william shakespeare - henry iv, part 1

8/14/2019 william shakespeare - henry iv, part 1

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WilliamShakespeareHenryIV,part1.htm

ACTISCENEI.London.Thepalace.EnterKINGHENRY,LORDJOHNOFLANCASTER,theEARLofWESTMORELAND,SIRWALTERBLUNT,andothersKINGHENRYIVSoshakenasweare,sowanwithcare,Findweatimeforfrightedpeacetopant,Andbreatheshort-windedaccentsofnewbroilsTobecommencedinstrandsafarremote.NomorethethirstyentranceofthissoilShalldaubherlipswithherownchildren'sblood;Normoreshalltrenchingwarchannelherfields,NorbruiseherfloweretswiththearmedhoofsOfhostilepaces:thoseopposedeyes,Which,likethemeteorsofatroubledheaven,Allofonenature,ofonesubstancebred,DidlatelymeetintheintestineshockAndfuriouscloseofcivilbutcheryShallnow,inmutualwell-beseemingranks,

MarchallonewayandbenomoreopposedAgainstacquaintance,kindredandallies:Theedgeofwar,likeanill-sheathedknife,Nomoreshallcuthismaster.Therefore,friends,AsfarastothesepulchreofChrist,Whosesoldiernow,underwhoseblessedcrossWeareimpressedandengagedtofight,ForthwithapowerofEnglishshallwelevy;Whosearmsweremouldedintheirmothers'wombTochasethesepagansinthoseholyfieldsOverwhoseacreswalk'dthoseblessedfeetWhichfourteenhundredyearsagowerenail'dForouradvantageonthebittercross.

Butthisourpurposenowistwelvemonthold,Andbootless'tistotellyouwewillgo:Thereforewemeetnotnow.ThenletmehearOfyou,mygentlecousinWestmoreland,WhatyesternightourcouncildiddecreeInforwardingthisdearexpedience.WESTMORELANDMyliege,thishastewashotinquestion,AndmanylimitsofthechargesetdownButyesternight:whenallathwarttherecameApostfromWalesloadenwithheavynews;Whoseworstwas,thatthenobleMortimer,LeadingthemenofHerefordshiretofight

AgainsttheirregularandwildGlendower,WasbytherudehandsofthatWelshmantaken,Athousandofhispeoplebutchered;Uponwhosedeadcorpsetherewassuchmisuse,Suchbeastlyshamelesstransformation,BythoseWelshwomendoneasmaynotbeWithoutmuchshameretoldorspokenof.KINGHENRYIVItseemsthenthatthetidingsofthisbroilBrakeoffourbusinessfortheHolyLand.


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WESTMORELANDThismatch'dwithotherdid,mygraciouslord;FormoreunevenandunwelcomenewsCamefromthenorthandthusitdidimport:OnHoly-roodday,thegallantHotspurthere,YoungHarryPercyandbraveArchibald,Thatever-valiantandapprovedScot,AtHolmedonmet,Wheretheydidspendasadandbloodyhour,Asbydischargeoftheirartillery,Andshapeoflikelihood,thenewswastold;Forhethatbroughtthem,intheveryheatAndprideoftheircontentiondidtakehorse,Uncertainoftheissueanyway.KINGHENRYIVHereisadear,atrueindustriousfriend,SirWalterBlunt,newlightedfromhishorse.Stain'dwiththevariationofeachsoilBetwixtthatHolmedonandthisseatofours;Andhehathbroughtussmoothandwelcomenews.TheEarlofDouglasisdiscomfited:TenthousandboldScots,twoandtwentyknights,Balk'dintheirownblooddidSirWalterseeOnHolmedon'splains.Ofprisoners,Hotspurtook

MordaketheEarlofFife,andeldestsonTobeatenDouglas;andtheEarlofAthol,OfMurray,Angus,andMenteith:Andisnotthisanhonourablespoil?Agallantprize?ha,cousin,isitnot?WESTMORELANDInfaith,Itisaconquestforaprincetoboastof.KINGHENRYIVYea,therethoumakestmesadandmakestmesinInenvythatmyLordNorthumberlandShouldbethefathertosoblestason,Asonwhoisthethemeofhonour'stongue;

Amongstagrove,theverystraightestplant;WhoissweetFortune'sminionandherpride:WhilstI,bylookingonthepraiseofhim,SeeriotanddishonourstainthebrowOfmyyoungHarry.OthatitcouldbeprovedThatsomenight-trippingfairyhadexchangedIncradle-clothesourchildrenwheretheylay,Andcall'dminePercy,hisPlantagenet!ThenwouldIhavehisHarry,andhemine.Butlethimfrommythoughts.Whatthinkyou,coz,OfthisyoungPercy'spride?theprisoners,Whichheinthisadventurehathsurprised,Tohisownusehekeeps;andsendsmeword,

IshallhavenonebutMordakeEarlofFife.WESTMORELANDThisishisuncle'steaching;thisisWorcester,Malevolenttoyouinallaspects;Whichmakeshimprunehimself,andbristleupThecrestofyouthagainstyourdignity.KINGHENRYIVButIhavesentforhimtoanswerthis;AndforthiscauseawhilewemustneglectOurholypurposetoJerusalem.


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Cousin,onWednesdaynextourcouncilweWillholdatWindsor;soinformthelords:Butcomeyourselfwithspeedtousagain;FormoreistobesaidandtobedoneThanoutofangercanbeuttered.WESTMORELANDIwill,myliege.ExeuntSCENEII.London.AnapartmentofthePrince's.EnterthePRINCEOFWALESandFALSTAFFFALSTAFFNow,Hal,whattimeofdayisit,lad?PRINCEHENRYThouartsofat-witted,withdrinkingofoldsackandunbuttoningtheeaftersupperandsleepinguponbenchesafternoon,thatthouhastforgottentodemandthattrulywhichthouwouldsttrulyknow.Whatadevilhastthoutodowiththetimeoftheday?Unlesshourswerecupsofsackandminutescaponsandclocksthetonguesofbawdsanddialsthesignsofleaping-housesandtheblessedsunhimselfafairhotwenchinflame-colouredtaffeta,Iseenoreasonwhythoushouldstbesosuperfluoustodemandthetimeoftheday.

FALSTAFFIndeed,youcomenearmenow,Hal;forwethattakepursesgobythemoonandthesevenstars,andnotbyPhoebus,he,'thatwanderingknightsofair.'And,Iprithee,sweetwag,whenthouartking,as,Godsavethygrace,--majestyIshouldsay,forgracethouwilthavenone,--PRINCEHENRYWhat,none?FALSTAFFNo,bymytroth,notsomuchaswillservetoprologuetoaneggandbutter.PRINCEHENRY

Well,howthen?come,roundly,roundly.FALSTAFFMarry,then,sweetwag,whenthouartking,letnotusthataresquiresofthenight'sbodybecalledthievesoftheday'sbeauty:letusbeDiana'sforesters,gentlemenoftheshade,minionsofthemoon;andletmensaywebemenofgoodgovernment,beinggoverned,astheseais,byournobleandchastemistressthemoon,underwhosecountenancewesteal.PRINCEHENRYThousayestwell,anditholdswelltoo;forthefortuneofusthatarethemoon'smendothebbandflowlikethesea,beinggoverned,astheseais,

bythemoon.As,forproof,now:apurseofgoldmostresolutelysnatchedonMondaynightandmostdissolutelyspentonTuesdaymorning;gotwithswearing'Layby'andspentwithcrying'Bringin;'nowinaslowanebbasthefootoftheladderandbyandbyinashighaflowastheridgeofthegallows.FALSTAFFBytheLord,thousayesttrue,lad.Andisnotmyhostessofthetavernamostsweetwench?PRINCEHENRY


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AsthehoneyofHybla,myoldladofthecastle.Andisnotabuffjerkinamostsweetrobeofdurance?FALSTAFFHownow,hownow,madwag!what,inthyquipsandthyquiddities?whataplaguehaveItodowithabuffjerkin?PRINCEHENRYWhy,whatapoxhaveItodowithmyhostessofthetavern?FALSTAFFWell,thouhastcalledhertoareckoningmanyatimeandoft.PRINCEHENRYDidIevercallfortheetopaythypart?FALSTAFFNo;I'llgivetheethydue,thouhastpaidallthere.PRINCEHENRYYea,andelsewhere,sofarasmycoinwouldstretch;andwhereitwouldnot,Ihaveusedmycredit.FALSTAFFYea,andsouseditthatwereitnothereapparentthatthouartheirapparent--But,Iprithee,sweetwag,shalltherebegallowsstandinginEnglandwhenthouartking?andresolutionthusfobbedasitiswiththerustycurbofoldfatheranticthelaw?Do

notthou,whenthouartking,hangathief.PRINCEHENRYNo;thoushalt.FALSTAFFShallI?Orare!BytheLord,I'llbeabravejudge.PRINCEHENRYThoujudgestfalsealready:Imean,thoushalthavethehangingofthethievesandsobecomeararehangman.FALSTAFFWell,Hal,well;andinsomesortitjumpswithmyhumouraswellaswaitinginthecourt,Icantellyou.PRINCEHENRY

Forobtainingofsuits?FALSTAFFYea,forobtainingofsuits,whereofthehangmanhathnoleanwardrobe.'Sblood,Iamasmelancholyasagibcatoraluggedbear.PRINCEHENRYOranoldlion,oralover'slute.FALSTAFFYea,orthedroneofaLincolnshirebagpipe.PRINCEHENRYWhatsayestthoutoahare,orthemelancholyofMoor-ditch?FALSTAFF

Thouhastthemostunsavourysimilesandartindeedthemostcomparative,rascalliest,sweetyoungprince.But,Hal,Iprithee,troublemenomorewithvanity.IwouldtoGodthouandIknewwhereacommodityofgoodnamesweretobebought.Anoldlordofthecouncilratedmetheotherdayinthestreetaboutyou,sir,butImarkedhimnot;andyethetalkedverywisely,butIregardedhimnot;andyethetalkedwisely,andinthestreettoo.PRINCEHENRY


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Thoudidstwell;forwisdomcriesoutinthestreets,andnomanregardsit.FALSTAFFO,thouhastdamnableiterationandartindeedabletocorruptasaint.Thouhastdonemuchharmuponme,Hal;Godforgivetheeforit!BeforeIknewthee,Hal,Iknewnothing;andnowamI,ifamanshouldspeaktruly,littlebetterthanoneofthewicked.Imustgiveoverthislife,andIwillgiveitover:bytheLord,andIdonot,Iamavillain:I'llbedamnedforneveraking'ssoninChristendom.PRINCEHENRYWhereshallwetakeapursetomorrow,Jack?FALSTAFF'Zounds,wherethouwilt,lad;I'llmakeone;anIdonot,callmevillainandbaffleme.PRINCEHENRYIseeagoodamendmentoflifeinthee;fromprayingtopurse-taking.FALSTAFFWhy,Hal,'tismyvocation,Hal;'tisnosinforamantolabourinhisvocation.EnterPOINS

Poins!NowshallweknowifGadshillhavesetamatch.O,ifmenweretobesavedbymerit,whatholeinhellwerehotenoughforhim?Thisisthemostomnipotentvillainthatevercried'Stand'toatrueman.PRINCEHENRYGoodmorrow,Ned.POINSGoodmorrow,sweetHal.WhatsaysMonsieurRemorse?whatsaysSirJohnSackandSugar?Jack!howagreesthedevilandtheeaboutthysoul,thatthousoldesthimonGood-FridaylastforacupofMadeiraandacoldcapon'sleg?

PRINCEHENRYSirJohnstandstohisword,thedevilshallhavehisbargain;forhewasneveryetabreakerofproverbs:hewillgivethedevilhisdue.POINSThenartthoudamnedforkeepingthywordwiththedevil.PRINCEHENRYElsehehadbeendamnedforcozeningthedevil.POINSBut,mylads,mylads,to-morrowmorning,byfouro'clock,earlyatGadshill!therearepilgrimsgoingtoCanterburywithrichofferings,andtradersridingtoLondonwithfatpurses:Ihavevizards

foryouall;youhavehorsesforyourselves:Gadshillliesto-nightinRochester:Ihavebespokesupperto-morrownightinEastcheap:wemaydoitassecureassleep.Ifyouwillgo,Iwillstuffyourpursesfullofcrowns;ifyouwillnot,tarryathomeandbehanged.FALSTAFFHearye,Yedward;ifItarryathomeandgonot,I'llhangyouforgoing.POINS


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Youwill,chops?FALSTAFFHal,wiltthoumakeone?PRINCEHENRYWho,Irob?Iathief?notI,bymyfaith.FALSTAFFThere'sneitherhonesty,manhood,norgoodfellowshipinthee,northoucamestnotofthebloodroyal,ifthoudarestnotstandfortenshillings.PRINCEHENRYWellthen,onceinmydaysI'llbeamadcap.FALSTAFFWhy,that'swellsaid.PRINCEHENRYWell,comewhatwill,I'lltarryathome.FALSTAFFBytheLord,I'llbeatraitorthen,whenthouartking.PRINCEHENRYIcarenot.POINSSirJohn,Iprithee,leavetheprinceandmealone:Iwilllayhimdownsuchreasonsforthisadventurethatheshallgo.FALSTAFF

Well,Godgivetheethespiritofpersuasionandhimtheearsofprofiting,thatwhatthouspeakestmaymoveandwhathehearsmaybebelieved,thatthetrueprincemay,forrecreationsake,proveafalsethief;forthepoorabusesofthetimewantcountenance.Farewell:youshallfindmeinEastcheap.PRINCEHENRYFarewell,thoulatterspring!farewell,All-hallownsummer!ExitFalstaffPOINSNow,mygoodsweethoneylord,ridewithusto-morrow:IhaveajesttoexecutethatIcannotmanagealone.Falstaff,Bardolph,PetoandGadshill

shallrobthosementhatwehavealreadywaylaid:yourselfandIwillnotbethere;andwhentheyhavethebooty,ifyouandIdonotrobthem,cutthisheadofffrommyshoulders.PRINCEHENRYHowshallwepartwiththeminsettingforth?POINSWhy,wewillsetforthbeforeorafterthem,andappointthemaplaceofmeeting,whereinitisatourpleasuretofail,andthenwilltheyadventureupontheexploitthemselves;whichtheyshallhavenosoonerachieved,butwe'llsetuponthem.PRINCEHENRY

Yea,but'tislikethattheywillknowusbyourhorses,byourhabitsandbyeveryotherappointment,tobeourselves.POINSTut!ourhorsestheyshallnotsee:I'lltietheminthewood;ourvizardswewillchangeafterweleavethem:and,sirrah,Ihavecasesofbuckramforthenonce,toimmaskournotedoutwardgarments.PRINCEHENRYYea,butIdoubttheywillbetoohardforus.


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NORTHUMBERLANDMylord.--KINGHENRYIVWorcester,gettheegone;forIdoseeDangeranddisobedienceinthineeye:O,sir,yourpresenceistooboldandperemptory,AndmajestymightneveryetendureThemoodyfrontierofaservantbrow.Youhavegoodleavetoleaveus:whenweneedYouruseandcounsel,weshallsendforyou.ExitWorcesterYouwereabouttospeak.ToNorthNORTHUMBERLANDYea,mygoodlord.Thoseprisonersinyourhighness'namedemanded,WhichHarryPercyhereatHolmedontook,Were,ashesays,notwithsuchstrengthdeniedAsisdeliver'dtoyourmajesty:Eitherenvy,therefore,ormisprisonIsguiltyofthisfaultandnotmyson.HOTSPURMyliege,Ididdenynoprisoners.ButIremember,whenthefightwasdone,

WhenIwasdrywithrageandextremetoil,Breathlessandfaint,leaninguponmysword,Camethereacertainlord,neat,andtrimlydress'd,Freshasabridegroom;andhischinnewreap'dShow'dlikeastubble-landatharvest-home;Hewasperfumedlikeamilliner;And'twixthisfingerandhisthumbheheldApouncet-box,whicheverandanonHegavehisnoseandtook'tawayagain;Whotherewithangry,whenitnextcamethere,Tookitinsnuff;andstillhesmiledandtalk'd,Andasthesoldiersboredeadbodiesby,Hecall'dthemuntaughtknaves,unmannerly,

TobringaslovenlyunhandsomecorseBetwixtthewindandhisnobility.WithmanyholidayandladytermsHequestion'dme;amongsttherest,demandedMyprisonersinyourmajesty'sbehalf.Ithen,allsmartingwithmywoundsbeingcold,Tobesopester'dwithapopinjay,Outofmygriefandmyimpatience,Answer'dneglectinglyIknownotwhat,Heshouldorheshouldnot;forhemadememadToseehimshinesobriskandsmellsosweetAndtalksolikeawaiting-gentlewomanOfgunsanddrumsandwounds,--Godsavethemark!--

Andtellingmethesovereign'stthingonearthWasparmacetiforaninwardbruise;Andthatitwasgreatpity,soitwas,Thisvillanoussalt-petreshouldbedigg'dOutofthebowelsoftheharmlessearth,Whichmanyagoodtallfellowhaddestroy'dSocowardly;andbutforthesevileguns,Hewouldhimselfhavebeenasoldier.Thisbaldunjointedchatofhis,mylord,Ianswer'dindirectly,asIsaid;


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AndIbeseechyou,letnothisreportComecurrentforanaccusationBetwixtmyloveandyourhighmajesty.SIRWALTERBLUNTThecircumstanceconsider'd,goodmylord,Whate'erLordHarryPercythenhadsaidTosuchapersonandinsuchaplace,Atsuchatime,withalltherestretold,MayreasonablydieandneverriseTodohimwrongoranywayimpeachWhatthenhesaid,soheunsayitnow.KINGHENRYIVWhy,yethedothdenyhisprisoners,Butwithprovisoandexception,ThatweatourownchargeshallransomstraightHisbrother-in-law,thefoolishMortimer;Who,onmysoul,hathwilfullybetray'dThelivesofthosethathedidleadtofightAgainstthatgreatmagician,damn'dGlendower,Whosedaughter,aswehear,theEarlofMarchHathlatelymarried.Shallourcoffers,then,Beemptiedtoredeematraitorhome?Shallwebuttreason?andindentwithfears,Whentheyhavelostandforfeitedthemselves?

No,onthebarrenmountainslethimstarve;ForIshallneverholdthatmanmyfriendWhosetongueshallaskmeforonepennycostToransomhomerevoltedMortimer.HOTSPURRevoltedMortimer!Heneverdidfalloff,mysovereignliege,Butbythechanceofwar;toprovethattrueNeedsnomorebutonetongueforallthosewounds,Thosemouthedwounds,whichvaliantlyhetookWhenonthegentleSevern'ssedgybank,Insingleopposition,handtohand,Hedidconfoundthebestpartofanhour

InchanginghardimentwithgreatGlendower:Threetimestheybreathedandthreetimesdidtheydrink,Uponagreement,ofswiftSevern'sflood;Whothen,affrightedwiththeirbloodylooks,Ranfearfullyamongthetremblingreeds,Andhidhiscrispheadinthehollowbank,Bloodstainedwiththesevaliantcombatants.NeverdidbaseandrottenpolicyColourherworkingwithsuchdeadlywounds;NorcouldthenobleMortimerReceivesomany,andallwillingly:Thenletnothimbeslander'dwithrevolt.

KINGHENRYIVThoudostbeliehim,Percy,thoudostbeliehim;HeneverdidencounterwithGlendower:Itellthee,HedurstaswellhavemetthedevilaloneAsOwenGlendowerforanenemy.Artthounotashamed?But,sirrah,henceforthLetmenothearyouspeakofMortimer:Sendmeyourprisonerswiththespeediestmeans,Oryoushallhearinsuchakindfromme


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Aswilldispleaseyou.MyLordNorthumberland,Welicenceyourdeparturewithyourson.Sendusyourprisoners,oryouwillhearofit.ExeuntKingHenry,Blunt,andtrainHOTSPURAnifthedevilcomeandroarforthem,Iwillnotsendthem:IwillafterstraightAndtellhimso;forIwilleasemyheart,AlbeitImakeahazardofmyhead.NORTHUMBERLANDWhat,drunkwithcholer?stayandpauseawhile:Herecomesyouruncle.Re-enterWORCESTERHOTSPURSpeakofMortimer!'Zounds,Iwillspeakofhim;andletmysoulWantmercy,ifIdonotjoinwithhim:Yea,onhispartI'llemptyalltheseveins,Andshedmydearblooddropbydropinthedust,ButIwillliftthedown-trodMortimerAshighintheairasthisunthankfulking,Asthisingrateandcanker'dBolingbroke.NORTHUMBERLANDBrother,thekinghathmadeyournephewmad.

EARLOFWORCESTERWhostruckthisheatupafterIwasgone?HOTSPURHewill,forsooth,haveallmyprisoners;AndwhenIurgedtheransomonceagainOfmywife'sbrother,thenhischeeklook'dpale,Andonmyfaceheturn'daneyeofdeath,TremblingevenatthenameofMortimer.EARLOFWORCESTERIcannotblamehim:wasnotheproclaim'dByRichardthatdeadisthenextofblood?NORTHUMBERLANDHewas;Iheardtheproclamation:

Andthenitwaswhentheunhappyking,--WhosewrongsinusGodpardon!--didsetforthUponhisIrishexpedition;FromwhenceheintercepteddidreturnTobedeposedandshortlymurdered.EARLOFWORCESTERAndforwhosedeathweintheworld'swidemouthLivescandalizedandfoullyspokenof.HOTSPURButsoft,Iprayyou;didKingRichardthenProclaimmybrotherEdmundMortimerHeirtothecrown?NORTHUMBERLAND

Hedid;myselfdidhearit.HOTSPURNay,thenIcannotblamehiscousinking,Thatwishedhimonthebarrenmountainsstarve.Butshallitbethatyou,thatsetthecrownUpontheheadofthisforgetfulmanAndforhissakewearthedetestedblotOfmurderoussubornation,shallitbe,Thatyouaworldofcursesundergo,Beingtheagents,orbasesecondmeans,


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Thecords,theladder,orthehangmanrather?O,pardonmethatIdescendsolow,ToshowthelineandthepredicamentWhereinyourangeunderthissubtleking;Shallitforshamebespokeninthesedays,Orfillupchroniclesintimetocome,ThatmenofyournobilityandpowerDidgagethembothinanunjustbehalf,Asbothofyou--Godpardonit!--havedone,ToputdownRichard,thatsweetlovelyrose,Anplantthisthorn,thiscanker,Bolingbroke?Andshallitinmoreshamebefurtherspoken,Thatyouarefool'd,discardedandshookoffByhimforwhomtheseshamesyeunderwent?No;yettimeserveswhereinyoumayredeemYourbanish'dhonoursandrestoreyourselvesIntothegoodthoughtsoftheworldagain,Revengethejeeringanddisdain'dcontemptOfthisproudking,whostudiesdayandnightToanswerallthedebtheowestoyouEvenwiththebloodypaymentofyourdeaths:Therefore,Isay--EARLOFWORCESTERPeace,cousin,saynomore:

AndnowIwillunclaspasecretbook,Andtoyourquick-conceivingdiscontentsI'llreadyoumatterdeepanddangerous,AsfullofperilandadventurousspiritAstoo'er-walkacurrentroaringloudOntheunsteadfastfootingofaspear.HOTSPURIfhefallin,goodnight!orsinkorswim:Senddangerfromtheeastuntothewest,Sohonourcrossitfromthenorthtosouth,Andletthemgrapple:O,thebloodmorestirsTorousealionthantostartahare!NORTHUMBERLAND

ImaginationofsomegreatexploitDriveshimbeyondtheboundsofpatience.HOTSPURByheaven,methinksitwereaneasyleap,Topluckbrighthonourfromthepale-facedmoon,Ordiveintothebottomofthedeep,Wherefathom-linecouldnevertouchtheground,Andpluckupdrownedhonourbythelocks;SohethatdothredeemherthencemightwearWithoutcorrival,allherdignities:Butoutuponthishalf-facedfellowship!EARLOFWORCESTERHeapprehendsaworldoffigureshere,

Butnottheformofwhatheshouldattend.Goodcousin,givemeaudienceforawhile.HOTSPURIcryyoumercy.EARLOFWORCESTERThosesamenobleScotsThatareyourprisoners,--HOTSPURI'llkeepthemall;ByGod,heshallnothaveaScotofthem;


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No,ifaScotwouldsavehissoul,heshallnot:I'llkeepthem,bythishand.EARLOFWORCESTERYoustartawayAndlendnoearuntomypurposes.Thoseprisonersyoushallkeep.HOTSPURNay,Iwill;that'sflat:HesaidhewouldnotransomMortimer;ForbadmytonguetospeakofMortimer;ButIwillfindhimwhenheliesasleep,AndinhisearI'llholla'Mortimer!'Nay,I'llhaveastarlingshallbetaughttospeakNothingbut'Mortimer,'andgiveithimTokeephisangerstillinmotion.EARLOFWORCESTERHearyou,cousin;aword.HOTSPURAllstudieshereIsolemnlydefy,SavehowtogallandpinchthisBolingbroke:Andthatsamesword-and-bucklerPrinceofWales,ButthatIthinkhisfatherloveshimnotAndwouldbegladhemetwithsomemischance,

Iwouldhavehimpoison'dwithapotofale.EARLOFWORCESTERFarewell,kinsman:I'lltalktoyouWhenyouarebettertemper'dtoattend.NORTHUMBERLANDWhy,whatawasp-stungandimpatientfoolArtthoutobreakintothiswoman'smood,Tyingthineeartonotonguebutthineown!HOTSPURWhy,lookyou,Iamwhipp'dandscourgedwithrods,Nettledandstungwithpismires,whenIhearOfthisvilepolitician,Bolingbroke.InRichard'stime,--whatdoyoucalltheplace?--

Aplagueuponit,itisinGloucestershire;'Twaswherethemadcapdukehisunclekept,HisuncleYork;whereIfirstbow'dmykneeUntothiskingofsmiles,thisBolingbroke,--'Sblood!--WhenyouandhecamebackfromRavenspurgh.NORTHUMBERLANDAtBerkleycastle.HOTSPURYousaytrue:Why,whatacandydealofcourtesyThisfawninggreyhoundthendidprofferme!Look,'whenhisinfantfortunecametoage,'

And'gentleHarryPercy,'and'kindcousin;'O,thedeviltakesuchcozeners!Godforgiveme!Gooduncle,tellyourtale;Ihavedone.EARLOFWORCESTERNay,ifyouhavenot,toitagain;Wewillstayyourleisure.HOTSPURIhavedone,i'faith.EARLOFWORCESTERThenoncemoretoyourScottishprisoners.


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Deliverthemupwithouttheirransomstraight,AndmaketheDouglas'sonyouronlymeanForpowersinScotland;which,fordiversreasonsWhichIshallsendyouwritten,beassured,Willeasilybegranted.You,mylord,ToNorthumberlandYoursoninScotlandbeingthusemploy'd,ShallsecretlyintothebosomcreepOfthatsamenobleprelate,wellbeloved,Thearchbishop.HOTSPUROfYork,isitnot?EARLOFWORCESTERTrue;whobearshardHisbrother'sdeathatBristol,theLordScroop.Ispeaknotthisinestimation,AswhatIthinkmightbe,butwhatIknowIsruminated,plottedandsetdown,AndonlystaysbuttobeholdthefaceOfthatoccasionthatshallbringiton.HOTSPURIsmellit:uponmylife,itwilldowell.NORTHUMBERLANDBeforethegameisafoot,thoustilllet'stslip.

HOTSPURWhy,itcannotchoosebutbeanobleplot;AndthenthepowerofScotlandandofYork,TojoinwithMortimer,ha?EARLOFWORCESTERAndsotheyshall.HOTSPURInfaith,itisexceedinglywellaim'd.EARLOFWORCESTERAnd'tisnolittlereasonbidsusspeed,Tosaveourheadsbyraisingofahead;For,bearourselvesasevenaswecan,Thekingwillalwaysthinkhiminourdebt,

Andthinkwethinkourselvesunsatisfied,Tillhehathfoundatimetopayushome:AndseealreadyhowhedothbeginTomakeusstrangerstohislooksoflove.HOTSPURHedoes,hedoes:we'llberevengedonhim.EARLOFWORCESTERCousin,farewell:nofurthergointhisThanIbylettersshalldirectyourcourse.Whentimeisripe,whichwillbesuddenly,I'llstealtoGlendowerandLordMortimer;WhereyouandDouglasandourpowersatonce,AsIwillfashionit,shallhappilymeet,

Tobearourfortunesinourownstrongarms,Whichnowweholdatmuchuncertainty.NORTHUMBERLANDFarewell,goodbrother:weshallthrive,Itrust.HOTSPURUncle,Adieu:O,letthehoursbeshortTillfieldsandblowsandgroansapplaudoursport!ExeuntACTIISCENEI.Rochester.Aninnyard.


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EnteraCarrierwithalanterninhishandFirstCarrierHeigh-ho!anitbenotfourbytheday,I'llbehanged:Charles'wainisoverthenewchimney,andyetourhorsenotpacked.What,ostler!Ostler[Within]Anon,anon.FirstCarrierIprithee,Tom,beatCut'ssaddle,putafewflocksinthepoint;poorjade,iswrunginthewithersoutofallcess.EnteranotherCarrierSecondCarrierPeasandbeansareasdankhereasadog,andthatisthenextwaytogivepoorjadesthebots:thishouseisturnedupsidedownsinceRobinOstlerdied.FirstCarrierPoorfellow,neverjoyedsincethepriceofoatsrose;itwasthedeathofhim.SecondCarrierIthinkthisbethemostvillanoushouseinallLondonroadforfleas:Iamstunglikeatench.FirstCarrierLikeatench!bythemass,thereisne'eraking

christencouldbebetterbitthanIhavebeensincethefirstcock.SecondCarrierWhy,theywillallowusne'erajordan,andthenweleakinyourchimney;andyourchamber-liebreedsfleaslikealoach.FirstCarrierWhat,ostler!comeawayandbehanged!SecondCarrierIhaveagammonofbaconandtworazorsofginger,tobedeliveredasfarasCharing-cross.FirstCarrierGod'sbody!theturkeysinmypannierarequite

starved.What,ostler!Aplagueonthee!hastthouneveraneyeinthyhead?canstnothear?An'twerenotasgooddeedasdrink,tobreakthepateonthee,Iamaveryvillain.Come,andbehanged!hastthounofaithinthee?EnterGADSHILLGADSHILLGoodmorrow,carriers.What'so'clock?FirstCarrierIthinkitbetwoo'clock.GADSHILLIpraytheelendmethylantern,toseemygeldinginthestable.

FirstCarrierNay,byGod,soft;Iknowatrickworthtwoofthat,i'faith.GADSHILLIpraythee,lendmethine.SecondCarrierAy,when?can'sttell?Lendmethylantern,quothhe?marry,I'llseetheehangedfirst.GADSHILLSirrahcarrier,whattimedoyoumeantocometoLondon?SecondCarrier


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Timeenoughtogotobedwithacandle,Iwarrantthee.Come,neighbourMugs,we'llcallupthegentleman:theywillalongwithcompany,fortheyhavegreatcharge.ExeuntcarriersGADSHILLWhat,ho!chamberlain!Chamberlain[Within]Athand,quothpick-purse.GADSHILLThat'sevenasfairas--athand,quoththechamberlain;forthouvariestnomorefrompickingofpursesthangivingdirectiondothfromlabouring;thoulayesttheplothow.EnterChamberlainChamberlainGoodmorrow,MasterGadshill.ItholdscurrentthatItoldyouyesternight:there'safranklininthewildofKenthathbroughtthreehundredmarkswithhimingold:Iheardhimtellittooneofhiscompanylastnightatsupper;akindofauditor;onethathathabundanceofchargetoo,Godknowswhat.Theyareupalready,andcallforeggsandbutter;theywillawaypresently.

GADSHILLSirrah,iftheymeetnotwithSaintNicholas'clerks,I'llgivetheethisneck.ChamberlainNo,I'llnoneofit:Ipraytheekeepthatforthehangman;forIknowthouworshippestSt.Nicholasastrulyasamanoffalsehoodmay.GADSHILLWhattalkestthoutomeofthehangman?ifIhang,I'llmakeafatpairofgallows;forifIhang,oldSirJohnhangswithme,andthouknowestheisnostarveling.Tut!thereareotherTrojansthatthoudreamestnotof,thewhichforsportsakeare

contenttodotheprofessionsomegrace;thatwould,ifmattersshouldbelookedinto,fortheirowncreditsake,makeallwhole.Iamjoinedwithnofoot-landrakers,nolong-staffsixpennystrikers,noneofthesemadmustachiopurple-huedmalt-worms;butwithnobilityandtranquillity,burgomastersandgreatoneyers,suchascanholdin,suchaswillstrikesoonerthanspeak,andspeaksoonerthandrink,anddrinksoonerthanpray:andyet,zounds,Ilie;fortheypraycontinuallytotheirsaint,thecommonwealth;orrather,notpraytoher,butpreyonher,fortheyrideupanddownonherandmakehertheirboots.

ChamberlainWhat,thecommonwealththeirboots?willsheholdoutwaterinfoulway?GADSHILLShewill,shewill;justicehathliquoredher.Westealasinacastle,cocksure;wehavethereceiptoffern-seed,wewalkinvisible.ChamberlainNay,bymyfaith,Ithinkyouaremorebeholdingtothenightthantofern-seedforyourwalkinginvisible.


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GADSHILLGivemethyhand:thoushalthaveashareinourpurchase,asIamatrueman.ChamberlainNay,ratherletmehaveit,asyouareafalsethief.GADSHILLGoto;'homo'isacommonnametoallmen.Bidtheostlerbringmygeldingoutofthestable.Farewell,youmuddyknave.ExeuntSCENEII.Thehighway,nearGadshill.EnterPRINCEHENRYandPOINSPOINSCome,shelter,shelter:IhaveremovedFalstaff'shorse,andhefretslikeagummedvelvet.PRINCEHENRYStandclose.EnterFALSTAFFFALSTAFFPoins!Poins,andbehanged!Poins!PRINCEHENRYPeace,yefat-kidneyedrascal!whatabrawlingdostthoukeep!FALSTAFF

Where'sPoins,Hal?PRINCEHENRYHeiswalkeduptothetopofthehill:I'llgoseekhim.FALSTAFFIamaccursedtorobinthatthief'scompany:therascalhathremovedmyhorse,andtiedhimIknownotwhere.IfItravelbutfourfootbythesquierfurtherafoot,Ishallbreakmywind.Well,Idoubtnotbuttodieafairdeathforallthis,ifI'scapehangingforkillingthatrogue.Ihaveforswornhiscompanyhourlyanytimethistwoandtwentyyears,andyetIambewitchedwiththerogue'scompany.Iftherascalhathnotgivenme

medicinestomakemelovehim,I'llbehanged;itcouldnotbeelse:Ihavedrunkmedicines.Poins!Hal!aplagueuponyouboth!Bardolph!Peto!I'llstarveereI'llrobafootfurther.An'twerenotasgoodadeedasdrink,toturntruemanandtoleavetheserogues,Iamtheveriestvarletthateverchewedwithatooth.Eightyardsofunevengroundisthreescoreandtenmilesafootwithme;andthestony-heartedvillainsknowitwellenough:aplagueuponitwhenthievescannotbetrueonetoanother!TheywhistleWhew!Aplagueuponyouall!Givememyhorse,yourogues;givememyhorse,andbehanged!

PRINCEHENRYPeace,yefat-guts!liedown;laythineearclosetothegroundandlistifthoucansthearthetreadoftravellers.FALSTAFFHaveyouanyleverstoliftmeupagain,beingdown?'Sblood,I'llnotbearmineownfleshsofarafootagainforallthecoininthyfather'sexchequer.Whataplaguemeanyetocoltmethus?PRINCEHENRY


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Thouliest;thouartnotcolted,thouartuncolted.FALSTAFFIprithee,goodPrinceHal,helpmetomyhorse,goodking'sson.PRINCEHENRYOut,yerogue!shallIbeyourostler?FALSTAFFGo,hangthyselfinthineownheir-apparentgarters!IfIbeta'en,I'llpeachforthis.AnIhavenotballadsmadeonyouallandsungtofilthytunes,letacupofsackbemypoison:whenajestissoforward,andafoottoo!Ihateit.EnterGADSHILL,BARDOLPHandPETOGADSHILLStand.FALSTAFFSoIdo,againstmywill.POINSO,'tisoursetter:Iknowhisvoice.Bardolph,whatnews?BARDOLPHCaseye,caseye;onwithyourvizards:there'smoneyoftheking'scomingdownthehill;'tisgoingtotheking'sexchequer.

FALSTAFFYoulie,yerogue;'tisgoingtotheking'stavern.GADSHILLThere'senoughtomakeusall.FALSTAFFTobehanged.PRINCEHENRYSirs,youfourshallfronttheminthenarrowlane;NedPoinsandIwillwalklower:ifthey'scapefromyourencounter,thentheylightonus.PETOHowmanybethereofthem?GADSHILL

Someeightorten.FALSTAFF'Zounds,willtheynotrobus?PRINCEHENRYWhat,acoward,SirJohnPaunch?FALSTAFFIndeed,IamnotJohnofGaunt,yourgrandfather;butyetnocoward,Hal.PRINCEHENRYWell,weleavethattotheproof.POINSSirrahJack,thyhorsestandsbehindthehedge:whenthouneedesthim,therethoushaltfindhim.

Farewell,andstandfast.FALSTAFFNowcannotIstrikehim,ifIshouldbehanged.PRINCEHENRYNed,whereareourdisguises?POINSHere,hardby:standclose.ExeuntPRINCEHENRYandPOINSFALSTAFFNow,mymasters,happymanbehisdole,sayI:


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everymantohisbusiness.EntertheTravellersFirstTravellerCome,neighbour:theboyshallleadourhorsesdownthehill;we'llwalkafootawhile,andeaseourlegs.ThievesStand!TravellersJesusblessus!FALSTAFFStrike;downwiththem;cutthevillains'throats:ah!whoresoncaterpillars!bacon-fedknaves!theyhateusyouth:downwiththem:fleecethem.TravellersO,weareundone,bothweandoursforever!FALSTAFFHangye,gorbelliedknaves,areyeundone?No,yefatchuffs:Iwouldyourstorewerehere!On,bacons,on!What,yeknaves!youngmenmustlive.YouareGrand-jurors,areye?we'lljureye,'faith.Heretheyrobthemandbindthem.ExeuntRe-enterPRINCEHENRYandPOINSPRINCEHENRYThethieveshaveboundthetruemen.Nowcouldthou

andIrobthethievesandgomerrilytoLondon,itwouldbeargumentforaweek,laughterforamonthandagoodjestforever.POINSStandclose;Ihearthemcoming.EntertheThievesagainFALSTAFFCome,mymasters,letusshare,andthentohorsebeforeday.AnthePrinceandPoinsbenottwoarrantcowards,there'snoequitystirring:there'snomorevalourinthatPoinsthaninawild-duck.PRINCEHENRYYourmoney!

POINSVillains!Astheyaresharing,thePrinceandPoinssetuponthem;theyallrunaway;andFalstaff,afterablowortwo,runsawaytoo,leavingthebootybehindthemPRINCEHENRYGotwithmuchease.Nowmerrilytohorse:Thethievesareallscatter'dandpossess'dwithfearSostronglythattheydarenotmeeteachother;Eachtakeshisfellowforanofficer.Away,goodNed.Falstaffsweatstodeath,Andlardstheleanearthashewalksalong:Were'tnotforlaughing,Ishouldpityhim.POINS

Howtherogueroar'd!ExeuntSCENEIII.WarkworthcastleEnterHOTSPUR,solus,readingaletterHOTSPUR'Butformineownpart,mylord,Icouldbewellcontentedtobethere,inrespectoftheloveIbearyourhouse.'Hecouldbecontented:whyishenot,then?Inrespectofthelovehebearsourhouse:heshowsinthis,heloveshisownbarnbetterthan


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helovesourhouse.Letmeseesomemore.'Thepurposeyouundertakeisdangerous;'--why,that'scertain:'tisdangeroustotakeacold,tosleep,todrink;butItellyou,mylordfool,outofthisnettle,danger,wepluckthisflower,safety.'Thepurposeyouundertakeisdangerous;thefriendsyouhavenameduncertain;thetimeitselfunsorted;andyourwholeplottoolightforthecounterpoiseofsogreatanopposition.'Sayyouso,sayyouso?Isayuntoyouagain,youareashallowcowardlyhind,andyoulie.Whatalack-brainisthis!BytheLord,ourplotisagoodplotaseverwaslaid;ourfriendstrueandconstant:agoodplot,goodfriends,andfullofexpectation;anexcellentplot,verygoodfriends.Whatafrosty-spiritedrogueisthis!Why,mylordofYorkcommendstheplotandthegeneralcourseofaction.'Zounds,anIwerenowbythisrascal,Icouldbrainhimwithhislady'sfan.Istherenotmyfather,myuncleandmyself?lordEdmundMortimer,MylordofYorkandOwenGlendower?istherenotbesidestheDouglas?haveInotalltheirletterstomeetmeinarmsbytheninthofthenextmonth?andaretheynotsomeofthemsetforwardalready?Whatapaganrascalisthis!an

infidel!Ha!youshallseenowinverysincerityoffearandcoldheart,willhetothekingandlayopenallourproceedings.O,Icoulddividemyselfandgotobuffets,formovingsuchadishofskimmilkwithsohonourableanaction!Hanghim!lethimtelltheking:weareprepared.Iwillsetforwardto-night.EnterLADYPERCYHownow,Kate!Imustleaveyouwithinthesetwohours.LADYPERCYO,mygoodlord,whyareyouthusalone?ForwhatoffencehaveIthisfortnightbeenAbanish'dwomanfrommyHarry'sbed?

Tellme,sweetlord,whatis'tthattakesfromtheeThystomach,pleasureandthygoldensleep?Whydostthoubendthineeyesupontheearth,Andstartsooftenwhenthousit'stalone?Whyhastthoulostthefreshbloodinthycheeks;AndgivenmytreasuresandmyrightsoftheeTothick-eyedmusingandcursedmelancholy?InthyfaintslumbersIbytheehavewatch'd,Andheardtheemurmurtalesofironwars;Speaktermsofmanagetothyboundingsteed;Cry'Courage!tothefield!'Andthouhasttalk'dOfsalliesandretires,oftrenches,tents,Ofpalisadoes,frontiers,parapets,

Ofbasilisks,ofcannon,culverin,Ofprisoners'ransomandofsoldiersslain,Andallthecurrentsofaheadyfight.ThyspiritwithintheehathbeensoatwarAndthushathsobestirr'dtheeinthysleep,ThatbeadsofsweathavestooduponthybrowLikebubblesinalate-disturbedstream;Andinthyfacestrangemotionshaveappear'd,SuchasweseewhenmenrestraintheirbreathOnsomegreatsuddenhest.O,whatportentsarethese?


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Someheavybusinesshathmylordinhand,AndImustknowit,elsehelovesmenot.HOTSPURWhat,ho!EnterServantIsGilliamswiththepacketgone?ServantHeis,mylord,anhourago.HOTSPURHathButlerbroughtthosehorsesfromthesheriff?ServantOnehorse,mylord,hebroughtevennow.HOTSPURWhathorse?aroan,acrop-ear,isitnot?ServantItis,mylord.HOTSPURThatroanshallbymythrone.Well,Iwillbackhimstraight:Oesperance!BidButlerleadhimforthintothepark.ExitServantLADYPERCYButhearyou,mylord.HOTSPUR

Whatsay'stthou,mylady?LADYPERCYWhatisitcarriesyouaway?HOTSPURWhy,myhorse,mylove,myhorse.LADYPERCYOut,youmad-headedape!AweaselhathnotsuchadealofspleenAsyouaretoss'dwith.Infaith,I'llknowyourbusiness,Harry,thatIwill.IfearmybrotherMortimerdothstirAbouthistitle,andhathsentforyouTolinehisenterprise:butifyougo,--

HOTSPURSofarafoot,Ishallbeweary,love.LADYPERCYCome,come,youparaquito,answermeDirectlyuntothisquestionthatIask:Infaith,I'llbreakthylittlefinger,Harry,Anifthouwiltnottellmeallthingstrue.HOTSPURAway,Away,youtrifler!Love!Ilovetheenot,Icarenotforthee,Kate:thisisnoworldToplaywithmammetsandtotiltwithlips:Wemusthavebloodynosesandcrack'dcrowns,

Andpassthemcurrenttoo.God'sme,myhorse!Whatsay'stthou,Kate?whatwould'stthouhavewithme?LADYPERCYDoyounotloveme?doyounot,indeed?Well,donotthen;forsinceyoulovemenot,Iwillnotlovemyself.Doyounotloveme?Nay,tellmeifyouspeakinjestorno.HOTSPURCome,wiltthouseemeride?


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AndwhenIamonhorseback,IwillswearIlovetheeinfinitely.Butharkyou,Kate;ImustnothaveyouhenceforthquestionmeWhitherIgo,norreasonwhereabout:WhitherImust,Imust;and,toconclude,ThiseveningmustIleaveyou,gentleKate.Iknowyouwise,butyetnofartherwiseThanHarryPercy'swife:constantyouare,Butyetawoman:andforsecrecy,Noladycloser;forIwellbelieveThouwiltnotutterwhatthoudostnotknow;AndsofarwillItrustthee,gentleKate.LADYPERCYHow!sofar?HOTSPURNotaninchfurther.Butharkyou,Kate:WhitherIgo,thithershallyougotoo;To-daywillIsetforth,to-morrowyou.Willthiscontentyou,Kate?LADYPERCYItmustofforce.ExeuntSCENEIV.TheBoar's-HeadTavern,Eastcheap.EnterPRINCEHENRYandPOINS

PRINCEHENRYNed,prithee,comeoutofthatfatroom,andlendmethyhandtolaughalittle.POINSWherehastbeen,Hal?PRINCEHENRYWiththreeorfourloggerheadsamongstthreeorfourscorehogsheads.Ihavesoundedtheverybase-stringofhumility.Sirrah,Iamswornbrothertoaleashofdrawers;andcancallthemallbytheirchristennames,asTom,Dick,andFrancis.Theytakeitalreadyupontheirsalvation,thatthoughIbebuttheprinceofWales,yetIamking

ofcourtesy;andtellmeflatlyIamnoproudJack,likeFalstaff,butaCorinthian,aladofmettle,agoodboy,bytheLord,sotheycallme,andwhenIamkingofEngland,IshallcommandallthegoodladsinEastcheap.Theycalldrinkingdeep,dyeingscarlet;andwhenyoubreatheinyourwatering,theycry'hem!'andbidyouplayitoff.Toconclude,Iamsogoodaproficientinonequarterofanhour,thatIcandrinkwithanytinkerinhisownlanguageduringmylife.Itellthee,Ned,thouhastlostmuchhonour,thatthouwertnotwithmeinthissweetaction.But,sweetNed,--tosweetenwhichnameofNed,Igivetheethispennyworthofsugar,clapped

evennowintomyhandbyanunder-skinker,onethatneverspakeotherEnglishinhislifethan'Eightshillingsandsixpence'and'Youarewelcome,'withthisshrilladdition,'Anon,anon,sir!ScoreapintofbastardintheHalf-Moon,'orso.But,Ned,todriveawaythetimetillFalstaffcome,Iprithee,dothoustandinsomeby-room,whileIquestionmypunydrawertowhatendhegavemethesugar;anddothouneverleavecalling'Francis,'thathistaletomemaybenothingbut'Anon.'Stepaside,and


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Mylord?PRINCEHENRYWiltthourobthisleathernjerkin,crystal-button,not-pated,agate-ring,puke-stocking,caddis-garter,smooth-tongue,Spanish-pouch,--FRANCISOLord,sir,whodoyoumean?PRINCEHENRYWhy,then,yourbrownbastardisyouronlydrink;forlookyou,Francis,yourwhitecanvasdoubletwillsully:inBarbary,sir,itcannotcometosomuch.FRANCISWhat,sir?POINS[Within]Francis!PRINCEHENRYAway,yourogue!dostthounothearthemcall?Heretheybothcallhim;thedrawerstandsamazed,notknowingwhichwaytogoEnterVintnerVintnerWhat,standestthoustill,andhearestsuchacalling?Looktotheguestswithin.ExitFrancisMylord,oldSirJohn,withhalf-a-dozenmore,are

atthedoor:shallIletthemin?PRINCEHENRYLetthemaloneawhile,andthenopenthedoor.ExitVintnerPoins!Re-enterPOINSPOINSAnon,anon,sir.PRINCEHENRYSirrah,Falstaffandtherestofthethievesareatthedoor:shallwebemerry?POINSAsmerryascrickets,mylad.Butharkye;what

cunningmatchhaveyoumadewiththisjestofthedrawer?come,what'stheissue?PRINCEHENRYIamnowofallhumoursthathaveshowedthemselveshumourssincetheolddaysofgoodmanAdamtothepupilageofthispresenttwelveo'clockatmidnight.Re-enterFRANCISWhat'so'clock,Francis?FRANCISAnon,anon,sir.ExitPRINCEHENRYThateverthisfellowshouldhavefewerwordsthana

parrot,andyetthesonofawoman!Hisindustryisupstairsanddownstairs;hiseloquencetheparcelofareckoning.IamnotyetofPercy'smind,theHotspurofthenorth;hethatkillsmesomesixorsevendozenofScotsatabreakfast,washeshishands,andsaystohiswife'Fieuponthisquietlife!Iwantwork.''OmysweetHarry,'saysshe,'howmanyhastthoukilledto-day?''Givemyroanhorseadrench,'sayshe;andanswers'Somefourteen,'anhourafter;'atrifle,atrifle.'I


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prithee,callinFalstaff:I'llplayPercy,andthatdamnedbrawnshallplayDameMortimerhiswife.'Rivo!'saysthedrunkard.Callinribs,callintallow.EnterFALSTAFF,GADSHILL,BARDOLPH,andPETO;FRANCISfollowingwithwinePOINSWelcome,Jack:wherehastthoubeen?FALSTAFFAplagueofallcowards,Isay,andavengeancetoo!marry,andamen!Givemeacupofsack,boy.EreIleadthislifelong,I'llsewnetherstocksandmendthemandfootthemtoo.Aplagueofallcowards!Givemeacupofsack,rogue.Istherenovirtueextant?HedrinksPRINCEHENRYDidstthouneverseeTitankissadishofbutter?pitiful-heartedTitan,thatmeltedatthesweettaleofthesun's!ifthoudidst,thenbeholdthatcompound.FALSTAFFYourogue,here'slimeinthissacktoo:thereisnothingbutroguerytobefoundinvillanousman:yetacowardisworsethanacupofsackwithlimeinit.Avillanouscoward!Gothyways,oldJack;diewhenthouwilt,ifmanhood,goodmanhood,benotforgotuponthefaceoftheearth,thenamIa

shottenherring.TherelivenotthreegoodmenunhangedinEngland;andoneofthemisfatandgrowsold:Godhelpthewhile!abadworld,Isay.IwouldIwereaweaver;Icouldsingpsalmsoranything.Aplagueofallcowards,Isaystill.PRINCEHENRYHownow,wool-sack!whatmutteryou?FALSTAFFAking'sson!IfIdonotbeattheeoutofthykingdomwithadaggeroflath,anddriveallthysubjectsaforetheelikeaflockofwild-geese,I'llneverwearhaironmyfacemore.YouPrinceofWales!PRINCEHENRY

Why,youwhoresonroundman,what'sthematter?FALSTAFFArenotyouacoward?answermetothat:andPoinsthere?POINS'Zounds,yefatpaunch,anyecallmecoward,bytheLord,I'llstabthee.FALSTAFFIcalltheecoward!I'llseetheedamnedereIcalltheecoward:butIwouldgiveathousandpoundIcouldrunasfastasthoucanst.Youarestraightenoughintheshoulders,youcarenotwhoseesyourback:callyouthatbackingofyourfriends?Aplagueuponsuchbacking!givemethemthatwill

faceme.Givemeacupofsack:Iamarogue,ifIdrunkto-day.PRINCEHENRYOvillain!thylipsarescarcewipedsincethoudrunkestlast.FALSTAFFAll'soneforthat.HedrinksAplagueofallcowards,stillsayI.PRINCEHENRY


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What'sthematter?FALSTAFFWhat'sthematter!therebefourofusherehaveta'enathousandpoundthisdaymorning.PRINCEHENRYWhereisit,Jack?whereisit?FALSTAFFWhereisit!takenfromusitis:ahundreduponpoorfourofus.PRINCEHENRYWhat,ahundred,man?FALSTAFFIamarogue,ifIwerenotathalf-swordwithadozenofthemtwohourstogether.Ihave'scapedbymiracle.Iameighttimesthrustthroughthedoublet,fourthroughthehose;mybucklercutthroughandthrough;myswordhackedlikeahand-saw--eccesignum!IneverdealtbettersinceIwasaman:allwouldnotdo.Aplagueofallcowards!Letthemspeak:iftheyspeakmoreorlessthantruth,theyarevillainsandthesonsofdarkness.PRINCEHENRYSpeak,sirs;howwasit?GADSHILL

Wefoursetuponsomedozen--FALSTAFFSixteenatleast,mylord.GADSHILLAndboundthem.PETONo,no,theywerenotbound.FALSTAFFYourogue,theywerebound,everymanofthem;orIamaJewelse,anEbrewJew.GADSHILLAsweweresharing,somesixorsevenfreshmensetuponus--FALSTAFF

Andunboundtherest,andthencomeintheother.PRINCEHENRYWhat,foughtyouwiththemall?FALSTAFFAll!Iknownotwhatyoucallall;butifIfoughtnotwithfiftyofthem,Iamabunchofradish:iftherewerenottwoorthreeandfiftyuponpooroldJack,thenamInotwo-leggedcreature.PRINCEHENRYPrayGodyouhavenotmurderedsomeofthem.FALSTAFFNay,that'spastprayingfor:Ihavepepperedtwoofthem;twoIamsureIhavepaid,tworogues

inbuckramsuits.Itelltheewhat,Hal,ifItelltheealie,spitinmyface,callmehorse.Thouknowestmyoldward;hereIlayandthusIboremypoint.Fourroguesinbuckramletdriveatme--PRINCEHENRYWhat,four?thousaidstbuttwoevennow.FALSTAFFFour,Hal;Itoldtheefour.POINSAy,ay,hesaidfour.


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FALSTAFFThesefourcamealla-front,andmainlythrustatme.Imademenomoreadobuttookalltheirsevenpointsinmytarget,thus.PRINCEHENRYSeven?why,therewerebutfourevennow.FALSTAFFInbuckram?POINSAy,four,inbuckramsuits.FALSTAFFSeven,bythesehilts,orIamavillainelse.PRINCEHENRYPrithee,lethimalone;weshallhavemoreanon.FALSTAFFDostthouhearme,Hal?PRINCEHENRYAy,andmarktheetoo,Jack.FALSTAFFDoso,foritisworththelisteningto.ThesenineinbuckramthatItoldtheeof--PRINCEHENRYSo,twomorealready.FALSTAFF

Theirpointsbeingbroken,--POINSDownfelltheirhose.FALSTAFFBegantogivemeground:butIfollowedmeclose,cameinfootandhand;andwithathoughtsevenoftheelevenIpaid.PRINCEHENRYOmonstrous!elevenbuckrammengrownoutoftwo!FALSTAFFBut,asthedevilwouldhaveit,threemisbegottenknavesinKendalgreencameatmybackandletdriveatme;foritwassodark,Hal,thatthoucouldst

notseethyhand.PRINCEHENRYTheseliesareliketheirfatherthatbegetsthem;grossasamountain,open,palpable.Why,thouclay-brainedguts,thouknotty-patedfool,thouwhoreson,obscene,greasetallow-catch,--FALSTAFFWhat,artthoumad?artthoumad?isnotthetruththetruth?PRINCEHENRYWhy,howcouldstthouknowthesemeninKendalgreen,whenitwassodarkthoucouldstnotseethyhand?come,tellusyourreason:whatsayestthoutothis?

POINSCome,yourreason,Jack,yourreason.FALSTAFFWhat,uponcompulsion?'Zounds,anIwereatthestrappado,oralltheracksintheworld,Iwouldnottellyouoncompulsion.Giveyouareasononcompulsion!Ifreasonswereasplentifulasblackberries,Iwouldgivenomanareasonuponcompulsion,I.PRINCEHENRY


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I'llbenolongerguiltyofthissin;thissanguinecoward,thisbed-presser,thishorseback-breaker,thishugehillofflesh,--FALSTAFF'Sblood,youstarveling,youelf-skin,youdriedneat'stongue,youbull'spizzle,youstock-fish!Oforbreathtoutterwhatislikethee!youtailor's-yard,yousheath,youbowcase;youvilestanding-tuck,--PRINCEHENRYWell,breatheawhile,andthentoitagain:andwhenthouhasttiredthyselfinbasecomparisons,hearmespeakbutthis.POINSMark,Jack.PRINCEHENRYWetwosawyoufoursetonfourandboundthem,andweremastersoftheirwealth.Marknow,howaplaintaleshallputyoudown.Thendidwetwosetonyoufour;and,withaword,out-facedyoufromyourprize,andhaveit;yea,andcanshowityouhereinthehouse:and,Falstaff,youcarriedyourgutsawayasnimbly,withasquickdexterity,androaredformercyandstillrunandroared,aseverIheard

bull-calf.Whataslaveartthou,tohackthyswordasthouhastdone,andthensayitwasinfight!Whattrick,whatdevice,whatstarting-hole,canstthounowfindouttohidetheefromthisopenandapparentshame?POINSCome,let'shear,Jack;whattrickhastthounow?FALSTAFFBytheLord,Iknewyeaswellashethatmadeye.Why,hearyou,mymasters:wasitformetokilltheheir-apparent?shouldIturnuponthetrueprince?why,thouknowestIamasvaliantasHercules:butbewareinstinct;thelionwillnottouchthetrue

prince.Instinctisagreatmatter;Iwasnowacowardoninstinct.Ishallthinkthebetterofmyselfandtheeduringmylife;Iforavaliantlion,andthouforatrueprince.But,bytheLord,lads,Iamgladyouhavethemoney.Hostess,claptothedoors:watchto-night,prayto-morrow.Gallants,lads,boys,heartsofgold,allthetitlesofgoodfellowshipcometoyou!What,shallwebemerry?shallwehaveaplayextempore?PRINCEHENRYContent;andtheargumentshallbethyrunningaway.FALSTAFFAh,nomoreofthat,Hal,anthoulovestme!

EnterHostessHostessOJesu,mylordtheprince!PRINCEHENRYHownow,myladythehostess!whatsayestthoutome?HostessMarry,mylord,thereisanoblemanofthecourtatdoorwouldspeakwithyou:hesayshecomesfromyourfather.


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PRINCEHENRYGivehimasmuchaswillmakehimaroyalman,andsendhimbackagaintomymother.FALSTAFFWhatmannerofmanishe?HostessAnoldman.FALSTAFFWhatdothgravityoutofhisbedatmidnight?ShallIgivehimhisanswer?PRINCEHENRYPrithee,do,Jack.FALSTAFF'Faith,andI'llsendhimpacking.ExitFALSTAFFPRINCEHENRYNow,sirs:by'rlady,youfoughtfair;sodidyou,Peto;sodidyou,Bardolph:youarelionstoo,youranawayuponinstinct,youwillnottouchthetrueprince;no,fie!BARDOLPH'Faith,IranwhenIsawothersrun.PRINCEHENRY'Faith,tellmenowinearnest,howcameFalstaff's

swordsohacked?PETOWhy,hehackeditwithhisdagger,andsaidhewouldsweartruthoutofEnglandbuthewouldmakeyoubelieveitwasdoneinfight,andpersuadedustodothelike.BARDOLPHYea,andtotickleournoseswithspear-grasstomakethembleed,andthentobeslubberourgarmentswithitandswearitwasthebloodoftruemen.IdidthatIdidnotthissevenyearbefore,Iblushedtohearhismonstrousdevices.PRINCEHENRYOvillain,thoustolestacupofsackeighteenyears

ago,andwerttakenwiththemanner,andeversincethouhastblushedextempore.Thouhadstfireandswordonthyside,andyetthourannestaway:whatinstincthadstthouforit?BARDOLPHMylord,doyouseethesemeteors?doyoubeholdtheseexhalations?PRINCEHENRYIdo.BARDOLPHWhatthinkyoutheyportend?PRINCEHENRYHotliversandcoldpurses.

BARDOLPHCholer,mylord,ifrightlytaken.PRINCEHENRYNo,ifrightlytaken,halter.Re-enterFALSTAFFHerecomesleanJack,herecomesbare-bone.Hownow,mysweetcreatureofbombast!Howlongis'tago,Jack,sincethousawestthineownknee?FALSTAFFMyownknee!whenIwasaboutthyyears,Hal,Iwas


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notaneagle'staloninthewaist;Icouldhavecreptintoanyalderman'sthumb-ring:aplagueofsighingandgrief!itblowsamanuplikeabladder.There'svillanousnewsabroad:herewasSirJohnBracyfromyourfather;youmusttothecourtinthemorning.Thatsamemadfellowofthenorth,Percy,andheofWales,thatgaveAmamonthebastinadoandmadeLucifercuckoldandsworethedevilhistrueliegemanuponthecrossofaWelshhook--whataplaguecallyouhim?POINSO,Glendower.FALSTAFFOwen,Owen,thesame;andhisson-in-lawMortimer,andoldNorthumberland,andthatsprightlyScotofScots,Douglas,thatrunso'horsebackupahillperpendicular,--PRINCEHENRYHethatridesathighspeedandwithhispistolkillsasparrowflying.FALSTAFFYouhavehitit.PRINCEHENRYSodidheneverthesparrow.

FALSTAFFWell,thatrascalhathgoodmettleinhim;hewillnotrun.PRINCEHENRYWhy,whatarascalartthouthen,topraisehimsoforrunning!FALSTAFFO'horseback,yecuckoo;butafoothewillnotbudgeafoot.PRINCEHENRYYes,Jack,uponinstinct.FALSTAFFIgrantye,uponinstinct.Well,heistheretoo,andoneMordake,andathousandblue-capsmore:Worcesterisstolenawayto-night;thyfather's

beardisturnedwhitewiththenews:youmaybuylandnowascheapasstinkingmackerel.PRINCEHENRYWhy,then,itislike,iftherecomeahotJuneandthiscivilbuffetinghold,weshallbuymaidenheadsastheybuyhob-nails,bythehundreds.FALSTAFFBythemass,lad,thousayesttrue;itislikeweshallhavegoodtradingthatway.Buttellme,Hal,artnotthouhorribleafeard?thoubeingheir-apparent,couldtheworldpicktheeoutthreesuchenemiesagainasthatfiendDouglas,thatspiritPercy,andthatdevilGlendower?Artthou

nothorriblyafraid?dothnotthybloodthrillatit?PRINCEHENRYNotawhit,i'faith;Ilacksomeofthyinstinct.FALSTAFFWell,thouwertbehorriblychidtomorrowwhenthoucomesttothyfather:ifthouloveme,practiseananswer.PRINCEHENRYDothoustandformyfather,andexaminemeupontheparticularsofmylife.


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FALSTAFFShallI?content:thischairshallbemystate,thisdaggermysceptre,andthiscushionmycrown.PRINCEHENRYThystateistakenforajoined-stool,thygoldensceptreforaleadendagger,andthypreciousrichcrownforapitifulbaldcrown!FALSTAFFWell,anthefireofgracebenotquiteoutofthee,nowshaltthoubemoved.Givemeacupofsacktomakemyeyeslookred,thatitmaybethoughtIhavewept;forImustspeakinpassion,andIwilldoitinKingCambyses'vein.PRINCEHENRYWell,hereismyleg.FALSTAFFAndhereismyspeech.Standaside,nobility.HostessOJesu,thisisexcellentsport,i'faith!FALSTAFFWeepnot,sweetqueen;fortricklingtearsarevain.HostessO,thefather,howheholdshiscountenance!FALSTAFF

ForGod'ssake,lords,conveymytristfulqueen;Fortearsdostoptheflood-gatesofhereyes.HostessOJesu,hedothitaslikeoneoftheseharlotryplayersaseverIsee!FALSTAFFPeace,goodpint-pot;peace,goodtickle-brain.Harry,Idonotonlymarvelwherethouspendestthytime,butalsohowthouartaccompanied:forthoughthecamomile,themoreitistroddenonthefasteritgrows,yetyouth,themoreitiswastedthesooneritwears.Thatthouartmyson,Ihavepartlythymother'sword,partlymyownopinion,

butchieflyavillanoustrickofthineeyeandafoolish-hangingofthynetherlip,thatdothwarrantme.Ifthenthoubesontome,hereliesthepoint;why,beingsontome,artthousopointedat?Shalltheblessedsunofheavenproveamicherandeatblackberries?aquestionnottobeasked.ShallthesunofEnglandproveathiefandtakepurses?aquestiontobeasked.Thereisathing,Harry,whichthouhastoftenheardofanditisknowntomanyinourlandbythenameofpitch:thispitch,asancientwritersdoreport,dothdefile;sodoththecompanythoukeepest:for,Harry,nowIdonotspeaktotheeindrinkbutintears,notin

pleasurebutinpassion,notinwordsonly,butinwoesalso:andyetthereisavirtuousmanwhomIhaveoftennotedinthycompany,butIknownothisname.PRINCEHENRYWhatmannerofman,anitlikeyourmajesty?FALSTAFFAgoodlyportlyman,i'faith,andacorpulent;ofacheerfullook,apleasingeyeandamostnoblecarriage;and,asIthink,hisagesomefifty,or,by'rlady,incliningtothreescore;andnowI


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rememberme,hisnameisFalstaff:ifthatmanshouldbelewdlygiven,hedeceivethme;for,Harry,Iseevirtueinhislooks.Ifthenthetreemaybeknownbythefruit,asthefruitbythetree,then,peremptorilyIspeakit,thereisvirtueinthatFalstaff:himkeepwith,therestbanish.Andtellmenow,thounaughtyvarlet,tellme,wherehastthoubeenthismonth?PRINCEHENRYDostthouspeaklikeaking?Dothoustandforme,andI'llplaymyfather.FALSTAFFDeposeme?ifthoudostithalfsogravely,somajestically,bothinwordandmatter,hangmeupbytheheelsforarabbit-suckerorapoulter'share.PRINCEHENRYWell,hereIamset.FALSTAFFAndhereIstand:judge,mymasters.PRINCEHENRYNow,Harry,whencecomeyou?FALSTAFFMynoblelord,fromEastcheap.PRINCEHENRY

ThecomplaintsIhearoftheearegrievous.FALSTAFF'Sblood,mylord,theyarefalse:nay,I'lltickleyeforayoungprince,i'faith.PRINCEHENRYSwearestthou,ungraciousboy?henceforthne'erlookonme.Thouartviolentlycarriedawayfromgrace:thereisadevilhauntstheeinthelikenessofanoldfatman;atunofmanisthycompanion.Whydostthouconversewiththattrunkofhumours,thatbolting-hutchofbeastliness,thatswollenparcelofdropsies,thathugebombardofsack,thatstuffedcloak-bagofguts,thatroastedManningtreeoxwith

thepuddinginhisbelly,thatreverendvice,thatgreyiniquity,thatfatherruffian,thatvanityinyears?Whereinishegood,buttotastesackanddrinkit?whereinneatandcleanly,buttocarveacaponandeatit?whereincunning,butincraft?whereincrafty,butinvillany?whereinvillanous,butinallthings?whereinworthy,butinnothing?FALSTAFFIwouldyourgracewouldtakemewithyou:whommeansyourgrace?PRINCEHENRYThatvillanousabominablemisleaderofyouth,Falstaff,thatoldwhite-beardedSatan.

FALSTAFFMylord,themanIknow.PRINCEHENRYIknowthoudost.FALSTAFFButtosayIknowmoreharminhimthaninmyself,weretosaymorethanIknow.Thatheisold,themorethepity,hiswhitehairsdowitnessit;butthatheis,savingyourreverence,awhoremaster,thatIutterlydeny.Ifsackandsugarbeafault,


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Godhelpthewicked!iftobeoldandmerrybeasin,thenmanyanoldhostthatIknowisdamned:iftobefatbetobehated,thenPharaoh'sleankinearetobeloved.No,mygoodlord;banishPeto,banishBardolph,banishPoins:butforsweetJackFalstaff,kindJackFalstaff,trueJackFalstaff,valiantJackFalstaff,andthereforemorevaliant,being,asheis,oldJackFalstaff,banishnothimthyHarry'scompany,banishnothimthyHarry'scompany:banishplumpJack,andbanishalltheworld.PRINCEHENRYIdo,Iwill.AknockingheardExeuntHostess,FRANCIS,andBARDOLPHRe-enterBARDOLPH,runningBARDOLPHO,mylord,mylord!thesheriffwithamostmonstrouswatchisatthedoor.FALSTAFFOut,yerogue!Playouttheplay:IhavemuchtosayinthebehalfofthatFalstaff.Re-entertheHostessHostessOJesu,mylord,mylord!

PRINCEHENRYHeigh,heigh!thedevilridesuponafiddlestick:what'sthematter?HostessThesheriffandallthewatchareatthedoor:theyarecometosearchthehouse.ShallIletthemin?FALSTAFFDostthouhear,Hal?nevercallatruepieceofgoldacounterfeit:thouartessentiallymad,withoutseemingso.PRINCEHENRYAndthouanaturalcoward,withoutinstinct.FALSTAFF

Idenyyourmajor:ifyouwilldenythesheriff,so;ifnot,lethimenter:ifIbecomenotacartaswellasanotherman,aplagueonmybringingup!IhopeIshallassoonbestrangledwithahalterasanother.PRINCEHENRYGo,hidetheebehindthearras:therestwalkupabove.Now,mymasters,foratruefaceandgoodconscience.FALSTAFFBothwhichIhavehad:buttheirdateisout,andthereforeI'llhideme.PRINCEHENRYCallinthesheriff.

ExeuntallexceptPRINCEHENRYandPETOEnterSheriffandtheCarrierNow,mastersheriff,whatisyourwillwithme?SheriffFirst,pardonme,mylord.AhueandcryHathfollow'dcertainmenuntothishouse.PRINCEHENRYWhatmen?SheriffOneofthemiswellknown,mygraciouslord,


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Agrossfatman.CarrierAsfatasbutter.PRINCEHENRYTheman,Idoassureyou,isnothere;ForImyselfatthistimehaveemploy'dhim.And,sheriff,IwillengagemywordtotheeThatIwill,byto-morrowdinner-time,Sendhimtoanswerthee,oranyman,Foranythingheshallbechargedwithal:Andsoletmeentreatyouleavethehouse.SheriffIwill,mylord.TherearetwogentlemenHaveinthisrobberylostthreehundredmarks.PRINCEHENRYItmaybeso:ifhehaverobb'dthesemen,Heshallbeanswerable;andsofarewell.SheriffGoodnight,mynoblelord.PRINCEHENRYIthinkitisgoodmorrow,isitnot?SheriffIndeed,mylord,Ithinkitbetwoo'clock.ExeuntSheriffandCarrier

PRINCEHENRYThisoilyrascalisknownaswellasPaul's.Go,callhimforth.PETOFalstaff!--Fastasleepbehindthearras,andsnortinglikeahorse.PRINCEHENRYHark,howhardhefetchesbreath.Searchhispockets.Hesearchethhispockets,andfindethcertainpapersWhathastthoufound?PETONothingbutpapers,mylord.PRINCEHENRY

Let'sseewhattheybe:readthem.PETO[Reads]Item,Acapon,..2s.2d.Item,Sauce,...4d.Item,Sack,twogallons,5s.8d.Item,Anchoviesandsackaftersupper,2s.6d.Item,Bread,ob.PRINCEHENRYOmonstrous!butonehalf-penny-worthofbreadtothisintolerabledealofsack!Whatthereiselse,keepclose;we'llreaditatmoreadvantage:therelethimsleeptillday.I'lltothecourtinthemorning.Wemustalltothewars,andthyplace

shallbehonourable.I'llprocurethisfatrogueachargeoffoot;andIknowhisdeathwillbeamarchoftwelve-score.Themoneyshallbepaidbackagainwithadvantage.Bewithmebetimesinthemorning;andso,goodmorrow,Peto.ExeuntPETOGoodmorrow,goodmylord.ACTIIISCENEI.Bangor.TheArchdeacon'shouse.


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EnterHOTSPUR,WORCESTER,MORTIMER,andGLENDOWERMORTIMERThesepromisesarefair,thepartiessure,Andourinductionfullofprosperoushope.HOTSPURLordMortimer,andcousinGlendower,Willyousitdown?AnduncleWorcester:aplagueuponit!Ihaveforgotthemap.GLENDOWERNo,hereitis.Sit,cousinPercy;sit,goodcousinHotspur,ForbythatnameasoftasLancasterDothspeakofyou,hischeeklookspaleandwithArisingsighhewishethyouinheaven.HOTSPURAndyouinhell,asoftashehearsOwenGlendowerspokeof.GLENDOWERIcannotblamehim:atmynativityThefrontofheavenwasfulloffieryshapes,Ofburningcressets;andatmybirthTheframeandhugefoundationoftheearthShakedlikeacoward.HOTSPUR

Why,soitwouldhavedoneatthesameseason,ifyourmother'scathadbutkittened,thoughyourselfhadneverbeenborn.GLENDOWERIsaytheearthdidshakewhenIwasborn.HOTSPURAndIsaytheearthwasnotofmymind,Ifyousupposeasfearingyouitshook.GLENDOWERTheheavenswereallonfire,theearthdidtremble.HOTSPURO,thentheearthshooktoseetheheavensonfire,Andnotinfearofyournativity.

DiseasednatureoftentimesbreaksforthInstrangeeruptions;ofttheteemingearthIswithakindofcolicpinch'dandvex'dBytheimprisoningofunrulywindWithinherwomb;which,forenlargementstriving,ShakestheoldbeldamearthandtopplesdownSteeplesandmoss-growntowers.AtyourbirthOurgrandamearth,havingthisdistemperature,Inpassionshook.GLENDOWERCousin,ofmanymenIdonotbearthesecrossings.GivemeleaveTotellyouonceagainthatatmybirth

Thefrontofheavenwasfulloffieryshapes,Thegoatsranfromthemountains,andtheherdsWerestrangelyclamoroustothefrightedfields.Thesesignshavemark'dmeextraordinary;AndallthecoursesofmylifedoshowIamnotintherollofcommonmen.Whereisheliving,clipp'dinwiththeseaThatchidesthebanksofEngland,Scotland,Wales,Whichcallsmepupil,orhathreadtome?Andbringhimoutthatisbutwoman'sson


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CantracemeinthetediouswaysofartAndholdmepaceindeepexperiments.HOTSPURIthinkthere'snomanspeaksbetterWelsh.I'lltodinner.MORTIMERPeace,cousinPercy;youwillmakehimmad.GLENDOWERIcancallspiritsfromthevastydeep.HOTSPURWhy,socanI,orsocananyman;Butwilltheycomewhenyoudocallforthem?GLENDOWERWhy,Icanteachyou,cousin,tocommandThedevil.HOTSPURAndIcanteachthee,coz,toshamethedevilBytellingtruth:telltruthandshamethedevil.Ifthouhavepowertoraisehim,bringhimhither,AndI'llbeswornIhavepowertoshamehimhence.O,whileyoulive,telltruthandshamethedevil!MORTIMERCome,come,nomoreofthisunprofitablechat.GLENDOWER

ThreetimeshathHenryBolingbrokemadeheadAgainstmypower;thricefromthebanksofWyeAndsandy-bottom'dSevernhaveIsenthimBootlesshomeandweather-beatenback.HOTSPURHomewithoutboots,andinfoulweathertoo!How'scapesheagues,inthedevil'sname?GLENDOWERCome,here'sthemap:shallwedivideourrightAccordingtoourthreefoldorderta'en?MORTIMERThearchdeaconhathdivideditIntothreelimitsveryequally:

England,fromTrentandSevernhitherto,Bysouthandeastistomypartassign'd:Allwestward,WalesbeyondtheSevernshore,Andallthefertilelandwithinthatbound,ToOwenGlendower:and,dearcoz,toyouTheremnantnorthward,lyingofffromTrent.Andourindenturestripartitearedrawn;Whichbeingsealedinterchangeably,Abusinessthatthisnightmayexecute,To-morrow,cousinPercy,youandIAndmygoodLordofWorcesterwillsetforthTomeetyourfatherandtheScottishpower,Asisappointedus,atShrewsbury.

MyfatherGlendowerisnotreadyyet,Notshallweneedhishelpthesefourteendays.WithinthatspaceyoumayhavedrawntogetherYourtenants,friendsandneighbouringgentlemen.GLENDOWERAshortertimeshallsendmetoyou,lords:Andinmyconductshallyourladiescome;Fromwhomyounowmuststealandtakenoleave,FortherewillbeaworldofwatershedUponthepartingofyourwivesandyou.


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HOTSPURMethinksmymoiety,northfromBurtonhere,Inquantityequalsnotoneofyours:Seehowthisrivercomesmecrankingin,AndcutsmefromthebestofallmylandAhugehalf-moon,amonstrouscantleout.I'llhavethecurrentinthisplacedamm'dup;AndherethesmugandsilverTrentshallrunInanewchannel,fairandevenly;Itshallnotwindwithsuchadeepindent,Torobmeofsorichabottomhere.GLENDOWERNotwind?itshall,itmust;youseeitdoth.MORTIMERYea,butMarkhowhebearshiscourse,andrunsmeupWithlikeadvantageontheotherside;GeldingtheopposedcontinentasmuchAsontheothersideittakesfromyou.EARLOFWORCESTERYea,butalittlechargewilltrenchhimhereAndonthisnorthsidewinthiscapeofland;Andthenherunsstraightandeven.HOTSPUR

I'llhaveitso:alittlechargewilldoit.GLENDOWERI'llnothaveitalter'd.HOTSPURWillnotyou?GLENDOWERNo,noryoushallnot.HOTSPURWhoshallsaymenay?GLENDOWERWhy,thatwillI.HOTSPURLetmenotunderstandyou,then;speakitinWelsh.

GLENDOWERIcanspeakEnglish,lord,aswellasyou;ForIwastrain'dupintheEnglishcourt;Where,beingbutyoung,IframedtotheharpManyanEnglishdittylovelywellAndgavethetongueahelpfulornament,Avirtuethatwasneverseeninyou.HOTSPURMarry,AndIamgladofitwithallmyheart:IhadratherbeakittenandcrymewThanoneofthesesamemetreballad-mongers;Ihadratherhearabrazencanstickturn'd,

Oradrywheelgrateontheaxle-tree;Andthatwouldsetmyteethnothingonedge,Nothingsomuchasmincingpoetry:'Tisliketheforcedgaitofashufflingnag.GLENDOWERCome,youshallhaveTrentturn'd.HOTSPURIdonotcare:I'llgivethricesomuchlandToanywell-deservingfriend;Butinthewayofbargain,markyeme,


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I'llcavilontheninthpartofahair.Aretheindenturesdrawn?shallwebegone?GLENDOWERThemoonshinesfair;youmayawaybynight:I'llhastethewriterandwithalBreakwithyourwivesofyourdeparturehence:Iamafraidmydaughterwillrunmad,SomuchshedotethonherMortimer.ExitGLENDOWERMORTIMERFie,cousinPercy!howyoucrossmyfather!HOTSPURIcannotchoose:sometimeheangersmeWithtellingmeofthemouldwarpandtheant,OfthedreamerMerlinandhisprophecies,Andofadragonandafinlessfish,Aclip-wing'dgriffinandamoultenraven,Acouchinglionandarampingcat,Andsuchadealofskimble-skamblestuffAsputsmefrommyfaith.Itellyouwhat;HeheldmelastnightatleastninehoursInreckoninguptheseveraldevils'namesThatwerehislackeys:Icried'hum,'and'well,goto,'Butmark'dhimnotaword.O,heisastedious

Asatiredhorse,arailingwife;Worsethanasmokyhouse:IhadratherliveWithcheeseandgarlicinawindmill,far,ThanfeedoncatesandhavehimtalktomeInanysummer-houseinChristendom.MORTIMERInfaith,heisaworthygentleman,Exceedinglywellread,andprofitedInstrangeconcealments,valiantasalionAndaswondrousaffableandasbountifulAsminesofIndia.ShallItellyou,cousin?HeholdsyourtemperinahighrespectAndcurbshimselfevenofhisnaturalscope

Whenyoucome'crosshishumour;faith,hedoes:Iwarrantyou,thatmanisnotaliveMightsohavetemptedhimasyouhavedone,Withoutthetasteofdangerandreproof:Butdonotuseitoft,letmeentreatyou.EARLOFWORCESTERInfaith,mylord,youaretoowilful-blame;AndsinceyourcominghitherhavedoneenoughToputhimquitebesidehispatience.Youmustneedslearn,lord,toamendthisfault:Thoughsometimesitshowgreatness,courage,blood,--Andthat'sthedearestgraceitrendersyou,--Yetoftentimesitdothpresentharshrage,

Defectofmanners,wantofgovernment,Pride,haughtiness,opinionanddisdain:TheleastofwhichhauntinganoblemanLosethmen'sheartsandleavesbehindastainUponthebeautyofallpartsbesides,Beguilingthemofcommendation.HOTSPURWell,Iamschool'd:goodmannersbeyourspeed!Herecomeourwives,andletustakeourleave.Re-enterGLENDOWERwiththeladies


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MORTIMERThisisthedeadlyspitethatangersme;MywifecanspeaknoEnglish,InoWelsh.GLENDOWERMydaughterweeps:shewillnotpartwithyou;She'llbeasoldiertoo,she'lltothewars.MORTIMERGoodfather,tellherthatsheandmyauntPercyShallfollowinyourconductspeedily.GlendowerspeakstoherinWelsh,andsheanswershiminthesameGLENDOWERSheisdesperatehere;apeevishself-windharlotry,onethatnopersuasioncandogoodupon.TheladyspeaksinWelshMORTIMERIunderstandthylooks:thatprettyWelshWhichthoupour'stdownfromtheseswellingheavensIamtooperfectin;and,butforshame,InsuchaparleyshouldIanswerthee.TheladyspeaksagaininWelshIunderstandthykissesandthoumine,Andthat'safeelingdisputation:ButIwillneverbeatruant,love,TillIhavelearnedthylanguage;forthytongue

MakesWelshassweetasdittieshighlypenn'd,Sungbyafairqueeninasummer'sbower,Withravishingdivision,toherlute.GLENDOWERNay,ifyoumelt,thenwillsherunmad.TheladyspeaksagaininWelshMORTIMERO,Iamignoranceitselfinthis!GLENDOWERShebidsyouonthewantonrusheslayyoudownAndrestyourgentleheaduponherlap,AndshewillsingthesongthatpleasethyouAndonyoureyelidscrownthegodofsleep.

Charmingyourbloodwithpleasingheaviness,Makingsuchdifference'twixtwakeandsleepAsisthedifferencebetwixtdayandnightThehourbeforetheheavenly-harness'dteamBeginshisgoldenprogressintheeast.MORTIMERWithallmyheartI'llsitandhearhersing:Bythattimewillourbook,Ithink,bedrawnGLENDOWERDoso;AndthosemusiciansthatshallplaytoyouHangintheairathousandleaguesfromhence,Andstraighttheyshallbehere:sit,andattend.

HOTSPURCome,Kate,thouartperfectinlyingdown:come,quick,quick,thatImaylaymyheadinthylap.LADYPERCYGo,yegiddygoose.ThemusicplaysHOTSPURNowIperceivethedevilunderstandsWelsh;And'tisnomarvelheissohumorous.By'rlady,heisagoodmusician.


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LADYPERCYThenshouldyoubenothingbutmusicalforyouarealtogethergovernedbyhumours.Liestill,yethief,andheartheladysinginWelsh.HOTSPURIhadratherhearLady,mybrach,howlinIrish.LADYPERCYWouldstthouhavethyheadbroken?HOTSPURNo.LADYPERCYThenbestill.HOTSPURNeither;'tisawoman'sfault.LADYPERCYNowGodhelpthee!HOTSPURTotheWelshlady'sbed.LADYPERCYWhat'sthat?HOTSPURPeace!shesings.HeretheladysingsaWelshsongHOTSPUR

Come,Kate,I'llhaveyoursongtoo.LADYPERCYNotmine,ingoodsooth.HOTSPURNotyours,ingoodsooth!Heart!youswearlikeacomfit-maker'swife.'Notyou,ingoodsooth,'and'astrueasIlive,'and'asGodshallmendme,'and'assureasday,'Andgivestsuchsarcenetsuretyforthyoaths,Asifthouneverwalk'stfurtherthanFinsbury.Swearme,Kate,likealadyasthouart,Agoodmouth-fillingoath,andleave'insooth,'Andsuchprotestofpepper-gingerbread,

Tovelvet-guardsandSunday-citizens.Come,sing.LADYPERCYIwillnotsing.HOTSPUR'Tisthenextwaytoturntailor,orbered-breastteacher.Antheindenturesbedrawn,I'llawaywithinthesetwohours;andso,comeinwhenyewill.ExitGLENDOWERCome,come,LordMortimer;youareasslowAshotLordPercyisonfiretogo.Bythisourbookisdrawn;we'llbutseal,

Andthentohorseimmediately.MORTIMERWithallmyheart.ExeuntSCENEII.London.Thepalace.EnterKINGHENRYIV,PRINCEHENRY,andothersKINGHENRYIVLords,giveusleave;thePrinceofWalesandIMusthavesomeprivateconference;butbenearathand,Forweshallpresentlyhaveneedofyou.


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ExeuntLordsIknownotwhetherGodwillhaveitso,ForsomedispleasingserviceIhavedone,That,inhissecretdoom,outofmybloodHe'llbreedrevengementandascourgeforme;ButthoudostinthypassagesoflifeMakemebelievethatthouartonlymark'dForthehotvengeanceandtherodofheavenTopunishmymistreadings.Tellmeelse,Couldsuchinordinateandlowdesires,Suchpoor,suchbare,suchlewd,suchmeanattempts,Suchbarrenpleasures,rudesociety,Asthouartmatch'dwithalandgraftedto,AccompanythegreatnessofthybloodAndholdtheirlevelwiththyprincelyheart?PRINCEHENRYSopleaseyourmajesty,IwouldIcouldQuitalloffenceswithasclearexcuseAswellasIamdoubtlessIcanpurgeMyselfofmanyIamchargedwithal:Yetsuchextenuationletmebeg,As,inreproofofmanytalesdevised,whichofttheearofgreatnessneedsmusthear,Bysmilingpick-thanksandbasenews-mongers,

Imay,forsomethingstrue,whereinmyyouthHathfaultywander'dandirregular,Findpardononmytruesubmission.KINGHENRYIVGodpardonthee!yetletmewonder,Harry,Atthyaffections,whichdoholdawingQuitefromtheflightofallthyancestors.Thyplaceincouncilthouhastrudelylost.Whichbythyyoungerbrotherissupplied,AndartalmostanalientotheheartsOfallthecourtandprincesofmyblood:ThehopeandexpectationofthytimeIsruin'd,andthesoulofeveryman

Propheticallydothforethinkthyfall.HadIsolavishofmypresencebeen,Socommon-hackney'dintheeyesofmen,Sostaleandcheaptovulgarcompany,Opinion,thatdidhelpmetothecrown,HadstillkeptloyaltopossessionAndleftmeinreputelessbanishment,Afellowofnomarknorlikelihood.Bybeingseldomseen,IcouldnotstirButlikeacometIwaswonder'dat;Thatmenwouldtelltheirchildren'Thisishe;'Otherswouldsay'Where,whichisBolingbroke?'AndthenIstoleallcourtesyfromheaven,

Anddress'dmyselfinsuchhumilityThatIdidpluckallegiancefrommen'shearts,Loudshoutsandsalutationsfromtheirmouths,Eveninthepresenceofthecrownedking.ThusdidIkeepmypersonfreshandnew;Mypresence,likearobepontifical,Ne'erseenbutwonder'dat:andsomystate,Seldombutsumptuous,showedlikeafeastAndwonbyrarenesssuchsolemnity.Theskippingking,heambledupanddown


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Withshallowjestersandrashbavinwits,Soonkindledandsoonburnt;cardedhisstate,Mingledhisroyaltywithcaperingfools,HadhisgreatnameprofanedwiththeirscornsAndgavehiscountenance,againsthisname,TolaughatgibingboysandstandthepushOfeverybeardlessvaincomparative,Grewacompaniontothecommonstreets,Enfeoff'dhimselftopopularity;That,beingdailyswallow'dbymen'seyes,TheysurfeitedwithhoneyandbeganToloathethetasteofsweetness,whereofalittleMorethanalittleisbymuchtoomuch.Sowhenhehadoccasiontobeseen,HewasbutasthecuckooisinJune,Heard,notregarded;seen,butwithsucheyesAs,sickandbluntedwithcommunity,Affordnoextraordinarygaze,Suchasisbentonsun-likemajestyWhenitshinesseldominadmiringeyes;Butratherdrowzedandhungtheireyelidsdown,Sleptinhisfaceandrender'dsuchaspectAscloudymenusetotheiradversaries,Beingwithhispresenceglutted,gorgedandfull.

Andinthatveryline,Harry,standestthou;ForthouhaslostthyprincelyprivilegeWithvileparticipation:notaneyeButisa-wearyofthycommonsight,Savemine,whichhathdesiredtoseetheemore;WhichnowdoththatIwouldnothaveitdo,Makeblinditselfwithfoolishtenderness.PRINCEHENRYIshallhereafter,mythricegraciouslord,Bemoremyself.KINGHENRYIVForalltheworldAsthouarttothishourwasRichardthen

WhenIfromFrancesetfootatRavenspurgh,AndevenasIwasthenisPercynow.Now,bymysceptreandmysoultoboot,HehathmoreworthyinteresttothestateThanthoutheshadowofsuccession;Forofnoright,norcolourliketoright,Hedothfillfieldswithharnessintherealm,Turnsheadagainstthelion'sarmedjaws,And,beingnomoreindebttoyearsthanthou,LeadsancientlordsandreverendbishopsonTobloodybattlesandtobruisingarms.Whatnever-dyinghonourhathhegotAgainstrenownedDouglas!whosehighdeeds,

WhosehotincursionsandgreatnameinarmsHoldsfromallsoldierschiefmajorityAndmilitarytitlecapitalThroughallthekingdomsthatacknowledgeChrist:ThricehaththisHotspur,Marsinswathlingclothes,Thisinfantwarrior,inhisenterprisesDiscomfitedgreatDouglas,ta'enhimonce,Enlargedhimandmadeafriendofhim,TofillthemouthofdeepdefianceupAndshakethepeaceandsafetyofourthrone.


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Andwhatsayyoutothis?Percy,Northumberland,TheArchbishop'sgraceofYork,Douglas,Mortimer,Capitulateagainstusandareup.ButwhereforedoItellthesenewstothee?Why,Harry,doItelltheeofmyfoes,Whichartmynear'standdearestenemy?Thouthatartlikeenough,throughvassalfear,BaseinclinationandthestartofspleenTofightagainstmeunderPercy'spay,Todoghisheelsandcurtsyathisfrowns,Toshowhowmuchthouartdegenerate.PRINCEHENRYDonotthinkso;youshallnotfinditso:AndGodforgivethemthatsomuchhavesway'dYourmajesty'sgoodthoughtsawayfromme!IwillredeemallthisonPercy'sheadAndintheclosingofsomegloriousdayBeboldtotellyouthatIamyourson;WhenIwillwearagarmentallofbloodAndstainmyfavoursinabloodymask,Which,wash'daway,shallscourmyshamewithit:Andthatshallbetheday,whene'eritlights,Thatthissamechildofhonourandrenown,ThisgallantHotspur,thisall-praisedknight,

Andyourunthought-ofHarrychancetomeet.Foreveryhonoursittingonhishelm,Wouldtheyweremultitudes,andonmyheadMyshamesredoubled!forthetimewillcome,ThatIshallmakethisnorthernyouthexchangeHisgloriousdeedsformyindignities.Percyisbutmyfactor,goodmylord,Toengrossupgloriousdeedsonmybehalf;AndIwillcallhimtosostrictaccount,Thatheshallrendereverygloryup,Yea,eventheslightestworshipofhistime,OrIwilltearthereckoningfromhisheart.This,inthenameofGod,Ipromisehere:

ThewhichifHebepleasedIshallperform,IdobeseechyourmajestymaysalveThelong-grownwoundsofmyintemperance:Ifnot,theendoflifecancelsallbands;AndIwilldieahundredthousanddeathsErebreakthesmallestparcelofthisvow.KINGHENRYIVAhundredthousandrebelsdieinthis:Thoushalthavechargeandsovereigntrustherein.EnterBLUNTHownow,goodBlunt?thylooksarefullofspeed.SIRWALTERBLUNTSohaththebusinessthatIcometospeakof.

LordMortimerofScotlandhathsentwordThatDouglasandtheEnglishrebelsmetTheeleventhofthismonthatShrewsburyAmightyandafearfulheadtheyare,Ifpromisesbekeptoneveryhand,Aseveroffer'dfoulplayinthestate.KINGHENRYIVTheEarlofWestmorelandsetforthto-day;Withhimmyson,LordJohnofLancaster;Forthisadvertisementisfivedaysold:


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OnWednesdaynext,Harry,youshallsetforward;OnThursdayweourselveswillmarch:ourmeetingIsBridgenorth:and,Harry,youshallmarchThroughGloucestershire;bywhichaccount,Ourbusinessvalued,sometwelvedayshenceOurgeneralforcesatBridgenorthshallmeet.Ourhandsarefullofbusiness:let'saway;Advantagefeedshimfat,whilemendelay.ExeuntSceneIIIEastcheap.TheBoar's-HeadTavern.EnterFALSTAFFandBARDOLPHFALSTAFFBardolph,amInotfallenawayvilelysincethislastaction?doInotbate?doInotdwindle?Whymyskinhangsaboutmelikeanlikeanoldlady'sloosegown;Iamwitheredlikeanoldapple-john.Well,I'llrepent,andthatsuddenly,whileIaminsomeliking;Ishallbeoutofheartshortly,andthenIshallhavenostrengthtorepent.AnIhavenotforgottenwhattheinsideofachurchismadeof,Iamapeppercorn,abrewer'shorse:theinsideofachurch!Company,villanouscompany,hathbeenthespoilofme.

BARDOLPHSirJohn,youaresofretful,youcannotlivelong.FALSTAFFWhy,thereisit:comesingmeabawdysong;makememerry.Iwasasvirtuouslygivenasagentlemanneedtobe;virtuousenough;sworelittle;dicednotaboveseventimesaweek;wenttoabawdy-houseonceinaquarter--ofanhour;paidmoneythatIborrowed,threeoffourtimes;livedwellandingoodcompass:andnowIliveoutofallorder,outofallcompass.BARDOLPHWhy,youaresofat,SirJohn,thatyoumustneeds

beoutofallcompass,outofallreasonablecompass,SirJohn.FALSTAFFDothouamendthyface,andI'llamendmylife:thouartouradmiral,thoubearestthelanterninthepoop,but'tisinthenoseofthee;thouarttheKnightoftheBurningLamp.BARDOLPHWhy,SirJohn,myfacedoesyounoharm.FALSTAFFNo,I'llbesworn;ImakeasgooduseofitasmanyamandothofaDeath's-headoramementomori:IneverseethyfacebutIthinkuponhell-fireand

Divesthatlivedinpurple;forthereheisinhisrobes,burning,burning.Ifthouwertanywaygiventovirtue,Iwouldswearbythyface;myoathshouldbe'Bythisfire,that'sGod'sangel:'butthouartaltogethergivenover;andwertindeed,butforthelightinthyface,thesonofutterdarkness.WhenthourannestupGadshillinthenighttocatchmyhorse,ifIdidnotthinkthouhadstbeenanignisfatuusoraballofwildfire,there'snopurchaseinmoney.O,thouarta


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perpetualtriumph,aneverlastingbonfire-light!Thouhastsavedmeathousandmarksinlinksandtorches,walkingwiththeeinthenightbetwixttavernandtavern:butthesackthatthouhastdrunkmewouldhaveboughtmelightsasgoodcheapatthedearestchandler'sinEurope.Ihavemaintainedthatsalamanderofyourswithfireanytimethistwoandthirtyyears;Godrewardmeforit!BARDOLPH'Sblood,Iwouldmyfacewereinyourbelly!FALSTAFFGod-a-mercy!soshouldIbesuretobeheart-burned.EnterHostessHownow,DamePartletthehen!haveyouinquiredyetwhopickedmypocket?HostessWhy,SirJohn,whatdoyouthink,SirJohn?doyouthinkIkeepthievesinmyhouse?Ihavesearched,Ihaveinquired,sohasmyhusband,manbyman,boybyboy,servantbyservant:thetitheofahairwasneverlostinmyhousebefore.FALSTAFFYelie,hostess:Bardolphwasshavedandlostmany

ahair;andI'llbeswornmypocketwaspicked.Goto,youareawoman,go.HostessWho,I?no;Idefythee:God'slight,Iwasnevercalledsoinmineownhousebefore.FALSTAFFGoto,Iknowyouwellenough.HostessNo,SirJohn;Youdonotknowme,SirJohn.Iknowyou,SirJohn:youowememoney,SirJohn;andnowyoupickaquarreltobeguilemeofit:Iboughtyouadozenofshirtstoyourback.FALSTAFF

Dowlas,filthydowlas:Ihavegiventhemawaytobakers'wives,andtheyhavemadeboltersofthem.HostessNow,asIamatruewoman,hollandofeightshillingsanell.Youowemoneyherebesides,SirJohn,foryourdietandby-drinkings,andmoneylentyou,fourandtwentypound.FALSTAFFHehadhispartofit;lethimpay.HostessHe?alas,heispoor;hehathnothing.FALSTAFFHow!poor?lookuponhisface;whatcallyourich?

letthemcoinhisnose,letthemcoinhischeeks:Illnotpayadenier.What,willyoumakeayounkerofme?shallInottakeminecaseinmineinnbutIshallhavemypocketpicked?Ihavelostaseal-ringofmygrandfather'sworthfortymark.HostessOJesu,Ihaveheardtheprincetellhim,Iknownothowoft,thatringwascopper!FALSTAFFHow!theprinceisaJack,asneak-cup:'sblood,an


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hewerehere,Iwouldcudgelhimlikeadog,ifhewouldsayso.EnterPRINCEHENRYandPETO,marching,andFALSTAFFmeetsthemplayingonhistruncheonlikealifeHownow,lad!isthewindinthatdoor,i'faith?mustweallmarch?BARDOLPHYea,twoandtwo,Newgatefashion.HostessMylord,Iprayyou,hearme.PRINCEHENRYWhatsayestthou,MistressQuickly?Howdoththyhusband?Ilovehimwell;heisanhonestman.HostessGoodmylord,hearme.FALSTAFFPrithee,letheralone,andlisttome.PRINCEHENRYWhatsayestthou,Jack?FALSTAFFTheothernightIfellasleepherebehindthearrasandhadmypocketpicked:thishouseisturnedbawdy-house;theypickpockets.PRINCEHENRY

Whatdidstthoulose,Jack?FALSTAFFWiltthoubelieveme,Hal?threeorfourbondsoffortypoundapiece,andaseal-ringofmygrandfather's.PRINCEHENRYAtrifle,someeight-pennymatter.HostessSoItoldhim,mylord;andIsaidIheardyourgracesayso:and,mylord,hespeaksmostvilelyofyou,likeafoul-mouthedmanasheis;andsaidhewouldcudgelyou.PRINCEHENRY

What!hedidnot?HostessThere'sneitherfaith,truth,norwomanhoodinmeelse.FALSTAFFThere'snomorefaithintheethaninastewedprune;nornomoretruthintheethaninadrawnfox;andforwomanhood,MaidMarianmaybethedeputy'swifeofthewardtothee.Go,youthing,goHostessSay,whatthing?whatthing?FALSTAFFWhatthing!why,athingtothankGodon.

HostessIamnothingtothankGodon,Iwouldthoushouldstknowit;Iamanhonestman'swife:and,settingthyknighthoodaside,thouartaknavetocallmeso.FALSTAFFSettingthywomanhoodaside,thouartabeasttosayotherwise.HostessSay,whatbeast,thouknave,thou?


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FALSTAFFWhatbeast!why,anotter.PRINCEHENRYAnotter,SirJohn!Whyanotter?FALSTAFFWhy,she'sneitherfishnorflesh;amanknowsnotwheretohaveher.HostessThouartanunjustmaninsayingso:thouoranymanknowswheretohaveme,thouknave,thou!PRINCEHENRYThousayesttrue,hostess;andheslanderstheemostgrossly.HostessSohedothyou,mylord;andsaidthisotherdayyououghthimathousandpound.PRINCEHENRYSirrah,doIoweyouathousandpound?FALSTAFFAthousandpound,Ha!amillion:thyloveisworthamillion:thouowestmethylove.HostessNay,mylord,hecalledyouJack,andsaidhewouldcudgelyou.FALSTAFF

DidI,Bardolph?BARDOLPHIndeed,SirJohn,yousaidso.FALSTAFFYea,ifhesaidmyringwascopper.PRINCEHENRYIsay'tiscopper:darestthoubeasgoodasthywordnow?FALSTAFFWhy,Hal,thouknowest,asthouartbutman,Idare:butasthouartprince,IfeartheeasIfeartheroaringofalion'swhelp.PRINCEHENRYAndwhynotasthelion?

FALSTAFFThekingistobefearedasthelion:dostthouthinkI'llfeartheeasIfearthyfather?nay,anIdo,IprayGodmygirdlebreak.PRINCEHENRYO,ifitshould,howwouldthygutsfallaboutthyknees!But,sirrah,there'snoroomforfaith,truth,norhonestyinthisbosomofthine;itisallfilledupwithgutsandmidriff.Chargeanhonestwomanwithpickingthypocket!why,thouwhoreson,impudent,embossedrascal,iftherewereanythinginthypocketbuttavern-reckonings,memorandumsofbawdy-houses,andonepoorpenny-worthof

sugar-candytomaketheelong-winded,ifthypocketwereenrichedwithanyotherinjuriesbutthese,Iamavillain:andyetyouwillstandtoif;youwillnotpocketupwrong:artthounotashamed?FALSTAFFDostthouhear,Hal?thouknowestinthestateofinnocencyAdamfell;andwhatshouldpoorJackFalstaffdointhedaysofvillany?ThouseestIhavemorefleshthananotherman,andthereforemorefrailty.Youconfessthen,youpickedmypocket?


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PRINCEHENRYItappearssobythestory.FALSTAFFHostess,Iforgivethee:go,makereadybreakfast;lovethyhusband,looktothyservants,cherishthyguests:thoushaltfindmetractabletoanyhonestreason:thouseestIampacifiedstill.Nay,prithee,begone.ExitHostessNowHal,tothenewsatcourt:fortherobbery,lad,howisthatanswered?PRINCEHENRYO,mysweetbeef,Imuststillbegoodangeltothee:themoneyispaidbackagain.FALSTAFFO,Idonotlikethatpayingback;'tisadoublelabour.PRINCEHENRYIamgoodfriendswithmyfatherandmaydoanything.FALSTAFFRobmetheexchequerthefirstthingthoudoest,anddoitwithunwashedhandstoo.BARDOLPHDo,mylord.PRINCEHENRY

Ihaveprocuredthee,Jack,achargeoffoot.FALSTAFFIwouldithadbeenofhorse.WhereshallIfindonethatcanstealwell?Oforafinethief,oftheageoftwoandtwentyorthereabouts!Iamheinouslyunprovided.Well,Godbethankedfortheserebels,theyoffendnonebutthevirtuous:Ilaudthem,Ipraisethem.PRINCEHENRYBardolph!BARDOLPHMylord?PRINCEHENRY

GobearthislettertoLordJohnofLancaster,tomybrotherJohn;thistomyLordofWestmoreland.ExitBardolphGo,Peto,tohorse,tohorse;forthouandIhavethirtymilestorideyeteredinnertime.ExitPetoJack,meetmeto-morrowinthetemplehallattwoo'clockintheafternoon.Thereshaltthouknowthycharge;andtherereceiveMoneyandorderfortheirfurniture.Thelandisburning;Percystandsonhigh;Andeitherweortheymustlowerlie.ExitPRINCEHENRY

FALSTAFFRarewords!braveworld!Hostess,mybreakfast,come!O,Icouldwishthistavernweremydrum!ExitACTIVSCENEI.TherebelcampnearShrewsbury.EnterHOTSPUR,WORCESTER,andDOUGLASHOTSPURWellsaid,mynobleScot:ifspeakingtruthInthisfineagewerenotthoughtflattery,


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Onthenicehazardofonedoubtfulhour?Itwerenotgood;forthereinshouldwereadTheverybottomandthesoulofhope,Theverylist,theveryutmostboundOfallourfortunes.EARLOFDOUGLAS'Faith,andsoweshould;Wherenowremainsasweetreversion:WemayboldlyspenduponthehopeofwhatIstocomein:Acomfortofretirementlivesinthis.HOTSPURArendezvous,ahometoflyunto.IfthatthedevilandmischancelookbigUponthemaidenheadofouraffairs.EARLOFWORCESTERButyetIwouldyourfatherhadbeenhere.ThequalityandhairofourattemptBrooksnodivision:itwillbethoughtBysome,thatknownotwhyheisaway,Thatwisdom,loyaltyandmeredislikeOfourproceedingskepttheearlfromhence:AndthinkhowsuchanapprehensionMayturnthetideoffearfulfaction

Andbreedakindofquestioninourcause;ForwellyouknowweoftheofferingsideMustkeepalooffromstrictarbitrement,Andstopallsight-holes,everyloopfromwhenceTheeyeofreasonmaypryinuponus:Thisabsenceofyourfather'sdrawsacurtain,ThatshowstheignorantakindoffearBeforenotdreamtof.HOTSPURYoustraintoofar.Iratherofhisabsencemakethisuse:Itlendsalustreandmoregreatopinion,Alargerdaretoourgreatenterprise,

Thaniftheearlwerehere;formenmustthink,IfwewithouthishelpcanmakeaheadTopushagainstakingdom,withhishelpWeshallo'erturnittopsy-turvydown.Yetallgoeswell,yetallourjointsarewhole.EARLOFDOUGLASAsheartcanthink:thereisnotsuchawordSpokeofinScotlandasthistermoffear.EnterSIRRICHARDVERNONHOTSPURMycousinVernon,welcome,bymysoul.VERNONPrayGodmynewsbeworthawelcome,lord.

TheEarlofWestmoreland,seventhousandstrong,Ismarchinghitherwards;withhimPrinceJohn.HOTSPURNoharm:whatmore?VERNONAndfurther,Ihavelearn'd,Thekinghimselfinpersonissetforth,Orhitherwardsintendedspeedily,Withstrongandmightypreparation.HOTSPUR


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Heshallbewelcometoo.Whereishisson,Thenimble-footedmadcapPrinceofWales,Andhiscomrades,thatdaff'dtheworldaside,Andbiditpass?VERNONAllfurnish'd,allinarms;AllplumedlikeestridgesthatwiththewindBaitedlikeeagleshavinglatelybathed;Glitteringingoldencoats,likeimages;AsfullofspiritasthemonthofMay,Andgorgeousasthesunatmidsummer;Wantonasyouthfulgoats,wildasyoungbulls.IsawyoungHarry,withhisbeaveron,Hiscuissesonhisthighs,gallantlyarm'dRisefromthegroundlikefeather'dMercury,Andvaultedwithsucheaseintohisseat,Asifanangeldropp'ddownfromtheclouds,ToturnandwindafieryPegasusAndwitchtheworldwithnoblehorsemanship.HOTSPURNomore,nomore:worsethanthesuninMarch,Thispraisedothnourishagues.Letthemcome:Theycomelikesacrificesintheirtrim,Andtothefire-eyedmaidofsmokywar

Allhotandbleedingwillweofferthem:ThemailedMarsshallonhisaltarsitUptotheearsinblood.IamonfireTohearthisrichreprisalissonighAndyetnotours.Come,letmetastemyhorse,WhoistobearmelikeathunderboltAgainstthebosomofthePrinceofWales:HarrytoHarryshall,hothorsetohorse,Meetandne'erparttillonedropdownacorse.OthatGlendowerwerecome!VERNONThereismorenews:Ilearn'dinWorcester,asIrodealong,

Hecannotdrawhispowerthisfourteendays.EARLOFDOUGLASThat'stheworsttidingsthatIhearofyet.WORCESTERAy,bymyfaith,thatbearsafrostysound.HOTSPURWhatmaytheking'swholebattlereachunto?VERNONTothirtythousand.HOTSPURFortyletitbe:MyfatherandGlendowerbeingbothaway,Thepowersofusmayservesogreataday

Come,letustakeamusterspeedily:Doomsdayisnear;dieall,diemerrily.EARLOFDOUGLASTalknotofdying:IamoutoffearOfdeathordeath'shandforthisone-halfyear.ExeuntSCENEII.ApublicroadnearCoventry.EnterFALSTAFFandBARDOLPHFALSTAFFBardolph,gettheebeforetoCoventry;fillmea


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bottleofsack:oursoldiersshallmarchthrough;we'lltoSuttonCo'fil'tonight.BARDOLPHWillyougivememoney,captain?FALSTAFFLayout,layout.BARDOLPHThisbottlemakesanangel.FALSTAFFAnifitdo,takeitforthylabour;andifitmaketwenty,takethemall;I'llanswerthecoinage.BidmylieutenantPetomeetmeattown'send.BARDOLPHIwill,captain:farewell.ExitFALSTAFFIfIbenotashamedofmysoldiers,Iamasousedgurnet.Ihavemisusedtheking'spressdamnably.Ihavegot,inexchangeofahundredandfiftysoldiers,threehundredandoddpounds.Ipressmenonebutgoodhouse-holders,yeoman'ssons;inquiremeoutcontractedbachelors,suchashadbeenaskedtwiceonthebanns;suchacommodityofwarmslaves,ashadaslievehearthedevilasadrum;suchas

fearthereportofacaliverworsethanastruckfowlorahurtwild-duck.Ipressedmenonebutsuchtoasts-and-butter,withheartsintheirbelliesnobiggerthanpins'heads,andtheyhaveboughtouttheirservices;andnowmywholechargeconsistsofancients,corporals,lieutenants,gentlemenofcompanies,slavesasraggedasLazarusinthepaintedcloth,wheretheglutton'sdogslickedhissores;andsuchasindeedwereneversoldiers,butdiscardedunjustserving-men,youngersonstoyoungerbrothers,revoltedtapstersandostlerstrade-fallen,thecankersofacalmworldandalongpeace,tentimesmoredishonourableraggedthan

anoldfacedancient:andsuchhaveI,tofilluptheroomsofthemthathaveboughtouttheirservices,thatyouwouldthinkthatIhadahundredandfiftytatteredprodigalslatelycomefromswine-keeping,fromeatingdraffandhusks.AmadfellowmetmeonthewayandtoldmeIhadunloadedallthegibbetsandpressedthedeadbodies.Noeyehathseensuchscarecrows.I'llnotmarchthroughCoventrywiththem,that'sflat:nay,andthevillainsmarchwidebetwixtthelegs,asiftheyhadgyveson;forindeedIhadthemostofthemoutofprison.There'sbutashirtandahalfinallmycompany;andthehalfshirtistwonapkinstacked

togetherandthrownovertheshoulderslikeanherald'scoatwithoutsleeves;andtheshirt,tosaythetruth,stolenfrommyhostatSaintAlban's,orthered-noseinnkeeperofDaventry.Butthat'sallone;they'llfindlinenenoughoneveryhedge.EnterthePRINCEandWESTMORELANDPRINCEHENRYHownow,blownJack!hownow,quilt!FALSTAFFWhat,Hal!hownow,madwag!whatadevildostthou


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inWarwickshire?MygoodLordofWestmoreland,Icryyoumercy:IthoughtyourhonourhadalreadybeenatShrewsbury.WESTMORELANDFaith,SirJohn,'tismorethantimethatIwerethere,andyoutoo;butmypowersaretherealready.Theking,Icantellyou,looksforusall:wemustawayallnight.FALSTAFFTut,neverfearme:Iamasvigilantasacattostealcream.PRINCEHENRYIthink,tostealcreamindeed,forthythefthathalreadymadetheebutter.Buttellme,Jack,whosefellowsarethesethatcomeafter?FALSTAFFMine,Hal,mine.PRINCEHENRYIdidneverseesuchpitifulrascals.FALSTAFFTut,tut;goodenoughtotoss;foodforpowder,foodforpowder;they'llfillapitaswellasbetter:tush,man,mortalmen,mortalmen.WESTMORELAND

Ay,but,SirJohn,methinkstheyareexceedingpoorandbare,toobeggarly.FALSTAFF'Faith,fortheirpoverty,Iknownotwheretheyhadthat;andfortheirbareness,Iamsuretheyneverlearnedthatofme.PRINCEHENRYNoI'llbesworn;unlessyoucallthreefingersontheribsbare.But,sirrah,makehaste:Percyisalreadyinthefield.FALSTAFFWhat,isthekingencamped?WESTMORELAND

Heis,SirJohn:Ifearweshallstaytoolong.FALSTAFFWell,TothelatterendofafrayandthebeginningofafeastFitsadullfighterandakeenguest.ExeuntSCENEIII.TherebelcampnearShrewsbury.EnterHOTSPUR,WORCESTER,DOUGLAS,andVERNONHOTSPURWe'llfightwithhimto-night.EARLOFWORCESTERItmaynotbe.EARLOFDOUGLAS

Yougivehimthentheadvantage.VERNONNotawhit.HOTSPURWhysayyouso?lookshenotforsupply?VERNONSodowe.HOTSPURHisiscertain,oursisdoubtful.EARLOFWORCESTER


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Goodcousin,beadvised;stirnottonight.VERNONDonot,mylord.EARLOFDOUGLASYoudonotcounselwell:Youspeakitoutoffearandcoldheart.VERNONDomenoslander,Douglas:bymylife,AndIdarewellmaintainitwithmylife,Ifwell-respectedhonourbidmeon,IholdaslittlecounselwithweakfearAsyou,mylord,oranyScotthatthisdaylives:Letitbeseento-morrowinthebattleWhichofusfears.EARLOFDOUGLASYea,orto-night.VERNONContent.HOTSPURTo-night,sayI.VERNONCome,comeitnaynotbe.Iwondermuch,Beingmenofsuchgreatleadingasyouare,Thatyouforeseenotwhatimpediments

Dragbackourexpedition:certainhorseOfmycousinVernon'sarenotyetcomeup:YouruncleWorcester'shorsecamebuttoday;Andnowtheirprideandmettleisasleep,Theircouragewithhardlabourtameanddull,Thatnotahorseishalfthehalfofhimself.HOTSPURSoarethehorsesoftheenemyIngeneral,journey-batedandbroughtlow:Thebetterpartofoursarefullofrest.EARLOFWORCESTERThenumberofthekingexceedethours:ForGod'ssake.cousin,staytillallcomein.

ThetrumpetsoundsaparleyEnt

william shakespeare - henry iv, part 1

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