it well :
-I read it in the grammar long ago .
-
-Ay just , a verse in Horace ; right , you have it .
-
-
-Now , what a thing it is to be an ass !
-Here's no sound jest ! the old man hath found their guilt
-And sends them weapons wrapp'd about with lines ,
-That wound , beyond their feeling , to the quick ;
-But were our witty empress well afoot ,
-She would applaud Andronicus' conceit :
-But let her rest in her unrest awhile .
-
-
-And now , young lords , was't not a happy star
-Led us to Rome , strangers , and more than so ,
-Captives , to be advanced to this height ?
-It did me good before the palace gate
-To brave the tribune in his brother's hearing .
-
-But me more good , to see so great a lord
-Basely insinuate and send us gifts .
-
-Had he not reason , Lord Demetrius ?
-Did you not use his daughter very friendly ?
-
-I would we had a thousand Roman dames
-At such a bay , by turn to serve our lust .
-
-A charitable wish and full of love .
-
-Here lacks but your mother for to say amen .
-
-And that would she for twenty thousand more .
-
-Come , let us go and pray to all the gods
-For our beloved mother in her pains .
-
-Pray to the devils ; the gods have given us over .
-
-
-Why do the emperor's trumpets flourish thus ?
-
-Belike , for joy the emperor hath a son .
-
-Soft ! who comes here ?
-
-
-Good morrow , lords . O ! tell me , did you see
-Aaron the Moor ?
-
-Well , more or less , or ne'er a whit at all ,
-Here Aaron is ; and what with Aaron now ?
-
-O gentle Aaron ! we are all undone .
-Now help , or woe betide thee evermore !
-
-Why , what a caterwauling dost thou keep !
-What dost thou wrap and fumble in thine arms ?
-
-O ! that which I would hide from heaven's eye ,
-Our empress' shame , and stately Rome's disgrace !
-She is deliver'd , lords , she is deliver'd .
-
-To whom ?
-
-I mean , she's brought a-bed .
-
-Well , God give her good rest ! What hath he sent her ?
-
-A devil .
-
-Why , then she's the devil's dam : a joyful issue .
-
-A joyless , dismal , black , and sorrowful issue .
-Here is the babe , as loathsome as a toad
-Amongst the fairest breeders of our clime .
-The empress sends it thee , thy stamp , thy seal ,
-And bids thee christen it with thy dagger's point .
-
-'Zounds , ye whore ! is black so base a hue ?
-Sweet blowse , you are a beauteous blossom , sure .
-
-Villain , what hast thou done ?
-
-That which thou canst not undo .
-
-Thou hast undone our mother .
-
-Villain , I have done thy mother .
-
-And therein , hellish dog , thou hast undone .
-Woe to her chance , and damn'd her loathed choice !
-Accurs'd the offspring of so foul a fiend !
-
-It shall not live .
-
-It shall not die .
-
-Aaron , it must ; the mother wills it so .
-
-What ! must it , nurse ? then let no man but I
-Do execution on my flesh and blood .
-
-I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point :
-Nurse , give it me ; my sword shall soon dispatch it .
-
-Sooner this sword shall plough thy bowels up .
-
-Stay , murderous villains ! will you kill your brother ?
-Now , by the burning tapers of the sky ,
-That shone so brightly when this boy was got ,
-He dies upon my scimitar's sharp point
-That touches this my first-born son and heir .
-I tell you , younglings , not Enceladus ,
-With all his threatening band of Typhon's brood ,
-Nor great Alcides , nor the god of war ,
-Shall seize this prey out of his father's hands .
-What , what , ye sanguine , shallow-hearted boys !
-Ye white-lim'd walls ! ye alehouse painted signs !
-Coal-black is better than another hue ,
-In that it scorns to bear another hue ;
-For all the water in the ocean
-Can never turn the swan's black legs to white ,
-Although she lave them hourly in the flood .
-Tell the empress from me , I am of age
-To keep mine own , excuse it how she can .
-
-Wilt thou betray thy noble mistress thus ?
-
-My mistress is my mistress ; this myself ;
-The vigour , and the picture of my youth :
-This before all the world do I prefer ;
-This maugre all the world will I keep safe ,
-Or some of you shall smoke for it in Rome .
-
-By this our mother is for ever sham'd .
-
-Rome will despise her for this foul escape .
-
-The emperor in his rage will doom her death .
-
-I blush to think upon this ignomy .
-
-Why , there's the privilege your beauty bears .
-Fie , treacherous hue ! that will betray with blushing
-The close enacts and counsels of the heart :
-Here's a young lad fram'd of another leer :
-Look how the black slavesmiles upon the father ,
-As who should say , 'Old lad , I am thine own .'
-He is your brother , lords , sensibly fed
-Of that self blood that first gave life to you ;
-And from that womb where you imprison'd were
-He is enfranchised and come to light :
-Nay , he is your brother by the surer side ,
-Although my seal be stamped in his face .
-
-Aaron , what shall I say unto the empress ?
-
-Advise thee , Aaron , what is to be done ,
-And we will all subscribe to thy advice :
-Save thou the child , so we may all be safe .
-
-Then sit we down , and let us all consult ,
-My son and I will have the wind of you :
-Keep there ; now talk at pleasure of your safety .
-
-
-How many women saw this child of his ?
-
-Why , so , brave lords ! when we join in league ,
-I am a lamb ; but if you brave the Moor ,
-The chafed boar , the mountain lioness ,
-The ocean swells not so as Aaron storms .
-But say , again , how many saw the child ?
-
-Cornelia the midwife , and myself ,
-And no one else but the deliver'd empress .
-
-The empress , the midwife , and yourself :
-Two may keep counsel when the third's away .
-Go to the empress ; tell her this I said :
-
-'Weke , weke !'
-So cries a pig prepared to the spit .
-
-What mean'st thou , Aaron ? Wherefore didst thou this ?
-
-O lord , sir , 'tis a deed of policy :
-Shall she live to betray this guilt of ours ,
-A long-tongu'd babbling gossip ? no , lords , no .
-And now be it known to you my full intent .
-Not far , one Muli lives , my countryman ;
-His wife but yesternight was brought to bed .
-His child is like to her , fair as you are :
-Go pack with him , and give the mother gold ,
-And tell them both the circumstance of all ,
-And how by this their child shall be advanc'd ,
-And be received for the emperor's heir ,
-And substituted in the place of mine ,
-To calm this tempest whirling in the court ;
-And let the emperor dandle him for his own .
-Hark ye , lords ; you see , I have given her physic ,
-
-And you must needs bestow her funeral ;
-The fields are near , and you are gallant grooms .
-This done , see that you take no longer days ,
-But send the midwife presently to me .
-The midwife and the nurse well made away ,
-Then let the ladies tattle what they please .
-
-Aaron , I see thou wilt not trust the air
-With secrets .
-
-For this care of Tamora ,
-Herself and hers are highly hound to thee .
-
-
-Now to the Goths , as swift as swallow flies :
-There to dispose this treasure in mine arms ,
-And secretly to greet the empress' friends .
-Come on , you thick-lipp'd slave , I'll bear you hence ;
-For it is you that puts us to our shifts :
-I'll make you feed on berries and on roots ,
-And feed on curds and whey , and suck the goat ,
-And cabin in a cave , and bring you up
-To be a warrior , and command a camp .
-
-
-Come , Marcus , come ; kinsmen , this is the way .
-Sir boy , now let me see your archery :
-Look ye draw home enough , and 'tis there straight .
-Terras Astr a reliquit :
-Be you remember'd , Marcus , she's gone , she's fled .
-Sirs , take you to your tools . You , cousins , shall
-Go sound the ocean , and cast your nets ;
-Happily you may find her in the sea ;
-Yet there's as little justice as at land .
-No ; Publius and Sempronius , you must do it ;
-'Tis you must dig with mattock and with spade ,
-And pierce the inmost centre of the earth :
-Then , when you come to Pluto's region ,
-I pray you , deliver him this petition ;
-Tell him , it is for justice and for aid ,
-And that it comes from old Andronicus ,
-Shaken with sorrows in ungrateful Rome .
-Ah ! Rome . Well , well ; I made thee miserable
-What time I threw the people's suffrages
-On him that thus doth tyrannize o'er me .
-Go , get you gone ; and pray be careful all ,
-And leave you not a man-of-war unsearch'd :
-This wicked emperor may have shipp'd her hence ;
-And , kinsmen , then we may go pipe for justice .
-
-O Publius ! is not this a heavy case ,
-To see thy noble uncle thus distract ?
-
-Therefore , my lord , it highly us concerns
-By day and night to attend him carefully ,
-And feed his humour kindly as we may ,
-Till time beget some careful remedy .
-
-Kinsmen , his sorrows are past remedy .
-Join with the Goths , and with revengeful war
-Take wreak on Rome for this ingratitude ,
-And vengeance on the traitor Saturnine .
-
-Publius , how now ! how now , my masters !
-What ! have you met with her ?
-
-No , my good lord ; but Pluto sends you word ,
-If you will have Revenge from hell , you shall :
-Marry , for Justice , she is so employ'd ,
-He thinks , with Jove in heaven , or somewhere else ,
-So that perforce you must needs stay a time .
-
-He doth me wrong to feed me with delays .
-I'll dive into the burning lake below ,
-And pull her out of Acheron by the heels .
-Marcus , we are but shrubs , no cedars we ;
-No big-bon'd men fram'd of the Cyclops' size ;
-But metal , Marcus , steel to the very back ,
-Yet wrung with wrongs more than our backs can bear :
-And sith there's no justice in earth nor hell ,
-We will solicit heaven and move the gods
-To send down Justice for to wreak our wrongs .
-Come , to this gear . You are a good archer , Marcus .
-
-Ad Javem , that's for you : here , ad Apollinem :
-Ad Martem , that's for myself :
-Here , boy , to Pallas : here , to Mercury :
-To Saturn , Caius , not to Saturnine ;
-You were as good to shoot against the wind .
-To it , boy ! Marcus , loose when I bid .
-Of my word , I have written to effect ;
-There's not a god left unsolicited .
-
-Kinsmen , shoot all your shafts into the court :
-We will afflict the emperor in his pride .
-
-Now , masters , draw .
-
-O ! well said , Lucius !
-Good boy , in Virgo's lap : give it Pallas .
-
-My lord , I aim a mile beyond the moon ;
-Your letter is with Jupiter by this .
-
-Ha ! Publius , Publius , what hast thou done ?
-See , see ! thou hast shot off one of Taurus' horns .
-
-This was the sport , my lord : when Publius shot ,
-The Bull , being gall'd , gave Aries such a knock
-That down fell both the Ram's horns in the court ;
-And who should find them but the empress' villain ?
-She laugh'd , and told the Moor , he should not choose
-But give them to his master for a present .
-
-Why , there it goes : God give his lordship joy !
-
-
-News ! news from heaven ! Marcus , the post is come .
-Sirrah , what tidings ? have you any letters ?
-
-Shall I have justice ? what says Jupiter ?
-
-O ! tho gibbet-maker ? He says that he hath taken them down again , for the man must not be hanged till the next week .
-
-But what says Jupiter , I ask thee ?
-
-Alas ! sir , I know not Jupiter ; I never drank with him in all my life .
-
-Why , villain , art not thou the carrier ?
-
-Ay , of my pigeons , sir ; nothing else .
-
-Why , didst thou not come from heaven ?
-
-From heaven ! alas ! sir , I never came there . God forbid I should be so bold to press to heaven in my young days . Why , I am going with my pigeons to the tribunal plebs , to take up a matter of brawl betwixt my uncle and one of the emperial's men .
-
-Why , sir , that is as fit as can be to serve for your oration ; and let him deliver the pigeons to the emperor from you .
-
-Tell me , can you deliver an oration to the emperor with a grace ?
-
-Nay , truly , sir , I could never say grace in all my life .
-
-Sirrah , come hither : make no more ado ,
-But give your pigeons to the emperor :
-By me thou shalt have justice at his hands .
-Hold , hold ; meanwhile , here's money for thy charges .
-Give me pen and ink .
-Sirrah , can you with a grace deliver a supplication ?
-
-Ay , sir .
-
-Then here is a supplication for you . And when you come to him , at the first approach you must kneel ; then kiss his foot ; then deliver up your pigeons ; and then look for your reward . I'll be at hand , sir ; see you do it bravely .
-
-I warrant you , sir ; let me alone .
-
-Sirrah , hast thou a knife ? Come , let me see it .
-Here , Marcus , fold it in the oration ;
-For thou hast made it like a humble suppliant :
-And when thou hast given it to the emperor ,
-Knock at my door , and tell me what he says .
-
-God be with you , sir ; I will .
-
-Come , Marcus , let us go . Publius , follow me .
-
-Why , lords , what wrongs are these ! Was ever seen
-An emperor of Rome thus overborne ,
-Troubled , confronted thus ; and , for the extent
-Of egal justice , us'd in such contempt ?
-My lords , you know , as do the mightful gods ,
-However these disturbers of our peace
-Buzz in the people's ears ,there nought hath pass'd ,
-But even with law , against the wilful sons
-Of old Andronicus . And what an if
-His sorrows have so overwhelm'd his wits ,
-Shall we be thus afflicted in his wreaks ,
-His fits , his frenzy , and his bitterness ?
-And now he writes to heaven for his redress :
-See , here's to Jove , and this to Mercury ;
-This to Apollo ; this to the god of war ;
-Sweet scrolls to fly about the streets of Rome !
-What's this but libelling against the senate ,
-And blazoning our injustice every where ?
-A goodly humour , is it not , my lords ?
-As who would say , in Rome no justice were .
-But if I live , his feigned ecstasies
-Shall be no shelter to these outrages ;
-But he and his shall know that justice lives
-In Saturninus' health ; whom , if she sleep ,
-He'll so awake , as she in fury shall
-Cut off the proud'st conspirator that lives .
-
-My gracious lord , my lovely Saturnine ,
-Lord of my life , commander of my thoughts ,
-Calm thee , and bear the faults of Titus' age ,
-The effects of sorrow for his valiant sons ,
-Whose loss hath pierc'd him deep and scarr'd his heart ;
-And rather comfort his distressed plight
-Than prosecute the meanest or the best
-For these contempts .
-
-Why , thus it shall become
-High-witted Tamora to gloze with all :
-But , Titus , I have touch'd thee to the quick ,
-Thy life-blood out : if Aaron now be wise ,
-Then is all safe , the anchor's in the port .
-
-How now , good fellow ! wouldst thou speak with us ?
-
-Yea , forsooth , an your mistership be emperial .
-
-Empress I am , but yonder sits the emperor .
-
-'Tis he . God and Saint Stephen give you good den .
-I have brought you a letter and a couple of pigeons here .
-
-
-Go , take him away , and hang him presently .
-
-How much money must I have ?
-
-Come , sirrah , you must be hanged .
-
-Hanged ! By 'r , lady , then I have brought up a neck to a fair end .
-
-
-Despiteful and intolerable wrongs !
-Shall I endure this monstrous villany ?
-I know from whence this same device proceeds :
-May this be borne ? As if his traitorous sons ,
-That died by law for murder of our brother ,
-Have by my means been butcher'd wrongfully !
-Go , drag the villain hither by the hair ;
-Nor age nor honour shall shape privilege .
-For this proud mock I'll be thy slaughterman ;
-Sly frantic wretch , that holp'st to make me great ,
-In hope thyself should govern Rome and me .
-
-What news with thee , milius ?
-
-Arm , arm , my lord ! Rome never had more cause .
-The Goths have gather'd head , and with a power
-Of high-resolved men , bent to the spoil ,
-They hither march amain , under conduct
-Of Lucius , son to old Andronicus ;
-Who threats , in course of this revenge , to do
-As much as ever Coriolanus did .
-
-Is war-like Lucius general of the Goths ?
-These tidings nip me , and I hang the head
-As flowers with frost or grass beat down with storms .
-Ay , now begin our sorrows to approach :
-'Tis he the common people love so much ;
-Myself hath often heard them say ,
-When I have walked like a private man ,
-That Lucius' banishment was wrongfully ,
-And they have wish'd that Lucius were their emperor .
-
-Why should you fear ? is not your city strong ?
-
-Ay , but the citizens favour Lucius ,
-And will revolt from me to succour him .
-
-King , be thy thoughts imperious , like thy name .
-Is the sun dimm'd , that gnats do fly in it ?
-The eagle suffers little birds to sing ,
-And is not careful what they mean thereby ,
-Knowing that with the shadow of his wings
-He can at pleasure stint their melody ;
-Even so mayst thou the giddy men of Rome .
-Then cheer thy spirit ; for know , thou emperor ,
-I will enchant the old Andronicus
-With words more sweet , and yet more dangerous ,
-Than baits to fish , or honey-stalks to sheep ,
-Whenas the one is wounded with the bait ,
-The other rotted with delicious feed .
-
-But he will not entreat his son for us .
-
-If Tamora entreat him , then he will :
-For I can smooth and fill his aged ear
-With golden promises , that , were his heart
-Almost impregnable , his old ears deaf ,
-Yet should both ear and heart obey my tongue .
-
-
-Go thou before , be our ambassador :
-Say that the emperor requests a parley
-Of war-like Lucius , and appoint the meeting ,
-Even at his father's house , the old Andronicus .
-
-milius , do this message honourably :
-And if he stand on hostage for his safety ,
-Bid him demand what pledge will please him best .
-
-Your bidding shall I do effectually .
-
-
-Now will I to that old Andronicus ,
-And temper him with all the art I have ,
-To pluck proud Lucius from the war-like Goths .
-And now , sweet emperor , be blithe again ,
-And bury all thy fear in my devices .
-
-Then go successantly , and plead to him .
-
-Approved warriors , and my faithful friends ,
-I have received letters from great Rome ,
-Which signify what hate they bear their emperor ,
-And how desirous of our sight they are .
-Therefore , great lords , be , as your titles witness ,
-Imperious and impatient of your wrongs ;
-And wherein Rome hath done you any scath ,
-Let him make treble satisfaction .
-
-Brave slip , sprung from the great Andronicus ,
-Whose name was once our terror , now our comfort ;
-Whose high exploits and honourable deeds
-Ingrateful Rome requites with foul contempt ,
-Be bold in us : we'll follow where thou lead'st ,
-Like stinging bees in hottest summer's day
-Led by their master to the flower'd fields ,
-And be aveng'd on cursed Tamora .
-
-And , as he saith , so say we all with him .
-
-I humbly thank him , and I thank you all .
-But who comes here , led by a lusty Goth ?
-
-
-Renowned Lucius , from our troops I stray'd ,
-To gaze upon a ruinous monastery ;
-And as I earnestly did fix mine eye
-Upon the wasted building , suddenly
-I heard a child cry underneath a wall .
-I made unto the noise ; when soon I heard
-The crying babe controll'd with this discourse :
-'Peace , tawny slave , half me and half thy dam !
-Did not thy hue bewray whose brat thou art ,
-Had nature lent thee but thy mother's look ,
-Villain , thou mightst have been an emperor :
-But where the bull and cow are both milk-white ,
-They never do beget a coal-black calf .
-Peace , villain , peace !' even thus he rates the babe ,
-'For I must bear thee to a trusty Goth ;
-Who , when he knows thou art the empress' babe ,
-Will hold thee dearly for thy mother's sake .'
-With this , my weapon drawn , I rush'd upon him ,
-Surpris'd him suddenly , and brought him hither ,
-To use as you think needful of the man .
-
-O worthy Goth , this is the incarnate devil
-That robb'd Andronicus of his good hand :
-This is the pearl that pleas'd your empress' eye ,
-And here's the base fruit of his burning lust .
-Say , wall-ey'd slave , whither wouldst thou convey
-This growing image of thy fiend-like face ?
-Why dost not speak ? What ! deaf ? not a word ?
-A halter , soldiers ! hang him on this tree ,
-And by his side his fruit of bastardy .
-
-Touch not the boy ; he is of royal blood .
-
-Too like the sire for ever being good .
-First hang the child , that he may see it sprawl ;
-A sight to vex the father's soul withal .
-Get me a ladder .
-
-
-Lucius , save the child ;
-And bear it from me to the empress .
-If thou do this , I'll show thee wondrous things ,
-That highly may advantage thee to hear :
-If thou wilt not , befall what may befall ,
-I'll speak no more but 'Vengeance rot you all !'
-
-Say on ; and if it please me which thou speak'st ,
-Thy child shall live , and I will see it nourish'd .
-
-An if it please thee ! why , assure thee , Lucius ,
-'Twill vex'thy soul to hear what I shall speak ;
-For I must talk of murders , rapes , and massacres ,
-Acts of black night , abominable deeds ,
-Complots of mischief , treason , villanies
-Ruthful to hear , yet piteously perform'd :
-And this shall all be buried by my death ,
-Unless thou swear to me my child shall live .
-
-Tell on thy mind : I say , thy child shall live .
-
-Swear that he shall , and then I will begin .
-
-Who should I swear by ? thou believ'st no god :
-That granted , how canst thou believe an oath ?
-
-What if I do not ? as , indeed , I do not ;
-Yet , for I know thou art religious ,
-And hast a thing within thee called conscience ,
-With twenty popish tricks and ceremonies ,
-Which I have seen thee careful to observe ,
-Therefore I urge thy oath ; for that I know
-An idiot holds his bauble for a god ,
-And keeps the oath which by that god he swears ,
-To that I'll urge him : therefore thou shalt vow
-By that same god , what god soe'er it be ,
-That thou ador'st and hast in reverence ,
-To save my boy , to nourish and bring him up :
-Or else I will discover nought to thee .
-
-Even by my god I swear to thee I will .
-
-First , know thou , I begot him on the empress .
-
-O most insatiate and luxurious woman !
-
-Tut ! Lucius , this was but a deed of charity
-To that which thou shalt hear of me anon .
-'Twas her two sons that murder'd Bassianus ;
-They cut thy sister's tongue and ravish'd her ,
-And cut her hands and trimm'd her as thou saw'st .
-
-O detestable villain ! call'st thou that trimming ?
-
-Why , she was wash'd , and cut , and trimm'd , and 'twas
-Trim sport for them that had the doing of it .
-
-O barbarous , beastly villains , like thyself !
-
-Indeed , I was their tutor to instruct them .
-That codding spirit had they from their mother ,
-As sure a card as ever won the set ;
-That bloody mind , I think , they learn'd of me
-As true a dog as ever fought at head .
-Well , let my deeds be witness of my worth .
-I train'd thy brethren to that guileful hole
-Where the dead corpse of Bassianus lay ;
-I wrote the letter that thy father found ,
-And hid the gold within the letter mention'd ,
-Confederate with the queen and her two sons :
-And what not done , that thou hast cause to rue ,
-Wherein I had no stroke of mischief in it ?
-I play'd the cheater for thy father's hand ,
-And , when I had it , drew myself apart ,
-And almost broke my heart with extreme laughter .
-I pry'd me through the crevice of a wall
-When , for his hand , he had his two sons' heads ;
-Beheld his tears , and laugh'd so heartily ,
-That both mine eyes were rainy like to his :
-And when I told the empress of this sport ,
-She swounded almost at my pleasing tale ,
-And for my tidings gave me twenty kisses .
-
-What ! canst thou say all this , and never blush ?
-
-Ay , like a black dog , as the saying is .
-
-Art thou not sorry for these heinous deeds ?
-
-Ay , that I had not done a thousand more .
-Even now I curse the day , and yet , I think ,
-Few come within the compass of my curse ,
-Wherein I did not some notorious ill :
-As kill a man , or else devise his death ;
-Ravish a maid , or plot the way to do it ;
-Accuse some innocent , and forswear myself ;
-Set deadly enmity between two friends ;
-Make poor men's cattle break their necks ;
-Set fire on barns and hay-stacks in the night ,
-And bid the owners quench them with their tears ,
-Oft have I digg'd up dead men from their graves ,
-And set them upright at their dear friends' doors ,
-Even when their sorrows almost were forgot ;
-And on their skins , as on the bark of trees ,
-Have with my knife carved in Roman letters ,
-'Let not your sorrow die , though I am dead .'
-Tut ! I have done a thousand dreadful things
-As willingly as one would kill a fly ,
-And nothing grieves me heartily indeed
-But that I cannot do ten thousand more .
-
-Bring down the devil , for he must not die
-So sweet a death as hanging presently .
-
-If there be devils , would I were a devil ,
-To live and burn in everlasting fire ,
-So I might have your company in hell ,
-But to torment you with my bitter tongue !
-
-Sirs , stop his mouth , and let him speak no more .
-
-
-My lord , there is a messenger from Rome
-Desires to be admitted to your presence .
-
-Let him come near .
-
-Welcome , milius ! what's the news from Rome ?
-
-Lord Lucius , and you princes of the Goths ,
-The Roman emperor greets you all by me ;
-And , for he understands you are in arms ,
-He craves a parley at your father's house ,
-Willing you to demand your hostages ,
-And they shall be immediately deliver'd .
-
-What says our general ?
-
-milius , let the emperor give his pledges
-Unto my father and my uncle Marcus ,
-And we will come . March away .
-
-
-Thus , in this strange and sad habiliment ,
-I will encounter with Andronicus ,
-And say I am Revenge , sent from below
-To join with him and right his heinous wrongs .
-Knock at his study , where , they say , he keeps ,
-To ruminate strange plots of dire revenge ;
-Tell him , Revenge is come to join with him ,
-And work confusion on his enemies .
-
-Who doth molest my contemplation ?
-Is it your trick to make me ope the door ,
-That so my sad decrees may fly away ,
-And all my study be to no effect ?
-You are deceiv'd ; for what I mean to do ,
-See here , in bloody lines I have set down ;
-And what is written shall be executed .
-
-Titus , I am come to talk with thee .
-
-No , not a word ; how can I grace my talk ,
-Wanting a hand to give it action ?
-Thou hast the odds of me ; therefore no more .
-
-If thou didst know me , thou wouldst talk with me .
-
-I am not mad ; I know thee well enough :
-Witness this wretched stump , witness these crimson lines ;
-Witness these trenches made by grief and care ;
-Witness the tiring day and heavy night ;
-Witness all sorrow , that I know thee well
-For our proud empress , mighty Tamora .
-Is not thy coming for my other hand ?
-
-Know , thou sad man , I am not Tamora ;
-She is thy enemy , and I thy friend :
-I am Revenge , sent from the infernal kingdom ,
-To ease the gnawing vulture of thy mind ,
-By working wreakful vengeance on thy foes .
-Come down , and welcome me to this world's light ;
-Confer with me of murder and of death .
-There's not a hollow cave or lurking-place ,
-No vast obscurity or misty vale ,
-Where bloody murder or detested rape
-Can couch for fear , but I will find them out ;
-And in their ears tell them my dreadful name ,
-Revenge , which makes the foul offender quake .
-
-Art thou Revenge ? and art thou sent to me ,
-To be a torment to mine enemies ?
-
-I am ; therefore come down , and welcome me .
-
-Do me some service ere I come to thee .
-Lo , by thy side where Rape and Murder stands ;
-Now give some surance that thou art Revenge :
-Stab them , or tear them on thy chariot-wheels ,
-And then I'll come and be thy waggoner ,
-And whirl along with thee about the globe .
-Provide two proper palfreys , black as jet ,
-To hale thy vengeful waggon swift away ,
-And find out murderers in their guilty caves :
-And when thy car is loaden with their heads ,
-I will dismount , and by the waggon-wheel
-Trot like a servile footman all day long ,
-Even from Hyperion's rising in the east
-Until his very downfall in the sea :
-And day by day I'll do this heavy task ,
-So thou destroy Rapine and Murder there .
-
-These are my ministers , and come with me .
-
-Are these thy ministers ? what are they call'd ?
-
-Rapine and Murder ; therefore called so ,
-Cause they take vengeance of such kind of men .
-
-Good Lord , how like the empress' sons they are ,
-And you the empress ! but we worldly men
-Have miserable , mad , mistaking eyes .
-O sweet Revenge ! now do I come to thee ;
-And , if one arm's embracement will content thee ,
-I will embrace thee in it by and by .
-
-
-This closing with him fits his lunacy .
-Whate'er I forge to feed his brain-sick fits ,
-Do you uphold and maintain in your speeches ,
-For now he firmly takes me for Revenge ;
-And , being credulous in this mad thought ,
-I'll make him send for Lucius his son ;
-And , whilst I at a banquet hold him sure ,
-I'll find some cunning practice out of hand
-To scatter and disperse the giddy Goths ,
-Or , at the least , make them his enemies .
-See , here he comes , and I must ply my theme .
-
-
-Long have I been forlorn , and all for thee :
-Welcome , dread Fury , to my woeful house :
-Rapine and Murder , you are welcome too .
-How like the empress and her sons you are !
-Well are you fitted had you but a Moor :
-Could not all hell afford you such a devil ?
-For well I wot the empress never wags
-But in her company there is a Moor ;
-And would you represent our queen aright ,
-It were convenient you had such a devil .
-But welcome as you are . What shall we do ?
-
-What wouldst thou have us do , Andronicus ?
-
-Show me a murderer , I'll deal with him .
-
-Show me a villain that hath done a rape ,
-And I am sent to be reveng'd on him .
-
-Show me a thousand that have done thee wrong ,
-And I will be revenged on them all .
-
-Look round about the wicked streets of Rome ,
-And when thou find'st a man that's like thyself ,
-Good Murder , stab him ; he's a murderer .
-Go thou with him ; and when it is thy hap
-To find another that is like to thee ,
-Good Rapine , stab him ; he's a ravisher .
-Go thou with them ; and in the emperor's court
-There is a queen attended by a Moor ;
-Well mayst thou know her by thy own proportion ,
-For up and down she doth resemble thee :
-I pray thee , do on them some violent death ;
-They have been violent to me and mine .
-
-Well hast thou lesson'd us ; this shall we do .
-But would it please thee , good Andronicus ,
-To send for Lucius , thy thrice-valiant son ,
-Who leads towards Rome a band of war-like Goths ,
-And bid him come and banquet at thy house :
-When he is here , even at thy solemn feast ,
-I will bring in the empress and her sons ,
-The emperor himself , and all thy foes ,
-And at thy mercy shall they stoop and kneel ,
-And on them shalt thou ease thy angry heart .
-What says Andronicus to this device ?
-
-Marcus , my brother ! 'tis sad Titus calls .
-
-
-Go , gentle Marcus , to thy nephew Lucius ;
-Thou shalt inquire him out among the Goths :
-Bid him repair to me , and bring with him
-Some of the chiefest princes of the Goths ;
-Bid him encamp his soldiers where they are :
-Tell him , the emperor and the empress too
-Feast at my house , and he shall feast with them .
-This do thou for my love ; and so let him ,
-
-As he regards his aged father's life .
-
-This will I do , and soon return again .
-
-
-Now will I hence about thy business ,
-And take my ministers along with me .
-
-Nay , nay , let Rape and Murder stay with me ;
-Or else I'll call my brother back again ,
-And cleave to no revenge but Lucius .
-
-What say you , boys ? will you abide with him ,
-Whiles I go tell my lord the emperor
-How I have govern'd our determin'd jest ?
-Yield to his humour , smooth and speak him fair ,
-And tarry with him till I turn again .
-
-I know them all , though they suppose me mad ;
-And will o'er-reach them in their own devices ;
-A pair of cursed hell-hounds and their dam .
-
-Madam , depart at pleasure ; leave us here .
-
-Farewell , Andronicus : Revenge now goes
-To lay a complot to betray thy foes .
-
-
-I know thou dost ; and , sweet Revenge , farewell .
-
-Tell us , old man , how shall we be employ'd ?
-
-Tut ! I have work enough for you to do .
-Publius , come hither , Caius , and Valentine !
-
-
-What is your will ?
-
-Know you these two ?
-
-The empress' sons ,
-I take them , Chiron and Demetrius .
-
-Fie , Publius , fie ! thou art too much deceiv'd ;
-The one is Murder , Rape is the other's name ;
-And therefore bind them , gentle Publius ;
-Caius and Valentine , lay hands on them ;
-Oft have you heard me wish for such an hour ,
-And now I find it : therefore bind them sure ,
-And stop their mouths , if they begin to cry .
-
-
-Villains , forbear ! we are the empress' sons .
-
-And therefore do we what we are commanded .
-Stop close their mouths , let them not speak a word .
-Is he sure bound ? look that you bind them fast .
-
-
-Come , come , Lavinia ; look , thy foes are bound .
-Sirs , stop their mouths , let them not speak to me ,
-But let them hear what fearful words I utter .
-O villains , Chiron and Demetrius !
-Here stands the spring whom you have stain'd with mud ,
-This goodly summer with your winter mix'd .
-You kill'd her husband , and for that vile fault
-Two of her brothers were condemn'd to death ,
-My hand cut off and made a merry jest :
-Both her sweet hands , her tongue , and that more dear
-Than hands or tongue , her spotless chastity ,
-Inhuman traitors , you constrain'd and forc'd .
-What would you say if I should let you speak ?
-Villains ! for shame you could not beg for grace .
-Hark , wretches ! how I mean to martyr you .
-This one hand yet is left to cut your throats ,
-Whilst that Levinia 'tween her stumps doth hold
-The basin that receives your guilty blood .
-You know your mother means to feast with me ,
-And calls herself Revenge , and thinks me mad .
-Hark ! villains , I will grind your bones to dust ,
-And with your blood and it I'll make a paste ;
-And of the paste a coffin I will rear ,
-And make two pasties of your shameful heads ;
-And bid that strumpet , your unhallow'd dam ,
-Like to the earth swallow her own increase .
-This is the feast that I have bid her to ,
-And this the banquet she shall surfeit on ;
-For worse than Philomel you us'd my daughter ,
-And worse than Procne I will be reveng'd .
-And now prepare your throats . Lavinia , come .
-
-Receive the blood : and when that they are dead ,
-Let me go grind their bones to powder small ,
-And with this hateful liquor temper it ;
-And in that paste let their vile heads be bak'd .
-Come , come , be every one officious
-To make this banquet , which I wish may prove
-More stern and bloody than the Centaurs' feast .
-So , now bring them in , for I will play the cook ,
-And see them ready 'gainst their mother comes .
-
-
-Uncle Marcus , since it is my father's mind
-That I repair to Rome , I am content .
-
-And ours with thine , befall what fortune will .
-
-Good uncle , take you in this barbarous Moor ,
-This ravenous tiger , this accursed devil ;
-Let him receive no sustenance , fetter him ,
-Till he be brought unto the empress' face ,
-For testimony of her foul proceedings :
-And see the ambush of our friends be strong ;
-I fear the emperor means no good to us .
-
-Some devil whisper curses in mine ear ,
-And prompt me , that my tongue may utter forth
-The venomous malice of my swelling heart !
-
-Away , inhuman dog ! unhallow'd slave !
-Sirs , help our uncle to convey him in .
-
-The trumpets show the emperor is at hand .
-
-
-What ! hath the firmament more suns than one ?
-
-What boots it thee , to call thyself a sun ?
-
-Rome's emperor , and nephew , break the parle ;
-These quarrels must be quietly debated .
-The feast is ready which the careful Titus
-Hath ordain'd to an honourable end ,
-For peace , for love , for league , and good to Rome :
-Please you , therefore , draw nigh , and take your places .
-
-Marcus , we will .
-
-
-Welcome , my gracious lord ; welcome , dread queen ;
-Welcome , ye war-like Goths ; welcome , Lucius ;
-And welcome , all . Although the cheer be poor ,
-'Twill fill your stomachs ; please you eat of it .
-
-Why art thou thus attir'd , Andronicus ?
-
-Because I would be sure to have all well
-To entertain your highness , and your empress .
-
-We are beholding to you , good Andronicus .
-
-An if your highness knew my heart , you were .
-My lord the emperor , resolve me this :
-Was it well done of rash Virginius
-To slay his daughter with his own right hand ,
-Because she was enforced , stain'd , and deflower'd ?
-
-It was , Andronicus .
-
-Your reason , mighty lord ?
-
-Because the girl should not survive her shame ,
-And by her presence still renew his sorrows .
-
-A reason mighty , strong , and effectual ;
-A pattern , precedent , and lively warrant ,
-For me most wretched , to perform the like .
-Die , die . Lavinia , and thy shame with thee ;
-And with thy shame thy father's sorrow die !
-
-
-What hast thou done , unnatural and unkind ?
-
-Kill'd her , for whom my tears have made me blind .
-I am as woeful as Virginius was ,
-And have a thousand times more cause than he
-To do this outrage : and it is now done .
-
-What ! was she ravish'd ? tell who did the deed .
-
-Will 't please you eat ? will 't please your highness feed ?
-
-Why hast thou slain thine only daughter thus ?
-
-Not I ; 'twas Chiron and Demetrius :
-They ravish'd her , and cut away her tongue :
-And they , 'twas they , that did her all this wrong .
-
-Go fetch them hither to us presently .
-
-Why , there they are both , baked in that pie ;
-Whereof their mother daintily hath fed ,
-Eating the flesh that she herself hath bred .
-'Tis true , 'tis true ; witness my knife's sharp point .
-
-
-Die , frantic wretch , for this accursed deed !
-
-
-Can the son's eye behold his father bleed ?
-There's meed for meed , death for a deadly deed !
-
-You sad-fac'd men , people and sons of Rome ,
-By uproar sever'd , like a flight of fowl
-Scatter'd by winds and high tempestuous gusts ,
-O ! let me teach you how to knit again
-This scatter'd corn into one mutual sheaf ,
-These broken limbs again into one body ,
-Lest Rome herself be bane unto herself ,
-And she whom mighty kingdoms curtsy to ,
-Like a forlorn and desperate castaway ,
-Do shameful execution on herself .
-But if my frosty signs and chaps of age ,
-Grave witnesses of true experience ,
-Cannot induce you to attend my words ,
-
-
-Speak , Rome's dear friend , as erst our ancestor ,
-When with his solemn tongue he did discourse
-To love-sick Dido's sad attending ear
-The story of that baleful burning night
-When subtle Greeks surpris'd King Priam's Troy ;
-Tell us what Sinon hath bewitch'd our ears ,
-Or who hath brought the fatal engine in
-That gives our Troy , our Rome , the civil wound .
-My heart is not compact of flint nor steel ,
-Nor can I utter all our bitter grief ,
-But floods of tears will drown my oratory ,
-And break my very utterance , even in the time
-When it should move you to attend me most ,
-Lending your kind commiseration .
-Here is a captain , let him tell the tale ;
-Your hearts will throb and weep to hear him speak .
-
-Then , noble auditory , be it known to you ,
-That cursed Chiron and Demetrius
-Were they that murdered our emperor's brother ;
-And they it was that ravished our sister .
-For their fell faults our brothers were beheaded ,
-Our father's tears despis'd , and basely cozen'd
-Of that true hand that fought Rome's quarrel out ,
-And sent her enemies unto the grave :
-Lastly , myself unkindly banished ,
-The gates shut on me , and turn'd weeping out ,
-To beg relief among Rome's enemies ;
-Who drown'd their enmity in my true tears ,
-And op'd their arms to embrace me as a friend :
-And I am the turn'd forth , be it known to you ,
-That have preserv'd her welfare in my blood ,
-And from her bosom took the enemy's point ,
-Sheathing the steel in my adventurous body .
-Alas ! you know I am no vaunter , I ;
-My scars can witness , dumb although they are ,
-That my report is just and full of truth .
-But , soft ! methinks I do digress too much ,
-Citing my worthless praise : O ! pardon me ;
-For when no friends are by , men praise themselves .
-
-Now is my turn to speak . Behold this child ;
-Of this was Tamora delivered ,
-The issue of an irreligious Moor ,
-Chief architect and plotter of these woes .
-The villain is alive in Titus' house ,
-Damn'd as he is , to witness this is true .
-Now judge what cause had Titus to revenge
-These wrongs , unspeakable , past patience ,
-Or more than any living man could bear .
-Now you have heard the truth , what say you Romans ?
-Have we done aught amiss , show us wherein ,
-And , from the place where you behold us now ,
-The poor remainder of Andronici
-Will , hand in hand , all headlong cast us down ,
-And on the ragged stones beat forth our brains ,
-And make a mutual closure of our house .
-Speak , Romans , speak ! and if you say we shall ,
-Lo ! hand in hand , Lucius and I will fall .
-
-Come , come , thou reverend man of Rome ,
-And bring our emperor gently in thy hand ,
-Lucius , our emperor ; for well I know
-The common voice do cry it shall be so .
-
-Lucius , all hail ! Rome's royal emperor !
-
-Go , go into old Titus' sorrowful house ,
-And hither , hale that misbelieving Moor ,
-To be adjudg'd some direful slaughtering death ,
-As punishment for his most wicked life .
-
-Lucius , all hail ! Rome's gracious governor !
-
-Thanks , gentle Romans : may I govern so ,
-To heal Rome's harms , and wipe away her woe !
-But , gentle people , give me aim awhile ,
-For nature puts me to a heavy task .
-Stand all aloof ; but , uncle , draw you near ,
-To shed obsequious tears upon this trunk .
-O ! take this warm kiss on thy pale cold lips ,
-
-These sorrowful drops upon thy blood-stain'd face ,
-The last true duties of thy noble son !
-
-Tear for tear , and loving kiss for kiss ,
-Thy brother Marcus tenders on thy lips :
-O ! were the sum of these that I should pay
-Countless and infinite , yet would I pay them .
-
-Come hither , boy ; come , come , and learn of us
-To melt in showers : thy grandsire lov'd thee well :
-Many a time he danc'd thee on his knee ,
-Sung thee asleep , his loving breast thy pillow ;
-Many a matter hath he told to thee ,
-Meet and agreeing with thine infancy ;
-In that respect , then , like a loving child ,
-Shed yet some small drops from thy tender spring ,
-Because kind nature doth require it so :
-Friends should associate friends in grief and woe .
-Bid him farewell ; commit him to the grave ;
-Do him that kindness , and take leave of him .
-
-O grandsire , grandsire ! even with all my heart
-Would I were dead , so you did live again .
-O Lord ! I cannot speak to him for weeping ;
-My tears will choke me if I ope my mouth .
-
-
-You sad Andronici , have done with woes :
-Give sentence on this execrable wretch ,
-That hath been breeder of these dire events .
-
-Set him breast-deep in earth , and famish him ;
-There let him stand , and rave , and cry for food :
-If any one relieves or pities him ,
-For the offence he dies . This is our doom :
-Some stay to see him fasten'd in the earth .
-
-O ! why should wrath be mute , and fury dumb ?
-I am no baby , I , that with base prayers
-I should repent the evils I have done .
-Ten thousand worse than ever yet I did
-Would I perform , if I might have my will :
-If one good deed in all my life I did ,
-I do repent it from my very soul .
-
-Some loving friends convey the emperor hence ,
-And give him burial in his father's grave .
-My father and Lavinia shall forthwith
-Be closed in our household's monument .
-As for that heinous tiger , Tamora ,
-No funeral rite , nor man in mournful weeds ,
-No mournful bell shall ring her burial ;
-But throw her forth to beasts and birds of prey .
-Her life was beast-like , and devoid of pity ;
-And , being so , shall have like want of pity .
-See justice done on Aaron , that damn'd Moor ,
-By whom our heavy haps had their beginning :
-Then , afterwards , to order well the state ,
-That like events may ne'er it ruinate .
-
projects / cipher-tools.git / blobdiff