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€.  i^.'dx^.  (fi.  ;>i^,,,;^i^ 


COLl.feOT.fiW 


V 


>^    ^.    ^-^v 


THE 


PLAYS 


O  F 


WILI-IAM  SHAKESPEARE. 


VoE.f^ 


THE 


L    A     Y    S 


O    F 


WILLIAM    SHAKESPEARE. 


VOLUME   the  FIFTH, 


CONTAINING) 

KING  JOHN. 
KING  RICHARD  n. 
KING  HENRY  IV.  Part  I. 
KING  HENRTIV.  Part  II. 


LONDON: 

Irbted  for  C.  Batbv&st,  J,  Bibcropt,  W,  Strahak,  J.^ 
and  F«  RiviNOTOir»    J.  Hinton»   L.  Davis,    Hawbs, 

CtARKB    and    C0LLIK8»    R.    H0RSPIBLD9   W.    JOHNtTOM, 

W.'OwBw.  T«  Caslon,  £.  Johnson,  S.  Crowdbr,  B. 
Writs,  T. 'Loiioman»  B.  Law,  E.  And  C.  Dillt,  C. 
CoRBBTT,  W.  GRirpm,  T.  Caobll,  W,  Woodpall,  6. 
IbiTB,  T.  LowvDBt,  T.  Datibs,  J.  RoBtov,  T.  Beckbt, 
F.  Nbwsskt,  O.  Robinsov,  T«  Patkb»  J.  Williams, 

II.  lb«0«f  T««»  ttd  J.  RiDLBT, 


TuE  NEW  vauK. 
IfUBLlC  LIBRARV] 

47170A 

■    ASrOR.  LENOX  AND 
ITILDBN  rOWPATlONSl 

lt«2  L 


THE 


LIFE  AND  DEATH 


O  F 


KING     J  O  il  N. 


Voi.V. 


Peribns  Repreiented. 

King  JOHN. 

Prince  Henry,  fon  to  the  king. 

Arthur,  duke  of  Bretagne^  and  nephew  to  the  king. 

Pembroke,     ")  / 

Effcx,  I 

Salilbury,        >  Englijh  lords. 

Hubert,  I 

Bigot,  J 

Faulconbridge,  baftardfon  to  Richard  the  Firji. 

Robert  Faulconbridge,  fuppofd  brother  to  the  bajlard. 

James  Gurney,  fervant  to  the  lady  Faulconbridge. 

Peter  of  Pomfret,  a  prophet. 

Philip,  king  of  France. 

Lewis,  the  dauphin. 

Arch-duke  of  Auftria. 

Card.  Pandulpho,  the  popis  legate. 

Melun,  a  French  lord. 

Chatillion,  ambaffador  from  France  to  king  John. 

Elinor,  queen-mother  of  England. 

Conftance,  mother  to  Arthur. 

Blanch,  daughter  to  Alphonfo  king  of  Caftile^  and  niece 

to  king  John. 
Lady  Faulconbridge,  mother  to  the  baftard,  a)id  Robert 

Faulconbridge. 

Citizens  of  Angiers^  heralds^    executioners^  fnefengers^ 
foldiersy  and  other  attendants. 


The  SCENE,  fometimes  in  England  \  and  fome times 
in  France. 


1'  H  s 


«  The  life  akd  death  of 

KING     JOHN. 


ACT     I.      SCENE     I. 

Northampton. 
A  room  of  ft  ate  in  the  palace. 

Enter  king  John^  aueen  Elinor^  Pembroke^  EJeXy  and 
SaUjimryj  with  Chatillion. 

King  John. 

NO  W,  fay,  Chatillion,  what  would  France  with 
us? 
'  Chat.  Thus,  after  greeting,  fpeaks  the  king 
of  France, 
In  my  behaviour,  *  to  the  majefty. 
The  borrow'd  m^efty  of  England  here. 

EH. 

'  The  trouble/ome  reign  of  king  John  was  written  in  two  parts, 
by  W.  Shakeipeare  and  W.  Rowley,  and  printed  1 6i  i .  But  the 
preient  play  is  iniirely  different,  and  infinitely  fuperior  to  it. 

Pope. 

The  edition  of  1611  has  no  mention  of  Rowley,  nor  in  the 
account  of  Rowley's  works  is  any  mention  made  of  his  con- 
jan^on  with  Shakefpeare  in  any  play.  Kine  John  was  re- 
printed in  two  parts  in  1622.  The  firfl  edition  that  I  have  found 
of  this  play  in  its  prefent  form,  is  that  of  1623,  in  foi.  The 
editionof  1591  I  have  not  feen.     Johnson. 

Hall,  Holinfhead,  Stowe,  &c.  arc  clofely  followed  not  only  in 
the  condu£l,  but  fometimes  in  the  expreflions  throughout  the  fol- 
lowing hiftorical  dramas  ;  viz.  Macbeth,  this  play,  Richard  IL 
Henry  IV.  2  parts,  Henry  V.  Henry  VI.  3  parts,  Richard  III. 
and  Henry  VIII.    Steevbns.  ' 

The  Life  ami  Death ]  Though  this  play  hath  this  title, 

yet  the  a£lion  of  it  begins  at  the  thirty-fourth  year  of  his  life  ; 
aind  takes  in  only  fome  tranfa£lions  of  his  reign  at  the  time  of  his 
demiie,  being  an  interval  of  about  fevcnteen  years.  Theobald. 

^  In  my  hebaviour^ ]  The  word  behaviour  fecms  here  to 

luivc  a  figniiication  that  I  have  never  found  in  any  other  autho»^ 

A  2  Tk 


4  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Eli.  A  ftrange  beginning ! — borrowM  majefty  ! 
K.  Johu  Silence,  good  mother ;  hear  the  embaffy. 
Chat.  Philip  of  France,  in  right  and  true  behalf 
Of  thy  deceafed  brother  Geffrey's  fon, 
Arthur  Plantagenet,  lays  moft  lawful  claim 
To  this  fair  ifland,  and  the  territories  •, 
To  Ireland,  Poidbiers,  Anjou,  Touraine,  Maine; 
Defiring  thee  to  lay  afide  the  fword. 
Which  fways  ufurpingly  thefe  feveral  titles ; 
And  put  the  fame  into  young  Arthur's  hand. 
Thy  nephew,  and  right-royal  fovereign. 

K.  John.  Wliat  follows,  if  we  difaUow  of  this  ? 
Chat.  The  proud  3  controul  of  fierce  and  bloody 
war. 
To  inforce  thefe  rights  fo  forcibly  with-held. 

K.  John.  Here  have  we  war  for  war,  and  blood  for 
blood, 
Controulment  for  controulment ;  fo  anfwer  France. 

Chat.  Then  take  my  king's  defiance  from  my  mouth. 
The  fartheft  limit  of  my  embaffy. 

K.  John.  Bear  mine  to  him,  and  fo  depart  in  peace. 
4  Be  thou  as  lightning  in  the  eyes  of  France ; 
For  ere  thou  canft  report,  I  will  be  there. 
The  thunder  of  my  cannon  Ihall  be  heard. 
So,  hence  !  Be  thou  the  trumpet  of  our  wrath,  . 
And  5  fuUen  prefage  of  your  own  decay. — 

An 

The  king  of  France,  fays  the  envoy,  thus /peaks  in  my  behaviour 
to  themajefty  of  England \  that  is,  the  king  of  France  fpeaks  in 
the  charaSer  which  I  here  aflume.  I  once  tlioueht  that  thefe 
two  lines,  in  my  behaviour y  Sec,  had  been  uttered  by  theambaf- 
fador  as  part  of  his  mailer's  mcflage,  and  that  behaviour  had 
meant  ihc  comluSl  of  the  king  of  France  towards  the  king  of  Eng- 
land ;  but  the  ambafiador's  fpecch,  as  continued  after  the  inter- 
ruption, will  not  admit  this  meaning.     Johnson. 

•*  — contrcnl — ]  Oppofttion^  horn  controller.     Johnson. 

♦  Be  ihou  as  ligJbtning-^l  The  fimilc  does  not  fuit  well :  the 
lightning  ind(*cd  appears  before  the  thunder  is  heard,  but  the 
lightning  is  dcilrLdlivc,  and  the  thunder  innocent.  Johnson. 

'  '^SuUenprffagr^l  By  the  epithet /i#//^«,  which  cannot  be  ap- 
plied 


KINGJOHN.  5 

An  honourable  conduft  let  him  have, 
Pembroke,  look  to't:  Farewell,  Chatillion. 

[Exeunt  Chat,  and  Pern. 

Eli.  What  now,  my  fon  ?    Have  I  not  ever  faid. 
How  that  ambitious  Conftance  would  not  ceafe. 
Till  fhe  had  kindled  France,  and  all  the  world, 
Up6n  the  right  and  party  of  her  fon  ? 
This  might  have  been  prevented,  and  made  whole 
With  very  eafy  arguments  of  love  -, 
Which  now  the  manage  of  two  kingdoms  muft 
With  fearful,  bloody  ifllie  arbitrate. 

K.  John.  Our  ftrong  pofleffion,  and  our  right  for 
us. 

Eli.  Your  ftrong  pofleflion  much  more  than  your 
right; 
Or  elfe  it  muft  go  wrong  with  you  and  me : 
So  much  my  confcience  whifpers  in  your  ear. 
Which  none  but  heaven,  and  you,  and  I  fhall  hear. 

Enter  the  Jfjeriff  of  Northampton/hire^  who  whifpers 

xLjjex    . 
E£h.  My  liege,  here  is  the  ftjangeft  controverfy. 
Come  from  the  country  to  be  judg'd  by  you. 
That  e'er  I  heard.     Shall  I  produce  the  men  ^ 

[Exitfheriff. 
K.  John.  Let  them  approach. — 
Our  abbies  and  our  priories  fhall  pay 
This  expedition's  charge 

Re-enter  Jheriff  with  Robert  Faulconhridge^  and  Philip^  his 

brother  7. 
What  men  are  you  ? 

Phil. 

plied  to  a  trumpet,  it  is  plain,  that  our  author's  imagination 
had  now  fuggcfled  a  new  idea.  It  is  as  if  he  had  faid,  be  a 
trumpet  to  alarm  with  our  invafion,  be  a  bird  o{ ill  omen  to  croak 
out  the  prognoftick  of  your  own  ruin.     Johnson. 

'  Etiter  the  periff  cf  Northampton/hire  y  &c.]  This  ft  age-direc- 
tion I  have  taken  from  the  old  quarto.     Steevens. 

'  and  Philips  his  brother, ^  Though  Shakefpeare  adopted 

tMs  character  of  Philip  Faulconbridge  from  Uie  old  pla/,  it  is 

A  3  not 


6  KINGJOHN. 

PhiL  Your  faithful  fubjeft,  I,  a  gentleman 
Born  in  Northamptonfliire,  and  eldcft  fon, 
As  I  fuppofe,  to  Robert  Faulconbridge  j 
A  foldier,  by  the  honour-giving  hand 
Of  Coeur-de-lion  knighted  in  the  field. 

K.  John.  What  art  thou  ? 

Rolf.  The  fon  and  heir  to  that  fame  Faulconbridge. 

K.  John.  Is  that  the  elder,  and  art  thou  the  heir ; 
You  came  not  of  one  mother  then,  it  feems  ? 

PhfL  Moft  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  mens'  children  may. 

EU.  Out  on  thee,  rude  man !  thou  doft  Ihamc  thy 
mother. 
And  wound  her  honour  with  this  diffidence. 

Phil.  I,  madam  ?  no,  I  h'ave  no  reafon  for  it ; 
That  is  my  brother's  plea,  and  none  of  mine  j 
The  which  if  he  can  prove,  he  pops  me  out 
At  leaft  from  fair  five  hundred  pound  a  year  : 
Heaven  guard  my  mother's  honour,  and  my  land ! 

K.  John.  A  good  blunt  fellow :  why,  being  younger 
bom. 
Doth  lie  lay  claim  to  thine  inheritance  ? 

PhiL  I  know  not  why,  except  to  get  the  land. 
But,  once,  he  flander'd  me  with  baftardy  \ 
But  whether  I  be  as  true  begot,  or  no. 
That  ftill  I  lay  upon  my  mother's  head  ; 

pot  improper  to  mention  that  it  is  compoanded  of  two  diilinO 
pcrfonages, 

Matthew  Paris  fays —  **  Sub  illius  temporis  curriculo,  FaU 
**  cajius  de  Brentet  Neufterienfis,  et  fpurius  ex  parte  matris,  at- 
•*  que  Baflardus,  qui  in  vili  jumeato  manticato  ad  Regis  paulo 
♦*  ante  clicntelam  defcendcrat,"  ^r. 

Matt.  Paris,  in  his  Hiftory  of  the  Monks  of  St.  Albans,  calls 
him  Faicoy  but  in  his  general  Hiftory  Falcaftus  de  BrentCy  as 
above. 

Holinfhcad  fnys,  that  Richard  I.  had  a  natural  fon  named 
Philip,  who  in  the  year  following  killed  the  vifcountDe  Limoges 
(o  revenge  the  d^ath  of  his  father.    St  £  s  v  e  n  s.* 

But 


1C  I  N  G     J  O  H  N.  7 

Buttliat  I  am  as  weM  bego£,  ray  liege, 

(Fair  fall  the  bones,  that  took  the  pains  for  me !) 

Compare  out  face^,  and  be  judge  yourfelf. 

If  dd  Sir  Robert  did  beget  us  both, 

And  were  our  father,  and  this  fon  like  him  i 

0  old  Sir  Robert,  father,  on  my  knee 

1  give  heaven  thanks,  I  was  not  like  to  thee. 

K.  John.  Why,  what  a  tuad-<:ap  hath  heaven  lent 
us  here  ? 

Eli.  He  hath  a  trick  of  Cceur-de-lion*s  face  ', 
The  accent  of  his  tongue  affefteth  him. 
Do  you  not  read  fomc  tokens  of  my  fon 
In  the  large  compofition  of  this  man  ? 

K.  John.  Mine  eye  hath  well  examined  his  parts. 

And  finds  them  peifeft  Richard. Sirrah,  fpeak. 

What  doth  move  you  to  claim  your  brother's  land  ? 

PbiL  Becaufe  he  hath  a  half-face,  like  my  father  s 
^  With  that  half-face  would  he  have  all  my  land  c 
A  half-fac'd  grqat,  five  hundrpd  pound  a  year ! 

Roi. 

*  He  batk  ^  frtck  of  Qaur'/^-Uon's  face,"]  The  trick  or  tricking 
is  the  fame  as  the  tracing  of  a  drawing,  meaning  that  peculia-* 
rity  of  fafc  which  may  be  fufHciently  (hewn  by  the  (lighten  out- 
line. This  cxpi«(Iion.is  ufed  by  Hey  wood  and  Rowley  19  their 
comedy  called  Fortum  by  Land  and  Sea.-^**  Her  face  tbe  trick 
'*  ofbereyti  her  leer."  The  following  pa/Tages  may  more  evi- 
dently prove  the  expreffion  to  be  borrowed  from  delineation, 
^en  Jonfon's  Every  man  out  of  bis  Humour^ 

**  You  can  blazon  the  reft,  Signior  ? 

"  O  ay,  I  have  it  in  writing  here  o*  purpnfe.  It  coft  me  twa 
^  (hillings  the  tricking.**     So  again  in  Qyntbia*s  Re'vels, 

**  ^thepariih-buckets  with  his  name  atlengt]^  trick* J  \ipon 

diem.'*    Steevens. 

•  Tfltb  half  that/flTf— ]  But  why  with  balfthsit  face?  There 
is  no  quelUon  but  the  poet  wrote,  as  I  have  r^llored  the  text, 
fFitb  tbat  half-face— ^-Mr.  Pope,  perhaps,  will  be  angry  with 
me  for  difcoveripg  an  anachronifm  of  our  poet's  in  the  next 
line;  where  he  alludes  to  a  cpin  not  ((rack  till  the  year  1504, 
in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VII.  viz.  a  groat*  which,  as  well  ai 
the  half  groat,  bare  but  half  faces  imprefled.  Fide  Stow*j  Sur* 
Vty  •f  London^  p.  4.7.  Hollingjbid^  Camden* s  Remains^  S:c.  The 
poet  faeers  at  the  meagre  (harp  vi(affe  of  the  elder  brother,  by 
fpafvifl|;  lu4a  to  ^  Slver  groat^  uiat  bore  the  kind's  face  ia 

^4  J^\^i\^% 


$  KING     JOHN. 

Rob.  My  gracious  liege,  when  that  my  father  liv*d| 
Your  brother  did  employ  my  father  much— — 

Phil.  Well,  Sir,  by  thi§  you  cannot  get  my  land. 
Your  tale  muft  be,  how  he  employed  my  mother. 

Rol?.  And  once  difpatch'd  him  in  an  embafly 
To  Germany ;  there,  with  the  emperor 
To  treat  of  higli  affairs  touching  that  time. 
The  advantage  of  his  abfence  took  the  king, 
And  in  the  mean  time  fojourn'd  at  my  fathpr*s ; 
Where,  how  he  did  prevail,  I  fhame  to  fpeak : 
But  truth  is  truth ;  large  lengths  of  feas  ahd  fliorcs     • 
Between  my  father  an  J  my  mother  lay, 
(As  I  have  heard  my  father  fpeak  himfclf ) 
When  this  fame  lully  gentleman  was  got. 
Upon  his  death-bed  he  by  will  bequeathed 
His  lands  to  me  •,  and  took  it  on  his  death. 
That  this,  my  mother's  fon,  was  none  of  his ; 
And,  if  he  were,  he  came  into  the  world 
Full  fourteen  weeks  before  the  courfc  of  time. 
Then,  good  my  liege,  let  me  have  what  is  mine. 
My  father's  land,  as  was  my  father's  will. 

K.  John.  Sirrah,  your  brother  is  legitimate  •, 
Your  father's  wife  did  after  wedlock  bear  him  : 
And,  if  (he  did  play  falfe,  the  fault  was  hers  -, 
Which  fault  lies  on  the  hazard  of  all  hufbands 

profile,  fo  (hewed  bat  half  the  face  :  the  groau  of  all  our  kings 
of  England,  and  indeed  sli  their  other  coins  of  filvcr,  oncortv.o 
only  excepted,  had  a  full  face  crowned ;  t.ll  Henry  VII.  at  thci 
time  above-mentioned,  coined  groats  and  half-groats,  as  alfo 
fom^  fhillings,  with  half  faces,  /.  c.  faces  in  profile,  as  all  our  coin 
has  now.  The  firft  groats  of  king  Henry  V  III.  were  like  thofe  of 
his  father ;  though  afterwards  he  returned  to  the  broad  faces 
again.  Thcfc  groats,  with  the  imprcflion  in  profile,  arc  un- 
doubted!^ here  alluded  to :  though,  as  I  faid,  the  poet  is  know- 
ingly guilty  of  an  anachronifm  m  it :  for  in  the  time  of  king 
John  there  were  no  groats  at  all ;  they  beine  firft,  as  far  as  ap- 
j^ars,  coined  in  the  reign  of  king  Edward  III.  Theobald. 
'  T^e  fame  contemptuous  allufion  occurs  in  The  Doivnfall  of 
Jiobert  Earl  of  tJuntiMgUn^  1 60 1 . 

^'  •*  Ydu  half.&c'd  groat,  yen  tbick-chcck'd  chitty-face." 
*    *  "    '"        -  '  *  Stibvbjis. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N,  3 

That  marry  wives.    Tell  me,  how,  if  my  brother. 
Who,  as  you  fay,  took  pains  to  get  this  fon. 
Had  of  your  father  claim'd  this  fon  for  his  ? 
In  footh,  good  friend,  your  father  might  have  kept 
This  cali^  bred  from  his  cow,  from  all  the  world ; 
In  footh,  he  might:  then,  if  he  were  my  brother's. 
My  brother  might  not  claim  him  -,  nor  your  father. 
Being  none  of  his,  refufe  him.     "  This  concludes—* 
My  mother's  fon  did  get  your  father's  heir ; 
Your  father's  heir  mull  have  your  father's  land. 

Rob.  Shall  then  my  father's  will  be  of  no  force 
To  difpoflefs  that  chUd,  which  is  not  his  ? 

PbiL  Of  no  more  force  to  difpoflel's  me.  Sir, 
Than  was  his  will  to  get  me,  as  I  think. 

Eli.  Whether  hadft  thou  rather  be  a  Faulconbridgc, 
And,  like  thy  brother,  to  enjoy  thy  land-, 
Or  the  reputed  fon  of  Cceur- de-lion, 
^  Lord  6t  thy  prefence,  and  no  land  befide  ? 

Phil  Madam,  an  if  my  brother  had  my  Ihape, 
5  And  I  had  his.  Sir  Robert's  his,  like  him  •, 

And 

■  This  concludes — ]  This  is  a  dtciji've  argument.  As  your  father, 
if  he  liked  him,  could  not  have  been  forced  to  refign  him,  fo, 
Jio:  liking  him,  he  is  not  at  liberty  to  rejefthira.    Johnson. 

^  Lcrd  of  THY  frefencey  and  no  land  befide  ^]  Lard  of  thy  pre^ 
fence  can  iignify  only,  mafter  ofifjyfelf',  and  it  is  a  ftrangc  ex- 
preliion  to  fignify  even  that.  However  that  he  might  be,  with- 
out parting  with  his  land.  Weftiould  read.  Lord  of  tw^prt^ 
Jencej  r.  ^.  prince  of  the  blood.    Warburton. 

l,ord  of  thy  frefenee  may  fignify  fomething  more  diftindt  than 
mafier  of  thyfelf:  it  means  mafter  of  that  dignity,  and  grandeur 
of  appearance,  that  may  fufficiently  diflinguifh  thee  from  the 
vulgar  without  the  help  of  fortune. 

Lord  of  his  prefence  apparently  {\^\\i^^^ great  in  his  oivnperfon, 
and  is  nfed  in  thi^.  fenfe  by  king  John  in  one  of  the  following 
fcenes.     Johnson. 

3  Jnd  I  had  his.  Sir  Robert  his  ^  like  him;]  This  is  obfcurc 
and  ill  expre^ed.  The  meaning  is :  If  I  had  his /hap c — Sir 
Robertas — as  he  has. 

Sir  Robert  his,  for  Sir  Robert's,  is  agreeable  to  the  praftice  of 
that  time,  when  the  '/  added  to  the  nominative  was  believed,  I 
;hink  erroneoufly^  to  be  a  contra^on  of  his.     So  Don  n  e , 


io  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

And  if  my  legs  were  two  fuch  riding  rods, 

My  arms  fuch  eel-fkins  ftiift ;  4-  my  face  fo  thin, 

5  That  in  mine  ear  I  durft  not  ftick  a  rofe. 

Left  men  fhould  fay,  Look,  where  three-farthings 

goes! 
And,  to  his  fhape,  were  heir  to  all  this  land  ; 

—  Who  ntrjj  li*ues  to  age. 

Fit  to  hi  caWd  Metbu/alemY^page  ?     Johnson. 
■  my  face  fo  thinly 


That  in  mine  ear  I  durfi  not  ftick  a  rofe. 
Left  men  fljould  fay^  Lcoky  ^-here  three-farthings  goes  /]  In  this 
very  obfcurc  paffage  our  poet  is  anticipating  the  date  of  another 
coin  ;  humoroufly  to  rally  a  thin  face,  eclipfed,  as  it  were,  by 
a  full-blown  re/e.  We  muft  obferve,  to  explain  this  allufion, 
that  queen  Elizabeth  was  the  firll,  and  indeed  the  only  prince, 
who  coined  in  England  three-half- pence,  and  three-Lrthing 
pieces.  She  at  one  and  the  fame  time  coined  fhillini^s,  fix- 
pences,  groats,  three-pences,  two-penccs,  three-half-pencc, 
pence,  three-farthings,  and  half-pence.  And  thefe  pieces 
all  had  her  head,  and  were  alternately  with  the  ro/e  behind, 
and  without  the  ro/e.  The  (hilling,  groat,  two-pence,  penny, 
and  half-penny  had  it  not :  the  other  intermediate  coins, 
'viz  the  fix-pence,  three-pence,  three-half-pcncc,  and  three- 
farthings  had  the  ro/e.     Theobald. 

So,  in  The  Shoemaker* s  Holiday,  &c.  1 6 1  o. 

**  Here's  a  three-fenny  piece  for  thy  tidings." 

"  FirL  *Tis  but  three-half-pence  I  think  ;  yes  'tis  thrce- 
**  pence,  I  fmell  the  ro/e.^*     St e evens. 

5  fhat  in  mine  car  /  durft  not  ftick  a  rofe,]  The  flicking  ro/es 
about  them  was  then  all  the  court-fafhion,  as  appears  from  this 
paiTage  of  the  Con/e/fton  Catholique  du  S,  de  Sancy,  1.  2.  c.  I.  jc 
luy  ay  appris  a  mettie  des  roses  par  teas  les  coins,  L  c.  in  every 
place  about  him,  fays  the  fpeaker,  of  one  to  whom  he  had  taught 
;dl  the  court-fafhions.    War  burton. 

Thefe  rofcs  were,  I  believe,  only  rofes  compofed  of  ribbands. 
In  Marfton's  Whatyo^  nviil  is  the  following  paffage. 

"  Dupatzo  the  elder  brother,  the  fool,  he  that  bought  the 
*•  half-penny  ribband,  wearing  it  in  his  ear,"  l^c. 

Again,  in  E*oery  Man  in  his  Humour,  **  — —  This  ribband  in 
♦*  my  car,  or  fo."  I  think  I  remember,  ^mong  Vandyck's 
pictures  in  the  duke  of  Queenfbury's  colledion  at  Amefbury, 
to  have  fcen  one  with  the  locks  ncarefl  the  ear  ornamented  with 
libbands,  which  terminate  in  rofes,    St  sevens. 

'Would 


JClNG    jOHK.  it 

*Would  I  niight  never  ftir  from  off  this  plaa^        *) 
I'd  give  it  every  foot  to  have  this  face ;  C 

I  would  not  be  Sir  Nob  in  any  cafe.  j 

Eli.  I  like  thee  well :  wilt  thou  forfdce  thy  fartunc,^ 
Bequeath  thy  laild  to  him,  and  follow  me  i 
I  am  a  fbldier,  and  now  bound  to  France. 

Pbil.  Brother,  take  you  my  land.  Til  take  my  chance : 
Your  face  hath  got  five  hundred  pound  a  year  •, 
Yet  fell  your  face  for  five  pence,  and  *tis  dean 
*— Madam,  V\l  follow  you  unto  the  death. 

EM.  Nay^  I  would  have  you  go  before  me  thither. 

Phil.  Our  country  manners  give  our  betters  way^ 

K.  John.  What  is  thy  name  ? 

PbiL  Philip^  my  liege  -,  fo  is  my  name  begun  ; 
Philip,  good  old  Sir  Robert's  wife's  eldcft  fon. 

K.  J^.  From  henceforth  bear  his  name^  who6 
form  thou  bear'ft. 
Kneel  thou  down  Philip,  but  arife  more  great  \ 
Arife  Sir  Richard  and  rlantagenet. 

PfoV.  Brother  by  the  mother's  fide,  give  me  your 
hand ; 
My  father  gave  mc  hcmour,  yours  gave  land. 
Now  blefled  be  the  hour,  by  night  or  day. 
When  I  was  got.  Sir  Robert  was  away  ! 

JEfi.  The  very  fpirit  of  Plantacenet ! 
t  am  thy  grandame,  Richard ;  cdl  me  fo. 

Pbil  *  Madam,  by  chance,  but  not  by  truth :  what 
tho'  ? 
^  Something  about,  a  little  from  the  right ; 

lo 

^  Maiam^  iy  chance^  hai  npt  h  truth  :  what  tM  /]  I  am  yotur 
pmdlbn^  madaniy  by  chance,  but  not  by  >&Mrfj^— what  tbtn  f 

JOHNSOK. 

t  BmuthingAbimt^  a  little  from  the  rights  &c.]  Thb  fpcech, 
composed  of  allufive  and  proverbial  fentences,  is  obfcure.  lam^ 
Aji  die  fpritely  knight,  yonr  graml/oMf  a  little  irregularly ^  but 
^ery  man  cannot  get  what  ht  wifhes  the  legal  way.  He  that 
^Lwes  aatjp  about  fit  defigns  hf  Jay  muft  make  hij  meticns  in  the 
might ;  i6r,  to  whom  the  £or  is  ihut,  muft  climb  the  'wintlo'w, 
m  kf^  tkMhauh.    This,  however,  (hall  not  deprefs  me ;  for  the 

world 


ji  K  I  N  G     J  O  H  N. 

•  In  at  the  window,  or  clfc  o*cr  the  hatch,' 
Who  dares  not  ftir  by  day,  muft  walk  by  night; 
And  have  is  have,  however  men  do  catch ; 
Near  or  far  off,  well  won  is  ftill  well  (hot ; 
And  I  am  I,  howe*er  I  was  begot. 

K.  John.  Go,  Faulconbridge ;  now  haft  thou  thy 
defirc ; 
A  landlefs  knight  makes  thee  a  landed  *fquire. 
Come,  madam,  and  come,  Richard ;  we  muft  fpeed 
For  France,  for  France ;  for  it  is  more  than  need. 

Pbil.  Brother,  adieu ;  good  fortune  come  to  thee. 
For  thou  waft  got  i'the  way  of  honefty. 

[Exeunt  all  but  Philip. 
9  A  foot  of  honour  better  than  I  was. 
But  many  a  many  foot  of  land  the  worfe ! 

Well,  now  can  I  make  any  Joan  a  lady : 

Good  den  J  '  Sir  Richard Godamercy^  fellow ;— . 

And  if  his  name  be  George,  FU  call  him  Peter  \ 
For  new-made  honour  doth  for^t  men's  names ; 

•  *Tis  too  relpeftive  and  too  fociablc 


world  never  enquires  howr  any  man  got  what  he  is  known  to 
pofTefs,  but  allows  that  toha*ve  is  to  ba<ve  however  it  was  caught^ 
and  that  he  ^wbo  'wins,  Jhot  ixjell,  whatever  was  his  ikill,  whether 
the  arrow  fell  near  the  mark,  ^x  far  off  it,     Johnson. 

■  In  at  the  'windo'w,  &c.]  Thcfe  expreflions  mean,  to  be  born 
put  of  ^wedlock.     So  in  The  Family  of  Lonje^  1608. 

"  Woe  worth  the  time  that  ever  I  gave  fuck  to  a  child  that 
**  came  in  at  the  luindo'w?^ 

So  in  Northward  Hoe^  by  Decker  and  Wcbfter,  1607. 

«*  kindred  that  comes  in  o*ir  the  batchy  and  failing  to 

"  Wcftminftcr,"  IJc.     Stb evens. 

*  Afoot  of  honour ]  A  ftep^  un  fas,     Johnson. 

■  Sir  Richard — ]  Thus  the  old  copy.  The  modern  editors 

arbitrarily  read,  Sir  Robert,     Stbevens. 

»  ^Tijtoo  ref^eBinji^  &c.]  i.  c.  refpeafuU  So  in  the  old  comedy 
called  Michaelmas  Term^  1 607. 

'<  Seem  refpe&i*vey  to  make  his  pride  fwell  like  a  toad  with 
««  dew."     So  in  The  Merchant  of  Venice^  aft  5. 

*«  You  ihould  have  been  refpelliwf*  &c.    Srv,hytfi%. 


For 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N".  ij 

For  your  converfing.     3  Now  your  traveller,— 

4  He  and  his  tooth-pick  at  my  wor(hip*s  mds ; 
And  when  my  knightly  ftomach  is  fuffic'd. 
Why  then  1  fuck  my  teeth,  and  catechife 

5  My  piked  man  of  countries  : A^  dear  Sir^ 

(Thus 

'  NiTM  jour  traveller.']  It  is  faid  m  JlPs  ivell  that  ends  ivellf 
that  a  traveller  is  agcod  thing  after  dinner.  In  that  age  of  newly 
excited  curiofity,  one  of  the  entertainments  at  great  tables  feems 
to  have  been  the  difcourfe  of  a  traveller.     Johnson. 

*  He  and  his  tooth-pick — ]  It  has  been  already  remarked,  that  f 
pick  the  toothy  and  wear  z,  piqued  beard,  were,  in  that  time,  marks 
of  a  man  affedling  foreign  falhions.     Johnson. 

Among  Gafcoigne's  poems  i  find  one  entitled,  Councell givem 
to  maifier  Bartholomenu  JVithipoll  a  little  before  his  latter  journey  f 
Gtane^  ^  572.  The  following  lines  may  perhaps  be  acceptable  to 
the  reader  who  is  curious  enough  to  enquire  about  the  faihion- 
able  follies  imported  in  that  age : 

**  Now,  Sir,  if  I  ihall  fee  your  mailerftiip 

''  Come  home  difguis'd,  and  clad  in  quaint  array 

**  As  with  a  piketooth  bytingon  your  lippc 

«*  Your  brave  muftachio's  turn'd  the  Turkie  way 

**  A  coptankt  hat  made  on  a  Flemifli  blocke 

•*  A  night-gowne  cloake  down  tray  ling  to  your  toci 

**  A  flender  flop  clofe  couched  to  your  dock 

**  A  curtolde  flipper  and  a  fliort  filk  hofe,"  lie. 

So  Fletcher: "  You  that  truft  in  travel 

**  You  that  enhance  the  daily  price  o(  toothpicks.** 
Again,  in  Shirley's  Grateful  Ser'vant,  1630. 
"  I  will  continue  my  ftate-pofture,  ufe  my  toothpick  withdif- 
**  cretion,"  lie. 

Again,  in  The  Tragedy  of  Hoffman,   1631. "  this  matter 

**  will  trouble  us  more  than  all  your  poem  onpicktooths*' 
So  again,  in  Cinthia's  Re'vels  by  Ben  Jonfon,  1601. 
— "  A  traveller,  one  fo  made  out  of  the  mixture  and  flireds 
"  and  forms  that  himfelf  is  truly  deformed.     He  walks  moft 
•*  commonly  with  a  clove  or  picktootb  in  his  mouth."     So  in 
Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  Wild  Gcofe  Chafe. 

**  Their  y try  pick-teeth  fpcak  more  man  than  we  do.'* 
Again,  in  The  Honeft  Man's  Fortune  by  B.  and  Fletcher. 
**  You  have  travelled  like  a  fidler  to  make  faces  and  brought 
•'  home  nothing  but  a  cafe  of  toothpicks."     Ste evens. 

5  My  piked  man  of  countries ;]  The  word  piked  m-dy  not  refer  to 
the  beard,  but  to  the  Jhoes,  which  were  once  worn  of  an  im- 
moderate length.     To  this  fafliion  our  author  has  alluded  ii 

King 


14  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N- 

(Thus  leaning  on  my  elbow,  I  begin) 
IJbaU  befeech you^'^'^Thsx  is  queftion  now; 
And  then  comes  anfwer,  ^  like  an  ABC-book  :— 
O  5/r,  fays  anfwer,  at  your  heft  command  \ 

At  your  employment^  atyour  fervice^Sir. 

Noj  Siry  fays  queftion ;  /,  fweet  Sir^  at  yours : — — 
7  And  fo,  e'er  anfwer  knows  what  queftion  would, 
(Saving  in  dialc^e  of  compliment  5 

And 

KinzLear^  where  the  reader  may  find  a  more  ample  explanation 
of  this  paffage.  P/i/i/ may  however  mean  only  fpruce  m  drefs. 

Chaucer  lays  in  one  of  his  })roloj^ues —  "  Frefh  and  new  her 
««  gitzxz  y piked  was."  And  in  tne  Mercbaunts  Tale. — "  He 
**  Kempeth  him,  and  proineth  him,  and  piketh,**  In  Hjrrd's 
tranflation  of  Fi'ves^s  InftruHion  of  a  Chriftian  Womant  printed 
in  1 59 1,  we  meet  with  "//Vi^^Z and  apparelled  goodly— goodly 
**  and  pickedly  arrayed.— Licurgus,  when  he  would  have  wo- 
•*  men  of  his  country  to  be  regarded  by  their  Virtue  and  not 
<*  their  ornaments,  banifhed  out  of  the  country  by  the  law  all 
<^  painting,  and  commanded  out  of  the  town  ail  crafty  men  of 
**  picking  and  apparelling." 

Again,  in  a  comedy  called  All  Fools,  by  Chapman,  1602. 
•*  'Tis  fuch  a //VW  fellow,  hot  ahaire 
<*  At)out  his  whole  bulk,  but  it  (lands  in  print." 

My  picked  man  of  countries  may  iignify  my  Jpruce  tra*vellerf  or, 
if  a  comma  be  placed  after  the  word  man,  .  •*  I  catechize 

"  My  picked  man,  of  countries." 
the  pafTage  will  mean,  **  I  catechize  my  feledledman,  about  the 
**  countries  through  which  he  travelled."    Steevens. 

*  Like  an  a,  I,  c  book.]  An  a,  b,  c  book,  or,  as  they  fpokc 
and  wrote  it,  an  ab/ey  book,  is  a  catecbijm.     Johnson. 

'  Andfoy  e*er  ayifnucr  kno<ws  fwbat  queftion  ^vould. 

Saving  in  dialogue  of  compliment  ;J  In  this  fine  fpeech,  Faul- 
conbridge  v/ould  (hew  the  advantages  and  prerogatives  of  men  of 
n.vorJhip.  He  obferves,  particularly,  that  be  has  the  traveller  at 
command  (people  at  that  time,  when  a  new  world  was  dif- 
■covering,  in  the  highcllellimation).  At  the  firft  intimation  of 
his  dcfire  to  hear  ftrange  (lories,  the  traveller  complies,  and 
will  fcarce  give  him  leave  to  make  his  queftion,  but  **  e'eran- 
••  fwer  knows  what  queftion  would" — What  then,  why,  ac- 
cording to  the  prefent  reading,  it  grows  towards  fuppcr-time  : 
and  is  «*  not  this  wor(hipful  fociety  ?"  To  fpend  all  the  time 
between  dinner  and  fupper  before  either  of  them  knows  what  the 
other  would  beat.  Read  serving  inftead  oi  facing,  and  all 
thij  Bfonfcnfe  is  avoided ;  and  the  account  ftands  thus,  "  E'er 

**  anfwtr 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  tS 

And  talking  of  th?  Alps  aad  Apeiuiin^i 

The  fyrene^n  and  the  river  Po; 

It  draws  towards  firpper  in  conclufion,  (o. 

But  this  is  worftiipful  fociety. 

And  fits  the  mounting  fpirit  like  myfelf : 

For  he  is  but  a  baftard  to  the  time. 

That  doth  not  fmack  of  obfcrvation  ; 

[And  fo  am  I,  whether  I  fmack  or  no :] 

And  not  alone  in  habit  and  device. 

Exterior  form,  outward  accoutrement ; 

But  from  the  inward  motion  to  deliver 

Sweet,  fweet,  fweet  poifon  for  the  aee*s  tooth : 

*  Which  tho- 1  will  not  praftife  to  deceive. 

Yet,  to  avoid  deceit,  I  mean  to  learn  ; 

For  it  (hall  ftrew  the  footfteps  of  my  rifmg. 

9  But  who  comes  in  fuch  harfce,  in  riding  robes  ? 

What  woman-poft  is  this  ?  hath  fhe  no  hufband. 

That  will  take  pains  » to  blow  a  horn  before  her  ? 

0  me !  it  is  my  mother — How  now,  good  lady. 

What  brings  you  here  to  court  fo  hamly  ? 

"  anfwer  knows  what  qucftion  would  be  at,  my  tr^vtller /ervet 
*^  in  his  dialogui  of  compliment y  which  is  his  (binding  difh  at 
"  all  tables ;  then  he  comes  to  talk  of  the  Alps  and  Apennines, 
**  iic.  and,  by  the  time  this  difcourfe  concludes,  it  draws  to- 
"  wards  Tapper."  All  this  is  fenfible  and  humorous ;  and  the 
phraie  offmving  in  is  a  very  pleafant  one  to  denote  that  this  wat 
nis  worfhip's  ftcond  cour/e.  What  follows  fhews  the  romantic 
turn  of  the  voyagers  of  that  tim** ;  how  greedily  their  relations 
were  fwallowed,  which  he  calls  **  fweet  poifon  for  the  age's 
"  tooth;"  and  how  acceptable  it  made  men  at  court— "  For  it 
"  ihall  ftrew  the  footfteps  of  my  rifing."  And  yet  the  Oxford 
editor  fays,  by  this  "  fweet  poifon"  is  meant ««  flattery." 

Warburtok. 
This  pailage  is  obfcure;   but  fuch  an  irregularity  and  per- 
plexity runs  uirough  the  whole  fpeech,  that  I  think  this  emenda- 
tion not  neceflary.     Johnson. 

•  Which  though y  &c.]    The  conllruftion  will  be  mended,  if 
infteadof  **  which  though,"  we  read  **  this  though."  Johnson. 

•  But  nubo  comes  here — ]   Milton,  in  his  tragedy,  introduces 
Delilah  with  fuch  an  interrogatory  exclamation.     John  son. 

'   To  hlow  a  horn — "^  He  means,  that  a  woman  who  travelled 
about  like  SL/ofi  was  likely  to  horn  her  hufband.     Johnson. 

Enter 


t^  K  I  isr  G   J  O  H  K 

Enter  lady  Faukonbridge  and  James  Gumey. 

Lady.  Where  is  that  flave,  thy  brother?  where  is  he. 
That  holds  in  chafe  mine  honour  up  and  down  ? 

Phil.  My  brother  Robert  ?  old  Sir  Robert's  fon  ? 
»  Colbrand  the  giant,  that  fame  mighty  man  ? 
Is  it  Sir  Robert's  fon,  that  you  feek  To  ? 

Lady.  Sir  Robert's  fon  !  ay,  thou  unreverend  boy, 
Sir  Robert's  fon :  why  fcorn'ft  thou  at  Sir  Robert  ? 
He  is  Sir  Robert's  fon,  and  fo  art  thou. 

Phil.  James  Gurney,  wilt  thou  give  us  leave  a  while  ? 

Gur.  Good  leave,  ffxA  Philip. 

Phil.  3  Philip! fparrow! James, 

There's  toys  abroad  j  +  anon  I'll  tell  diee  more. 

[Exit  James. 
Madam,  I  was  not  old  Sir  Robert's  fon ; 
Sir  Robert  ^  might  have  eat  his  part  in  me 
Upon  Good-Fnday,  and  ne'er  broke  his  faft : 
Sir  Robert  could  do  well ;  marry,  confefs ! 
Could  he  get  me  ?  Sir  Robert  could  not  do  it; 

*  Colbrand  was  aDanifli  giant,  whom  Guy  of  Warwick  diA 
comfited  in  the  prefence  of  king  Athelftan.  The  combat  is  very 
pompoaily  defcribed  by  Drayton  in  his  Polyolbion.    Joh  nson. 

^  Philip  !  —  fparrow !  —  James,]  I  think  the  poet  wrote, 

**  Philip  !  fpare  me,  James,"  /.  r.  don't  affront  me  with  an 
appellation  that  comes  from  a  family  which  I  difdain.     Wa  r  b  . 

The  old  reading  is  far  more  agreeable  to  the  charadler  of  the 
fpeaker.  Dr.  Gray  obferves,  that  Skelton  has  a  poem  to  the 
memory  of  Philip  Sparrow ;  and  Mr.  Pope  in  a  mort  note  re- 
marks, that  a  Sparrow  is  called  Philip.     Johnson. 

Gafcoigne  has  likewife  a  poem  entitled,  TbePrai/e  of  Philip 
Sfarrow.   Steevbns. 

♦  TJbire'j  toys  abroad^  &c.]  /.  e.  idle  reports.  So  inB.  Jonfon*/ 
Sijania. 

— — "  ToySf  mere  toysy 
"  What  wifdom's  in  the  ftreets."     Steevens. 

*  — -^—  might  have  tat  his  part  in  mi 

Upon  Good-Friday t  andnierbrckihisfaft:']  This  thought  0C« 
curs  in  HeywootPs  Dialogius  upon  Pro^erbs^  1562. 

<'  he  may  his  parte  on  good  fridaie  es^te 

*'  and  faft  never  the  wurs,  for  ought  hcihall  geate.'f 

Steevbns. 

Wc 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  17 

We  knew  his  handy- work :  therefore,  good  mother. 
To  whom  am  I  beholden  for  thefe  limbs  ? 
Sir  Robert  never  holp  to  make  this  leg. 

Lad^.  Haft  thou  confpired  with  thy  brother  too, 
That,  for  thine  own  gain,  Ihould'ft  defend  mine  ho- 

nour  ? 
What  means  this  fcorn,  thou  moft  untoward  knave  ? 

PbiL  ^  Knight,  knight,  good  mother Bafilifco 

like. 
What !  I  am  dub'd  -,  I  have  it  on  my  flioulder. 
But,  mother,  I  am  not  Sir  Robert's  fon  ; 
I  have  difclaim'd  Sir  Robert,  and  my  land ; 
Legitimation,  name,  and  all  is  gone  : 
Then,  good  my  modier,  let  me  know  my  father  j 
Some  proper  man,  I  hope  ^  who  was  it,  mother  ? 

Lai^f.  Haft  thou  deny'd  thyfelf  a  Faulconbridge } 

*  Knight,  knight, — good  mot  her  y  Ba/Mjco  lih.]  Thus  mud 
this  pa&ge  be  pointed ;  and,  to  come  at  the  humour  of  it,  I 
muft  clear  up  an  old  circumftance  of  ftage-hiftory,  Faulcon- 
bridge's  words  here  cr.rry  a  concealed  piece  of  fatire  on  a  llupid 
drama  of  that  age,  printed  in  1599,  and  called  Scliman  and 
ferftda.  In  this  piece  there  is  the  charader  of  a  bragging  cowardly 
knight,  called  Bafilifco.  His  pretenfion  to  valour  is  fo  blown 
and  feen  throueh,  that  Pifton,  a  bufToon-fjrvant  in  the  play» 
jumps  upon  his  back,  and  will  not  difengage  him,  till  he  makes 
Bafilifco  fwear  upon  his  dudgeon  dageer  to  the  contents,  and  in 
the  terms  he  didates  to  him  :  as,  for  inflance, 

Baf.  "  O,  I  fwear,  I  fwear." 

Pift.  "  By  the  contents  of  this  blade." 

Baf.  "  By  the  contents  of  this  blade." 

Pift.  "  I,  the  aforefaid  Bafilifco." 

Baf.  **  I,  the  aforefaid  Bafilifco,  knight,  good  fellow,  knight, 
•*  knight" 

Pift.  "  Knave,  good  fellow,  knave,  knave." 

So  that  it  is  clear,  our  poet  is  fneering  at  this  play  ;  and  makes 
Philip,  when  his  mother  calls  him  knave,  thow  off  that  reproach 
by  humouroufly  laying  claim  to  his  new  dignity  of  knjgMccd ; 
as  Bafilifco  arrogantly  infifts  on  his  title  oi  knight  in  thepa/fagc 
above  quoted.  The  old  play  is  an  execrable  bad  one ;  and,  I 
fuppofc,  was  fufficiently  exploded  in  the  reprefentation  :  which 
might  make  this  circumftance  (b  well  known,  as  to  become  the 
butt  for  a  Ilage-farcaim.     Theobald. 

Vol.  V.  B  PbU. 


i8  K  I  iSf  G    J  O  H  N. 

PHI  As  faithf jlly,  as  I  deny  the  devil. 

Lady.  King  Richard  Cocur-de-lion  was  thy  father; 
By  long,  and  vehement  fuit,  I  was  feduc'd 
To  make  room  for  him  in  my  hufband's  bed.— ^ 
Heaven  lay  not  my  tranfgrcflion  to  my  charge ! 
Thou  art  the  ifllie  of  my  dear  offence, 
Wliich  was  fo  ftrongly  urg'd,  paft  my  defence. 

Phil.  Now,  by  this  light,  were  I  to  get  again. 
Madam,  I  would  not  wilh  a  better  father. 
7  Some  fins  do  bear  their  privilege  on  earth. 
And  lb  doth  yours  •,  your  fault  was  not  your  folly. 
Needs  muft  you  lay  your  heart  at  his  difpofc, 
Subjedled  tribute  to  commanding  love, 
Againft  whofe  fury,  and  unmatched  force. 
The  awlefs  lion  could  not  wage  the  fight. 
Nor  keep  his  princely  heart  from  Richard's  hand. 
Hv^,  that  peifbrce  robs  lions  of  their  hearts, 
May  eafily  win  a  wdman*s.     Ay,  my  mother. 
With  all  my  heart,  I  thank  thee  for  my  father  ! 
Who  lives  and  dares  but  fay,  thou  did'ft  not  well 
When  I  was  got,  I'll  fend  his  foul  to  hell. 
Come,  lady,  I  will  fiiew  diee  to  my  kin  •, 

And  they  fhall  fay,  when  Richard  me  begot. 
If  thou  hadft  faid  him  »^,  it  had  been  fin  : 

Who  fays,  it  was,  he  lyes ;  I  fay,  'twas  not. 

[Exeunt. 

^  Some /ins —'^  Tliere  vstfinsy  that  whatever  he  determined  of 
them  above,  art  nut  much  ceni'ured  qu  earth.     Johnson*. 


A  C  T 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  19 

A  C  T     II.      S  C  E  N  E     L 

Before  the  walls  of  Anglers  in  France. 

Enter  Philip  king  of  France^  Lewis  the  dauphin^  the 
archduke  of  Auftria^  Con/lance^  and  Arthur. 

Lewis. 

"OE F OR E  Angicrs  well  met,  brave  Auftria.— 
Ij  Arthur !  that  great  fore-runner  of  thy  blood 

*  Richard,  that  rcA)b'd  the  lion  of  his  heart. 
And  fought  the  holy  wars  in  Paleftine, 

By  this  brave  duke  came  early  to  his  grave : 
And,  for  amends  to  his  pofterity, 

*  At  our  importance  hither  is  he  come. 
To  fpread  his  colours,  boy,  in  thy  behalf; 
And  to  rebuke  the  ufurpation 

Of  thy  unnatural  uncle,  Englifh  John. 

Embrace  him,  love  him,  give  him  welcome  hither. 

Arthur.  God  (hall  forgive  you  Coeur-de-lion*s  death 
The  rather,  rfiat  you  give  his  offspring  life ; 
Shadowing  their  right  under  your  wings  of  war. 
I  give  you  welcome  with  a  powerlefs  hand. 
But  with  a  heart  full  of  imftained  love : 
Welcome  before  the  gates  of  Angiers,  duke. 

Lewis.  A  noble  boy !  who  would  not  do  thee  right  ? 

Aufi.  Upon  thy  cheek  lay  I  this  zealous  kifs, 
A  feal  to  this  indenture  of  my  love ; 

•  Richard,  that  robbed,  &c.]  So  Raftal  in  his  Chronicle.  It  is 
isyd  that  a  lyon  wasput  to  kynge  Richard,  beynge  in  prifony'to 
have  devoured  him,  and  when  the  lyon  was  gapynp;e  he  put  his 
arme  in  his  mouth,  and  pulled  the  lyon  by  the  harte  h  hard 
that  he  flewe  the  lyon,  and  therefore  fome  fay  he  is  called  Ry- 
charde  Care  de  Lyon  ;  but  fome  fay  he  is  called  Cure  de  Lyon, 
becaufe  of  hit  boldnefs  and  hardy  ftomake.     Dr.  Gray. 

*  ^t  my  importance— ''\  A t  my  importunity •     Johnson. 

B  2  Thgt 


20  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N, 

That  to  my  home  I  will  no  more  return, 
Till  Angicrs,  and  the  right  thou  haft  in  France, 
Together  with  *  that  pale,  that  white-fac'd  fhore, 
Whofe  foot  fpurns  back  the  ocpan's  roaring  tides. 
And  coops  from  other  lands  her  iflanders; 
Even  till  thiit  England,  hedg'd  in  with  the  main. 
That  v/ater- walled  bulwark,  ftill  fecure 
And  confident  from  foreign  purpofes. 
Even  till  that  outmoft  corner  or  the  weft. 
Salute  thee  for  her  king.     Till  then,  fair  boy. 
Will  I  not  think  of  home,  but  follow  arms. 

Conji.  O,  take  his  mother's  thanks,  a  widow's  thanks; 
Till  your  ftrong  hand  Ihall  help  to  give  himftrength. 
To  make  a  more  ^  requital  to  your  love. 

AuJL  The  peace  of  heaven  is  theirs,  who  lift  their 
fwords 
In  fuch  a  juft  and  charitable  war. 

K.  Philip,  Well  then,  to  work ;  our  cannon  fliall  be 
bent 
Againft  the  brows  of  this  refitting  town.— 
Call  for  our  chiefeft  men  of  difcipline. 
To  cull  the  plots  of  beft  advantages. — 
We'll  lay  before  this  town  our  royal  bones. 
Wade  to  the  market-place  in  Frenchmens'  blood. 
But  wc  will  make  it  fubjeft  to  this  boy. 

ConJi.  Stay  for  an  anfwer  to  your  embafly. 
Left  unadvis'd  you  ftain  your  Iwords  with  blood. 
My  lord  Chatillion  may  from  England  bring 
That  right  in  peace,  which  here  we  urge  in  war  j 
And  then  we  fliall  repent  each  drop  of  blood, 
That  hot  rafli  hafte  fo  indircftly  fhed. 

*  — that p ale y  that  ^Mhite-fac^J  Jhore^l  England  is  fuppofed  to 
l)€  called  Albion  from  ihcwhite  rocks  facing  France.  Johnson. 

^  To  make  a  more  reiuitaU  &c.]  I  believe  it  has  been  already 
obf.rvcd,  liiJt  ,7.wv  fignificd,  in  our  author's  time, ^r^^^/rr. 

Steevexs. 


Enter 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  21 

Enter  Chatillion. 

X.  Philip.  ^  A  wonder,  lady ! — Lo,  upon  thy  wifh 
Our  mcflenger  Chatillion  is  arrived. 
—What  England  fays,  fay  briefly,  gentle  lord. 
We  coldly  paufe  for  thee.     Chatillion,  fpeak. 

Chat,  Then  turn  your  forces  from  this  paltry  fiege. 
And  ftir  them  up  againft  a  mightier  tafk. 
England,  impatient  of  your  juft  demands. 
Hath  put  himfelf  in  arms ;  the  adverfe  winds, 
Whofc  leifure  I  have  ftaid,  have  given  him  time 
To  land  his  legions  all  as  foon  as  I. 
His  marches  are  ^  expedient  to  this  town. 
His  forces  ftrong,  his  foldiers  confident. 
Widi  him  along  is  come  the  mother-queen. 
An  Ate,  ftirring  him  to  blood  and  ftrife. 
With  her,  her  niece,  the  lady  Blanch  of  Spain ; 
With  them  a  baftard  of  the  king  deceased, 
,  And  all  the  unfettled  humours  of  the  land  ; 
Rafh,  inconfiderate^  fiery  voluntaries. 
With  ladies'  faces,  and  fierce  dragons'  fpleens. 
Have  fold  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  dauntlefs  foirits. 
Than  now  the  Englifli  bottoms  have  waft  o'er. 
Did  never  float  upon  the  fwelling  tide. 
To  do  offence  and  7  fcath  in  Chriitendom. 
The  interruption  of  their  churlifh  drums  [Drums  beat. 

*  AivondeTy  lady!  —  ]  The  wonder  is  onl/  that  Chatillion 
happened  to  arrive  at  the  moment  when  Conllance  mentioned 
hia;;  wh  ch  t.ie  French  kin^,  according  to  a  fuprrfliiion  which 
prevails  niore  or  lefs  in  evc^ry  mind  agitated  by  great  affairs, 
turns  into  a  miraculous  interpofition,  or  omen  of  good.  Johns, 

'  ^expedifnt — ]  Immediate,  expeditious.     Johnson. 

*  Bearing  thtir  birth-rights,  &c.]  So  Henry  VIII. 

"  Many  broke  their  backs  with  bearing  manors  on  them." 

Johnson. 
^  — /cat be — ]  Deftrudlion,  wade.    Johnson. 

B  3  Cuts 


i .  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

V,  u: .  o.r  more  circumftance :  they  are  at  hand 
To  i.\irly,  or  to  fight ;  therefore  prepare. 

K.  Philip.  Kow  much  unlook'd  for  is  this  expedi- 
tion ! 

Juji.  By  how  much  unexpefted,  by  fo  much 
We  inuft  awake  endeavour  for  defence-. 
For  courage  mounteth  with  occalion :  ' 

Let  them  be  welcome  then,  we  are  prepared. 

Enter  king  of  England^  Faidconbridge^  .ElinoTy  Blancby 
Pembroke^  and  others. 

K.  John.  Peace  be  to  France ;  if  France  in  peace 
permit 
Our  juft  and  lineal  entrance  to  our  own  ! 
If  not,  bleed  France,  and  peace  afcend  to  heaven  ! 
Whilft  we,  God*s  wrathful  agent,  do  correft 
Their  proud  contempt  that  beat  his  peace  to  heaven. 

K.  Phil.  Peace  be  to  England  ;  ii  that  war  return 
From  France  to  England,  there  to  live  in  peace  ! 
England  we  love  •,  and,  for  that  England's  fake. 
With  burthen  of  our  armour  here  we  fweat : 
This  toil  of  ours  Ihould  be  a  work  of  thine ; 
But  thou  from  loving  England  art  fo  far. 
That  thou  haft  under-wrought  its  lawful  king  -, 
Cut  off  the  fequence  of  pofterity. 
Out-faced  infant  ftate,  and  done  a  rape 
Upon  the  maiden  virtue  of  the  crown. 
Look  here  upon  thy  brother  Geffrey's  face:— 
Thefe  eyes,  thefe  brows,  were  moulded  out  of  his  : 
This  little  abftraft  doth  contain  that  large. 
Which  dy*d  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  fon  -,  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  thefe  temples  beat. 
Which  ow?  the  crown  tliat  thou  o'er-maflereft  ? 

A'.  John. 


KINGJOHN.  23 

K.  John.  From  whom  haft  thou  this  great  commir. 
lion,  France, 
To  draw  my  anfwer  to  thy  articles  ? 

K.  Phil  From  that  fupernal  judge,  tliat  ftirs  good 
thoughts 
In  any  brcr.ft  of  ftrong  authority, 
*  To  look  into  the  blots  and  ftains  of  right. 
That  judge  hath  made  me  guardian  to  this  boy  : 
Under  whofe  warrant,  I  impeach  tliy  wrong. 
And,  by  whofe  help,  I  mean  to  chaftife  it. 

K.  John.  Alack,  thou  doft  ufurp  authority. 

K.  Philip.  Excufe  it ;  'tis  to  beat  ufurping  down, 

Eli.  Who  is't,  that  thou  doft  call  ufurpcr,  France  ? 

Conjl.  Let  me  make  anfwer :  thy  ufuriMng  fon.— 

EM.  Out,  infolent !  thy  baftard  fhall  be  king-. 
That  thou  may'ft  be  a  queen,  and  check  the  world  ! 

Conft.  My  bed  was  ever  to  thy  fon  as  true, 
As  diine  was  to  thy  huft)and  :  and  this  boy, 
Liker  in  feature  to  his  father  Geffrey, 
Than  thou  and  John,  in  manners  j  being  as  like. 
As  rain  to  water,  or  devil  to  his  dam. 
My  boy  a  baftard  !  By  my  foul,  I  think. 
His  father  never  was  fo  true  begot ; 
Jt  cannot  be,  an  if  tliou  wert  his  mother. 

EU.  There's  a  good  mother,  boy,  that  blots  tliy  fa- 
ther. 

Ccnjl.  There's  a  good  grandam,  boy,  that  would  blot 
thee. 

Aujl.  Peace! 

Faulc.  Hear  the  crier. 

•  To  lock  into  tie  blots  and  ftains  of  rigJyt,"]  Mr.  Theobald 
reads,  with  the  firll  folio,  blctst  which  being  To  early  authorizv'.  i, 
and  fo  much  better  underftood,  needed  not  to  have  been  changed 
by  Dr.  Warburton  to  Schs,  tho*  Iclts  might  be  ufcd  in  that  time 
{oTjfots  :  fo  Shakefpeare  calls  Bzt.c\:o  fpottcti  ivit!:  blotU  the 
hlaed-bcUer* d  Banauo.  The  verb  to  blot  is  uftd  figuruia  ciy  :or 
xadifgrace  a  few  lines  lower.  And  perhaps,  iiTtcr  all,  bolts  was 
only  a  typographical  miiiake.     Johnson. 

B  4  At:fi. 


24  K  I  :•  G    J  O  H  X. 

F     *       .  *        ^ 

You  ?r^  t;-<:  h^re,  ':f  is-lv^.r*  the  rraverb  goc?, 
V.'hofc  val':.ur  plack.5  cleid  L-i/TiS  ty  thi?  beard  : 
rU  feoak  your  {kln-co^t,  an  I  OLtch  you  right ; 
Sirrah,  kx>k  to't ;  i'fkit  i,  I  will,  i'laith. 

Blanch.  O,  weli  did  he  beccnfie  that  l!on*s  robe, 
Th^t  did  cifrcfac  thtr  lior.  cf  thct  rohc  ! 

Faulc.  It  liei  as  fiiirly  on  the  back  of  him  *, 
As  J-'reat  Alcides'  (hews  upon  ^n  zls : 
But,  als,  ril  tJce  that  burden  from  your  back ; 
Or  hw  on  that,  (hall  make  your  fhoulders  crack. 

y^;f/?.  What  cracker  b  this  fan:?,  that  dears  our  cars 
With  this  abundance  of  fuperf.uous  breath  ? 
King  Lewis  ',  determine  what  we  (hall  do  ftrait. 

K.Pbil. 

*  //  lies  at  Jightly  en  the  hack  ofhim^ 

At  great  AUidet^  (hoes  upon  an  ajs  .*]  Bet  why  his  (hoes,  in  the 
nam*:  of  propriety  r  for  let  Hercu  ts  and  his  Jhces  have  been 
rtiiWy  Si  big  a-,  they  were  ever  luppcicd  to  be,  yet  they  (I  ine;in 
X)\^  froet")  would  not  have  been  an  overload  for  an  afs.  I  am  per- 
/uaiier),  I  have  retrieved  th'j  true  reading  ;  and  let  usobr.nethc 
julln'.r.  of  the  compariibn  now.  Faulconhridgc  in  his  rcfent- 
mrnt  wouIJ  lOy  this  to  Auilria,  "  That  lien's  ikin,  uhich  my 
•*'  grcr.t  f;?ther  king  Richard  cncc  wore,  looks  as  uncouthly  ou 
'*  thy  back,  as  that  other  no!>Je  hide,  which  was  borne  byHer- 
'*  cuIj:  ,  wsuld  look  on  the  back  of  an  aA."  A  double  allu- 
fion  wa?,  intended;  firfi,  to  the  fable  of  the  aff  in  the  lion's 
ikin  ;  tlicn  Richard  I.  is  fmely  fet  in  competition  withAicides, 
as  A'jfiria  v.  fa^iricaUy  coupled  with  the  afs.     Theobald. 

Mr. 'i'licobald  liad  the  art  of  making  the  mofl  of  his  difco- 
vcrits.     JoMNsor:. 

I  believe  Theobald  is  right,  vet  thcy^cr/of  Hercu!es  arc  more 
than  once  introiluced  in  tiie  olJ  comciiies  on  much  fuch  another 
occaf:on.     So  in  The  JJle  G/Gnllsy  by  J.  Day,  i6o6. 

-"—  •*  aic  a&  fit,  asHcrculcs's;^i?/fcrthefootof  apigmy." 

St  E  EVEN":. 

'  Kirg  Lttv/'f,'^']  Thus  the  folio.     The  modem  editors  read 
—Philip,  which  appears  to  be  right.    Tt  is  however  cbferv.ible, 
th.'^t  the  anfwcr  is  jMven  in  the  old  copy  to  Lev/is,  as  if  the  dau- 
phin, who  vvHi*  iifuTv.arus  Luvvis  Vili.  was  meant  to  have  been 
Z  tiie 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  25 

K.  Philip.  Women  and  fools,  break  off  your  con- 
ference. — 
King  John,  this  is  the  very  fum  of  all.— 
England,  and  Ireland,  Anjou,  Tourainc,  Maine, 
In  right  of  Arthur  I  do  claim  of  thee  : 
Wilt  thou  refign  them,  and  lay  down  thy  arms  ? 

K.  John,  My  life  as  foon. — I  do  defy  thee,  France. 
— Ardiur  of  Britain  yield  thee  to  my  hand  ; 
And  out  of  my  dear  love  FU  give  thee  more. 
Than  e*er  the  coward-hand  or  France  can  win. 
Submit  thee,  boy. 

Eli.  Come  to  thy  grandam,  child. 

Conft.  Do,  child,  go  to  it'  grandam,  child. 
Give  grandam  kingdom,  and  it'  erandam  will 
Give  it  a  plum,  a  cherry,  and  a  fig  : 
There's  a  good  grandam. 

Artb.  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. 

Eli.  His  mother  fhames  him  fo,  poor  boy,  he  weeps. 

Conft.  Now  fhame  upon  you,  whether  ftie  does,  or  no  I 
His  grandam's  wrongs,  and  not  his  rhother's  fhames. 
Draw  thofe  heaven-moving  pearls  from  his  poor  eyes. 
Which  heaven  (hall  take  in  nature  of  a  fee : 
Ay,  with  thefe  cryftal  beads  heaven  fhall  be  brib'd 
To  do  him  juftice,  and  revenge  on  you. 

EH.  Thou  monftrous  flanderer  of  heaven  and  earth ! 

Conft.  Thou  monftrous  injurer  of  heaven  and  earth ! 
Call  me  not  flanderer ;  thou,  and  thine,  ufurp 
The  domination,  royalties,  and  rights 
OfdiisopprefTed  boy.     This  is  thy  eldeit  fon's  fon, 
Infortunate  in  nothing  but  in  thee  ; 
Thy  fins  are  vifited  on  this  poor  child  ; 
The  canon  of  the  law  is  laid  on  him, 

the  fpf akcr.  The  fpccch  itfelf,  however,  fecms  appropriated  to 
the  king,  and  nothing  can  be  inferred  from  the  folio  with  any 
certainty,  bi^t  that  the  editors  of  it  were  carelefs  and  ignorant. 

Stebvbns. 

Being 


26  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Being  but  the  fecond  generation 
Removed  from  thy  fin-conceiving  womb. 

K.  John.  Bedlam,  have  done. 

Confi.  *  I  have  but  this  to  fay. 
That  he's  not  only  plagued  for  her  fin. 
But  God  hath  made  her  fin  and  her  the  plague 
On  this  removed  iflfue,  plagu'd  for  her. 
And  with  her. — Plague  her  fin ;  his  injury, 
Her  injury,  the  beadle  to  her  fin. 
All  punifh'd  in  the  perfon  of  this  child. 
And  all  for  her,  a  plague  upon  her ! 

Eli.  Thou  unadvifed  fcold,  I  can  produce 
A  will,  that  bars  the  title  of  thy  fon. 

Conji.  Ay,  who  doubts  that  ?  a  will! a  wicked 

will; 
A  woman's  will;  a  cankred  CTandam's  will ! 

K.  PhiL  Peace,  lady ;  paufe,  or  be  more  temperate : 

It 

*  /  bavi  but  this  to  fay  t 

Tbat  be*s  not  only  plagued  for  ber  fin^ 

Butt  Uc, ]  This  paiTage  appears  to  me  very  obfeare.  The 

chief  difficulty  arifes  from  this,  that  Conftance  having  told  Eli* 
aor  of  her  fin-concewing  luombi  purfues  the  thought,  and  tiles 
Jtn  through  the  next  lines  in  an  ambiguous  fenie,  fometimes  fox 
mmif  and  fometimes  for  offspring, 

He*s  not  only  plagued  for  ber  fin,  &c.  He  is  not  only  made  mife- 
Ta.ble  by  vengeance  for  her^»  or  crime  ;  but  her^»,  her  offtprimg^ 
and  (he,  are  made  the  inftruments  of  that  ven^ancc,  on  this  de- 
fcendant ;  who,  though  of  the  fecond  generation,  is  pleiguidfir 
ber  and  luitb  ber ;  to  whom  (he  is  not  only  the  caufe  but  the  in- 
ftrument  of  evil. 

The  next  claufe  is  more  perplexed.     All  the  editions  read, 
■  plagued  for  ber. 

And  nuitb  ber  plague  ber  fin  ;  bis  injury  y 
Her  injury  y  tbe  beadle  to  ber  fin  ^ 
All punijh^d  in  tbe  perfon  of  t bis  cbild, 
I  point  thus : 

■  plagued  for  ber 
And  nxjitb  ber. "^Plague  ber  fon  !  bis  injury 
Her  injury  t  tbe  beadle  to  ber  fin. 
That  is ;  inilead  of  infii^ling  vengeance  on  this  innocent  and 
remote  defccndant,  punijh  ber  fon^   her  immediate  offspring : 
then  the  aiiiidion  will  fall  where  it  is  defcrved;^//  iryury'9iiXL 

be 


KING    JO  H  N.  27 

5  It  ill  bcfeems  this  prefencc  to  cry  aim 

To  thde  ill  tuned  repetitions. — 

Some  trumpet  uuiimon  hither  to  the  walls 

Thcfc  men  l:  .\iigicrs ;  let  us  hear  them  fpeak, 

Whofe  title  ti.i-y  aKimit,  Arthur's  or  John's. 

Trumpets  founds 
E.:lcr  citizens  upon  the  walls. 

I.  Cit.  \V  ...i  is  it,  that  hath  warn'd  us  to  the  walls  ?. 

K.  '^hiL    lis  1'^ ranee,  for  England. 

K.  Jcli:.  i  .Otjland,  for  itfclf : 
You  /ncf:    :  An  :;icr<j,  and  my  loving  fubjefts 

K,  ria.  You  loving  men  of  Angiers,  Arthur's  fub- 

jCCtS, 

Our  t»;  .jxrt  callM  you  to  this  gentle  park.- 

A    • : '  • .  For  our  advantage  j  —  therefore  hear  us 
nru  4. 

bi  ^        -r-/,  an  J  the  mifery  of  her  ^»;  her  fon  will  be  ^headlt* 
or  C;  .  10  \\VT  crimes^  which  are  now  all  funijhed  in  the  per/on 

tf  t'.:i .   .    .      Johnson. 
Mr.  iv   .    rick  reads, 

*'  F^^f  ^  ^  ^^'*  ^^^ 

••  Ai..   ..'.th  her  plaguM;  her  fin,  his  injury.  Stbkvens. 
'  //  ill  l^ji^T^s  this  prsjence  to  cry  aim 

To  tift  U  run.'  'f^i'::tic»j.]  Dr.  Warburton  hae  well  ob- 
fervcd  on  o..^  o.  ire  r  rm  •  '/I .ys,  that  to  cry  aim  is  to  encgw 
ra^e,  I  ontc  th  \n,-  -t  it  i  borrovvcd  from  archery  ;  and  that 
aim/  having  beer.  t.  c  v/ml  of  command,  as  we  now  {zy  pre" 
ftnt!  to  cry  aim  ii»ivi  b(«.n  t(.  incite  notice^  or  talk  attention.  But 
I  rather  think,  th:r  iht  old  word  of  applaufe  was  y*aime,  lo*ve 
it,  and  tluit  to  r*pp"..jd  was  to  cry  J^aime^  which  the£nglifh» 
jwe  cafily  pronouiicir^^  Je^  funk  into  aime  or  aim.  Our  excla- 
mations of  applauiie  are  iliil  borrowed,  as  bra<vo  and  encore, 

Johnson. 
Dr.  Johnfon's  firfl  thought,  I  believe  is  bed.    So  in  Beaumont 
and  Fletcher's  Lo-ve's  Cure,  or  3%*  Martial  Maid^ 

•*  Can  1  cry  aim 

"  To  this  againft  myfclf  ?** 

So  in  our  author's  Merry  ff^ivej^  &c.     Ford  fays,  "  — and 
"  to  thefe  violent  proceedings  all  my  neighbours  (hall  cty  aim^* 

Steevehs. 
*  Tor  our  ad<vanta7t ;  —  there  fore  hear  us  fir  ft.—  ]  If  wc  read 
"for^Mrr  advantage^'  it  woala  be  a  more  fpecious  reafon  for 
interruptine  Lewis.    T,  T. 

^  Thefe 


^8  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Thefe  flsgs  of  France,  that  are  advanced  here 
Before  the  eye  and  profpedt  of  your  town. 
Have  hither  march'd  to  your  endamagement. 
The  cannons  have  their  bowels  full  of  wrath ; 
And  ready  mounted  are  they,  to  fpit  forth 
Their  iron  indignation  'gainft  your  walls  : 
All  preparation  for  a  bloody  fiege 
And  mercilefs  proceeding,  by  thefe  French, 
Confront  your  city's  eyes,  your  winking  gates  ; 
And,  but  for  our  approach,  thofe  flecping  ftones. 
That  as  a  v/aift  do  girdle  you  aboat. 
By  the  compulfion  of  their  ordinance 
By  this  time  from  their  fixed  beds  of  lime 
Had  been  difliabited,  and  wide  havock  made 
For  bloody  power  to  rufh  upon  your  peace. 
But  on  the  light  of  us  your  lawful  king, 
(Who,  painfully,  with  much  expedient  march 
Have  brought  a  counter-check  before  your  gates. 
To  fave  unfcratchM  your  city's  threatncd  checks) 
Behold,  the  French,  amaz/d,  vouchfafc;  a  parle : 
And  now,  inflead  of  bullets  wrap*d  in  fire. 
To  make  a  fhaking  fever  in  your  walls, 
They  flioot  but  calm  words,  folded  up  in  fmoak. 
To  make  a  faithlefs  error  in  your  ears : 
Which  truft  accordingly,  kind  citizens. 
And  let  in  us,  your  king  -,  whofe  laboured  fpirits, 
Fore-weary*d  in  this  aftion  of  fwift  fpeed. 
Crave  harbourage  within  your  city-walls. 

K.  Phil  When  I  liave  laid,  make  anfwer  to  us  both, 
Lo !  in  this  right  hand,  whofe  protection 
Is  mort  divinely  vo^^^d  upon  the  right 
Of  him  it  holds,  ftands  young  Plantagenet  -, 
Son  to  the  elder  brotlier  of  this  man. 
And  king  o*er  him,  and  all  that  he  enjoys. 
For  this  down-trodden  equity,  we  tread 
In  warlike  march  thefe  greens  before  your  town  ; 
Being  no  further  enemy  to  you. 
Than  the  conftraint  of  hofpitable  zeal. 
In  the  relief  of  this  opprcffed  child, 

Rcligioufly 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N,  29 

Reli^oufly  provokes.     Be  pleafed  then 

To  pay  that  duty,  which  you  truly  owe 

To  him  that  owns  it ;  namely,  this  young  prince  : 

And  then  our  arms,  like  to  a  muzzled  bear. 

Save  in  afpcdb,  have  all  offence  feal'd  up  ; 

Our  cannons'  malice  vainly  fhall  be  fpcnt 

Againft  the  invulnerable  clouds  of  heaven  j 

And,  with  a  bleffed,  and  unvex'd  retire. 

With  unhack*d  fwords,  and  helmets  all  unbruis*d. 

We  will  bear  home  that  lufty  blood  again. 

Which  here  we  came  to  fpout  againft  your  town  ; 

And  leave  your  children,  wives,  and  you  in  peace. 

But  if  you  fondly  pafs  our  proffer'd  offer, 

Tis  not  the  roundure  4-  of  your  old-fac'd  walls 

Can  hide  you  from  our  meffengers  of  war ; 

Tho*  all  thefe  Englifh,  and  their  difcipline. 

Were  harbour'd  in  their  rude  circumierence. 

Then,  tell  us,  fhall  your  city  call  us  lord. 

In  that  behalf  which  we  have  challenged  it; 

Or  (hall  we  give  the  fignal  to  our  race, 

And  ftalk  in  blood  to  our  poffeffion  r 

CiL  In  brief,  we  are  the  king  of  England's  fubjefts ; 
For  him,  and  in  his  right,  we  hold  this  town. 

K.  John.  Acknowledge  then  the  king,  and  let  me  in. 

C/V.  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  againft  the  world. 

K.  John.  Doth  not  the  crown  of  England  prove  the 
king  ? 
And  if  not  that,  I  bring  you  witnefifes. 
Twice  fifteen  thoufand  hearts  of  England's  breed—— 

Faulc.  (Baftards,  and  elfe). 

*  ^Tis  not  the  roundure^  &c.]  Roundure  means  the  fame  as  the 
f  reiich  rM^4r«r,  i.  e.  the  circle. 

The  word  is  ufed  by  Decker  in  his  Comedy  of  old  Fortunatusy 
1600. 

—  •*  yrur  cries  to  me  are  muHck 

"  And  fill  the  facred  roundure  of  mine  cars,"  ^c,  Steevens. 

K.  Jehu 


30  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

K.  John, — To  verify  our  title  with  their  lives, 

K.  Phil  As  many,  and    as  well   bom  bloods  as 
thofe 

Faul  (Some  baft^ds  too). 

K.  Phil — Stand  in  his  face  to  contradift  his  claim. 

Cit.  *Till  you  compound  whofe  right  is  worthicft. 
We,  for  the  worthieft,  hold  the  right  from  both. 

K.  John.  Then  God  forgive  the  fin  of  all  thofe  fouls. 
That  to  their  evcrlaftingrefidence. 
Before  the  dew  of  evening  fall,  fliall  fleet. 
In  dreadful  trial  of  our  kingdom's  king ! 

K.  Phil  Amen,  Amen.— —Mount,  chevaliers !  to 
arms ! 

Faulc.  Saint  George,  that  fwing'd  the  dragon,  and 
e*er  fmce 
Sits  on  his  horfeback  at  mine  hoftefs*  -door. 
Teach  us  fome  fence  !     Sirrah,  were  1  at  home 
At  your  den,  firrah,  with  your  lionefs, 
rd  let  an  ox-head  to  your  Uon's  hide. 
And  make  a  monfter  of  you.  [Toyififiriai 

Auji.  Peace  !  no  more. 

Faulc.  O,  tremble ;  for  you  hear  the  lion  roar. 

K.  John.  Up  higher  to  the  plain ;  where  we'll  fet 
forth 
In  bcft  appointment  all  our  raiments. 

Faulc.  Speed  then  to  take  advantage  of  the  field. 

K.  Phil.  It  fhall  be  fo ; — and  at  the  other  hill 
Command  the  reft  to  ftand. — God,  and  our  right ! 

[Exeunt. 
SCENE    II. 

yffler  excurJionSy  enter  the  herald  of  France 'with  trumpets 
to  the  gates. 

F.  Her.  ^  Ye  men  of  Anglers,  open  wide  your  gates. 
And  let  young  Arthur,  duke  of  Bretagne,  in ; 

*  Te  men  of  Angiers^  &€.]  This  (peech  is  very  poetical  and 
imooth,  and  except  the  conceit  of  the  fwidoiu's  bujband  embrac- 
ing the  eartbi  is  jull  and  beautiful.     Johnson. 

Who, 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  31 

Who,  by  the  hand  of  France,  this  day  hath  niade 
Much  work  for  tears  in  many  an  Englifh  mother, 
Whofe  fons  lye  fcatter'd  on  the  bleeding  ground  : 
And  many  a  widow's  hufband  groveling  lies. 
Coldly  embracing  the  difcolour*d  earth ; 
While  viftory  with  little  lofs  doth  play 
Upon  the  dancing  banners  of  the  French ; 
Who  arc  at  hand  triumphantly  diiplay'd 
To  enter  conqueron,  and  to  proclaim 
Arthur  of  Bretagne,  England's  king,  and  yours. 

Enter  Englijh  herald  with  trumpets. 

E.  Her.  ^  Rejoice,  ye  men  of  Anglers,  ring  your 
bells; 
King  John,  your  king  and  England's,  doth  approach. 
Commander  q£  this  hot  malicious  day ! 
Their  armours^  that  march'd  hence  to  filvcr-bright. 
Hither  return  all  gilt  with  Frcnchmens'  blood. 
There  ftuck  no  plume  in  any  Englilh  crcft. 
That  is  removed  by  a  ftafF  of  France, 
Our  colours  do  return  in  thofe  fame  hands. 
That  did  difplay  them,  when  we  firft  march'd  forth ; 
And,  like  a  jolly  troop  of  huntfmen  7,  come 
Our  lufly  Englifli,  all  with  purpled  hands  ; 
Dy'd  in  the  dying  flaughter  of  their  foes. 
Open  your  ga^s,  and  give  the  vidters  way. 

Cit.  *  Heralds,  from  ofFour  towers  we  might  behold. 
From  firft  to  laft,  the  onfet  and  retire 

*  Rijoict^  y4  men  of  Angiers^  &c.]  The  Englifli  herald  fallf 
fomewnat  below  kis  antagoniH.  Sil*ver  armour  gilt  wth  hUo4i  is 
a  poor  image.     Yet  our  author  has  it  again  in  Macbeth, 

**  Here  lay  Duncan, 

"  His  filvcr  fldn  lacM  with  his  golden  blood.  Jokivsov. 
'  Jndf  likt  u  jolly  troop  of  hunt/men,^  It  was,  I  think,  one  of 
the  ravage  practices  of  the  chafe,  for  all  to  flain  their  hands  in 
the  blood  of  the  deer,  as  a  trophy.     Joh  nson. 

•  Her  aids  y  from  offy  &c.]  Thefe  three  fpceches  feem  to  have 
been  laboured.  The  citizen's  is  the  belt ;  yet  both  alike  'we  like 
is  a  poor  gingle.    Johhson. 

Of 


32  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Of  both  your  armies;  whofe  equality 

By  our  bed  eyes  cannot  be  cenfured  : 

Blood  hath  bought  blood,  and  blows  have  anfwered 

blows ; 
Strength  matched  with  ftrength,  and  power  confronted 

power: 
Both  are  alike,  and  both  alike  we  like. 
One  muft  prove  greateft  : — while  they  weigh  fo  even. 
We  hold  our  town  for  neither  ;  yet  for  both. 

Enter  the  two  kings  with  their  powers^  at  fever al 
doors^ 

K.  John.  France,  haft  thou  yet  more  blood  to  caft 
away  ? 
Say,  fliall  the  current  of  our  right  run  on  ? 
Whofe  paflage,  vext  with  thy  impediment. 
Shall  leave  his  native  channel,  and  o'er-fwell 
With  courfe  difturb*d  even  thy  confining  fhores ; 
Unlefs  thou  let  his  filvcr  water  keep 
A  peaceful  progrefs  to  the  ocean. 

K.  Phi!,  England,  thou  haft  not  fav'd  one  drop  of 
blood 
In  this  hot  trial,  more  than  we  of  France  ; 
Rather  loft  more  :  and  by  this  hand  I  fwear. 
That  fways  the  earth  this  climate  overlooks. 
Before  we  will  lay  by  our  juft-borne  arms. 
We'll  put  thee  down,  'gainft  whom  thefe  arms  we  bear. 
Or  add  a  royal  number  to  the  dead ; 
Gracing  the  fcrowl,  that  tells  of  this  war's  lofs. 
With  flaughter  coupled  to  the  name  of  kings. 

Fatilc.  Ha,  majefty  !— how  high  thy  glory  towers, 
When  the  rich  blood  of  kings  is  fet  on  fire ! 
Oh,  how  doth  death  line  his  dead  chaps  with  fteel ; 
The  fwords  of  foldiers  are  his  teeth,  his  phangs  -, 
And  now  he  feafts,  ^  mouthing  the  flefh  of  men 
In  undetermined  differences  of  kinffs. — 


'  tnoufbiffg  the  fiejh  of  men]    The  old  copy  reads 

moujintt     SxiitVENs. 

Why 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  33 

Why  ftand  thefe  royal  fronts  aniazed  thus  ? 

Ciy  havock ',  kings !  back  to  the  ftaincd  field. 

You  equal  potents,  fiery-kindled  fpirits ! 

Then  let  confufion  of  one  part  confirm 

The  other's  peace ;  till  then,  blows,  blood,  and  death. 

K.  John.  Whofe  party  do  the  townfmen  yet  admit  ? 

K.  Phil.  Speak,  citizens,  for  England ;  who's  your 
king  ? 

C/V.  The  king  of  England,  when  we  know  the  king? 

K.  PhiL  Know  liim  in  us,  that  here  hold  up  has 
right. 

K.  John.  In  us,  that  are  our  own  great  deputy. 
And  bear  pofleflion  of  our  perfon  here  •, 
Lord  of  our  prcfence,  Angiers,  and  of  you. 

Cit.  *  A  greater  power,  than  ye,  denies  all  this  ; 
And,  till  it  be  undoubted,  we  do  lock 
Our  former  fcruple  in  our  ftrong-barr'd  gates. 

Kings  are  our  fears until  our  fears,  refolv'd. 

Be  by  foine  certain  king  purg'd  ^nd  deposed. 

FauL 

■  Cryhanfock^  kings  ! ]   That  is,  **  command  flauchter  to 

**  proceed  ;'*  fo  in  another  place.     "  He  with  Ate  by  his  fide, 
"  Cries,  havock  !'*     Johnson. 

*  In  former  copies  : 

A  greater  pa^r^  than  \yE,  denies  all  this  ; 

Kings  OF  our  fears  ■  ]  We  fhouIJ  read,  than  ye,-  What 
power  was  this  ?    their  fears'.    It  is  plain  therefore  we  fhould 

read,  Kings  are  our  fears, /.  e,  our  fears  are  the  kings  which 

;^ prefcnt  rule  us.     Warburton. 

Dr.  Warburton  faw  what  was  requifite  to  make  this  paflage 
fenie  ;  and  Dr.  Johnfon,  rather  too  hadily,  I  think,  has  received 
his  emendation  into  the  text.     He  reads, 

Kings  are  our  fears  ^ 
■  which  he  explains  to  mean,  **  our  fears  are  the  kings  which  at 
"  prefent  rule  us." 

As  the  fame  fcnfe  may  be  obtained  by  a  much  (lighter  altera- 
tion, I  am  more  inclined  to  read, 
King'd  of  our  fears, 

Kingd  is  ufed  as  a  participle  pafTive  by  Shakefpeare  more  than 
once,  I  believe."    I  remember  one  inllance  in  Henry  the  Fifths 
Aft.  ii.  Scene  5.     The  Dauphin  fays  of  England, " 
'■  pe  is  fo  idly  king'd. 

Vol.  V.  C  J) 


34  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Fauk.  By  heaven,  thefe  fcroyles  of  Angiers  3  flout 
you,  kings ; 
And  ftand  fecurely  on  their  battlements, 
As  in  a  theatre,  whence  they  gape  and  point 
At  your  induftrious  fcenes  and  ads  of  death  : 
Your  royal  prefenccs,  be  ruFd  by  me ; 
Do  like  the  mutines  of  Jerufalem, 
Be  friends  a  while  ♦,  and  both  conjointly  bend 
Your  fharpeft  deeds  of  malice  on  this  town. 
By  eaft  and  weft  let  France  and  England  mount 
Their  battering  cannon,  charged  to  the  mouths  ; 
Till  their  foul-fearing  clamours  have  brawl'd  down 
The  flinty  ribs  of  tliis  contemptuous  city, 
Pd  play  inceflfantly  upon  thefe  jades ; 
Even  till  unfenced  defolation 
Leave  them  as  naked  as  the  vulgar  air. 
That  done,  difleveryour  united  ftrengths. 
And  part  your  mingled  colours  once  again ; 
Turn  face  to  face,  and  bloody  point  to  point. 
Then,  in  a  moment,  fortune  ftiall  cull  forth 
Out  of  one  fide  her  happv  minion  -, 
To  whom  in  favour  ftie  mall  give  the  day. 
And  kifs  him  with  a  glorious  viftory. 
How  like  you  this  wild  counfel,  mighty  ftates  ? 
Smacks  it  not  fomething  of  the  policy  ? 

K.  John.  Now,  by  the  Iky,  that  hangs  above  our 
heads, 
I  like  it  well.     France,  ftiall  we  knit  our  powers. 
And  lay  this  Angiers  even  with  theground  -, 
Then,  after,  fight  who  ftiall  be  king  of  it  ? 

It  is  fcarcc  ncccflary  to  add,  that,  of^  here  (as  in  numberlcfs 
other  places)  has  the  fignificatiou  of,  ly,  Ohfrr^vathns  and  Con-' 
jtSuresjSzQ,  printed  at  Oxford,  1766.     Steuveks. 

^ the/c{2Toy\t^  of  Angiers ]  EJcroucllcs^  Fr.  i.e.  fcabby, 

fcrophulous  fellows. 

Ben  Jonfon  ufes  the  word  in  Every  Man  in  bis  Humour^ 

—  •  •  hang  them  Jlroyles  /"     S t  e  l  v  e  n  s . 
*  Be  friends  a  ^ivbiUykc,']  This  advice  is  given  by  the  Badard 
in  the  old  copy  of  the  play,  though  comprized  in  fewer  and  Icfs 
,  i]p  ircd  lines.     Steevens. 

Fattlc. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  ;H[  N.  35 

Faulc.  An  if  thou  haft  the  mettle  of  a  king, 
Being  wroJig'd,  as  we  are,  by  this  peevifh  town, 
Turn  thou  the  mouth  of  thy  artillery. 
As  we  will  ours,  againft  thefe  faucy  walls : 
And  when  that  we  have  dafh'd  them  to  the  ground. 
Why  then  defy  each  other ;  and,  pell-mell. 
Make  work  upon  ourfelves,  for  heaven,  or  hcdl. 
K.  Phil.  Let  it  be  fo :  fay,  where  will  you  aiT:uIt  ? 
K,  John,  We  from  the  weft  will  fend  deftiiidion 
Into  this  city's  bofom. 
Avfi.  I  from  the  north. 
Yi.  Phil  Our  thunder  from  the  fouth 
Shall  rain  their  drift  of  bulleft  on  this  town. 

Faulc.  O  prudent  difcipline !  from  north  to  fouth ; 
Auftria  and  France  fhoot  in  each  other's  mouth,  [y^Jlf. 
rU  ftir  them  co  it :  come,  away,  away ! 
Cit.  Hear  us,  great  kings :  vouchfafe  a  'while  to 
ftay. 
And  I  will  Ihew  you  peace,  and  fair-fac*d  league ;  , 
Win  you  this  city  without  ftroke,  or  wound ; 
Refcue  thofe  breathing  lives  to  die  in  beds. 
That  here  come  facrifices  for  the  field : 
Perfcver  not,  but  hear  me,  mighty  kings. 
K,  John.  Speak  on,  with. favour;  we  are  bent  to, 

hear. 
Cit. .  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  lufty  love  fhoyld  go. in  queft  of  beauty. 
Where  fhould  he  find  it  fairer  than  in  Blanch? 
If  ^  zealous  love  fhould  go  in  fearch  of  virtue. 
Where  fhould  he  find  it  purer  than  in  Blanch  ? 
If  love,  ambitious,  fought  a  match  of  birth, 
Whofc  veins  bound  richer  blood  than  lady  Blanch  ? 
Such  as  flie  is,  in  beauty,  virtue,  birth, 
Is  the  young  Dauphin  every  way  complete : 

'  Zea/ous  fecms  here  to  fignify  fious,  or  infiucnad  hj  miti^ues 
^  rtUpoM.     Jo  JB  K  ^  o  N . 

C   2  If 


36  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

If  not  complete^,  oh  fay,  heisnotfhe; 
And  fhe  again  wants  nothing  (to  name  want) 
If  want  it  be  not,  that  fhe  is  not  he. 
He  is  the  half  part  of  a  bleffcd  man  7, 
Left  to  be  finiflied  by  fuch  a  fhe : 
And  fhe  a  fair  divided  excellence, 
Whofe  fubiefs  of  perfeftion  lies  in  him. 
Oh !  two  fuch  filver  currents,  when  they  join, 
Do  glorify  tlie  banks  that  bound  them  in : 
And  two  fuch  fhores,  to  two  fuch  flreams  made  one. 
Two  fuch  controlling  bounds  fhall  you  be,  kings. 
To  thefe  two  princes,  if  you  marry  them. 
This  union  fhall  do  more  than  battery  can. 
To  our  faft-clofed  gates  j  for  at  this  match  ^; 
AVith  fwifter  fpleen  tlian  powder  can  enforce,  ' 
The  mouth  ot  paflage  fliall  we  fiing  wide  ope. 
And  give  you  entrance :  but,  without  this  match. 
The  fca  enraged  is  not  half  fo  deaf. 
Lions  lb  confident,  mountains  and  rocks 
.  So  free  from  motioh  •,  no,  not  death  himJelf 
In  mortal  fury  half  fo  peremptory, 
As  we  to  keep  this  city. 
Faulc.  Hcre*s  a  ftay  9, 
That  fhakes  the  rotten  carcafs  of  old  death 
Out  of  his  rags  !     Here's  a  large  mouth,  indeed. 

That 

•  If  not  complete  nf,  fajy  Ic.]  Sir  T.Hanmer  reads,  O!  fay, 

Johnson. 

'  He  is  the  half  part  of  a  bleffed  man^ 

Left  to  befinijhedbyjucb  «/lhc:]  Dr.  Thirlby  prefcribM  that 
reading,  which  I  have  here  reftorcd  to  the  text.     Theobald. 

"  at  this  match, 

Vf'itb  fMiflcr  fpleen y  &c.]  Our  author  uks  fpleen  for  any  vio- 
lent hurry,  or  tumultuous  fpeed.  So  in  Midfumtner  Night^s 
Dream  he  applies ^*Vr;/  to  the  lightning,  I  am  loath  to  think 
that  Shakefpeare  meant  to  play  with  tlic  double  of  match  for 
nuptial,  and  the  match  of  Sigun,     Johnson. 

^  Herc*s  a  ftay, 

^'hatjhnkes  the  rotten  carcafs  of  old  death 

Out  of  his  rags/]  J  cannot  but  think  that  every  reader 
wiflje«  for  foxuc  other  word  in  the  place  of  fay,  which  thougk 

ic 


KINGJOHN.  37 

That  fpits  forth  death,  and  mountains,  rocks  and  feas ; 

Talb  as  famiharly  of  roaring  lions. 

As  maids  of  thirteen  do  of  puppy-dogs  ! 

What  cannoneer  begot  this  lufty  blood  ? 

He  fpeaks  plain  cannon-fire,  andfmoak,  and  bounce  j 

He  gives  the  baftinado  with  his  tongue  : 

Our  ears  are  cudgel'd  j  not  a  word  of  his. 

But  buffets  better  than  a  fift  of  France : 

Zounds !  I  was  never  fo  bethumpt  with  words, 

Since  I  firft  caird  my  brother's  father,  dad. 

Els.  Son,  lift  to  this  conjunftion,  make  this  match  j 
Give  with  our  niece  a  dowry  large  enough  : 
For  by  this  knot  thou  (halt  fo  furely  tie 
Th/  now  unfur'd  afliirance  to  the  crown. 
That  yon  green  boy  fliall  have  no  fun  to  ripe 
The  bloom,  that  promifeth  a  mighty  fruit. 
I  fee  a  yielding  in  the  looks  of  France  •, 
Mark,  how  they  whilper :  urge  them,  while  their  fouls 
Are  capable  pf  this  ambition ; 
Left  zeal,  now  melted  %  by  the  windy  breath 
Of  foft  petitions,  pity,  and  remorfe, 
Cool  and  congeal  again  to  what  it  was. 

Cii.  Why  anfwer  not  the  double  majefties 
This  friendly  treaty  of  our  threatened  town  ? 

it  may  fignify  an  hindranee^  or  man  that  hinders ^  is  yet  very  im- 
proper to  introduce  the  next  line.     I  read. 
Hirers  a  flaw. 

That  Jhaket  the  rotten  carcafs  of  old  death. 
That  is,  here  is  a  guft  of  bravery,  a  hlaft  of  menace.  This  fuits 
well  with  the  fpirit  of  the  fpecch.  ^tay  and^w,  in  a  careleft 
hand,  are  not  eafily  diftingui  lied  j  and  if  the  writing  was  cb- 
k^TcJiaiv  being  a  word  leis  ufual  wascafily  inifTcd.  Johnsc:;. 
'  Lefi  xeal,  now  meltedy^r-]  Wp  have  here  a  very  unufual,  and, 
I  think,  not  very  jull  imzgc  of  zeal,  which,  in  its  higheft  degree, 
is  repreiented  by  others  as  a  flame,  but  by  Shakefpeare  as  a  troil. 
To  repre/j  zea/t  in  the  language  of  others,  is  to  fW,  inShakef- 
peirc's  to  /ne/t  it ;  when  it  exerts  its  urmofl  power  it  is  com- 
;Bonly  piid  co  fiamty  but  by  Shakefpeare  to  bt  concealed. 

Johnson. 

.  c  3  K^mi 


38   .  K  I  N  G    J  0  H  N. 

K.  Phil  Speak,  England,  firft,  that  hath  been  for- 
ward firft 
To  fpeak  unto  this  city :  what  fay  you  ? 

A".  John.  If  that  the  dauphin  there,  thy  princely  fon. 
Can  in  this  book  of  beauty  read,  /  love ; 
Her  dowiy  fhall  weigh  equal  with  a  queen  : 
For,  Anjou,'arid  fair  Touriine,  Maine,  Poiftiers*, 
And  all  that  we  upon  this  fide  the  fea, 
(Except  this  city  nov/by  us  befieg'd) 
Find  liable  to  our  crown  and  dignity, 
Shall  gild  her  bridal  bed ;  and  make  her  rich 
In  titles,  hoiiours,  and  promotions,  ^ 

As  fhe  in  beauty,  education,  blood, 
Holds  hand  with  any  princefs  of  the  world. 

A'.  Pbil  What  fay'il  daou,  boy  ?  look  in  the  lady's 
face. 

Lewis.  I  do,  my  lord ;  and  in  her  eye  I  find 
A  wonder,  or  a  wondrous  miracle  •, 
The  fliadow  of  myfclf  form'd  in  her  eye  ; 
Which,  being  but  the  (hadow  of  your  fon, 
Becom.es  a  fun,  and  makes  your  fon  a  fhadow. 
I  do  protcft,  I  never  lov'd  myfelf. 
Till  now,  infixed,  I  beheld  myfelf. 
Drawn  in  the  flattering  table  of  her  eye  ! 

[IVhifpering  ".vith  Blanch, 

Faulc.  Drav/n  in  the  flattering  table  of  her  eye  ! 

Hang'd  in  the  frowning  wrinkle  of  her  brow ! 

*  In  old  editions, 

For  A  N  G I E  R  s  and  fair  TcurainCj  Maine  ^  PoiQien^ 

^ndall  that  ivc  upon  this  fde  the  fea  ^ 

Except  this  city  noiv  by  us  beiieg'd, 

Find  liable,  &c. ]  What  was  the  city  hsjiegedj  but  An^ 

g-ers  ?  KFng  John  agrees  to  give  up  all  he  held  in  France,  ex- 
cept the  city  of  Angicrs,  which  he  now  befxeged  and  laid  claim  to. 
But  could  he  give  up  all  except  Angicrs,  and  give  up  that  too  ? 
Anjou  was  one^f  the  provinces  which  the  Englifh  held  in  France. 

Theobald, 

Mr.  Theobald  found,  or  might  have  found,  the  reading, 
which  he  would  introduce  as  an  emendation  of  his  own,  in  the 
t>ld  quarto,     Ste^vzms. 

And 


K  I  N  G     J  O  H  N.  $$ 

And  quartered  in  her  heart !  he  doth  cfpy 
Himfelf  love's  traitor :  this  is  pity  now, 
Thathang'd,  and  drawn,  and  quartered,  there  fhould  be. 
In  fuch  a  love,  fo  vile  a  lout  as  he. 

Blanch.  My  uncle's  will,  in  this  refpeft,  is  mine. 
If  he  fee  aught  in  you,  that  makes  him  like. 
That  any  thing  he  lees,  which  moves  his  liking, 
I  can  with  eafe  tranflate  it  to  my  will : 
Or,  if  you  will,  to  fpeak  more. properly^ 
I  will  enforce  it  eafily  to  my  love. 
Further  I  will  not  flatter  you,  my  lord^ 
That  all  I  fee  in  you  is  worthy  love. 
Than  this ;  that  nothing  do  I  fee  in  you, 
(Though  churhfti  thoughts  themfclves  fhould  be  your 

judge) 
That  I  can  find  fhould  merit  any  hate. 

K.  Joim.  What  fay  thefe  young  ones  ?   What  fay 
you,  my  niece  ? 

Blanch.  That  fhe  is  bound  in  honour  flill  to  do 
What  you  in  wifdom  flill  vouchfafe  to  fay. 

K.  John.  Speak  then,  prince  dauphin  •,  can  you  love 
this  lady  ? 

Lewis.  Nay,  aflc  me,  if  I  can  refrain  from  love  -^ 
For  I  do  love  her  mofl  unfeignedly. 

K.  John*  Then  do  I  give  Volqueflen,  Touraine^ 
Maine, 
Poiftiers,  and  Anjou,  thelc  five  provinces^ 
With  her  to  thee ;  and  this  addition  more,. 
Full  thirty  thoufand  marks  of  Englifh  coin.— 
Philip  of  France,  if  thou  be  pleas'd  withal. 
Command  thy  fon  and  daughter  to  join  hands. 

K.  Philip.  It  likes  us  well ;   young  princes,  clofe 
{  your  hands. 

jfuft.  And  your  lips  too ;  for,  I  am  well  afTur'd,, 
That  I  did  fo,  what  I  was  firfl  afTur^d. 

K.  Phil.  Now,  citizens  of  Anglers,  ope  your  gates^ 
Let  in  that  amity  which  you  have  made  j 
for  at  St.  Mary's  chapel,  prefently 
The  rhes  of  marriage  ihsdl  be  folemniz'd.— - 

C4  U 


4ti»  KINGJOHN. 

Is  not  the  lady  Conftance  in  this  troop  ?-*i 
I  knowj  ftie  is  not ;  for  this  match,  made  up^ 
Her  prcfence  would  have  interrupted  much. — 
Where  is  Ihe  and  her  fon,  tell  me,  who  knows  ? 

Jatwis.  She's  fed  and  paflionate  at  your  highnefs'  tent, 

JC.  Phil  And,  by  my  faith,  this  league^  mat  we  have 
made. 
Will  give  her  fadnefe  very  little  cure.-^ 
Brother  of  England,  how  may  we  content 
This  widow  lady  ?  In  her  right  we  came  -, 
Which  we,  God  knows,  have  turnM  another  wajr 
To  our  own  vantage, 

A"  John.  We  wfll  heal  up  all,, 
For  we'll  create  young  Arthur  duke  of  Bretagne,^ 
And  earl  of  Richmond  \  and  this  rich  fair  town 
We  make  him  lord  of.    CaH  the  lady  Conftan.ce  \^ 
Some  fpcedy  meflenger  bid  her  repair 
To  our  Iblemnity  :  I  trqft,  we  fhall, 
If  not  fill  up  the  meafure  of  her  will. 
Yet  in  fome  meafure  fatisfy  her  fo^ 
That  we  fhall  ftop  her  exclamation. 
Go  we,  as  well  as  hafte  will  fufFer  us. 
To  this  unlook'd  for„  u.nprepaied  pomp. 

[Exeunt  all  but  FaulctmiriJg^ 

Foul  Mad  world  \  mad  kings  I  mad  compofition  I 
John,  to  ftop  Arthur*s  ti^le  in  the  v^hok. 
Hath  willingly  » departed  with  a  part : 
And  France  (whofc  armour  confcicnce  byckled  on. 
Whom  zeal  and  charity  brought  to  the  field. 
As  God's  own,  foldicr)  *  rounded  in  tlic  ear 

With 

^  ——departed  with  a  fart:]   To /^r/  and  to  ififQrt  wcr^ 
fermerly  fynonimous. 

So  in  Ben  Jonfon's  E'viry  J^f^n  out  of  bi^  HmmpMr, 

«.*  Faith,  Sir,  I  can  hardly  defart  ^th  ready  money.*' 
Again,  in  Tife  Sad  Zhepherd^ 

**  I  have  departed  w.  'mpng  my  poor  neighbour!.'' 

Steevsns. 
•  ^-^ronndei  iA^fyi  ior]  L  i.  VKKifpc;c^  uji .^liQ.c^.   The  word 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N,  41 

Wich  that  fame  purpofe-changer,  that  fly  devil. 
That  broker,  that  ftiU  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  lofe 
But  the  word  maid,  cheats  the  poor  maid  of  that) 
That  fmooth-fac'd  gentleman,  tickling  commodity- 
Commodity,  the  bias  of  the  world  ; 
The  world,  which  of  itfelf  is  pcifed  well. 
Made  to  run  even,  upon  even  ground  ; 
Till  this  advantage,  this  vile  drawing  bias. 
This  fway  of  motion,  this  commodity. 
Makes  it  uke  head  from  all  indifFerency, 
From  all  direftion,  purpofc,  courfe,  intent : 
And  this  fame  bias,  this  commodity. 
This  bawd,  this  broker,  this  all-changing  word, 
Clapt  on  the  outward  eye  of  fickle  France, 
Hath  drawn  him  from  his  Qwn  determined  aid. 
From  a  reiblv'd  and  honourable  war. 
To  a  moft  bafe  and  vile-concluded  peace.—- 
And  why  rail  I  on  this  commodity  ? 
But  for  becaufe  he  hath  not  wooed  me  yet : 
Not  that  I  have  the  power  to  clutch  my  hand. 
When  his  fair  angels  would  falute  my  palm  ; 
But  for  my  hand,  as  unattempted  yet. 
Like  a  poor  be^ar,  raileth  on  the  rich. 
W^ell,  while  I  am  a  beggar,  I  will  rail ; 
And  fay,  there  is  no  fin  but  to  be  rich : 
And  being  rich,  my  virtue  then  fhall  be, 
To  fay,  there  is  no  vice,  but  beggary. 
Since  kings  break  faith  upon  commodity, 
Gain  be  my  lord  j  for  I  will  worlhip  thee !         [ExiL 

h  frequently  ufcd  by  Chaucer,  as  well  as  later  writers.  So  in 
Lingua,  or  >/  Combat  of  the  Tongue,  &c.    1 607, 

••  J  hclp'd  Herodotus  to  pen  forae  part  of  his  Mufes ;  lent 
*^  Pliny  ink  to  write  his  hiftory,  and  rounded  Rabelais  in  the  car 
♦'  when  he  hiilorified  Pantagruel." 

So  in  The  Spanijh  Tragedy,   1 705, 

<  •  for  thwi  til  Revenge,  Jhe  rounded  me  PtVear. "    Steevens, 

ACT 


42  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

A  C  T     III.      SCENE     I. 

The  French  king^s  pavilion. 
Enter  Conjiance^  Arthur^  and  Salijbwj. 

Constance.' 

GO  N  E  to  be  many*d !  gone  to  fwcar  a  peace ! 
Falfe  blood  to  falfe  blc^  join'd !     Gone  to  be 
friends ! 
Shall  Lewis  have  Blanch,  and  Blanch  thofe  provinces  ? 
It  is  not  fo,  thou  haft  mif-fpoke,  mif-heard  \ 
Be  well-advis*d,  tell  o*er  thy  tale  a^in  : 
It  cannot  be  •,  thou  doft  but  fay,  'tis  fo. 
I  tmft,  I  may  not  truft  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  ftialt  bepunifh'd  fqr  thus  frighting  me. 
For  I  am  fick,  and  capable  of  fears  ; 
Oppreft  with  wrongs,  and  therefore  full  of  fears : 
A  widow,  hulbandlefs,  fubjeft  to  fears  -, 
A  woman,  naturally  bom  to  fears  : 
And,  tho'  thou  now  confefs  thou  didft  but  jeft. 
With  my  vext  fjpirits  I  cannot  take  a  truce. 
But  they  will  quake  and  tremble  all  this  day. 
What  doft  thou  mean  by  fhaking  of  thy  head  ? 
Why  doft  thou  look  fo  fadly  on  my  fon  ? 
What  means  that  hand  upon  that  orcaft  of  thine  ? 
Why  holds  thine  eye  that  lamentable  rheum. 
Like  a  proud  river  peering  o'er  his  bounds  ? 
Be  thefe  fad  fighs  confirmers  of  thy  words  ?    . 
Then  fpeak  again  not  all  thy  former  talc. 
But  this  one  word,  whether  thy  talc  be  true. 

Sal.  As  true  as,  I  believe,  you  think  them  falfe, 
Tliat  give  you  caufc  to  prove  my  faying  true. 

Conjl. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  43 

Oh,  if  thou  teach  me  to  believe  this  forrow. 
Teach  thou  this  fonx)w  how  to  make  me  die ; 
And  let  belief  and  life  encounter  fo. 
As  doth  the  fury  of  two  defperate  men. 
Which  in  the  very  meeting,  fall,  and  die.— 
Leivis  marry  Blanch  !  O  boy,  then  where  art  thou  ? 
France  friend  with  England !  what  becomes  of  me? — 
FcUow,  be  gone ;  I  cannot  brook  thy  light : 
This  news  hath  made  thee  a  moft  uglv  man. 

Sal.  What  other  harm  have  I,  good  lady,  done^ 
But  fpoke  the  harm  that  is  by  others  done  ?  , 

ConJ}.  Which  harm  within  itfelf  fo  heinous  is. 
As  it  makes  harmful  all  that  fpeak  of  it. 

ylrtb.  I  do  befeech  you,  madam,  be  content. 

Conft.  If  thou  \  that  bidft  me  be  content,  wert  grirti. 
Ugly,  and  fland'rous  to  thy  mother's  womb. 
Full  of  unpleafing  blots,  and  •  fightlefs  ftains. 
Lame,  foolifh,  crooked,  fwart,  prodigious  3, 
Patch'd  with  foul  moles,  and  eye-ofrending  marks, 
I  would  not  care,  I  then  would  be  content : 

'  I/thoM  hadft^  &c.]    Maffinger  appears  to  have  copied  this 
paiHtge  in  The  Unnatural  Combat^ 

•^^  If  thou  hadft  been  born 

"  Deforxn'd  and  crooked  in  the  features  of 
"  Thy  body,  as  the  manners  of  thy  mind, 
**  Moor-lip'd,  flat-nos'd,  Wc.  Wr. 
"  I  had  been  bleft."    Steevens. 
*  "^ — fig^il^fi  — ]    The  poet  ufes  fightlefs  ^  that  which  wc 
now  cxprefs  by  unfightfyy  difagreeable  to  the  eyes.    Johnson. 

3  — prodigious^']  That  is,  portentous ^  fo  deformed  as  to  be  taken 
for  2l  foretoken  of  e^viL     Jo  h  N  s  0  n  . 

In  this  fenfe  it  is  ufed  by  Decker  in  the  firft  part  of  The  H^-* 
vfiWborey  1635, 

•«  yon  comet  (hews  his  head  again, 

"  Twice  hath  he  thus  at  crofs-turns  thrown  on  us 
'*  Pr«<%/<?«j  looks." 
Again,  in  The  Ret/enger^s  Tragedy^  1607, 
**  Over  whofe  roof  hangs  ims  prodigious  comet/' 
^  So  in  the  Midfummer^s  Night  Dream,  fc.  ult. 

•*  nor  fear 

"  Nor  mark  prodigious^  fuch  as  ar^ 
M  Dcljpifed,"  ^c.    Stebvjws, 

•  For 


44  KINGJOHN. 

For  then  I  iliould  not  love  thee  j  no,  nor  thoq 
Become  thy  great  birth,  nor  dcfcrye  a  crown. 
But  thou  art  fair,  and  at  thy  birth,  dear  boy ! 
Nature  and  fortune  joined  to  make  thee  great. 
Of  nature's  gifts  thou  may'ft  with  lilies  boaft. 
And  with  the  half-blown  rofe.     But  fortune,  oh  ! 
She  is  corrupted,  changed,  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  relpe6t  of  fovereignty. 
And  made  his  majefty  the  bawd  to  theirs. 
France  is  a  bawd  to  fortune,  and  king  John  ; 
That  ftrumpct  fortune,  that  ufurping  John! 
Tell  me,  tliOu  fellow,  is  not  France  rorfwcm  ? 
Envenom  him  with  words ;  or  get  thee  gone. 
And  leave  thcfe  woes  alone,  which  I  alone 
Am  bound  to  under-bear. 

Sal  Pardon  me,  madam, 
J  may  not  go  without  you  to  the  kings. 

Ccnjl.  Thou  may'ft,  thou  (halt,  1  will  not  go  with 
thee : 
J  will  inftru(5t  my.forrows  to  be  proud  •, 
For  grief  is  proud,  and  makes  his  owner  flout*. 
To  me,  and  to  the  (late  of  my  great  grief  5, 

-  makes  lis  onxj ner  ^oxxt.']  The  old  editions  have,  maJies 


its  ovjfier  (loop  :  the  en:endation  is  Hanmer's^     Johnson. 

'  To  me  9  and  to  the  J*  ate  of  my  gftdt  gritfy 

Let  kings  oJJcmble\ ]  In  Much  Ado  about  Nothings  the  fa- 
ther of  Hero,  deprefled  by  her  difgracc,  declares  himfcif  fo  Tub- 
Gucd  by  gx\t(  that  a  thread  may  lead  him.  How  is  it  that 
grief  in  Lconato  and  lady  Conftance  produces  effefts  direAIy 
oppoiite,  and  yet  both  agreeable  to  nature.  Sorrow  foftens  the 
mild  while  it  is  yet  warmed  by  hope,  buj  hardens  it  when  it  is 
congealed  by  defpair.  Diftrefs,  while  there  remains  any  prof- 
pcdt  of  relief,  is  weak  and  flexible,  but  when  no  fuccour  remains, 
is  fearlefs  and  llubbprn  ;  angry  alike  at  thofc  that  injure,  and  at 
thofe  that  do  not  help  ;  carclcfs  to  pleafe  where  nothing  can 
be  gained,  and  fearlefs  to  offend  when  there  is  nothing  further 
to  fie  dreaded.  Such  was  this  writer's  knowledge  of  the  paf* 
^op$.     Johnson. 

Let 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  45 

Let  kings  aflemble  -,  for  my  griefs  fo  great. 
That  no  fupporter  but  the  huge  firm  earth 
Can  hold  it  up :  here  I  and  forrow  fit : 
Here  is  my  throne,  bid  kings  come  bow  to  it  ^. 

[Siis  down  on  thefloor^ 

*  hid  kin^s  cpme  honu  to  it,]  I  muft  here  account  for 

the  liberty  J  have  taken  to  make  a  change  in  the  divifion  of  the 
2d  and  3d  a^s.    In  the  old  editions,  the  2d  ad  was  made  to  end 
here  ;  though  it  is  e\ident,  lad^ir  Conllance  here,  in  her  defpair, 
feats  herfelf  on  the  floor  :  and  fhe  muil  be  fuppofed,  as  I  for- 
merly obferved,  immediately  to  riie  again,  only  to  go  off  and 
end  the  aft  decently  ;  or  t\itjlat/cene  mull  fliut  her  in  from  the 
fight  of  the  audience,  an  abfurdity  I  cannot  accufc  Shakefpeare 
of.  Mr.  Gildon  and  fome  other  criticks  fancied,  that  a  con«. 
fiderable  part  of  the  2d  ad  was  loll ;  and  that  the  chafm  began 
ketc.  I  had  joined  in  this  fufpicion  of  a  fcene  or  two  bcicg  lolt ; 
and  unwittingly  drew  Mr.  Pope  into  this  error.     •*  It  J'cems  to 
"  hf  fit  fays  he,  and  it  ivere  to  he  nvijb^d  the  reflorer  {meaning 
'*  me)  could  fupply  it**    To  deferve  this  great  man's  thanks,  I'l! 
venture  at  the  taflc ;  and  hope  to  convince  my  readers,  that  no- 
thing is  loft ;  but  that  I  have  fupplied  the  fufpeded  chafm,  only 
by  rcftifying  the  divifion  of  the  ads.     Upon  looking  a  little 
more  narrowly  into  the  conftitution  of  the  play,  I  am  fatisfied 
that  the  3d  i£l  ought  to  begin  with  that  fcene,  which  has  hither- 
to been  accounted  the  laft  of  the  2d  aft  ;  and  jny  rcafons  for 
it  are  thefe :   the  match  being  concluded,  in  the  fcene  before 
that,  betwixt  the  Dauphin  and  Blanch,   a  mcfTcnger  is  fcnt  for 
lady  Conilance  to  king  Philip's  tent,  for  her  to  come  to  Saint 
Mary's  church  to  the  lolemnity.     The  princes  all  go  out,  as  to 
the  marriage;  and  the  Ballard  Haying  a  little  behind,  todefcant 
on  intercft  and  commodity,  very  properly  ends  the  aft.     The 
next  fcene  then,  in  the  French  king's  tent,  brings  us  Salifbury 
delivering  his  meflajgc  to  Conilance,  who,  refilling  to  go  to  the 
folcmnity,  fets  herfelf  down  on  the  floor.     The  >\Tiolc' train  re- 
turning from  the  church  to  the  French  king^s  pavilion,  Philip 
exprefTes  fuch  fatisfaftion  on  occafion  of  the  happy  folemnity  of 
that  day,  that  Conilance  rifcs  from  the  floor,  and  joins  in  the 
fcene  by  entering  her  proteft  againfl  their  joy,  and  cunlng  the 
bafinefs  of  the  day.     Thus,  J  conceive,  the  Icenes  arc  tairly 
continued  ;  and  there  is  no  chafm  in  the  aftion,  but  a  proper 
iaterval  made  both  for  Sali/bury*s  coming  to  )r\dy  Conilance, 
and  for  the  folemnization  of  the  marriage.     Bofiucs,  as  Faul- 
conbridge  is  evidently  the  poet's  favourite  charafter,  it  was  very 
well  judged  to  clofe  the  aft  with  his  foliloquy.    Theobald. 

This  whole  note  fecms  judicious  enough  ;  but  Mr.  Theobald, 
forgets  that  there  were,  in  Shakefpeare's  time,  no  moveable 
fcene*  in  common  play  houfes.    Johnson. 

Enter 


46  K  1  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Enter  king  Jobn^  king  Philips  LewiSj  Blanch j  Elinor ^ 
Faulconbri^e^  and  Auftria. 

K.  Phil.  'Tis  true,  fair  daughter ;  and  this  blefled 
day 
Ever  in  France  (hall  be  kept  feftival : 
To  folemnize  this  day  7,  the  glorious  fun 
Stays  in  his  courfe,  and  plays  the  alchymift  ^ ; 
Turning,  with  fplendor  of  his  precious  eye. 
The  meagre  cloddy  earth  to  glittering  gold. 
The  yearly  courfe,  that  brings  this  day  about. 
Shall  never  fee  it,  but  a  hdy-day. 

Conft.  A  wicked  day,  and  not  a  holy-day ! 

[Rffing. 
What  hath  this  day  deferv'd  ?  what  hath  it  done, 
Tl^at  it  in  golden  letters  ftiould  be  fet. 
Among  the  high  tides,  in  the  kalendar  ? 
Nay,  rather,  turn  this  day  out  of  the  week ; 
This  day  of  fhame,  oppreflion,  peijury : 
Or,  if  it  muft  ftand  ftilf,  let  wivesrwith  child 
Pray,  that  their  burthens  may  not  fall  this  day. 
Left  that  their  hopes  prodigioufly  be  croft : 
But  on  this  day  9,  let  feamen  fear  no  wreck ; 
No  bargains  break,  that  are  not  this  day  made : 

This 


'  To  folemnize  this  day  9  ZcQ.'\  From  this  paflage  Rowe  feems  to 
have  borrowed  the  firft  lines  of  his  Fair  Penitent.     Johnson. 

' and  plays  the  alchymitt ;]  Milton  has  borrowed  this 

thought,  P.  L.  B.  3. 

••  when  with  one  virtuous  touch 

•*  Tif*arch'chemic J'uHf*^  See.     Stbbvens. 
♦  But  en  this  dayt — 

No  bargains  breaks  &c. ]  That  is,  except  on  this  flay.  Johnson. 
In   the  ancient  almanacs  (one  of  which  I  have  in  my  pof- 
feffion,  dated  1562)  the  days  fuppofedto  be  favourable  or  unfa- 
vourable to  bargains  are  diiUnguifhed,  among  a  number  of  other 
particulars  of  the  like  importance.     This  circumHance  is  al- 
luded to  in  WebJler'sDutchefs  of  Malfy^   1623, 
•*  By  the  almanac,  I  thinic 
*'  To  choofe  good  days  and  fhun  the  critical." 

2  So 


K  r  N  G     J  O  H  N.  47 

This  day,  all  things  begun  come  to  ill  end ; 
Yea,  faith  itfelf  to  hollow  fallhood  change ! 

Jf.  Phil.  By  heaven,  lady,  you  fhall  have  no  ctufe 
To  curfe  the  fair  proceedings  of  this  day : 
Have  I  not  pawned  to  you  my  majefty  ? 

Cmjl.  You  have  beguU'd  me  with  a  counterfeit 
Refembling  mdefly ;  which,  touched  and  rry*di 
Proves  valueless :  you  arc  forfworn,  forfwom ! 
*  You  came  in  arms  to  fpill  my  enemies  blood. 
But  now  in  arms,  you  flbrengthen  it  with  yours. 
The  grappling  vigour,  and  rough  frown  of  war» 
Is  cold  in  amity  and  painted  peace, 
^nd  our  oppreflion  hath  made  up  this  league :— — 
Arm,  arm,  ye  heavens,  againft  thefe  perjur'd  kings ! 
A  widow  cries,  be  huiband  to  me,  heaven  \ 
Let  not  the  hours  of  this  ungodly  day 
Wear  out  the  day  in  peace  j  but,  ere  fun-fet^ 
^  Set  armed  difcord  'twixt  thefe  pei]ur*d  kings. 
Hear  me,  oh,  hear  me ! 

Auft.  Lady  Conftance,  peace. 

Coffi.  War !  war  ?  no  peace  \  peace  is  to  me  a  war, 
♦0  Lymoges !  O  Auftria !  thou  doll  fhame 
That  bloody  fpoil :  thou  (lave,  thou  wretch,  thou  coward. 

Thou 

So  IB  Tb§  Eldtr  Brother  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher^ 

**  an  almanac 

"  Which  thou  art  daily  porinj^  in,  to  pick  out 

'*  Days  of  iniquity  to  cozen  tooh  in.'*    Stbbvbks. 

*  Tou  came  in  arms  to /pill  n^  enemies  hloedf 

But  new  i>  arms,  youftrengt^en  it  ivithjomriJ]  I  am  afraid 
iere  is  a  clinch  intended ;  Ten  came  in  war  to  deftroy  my  enemn^ 
hut  nvw you  ftrengthen  them  in  embraces.    Johnson. 

'  Zet  armed  dtfcord^  &c.]  Shakefpeare  makes  this  bitter  cuHb 
effedoal.    Johnson. 

*  OLym/ogei!  OAuftria!^^'\  The  propriety  or  impropriety  of 
thefe  titles,  which  ever^  editor  has  fniFered  topafs  unn.oted,  de-» 
ferres  a  little  confidcratioui  Shakefpeare  has,  on  this  occafion, 
ibllowed  the  o|d  play,  which  at  once  fumiihed  him  with  the 
charader  of  Faalconbiidee,  and  afcribed  the  death  of  Richard  I, 
to  the  duke  of  Auftria.  In  the  perfon  of  Auftria,  he  has  con- 
joined the  two  well-known  enemies  of  Cceur-de-lion.  Leo|>old|^ 
dake  of  Auftria,  threw  him  into  prifbn  in  a  former  expedition  ^ 
hut  the   *^le  of  Chalus,  before  wUch  he  fell^  belonged  to  Vi- 

domtfj^ 


4«  K  I  N  G     J  O  H  N; 

Thou  little  valiant,  great  in  villainy ! 
Thou  ever  ftrong  upon  the  ftronger  fide  ! 
Thou  fortune's  champion,  that  doft  never  fight 
But  when  her  humourous  ladyftiip  is  by 
To  teach  thee  fafety !  thou  art  perjured  too. 
And  footh'ft  up  greatnefs.     What  a  fool  art  thou, 
A  ran^ping  fool ;  to  brag,  and  (lamp,  and  fwear. 
Upon  my  party !  thou  cold-blooded  flave. 
Haft  thou  not  fpoke  like  thunder  on  my  fide  ? 
Been  fworn  my  foldier  ?  bidding  me  depend 
Upou  thy  ftars,  thy  fortune,  and  thy  ftrength  ? 
And  doft  thou  now  fall  over  to  my  foes  ? 
Thou  wear  a  lion's  hide !  doff  it  for  (hame, 
S  And  hang  a  calve's-lkin  on  thofe  recreant  limbs. 

j^ujl.  Oh  that  a  man  would  fpeak  thofe  words  to  me ! 

Faul.  And  hang  a  calve's  (kin  on  thole  recreant  limbs. 

domar,  vifcoont  of  Limoges ;  and  the  archer,  who  pierced  his 
ihoulder  with  an  arrow  (of  which  wound  he  died)  wasBertrand 
de  Goordon.  The  editors  feem  hitherto  to  have  underftood 
Lym§gcs  as  being  an  appendage  to  the  title  of  Auftria,  and 
^er^ore  eaquired  no  further  about  it. 

With  this  note,  I  was  favoured  by  a  gentleman  to  whoml  have 
yet  more  confiderable  obligations  in  regard  to  Shakefpeare.  His 
cxtenfive  knowledge  of  hilTory  and  manners,  has  frequently  fup- 
plied  me  with  apt  and  ncceflary  illuftrations,  at  the  fame  time 
»s  his  judgment  has  corredled  my  errors;  yet  fuch  has  been  his 
conllant  (olicitude  to  remain  concealed,  that  I  know  not  but  I 
may  give  offence  while  I  indulge  my  own  vanity  in  afnxing  to 
this  note,  the  name  of  my  friend  Henry  Blake,  cfq.     Steev. 

*  Ami  hang  a  cal*'ije*S'Jkin  on  thofe  recrednt  limhs.^  When  fopls 
were  kept  lor  diverfion  in  great  families,  they  were  didinguifhed 
ky  a  cidvt'fiin  eoatt  which  had  the  buttons  down  the  back  v 
and  chis  they  wore  that  they  might  be  known  for  fools,  and 
ffcape  the  rcfentment  of  thofe  waom  they  provoked  with  their 
waggeries. 

In  a  little  penny  book,  intitled.  The  Mirib^  Life^  and  Death 
ff  Johu  frattijf  nvith  the  Pranks  he  played  though  a  meer  FcoU 
jncntion  is  made  in  feveral  places  of  a  calve* s-Jktn,  In  chap.  x. 
of  this  book.  Jack  is  faid  to  have  made  his  appearance  at  his 
lord's  table,  having  then  a  new  calf-Jkin  fuit,  red  and  white 
^>otted.  This  fa6t  will  explain  the  farcafm  of  Faulconbridgej' 
w}k>  means  to  call  Audria  a/W..    Hawkins. 

I  may  add»  that  the  cuflom  is  flill  jpreferved  in  Ireland;  and 
the  fool,  in  any  of  the  legends  which  the  mummers  a6l  at 
Chrij^as,  always  appears  in  acalf's  or cow*slIun«  Stievens., 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  isr.  49 

t  Thou  dar'ft  not  fay  fo,  villain,  for  thy  life. 
Faulc.  And  haiig  a  calve's  fkin  on,  thofe  recreant 

limbs. 

Au/i.  7  Methinks,  thatRichard*s  pride  and  Richard*s 
faU 
Should  be  a  precedent  to  fright  you  all. 
Faulc,  *  What  words  are  thefe  ?  how  do  my  finewg 
(hake ! 
My  father's  foe  clad  in  my  father's  fpoil ! 
How  doth  Alefto  whifper  in  my  ears, 
"  Delay  not,  Richard,  kill  the  villain  ftrait ; 
"  Difrobe  him  of  the  matchlefs  monument, 
"  Thy  father's  triumph  o'er  the  favages." 
But  arm  thee,  traitor,  wronger  of  renown. 
For  by  his  foul  I  fwear,  my  father's  foul, 

^  Methinks f  that  Richard's  pride ^  &c.]  What  was  the  ground 
of  this  quarrel  of  the  Ballard  to  Auftria^is  no  where  fpecified  in 
the  prefent  play  :  nor  is  there  in  this  place,  or  the  fcene  where 
it  is  ^x^  hinted  at  (namely  the  fecond  of  ad.  2<)  the  lead  men- 
tion of  any  I'eafon  for  it.  But  the  ftory  is,  that  AuftHa,  who 
killed  king  Richard  Coeur-de-lion,  wore,  as  the  fpoil  of  that 
prince,  a  lion's  hide  which  had  belonged  to  him.  This  cir- 
cumflance  renders  the  anger  of  the  Baftard  very  natural,  and 
ought  not  to  have  been  omitted.  In  the  firft  fketch  of  this  play 
(woich  Shakeipeare  is  faid  to  have  had  a  hand  in,  jointly  with 
William  Rowley)  we  accordingly  find  this  infilled  upon,  and  t 
have  ventured  to  place  a  few  of  thofe  verfes  here.     Pope. 

To  the  infertion  of  thefe  lines  I  have  nothing  to  objedl.  There 
are  many  other  palTages  in  the  old  plav  of  great  value.  The 
omifion  of  this  inci(knt,  in  the  fecond  draught,  was  natural. 
Shakefpeare,  having  familiarized  the  Hory  to  nis  own  imagina^ 
tion,  rorgot  that  it  was  obfcure  to  his  audience ;  or^  what  is 
equally  probable,  the  dory  was  then  fo  popular,  that  a  hint  was 
fafficienc  at  that  time  to  bring  it  to  mind,  and  thefe  plays  were 
written  with  ytry  little  care  for  the  approbation  of  pofterity. 

Johnson* 

The  lines  that  compofc  this  fpeech  are  in  the  firft  fketch  of 
the  play  printed  in  i6i  i,  though  mixed  up  with  a  great  num- 
ber of  others  oa  the  fame  fubjedl  of  altercation,  which  were 
very  judicioufly  rejected.     Stebvens. 

•  I  have  reftored  one  line  more,  not  merely  for  the  fake  of 
appearing  to  do  fomething,  but  bccaufe  the  infertion  of  it  ren-* 
dcrs  the  alteration  made  by  Mr.  Pope  in  the  fuccecdlng  one,un- 
ncceflary.     St  e  evens. 

VoL.V.  D  Twice 


go  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Twice  will  I  not  review  the  morning's  rife, 
Till  I  have  torn  that  trophy  from  thy  back ; 
And  fplit  thy  heart,  for  v/earing  it  fo  long. 

K.  John.  We  like  not  this  -,  thou  doft  forget  thyfelf. 

Enter  Pandulpb. 

K.  Phil  Here  comes  the  holy  legate  of  the  pope. 

Pa7id.  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, 
1^0  in  his  name  religioully  demand 
Why  thou  againft  the  church,  our  holy  mother^ 
So  wilfully  doft  fpurn  -,  and,  force  perforce. 
Keep  Stephen  Langton,  chcfen  archbilhop 
•Of  Cantcrbur\%  from  that  holy  fee  ? 
This,  in  our  'forcfaid  holy  father's  name. 
Pope  Innocent,  I  do  demand  of  thee. 

K.  John.  What  earthly  name  to  inten-ogatories  ^ 
Can  talk  the  free  breath  of  a  facred  king  ? 
Thou  canft  not,  cardinal,  devifc  a  name 
So  flight,  unworthy,  and  ridiculous. 
To  chnrge  me  to  an  anfwer,  as  the  pope. 
Tell  him  this  tale,  and  from  the  mouth  of  England 
.Add  thus  much  more.  That  no  Italian  prieft 
Shall  tithe  or  toll  in  our  dominions  : 
But  as  we  under  heaven  are  fupreme  head. 
So,  under  him,  that  great  fupremacy. 
Where  we  do  reign,  we  will  alone  uphold, 
Widiout  the  afliftance  of  a  mortal  hand. 

^  What  earthly  name  to  interrogatories']  This  muft  ha%'e  bee» 
at  ;hc  time  when  it  was  written,  in  our  llruggles  with  popery,  a 
Vt. y  captivating  fccne. 

bo  many  paflagci  remain  in  which  Shakcfpearc  evidently 
takrs  his  advantage  of  thefafts  then  receat,  and  of  the  paflions 
then  in  motion,  tha  I  cannot  but  fufpedl  that  time  has  obfcured 
much  ci  his  art,  and  that  many  allufiDns  yet  remain  undif- 
cov(  red,  which  perhaps  may  be  gradually  retrieved  by  luc- 
ceeding  commentators.    Johnson. 

So 


KING    JOHN.  51 

So  tell  the  pope ;  aU  reverence  fet  apart 
To  him,  and  his  ufurp'd  authority. 
K.  Phil.  Brother  or  England,  you  blafpheme  in  this. 
K.Jobn.  Tho'  you,  and  all  the  kings  of  Chriftendom 
Are  led  fo  grofly  by  this  meddling  prieft. 
Dreading  the  curfc  that  money  may  buy  out  ^ 
And,  by  the  merit  of  vile  gold,  drofs,  duft, 
Purchafe  corrupted  pardon  of  a  man. 
Who,  in  that  faie,  fells  pardon  from  himfelf : 
The' you,  and  all  the  reft,  fo  grofly  led. 
This  juggling  witchcraft  with  revenue  cheriih  ; 

Yet  I  alone,  alone,  do  me  oppofe 

Againft  the  pope,  and  count  his  friends  my  foes. 
Paftd.  Then  by  the  lawful  power  that  I  have. 

Thou  fhalt  ftand  curft,  and  excommunicate : 

And  bleflcd  fhall  he  be,  that  doth  revolt 

From  his  allegiance  to  an  heretic ; 

And  meritorious  fhall  that  hand  be  call'd, 

Canonized  and  worihip'das  a  faint. 

That  takes  away  by  any  fecret  courfe  * 

Thy  hateful  life. 
Qmfi.  O,  lawful  let  it  be. 

That  I  hav€  room  with  Rome  to  curfe  a  while ! 

Goodfether  cardinal,  cry  thou.  Amen, 

To  my  keen  curies ;  for,  without  my  wrong. 

There  is  no  tongue  hath  power  to  curfe  him  right. 
PaxJ.  There's  law,  and  warrant,  lady,  for  my  curfe. 
Cwj?.  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 : 

*  Thu  ticket  anvay  hy  any  fecret  cuvrfe^  &-c.]  This  may  allude 
totlic  boll  publifhed  againlt  queen  Elizabeth.  Or  we  may  fup- 
F-'fe,  fincc  wc  have  no  proof  that  this  play  appeared  in  its  pre- 
fattftttc  before  the  feign  of  king  James,  that  it  was  exhibited 
fcoa  after  the  popifh  plot.  I  have  feen  a  Spanilh  book  in  which 
Ctnict,  Fanx,  and  tncir  accomplices  are  regillered  as  faints. 

Johnson. 

D  a  Thcrea 


52  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  K. 

Therefore,  fmce  law  itfelf  is  perfeft  wrong. 
How  can  the  law  forbid  my  tongue  to  curfe  ? 

Pand.  Philip  of  France,  on  peril  of  a  curfe. 
Let  go  the  hand  of  that  arch-heretic  •, 
And  raife  the  power  of  France  upon  his  head, 
Unlefs  he  do  uibmit  himfelf  to  Rome. 

Eli.  Looked  thou  pale,  France  ?  do  not  let  go  thy 
hand. 

Conjt.  Look  to  that,  devil !  left  that  France  repent. 
And,  by  disjoining  hands,  hell  lofe  a  foul. 

Auji.  King  Philip,  liften  to  the  cardinal. 

Faulc.  And  hang  a  calve's-fkin  on  his  recreant  limbs. 

Auft.  Well,  ruffian,  I  muft  pocket  up  thefe  wrongs^ 
Becaufe 

Faulc.  Your  breeches  beft  may  carry  them. 

K.  John.  Philip,  what  fay'ft  thou  to  the  cardinal  ? 

Conft.  What  fhould  he  lay,  but  as  the  cardinal  ? 

Lewis.  Bethink  you,  father  •,  for  the  difference 
Is,  purchafe  of  a  heavy  curfe  from  Rome  *, 
Or  the  light  lofs  of  England  for  a  friend  : 
Forgo  the  eafier, 

Blanch.  That's  the  curfe  of  Rome. 

Conji.  Lewis,  ftand  faft ;  the  devil  tempts  thee  here  ^ 
In  likcnefs  of  a  new  untrimmed  bride. 

Blanch. 

*  It  IS  a  political  maxim,  that  kingdoms  are  nt<uer  married. 
Lewis,  upon  the  wedding,  is  for  making  war  upon  his  new  re- 
lations,    Johnson. 

'  the  devil  tempts  thee  here 

In  likcnefs  of  a  neiv  untrimmed  hridc,']  Though  all  the  copies 
concur  in  this  reading,  yet  as  untrimmed  cannot  bear  any  figni- 
fication  to  fquare  with  the  fenfc  required,  I  cannot  help  think- 
ing it  a  corrupted  reading.  I  have  ventured  to  throw  out  tht 
negative,  and  read. 

In  likenefs  of  a  ne^ju  and  trimmed  bride. 
1.  e;  of  a  new  bride,  and  one  decked  and  adorned  as  well  by 
art  as  nature.     Theobald. 

a  nc^  untrimmed  brideJ]    Mr,  Theobald  fays,  that  as 

untrimmed  cannot  hear  any  ftgnification  to  fquare  nuith  tkefenfe  re* 

quiredy  it  mull  be  corrupt;  therefore  he  v/ill  calhier  it,  and  read, 

^nd  trimmed  \  in  which  he  is  followed  by  the  Oxford  editor  ; 

2  but 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  5^ 

Blanch.  The  Udy  Conftance  (peaks  not  from  her 
faith. 
But  from  her  need. 

Conji.  Oh,  if  thou  grant  my  need. 
Which  only  lives  but  by  the  death  of  faith, 

That  need  muft  needs  infer  this  principle 

That  fidth  would  live  again  by  death  of  need  : 

0  then,  tread  down  my  need,  and  faith  mounts  up ; 

Keep  my  need  up,  and  faith  is  trodden  down. 

K.  John.  The  king  is  mov'd,  and  anfwers  not  to  this. 

Confi.  O,  be  removed  from  him,  and  anfwer  well. 

Aufi.  Do  fo,  king  Philip  •,  hang  no  more  in  doubt. 

Faulc.  Hang  nothing  but  a  calve's-fkin,  moft  fweet 
lout. 

X.  Phil.  I  am  perplexed,  and  know  not  what  to  fay. 

Vand.  What  can'ft  thou  fay,  but  will  perplex  ihce 
more. 
If  thou  (land  excommunicate,  and  curft  ? 

K.  Phil.  Good  reverend  father,  m^ke  my  perfco 
yours. 
And  tell  me  how  you  would  beftow  yourfelf. 
This  royal  hand  and  mine  are  newly  knit  5 
And  the  conjunftion  of  our  inward  fouls 
Manyd  in  league,  coupled  and  link'd  together 

but  they  are  both  too  hafty.  It  f^uares  very  well  with  the  fenfe, 
and  Signifies  unfteady.  The  term  is  taken  from  navigation.  Wc 
fay  too,  in  a  fimilar  way  of  fpeaking,  not  f-jjell  maimed,    Warb. 

I  think  Mr.  Theobald's  correction  more  plaufible  than  Dr. 
Warburton's  explanation.  A  commentator  fhould  be  grave, 
and  therefore  I  can  read  thefe  notes  with  proper  feverity  of  at- 
tention ;  but  the  idea  of  trimming  a  lady  to  keep  her  ftsadjy 
woald  be  too  riiible  for  any  common  power  of  face.    Johnson. 

Trim  is  drefs.  An  untrimmcd  bride  is  a  bride  undreji.  Could 
the  tempter  of  mankind  afTume  a  femblance  in  which  he  was 
more  likely  to  be  fuccefsful  ?  The  devil  (fays  Conftance)  raifes 
to  your  imagination  your  bride  ftripped  of  the  forbidding  forms 
of  drefs,  and  in  the  anticipation  of  future  enjoyment,  the 
jnemory  of  my  wrongs  is  loft. 

Ben  Jonfon,  in  his  Neiv  Inn^  fays, 
**  Bur.  Here's  a  lady  gay. 
^«  Tip.  A  weli'trimm* AzdyV*         Steevens. 

D  3  With 


54  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

With  all  religious  ftrength  of  facred  vows. 

The  lateft  breath,  that  gave  the  found  of  words. 

Was  decp-fworn  faith,  peace,  amity,  true  love. 

Between  our  kingdoms,  and  our  royal  fclves: 

And  even  before  this  truce,  but  new  before. 

No  longer  than  we  well  could  wa(h  our  hands 

To  clap  this  royal  bargain  up  of  peace. 

Heaven  knows,  they  were  befmcar'd  and  ovcr-ft^i\'d 

With  daughter's  pencil ;  where  revenge  did  paint 

The  fearful  difference  of  incenfed  kings. 

And  {hall  thefe  hands,  fo  lately  purg'd  of  blood> 

So  newly  join'd  in  love,  fo  ftrong  in  both  ♦, 

Unyoke  this  feizure,  and  this  kind  regreet  ? 

Play  faft  and  loofe  with  faith  ?  fo Jeft  with  heaven. 

Make  fuch  unconftant  children  of  ourfelves. 

As  now  again  to  fnatch  our  palm  fix)m  palm ; 

Unfwear  faith  fworn,  and  on  the  marriage-bed 

Of  fmiling  peace  to  march  a  bloody  hoft. 

And  make  a  riot  on  the  gentle  brow 

Of  true  fincerity  ?     O  holy  Sir, 

My  reverend  father,  let  it  not  be  fo  : 

Out  of  your  grace,  devife,  ordain,  impofe 

Some  gentle  order  -,  and  then  we  fhall  be  bled 

To  do  your  pleafure,  and  continue  friends. 

Pand.  All  form  is  formlefs,  order  orderlefs. 
Save  what  is  oppofite  to  England's  love. 
Therefore,  to  arms  !  be  champion  of  our  church ! 
Or  let  the  church,  our  mother,  breathe  her  curie, 
A  mother's  curie,  on  her  revolting  fon. 
France,  thou  may'ft  hold  a  ferpent  by  the  tongue, 
A  cafcd  lion  5  by  the  mortal  paw, 
A  falling  tyger  fafer  by  the  tooth. 
Than  keep  in  peace  that  hand  which  thou  doft  hold. 

*  — fo  ftrong  in  hotby^  I  believe  the  meaning  is,  Itnje  fo  ftroug 
in  both  parties.    Johnson. 

^  A  cafed  lien ]  All  the  modern  editors  read,  a  chaftd 

lion,  I  f.c  little  reafon  for  change,  h  cafed  lion,  is  a  lion  ir-» 
ritated  by  coniincment.  The  author  might,  however,  have 
written,  a  cbafed\\QVi^     St e evens, 


K  I  N  G  .  J  O  H  N.  55 

K.  Phil.  I  may  disjoin  my  hand,  but  not  my  faith. 

Pcnd.  So  mak'ft  thou  faith  an  enemy  to  faith  j 
And,  like  a  civil  war,  fet*ft  oath  to  oath. 
Thy  tongue  againft  thy  tongue.     O,  let  thy  vow 
Firft  made  to  heaven,  lirfl:  be  to  heaven  performed  ; 
That  is,  to  be  the  champion  of  our  church ! 
What  fmce  thou  fwor*ft,  is  fworn  againft  thj-felf. 
And  may  not  be  performed  by  thyfelf. 
For  that,  which  tJiou  haft  fworn  to  do  amifs, 
•Is't  not  amifs,  when  it  is  truly  done  ? 
And  being  not  done,  where  doing  tends  to  ill, 
The  truth  is  then  moft  done,  not  doing  it. 
The  better  aft  of  purpofes  miftook 
Is  to  miftake  again  -,  tho*  indireft. 
Yet  indireftion  thereby  grows  direft, 
Andfallhood  falftiood  cures  ;  as  fire  cools  fire. 
Within  the  fcorched  veins  of  one  new-bum'd. 
It  is  religion,  that  doth  make  vows  kept  j 
'^  But  thou  haft  fworn  againft  religion  : 
By  what  thou  fwear'ft,  againft  the  thing  thou  fwear'ft  : 

And 

^  L  NOT  ams/sj  'when  it  it  truly  done .']  This  is  the  conclufion 
detra'vers.     We  ihould  read, 

//  YET  ami/s^ 

The  Oxford  editor,  according  to  his  ufual  cuflom,  will  im- 
prove it  further,  and  reads,  »i<?/?  ^/w//}.     Warburton, 
I  rather  read, 
Is't  net  ami/sy  *when  it  is  truly  done  ? 
IS  the  alteration  is  lefs,  and  the  fenfe  which  Dr.  Warburton 
irft  difcovcred  is  prcferved .     Johnson. 

'  But  thou  haft  Jhuorn  againft  religion^  &c.]  In  this  long  fpccch, 
the  legate  IS  made  to  ihew  his  (kill  in  cafuiftry ;  and  the  Grange 
heap  of  quibble  and  nonfenfe  of  which  it  confifls,  was  intended 
to  ridicule  that  of  the  fchooh.  For  when  he  afTumes  the  poli- 
tician, at  the  conclufion  of  the  third  a6l,  the  author  makes  him 
talk  at  another  rate.  I  mean  in  that  beautiful  pafTage  where  he 
fpcaks  of  the  mifchicfs  following  the  king's  lols  of  his  fubjeds 
hearts.  This  condudk  is  remarkable,  and  was  intended,  I  uip- 
pofe,  to  fhcw  us  how  much  better  politicians  the  Roman  cour- 
tiers arc,  than  divines.     Warburton. 

D  4  I  am 


S6  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

And  mak'ft  an  oath  the  furety  for  thy  truth, 
Againft  an  oath.     The  truth  thou  art  unfure 
To  fwear,  fwear  only  not  to  be  forfworn  -, 
Elfe,  what  a  mockery  ftiould  it  be  to  fwear  ? 
But  thou  doft  (wear,  only  to  be  forfworn ; 
And  moft  forfworn,  to  keep  what  thou  doft  fwean 
Therefore,  thy  latter  vows,  againft  thy  firft, 

I  am  net  able  to  difcover  here  any  thing  inconfequent  or  li- 
diculoufly  fubtle.  The  propofitions,  that  the  *uoice  of  the  church 
is  the  tvcice  of  hea'veny  and  that  the  pope  utters  the  'voice  of  tb$ 
churchy  neither  of  which  Pandulph's  auditors  would  deny,  be- 
ing once  granted,  the  argument  here  ufedis  irrcfilliblc  ;  nor  is 
it  eafy,  notwithi^anding  the  gingle,  to  enforce  it  with  greater 
brevity  or  propriety  : 

But  thou  haft  J-worn  againft  religion  : 

By  what  thcu  Jifjear^ft^  againft  the  thing  thou  f<wemr'*ft  : 

And  malCft  an  oath  the  furety  for  thy  truths 

Againft  an  cath  the  truth  thou  art  unfure 

To  fiL-earj  fivear  only  not  to  be  forf<=wQrn,'\  By  <ivhat.  Sir 
T.  Ha  n  m  e  r  reads,  by  that,  I  think  it  (hould  be  rather  by 
^vhich.  That  is,  thou  favear'ft  againft  the  thing,  hy  which  thot$ 
fiuearft  ;  that  is,  againft  religion. 

The  mofl  formidable  difficulty  is  in  thefe  lines, 

Azd  makft  an  oath  the  furety  for  thy  truth, 

Againft  an  cath  the  truth  thou  art  unfure 

Tofduear,  &c. 
This  Sir  T.Han  ME  R  reforms  thus, 

And  makft  an  oath  the  furety  for  thy  truth, 

Againft  an  cath ;  this  truth  thou  art  unfure 

To  fivear,  &c. 
Dr.WARBURTON  wHtes  it  thus, 

Againft  an  oath  the  truth  thou  art  unfure 

which  leaves  the  pafTage  to  me  as  obfcurc  as  before, 

I  know  not  whether  there  is  any  corruption  beyond  the  omif* 
fion  of  a  point.  The  fcnfe,  after  I  had  confidered  it,  appeared 
to  me  only  this  :  In  fnjuearing  hy  religion  againft  religion,  tonvhich 
thou  haft  already  f<worn,  thou  makeft  an  oath  the  fecurity  for  thy 
faith  againd  an  oath  already  taken.  I  will  give,  fays  he,  a  rule 
for  confcience  in  thefe  cafes.  Thou  maylt  be  in  doubt  about 
the  matter  of  an  oath;  luhen  thou  fjueareft  thou  may  ft  not  be  al- 
sjjays  fure  to  fivear  rightly,  but  let  this  be  thy  fettled  principle, 
frwear  only  not  to  be  forfujorn ;  let  not  the  latter  oaths  be  at  va- 
riance with  the  former. 

Truth,  through  this  whole  fpeech,  means  reHitude  of  con- 
4u^*     Johnson. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  57 

Is  in  thyfclf  rebellion  to  thyfelf. 
And  better  conqueft  never  canft  thou  make, 
Jhan  arm  thy  conftant  and  thy  nobler  parts 
Againft  thefe  giddy,  loofe  fuggeftions. 
Upon  which  better  part,  our  prayers  come  in, 
Ifthou  vouchfafe  them.     But,  if  not,  then,  known. 
The  peril  of  our  curfes  light  on  thee  •, 
So  heavy,  as  thou  (halt  not  fhake  them  off; 
But,  in  defpair,  die  under  their  black  weight. 
Auft.  Rebellion,  flat  rebellion! 
Faulc.  Will'tnot  be? 
Will  not  a  calve*s-flcin  Hop  that  mouth  of  thine  ? 
Lewis.  Father,  to  arms ! 
Blanch.  Upon  thy  wedding-day  ? 
Againft  the  blood  that  thou  haft  married  ? 
What,  (hall  our  feaft  be  kept  with  flaughter*d  men  ? 
Shall  braying  trumpets,  and  loud  churlilh  drums. 
Clamours  of  hell,  be  meafures  to  our  pomp  ? 
Ohulband,  hear  me!  (ah!  alack,  how  new 
Is  huftjand  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 
Againft  mine  uncle. 

Conji.  O,  upon  my  knee. 
Made  hard  with  kneeling,  I  do  pray  to  thee. 
Thou  virtuous  dauphin,  alter  not  the  doom 
Forethought  by  heaven. 

Blanch.  Now  fliall  I  fee  thy  love. — What  motive  may 
Be  ftronger  with  thee  than  the  name  of  wife  ?  • 

Conft.  That  which  upholdeth  him,  that  thee  upholds. 
His  honour.    Oh,  thine  honour,   Lewis,  thine  ho- 
nour!—— 

Lewis.  I  mufe,  your  majeft)'  doth  feem  fo  cold. 
When  fuch  profound  refpedts  do  pull  you  on  ? 

Pand.  I  will  denounce  a  curie  upon  his  head. 

K.  Phil.  Thou  (halt  not  need.— England,  I'll  fall 
from  thee. 

Conft.  O  fair  return  of  banifh'd  majefty ! 

£//.  O  foul  revolt  of  French  inconttancy ! 

K.  John, 


58  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

K.John.  France,  thou  fhalt  rue  this  hour  within 

this  hour. 
FauU.  Old  time  the  clock-fetter,  that  bald  fexton 
time. 
Is  it,  as  he  will  ?  well  then,  France  fhall  rue. 

Blanch.  The  fun's  o'ercaft  with  blood :  fair  day, 
adieu ! 
Which  is  the  fide  that  I  muft  go  withal  ? 
I  am  with  both :  each  army  hath  a  hand  ; 
And  in  their  rage,  I  having  hold  of  both. 
They  whirl  afunder,  and  difmember  me. 
Hulband,  I  cannot  pray  that  thou  may'ft  win : 
Uncle,  I  needs  muft  pray  that  thou  may'ft  lofe : 
Father,  I  may  not  wifh  the  fortune  thine  : 
Grandam,  I  will  not  wilh  thy  wifhes  thrive : 
Whoever  wins,  on  that  fide  Ihall  I  lofe  : 
AfTured  lofs,  before  the  match  be  play*d. 

Lewis.  Lady,  with  me,  with  me  thy  fortune  lies. 
Blanch.  There  where  my  fortune  lives,  there  my 

life  dies. 
K.  John.  Coufin,  go  draw  our  puiflance  together. 

\Exit  Faukonbridge. 
France,  I  am  burn'd  up  with  inflaming  wrath  j 
A  rage,  whofe  hate  hath  this  condition 
That  nothing  can  allay,  nothing  but  blood. 
The  blood,  and  deareft-valu*d  blood  of  France. 
K.  Phil  Thy  rage  (hall  burn  thee  up,  and  thou 
fhalt  turn 
To  afhes,  ere  our  blood  fhall  quench  that  fire : 
Look  to  thyfelf,  thou  art  in  jeopardy. 
K.  Joln^  No  more  than  he  that  threats.  To  arms ! 
let's  hie !  [Exeunt. 


SCENE 


X  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  59 

S  C  E  N  E    II. 

Changes  to  a  field  of  hat  tie. 

Alarms  J  excurjions  :  enter  FaulconbriJgej  with  Auftrids 
head. 

Faidc.  Now,  by  my  life,  this  day  grows  wondrous 
hot; 
'  Some  airy  devil  hovers  in  the  iky. 
And  pours  down  mifchief.     Auftria's  head  lie  there  j 
'Thus  hath  king  Richard's  fon  performed  his  vow, 

•  Some  airy  i/<Mr/7— ]  We  muft  read.  Some  fiery  devils  if  we 
will  have  the  cauje  equal  to  the  ejed,     Warburton. 

There  is  no  end  of  fuch  alterations  ;  every  page  of  a  vehe- 
ment and  negligent  writer  will  afford  opportunities  for  changes 
of  terms,  if  mere  propriety  will  juftify  them.  Not  that  of  this 
change  the  propnety  is  out  of  controverfy.  Dr.  Warburtoa 
will  have  the  devil  fiery  ^  becaufe  he  makes  the  day  hot ;  the  au- 
thor makes  him  airj^  becaufe  ke  bouers  in  the  fiity,  and.  the  beat 
and  mifcbiif  are  natural  confequences  of  his  malignity. 

Johnson. 
Shakefpeare  here  probably  alludes  to  the  di(Hn6lions  and  di- 
yifions  of  (bme  of  the  demonologiih,  fo  much  read  and  regarded 
in  his  time.  They  diftributed  the  devils  into  different  tribes 
and  daifesy  each  of  which  had  its  peculiar  properties,  attri- 
b«tcs,  Jrff. 

Thefe  arc  defcribed  at  length  in  Burton* s  Anatomie  of  Melan* 
tholyy  part  I.  fcft.  2.  p.  45.  1632. 

"  Of  thefe  fublunary  devils — Pfellus  makes  fix  kinds ;  ^txj^ 
**  teriall,  terreflriall,  watery,  and  fubterranean  devils,  befides 
**  thofc  faieries,  fatyres,  nymphes,"  Sffr. 

"  Fiery  fpirits  or  divells  are  fuch  rs  commonly  worke  ly 
'*  blazing  ftarres,  fire-drakes,  and  counterfeit  funnes  and 
"  moones,  and  fit  on  fhips  mafts,"  Iffc,  t^c. 

**  Aeriall  ipirits  or  divells  are  fuch  as  keep  quarter  moft  part 
*'  in  the  aire,  caufe  many  tempefb,  thunder  and  lightnings, 
"  teare  oakes,  Are  fleeples,  houfes,  flrike  men  and  beafts, 
"  make  it  raine  ftones,"  i^c.     Percy. 

^  Thtts  bath  king  Richard's  /on,  &c.]  This  and  the  two  fol- 
lowing lines  are  taken  from  the  old  imperfedt  (ketch  by  Mr. 

FopC.      ST£EVBN3. 

And 


6o  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

And  offered  Auftria's  blood  for  facrificc 
Unto  his  father's  ever-living  foul. 

Enter  king  John,  Arthur^  and  Hubert. 

K.  John.  Hubert,  keep  this  boy.    Philip,  make  up ; 
my  mother 
Is  affaiPd  in  our  tent,  and  ta'en,  I  fear. 

Faulc.  My  lord,  I  refcu'd  her  j 
Her  highnels  is  in  fafety,  fear  you  not : 
But  on,  my  liege  •,  for  very  little  pains 
Will  bring  this  labour  to  an  happy  end.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    III. 

Alarms,  excurftons,  retreat.     Re-enter  king  John,  EU^ 
nor  J  Arthur,  Faulconbridge,  Hubert,  and  lords. 

K.  John.  So  fhall  it  be  j — your  grace  fhall  ftay  be- 
hind, [To  Elinor. 
So  ftrongly  guarded. — Coufm,  look  not  fad  : 

[To  Arthur. 
Thy  grandam  loves  thee  ;  and  thy  uncle  will 
As  dear  be  to  thee  as  thy  father  was. 

Arth.  O,  this  will  make  my  mother  die  with  grief. 
K.  John.  Coufm,  away  for  England  :  hafte  before, 

[To  Faulconbridge. 
And,  ere  our  coming,  fee  thou  fhake  the  bags 
Of  hoarding  abbots  ;  their  imprifon*d  angels 
Set  at  liberty :  the  fat  ribs  of  peace  ' 

Muft 


•  the  fat  ribs  of  peace 


Muft  by  the  hungry  now,  befeduponJ]  This  word  now  feems  a 
very  idle  term  here,  and  conveys  no  fatisfadtory  idea.  An 
antithefis,  and  oppoiicion  of  terms,  fo  perpetual  with  our  au- 
thor, requires  ; 

Muft  by  the  hungry  war  be  fed  upon. 
Wary  demanding  a  large  expcnce,  is  very  poetically  faid  to  be 
hungry  i  and  to  prey  on  the  wealth  ^rnAfat  of  peace,    Warbur. 

This  emendation  is  better  than  the  former,  but  yet  not  ne^ 
^effary.  Sir  T.  Hanker  reads,  hungry  ma*Wf  witn  Icfsdevia- 
•  liott 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  6i 

Muft  by  the  hungry  now,  be  fed  upon. 
Ufe  our  comnruflion  in  its  utmoft  force. 

Faulc.  *  Bell,  book,  and  candle  Ihall  not  drive  me 
back. 
When  gold  and  filver  becks  me  to  come  on. 
I  leave  your  highnefs. — Grandam,  I  will  pray 
(If  ever  I  remember  to  be  holy) 
For  your  fair  fafety ;  fo  I  kifs  your  hand. 

Eli.  Farewell,  gentle  coufm. 

K.  John.  Coz,  farewell.  [Exit  Faulc. 

Eli.  Come  hither,  little  kinfman  ; — hark,  a  word. 
[taking  him  to  one  fide  of  thtfiage. 

K.  John,  \Xo  Hubert  on  the  other  fide. 
Come  hither,  Hubert.     O  my  gentle  Hubert, 
We  owe  thee  much  -,  within  this  wall  of  flelh 
There  is  a  foul,  counts  thee  her  creditor. 
And  with  advantage  means  to  pay  thy  love : 
And,  my  good  friend,  thy  voluntary  oath 
Livdi  in  this  bofom,  dearly  cherifhed. 
Give  me  thy  hand,  I  had  a  thing  to  fay- 
But  I  will  fit  it  with  fome  better  time. 
By  heaven,  Hubert,  I  am  almoft  afham*d 
To  fay  what  good  refpeft  I  have  of  thee. 

Huh.  I  am  much  bounden  to  your  majefty. 

K.  John.  Good  friend,  thou  haft  no  caufe  to  fay  fo* 

yet: 

But  thou  malt  have ; — and  creep  time  ne'er  fo  flow. 
Yet  it  fhall  come  for  me  to  do  thee  gctod. 

don  from  the  common  reading,  but  with  not  fo  much  force  or 
ele^nce  as  ivar.     Johnson. 

Either  emendation  is  unneceflary.     The  hungry  no<w  is  thit 
hungry  inftant.     Shakefpeare  perhaps  uied  the  word  no^  as  z, 
fitblantive,  in  Mea/urefor  Mcqfiirty 
— —  till  this  'very  now. 

Whin  men nuerefond^  IfmiVd  and loonder^d  ho'w.     Steevens. 

^  Bell^  hookf  and  candle f  &c.]  In  an  account  of  the  Romifli 
curfc  given  by  Dr.  Gray,  it  appears  that  three  candles  were  ex- 
tingv^ed,  one  by  one,  in  different  parts  of  the  execration. 

Johnson. 

I  had 


03  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

I  luU  a  thing  to  fay, — but»  let  it  go : 

1  he  fun  is  in  the  heaven ;  and  the  proud  day 

Atccnded  with  the  pleafurcs  of  the  world. 

Is  all  too  wanton,  and  too  full  of  gawds. 

To  give  me  audience :  —  if  the  midnight  bell 

Did  with  his  iiX)n  toi^e  arid  brazen  mouth 

3  Sound  on  unto  the  dr6wfy  race  of  night ; 

If  this  fame  were  a  church-yard  where  we  ftand. 

And  thou  pofleffed  with  a  thouland  wrongs ; 

Or  if  that  furly  fpirit  melancholy 

Had  bak'd  thy  blood  and  made  it  heavy,  thick, 

(Which,  elfe,  runs  tickling  up  and  down  the  veins. 

Making  that  ideot,  laughter,  keep  mens'  eyes. 

And  ftrain  their  cheeks  to  idle  merriment  -, 

A  paflion  hateful  to  my  purpofes) 

Or  if  that  thou  could'ft  fee  me  without  eyes. 

Hear  me  without  thine  ears,  and  make  reply 

Without  a  tongue,  ufing  conceit  alone. 

Without  cytSj  ears,  and  harmful  found  of  words ; 

Then,  in  defpight  of  broad-ey'd  watchful  day, 

I  would  into  thy  bofom  pour  my  thoughts : 

But  ah,  I  will  not :  —  yet  I  Idve  thee  well ; 

And,  by  my  troth,  I  think,  thou  lov'ft  me  well. 

Hui^.  So  well,  that  what  you  bid  me  undertake, 
Tho'  that  my  death  were  adjunft  to  my  aft. 
By  heaven,  I  would  do  it. 

K.  John.  Do  not  I  know  thou  would'ft  ? 
Good^Hubert,  Hubert,  Hubert,  throw  thine  eye 
On  yon  young  boy :  I'll  tell  thee  what,  my  friend ; 

*  ^ound  ON  unto  the  irtm)fy  race  of  night ;]  Wc  (hould  read, 

SoUMd  ONE  WaRBURTON. 

I  fhould  fuppefe  found  on  (which  is  the  reading  of  the  folio) 
to  be  the  true  one.  The  meaning  feems  to  be  this  ;  ifthtmid^ 
night  belli  hy  repeated  ftrokes^  <was  to  haft  en  anvay  the  race  of  beings 
nuho  are  bufy  at  that  hour^  or  quicken  night  itfelf  in  its  progrefs^  the 
inomin|.bcll  (that  is,  the  bell  that  flrikcs  one)  <:ould  not, 
with  ftriA  propriety,  be  made  the  agent ;  for  the  bill  has  ceafed 
to  be  in  the  (ervice  of  night,  when  it  proclaims  the  arrival 
of  day,  Sound  on  has  a  peculiar  propriety,  becaufe  by  the 
repetition  of  the  ftrokes  at  t*wel*vet  it  gives  a  much  more  forcible 
warning  tiian  when  it  only  ftrikes  om,    SxaavBNf. 

He 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  63 

He  is  a  very  ferpent  in  my  way; 
And,  whercibc'cr  this  foot  of  mine  doth  tread. 
He  lies  before  me.     Doft  thou  underftand  mc  ? 
I     Thou  art  his  keeper. 

Hub.  And  ril  keep  him  fo. 
That  he  fliall  not  offend  your  majefly- 

K.Jobn.  Death! 

Hub.  My  loid  ? 

K.  John.  A  grave ! 

Hub.  He  fhSl  not  live. 

K.Jobn.  Enough. 
I  could  be  merry  now  :  Hubert,  I  love  thee  •, 
Well,  ril  not  fay  what  I  intend  for  thee  : 
♦Remember.— —Madam,  fare  you  well. 

[Returning  to  the  queen. 
rU  fend  thofe  powers  o'er  to  your  majefty. 

M.  My  bleffing  go  with  thee  ! 

K.  John.  *For  England,  coUfin,  go. 
Hubm  fhall  be  your  man,  attend  on  you 
Widi  all  true  duty*    On,  toward  Calais,  ho ! 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

^be  French  court. 
Enter  king  Philips  LewiSy  Pandulpboj  and  attendants* 

K.  Philip.  So,  by  a  roaring  tempeft  on  the  flood, 
A  whole  5  armada  of  collefted  fail 
Is  fcatter'd  and  disjoined  from  fellowfhip. 

Pand. 

♦  Thi$  19  one  of  the  fcenes  to  which  may  be  promifed  ^,  lad- 
ing commendation.  Art  could  add  little  to  its  pcrfeflion,  and 
time  itielf  can  take  nothing  from  its  beauties.     Steevens. 

^  J  'Whole  armada^  &c.]  This  fimilitude,  as  little  as  it  makei 
ior  the  purpofe  in  hand,  wa9,  I  do  not  quellion,  a  very  taking 
one  when  the  play  was  firft  reprefented  ;  which  was  a  winter  or 
two  at  JDOU  after  the  Spaniih  invafjon  iu  1588.  It  was  in  re- 
ference^ 


64  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N* 

Patid.  Courage  and  comfort !  all  fhall  yet  go  well- 

K.  Phil.  What  can  go  well,  when  we  have  run  fo 
ill  ? 
Are  we  not  beaten  ?     Is  not  Angiers  loft  ? 
Arthur  ta'en  prifoner  ?  divers  dear  friends  flain  ? 
And  bloody  England  into  England  gone, 
O'^r-bearing  intemiption,  fpite  of  France  ? 

Lewis.  What  he  hath  won,  that  hath  he  fortify'd  : 
So  hot  a  fpeed  with  fuch  advice  difpos'd. 
Such  temperate  order  ^  in  fo  fierce  a  courfc. 
Doth  want  example  ;  who  hath  read,  or  heard. 
Of  any  kindred  aftion  like  to  this  ? 

K.  Phil.  Well  could  I  bear  that  England  had  this 
praife. 
So  we  could  find  fome  pattern  of  our  ftiame. 

Enter  Conjiance. 

Look,  who  comes  here!  a  grave  unto  a  foul. 
Holding  the  eternal  fpirit  againft  her  will 
In  the  vile  prifon  of  afflifted  breath. — 
I  pr'ythee,  lady,  go  away  with  me. 

Conji.  Lo,  now,  now  fee  the  iffue  of  your  peace  ! 

K.  Phil.  Patience,  good  lady !  comfort,  gentle  Con* 
ftance ! 

ferdnce  likewife  to  that  glorious  period  that  Shakefpeare  con* 
oludes  his  play  in  that  triumphant  manner, 
Thus  England  ne'ver  did,  nor  never  JhalU 
Lit  at  the  proud  foot  of  a  conqueror^  8cc. 
But  the  whole  play  abounds  with  touches  relative  to  the  then 
pofture  of  affairs     Warburton. 

This  play,  fo  far  as  I  can  difcover,  was  not  played  till  a  long 
time  after  the  defeat  of  the  armada.  The  old  play,  I  think, 
wants  this  fimile.  The  commentator  Ihould  not  have  affirmed 
what  he  can  only  guefs.     Johnson. 

Armada  is  a  Spanifh  word  fignifying  a  fleet  of  tuar.  The  ar-^ 
mada  in  1588  was  called  fo  by  way  of  dillinflion.     Steevens. 

**  infoferceaCAVSEy"]  We  ihould  read  course,  i.e. 

march.     The  Oxford  editor  condefcends  to  this  emendation. 

\Varburtoh# 

Conji. 


KINGJOHJf.  €s 

Confi.  No,  I  defy  all  counfel,  all  reirefi. 
But  that  which  ends  all  counfel,  true  re  Jrefs, 
Death,  death !  Oh  amiable,  lovely  death ! 
Thou  odoriferous  ftcnch !  found  rottennefe  ! 
Arife  forth  from  the  couch  of  lading  night. 
Thou  hate  and  terror  to  profperity. 
And  I  will  kils  thy  deteftable  bones ; 
And  put  my  eye-balk  in  thy  vaulty  brows ; 
And  ring  thefe  fingers  with  thy  houfhold  Worms ; 
And  ftop  this  gap  of  breath  with  fulfome  duft. 
And  be  a  carrion  monfter  like  thyfelf : 
Come,  grin  on  me  -,  and  I  will  think  thou  fmil'fi^ 
And  bufs'thee  as  thy  wife !  mifcry's  love. 
Oh,  come  to  me ! 

Jfc  Plil  Oh  fair  affliftion,  peace, 

Cmfi.  No,  no,  I  will  not,  having  breath  to  cry  :^ 
Oh,  that  nty  tongue  were  in  the  thunder's  mouth ! 
Then  with  a  pailion  I  would  fhake  the  world  ^ 
And  rouze  from  fleep  that  fell  anatomy. 
Which  cannot  hear  a  lady's  feeble  voice, 
Which  fcoms  a  ''  modem  invocation. 

Pand.  Lady^  you  utter  madnefs,  and  riOt  forrow. 

Onfi.  Thou  art  unholy  to  belie  me  fo ; 
I  am  not  mad :  this  hail*  I  tear,  is  mine; 
My  name  is  Conftance :  I  was  Geffrey's  wife : 
Young  Arthur  is  my  fon,  and  he  is  loft  ! 
I  am  not  mad ;  I  would  to  heaven  I  were ! 
For  then,  'tis  like,  I  fhould  forget  myfelf. 
Oh,  if  I  could,  what  grief  fhould  I  forget !— * 
Preach  fome  philofophy  to  make  me  mad. 
And  thou  fhalt  be  canoniz'd,  cardinal ; 
For,  being  not  mad,  but  fenfible  of  grief. 
My  reaibdable  part  produces  reafon 
How  I  may  be  delivered  of  thefe  woes, 

^  — '^modtrn  tM^uocatiM.]  It  is  hard  to  fay  what  Shakci^art 
means  by  modern :  it  is  not  oppofed  to  ancient.  In  A/Pj  we/t, 
then  ends  weiit  fpeaking  of  a  girl  in  contempit,  he  nkt  dlis 
word,  her  modem  grace.  It  apparently  mtzns  {omttbingJiigU 
and  incenfiderable*     Johnson. 

VolV.  E  -  And 


6^  K  I  N  G     J  D  H  N, 

And  teaches  mc  to  kill  or  hang  myfelf.  ~     "^    ' 

If  I  were  mad,  I  (hoyld  forget  my  fon ; 
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. 

K.  Phil  8  Bind  up  thofe  trefles :  Oh,  what  love  I  notd 
In  the  fair  multitude  of  ihofe  her  hairs  ! 
Where  but  by  chance  a  fUver  drop  hath- fallen  * 
Even  to  that  drop  ten  thoufand  wiry  friends  *  ' 

Do.glew  thcmfelves  in  fociable  grief  j 
Like  true  infcparable,  faithful  loves. 
Sticking  together  in  calamity, 

Conjl,  To  England,  if  you  will » 

K.  Phil  Bind  up  your  hairs. 

Conji.  Yes,  that  I  will  v  and  wherefore  will  I  do  it  ? 
I  tore  them  from  their  bonds ;  and  cry'd  aloud. 
Oh  that  thefe  hands  could  fo  redeem  my  fon. 
As  they  have  given  thefe  hairs  their  liberty  I 
But  now  I  envy  at  their  liberty. 
And  will  again  commit  them  to  their  bonds, 
Becaufe  my  poor  child  is  a  prifoncr. — 
And,  father  cardinal,  I  hav^  heard  you  fay. 
That  we  (hall  fee  and  know  our  friends  in  heaven } 
If  that  be  true,  I  fhall  fee  my  boy  again ; 
For,  fmce  the  birth  of  Cain,  the  firlt  malc-childj^ 
To  him  that  djd  but  yefterday  fufpire. 
There  was  not  fuch  a  gracioys  creature  born  ^, 

But 

■  Bind  up  thofe  trfj/es ; ]  It  was  neceffary  that  Conllance 

(hould  be  interrupted,  becaufe  q  pafilon  fo  violent  cannot  be 
borne  long.  I  wifii  the  following  fpeeches  hr.d  been  equally 
happy  ;  but  they  only  ferve  to  fhcw,  Jiow  difficult  it  is  to  muiu^ 
^in  the  pathetic  long.     Johnson. 

*  —  luiry  friends]  The  old  copy  reads,  nvirj  fiends. 

Stqevens. 

•  a  gracious  creature  born,']  Gracious^  I  believe,  in  this 
iuftanqe,  as' in  feme  others,  means  graceful.  So  in  JlhionU 
Triumpby  a  mafque,  163 1 . 

•*  on  which  (the  freeiu)  were  feftoons  of  fevcral  fruilt, 

*<  in  their  natural  colours,  on  which,  in  gracious  poilurcs,  lay 
f  f  cWidrcn  flccping '* 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  67 

6ut  now  will  canker  forrow  eat  my  bud. 
And  chafe  the  native  beauty  from  his  check ; 
And  he  will  look  as  hollow  as  a  ghoft ; 
As  dim  and  meagre  as  an  ague's  fit ; 
And  fo  he'll  die :  and,  rifing  fo  again. 
When  I  fhall  meet  him  in  the  court  of  heaven 
Iftiall  not  know  him :  therefore  never,  never, 
Muft  I  behold  my  pretty  Arthur  more. 

Pand.  You  hold  too  heinous  a  refpeft  of  grief. 

Confi.  He  talks  to  me,  that  never  had  a  fon. 

K,  PbiL  You  are  as  fond  of  grief,  as  of  your  child. 

Confi.  Grief  fills  the  room  up  of  my  abfent  child  j 
Lies  in  his  bed,  walks  up  and  down  with  me  y 
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  reafon  to  be  fond  of  grief. 
Fare  you  well  :  '  had  you  fuch  a  lofe  as  I, 
I  could  give  better  comfort  than  you  do. 
I  will  not  keep  this  form  upon  my  head, 

\Xcaring  off  her  head-cloatbst 
When  there  is  fuch  diforder  in  my  wit. 
0  Lord !  my  boy,  my  Arthur,  my  fair  fon ! 
My  life,  my  joy,  my  food,  my  all  the  world  ! 
My  widow-comfort,  and  my  forrow's  cure !        [Exit. 

K.  Phil.  I  fear  fome  outrage,  and  Til  follow  her.  ' 

[ExiL 

Lewis.  *  There's  nothing  in  this  world,  can  make 
me  joy : 

Again,  in  the  fame  piece, 

-  "  they  ftood  about  him,  not  in  fct  ranks^  but  In  fc- 

"  rtnl gracious  poftures."     Ste evens. 

'  had  you  fuch  a  lofs  as  /, 

I c9uU gi've  better  comfort ]    This  is  a  fentimcnt  which 

great  forrow  always  dictates.  Whoever  cannot  help  himfelf 
cafts  his  eyes  on  others  for  aiCftance,  and  often  miilakes  their 
inability  for  coldnefs .     J  o  h  n  s  o  m  . 

*  Thire*s  nothing  in  thisy  &c.]  The  young  prince  feels  his  de- 
feat with  more  fenfibility  than  his  father,  bhame  operates  moll 
ftrongly  in  the  earlier  years  ;  and  when  can  difgrace  be  lefs  wel- 
COBie  than  when  a  man  is  goingto  his  brid^  ?    Johnson. 

E  2  Life 


6t  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Life  is  as  tedious  as  a  twice-told  tale,    . 
Vexing  the  dull  ear  of  a  drowfy  man ; 
And  bitter  Ihame  hath  fpoilt  the  fweet  workPstlfte^ 
That  it  yields  nought  but  fhame  and  bitternefs^ 

Pand.  Before  the  curing  of  a  ftrorlgdifeafc. 
Even  in  the  inftant  of  repair  and  health. 
The  fit  is  ftrongeft :  cvik  that  take  leave. 
On  their  departure  moft  of  all  ftiew  evil. 
What  have  you  loft  by  lofing  of  this  day  ? 
Lewis.  All  days  of  glory,  joy,  and  happinefs* 
Pand,  If  you  had  won  it,  certainly,  you  had. 
No,  no :  when  fortune  means  to  men  moft  good. 
She  looks  upon  them  with  a  threatening  eye. 
'Tis  ftrange  to  think  hov/  mucli  king  John  hath  loft 
In  this,  which  he  accounts  fo  clearly  won. 
'  Are  not  you  griev'd  that  Arthur  is  his  prifoner  ? 
Lewis.  As  heartily  as  he  is  glad  he  hath  him. 
Pand.  Your  mind  is  all  as  youthful  as  your  blood. 
Now  hear  me  fpeak,  with  a  prophetic  fpirit; 
For  even  the  breath  of  what  I  mean  to  fpeak 
Shall  blow  each  duft,  each  ftraw,  each  little  rub. 
Out  of  the  path  which  ftiall  direftly  lead 
Thy  foot  to  England's  throne ;  and,  therefore,  mark. 
John  hath  feiz'd  Arthur  ;  and  it  cannot  be 
That,  whilft  warm  life  plays  in  that  infant's  veins. 
The  mifplac'd  John  fhoulcl  entertain  an  hour, 
A  minute,  nay,  one  quiet  breath  of  reft. 
A  fcepter,  fnatch'd  with  an  unruly  hand, 
Muft  be  as  boifteroufly  maintained,  as  gain'd : 
And  he  that  ftands  upon  a  llippcry  place. 
Makes  nice  of  no  vile  hold  to  ftay  him  up. 
That  John  may  ftand,  then  Arthur  needs  muft  fall  -, 
So  be  ir,  for  it  cannot  be  but  fo. 

Lewis.  But  what  fliall  I  gain  by  young  Arthur's  fall  ? 
j(^a?7d.  You,  in  the  right  of  lady  Blanch  your  wife. 
May  then  make  all  the  claim  that  Arthur  did. 
Lewis.  And  lofe  it,  life  and  all,  as  Arthur  did. 
Pand.  How  green  you  are,  and  frelh  in  this  old 
world ! 

John 


KINGJOHN.  69 

John  lays  you  plots ;  the  times  confpire  with  you  : 
For  he  that  fteeps  his  fafety  in  *  true  blood 
Shall  find  but  bloody  fafety,  and  untrue. 
This  aft,  fo  evilly  born,  (hall  cool  the  hearts 
Of  all  his  people,  and  freeze  up  their  zeal. 
That  none  fo  fmall  advantage  fhall  ftep  forth 
To  check  his  reign,  but  they  will  clieriih  it  : 
No  natural  exhalarion  in  the  (ky^ 
J  No  'fcape  of  nature,  no  diftemper'd  day. 
No  common  wind,  no  cuftomed  event. 
But  they  will  pluck  away  its  natural  caufe. 
And  call  them  meteors,  prodigies,  and  fignSjj 
Abortives,  prefagcs,  and  tongues  of  heaven 
Plainly  denouncing  vengeance  upon  John. 
Lewis.  May  be,  he  will  not  touch  young  Arthur's 
life. 
But  hold  himfelf  fafe  in  his  prifonment. 

Pand.  O,  Sir,  when  he  fhall  hear  of  your  approach. 
If  that  young  Arthur  be  not  gone  already. 
Even  at  this  news  he  dies  ;  and  then  the  hearts 
Of  all  his  people  fhall  revolt  from  him. 
And  kifs  the  lips  of  unacquainted  change  ; 
And  pick  ffaxmg  matter  ox  revolt,  and  wrath. 
Out  of  the  bkxxiy  fixers*  ends  of  John. 
Methinks,  I  (ee  this  hurly  all  on  foot ; 
Afld,  O,  what  better  matter  breeds  for  you 

Than  I  have  nam'd  ! The  baflard  Faulconbridgc 

Is  now  in  England,  ranfacking  the  church, 
Ofiending  charity :  if  but  a  dozen  French 
Were  there  in  arms,  they  would  be  as  a  call 
To  train  ten  thoufand  Englifh  to  their  fide ; 


* true  Hood]   The  blood  of  him  that  has  the  jufi 

claim.    Johnson. 

^  No  'idape  ofnaturty — ]  The  author  very  finely  Z2X\%2imonftrous 
iirtbf  an  e/cape  of  nature.     As  if  it  were  produced  while  ihe 
was  bufy  elfewhere,  or  intent  on  fome  other  thing.     But  the 
Oxford  editor  will  have  it,  that  Shakefpeare  wrote, 
A'tf  Jhufe  of  nature^ 

Wariurtov. 

E  3  Or, 


70  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

♦  Or,  as  a  little  fnow,  tumbled  about. 
Anon  becomes  a  mountain.     O  noble  dauphin  j 
Go  with  me  to  the  king :  *tis  wonderful 
What  may  be  wrought  out  of  their  difcontent : 
Now  that  their  fouls  are  top-full  of  offence. 
For  England  go  •,  I  will  whet  on  the  king. 

Lrj^jis.  Strong  reafon  makes  ftrong  aftions  :  let  us 
go  •, 
If  you  fay,  ay^  the  king  will  not  fay,  no.  [Exeunt. 


A  C  T     IV.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

Changes  to  England. 

Aprifpn. 

Enter  Hubert  and  executioners. 

Hubert. 

HE  AT  me  thefe  irons  hot  -,  and,  look,  thou  ftand 
Within  the  arras :  when  I  ftrike  my  foot 
Upon  the  bofom  of  the  ground,  rufh  forth; 
And  bind  the  boy,  which  you  Ihall  find  with  me. 
Fall  to  the  chair.     Be  heedful :  hence,  and  watch. 
Exec,  I  hope  your  warrant  will  bear  out  the  deed. 
Hub.  Uncleanly  fcruples!  fear  not  you-,  look  to't.— • 
Young  lad,  come  forth ;  I  have  to  fay  with  you. 

Enter  Arthur. 

Arth.  Good  morrow,  Hubert. 
Hub.  Good  morrow,  little  prince. 
Artb.  As  little  prince  (having  fo  great  a  title 
To  be  more  prince)  as  may  be. — You  arc  fad. 
Hub.  Indeed,  I  have  been  merrier.    ^* 

♦  Or^  as  a  little  fnoiu^ — ]  Bacon,  in  his  hiHoiy  of  Henry  V\l, 
fpeakingof  Pcrkin's  march,  obfcrves,  that />&«>  ftiow-ball  Jid 
iut  gmibiT  as  it  rcllid.     Johnson. 

Jrtb. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  71 

jtth.  Mercy  on  me ! 
Methinks,  no  body  fliould  be  fad  but  I : 
Yet  I  remember  when  I  was  in  France, 
J  Young  gentlemen  would  be  as  fad  as  night. 
Only  for  wantonnefs.    By  my  chriftendom. 
So  were  I  out  of  prifon,  and  kept  fheep, 
I  fliould  be  as  merry  as  the  day  is  long  : 
And  fo  I  would  be  here,  but  that,  I  doubt. 
My  uncle  praftifcs  more  harm  to  me: 
He  is  afraid  of  me,  and  I  of  him. 
Is  it  my  fault  that  I  was  Geffrey's  fon  ? 
No,  indeed,  is  it  not  -,  and  I  would  to  heaven, 
I  were  your  fon,  fo  you  would  love  me,  Hubert. 

Hub.  If  I  talk  to  him,  with  his  innocent  prate 
He  will  awake  my  mercy,  which  lies  dead ; 
Therefore  I  will  be  fudden,  and  difpatch.  [^AfJe. 

Arth,  Are  you  fick,  Hubert  ?  you  look  pale  to-day : 
In  Iboth,  I  would  you  were  a  little  fick ; 
That  I  might  fit  all  night  and  watch  with  you. 
I  warrant,  I  love  you  more  than  you  do  me. 

Hub.  His  words  do  take  pofTeffion  of  my  bofom. 

Read  here,  young  Arthur [Shrjcing  a  paper. 

How  now,  foolifh  rheum,  [^Aftde. 

^  Turning  difpiteous  torture  out  of  door  ! 
Imuft  be  brief;  lell  refolution  drop 

Out  at  mine  eyes,  in  tender  womanifti  tears. 

Can  you  not  read  it  ?  is  it  not  fair  writ  ? 

Artb.  Too  fairly,  Hubert,  for  fo  foul  efted. 
Muft  you  with  hot  irons  burn  out  both  mine  eyes  ? 

Hub.  Young  boy,  I  muft. 

Artb.  And  will  you  ? 

'  Tcung gentlemen y  &c.]  It  fhould  (ccm  that  this  afFedlaticn 
had  found  its  way  to  England,  a*:  it  h  ricii''.'lcd  by  }!en  Jo'>!')n 
in  the  charadler  of  Majhr  Stcfben  in  £1  rr;  Mun  in  his  Hu/nour, 

So  in  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  :^ccn  of  Corinth^  Ones  favi), 
"  Come  let's  be /!WfAr/7f/>»/y.*'     Steevens. 

•  Turning  difpitecus  torture  out  of  door  /]  For  torture  Sir  T. 
Hanmer  reads  nature^  and  is  followed,  I  think,  without  neceA 
fit/f  by  Dr.  Warburton.     Johnson. 

E  4  Hub. 


72  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Huh.  And  I  wiU. 

Arth.  Have  you  the  heart  ?     When  your  head  did 
butake,   . 
I  knit  my  handkerchief  about  your  brows, 
(I'he  belt  I  had,  a  princefs  wrought  it  me) 
And  I  did  never  afk  it  you  again  : 
And  with  my  hand  at  midnight  held  your  head ; 
And,  like  the  watchful  minutes  to  the  hour. 
Still  and  anon  chear'd  up  the  heavy  time  j 
Saying,  what  lack  you  ?  and,  where  lies  your  grief? 
Or,  what  good  love  may  I  perform  for  you  ? 
Many  a  poor  man's  fon  would  have  lain  ftill,* 
And  ne'er  have  fpoke  a  loving  word  to  you  j 
But  you  at  your  fick  fervice  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  muft  ufe  me  ill. 
Why,  then  you  muft. — Will  you  put  out  mine  eyes  ? 
TheVe  eyes,  that  never  did,  nor  never  ftiall, 
So  much  as  frown  on  you  } 

Hub.  I  have  fworn  to  do  it  •, 
And  with  hot  irons  muft  I  burn  them  out. 

Artb.  Ah,  none  but  in  this  iron  z%t  would  do  it  I 
The  iron  of  itfelf,  tho*  heat  red-hot. 
Approaching  near  thefe  eyes,  would  drink  my  tears. 
And  quench  its  fiery  indignation. 
Even  in  the  matter  of  mine  innocence : 
Nay,  after  that,  confume  away  in  ruft. 
But  fbr  containing  fire  to  harm  mine  eye. 
Are  you  more  ftubborn-hard,  than  hammer'd  iron  ? 
Oh  !  if  an  angel  fiiould  have  come  to  me. 
And  told  me,  Hubert  (hould  put  out  mine  eyes, 
7  I  would  not'liave  believ'd  liim ;  no  tongue,  but  Hur 
ber t 's .  [  Hubert  Jlamps^  and  the  men  enter ^ 

Hub.  Come  forth  ;  do,  as  I  bid  you  do, 

Arth. 

^   I  ivouU  not  hwve  beUcved  a  tcnguc  but  Pubert's.]   1  hus 

Mr.  P'^pc  found  the  line  in  the  old  editions.     According  to  ih'^s 

reading  it  is  fuppofed  that  Hu  crt  h:id  told  him,  he  would  not 

put  out  hii  eyes;  for  the  £4i£el  hIio  lays  it  ^auld^  is  brought 

2  ii^ 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  73 

Artb.  O  fave  me,  Hubert,  favc  mc  !  my  eyes  arc 
out, 
Even  with  the  fierce  looks  of  thefe  bloody  men. 

Hub.  Give  me  the  iron,  I  fay,  and  bind  him  here. 

Arth.  Alas,  what  need  you  be  fo  boift*rous  rough  ? 
I  will  not  ftruggle,  I  will  ftand  ftone-ftill. 
For  heaven's  fake,  Hubert,  let  me  not  be  bound ! 
Nay,  hear  me,  Hubert ! — drive  thefe  men  away. 
And  I  will  fit  as  quiet  as  a  lamb : 
I  will  not  ftir,  nor  wince,  nor  fpcak  a  word. 
Nor  look  upon  the  iron  angrily  : 
Thruft  but  thele  men  away,  and  Til  forgive  you. 
Whatever  torment  you  do  put  me  to. 

Hub.  Go,  ftand  within  ;  let  me  alone  with  him. 

Exec.  I  am  beft  pleased  to  be  from  fuch  a  deed. 

[Exeunln 

Arth.  Alas,  I  then  have  chid  away  my  friend  j 
He  hath  a  ftern  look,  but  a  gentle  heart  :-— 

in  as  contradidling  Hubert.     Mr.  Theobald,  by  what  authority 
I  don't  know,  reads, 

IiAiould  not  ba've  belie'v* d him  :  no  tongue^  hut  Hubert'/, 
y^hich  isfpoiling  the  mcafure,  without  much  mending  thefenfe. 
tihakefpeare,  I  am  perfuadcd,  wrote, 

/  would  not  ha*i>e  helte'v^d  a  tongue  bate  Hubert  ; 
i.c,  abate,  difparage.  The  blunder  feems  to  have  arifen  thus, 
Sate  fignifies  except,  faving  ;  fo  the  tranfcribers,  taking  it  in 
this  fenfe,  fubftituted  the  more  ufual  word  hut  in  its  place.  My 
alteration  greatly  improves  the  fenfe,  as  implying  a  tenderne& 
efaftcdion  for  Hubert;  the  common  reading,  only  an  opinion 
of  Hubert's  veracity  ;  whereas  the  point  here  was  to  win  upon 
Hubert's  paffions,  which  could  not  be  better  done  than  by  (hew- 
ing affedion  towards  him .     Warburton. 

I  do  not  fee  why  the  old  reading  may  not  ftand.  Mr.  Thco- 
bald's  alteration,  as  we  find,  injures  the  mcafure,  andDr.  War- 
)>imoD's  corrupts  the  language,  and  neither  can  be  faid  much  to 
mend  the  fenfe.     Johnson. 

Mr.  Theobald's  reading  is  the  reading  of  the  old  copy.  I  have 
therefore  reftored  it. 

—  'vixatnr  de  lama fape  cafrina. 
Shakefpeare  very  probably  meant  the  laft  line  to  have  been 
broken  off  imperfedlly  ;  thus, 

Iivouldnot  hame  helie'v^d  him  j  no  tongtu,  hut  Hubert* s^^ 
The  old  reading  is,  however,  fenfe,     Steevens. 

Let 


74  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Let  him  come  back,  that  his  compaffion  may 
Give  life  to  yours. 

Hub.  Come,  boy,  prepare  yourfelf, 

Arfh.  Is  there  no  remedy  ? 

Hub.  None,  but  to  lofe  your  eyes. 

Artb.  O  heaven !  that  there  were  but  a  moth  in 
yoyrs, 
A  grain,  a  dull,  a  gnat,  a  wandring  hau*. 
Any  annoyance  in  that  precious  fenle ! 
Then,  feeling  what  fmail  things  are  boifterous  there. 
Your  vile  intent  muft  needs  feem  horrible. 

Hub.  Is  this  your   promife  ?    go  to,   hold  your 
tongue. 

Artb.  Hubert,  the  utterance  of  a  brace  of  tongues 
Muft  needs  want  pleading  for  ^  pair  of  eyes  : 
Let  me  not  hold  my  tongue ;  let  me  not,  Hubert  I 
*  Or,  Hubert,  if  you  will,  cut  out  my  tongue. 
So  I  may  keep  mine  eyes.     O  fpare  mine  eyes  j 
Though  to  no  ufe,  but  ftill  to  look  on  you  ! 
Lo,  by  my  troth,  the  inftrumcnt  is  cold. 
And  would  not  harm  me. 

Hub.  I  can  heat  it,  boy. 

Artb.  9  No,  in  good  footh ;  the  fire  is  dead  widi 
grief. 
Being  create  for  comfort,  to  be  us'd 
In  undeferv*d  extremes  :  fee  elfe  yourfelf  j 
'  There  is  no  malice  in  this  burning  coal  •, 
The  breath  of  heaven  hath  blown  its  fpirit  out. 
And  ftrew'd  repentant  afhes  on  its  head. 

*  This  IS  according  to  nature.  We  imagine  no  evil  fo  great 
AS  that  which  is  near  us.     Johnson. 

^  Ko,  in  good  footh  y  &c.]  The  fcnfe  is:  tke  firtj  being  created 
not  to  hurt  but  to  comfort^  is  dead  -ivitb  grief  for  finding  it- 
fclf  ufed  in  ads  of  cruelty,  which,  being  innocent,  I  have  u»i 
defer  -jcd,     J  o  k  n  s  o  N . 

'  There  is  no  malic^  in  this  burning  ccal \\  Dr.  Gray  fays,  that 
fto  malice  in  a  burning  coal  is  certainly  abfurd,  and  thatwcfhould 
read, 

f*  There  is  no  malice  burning  io  this  coal."   St e^ yens. 

Hut, 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  75 

Hub.  But  with  my  breath  I  can  revive  it,  boy. 

Arib.  And  if  you  do,  you  will  but  make  it  bhifti. 
And  glow  with  fliame  or  your  proceedings,  Hubert : 
Nay,  It,  perchance,  will  fparkle  in  your  eyes  i 
And,  like  a  dog,  that  is  compcU'd  to  fighl^ 
iSnatch  at  his  mafter  that  doth  tarre  him  on. 
All  things,  that  you  Ihould  ufe  to  do  me  wrong, 
Deny  their  office :  only  you  do  lack 
That  mercy,  which  fierce  fire,  and  iron,  extend. 
Creatures  of  note  for  mercy-lacking  ufes. 

Hub.  Well,  fee  to  live  j  I  will  not  touch  thine  eyc^ 
For  all  the  treafure  that  diine  uncle  owes : 
Yet  am  I  fworn  -,  and  I  did  purpofe,  boy, 
With  this  fame  very  iron*  to  burn  them  oijt. 

Atb.  O,  now  you  look  like  Hubert !  All  this  while. 
You  were  di%uis'd. 

Hut.  Peace:  no  more.     Adieu; 
Your  uncle  muft  not  know  but  you  are  dead. 
rU  fill  thefe  dogged  Ipies  with  falfe  reports. 
And,  pretty  child,  flcep  doubtlefs,  and  fecure. 
That  Hubert,  for  the  wealth  of  all  the  world. 
Will  not  offend  thee. 

Jrib.  O  heaven !  I  thank  you,  Hubert. 

Hub.  Silence,  no  more  :  go  dofely  in  with  me, 
^luch  dapger  do  I  undergo  for  diee.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

Changes  to  the  court  of  England. 

Enter  king  Jobn^  Pembroke  %  SaHJbnyy  andotber  lords. 

K.Jobn.  Here  once  again  we  fit,  once  again  crown'd, 
A?d  look'd  upon,  I  hope,  with  chearful  eyes. 

*  '^  Pembroke y-^l  As  this  and  others  of  the  hi^orical  plays 
of  Skakefpeare  take  up  many  years,  it  fometimes  happens  that 
the  title  toward  the  end  of  a  play  does  hot  belong  to  the  perfon 
f  ho  owned  it  at  the  beginning.  This  earl  of  Pembroke  is 
fTilliam  the  fon  of  him  who  was  ead  at  the  opening  of  the  piece. 

Stbbvens. 

l^emb.^ 


76  k  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Pemh.  3  This  once  again,  but  that  your  highncis 
pleas'd, 
Was  once  fuperfiuous :  you  were  crowrfd  before. 
And  that  high  royalty  was  ne'er  plucked  off: 
The  faiths  of  men  ne'er  ftained  with  revolt : 
Frefli  expeftation  troubled  not  the  land 
With  any  long'd-for  change,  or  better  ftate, 

Sal.  Therefore  to  be  poflefs'd  with  double  pomp, 

4  To  guard  a  title  that  was  rich  before, 
To  gild  refined  gold,  to  paint  the  lily. 
To  throw  a  perfume  on  the  violet, 
To  fmooth  the  ice,  or  add  another  hue 
Unto  the  rainbow,  or  with  taper-light 

To  feek  the  beauteous  eye  or  heaven  to  garnifh. 
Is  wafteful,  and  ridiculous  excefs. 

Pemb.  But  that  your  royal  pleafure  mull  be  done. 
This  aft  is  as  an  ancient  tale  new  told ; 
And,  in  the  laft  r^ating,  troublefome. 
Being  urged  at  a  time  unfeafonable. 

Sal.  In  this,  the  antique  and  well-noted  face 
Of  plain  old  form  is  much  disfigured  : 
And,  like  a  Ihifted  wind  unto  4  fail. 
It  makes  the  courfe  of  thoughts  to  fetch  about  5 
Startles  and  frights  cqnfideration  ; 
Makes  found  opinion  lick,  and  truth  fufpedted. 
For  putting  on  fo  new  a  falhion'd  robe. 

Pemb.  When  workmen  ftrive  to  do  better  than  well, 

5  They  daconfound  their  Ikill  in  covetoufnefs  ; 
And,  oftentimes,  excufing  of  a  fault 

Doth  make  the  fault  the  worfe  by  the  excufe : 

^  This  once  again ivas  once  fuperjiuoui  :'\  This  one  timi 

mere  fujas  one  time  more  than  enough.     Johnson. 

*  To  guard  a  title  that<vjas  rich  before^  To  guard ,  is  to  fringe. 

Johnson. 

*  They  do  confound  their  JkilJ  in  covetoufnefs  :]  /.  e.  Not  by 
their  avarice,  but  in  an  eager  emulation,  an  intcnfe  defirc  ofex- 
cdlirg ;  as  in  Henry  V. 

But  if  it  be  a  fin  to  covet  honour, 

/  am  the  moft  offending  foul  alive.         Theobald. 

As 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  77 

As  patches  fet  upon  a  little  breach, 
Difcredit  more  ^  in  hiding  of  the  fault. 
Than  did  the  fault  before  it  was  fo  patched. 

Sal.  To  this  efFeft,  before  you  were  new-crown'd, , 
We  breath'd  our  counfel :  but  it  plcas'd  your  highnefi 
To  over-bear  it  -,  and  we  are  all  well  pleas'd  j 
Since  all  and  every  part  of  what  wc  would, 
Muft  make  a  ftand  at  what  your  highnefs  will. 

K.John.  7  Some  reafons  of  this  double  coronation 
I  have  poffeft  you  with,  and  think  them  ftrong. 
And  more,  more  ftrong  (the  leffer  is  my  fear) 
Ifhall  endue  you  with  :  mean  time,  but  afk 
What  you  would  have  reformed,  that  is  not  well ; 
And  well  fhall  you  perceive,  how  willingly 
I  will  both  hear  and  grant  you  your  requefts. 

Pemb.  Then  I  (as  one  that  am  the  tongue  of  thefc, 

*  To  found  the  purpofes  of  all  their  hearts) 
Both  for  myfelf  and  them  (but  chief  of  all. 
Your  fafety,  for  the  which  myfelf  and  they 
Bend  their  beft  ftudics)  heartily  requeft 

The  enfranchifement  of  Arthur  -,  whofe  reftraint 
Doth  move  the  murmuring  lips  of  difcontent 
To  break  into  this  dangerous  argument ; 
If  what  in  reft  you  have,  in  right  you  hold. 
Why  then  your  fears  (which,  as  they  fay,  attend 
The  fteps  of  wrong)  fhould  move  you  to  mew  up 
Your  tender  kinfman,  and  to  choak  his  days 
Widi  barbarous  ignorance,  and  deny  his  youth 

*  —  in  hiding  of  the  fault, 

I'bandid the  fault ]    We  fliould  read  flaw  in  both 

places.     Warburton. 

The  old  reading  is  the  true  one.  Fault  means  blemijh.  Stee  v. 

'  Somi  reajons  of  this  double  coronation 

I  ha've  fojpjl  jou  with,  and  think  them  firong. 

And  more  t  more  fir emg  {the  leffer  is  my  fear) 

I /hall  endue  you  with  :  —  ]  I  have  told  you  fome  reafons,  in 
ay  opinion  ftrong,  and  fliall  tell  more  yet  ftrongcr ;  for  the 
wongcr  my  reaibns  are,  the  lef  is  my  fear  of  your  difapproba- 
tioa.    This  feems  to  be  the  meaning.     Johnson. 

•  To  found  the  purpofes — ]  To  declare,  X.0  publijh  the  defires  of 
inthofe.     Johnson. 

The 


^t  k  I  NG    J  O  HN;  -^ 

The  rich  advantage  of  good  cxcrcife  9  ? 
That  the  timers  enemies  may  not  have  this 
To  grace  occafions,  let  it  be  our  fuit. 
That  you  have  bid  us  aflc  his  liberty ; 
Which  for  our  good  we  do  no  further  afk. 
Than  whereupon  our  weal,  bn  you  deperiding^ 
Counts  it  your  weal,  that  he  have  liberty. 
K.  John.  Let  it  be  fo ;  I  do  commit  his  youth 

Enter  Hubert. 

To  your  direftion.     Hubert,  what  news  with  you  ? 

Pemb.  This  is  the  man  fliould  do  the  bloody  deed  f 
He  (hew'd  his  warrant  to  a  friend  of  mine* 
The  image  of  a  wicked  heinous  fault 
Lives  in  his  eye ;  that  clofe  afpe<5t  of  his 
Does  (hew  the  mood  of  a  much-troubled  breafl:  5 
And  I  do  fearfully  believe  'tis  done. 
What  we  fo  fear'd  he  had  a  charge  to  do. 

Sal.  The  colour  of  the  king  doth  come  and  go^ 
Between  his  purpofe  and  his  confcience  % 
Like  heralds  *twixt  two  dreadful  battles  fet  *  : 
His  paffion  is  fo  ripe,  it  needs  muft  break, 

•*  food  exerctfe  ^]  In  the  middle  apes  the  whole  edu- 

cation of  princes  and  noble  youths  confided  in  martial  exer* 
cifes,  \Sc.  Thefe  could  not  be  eafily  had  in  a  prifon,  where 
mental  improvcmenis  might  have  been  afforded  as  well  as  any 
where  elfc ;  but  this  fort  of  education  never  entered  into  thtf 
thoughts  of  our  adivc,  warlike,  but  illiterate  nobility.  Percy. 

■  Betnjueen  bis  purpofe  and  his  con/ciencct]  Between  his  con/ci§u/^ 
fiefs  of  guilt,  and  his  defign  to  conceal  it  by  fair  profefiions. 

Johnson. 

*  Like  heralds  Uivixt  fwo  dreadful  bat  ties  fet :]  But  herald*  arc 
not  planted,  I  prefume,  in  the  midft  betwixt  two  lines  of  battle  $ 
though  they,  and  trumpets,  are  often  fent  over  from  party  to 
party,  to  propofe  terms,  demand  a  parley,  k^c.  I  have  there* 
fore  ventured  to  read,  fent,     Th eo b a l d; 

This  Dr.  Warburton  has  followed  without  much  advantage; 
fet  is  noifxed^  but  only  placed;  heralds  muft  bc^  between 
battles  in  order  to  heftnt  between  thorn.    Johnsok. 

PeKii. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  79 

Pemb.  And  when  it  breaks  3, 1  fear,  will  iflue  thence 
The  foul  corruption  of  a  fweet  child's  death. 

K.  John.  We  cannot  hold  mortality's  ftrong  hand :— ^ 
Good  lords,  although  my  will  to  give  is  living. 
The  fuit  which  you  demand  is  gone,  and  dead. 
He  tells  us,  Arthur  is  deceased  to-night. 

Sal  Indeed,  we  fear*d  his  ficknefs  was  pad  cure. 

Pmb.  Indeed,  we  heard  how  near  his  death  he  was. 
Before  the  child  himfelf  felt  he  was  fick. 
This  mud  be  anfwer'd,  either  here,  or  hence. 

L  John.  Why  do  you  bend  fuch  folemn  brows  oa 
me? 
Think  you,  I  bear  the  (hears  of  deftiny  > 
Have  I  commandment  on  the  pulfe  of  life  ? 

Sd.  It  is  apparent  foul-play ;  and  *tis  fhamc 
That  greatneft  fhould  fo  grofly  offer  it  :— 
So  thrive  it  in  your  game !  and  fo  farewell ! 

?mb.  Stay  yet,  lord  Salifbury  •  TU  go  with  thee. 
And  find  the  inheritance  of  this  poor  child, 
Ks  little  kingdom  of  a  forced  grave. 
That  blood,  which  ow'd  the  breadth  of  all  this  ifle. 
Three  foot  of  it  doth  hold  :  bad  world  the  while  ! 
This  muft  not  be  thus  borne ;  this  will  break  out 
To  all  our  forrows,  and  ere  long,  I  doubt.      [^Exeunt. 

K.  John.  They  bum  in  indignation  ;  I  repent* 
There  is  no  fure  foundation  fct  on  blood  ; 
No  certain  life  atchiev'd  by  others*  death.—— 

Enter  a  mejfenger. 

A  fearful  eye  thou  haft :  where  is  that  blood. 

That  I  have  feen  inhabit  in  thofe  cheeks  ? 

So  foul  a  (ky  clears  not  without  a  ftorm : 

Pour  down  thy  weather. — How  goes  all  in  France  ? 

^  4nd'whin  it  breaks^ ]  This  is  but  an  indelicate  meta- 

pkwy  takf n  firom  an  impoilumated  tumour.    Johnson. 

Mef. 


So  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Mef.  From  France  to  England  ♦.    Never  fuch  a 
power 
For  any  foreign  preparation. 
Was  lev/d  in  the  body  of  a  land. 
-  The  copy  of  your  fpeed  is  learned  by  them  : 
For  when  you  fhould  be  told  they  do  prepare. 
The  tidings  come  that  they  are  all  arrived. 

K.  John,  O,  where  hath  our  intelligence  been  drunk  ? 
Where  hath  it  flept  ?     Where  is  my  mother's  care  ? 
That  fuch  an  army  fhould  be  drawn  in  France, 
And  Ihe  not  hear  of  it  ? 

Mef.  My  liege,  her  ear 
Is  ftopt  with  duft :  the  firft  of  April  dy*d 
Your  noble  mother  :  and,  as  I  hear,  my  lord. 
The  lady  Conftance  in  a  frenzy  dy'd 
Three  days  before  :  but  this  from  rumour's  tongue 
I  idly  heard ;  if  true  or  falfe,  I  know  not. 

K.  John.  With-hold  thy  fpeed,  dreadful  occafion ! 
O,  make  a  league  with  me,  till  I  have  pleas'd 
My  difcontented  peers ! — What !  mother  dead ! 
How  wildly  then  walks  my  eftate  in  France  ? —    . 
Under  whofe  conduft  came  thofe  powers  of  France, 
That,  thou  for  truth  giv'ftout,  are  landed  here  ? 
.  Afe/I  Under  the  dauphin. 

K,  John.  Thou  haft  made  me  giddy 
With  thefe  ill  tidings. 

Enter  Faulconbridge  and  Peter  of  Pomfret. 

Now,  what  fays  the  world 

To  your  proceedings  ?     Do  not  feek  to  ftufF 

My  head  with  more  ill  news,  for  it  is  full. 

FauL  But,  if  you  be  afraid  to  hear  the  worft. 
Then  let  the  worft,  unheard,  fall  on  your  head ! 

X.  Johu  Bear  with  me,  coufin  ;  lor  I  was  amaz'd 
Under  the  tide  :  but  now  I  breathe  again 

^  From  France  to  England, — ]  The  king  a(ks  ho^  all  goes  itt 
France^  the  mefTcnger  catches  the  word  goes^  and  anfwers,  that 
nvbate'ver  is  in  France  goes  now  into  England.     Johnson. 

Aloft 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  8i 

Aloft  the  flood  ;  and  can  give  audience 
To  any  tongue,  fpeak  it  of  what  it  will. 

Faulc.  How  I  have  fped  among  the  clergymen, 
The  fums  I  have  coUefted  Ihail  cxprel's. 
But,  as  I  travelled  hither  thro'  the  land, 
I  find  the  people  ftrangely  fantafy'd  -, 
Poffefs'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  ftreets  of  Pomfret,  whom  I  found 
With  many  hundreds  treading  on  his  heels  v 
To  whom  he  fung  in  rude  harfh-founding  rhimes. 
That,  ere  the  next  Afcenfion-day  at  noon. 
Your  highnefs  (hould  deliver  up  your  crown. 

Jf.  John.  Thou  idle  drcamer,  wherefore  did'ft  thou 
fay  fo  ? 

Peter.  Fore-knowing,  that  the  truth  will  fall  out  fo. 

K.  John.  Hubert,  away  with  him  -,  imprifon  him  •, 
And  on  that  day  at  noon,  whereon  he  fays 
1  fliall  yield  up  my  crown,  let  him  be  hang*d. 
Deliver  him  to  fafety  %  and  return. 

For  I  muft  ufe  thee. 

[Exit  Hubert^  with  Peter. 

0  gentle  coufin, 

HeaPft  thou  the  news  abroad,  who  are  arrived  ? 

Fauk.   The  French,  my  lord;  men's  mouths  arc 
full  of  it : 
Befides,  I  met  lord  Bigot  and  lord  Salifbury, 
With  eyes  as  red  as  new-enkindled  fire. 
And  others  more,  going  to  feek  the  grave 
Of  Arthur,  who,  they  foy,  is  kill'd  to-night 
On  your  fuggeftion. 

K.  John.  Gentle  kinfman,  go 
And  thruft  thyfelf  into  their  companies : 

1  have  a  way  to  win  their  loves  again. 
Bring  them  before  me. 

'  Deliver  him  to  faftiyy ]  That  is,   Givi  b'lm  into  fafi 

cafodj,    Johnson. 

VoL.V.  F  Faulc. 


82  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Fauk.  I  will  feck  them  out. 

K.  John.  Nay,  but  make  haftc :  the  better  foot  be^ 
fore. — 
O,  let  me  have  na  fubjeft  enemies, 
When-  adverfe  foreigners  affright  my  towns 
With  dreadful  pomp  of  ftout  invafion ! — 
Be  Mercyry,  fet  feathers  to  thy  hecb, 
And  fly,  like  thought,  from  them  to  me  again. 

Faulc.  The  fpirit  of  the  time  Ihall  teach  me  fpeed. 

K.  John.  Spoke  like  a  iprightful  noble  gentleman* 
Go  after  him ;  for  he,  perhaps,  (hall  need 
Some  meflenger  betwixt  me  and  the  peers ; 
And  be  thou  he. 

Mef.  With  all,  my  heart,  my  Kegp..  \I^iU 

K.  John.  My  mother  dead  ! 

Enter  Hubert. 

Huh.  My  lord,^.  they  fay,  *  five  moons  were  fcen  to- 
night : 
Four  fixed  •,  and  die  fifth  did  whirl  about 
The  other  four,  in  wondVous  motion. 

K.John.  Five  moons  ? 

^Huh.  Old  men  and  beldams,  in  the  ftreets. 
Do  prophefy  upon  it  dangeroufly : 
Young  Arthur's  death  is  common  in  their  mouths : 
And,  v/h.cn  they  talk  of  him,  they  (hake  their  heads,. 
And  wliifpcr  one  another  in  the  ear*. 
And  he,  that  fpcaks,  doth  gripe  the  hearer's  wrift  j 
Whilft  he,  that  licars,  makes  fearful  aftion 
With  wrinkled  brows,  with  nods,  with  rolling  eyes.. 
I  faw  a  fmich  (land  with  his  liammer,  dius. 


**  /'^>f  jnoo;is  I'.cre/enj  to-ufght^  iVc]  This  inciJcnt  it 

menticned  by  tl'w  ot  our  hillorkns :  J  have  met  with  it  m> 
whcte,  bill  in  Iiinttl\-u-  of  Pf'tjhnivfi.v  ViwA  Pulw'iore  J'irgiU  ^^ith 
a  fmall  ::ltLTatioii.  'i  licic  kiiul  of  appearances  were  more  com- 
mcn  about  that  time,  than  eithr  bif»»re  or  lince.     Dr.  Gray.. 

Thi^  Incident  is  lit.\vifc  mentioned  in  the  old  copy  of  the 
play.     SfEEvtNS. 

The 


KING    J  O  H  N.  83 

The  whilft  his  iron  did  on  the  anvil  cool. 
With  open  mouth  fwallowing  a  taylor*s  news ; 
Who,  with  his  (hears  and  meafure  in  hi$  hand. 
Standing  on  flippers  (which  his  nimble  hafte  3 
Had  fallely  thruft  upon  contrary  feet) 
Told  of  a  many  thoufand  warlike  French, 
That  were  embatteled  and  rank'd  in  Kent. 
Another  lean  unwafli'd  artificer 
Cuts  oflF  his  tale,  and  talks  of  Arthur's  death. 

K.  John.  Why  feek'ft  thou  to  poffcfs  me  with  thefc 
fears  ? 
Why  urgeft  thou  fo  oft  young  Arthur's  death  ? 
Thy  hand  hath  murder'd  him :  I  had  a  mighty  caufe 
To  wifli  him  dead,  but  thou  had'il  none  to  kill  him. 

Hub.  Had  none,  my  lord !  why,  did  you  not  pro- 
voke me  ? 

K.  John,  It  is  the  curie  of  kings  ♦,  to  be  attended 
By  (laves,  that  take  their  humours  for  a  warrant. 
To  break  within  the  bloody  houfe  of  life  : 
And,  on  the  winking  of  authority, 
To  underftand  a  law  •,  to  know  the  meaning 
Of  dangerous  majefly  •,  when,  perchance,  it  frowns 
More  upon  humour,  than  advis'd  refpedl. 

Hub.  Here  is  your  hand  and  feal  for  what  I  did. 

K.  John.  Oh,  when  the  laft  account  'twixt  heaven 
and  earth 
Is  to  be  made,  then  fhall  this  hand  and  feal 

*  flippers  {fwhich  his  nimble  hafle 

ttad/itl/ely  thruft  upon  contrary  fee  i)^  I  know  not  how  the  com- 
mentators underftand  this  important  pafTige,  which  in  Dr.  War- 
burton's  edition  is  marked  as  eminently  bcaatiful,  and,  on  the 
whole,  not  without  juftice.  But  Shakcfpeare  feems  to  have 
confounded  the  man's  fhoes  with  his  gloves.  He  that  is  frighted 
orkarried  may  put  his  hand  into  the  wr  ng  glove,  but  cither 
&oe  will  equally  admit  either  foot.  The  author  fcems  to  be 
^iftorbed  by  the  diforder  which  he  defcribes.     J  o  h  n  s  o  n  . 

*  It  is  tht  eurfe  of  kingSy  &c.]  This  plainly  hints  at  Davif-^n's 
cafe,  in  the  affair  of  Mary  queen  of  Scots,  and  fo  muH  have 
been  inferted  long  after  the  fi rft  rcprefentation .   W  a  r  b  u  r  1  o  n  . 

F  2  Witnefs 


84  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  R 

Witnefs  againft  us  to  damnation ! 

How  oft  the  fight  of  means,  to  do  ill  deeds. 

Makes  deeds  ill  done  ?     Hadeft  not  thou  been  by, 

A  fellow  by  the  hand  of  nature  marked, 

Quoted,  and  fign'd,  to  do  a  deed  of  ifhame. 

This  murder  had  not  come  into  my  mind : 

But,  taking  note  of  thy  abhorred  alpeft. 

Finding  thee  fit  for  bloody  villainy. 

Apt,  liable,  to  be  employed  in  danger, 

I  faintly  broke  with  thee  of  Arthurs  death ; 

And  thou,  to  be  endeared  to  a  king, 

Mad'it  it  no  confcience  to  defliroy  a  prince. 

Huh.  My  lord 

K,  Jdm.  Hadft  thou  but  fliook  thy  head  5,  or  made 
a  paufe. 
When  I  fpakc  darkly  what  I  purpofed ; 
Or  tum'd  an  eye  of  doubt  upon  my  face  -, 
Or  bid  me  tell  my  tale  in  exprefs  words  -, 
Deep  fliame  had  ftruck  me  dumb,  made  me  break  off. 
And  thole  thy  fears  might  have  wrought  fears  in  mc. 
But  thou  didil  underftand  mc  by  my  figns. 
And  didft  in  figns  again  parley  with  fin  \ 
Yea,  without  fl:op,  did'fl:  let  thy  heart  confent. 
And,  confequcntly,  thy  rude  hand  to  aft 
The  deed,  which  both  our  tongues  held  vile  to  name- 
Out  of  my  figlit,  and  never  fee  me  more ! 

'  Haeiji  thcu  hutjkook  thy  head^  &c.]  There  are  many  touches 
of  nuturc  in  this  conic:  ciice  of  John  with  Hubert.  A  man  en- 
caged in  wickednefs  would  keep  the  profit  to  himlclf,  and  tranf- 
fer  the  gviik  to  his  accomplice.  Thefercproache-.  vented  againil 
Hubert  nrc  not  the  words  of  art  or  policy,  but  the  eruptions  of 
a  mind  fwclling  with  confcioufnefs  of  a  crime,  and  dcfirous  of 
dii'chrirging  its  niiferv  on  another. 

This  account  cf  the  timidity  of  guilt  is  drawn  ah  iffis  ft- 
€fjplu5  mcK'.li.  frrm  the  intimate  knowledge  of  mankind,  par- 
ticularly thut  line  in  which  he  {ayi,  that  to  la*v(  bid  blm  tell  bis 
tale  in  exprejs  words,  w<iuid  \i7.\c  Jliuck  Uki  duml  \  nothing  is 
more  certain,  than  that  bad  men  uieall  the  art^  of  f::llacy  upon 
themfelves,  pallia  c  ihcir  a(5licns  to  their  own  minds  by  gentle 
terms,  and  hide  themfelves  fio.ii  their  own  uetedion  in  ambi- 
guities and  fubtcrfuges.    Johnson. 

My 


K  I  N  G    J  O  II  N.  85 

My  nobles  leave  me ;  and  my  (late  is  brav'd, 

Even  at  my  gates,  With  ranks  of  foreign  powers : 

Nay,  in  the  body  of  this  flefhly  land, 

This  kingdom,  this  confine  of  blood  and  breath, 

Hoftility  and  civil  tumult  reigns. 

Between  my  confcience,  and  my  coufin's  death. 

Hub.  Arm  you  againft  your  other  enemies, 
Fll  make  a  peace  between  your  foul  and  you. 
Young  Arthur  is  alive :  this  hand  of  mine 
Is  yet  a  maiden  and  an  innocent  hand. 
Not  painted  with  the  crimfon  fpots  of  blood. 
Within  this  bofom  never  entered  yet 
The  dreadful  motion  of  a  murd'rous  thought  *, 
And  you  have  flander*d  nature  in  my  form ; 

^  Th  (frecJful  mottGn  of  a  murd'rous  thought  y'\  Nothing  can 
bcfalfer  than  what  Hubert  here  fays  in  his  own  vindication;  yet 
it  was  the  poet's  purpofe  that  he  flioulJ  ipeak  truth ;  for  we 
find,  from  a  preceding  fcene,  the  motion  of  a  murd^rcui  thought 
had  entered  into  him  y  and  that  very  deeply:  and  it  was  with  diln- 
cnlty  that  the  tears,  the  intreatics,  and  the  innocence  of  Artliur 
had  diverted  and  (uppreffed  it.  Nor  is  the  e::prcflion,  in  this 
reading,  at  all  exa^l,  it  not  being  the  neceHliry  quality  of  a 
murd'rous  thought  to  be  dreadful^  affrighting,  or  terrible  :  for  it 
hting  commonly  excited  by  the  flattering  views  of  intcrcd,  plea- 
fore,  or  revenge,  the  mind  is  often  too  much  taken  up  with 
thofe  ideas  to  attend,  fteadily,  to  the  confequcnccs.  We  mull 
conclude  therefore  that  Shakefpearc  wrote, 

a  murderer'/ thought, 

And  thi^  mak<?s  Hubert  fpeak  truth,  as  the  poet  intended  he 
ftonld.  Ke  had  not  committed  the  murder,  and  confequently 
t\it  motion  of  a  murderer*  t  thought  had  ne^ver  entered  his  hofom.  And 
in  this  reading,  the  epithet  ^/rrfirt/i// is  admirably  jull,  and  in  na- 
ture. For  after  the  perpetration  of  the  fa6t,  the  appetites,  that 
hurried  their  owner  to  it,  lofe  their  force ;  and  nothing  fuc- 
cceds  to  take  pofieffion  of  the  mind,  but  a  dreadful  confciouf- 
acfs,  that  torments  the  murderer  without  refpitc  or  inter- 
miiijon.     War  burton. 

r  do  not  fee  any  thing  in  this  change  worth  the  vehemence 
with  which  it  is  recommended.  Read  the  line  either  way,  the 
fcnfe  is  nearly  the  fame,  nor  does  Hubert  tell  truth  in  cither 
reading  when  he  charges  John  \^h\\JIandtring  his  form.  He  that 
could  once  intend  to  burn  out  the  eyes  of  a  captive  prince,  ha4 
a  mind  i)Ot  too  fair  for  the  rudeft  form,     Johnson, 

F  3  Which, 


86  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  R 

Wliich,  howfoever  nide  exteriorly. 

Is  yet  the  cover  of  a  fairer  mind. 

Than  to  be  butcher  of  an  innocent  child. 

K,  Jchn,  Doth  Arthur  live  ?  O,  haftc  thee  to  the 
peers. 
Throw  tfiis  report  on  their  incenfed  rage, 
And  mrke  tliem  tame  to  their  obedience  ! 
Forgive  the  comment  that  my  paflion  made 
Upon  thy  feature  -,  for  my  rage  was  blind, 
And  foul  imaginary  eyes  of  blood 
Prefcnted  thee  more  hideous  than  thou  art. 
Oh,  anfwer  not ;  but  to  my  clofet  bring 
The  angry  lords,  with  all  expedient  halte : 
I  conjure  thee  but  (lowly  •,  run  m.ore  faft  7.     [ExeunK 

SCENE    III. 

AJlreci  before  a  prifon. 

Enter  Arthur  on  ike  walls^  difguifed. 

Arth.  The  wall  is  high  •,  and  yet  will  I  leap  doiyn  :-- 
Good  ground,  be  pitiful,  and  hurt  me  not ! 
There's  few  or  none  do  know  me  :  if  they  did, 
This  fhip-boy's  femblance  hath  difguis'd  me  quite. 
I  am  afraid-;  and  yet  I'll  venture  it. 
If  I  get  dov/n,  and  do  rtot  break  m.y  limbs, 
I'll  find  a  thouland  fhifts  to  get  away  : 
As  good  to  die,  find  go  •,  as  die,  and  flay.  [Leaps  down. 
Oh  nie !  my  uncle's  fpirit  is  in  thefc  ftones : 
Heaven  take  my  foul,  and  England  keep  my  bones ! 

[Dies. 
Enter  PetnbrokeySalJJhiiry^  and  Bigot. 

Sal  Lords,  I  will  meet  him  at  St.  Edmund's-bury  j 
It  is  our  fafety ;  and  we  muft  embrace 
This  gentle  offer  of  the  perilous  time. 

'  The  o!d  play  is  divided  into  two  parts,  the  firfi:  of  which 
condudcs  with  the  king's  difpatch  of  Hubert  on  this  nuffage  ; 
the  fccond  begins  with  •*  Enter  Arthur,"  k^c.  as  it  ftands  at 
crefcQ t  in  the  new  written  copy.     Steeyeks. 

Pemb. 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  87 

Pemi.  Who  brought  that  letter  from  the  cardinal  ? 

Sal,  The  count  Melun,  a  noble  lord  of  France, 
Whofc  private  v'th  me,  o(  the  dauphin's  love  ^, 
Is  much  more  general  than  thefc  lines  import, 

BsgoL  To-morrow  morning  let  us  meet  him  then. 

S^.  Or,  rather,  then  fet  forward  •,  for  'twill  be 
Two  bng  days  journey,  lords,  or  e'er  we  meet'. 

Enter  Faulconbridge. 

FauL   Once  more  to-day  well  met,   diftemper'd 
lords ! 
The  king,  by  me,  requefts  your  prefence  ftrait, 

Sal.  The  king  hatJi  difpoflefs'd  himfclf  of  us  ; 
We  will  not  line  his  thin,  beftained  cloak 
With  our  pure  honours  •,  nor  attend  the  foot. 
That  leaves  the  print  of  blood  where-e'er  it  walks. 
Return,  and  tell  him  fo  •,  we  know  tlie  worft. 

Faulc.  What  e'er  you  think,  good  words,  I  think, 
were  beft. 

Sal.  Our  griefs,  and  not  our  manners,  reafon  now  /. 

Faulc.  But  there  is  little  reafon  in  your  grief. 
Therefore  'twere  reafon  you  had  manners  now. 

Pemi.  Sir!  Sir!  impatience  hath  its  privilege. 

Faulc.  'Tis  true-,  to  hurt  its  matter,  no  man  elfe* 

Sal,  This  is  the  prifon :  what  is  he  lies  here  ?  ^ 

[Seeing  jfrthur. 

Pemb.  O  death,  made  proud  with  pure  and  princely 

beauty  1 

The  earth  had  not  a  hole  to  hide  this  deed- 

•  Wbo/e  privatey  &c.]  /.  e.  whofe  private  account  of  the 
dauphin's  affedion  t«  our  caufc,  is  much  more  ample  than  the 
letters.     Pope. 

'  or  e*er  mje  meet,]  Tliis  phrafe,  Co  frequent  in  our  old 

writers,  is  not  well  underllocd.    Or  is  here  the  feme  as  ere^  i.  e. 
ie/ere,  and  Ihould  be  written  (as  it  is  ilill  pronounced  in  Shrop-  ' 
fliirc)  ere.     There,  the  common  people  ufc  it  oftep.     Thus, 
they  fay.  Ore  to-morrow  for  ere  or  Ife/ore  to-mcrrciv.     The  ad- 
xiitions  ofe'ver  ore^er  is  merely  augmentative.     Percy. 

■  To  reajon^  in  Shakefpcarc,  is  njot  fo  often  to  argue^  as  to 

talk.      JOHHSON. 

F  4  SaL 


88  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Sal  Murder,  as  hating  what  himfclf  hath  done, 
Dotli  lay  it  open  to  ume  on  revenge. 

Bigot.  Or,  when  he  doomed  this  beauty  to  the  grave. 
Found  it  too  precious,  princely,  for  a  grave. 

Sal  Sir  Richard,  what  think  you  ?    Have  you  be- 
held. 
Or  have  you  read,  or  heard,  or  could  you  think. 
Or  do  you  almoft  think,  altho'  you  fee. 
That  you  do  fee  ?  could  thought,  without  this  objcft. 
Form  fuch  another  ?     This  is  the  very  top. 
The  height,  the  creft,  or  creft  unto  the  creft 
Of  murders  arms  :  this  is  the  bloodieft  ihame. 
The  wildeft  favag*ry,  the  vileft  ftroke. 
That  ev'cr  wall-e/d  wrath,  or  daring  rage, 
Prefcnted  to  the  tears  of  foft  remorfe. 

Pemb.  All  murders  paft  do  ftand  excused  in  this  : 
And  this,  fo  fole,  and  fo  unmatchable, 
Shall  give  a  holincfs,  a  purity. 
To  the  yet-unbegotten  fins  of  time ; 
And  prove  a  deadly  bloodfhed  but  a  jeft,- 
Exampled  by  this  heinous  fpeftaclc. 

Faulc.  It  is  a  damned  and  a  bloody  work  \ 
The  gracelefs  aftion  of  a  heavy  hand. 
If  that  it  be  the  work  of  any  hand. 

Sal.  If  that  it  be  the  work  of  any  hand  ?— r 
We  had  a  kind  of  light,  what  would  enfue. 
It  is  the  fhamcful  work  of  Hubert's  hand  \ 
The  praftice  and  the  purpofe  of  the  king  :— w 
From  whofe  obedience  I  forbid  my  foul. 
Kneeling  before  this  ruin  of  fweet  life. 
And  breathing  to  this  breathlefs  excellence 
The  inccnfe  of  a  vow,  a  holy  vow  *  ; 
Never  to  tafte  the  pleafures  of  the  world, 
Never  to  be  infedtcd  with  delight, 

*     '  a  hcty  ^voiu  ;   ■ 

fitter  to  tafie  the  pleafures  of  the  wcorld^  This  is  a  copy  cf  the 
foyys  made  in  the  agcj;  of  fupcrflition  and  chivalry.   Johnson, 

>Iop 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  89 

Nor  converfant  with  cafe  and  idlenefs. 

Till  I  have  fet  a  glory  to  this  hand. 

By  giving  it  the  worihip  of  revenge  '. 

Pemb    1 

«.     '  >  Our  fouls  religioufly  confirm  they  words. 

Enter  Hubert. 

Hub.  Lords,  I  am  hot  with  hafte,  in  feeking  you  : 
Arthur  doth  live  \  the  king  hath  fent  for  you. 

Sal.  Oh,  he  is  bold,  and  blufhes  not  at  death.-T- 
Avaunt,  thou  hateful  villain,  get  thee  gone ! 

Hub.  I  am  no  villain. 

Sal  Muft  I  rob  the  law  ?  [Br awing  his  fworL 

Faulc.  Your  fword  is  bright.  Sir ;  put  it  up  again. 

Sd.  Not  till  I  {heath  it  in  a  murderer's  (kin. 

Hub.  Stand  back,  lord  Salilbury,  (land  back,  I  fay; 
By  heaven,  I  think,  my  fword's  as  fliarp  as  yours. 
I  would  not  have  you,  lord,  forget  yourfelf. 
Nor  tempt  the  danger  of  my  true  defence  +  ; 
Left  I,  by  marking  of  your  rage,  forget 
Your  worth,  your  greatnefs,  and  nobility. 

Bigot.  Out,  dunghill !  dar'ft  thou  brave  a  nobleman  ? 

Hub.  Not  for  my  life:  but  yet  I  dare  defend 
My  innocent  life  againft  an  emperor. 

Sal,  Thou  art  a  murderer. 

Hub.  Do  not  prove  me  fo  5  • 
Yet,  I  am  none.  Whofe  tongue  foe'er  fpeal{:s  falfe. 
Not  truly  fpeaks  -,  who  fpeaks  not  truly,  lies. 

Pemb.  Cut  him  to  picces- 

Faulc.  Keep  the  peace,  I  fay. 

Sd.  Stand  by,  or  I  fhall  gaul  you,  Faulconbridge. 

'  — ^^  the  nvorjhip  of  re*venge,'\  The  ivorjhip  Is  the  dignity^ 
the  honour.     We  ftill  fay  tvorfljipful  o{  magtftrates.     Johnson. 

* true  defence \\  Honeft  defence;   defence  in  2,  good 

eawfe.     Johnson. 

*  Do  not  prove  me  fo  % 

Tety  I  am  none. ]  Do  not  make  me  a  murderer  by  com- 

|)pl}ipg  me  to  l^ill  you  ^  I  am  hitherto  not  a  murderer.    Johns, 

Or 


<SO  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Faulc.  Thou  wert  better  gaul  the  devil,  Saiiibuiy. 
If  thou  but  frown  on  me,  or  ftir  thy  foot. 
Or  teach  thy  hafty  fpleen  to  do  me  ftiame, 
ril  flxike  thee  dead.     Put  up  thy  fword  betimc ; 
Or  rU  fo  maul  you,  and  your  toafting-iron. 
That  you  fliall  think  the  devil  is  come  from  hell. 

Bigot.  What  will  you  do,  renowned  Faulconbridgc  ? 
Second  a  villain,  and  a  murderer  ? 

Hub.  Lord  Bigot,  I  am  none. 

Bigot.  Who  kilFd  this  prince  ? 

Hui.  *Tis  not  an  hour  (ince  I  left  him  well : 
I  honoured  him,  I  lov*d  him ;  and  will  weep 
My  date  of  life  out,  for  his  fweet  life's  lofs. 

Sal.  Truft  not  thofe  cunning  waters  of  his  eyes, 
For  villainy  is  not  without  fuch  rheum ; 
And  he,  long  traded  in  it,  makes  it  feem 
Like  rivers  of  remorfe  and  innocence. 
Away,  with  me,  all  you  whofe  fouls  abhor 
The  unckanly  favour  of  a  flaughter-houfe. 
For  I  am  ftifled  with  this  fmell  of  fin. 

Bigot.  Away  toward  Bury,  to  the  dauphin  there  ! 

Pernio.  There,  tell  the  king,  he  may  enquire  us  out. 

[Exeunt  lords. 

Faulc,  Here's  a  good  world !  Knew  you  of  this  fair 
work  ? 
Beyond  the  infinite  and  boundlefs  reach 
Of  mercy,  if  thou  did'ft  this  deed  of  death 
Art  thou  damn'd,  Hubert. 

Hub.  Do  but  hear  me.  Sir. 

Faulc.  Ha !  Til  tell  thee  what — 

Thou  art  damn'd  ib  black nay,  nothing  is  fo  black ; 

Thou  art  more  deep  damn'd  than  prince  Lucifer : 

^  There  is  not  yet  fo  ugly  a  fiend  of  hell 

As  thou  fhalt  be,  if  thou  didft  kill  this  child. 

Hul^. 

^.  There  is  not  yet,  &c.]  I  remember  once  to  have  met  with  an 
old  book,  printed  in  the  time  of  Henry  VIU.  (which  Shake- 
fpeare  poflibly  might  have  feen)  where  we  are  told  that  the  de- 
formity of  the  condemned  in  the  other  world  is  exadly  propor- 
tioned 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  9t 

Huh.  Upon  my  foul 

Faulc.  If  thou  didft  but  confcnt 
To  this  moft  cruel  aft,  do  but  defpair. 
And,  if  thou  wanfft  a  cord,  the  fmalleft  thread. 
That  ever  fpider  twilled  from  her  womb. 
Will  ferve  to  ftrangle  thee  •,  a  rufh  will  be  a  beam 
To  hang  thee  on :  or  wouldft  thou  drown  thyfelf. 
Put  but  a  little  water  in  a  fpoon, 
And  it  fhall  be  as  all  the  ocean, 
Enough  to  ftifle  fuch  a  vilbin  up. — 
I  do  fufpeft  thee  very  grievoufly. 

Hulf.  If  I,  in  aft,  confent,  or  fin  of  thought. 
Be  guilty  of  the  dealing  that  fweet  breath 
Which  was  embounded  in  iliis  beauteous  clay^ 
Let  hell  want  pains  enough  to  torture  me  !— 
I  left  him  well. 

Faulc.  Go,  bear  him  in  thine  arms. — 
I  am  amaz'd,  methinks  -,  and  lofe  my  way 
Among  the  thorns  and  dangers  of  this  world.— 
How  eafy  doth  thou  take  all  England  up  \ 
From  forth  this  morfel  of  dead  royalty. 
The  life,  the  right,  the  truth  of  all  this  realm 
Is  fled  to  heaven  ;  and  England  now  is  left 
To  tug  and  fcramble,  and  to  part  by  the  teeth 
The  un-owed  interdl  7  of  proudrfwelling  ftate. 
Now,  for  the  bare-pick'd  bone  of  majefly. 
Doth  dogged  war  brittle  his  angry  creft. 
And  fnarleth  in  the  gentle  eyes  of  peace. 
Now  powers  from  home  and  difcontents  at  home    ^ 
Meet  in  one  line ;  and  vaft  conflifion  waits 
(As  doth  a  raven  on  a  fick,  fallen  beaft) 
The  imminent  decay  of  wrefted  pomp  ^. 

tioned  to  the  degrees  of  their  guilt.  The  author  of  it  obferves 
how  diificult  it  would  l^e,  on  this  account,  to  diftinguifh  betweefki 
Belzebub  and  Judas Ifcariot.     Steevens. 

^  Tbeun-owBd  intereft ]  /.  e,  the  iatereft  which  has  no  proper 

owner  to  claim  it.     Steevens. 

'  The  immUent  decay  of  nvrefied pomp."]  Wrefted  pomp  is  greats 
tf/s  ^btainfd  by  *vioIenc€.     J  o  H  n  9  0  jr  • 

Now 


92  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Now  happy  he,  whofe  cloak  and  cinfture  can 

Hold  out  this  tcmpeft. — Bear  away  that  child. 

And  follow  me  withfpeed  -,  TU  to  the  king: 

A  thoufand  bufinefles  are  brief  at  hand. 

And  heaven  itfelf  doth  frown  upon  the  land.  [Exeunt. 


ACT     V.      SCENE     I. 

The  court  of  England. 
Enter  king  John^  Pandulpbo^  and  attendants. 

K.  John. 

^  f 

THU  S  I  have  yielded  up  into  your  hand 
The  circle  or  my  glory.     [Giving  up  the  crown. 

Pond.  Take  again 
From  this  my  hand,  as  holding  of  the  pope. 
Your  fovereign  greatnefs  and  authority. 

K.  John.  Now  keep  your  holy  word  :  go  meet  the 
French, 
And  from  his  holinefs  ufe  all  yoiu*  power 
To  ftop  their  marches,  'fore  we  are  inflam'd. 
Our  difcontented  counties  do  revolt ; 
Our  people  quarrel  with  obedience  ; 
S\vc4ring  allegiance,  and  the  love  of  foul, 
T«^  ftranger  blood,  to  foreign  royalty. 
I'liis  inundation  of  miftemper'd  humour 
Kcfts  by  you  only  to  be  qualify'd. 
Tlicn  paufe  not ;  for  the  prefent  time's  fo  fick. 
That  prefent  medicine  muft  be  miniftred, 
Or  overthrow  incurable  enfues. 

Poid.  It  was  my  breath  that  blew  this  tempeft  up. 
Upon  your  ftubborn  ufage  of  the  pope  : 
But  fince  you  are  a  gentle  convertite. 
My  tongue  fhall  hufli  again  this  ftorm  of  war. 

And 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  93 

And  make  fair  weather  in  your  bluftering  land 
On  this  Afcenfion-day,  remember  well. 
Upon  your  oath  of  fervice  to  the  pope. 
Go  I  to  make,  the  French  lay  down  their  arms.  [ExU. 
K.  John.  Is  this  Afcenfion-day  ?  Did  not  the  prophet 
Say,  that  before  Afcenfion-day  at  noon 
My  crown  I  ftiould  give  off?  even  fo  I  have : 
I  did  fuppofe,  it  fhould  be  on  conftraint  -, 
But,  heaven  be  thank'd,  it  is  but  voluntary. 

Enter  Faulcontridge. 

Faulc.  All  Kent  hath  yielded  ;  nothing  there  holds 
.   out 
ButDover-caflJe :  London  hath  received. 
Like  a  kind  hoft,  the  dauphin  and  his  powers. 
Your  nobles  will  not  hear  you,  but  are  gone 
To  offer  fervice  to  your  enemy ; 
And  wild  amazement  hurries  up  and  down 
The  little  number  of  your  douotful  friends. 

X.  John.  Would  not  my  lords  return  to  me  again. 
After  they  heard  young  Arthur  was  alive  ? 

Faulc.  They  found  him  dead,  and  call  into  the 
ftreets; 
An  empty  caflcet,  where  the  jewel,  life. 
By  fome  damned  hand  was  robb'd  and  ta*en  away. 

K.  John.  That  villain  Hubert  told  me  he  did  live. 

Faulc.  So,  on  my  foul,  he  did,  for  aught  he  knew. 
But  wherefore  do  you  droop  ?  why  look  you  fad  ? 
Be  great  in  aft,  as  you  have  been  in  thought : 
Let  not  the  world  fee  fear,  and  fad  diftnift 
Govern  the  motion  of  a  kingly  eye : 
Be  ftirring  as  the  time  •,  be  fire  with  fire ; 
Threaten  the  threatner,  and  out-face  the  brow 
Of  bragging  horror  :  fo  ifhall  inferior  eyes. 
That  borrow  their  behaviours  from  the  great. 
Grow  great  by  your  example,  and  put  on 
The  dauntlefs  fpirit  of  refolution. 
Away,  and  glifter  like  the  god  of  war. 
When  he  intcndeth  to  become  the  field  : 

Shew 


^  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Shew  boldneis  and  afpiring  confidence. 

What,  fhall  they  feck  the  lion  in  his  den  ?     , 

And  fright  him  there  ?  and  make  him  trembk  there  J 

Oh,  let  it  not  be  faid  ! — Forage,  and  run  ^ 

Ta  meet  difpleafure  farther  from  the  doors  ; 

And  grapple  with  him,  ere  he  come  fo  nigh. 

K.  John.  The  legate  of  the  pope  hath  been  with  me, 
And  I  have  made  a  happy  peace  with  him ; 
And  he  hath  promised  to  dil'mifs  the  powers 
Led  by  the  dauphin. 

Faulc.  Oh  inglorious  league ! 
Shall  we,  upon  the  footing  of  our  land. 
Send  fair-play-orders,  and  make  compromife, 
Infinuation,  parley,  and  bale  truce. 
To  arms  invafive  ?    Shall  a  beardlels  boy, 
A  cocker'd,  filken  wanton  brave  our  fields. 
And  flefh  his  fpirit  in  a  warlike  foil. 
Mocking  the  air  with  colours  idly  fpread  ^, 
And  find  no  check  ?  Let  us,  my  liege,  to  arms : 
Perchance,  the  cardinal  cannot  make  your  peace ; 
Or,  if  he  do,  let  it  at  leaft  be  faid 
They  faw  we  had  a  purpofe  of  defence. 

K.  John.   Have  thou  the  ordering  of  this  prefent 
time. 

Faut.  Away  then,  with  good  courage ;  yet,  I  know^ 
Our  party  may  well  meet  a  prouder  foe.         [Exeunt. 

SCENE 


* Forage^  and  mn\  To  forage  is  here  ufcd  in  its  ori-* 

^nal  fcnfe,  for  to  range  abroad.     Johnson. 

'  Mocking  ibe  air  nvith  colours ]  He  has  the  fame  image  in 

Macbetbf 

fFJken  the  Ncnwegian  banners  flput  the  Jkyj 
And  fan  our  people  cold,     Johnson. 
*  Aiuaj  then,  nvitbgocd courage  ;  yciy  lino-w, 
Our  party  may  nvell  meet  a  prouder  foe  J]   Let  us  them  arjcay 
nuitb  courage  ;  yet  I  fo  well  know  the  faintnefs  of  our  f  arty ^  that 
I  think  it  may  eajily  happen  that  they  /hall  encounter  enemies  ivh^ 
have  more  fpirit  than  themfehves,     Johnson. 

Dr.  Johnfon  is,  I  bpHcve,  miftaken.     Faulconbridgc  means  ; 

'  for  all  their  boailittg  I  know  y^rf  well  that  our  party  is  able  to 

a  cope 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  95 

S  C  E  N  E    II. 
Qmges  /p  the  dauphin^ s  camp  at  St.  Edmund* s-bury  7. 

Enter^  in  arms,  Lewis,  Salijhury,  Mehn,  Pembroke^ 
Bigot,  andfoldiers. 

Lewis.  My  lord  Melun,  let  this  be  copied  out^ 
And  keep  it  fafe  for  our  remembrance : 
Rctum  the  precedent  ^  to  thefe  lords  again  ; 
That,  having  our  fair  order  "written  down. 
Both  they  and  we,  perufing  o'er  thefe  notes. 
May  know  wherefore  we  took  the  facrament ; 
And  keep  our  faiths  firm  and  inviolable. 

Sal.  Upon  our  fides  it  never  (hall  be  broken.. 
And,  noble  dauphin,  albeit  we  fwear 
A  voluntary  zeal,  and  an  unurg'd  faith 
To  your  proceedings;  yet,  believe  me,  prince, 
I  am  not  glad  that  fuch  a  fore  of  time 
Should  feek  a  plaifter  by  contemn'd  revolt ; 
And  heal  the  inveterate  canker  of  one  wound. 
By  making  many.     Oh,  it  grieves  my  foul. 
That  I  muft  draw  this  metal  from  my  fide 

cope  with  one  yet  proader  and  more  confident  of  its  ftrengch 
than  theiTf .  Faulconbridge  would  otherwise  difpirit  John,  whom 
iie  meant  to  animate.     St  ^e  v  e  n  s . 

'  at  St.  Edmund" s-hury.^  I  have  ventured  to  fix  the  place 

of  the  fcene  here,  which  is  jpecified  by  none  of  the  editors,  on 
the  following  authorities.  In  the  preceding  aft,  where  SallTbury 
has  fixed  to  go  over  to  the  dauphin  ;  he  fays. 

Lords  t  J  nv ill  meet  him  at  St,  Edmund* s-bury^ 
Aad  cooat  Melun,  in  this  lad  adt,  fays, 

— -^  and  many  more  ivith  me, 

Upon  the  altar  at  St.  Edmund* s-hury  ; 

E*ven  on  that  alt  or  ^  'where  ive/ivore  to  you 

Dear  amity  ^  and  e*uerlafiing  h*ve. 
And  it  appears  likewife  from  The  trouhlefome  Reign  of  King  Jchnj 
whoio farts  (the  firft  rough  model  of  this  play)  that  the  inter- 
change of  vows  betwixt  the  dauphin  and  the  Englifh  barons 
was  at  St. Edmund's-bunr.     Theobald. 

* th9  precedent,  fcu^.]  /.  e.  thi^  original  treaty  between  the 

daophis  and  the  Englifh  lord&.     St££V£ns. 

To 


96  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N- 

To  be  a  widow-maker  -,  oh,  and  there. 

Where  honourable  refcue,  and  defence. 

Cries  out  upon  the  name  of  SaU(bury« 

But  fuch  is  the  infeftion  of  the  time. 

That,  for  the  health  and  phyfic  of  our  righc. 

We  cannot  deal  but  with  the  very  hand 

Of  fteminjuftice,  and  confufed  wrong. 

And  is't  not  pity,  oh  my  grieved  friends ! 

That  we,  the  fons  and  children  of  this  ifle. 

Were  bom  to  fee  fo  fad  an  hour  as  this  ; 
Wherein  we  ftep  after  a  ftranger,  march 

tUpon  her  gentle  bofom,  and  fill  up 

Her  enemies  ranks  (I  muft  withdraw  and  weep 

Upon  the  fpot  of  tlus  enforced  caufc) 

To  grace  the  gentry  of  a  land  remote. 

And  follow  unacquainted  colours  here  ? 

What,  here? — O  nation,  that  thou  could*ft  remove  ! 

That  Neptune's  arms,  v;ho  clippeth  thee  about. 

Would  bear  thee  from  the  knowledge  of  thyfelf, 

9  And  grapple  thee  unto  a  pagan  ihore  -, 

Where  thefe  two  Chriftian  armies  might  combine 

The  blood  of  malice  in  a  vein  of  league. 

And  not  to  fpend  it  fo  unneighbourly  ! 

Lewis.  A  noble  temper  doft  thou  fhew  in  this ; 
And  great  affedions,  wreftling  in  thy  bofom. 
Do  make  an  earthquake  of  nobility. 
Oh,  what  a  noble  combat  haft  thou  fought. 
Between  compulfion,  and  a  brave  rclpedt  ' ! 
Let  me  wipe  off  this  honourable  dew. 
That  filverly  doth  progrefs  on  thy  cheeks. 

•  And  grapple  tbeCy  ^c]  The  old  copy  reads,  And  crippU  tha^ 
&c,     Steevens. 

'  Biftavgftt  compulfior\f  and  a  hrave  re/p£j^/]  This  compulfiom 
was  the  ncceffity  cf  a  reformation  in  the  Hate ;  which,  accord- 
ing to  Salilbur)''s  opinion  (who,  in  his  fpeech  preceding,  calls 
it  an  enforced  cau/e)  could  only  be  procured  by  foreign  arms : 
and  the  Sra^e  refpeSl  was  the  love  of  his  country.  Yet  the  Ox- 
ford editor,  for  ccmpulfiuty  reads  compajfion.    Wa rb u rton. 

M7 


K  1  N  G    J  O  H  N.  97 

My  heart  hath  melted  at  a  lady's  tears. 

Being  an  ordinary  inundation ; 

But  diis  effiifion  of  fuch  manly  drops. 

This  (hower,  blown  up  by  tempeft  of  the  foul. 

Startles  mine  eyes,  and  makes  me  more  amaz'd. 

Than  had  I  feen  the  vaulty  top  of  heaven 

Figur'd  quite  o'er  with  burning  meteors. 

Lilt  up  thy  brow,  renowned  Salisbury, 

And  with  a  great  heart  heave  away  this  ftorm. 

Commend  thefe  waters  to  thofe  baby-eyes, 

That  never  faw  the  giant  world  enrag'd ; 

Nor  met  with  fortune,-  other  than  at  feafts. 

Full  warm  of  blood,  of  mirth,  of  goffiping. 

Connie,  come ;  for  thou  fhalt  thruft  thy  hand  as  deep 

Into  the  purfe  of  rich  pofterity. 

As  Lewis  himfelf :  fo,  nobles,  ftiall  you  all. 

That  knit  your  finews  to  the  ftrength  of  mine. 

Enter  Pandulpb^  attended. 

And  even  there,  methinks,  an  angel  fpake  * : 

Look,  where  the  holy  legate  comes  apace. 

To  give  us  warrant  from  the  hand  of  heaven  |  4 

And  on  our  actions  fet  the  name  of  right 

Widi  holy  breath. 

Pond.  Hail,  noble  prince  of  France  ! 
The  next  is  this  :  king  John  hath  reconciled 
Himfelf  to  Rome  ;  his  fpirit  is  come  in. 
That  fo  flood  out  againft  the  holy  church. 
The  great  metropolis,  and  fee  of  Rome. 
Therefore  thy  threatening  colours  now  wind  up. 
And  tame  the  favage  fpirit  of  wild  war  -, 

*  ■  an  angel  J^ake :]  Sir  T.  Hanmer,  and  after  him  Dr. 

Warbnrton  read  here,  an  angel  fpeeds.  I  think  unnecefTarily. 
The  dauphin  does  not  yet  hear  the  legate  indeed,  nor  pretend 
tokearhim;  but  feeing  him -advance,  and  concluding  that  he 
«■«  to  animate  and  authorize  him  with  the  power  of  the 
^■ich,  he  cries  out,  at  the  fight  of  this  holy  Htau,  I  am  encourage  J 
«  by  the  voice  of  an  angel.    Johnson, 

VoL.V.  G  Thar, 


98  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

That,  like  a  lion  fofter'd  up  at  hand. 
It  may  lie  gently  at  the  foot  of  peace. 
And  be  no  further  harmful  than  in  ihew. 

Lewis.  Your  grace  Ihall  pardon  rne,  I  will  not  back; 
I  am  too  high-born  to  be  property'd. 
To  be  a  fecondary  at  controul. 
Or  ufeful  ferving-man,  and  inftrument, 
To  any  fovereign  ftate  throughout  the  world, 
Your  breath  firft  kindled  the  dead  coal  of  war. 
Between  this  chaftis'd  kingdom  and  myfelf. 
And  brought  in  matter  that  fhould  feed  this  fire  ; 
And  now  'tis  far  too  huge  to  be  blown  out. 
With  that  fame  weak  wind  which  enkindled  it. 
You  taught  me  how  to  know  the  face  of  right. 
Acquainted  me  with  intereft  to  this  land. 
Yea,  thruft  this  enterprize  into  my  heart  -,  * 

And  come  ye  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  muft  I  back, 
Becaufe  that  John  hath  made  his  peace  with  Rome? 
Am  I  Rome's  fl>ive?    What  penny  hath  Rome  bome^ 
What  men  provided,  what  munition  fcnt. 
To  underprop  this  aftion  ?    Is't  not  I 
That  undergo  this  charge  ?    Who  elfe  but  I, 
And  fuch  as  to  my  claim  are  liable, 
Sweat  in  this  bufinefs,  and  maintain  this  war  ?  . 
Have  I  not  heard  thele  iflandcrs  fhout  out, 
Vive  le  roy !  as  I  have  bank'd  their  towns  ^  ? 
Have  I  not  here  the  beft  cards  for  the  game. 
To  win  this  eafy  match,  play'd  for  a  crown  ? 
And  fhall  I  now  give  o'er  die  yielded  fet  ? 
No,  on  my  foul,  it  never  (hall  be  faid. 

Pa^d.  You  look  but  on  the  outfide  of  this  work. 


*  —  as  I  hafvi  hanVd  thtir  tonum  ^]    Banked  thtir 
meansy  thrown  up  fortifications,  or  rattier  entrenchments,  bo 
iore  their  towns.     Stsevens,   . 

hemi 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  99 

Ijzvis.  Outfide  or  infidc,  I  will  not  return 
Till  my  attempt  fo  much  be  glorify'd, 
As  to  my  ample  hope  was  promifcu, 
fefore  I  drew  this  gallant  head  of  war. 
And  cuird  thefc  fiery  fpirits  from  the'  world. 
To  outlook  conqueft,  and  to  win  renown 
Even  in  the  jaws  of  danger,  and  of  death. 

{Trumpet  founds. 
What  lufty  trumpet  thus  doth  fummon  us  ? 

Enter  Faulconbriii^e* 

o 

Fanlc.  According  to  the  fair  play  of  the  world. 
Let  me  have  audience.     I  am  fcnt  to  fpeak, 
My  holy  lord  of  Milan,  from  the  king  : 
I  come  to  learn  liow  you  have  dealt  for  him : 
And,  as  you  anfwcr,  I  do  know  the  fcopc 
And  warrant  limited  unto  my  tongue. 

Pand.  The  dauphin  is  too  wilful-oppofite. 
And  will  not  temporize  with  my  cntrcities  : 
He  flatly  fays,  he'll  not  lay  down  his  arms. 

Faiilc.  By  all  tlie  blood  that  ever  fury  breath'd. 
The  youth  fays  well.     Now  hear  our  Englifli  king ; 
For  thus  his  royalty  doth  (peak  in  me. 
He  is  prepared  •,  and  reafon  too  he  fhould : 
This  apifti  and  unmannerly  approach. 
This  hamefs'd  mafque,  and  unadvifed  revel, 
♦This  unhair*d  fawcinefs,  and  boyifh  troops, 
The  king  doth  fmile  at  -,  and  is  well  prepared 
To  whip  this  dwarfifh  war,  thefc  pigmy  arms, 

*  This  unheard /a-wctne/s 9  and  hoyip  trccps ,^  Thustl^e  printed 
copies  in  general ;  but  unheard  is  an  epithet  of  v«ry  litilc  f(7rce 
or  meaning  here  ;  bcfidcs,  let  us  obfcrvc  how  it  is  coupled. 
Faolconbridge  is  fneering  at  the  dauphin's  invafion,  as  an  un- 
advifed cntcrprize,  favouring  of  ycuth  and  indifcrction ;  the 
refult  of  childifhnefs,  and  unthinking  raflmcfs  :  and  he  fcems 
altogether  to  dwell  on  this  ch.iraflcr  of  it,  by  calling  his  nre- 
paration  hoyijh  troops ^  (iijunvffi  iivrr,  pigtfty  arms.  Sec,  whicii, 
according  to  my  emendation,  fort  very  well  with  uKbair\i,  i.  e. 
untsarded  fawcinefs.    Theobald. 

G  2  From 


^^^r?^? 


loo  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

From  out  the  circle  of  his  territories.   - 

That  hand  which  had  the  ftrength  even  at  your  door. 

To  cudgel  you,  and  make  you  take  the  hatch  s  • 

"To  dive  like  buckets  in  concealed  wells ; 

To  crouch  in  litter  of  your  ftable-planks  -, 

To  lie,  like  pawns,  lock'd  up  in  chefts  and  trunks ; 

To  hug  with  fwine  •,  to  feek  Iweet  fafety  out. 

In  vaults  and  prifons  -,  and  to  thrill,  and  {hake,  - 

Even  at  the  crying  of  your  nation's  crow. 

Thinking  his  voice  an  armed  Englifliman  •,— 

Shall  that  viftorious  hand  be  feebled  here. 

That  in  your  chambers  gave  ypu  chaftifement  ? 

No :  know,  the  gallant  monarch  is  in  arms. 

And  like  an  eagle  o'er  his  airy  towers. 

To  foufe  the  annoyance  that  comes  near  his  ne(L 

And  you  degenerate,  you  ingrate  revolts. 

You  blpody  Nero's,  ripping  up  the  womb 

Of  your  dear  mother  England,  blufh  for  (hame : 

For  your  own  ladies,  and  pale-vifag'd  maids. 

Like  Amazons,  come  tripping  after  drums  ; 

Their  thimbles  into  armed  gauntlets  change. 

Their  needles  to  lances,  and  their  gentle  hearts 

To  fierce  and  bloody  inclination. 

Lewis,  There  end  thy  brave,  and  turn  thy  face  in 
peace  •, 
We  grant,  thou  canft  out-fcold  us  :  fare  thee  well ; 
We  hold  our  time  too  precious  to  be  fpent 
With  fuch  a  brabler. 

Pa?td.  Give  me  leave  to  fpeak. 

Faulc.  No,  I  will  fpeak. 

Lewis.  We  v/ill  attend  to  neither. — 
Strike  up  the  drums  •,  arid  let  the  tongue  of  war 
Plead  for  our  intereft,  and  our  being  here. 

Faulc.  Indeed,  your  drums,  being  beaten,  will  cif 
out; 

*  fah  the  hatch ;  ]  To  take  the  hatchy  is  to  hap  the 

batih.     To  take  a  hedge  or  a  ditch  is  the  hunter's  phrafe. 

Steevens. 

And 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  loi 

And  fo  ihall  you,  being  beaten :  do  but  ftart 

An  echo  with  the  clamour  of  thy  drum. 

And  even  at  hand  a  drum  is  ready  brac'd. 

That  fliall  reverberate  all  as  loud  as  thine. 

Sound  but  another,  and  another  (hall. 

As  loud  as  thine,  rattle  the  welkin's  ear. 

And  mock  the  deep-mouth'd  thunder :— for  at  hand 

(Not  trufting  to  this  halting  legate  here. 

Whom  he  hath  ui'd  rather  for  fport  than  need) 

Is  warlike  John  -,  and  in  his  forehead  fits 

A  bare-ribb*d  death  j  whofe  office  is  this  day 

To  feaft  upon  whole  thoufands  of  the  French. 

Lms.  Strike  up  our  drums,  to  find  this  danger  out. 

Faulc.  And  thou  Ihalt  find  it,  dauphin,  do  not 
doubt.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    III. 

Changes  to  afield  of  battk. 

Alarms.     Enter  king  John  and  Hubert. 

R.  John.  How  goes  the  day  with  us  ?  oh,  tell  me, 

Hubert. 
Hub.  Badly,  I  fear  :  how  fares  your  majefly  ? 
K.  John.  This  fever,  that  hath  troubled  me  fo  long. 
Lies  heavy  on  me.     Oh,  my  heart  is  fick  ! 

Enter  a  mejfenger. 

Mef.  My  lord,   your  valiant  kinfman,    Faulcon- 
bridge, 
DcErcs  your  majefty  to  leave  the  field. 
And  fend  him  word  by  me  which  way  you  go. 
K.  John.  Tell  him,  toward  Swinftead,  to  the  abbey 

there. 
Mef.  Be  of  good  comfort  •,  for  the  great  fupply. 
That  was  cxpefted  by  the  dauphin  here, 
Are  wreck*d  three  nights  ago  on  Goodwin  fands. 
This  news  was  broudit  to  Richard  but  even  now. 
The  French  fight  co&ly,  and  retire  themfelves. 

G  g  ^  K.Jchn. 


102  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

K.  John.  Ah  me !  this  tyrant  fever  burns  me  up. 

And  will  not  let  me  welcome  this  good  news. 

Set  on  toward  Swinftead  :  to  my  litter  ftrait ; 
Weaknefs  poflefleth  me,  and  I  am  faint,         [Exeunt. 

S  C  E  N  E     IV, 

Changes  to  the  French  camp, 
tenter  Salijhury^  Pembrokcy  and  Bigot. 

Sal  I  did  not  think  the,  king  fo  ftor'd  with  friends, 

Pcmb.  Up  once  again  •,  put  ipirit  in  the  French  : 
If  they  mifcarry,  we  mifcarry  too. 

Sal  That  mu-begotten  devil,  Faulconbridge, 
In  fpight  of  fpight,  alone  upholds  the  day. 

Panb.  They  fay,  king  John,  fore  fick,  hath  left  the 
field. 

Enten  Melttn  wounded^  and  led  byfoldiers. 

Melun,  Lead  me  to  the  revolts  of  England  here. 

Sal.  When  we  were  happy  we  had  other  names. 

Pcrnb,  It  is  the  count  Melun, 

SaL  Wounded  to  death. 

Mel  Fly,  noble  Englifh,  you  are  bought  and  fold  j 
•  Unthreact  the  rude  eye  of  rebellion. 
And  welcome  home  again  difcarded  faith. 
Seek  cut  king  John,  and  fall  before  his  feet ; 
for  if  the  French  be  lords  of  this  loud  day, 

*  Unthread  the  rude  eve  of  reheHion^'\  Though  .ill  the  copies 
concur  in  this  reading,  how  poor  is  the  metaphor  of  untbnad^ 
ing  the  cy2  of  a  needle  ?  And  beiidcs,  as  there  is  no  mentioii 
inade  of  a  needle,  how  remote  and  obfcure  is  the  allufion  with- 
out it  ?  The  text,  as  I  have  rcuored  it,  is  eafy  and  natural ;  and 
it  is  the  mode  of  cxprcHion,  which  our  author  is  every  where 
fond  of,  to  tread  and  untread^  tlie  luayy  path,Jleps^  Sec. 

Theobald. 

The  metaphor  is  certainly  harih,  but  I  do  not  think  the 
pa/Tagc  corrupted.     Johnson. 

Shakefpeare  elfewhere  ufes  the  fame  cxpreffioq,  threading 
ill*r^  &^ Bi'fht.     Steeven§,  »' 

H9 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  103 

Ht  means  to  recompenfc  the  pains  you  take, 
By  cutting  off  your  heads  :  thus  hath  he  fworn. 
And  I  with  him,  and  many  more  with  me. 
Upon  the  altar  at  St.  Edmond's-bury ; 
Even  on  that  altar  where  we  fwore  to  you 
Dear  amity  and  everlafting  love, 

Sal.  May  this  be  poflible  !  may  this  be  true  ! 

Mekn.  .Have  I  not  hideous  death  witiiin  my  view  ? 
Retaining  but  a  quantity  of  life ; 
Which  bleeds  away,  even  as  a  form  of  wax 
Refolveth  from  its  figure  *gainft  the  fire  ? 
What  in  the  world  ihould  make  me  now  deceive. 
Since  I  niuft  lofe  the  ufe  of  aD  deceit  ? 
Why  Ihould  I  then  be  falfe,  fince  it  is  true 
That  I  muft  die  here,  and  live  hence  by  truth  ? 
I  fay  again,  if  Lewis  do  win  the  day. 
He  is  forfworn,  if  e'er  thole  eyes  of  yours 
Behold  another  day  break  in  the  eall. 
But  even  this  night,  whofe  black  contagious  breath 
Already  fmoaks  about  the  burning  creft 
Of  the  old,  feebly,  and  day-wearied  fun. 
Even  this  ill  night,  your  bncathing  ihall  expire  j 
Paying  the  fine  of  3  rated  treachery, 
Even  with  a  treacherous  fine  of  all  your  lives. 
If  Lewis  by  your  afliftance  win  the  day. 
Commend  me  to  one  Hubert,  with  your  king  j 
The  love  of  him,  and  this  refpeft  befides, 
(For  that  my  grandfire  was  an  Englifhman) 
Awakes  my  confcience  to  confefs  all  this. 
In  lieu  whereof,  I  pray  you,  bear  me  hence 
From  forth  the  noife  and  rumour  of  the  field ; 
Where  I  may  think  the  remnant  of  my  thoughts 
In  peace-,  and  part  this  body  and  my  foul 
W^ith  contemplation  and  devout  dcfircs. 


'  raffii  treachery i  ]  It  were  eafy  to  cjianore  ratni  to 

hated  for  an  eafier  meaning,  but  rated  iuits  bc-tttr  iviih/^^. 
The  dauphin  has  rated  your  treachery,  and  fet  upon  it  a  fine 
which  your  lives  piu(l  pay,     Johnson. 

G4  '&<il 


104  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

Sal.  Wc  do  believe  thee ;  and  befhrcw  my  foul. 
But  I  do  love  the  favour  and  the  form 
Of  this  moft  fair  occafion,  by  the  which 
We  will  untread  the  fteps  of  damned  flight  j 
And,  like  a  bated  and  retired  flood. 
Leaving  our  ranknefs  and  irregular  courfe. 
Stoop  low  within  thofe  bounds  we  have  o'er-look*d  j 
And  calmly  run  on  in  obedience, 

Even  to  our  ocean,  to  our  great  king  John. 

My  arm  fhall  give  thqe  help  to  bear  thee  hence ; 
For  I  do  fee  the  cruel  pangs  of  death 
Right  in  thine  eye  ♦.   Away,  my  friends !  new  flight ; 
And  ^  happy  newnefs  that  intends  old  right. 

[Exeunt y  leading  off  Mehm^ 

'SCENE    V. 

Changes  to  a  differ  eyit  fart  of  the  French  camp. 

Enter  Lewis  and  his  train. 

Lewis.  The  fun  of  heaven,  methought,  was  loth  to 
fet; 
But  (laid,  and  made  the  wcfl:ern  welkin  blufli. 
When  the  Englifh  meafur'd  backward  their  own  ground 
In  faint  retire :  oh,  bravely  came  we  oft^ 
When  with  a  volley  of  our  needlefs  fliot. 
After  fuch  bloody  toil,  wc  bid  good  night ; 
And  wound  our  ^  tatter'd  colours  clearly  up, 
X-aft  in  the  field,  and  almoft  lords  of  it ! 

Enter 

♦  Right  in  thine  eye, — ]  This  is  the  old  readinj^.  Right  (ig- 
nifics  immediaie.  It  is  now  obfolete.  Some  of  the  modern 
editors  read,  pight^  i.  e.  pitched  as  a  tent  is  j  others,  fgbt  in 
thine  eye.     S  r  f  E  v  e  n  s . 

^  —  happy  ne^Mne/sy  &c.]  Happy  innovation,  that  purpofed 
the  reloration  of  the  ancient  rightful  government.     Johnson. 

^  —tatur^ii—']  For  tatter* el,  the  folio  rends  tottering.  John?. 

It  is  remarkable  through  fuch  old  copies  of  our  author  as  I 
have  hitherto  .fcen,  that  wherever  the  modern  editors  read 
faittf*ft^  the  old  edition^  giv^  us  tetter*^  in  its  room.    Perhaps 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  K,  f  05 

Enter  a  meffenger. 

Mef.  Where  is  my  prince,  the  dauphin  ? 

Lmis.  Here. — ^What  news  ? 

Mef.  The  count  Melun  is  flain ;  the  Engliih  lords 
By  his  perfuaiion  are  a^ain  fallen  of : 
And  your  fupplies,  which  you  have  wifti'd  fo  long, 
Arccaft  away,  and  funk,  pn  Goodwin  fands. 

Lewis.  Ah  foul,  fhrewd,  news !  Belhrew  thy  very 
heart, 
I  did  not  think  to  be  fo  fad  to-night. 
As  this  hath  made  me. — Who  was  he  that  faid. 
King  John  did  fly  an  hour  or  two  before 
The  ftumbling  night  did  part  our  weary  powers  ? 

Mef.  Who  ever  fpoke  it,  it  is  true,  my  lord. 

l^mis.  Well ;    keep  good  quarter,  and  good  care 
to-night: 
The  day  (hall  not  be  up  fo  foon  as  I, 
To  try  the  fair  adventure  of  to-morrow.  [Exeunt^ 

SCENE    VI. 

An  open  place  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Swinftead-abhg. 
Enter  Faulconbridge  and  Hubert  fever  ally . 

Hub.  Who's  there  ?  ipeak,  ho  !  (peak  quickly,  or 
I  (hoot. 

Faulc.  A  friend.     What  art  thou  ? 

Hub.  Of  the  part  of  England. 

Faulc.  And  whither  doft  thou  go  ? 

Hub.  What^s  that  to  thee  ? 
Why  may  not  I  dejfnand  of  thine  aflFairs, 
As  well  as  thou  of  mine  f 

the  prefent  broad  pronunciation,  almoft  particular  to  the  Scots, 
ffzs  at  ^at  time  common  to  both  nations. 
§0  in  The  Down/all  of  Rot.  Earl  of  Huntington y   1 60 1 . 
•*  I  will  not  Did  my  enfign-bearer  wave 
M  My/«//frVcQlours  in  this  worthlefs  air. '^ 

Stbbvbns. 

Fauli 


io8  KING    JOHN. 

Which,  '  in  their  throng  and  prefs  to  that  laft  hold. 
Confound  themfelves.    ^Tis  ftrange  that  death  fhould 

fing. 

I  am  the  cygnet  to  this  pale,  faint  fwan. 
Who  chants  a  doleful  hymn  to  his  own  death  j 
And,  from  the  organ  pipe  of  frailty,  fmgs 
His  foul  and  body  to  their  lading  reft. 

Sal.  Be  of  good  comfort,  prince  •,  for  you  are  bom 
To  fet  a  form  upon  that  indigeft. 
Which  he  hath  left  fo  fhapelefs  and  fo  rude. 

King  John  brought  in. 

K.  John.  Ay,  marry,  now  my  foul  hath  elbow-room  j 
It  would  not  out  at  windows,  nor  at  doors. 
There  is  fo  hot  a  fummer  in  my  bofom. 
That  all  my  bowels  crumble  up  to  duft. 
I  am  a  fcribbled  form  drawn  with  a  pen 
Upon  a  parchment ;  and  againft  this  fire 
Do  I  fhrink  up. 

Hen.  How  fares  your  majefty  ? 

K.  John.  PoifonM!  ill  fare !  dead,  forfook,  caft  ofFI 
9  And  none  of  you  will  bid  the  winter  come 
To  thruft  his  icy  fingers  in  my  maw; 
Nor  let  my  kingdom's  rivers  take  their  courfc 
Through  my  burn'd  bofom  •,  nor  intrcat  the  north 
To  make  his  bleak  winds  kifs  my  parched  lips, 
And  comfort  me  with  cold. — I  do  not  alk  you  much; 
I  beg  cold  comfort  -,  and  you  are  fo  ftrait, 
And  fo  ungrateful,  you  deny  me  that. 

Hen.  Oh,  that  there  were  fome  virtue  in  my  tears. 
That  might  relieve  you ! 

K.  John.  The  fait  of  them  is  hot. — 
Within  me  is  a  hell  •,  and  there  the  poifon 
Is,  as  a  fiend,  confined  to  tyrannize 
On  unreprievable,  condemned  blood, 

•  — /«  their  throng  andprefi — ]  In  their  tumult  and  hurry  of 
rcfortirig  to  the  laft  tenable  part.     Joh  nson. 

*  This  fcene  has  been  imitated  by  Beaumont  and  Fletcher 
ip  The  Wife  for  a  Months  ad  4.     St  e  even  5. 

Enter 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  109 

Enter  Faulconbridge. 

Fauk.  Oh  !  I  am  fcalded  with  my  violent  motion. 
And  fpleen  of  fpeed  to  fee  your  majefly. 

K.  JobfL  Oh !  'coufin,  thou  art  come  to  fet  mine  eye. 
The  tackle  of  my  heart  is  crack'd  and  burnt ; 
And  all  the  fhrowds,  wherewith  my  life  fhould  fail. 
Are  turned  to  one  thread,  one  little  hair  : 
My  heart  hath  one  poor  ftring  to  flay  it  by. 
Which  holds  but  till  thy  news  be  uttered ; 
And  then  all  this  thou  feeft,  is  but  a  clod. 
And  module  of  confounded  royalty. 

Fauk.  The  dauphin  is  preparing  hitherward  5 
Where,  heaven  he  knows,  how  we  fhall  anfwer  him : 
For,  in  a  night,  the  bed  part  of  my  power. 
As  1  upon  advantage  did  remove. 
Were  in  the  wafhes,  all  unwarily. 
Devoured  by  the  unexpedted  flood.      '  [The  king  dies. 
Sal.  You  breathe  thefe  dead  news  in  as  dead  an  ear.' 
My  liege  !  my  lord !  ■         but  now  a  king  —  now 
thus ! 
Hen.  Even  fo  muft  I  run  on,  and  even  fo  ftop. 
What  furety  of  the  world,  what  hope,  what  ftay. 
When  this  was  now  a  king,  and  now  is  clay  ? 

Faulc.  Art  thou  gone  fo  ?  I  do  but  fl:ay  behind^ 
To  do  the  office  for  thee  of  revenge. 
And  then  my  foul  fliall  wait  on  thee  to  heaven. 
As  it  on  earth  hath  been  thy  fervant  ftilL— 
Now,  now,  you  flars,  that  move  in  your  right  fpheres. 
Where  be  your  powers  ?  Shew  now  your  mended  faiths. 
And  inftantly  return  with  me  again. 
To  pufh  defltruftion,  and  perpetual  fhame 
Out  of  the  weak  door  of  our  fainting  land : 
Strait  let  us  feek,  or  flrait  we  fhall  be  fought ; 
The  dauphin  rages  at  our  very  heels. 

Sal.  It  feems  you  know  not  then  fo  much  as  we  : 
The  cardinal  Pandulph  is  within,  at  reft. 
Who  half  an  hour  fince  came  from  the  dauphin ; 
And  brings  from  him  fuch  offers  of  our  peace, 

As 


no  K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N. 

As  we  with  honour  and  reipeft  may  take, 
"With  purpofe  prefently  to  leave  this  war. 

Faulc.  He  will  the  rather  do  it,  when  he  fees 
Ourfelves  well  finewed  to  our  defence. 

Sal.  Nay,  it  is  in  a  manner  done  already  j 
For  many  carriages  he  hath  difpatch*d 
To  the  fea-fide,  and  put  his  caufe  and  quarrel 
To  the  difpofing  of  the  cardinal : 
With  whom  yourfelf,  myfelf,  and  other  lords. 
If  you  thihk  meet,  this  afternoon  will  poft 
To  confummate  this  bufmefs  happily. 

Faulc.  Let  it  be  fo :  and  you,  my  noble  prince. 
With  other  princes  that  may  beft  be  fpar'd. 
Shall  wait  upon  your  fatlier^s  funeral. 

Hen.  At  Worcefter  muft  his  body  be  interr*d. 
For  fo  he  will'd  it. 

Faulc.  Thither  fhall  it  then. 
And  happily  may  your  fweet  felf  put  on 
The  lineal  ftate  and  glory  of  the  land  ! 
To  whom,  with  all  fubmiflion  on  my  knee, 
I  do  bequeath  my  faithful  fervices. 
And  true  lubjeftion  everlaftingly. 

Sal.  And  the  like  tender  of  our  love  we  make. 
To  reft  without  a  fpot  for  evermore. 

Hen.  I  have  a  kind  foul,  that  would  give  you  thanl 
And  knows  not  how  to  do  it,  but  with  tears. 

Faulc.  Oh,  let  us  pay  the  time  but  needful  woe. 
Since  it  hath  been  before-hand  with  our  griefs.—— 
This  England  never  did,  nor  never  ftiall. 
Lye  at  the  proud  foot  of  a  conqueror. 
But  when  it  firft  did  help  to  wound  itfelf. 
Now  thefe  her  princes  are  come  home  again. 
Come  the  three  corners  of  the  world  in  arms. 
And  we  fhall  fhock  them  !  Nought  Ihall  make  us  ru 
If  England  to  itfelf  do  reft  but  true.      [^Exeunt  omm 

THE  tragedy  of  King  John^  though  not  written  with  tl 
ntmofl  power  of  Shakefpeare,  is  varied  with  a  very  pleaiing  ii 
terchange  of  incidents  and  charaders.    The  lady's  grief  is  ve 

■    afTcaii^ 


K  I  N  G    J  O  H  N.  Ill 

afiefling,  and  the  charadler  of  the  Ballard  contains  that  mixture 
of  grcatncfs  and  levity  which  this  author  delighted  to  exhibit. 

Johnson. 

There  is  extant  another  play  of  King  John^  publiihed  in  1 6  u . 
Shakefpeare  has  preferred  the  greateft  part  of  the  condufl  of  it, 
as  well  as  a  number  of  the  lines.  Some  of  thefe  I  have  pointed 
out  in  the  notes,  and  fome  I  have  omitted  as  undeferving  notice. 
What  mod  inclines  me  to  believe  it  was  the  work  of  fome  cotem- 
porary  writer,  is  the  number  of  quotations  from  Horace,  and  other 
fcraps  of  learning  fcattered  over  it.  There  is  likewife  a  quan- 
tity of  rhiming  Latin,  and  ballad-metre,  in  a  fcene  where  the 
Baftard  is  reprefented  as  plundering  a  monailery  ;  and  fome 
firokes  of  humour,  which  feem,  from  their  particular  turn,  to 
have  been  mofl  evidently  produced  by  another  hand  than  that  of 
Shakefpeare. 

Of  this  play  there  is  faid  to  have  been  an  edition  in  1591  for 
SaJnpfbo  Clarke,  but  I  have  never  feen  it ;  and  the  copy  in 
161 1,  which  is  the  oldeft  J  could  find,  was  printed  for  Joha 
Helme,  whofe  name  appears  before  no  other  of  the  pi  ays  of  Shake- 
fpeare. I  admitted  this  play  fome  years  ago  as  Shakefpeare's 
own  among  the  twenty  which  I  publiihed  from  the  old  editions  ; 
bnta  more  careful  perufal  of  it,  and  a  further  convidlion  of  our 
poet's  cuflom  of  borrowing  plots,  fentiments,  ^c»  difpofcs  me 
to  recede,  from  that  opinion.    Steevsns. 


THE 


LIFE  AND  DEATH 


O  F 


RICHARD     II. 


, '  Voi^  V. 


H 


Perfons  Reprefented. 

King  R I C  H  A  R  D  the  Second.      , 
Edmund  of  Langley,  duke  ofTorkJ      ,    ^   .r.  l' 
John  of  Gaunt,  dukeofLancifter,     ^'^^  *'  *^  *'^- 
Bolingbroke,  Jen  to  John  of  GaufUj  afterwards  king 

Henry  the  Fourth, 
Duke  of  Aumerlc,  fon  to  the  duke  of  Tork. 
Mowbray,  duke  of  Norfolk. 
Duke  of  Surrey. 
Earl  of  Salifbury. 
Earl  Berkley. 

BufhyO 

Bago^  /  fsrvants  to  king  Richard. 

Green,  j 

Earl  of  Northumberland. 

Perqr,  fon  to  Northumberla7td, 

Lord  Rols. 

Lord  Willoughby. 

Lord  Fitzwater. 

BifhopofCarliae. 

Sir  Stephen  Scroqp. 

Lord  marfhal,  and  another  lord. 

Abbot  of  Weftminfter. 

Sir  Pierce  of  Exton. 

Captain  of  a  band  of  IFelchmen. 

Queen  to  king  Richard* 

'  Dutchefs  of  Gloucefter.  , 

Dutchefs  of  York. 

Ladies  attending  on  the  queen.  \ 

■j 

Heraldsy  two  gardiners^  keeper^  tneffengery  groom^  ami  ^ 
other  attendants. 

SCENE,  differfedh\  in  fveral  parts  of  EnglaitiJi 


H 


»  The  life  and  death  or 

KING    RICHARD    II. 

A  C  T     I.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

Tbe  court. 

Enter  king  Richard^  John  of  Gaunt^  with  other  noblei 
and  attendants. 

K.  Richard. 

OL  D  John  of  Gaunt,  time-honour'd  Lancaftcr, 
Haft  thou,  according  to  thy  oath  and  bond. 
Brought  hither  Henry  Hereford,  thy  bold  fonj^ 
If  ere  tx>  make  good  the  boifterous  late  appeal. 
Which  then  our  leifure  would  not  let  us  hear, 
Againft  the  duke  of  Norfolk,  Thomas  Mowbray  ? 
Gaunt.  I  have,  my  liege. 
K.  Rich.  Tell  me  moreover,  haft  thou  founded  him, 

'  The  Life  and  Death  $/ King  Rub^rdU.']  Bat  this  hifloiy 
comprifes  little  morethan  the  two  laft  years  of  this  prince.  The 
■iftioii  of  the  drama  begins  with  fiolingbroke's  appealing  the 
dake  of  Norfolk,  on  an  accufation  of  hieh  treafony  whicn  fell 
out  in  the  year  1398;  and  it  clofes  wim  the  murder  of  king 
Kidiard  at  Pomfret-caftle  towards  the  end  of  the  year  1400,  or 
the  beginning  of  the  enfuing  year.    Theobald. 

It  is  CTident  from  a  paflage  in  Camden* s  AnnaU^  that  there 
was  an  old  play  on  the  fubjedt  of  Richard  the  Second  ;  but  I 
know  not  in  what  language.  Sir  Gelley  Merrick,  who  was  con- 
cerned in  the  hare-brained  bufinefs  of  the  earl  ofEflex,  and  was 
hanged  for  it,  with  the  ingenious  Cuffe,  in  1601,  is  accufed^ 
amongft  other  things,  '*  quod  exoletam  traeoediam  de  tragica 
**  ab£cadone  regis  Ricardi  Secundi  in  publico  thcatro  coram 
''  copjuratis  datapecunia  agi  curaiTct."    Farmer. 

H  2  If 


ii6      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11. 

If  he  appeal  the  duke  on  ancient  malice  ; 

Or  worthily,  as  a  good  fubjeft  Ihould, 

On  fome  known  ground  of  treachery  in  him  ? 

Gaunt.  As  near  as  I  ^could  fift  him  on  that  argu* 
ment, 
On  fome  apparent  danger  feen  in  him 
Aim'd  at  your  highnels  ;  no  inveterate  malice. 

K.  Rich.  Then  call  them  to  our  prefence ;  face  ta 
face. 
And  frowning  brow  to  brow.    Ourfelves  will  hear 
The  accufer,  and  the  accufed  freely  fpeak. — 
High-ftomach'd  are  they  both,  and  full  of  ire  j 
In  rage,  deaf  as  the  fea,  hafty  as  fire. 

Enter  BoUngbroke  and  Mowbray. 

Boling.  Many  years  of  happy  days  befal 
My  gracious  fovereign,  my  moft  loving  liege  ! 

Mowb.  Each  day  ftill  better  other's  happinefs  5 
Until  the  heavens,  envying  earth's  good  hap. 
Add  an  immortal  title  to  your  crown  ! 

K.  Rich.  We  thank  you  both :  yet  one  but  flatters, 
us. 
As  well  appeareth  by  the  caufe  you  come ; 

Namely,  to  appeal  each  other  of  high  trcafon. 

Coufin  of  Hereford,  wliat  doft  thou  objeft 
Againft  the  duke  of  Norfolk,  Thomas  Mowbray  ? 

Boling.  Firfl  (heaven  be  the  record  to  my  fpeech !) 
In  the  devotion  of  a  fubjeft's  love. 
Tendering  the  precious  fafety  of  my  prince, 
And  free  from  other  mifbegotten  hate. 
Come  I  appellant  to  this  princely  prefence. 
—Now,  Thomas  Mowbray,  do  I  turn  to  thee. 
And  mark  my  greeting  well;  for  what  I  fpeak. 
My  body  fliall  make  good  upon  this  earth. 
Or  my  divine  foul  anfwer  it  in  heaven. 
Thou  art  a  traitor,  and  a  mifcreant ; 
Too  good  to  be  fo,  and  too  bad  to  live ; 
Since,  the  more  fair  and  cryftal  is  the  flcy. 
The  uglier  fcem  the  clouds  that  in  it  fly. 

Onct 


KING    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.       117 

Once  more,  the  more  to  aggravate  the  note. 
With  a  foul  traitor's  name  ftufF  I  thy  throat ; 
And  wifh  (fo  pleafe  my  fovereign)  ere  I  move. 
What  my  tongue  fpeaks,  my  *  right-drawn  fword  may 
prove. 

Mnvb.  Let  not  my  cold  words  here  accufe  my  zeal : 
Tis  not  the  trial  of  a  woman's  war. 
The  bitter  clamour  of  two  eager  tongues. 
Can  arbitrate  this  caufe  betwixt  us  twain  •, 
The  blood  is  hot,  that  muft  be  cool'd  for  this. 
Yet  can  I  not  of  fuch  tame  patience  boaft. 
As  to  be  hufti'd,  and  nought  at  all  to  fay. 
Firft,  the  fair  reverence  of  your  highnefs  curbs  me. 
From  giving  reins  and  fpurs  to  my  free  fpeech  ; 
Which  elfe  would  poft,  until  it  had  returned 
Thcfe  terms  of  treafon  doubled  down  his  throat. 
Setting  afide  his  high  blood's  royalty. 
And  let  him  be  no  kinfman  to  my  liege, 
I  do  defy  him,  and  I  fpit  at  him  •, 
Call  him  a  flanderous  coward,  and  a  villain : 
Which,  to  maintain,  I  would  allow  him  odds  ; 
And  meet  him,  were  I  ty'd  to  run  a-fooc 
Even  to  the  frozen  ridges  of  the  Alps, 
Or  any  other  ground  3  inhabitable. 
Where  ever  Engliflinlan  durft  fet  his  foot. 
Mean  time,  let  this  defend  my  loyalty — 
By  all  my  hopes,  moft  falfly  doth  he  lie. 

BoHng.  Pale  trembling  coward,  there  I  throw  my 

Difclaimin^  here  the  kindred  of  a  king  •, 
And  lay  amie  my  high  blood's  royalty. 
Which  fear,  not  reverence,  makes  thee  to  except. 
If  guilty  dread  hath  left  thee  fo  much  ftrength, 

*  -^ right' drawn — ]  Drawn  in  a  right  or  jufl  cauft*.  Johns- 

*  —  inhabitable^  Tnat  is,  not  habitable^  uninbubit*i(h\ 

Johnson. 
Jen  Jonfon  ufes  the  word  in  thp  fame  fenfe  in  his  CuiiHyr, 
*f  And pour'd  on  feme  inhabitable  place,"     St e f  ve n s. 

H  3       '  Ai 


ii8      KING    RICHARD    II. 

As  to  take  up  mine  iionour's  pawn,  then  ftoop  ; 
By  that,  and  all  the  rights  of  knighthood  elfe. 
Will  I  make  good  againft  thee,  arm  to  arm. 
What  I  have  ipoke,  or  thou  canft  worfe  devife. 

M<rJoh.  I  take  it  up ;  and  by  that  fword  I  fwear. 
Which  gently  lay'd  my  knighthood  on  my  Ihouldcr, 
ril  anfwer  thee  in  any  fair  degree. 
Or  chivalrous  defign  of  knightly  trial  : 
And,  when  I  mount,  alive  may  I  not  light. 
If  I  be  traitor,  or  unjuftly  fight ! 

K.  Rich.  What  doth  our  coufin  fay  to  Mowbray's 
charge  ? 
It  muft  be  great,  that  can  inherit  us 
So  much  as  of  a  thought  of  ill  in  him, 

Boling.  Look,  what  I  faid,  my  life  fhall  prove  it 
true  •,— 
That  Mowbray  hath  received  eight  thoufand  nobles^ 
In  name  of  lendings  for  your  highnefs'  foldiers  ; 
The  which  he  hath  detain*d  for  lewd  imployments. 
Like  a  falft  traitor,  and  injurious  villain, 
Befides,  I  fay,  and  will  in  battle  prove — 
Or  here,  or  elfewhere,  to  the  forthcft  verge 
That  ever  was  furvey'd  by  Ertglifh  eye —   . 
That  all  the  treafons  for  thefe  eighteen  years, 
Complotted  and  contrived  in  this  land. 
Fetch  from  falfe  Mowbray  their  firft  head  and  fpring. 
Further,  I  fay,  and  further  will  maintain 
Upon  his  bad  life  to  make  all  this  good, 
That  he  did  plot  the  duke  of  Glouceftcr's  ^eath  \ 
Suggcft  his  foon-believing  adverfasies ; 
And,  confequently,  like  a  traitor-coward, 
Sluic'd  out  his  innocent  foul  through  ftreams  of  blood, 
Which  blood,  like  facrificing  Abel's,  cries. 
Even  from  the  tonguelefs  caverns  of  the  earth. 
To  me,  for  juftice^  and  rough  chaftifement : 
^nd  by  the  glorious  worth  of  my  defcent. 
This  arm  fhall  do  it,  or  this  life  be  fpent. 

AT.  Rich.  How  high  a  pitch  his  reiolution  foars  !— 
Thomas  of  Norfolk,  what  fay'lt  thoy  to  this  ? 

Mcwh 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      119 

Mowb.  O,  let  my  fovereign  turn  away  his  face. 
And  bid  his  ears  a  little  while  be  deaf, 
Till  I  have  told  this  flander  of  his  blood. 
How  God,  and  good  men,  hate  fo  foul  a  liar. 

LRich.  Mowbray,  impartial  are  our  eyes,,  and  ears. 
Were  lie  our  brother,  nay,  our  kingdom's  heir, 
(As  he  is  but  our  father's  brother's  fon) 
-    Now,  by  ♦  my  fcepter's  awe,  I  make  a  vow. 
Such  neighbour  nearneis  to  our  facred  blood 
Should  nothing  privilege  him,  nor  partializc 
The  unftooping  firmncfs  of  my  upright  fouL 
He  is  our  fubjecl,  Mowbray,  fo  art  thou  j 
Free  fpeech,  and  fearlels,  I  to  thee  allow. 

Mnvi.  Then,  Bolingbroke,  as  low  as  to  thy  heart. 
Through  the  falfe  pafla^  of  thy  throat,  thou  lieft  1 
Three  parts  of  that  receipt  I  had  for  Calais, 
Dilburs*d  I  to  his  highnels'  foldiers : 
The  other  part  referv'd  I  by  <!onfent  5 
For  that  my  fovereign  liege  was  in  my  debt. 
Upon  remainder  of  a  dear  account. 
Since  laft  I  went  to  France  to  fetch  his  queen  : 
Now,  fwallowdown  that  lie. — For  Glouceftcr'sdeath--* 
I  flew  him  not  •,  but,  to  mine  own  difgrace, 
Ncglefted  my  (worn  duty  in  that  cafe.— - 
For  you,  my  jioble  lord  of  Lancafter, 
The  honourable  father  to  my  foe. 
Once  did  I  lay  an  ambufli  for  your  life, 
A  trcfpafs  that  doth  vex  my  grieved  foul :  • 
But  ere  I  laft  received  the  facrament, 
I  did  confids  it,  and  exadly  begg'd 
Your  grace's  pardon,  and,  I  hope,  I  had  it. 
This  is  nw  fault :  as  for  the  reft  appeal'd. 
It  iflues  from  the  rancour  of  a  villain, 
A  spcreant  and  moft  degenerate  traitor  : 
Which  in  myfelf  I  boldly  will  defend  •, 

,        *  — myfctfur*i»we^ — ]  The  reverence  due  to  my  fccpter. 

Johnson, 

H  4  And 


120      KING    RICHARD    II. 

I  And  interchangeably  hurl  down  my  gage 
Upon  this  over-weening  traitor's  foot. 
To  prove  myfelf  a  loyal  gentleman, 
Even  in  the  bell  blood  chambcr'd  in  his  bofom. 
In  hafte  whereof,  moft  heartily  I  pray 
Your  highnefs  to  affign  our  trial-day. 

K.  Rich.  Wrath-kindled  gentlemen,   be  rul'd  by 
me; 
Let's  purge  this  choler  without  letting  blood  r 
5  This  we  prefcribe,  though  no  phyfician-. 
Deep  malice  makes  too  deep  incilion  : 
Forget,  forgive  -,  conclude,  and  be  aorreed  •, 
Our  doftors  lay,  this  is  no  time  to  bleed.— 
Good  uncle,  let  this  end  wlxcre  it  begun  ; 
We'll  calm  the  duke  of  Norfolk,  you  your  fon. 

Gaunt.  To  be  a  make-peace  fhall  become  my  age  :—* 
Throw  dov/n,  my  fon,  the  duke  of  Norfolk's  gage. 

K.  Rich.  And,  Norfolk,  throw  down  his. 

Cau'nt.  When,  Harry  ?  when 
Obedience  bids,  I  fhould  not  bid  again. 

5  This  'ive  prefer  the  J  though  nophyjtcian,  &c.]  I  muft  make  one  • 
remark,  in  general,  on  the  r^/wfj  throughout  this  whole  play; 
they  arc  (<)  much  inferior  to  the  reft  of  the  writing,  that  they 
appear  to  mc  of  a  different  hand.  What  confirms  this,  is,  that 
the  context  does  cwtry  where  exadlly  (and  frequently  much 
better)  conncdt  without  the  infcrted  rhymes,  except  in  a  venr 
few  places  ;  and  jufl  there  too,  the  rhyming  verfes  arc  of  a  mucA 
better  talte  than  all  the  others,  which  rather  flrengthens  my  con- 
jefture.     Pope. 

*«  This  obfcrvation  of  Mr.  Pope's,"  fays  Mr.  Edwards,  "  hap- 
•?  pens  to  be  very  unluckily  placed  here,  becaufe  the  context* 
**  without  the  inferted  rhimes,  will  not  conneSl  at  all.  Read 
f*  this  paflage  as  it  would  (land  correded  by  this  rule,  and  wc 
**  fliall  find,  when  the  rhiming  part  of  the  dialogue  is  left  out, 
**  king  Richard  begins  with  difluading  them  nom  the  duel, 
**  and,  ill  the  very  next  fentence,  appoints  the  time  and  place 
f*  or"  their  combat.** 

Mr.  Edwardb's  ccnfure  is  rather  hafty ;  for  in  the  note,  to 
which  it  refers,  it  is  allowed  that  fomc  rhimes  mull  be  retaijicd 
\o  make  cuttheccnncdion.     St  £  evens. 

K.Ricb. 


K  I  N  G .  R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      i« 

K.  Rich.  Norfolk,  thrown  down  ;  we  bid ;  there  is 
no  boot  ^.  , 

Morjoh.  Myfelf  I  throw,  dread  fovcreign,  at  thy 
foot : 
My  life  thou  Ihalt  command,  but  not  my  (hamc ; 
The  one  my  duty  owes ;  but  ^  my  fair  name, 
(Defpight  of  death,  that  lives  upon  my  grave) 
To  dark  difhonour's  ufe  thou  (halt  not  have. 
I  am  di(grac*d,  impeach'd,  and  baffled  here  ; 
Pierdd  to  the  foul  with  flander*s  venom'd  fpear  : 
The  which  no  balm  can  cure,  but  his  heart-blood 
Which  breath'd  this  poifon* 

X.  Rich.  Rage  muft  be  withftood. 
Give  me  his  gage.     Lions  make  leopards  tame. 

Mowb.  Ye^  but  not  change  their  Ipots.  Take  but 
myfhame, 
And  I  refign  my  gage.     My  dear,  dear  lord. 
The  pureft  treafure  mortal  times  afford. 
Is  fpodefs  reputation  ;  that  away. 
Men  are  but  gilded  loam,  or  painted  clay. 
A  jewel  in  a  ten-times-barr*d-up  cheft. 
Is  a  bold  fpirit  in  a  loyal  breaft. 
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. 

Jf .  Rich.  Coufm,  throw  down  your  gage  j  do  you 
begin. 

Boling.  Oh,  heaven  defend  my  foul  from  fuch  foul 
fin! 
Shall  I  fecm  creft-fallen  in  my  father's  fight  ? 
•  Or  with  pale  beggar  face  impeach  my  height. 


* no  600 f.]  That  is,  no  aJ^vantage^  no  ufe^  an  delay  or 

lefbfaL    Johnson. 

^  —  my  fair  name^  &c.]  Tl^at  isj  my  name  that  linjes  on  my 
gra'ue  in  defpight  of  death.  This  eafy  parage  moft  of  the  editort 
ieem  to  have  miftaken.     Johnson. 

•  Or  nuitbfale  beggar  foce— ]  /.  e.  with  a  face  of  fupplica- 
tion.  But  this  will  not  fatisfy  the  Oxford  pditor,  Jie  turns  it  to 
k^gg^^d  fear,    Warburton. 

Bcfow 


laa      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11. 

Before  this  out-dar*d  daftard  ?     Ere  my  tongue 
Shall  wound  my  honour  with  fuch  feeble  wrong. 
Or  found  fo  bafe  a  parle,  my  teeth  fhall  tear 
9  The  flavifli  motive  of  recanting  fear ; 
And  fpit  it  bleeding,  in  his  high  diigracc, 
Where  Ihame  doth  harbour,  even  in  Mowbray's  face 

[Exit  Gaunt. 
K.  Rich.  We  were  not  born  to  fue,  but  to  command: 
Which  fincc  wc  cannot  do  to  make  you  friends. 
Be  ready,  as  your  lives  fhall  anfwer  it. 
At  Coventry  upon  St.  Lambert's  day. 
There  fhall  your  fwords  and  lances  arbitrate 
The  fwelling  difference  of  your  fettled  hate. 
Since  we  cannot  atone  you,  you  fhall  fee 
Juftice  decide  the  viftor's  chivalry. — 
Lord  marfhal,  command  our  officers  at  arms, 
Be  ready  to  diredl  thefe  home-alarms.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IL 

Changes  to  the  duke  of  Lancajtet^s  palace. 
Enter  Gaunt  and  dutcbefs  of  Glocejier. 

Gaunt.  Alas  !  '  the  part  I  had  *  in  Gloflcr's  blood 
Doth  more  folicit  me,  than  your  exclaims. 
To  flir  againft  the  butchers  of  his  life. 
JBut,  fince  correction  lieth  in  thofe  hands. 
Which  made  the  fault  that  we  cannot  corrcft. 
Put  we  oiy  cjuarrel  to  the  will  of  heaven  ; 
Who,  when  it  fees  the  hours  ripe  on  earth. 
Will  rain  hot  vengeance  on  oScnders'  heads, 

Dutch.  Finds  brotherhood  in  thee  no  fharper  fpur  ? 
Hath  love  in  thy  old  blood  na  living  fire  ? 

*  The  Jla*vijh  motivt — ]  Moti*viy  for  in  ft  rumen  t.     War  bur. 
Rather  that  which  fear  puts  in  motion.     Johnson. 

*  —  the  part  I  bad — ]  That  is,  my  relation  of  confanguinity 
to  Gloucelter.     Hanmer, 

*  -" inGlofter*!  hlocd]  One  of  the  quarto'*  read*,  *'  in 

^i  W^€dJio{k\hlooA,''    Stbbvsns. 

Edward's 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      123 

Edward's  fevcn  fons,  whereof  thyfclf  art  one, 
Were  as  feven  phials  of  his  facred  blood. 
Or  fevcn  fair  branches,  fpringing  from  one  root : 
Some  of  thofe  feven  are  dry*d  by  nature's  courfc^ 
Some  of  thofe  branches  by  the  dcftinies  cut ; 
But  Thomas,  my  dear  friend,  my  life,  my  Glofter, 
One  phial  fuU  ot  Edward's  facrod  bkx)d, 
Oneflourilhing  branch  of  his  moft  royal  root. 
Is  crack'd,  and  all  the  precious  liquor  ipilt ;. 
Is  hack'd  down,  and  his  fummer  leaves  all  faded. 
By  envy's  hand,  and  murder's  bloody  axe. 
Ah,  Gaunt !  his  blood  was  thine ;  that  bed,  that  womb^ 
That  metal,  that  felf-mould  that  faihion'd  thee, 
Made  him  a  man  *,  and  though  thou  liv'ft,  and  breath'ft^ 
Yet  art  thou  flain  in  him :  thou  doft  confent 
In  fome  large  meafure  to  thy  father's  death. 
In  that  thou  feeft  thy  wretched  brother  die. 
Who  was  the  model  of  thy  father's  life. 
Call  it  not  patience.  Gaunt,  it  is  defpair : 
'  In  fufFering  thus  thy  brother  to  be  flaughtcr'd. 
Thou  (hew'ft  the  naked  path- way  to  thy  life. 
Teaching  ftem  murder  how  to  butcher  thee. 
That,  which  in  mean  men  we  intitle  patience. 
Is  pak  cold  cowardice  in  noble  brcafts. 
What  fliall  I  fay  ?  to  fafeguard  thine  own  life. 
The  beft  way  is,  to  'vcnge  my  Glofter^s  death. 

-    Gaunt.  Heaven's  is  the  quarrel ;  for  heaven's  fubr 

ftitute. 
His  deputy  anointed  in  his  fight, 

.  Hath  caus'd  his  death :  the  which,  if  wrongfully. 
Let  God  rcvei^ ;  for  I  may  never  lift 
An  angry  arm  againft  his  minifler. 
Diacb.  Where  then,  alas  !  may  I  complain  myfelf  ? 
Gaunt.  To  heaven,  the  widow's  champion  and  dei» 

fence, 
l)utcb,  Why  then,  I  will :  farewell,  old  Gaunt, 

Thou  go'ft  to  Coventry,  there  to  behold 

Our  coufin  Hereford  and  fell  Mowbray  fight. 

D,  fit  my  hiifb w4'5  wrongs  on  Hereford's  Ibear, 


124      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    ir, 

That  it  may  enter  butcher  Mowbray's  bread ! 
Or,  if.  misfortune  mifs  the  firfl:  career. 
Be  Mowbray's  fins  fo  heavy  in  his  bofom. 
That  they  may  break  his  foaming  courier's  back. 
And  throw  the  rider  headlong  in  the  lifts, 
3  A  caitiff  recreant  to  my  coufin  Hereford ! 
Farewell,  old  Gaunt ;  thy  fometime  brother's  wife 
With  her  companion  grief  muft  end  her  life. 

Gaunt.  Sifter,  farewell ;  I  muft  to  Coventry : 
As  much  good  ftay  with  thee,  as  go  with  me  ! 

Dutch.  Yet  one  word  more; — grief  boundeth  where 
it  falls,    , 
Not  with  the  empty  hoUownefs,  but  weight : 
J  take  my  leave  berore  I  have  begun  ; 
For  forrow  ends  not  when  it  feemeth  done. 
Commend  me. to.  my  brother,  Edmund  York: 
Lo,  this  is  all : — nay,  yet  depart  not  fo  ; 
Though  this  be  all,  do  not  lo  quickly  go  : 
I  (hall  remember  more.     Bid  him — oh,  what  ?— 
With  all  good  fpeed  at  Plafhy  vifit  me. 
Alack,  and  what  ftiall  good  old  York  there  fee 
But  empty  lodgings,  and  unfurnifh'd  waljs. 
Unpeopled  offices,  untrodden  ftones  ? 
And  what  hear  there  for  welcome,  but  my  groans  ? 
Therefore  commend  me  ; — let  him  not  come  there 
To  feek  out  forrow,  that  dwells  every  where :' 
Defolate,  defolate,  will  I  hence,  and  die  ; 
The  laft  leave  of  thee  takes  my  weeping  eye.  [Exeunt. 

'  J  caitiff  recreant — ]  Caitiff  originally  fignified  a  pri/oner  ; 
next  ajlave^  from  the  condition  of  prifoners ;  then  a  fcoundrel^ 
from  the  qualities  of  a  flave. 

In  this  pai&ge  it  partakes  of  all  thefe  fignifications.    Johmtson, 


SCENE 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      12^ 

SCENE    III. 

^he  liftsj  at  Coventry. 
Enter  the  lord  marjhal  and  AumerU. 

Mar.  My  lord  Aumerle,  is  Harry  Hereford  armM  ? 

Am.  Yea,  at  all  points  ;  and  longs  to  enter  in. 

A&r.  The  duke  of  Norfolk,  fprightfiilly  and  bold. 
Stays  but  the  fummons  of  the  appellant's  trumpet. 

Asm.  Why,  then  the  champions  are  prepared ;  iand 
ftay 
For  nothing  but  his  majefly's  approach.        [Fkurijb. 

fhe  trumpets  founds  and  the  king  enters  with  Gaunty 
Bujhy^  Bagotj  and  others :  when  they  are  fety  enter 
the  duke  of  Norfolk  in  armour. 

K.  Rich.  Marlhal,  demand  of  yonder  champion 
The  caufe  of  his  arrival  here  in  arms : 
Alk  him  his  name ;  and  orderly  proceed 
To  fwear  him  in  the  juftice  of  his  caufe. 

Mar.  In  God's  name  and  the  king's,  fay  who  thou 
art  ?  [To  Mowbray. 

And  why  thou  com'ft,  thus  knightly  clad  in  arms  ? 
Againft  what  man  thou  com'ft,  and  what  thy  quarrel? 
Speak  truly  on  thy  knighthood,  and  thine  oath  ; 
And  fo  derend  thee  heaven,  and  thy  valour ! 

*  Mcwb.  My  name  is  Thomas  Mowbray,  duke  of 

Norfolk ; 
Who  hither  come  engaged  by  my  oath, 
(Which,  heaven  defend,  a  knight  fhould  violated) 
Both  to  defend  my  loyalty  and  truth, 

♦  Manx'hrayJ]  Mr.  Edwards,  in  his  MSS.  notes,  obferves, 
hmh  from  Matthew  Paris  and  Holinfhead,  that  the  duke  of 
Hereford,  appellant,  entered  the  lifts  firft;  and  this  indeed 
muft  have  been  the  regular  method  of  the  combat  ;  for  the  na- 
tural order  of  things  requires,  that  the  accufer  or  challenger 
Ihottld  be  at  the  place  of  appointment  firit     St£evens. 

To 


ti6      K*  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

To  God,  my  king,  and  his  fucceedingiflue^, 
Againft  the  duke  of  Hereford,  that  appeals  me ; 
And,  by  the  grace  of  God,  and  this  mine  arm. 
To  prove  him,  in  defending  of  mjrlelf, 
A  traitor  to  my  God,  my  king,  and  me : 
And,  as  I  truly  fight,  defend  me  heaven ! 

The  trumpets  found.    Enter  Bolingbroke^  appellant^  in 

K.  Rich.  Marlhal,  afk  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, 
Depofe  Jirm  in  the  jufHce  of  his  caufe. 

Mar.  What  is  thy  name?   and  wherefore  com*ft 
thou  hither. 
Before  king  Richard,  in  his  royal  lifts  ?      \To  BoUng. 
Againft  whom  comeft  thou  ?  and  what's  thy  quarrel  ? 
Speak  like  a  true  knight;  fo  defend  thee  heaven ! 

Boling.  Harry  of  Hereford,  Lancafter,  and  Dcrbf 
Am  I ;  who  ready  here  do  ftand  in  arms. 
To  prove,  by  heaven*s  grace,  and  my  body's  valour. 
In  lifts,  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 ! 

Mar.  On  pain  of  death,  no  perfon  be  fo  bold, 
-Or  daring-hardy,  as  to  touch  the  lifts  ; , 
Excej^t  the  marlhal,  and  fuch  officers 
Appointed  to  diredt  thefe  fair  defigns. 

Boling.  Lord  marflial,  let  me  kifs  my  fovereign's 
hand,  . 

And  bow  my  knee  before  his  majefty : 


'bisfucceeJing  ijfiii^  Such  is  the  reading  oflthc 


folio  ;  the  later  cditionr  read  my  ifTuc.  Mowbray^  ifluc  was, 
bjr  this  accnfation,  in  danger  of  an  attainder,  and  therefor^  he 
might  come,  among  other  reafons,  for  their  fake  ;  but  the  old 
reading  ismore  jufl  and  grammatical,    Johnson. 


For 


KING    RICHARD    II.      127 

For  Mowbray,  and  myfelf,  are  like  two  men 
That  vow  a  long  and  weary  pilgrimage  j 
Then  let  us  take  a  ceremonious  Icave^ 
And  loving  fare^ycll,  of  our  feveral  friends. 

Mar.  The  Appellant  in  all  duty  greets  your  high- 
nds,  \T'<iK.Rkb. 

And  craves  to  kifs  your  hand,  and  take  his  leave. 

£  Rich.  We  will  defcend  and  fold  him  in  our  aSms. 
Coufin  of  Hereford,  as  thy  caufe  is  right. 
So  be  thy  fortune  in  this  royal  fight ! 
Farewell,  my  blood ;  which  if  to-day  thou  (hed. 
Lament  we  may,  but  not  revenge  thee  dead* 

liohig.  Oh,  let  no  noble  eye  profane  a  tear 
Forme,  if  I  be  gor'd  with  Mowbray's  fpear. 
As  confident,  as  is  the  Faulcon's  flight 
Againft  a  bird,  do  I  with  Mowbray  fight. 
Mj  loving  lord,  I  take  my  leave  or  you— 
Ot  you,  my  noble  coufin,  lord  Aumerle — 
Not  fick,  although  I  have  to  do  with  death  5 
Butlufty,  young,  and  chearly  drawing  breath.-— 
Lo,  as  at  Englilh  feafts,  fo  I  regreet 
The  daintieft  laft,  to  make  the  end  moft  fweet : 
Oh  thou!  the  earthly  author  of  my  blood,  [To  Gaunt, 
Whofe  youthful  fpirit,  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  blefllngs  fteel  my  lance's  point. 
That  it  may  enter  Mowbray's  waxen  coat. 
And  furbifh  new  the  name  of  John  of  Gaunt 
Even  in  the  lufly  'haviour  of  his  fon. 

Gaunf.  Heaven  in  thy  good  caufe  make  thee  pro- 
fperous ! 
Be  fwift  like  lightning  in  the  execution ; 
And  let  thy  blows,  doubly  redoubled. 
Fall  like  amazing  thunder  on  the  cafque 
Of  thy  adverfe  pernicious  enemy : 
Rouze  up  thy  youthful  blood,  be  valiant  arid  live. 

Bolihg.  Mine  hinocence,  and  Saint  George  to  thrive ! 


128      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11. 

Mowb.  However  heaven,  or  fortune,  caft  my  lot. 
There  lives,  or  dies,  true  to  king  Richard's  throne, 
A  loyal,  juft,  and  upright  gentleman. . 
Never  did 'captive  with  a  freer  heart 
Call  off  his  chains  of  bondage,  and  embrace 
His  golden  uncontrouFd  enfranchifement. 
More  than  my  dancing  foul  doth  celebrate 
This  feaft  of  battle,  with  mine  adverfary.— 
Moft  mighty  liege,  and  my  companion  peers,  • 
Take  from  my  mouth  the  wifh  of  happy  years : 
As  gentle  and  as  jocund,  as  to  jeft  ^, 
Go  I  to  fight :  truth  hath  a  quiet  breaft. 

A'.  Rich*  FareweU,  my  lord  :  fecurely  I  elpy 
Virtue  with  valour  couche4  in  thine  eye.—  .. 
Order  the  trial,  marfhail,  and  begin.  "   » 

Mar.  Harry  of  Hereford,  Lancafter,  and  Derby, 
Receive  thy  lance  ;  and  heaven  defend  thy  right ' 

BoUng.  Strbng  as  a  tower  in  hope,  I  cry — Ameji. , 

Mar.  Go  bear'  this  lance  to  Thomas  duke  of  Nor- 
folk. ■ 

1  Her.  Harry  of  Hereford,  Lancafter,  and  Derby, 
Stands  here  for  God,  his  fovereign,  and  himfelf. 

On  pain  to  be  found  falfe  and  recreant. 

To  prove  the  duke  of  Norfolk,  Thomas  Mowbray, 

A  traitor  to  his  God,  his  king,  and  him ; 

And  dares  him  to  fet  forward  to  the  fight. 

2  Her.  Here  ftandeth  Thomas  Mowbray,  duke  of 

Norfolk, 
On  pain  to  be  found- falfe  and  recreant. 
Both  to  defend  himfelf,  arid  to  approve 
Henry  of  Hereford,  Lancafter,  and  Derby, 
To  God,  his  fovereign,  and  to  him,  difloyal ; 

•  As  gentli  and  as  jocund^  «/  /<?  jest,]  Not  fo  neither.  We 
ihould  read,  to  just  ;  /.  e.  to  tilt  or  tournay,  which  was  a  kind 
of  fport  too.     Warburton. 

The  fenfe  would  perhaps  have  been  better  if  the  author  had 
written  what  his  commentator  fubilitutes ;  but  the  rhyme,  to 
which  fenfc  is  too  often  enflaved,  obliged  Shakcfpcarc  to  write 
jeftt  and  obliges  us  to  read  it.    Johnson* 

Courageoufly, 


KING    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    ir.      ^9 

Gouragcoufly,  and  with  a  free  defire. 
Attending  but  the  fignal  to  begin.    [J  eharge  fotinded^ 
Mar.  Sound,  trumpets ;    and  fet  forward,   com- 
batants. 
—Stay,  the  king  hath  thrown  his  warder  down. 
K.  Rich.  Let  them  lay  by  their  helmets,,  and  their 
fpearsy 
And  both  return  back  to  their  chairs  again  :— - 
Wididraw  with  us  -,  and  let  the  trumpets  found, 
Wh3c  we  return  thefe  dukes  what  we  decree. — 

IJ  lo^g  Jlourijb 'j  after  whicb^  the  king 
/peaks  to  the  combatants^ 
t)rawnear        > 

And  lift,  what  widi  our  council  we  have  done. 
For  that  our  kingdom's  earth  fhould  not  be  foiPd 
Widi  that  dear  blood  which  it  hath  foftercd ; 
And,  for  our  eyes  do  hate  the  dire  afoeft 
Of  civil  wounds  plough'd  up  with  neighbour  fwords^ 

&And  for  we  tWnk,.  the  eagle-winged  pride- 
(ky-afpiring  and  ambitious  thoughts* 
Widi  rivaJ-hatmg  envy  fet  you  on. 
To  wake  our  peace  ^,  which  in  our  country's  cradle 

,c    Draws* 

'  And  for  nve  thinks  the  eagle-njcingtd  pride^  &€.]    Thefe  ttve: 
verfes  are  omitted  in  the  other  editions,  and  reftored  fpom  the 
irft  of  1598.     Pope. 
*  ?V  luake  our  peace^ 
n»hich  thus  rou^d  up 

Might  fright  fair  peace,]  Thus  the  fententc  (lands  in  the 
common  reading,  abfurdly  enough*;  wliich  made  the  CXxford* 
Editor,  inllead  oi  fright  fair  peace ^  read,  he  affrighted  \  as  iF 
thefe  latter  words  could  ever,  poiTibly,  have  been  blundered 
into  the  former  by  tranfcribers.  But  his  bufmefs  is  to  alter  a»' 
his  fancy  leads  him,  not  to  reform  errors,  as  the  text  and  rules 
of  critidfm  diredt*.  In  a  word  then,  the  true  ori^nal  of  the 
blonder  was  this  :  the  editors  before  Mr.  Pope  had  taken  their 
editions  from  the  folios,  in  which  the  text  ftcod  thus, 
■   ■  the  dire  afpeS 

Of  ei*vil  wounds  plough' d  up  nvith  neighbour  fwords ;      * 

Whith  thus  rouz  d  up 

>■"      ■  fright  fair  peace* 
T^OL^V.  Ir  This 


130      K  i  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    ri. 

Draws  the  fweet  infant  breath  of  gentle  flccp  jl 
Which  fo  rou2*d  up  with  boiftcrous  untun'd  cfninis^ 
And  harfli-rcfounding  trumpets'  dreadful  bray,- 
And  grating  fhock  of  wrathful  iron  arms^ 
Might  from  our  quiet  confines  fright  fair  peace. 
And  make  us  wade  even  in  our  kindred's  blood  :•*— 
Therefore,  we  banilh  you  our  territoriesu— 
You,  coufin  Hereford^  upon  pain  of  death. 
Till  twice  five  fummertr  have  enrich'd  our  Belds, 
Shall  not  regreet  our  fair  dominions^ 
But  tread  the  ftranger  paths  of  banifhniejlt. 
Bcling.  Your  will  be  done.    This  muft  my  comfort 

be 

That  fun,  that  warms  you  here^  (haU  fliine  on  me  i 

This  is  renfe.  But  Mr.  Pope,  who  carefully  cxitoiined  die  Mt 
printed  plays  in  quarto  (very  much  to  the  advantage  of  hit  edi- 
tion) coming  to  this  place,  found  five  Ibes^  iif  the  firft  ditiofi 
cf  this  play  printed  in  1598,  omitted  in  the  firft  general  oot« 
ledion  of  the  poet*s  works ;  and,  not  enough  attencung  to  thtir 
agreement  witn  the  common  text,  put  them  into  their  plac«» 
Whereas,  in  truth,  the  five  lines  were  omitted  by  Shakeipearc 
bimfelf,  as  not  agreeing  to  the  reft  of  the  context ;  whiclij  on 
revife,  he  thought  fit  to  alter.  On  this  account  I  have  put  tkdtt 
into  hooks,  not  as  fpurious,  but  as  rejedled  on  the  autnor*s  re- 
vife; and,  indeed,  with  great  judgment;  for, 

7*0  tvoAe  our  peace ^  <wbicb  in.  our  country* s  cradle 
Draws  the  /'v:eet  infant  breath  of  gentle  Jleep^ 
as  pretty  as  it  is  in  the  image,  is  abfurd  m  the  fenfe :  for  peape 
awake  is  dill  peace,  as  well  us  when  aileep.  The  difference  iSp 
that  peace  afleep  gives  one  the  notion  of  a  happv  people  funk  in 
iloth  and  luxury,  which  is  not  the  idea  the  fpeaker  would  raife^ 
and  from  which  flate  the  iboner  it  was^  awaked  the  better* 

Waiibuiitoii« 
To  this  note,  written  with  fuch  an  appearance  of  talle  and 
judgment,  I  am  afraid  every  reader  will  not  fubfcribe.  It  is 
true,  that /Mr/  awake  is  ftill  peact^  as  nuell  as  when  afieep  ;  but 
|)eace  awakened  bv  the  tumults  of  thefe  jarring  nobles,  and  peace 
indulging  in  pro/oand  tranquillity,  convey  images  fufficientljr 
oppoKd  to  each  other  for  the  poet's  purpofc.  To  weUte  pemct  ia 
to  introduce  difcord.  Peace  ajleef^  is  peace  exerting  its  natural 
influence,  from  which  it  would  be  frighted  by  the  clamours  of 
war.    STttvENS. 

And 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n.      ij^ 

And  thofe  his  golden  beams,  to  you  here  lent. 
Shall  point  on  me,  and  gild  my  baniihment. 

K.  Rich.  Norfolk,  for  thee  remains  a  heavier  doom^ 
Which  I  with  Ibme  unwillingnefs  pronounce. 
The  fly-flow  hours  fhall  not  determinate 
The  datelefs  limit  of  thy  dear  exile : 
The  hopelefs  word,  of  never  to  return^ 
Brcadie  I  againft  th^,  upon  pain  of  life. 

Mowi.  A  heavy  fcntencc,  my  moft  fbvereign  liege^ 
And  all  unlook'd  for  from  your  highnefs'  mouth. 
A  dearer  merit,  not  fo  deep  a  maim  9, 
As  to  be  caft  forth  in  the  common  air. 
Have  I  dcferved  at  your  hi^hnefs'  hands. 
The  language  I  have  leam*d  thefe  forty  years. 
My  native  Englifh,  now  I  muft  forego : 
And  now  my  tongue's  ufe  is  to  me  no  more. 
Than  an  unftrin^d  viol,  or  a  harp  ; 
Or,  like  a  cunning  inftrument  cas'd  up. 
Or,  being  open,  put  into  his  hands 
That  knows  no  touch  to  tune  the  harmony. 
Within  my  mouth  you  have  engaoPd  mjr  tongue, 
Doubly  portcullis*d  with  my  teeth  and  bps  j 
And  duU,-  unfeeling,  barren  ignorance 
Is  made  my  gaoler  co  attend  on  me. 
I  am  too  old  to  fawn  upon  a  nurfe. 
Too  far  in  years  to  be  a  pupil  how ; 
What  is  thy  fentence  then,  but  Ipeechlefs  death. 
Which  robs  my  tongue  from  breathing  native  breath  f 

JL  RJcb.  It  boots  thee  not  to  be  compafllonate  '  | 
After  our  fentence,  plaining  comes  too  late. 

^  A  dionrmeriti  not/o  deep  a  maim^ 

Have  I  defer*ved  ■  ]  To  deftrve  a  merit  is  a  phrafe  of 
which  I  know  not  any  exa^iple.  I  wiih  fome  copy  would  ex* 
hibit, 

A  dearer  roede,  and  not  fo  deep  a  maim^ 
fi  de/irvi  a  nude  or  reward^  is  regular  and  eafy .     Johnson* 

'  ■     compaffionati  \\  for  plaintive.     Warburton. 

1 2  Mowh. 


132      KING    RICHARD    IL 

Mowb.  Then  thus  I  turn  me  from  my  country^ 
light. 
To  dwell  in  folemn  fliades  of  endkfe  night 

K.  Rich.  Return  again,  and  take  an  bath  with  yc 
Lay  on  your  royal  fword  your  banifh'd  hands  5 
Swear  by  the  duty  that  you  owe  to  heaven, 
*  (Our  part  therein  we  banifh  with  yourfelves) 
To  keep  the  oath  that  we  adminifter.— 
You  never  (hall,  fo  help  you  truth  and  heaven ! 
Embrace  each  other's  love  in  baniftiment  ^ 
Nor  ever  look  upon  each  other's  face ; 
Nor  ever  write,  regreet,  or  reconcile 
This  lowering  tempeft  of  your  home-bred  hate  9 
Nor  ever  by  advifed  purpofe  meet. 
To  plot,  contrive,  or  complot  any  ill, 
'Gainfl:  us,  our  ftate,  our  fubje£ls>  or  our  land* 

Baling.  I  fwear. 

Mowb.  And  I,  to  keep  all  tliis^ 

Boling.  3  Norfolk — fo  far,  as  to  mine  enemy— • 
By  this  time,  had  the  king  permitted  us. 
One  of  our  fouls  had  wandered  in  the  air, 
Banifli'd  this  frail  fepulchre  of  our  flelh. 
As  now  our  flefh  is  banifti'd  from  this  landi 
Confefs  thy  treafons,  ere  thou  fly  this  realm  ; 

*  {Our  part ^  &c.]  It  is  a  queftion  much  debated  amongfi  tlie 
writers  of  the  law  of  nations,  whether  a  baniih'd  man  may  be 
ilill  tied  in  allegiance  to  the  (late  which  fent  him  into  enle» 
Tully  and  lord  chancellor  Cfareadon  declare  for  the  affirmative : 
Hobbs  and  PufFendorf  hold  the  negative.  Our  author^,  by  thit 
line,  fecms  to  be  of  the  fame  opinion.    Warbvkton. 

'  Norfolk— fo  far  ^  &c.]  I  do  not  dearly  fee  what  is  the  fenie 
of  this  abrupt  line ;  but  iuppofe  the  meaning  to  be  this.  Here- 
ford immediately  after  his  oath  of  perpetual  enmfty  addrefles 
Norfolk,  and,  fearing  fomc  mifconftrudlion,  turns  to  the  king 
and  fays — fofar  as  to  mint  tntmy^^^x  is,  IJhouldfay  nothing  f 
him  but  fufbat  enemies  may  fay  to  each  other. 

Reviewing  this  paflage,  I  rather  think  it  ihould  be  underftood 
thus.  Norfolk^  fofar  I  have  addrelTed  myfelf  to  thee  ms  to  mlna 
tnemy^  I  now  utter  my  laft  words  with  kindiiefs  and  tendemefs^ 
GM/efs  thy  tnafons.    Johnson, 

f 

Since 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      13$ 

Since  thou  haft  far  to  go,  bear  not  along 
The  clogging  burthen  of  a  guilty  foul* 

Mowt.  No,  Bolingbroke;  if  ever  I  were  traitor. 
My  name  be  blotted  from  the  book  of  life, 
And  I  from  heaven  banifh'd  as  from  hence ! 
But  what  thou  art,  heaven,  thou  and  I  do  know; 
And,  all  too  foon,  I  fear,  the  king  fhall  rue. — 
Farewell,  my  liege.     Now  no  way  can  I  ftray ; 
Save  back  to  England,  all  the  world's  my  way  ♦.  [R\'if. 

K.  Rick  Uncle,  even  in  the  glafles  of  thine  eyes 
I  fee  thy  grieved  heart :  thy  fad  afpeft 
Hadi  from  the  number  of  his  banifh'd  years 
Pluck'd  four  away. — Six  frozen  winters  fpent,  [ToBoL 
Return  with  welcome  home  from  banifhment 

Boling.  How  long  a  time  lies  in  one  little  word  ! 
Four  l^ging  winters,  and  four  wanton  fprings. 
End  in  a  word  -,  fuch  is  the  breath  of  kings. 

Gaunt.  I  thank  my  liege,  that,  in  regard  of  me. 
He  fliortens  four  years  ot  my  fon's  exile : 
But  litde  vantage  Ihall  I  reap  thereby ; 
Foreit  the  fix  yean,  that  he  hath  to  fpend. 
Can  change  their  moons,  and  bring  their  times  about, 
M7  oil-dry'd  lamp,  and  time-bewafted  light. 
Shall  be  extin£t  with  age,  and  endlefs  night : 
My  inch  of  taper  will  be  burnt  and  done ; 
Andjblindfold  death  not  let  me  fee  my  fon. 

K.  Rich.  Why,  uncle  ?  thou  haft  many  years  to  \\v% 

Geimi.  But  not  a  minute,  king,  that  thou  canft  give : 
Shorten  piy  days  thou  canft  with  fullcn  forrow. 
And  plucfk  qights  from  me,  but  not  lend  a  morrow  ^. 

^  * miithi  world* smp  wMyJ]  Perhaps  Milton  had  this  in 

Us  mind  when  he  wrote  thefe  lines, 

The  tvorld  nuas  all  hifore  ibem^  i»heri  to  chufe 
Their  plact  of  reft  y  and  Providence  their  guide, 

Johnson. 

•*  Jmd  fluck  nights  from  me^  but  not  lend  a  morroiv,'\  It  is  mat- 
ter of  very  melancholy  confideration,  that  all  human  advan- 
\  cpniei-  more  power  of  doing  evil  th^n  good.     Johnson. 

I  %  Thou 


134      KING    RICHARD    II. 

Thou  canft  help  time  to  furrow  me  with  age. 
But  ftop  no  wrinkle  in  his  pilgrimage ; 
Thy  word  is  current  with  him,  for  my  ckath ; 
But,  cletid,  thy  kingdom  cannot  buy  my  breath. 

K.  Rich,  Thy  fon  is  banifh'd  upon  good  advice. 
Whereto  thy  tongue  a  party-verdift  gave ; 
Why  at  our  juftJtc  feem*ft  thou  then  to  lour  ? 

Gaunt.  Things,  fweet  to  tafte,  prove  in  digefldoa 
four. 
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  Itranger,  not  my  child, 
To  fmooth  his  fault  I  would  have  been  more  mild  : 
Alas,  I  look'd,  when  fome  of  you  ftiould  fay, 
I  was  too  ftridc  to  make  mine  own  away  : 
But  you  gave  leave  to  my  unwilling  tongue, 
Againft  my  will,  to  do  myfelf  this  wrong. 
A  partial  flander  ^  fought  I  to  avoid, 
And  in  the  fentence  my  own  life  deftroy'd. 

K.  Rich.  Coufin,  farewell ;  and,  uncle,  bid  him  fo: 
Six  years  we  banifh  him,  and  he  fhall  go.      [Flourijb, 

[Exit. 

Aum.  Coufin,  farewell :   what  prefencc  mull  not 
know. 
From  where  you  do  remain,  let  paper  fliow. 

Mar.  My  lord,  no  leave  take  I ;  for  I  will  ride 
As  far  as  land  will  let  me  by  your  fide. 

Gaunt.  Oh,  to  what  purpole  doft  thou  hoard  thy 
words. 
That  thou  return'ft  no  greeting  to  thy  friends  ? 

Bcling.  I  have  too  few  to  take  my  leave  of  you. 
When  me  tongue's  office  (hould  be  prodigal. 
To  breathe  the  abundant  dolour  of  the  heart. 

Gaunt.  Thy  grief  is  but  thy  abfence  for  a  time. 

Boling.  Joy  abfent,  grief  is  pijefcnt  for  that  time, 

•  J  partial  flander — ]  That  is,  th«  reproach  of  parlialtty^ 
This  is  a  juft  piAure  of  tljc  ftrugglc  between  principle  and  af- 
feftion.    Johnson* 

Gaunt^ 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      135 

Caunt.  What  is  fix  winters  ?  they  are  quickly  gone, 

BcUng.  To  men  in  joy ;  byt  grief  makes  one  hour 
ten. 

Gaunf.  Call  it  a  travel,  that  thou  tak'ft'for  pleafure. 

BoUng.  My  heart  will  figh,  when  I  mifcall  it  fo. 
Which  finds  it  an  enforced  pilgrimage. 

Gaunt.  The  fullen  paffage  of  thy  weary  fteps 
Efteem  a  foil,  wherein  thou  art  to  fet 
The  precious  jewel  of  thy  home-retura, 

[^  BoUng.  Nay,  rather,  every  tedious  ftride  I  make 
Will  but  remember  me,  what  a  deal  of  world 
I  wander  from  the  jewels  that  I  love. 
Muft  I. not  fervc  a  long  apprentice-hood. 
To  foreign  paflagcs  \  and  in  the  end 
Having  my  freedom,  boaftof  nothing  elfe 
But  that  I  was  a  journeyman  to  grief  ^  ? 

Gaunt.  9  All  places  that  the  eye  of  heaven  vifits. 
Are  to  a  wife  man  ports  and  happy  havens. 

'  Boling.  Niajt  rather,  every  tedious  flri^le  I  make]  This,  and 
the  fix  verfes  which  follow^  I  have  ventured  to  fupply  from  the 
old  quarto.  The  allufion,  it  is  trac,  to  an  apprenticejhip^  and 
becoming  ^journeyman,  is  not  in  the  Aiblimc  taftc;  nor,  a« 
Horace  has  expreifed  \\.,fpirat  tragicnmfatis  :  liowcvcr,  as  there 
is  no  doabt  of  the  paiTage  being  genuine,  the  lines  are  not  fo 
defpicable  as  to  deferve  being  quite  loH.     Theobald. 

*  journeyman  to  grief?]  I  am  afraid  our  author  in  thii 
place  defigned  a  very  poor  quibble,  2is  journey  fi^rnifies  both  tra-- 
veisakdzi^ay'tiu^ri.  However,  he  is  not  to  be  ccnfured  for 
what  he  himfelf  rejedled.     Johnson. 

Thequano,  in  which  thefe  lines  are  found,  is  faid  in  its  title- 
page  to  have  been  corredled  by  the  author  ;  and  the  play  is  in-r 
deed  more  accurately  printed  than  moft  of  the  other  fxngle 
copies.  There  is  now  however  no  method  of  knowing  by  whom 
the  alteration  was  made.     Steevens. 

•  Jil  places  that  the  eye  of  hca*vcn  *vijttsy  &c.]  Tlie  fourteea 
verfet  that  follow  are  found  in  the  firfl  edition.     Porn, 

I  am  inclined  to  believe,  that  what  Mr.  Theobald  and  Mr. 
Pope  have  reftored  were  expunged  in  the  revifion  by  the  author : 
if  the  lines  inclofed  in  crotchets  are  omitied,  the  fcnfe  is  more 
coherent.  Nothine  is  more  Sequent  among  dramatic  writers^ 
dun  to  ihorten  their  dialogues  for  the  llage.    Johnson. 

I  4  Teach 


136      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

Teach  thy  neceflity  to  reafon  thus  :— 

There  is  no  virtue  like  neceflity. 

Think  not,  the  king  did  banilh  thee ; 

But  thou  tlie  king*     Woe  doth  the  heavier  fit. 

Where  it  perceives  it  is  but  faintly  borne. 

Go  fay,  I  fcnt  thee  forth  to  purchafe  honour. 

And  not,  the  king  exil'd  thee : — or  fuppofe. 

Devouring  peftilence  hangs  in  our  air, 

And  thou  art  flying  to  a  freflier  clime. 

Look,  what  thy  foul  holds  dear,  imagine  it 

To  lie  that  way  thou  go'ft:,  not  whence  thou  com'ft. 

Suppofe  the  finging  birds,  muficians ; 

The  grafs  whereon  thou  tread'fl:,  the  prefence  ftrow'd ; 

The  flowers,  fair  ladies  •,  and  thy  fl:eps,  no  more 

Than  a  delightful  meafure,  or  a  dance  : 

For  gnarling  forrow  hath  lefs  power  to  bite 

The  man  that  mocks  at  it,  and  fcts  it  light.] 

BcJing,  '  Oh,  who  can  hold  a  fire  in  his  hand. 
By  thinking  on  the  frofl:y  Caucafus  ? 
Or  cloy  the  hungry  edge  of  appetite. 
By  bare  imagination  of  a  feafl:  ? 
Or  wallow  naked  in  December  fnow, 
By  thinking  on  fantafliic  fummefs  heat  ? 
Oh,  no !  the  apprehenfion  of  the  good 
Gives  but  the  greater  feeling  to  the  worfe  : 
Fell  forrow's  tooth  doth  never  rankle  more 
Than  when  it  bites,  but  lanceth  not  the  fore. 

Gaunt,  Come,  come,  my  fon,  I'll  bring  thee  on  thy 
way  : 
Had  I  thy  youth,  and  caufe,  I  would  not  flay. 

■  There  is  a  paflage  refcmbling  this  in  Tully^s  Fifth  Book  $f 

Tu/culan  ^e/iions.     Speaking  of  Epicurus,  he  fays "  Scd 

**  una  fe  dicit  recordatione  acquielcere  prsEtcritarum  volup- 
^*  tatum :  ut  fi  quis  xHuans,  cum  vim  caloris  non  facile  pa- 
«*  tiatur  recordari  velit,  fe  aliquando  in  arpinati  nollro  gelidis 
«*  fluminibus  circumfufum  fuirtc.  Non  enim  video,  quomodo 
"  fedare  poflint  mala  prxfentia  prasteritae  voluptates.*'  The 
Tu/culan  ^efiionf  of 'fully  had  been  tranflated  early  enough  for 
Shakefpcarc  to  have  fcen  them.    St  e  e  v  e  n  s , 


KING    RICHARD    IL      137 

Baling.  Then,  England's  ground,  farewell;   fwect 
foil,^  adieu; 
My  mother  and  my  nurfe,  that  bears  me  yet ! 
Where-e'er  I  wander,  boaft  of  this  I  can- 
Though  banifh'd,  yet  a  true-bom  Englilhman  *. 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

The  court. 

EsUer  king  Richard^  and  Bagot^  fc?r.  at  one  door^  and 
the  lord  Aumerle  at  the  other. 

K.  Rich.  We  did  obferve. ^.Coufin  Aumerle, 

How  for  brought  you  high  Hereford  on  his  way  ? 

Aum.  I  brought  high  Hereford,  if  you  call  him  fo^ 
But  to  the  next  highway,  and  there  I  left  him. 

K.  Rich.  And,  fay,  what  ftore  of  parting  tears  were 

Ihed  ? 
yhan.  'Faith,  none  by  me :   except  the  north-eaft 
wind, 
(Which  then  blew  bitterly  againft  our  faces) 
Awak'd  the  fleepy  rheum  ;  and  fo  by  chance 
Did  grace  our  hollow  parting  with  a  tear. 

Jf.  Rich.  What  faid  our  coufm  when  you  parted 

with  him  ? 
Aum.  Farewell. 
And,  for  my  heart  difdained  that  my  tongue 
Should  fo  prophane  the  word,  that  taught  me  craft 
To  counterfeit  oppreffion  of  fuch  grief. 
That  words  fcem  buried  in  my  forrow's  grave. 

* jet  a  true-torn  Englijhman,']  Here  the  firft  aft  ought 

to  end,  that  between  the  iirfl  and  fecond  adls  there  may  be  time 
for  John  of  Gaunt  to  accompany  his  Ton,  return,  and  fall  fick. 
7*hen  the  firft  fcene  of  the  fecond  a^  begins  with  a  natural  con- 
▼erfatioDy  interrupted  by  a  meflage  from  John  of  Gaunt,  by 
which  the  king  is  called  to  viiit  him,  which  vifit  is  paid  in  the 
following  fcene.  As  the  play  is  now  divided,  more  time  pafles 
between  the  two  laft  fcenes  of  the  firft- aft,  than  between  the  firft 
^  and  the  fecond.    Johnson. 

Marry, 


Ij8      K  I  N  &    R  I  C  HA  R  D    IT. 

Many,  would  the  word  farewellhayc  lengthened  hours. 
And  added  years  to  his  Ihort  banifhment. 
He  ftiould  have  had  a  volume  of  farewells  ; 
But,  fmce  it  would  not,  he  had  none  of  me. 

K.  Rich.  He  is  our  coufin,  coufin ;  but  *tis  doubt^ 
When  time  fhall  call  him  hom.e  from  banilhment. 
Whether  our  kinfman  come  to  fee  his  friends. 
Ourfclf,  and  Bufliy,  Bagot  here,  and  Green, 
Obferv'd  his  courtlhip  to  the  common  people :— • 
How  he  did  feem  to  dive  into  their  hearts. 
With  humble  and  familiar  courtely  : 
What  reverence  he  did  throw  away  on  flaves ; 
Wooing  poor  craftfmen  with  the  craft  of  fmiles. 
And  patient  under-bearing  of  his  fortune. 
As  'twere,  to  banilh  their  afFefts  with  him. 
Off  goes  his  bonnet  to  an  oyfter-wench ; 
A  brace  of  dray-men  bid,  God  fpeed  himwell. 
And  had  the  tribute  of  his  fupple  knee. 
With — ^I'anksy  my  countrymetiy  rny  loving  friends  ^-^ 
As  were  our  England  in  reverfion  his. 
And  he  our  fubjefts'  next  degree  in  hope. 

Green.  Well,  he  is  gone,  and  with  him  go  thdc 

thoughts. 

Now  for  the  rebels,  which  ftand  out  in  Ireland- 
Expedient  manage  muft  be  made,  my  liege  \ 
Ere  further  leifure  yield  them  further  means 
For  their  advantage,  and  your  highnefs'  lofs. 

K.  Rich.  We  will  ourfelf  in  perfon  to  this  war. 
And,  for  our  coffers  with  too  great  a  court. 
And  liberal  largefs,  are  grown  fomewhat  light,. 
We  are  enforced  to  farm  our  royal  realm  •, 
The  revenue  whereof  fhall  furnifh  us 
For  our  affairs  in  hand :  if  that  come  Ihort, 
Our  fubflitutes  at  home  fhall  have  blank  charters  ^ 
Whereto,  when  they  fhall  know  what  men  are  rich. 
They  fhall  fubfcribc  them  for  lai^  fums  of  gold. 
And  fend  them  after  to  fupply  our  wants  -, 
For  we  will  make  for  Ireland  prefcntly. 

Enttr 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      139 

Enter  Bujhy. 

K.  Rich.  Bufliy,  what  news  ? 

Bs^.  Old  John  of  Gaunt  is  grievous  fick,  my  lord. 
Suddenly  taken ;  and  hath  fent  poft-hafte 
To  intreat  your  majefty  to  vifit  him, 

K.  Rich.  Where  lies  he? 

Bufby.  AtEly-houfe. 

K.Kicb.  Now  put  it,  heaven,   in  his  phyfician's 
mind. 
To  help  him  to  his  grave  immediately ! 
The  lining  of  his  cofiers  fhaU  make  coats 
To  deck  our  foldiers  for  thefe  Irifh  wars.— 
Conie,  gendemen,  let's  all  go  vifit  him : 
Pray  heaven,  we  may  make  hade,  and  come  too  late  I 

[ExmnL 


ACT    II.      SCENE    L 

London. 

A  room  in  Ely-boufe. 

Gaunt  hrougbt  in^  fuk  j  with  the  duke  of  York. 

Gaunt. 

TT  71 LL  the  king  come  ?  that  I  may  breathe  my 

In  wholefome  counfel  to  his  unftay*d  youth. 
Yark.  Vex  not  yourfelf,  nor  ftrivc  not  with  your 
breath  ; 
For  all  in  vain  comes  counfel  to  his  ear. 
.  Gaunt.  Oh,  but,  they  fay,  the  tongues  of  dying  men 
Info^ce  attention,  like  deep  harmony  : 
Where  words  are  fcarce,  they  are  feldom  fpent  in  vain  \ 
For  they  breathe  truth,  that  breathe  their  words  inpain* 

He, 


14©      KING    RICHARD    IL 

He,  that  no  more  muft  fay,  is  liften*d  more. 

Than  they,  whom  youth  and  cafe  have  taught  to 
glofe. 
More  are  men's  ends  mark'd,  than  their  lives  before; 

Th^  fetting  fun,  and  mufic  at  the  clofe^ 
As  the  laft  tafte  of  fweets,  is  fweeteft  laft ; 
Writ  in  remembrance,  more  than  things  long  paft. 
Though  Richard  my  life's  counfel  would  not  bear^ 
My  death's  fad  tale  may  yet  undeaf  his  ear. 

Tork.  No ;  it  is  ftopt  with  other  flattering  charmSy 
As  praifes  of  his  ftate  :  then  there  are  found 
Lafcivious  meeters,  to  whofe  venom'd  found 
The  open  ear  of  youth  doth  always  liften  : 
Report  of  falhions  in  proud  Italy  * ; 
Whofe  manners  ftiU  our  tardy,  apilh  nation 
Limps  after,  in  bafe  imitation. 
Where  doth  the  world  thruft  forth  a  vanity 
(So  it  be  new  there's  no  refpedt  how  vile) 
That  is  not  quickly  buzz'd  into  his  ears  ? 
Then  all  too  late  comes  counfel  to  be  heard. 
Where  will  doth  mutiny  with  wit's  regard  ^. 
Diredt  not  him,  whofe  way  himfelf  will  chufe* ; 
*Tis  breath  thou  lack'ft,  and  that  breath  wilt  thou  lofe. 

Gaunt.  Methinks,  I  am  a  prophet  new-infpir'd  ; 
And,  thus  expiring,  do  foretell  of  him  :-*- 
His  5  rafli,  fierce  blaze  of  riot  cannot  laft  j 
For  violent  fires  foon  burn  out  themfclves. 
Small  fhowers  laft  long,  but  fudden  ftorms  arc  Ihorti 

*  Report  offajhions  in  froui  Italy  ;]  Our  author,  who  gives 
to  all  nations  the  culloms  of  England,  and  to  all  ages  the  man- 
ners of  his  own,  has  charged  the  times  of  Richard  with  a  folly 
not  perhaps  known  then,  but  very  frequent  in  Shakefpcarc's 
time,  and  much  lamented  by  the  wifclt  and  beft  of  our  an- 
ceftors.    Johnson. 

^  Where  "mUI ticth  tnutifty  ivith  nvit^s  regani,]  Where  the  will 
rebels  againft  the  notices  of  the  underftanding.     Johnson, 

♦  wuhofenvay  him/elf  ^vill  ehu/ei\  Do  not  attempt  to 

guide  him  'who,  whatever  thou  fhalt  fay,  will  take  his  o^^vn  cour/e. 

Johnson. 
^  *—  rajh  — ]  That  is,  hafy,  'violent,     Johnson. 

He 


K  1  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.       141 

He  dres  betimes  that  fpurs  too  faft  betimes ; 
With  eager  feeding,  food  doth  choak  the  feeder* 
Light  vanity,  infatiate  cormorant, 
Cc^uming  means,  foon  preys  upon  itfelf. 
This  royal  throne  of  kings,  this  fcepter*d  ifle. 
This  earth  of  majefly,  this  feat  of  Mars, 
This  other  Eden,  demy  Paradife  ; 
This  fortrels,  built  by  nature  for  herfelf, 
Afiainft  infeftion  ^,  and  the  hand  of  war ; 
This  happy  breed  of  men,  this  little  world. 
This  precious  ftone  fet  in  the  filver-fea, 
Whicn  fervcs  it  in  the  office  of  a  wall. 
Or  as  a  moat  defenfive  to  a  houfe, 
Againft  the  envy  of  lefs  happier  lands  7; 
This  bleflcd  plot,  this  earth,  this  realm,  this  England, 
This  nurie,  this  teeming  womb  of  royal  kings, 
•  Fear*d  mv  their  breed,  and  famous  by  their  birth^ 
Renowned  for  their  deeds,  as  far  from  home 
For  Oiriftian  fervice,  and  true  chivalry, 
>  As  is  the  fS^ulchre  in  ftubborn  Jury 

•  Agmnft  infe^iii''^']  I  once  fufpeftcd  that  for  infeSfion  we. 
Slight  read  iwvafion ;  but  the  copies  all  agree,  and  I  fuppofe 
Skakefpeare  meant  to  fay,  that  illanders  are  fecurcd  by  their 
iibiation  both  from  nuar  and  pefiiltnce.     Jo  h  k  s  o  k  . 

'  — -  Ujs  happier  lat:Js ;]  So  read  all  the  editions,  except 
Haomcr'sy  which  has  U/s  happy.  I  believe  Shake fpr are,  from 
the  habit  of  faying  more  happier  according  to  the  cullom  of  his 
time,  inadvertently  writ  ie/s  happier,     Johnson. 

*  Feared  for  their  breeds  and  famous  by  their  birth,]  The  firft 
edition  in  410,  1598,  reads, 

Fiar*d  by  their  breed,  and  famous  for  their  birth. 
The  fecond  4to,  in  161$, 

Feared  by  their  breed,  and  famous  by  their  birth. 
The  firft  folio,  though  printed  from  the  fecond  quarto,  reads  a» 
thefirft.    The  particles  in  this  author  ftfcm  often  to  have  beea 
printed  by  chance.    Perhaps  the  paiTage,  which  appears  a  little 
difontercdy  may  be  regulated  thus : 

'  ■  royal  kings. 

Fear*  d for  their  breed,  and  famous  for  their  birth% 

For  Chriflian  fervice,  and  true  chivalry  ; 

Remo*wnedfor  their  deeds  as  far  from  homi 

At  ii  tbefepulcbr4.     J  0  u  n  :>  0  n  • 

Of 


142      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

Of  the  world's  ranfom,  blefled  Mary's  fon ; 
This  land  of  fuch  dear  fouls,  this  dear  dear  land^ 
Dear  for  her  reputation  through  the  world. 
Is  now  Icas'd  out  (I  die,  pronouncing  it) 
Like  to  a  tenement,  or  peltuig  farm. 
England,  bound  in  with  the  triumphant  fea, 
Whofe  rocky  fhore  beats  back  the  envious  fiege 
Of  watry  Neptune,  is  now  bound  in  with  fliame. 
With  inky  blots,  and  rotten  parchment-bonds : 
That  England,  diat  was  wont  to  conquer  others. 
Hath  made  a  fhameful  conqueft  of  itl'elf. 
Ah  !  would  the  fcandal  vanilh  with  my  life. 
How  happy  then  were  my  enfuing  death  ! 

Enter  king  Richard^  queen^   Aumerkj  Bujhy^  Green^ 
Bagoty  RofSj  and  WtUougbby. 

Tork.  The  king  is  come :  deal  mildly  with  Ms  youth  j 
For  young  hot  colts,  being  rag*d,  do  rage  the  more. 

^een.  How  fares  our  noble  uncle,  Lancafter  ? 

King.  Rich.  What  comfort,  man  ?    How  is*t  with 
aged  Gaunt  ? 

Gaunt.  Oh,  how  tliat  name  befits  my  compofidon ! 
Old  Gaunt,  indeed  •,  and  gaunt  in  being  old  : 
Within  me  grief  hath  kept  a  tedious  iSftj 
And  who  abftains  from  meat,  that  is  not  gaunt  ? 
For  fleeping  England  long  time  have  I  watch'd; 
Watching  breeds  leannefs,  leanncfs  is  all  gaunt : 
The  pfcauire,  that  fome  fathers  feed  upon. 
Is  my  drift  fall ;  I  mean,  my  childrcns  looks ; 
And,  therein  fading,  thou  haft  made  me  gaunt : 
Gaunt  am  I  for  the  grave,  gaunt  as  a  grave, 
Whofe  hollow  womb  inherits  nought  but  bones. 

K.  Rich.  Can  fick  men  play  fo  nicely  with  their 
names  ? 

Gaunt.  No,  mifery  makes  fport  to  mock  itfelf : 
Since  thou  dofl  feck  to  kill  my  name  in  me, 
I  mock  my  name,  great  king,  to  flatter  thee. 

K.  Rich.  Should  dying  men  flatterwith  thofethatlivef 

Gaunt.  Oh,  no^  men  living  flatter  thofe  that  die. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      143 

K.  Rich.  Thou,  now  a  dying,  fay'ft,  thou  flatter'ft 

me. 
Gaunt.  Oh !  no,  thoy  dy'ft,  though  I  the  ficker  be. 
K.  Rich.  I  am  in  health,  I  breathe,  I  fee  thee  ill. 
Gaunt.  Now,  he  that  made  me  knows,  I  fee  thee  ill; 

111  in  myfelf,  and  in  thee,  feeing  ill. 

Thy  death-bed  is  no  lefler  than  thy  land. 

Wherein  thou  lieft  in  reputation  fick ; 

And  thou,  too  carelefs  patient  as  tliou  art^ 

Giv^ft  thy  anointed  body  to  the  cure 

Of  thofe  phyficiaob  that  firft  wounded  thee. 
Athouland  flatterers  fit  within  thy  crown, 
Whofc  compals  is  no  bigger  than  thy  head  1 
And  yet,  incaged  in  fo  Imall  a  verge. 

Thy  wafte  Is  no  whit  lefler  than  thy  land. 
Oh,  had  thy  grandfire,  with  a  prophet's  eye. 
Seen  how  his  fon's  fon  fliould  deftroy  his  fons. 
From  forth  thy  reach  he  would  have  laid  thy  ftiamcj 
Dqwfing  thee  before  thou  wert  poflefsM, 
Who  art  poflcfs'd  now,  to  depofe  thyfelf. 
Why,  coufin,  wert  thou  regent  of  the  world. 
It  were  a  fliame  to  let  this  land  by  leafe : 
But,  for  thy  world,  enjoying  but  this  land. 
Is  it  not  more  than  fliame,  to  fliame  it  fo  ? 
Landlord  of  England  art  thou  now,  not  king  : 
'  Thy  flate  of  law  is  bond-flave  to  the  law  j 

And 

K.  Rich. 

'  •  Thyftate  rflaw  is  hond-Jlave  to  the  lanu  ;]  State  efianu^  i.  c. 
^tdfen/reignty.  But  the  Oxford  editor  alters  it  xx>  Jlate  e'er 
w,  i.c.  akfilutefo^^reignty.  A  dodlrine,  which,  if  oyrpoct 
ever  learnt  at  all,  he  learnt  not  in  the  reign  when  this  play  was 
written,  queen  Elizabeth's,  but  in  the  reign  after  it,  king 
James's.  By  hond-Jla*ve  to  the  la<-M^  the  post  means  Lis  being  in- 
flavcd  to  his  favorite fubjefls.     WarburTon. 

This  fentiment,  whatever  it  be,  is  obfcurely  expreflcd.  I 
uideriland  it  differently  from  the  learned  commentator,  being 
perhaps  not  quite  io  zealous  for  Shakefpeare's  politicfil  reputa- 
tion. The  reafoning  of  Gaunt,  I  think,  is  this :  By  fetting 
fl^ry^&iw  to  faxm  thnt  haft  reduced  thyfelf  to  a  ft  ate  helowfi-^ 

9/ereignty, 


144      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

K.  Rich.  —  Thou,  a  lunatic  lean-witted  foolp 
^  Prefuming  on  an  ague's  privilege, 
Dar^ft  wim  a  frozen  admonition 
Make  pale  our  cheek;  chafing  the  royal  blood 
With  fury  from  his  native  refidence. 
Now  by  my  feat's  right-royal  majefty, 
Wert  thou  not  brother  to  great  £dward's  fon. 
This  tongue,  that  runs  fo  roundly  in  thy  head. 
Should  run  thy  head  from  thy  unreverend  fhoulders. 

Gaunl.  Oh,  fpare  me  not,  my  brother  Edward's  fon. 
For  that  I  was  his  father  Edward's  fon. 
That  blood  already,  like  the  pelican> 
Haft  thou  tap'd  out,  and  drunkenly  carows'd- 
My  brother  Glofter,  plain  well-meaning  foul 
(Whom  fair  befal  in  heaven  'mongft  happy  fouls  \\ 
May  be  a  precedent  and  witnefs  good. 
That  thou  refpeft'ft  not  fpilling  Edward's  blood. 
Join  with  the  prefent  ficknefs  that  I  have  ^ 
'  And  thy  unkindnefs  be  like  crooked  age. 
To  crop  at  once  a  too-long  wither'd  flower. 

Live 

vireigniy,  thou  art  now  no  longer  king  but  landlord  of  England, 
JuhjeS  to  the  fame  reftraint  and  limitations  as  other  landlords  ;  by 
making  thy  condition  a  ilate  of  law,  a  condition  upon  tvhicb  the 
common  rules  of  la'w  can  operate^  thou  art  become  a  bond-flave 
to  the  law  ;  thou  haft  made  thyfelf  amenable  to  Unusfrom  ivhicb 
thou  tvert  originally  exempt. 

Whether  this  interpretation  be  true  or  no,  it  is  plain  that 
Dr.  Warburton's  explanation  of  bond-flave  to  the  law,  is  not 
true.    Johnson. 

*  ^nd  thy  unkindnefs  be  like  crooked  age^ 
^  To  crop  at  once  a  too-long  nuither^d  flower  J]  Thus  ftand  thefe> 
lines  in  all  the  copies,  but  I  think  there  is  an  error.  Why  (hould 
Gaunt,  already  old^  call  on  any  thing  like  age  to  end  him  ? 
How  can  age  be  faid  to  crop  at  once  ?  How  is  the  idea  of  cmok- 
edncfs  connected  with  that  of  cropping  ?  I  fuppofe  the  poet 
dilated  thus : 

And  thy  unkindnefs  be  time'j  crooked  edge 
To  crop  at  once 
That  is,  let  thy  unkindnefs  be  time's  fcythe  to  crop. 

Ed^e  was  eafily  confounded  by  the  ear  with  age,  and  onf 
miAkKe  once  admitted  made  wa^  for  another.    Johnson. 

\  ShakeipcM« 


it  I  N  6    R  I  C  k  A  R  D    II.      145 

Live  in  thy  fhame,  but  die  not  fhame  with  thee ! 
Thcfc  words  hereafter  thy  tormentors  be  !-^— 
Convey  me  to  my  bed,  then  to  my  grave  r-^— 
•  Love  they  to  live,  that  love  and  honour  have. 

[Exity  borne  out. 
K.Ricb.  And  let  them  die,  that  age  and  fullens  have; 
For  both  haft  thou,  and  both  become  the  grave. 

Tork.  I  (Jo  befeech  your  majefty,  impute 
His  words  to  wayward  ficklinefs  and  age  : 
He  loves  you,  on  my  life,  and  holds  you  dear 
As  Harry  duke  of  Hereford,  were  he  here. 
K.  Rich.  Right,  you  fay  true :  as  Hereford's  Ibvc^ 
fo  his; 
As  theirs,  fo  mine ;  and  all  be,  as  it  is^ 

Enttr  Northumberland. 

Nmbi  My  lieg^,  old  Gaunt  commends  him  to 
your  majefty* 

K.Rub.  What  fays  he? 

Nmk  Nayi  nothing ;  all  is  faid. 
Msttmgue  is  now  a  ftnnglefs  inftrumeht. 
Words,  life,  and  all,  old  Lancafter  hath  fpent. 

Tork.  Be  York  the  next,  that  niuft  be  bankrupt  fo ! 
Though  death  be  poor,  it  ends  a  mortal  woe. 

LRicb.  The  ripeft  fruit  firft  falls,  and  fo  doth  he  5 
His  time  is  ipent^  our  pilgrimage  muft  be : 

So  much  for  that. ^Now  for  our  Irifh  wars  1 

We  muft  iuppiant  thofe  rough  rug-headed  kerns. 
Which  live  like  venom,  where  no  venom  elfe  ^, 
But  only  they,  hath  privilege  to  live. 
And,  for  thefe  great  affairs  do  a(k  feme  charge^ 
Towards  our  afliftance,  we  do  feize  to  us, 

SHakefpcare,  t  believe,  took  this  idea  from  the  figure  of  Time^ 
%bo  ii  armed  with  a  fcythe,  which  (from  its  form)  was  auciently 
called  a  av«i.    Crooked  may  mean  armed  wi th  a  crook,     S t  b  e  v . 

*  Leve  tbiy       * ]  That  is,  let  them  loue.     Johnson. 

*  '"—^'wbire  no  n/enom  el/kf]  This  alludes  to  the  tradition  that 
St.  Patrick  freed  the  kingdom  of  Ireland  from  venomous  reptile» 
Af  ercry  kind*     Stbbvbns'. 

You  V.  K  The 


,.  ;-    i;  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

v't^niics,  and  moveables, 
.^,.,*  Jaunt  did  ftand  pofleiVd. 
.    ,   .-.-^  liull  I  be  patient  ?  Oh,  how  lor^ 
.*.  rn.ilvc  me  lutter  wrong  ? 
> .  :,:::i,  not  Hereford's  banifhment, 
.  -  ^  •-.  >iikes,  nor  England's  private  wrongs, 
:,  .vvNCiuion  of  poor  Bolingbroke, 
,     .  ^  s  :n.irii.»ge,  nor  ir.y  own  difgrace, 
....  :i-  :Made  me  four  my  patient  clieek, 
,  -   \-,i  one  wrinkle  on  my  fovereign's  face.— 

.  \}  :^e  bit  oi  noble  Edward's  fons, 
^^  ^\h.^LntJ\y  fath.*:\  prince  of  Wales,  wasfirftj 
\'\  \\.v\  W.IS  ivver  li>?a  ragM  more  fierce, 
I }  \\\i<\\  \\ a<  nc\  cr  gentle  iamb  more  mild, 
l:;.'.!)  w,\s  that  young  and  princely  gentleman: 
I  r.N  t'.ue  tliou  h;ilV,  for  even  fo  looked  he, 
AkWMnpUlhM  with  the  number  of  thy  hours ; 
\W.i  when  he  frown'd,  it  was  againft  the  French, 
V:ul  not  againft  his  friends  :  his  noble  hand 
{\A  win  what  he  did  fpend,  and  fpent  not  that 
\\  hieh  his  triumphant  father's  hand  had  won. 
( lis  hands  were  guilty  of  no  kindred's  blood, 
W\i  bloody  v/ith  the  enemies  of  his  kin. 
I  >!i,  Richard !  York  is  too  far  gone  with  grief^ 
l\-  clfe  he  never  would  compare  between. 
A'.  Rid\  Why,  uncle,  what's  the  matter  ? 
2  'ork.  O  m.y  liege. 
Pardon  me,  if  you  pleafe ;  if  not,  I,  pleas'd 
jN<;L  to  be  pardon'd,  am  content  withal. 
Seek  you  to  feize,  and  gripe  into  your  hands, 
The  royalties  and  rights  of  banifhM  Hereford? 
Is  not  Gaunt  dead  ?  and  doth  not  Hereford  live  ? 
Was  not  Gaunt  juft,  and  is  not  Harry  true  ? 

♦  A'jr  tie  prfvcntion  of  poor  Bolingtrokcy 

Ahut  his  marriage,  &c.]  When  the  duke  of  Hereford,  after 
his  banifhment,  went  into  France,  he  was  honourably  enter- 
tained at  that  c'>urt,  and  would  have  obtained  in  roarria^  the 
only  daughter  of  the  duke  of  Berry,  uncle  to  the  French  iungy 
had  not  Richard  prevented  the  match,    St ss yens. 

Did 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      i\t 
'Did  not  the  one  deferve  to  have  an  heir  ? 
k  not  his  heir  a  well-defcrving  fon  ? 
Take  Hereford's  right  away,  and  take  from  time 
His  charters,  and  his  cuftomary  rights ; 
Let  not  to-morrow  then  enfue  to-day  ; 
Be  not  thyfelf ;  for  how  art  thou  a  king. 
But  by  fair  Jequence  and  fucceflion  ? 
Now,  afore  God  (God  forbid  I  fay  true !) 
If  you  do  wrongfully  fcize  Hereford's  rights. 
Call  in  his  letters  patents  that  he  hkth 
By  his  attornies-general  to  fue 
His  livery,  and  ^  deny  his  offered  homage. 
You  pluck  a  thoufand  dangers  on  your  head ; 
You  lofe  a  thoufand  well-difpofed  hearts  ; 
And  prick  my  tender  patience  to  thofe  tlioughts, 
Which  honour  and  allegiance  cannot  think.    . 

LRicb.  Think  what  you  willj  we  fcize  into  our 
hands 
His  plate,  his  goods,  his  money,  and  his  lands, 

Tork  1*11  not  be  by  the  while :  my  liege,  farewell : 
What  will  enfue  hereof,  there's  none  can  tell  \ 
But  by  bad  courfes  may  be  underftood. 
That  their  events  can  never  fall  out  good.  [Exit, 

K.  Rich.  Go,  Bufhy,  to  the  earl  of  Wiltfhire  ftraight. 
Bid  him  repair  to  us  to  Ely-houfc, 
To  fee  this  bufinefs.     To-morrow  next 
We  will  for  Ireland  ;  and  'tis  time,  I  trow ; 
And  we  create,  in'abfence  of  ourfelf. 
Our  uncle  York  lord-governor  of  England, 
For  he  isjuft,  and  always  lov'd  us  well. — 
Come  on,  our  queen :  to-morrow  muft  we  part ; 
Be  merry,  for  our  time  of  ftay  is  fhort.  [Flourijh. 

[Exeunt  king^  qtteen^  &c. 

North.  Well,  lords,  the  duke  of  Lancafter  is  dead. 

Rofs.  And  living  too ;  for  now  his  fon  is  duke. 

*  deftf  his  fifir'dhomage^'\  That  is,  rcfufe  to  admit  the 

Umagt^  by  which  he  is  to  hold  liis  lands.     Jounson. 

K  a  miiu 


i4S      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II- 

IVillo.  Barely  in  title,  not  in  revenue. 
North.  Richly  in  both,  if  juftice  had  her  right. 
Rofs.  My  heart  is  great;  but  it  muft  break  witlr 
filcncc, 
Ere't  be  difburden'd  with  a  liberal  tongue. 

North.  Nay,^  fpeak  thy  mind  -,  and  let  him  ne'er 
fpcak  more. 
That  fpeaks  thy  words  again  to  do  thee  harm  ! 

iVillo.  Tends,  what  thou'dft  fpeak,  to  the  duke  of 
Hereford  ? 
If  it  be  fo,  out  with  it  boldly,  man : 
Quick  is  mine  ear  to  hear  of  good  towards  him. 
Rofs.  No  good  at  all  that  I  can  do  for  him  ; 
Unlcfs  you  call  it  good  to  piiy  him. 
Bereft  and  gelded  of  his  patrimony. 

North.  Now,  afore  heaven,  'tis  fhame,  fuch  wrongs 
are  borne 
In  him  a  royal  prince,  and  many  more 
Of  noble  blood  in  this  declining  land. 
The  king  is  not  himfclf,  but  bafely  led 
V»y  flatterers  •,  and  what  they  will  inform^ 
Merely  in  hate,  *gainft  any  of  us  all. 
That  will  tlie  king  feverely  profecute 
^Gainft  us,  our  lives,  our  children,  and  our  heirs. 
Rofs.  Tlie  commons  hath  he  pill*d  with  grievous 
taxes. 
And  loft  their  hearts :  the  nobles  he  hath  fin*d 
For  ancient  quarrels,  and  quite  loft  their  hearts. 

li'^illo.  And  daily  new  exactions  are  devised ; 
As,  blanks,  benevolences,  and  I  wot  not  what : 
But  what,  o*  God's  name,  doth  become  of  this  ? 
North.  War  hath  not  wafted  it,  for  warr'd  he  hath 
not, 
But  bafeljr  yielded  upon  compromifc 
That  which  his  anceftors  atchiev'd  with  blows ; 
More  hath  he  fpent  in  peace,  than  they  in  wars. 

Rofs.  The  earl  of  Wiltfhire  hath  the  realm  in  farm. 
IVillo.  The  king's  grown  bankrupt,  like  a  broken 
man. 

Norib. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      149 

North.  Reproach  and  diflblution  hangeth  over  him, 

Rofs.  He  hath  not  money  for  thefe  Irifli  wars. 
His  hurthenous  taxations  notwithftanding. 
But  by  the  robbing  of  the  banifliM  duke. 

North.  His  noble  kinlman.    Mod  degenerate  king  I 
But,  lords,  we  hear  this  fearful  tempeft  ling, 
Yet  feek  no  (belter  to  avoid  the  ftorm  : 
We  fee  the  wind  fit  fore  upon  our  fails, 
^  And  yet  we  ftrike  not,  but  fecurcly  perifii. 

Rofs.  .We  fee  the  very  wreck  that  we  muft  fufTer  ; 
And  unavoided  is  the  danger  now, 
ForfufFering  fo  the  caufes  of  our  wreck. 

North.  Not  fo ;  even  through  the  hollow  eyes  of 
death 
I  ipy  life  peering  :  but  I  dare  not  fay. 
How  near  the  tidings  of  our  comfort  is. 

fyillo.  Nay,  let  us  ftiarc  thy  thoughts,  as  thou  doft 
ours. 

Refs.  Be  confident  to  fpeak,  Northumberland  : 
Wc  three  are  but  thyfclf ;  and,  fpeaking  fo. 
Thy  words  are  but  as  thoughts  ;  therefore  be  bold. 

North.  Thcn.thus  :  I  have  from  Port  le  Blanc,  a  bay 
In  Britainy,  receivM  intelligence, 
That  Harry  Hereford,  Reginald  lord  Cobham, 
That  late  broke  from  the  duke  of  Exeter  7, 
His  brother,  archbifliop  late  of  Canterbury, 
Sir  Thorfias  Erpingham,  Sir  John  Ramilon, 
Sir  John  Norbery,  Sir  Robert  Waterton,  and  Francis 

Cuoint, 
All  thefe  well  furnifh'd  by  the  duke  of  Bretagnc, 
With  eight  tall  (hips,  thr^e  thoufund  men  of  war, 

^  And  yet  ^we  ftrike  »(?/,  &c.]  To  J^ri.'ic  the  /ails^  is,  to  con- 
traS  them  when  there  is  too  much  wind.     Joiinson. 

'  duke  of  Exeter,]  I  fuijpecl  thut  lomc  of  ihtfc  lines  are 

tnnfpokdy  as  well  as  that  the  pc^":  i  :•?'.  matie  a  biiii^lrr  ir.  his 
enoiT.eration  of  perfons.  No  cc^  /  \\\:\t  I  have  i'c:n,  will  au- 
thorize me  to  make  an  alteration,  t!\ough,  accorJin^^  to  iroliii- 
ibcady  whom  Shakefpeare  followed  in  gre^it  meafurc,  luore  th:in 
one  is  ncceiTary.     Ste^ven:!. 

K  3  Are 


ISO      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

Are  making  hither  with  all  due  expedience, 
And  fhortlymean  to  touch  our  northern  fliore  : 
Perhaps,  they  had  ere  this  -,  but  that  they  ftay 
The  firft  departing  of  the  king  for  Ireland. 
If  then  we  Ihall  fliake  off  our  flavifli  yoke. 
Imp  out  ^  our  drooping  country's  broken  wing, 
Redeem  from  broking  pawn  the  blemifh'd  crown. 
Wipe  off  theduft  that  hides  our  fcepter's  gilt. 
And  make  high  majefty  look  like  itfelf. 
Away  with  me  in  poft  to  Ravenfpurg  : 
But  if  you  faint,  as  fearing  to  do  fo. 
Stay,  and  be  fecret,  and  myfelf  will  go. 

Rofs.  To  horfe,  to  horfe  !  urge  doubts  to  them  that 
fear. 

JVillo.  Hold  out  my  horfe,  and  I  will  firft  be  there, 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

The  court. 
Enta'  queen,  Bujhy,  and  Bagot. 

Bujhy,  Madam,  your  majefty  is  much  too  fad : 
You  promised,  wlien  you  parted  with  the  king, 
To  lay  afide  life-harming  heavinefs. 
And  entertain  a  chearful  diipofition. 

^leen.  To  pleafe  the  king,  I  did  •,  to  pleafe  myfelf, 
I  cannot  do  it ;  yet  I  know  no  caiife 
Why  I  ftiould  welcome  fucli  a  gueft  as  grief. 
Save  bidding  f;ircwcll  to  lb  fweet  a  gucft 
As  my  fweet  Richard  :  yet  again,  methinks, 

•  Imp  cut ]  As  this  cxprcffion  frequently  occurs  in  our 

author,  it  may  not  be  amifb  to  explain  the  original  meaning  of 
it.    When  the  wing- feathers  of  a  hawk  were  dropped,  or  forced 
put  by  any  accident,  it  was  ufual  to  fupply  as  many  as  were  de- 
ficient.    This  operation  was  called,  to  imp  a  /:aivL 
So  in  The  Dt^jiTs  Charter y   1607.    ' 

«*  His  plumes  only  imp  the  mufe's  wings." 

Steevenj, 

Somt 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      151 

Some  unborn  forrow,  ripe  in  fortune's  womb. 
Is  cooling  toward  me ;  and  my  inward  foul 
9  With  nothing  trembles,  at  fomethingit  grieves. 
More  than  with  parting  from  my  lord  the  king. 
Bujhy.  Each  tabftance  of  a  grief  hath  twenty  fha- 

dows. 
Which  (hew  like  grief  itfelf,  but  are  not  fo : 
For  forrow's  eye,  glazed  with  blinding  tears. 
Divides  one  thing  entire  to  many  objefts ; 
*  Like  perfoeftives,  which,  rightly  gaz'd  upon. 
Shew  nothmg  but  confufion  -,  ey'd  awry, 
Diftinguifh  rorm : — fo  your  fweet  majefty. 
Looking  awry  upon  your  lord's  departure. 
Finds  Ihapes  of  grief,  more  than  himfclf,  to  wail ;  ' 
Which,  look'd  on  as  it  is,  is  nought  but  fhadows 
Of  what  it  is  not  •,  then,  thrice  gracious  queen. 
More  than  vour  lord's  departure  weep  not  j  more's  not 

fcen : 

•  With  nothing  tnmbles^  yet  at  fomething^r/>i;^j,]  The  fol- 
lowing line  requires  that  this  fhould  be  read  juil  the  contrary 
way, 

With  ibmething  trtmbUs^  yet  at  nothing  grieves. 

Warburton. 
All  the  old  editions  read,  ^ 

*my  innjuard foul 

With  nothing  trembles  ;  at  Jomething  it  grieves. 
The  reading,  which  Dr.  Warburton  correds,  is  itfelf  an  in- 
novation.    Hfs  conjeftiires  give  indeed  a  better  fenfe  than  that 
of  any  copy,  but  copies  muff  not  be  needlclly  forfakcn. 

Johnson. 
'  Like  perfpeBivesy  nvbich,  rightly  gaz*ii  upcn^ 
Shew  nothing  hut  confujion  ;  ey'd  awry, 

Difiinguijb  form  :  ]  This  is  a  fine  fimilitude,  and  thi 

thing  meant  is  this  ;  amongd  mathematical  recreations,  there' 
IS  one  in  optics^  in  which  a  figure  is  drawn,  wherein  all  the  rules 
oi perfpedive  are  inverted :  to  that,  if  held  in  the  fame  pofition 
with  theie  pl^ures  which  are  drawn  according  to  the  rules  of 
perfteBive^  it  can  prefent  nothing  but  confufion  :  and  to  be  {^tn 
in  form^  and  under  a  regular  appearance,  it  niiuil  be  looked  up- 
on from  a  contrary  fiation ;  or,  as  Shakefpeare  fays,  eyda<wry. 

I  Warburton. 

K  4  Or 


152      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

Or  if  it  be,  'tis  with  falfe  forrow*s  eye, 
W  hich,  for  things  true,  weeps  things  imaginary, 
^i'een.  It  may  be  fo  -,  but  yet  my  inward  foul 
Perluadcs  me  it  is  otherwife.     Howe'er  it  be, 
I  cannot  but  be  fad  •,  fo  heaxy-fad, 

*  As,  thougli,  in  thinking,  on  no  thought  I  think. 
Makes  me  with  heavy  nothing  faint  and  flirink. 

Bt{jb)\  *Tis  nothing  but  conceit,  my  gracious  lady, 
i^ieoK  *Tis  nothing  lefs  :  conceit  is  ftill  derived 
From  fome  fore-father  grief ;  mine  is  not  fo  -, 
3  Tor  nothing  hath  begot  my  fomething  grief; 
Or  fomething  hath,  the  nothing  that  1  grieve : 

*  'lis  in  revcrlion  that  1  do  polfefs  ; 

But 

*  yi*;,  thctigh,  cm  fhiukir.g^  on  no  thought  I  thlnky'\  Wc  (hould 
fcacl,  (IS  though  in  thinhiny^y  th..t  is,  though  muftng  I  have  no 
dijUnct  idea  cf  ctih.m:ty.  The  invrlurit.jry  and  unaccountable 
dcprclnon  of  the  n.iini,  which  every  ore  has*  fometimc  felt,  is 
here  very  forcibly  dcfcribcd.     Johnson. 

•^  Fcr  nothing  hath  begot  my  Jcmetbing  grief ; 
Or/omethhig  hath^  the  nothing  thai  1  gru  -ue  ;]  With  thcfc  Hnos 
I  know  not  well  what  can  be  done.  The  queen's  reafoning, 
as  it  now  Hands,  is  this  :  my  trouhic  is  not  conceit^  for  conceit  is 
Jtill  deri'-jcd  frcm  fome  anieccdent  caufe,  feme  fore- fat  her  grief  \ 
but  with  me  the  Ciife  is,  that  cither  my  real  grief  hath  no  real 
cauje^  cr  feme  rc^A  caufe  has  produced  a  fancied  grief  That  is, 
niy  griff  is  net  corccitf  hecaife  it  either  ha:  net  a  caujc  tike  conceit^ 
er  It  has  a  cuufc  like  conceit.  This  can  hardly  Hand.  Let  us  try 
jigain,  and  read  thus : 

For  7:cthing  ha:k  begot  my  Jtmeihlng grief  \ 
Kot.fmeth:;/g  hath  the  not /ling  ivhich  1  grie<ve  : 
That  is  ;  my  grief  is  not  conceit  ;  eoneeit  is  an  imaginary  uneafnffi 
from  feme  poji  cccvrreiuc.  But,  on  the  contrary,  nereis  real  grief 
r*.vithout  a  real  cai'lc  \  not  a  real  caufe  ^jcith  a  fanciful  JorrczL; 
This,  I  think,  mull  be  the  meaning  5  hnrHi  at  the  be'il,  yet  bel- 
ter than  contradiction  or  abfurdity.     Johnson. 

*  'Tisin  r ever f  on  that  I  do  pof':fs\ 

But  IX.  bat  it  isy  that  is  not  y.t  kro^zvn^  ^c."]  I  am  about  to 
propofc  an  interpretation  which  muny  will  think  harfli,  and 
which  I  do  not  oner  for  certain..  To  p^fejs  a  man,  is,  in  Shakc- 
fpeare,  to  ttifortn  him  fully ^  to  make  htm  ccmprthtnd.  To  U 
fcfijled,  is,  to  he  fully  informed.  Of  thib  fcnfe  the  examples  arc 
fumerous :  ' 

?    .  /  ha'vs 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      15^ 

Put  what  it  is,  that  is  not  yet  known  -,  what 
I  cannot  name,  'tis  namelefs  woe,  I  wot. 

Enter  Green. 

Green.  Heaven  fave  your  yiajefly !  and  well  met, 
gentlemen  : — 
I  hope,  the  king  is  not  yet  fiiip*d  for  Ireland. 

^een.  Why  hopTt  thou  lo  ;  'tis  better  hope,  he  is 5 
For  his  defigns  crave  halle,  his  hafte  goc^d  hope : 
Then  wherefore  doll  thou  hopt?  he  is  not  Ihip'd  ? 

Green.  That  he,  our  hope,  ^  might  have  retired  his 
power. 
And  driven  into  defpair  an  enemy's  hope. 
Who  ftrongly  hath  fet  footing  in  this  land. 
The  banifti'd  Bolingbroke  repeals  himfelf, 
And  with  uplifted  arms  is  fafe  arriv'd 
AtRavenfpurg. 

^een.  Now  God  in  heaven  forbid  ! 

Green,  O,  madam,  'tis  too  true  :  and  what  is  worfe. 
The  lord  Northumberland,  his  young  fon  Henry, 
The  lords  of  Rofs,  Beaumond,  and  Willoughby, 
Wth  all  their  powerful  friends,  are  fled  to  him. 

Bujh)\  Why  have  you  not  proclaim'd  Northumber- 
land, 
And  all  of  that  revolted  faftion,  traitors  ? 

Green.  We  have :  whereon  the  earl  of  Worcefter 
Hatli  broke  his  ftafF,  rtfiga'd  his  ftewardfhip. 
And  all  the  houlhold  fervants  fled  with  him 
To  Bolingbroke, 

Ihofve  pofleft  him  my  mofiftc'y  can  he  hutjhcrt,    Meaf.  for  Meaf. 
He  is  pofTell  njobatjumyou  nt  7.     Mercii.  of  Venice. 
-  J  therefore  imagine  '■he  oueen  .c.ys  thus  : 

'7Vj  in  refvtrf.on — that  1  Uo  pnjfcfs. — 

The  event  is  yet  injuturity th:*  I  know  with  full  conviftion— 

pwt  ivhat  it  is  J  that  is  not  yet  kn,  :•.».  In  any  other  interpreta- 
tion (he  mo  ft  fay  that  jjje  pfi/pjjfes  what  is  not  yet  come,  which, 
diough  it  may  be  allowed  to  be  poetical  and  figurative  lan- 
^age,  is  yet,  I  think,  lefs  natur.il  than  my  explanation. 

Johnson. 
'   ■  might  ha've  retir^J  his  /tf«w^r,]  Might  have  draiun  it 

^€ck,     A  French  fenfc.     Johnson. 

§ueen. 


1^4      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

^leen.  So,  Green,  thou  art  the  midwife  of  my  woc^ 
And  Bolingbroke  ^  my  forrow's  difmal  heir. 
.  Now  hath  my  foul  brought  forth  her  prodigy  ; 
And  I,  a  gafping  ncw-delivcr'd  mother. 
Have  woe  to  woe,  forrow  to  forrow,  join'd. 

Bujhy,  Defpair  not,  qiadam. 

^,een.  Who  fhall  hinder  me  ? 
I  will  defpair,  and  be  at  enmity 
With  cozening  hope ;  he  is  a  flatterer, 
A  parafite,  a  keeper-back  of  death  ; 
Who  gently  would  difTolve  the  bands  of  life. 
Which  falfe  hope  lingers  in  extremity. 

Enter  Tork. 

Green.  Here  comes  the  duke  of  York. 

^leen.  With  figns  of  war  about  his  aged  neck ; 
Oh,  full  of  careful  bufmefs  are  his  looks  ! 
Uncle,  for  heaven's  fake,  fpeak  comfortable  words. 

Tork,  Should  I  do  fo,  I  Ihould  bely  my  thoughts  f  \ 
Comfort's  in  heaven,  and  we  are  on  the  earth. 
Where  nothing  lives,  but  crofles,  care,  and  grief. 
Your  hulband  he  is  gone  to  fave  far  off, 
Whilft  others  come  to  make  him  lofe  at  home. 
Here  am  I  left  to  underprop  this  land ; 
Who,  weak  with  age,  cannot  fupport  myfelf. 
Now  comes  the  fick  hour,  that  his  furfeit  made  j 
Now  fhall  he  try  his  friends,  that  fiatter'd  him. 

Enter  a  Servant. 

Scr.  My  lord^  your  fon  was  gone  before  \  came, 
Tork.  He  was— why,  fo! — go  ajl,  which  way  it 
will !— 

•  —  my  forrcixPs  dtfmal  hcir^  The  author  feems  to  have  ufcd 
keir  in  an  improper  fenfc,  an  heir  being  one  that  inherits  by  fuc- 
€efffo»f  is  here  put  for  one  that  fuccceds,  though  he  fuccceds  but 
in  order  of  time,  not  in  order  of  dcfcent.     Johnson. 

'  Sofrould  I  do,  1  fl^ould  kdy  n^  thoughts  ;]  This  line  is  fou»d 
in  three  of  the  quarto's,  but  is  wanting  in  the  folio.  Steevbns. 

The 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      155 

The  nobles  they  arc  fled,  the  commons  they  are  cold, 

And  will,  I  fc3Ty  revolt  on  Hereford's  fide. — 

Sirrah, 

Get  thee  to  Plaftiy  *,  to  my  fifter  Glofter ; 

Bid  her  fend  me  prefently  a  thoufand  pound  :— 

Jlold,  take  my  ring. 

Ser.  My  lord,  I  had  forgot  to  tell  your  lordfliip : 
To-day  I  came  by,  and  call'd  there ; — but  I 
Shall  grieve  you  to  report  the  reft. 
Tork.  What  is  it,  knave? 
Ser.  An  hour  before  I  came,  the  dutchefs  dy*d. 
Tork.  Heaven  for  his  mercy  !  what  a  tide  of  woes 
Comes  ruftiin^  on  this  woeful  land  at  once  ! 
I  know  not  what  to  do. — I  would  to  heaven. 
So  my  9  untruth  had  not  provok'd  him  to  it. 
The  king  had  cut  off  my  head  with  my  brother's.-^ 
What,  are  there  pofts  difpatch'd  for  Ireland  ? — 
How  fhall  we  do  for  money  for  thefe  wars  ?— 
Come,  fifter ;  coufui,  I  would  fay  i  •,  pray,  pardon 

me.— 
Go,  fellow,  get  thee  home,  provide  fome  carts, 

[To  tbefervant^ 
And  bring  away  the  armour  that  is  there.-r— 
Gentlemen,  will  you  go,  and  mufter  men  ?  If  I  know 
How  or  which  way  to  order  thefe  affairs. 
Thus  diforderly  thruft  into  my  hands, 
Never  believe  me.     Both  are  my  kinftnen  •,— 
The  one*s  my  fovereign,  whom  both  mjr  oath 
And  duty  bids  defend  ;  the  other  again 
Is  my  kinfman,  whom  the  king  hath  wrong'd  ; 

•  Get  tbie  to  Plajhyy — ]  The  lordihip  of  Plafliy  was  a  town  of 
the  dutchcfa  of  Gloftcr's  in  Eflcx.     See  Hall's  Chronicle,  p.  1 3 . 

Theobald. 

*  —  untruth'^']  That  is,  tttjlayaltyy  treachery,     Johnson. 
CoPte^Jifter ;  coufirif   I  ^ouldfay  ; — 1    1  his  is  one  of  Shake 

fpcarc's  touches  of  nature.  York  is  talking  to  the  queen  hit 
coufin,  but  the  recent  death  of  his  filler  is  uppermoft  in  his 
ffipd.    Stsiyins. 

Whom 


156      KING    RICHARD    n. 

Whom  confcience  and  my  kindred  bids  to  right. 
Well,  fomewhat  we  muft  do. — Come,  coufin,  FlI 
Diipofe  of  you. — Go,  mufter  up  your  men. 
And  meet  me  prefently  at  Berkky-caftle — 

I  ffiould  to  Pla(hy  too  ; 

But  time  will  not  permit : — all  is  uneven. 
And  every  thing  is  left  at  fix  and  feven. 

[Exeunt  Tork  and  queen. 
Buftjy.  The  wind  fits  fair  for  news  to  go  to  Ireland, 
But  none  returns.    For  us  to  levy  power. 
Proportionable  to  the  enemy. 
Is  all  impoffible. 

Green.  Befides,  our  nearnefs  to  the  king  in  love 
Is  near  the  hate  of  thofe  love  not  the  king. 

Bagot.  And  that's  the  wavering  commons  :  for  their 
^    ^  love 

Lies  in  their  purfes ;  and  whofo  empties  them. 
By  fo  much  fills  their  hearts  with  deadly  hate. 

Bujhy.  Wherein  the  king  ft ands^nerally  condemned. 
Bagot.  If  judgment  lie  in  them,  then  (o  do  we, 
Becaule  we  have  been  ever  near  the  king. 

Green.  Well,  I'll  for  refuge  ftraight  to  Briftol-caftlc  5 
The  earl  of  Wiltfhire  is  already  there. 

BuJhy.  Thither  will  I  with  you  :  for  little  office 
The  hateful  commons  will  perform  for  us ; 
Except,  like  curs,  to  tear  us  all  in  pieces. 
Will  you  go  along  with  us  ? 

Bagot.  No ;  rU  to  Ireland  to  his  majefty. 
Farewell-     If  heart's  prefages  be  not  vain. 
We  three  here  part,  that  ne'er  fhall  meet  again. 

Bttjhy.  That's  as  York  thrives  to  beat  back  Boling- 

broke. 
Gr^en.  Alas,  j)Oor  duke  !  the  talk  he  undertakes 
Is  numbVing  f^mds,  an  J  drinking  oceans  dry  ; 
Where  one  on  his  fide  fights,  thoufands  wilUly. 

BujJoy.  Farewell  at  once ;  for  once,  for  all,  and  ever. 

Crtcn.  Well,  we  may  meet  again. 

Begot.  I  fear  me,  never.  {Exeunt^ 

SCENE 


KING    RICHARD    IL      157 

SCENE    III. 

^be  wilds  in  Glocejierjbire. 
Enter  BoJingbroke  and  Northumberland. 

BoUng.  How  far  is  it,  my  lord,  to  Ba-kley  now  ? 

North,  Believe  me,  noble  lord, 
I  am  a  ftranger  here  in  Glofterfhire. 
Thefe  high  wild  hills,  and  rough  uneven  ways. 
Draw  out  our  miles,  and  make  them  wearifome: 
And  yet  your  fair  diltourfe  has  been  as  fugar. 
Making  the  hard  way  fweet  and  delegable. 
But,  I  bethink  me,  what  a  weary  way. 
From  Ravenfpurg  to  Cotfhold,  will  be  found. 
In  Rofs  and  Willoughby,  wanting  your  company  ; 
■  Which,  I  proteft,  hath  very  much  beguil'd 
ITic  tedioufnefs  and  procefs  of  my  travel : 
But  dieirs  is  fweeten'd  with  the  hope  to  liave 
Theprcfent  benefit  that  I  poflefs : 
And  hope  to  joy,  is  little  lefs  in  joy. 
Than  hope  enjoy'd.     By  this,  the  weary  lords 
Shall  make  their  way  feem  Ihort,  as  mine  hath  done 
By  fight  of  what  I  have,  your  noble  company, 
BoUng.  Of  much  Ie(s  value  is  my  company 
Than  your  good  words.     But  who  comes  here  ? 

EiJter  Harry  Percy. 

North.  It  is  my  fon,  young  Harry  Percy, 
Sent  from  my  brother  Wo^c<  Her,  whencelbeven 
—Harry,  how  fares  your  uncle  ? 
Percy.  I  had  thought,  my  lord,  to  have  learned  his 

health  of  you. 
North.  "Why,  is  he  not  with  the  queen  ? 
Percy.  No,  my  good  lord  -,  he  hath  forfook  the  court, 
proken  his  ftaff  of  office,  and  dilpers'd 
The  houlhold  of  the  king. 

North.  What  was  his  reafon  ? 
He  was  not  fo  refolv'd,  when  laft  we  fpake  together. 

Percy^ 


i^n      k  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    it 

Percy.  Becaufe  your  lordfhip  was  proclaimed  traiton 
But  he,  my  lord,  is  gone  to  Ravenfpurg, 
To  offer  fervice  to  the  duke  of  Hereford ; 
And  fent  me  o*er  by  Berkley,  to  difcover 
What  power  the  duke  of  York  had  levy'd  there ; 
Then  with  direftions  to  repair  to  Ravenfpurg. 

North.  Have  you  forgot  the  duke  of  Hereford,  boy? 

Percy.  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.  ' 

North.  Then  learn  to  know  him  now ;  this  is  the 
duke. 

Percy.  My  gracious  lord,  I  tender  you  my  fervice. 
Such  as  it  is,  being  tender,. raw,  and  young  ; 
Which  elder  days  fhall  -ripen,  and  confirm 
To  more  approved  fervice  and  defert. 

Boling.  I  thank  thee,  gentle  Percy  :  and  be  fure^ 
I  count  myfclf  in  nothing  elfe  fo  happy, 
As  in  a  foul  remembring  my  good  friends  ; 
And  as  my  fortune  ripens  with  thy  love. 
It  fhall  be  ftill  thy  true  love's  recompence  : 
My  heart  this  covenant  makes,  my  hand  thus  feals  it. 

North.  How  far  is  it  to  Berkley  ?     And  what  flir 
Keeps  good  old  York  there,  with  his  men  of  war  ? 

Percy.  There  flands  a  caflle  by  yon  tuft  of  trees, 
Mann'd  with  three  hundred  men,  as  I  have  heard  : 
And  in  it  are  the  lords  of  York,  Berkley,  and  Sey- 
mour ; 
None  elfe  of  name  and  noble  eflimate. 

E}iter  Rofs  and  TVillot4gbl?y. 

North.  Here  come  the  lords  of  Rofs  and  Willoughby, 
Blootly  with  fpurring,  fiery-red  with  hafle. 

Boling.  Welcome,  my  lords :  I  wot,  your  love  pur- 
fues 
A  banifh'd  traitor ;  all  my  treafury 
Is  yet  but  unfelt  thanks,  which,  more  enrich'd. 
Shall  be  your  love  and  labour's  recompence, 

Rofs. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.       159 

Rofs.  Your  prefcnce  makes  us  rich,  moft  noble  lord. 

Wilk.  And  far  furmounts  our  labour  to  attain  it. 

Baling.  Evermore,   thanks,  the  exchequer  of  the 
poor. 
Which,  till  my  infant  fortune  comes  to  years. 
Stands  for  my  bounty.    But  who  comes  here  ?— 

Enter  Berkley. 

North.  It  is  my  lord  of  Berkley,  as  I  guefs. 

Berk.  My  lord  of  Hereford,  my  meflage  is  to  you* 

Boling.  My  lord,  my  anfwer  is  to  Lancafter ; 
And  1  am  come  to  feek  that  name  in  England : 
And  I  muft  find  that  title  in  your  tongue. 
Before  I  make  reply  to  aught  you  fay. 

Berk.  Miftakc  me  not,  my  lord ;  'tis  not  my  mean- 
ing 
To  raze  one  tide  of  your  honour  out : — 
To  you,  my  lord,  I  come  (what  lord  you  will) 
From  the  moft  glorious  of  this  land, 
The  duke  of  York ;  to  know,  what  pricks  you  oa 
To  take  advantage  of  the  abfent  time  *, 
And  fright  our  native  peace  with  felf-born  arms. 

Enter  2"ork^  attended. 

BoUng.  I  fhall  not  need  tranfport  my  words  by  you. 
Here  comes  his  grace  in  perfon.     My  noble  uncle  ! 

[Kneeh. 

York.  Shew  me  thy  humble  heart,  and  not  thy  knee, 
Whofc  duty  is  deceivable  and  falle. 

Boling.  My  gracious  uncle  ! 

York.  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  prophane. 

*  —  the  abfent  timty]    For  unprepared.     Not  an  inelegant 
fyuccdoche.     War  burton. 
He  meaos  nothiiig  more  than,  time  tf  the  kin^s  al/cKce, 

Johnson* 

Why 


t6o      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

"Why  have  thofe  banifh*d  and  forbidden  legs 
Dar'd  once  to  touch  a  duft  of  England's  ground  ? 
But  more  than  why ;  why,  have  they  dar'd  to  march 
So  many  miles  upon  her  peaceful  bofom. 
Frighting  her  pale-fac'd  villages  with  war, 
3  And  oftentation  of  dclpifed  arms  ? 
Com*ft  thou  becaufe  the  anointed  king  is  hence  ? 
Why,  foolifli  boy,  the  king  is  left  behind. 
And  in  my  loyal  bofom  lies  his  power. 
Were  I  but  now  tlie  lord  of  fuch  hot  youth. 
As  when  brave  Gaunt,  thy  father,  and  myfelf 
Refcu*d  the  Black  i^rince,  that  young  Mars  of  men. 
From  forth  the  ranks  of  many  thoufand  French ; 
Oh  !  then,  how  quickly  fhould  this  arm  of  mine. 
Now  prifoner  to  the  palfy,  chaftize  tliee. 
And  miniiler  corrcftion  to  thy  fault. 

Boling.  My  gracious  uncle,  let  me  know  my  faulty 
*  On  what  condition  ftands  it,  and  wherein  ? 

I'orL  Even  in  condition  of  the  worft  degree. 
In  grofs  rebellion,  and  dctefted  treafon. 
Thou  art  a  banifli'd  man,  and  here  art  come. 
Before  the  expiration  of  thy  time, 
In  braving  arms  againft  thy  fovereign. 

Boling.  As  I  was  banifh'd,  I  was  banilh'd  Hereford  j 
But  as  I  come,  I  come  for  Lancafter. 

^  And  oftentation  ^despised  nrtns  >'\  But  Aire  the  odenta- 
tion  of  defpifed  arms  would  not  jnght  any  one.  We  ihoiild 
read, 

— —  D 1 5  po b  E  D  arms^  i.  e.  forces  in  battle  array. 

Warbubton. 
This  alteration  i.s  harfli.  Sir  T.  IIanmer  reads  dcfpightful. 
Mr.  Upton  gives  this  paliugc  as  a  proof  that  our  author  ufes 
the  paffive  p:irticlp]e  in  «;n  aCiive  il'nfc.  The  copies  all  agree. 
Perhaps  the  old  duke  means  to  treat  him  with  contempt  as  well 
as  with  fevei  ity,  and  to  ir.fin'jr.te  that  he  dclpircs  his  power,  as 
being  able  to  malkr  it.  In  this  fcnfeall  is  right.  Johnson. 
So  in  this  play. 

We'll  make  foul  -vcailer  i\:itb  defpifed  tears.     Steevfns* 
♦  Oh  lAjhal  condition — ]    It  fiiOuld  be,  in  nvhct  condition^  i.  e. 
in  *what  degree  cf  guilt.     The  purdclcs  in  the  clJ  editions  arc  of 
little  credit.     Johnson. 

And, 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.       i6t 

And,  noble  uncle,  I  befeech  your  grace, 
Look  on  my  wrongs  with  an  indifterent  eye. 
You  are  my  father,  for,  rnethinks,  in  you 
I  fee  old  Gaunt  alive  :  O  then,  my  father ! 
Will  you  permit,  that  I  (hall  ftand  condemn'd 
A  wandVing  vagabond ;  my  rights  and  royalties 
Pluck'd  from  my  arms  perforce,  and  given  away 
To  upftart  unthrifts  ?  5  Wherefore  was  I  born  ? 
If  that  my  coufm  king  be  king  of  England, 
It  muft  be  granted  I  am  duke  of  Lancafler. 
You  have  a  fon,  Aumerle,  my  noble  kinlman; 
Had  you  firft  dy*d,  and  he  been  thus  trod  down. 
He  (hould  have  found  his  uncle  Gaunt  a  father. 
To  roufe  his  wrongs,  and  chafe  them  to  the  bay. 
I  am  deny'd  to  fue  my  livery  here, 
And  vet  my  letters  patents  give  mc  leave : 
My  father's  goods  are  all  dillrain'd,  and  Ibid, 
And  thefe,  and  all,  are  all  amifs  employ'd. 
What  would  you  have  me  do  ?     I  am  a  fubjeft. 
And  challenge  law  :   attornies  are  deny'd  me ; 
And  therefore  perfonally  I  lay  my  claim 
To  my  inheritance  of  free  defcent. 

North.  The  noble  duke  hath  been  too  much  abus'd. 
Ro/s.  It  ftands  your  grace  upon,  to  do  liim  right. 
*iVillo.  Bafc  men  by  his  endowments  are  made  great. 
Tork.  My  lords  of  England,  let  me  tell  you  this— 
1  have  had  feeling  of  my  coufin's  v/ronLf., 
And  laboured  all  I  could  to  do  him  right. 
But,  in  this  kind  to  come,  in  braving  d.nw^^ 
Be  his  own  carver,  and  cut  out  his  way. 
To  find  out  right  with  wrongs,  it  may  not  be  -, 
And  you,  that  do  abet  him  in  this  kind, 
Cheriih  rebellion,  and  are  rebels  all. 

North.  The  noble  duke  hath  fworn,  his  coming  is 
But  for  his  own :  and,  for  the  right  of  tiut, 

*  —  Wherefore  tvas  I  horn  /*]    To  what  purpofe  fervcs 

birth  and  lineal  fucccffion  ?  I  zm  duhe  of  Lancaucr  by  the  fiime 
tight  of  birth  as  the  king  is  king  of  England.     Johnsox. 

VoL.V.  L  We 


i6a      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

We  all  have  ftrongly  fworn  to  give  him  aid  i 
And  let  him  ne'er  fee  joy  that  breaks  that  oath. 

Tork.  Well,  well,  I  fee  the  iffue  of  dieie  arms  ; 
I  cannot  mend  it,  I  muft  needs  confefs, 
Becaufe  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  iloop 
Unto  the  fovcreign  mercy  of  the  king : 
But  fince  I  cannot,  be  it  known  to  you, 
I  do  remain  as  neuter.     So  fare  you  well— 
Unlefs  you  pleafe  to  enter  in  the  caftle. 
And  there  repofe  you  for  this  night. 

Boling.  An  offer,  uncle,  that  we  will  accept. 
But  we  muft  win  your  grace  to  go  with  us 
To  Briftol-caftle  -,  which,  they  Sy,  is  held 
By  Buftiy,  Bagot,  and  their  complices, 
The  caterpillars  of  the  common-wealth. 
Which  I  have  fworn  to  weed,  and  pluck  away. 

Tork.  It  may  be,  I  will  go  with  you.     But  yet  I 
paufe. 
For  I  am  loath  to  break  our  country's  laws. 
Nor  friends  nor  foes,  to  me  welcome  you  are : 
Things  paft  redrefs  are  now  with  me  paft  care. 

[Exew 

«  S  C  E  N  E    IV. 

In  Wales. 

Enter  Salijbury  and  a  captain. 

Cap.  My  lord  of  Salift)ury,  we  have  ftaid  ten  day 
And  hardly  kept  our  countrymen  together. 

An 

•  Here  is  a  fcene  fo  unartfully  and  irregularly  thruft  into  \ 
improper  place,  that  I  cannot  bat  fufpedl  it  accidentally  trat 
poftd  ;  which,  when  the  fcenes  were  written  on  Angle  page 
TDight  eafily  happen  in  the  wildnefs  of  Shakefpeare's  dram 
This  dialogue  was,  in  the  author's  draught,  probably  the  feocM 
fcene  in  the  enfuing  a6l,  and  there  I  would  advife  the  reader 
infert  it>  though  I  have  not  ventured  oa  fo  bold  a  change.    1 

conjcfti 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      163 

And  yet  we  hear  no  tidings  from  the  king ; 
Therefore  we  will  difperfc  ourfelves.     Farewell. 

S^.  Stay  yet  another  day,  thou  trufly  Wellhman  : 
The  king  repofeth  all  his  confidence  in  thee. 
Cap.  'Tis  thought  the  king  is  dead  •,   we  will  noc 
ftay. 
7  The  bay-trees  in  our  country  all  are  withered. 
And  meteors  fright  the  fixed  ftars  of  heaven ; 
Thepale-fac*d  moon  looks  bloody  on  the  earth. 
And  lean-look*d  prophets  whii'per  fearful  change. 
Rich  men  look  fad,  and  ruffians  dance  and  leap— 
The  one,  in  fear  to  lofe  what  they  enjoy  ; 
The  other,  to  enjoy  by  rage  and  war. 
Thcfc  figns  forerun  the  death  or  fall  of  kings- 
Farewell  •,  our  countrymen  are  gone  and  fled. 
As  well  aflur'd,  Richard  their  king  is  dead.         [Exit^ 

Sal.  Alas,  Richard !  with  eyes  of  heavy  mind 
Ifee  thy  glory,  like  a  (hooting  ftar, 
FaU  to  the  bafe  earth  from  the  firmament. 
Thy  fun  fets  weeping  in  the  lowly  weft, 
Witneffing  ftorms  to  come,  woe,  and  unreft. 
Thy  friends  are  fled,  to  wait  upon  thy  foes ; 
And  crolsly  to  thy  good  all  fortune  goes.         [Exeunt^ 

coflje£tnre  is  not  fo  prefumptuous  as  may  be  thought.  The  play 
vu  not,  in  Shakefpeare's  time,  broken  into  adls ;  the  two  edi- 
tions pubUflied  before  his  death  exhibit  only  a  fequencc  of  fcenes 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  without  any  hint  of  a  pauie  of 
idion.  In  a  drama  fo  defultory  and  erratic,  left  in  fuch  a  flate^ 
tnnfpofitions  might  eaiily  be  made.     John  son. 

'  Thi  iay-trtiit  kc]  This  enunieration  of  prodigies  is  in 
the  hi^eft  degree  poetical  and  (Iri  king.     Johnson. 

Some  of  thefe  prodigies  are  found  in  T.  Haj'warde'/  Life  and 
inrMio/  Henry  IF.  1509.  **  This  yeare  the  laurel  trees  wi- 
"  thered  almoft  throughout  the  realm,"  l£c. 

So  again  in  Holinfhead.  **  In  this  yeare  in  a  manner 
"  throughout  all  the  realme  of  England,  old  baic  trees  wither- 
-€d,"&rr.     Steevbns. 


A  C  t' 


i64      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

ACT     HI.      SCENE     I. 

Bolingbrcke^s  camp  at  Brijlol 

Enter  Bolingbrokey  Tork^  Northumho'land^  Rofs^  Perc\\ 
IFillougbhy^  with  Bujhy  and  Green^  prifoners. 

BOLINGBROKE. 

BRING  forth  thefe  men. 
Bufhy  and  Green,  I  v/ill  not  vex  your  fouls 
(5ince  prefently  your  fouls  muft  part  your  bodies) 
With  too  much  urging  your  pernicious  lives  j 
For  'twere  no  charity  :  yet,  to  wafli  your  blood 
From  oft'  my  hands,  here,  in  the  view  of  men, 
I  will  unfold  fome  caufes  of  your  deaths. 
You  have  mifled  a  prince,  a  royal  king, 
A  happy  gentleman  in  blood  and  lineaments. 
By  yOu  unhappy'd,  and  disfigur'd  clean. 
Yo.u  have,  in  manner,  with  your  finful  hours 
Made  a  divoic:  betwixt  his  queen  and  him  ; 
Broke  the  poflelTion  of  a  royal  bed. 
And  ftain'd  the  beauty  of  a  fair  queen's  cheeks 
With  tears  drawn  from  her  eyes  by  your  foul  wrongs. 
Myfelf,  a  prince  by  fortune  of  my  birth  ; 
Near  to  the  king  in  blood  •,  and  near  in  love. 
Till  you  did  make  him  mifmterpret  me. 
Have  ilcop'd  my  neck  under  your  injuries, 
And  figh'd  m.y  Englifli  breath  in  foreign  clouds. 
Eating  the  bitter  bread  of  banifiiment : 
Whilft  you  b.ave  fed  upon  my  fignlories, 
Diipark'd  my  paiks,  and  f^ll'd  liiy  foreft- woods, 
*  From  mine  own  windows  torn  my  houfiiold  coat,    ' 

*  From  r.iir.:  cv:n  -u'rufr.:'.^  ior:t  ??r;  hoiijhdd  coat^'\  It  was  the 
practice,  when  coiouri  J  gljils  was  in  afc,  of  which  there  areftill 
ft  me  reivains  in  <  1 J  lr;it«?  aiul  churches,  to  anneal  the  arms  of 
thf  family  in  the  windows  of  the  houfc.     Johnson. 

Raz'd 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      165 

9  Raz'd  out  my  imprefs,  leaving  me  no  fign, 

Save  mens'  opinions,  and  my  living  blood. 

To  fhew  the  world  I  am  a  gentleman. 

This,  and  much  more,  much  more  than  twice  all  this. 

Condemns  you  to  the  death. — See  them  delivered  over 

To  execution,  and  the  hand  of  deatli. 

Bujby.  More  welcome  is  the  ftroke  of  death  to  me. 
Than  Bolingbroke  to  England. — Lords,  iarewell. 

Green.  My  comfort  is,  that  heaven  will  take  our 
fouls. 
And  plague  injuftice  with  the  pains  of  hell. 

BoUng.  My  lord  Northumberland,   fee  them  dif- 
patch'd. 
—Uncle,  you  fay,  the  queen  is  at  your  houfe ; 
For  heaven's  fake,  fairly  let  her  be  intreat^d  : 
Tell  her,  I  fend  to  her  my  kind  commends ; 
Take  fpccial  care,  my  greetings  be  delivered. 

Tork.  A  gentleman  of  mine  I  have  difpatch'd 
With  letters  of  your  love  to  her  at  large. 

BoUng.  '  Thanks,    gentle  uncle.  —  Come,    lords, 
away  ; 
[To  figlit  with  Glendower  and  his  complices  {\ 
A  while  to  work ;  and,  af^r,  holiday.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE 

•  Raz'd  cut  my  imprefs j  &c.]  The  imprefs  \yz.o   a  device  or 
motto.  Feme,  in  his  Blazon  of  Gentry  ^  1585,  obfervcs  **  that  the 
"  ^TTSiZy  ^c,  oF  traitors  and  rebels  may  be  defaced  and  re- 
"  moved,  whcrefoever  they  are  fixed,  or  fet."     Ste evens. 
'  Tbanksy  pintle  uncle. — Cvme,  my  lords^  away  ; 
To  fight  with  Glendower  and  his  complices  ; 
A'-Jskile  to  vjorJ^,  and  after  holt  day.']  Though  the  intermediate 
line  has  taken  pofleflion  of  a!l  the  old  copies,  I  have  j^reut  fuf- 
pirion  of  its  being  an  interi-olutjc-n  ;  and  have  thcrctorc  ven« 
lured  to  throw  it  out.     I'l.c  t^rll  and  third  lines  rhinie  to  each 
other;  nor  do  I  imagine  thia  was  cafual,  but  intciKJcd  by  the 
poet.     Wer.!  we  to  acknov  Ic.lp^e  the  line  genuine,  it  r,iu.^  argue 
the  poet  cf  forest  tfulncfs  and  inattention  to  hil^ory.     Toliug- 
bfoke  is,  2s  it  w-jre,  yet  but  JLifl  arrived  ;  he  is  nowat  Briftol; 
weak  in  his  numbers ;  has  had  no  meeting  with  a  parliament  ; 
Dor  is  fo  far  aiTured  of  the  fuccelFion,  as  to  think  of  gcing  to 
h^^xti^  infurredions  before  he  is  planted  in  the  throne,    Be- 

L  3  fides, 


l66      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

•SCENE    II. 

The  coafi  of  f Vales.     A  cajile  in  view. 
Flourijh :  drums  and  trumpets. 

I 

Enter  king  Richard^  Aumerle^  bijhop  of  CarliJUj  . 

foldiers. 

K.  Rich.  Barkloughly-caftle  call  you  this  at  har 
yium.  It  is,  my  lord  j  how  brooks  your  grace 
air, 
After  your  toflinj  on  the  breaking  feas  ? 

K.  Rich.  Needs  muft  I  like  it  well.     I  weep  foi 
To  ftand  upon  my  kingdom  once  agdn.—- 
Dear  earth,  I  do  lalute  thee  with  my  hand. 
Though  rebels  wound  thee  with  their  horfes*  hooi 
As  a  long-parted  mother  with  her  child 
Plays  fondly  with  her  tears,  and  fmiles  in  meeting 
So  weeping,  fmiling,  greet  I  thee,  my  earth. 
And  do  thee  favour  with  my  royal  hands. 
Feed  not  thy  fovereign-s  foe,  my  gentle  earth. 
Nor  with  thy  fweets  comfort  his  ravenous  fenfe ; 
But  let  thy  fpiders,  that  fuck  up  thy  venom, 
And  heavy-gaited  toads,  lie  in  their  way  •, 
Doing  annoyance  to  the  treacherous  feet. 
Which  with  ufurping  fteps  do  trample  thee. 
Yield  flinging  nettles  to  mine  enemies : 
And,  when  they  from  thy  bofom  pluck  a  flower, 

fides,  UT  nnd  the  oppofition  of  Glendowcr  begins  The  Fir/ 
cf  K.Henry  IF;  and  Mortimer's  defeat  by  that  hardy  Welfti 
IS  the  tidings  of  the  firft  fcene  of  that  play.  Again,  th^ 
Glendowv.r,  in  the  very  firfl  year  of  X.  Henry  IV.  began  i 
troublefome,  put  in  for  the  fupremacy  of  Wales,  andimprif 
Mortimer;  yet  il  was  not  till  the  fucceeding  year  that  the 
employed  any  force  againft  him.     Theobald. 

This  cn-.cndiiiion,  whi.h  I  think  is  jull,  has  been  followc 
SirT.Hanmcr,  but  is  negle^led  by  Dr.Warburton.    John 

*  Here  may  be  properly  inferted  the  laft  fceae  of  the  fo 

|i6l.      JOHNSQN« 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL       167 

Guard  it,  I  pray  thee,  with  a  lurking  adder  ; 
Whofe  double  tongue  may  with  a  mortal  touch 
Throw  death  upon  thy  fovercign's  enemies.— 
Mock  not  my  lenfelefs  conjuration,  lords ; 
This  earth  (hall  have  a  feeling,  and  thefe  ftones 
Prove  armed  foldiers,  ere  her  native  king 
Shall  faulter  under  foul  rebellious  arms. 

Bijhop.  5  Fear  not,  my  lord ;  that  power,  that  made 
you  king. 
Hath  power  to  keep  you  king,  in  fpight  of  all. 
The  means,  that  heaven  yields,  muft  be  embraced. 
And  not  neglected ;  elfe,  if  heaven  would. 
And  we  would  not  heaven's  offer,  we  refufe 
Theproffer*d  means  of  fuccour  and  redrefs. 

Aum.  He  means,  my  lord,  that  we  are  too  remifs ; 
Whilft  Bolingbroke,  through  our  fecurity. 
Grows  ftrong  and  great,  in  fubftance  and  in  friends. 

K.Ricb.  Difcomfortable  coufm  !  know*it  thou  not. 
That  when  the  fearching  eye  of  heaven  is  hid 
♦Behind  the  globe,  and  lights  die  lower  world. 
Then  thieves  and  robbers  range  abroad  unfeen. 
In  murders,  and  in  outrage  bloody,  here  ? 
But  when,  from  under  this  tcrreftrial  ball 
He  fires  the  proud  tops  of  the  eaftern  pines. 
And  darts  his  light  through  every  guilty  hole. 
Then  murders,  treafons,  and  dt^tellcd  fins. 
The  cloak  of  night  being  pluck'd  from  off  their  backs. 
Stand  bare  and  naked,  trembling  at  themiclvcs. 
So  when  this  thief,  this  traitor  Bolingbroke, 
Who  all  this  while  hath  revelled  in  the  nir;ht, 

'  Fear  not 9  my  lordy  &c.]  Of  this  fpcech  the  f  ar  lad  lines 
were  rei^ored  from  the  firft  tuition  by  Mr.  Pope.  They  were,  I 
fiippofc,  omitted  by  the  pla)ers  only  to  fliojion  tlie  Tcenes,  for 
tky  are  worthy  of  the  author  and  fuitable  to  the  perfo  age. 

Johnson. 
*  Behind  the  globe i  Sec,']  I  fhould  read, 

the  fearching  eye  r^f  heaven  is  hid 

Behind  the  globe ^  and  lights  the  lotufr  ^wirld,     Johns. 
Such  i^  the  old  reading.     Steevens. 

L  4  WhUft 


i68      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  P    11. 

Whilft  we  were  wand'ring  with  the  antipodes, 

Shall  fee  us  rifing  in  our  throne,  the  eaft, 

His  treafcns  will  fit  blulhing  in  his  face. 

Not  able  to  endure  the  fight  of  day ; 

But,  felf-aftrightcd,  tremble  at  his  fin. 

Not  all  the  water  in  the  rougli  rude  fea 

Can  wafli  tlie  b?.lm  from  an  anointed  king ; 

s  The  breatli  of  worldly  men  cannot  depofe 

The  deputy  cleded  by  the  lord. 

For  every  man  that  Bolingbroke  hath  prefl:. 

To  lift  Ihrewd  flreel  againft  our  golden  crown. 

Heaven  for  his  Richard  hath  in  heavenly  pay 

A  glorious  angel :  then,  if  angels  fight. 

Weak  men  muft  fall ;  for  heaven  ftill  gr.ards  the  right, 

Enler  Salijbziry. 

Welcome,  my  lord  •,  how  far  ofF  lies  your  power  ? 

Sal  Nor  near,  nor  further  off,  my  gracious  lord. 
Than  this  v/eak  arm  :  difcomfort  guides  my  tongue. 
And  bids  me  fpeak  of  nothing  but  defpair. 
One  day  too  late,  I  fear,  my  noble  lord. 
Hath  clouded  all  thy  happy  days  on  earth. 
Oh,  call  back  yefterday,  bid  time  return. 
And  thou  (halt  have  twelve  thoufand  fighting  men  ! 

To-day,  to-day unhappy  day,  too  late 

O'ertlirov/s  thy  joys,  friends,  fortune,  and  thy  (late  j 
For  all  the  Wclfhmen,  hearing  thou  wert  dead. 
Are  gone  to  Bolingbroke,  dil'pers'd  and  fled. 

j4um,  Com.fort,  my  liege ;  why  looks  your  grace  fo 
pale  ? 

K.  FJcL  But  now  the  blood  of  twenty  thoufand 
men 

^  T/je  hreaih  cfnvorUIy  men — ]  Here  is  the  dodirinc  of  indc- 
feafible  right  exprefled  in  the  ftrongeft  terms  ;  but  our  poet  did 
not  Icarn  it  in  the  reign  of  K.  James,  to  which  it  is  now  the 
prafticc  cf  all  writers,  whofe  opinions  are  regulated  by  fafhioa 
or  intereil,  to  impute  the  original  of  every  tenet  which  they 
have  been  taught  to  tkink  falfe  or  foplifh.     Johnson. 

Did 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      169 

Did  triumph  in  my  face,  and  they  are  fled, 
And  till  fo  much  blood  thither  come  again, 

Have  I  not  reafon  to  look  pale,  and  dead  ? 
All  fouls,  that  will  be  fafe,  fly  from  my  fide ; 
For  time  hath  fet  a  blot  upon  my  pride. 

Aum,  ^  Comfort,  my  liege  ^  remember  who  you  are. 

K.  Rick  I  had  forgot  mylelf.     Am  I  not  king  ? 
Awake,  thou  coward  majelty !  thou  fleepeft: ; 
Is  not  the  king's  name  forty  thoufand  names  ? 
Arm,  arm,  my  name  !  a  puny  fubjeft  fl:rikes 
At  diy  great  glory. — Look  not  to  the  ground. 
Ye  favourites  of  a  king  •,  are  we  not  high  i 
High  be  our  thoughts.     I  know,  my  uncle  York 
Hadi  power  to  ferve  our  turn.   But  who  comes  here  ? 

Enfer  Scroop. 

Scroop.  More  health  and  happinefs  betide  my  liege. 
Than  can  my  care-tun'd  tongue  deliver  him ! 

K.  Rich.  7  Mine  ear  is  open,  and  my  heart  pre- 
pared. 
The  worfl:  is  worldly  lofs  thou  canfl:  unfold. 
Say,  b  my  kingdom  loft  ?  why,  'twas  my  care ; 
And  what  lofs  is  it,  to  be  rid  of  care  ? 
Strives  Bolingbroke  to  be  as  great  as  we  ? 
Greater  he  (hall  not  be ;  if  he  ferve  God, 
We'll  ferve  him  too,  and  be  his  fellow  fo. 
Revolt  our  fubjefts  ?  that  wc  cannot  mend  ; 
They  break  their  faith  to  God,  as  well  as  us. 
Cry,  woe,  deftruftion,  ruin,  lofs,  decay; 
The  worft  is— death,  and  death  will  have  his  day. 

*  Com/or/,  my  liege;  remember  *who  you  are.'\    Thus  the  firft 
qairto  and  the  iblio.     The  quarto,  1615,  reads, 

"  Comfort,  my  liege ;  why  looks  your  grace  fo  pale  ?" 

Steevens. 
'  Mine  ear  is  open,  &c.]  Jt  feems  to  be  the  defign  of  the  poet 
to  raife  Richard  to  ellccm  in  his  fall,  and  confequcntly  to  in- 
tcrcft  the  reader  in  his  favour.  He  gives  him  onlv  paffive  for- 
made,  the  virtue  of  a  confeffor  rather  than  of  a  king.  In  his 
profperity  we  faw  him  imperious  and  opprellive  ;  but  in  his 
^filrefs  he  is  wife,  patient,  and  pious.    Johnson. 

Bcrocf. 


I70      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

Scroop.  Glad  am  I,  that  your  highnefs  is  fo  arm'd 
To  be*!r  the  tidings  of  calamity. 
Like  an  unfeafonable  ftormy  d^y. 
Which  makes  the  filver  rivers  drown  their  (hores^ 
As  if  the  world  were  all  diflblv'd  to  tears. 
So  high  above  his  limits  fwells  the  rage 
Of  Bolingbroke,  covering  your  fearful  land 
With  hard  bright  fteel,  and  hearts  harder  than  ftccl. 
White  beards  have  arm'd  their  thin  and  hairlefs  fcalps 
Againft  thy  majefty  •,  boys,  with  womens*  voices. 
Strive  to  fpeak  big,  and  clafp  their  female  joints 
In  ftiff  unwieldy  arms,  againft  thy  crown. 
*  Thy  very  beadfmen  learn  to  bend  their  bows 
^  Of  double-fatal  yew  againft  thy  ftate : 
Yea,  diftaff-women  manage  rufty  bills. 
Againft  thy  feat  both  young  and  old  rebel, 
And  all  goes  worfe  than  I  have  power  to  tell. 

K.  Rich.  Too  well,  too  w^l,  thou  tell'ft  a  talc  ii^ 

m. 

'  Where  is  the  earl  of  Wiltfhirc  ^  where  is  Bagot  ? 

What 

•  Thy  'very  heatf/men  horn  to  hend their  i^vr]  Such  is  the  read- 
ing of  all  the  copies,  yet  I  donbt  whether  head/men  be  right,  for 
the  bo'w  feems  to  be  mentioned  here  as  the  proper  weapon  of  a 
head/man.  The  king's  beadfmen  were  his  chaplains.  Trcvifa 
calls  himfelf  the  headjhfan  of  his  patron.  Bead/man  might  like* 
wife  be  any  man  maintained  by  charity  to  pray  for  their  bene* 
fador.     Hanmcr  reads  the  very  head/men^  but  thy  is  belter. 

JOHNSOH. 

The  reading  of  the  text  is  right  enough,  "  As  boys  flrive  to 
**  fpeak  big,  and  clafp  their  effeminate  joints  in  ilifr  unwieldy 
**  arms,"  &f.  •*  To  his  very  bead/men  learn  to  bend  their  bows 
"  againft  him."  Their  does  not  abfolutely  denote  that/i6r  bovM 
was  their  ufual  or  proper  weapon  ;  but  only  taken  up  and  ap* 
propriated  by  them  en  this  occafion.     Percy. 

9  Of  double-fatal ye^ — ]  Called  fo,  becaufe  the  leaves  of  the 
yew  ;ire  poifon,  and  the  wood  is  employed  for  inftruments  of 
death  ;  therefore  double  fatal  fhould  be  with  an  hyphen. 

Warburton. 

»   U*here  is  the  earlofWiltfhiref  nvhere  is  Ba^otf 

What  is  become  of  Bujhy  >  nvhere  is  Green  /*]  Here  arc  fkmr  of 
them  named  ;  and,  within  a  very  few  lines,  the  king,  hearing 
they  had  made  their  peace  with  Bolingbrokc,  calls  them  thrib 

Jadaffcs. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      171 

What  is  become  of  Bufliy  ?  where  is  Green  ? 
That  they  have  let  the  dangerous  enemy 
Meafure  our  confines  with  fuch  peaceful  fteps  ? 
If  we  prevail,  their  heads  Ihall  pay  for  it. 
•I  warrant  they  have  made  peace  with  Bolingbroke. 
ScroGp.  Peace  they  have  made  with  him,  indeed,  my 

lord. 
LRicb.  O  villains,   vipers,  damn'd  without  re- 
demption ! 
Dogs,  eafdy  won  to  fawn  on  any  man  ! 
Snakes  in  my  heart-blood  warm'd,  that  (ling  my  heart! 
Three  Judafles,  each  one  thrice  worfe  than  Judas  ! 
Would  they  make  peace  ?  terrible  hell  make  war 
Upon  their  fpotted  fouls  for  this  offence  ! 

Scroop.  Sweet  love,  I  fee,  changing  his  property. 
Turns  to  the  foureft  and  mod  deadly  hate. 
Again  uncurfe  their  fouls ;  their  peace  is  made 
With  heads,  and  not  with  h^nds :   thofe,  whom  you 

curfe. 
Have  felt  the  worft  of  death*s  deftroying  wound 
And  lie  full  low,  grav'd  in  the  hollow'd  ground. 
Aum,  Is  Buftiy,  Green,  and  the  earl  of  Wiltfliirc 
dead? 

JudalTes.  Bat  how  was  their  peace  made  ?  Why,  with  the  lofi 
of  their  heads.  This  bein^  explained,  A u merle  fays,  IsBuJby^ 
Green,  and  the  earl  of  Wiltjhire  dead?  So  that  Bagot  ought  to 
be  left  out  of  the  queHion  :  and,  indeed,  he  had  made  the  bell 
of  his  way  for  Chefter,  and  from  thence  had  efcaped  into  Ire- 
land. And  fo  we  find  him,  in  the  fecondadt,  determining  to  do. 

Bagot.  No  :  ril  to  Ireland,  to  his  majejly. 
The  poet  could  not  be  guilty  of  fo  much  forgctfulnefs  and  ab- 
fordity.     The  tranfcribers  muft  have  blundered.     It  feems  pro- 
bable to  me  that  he  wrote,  as  I  have  conjedlurally  altered  the 
text, 

Habere  is  the  earl  of  Wiltjhire  ?  <where  is  he  got  ? 
/.  ^  into  what  corner  of  ipy  dominions  is  he  flunky  and  ah- 
fnnded?    Theobald. 

This  emendation  Dr.  Warburton  adopt*;.  Hanmer  leaves  a 
bUuk  after  Wiltftiire.  I  believe  the  author,  rather  than  tran- 
(criber,  made  a  miftake.  Habere  is  he  got  does  not  found  in  my 
f af  like  an  expreffion  of  Shakefpeare.    Jofi  n son, 

'«    Scroop. 


172      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11. 

Scroop.  Yea,  all  of  them  at  Briftol  loft  their  heads. 

Aum.  Where  is  the  duke  my  father,  with  his  power  ? 

K.Rich,  No  matter  where;  of  comfort  no  man 
fpeak  : 
Let's  talk  of  graves,  of  worms,  and  epitaphs  ; 
Make  duft  our  paper,  and  with  rainy  eyes 
Write  forrow  on  the  bolbm  of  the  earth  ! 
Let's  chufe  executors,  and  talk  of  wills  — 
And  yet  not  fo — for  what  can  we  bequeath. 
Save  our  depofed  bodies  to  the  ground  ? 
Our  lands,  our  lives,  and  all  are  Bolingbroke's, 
And  nothing  can  we  call  our  own,  but  death ; 
*  And  that  Imall  model  of  the  barren  eaith, 
3  Which  ferves  as  parte  and  cover  to  our  bones. 
For  heaven's  fake,  let  us  fit  upon  the  ground. 
And  teil  fad  ftories  of  the  death  of  kings  : — 
How  fome  have  been  depos'd  \  fome  flain  in  war  ; 
Some  poifon'd  by  their  wives,  fome  fleeping  kill'd ; 
All  murther'd : — for  within  the  hollow  crown, 
That  rounds  the  mortal  temples  of  a  king. 
Keeps  death  his  court  :  and  5  there  the  antic  fits. 
Scoffing  his  ftate,  and  grinning  at  his  pomp  •, 
Allowing  him  a  breath,  a  little  fcene, 
To  monarchize,  be  fear'd,  and  kill  with  looks; 
Infufing  him  with  felf  and  vain  conceit. 
As  if  this  flefh,  which  walls  about  our  life, 

*  J:tJ  that  /mall  model  of  the  barren  earthy']  He  ufes  model 
here,  as  he  frequently  does  elfewherc,  for  part,  portion, 

War  BURTON. 

He  ufes  model  ^ov  mould.  That  earth,  which  clofing  upon  the 
body,  takes  its  form.  This  interpretation  the  next  line  fecras 
t  J  authori::c.     Johnson. 

3  lyhicr  j€r<ves  as  pafte,  &c.]  A  mctaph  r,  not  of  th^  mofl 
futiiinc  kind,  taken  from  a //>.     Johnson. 

*  ^I'le  ghofts  fht-y  ha-ve  deposed \\  Such  is  the  reading  of  all 
the  old  copies.  The  modem  editors,  in  the  room  of  ha^e 
deposed,    fubllituted  di/pojj'ejid.     Ste evens. 

^  — there  the  antUjits,]  Here  is  an  allufion  to  the  antic  or  fool 
of  old  farcies,  whofe  chief  prrt  is  to  deride  and  dillurbVhc 
graver  and  more  fplcndid  perfoiiages.     Johnson. 

Were 


KING    RICHARD    11.       173 

Were  brafs  impregnable ;  and,  humour'd  thus. 
Comes  at  the  laft,  and  with  a  little  pin 
Bores  through  his  caftle-wall,  and  farev/ell  king ! 
Cover  your  heads,  and  mock  not  flefh  and  blood 
With  folemn  reverence ;  throw  away  refpeft, 
•  Tradition,  form,  and  ceremonious  duty. 
For  you  have  but  miftook  me  all  this  while  : 
I  live  on  bread  like  you,  feel  want,  tafte  grief. 

Need  friends fubjefted  thus. 

How  can  you  fay  to  me,  I  am  a  king  ? 

Carl.  My  lord,  wife  men  ne'er  wail  their  prefent 
woes. 
But  prefently  prevent  the  ways  to  wail. 
To  tear  the  foe,  fince  fear  opprefleth  ftrength. 
Gives,  in  your  weaknefs,  ftrength  unto  your  foe. 
And  fo  your  follies  fight  againft  yourfelf. 
Fear,  and  be  flain ;  no  worfe  can  come  to  fight : 
And  fight  and  die,  is  ^  death  dcftroying  death ; 
Where  fearing  dying,  pays  death  fervile  breath. 

Autn.  My  father  hath  a  power,  enquire  of  him ; 
And  learn  to  make  a  body  of  a  limb. 

K.  Rich.  Thou   chid'ft   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  eafy  talk  it  is  to  win  our  own. — 
Say,  Scroop,  where  lies  our  uncle  with  his  power  ? 
Speak  fweetly,  man,  although  thy  looks  be  four. 

Scroop,  Men  judge  by  the  complexion  of  the  (ky 

The  ftate  and  inclination  of  the  day ; 
So  may  you,  by  my  dull  and  heavy  eye. 

My  tongue  hath  but  a  heavier  tale  to  fay. 
I  play  the  torturer,  by  fmall  and  fmall,     ^ 

*  Tradition^ ]  This  word  feems  here  ufcd  £ot  traditional 

praSices  :  that  is,  eftahlijhed or  euflomary  homage,     Johnson. 

^  -death  deftroying  death  ;]    That  is,  to  die  fightings  is 

to  return  the  evil  that  we  AifFer,  to  ^clboy  the  dcltroycrs.  I 
once  r«ad dtath  defying  deaths  but  dcjlvojing  is  as  well.    Joh ns. 

To 


174      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

To  lengthen  out  tfie  worft  that  muft  be  fpoken  :— 
Your  uncle  York  isjoin'd  with  Bolingbroke  ; 
And  all  your  northern  caftles  yielded  up. 
And  all  your  fouthern  gentlemen  in  arms 
Upon  his  party. 

K.  Rich.  ThOu  haft  faid  enough.— 
Befhrew  thee,  coufm,  which  didft  lead  me  forth 

[To  Aamerk. 
Of  that  fweet  way  I  was  in  to  defp Mr ! 
What  fay  you  now  ?  what  comfort  have  we  now  ? 
By  heaven,  *  PU  hate  him  everlaftingly. 
That  bids  me  be  of  comfort  any  more. 
Go,  to  Flint-caftle ;  there  I'll  pine  away  j 
A  king,  woe's  flave,  (hall  kingly  woe  obey. 
That  power  I  have,  difcharge  •,  and  let  'em  go 
To  ear  the  land,  that  hath  fome  hope  to  grow. 
For  I  have  none. — Let  no  man  fpeak  again 
To  alter  this,  for  counfel  is  but  vain. 

Jum.  My  liege,  one  word. 

K-  Rich.  He  does  me  double  wrong. 
That  wounds  me  with  the  flatteries  of  his  tongue. 
Difcharge  my  followers ;  let  them  hence  -,  away, 
From  Richard's  night  to  Bolingbroke's  fair  day. 

lExctmi. 
SCENE    III. 

The  fame.     Before  the  cajile. 

Enter  mtb  drum  and  colours^  BolingkrokSj  Tork^  Nor* 
thumberlandy  and  attendants. 

BoUng.  So  that  by  this  intelligence  we  learn. 
The  Wclftimen  are  difpers'd  ;  and  Salifbury 


•  ril  bate  him  fverla/tingly. 


That  bids  me  he  of  comfort — J  This  fenumeot  is  drawn  from 
nature.  Nothing  is  more  offeniive  to  a  mind  convinced  that 
his  diftrefs  is  without  a  remedy,  and  preparing  to  fubmit  quietly 
to  irrefiftible  calamity,  than  thefe  petty  and  conjedured  com- 
forts which  unflulful  officioufnefs  thinks  it  virtue  to  adminifter. 

JOBNSOir. 

Is 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      175 

Is^ne  to  meet  the  king,  who  lately  landed 
With  fomc  few  private  friends,  upon  this  coaft. 

North.  The  news  is  very  fair  and  good,  my  lord ; 
Richard,  not  far  from  hence,  hath  hid  his  head. 

Tork.  It  would  befeem  the  lord  Northumberland, 
To  lay,  king  Richard: — alack,  the  heavy  day. 
When  fuch  a  (acred  king  ihould  hide  his  head  ! 

North.  Your  grace  miftakes  me  j  only  to  be  brief. 
Left  I  his  title  out. 

Tork.  The  time  hath  been,  . 
Would  you  have  been  fo  bridf  with  him,  he  would 
Have  been  fo  brief  with  you,  to  fhorten  you, 
5  For  taking  fo  the  head,  the  whole  head's  length. 

BoUng.  Miftake  not,  uncle,  farther  than  you  (hould. 

Tork.  Take  not,  good  coufin,  farther  than  you 
fhould. 
Left  you  miftake :  the  heavens  are  o*er  your  head. 

BoUng.  I  know  it,  uncle,  and  do  not  oppofe 
Myfclf  againft  their  wilL  But  who  comes  here  ? 

Enter  Percy. 

Welcome,  Harry  :  what,  will  not  this  caftle  yield  ? 

Percy.  The  caftle  royally  is  mann'd,  my  lord, 
Againft  your  entrance. 

BoUng.  Royally  ?     Why,  it  contains  no  king  ? 

Percy.  Yes,  my  good  lord. 
It  doth  contain  a  king.     King  Richard  lies 
Within  the  limits  of  yon  lime  and  ftone  : 
And  with  him  lord  Aumerle,  lord  Salift)ury, 
Sir  Stephen  Scroop,  befides  a  clergyman 
Of  holy  reverence;  who,  I  cannot  learn. 

North.  Belike,  it  is  the  bifhop  of  Carlifle. 

Bokng.  Noble  lord,  \Xo  North.  • 

Go  to  the  rude  ribs  of  that  ancient  caftle ; 
Through  brazen  trumpet  fend  the  breath  of  parle 

•  Ffr  taking  fo  the  head,—]  To  take  the  head  is,  to  aft  with- 
ootrcllraint;  to  take  undne  liberties.  We  now  fay,  tfje  gi've 
the  horfe  hit  head,  when  we  relax  the  reins.    Johnson. 

Into 


176      K  I  N  G    R  i  C  H  A  R  t)    IL 

Into  his  ruin'd  ears,  and  thus  deliver. 
Hcirry  of  Bolingbroke,  upon  both  his  knees, 
Doth  kifs  king  Richard's  hand  ; 
And  fends  allegiance,  and  true  faith  of  heart 
To  his  moft  royal  perfon :  hither  come 
Even  at  his  feet  to  lay  my  arms  and  power  -, 
Provided,  that  my  bartilhment  repealed. 
And  lands  reftor'd  again,  be  freely  granted : 
If  not.  Til  ufe  the  advantage  of  my  power, 
And  lay  the  fummer's  duft  with  Ihowers  of  blopd, 
Rain'd  from  the  wounds  of  flaughter'd  Englifhmen. 
The  which,  how  far  off  from  the  mind  of  Bolingbroke 
It  is,  fuch  crimfon  tempeft  fhould  bedrench 
The  frelh  green  lap  of  fair  king  Richard's  land. 
My  (looping  duty  tenderly  fliall  fhew. 
Go,  fignify  as  much,  while  here  we  march 
Upon  the  grafly  carpet  of  this  plain. — 
Let's  march  without  the  noife  of  threat'ning  drum. 
That  from  this  cattle's  totter'd  battlements 
Our  fair  appointmacnts  may  be  well  perus'd. 
Methinks,  king  Richard  and  myfelf  fhould  meet 
'  With  no  lefs  terror  than  the  elements 
Of  fire  and  water,  when  their  thund'ring  (hock. 
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. 

A  perk  founded^  and  anfwered  by  another  trumpet  within. 
Flcurijk,  Enter  on  the  walls  king  Richard^  the 
bijhop  of  Carlijle^  Aumerle^  Scroops  and  Salijbury. 

Tcrk.  '  Sec!  fee!  king  Richard  doth  himfelf  appear. 
As  doth  the  blufhing  difcontented  fun 

'  See!  fee!  king  Richard  daih  himfelf  ap fear ^'\  The  follow- 
ing fix  lin.'s  arc  abfurdly  jriven  to  Bolingbroke,  who  is  made  to 
condtmn  his  <>wn  conduct  and  difcilp  the  king's.  It  is  plain 
ihcfe  fiX  and  the  four  lollowing  all  belong  to  York,     Warb. 

2  From 


JC  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      177^ 

from  out  the  fiery  portal  of  the  eaft  -, 
When  he  perceives  the  envious  clouds  are  bent 
To  dim  his  glory,  and  to  (lain  the  trad: 
Of  his  bright  paflage  to  the  Occident. 
Yet  looks  he  like  a  king ;  behold,  his  eye, 
As  bright  as  is  the  eagle's,  lightens  forth 
Controlling  majefly :  alack^  alack,  for  woe. 
That  any  harm  Ihould  (lain  fo  fair  a  Ihow !    - 
LRicb.  We  are  amaz'dj  and  thus  long  have  we 
ftood 
To  watch  the  fearful  bending  of  thy  knee,  [ToNorSb. 
Becaufe  we  thought  ourfelf  thy  lawful  king :     • 
And,  if  we  be,  how  dare  thy  joints  forget 
To  pay  their  awful  duty  to  our  prefence? 
If  we  be  not,  Ihew  us  the  hand  of  God 
That  hath  difmifsM  us  from  our  ftewardfliip. 
Forwell  we  know,  no  hand  of  blood  and  bone 
Can  gripe  the  facred  handle  of  our  fcepter, 
Unlefs  he  do  prophane.  Ileal,  or  ufurp. 
And  though  you  think,  that  all,  as  you  have  done^ 
Have  torn  their  fouls,  by  turning  them  from  us, 
And  we  are  barren,  and  bereft  offriends ; 
Yet  know — my  mafter,  God  omnipotent. 
Is  muft*ring  in  his  clouds,  on  our  behalf, 
Annies  of  peftilence  •,  and  they  (hall  ftrike 
Your  children  yet  unborn,  and  unbegot. 
That  lift  your  vaflTal  hands  againd  my  head, 
And  threat  the  glory  of  my  precious  crown. 
Tell  Bolingbroke  (for  yond,  methinks,  he  is) 
That  every  ftride  he  makes  upon  my  land 
Is  dangerous  treafon.     He  is  come  to  ope 
The  purple  tedament  of  bleeding  war ; 
•  But  ere  the  crown,  he  looks  for,  live  in  peace. 

Ten 

*  But  e*  er  the  cr  (nutty  be  looks  for  y  live  in  peace  ^ 

Ten  thou/anil  bloody  cronjjns  of  mothers^  fons 

Shall  ill  become  the  flower  of  England's  face  \]  Though  I  have 
flotdiflurbcd  the  text  here,  I  cannot  but  think  it  liable  to  fuf- 
picion.  A  crown  living  in  peace,  as  Mr.  Warburton  jufily  ob- 
icnred  to  me,  is  a  very  odd  phrafe.     He  fuppoi'es ; 

YoL.V.  M  Mut 


17$      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

Ten  thoufand  bloody  crowns  of  mothers'  fons 
Shall  ill  become  the  flower  of  England's  face ; 
Change  the  complexion  of  her  maid-pale  peace 
To  fcarlet  indignation,  and  bedew 
Her  pafturcs'  grafs  with  faithful  Englifti  blood. 
North.  The  King  of  heaven  forbid,  our  lord 
king 
Should  fo  with  civil  and  uncivil  arms 
Be  rufli'd  upon  !     Thy  thrice-noble  coufin, 
i^arry  Bolmgbroke,  doth  humbly  kils  thy  hand^ 

But  e*er  the  cronvn,  he  holts  for  y  light  in  peace  9 
i,  e,  dcrcend  and  fettle  upun  Bolingbroke's  head  in  peatce. 
Again,  I  have  a  fmall  quarrel  to  the  third  line  quoted.  W< 
the  poet  fay,  that  bloody  crowns  fhould  disfigure  thejk^ersi 
fpring  on  the  ground,  and  bedew  the  grafs  with  blood  ?  Sft 
the  two  images  are  too  tiuiilar.     I  have  fufpefted, 

Shalt  ill  become  the  floor  of  England* s  face ; 
f .  e,  Ihall  make  a  difmal  fpedlacle  on  tlie  iurface  of  the  id 
dom's  earth.     Theobald. 

By  theflc^er  of  England* 5  face^  is  meant  the  chciccft  jroi 
of  England,  who  fhall  be  flaughtered  in  this  quarreK  or  h 
bloody  croivns,  The  flo-wer  of  England i  face^  to  defign 
choiccfl  youth,  is  a  fine  and  noble  cxpreflion.  Pericles,  b 
fimilar  thought,  faid  that  the  deftru^ion  of  the  Athenian  yo 
was  a  fatality  like  cutting  off  the  ()>ring  from  ilie  year.  Yet 
Oxford  Editor,  who  did  not  apprehend  the  figure,  alters 
line  thus. 

Shall  mifbccome  the  flow'r\'  England^  face. 
Which  means  I  know  not  what.     Warburtok. 

Dr.  VVarburton  has  infertcd  light  in  peace  in  the  text  of 
ov/n  edition,  but  li^e  in  peace  is  more  fuitable  to  Richard's 
tention,  which  is  to  tell  him,  that  though  he  Oiould  get 
crown  by  rebellion,  it  will  be  long  before  it  will  live  in  pea 
be  fo  fettled  as  to  be  firm.  The  fio<wer  of  England s  fact ^  isv 
happily  explained,  and  any  alteration  is  therefore  needlefs.  • 

JOHKS< 

The  flcMsr  of  England s  fcce^  I    believe,    means   Englmn 
fl^'wery  faccy  the  Jloivery  furface  of  England 5  foil.     The  fa 
kind  ot  expreffion  is  ufcd  in  Sidney* s  Jrcadiay  p.  2.  "  openi 
"  thecherry  of  hcrlips,"  i,  c,  *' her  cherry  lips.'* 
So  Drayton  in  Mortimer'/  Epifle  to  ^een  labelL 
••  And  in  the  field  advance  our  plumy  crcll, 
**  And  march  upon  fair  England's  flow'ry  bread." 

Stlitb] 

Ai 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      179 

And  by  the  honourable  tomb  he  fwears, 

That  Hands  upon  your  royal  grandfire's  bones  ; 

And  by  the  royalties  of  both  your  bloods. 

Currents  that  fpring  from  the  moft  gracious  head  j 

*  And  by  the  bury'd  hand  of  warlike  Gaunt  j 

And  by  the  worth  and  honour  of  himfelf, 

Comprifmg  all  that  may  be  fworn,  or  faid— 

His  coming  hither  hath  no  farther  fcope. 

Than  for  his  lineal  royalties,  aud  to  beg 

Infranchifement  immediate  on  his  knees : 

Which  on  thy  royal  party  granted  once. 

His  glittering  arms  he  will  com.mend  to  ruft. 

His  barbed  fteeds  to  ftables,  and  his  heart  ' 

To  faithful  fervice  of  your  majefty. 

This  fwears  he,  as  he  is  a  prince,  is  juft  5 

And,  as  I  am  a  gentleman,  I  credit  him, 

K.  Rich.  Northumberland,  fay — thus  die  king  nti 
turns: 
His  noble  coufin  is  right-welcome  hither  5 
And  all  the  number  of  hit  fair  demands 
Shall  be  accomplifh'd  widiout  contradiction* 
Widi  all  the  gracious  utterance  thou  haft. 
Speak  to  his  gentle  hearing  kind  commends.' 
Wcdo  debafe  ourfelf,  coufin,  do  we  not,      [21?  jium. 
To  look  fo  poorly,  and  to  fpeak  fo  fair  ? 
Shall  we  call  back  Northumberland,  and  fend 
Defiance  to  the  traitor,  and  fo  die  ? 

jkm.  No,  good  my  lord;  let's  fight  with  gentle 
words 
Till  rime  lend  friends,  and  friends  their  helpful  fwords. 

K.  Rich.  Oh  God !  oh  God !  that  e*er  this  tongue  of 
mine. 
That  laid  the  fentence  of  dread  baniftiment 
On  yon  proud  man,  fhall  take  it  off  again 

^  •  jf/td  hy  the  bury'd  band  of  \V2iTY\kt  Gaunt t]  It  fhould  be  read 
juft  the  other  way, 

^nd  by  the  warlike  hand  of  bary'd  Gaunt.     Ware. 
I  fee  no  great  difference.    Johnson. 

M  2  With 


i8o      KING    RICHARD    II. 

3  With  words  of  footh  !  Oh,  that  I  were  as  great 

As  is  my  grief,  or  lefler  tlian  my  name ! 

Or  that  I  could  forget  what  I  have  been ! 

Or  not  remember  what  I  muft  be  now ! 

SwcU'ft  thou,  proud  heart  ?  I'll  give  thee  fcope  to  beat. 

Since  foes  have  fcope  to  beat  both  thee  and  me. 
Aum.  Northumberland  comes  back  from  Boling- 

broke. 
K.  Rich.  What  muft  the  king  do  now?  muft  he 
fubmit  ? 

The  king  fhall  do  it.     Muft  he  be  deposed  ? 
The  king  fhall  be  contented :  muft  he  lofe 
The  name  of  king  ?  o' God's  name,  let  it  go. 
I'll  give  my  jewels  for  a  fet  of  beads ; 
My  gorgeous  palace,  for  a  hermitage ; 
My  gay  apparel,  for  an  alms-man's  gown ; 
My  figur'd  goblets,  for  a  dilh  of  wood ; 
My  fccpter,  for  a  palmer's  walking  ftaff; 
My  fubjefts,  for  a  pair  of  carved  faints  ; 
And  my  large  kingdom,  for  a  little  grave; 
A  little,  little  grave — an  obfcure  grave  :— 
4-  Or  I'll  be  bury'd  in  the  king's  highway. 
Some  way  of  common  trade,  where  fubjefts*  feet 
May  hourly  trample  5  on  their  fovereign's  head  ; 

For 

'  With  ivonls  of  footh  ! ]  Sooth  is  fweet  as  well  as  triu.  In 

this  place  focth  mezns  five  ft  nefs  or  foftucfs,  a  iigniiication  yet 
retained  in  the  verb  to  footh,     Johnson. 

*  Or  ril  be  buried  iti  the  king's  highway ^ 

Some  ivay  of  common  trade, — ]  As  fpecious  as  this  reading  ap* 
-}>ears,  Mr.  Warburton,  Mr.  Bifhop,  and  I,  all  concurred  in  fuf- 
pe6ling  it,  and  in  the  amendment  which  now  po/rcfles  the  text; 

Somenvay  of  common  tread /.  e.  a  highroad.     Hefubjoins 

immediately ; 

For  on  my  heart  thty  tread  noiUj  nuhile  I  live  ; 
and  we  know  how  much  it  is  Shakefpeare's  way  to  divcrfify  the 
image  with  the  fame  word.     Theobald. 

Dr.  Warburton  has  put  tread  in  his  own  text,  but  trade  will 
ferve  very  well  in  the  fenfe  either  of  commerce  orcufiom.  Johps. 

' en  their  fovereign*s  head;]  Shakefpeare  is  very  apt  to 

deviate  from  the  pathetic  to  the  ridiculous.    Had  the  fpcechoT* 

Richan^ 


I 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.       181 

For  on  my  heart  they  tread  now,  whilft  I  live-. 

And,  bury*d  once,  why  not  upon  my  head  ? • 

Aumerle,  thou  weep'ft  ;  my  tender-hearted  coufin  !— • 
We'll  make  foul  weather  with  defpiled  tears ; 
Our  fighs,  and  they,  (hall  lodge  the  fummer  corn. 
And  make  a  dearth  in  this  revolting  land. 
Or  fhall  we  play  the  wantons  with  our  woes. 
And  make  fomc  pretty  match,  with  (hedding  tears  ? 
As  thus; — to  drop  them  ftill  upon  one  place. 
Till  rfiey  have  fretted  us  a  pair  of  graves 
Within  the  earth  -,  and  therein  laid — There  lies 
Two  kin/men^  digged  their  graves  with  weeping  eyes. 

Would  not  this  ill  do  well  ? Well,  well,  I  fee 

I  talk  but  idly,  and  you  mock  at  me. 

[North,  advances. 
Moft  mighty  prince,  my  lord  Northumberland, 
What  fays  king  Bolingbroke  ?  will  his  majefty 
Give  Richard  leave  to  live  till  Richard  die  ? 
You  make  a  leg,  and  Bolingbroke  fays,  ay. 

North.  My  lord,  in  the  bafe  court  he  doth  attend 
To  fpeak  with  you ;  may't  pleafe  you  to  come  down.  , 
K.  Rich,  Down,  down  I  come ;  like  glift'ring  Phae- 
ton, 
Wanting  the  manage  of  unruly  jades. 

[North,  retires  to  BoL 
In  the  bafe  court  ?  bafe  court,  where  kings  grow  bafe. 
To  come  at  traitors*  calls,  and  do  them  grace. 
In  the  bafe  court,  come  down }     Down  court !  down 

kingt 
For  night-owls  Ihriek,  where  mounting  larks  Ihould 
fmg.  [Exemil  frcra  above. 

Boling.  What  fays  his  majefty  ? 
Ncrth.  Sorrow,  and  griei^  of  heart. 
Makes  him  fpeak  fondly,  like  a  frantic  man ; 
Yet  he  is  come.  [Enter  Riduird  heJcuj. 

Richard  ended  at  this  line  it  had  cxkihitcd  the  natural  lanpnn^e 
^  AibmiiEve  mifery,  conforming  its  intention  to  the  p.reicnt 
wtonc,  and  calmly  ending  its  purpofes  in  death.     Johnson. 

M  3  Boling. 


t82      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11/ 

Boling.  Stand  all  apart, 
And  (hew  fair  duty  to  his  majefty.— 
My  gracious  lord [Knei 

K.Rich.  Faircoufin,  you  debafe  your  princely  km 
To  make  the  bafe  earth  proud  with  kilTing  it. 
Me  rather  had,  my  heart  might  feel  your  love. 
Than  my  unpleas'd  eye  fee  your  courtefy. 
Up,  coufin,  up  ;  your  heart  is  up,  I  know. 
Thus  high  at  leaft,  although  your  knee  be  low. 

\Xouching  his  own  bt 

Boling.  My  gracious  lord,  I  come  but  for  mine  o% 

K.  Rich.  Your  own  is  yours,  and  I  am  yours,  a 
all. 

Boling.  So  far  be  mine,  my  moft  redoubted  lord. 
As  my  true  fcrvice  fhall  deferve  your  love. 

K.  Rich.  Well  you  deferve : — they  well  deferve 
have. 
That  know  the  ftrongeft  and  fureft  way  to  get. — 
Uncle,  give  me  your  hand :  nay,  dry  your  eyes  •, 
Tears  fhew  their  love,  but  want  their  remedies.— 
Coufin,  I  am  too  young  to  be  your  father. 
Though  you  are  old  enough  to  by  my  heir. 
What  you  will  have,  PU  give,  and  willing  too ; 
For  do  we  muft,  what  force  will  have  us  do.— 
Set  on  towards  London.     Coufin,  is  it  fo  ? 

Boling.  Yea,  my  good  lord. 

K.  Rich.  Then  I  muft  not  fay,  no.  [Flourijb.  Exa 

SCENE    IV. 

A  garden^  in  the  queerfs  court. 

Enter  queen  and  two  ladies. 

Slueen.  What  fport  Ihall  we  devife  here  in  this  § 
den. 
To  drive  away  the  hea\7  thought  of  care  ? 
Ladf.  Maaam,  we'll  play  at  bowls. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      183 

^CH.  *Twill  make  me  think,  the  world  is  full  of 
rubs. 
And  that  my  fortune  runs  againft  the  bias. 

Ladf.  Madam,  we'll  dance. 

^en.  My  legs  can  keep  no  meafure  in  delight. 
When  my  poor  heart  no  meafure  keeps  in  grief. 
Therefore  no  dancing,  girl  •,  fome  other  fport. 

Lady,  Madam,  we  will  tell  tales. 

^en.  ^  Of  Ibrrow,  or  of  joy  ? 

Lady.  Of  either,  madam. 

^isert.  Of  neither,  girl : 
For  it  of  joy,  being  altogether  wanting. 
It  doth  remegnber  me  the  more  of  forrow ; 
Or  if  of  grief,  being  altogether  had. 
It  adds  more  forrow  to  my  want  of  joy. 
For  what  I  have,  I  need  not  to  repeat ; 
And  what  I  want,  it  boots  not  to  complain. 

Lcdy.  Madam,  FU  fing. 

^en.  'Tis  well,  that  thou  haft  caufe ; 
But  thou  (hould'ft  pleafe  me  better,  would'ft  thou 
weep. 

Ladjf.  I  could  weep,  madam,  would  it  do  you  good, 

^iiifi.  7  And  I  could  weep,  would  weeping  do  me 
good. 
And  never  borrow  any  tear  of  thee. 
But  ftay,  here  com.e  the  gardeners. 
Let's  ftep  into  the  (hadow  of  thefe  trees. 
My  wrctchednefs  unto  a  row  of  pins. 

Enter  a  gardener^  and  two  fervants* 

They'll  talk  of  ftate  •,  for  every  one  doth  fo, 
•  Againft  a  change  :  woe  is  fore-run  with  woe. 

[^leen  and  ladies  retire* 

•  Offorro^My  or  of  joy  ?'\  AW  the  old  copies  concur  in  read- 
ing, Of  forrwoy  or  of  grief  Mr.  Pope  made  the  neceflaiy  al- 
teration.     St  E  EVENS, 

'  And  I  could  lAjeep, — ]  The  old  copies  read,  Afrd  I  could  firg. 

•  Againft  a  change  :  lAjoe  is  fcre-n/n -with  wce,"]  But  what  was 
tliere  in  the  gardeaer*s  talking  cf  ilate,  for  matter  of  fo  much 

M  4  ,  wee? 


i84      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II, 

Gard.  Go,  bind  thou  up  yon  dangling  apricots, 
Which,  like  unruly  children,  make  their  fire 
Stoop  with  opprelfion  of  their  prodigal  weight : 
Give  fome  fupportance  to  the  bending  twigs. — 
Go  thou,  and,  like  an  executioner. 
Cut  off  the  heads  of  too-faft-growing  fprays. 
That  look  too  lofty  in  our  commonweaJth  : 
All  mull  be  even  in  our  government. — 
You  thus  imploy'd,  I  will  go  root  away 
The  noifome  weeds,  that  without  profit  fuck 
The  foil's  fertihty  from  wholefome  flowers. 

Serv,  Why  fhould  we,  in  the  compafs  of  a  pale. 
Keep  law,  and  form,  and  due  proportion. 
Shewing,  as  in  a  mockl,  9  our  firm  ftate ; 

ivoe  ?     Bcfides  this  is  intended  for  a  fentence,  but  proves  a  very 
fjmplc  one.     I  fuppofe  Shakefpeare  wrote, 

'  ivce  is  fore-run  luith  mocks, 
which  has  fome  meaning  in  it ;  and  fignifies,  that  when  great 
men  are  on  the  decline,  their  inferiors  take  advantage  of  their 
condition,  and  treat  them  without  ceremony.  And  this  wc 
find  to  be  the  cafe  in  the  following  fccne.  But  the  editors  were 
feeking  for  a  rhime.  Though  had  they  not  been  fo  impatient 
they  would  have  found  it  gingled  to  what  followed,  though  it 
did  not  to  what  went  before.     War  burton. 

There  is  no  need  of  any  emendation.  The  poet,  according 
to  the  common  dodrine  of  prognoftication,  fuppofes  dejection 
to  forerun  calamity,  and  a  kingdom  to  be  filled  with  rumours 
of  forrow  when  any  great  difafler  is  impending.  The  fenfeis, 
that  public  evils  arc  always  prcfignified  by  public  penfivenefs, 
^nd  plaintive  converfation.  The  conceit  of  rhyming  mocks  with 
upricocks^  which  I  hope  Shakefpeare  knew  better  hovv  to  fpcll, 
fhews  that  the  commentator  was  refolved  not  to  let  his  con- 
jci^ure  fall  for  want  of  any  fupport  that  he  could  give  it.    Johns. 

5  — —  ovK  firm  fiat e  f*]  How  could  he  fay  ours  when  he  im- 
mediately fubjcins,  that  it  was  infirm  ?     We  Ihould  read, 
fi  fi^r?n  fiatc.     War  burton. 

The  fervant  fays  cur,  meaning  the  flate  of  the  garden  they 
?re  at  woik  in.  The  fiate  of  the  metaphorical  garden  was  in- 
deed unfitrmj  and  theref.  re  his  realoning  is  very  naturally  in- 
duced. Why  (fays  he)  ftiould  wc  be  Ci»icful  to  prcferve  order 
in  the  narrow  cindl  re  of  this  our  fiate,  whrn  i\\t  great  fiate  of 
the  kinzdom  is  in  diforder  ?  I  have  replaced  the  old  reading 
^hich  Dr.  Warburton  would  have  difcontiuued  in  favour  of  hi§ 
pwjiconje^nre.     Sieevens.  , 

■'  -  When 


X  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D     11.       185 

When  our  fea-wdled  garden,  the  whole  land. 
Is  full  of  weeds  •,  her  faireft  flowers  choak*d  up. 
Her  friiit-trees  all  unprun'd,  her  hedges  ruin'd. 
Her  knots  diforder^d,  and  her  wholeibme  herbs 
Swarming  with  caterpillars  ? 
Card.  Hold  thy  peace. — 
He,  that  hath  fuffer*d  this  diforder'd  fpring. 
Hath  now  himfelf  met  with  the  fall  of  leaf: 
The  weeds,  that  his  broad  fpreading  leaves  did  (helter. 
That  fecm'd,  in  eating  him,  to  hold  him  up. 
Are  puU'd  up,  root  and  all,  by  Bolingbroke  ; 
I  mean,  the  earl  of  Wiltfhire,  Bulhy,  Green. 
Serv.  What,  are  they  dead  ? 
Card.  They  are,  and  Bolingbroke 
Hath  feiz*d  the  wafleful  king. — What  pity  is  it. 
That  he  had  not  fo  trimm'd  and  drels'd  his  land. 
As  we  this  garden,  who  at  times  of  year 
Do  wound  the  bark,  the  fkin,  of  oui  fi*uit-trces ; 
JLeft,  being  over-proud  with  fap  and  blood. 
With  too  much  riches  it  confound  itfclf : 
Had  he  done  fo  to  great  and  growing  men. 
They  might  have  liv'd  to  bear,  and  he  to  tafte 
Their  fruits  of  duty.     All  fupertluous  branches 
We  lop  away,  that  bearing  boughs  may  live : 
Had  he  done  fo,  himftlf  had  borne  the  crown, 
Which  wafte  and  idle  hours  hath  quite  thrown  down. 
Serv.  What,  think  you  then,  the  king  will  be  de- 
posed ? 
Gcrd.  Dcprefs'd  he  is  already ;  and  depos'd, 
*Tis  doubted,  he  will  be.     I/rr^.ers  came  laft  night 
To  a  clear  friend  of  the  cro^d  uiiiwc  of  York, 
Tyiat  tell  black  tidings. 
^mn.  Oh,  I  am  prefs^J  to  d^Mth,  through  want  of 
jpeaking  !         \Cc7uiKg  (rem  her  coiireahisnt. 
Thou  old  Adam's  likcnefs,  let  to  drc  fs  this  garden. 
How  dares  thy  harlh  tongue  found  this  unpleafing 

news  ? 
What  Eve,  what  ferpent  hath  fuggeftcd  thee, 
To  m^e  a  fecond  fail  of  curled  nian  ? 

Why 


i86      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL 

Why  doft  thou  fay,  king  Richard  is  depos'd  ? 
Dar'ft  thou,  thou  littk  better  thing  thaji  earth. 
Divine  his  dOwnfal  ?     Say,  where,  when,  and  how 
Cam'ft  thou  by  thele  ill  tidings  ?    Speak,  thou  wretch. 

Gard.  Pardon  me,  nudam.     Little  joy  have  I 
To  breathe  thefc  news,  yet  what  I  fay  is  true. 
King  Richard,  he  is  in  the  mighty  hold 
Of  Boiingbroke ;  their  fortunes  both  are  weighed  : 
In  your  lord's  fcale  is  nothing  but  himfclf. 
And  fome  few  vanities  that  make  him  light ; 
But  in  the  balance  of  great  Boiingbroke, 
Befides  himfclf,  are  all  the  EngHlh  peers. 
And  with  that  odds  he  weighs  king  Richard  down.— 
Pqft  you  to  London,  and  you'll  find  it  fo  ; 
I  Ipeak  no  more  .than  every  one  doth  know. 

^leen.  Nimble  mifchance,  that  art  fo  light  of  foot. 
Doth  not  thy  cmbaffage  belong  to  me  ? 
And  am  I  laft,  that  know  it  ?  oh,  thou  think'ft 
To  ferve  me  laft,  that  I  may  longeft  keep 
Thy  forrow  in  my  breaft. — Come,  ladies,  go ; 
To  meet,  at  London,  London's  king  in  woe.— 
What,  was  I  born  to  this !  that  my  fad  look 
Should  grace  the  triumph  of  great  Boiingbroke ! 
Gardener,  for  teihng  me  thefe  news  of  woe, 
I  would,  the  plants  '  thou  graft'ft  may  never  grow. 

[ExeurJ  ^ueen  and  ladies. 

Gard,  Poor  queen !  fo  that  thy  ftate  might  be  no  worfe, 
I  would  my  fkill  were  fubjeft  to  thy  curfe.— 
Here  did  (he  drop  a  tear;  here,  in  this  place, 
I'll  fet  a  bank  of  rue,  four  herb  of  grace  : 
Rue,  even  for  ruth,  here  fliortly  fhall  be  fcen. 
In  the  remembrance  of  a  weeping  queen. 

[^Excunt  gard.  andferv. 

»  I^^ould,  the  plants,  &c.]  This  execration  of  the  queen  is 
fomewhut  ludicroas,  and  unfuitable  to  her  condition  ;  the  ^ar- 
d£ner*s  refiedlion  is  better  adapted  to  the  ihite  both  of  his  mind 
and  his  fortune.  Mr.  Pope,  who  has  been  throughout  this  play 
very  diligent  to  rejeA  what  he  did  not  like,  has  yet,  I  know 
not  w^yi  fpared  the  laft  lines  of  this  ad.     Johnson. 

ACT 


KING    RICHARD    II.      187 

A  C  T     IV.      S  C  E  N  E    I. 

London,    ^he  parltament-boufe. 

Enter  BoUngbroke^  Aumerk^  Northumberland,  'Percy^ 
Fitzwater^  Surry^  bijhop  of  Carlijley  abbot  of  H^'eft- 
minfterj  heraldy  officers^  and  Bagot. 

BOLINGBROKE. 

CALL  Bagot  forth  :  now  freely  fpeak  thy  mind; 
What  thou  doft  know  of  noble  Glofter's  death  j 
"Who  wrought  it  with  the  king,  and  who  perform'd 
The  bloody  office  of  *  his  timelefs  end. 

Bagot.  Then  fet  before  my  face  the  lord  Aumerle. 
BoUng.  Coufin,  Hand  forth,  and  look  upon  that  man, 
Bagot.  My  lord  Aumerle,   I   know   your  daring 
tongue 
Scorns  to  unfay  what  it  hath  once  deliverM. 
In  that  dead  time  when  Glofter's  death  was  plotted, 
I  heard  you  fay,  "  Is  aot  my  arai  of  length, 
"  That  reacheth  from  the  reftful  Englifh  court 
**  As  far  as  Calais,  to  my  uncle's  head  ?" 
Amongft  much  other  talk  that  very  time, 
I  heard  you  fay,,  *'  You  rather  had  refufe 
**  The  offer  of  an  hundred  thoufand  crowns, 
"  Than  Bolingbroke  return  to  England  \ 
"  Adding  withal  how  bleft  this  land  would  be, 
"  In  this  your  coufin's  death." 

Aum.  Princes,  and  noble  lords. 
What  anfwer  Ihall  I  make  to  this  bafe  man  ? 
Shall  I  fo  much  difhonour  3  my  fair  ftars, 

*  ■   '  ■  '  J  hh  timelefs  end.']  Timelefs  for  untimely.     Warb. 

•  fHyfair  stars,]  I  rather  think  it  (hould  be  stem. 


brine  of  the  royal  blood.     Warburton. 

I  think  the  prefent  reading  unexceptionable.  The  hirtb  u 
fuj^pofed  to  be  influenced  by  the  ftars^  therefore  our  author, 
mth  his  ufoal  licence^  Xdktsjlars  for  birth,    Johnson. 

Wc 


t88      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

On  equal  terms  to  give  him  chaftifement  ? 
Either  I  muft,  or  have  mine  honour  foil'd 
With  the  attainder  of  his  fland'rous  lips. 
There  is  my  gage,  the  manual  feal  of  death. 
That  marks  thee  out  for  hell.     Thou  lieft,  and 
I  will  maintain  what  thou  haft  faid,  is  falfe. 
In  thy  heart-blood,  though  being  all  too  bale 
To  ftain  the  temper  of  my  knightly  fword. 

Boling,  Bagot,  forbear  -,  thou  ftialt  not  uke  it  up. 

Aum.  Excepting  one,  I  would  he  were  the  beft 
In  all  this  prelence  that  hath  mov*d  me  fo. 

Fitzw,  ^  If  that  thy  valour  ftand  on  fympathies. 
There  is  my  gage,  Aumerle,  in  gage  to  thine. 
.  By  that  fair  fun  that  (hews  me  where  thou  ftand'ft, 
I  heard  thee  fay,  and  vauntingly  thou  fpak'ft  it. 
That  thou  wert  caufe  of  noble  Glofter's  death. 
If  thou  deny 'ft  it,  twenty  times  thou  lieft ; 
And  I  will  turn  thy  falfhood  to  thy  heart. 
Where  it  was  forged,  with  my  rapier's  point  5. 

We  learn  from  Pliny'/  Nat,  Hljl.  that  the  vulgar  error  afligned 
the  bright  and  fair  ftars  to  the  rich  and  great.  Sidera  finguUt 
attributa  nobis  et  clara  di^itibus,  minora  pauperibusy  &c.  Lio.  I. 
cap.  8.     Anonymous. 

♦  If  that  thyvalour  ftand  on  fympathiesy']  Here  is  a  tranflated 
fenfe  much  harlher  than  that  of  ftars  explained  in  the  foregoing 
note.  Aumerle  has  challenged  Bagot  with  fome  hefitation,  as 
not  being  his  equal,  and  therefore  one  whbm,  according  to  the 
rules  of  chivalry,  he  was  not  obliged  to  fight,  as  a  nobler  life 
was  not  to  be  ftakcd  in  a  duel  again  ft  a  bafer.  Fitz  waiter  then 
throws  down  his  ^rt^f,  a  pledge  of  battle;  and  tells  him  that  if  he 
ftands  Mipon  Jympatbiesy  that  is,  upon  equality  of  blood,  the  com- 
bat is  now  o/Fercd  him  by  a  man  of  rank  not  inferior  to  his 
own.  Sympathy  is  an  afFedlion  incident  at  once  to  two  fubjeds. 
This  community  of  affe«^ion  implies  a  likencfs  or  equality  of  na^ 
ture,  and  thence  our  poet  transferred  the  term  to  equality  of 
blood.     Johnson. 

'  my  rapier'' s  point. '\  Shakcfpeare  dcferts  the  manners 

of  the  age  in  which  his  drama  is  placed  very  often,  without  ne- 
ceflity  or  advantage.  The  edge  of  a  fword  had  fcrved  his  pur- 
pofe  as  well  as  the  point  of  a  rapier^  and  he  had  then  efcaped 
the  impropriety  of  giving  the  Englifti  nobles  a  weapon  which  was 
not  fetn  in  England  till  two  centuries  afterwards.    Johkson. 

Aum. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  p    11.      189 

\Auin.  Thou  dar*ft  not,  coward,  live  to  fee  the  day. 

Filzw.  Now,  by  my  foul,  I  would  it  were  this  hour. 

jiunt.  Fitzwalter,  thou  art  damn'd  to  hell  for  this. 

Percy.  Aumerle,  thou  lieft ;  his  honour  is  as  true. 
In  this  appeal,  as  thou  art  all  unjuft  : 
And,  that  thou  art  fo,  there  I  throw  my  gage 
To  prove  it  on  thee  to  the  extremeft  point 
Of  mortal  breathing  •,  feize  it,  if  thou  dar'ft. 

yium.  And  if  I  do  not,  may  my  hands  rot  off. 
And  never  brandilh  more  revengeful  fteel 
Over  the  glittering  helmet  of  my  foe ! 

Another  Lord.  ^  I  take  the  earth  to  the  like,  forfwom 
Aumerle, 
And  fpur  thee  on  with  full  as  many  lies 
As  may  be  hollowed  in  thy  treachVous  ear 

*  From  fin  to  fin.     There  is  my  honour's  pawn. 
Engage  it  to  the  trial  if  thou  dar'ft. 

Aum.  Who  fets  me  elfe  ?  by  heaven.  Til  throw  at  all. 
•   I  have  a  thoufand  fpirits  in  one  breaft 
To  anfwer  twenty  tnoufand  fuch  as  you. 

Surry.  My  lord  Fitzwalter,  I  do  remember  well 
The  very  time  Aumerle  and  you  did  talk. 

i5/2w.  My  lord,  'tis  true :  you  were  in  prefencc 
then  -, 
And  you  can  witnefs  with  me,  this  is  true. 

Surry.  As  falfe,  by  heaven,  as  heaven  itfelf  is  true. 

Fitz.  Surry,  thou  lieft. 

Surry.  Difhonourablc  boy ! 
That  lie  fhall  lye  fo  heavy  on  my  fword. 
That  it  (hall  render  vengeance  and  revenge. 
Till  thou  the  lie-giver,  and  that  lie,  do  lye 
Inearth  as  quiet  as  thy  father's  fcuU. 

•  Itaki  the  earth  to  the  likey  &c.]  This  fpeech  T  have  reftored 
from  the  firft  edition  in  humble  imitation  of  former  editors, 
though,  I  believe,  againft  the  mind  of  the  author.  For  the  earth 
Ifnppofe  we  fhould  read,  thy  oath,     Johnson. 

•  From  Jin  to  Jin. "]    So  both  the  quarto's  and  folio.     I 

•  fciped  we  (hould  read,  From  fun  to  Jun ;  i.  c.  from  one  day  to 
anodier.    STSfiVENs. 

In 


I90      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

In  proof  whereof,  there  is  mine  honour's  pawn ; 
Engage  it  to  the  trial,  if  thou  dar'ft. 

Fitz.  How  fondly  doft  thou  fpur  a  forward  horfe  ? 
If  I  dare  eat,  or  drink,  or  breathe,  or  live, 
7  I  dare  meet  Surry  in  a  wildernefs. 
And  fpit  upon  him,  whilft  I  fay,  he  lies, 
And  lies,  and  lies.     There  is  mr  bond  of  faith, 
To  tie  thee  to  my  ftrong  corredtion.— — 
As  I  intend  to  thrive  ^  in  this  new  world, 
Aumerle  is  guilty  of  my  true  appeal ! 
Befides,  I  heard  the  banifli'd  Norfolk  fay. 
That  thou,  Aumerle,  didft  fend  two  of  thy  men 
To  eicecute  the  noble  duke  at  Calais. 

yium.  Some  honeft  Chriftian  truft  me  with  a  gage^ 
That  Norfolk  lies  :  here  do  I  throw  down  this. 
If  he  may  be  repeaPd,  to  try  his  honour. 

BoliTJg.  Thefe  differences  (hall  all  reft  under  gage^ 
Till  Norfolk  be  repealed :  repealed  he  fhall  b^ 
And,  though  mine  enemy,  reftor'd  again 
To  his  lands  and  figniories  ;  when  he*s  returned, 
Againft  Aumerle  we  will  enforce  his  trial. 

Car.  That  honourable  day  (hall  ne'er  be  fcen.-— 
Many  a  time  hath  banifh'd  Norfolk  fought 
For  Jefu  Chrift ;  in  glorious  Chriftian  field 
Streaming  the  enfign  of  the  Chriftian  crc^s, 
Againft  black  Pagans,  Turks,  and  Saracens  : 
And,  toil'd  with  works  of  war,  retired  himfclf 
To  Italy  ;  and  there,  at  Venice,  gave 
His  body  to  that  pkafant  country's  earth. 
And  his  pure  foul  unto  his  captain  Chrift, 
Under  whofe  colours  he  had  fought  fo  long. 

Boling.  Why,  biftiop,  is  Norfolk  dead  ? 

^  /  iiare  meet  Surry  in  a  iviUerue/s^']  I  dare  meet  him  wJierc 
BO  help  can  be  had  by  me  againfl  him.     So  in  Macieth, 

'*  O  be  alive  again, 

*•  And  dare  rae  to  the  defcrt  with  thy  fword."     ]onvs. 
-/«  this  ni'iv  <itorA/,]    In  this  world  where  I  have  juft 


begun  to  be  an  a^cor.    Surry  has,  a  few  linea  above,  called  him 
hoj,    Johnson.. 

Carl 


KING    RICHARD    n.      191 

Carl.  Sure  as  I  live,  my  lord. 

Bolhtg.  Sweet  peace  conduft  his  fwcet  foul  to  the 
bofom 
Of  good  old  Abraham ! — Lords  appellants. 
Your  differences  fhall  all  reft  umkr  gage. 
Till  we  affign  you  to  your  days  of  trial. 

Enter  Torky  attended. 

Tori.  Great  duke  of  Lancafter,  I  come  to  thee 
From  plume-pluck*d  Richard ;  who  with  willing  foul 
Adopts  thee  heir,  and  his  high  fcepter  yields 
To  diepoffeffion  of  thy  roy^  hand. 
Afcend  his  throne,  defcending  now  from  him. 
And  long  live  Henry,  of  that  name  the  fourth ! 

Boling.  In  God's  name.  Til  afcend  the  regal  throne. 

Carl.  Marry,  heaven  forbid ! — 
Worft  in  this  royal  prefence  may  I  Ipeak, 
'  Yet  beft  befeeming  me  to  fpeak  the  truth. 
Would  God,  that  any  in  tliis  noble  prefence 
Were  enough  noble  to  be  upright  judge 
Of  noble  Richard;  then  true  noblenels  would 
Learn  him  forbearance  from  fo  foul  a  wrong. 
What  fubjeft  can  give  fentence  on  his  kin^  ? 
And  who  fits  here,  that  is  not  Richard's  fubjeft  ? 
Thieves  are  not  judged,  but  they  are  by  to  hear. 
Although  apparent  guilt  be  feen  in  them  : 
'  And  fliall  the  figure  of  God*s  majefty, 

'  Tet  hefi  hejetming  me  tt  /peak  the  truth.]   It  might  be  read  ' 
lore  gramixiatically, 

Tet  hejt  befecms  it  me  to  fpeak  the  truth. 
fotldo  not  think  it  is  printed  othervvifc  than  as  Shakcfpeare 
T^^rotcit.    Johnson. 

•  Andjhall  the  figure^  Ac]  Here  is  another  proof  that  our 
ttthor  <lid  not  learn  in  king  James's  court  his  elevated  notions 
<^thc  right  of  kings.  I  know  not  any  flatterer  of  the  Stuarts, 
who  has  expreffed  this  dodrine  in  much  ftronger  terms.  It  mull 
Kobfcrvcd  that  the^poet  intends,  from  the  beginning  to  the  end, 
to  exhibit  this  bidiop  as  brave,  pious,  and  venerable.  Joh  nson. 

Shakcfpeare  has  reprefen ted  this  charafter  of  the  bilhop  as  he 
foandit  in  Holinflied.  The  politics  of  the  biilorian  were  th« 
politics  of  the  poet.     S t  e  £  v  b  k  s . 

%  His 


192      K  I  N  G    RICHARD    IL 

His  captain,  fteward,  deputy  eledt. 
Anointed,,  crown'd,  and  planted  many  years. 
Be  judg'd  by  fubjeft  and  inferior  breath. 
And  he  himfelf  not  prelent  ?  oh,  forbid  it,  God  f 
That,  in  a  Chriftian  climate,  fouls  refined 
Should  (hew  fo  heinous,  black,  obfcenc  a  deed  I 
I  fpeak  to  fubjefts,  and  a  fubjeft  fpeaks, 
Stirr'd  up  by  heaven,  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  prophefy 
The  blood  of  Englifh  (hall  manure  the  ground. 
And  future  ages  groan  for  this  foul  aft. 
Peace  (hall  go  fleep  with  Turks  and  Infidels, 
And,  in  the  feat  of  peace,  tumultuous  wars 
Shall  kin  with  kin,  and  kind  l^ith  kind,  confound. 
Diforder,  horror,  fear,  and  mutiny 
Shall  here  inhabit,  and  this  land  be  called 
The  field  of  Golgotha,  and  dead  mens'  fcuUs, 
Oh,  if  you  rear  this  houfe  againft  this  houfe. 
It  will  the  woefuUeft  divifion  prove 
That  ever  fell  upon. this  curfed  earth. 
Prevent,  refid  it,  let  it  not  be  fo. 
Left  childrens'  children  cry  againft  you,  woe ! 

Nvrlb.  Well  have  you  argu'd,  Sir-,  and,  for  your 
pains. 
Of  capital  trealbn  we  arreft  you  here.  — 
My  lord  of  Weftminfter,.  be  it  your  charge. 
To  keep  him  fafely  till  *  his  day  of  trial.— 
May't  pleafe  you,  lords,  to  grant  the  commons'  fuit  ? 

*  his  day  0/ f  rial,]  After  this  line,  whatever  follows,  al- 

moft  to  the  end  of  the  aft,  containing  the  whole  procefs  of  de- 
throning and  debafing  king  Richard,  was  added  after  the  drft 
edition  of  1998,  and  before  the  fecond  of  1615.  Part  of  the 
addition  is  proper,  and  part  might  have  been  forbom  without 
much  lofs.  The  author,  I  fuppofc,  intended  to  make  a  Ycry 
moving  fccnc.     Johnson. 


IC  1  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.       193 

doling.  Fetch  hither  Richard,  that  in  common  view 
He  may  furrender.     So  we  fhall  proceed 
AVithout  fulpicion. 

Tork  I  will  be  his  conduft.  [Exit. 

BoUng.  Lords,  you  that  here  are  under  our  arreft. 
Procure  your  furcties  for  your  days  of  anfwer  :«— 
Little  are  we  beholden  to  your  love. 
And  litde  look'd  for  at  your  helping  hands* 

Enter  king  Richard  and  TorL 

L  Rich.  Alack,  why  am  I  fent  for  to  a  king. 
Before  I  have  (hook  off  the  regal  thoughts 
A^Tierewith  I  reign*d  ?     I  hardly  yet  have  learnM 
To  infinuate,  flatter,  bow,  and  bend  my  knee.— 
Give  forrow  leave  a-while  to  tutor  me 
To  this  fubmiflion.     Yet  I  well  remember 
3  The  favours  of  thefe  men :  were  they  not  mine  ? 
Did  they  not  fomerime  cry.  All  hail !  to  me  ? 
So  Judas  did  to  Chrift :  but  he,  in  twelve. 
Found  truth  in  all,  but  one ;  I,  in  twelve  thoufand^ 

none. 
God  fave  the  king ! — Will  no  man  fay.  Amen  ? 
Am  1  both  prieft  and  clerk  ?  well  then.  Amen. 
God  fave  the  king  !  although  I  be  not  he  -, 
And  yet.  Amen,  if  heaven  do  think  him  me. — 
To  do  what  fervice  am  I  fent  for  hither  ? 

Tprk.  To  do  that  office  of  thine  ov/n  good  will, 
"Which  tired  majefty  did  make  thee  offer. 
The  refignation  of  thy  {late  and  crown 
To  Henry  Bolingbroke. 

K.'Ricb.  Give  me  the  crown  : — here,  couGn,  feizc 
the  crown ; 
Here,  coufin,  on  this  fide,  my  hand ;  on  that  fide, 

thine. 
Now  is  this  golden  crown  like  a  deep  well. 
That  owes  two  buckets,  filling  one  another ; 

^  The  favours  9  &c.]  HYiZ  countenances ;  the  features,  Johns. 


V0L.V. 


N 


Th$ 


X94      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

♦  The  emptier  ever  dancing  in  the  air, 
TJie  other  down,  unfeen,  and  full  of  water : 
That  bucket  down,  and  full  of  tears,  am  I, 
Drinking  my  griefs,  whilft  you  mount  up  on  high* 

BoHng.  I  thought  you  had  been  willing  to  reficn. 

K.  Rich.  My  crown,  I  am ;  Iput  ftill  my  grias  ace 
mine : 
You  may  my  glories  and  my  ftate  depofe. 
But  not  my  griefs  ;  ftill  am  I  king  of  thofe. 

Boling.  Part  of  your  cares  you  give  me  with  your 
crown. 

K.  Rich.  Your  cares  fet  up,  do  not  pluck  my  caxti- 
down. 
5  My  care,  is  lofs  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  ftill  with  me  tliey  ftay. 

Boling.  Are  you  contented  to  refign  the  crown  ? 

K.  Rich.  Ay,  no-; — no,  ay ; — for  I  muft  nothing  be; 
Therefore  no,  no ;  for  I  refign  to  thoc 
Now,  mark  me  how  I  will  undo  myfelf : 
I  give  this  heavy  weight  from  off  my  head. 
And  this  unwieldy  fccptcr  from  my  hand. 
The  pride  of  kingly  fway  from  out  my  heart ; 
With  mine  own  tears  I  wafli  away  ^  my  balm  y 
With  mine  own  hands  I  give  away  my  crown ; 
With  mine  own  tongue  deny  my  facred  ftate ; 
W:th  mine  own  breath  rcleaJib  all  duteous  oaths  : 

♦  The  emptier  e^er  dancing — ]  This  is  a  comparifbn  not  eafilw 
accommodated  to  the  fubje£l,  nor  very  naturally  iBtroduced. 
The  beft  part  is  this  line,  in  which  Ke  makes  the  uAirper  the 
r/w//y  bucket.     Johnson. 

.  5  My  care^  is  hjs  of  care  ^  hy  old  care  done  ;]  Shakeipeareolcea- 
obfcures  his  meaning  by  playing  with  founds,  Richard  (eems 
to  fay  here,  that  kis  cares  are  not  made  Ufs  by  the  increafief  B§^ 
liirghrch^  cares  ;  for  thib  reafon,  that  his  care  is  the  lo/s  of  cart^ 
his  grief  is,  that  his  repa!  cares  nrc  at  an  end,  ^y  t%e  cejpztion  ef 
the  care  to  ^jchicb  he  bad  he  en  accufomed,     Johnson. 

,  ^  — -^^  my  halm  \}  The  oil  of  confccratioa^  He  ha»  men** 
tioned  it  bete  re.    Johnson. 

AU 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n.      195 

All  pomp  and  majefly  I  do  forfwear  ; 
My  manors,  rents,  rfcvenues,  I  forego ; 
My  afts,  decrees,  and  ftatutes  I  deny : 
God  pardon  alj  oatlis,  that  are  broke  to  me ! 
God  keep  all  vows  unbroke,  are  made  to  thee  ? 
Make  me,  tliat  nothing  have,  with  nothing  griev*d  f 
And  diou  with  all  pleas'd,  that  haft  all  atcfiiev'd  ! 
Long  may'ft  thou  live  in  Richard's  feat  to  fit. 
And  foon  lie  Richard  in  art  ecU*thy  pit ! 
Godfave  king  Heniy,  unkin^'d  Richard  fays. 
And  fend  him  m^ny  years  or  fun-lliine  days  !— 
What  more  remains  ? 

North.  No  more,  but  that  you  read 
Thefe  accufations,  and  thefe  grievous  crimes. 
Committed  by  your  perfon,  and  your  followers, 
Againft  the  ftate  and  profit  of  this  land  \  '  J 

That,  by  confcfling  them,  the  fouls  of  men 
May  deem  that  you  are  worthily  depos'd. 

i.  Rich.  Muft  I  do  fo  ?'  and  muft  I  ravel  out 
My  weav'd-up  foUies  ?     Gentle  Northumberland, 
If  thy  ofiences  were  upon  record. 
Would  it  not  fhame  thee,  in  fo  faif  a  troop. 
To  read  a  lefture  of  them  ?  7  If  thou  would'ft. 
There  Ihould'ft  thou  find  one  heinous  article. 
Containing  the  depofing  of  a  king. 
And  cracking  the  ftrong  warrant  of  an  oath, 
Mark'd  with  a  blot,  damn'd  in  the  book  of  heaven.— ' 
Nay,  all  of  you,  that  ftand  and  look  upon  me, 
Whilft  that  my  wretchednefs  doth  bait  myfelf — 
Though  fome  of  you,  with  Pilate,  wafh  your  hands, 
Shewi^  an  outward  pity ;  yet  you  Pilates 
Have  here  delivered  me  to  my  four  crofs, 
And  water  cannot  wafli  away  your  fin. 

North.  My  lord,  difpatch  ;  read  o'er  thefe  articles.' 

K.  Rich.  Mine  eyes  are  full  of  tears,  I  cannot  fee  : 
And  yet  falt-water  blinds  them  not  fo  much, 

\  ""'^ If  thou'would*/,']  That  is,  if  thou  would'ft  read  over 
aliHof  thy  own  deeds.    Johnson. 

.     N  2  But 


jg6      K  I  N  G    R  I  G  H  A  R  D    IL 

But  they  can  fee  ^  a  fort  of  traitors  here. 
Nay,  if  I  turn  mine  eyes  upon  myfelf, 
I  find  myfelf  a  traitor  with  the  reft : 
For  I  have  given  here  my  foul's  confent. 
To  undeck  the  pompous  body  of  a  king ; 
Make  glory  bale  •,  a  fovereign,  a  flave ; 
Proud  majefty,  a  fubjedt  -,  ftate,  a  peafant. 

Nor  lb.  My  lord 

K.  Rich.  No  lord  of  thine,  thou  haught-infulting 
man  ; 
Nor  no  man's  lord ;  I  have  no  name,  no  title ; 
9  No,  not  that  name  was  given  me  at  the  font. 
But  'tis  ufurp'd. — Alack,  the  heavy  day. 
That  I  have  worn  fo  many  winters  out. 
And  know  not  now  what  name  to  call  myfelf ! 
Oh,  that  I  were  a  mockery-king  of  fnow, 
Standing  before  the  fun  of  Bolingbroke, 
To  melt  myfelf  away  in  water-drops ! 
Good  king— great  king — and  yet  not  greatly  good. 
An  if  my  word  be  fterling  yet  in  England,    [To  BoUng. 
Let  it  command  a  mirror  hither  ftraight ; 
That  it  may  rtiew  me  what  a  face  I  have, 
Since  it  is  bankrupt  of  his  majefty. 

Boling.  Go  fome  of  you,  and  fetch  a  looking-glafs. 

North,  Read  o'er  this  paper,  while  the  glals  doth 
come. 

K*  Rich.  Fiend !  thou  torment'ft  me,  ere  I  come  to 
'      hell. 

Boling.  Urge  it  no  more,  my  lord  Northumberland* 

^crtb.  The  commons  will  not  then  be  fatisfy'd. 

^  — a/ort — ]  Apackj2LComfan)f.     Warburton. 

The  laft  who  ufed  the  vford/ort  in  this  fenfe  was,  perhaps. 
Waller. 

J  {on  oflufty  Jbepherds  flri*ve.    Johns. 

»  h\  not  that  name  *was  ^i<vcntnc  at  tin  font  y]  How  that  name 
which  was  given  him  at  the  font  could  be  ufurped,  I  iio  not  un- 
derftand.  Perhaps  Shakcfpearc  meant  to  fhew  that  imagination, 
dwelling  long  on  its  own  misfortunes,  rcprefcnts  them  as  greater 
than  than  they  really  are.     Anonymous. 

K.Ricb. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      197 

K.  Rich.  They  fliall  be  farisfy'd  •,  Til  read  enough, 
When  I  do  fee  the  very  book,  indeed, 
\Vhcre  all  my  fins  are  writ,  and  that's  myfelf. 

Enter  oie^  with  a  glafs. 

Give  me  that  glafs,  and  therein, will  I  read. 

— No  deeper  wrinkles  yet  ?  hath  forrow  ftruck 

So  many  blows  upon  this  face  of  mine, 

J\.nd  made  no  deeper  wounds  ?     Oh,  flattering  glafs,  , 

Like  to  my  followers  in  profperity. 

Thou  doft  beguile  me  !     Was  this  face,  the  face 

That  every  day  under  his  houfhold  roof 

i)id  keep  ten  thoufand  men  ?     Was  this  die  face. 

That,  like  the  fun,  did  make  beholders  wink  ? 

Is  this  the  face,  which  fac'd  fo  many  follies. 

That  was  at  laft  out-fac'd  by  Bolingbrokc  ? 

A  brittle  glory  (hineth  in  this  face ; 

[Dajhes  the  glafs  againjl  the  ground. 
As  brittle,  as  the  glory,  is  the  face ; 
For  there  it  is,  cracked  in  an  hundred  fliivers. — 
Mark,  filent  king,  the  moral  of  this  fport ; 
How  ibon  my  forrow  hath  deftroy'd  my  face. 

Boling.  The  Ihadow  of  your  forrow  hath  deftroy'd 
Thefliaaow  of  your  face, 

K,  Rich.  Say  that  again. 
The  fliadow  of  my  forrow !  Ha !  let's  fee  •, 
'Tis  very  true,  my  grief  lies  all  within  ; 
Andthefc  external  manners  of  laments 
Are  merely  fhadows  to  the  unfeen  grief. 
That  fwells  with  filence  in  the  tortur'd  foul ; 
There  lies  the  fubllancc  :  and  I  thank  thee,  king. 
For  thy  great  bounty,  tlut  not  only  giv'ft 
Me  caufc  to  wail,  but  teacheft  me  the  way 
How  to  lament  the  caule,     Pll  beg  one  boon  -, 
And  then  be  gone,  and  trouble  you  no  more. 
Shall  I  obtain  it  ? 

Boling.  Name  it,  fair  coufin. 

K.  Rich.  Fair  CO' 1  fin !  I  am  greater  than  a  king : 
For  when  I  was  a  king,  my  flatterers 

N  3  Were 


ipS      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    H. 

Were  then  but  fubjefts ;  being  now  a  fubjcft, 
I  have  a  king  here  to  my  flatterer : 
Being  fo  great,  I  have  no  need  to  beg. 

Bolhig.  Yetcilk. 

K.  Rich.  And  fhall  I  have  ?    . 

Bolhig,  You  fhall. 

K,  Rich.  Then  give  me  leave  to  go. 

BoUvg,  Whither  ? 

K.  Rich,  Whither  you  will,  fo  I  were  from  your 
fights. 

BoVir.g.  Go  fome  of  you,  convey  him  to  the  Tower. 

K.Rich.  Oh,  good!  convey: — '  conveyers  are  you 
ail. 
That  rife  thus  nimbly  by  a  true  king's  fall.  [Exit. 

Bcling.  *  On  Wednefday  next  we  folemnly  fet  down 
Our  coronation  :  lords,  prepare  yourfelves. 

{Ex.  all  hut  Abbot .^  bijhop  ofCarliJle^  and  AumerU. 

Abbot.  A  woeful  pageant  have  we  here  beheld. 

Carl.  The  woe's  to  come  •,  the  children  yet  unborn 
Shall  feel  this  day  *  as  fharp  to  them  as  thorn. 

Aim.  You  holy  clergymen,  is  there  no  plot 
To  rid  the  realm  of  this  pernicious  blot. 

Abbot.  Before  I  freely  fpeak  my  mind  herein. 
You  ftiall  not  only  take  the  facrament, 

1 coTfueyers  areye  all,']  To  con'vey  is  a  term  often  ufed  in  an 

ill  fenfc,  and  lb  Richard  underftands  it  here.  Piftol  fiys  of 
ftealing,  convey  the  ^ife  it  call ;  and  to  convey  is  the  word  for 
ilight  of  hand,  which  fetms  to  be  alluded  to  here.  Ye  are  alU 
fays  the  depolcd  prince,  y.v^^^ Aw,  who  rife  with  this  nimble  dex- 
terity by  the  fall  of  a  gout  king.     Johnson, 

*  On  IVednefduy  next  n.'je  Jolemnly  fet  doijon 

Our  c:rcKation  :  lords^  prepare  yourfelves. '\  The  firft  4tO,  1 598, 
reads, 

**  let  it  be  fo :  and  !o  on  Wednefday  next 
**  \Vc  fclcinnlyprccljiim  our  coronation  : 
**  Lords,  be  ready  all."     Ste evens. 

•  — as  par p  as  thorn.]  This  pathetic  denunciation  fhcw«  that 
Shakefpcare  intended  to  iniprcfs  his  auditors  with  diHikeof  the 
depofal  of  Richard .    Johnson. 

To 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11.      195 

3  To  bury  mine  intents,  brt  toefFedt 

Whatever  I  fliall  happen  to  Jevife. 

I  fee,  your  brows  are  fiiU  of  difcontent. 

Your  hearts  of  forrow,  and  your  eyes  of  tears.— 

Come  home  with  me  to  fupper,  and  I'll  lay 

A  plct,  (hall  (hew  us  all  a  merry  day^.  [Exeunt. 


ACTV.      SCENE     I. 

A  ftreet  in  London. 
Enter  ^een  and  ladies. 

Qj3  E  E  N. 

THIS  way  the  king  will  come :  this  is  the  way 
5  To  Julius  Casfar's  ill-erefted  tower  ; 
To  whofe  flint  bofom  my  condemned  lord 
Is  doom'd  a  prifoner  by  proud  Bolingbrokc. 
*  Here  let  us  reft,  if  this  rebellious  earth 
Have  any  refUng  for  her  true  king's  queen. 

Enter  king  Richard^  and  guards. 

But  foft,  but  fee,  or  rather  do  not  fee. 

My  fair  rofc  wither :  yet  look  up ;  behold; 

That  you  in  pity  may  diflblve  to  dew. 

And  wafh  him  frefli  again  with  true-love  tears. — 

'  0  thou,  the  model  where  old  Troy  did  Hand ; 

[To  K.  Rich. 

'  Tohury ^1  To  ccnceaU  to  keepfecret.     Johnson. 

*  In  the  firft  edition  there  is  no  pcrfonal  appearance  of  kin^ 
Richard,  fo  that  all  to  the  line  at  which  he  leaves  the  ftage  wat 
infcrted  afterwards .     Johnson. 

'  To  Julius  Ca/ar's^  &c.]  The  Tower  of  London  is  tradi- 
tionally faid  to  have  been  the  work  of  Julius  Ca?far.     Jouns. 

*  Here  let  us  rcft^  ify  &C.]  Here  refty  if  any  reft  can  harbour 
^^    Milton. 

'  0  thouy  the  model  ivhere  old  Triy  did  ft  and ;]  The  queen  ufes 
comparative  urms  abfolutely.    Inllead  of  faying,  Thou  *who  ap- 

N  4  pforeft 


200      KING    RICHARD    IL 

Thou  map  of  honour ;  thou  king  Richard's  tomb,  ^ 
And  not  king  Richard  -,  thou  moft  beauteous  inn, 
Why  fhould  hard-favour'd  grief  be  lodg'd  in  thee, 
Wlicn  triumph  is  become  an  ale-houfc  gueft  ? 

K.  Rich.  ^  Join  not  with  grief,  fair  woman,  do  notfo, 
To  make  my  end  too  fudden.     Learn,  good  foul. 
To  think  our  former  ftate  a  happy  dream ; 
From  which  awak'd,  the  truth  of  what  we  are 
Shews  us  but  this.     9  I  am  fworn  brother,  fweet. 
To  grim  necefllty  •,  and  Jie  and  I 
Will  keep  a  league  till  death.     Hye  thee  to  France, 
And  cloillcr  thee  in  fome  religious  houfe  : 
Our  holy  lives  muft  win  a  new  world's  crown. 
Which  our  profane  hours  here  have  ftricken  down. 

^cen.  What,  is  my  Richard  both  in  fliapc  and  min4 
Transform'd  and  weakened  ?     Hath  Bolingbroke 
Depos'd  thine  intelledl  ?     Hath  he  been  in  thy.  heart } 
Tlie  lion,  dying,  thrufteth  forth  his  paw, 
And  wounds  the  earth,  if  nothing  elfe,  with  rage 
To  be  o'erpower'd :  and  wilt  thou,  pupil-like. 
Take  thy  correftion  mildly  ?  kifs  the  rod, 
And  fawn  on  rage  with  bale  humility, 
.Which  art  a  lion  and  a  king  of  beafts  ? 

K.  Rich,  A  king  of  beafts,  indeed — if  aught  but 
beafts, 
I  had  been  ftill  a  happy  king  of  men. 
Good  fometime  queen,  prepare  thee  hence  for  France ; 
Think,  I  am  dead  •,  and  that  even  here  thou  tak'ft, 

pearejl  as  the  ground  on  which  the  magnificence  of  Troy  was 
once  eredled,  (lie  fays, 

O  thou,  thg  moddy  &C. 

Tbcu  map  of  honour,     Thou^/\^//r^  of  greatnefs.    Johns. 

'  Join  not  vjtih  grief, — ]  Do  not  thou  unite  with  grief  againfl 
me  ;  do  not,  by  thy  additional  forrows,  enable  griet  to  ftriKc  inc 
down  at  once.  My  own  part  of  forrow  I  can  bear,  but  thy 
^iflidion  will  immeaiately  cfcftroyme.     Johnson. 

^  ■■      I  am  fiMorn  brother, — 

To  grim  necejjity  ; ]  I  have  reconciled  myfelf  to  neccf- 

Jty,  1  am  in  altate  of  amity  with  the  coaflraiut  which  I  have 
fuAained.     Johnson.  ^ 


KING    RICHARD    IL 


201 


As  from  my  death-bed,  my  laft  living  leave. 

In  winter's  tedious  nights,  fit  by  the  fire 

With  good  old  folk=j  -,  and  let  them  tell  thee  tales 

Of  woeful  ages,  long  ago  betid  : 

And,  ere  thou  bid  gfx)d  night,  *  to  quit  their  grief. 

Tell  thou  the  lamentable  fall  of  me. 

And  fend  the  hearers  weeping  to  thcir'beds. 

*  For  why  ?  the  fenfelefs  brands  will  fympathize 

The  heavy  accent  of  thy  moving  tongue. 

And,  in  compaflion,  weep  the  fire  out : 

And  fome  will  mourn  in  afhes,  fome  coal-black. 

For  the  depofing  of  a  rightful  king. 

Enter  NortbmnberlaKd  attended. 

Norib.  My  lord,  tlie  mind  of  Bolingbroke  is  chang'd: 
You  muft  to  Pomfret,  not  unto  the  Tower. 
And,  madam,  there  is  order  ta'en  for  you. 
With  all  fwift  fpeed,  you  muft  away  to  France. 

K.  Rich.  Northumberland,  thou  ladder  wherewithal 
The  mounting  Bolingbroke  afcends  my  throne. 
The  time  fliall  not  be  many  hours  of  age 
More  than  it  is,  ere  foul  lin,  gathering  head. 
Shall  break  into  corruption :  thou  (halt  think. 
Though  he  divide  the  realm,  and  give  thee  half. 
It  is  too  little,  helping  him  to  all ; 
And  he  (hall  think,  that  thou,  which  know'ft  die  way 
To  plant  unrightful  kings,  wilt  know  again. 
Being  ne'er  fo  httle  urg'd,  another  v/ay 
To  pluck  him  headlong  from  the  ufurped  throne. 
The  love  of  wicked  f liends  converts  to  fear ; 
That  fear  to  hate ;  and  hate  turns  one,  or  both. 
To  worthy  danger,  and  deferved  death. 

'  -—  to  quit  their  grief  ^  To  retaliate  their  mournful  Aories. 

Johnson. 

*  Tori\:hy? ]  The  poet  fhould  have  ended  this  fpscch 

with  the  foregoing  line,  and  have  fpared  his  childilh' prattle 
»!>out  the  fire.     Johnson, 


«02      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n- 

North.  My  guilt  be  on  my  head,  and  there's  an  end. 
—Take  leave  and  part ;  for  you  muft  part  forthwith. 

K.  Rich.  Doubly  divorced  ?  Bad  men,  ye  violate 
A  two-fold  marriage  •,  'twixt  my  crown  and  me  ; 
And  then  betwixt  me  and  my  married  wife. 
Let  me  unkifs  the  oath  *twixt  thee  and  me. 

\To  the  queen. 
—And  yet  not  fo,  for  with  a  kifs  'twas  made.- 
Part  us,  Northumberland.     I,  towards  the  north. 
Where  fhivering  cold  and  ficknels  pines  the  clime ; 
My  queen  to  France ;  from  whence,  fet  forth  in  pomjv 
She  came  adorned  hither  like  fwcet  May, 
Sent  back  like  Hollowmas,  or  fhort'ft  of  day. 

^een.  And  muft  we  be  divided  ?  muft  we  part  ? 

K.  Rich.  Ay,  hand  from  hand,*  my  love,  and  heart 
from  heart. 

Siueen.  Banifh  us  both,  and  fend  the  king  with  mc. 

North.  That  were  fome  love,  but  little  policy. 

^een.  Then  whither  he  goes,  thither  let  me  go. 

K.  Rich.  So  two,  together  weeping,  make  one  woe, 
Weep  thou  for  me  in  France ;  I  for  thee  here : 
5  Better  far  off,  than  near,  be  ne'er  the  near*. 
Go,  count  thy  way  with  fighs ;  I,  mine  with  groans. 

^leen.  So  longeft  way  Ihall  have  the  longeft  moans. 

K.  Rich.  Twice  for  one  ftep  FU  groan,  the  way  be- 
ing fhort, 
And  piece  the  way  out  with  a  heavy  heart. 
Come,  come,  in  wooing  forrow  let's  be  brief; 
Since,  wedding  it,  there  is  fuch  length  in  grief. 
One  kifs  ftiall  ftop  our  mouths,  and  dumbly  part ; 
Thus  give  I  mine,  and  thus  take  I  thy  heart 

[They  kifs. 

^leen.  Give  me  mine  own  again*,  'twere  no  good 
part, 

♦  Better  far  ofy  than  near^  he  ne^er  the  ftear.]  To  be  «#^tfr  /i# 
Mipbcr^  or,  as  it  is  commonly  fpoken  in  the  mid-land  coand^s» 
jK/Vr  tie  ne-er,  is,  to  make  jxo  advance  towards  the  good  dc- 
fired*    Johnson. 

%  To 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      203 

To  take  on  me  to  keep,  and  kill  thy  heart.  [Kifs  again. 
So,  now  I  have  mine  own  again,  be  gone. 
That  I  may  ftrive  to  kill  it  with  a  groan, 

K.  Rich,  yfft  make  woe  wanton  with  this  fond  delay: 
Once  more,  adieu ;  the  reft,  let  forrow  fay.       [Exeuul. 

SCENE    II. 

The  duke  of  York's  palace. 
Enter  Tork  and  his  Dutchefs. 

Dutch.  My  lord,  you  told  me,  you  would  tell  the 
reft, 
When  weeping  made  you  break  the  ftory  off 
Of  our  two  coulins  coming  into  London. 

Terk.  Where  did  I  leave  ? 

Dutch.  At  that  fad  ftop,  my  lord. 
Where  rude  mifgovern'd  hands,  from  window-tops. 
Threw  duft  and  rubbiih  on  king  Richard's  head. 

Tork.  Then,  as  I  faid,  the  duke,  great  Bolingbrokft 
Mounted  upon  a  hot  and  fiery  fteed. 
Which  his  afpiring  rider  fcem'd  to  know, 
With  flow,  but  ftately  pace,  kept  on  his  courfe, 
While  all  tongues  cry'd,  God  fave  thee,  Bolingbroke! 
You  wou*d  have  thought  the  very  windows  fpake. 
So  many  greedy  looks  of  young  and  old 
Through  cafements  darted  their  dcfiring  eyes 
Upon  his  vifage ;  and  that  all  the  walls 
with  panted  imag'ry  had  faid  at  once, 
Jcfu,  preferve  thee!  welcome,  Bolingbroke  ! 
Whilft  he,  from  one  fide  to  the  other  turning. 
Bare-headed,  lower  than  his  proud  fteed's  neck, 
Befpoke  them  thus  •,  I  thank  you,  countrymen  : 
And  thus  ftill  doing,  thus  he  paft  along. 

Dutch.  Alas,  poor  Richard !   where  rides  he  the 
while  ? 

York.  As  in  a  theatre,  the  eyes  of  men. 
After  a  wcU-grac'd  adtor  leaves  the  ftage, 

to 


204      KING    RICHARD    II. 

'  4  Are  idly  bent  on  him  that  enters  next. 
Thinking  his  prattle  to  be  tedious  : 
Even  fo,  or  with  i^uch  more  contempt,  mens*  eyes 
Did fcowl  on  Richard;  no  man  cry*d,  God  fave  him; 
No  joyful  tongue  gave  him  his  welcome  home: 
But  duft  was  thrown  upon  his  facred  head ; 
Which  with  fuch  gentle  forrow  hefhook  off— 
His  face  ftill  combating  with  tears  and  fmiles, 
The  badges  of  his  grief  and  patience — 
That  had  not  God,  for  fome  ftrong  purpofe,  fteePd 
The  hearts  of  men,  they  muft  perforce  have  melted; 
And  barbarilm  itfelf  have  pitied  him. 
But  heaven  hath  a  hand  in  thefe  events. 
To  whofe  high  will  we  bound  our  calm  contents. 
To  Bolingbroke  are  we  fworn  fubjefts  now, 
"Whofe  ftate,  and  honour,  I  for  aye  allow. 

Enter  Aumerle. 

Dutch.  Here  comes  my  fon  Aumerle. 

York.  Aumerle  that  was  •, 
'  But  that  is  loft,  for  being  Richard's  frier^d. 
And,  madam,  you  muft  call  him  Rutland  now. 
I  am  in  parliament  pledge  for  his  truth. 
And  lafting  fealty  to  the  new-made  king. 

Dutch.  Welcome,  my  fon :  who  arc  the  violets  now, 
5  That  ftrew  the  green  lap  of  the  new-come  fpring? 

Aum.  Madam,  I  know  not,  nor  I  greatly  care  not ; 
God  knows,  I  had  as  lief  be  none,  as  one. 

Tork.  Well,  ^  bear  you  well  in  this  new  fprirtg  of 
time, 
Left  you  be  cropt  before  you  come  to  prime. 

♦  Are  idly  hent ]  That  is  carelcjly  turned,  thrown  with- 
out attention.  This  the  poet  learned  by  his  attendance  and 
praftice  on  the  flagc.     Johnson. 

5  That  fir  en%3  the  green  lap  cf  the  ne^w- com f fpring  ?\  So  Milton 
in  one  of  his  fongs, 

**  who  from  her  green  lap  throws 

**  The  yellow  cowflip  and  the  pale  primrofe."    Stbev. 

*  —  hear  you  <well — ]  That  is,  condu^  youffelf  with  pra^ 
dence.    Johnson. 

i.  Whac 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      205 

What  news  from  Oxford  ?   hold  thefe  jufts  and  tri- 
uniphs? 
j^um.  For  aught  I  know,  my  lord,  they  do. 
Tork.  You  will  be  there,  I  know. 
Jum.  If  God  prevent  me  not -,  I  purpofe  fo. 
Tork.  What  feal  is  that,  which  hangs  without  thy 
bofom  ? 
7  Yea,  look'ft  thou  pale  ?  let  me  fee  the  writing. 
jfum.  My  lord,  *tis  nothing. 
Tork.  No  matter  then  who  fees  it : 
I  will  be  fatisfied,  let  me  fee  the  writing. 

Aum.  I  do  befeech  your  grace  to  pardon  me  ^ 
It  is  a  matter  of  fmall  confequence, 
"Which  for  fome  reafons  I  would  not  have  feen. 
Tork.  Which,  for  fome  reafons,  Sir,  I  mean  to  fee. 

I  fear,  I  fear 

Dutch.  What  fhould  you  fear  ? 
'Tis  nothing  but  fome  bond  that  he  is  entered  into. 
For  gay  apparel,  againft  the  triumph. 

Tork.  Bound  to  himfelf  ?  what  doth  he  with  a  bond. 
That  he  is  bound  to  ?     Wife,  thou  art  a  fool. 
Boy,  let  me  fee  the,writing. 
Jum.  I  do  befeech  you  pardon  me-,  I  may  not 

Ihew  it. 
Tork.  I  will  be  fatisfied-,  let  me  fee  it,  I  fay. 

[Snalcbes  it  and  reads. 
Treafon  !  foul  treafon !  villain  !  traitor  !  flave  ! 
Dutch.  What  is  the  matter,  my  lord  .? 
Tork.  Ho  !  who  is  within  there  ?  faddle  my  horfe. 
Heaven,  for  his  mercy  !  what  treachery  is  here  ? 
Dutch.  Why,  what  is  it,  my  lord  ? 
Tork.  Give  qie  my  boots,  I  fay  :  faddle  my  horfe. 
Now  by  my  honour,  by  my  life,  my  troth, 
I  will  appeach  the  villain. 

^  Yea^  look* ft  thou  pale  ?  let  me  fee  the  ivriflnjr.']  Such  harih  and 
dcfedive  lines  as  this,  are  probably  corrupt,  and  might  be 
cafily  fupplied,  but  that  it  would  be  dangerous  to  let  conje£ture 
loofe  on  fucL  flight  occafions.     Johnson. 

Dutch. 


*o6      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    11. 

Dutch.  What  is  the  matter  ? 
Tork.  Peace,  foolifti  woman ! 
Dutch.  I  will  not  peace :  what  is  the  matter,  fon  ? 
Aum.  Good  mother,  be  content  •,  it  is  no  more 
Than  my  poor  life  mufl:  anlwer. 
Dutch.  Thy  life  anfwer  ! 

Enter  feruant  with  boots, 

Tork.  Bring  me  my  boots.     I  will  unto  the  king. 

Dutch.  Strike  him,  Aumerle. — Poor  boy,  thou  art 
amaz'd. — 
Hence,  villain,  never  more  come  in  my  fight.— 

[Speaking  to  the  fervant. 

Tork.  Give  me  my  boots. 

Dutch.  Why,  York,  what  wilt  thou  do  ? 
Wilt  thou  not  hide  fhe  trefpafs  of , thine  own  ?   - 
Have  we  more  fons  ?  or  are  we  like  to  have  ?  " 
Is  not  my  teeming  date  dioink  up  with  time  } 
And  wilt  thou  pluck  my  fair  fon  from  mine  age. 
And  rob  me  of  a  happy  mother^s  name  ? 
Is  he  not  like  thee  ?  is  he  not  thine  own  ? 

2'ork.  Thou  fond  mad-woman. 
Wilt  thou  conceal  this  dark  conl'piracy  ? 
A  dozen  of  them  here  have  ta*en  the  lacrament. 
And  interchangeably  have  fet  their  hands, 
To  kill  the  king  at  Oxford. 

Dutch.  He  fhall  be  none : 
We*ll  keep  him  here ;  then  what  is  that  to  him  ? 

York.  Away,  fond  woman  !  were  he  twenty  times 
My  fon,  I  would  appeach  him. 

Dutch.  Hadft  tliou  groan*d  for  him. 
As  I  have  done,  thouVYft  be  more  pitiful. 
But  now  I  know  thy  mind ;  thou  doft  fufpeft. 
That  I  have  been  difloyal  to  thy  bed. 
And  that  he  is  a  baftard,  not  thy  fon. 
Sweet  York,  fweet  hufband,  be  not  of  that  mind,: 
He  is  as  like  thee  as  a  man  may  be. 
Nor  like  to  me,  nor  any  of  my  kin,  • 

And  yet  I  love  hinu 


KING    R  I  CHARD    U.      207 

Tork.  Make  way,  unruly  woman  !  [£x//* 

Dutch.  After,  Aumerle :  mount  thee  upon  his  horfe  i 
Spur  poll;  and. get  before  him  to  the  king. 
And  beg  thy  pardon,  ere  he  do  accufc  thee* 
Pll  not  be  long  behind  ;  though  I  be  old, 
I  doubt  not  but  to  ride  as  faft  as  York  : 
And  never  will  I  rife  up  from  the  ground. 
Till  Bolingbroke  have  pardon'd  thee.  Away.  [Exeunl, 

SCENE    m. 

The  court  at  Wlfidfor-cajik. 
Enter  Bolinghrokej  Percys  and  other  lords. 


Can  no  man  tell  of  my  unthrifty  fon  ^ 
Tis  full  three  months  fince  I  did  fee  him  laft.— 
If  any  plague  hang  over  us,  'tis  he. 
I  would  to  heaven,  my  lords,  he  might  be  found. 
'  Enquire  at  London,  *mong  the  taverns  there  : 
For  there,  they  fay,  he  daily  doth  frequent. 
With  unreftrained  loofe  companions  \ 
Even  fuch,  they  fay,  as  (land  in  narrow  lanes. 
And  heat  our  watch,  and  rob  our  paflengers  ; 
While  he,  young,  wanton,  and  effeminate  boy. 
Takes  on  the  point  of  honour,  to  fupport 
So  iiffolute  a  crew. 

Percy.  My  lord,  fomc  two  days  fince  I  faw  the 
prince. 
And  told  him  of  thefe  triumphs  held  at  Oxford. 

BoUng.  And  what  faid  the  gallant  ? 

Percy.  His  anfwer  was,  he  would  unto  the  ftews. 
And  from  the  common'ft  creature  pluck  a  glove, 
And  wear  it  as  a  favour ;  and  with  that 
He  would  unhorfe  the  luftieft  challenger. 

•  Enouin  at  Lmidow^  &c.]  This  is  a  very  proper  introdudHon 
Jo  the  future  charadtei:  of  Henry  the  Fifth,  to  his  debauchericf 
in]ui]rQutli|  luid  his  greatnefs  in  his  manhood.    Johnson. 

Boling. 


2o8      KING    RICHARD    11. 

BoUng.  As  diflTolute,  as  defperate :  yet  through  both 
I  fee  fome  fparklcs  of  a  better  hope, 
AVhich  elder  days  may  happily  bring  fortli. 
But  who  comes  here  ? 

Enter  Aumei'le. 

Aiim.  Where  is  the  king  ? 

Boling.  What  means  our  coufin,  that  he  flares 
And  looks  fo  wildly  ? 

Aum.  God  fave  your  grace.     I  do  befeech  your  ma- 
jefly, 
To  have  fome  conference  with  your  grace  alone. 

Bcling.   Withdraw  yourfclves,  and  leave  us  here 
alone. — 
What  is  the  matter  with  our  coufin  now  ? 

Aum.  For  ever  may  my  knees  grow  to  the  earth, 

[Kneels. 
My  tongue  cleave  to  my  roof  within  my  mouth, 
Unlefs  a  pardon,  ere  I  rife,  or  fpeak. 

Boling.  Intended,  or  committed,  was  this  fault  ? 
If  but  the  firft,  how  heinous  ere  it  be, 
1  o  win  thy  after-love,  I  pardon  thee. 

Aim.  Then  give  me  leave  that  I  may  turn  the  key. 
That  no  man  enter  till  the  tale  be  done. 

Boli?jg.  Have  thy  defire.  \Tork  within. 

7'ork,  My  liege,  beware,  look  to  thyfelt. 
Thou  haft  a  traitor  in  thy  prefence  there. 

Boling.  Villain,  Til  make  thee  fafc.  [Drawing. 

Aim.  Stay  thy  revengeful  hand,  thou  haft  no  caiuc  - 
to  fear. 

Tork.  Open  the  door,  fequre,  fool-hardy  king. 
Shall  I,  for  love,  fpeak  treafon  to  tliy  face  ? 
Open  the  door,  or  I  will  break  it  open. 

The  King  opens  the  dooTy  ejtter  York. 

Boling.  What  is  the  matter,  uncle  ?  fpeak. 
Recover  breath ;  tell  us  how  near  is  danger, 
That  we  may  arm  us  to  encounter  it, 

r<^k. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      209 

Tork.  Perufe  this  writing  here,  and  thou  (halt  know 
The  treafon  that  my  hafte  forbids  me  Ihow. 

Aum.  Remember,  as  thou  read'ft,  thy  promife  paft. 
I  do  repent  me  -,  read  not  my  name  there; 
My  heart  is  not  confederate  with  my  hand. 

Tork.  *Twas,  villain,  ere  thy  hand  did  fet  it  down.— . 
I  tore  it  from  the  traitor's  bofom,  king ; 
Fear,  and  not  love,  begets  his  penitence : 
Foi^t  to  pity  him,  left  thy  pity  prove 
A  ferpent  that  will  fting  thee  to  the  heart. 

Boling.  O  heinous,  ftrong,  and  bold  conlpiracy  !-^- 
0  loyal  father  of  a  treacherous  fon  ! 
5  Thou  Iheer,  immaculate,  and  filver  fountain. 
From  whence  this  ftreum,  through  muddy  pafTages, 
Hath  held  his  current,  and  defil'd  himfelf ! 
'  Thy  overflow  of  good  converts  the  bad  *, 
And  thine  abundant  goodnefs  (hall  excufe 
This  deadly  blot  in  thy  tranfgrefling  fon. 

Tork.  So  Ihall  my  virtue  be  his  vice's  bawd ; 
And  he  fhall  fpend  mine  honour  with  his  fhame. 
As  thriftlels  fons  their  fcraping  fathers*  gold. 
Mine  honour  lives,  when  his  difhonour  dies. 
Or  my  fham'd  life  in  his  difhonour  lies : 
Thou  kill'ft  me  in  his  life  •,  giving  him  breath. 
The  traitor  lives,  the  true  man's  put  to  death. 

[Dut chefs  within. 

dutch.  What  ho,  my  liege !  for  heaven's  fake  let 
me  in. 

^TUuJheer^  immaculate y  &c.]  S beer  is  pure,  tranfparent.  The 

feodern  editors  arbitrarily  read  clear,     Shakefpeare  mentions 

/ttrale,  andAtterbary  fays  tbat^f^r  argument  is  not  the  talent 

of  man.    Tranfparent  mullin  is  flill  called  y^r^rmuflin.   Steev. 

In  former  copies, 

*  Thy  o'verjlo'w  of  good  coti'uerti  to  had ;]  This  is  the  reading  of 
ill  the  printed  copies  in  general ;  and  I  never  till  lately  fuf- 
pcfted  its  being  faulty.  The  reafoning  is  disjointed,  and  in- 
conclufive :  my  emendation  makes  it  clear  and  of  a  piece.  "  Thy 
"  overflow  of  good  changes  the  complexion  of  thy  fon's  guilt  ; 
"  and  thy  goodnefs,  being  {\i  abundant,  ihall  excufe  his  trcf- 
••pafs."    Theobald. 

Y0L.V.  O  Boling. 


110      K  I  N  G    R  t  C  H  A  R  D    11, 

Boling.  What  fliriU-voic'd  fupjptiant  makes  this  cage 
cry  ? 

Butch.  A  woman,  and  thine  aunt,  great  kitig;  'tis  ] 
Speak  with  me,  pity  me,  open  the  door  ; 
A  beggar  begs  that  never  begg'd  before. 

Boling.  Our  fcene  is  alter*d  from  aferious  tMn^ 
And  now  chang'd'to  *  the  Beggar  and  the  King. 
— My  dangerous  coufm,  let  your  mother  in; 
I  know,  (he's  come  to  pray  for  yoia-  foul  fin. 

Tork.  If  thou  do  pardon,  whofoever  pnry> 
More  fins,  for  this  forgivenefs  prolper  may. 
This  fefter'd  joint  cut  off,  the  reft  is  found  ; 
'I'his,  let  alone,  will  all  the  reft  confoand. 

Enter  Dutchefs. 

Dutch.  O  king,  believe  not  this  hard-hearted  man 
Love,  loving  not  itfelf,  none  other  can. 

2'ork.  Thou  frantic  woman,  what  doft  thou  di 
here  ? 
Shall  thy  old  dugs  once  more  a  traitor  rear  ? 

Dutch.  Sweet  York,  be  patient :  hear  me,  gentli 
liege.  [Kneels 

Baling.  Rife  up,  good  aunt. 

Dutch.  Not  yet,  I  thee  bcfeech  : 
For  ever  will  I  kneel  upon  my  knees. 
And  never  fee  day  that  the  happy  fees. 
Till  thou  give  joy  -,  until  thou  bid  me  joy. 
By  pardoning  Rutland,  my  tranfgrefling  boy." 

yium.  Unto  my  mother's  prayers  I  bend  my  knee. 

IKxeels 

*  —  tife  Beggar  and  the  King.'\  The  King  and  Beggar  fbem)  tt 
have  been  an  interlude  well  known  in  the  time  of  our  author, 
who  has  alluded  to  it  more  than  once.  I  cannot  now  £nd  thai 
any  copy  of  it  is  left.     Johnson. 

The  King  and  Beggar  was  perhaps  once  an  interlude ;  it  wsi 
certainly  a  fong.  1  he  reader  will  find  it  in  the  firft  volume  of 
Dr.  Percy's  colledion.  It  is  there  intitled,  King  Ccpbetna  md 
the  Beggar  Maid.  It  is  printed  from  Rich.  Tohnfon'j  Cro^M 
Garland  of  GouUcn  Rcf:sy  i6i2,  12** ;  where  it  is  intitled  fimplj^ 
A  Song  of  a  Beggar  and  a  King.     S  T  E  fi  V  E  >r$ . 

Tork, 


KING    RICHARD    II.      an 

Tork.  Againft  them  both  my  true  joints  bended  be. 

[Kneels. 
Ill  ma/ft  thou  thrive,  if  thou  grant  any  grace ! 

Dutch.  Pleads  he  in  earneft  ?  look  upon  his  face ; 
His  eyes  do  drop  no  tears,  his  prayers  are  in  jeft ; 
His  words  come  from  his  mouth,  ours  from  our  breaft: 
He  prays  but  faintly,  and  would  be  deny*d  ; 
We  pray  with  lieart  and  foul,  and  all  befide. 
His  weary  joints  would  gladly  rife,  I  know ; 
Our  knees  fhall  kneel,  till  to  the  ground  they  grow. 
His  prayers  are  full  of  falfe  hypocrify ; 
Ours  ot  true  zeal,  and  deep  integrity. 
Our  prayers  do  out-pray  his  -,  tJien  let  them  crave 
That  mercy  which  tnie  prayers  ought  to  have. 

Boling.  Good  aunt,  ftand  up. 

Dutcbi  Nay,  do  not  fay,  ftand  up, 
But  pardon  fiift  -,  fay  afterwards,  ftand  up. 
An  iif  I  were  thy  nurfe,  thy  tongue  to  teach. 
Pardon  fliould  be  the  firft  word  of  thy  fpeech* 
I  never  loi^d  to  hear  a  word  till  now ; 
%,  pardon,  kii\g ;  let  pity  teach  thee  how. 
Tie  wokI  is  fhort,  but  not  fo  fhort  as  fweet ; 
No  word  like  pardon  for  kings  mouths  fo  meet. 

BoSng.  Good  aunt,  ftand  up. 

Dutch.  I  do  not  fue  to  ftand, 
Pirdon  is  all  the  fuit,  I  have  in  hand. 

BoUng.  I  pardon  him,  as  heaven  fhall  pardon  me; 

Dutch.  O  happy  vantage  of  a  kneeling  knee  ! 
Yet  am  I  fick  for  fear :  fpeak  it  again. 
Twice  faying  pardon  doth  not  pardon  twain, 
fiat  makes  one  pardon  ftrong. 

Tcrk.  Speak  it  in  French  king;  fay,  3  Pardonnez 
mcy. 

Butch.  Doft  thou  teach  pardon,  pardon  to  deftroy  ? 
Ah,  my  four  hufband,  my  hard-hearted  lord, 

»'■>  Pariofmex  mj.]  That  is,  excu/e  me,  a  phrafe  tifcd 

«Ikii  uiy  thitkf  is  civilly  denied.     The  whole  pafTage  is  fuch  as 
Icostd  well  wxfli  away.    Johnson. 

0  2  That 


212      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II. 

That  fet'ft  the  word  itfclf  ag^nft  the  word ! 
Speak  pardon,  as  'tis  current  in  our  land. 
The  chopping  French  we  do  not  underftand. 
Thine  eye  begins  to  fpeak,  fet  thy  tongue  there : 
Or,  in  thy  piteous  heart,  plant  thou  thine  ear  ; 
That,  hearing  how  our  plaints  and  prayers  do  pierce. 
Pity  may  move  thee  pardon  to  rehearfe. 

Baling.  With  all  my  heart 
I  pardon  him. 

Dutch.  A  god  on  earth  thqu  art. 

Boling.  +  But  for  our  trufly  brother-in-law — the  ab- 
bot— 
With  all  the  reft  of  that  conforted  crew — 
Deftruftion  ftraight  fhall  dog  them  at  the  heels.— 
Good  uncle,  help  to  order  feveral  powers 
To  Oxford,  or  where-e'er  thefe  traitors  are. 
They  fhall  not  live  within  this  world,  I  fwear. 
But  I  will  have  them,  if  I  once  know  where. 
Uncle,  farewell ;  and  coufin  too,  adieu  : 
Your  mother  well  hath  pray'd,  and  prove  you  true. 

Dutch.  Come,  my  old  fon  j  I  pray  heaven  make  thcc 
new.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

Enter  Exton  and  a  Servant. 

Exton.  Didft  thou  not  mark  the  king,  what  words 
he  fpake  ? 
Have  I  no  friend  will  rid  me  of  this  living  fear  ? 
Was  it  not  fo  ? 

Serv.  Thofe  were  his  very  words. 
Exton.  Haye  I  no  friend ?— quoth  he-,  hefpakc  it 
twice. 
And  urg'd  it  twice  together  ;  did  he  not  ? 

♦  But /or  ourtrufty  brother -in-lanw^tbe  abbot--']  The  abbot 
of  Wcftminfter  was  an  ecclcfiaiiic  ;  but  the  brother-in-law 
meant,  was  John  duke  of  Exeter  and  earl  of  Huntingdon  (own 
brother  to  king  Richard  IL)  and  A\ho  had  married  with  the 
Ik^)  Elizabeth  filler  of  Henry  cf  Bolingbroke.    Theobald. 

Str. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      213 

Ser.  He  did. 

Exton.  And,  Ipeaking  it,  he  wiftly  look'd  on  me ; 
As  who  fhall  fay— 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.      [^Exeunt. 

SCENE    V. 

Changes  to  theprifon  at  Pomfret-cajile. 
Enter  king  Richard. 

K.  Rich.  I  have  been  ftudying  how  to  compare 

This  prifon,  where  I  live,  unto  the  world  : 

And,  for  becaufe  the  world  is  populous. 

And  here  is  not  a  creature  but  myfelf, 

I  cannot  do  it ;  yet  I'll  hammer  it  out. 

My  brain  I'll  prove  the  female  to  my  foul ; 

My  foul,  the  father  :  and  thefe  two  beget 

A  generation  of  ftill-breeding  thoughts  ; 

And  thefe  fame  thoughts  people  this  little  word  j 

In  humour,  like  the  people  of  this  world-, 

For  no  thought  is  contented.     The  better  fort. 

As  thoughts,  of  things  divine,  are  intermix'd 

With  fcruples,  and  do  fet  the  world  itfelf 

Againft  the  world : 

As  thus.  Come  little  ones  ;  and  then  again. 

If  is  as  hard  to  come^  as  for  a  camel 

To  thread  thepoftem  of  a  needles  eye. 

Thoughts,  tending  to  ambition,  they  do  plot 
Unlikely  wonders :  how  thefe  vain  weak  nails 
May  tear  a  paflage  through  the  flinty  ribs 
Of  this  hard  world,  my  ragged  prifon-walls  ; 
And,  for  they  cannot,  die  in  their  own  pride. 
Thoughts,  tending  to  content,  flatter  themfelves 
That  they  are  not  the  firft:  of  fortune's  flaves. 
Nor  fhall  not  be  the  laft;  like  filly  beggars, 
Who,  fitting  in  the  fl:ocks,  refufe  their  fhame 
That  many  have,  and  others  mufl:  fit  there : 
And^  in  tms  thought,  they  find  a  kind  of  cafe, 

O  3  Bearing 


214      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  B  A  R  D    tt. 

Bearing  their  own  misfortune  on  the  back 

Of  fuch  as  have  before  endur'd  the  Rke. 

Thus  play  I,  in  one  perfon,  many  peof4e^ 

And  none  contented.     Sometkrws  am  I  king ; 

Then  treafon  makes  me  wifh  myfelf  »  beggar^ 

And  fo  I  am.     Then  crufhing  penury 

Perfuades  me  I  was  better  when  a  king  } 

Then  am  I  king'd  again :  and,  by-and-by. 

Think,  that  I  am  unking'd  by  Bolfergbrojte, 

And  ftraight  am  nothing.     But,  what-e*er  I  am. 

Nor  I,  nor  any  man,  that  but  man  is 

With  nothing  fhall  be  pleased,  till  he  be  eas'd 

With  being  nothing. — Mufic  do  I  hear  ?  [Mfific. 

Ha,  ha !  keep  time  :  how  four  fweet  mufic  is> 

When  time  is  broke,  and  no  proportion  kept  ? 

So  is  it  in  the  mufic  of  mens*  lives. 

And  here  have  I  the  daintinefs  of  ear. 

To  check  time  broke  in  a  diforder'd  ftring  v 

But  for  the  concord  of  my  ftate  and  time> 

Had  not  an  ear  to  hear  my  true  time  broke. 

I  wafted  time,  and  now  doth  time  wafte  me. 

For  now  hath  time  made  me  his  numbering  clock ;» 

My  thoughts  are  minutes  -,  and  s  with  figJbs  they  jar. 

Their  watches  to  mine  eyes,  the  outwara  waixrli  > 

•  nvitbjighs  they  jar  ^ 


Their  '■jcatcbesy  &c. ]  I  think  this  exprcflion  muft  be 

corrupt,  but  I  knew  not  well  how  to  make  it  better.    T1k«  fit<A 
quarto  reads, 

•«  My  thoughts  arc  minutes ;  and  with  fighs  they  jar, 

"  T  here  watches  on  unto  mine  eyes  the  outward  watch.'* 
The  fecond  quarto : 

**  My  thoughts  are  minutes,  and  wixh  lighs  they  jar, 

**  There  watches  to  mine  eyds  the  outward  watch." 
The  dr^  folio  agrees  with  the  fecond  quanto. 

Perhaps  out  of  thefe  two  readings  the  right  may  be  mad«» 
Watch  fecms  to  be  ufcd  in  a  double  fcnfe,  fi^r  a  quantity  of 
time,  and  for  the  inftrumcnt  that  meafure*  time,  I  i^ead,  bat 
with  no  great  confidence,  thus : 

"  My  thoughts  arc  minutes,  and  with  %hs  they  jar. 

"  Their  watches  on  ;  mine  eyes  the  outward  watch, 

**  Whcrtlo/'  fg<.    JoHifsoK. 

Whereto 


KI  NG    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    II.      215 

Whereto  my  finger,  Uke  a  dial's  point. 
Is  poindng  ftiU,  in  cleanfing  them  from  tears. 
>Jow,  Sir,  the  Sounds  that  teU  what  hour  it  is. 
Arc  ciamofous  groans^  that  ftrikc  upon  my  heart. 
Which  is  tbe  b^ :  fo  fighs,  and  tears,  and  groans. 
Shew  minutes,  tiznes,  and  hours.     But  my  time 
Runs  pofting  on  in  BoUngbroke's  proud  joy. 
While  I  ftano  foaling  here,  ^  his  Jack  o*  the  clock. 
This  mufic  mads  me,  let  it  found  no  more ; 
For,  though  it  have  holpe  mad  wicn  to  their  wits, 
In  me,  it  fcems,  it  will  make  wife  men  mad. 
Yct,  Uefling  on  his.heart  that  gives  it  me ! 
For*tis  a  fign  of  love;  and  love  to  Richard 
Isaftrange  brooch  7  in  this  all-hating  world. 

EfUer  Groom. 

Groom.  Hail,  royal  prince ! 

LRicb.  Thanks,  noble  peer: 
Thccheapeft  of  us  is  ten  groats  too  dear. 
What  art  thou  ?  and  how  comeft  thou  hither  ? 
'  Where  no  man  ever  comes,  but  that  fad  dog. 
That  brings  me  food,  to  make  misfortune  live  ? 

* jhis  Jack  t'the  clock.]  That  is,  I  ftrike  for  him.  One. 

of  thcfc  automatons  is  alluded  to  io  King  Richard  the  Third: 
"  Becaufe  that  like  a  Jack  thou  keepft  the  ftroke, 
"  Betwceu  thy  begging  and  my  meditation."  . 
The  fame  cxpreffion  occurs  in  an  old  comedy,  indtled.  If  this 
hnU  a  good  Play  the  De*vil  is  iu  it  : 
"  ■  fo  would  I, 

"  And  wc  their  Jacks  o'thcclock-houfe."     Steevkns. 
'  -'-^ in  this  ALL- HATING  'world,']   I  believe  the  meaning 
is,  this  world  in  which  I  am  univerfally  hated.     Johnson. 

*  Where  no  man  e*uer  comes,  but  that  J'ad  Jog,]  I  have  ventured 
at  a  change  here,  againft  the  authority  of  the  copies,  by  the  di- 
i^ionof  Dr.  Warburton.  Indeed,  /ad  dog  favours  too  much 
of  the  comedian,  the  oratory  of  the  late  facetious  Mr.  Penkcth- 
man.  And  drudge  is  the  word  of  contempt,  which  our  author 
chafes  to  uie  on  other  Hkeoccaiions.     Theobald. 

Dr.  Warburton  fays  peremptorily,  read  drudge  ;  but  1  ftill 
perfift  in  the  old  reading.     Johnson. 

It  fhould  be  remembered  that  the  word /ad  was  in  the  time  of 
our  author  ufed  for  gra*ve.  The  cxpreffion  will  then  be  the  fame 
asi/'hehad  faid,  that  grave  ^  that  gloomy  villain,    Steevens. 

Cfoom» 


2i6      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    n. 

Groom.  I  was  a  poor  groom  of  thy  liable,  king, 
When  thou  wert  king-,  who,  travelling  towards  York, 
With  much  ado,  at  length  have  gotten  leave 
To  look  upon  my  fometime  royal  mafter^s  face. 
O,  how  it  yearned  my  heart,  when  I  beheld. 
In  London  ftreets,  that  coronation-day. 
When  Bolingbroke  rode  on  roan  Barbary  ! 
That  horfe,  that  thou  fo  often  haft  beftrid ; 
That  horfe,  that  I  fo  carefully  have  drcfe'd ! 

K.  Rich.  Rode  he  on  Barbary  ?  tell  me,  gentle  friend. 
How  went  he  under  him  ? 

Groom.  So  proudly,  as  if  he  difdain'd  the  ground. 

K.  Rich.  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  himt 
Would  he  not  ftumble  ?  would  he  not  fall  down, 
(Since  pride  mutt  have  a  fall)  and  break  the  neck 
Of  that  proud  man,  that  did  wfurp  his  back  ? 
Forgivenefs,  horle !  why  do  I  rail  on  thee. 
Since  thou,  created  to  be  aw'd  by  man. 
Waft  born  to  bear  ?     I  was  not  made  a  horfe ; 
And  yet  I  bear  a  burden  like  an  afs, 
Spur-gall'd,  and  tir'd,  9  by  jauncing  Bolingbroke, 

Enter  Keeper,  with  a  dijh. 

Keep.  Fellow,  give  place;  here  is  no  longer  ftay. 

\To  the  Groom. 
K.  Rich.  If  thou  love  me,  'tis  time  thou  wert  away. 
Groom.  What  my  tongue  dares  not,  that  my  heart 
(hall  fay.  [Exit. 

Keep.  My  lord,  wilt  pleafe  you  to  fall  to  ? 
X.  Rich.  Tafte  of  it  firft,  as  thou  wert  wont  to  do. 

9  ^.^^  l,j  jouncing  Bcling^roxi,]  Jaunce  znd  jaunt  were  fyno- 
pimcus  words.     B.  Johnfon  ufes  geances  in  his  Tale  of  a  Tub  : 
•*  I  would  I  had  a  few  more  geanca  of  it  : 
M  4nd  you  fay  th^  word,  fend  me  to  Jericho*" 

$TEEVENS^ 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      217 

Keep.  My  lord,  I  dare  not ;  Sir  Pierce  of  Exton, 
Who  late  came  from  the  king,  commands  the  con- 
trary. . 
K.  Rich.  The  devil  take  Henry  of  Lancafter,  and 
thee! 
Patience  is  ftale,  aild  I  am  weary  of  it. 

[Beats  the  Keeper. 
Keep.  Help,  help,  help  ! 

Enter  Exton  and  fervants. 

KRicb.  How  now  ?  what  means  death  in  this  rude 

aflault  ? 

Wretch,  thine  own  hand  yields  thy  death's  inftrument. 

[Snatching  a  weapon j  optd  killing  one. 

Go  thou,  and  fill  another  room  in  hell.  [Kills  another. 

[Exton  Jirikes  him  down. 
That  hand  Ihall  burn  in  never-quenching  fire. 
That  daggers  thus  my  perfon.     Thy  fierce  hand 
Hath  with  the  king's  blood  ilain'd  the  king's  own 

land. 
Mount,  mount,  my  foul !  thy  feat  is  up  on  high ; 
Whilft  my  grofs  flefh  finks  downward,  here  to  die, 

[Dies. 
Exton.  As  full  of  valour  as  of  royal  blood  : 
Both  have  I  fpilt :  oh,  would  t!;c  deed  were  good ! 
For  now  the  devil,  that  told  me,  1  did  well. 
Says,  that  this  deed  is  chronicled  in  hell. 
This  dead  king  to  the  living  king  I'll  bear- 
Take  hence  the  reft,  and  give  them  burial  here. 

[Exeunt, 
SCENE    VI. 

7he  court  at  fVindfor. 

Bmtjh :  Enter  BoUnghroke^  Tork^  with  other  lords  and 
attendants, 

BoHng.  Kfnd,  uncle  York,  the  lateft  news  we  hear, 
Is,  that  the  rebels  have  confum'd  with  fire 
Our  town  of  Cicefter  in  Glpucefterfhire  ; 
3ut  whether  they  be  ta'en,  or  flain,  wc  hear  not. 

Enter 


«i8      K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    a 

Enter  Norlbum^erland: 

Welcome,  my  lord  :  what  is  the  news  ? 

Norib.  Firfk  ta  thy  (acred  ftate  wHh  I  all  happinjefs ; 
The  next  news  is,  I  have  to  London  fent 
The  heads  of  Salifbury,  Speucer,  Blunjc,  and  Kent : 
The  manner  of  their  taJcing  may  appear 
At  large  difcourfed  in  this  paper  here. 

[Pre/en ting  a  paper. 

Boling.  We  thank  thee,  gentle  Percy,  for  thy  pains ; 
And  to  thy  worth  will  add  right-worthy  gains. 

Enter  FitzwaUer. 

Fitz.  My  lord,  I  have  from  Oxford  fent  to  London 
The  heads  of  Brocas,  and  Sir  Bennct  Seeley  ; 
Two  of  the  dangerous  conforted  traitors. 
That  fought  at  Oxford  thy  dire  overthrow. 

Boling.  Thy  pains,  Fitzwaker,  fliall  not  be  forgot  j 
Right  nobk  is  thy  merit,  well  I  wot. 

Enter  Percy  j  with  the  bijbop  of  Carlific- 

Percy.  The  grand  confpifator.  Abbot  of  W^ftrainfter, 
With  clog  of  confcience,  and  four  melancholy. 
Hath  yielded  up  his  body  to  the  grave  : 
But  here  is  Carlifle  living,  to  abi<fe 
Thy  kingly  doom,  and  fentence  of  his  pride. 

Boling.  Carlifle,  this  is  your  doom : 
Chufe  out  fome  fecret  place,  fome  reverend  room 
More  than  thou  haft,  and  with  it  joy  thy  life ; 
60,  as  thou  liv'ft  in  peace,  die  free  from  ftrife. 
For  though  mine  enemy  thou  haft  ever  been. 
High  fparks  of  honour  in  thee  I  have  feen. 

Enter  Extan^  with  a  coffin^ 

Ext  on.  Great  king,  within  this  coffin  I  prefent 
Thy  bur/d  fear :  herein  all  breithiefs  lies 
The  mightieft  of  thy  greateft  encHiies, 
Richard  of  Bourd€au:ji,  by  m^  hkher  bioug^t. 

2  Bclifig. 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    IL      .219 

Baling.  Exton,  I  thank  thee  not;  for  thou  haft 
wrought 
A  deed  of  flander  with  thy  fatal  hand. 
Upon  my  head,  and  all  this  famous  land. 

Extffn.  From  your  own  mouth,  my  lord,  did  I  this 
deed. 

BoHng.  They  love  not  poifon,  that  do  poifon  need. 
Nor  do  I  thee  :  though  I  did  wilh  him  dead, 
I  hate  the  murderer,  love  him  murdered. 
The  guilt  of  confcience  take  thou  for  thy  labour. 
But  neither  my  good  word,  nor  princely  favour : 
With  Cain  go  wander  through  the  fhade  of  night. 
And  never  mew  thy  head  by  day,  nor  light. 
Lords,  I  proteft,  my  foul  is  full  of  woe. 
That  blood  fhould  fprinkle  me,  to  make  me  grow. 
Come,  mourn  with  me  for  what  I  do  lament. 
And  put  on  fullen  black,  incontinent : 
rU  make  a  voyage  to  the  Holy-land, 
To  wafh  this  blood  off  from  my  guilty  hand  :— 
March  fadly  after ;  grace  my  mourning  here. 
In  weeping  over  this  untimely  bier.     [Exeunt  omnes  *. 

•  This  play  is  extradled  from  the  Chronicle  of  Hollinfiftd^  in 
which  many  pafTages  may  be  found  which  Snakefpeare  has, 
with  very  little  alteration,  tranfplanted  into  his  fcencs  ;  par- 
ticnlarly  a  fpeech  of  the  biihop  of  Carlifle  in  defence  of  king 
Richard's  unalienable  right,  and  immunity  from  human  jurif* 
didion. 

Jonfbn  who,  in  his  Catiling  and  Sejanus^  has  inferted  many 
^ches  from  the  Roman  hiftorians,  was  perhaps  induced  to 
that  jpraftice  by  the  example  of  Shakefpearc,  who  had  conde- 
fccndcd  fometimes  to  copy  more  ignoble  writers.  But  Shake- 
ipeare  had  more  of  his  Own  than  Jonfon,  and,  if  he  fometimes 
was  willing  to  fpare  his  labour,  mewed  by  what  he  performed 
at  other  times,  that  his  extradis  were  made  by  choice  or  idleneft 
rather  than  ueceflity. 

This  play  is  one  of  thofe  which  Shakefpeare  has  apparently 
revifed ;  but  as  fuccefs  in  works  of  invention  is  not  always 
proportionate  to  labour,  it  is  not  finifhed  at  laft  with  the  happy 
force  of  ibme  other  of  his  tragedies,  nor  can  be  faid  much  to 
afied  the  paflions,  ox  enlarge  the  underftanding.    Johnson, 


The    first    PART    of 

HENRY     IV, 


WITH    THE 


LIFE  AND  DEATH 


O   F 


Henry,  Simamed Hotspur. 


Perfbns  Reprefented. 

King  H  E  N  R  y  the  Fourth. 
Hearf,  prince  of  WaksA  r     ^  *l  l- 

Worcefter. 

Northumberland. 

Hotfpur. 

Mortimer. 

Archbifhop  of  York. 

Dougks. 

Owen  GSendower. 

Sir  Richard  Vernon. 

Sir  Michael 

Weflmorland. 

Sir  Walter  Blunt. 

Sir  John  Falftaffl    — 

Poins. 

GadMl. 

Peto. 

Bardolph. 

Lady  Percy,  wife  to  Hotfpur. 

Lady  Mortimer,  daughter  to  Glendower^  and  wife  i 

Mar4imer. 
Hoftds  Qiiickly. 

Sheriffs  vintner^  chamber laifty  drawers^  two  carrier. 
travellers^  and  attendants. 

Tleperfons  of  the  drama  wers  firft  coUeftcd  by  Rowe* 

SCENE,  England. 


»  The    first    PART    of 

HENRY    IV. 


ACT    I.      SCENE    I. 

J'he  court  in  London. 

Mer  king  Hemj^  hrd  John  ofLancafter^  earl  of  Wefi^ 
morland^  and  others. 

King  Henry. 

SO  (haken  as  we  are,  fo  wan  with  care, 
*  Find  we  a  time  for  frighted  peace  to  pant, 
And  breathe  Ihort-winded  accents  of  new  broik 
To  be  commenced  in  ftronds  a-far  remote. 

*  The  Firft  Part  of  Henry  IF,]  The  tranfaftions  contained 
in  this  hiftorical  drama  are  comprifed  within  the  period  of  about 
ten  months  ;  for  the  action  commences  with  the  news  brought 
of  Hotfpar  having  defeated  the  Scots  under  Archibald  earl  Dou- 
glas at  notmedon  (or  Halidown-hill)  which  battle  was  fought 
on  Holyrood-day  (the  14th  of  September)  1402  ;  and  it  dofes 
with  the  defeat  and  death  of  Hotfpur  at  Shrewlbury  ;  which  en* 
Jagcment  happened  on  Saturday  the  21ft  of  July  (the  eve  of 
oaintMary  Magdalen)  in  the  year  1403.     Theobald. 

Shakefpeare  has  apparently  defigned  a  regular  connexion  of 
thefc  dramatic  hiilories  from  Richard  the  Second  to  Henry  the 
fifth.  King  Henry,  at  the  end  of  Richard  the  Second,  de- 
clares his  porpofe  to  vifit  the  Holy-land,  which  he  refumes  in 
his  fpccch.  The  complaint  made  by  king  Henry  in  the  laft 
aft  of  Richard  the  Second,  of  the  wildnefs  of  his  fon,  prepares 
the  reader  for  the  frolicks  which  are  here  to  be  recounted,  and 
thecharafters  which  are  now  to  be  exhibited.     Johnson. 

*  /"/W  ive  a  time  for  frighted  peace  to  pant^ 

And  breathe  Jhort-ikindcd  accent sx — ]  That   is.  Let  us  foftctt 

Ece  to  reft  a  while  without  diflurbance,  that  ihe  may  recover 
ath  to  propofe  new  wars .     Johnson. 

Nq 


224     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

3  No  more  the  thirfty  entrance  of  this  foil 

Shall  daub  her  lips  with  her  own  childrens*  blood  ; 

'  No  more  the  thirfty  entrance  of  this  foil 

Shall  damp  her  lips  ijuith  her  own  children's  blood \\  Tl^is  n011<« 
fenfe  (hould  be  read,  Shall tkliav^,  /.  e,  moiilen,  and  refers 
to  thirfty  in  the  preceding  line  :  trempe^  from  the  Prehch* 
tremperj  properly  Signifies  the  moiftnefs  made  by  rain.    Wahb. 

That  thefe  lines  are  abfurd  is  foon  difcovered,  but  how  this 
nonfenfe  ^ill  be  made  fenfe  is  not  fo  eaiily  told.;  furely  not  by 
reading  trempe^  foi;  what  means  he,  that  fays,  the  thirfty  en- 
trance of  this  idiXftyall  no  more  trempe  her  lips  with  her  chiUnns* 
hlood,  more  than  he  that,  fays  it  ft>all  not  4amp  her  lips  f  To 
luppofe  the  entrance  of  the  foil  to  mean  the  entrance  of  a  king 
upon  dominion  J  and  king  Henry  to  predict  that  kings  fljoll  inter 
tereafier  luithout  bloodftbed,  is  to  give  words  fuch  a  latitude  of 
meaning,  that  no  nonfenfe  can  want  a  congruous  interpretation. 

The  anticnt  copies  neither  have  trempe  nor  damp ;  the  firft 
4.to  of  1599,  that  of  i622y  the  folio  of -1623,  and  the  4to  of 
1639,  all  read. 

No  more  the  thirfty  entrance  of  this  foil 

Shall  daube  her  lips  with  her  own  children's  blood. 

The  folios  of  1662  and  1634  read,  by  an  apparent  error  of 
the  prefs.  Shall  damb  her  lips,  from  which  the  later  editors  have 
idly  adopted  damp.  The  old  reading  helps  the  editor  no  better 
than  the  new,  nor  can  I  fatisfadorily  reform  the  pafTage.  I 
think  that  thirfty  entrance  mull  be  wi'ong,  yet  know  not  what 
to  ofier.  We  may  read,  but  not  \^ry  elegantly. 
No  more  the  thirfty  cntrsiils  of  this  Joi I 
Shall  daubed  be  njuith  her  owon  childrens*  blood. 

The  relative  her  is  inaccurately  ufed  in  both  readings  ;  bat 
to  regard  fenfe  more  than  grammar  is  familiar  to  our  author. 

We  may  fuppofe  a  verfe  or  two  loft  between  thefe  two  lines. 
This  is  a  cheap  way  of  palliating  an  editor's  inability;  but  I 
believe  fuch  omiffions  are  more  frequent  in  Shakcfpeare  than  is 
commonly  imagined.     Johnson. 

Perhaps  the  following  conjc6lure  may  be  thought  very  far 
fetch'd,  and  yet  I  am  willing  fo  venture  it,  bccaufe  it  oftea 
happens  that  a  wrong  reading  has  affinity  to  the  right. 

J  would  read, 

the  thirfty  entrants  of  this  foil ; 

/.  e.  thofe  who  fct  foot  on  this  kingdom  through  the  thirft  of 
power  or conqucft. 

Whoever  is  accuftomcd  to  the  old  copies  of  this  author,  will 
generally  find  the  words  confcqueutSy  occurrents,  ingredients,  {pelt 
confequence,  occurrence,  ingVediencc ;  and  thus,  perhaps,  the 
French  word  entrants,  anglicized  by  Shakcfpeare,  might  have 
been  corrupted  into  entrance,  which  aflbrds  no  very  apparent 
meaning.     Ste^vuks. 

No 


KING    HENRY    IV.  225 

No  more  fhall  trenching  war  channel  her  fields, 
Nor  baiife  her  flowrets  with  the  armed  hoofs 
Of  hoftile  paces.     4  Thofe  oppofed  eyes. 
Which— like  the  meteors  of  a  troubled  heaven. 
All  of  one  nature,  of  one  fubftance  bred — 
Did  lately  meet  in  the  inteftine  fhock 
And  furious  clofe  of  civil  butchery. 
Shall  now,  in  mutual,  well-befeeming  ranks 
March  all  one  way ;  and  be  no  more  opposed 
Againft  acquaintance,  kindred,  and  allies  : 
The  edge  of  war,  like  an  ill-fheathed  knife. 
No  more  fhall  cut  his  mafter.     Therefore,  friends^ 
5  As  far  as  to  the  fepulchre  of  Chrift, 
(Whofe  foldiers  now,  under  whofe  blefled  crofs 
We  are  impreffed,  and  engag'd  to  fight) 
Forthwith  a  power  of  Englifh  fhall  we  levy ; 
"*  Whofe  arms  were  moulded  in  their  mothers'  wombs 


♦ Thofe  oppofed  eyes,]    The  fimilitude  is   beautiful  ; 

but  what  are  "  eyes  meeting  in  inteftine  (hocks,  and  marching 
"  all  one  way?"  The  true  reading  is,  files;  which  ap- 
pears not  only  from  the  integrity  of  the  metaphor,  "  well-bc- 
"  feeming  ranks  march  all  one  way  ;"  but  from  the  nature  of 
thofe  meteors  to  which  they  are  compared  ;  namely,  long  ftreaks 
of  red,  which  reprefent  the  lines  of  armies  ;  the  appearance  of 
which,  and  their  likenefs  to  fuch  lines,  gave  occadon  to  all  the 
fuperftition  of  the  common  people  concerning  armies  in  the 
air,  tff.  Oat  of  mere  contradiftion,  the  Oxford  Editor  would 
improve  my  alteration  offies  to  arms,  and  fo  lofes  both  the  in- 
tegrity of  the  metaphor  and  the  likenefs  of  the  comparifon. 

Warburton. 

This  paflage  is  not  very  accurate  in  the  expreflion,  but  I 
think  nothing  can  be  changed.     Johnson. 

*  Js/ar  as  to  the  fepulchre^  &c.]  The  lawfulnefsandjufticeof 
the  holy  wars  have  been  much  difputed  ;  but  perhaps  there  is 
a  principle  on  which  the  queftion  may  be  eafily  determined.  If 
it  be  part  of  the  religion  of  the  Mahometans  to  extirpate  by 
the  fword  all  other  religions,  it  is,  by  the  law  of  felf-defence, 
lawful  for  men  of  every  other  religion,  and  for  Chriftians 
among  others,  to  make  war  upon  Mahometans,  fimply  as  Ma- 
hometans, as  men  obliged  by  their  own  principles  to  make  war 
npon  ChfifUans,  and  only  lying  in  wait  till  opportunity  ihall 
promife  them  fuccefs*    Johnson. 

Vol.  v.  P  T# 


226     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

To  chafe  thefe  pagans  in  thofe  holy  fields. 
Over  whole  acres  walk'd  thole  bleffed  feet. 
Which,  fourteen  hundred  years  ago,  were  nail'd. 
For  our  advantage,  on  the  bitter  crofs. 
But  this  our  purpofe  is  a  twelve-month  old. 
And  bootlefs  'tis  to  tell  you  we  will  go ; 
Therefore,  we  meet  not  now — then  let  me  hear 
Of  you,  my  gentle  coufin  Weftmorland, 
What  yeftcrnight  our  council  did  decree. 
In  forw^arding  ^  this  dear  expedience. 

IVeJi,  My  liege,  this  hafte  was  hot  in  queftion, 
7  And  many  limits  of  the  charge  fet  down 
But  ycfternight :  when,  all  athwart,  there  came 
A  poft  from  Wales,  loaden  with  heavy  news ; 
Whofe  worft  was,  that  the  noble  Mortimer, 
Leading  the  men  of  Herefordfhire  to  fight 
Againft  the  irregular  and  wild  Glendower, 
Was  by  the  rude  hands  of  that  Wellhman  taken. 
And  a  thoufand  of  his  people  butchered : 
Upon  whofe  dead  corpfes  there  was  fuch  mifufe^ 
Such  beaftly,  (hameleis  transformation, 
*  By  thofe  Welfhwomen  done,  as  may  not  be. 
Without  much  fliame,  retold  or  fpoken  of. 

K.  Henry.  It  fecms  then,  that  the  tidings  of  this 
broil 
Brake  off  our  bufinefs  for  the  Holy-land. 

IVeJi.  This,  match'd  with  others,  did,  my  gracious 
lord ; 
For  more  uneven  and  unwelcome  news 
Came  from  the  north,  and  thus  it  did  import. 
On  Holy-rood-day,  the  gallant  Hotfpur  tliei  e. 
Young  Harry  Percy,  and  brave  Archibald, 

* this  dear  expedience.  ]  For  expedition,     W a  R  B  u  R TO ir . 

7  And  many  limits ]    Limits  \or  ejlimates,     Warburt. 

*  By  thoje  IVelJhiJcomen  done ]  Thus  Holinfhed  :  "  The 

"  (hamcful  villainy  ufcd  by  the  Welfhwomen  toward  the  dead 
•«  carcaftcs,  was  fuch  as  honefl  cars  would  be  aihamcd  to  hear." 

Steevens. 

That 


KING    HENRY    IV.  1^^ 

That  ever- valiant  and  approved  Scot, 

At  Holmedon  fpent  a  fad  and  bloody  hour ; 

As  by  difcharge  of  their  artiller)-. 

And  Ihape  of  likelihood,  the  news  was  told ; 

For  he  that  brought  it,  in  the  very  heat 

And  pride  of  their  contention,  did  take  horfe. 

Uncertain  of  the  iffue  any  way, 

X.  Henry.  Here  is  a  dear  and  true-induftrious  friend. 
Sir  Walter  Blunt,  new  lighted  from  his  horfe, 
StainM  with  the  variation  of  each  foil 
Betwixt  that  Holmedon  and  this  feat  of  ours ; 
And  he  hath  brought  us  fmooth  and  welcome  news : 
The  carl  of  Douglas  is  difcomfited ; 
Ten  thoufand  bold  Scots,  two-and-twenty  knights, 
*  Balked  in  their  own  blood,  did  Sir  Walter  fee 
On  Holmedon's  plain.     Of  prifoners,  Hotlpur  took 
Mordake  the  earl  of  Fife,  and  eldeft  fon 
To  beaten  Douglas,  and  the  earls 
Athol,  Murray,  Angus,  and  Menteith. 
And  is  not  this  an  honourable  fpoil  ? 
A  gallant  prize  ?  ha,  coufin,  is  it  not  ? 

•  B0WJ  tM  tbiir  own  hlooJ, ]  I  fhould  fuppofe,  that  the 

aothor  might  have  written  either  batb'*dy  or  bak^iif  1.  e.  encrudcd 
over  with  olood  dried  upon  them. 

I  have  fince  met  with  this  paflage  in  Carcw's  Sur<vey  of  Corn^ 
vail,  p,  33.  •£  which  the  reader  may  try  if  he  can  make  any 
tfe. 

"  Fi/h  arc  faved  three  manner  of  ways,  but  for  every  of 
"  which  they  are  firft  falted,  and  piled  up,  row  by  row,  in 
"  fqaare  heaps,  which  they  term  bulking,  where  they  fo  remain 
'*  for  fome  days,  until  the  fuperfluous  matter  of  the  blood  and 
"  iklt  be  foaked  from  them." 

Balk  is  likewife  apparently  ufed  far  a  dead  body  in  Hey- 
^wod^t  Rape  of  Lucrece,  161 9. 

"  Had  I  the  heart  to  tread  upon  the  hulk 
**  Ofmy  dead  father?" 
And  again,  in  The  Loiie  of  King  David  and  fair  Betbfait, 

1599' 

*«  And  in  fome  ditch  amidft  this  darkfome  wood 

**  Bury  his  ^»/i  beneath  a  heap  ofllones."     Steevens; 

P  2  ITeJi: 


£28     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

IVeJl.  It  is  a  conqueft  for  a  prince  to  boaft  of. 

K,  Henry.  Yea,  there  thou  mak'ft  me  fad,  and  mak'ft 
me  fin 
In  envy,  that  my  lord  Northumberland 
Should  be  the  father  of  fo  bleft  a  fon : 
A  fon  who  is  the  theme  of  honour's  tongue ; 
Amongft*  a  grove,  the  very  ftraiteft  plant ; 
Who  is  fweet  fortune's  minion  and  her  pride : 
Whilfl:  I,  by  looking  on  the  praife  of  him. 
See  riot  and  difhonour  ftain  the  brow 
Of  my  young  Harry.     O  that  it  could  be  prov*d. 
That  Ibme  night-tripping  fairy  had  exchanged. 
In  cradle-cloaths,  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, 

coufin. 
Of  this  young  Percy's  pride  ?  *  the  prifoners. 
Which  he  in  this  adventure  hath  furpriz'd. 
To  his  own  ufe  he  keeps  •,  and  fends  me  word, 
I  Ihall  have  none  but  Mordake  earl  of  Fife. 

JVeJl.  This  is  his  uncle's  teaching,  this  is  Worcefter, 
Malevolent  to  you  in  all  afpefts ; 
*  Which  makes  him  prune  himfelf,  and  brittle  up 
The  creft  of  youth  againft  your  dignity. 

the  prifoners  ^'\  Percy  had  an  cxclufive  right  to  theft 


prifoners,  except  the  earl  of  Fife.  By  the  law  of  armSy  every 
man  who  had  taken  any  captive,  whofe  redemption  did  not  ex- 
ceed ten  thoufand  crowns,  had  him  clearly  for  himfelf,  either  to 
acquit  or  ranfom  at  his  plcafure.  It  feeros  from  Camdin^i  MriU 
that  Pounouny-calUe  in  Scotland  was  built  out  of  the  ranibm  of 
this  verv  Henr)  Percy,  when  taken  prifonerat  the  battle  of  Otter- 
bourne  by  an  anceilor  of  the  prefent  earl  of  Eglington. 

TOLLIT. 

*  Whub  makes  bim  prune  him/elf^ ]    Doubtlefs  Shake- 

rpeare  wrote  plume.  And  to  this  the  Oxford  Editor  gives  hii 
fiat.     Warburton. 

I  am  not  fo  confident  as  thofe  two  editors.  The  metaphor  is 
tak<;n  from  a  cock,  who  in  his  pride  trunes  bim/elf  \  that  is, 
picks  off  the  loofc  feathers  to  fmooth  the  rcll.  To  pmmi  and 
to  flumt^  fpoken  of  a  bird,  is  the  fame.    Johnson. 

K*  HCBTf* 


KING    HENRY    IV.  229 

K.  Henry.  But  I  have  fent  for  him  to  anfwer  this ; 
And,  for  this  caufe,  a  while  we  muft  negleft 
Our  holy  purpofe  to  Jerufalem. 
Coufin,  on  Wednefday  next  our  council  we 
Will  hold  at  Windfor,  fo  inform  the  lords : 
But  come  yourlelf  withfpeed  to  us  again  ; 
For  more  is  to  be  faid,  and  to  be  done, 
3  Than  out  of  anger  can  be  uttered. 

fVeft.  I  will,  my  liege.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

An  apartment  of  the  princess. 
Enter  Henry  prince  of  Wales  and  Sir  John  Faljiaff. 

Fal.  Now,  Hal,  what  time  of  day  is  it,  lad  ? 

P.  Henry.  Thou  art  fo  fat-witted  with  drinking  old 
fcick,  and  unbuttoning  thee  after  fupper,  and  deeping 
upon  benches  after  noon,  that  thou  haft  forgotten  ^  to 
demand  that  truly,  which  thou  would'ft  truly  know. 
What  a  devil  haft  thou  to  do  with  the  time  of  the  day  ? 
Unlefe  hours  were  cups  of  fack,  and  minutes  capons, 
and  clocks  the  tongues  of  bawds,  and  dials  the  figns  of 
le^ing-houfes,  and  the  blefled  fun  himfelf  a  fair  hot 
wench  in  flame-colour'd  taffata.  I  fee  no  reafon  why 
thou  (hould'ft  be  fo  fuperfluous  to  demand  the  time  of 
the  day. 

Fal.  Indeed,  you  come  near  me  now,  Hal.  For 
ve,  that  take  purfes,  go  by  the  moon  and  feven  ftars ; 
and  not  by  Phcebus,  be^  that  wandering  knight  fo  fair. 

And  I  pray  thee,  fweet  wag,  when  thou  art  king 

as  God  fave  thy  grace  (majefty,  I  ftiould  fay  ;   for 
grace  thou  wilt  have  none) 

*  Than  out  of  anger  can  be  uttered,"]  That  is,  '*  More  is  to  be 
••  faid  than  anger  will  fufFer  me  to  fay :  more  than  can  ifTue 
"  from  a  mind  difturbed  like  mine."     Johnson. 

*  —  /tf  demand  that  truly  ^  nxjbich  thou  ix:ould*ft  truly  inoiv. — ] 
The  prince's  objeftion  to  the  queftion  feems  to  be,  thatFalftafF 
1^  alked  in  the  night  what  was  the  time  of  day,     Joh  nson. 

P  3  r.  Henry. 


230    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

P.  Henry.  What !  none  ? 

FaL  No,  by  my  troth  •,  not  fo  much  as  will  Ibrvc  to 
be  prologue  to  an  egg  and  butter. 

P.  Henry.  Well,  how  then  ?— — come— roundly, 
roundly. 

Fal.  Marry,  then,  fweet  wag,  when  thou  art  king, 
5  let  not  us,  that  are  fquires  of  the  night's  body,  be 
called  thieves  of  the  day's  beauty.  Let  us  be  Diana's 
forefters,  gentlemen  of  the  fhade,  minions  of  the 
moon  :  and  let  men  fay,  we  be  men  of  good  govern- 
ment ;  being  governed,  as  the  fea  is,  by  our  noole  and 
chafte  miftrefs  the  moon,  under  whofe  countenance 
we Heal. 

P.  Henry.  Thou  fay*ft  well  -,  and  it  holds  well  too : 
for  the  fortune  of  us,  that  are  the  moon's  men,  doth 
ebb  and  flow  like  the  fca ;  being  governed  as  die  fea 
is,  by  the  moon.  As  for  proof,  now :  a  purfc  of 
gold  moil  refolutely  fnatched  on  Monday  night,  and 
moft  difToiutely  fpcnt  on  Tuefday  morning;  ^  got 
with  fwearing,  lay  by  ;  and  Ipent  with  crying,  hrii^ 

5  In  former  editions, 

—  let  not  usy  that  are  fquires  of  the  night'* s  hody^  ie  called 
ihic<i'es  of  the  day* s  heauty.]  This  conv<*ys  no  manner  of  idea  to 
me.  liow  could  they  be  called  thieves  of  the  day's  beauty? 
They  robbed  by  moonfhine ;  they  could  not  Ileal  the  fair  day- 
light. I  have  ventured  to  fublHtute  hoofy  ;  and  this  I  take  to  be 
the  meaning.  Let  us  not  be  called  thie-ves,  the  purloinen  of 
th'dt  hcoty,  which,  to  the  proprietors,  was  the  purchafe  of  ho- 
ncft  labour  and  induftry  by  day.     Theobald. 

It  is  true,  as  Theobald  has  obfcrved,  that  they  could  not  fteal 
the  fair  day-light  ;  but  1  believe  our  poet  by  the  expreffion, 
thieves  nf  the  day*'s  beauty,  me:mt  only,  let  not  us,  iuh9  are  body 
fquires  to  the  night,  i.  e.  ad"rn  the  night,  he  called  a  dif^ratt  f 
the  day.  To  take  away  the  beauty  of  the  day  may  probably 
mean  to  difgrace  it.     St e evens. 

*  — gvt  iK3ith  f. rearing,  lay  by ;]  /.  e.  Swearing  at  thepa^engen 
they  robbed,  lay  by  your  arms  \  or  rather,  lay  by  was  a  phrafe 
that  then  (\gmfitd  fi  and  fill,  addreffed  to  thofe.who  were  pre- 
paring to  ruih  forward.  But  the  Oxford  Editor  kindlv  accom- 
modates thefe  old  thieves  with  a  new  cant  phrafe,  talcen  from 
Bagfhot-heath  or  Fiuchly-common,  of  lug  ovTt    Warb. 

in ; 


KING    HENRY    IV.  231 

m  :  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. 

Fal.  By  the  lord,  thou  fay'fl  true,  lad.  7  And  is 
not  mine  hoftefs  of  the  tavern  a  mpft  fweet  wench  ? 

P.  Henry.  *  As  the  honey  of  Hybla,  my  old  lad  of 

the 

'  Jntl  is  not  mine  hoftefs  of  the  tavern ,  &c.]  We  meet  with 
the  (ame  kind  of  humour,  as  is  contained  in  this  and  the  three 
^^llowing  fpeeches,  in  the  Moftellana  ofPiautus,  adl.  i.  fc.  2. 

PhiUmatium. 
•*  Jampridem  ecaflor  frigida  non  lavi  magis  luhenter, 
"  Nee  undc  me  melius,  meaScapha,  rcarcfle  dcfcEcatam." 
5r4.  **  Eventus  rebus  omnibus,  veluc  hornomeHIs  magna  fuit.'' 
Phi.  "  Quid  ea  melfis  attinet  ad  meam  lavationem  ?" 
Scm.  **  Nihilo  plus,  quam  lavatio  tuaad  meilim." 

In  the  wantof  connedlion  to  what  went  before,  probably  con- 
fiib  the  humour  of  the  prince's  queflion.    Steevens. 

*  Jis  the  honey  of  Hybla^  my  old  lad  of  the  caftU ;]  Mr.  Rowc 
took  notice  of  a  tradition,  that  this  partof  Falllaff  was  written  ' 
ori^iudJy  under  the  name  of  Oldcaflle.  An-  ingenious  corre- 
fpondcat  hints  to  me,  that  the  pafTagc  above  quoted  irom  our 
author  proves  what  Mr.  Rowe  tells  us  was  a  tradition.  Old  lad 
rftht  caftle  icems  to  have  a  reference  to  Oldcalllc.  Befides,  if 
this  had  not  been  the  fad,  why,  in  the  epilogue  to  The  Second 
Peat  of  Henry  IV.  where  our  author  promil'cs  to  continue  his 
itarr  with  Sir  John  in  it,  fhould  he  fay,  '•  Where,  for  any 
"  thing  I  know,  FalftafF  (kail  die  of  a  fweat,  unlefs  already  he 
**  be  luUed  with  your  hard  opinions ;  for  Oldcaftlc  died  a 
"  nartyr,  and  this  is  not  the  man."  This  looks  like  declin- 
U£  a  point  that  had  been  made  an  objedion  to  him.  TU  give 
aorther  matter  in  proof,  which  feems  almoll  t(f  fix  the  charge. 
I  have  read  an  old  play,  called,    The  famous  Ft  Tories  of  Henry 

the  Fifths  containing  the  honourable  Battle  of  Agincourt. The 

aQion  of  this  piece  commences  about  the  14th  year  of  K.  Henry 
the  Fourth's  reign,  and  ends  with  Henry  the  Fifth's  marrying 
princeis  Catharine  of  France.  The  fcene  opens  with  prince 
Henrv'f  robberies.  Sir  John  Oldcaftle  is  one  of  the  gang,  and 
.callea  Jockie  ;  and  Ned  aod  Gadfhill  are  two  other  comrades. 
•—From  this  old  imperfeft  fketch,  I  have  afufpicion,  Shakc- 
ipcarc  might  form  his  two  parts  of  Henry  the  Fourth,  and  his 
hiftory  of  Henry  the  Fifth ;  and  confequently  it  is  not  im- 
probable, that  he  might  continue  the  mention  of  Sir  John  Old- 

P  4  caillc. 


I 


232    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

the  caftle  -,  9  and  is  not  a  buff-jerkin  a  moft  fweet  robe 
of  durance  ? 


caflle,  till  fcmedcfccnclants  of  that  family  moved  queen  Eliza- 
beth to  coir. irj and  him  to  change  the  name.     Theobald. 

7ny'  eld  lad  of  the  ca/lle ;]  This  alludes  to  the  name 

Shakefpcarc  firll  gave  to  this  buffoon  charafter,  which  was  Sir 
JohnOldcaUh ;  and  when  he  changed  the  name  he  forgot  to 
itrike  out  this  expreffion  that  alluded  to  it.  The  reafon  of  the 
change  was  ihis;  one  Sir  John  Oldcallle  having  fufiered  in  the 
time  of  Henry  the  Fifth  for  the  opinions  of  WicklifFe,  it  gave 
oiiencc,  and  therefore  the  poet  altered  it  to  Falftaff,  and  endea- 
vours to  remove  the  fcandal  in  the  epilogue  to  T/je  Second  Part 
of  Henry  IV.     Fuller  takes  notice  of  this  matter  in  his  Church 

Hijhry **  Stage-poets  have  themfelves  been  very  bold  with, 

"  and  others  very  merry  at,  the  memory  of  Sir  John  Oldcaftle, 
'*  whom  they  have  fancied  a  boon  companion,  a  jovial  roy(ler» 
**  and  a  coward  to  boot.  The  heft  is.  Sir  John  FalftafFhath 
"  relieved  the  memory  of  Sir  John  Oldcallle,  and  of  late  is 
**  fubllituted  buffoon  in  his  place."  Book  4.  p.  168.  But,  to 
be  candid,  I  believe  there  was  no  malice  in  the  matter.  Shake- 
Tpeare  wanted  a  droll  name  to  his  charadler,  and  never  con- 
fidered  whom  it  belonged  to :  we  have  a  like  inftance  in  Tht 
merry  JVi'ves  cf  Windfory  where  he  calls  his  French  quack, 
Caius,  a  name  at  that  time  very  refpedlable,  as  belonging  to 
an  eminent  and  learned  phyfician,  one  of  the  founders  of  Caius 
College  in  Cambridge.     War  burton. 

The  propriety  of  this  note  the  reader  will  find  conteftcd  at 
the  beginning  of  Henry  V,  Sir  John  Oldcallle  was  not  a  cha- 
rafler  ever  introduced  by  Shakefpeare,  nor  did  he  ever  occupy 
the  place  of  FalllafF.  The  play  in  which  Oldcaille's  name  oc- 
curs was  not  the  work  of  our  poet.     St e evens. 

9  — and  is  not  a  buff-jerkin  a  moft  fweet  robe  of  durance  ?]  To 
underftand  the  propriety  of  the  prince's  anfwer,  it  muft  be  re- 
marked that  the  iherifPs  officers  were  formerly  clad  in  buff.  So 
that  when  FalilafF  a(k?,  whether  his  hoftefs  is  not  a  fiveet  ivench^ 
the  prince  afks  in  return,  whether  //  *will  not  be  afiveet  thing  f 
go  toprifon  by  running  in  debt  to  thisfiveet  woencb,     JoH  nson. 

The  f.llowing  paffage,  from  the  old  play  of  Ram- Alley ^  may 
fervc  to  confirm  Dr.  Johnfon's  obfcrvation  : 

•'  Look  I  have  certain  goblins  in  huff-jerkins^ 

**  Lye  ambufcado." [Enter Serjeants, 

So  in  The  Comedy  cf  Errors t  a6l  4. 

**  A  devil  in  an  coerlafting  garment  hath  him. 

^«  A  fellow  all  in  buff^ 
.    In  Weft-ward  Hocy  by  Decker  and  Wcbfter,  1607, 1  meet  with 

2  ,  fipaffagc 


KING    HENRY    IV.  233 

'  Fal.  How  now,  how  now,  mad  wag  ?  what,  in  thy 
quips  and  thy  quiddities  ?  what  a  plague  have  I  to  do 
with  a  buff-jerkin  ? 

P.  Henry.  Why,  what  a  pox  have  I  to  do  with  my 
hoftefs  of  the  tavern  ? 

Fal.  Well,  thou  haft  called  her  to  a  reckoning  many 
a  time  and  oft. 

P.  Henry.  Did  I  ever  call  thee  to  pay  thy  part  ? 

Fal.  No ;  ril  give  thee  thy  due,  thou  haft  paid  all 
there, 

P.  Henry.  Yea,  and  elfewhere,  fo  far  as  my  coin 
would  ftretch ;  and  where  it  would  not,  I  have  us'd 
my  credit. 

Fal.  Yea,  and  fo  us'd  it,  that  were  it  not  here  ap- 
parent, that  thou  art  heir  apparent But,  I  pr*y- 

thee,  fweet  wag,  (hall  there  be  a  gallows  ftanding  in 
England,  when  thou  art  king ;  and  refolution  thus 
fbbb'd  as  it  is,  with  the  nifty  curb  of  old  father  antic, 
the  law  .?  Do  not  thou,  when  thou  art  a  king,  hang 
a  thief. 

P.  Henry.  No :  thou  (halt. 

Fal.  Shall  I  ?  O  rare !  By  the  Lord, '  I'll  be  a  brave 
judge, 

apaflage  which  leads  me  to  believe  that  a  robe  or  fuit  of  durance 
was  (cmie  kind  of  lalHng  ftufF,  fuch  as  we  call  atprefent,  e^ver- 
lofting,  A  debtor,  cajoling  the  officer  who  had  juft  taken  him 
up,  fays,  "  Where  did'ft  thou  buy  this  buff?  Let  me  not  live 
"  but  I  will  give  thee  a  good  Juit  of  durance.  Wilt  thou  take 
"  my  bond,"  \^c. 

Again,  in  The  DenjiFs  Charier j  1607,  "  Varlet  of  'velvet ^ 
"  my  moccado  villain,  old  heart  of  durance ^  my  ftrip'd  canvas 
'' ihoulders,  and  my /^r/^/w^srwa  pander.**     St k evens. 

*  — r II  be  a  bra^oe  judge P[  This  thought,  like  many  others, 
is  taken  from  the  old  play  of  Henry  V, 

Hen,  5.  **  Ned,  asfoon  as  f  am  king,  the  firft  thing  I  will  do 
**  Ihall  be  to  put  my  lord  chief  jufticc  out  of  office  ;  and  thou 
^*  (halt  be  my  lord  chief  jufticc  of  England." 

AW.  '*  Shall  I  be  lord  chief  juilice?  Ly  gogs  wounds,  1*11  be 
'^  the  bravefllord  chief  juftice  that  ever  was  in  England." 

Steevens. 

p.  Henry. 


234     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

P.  Henry.  Thou  judgeft  falfe  already :  I  mean, 
thou  Ihalt  l)ave  the  hanging  of  the  thieves,  and  fo 
become  a  rare  hangman. 

Fal.  Well,  Hal,  well ;  and  in  fome  fort  it  jumps 
with  my  humour,  as  well  as  waiting  in  the  court,  I 
can  tell  you. 

P.  Hcrjj.  *  For  obtaining  of  fuits  ? 

Fal.  Yea,  for  obtaining  of  fuits ;  whereof  the  hang- 
•  man  hath  no  lean  wardrobe.     'Sblood,  I  am  as  me- 
lancholy as  3  a  gib-cat,  or  a  lugg'd  bear. 

p.  Henry.  Or  an  old  lion,  or  a  lover's  lute. 

Fcl.  Yea,  or  the  drone  of  a  Lincolnfhire  bagpipe. 

P.  Henry.  What  fay'ft  thou  to  +  a  hare,  or  5  the  me- 
lancholy of  Moor-ditch  ? 

Fal. 

*  For  obtaining  of  fuits  ? ]  Suify  fpoken  of  one  that  at- 
tends at  court,  means  a  petition  ;  ufed  with  rcfpeft  to  the  hang- 
ihan,  means  the  cloaths  of  the  offender.     Johnson. 

^  —  «  gilf-cat ]  A  gib'cat  means,  I  know  not  why,  an 

old  cat.     Jof.'NsoN. 

A  gib'cat  is  the  common  term  in  Northamptonfhirc,  and  all 
adjacent  counties,  to  exprefs  a  he-cat.  In  fome  part  of  England 
he  is  called  a  ram-cat.  In  Sliropfliire,  where  a  tup  is  the  term 
for  a  ram,  the  male  cat  is  called  a  tup-cat,     Percy. 

As  melancholy  as  a  gib^d  cat  is  a  proverb  enumerated  among 
others  in  Ray^s  Col!e£iion.     St  e  £ V£  N  s . 

♦  —  a  hare, — ]  A  hare  may  be  confidered  as  melancholy,  bc- 
caufe  fhe  is  upon  her  form  always  folitary  ;  and,  according  to 
the  phyfic  of  the  times,  the  flefix  of  it  was  fuppofcd  to  generate 
melancholy.     Johnson. 

5  —  the  melancholy  ofMoor^ditch  ?'\  This  I  do  not  underftand. 
unlefs  it  may  allude  to  the  croaking  of  frogs.     Johnson. 

I  rather  believe  this  to  have  been  faid  in  allufion  to  its  fitua- 
tion  in  rcfpedt  of  Moor-gate,  the  prifon,  and  Bedlam  the  hofpital. 
It  appears  likewife  from  Sto<we^s  Survey,  that  a  broad  ditch 
called  Deep-ditch  formerly  parted  the  hofpital  from  Moor- 
£elds  ;  and  what  has  a  more  melancholy  appearance  than  ftag- 
nan  t  water? 

In  tlic  old  play  of  Nobody  and  Somebody,  IC98,  the  clown 
fays,  **  ril  bring  the  Thames  through  the  middle  of  the  cit>', 
**  empty  Moor- ditch  at  my  own  charge,  and  build  up  Paul's 
'*  fteeple  without  a  colleftion." 

So 


KING    HENRY    IV.  235 

Fal  Thou  haft  the  moft  unfavoury  fimilies ;  and 
art,  indeed,  ^  the  moft  comparative,  rafcailieft,  Iwect 
young  prince — But,  Hal,  1  pr'ythee,  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  ftreet  about  you.  Sir ;  but  I  mark'd  him  not,  and 
yet  he  talk'd  very  wifely ;  but  I  regarded  him  not, 
and  yet  he  talk'd  wifely  \  and  in  the  ftreet  too. 

P.  Henry.  Thou  did'ft  well ;  for  wifdom  cries  out 
in  the  ftreets,  and  no  man  regards  it. 

Fal.  7  O,  tHou  haft  damnable  iteration ;  and  art, 
indeed,  able  to  corrupt  a  f^int.  Thou  haft  done  much 
harm  unto  me,  Hal ;  God  forgive  thee  for  it !  Before 
I  knew  thee,  Hal,  I  knew  nothing  ;  and  now  am  I, 
if  a  man  fhould  fpeak  truly,  little  better  than  one  of 
the  wicked.  I  muft  give  over  this  life,  and  I  will 
give  it  over  -,  by  the  lord,  an  I  do  not,  I  am  a  villain. 
rU  be  damn*d  for  never  a  king's  fon  in  Chriftendom. 

P.  Henry.  Where  ftiall  we  take  a  purfe  to-morrow. 
Jack? 

So  again,  in  A  Woman  never  'vex^dy  com.  by  Rowley,  1632. 
"  I  fhall  fee  thee  in  Ludgate  again  fliortly.'*  "  Thou  lycft 
"  again,  'twill  be  at  Moor- gate,  beldame,  where  I  (hall  fee  thee 
"  in  the  ditch,  dancing  in  a  cucking-ftool/'     Steevens. 

*  —  the  moft  comparati've  — ]  Sir  T.  Hanmer,  and  Dr.  War- 
burton  after  him,  read,  incomparati'vey  I  fuppofe  for  incom- 
f arable^  or  peerUjs  ;  but  comparative  here  means  quick  at  com^ 
parefimSf  or  fruitful  injimiliesy  and  is  properly  introduced. 

Johnson. 

This  epithet  is  ufed  again,  in  ad  3.  fc.  2.  of  this  play,  and 
apparently  in  the  fame  fcnfc  : 

**  ftand  the  piifh 

**  Of  every  b:*ardlefs  vain  comparative.^*    Steevens. 

'  O,  tbou  hafiy  &c.]  For //^r^7//o/i  Sir  T.  Hanmer  and  Dr.  War- 
burton  read  attraSlion^  of  which  the  meaning  is  certainly  more 
apparent  5  but  an  editor  is  not  always  to  change  what  he  does 
not  underfland.  In  the  laft  fpeech  a  text  is  very  indecently  and 
abufively  applied,  to  whicli  FalllafFanfwers,  tbou  haft  damnahlt 
iteration^  or,  a  wicked  trick  of  repeating  and  applying  holy 
%zxU*    This  I  think  is  the  meaning.     John  son* 

Fal, 


23^    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Fal  Where  thou  wilt,  lad ;  Til  make  one :  an  I 
do  not,  call  me  villain,  and  baffle  me. 

P.  Henry.  I  fee  a  good  amendment  of  life  in  thee  ; 
from  praying,  to  purfe-taking. 

Fal  ^  Why,  Hal,  'tis  my  vocation,  Hal ;  'tis  no 
fin  for  a  man  to  labour  in  his  vocation.     Poins  ! 
Now  (hall  we  know,  if  Gadlhill  have  fet  a  match.  O, 
if  men  were  to  be  fav'd  by  merit,  what  hole  in  hell 
were  hot  enough  for  him  ? 

Enter  Poins. 

This  is  the  moft  omnipotent  villain,  ihat  ever  cry*d. 
Stand,  to  a  true  man. 

*  In  former  editions  : 

Fal.  Why^  Hal  J  *tts  my  *vocation,  Hal  'y  ^iis  no  Jin  for  a  mam  t§ 
labour  in  his  'vocation. 

Enter  Poins. 

Poins.  Noiu  Jhall  ive  f^no^-u:,  if  Gadfi.illha've  f(t  a  match,']  Mr. 
Pope  has  given  us  one  fign&l  obfervaticm  in  his  preface  to  our 
author's  works.  "  Throughout  his  plays,"  fays  he,  "  had  all 
••  the  fpeeches  been  printed  without  the  very  names  of  thepcr- 
*•  fens,  I  believe  one  might  have  applied  them  with  certainty 
"  to  every  fpeakcr."  But  how  fallible  the  moft  fufficient  critic 
may  be,  the  pafTage  in  controverfy  is  a  main  inftance.  As  fig- 
nal  a  blunder  has  cfcaped  r.!l  the  editors  here,  as  any  throagh 
the  whole  fet  of  plays.  Will  any  one  perfuade  me,  Shakeipeare 
could  be  guilty  of  fuch  an  inconfiflency,  as  to  make  Poins  at  his 
firft  entrance  want  news  of  Gadfnill,   and  immediately  after  to 

be  able  to  give  a  full  account  of  him  ? No  ;  FalftafF,  feeing 

Poins  ar  hand,  turns  the  ftream  of  his  difcourfefrom  the  prince, 
and  fays,  "  Now  fhall  we  know,  whether  Gadfhill  has  fet  a 
**  match  for  us;"  and  then  immediately  falls  into  railing  and 
inveclives  again  ft  Poins.  How  admirably  is  this  in  char.idler  for 
FalftafF!  And  Poins,  who  knew  well  his  abufive  manner, 
fccms  in  part  to  overhear  him  :  and  fo  foon  as  he  has  returned 
the  p/ince's  falutation,  cries,  by  way  of  anfwer,  **  What  fays 
•*  MonucurRemorfe?  What  fays  Sir  Jack  Sack-and  Sugar?" 

Theobald. 

Mr.  Theobald  has  faftencd  on  an  obfervation  made  by  Mr. 
Pope,  hyperbolical  enough,  but  not  contradided  by  the  erro- 
neous reading  in  this  place,  the  fpecch,  like  a  thoufand  others, 
not  being  fo  chara6\eriftic  as  to  be  infallibly  applied  to  the 
fpeaker.  Theobald's  triumph  over  the  other  editors  might 
have  been  abated  by  a  confeflion,  that  the  firft  edition  gave 
him  at  leaft  a  glimpfe  of  the  emendation.     Johnson. 

P.  Hem- 


KING    HENRY    IV.  237 

P.  Henry.  Good  morrow,  Ned. 

Potns.  Good  morrow,  fweet  Hal.  What  fays  Mon- 
ficur  Remorfe  ?  What  fays  Sir  John  Sack-and-Sugar  ? 
Jack !  how  agree  the  devil  and  thou  about  thy  foul, 
that  thou  folded  him  on  Good-friday  laft,  for  a  cup 
of  Madeira,  and  a  cold  capon's  leg  ? 

P.  Henry.  Sir  John  ftands  to  his  word,  the  devil 
(hall  have  his  bargain,  for  he  was  never  yet  a  breaker 
of  proverbs.  He  will  give  the  devil  his  due. 

Poins.  Then  thou  art  damn'd  for  keeping  thy  word 
with  the  devil. 

P.Henry.  Elfe  he  had  been  damn'd  for  cozening 
the  devil. 

Poins.  But,  my  lads,  my  lads,  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, by  four  o'clock,  early  at  Gadfhill :  there  are  pil- 
gnms  going  to  Canterbury  with  rich  offerings,  and 
traders  riding  to  London  with  fat  purfes.  I  have  vi- 
fors  for  you  all ;  you  have  horfes  for  yourfelves : 
GadlhiU  lies  to-night  at  Rochefter ;  I  have  befpoke 
fupper  to-morrow  night  in  Eaft-cheap  :  we  may  do  it, 
as  fccure  as  fleeep :  if  you  will  go,  I  will  fluff  your 
purfes  fiill  of  crowns ;  if  you  will  not,  tarry  at  home, 
and  be  hang'd. 

Fal.  Hear  ye,  Yedward ;  if  I  tarry  at  home,  and' 
go  not,  ril  hang  you  for  going. 

Poins.  You  will,  chops  ? 

Fal.  Hal,  wilt  thou  make  one  ? 

P.  Heftry.  Who,  I  rob  ?  I  a  thief?  not  I,  by  my 
faith. 

Fal.  There  is  neither  honefly,  manhood,  nor  good 
fdlowfhip  in  thee,  nor  thou  cam'ft  not  of  the  blood 
royal,  9  Jf  thou  dar'ft  not  cry,  Jland^  for  ten  (hillings. 

P.Henry.  Well  then,  once  in  my  days  I'll  be  a 
madcap. 

'  —  if  thou  dar*ft  not  cry,  ftand,  ^r.]  The  prefent  reading 
may  perhaps  be  right ;  but  I  think  it  necCiTary  to  remark,  that 
all  the  old  editions  read,  if  thou  dar^ft  not  ftand  for  ten  Jhillings. 

Johnson. 

Fal. 


240    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Poins.  Farewell,  my  lord.  [Exit  Poins. 

.    P.  Henry.  I  know  you  all,  and  will  a  while  uphold 
The  unyok'd  humour  of  your  idlenefs  : 
Yet  herein  will  I  imitate  the  fun  ; 
Who  doth  permit  the  bafe  contagious  clouds 
To  fmother  up  his  beauty  from  the  world. 
That,  when  he  pleafe  again  to  be  himfelf. 
Being  wanted,  he  may  be  more  wonder'd  at. 
By  breaking  through  the  foul  and  ugly  mifts 
Of  vapours,  that  did  feem  to  ftrangle  him. 
If  all  the  year  were  playing  holidays. 
To  fport  would  be  as  tedious  as  to  work  ; 
But,  when  they  feldom  come,  they  wi(h'd-for  come, 
And  nothing  pleafeth  but  rare  accidents. 
So,  when  this  loofe  behaviour  I  throw  off. 
And  pay  the  debt  I  never  promifed. 
By  how  much  better  than  my  word  I  am. 
By  fo  much  4  Ihall  I  talfify  mens'  hopes  •, 
And,  like  bright  metal  on  afuUen  ground. 
My  reformation,  glittering  o'er  my  fault. 
Shall  (hew  more  goodly,  and  attraft  more  eyes. 
Than  that  which  hath  no  foil  to  fet  it  off. 
rU  fo  offend,  to  make  offence  a  (kill ; 
Redeeming  time,  when  men  think  leaft  I  will.  [Exit. 

♦  —  Jhall  Ifalfify  mens*  hopes ;]  Juft  the  contrary.  We 
fiiould  read y>tfri.     Warburton. 

To  falftfy  hope  is  to  exceed  hope^  to  give  much  where  men 
hoped  for  little. 

This  fpeech  is  very  artfully  introduced  to  keep  the  prince 
from  appearing  vile  in  the  opinion  of  the  audience  ;•  it  pre- 
pares them  for  his  future  reformation ;  and,  what  is  yet  more 
valuable,  exhibits  a  natural  pifture  of  a  great  mind  offering 
excufes  to  itfelf,  and  palliating  thofe  follies  which  it  can  neither 
juftify  nor  forfake.     Johnson. 


SCENE 


KING    HENRY    IV.  241 

SCENE    III. 
An  apartment  in  the  palace. 

Enter  King  Henry^  Northumberland^   Worcefier^  Hot* 
fpur^  Sir  JValter  Blunt ^  and  others. 

K.  Henry.  My  blood  hath  been  too  cold  and  tem- 
perate, 
Unapt  to  ftir  at  thefe  indignities ; 
And  you  have  found  me  ;  for,  accordingly 
You  tread  upon  my  patience  :  but,  be  lure, 
5 1  will  from  henceforth  rather  be  myfelf. 
Mighty,  and  to  be  fear'd,  than  my  condition  ; 
Which  hath  b^n  fmooth  as  oil,  foft  as  young  down,| 
And  therefore  loft  that  title  of  refpeft. 
Which  the  proud  foul  ne'er  pays,  but  to  the  proud. 

IVor.  Our  houfe,  my  fovereign  liege,  little  deferves 
The  fcourge  of  greatnefs  to  be  uled  on  it , 

^  I  vjillfrom  hence/art h  rather  he  my/elf^ 

Mighty^  and  to  be  fear'' d^  than  my  condition  ;]  /.  e.  I  Will  from 
henceforth  rather  put  on  the  charaflcr  that  becomes  me,  and 
exert  the  refentment  of  an  injured  king,  than  ilill  continue  in 
theinaAivity  and  mildnefsof  my  natural  difpoiition.  And  this 
fentiment  he  has  well  exprefl'ed,  favc  that  by  his  ufual  licence, 
hepats  the  word  condition  {or  difprfition ;  which  ufc  of  terms  dif- 
pleafing  our  Oxford  Editor,  as  it  frequently  does,  he,  in  a  lofs 
lor  the  meaning,  fubilitutes  in  for  than^ 

Mighty  and  to  be  fear  d  \t\  my  condition* 
So  that  by  condition^  in  this  reading,  muft  be  meant  flation, 
office.  But  it  cannot  be  predicated  of  llation  and  office,  **  that 
"ills  fkooth  as  oil,  foft  as  young  down  ;"  which  ihews  that 
cmlitioH  muft  needs  be  liccntioufly  ufed  for  difpofition^  as  we 
faid  before.     Warburton. 

The  commentator  has  well  explained  the  fenfe  which  was  not 
very  difficult,  but  is  millaken  in  fuppofing  the  ufc  o{  condition 
liccntioos.  Shakefpeare  ufes  it  very  frequently  for  temper  of 
tinJi  and  in  this  fenfe  the  vulgar  flili  fay  Vi  good  or  ill-conlitiomd 
man,    Johnson. 

Bea  Jonfon  ufes  it  in  the  fame  fenfe,  in  The  Nezv  Inn.  a«ft  i. 
fc.6. 

"  You  cannot  think  me  of  that  coark  conjition 
"  To  en\'y  you  any  thing."     Steevens. 

V0L.V.  O  And 


2+2     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

And  that  lame  greatncfs  too,  which  our  own  hands 

Have  holp  to  make  lb  portly. 

North.  My  lord, 

K.  Henry.  Worccfter,  get  thee  gone,  for  I  do  fee 

Danger  and  difobedience  in  thine  eye  : 

O  Sir,  your  prefence  is  too  bold  and  peremptory  ^ 

And  majefty  might  never  yet  endure 

^  The  moody  frontier  of  a  lervant  brow. 

You  have  good  leave  to  leave  us.     When  we  need 

Your  ule  and  counltl,  we  Ihall  fend  for  you. — 

[^Exit  IVorcefiir. 

You  were  about  to  fpeak.  \To Northumberland. 

North.  Yes,  my  good  lord. 

Thofe  prifoners  in  your  highnefs*  name  demanded. 
Which  Harry  Percy  here  at  Holmedon  took. 
Were,  as  he  fays,  not  with  fuch  ftrength  dcny*d 
As  was  deliver'd  to  your  majefty  : 
Either  envy,  tlierefore,  or  mifprifion. 
Is  guilty  of  this  fault,  and  not  my  fon. 

llot.  My  liege,  I  did  deny  no  prifoners  : 
But  I  remember,  when  the  fight  was  done. 
When  I  was  dry  with  rage,  and  extreme  toil, 
Breathlels  and  faint,  leaning  upon  my  fword ; 
Came  there  a  certain  lord,  neat,  trimly  drefs*d, 
Frefh  as  a  bridegroom ;  and  his  chin,  new  reap'd, 
Shew'd  like  a  ftubble-land  7  at  harveft-homc. 
He  w.is  perfumed  like  a  milliner  ; 
And  *twixt  his  finger  and  Jiis  thumb,  he  held 
^  A  pouncct-box,  which  ever  and  anon 

*    He 

**  Th  moody  frontier ]  This  is  nonfcnfe.     We  fhoald 

icpAfro/tfl't,  i.  t.  forehc.id.     War  burton. 

Frcntkt  dees  not  fignify  forehead^  Lut  a  bandage  round  the 
head.  Frcfiiier  was  ar»cic*nt!y  ufcd  {c^r forehead.  So  Stubbs,  ia 
his  j^j:^:cwy  of  AliifcSf  '595*  '*  Then  on  the  edges  of  their 
•'  bolM'jr  d  Jiriir,  which  Itnndt-rh  crclicd  round  their  fr9Mti'frs, 
*'  and  5i;!Pt;i!;vj  o\cr  their  faces'*  is'c.     SxEtvEws. 

^  af  bar'veft-homc,'\  That  is,  at  a  time  of  fcftivity, 

Johnson, 

•  J  pGuncLt-bcXt  ]  A  fmall  box  formuik  or  other  per- 

fumes 


KING    HENRY    IV.  243 

He  gave  his  nofe,  and  took*t  away  again ; 
Who,  therewith  angry,  when  it  next  came  there, 

9  Took  it  in  fnuff: and  Icill  he  finil'd,  andtaik'd  j 

And,  as  the  Ibldiers  bare  dead  bodies  by, 

He  caird  them  untaught  knaves,  unmannerly. 

To  bring  a  flovenly,  unhandibme  corfe 

Betwixt  the  wind  and  his  nobility. 

With  many  holiday  and  lady  terms 

He  queftion*d  me  :  amongll  the  reft  demanded 

My  prilbners,  in  your  majefty's  behalf. 

'  I  then,  all  imarting,  with  my  wounds  being  cold, 

fames  then  in  fafhion  :  the  lid  of  which,  bclne  cut  with  open 
work,  gave  it  its  name  ;  from  foin/oncry  to  prick,  pierce,  or  en* 
giarc.    Warburton. 

Dr.  Warburton's  explanation  is  juft.  At  the  chriftening  of 
Q^BIizabeth,  the  marchionefs  of  Dorfet  gave,  according  ta 
Holinlhed,  "  three  gilt  bowls  pounced^  with  a  cover." 

Steevens. 

•  Twi  it  in  fnuff: ]  SnufF  is  equivocally  ufed  for  an- 
ger and  a  powder  taken  up  the  nofe. 

So  in  Tbi  FleirCi  a  comedy,  by  E.  Sharpham,  1610  :  "  Nay 
*'  be  not  angry,  I  do  not  touch  thy  nofe,  to  the  end  it  ihould 
"  take  any  thing  in  fnuff:* 

Again,  m  our  author^s  Lovers  Labour  lofl  : 
"  You  marr  the  light,  by  taking  it  in  fnuff,**   Steevens* 

*  Itben^  all  fmarting^  'with  my  ivounds  being  coldy 

To  hi  fi p^ir^d  ivith  a  popinjay,']  But  in  the  beginning  of 
the  fpeech  he  reprefcnts  himfelf  at  this  time  not  as  coldhMt  not« 
and  inflamed  with  rage  and  lab  ur. 

Wben  Invas  dry  ivitb  rage  and  extreme  toil,  &c. 
I  am  perfuadcd  therefore  that  Shakcipeare  wrote  and  pointed 
it  dins: 

/  then  all  fmarting  tuith  my  ^wounds ;  being  gal  I'd 
To  befo pefter*d  tjoitb  a  popinjay y  &c.  Warburton. 
Whatever  Percy  might  fay  of  his  rage  and  toil,  which  is 
ncrely  declamatory  and  apologetical,  his  wounds  would  at  this 
time  be  certainly  cold^  and  when  they  were  cold  would  fmart^ 
a»d  not  before.  If  any  alteration  were  neceffary  I  ihould  tranf- 
pofc  the  lines: 

/  then  all  fmarting  'with  t:iy  fjjounds  being  cold, 
Out  of  my  grirf  and  my  impatience j 
To  befo  pefter*d  ivith  a  popinjay  y 
Anf'wer  d  uegleclingly, 
^f9finjay  is  2  parrot.     Johnson. 

Q>2  T« 


244     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

To  be  fo  pcfter'd  with  a  popinjay. 

Out  of  my  grief  and  my  impatience, 

Anfwer'd,  negleclingly,  I  know  not  what  ^ 

He  fhould,  or  fhould  not  -,  for  he  made  me  mad. 

To  fee  him  (hine  fo  brifk,  and  fmell  fo  fweet. 

And  talk  fo  lilce  a  waiting-gentlewoman. 

Of  guns,  and  drums,   and  wounds   (God  fave  the 

mark !) 
And  telling  me  the  fovereign'ft  thing  on  earth 
Was  parmacity,  for  an  inward  bruife  ; 
And  that  it  was  great  pity,  fo  it  was. 
This  villainous  falt-petre  fliould  be  digg'd 
Out  of  the  bowels  of  the  harmlefs  earth. 
Which  many  a  good  tall  fellow  had  deftroy'd 
So  cowardly ;  and,  but  for  thcfe  vile  guns. 
He  would  himfelf  have  been  a  foldier. 
This  bald,  unjointed  chat  of  his,  my  lord, 
I  anfwer'd  indireclly,  as  I  faid ; 
And,  I  befeech  you,  let  not  this  report 
Come  current  for  an  accufation. 
Betwixt  my  love  and  your  high  majefly. 

Bhait.  'rhe  circumllance  confider'd,  good  my  lord. 
Whatever  Harry  Percy  then  had  faid 
.To  fuch  a  perfon,  and  in  fuch  a  place. 
At  fuch  a  time,  with  all  the  reft  retold. 
May  rcafonably  die ;  and  never  rife 
*  To  do  him  wrong,  or  any  way  impeach 
What  then  he  faid,  fo  he  unfay  it  now. 

A.  tltwry* 

*  To  do  him  ivrotrg,  or  any  <way  impeach 

h'hat  then   he  faidy  Jo  he  unfay  it  «oau.]    Let  US  COnfldcr  the 
whule  pafTigc,  which,  according  to  the  prefcnt  reading,  bean 
this  Iiter;il  fenfc.     **  Whatever  Percy  then  faid  may  reafon- 
*'  al)'y  die  and  never  rife  to  impeach  what  he  then  faid,  fo  he 
**  iinfiy  it  now."     This  is  the  cxad  fenfe,  or  rather  nonfenfo» 
which  the  pa/Tare  makes   in  the  prefent  reading.     It  fhould, 
thercforp,  without  qucilion,  be  thus  printed  and  emended : 
To  do  him  --ivrcKg,  or  any  ivay  impeach. 
What  then  he  J  aid  ^  fce^  he  unfay  s  it  no<w, 
I.  «.    "  V\  hatever  Percy   then  faid  may  reafonably  die^  and 
z  •*  nevcf^ 


KING    HENRY    IV.  245 

K.  Henry.  Why  yet  he  doth  deny  his  prifoners  -, 
But  with  provifo  and  exception. 
That  we,  at  our  own  charge,  fhall  ranfom  ftraight 
His  brother-in-law,  the  foolifli  Mortimer  -, 
Who,  on  my  foul,  hath  wilfully  betray'd 
The  lives  of  thofe  that  he  did  lead  to  fight 
Againft  the  great  magician,  damn'd  Glendower  j 
Whofe  daughter,  as  we  hear,  the  earl  of  March 
Hath  lately  marry*d.     Shall  our  coffers  tlien 

Be  empty*d,  to  redeem  a  traitor  home  ? 

Shall  we  buy  treafon  ?  3  and  indent  v/ith  fears. 

When  they  have  loft  and  forfeited  themfelves  ? 

No;  on  the  barren  mountains  let  him  ftarve ; 

For  I  Ihall  never  hold  that  man  my  friend, 

Whofe  tongue  fhall  a(k  me  for  one  penny  coft 

To  ranfom  home  revolted  Mortimer. 

"  never  rife  to  do  him  wrong  or  any-ways  impeach  him.  For 
"  fee,  my  liege,  what  he  then  faid,  he  now  unfays."  And 
titt  king's  anfwer  is  pertinent  to  the  words,  as  fo  emended  : 

IViyf  yet  he  doth  deny  his  prifoners  ; 

But  luith  fro'vifoy  Sec 
implying  **  you  arc  miftaken  in  faying,  fee  he  no-iv  unfays  it,^^ 
But  the  anfwer  is  utterly  impertinent  to  what  precedes  in  the 
common  reading.     Warburton. 

The  learned  commentator  has  perplexed  the  paflage.  The 
conftrafHon  is,  **  Let  what  he  then  faid  never  rife  to  impeach 
"  Mm,  fo  he  unfay  it  now."     Johnson. 

'  —  and  indent  luith  fears ^\  The  rcafon  why  lie  fays,  bar- 
gain and  article  with  y>arj,  meaning  vsith  Mortimer,  is,  becaufe 
Sc  fuppofed  Mortimer  had  wilfully  betrayed  his  own  forces  to 
Glendower  out  of  fear,  as  appejirs  from  his  next  fpeech.  No 
Med  therefore  to  changeyirar/  to  foes ^  as  the  Oxford  Editor  has 
done.    Warburton. 

The  difficulty  feems  to  me  to  arife  from  this,  that  the  king  is 
iwt  deiired  to  artieU  or  contra^  ivith  Mortimer,  but  with  an- 
othcr/w  Mortimer.     Perhaps  we  may  read, 

Shall  lue  buy  treafon  ?   and  indent  <with  peers y 

When  they  ha^ve  lojl  and  forfeited  thrmjeJves  i* 
Shall  wc  purchafe  back  a  traitor  ?     Shall  we  defccnd  to  a  com- 
pofition  with  Worcefter,  Northumberland,  and  yourg  Percy, 
who  by  difobedience  have  loft  and  forfeited  their  honours  and 
^mfclvcs?   Johnson. 

Ct3  Hot. 


246      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Ilct.  Revolted  Monimer ! 
4  Ke  never  did  fail  oflF,  my  fovereign  liege. 
But  by  the  chance  ot  war  ;  s  to  prove  that  true, 
Needs  no  more  but  one  tongue,  for  all  thofe  wounds, 
Thofe  mouthed  wounds,  which  valiantly  he  took. 
When,  on  the  gentle  Severn's  fedgy  bank. 
In  fmgle  (?ppoiition,  hand  to  hand. 
He  did  ccni  jund  the  beft  part  of  an  hour 
In  changing  hardiment  with  great  Glendower  : 
Tliree  times  they  breath'd,  and  three  times  did  they 
drink, 

♦  He  never  did  fall  off,  my  fat'ereign  liege  ^ 

But  ly  the  chance  cf^uar  ; ]   A  poor  apology  for  a  fol- 

dier,  lvA  a  maii  ot  honour,  that  h^  fell  off,  and  revolted  by 
the  ch.mce  of  war.     T^c  pott  certainly  wrote, 

hut  *b:ties  tbc  chance  of  ivar  ; 
i.  f.  he  never  did  rewlt,  but  abides  i^t  chance  of  war,  as  a  pri- 
foner.  And  if  lie  iHll  endured  the  rigour  cf  imprifonment,  that 
was  a  plain  proof  he  wrs  not  i  evoked  to  the  enemy.     HotQ>iir 
fays  the  fame  thinr^;  afterwards, 

fuJjerJ  h'li  kinfman  March 
to  be  CKcag  a  in  Wules, 


Here  again  the  Oxford  Lditor  makes  this  correftion  his 
at  the  fmall  expence  of  chaiiging  ^ bides  to  bore.     Wa r bu  rton. 

The  plain  meaning  is,  •*  he  came  not  into  the  enemy's  power 
f*  but  by  the  chance  of  v/ar."  To  *bide  the  chance  of  war  may 
well  enough  to  fignify,  to  (land  the  hazard  of  a  battle ^ 
but  can  f^arcely  mean,  to  endure  the  fevcrities  of  a  prifon.  The 
king  charged  Mortimer,  that  he  wilfully  betrayed  his  army, 
and,  as  he  was  then  with  the  enemy,  ciHs  him  revolted  Mortir 
mer.  Hctfpur  replies,  that  he  never  fell  off,  that  is,  fell  into 
Glendower's  hands,  but  by  the  chance  of  war.  1  fhould  not 
have  explained  thus  tediouliy  a  palFage  fo  hard  to  be  miilakeD| 
but  that  two  editors  have  already  miliaken  it.  Johnson. 
■  5  to  froue  that  true. 

Needs  no  n:ore  bi.t  one  tongue,  for  all  thcfc  *wcundsj  &c.]  Thif 
pafTage  is  of  obfcure  conltru^lfiion.  The  Inter  editors  point  it, 
as  they  underftood  that  for  the  wounds  a  tongue  was  needful, 
and  only  one  tongue.  Th's  is  harfh.  I  rather  think  it  is  a 
broken  itnier.cc.  "  To  prove  the  loyalty  of  Mortimer,"  fays 
Hctfpur,  •*  cne  fpeaking  witncfs  is  fufiicient ;  for  his  wounds 
**  proclaim  his  loyalty,  thofe  mouthed  wounds,"  tsfr.   Johns. 

Upqn 


KING    HENRY    IV.  247 

Upon  agreement  of  fweet  Severn's  flood ; 

*  Who  then  affrighted  v.ith  their  bloody  looks. 
Ran  fcarl  uLy  amon^  the  trembling  reeds. 

And  hid  7  his  crilp  head  in  the  hollow  bank, 
Blood-ffcaincd  with  thefe  valiant  combatants. 

*  Never  did  bare  and  rotten  policy 

Colour  her  working  with  fuch  deadly  wounds  j 
Ncr  never  could  the  noble  Mortimer 
Receive  fo  many,  and  all  willingly  : 
Then  let  him  not  be  flander'd  with  revolt. 

K.  Henry.  Thou  doft  belie  him,  Percy,  diou  doft 
belie  him  ; 
He  never  did  encounter  with  Glendower  •, 
I  tell  thee,  he  dui*ft  as  well  have  met  the  devil  alone. 
As  Owen  Glendower  for  an  enemy. 
Art  not  alhamed  ?     But,  firrah,  henceforth 
Let  me  not  hear  you  fjKak  of  Mortimer. 
Send  me  your  prifoners  v/ith  the  Ipeedieft  means. 
Or  you  fliall  hear  in  fuch  a  kind  from  me 
As  will  difpleafe  you. — My  lord  Northumberland, 
Welicenfe  your  departure  with  your  fon. 
—Send  us  your  prifoners,  or  you'll  hear  of  it. 

[Exil  A.  Henry. 

Hot.  And  if  the  devil  come  and  roar  for  them, 

•  WJnthcn  affrighted^  &c.]  This  paflagc  has  been  cenfured 
as  founding  nonfenfe,  which  reprcfcnts  a  llrcam  of  water  as- 
cipable  of  fear.  It  is  mifunderU'xxi.  Severn  is  Iicre  not  the 
flood,  but  the  tutelary  power  of  the  flood,  who  was  affrighted, 
ud  hid  his  head  in  the  hollow  bank.     Jo  ii  n^on. 

'  -— i6/j  crijp  head ]  Crijp  is  curled.     So  Beaumont  and 

Fletcher,  in  the  Maid  cf  the  Mil\ 
*•  methinks  the  river, 

"  As  he  fteals  by,  cv.rh  up  his  head  to  view  you." 
Peiiiaps Shakefpeare  has  beftowcd  an  epithet,  appl  c:.  l?only 
to  the  ftrcam  of  water,  on  the  genius  of  the  il:\:am.  i\  i  '  -:  n  s. 
'  l^ ever  did  hare  and  rotten  policy']  All  the  quarto'.  \  m,.:'.;  I 
J»vc  fecn  read  ^/?rf  in  this  place.  The  lirlL  folio,  ai>«;  a.  .ic 
fttbfcquent  editions,  have^//^.  I  believe  tr.re  is  ri;;hr :  *  Ne- 
"  yer  did  policy  lying  open  to  detection  lb  colour  its  .vor.\- 
**  iags."    JoH^soiv. 

0^4  I  will 


2|8     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

I  will  not  fend  them. — I  will  after  ftrait. 
And  tell  him  fo  ;  for  I  will  eafe  my  heart, 
9  Although  it  be  with  hazard  of  my  head. 

North.  What,  drunk  with  choler  ?  ftay,  and  paufc 
a  while : 
Here  comes  your  uncle. 

Enter  Worcejier. 

Hot.  Speak  of  Mortimer  ! 
Yes,  I  will  fpeak  of  him ;  and  let  my  foul 
Want  mercy,  if  I  do  not  join  with  him ; 
Yea,  on  his  part,  I'll  empty  all  thefc  veins. 
And  fhed  my  dear  blood  drop  by  drop  i'the  duft, 
'  But  I  will  lift  the  down-trod  Mortimer 
As  high  i'the  air  as  this  unthankful  king. 
As  this  ingrate  and  cankred  Bolingbroke. 

North.  Brother,  the  king  hath  made  your  nephew 
mad.  [To  Worcefier. 

JVor.  Who  ftrpok  this  heat  up  after  I  was  gone  ? 

Hot,  He  will,  forfooth,  have  all  my  prifoners : 
And  when  I  urg'd  the  ranfom  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. 

tVcr.  I  cannot  blame  him  ;  was  he  not  proclaimed. 
By  Richard  that  is  dead,  the  next  of  blood  ? 

North,  He  was  ;  I  heard  the  proclam.ation  : 
And  then  it  was,  when  the  unhappy  king 
(Whofe  wrongs  in  us,  God  pardon  !)  did  fet  forth 

9  jUthcughit  he  ^juith  ha%ard^  &c.]    So  the  firfl  folio,  and  all 
the  following  editions.     'I'he  quarto's  read, 

Althougk  I  make  a  hazard  of  my  head,     Johnson, 

'   But  I  ivill  lift  the  dcivn/alFn  Mortimerl^    The  quarto  of 
1599  reads,  do-if^'n-trod  Vionim^x  \  which  is  better.     Warb. 

All  the  qu.:rto's   that  J   have  feen  read  do^Mu^trody  the  three 
folio's  read  doivn-fnlL     Johnson. 

* an  €j£cf  death y\  That  is,  an  eye  menacing  death. 

Hotfpur  fecms  to  (iefcribc  th«  king  as  trembling  with  rage  ra- 
ther than  fear.     Johnson, 

Upon 


KING    HENRY    IV.  2451 

Upon  his  Irifh  expedition ; 

From  whence  he,  intercepted,  did  return 

To  be  deposed,  and  fhortly  murdered. 

fFor.  And  for  whole  death,  we  in  the  world's  wide 
mouth 
Live  fcandaliz'd,  and  foully  fpoken  of. 

Hot.  But  foft,  I  pray  you. — Did  king  Richard  then 
Proclaim  my^  brother  Edmund  Mortimer 
Heir  to  the  crown  ? 

Norib.  He  did  :  myfelf  did  hear  it. 

Hot.  Nay,  then  I  cannot  blame  his  coufm  king. 
That  wifh*d  him  on  the  barren  mountains  ftarv'd. 
ButfliaD  it  be,  that  you,  that  fet  the  crown 
Upon  the  head  of  this  forgetful  man ; 
And  for  his  lake  wear  the  detefted  blot 
Of  murd'rous  fubornation  ? — Ihall  it  be. 
That  you  a  world  of  curfes  undergo  ; 
Being  the  agents  or  bafe  fecond  means. 
The  cords,  the  ladder,  or  the  hangman  rather  ? — 
(0  pardon  me,  that  I  defcend  fo  low. 
To  Ihew  the  line  and  the  predicament 
Wherein  you  range  under  this  fubtle  king) 
Shall  it,  for  fhame,  be  fpoken  in  thefe  days. 
Or  fill  up  chronicles  in  time  to  come. 
That  men  of  your  nobility  and  power 
Did  gage  them  both  in  an  unjuft  behalf — 
Asboth  of  ybu,  God  pardon  it !  have  done. 
To  put  down  Richard,  that  fweet  lovely  rofe. 
And  plant  this  thorn,  3  this  canker,  Bolingbrokc  ? 
And  Ihall  it,  in  more  Ihame,  be  further  fpoken. 
That  you  are  fool'd,  difcarded,  and  fhook  off 
By  him,  for  whom  thefe  Ihaoies  ye  underwent  ? 
No  5  yet  time  ferves,  wherein  you  may  redeem 
Your  banifli*d  honours,  and  reftore  yourfelves 
Into  the  good  thoughts  of  the  world  again. 

t/jt's  canhr,  Bolinghroke  ?]    The  canker-rofc  is  the 


tfog-rofc,  the  flower  of  the  Cynolbaton.     St eevens. 

Revenge 


250    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Revenge  the  jeering,  and  ♦  difdain*d  contempt 
Of  this  proud  king,  who  ftudies  day  and  night 
To  anfwer  all  the  debt  he  owes  unto  you. 
Even  with  the  bloody  payment  of  your  deaths : 
Therefore,  I  fay 

Wor.  Peace,  coufin,  fay  no  more. 
And  now  I  will  unclafp  a  fecret  book. 
And  to  your  quick-conccivinjg  difcontents 
ril read  you  matter  deep  anddangerous ; 
As  full  of  peril,  and  advent'rous  fpirit. 
As  to  o'er-walk  a  current,  roaring  loud, 
5  On  the  unfteadfaft  footing  of  a  fpear. 

Hot.  If  he  fall  in,  good  night — or  fink  or  fwim— 
Send  danger  from  the  eaft  unto  the  weft. 
So  honour  crofs  it  from  die  north  to  fouth. 

And  let  them  grapple. O  !  the  blood  more  ftira 

To  rouze  a  lion,  than  to  ftart  a  hare. 

North.  Imagination  of  fome  great  exploit 
Drives  him  beyond  the  bounds  of  patience. 

Hot,  ^  By  heaven,  methinks,  it  were  an  eafy  leap. 

To 

♦  — difduirCd — ]  For  difdainful,     Johnso^. 

5  On  the  unfieadfaji  footing  cj  aj^tar^  That  is  of  a  (pear  laid 
acrof?.     Wardurton. 

^  By  bea'venj  methinks^  &C.]  Gildon,  a  critic  of  the  fizc  of 
Dennis,  ^V.  calls  this  fpeech,  without  any  ceremony,  **  a  li- 
"  diculous  rant  and  abfolute  madnefs."  Mr.  Theobald 
talks  in  the  fame  drain.  The  French  critics  had  taught 
thefe  people  juft  enough  to'underftand  where  Shakefpeait 
had  iranfgrefled  the  rules  of  the  Greek  tragic  writert ;  and, 
on  thofe  occafions,  they  are  full  of  the  poor  frigid  cant  of 
fable,  rentiment,  didlion,  unities,  l^c.  But  it  is  another  thing 
to  get  to  Shakefpeare's  fenfe :  to  do  this  required  a  little  of 
their  own.  For  want  of  which,  they  could  not  fee  that  the  poet 
here  ufes  an  allegorical  covealng  to  exprefs  a  noble  and  veiy  nan 
tural  thought. — Hotfpur,  all  on  fire,  exclaims  againft  hock- 
ilcring  and  bartering  for  honour,  and  dividing  it  into  ihares. 
O  !  fays  he,  could  I  oe  fure  that  when  I  had  purchafed  honovr 
J  (hould  wear  her  dignities  without  a  rival — ^what  then  ?  Why 
then, 

By  heanj^n^  methinks  it  tvere  an  eafy  leaf 
To  pull  bright  honour  from,  the  faU'fac^djHOcn  : 
I.  e,  though  fome  great  and  fhining  character,  in  the  o^oft  elevated 

orb. 


KING    HENRY    IV,  251 

To  pluck  bright  honour  from  the  pale-fac'd  moon  j 

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  corrivd  all  her  dignities  : 

T  But  out  upon  this  half-fac'd  fellowlhip  ! 

orb,  was  already  in  poffeflion  of  her,  yet  it  would,  methinks,  be^ 
«   cafy  by  greater  adls,  to  etlipfe  his  glory,  and  pluck  all  his  ho- 
HOttrs  from  him  ; 

Or  dive  into  the  bottom  of  the  deef^ 
And piuck  up  drofwntd  honour  hy  the  locks  : 
I.  f.  or  what  is  ttiU  more  diilicuii,  though  there  were  in  the 
world  no  great  examples  to  incite  and  fire  my  emulation,  but 
that  honour  was  quite  funk  and  buried  in  oblivion,  yet  would 
I  bring  it  back  into  vogue,  and  render  it  more  illudrious  th^n 
ever.  So  that  we  fee,  though  the  expreifion  be  fublime  and 
daring,  yet  the  thought  is  the  natural  movement  of  an  heroic 
mind.  Euripides  at  lc:ill  thought  fo,  when  he  put  the  very 
fame  fen timent,  in  the  fame  words,  into  the  moyth  of  Eteocles, 
**  I  will  not,  madam,  difguife  my  thoughts ;  I  would  fcale 
"  Leaven,  I  would  defcend  to  the  very  entrails  cf  the  earth,  if 
"  fo  be  that  by  that  price  I  could  obtain  a  kingdom.*'  Warb. 
Though  I  am  very  far  from  condemning  this  fpccch  with  Gil- 
don  and  Theobald,  as  abfolute  madnefe,  yet  I  cannot  find  in  it 
that  profundity  of  reflexion  and  beauty  of  allegory  which  the 
Jearaed  commentator  has  endeavoured  to  difplay.  This  fally 
ofHotfpijr  may  be,  I  think,  foberly  and  rationally  vindicated 
?« the  violent  eruption  of  a  njind  inflated  wnth  ambition  and 
fired  with  refentment ;  as  the  boafted  clamour  of  a  man  able  to 
do  muck,  and  eager  to  do  more ;  as  the  hally  motion  of  tur- 
bulent defire ;  as  the  dark  expreifion  of  indetermined  thoughts. 
Thepaflage  from  Euripides  is  furely  not  allegorical,  yet  it  is 
ptodoced,  and  properly,  as  parallel.  Johnson. 
^  But  out  upon  this  half-fac' d  fello^vjhip  .']  I  think  this  finely 

a»refled.     The  image  is  taken  from  one  who  turns  from  an- 
cr,  fo  as  to  ftand  before  him  with  a  fide-face ;  which  im- 
plied neither  a  full  conforting,  nor  a  feparation.     Warb. 

I  cannot  think  this  word  rightly  explained.  It  alludes  ra- 
Aerto  drefs.  A  coat  is  faid  to  ht  faced  when  part  of  it,  as  the 
fleevcs  or  boibroy  is  covered  with  fomething  finer  or  more  fplen- 
did  than  the  main  fubftance.  The  mantua-makers  dill  ufe  the 
word.  Half-fac'd fello^^Jhip  is  then  **  partnerfhip  but  half- 
•*  adorned,  partnerfhip  which  yet  wants  half  the  flicw  of  dig- 
'•  nitfcs  and  honours . "    Johnson, 

Wor, 


252     THE    FIRST    PART    OF. 

JVor.  He  apprehends  *  a  world  of  figures  here. 
But  not  the  form  of  what  he  fliould  attend. 
— Good  coufin,  give  me  audience  for  a  while. 

Hot.  1  cry  you  mercy. 

Wor.  Thole  fame  noble  Scots 
That  are  your  prifoners — ^ 

Hot.  ril  keep  them  all ; 
By  heaven,  he  ftiall  not  have  a  Scot  of  them  ; 
No,  if  a  Scot  would  fave  his  foul,  he  fhall  not  : 
ni  keep  them,  by  this  hand. 

IVor.  You  ftart  away. 
And  lend  no  ear  unto  my  purpofes. — 
Thofe  prifoners  you  fhall  keep. 

Hot.  Nay,  I  will  j  that's  flat 

He  faid,  he  would  not  ranfom  Mortimer ; 

Forbad  my  tongue  to  fpeak  of  Mortimer  j 

But  I  will  find  him  when  he  lies  afleep. 

And  in  his  ear  I'll  holla,  Mortimer  ! 

Nay,  rU  have  a  ftarling  fliall  be  taught  to  fpeak 

Nothing  but  Mortimer,  and  give  it  him. 

To  keep  his  anger  ftill  in  motion. 

IVor.  Hear  you,  coufin ;  a  word. 

Hot.  All  ftudies  here  I  folemnly  defy. 
Save  how  to  gall  and  pinch  this  Bolingbroke : 
9  And  that  fame  fword-and-buckler  prince  of  Wales, 
But  that,  I  think,  his  father  loves  him  not. 
And  would  be  glad  he  met  with  fome  mifchance, 
I'd  have  him  poifon'd  with  a  pot  of  ale. 

IVor.  Farewell,  kinfman  !  I  will  talk  to  you, 
Wlicn  you  are  better  temper'd  to  attend. 

"  a  Ivor  Id  of  figures  here,']  Figure  is  here  ufed  equivo- 
cally. As  it  is  applied  to  Hotfpur's  fpeech  it  is  a  rhetorical 
mode  ;  as  oppofed  to  form,  it  means  appearance  or  fhape. 

Johnson. 

'  And  that  fame  fivord-and'buckler  prince  of  Wales  ^'\  A  royftcr 
or  turbulent  fellow,  that  fought  in  taverns,  or  raifed  diforders 
in  the  ftrects,  was  called  a  Swaih-buckler.  In  this  fcnfe/wcr*/- 
and'huckUr  is  ufed  here.     Jo h  n  s  o M . 

North. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  253 

North.  Why,  what  a  wafp-tongu'd  and  impatient 
fool 
Art  thou,  to  break  into  this  woman's  mood ; 
Tying  thine  ear  to  no  tongue  but  thine  own  ? 

Hot.  Why,  look  you,  I  am  whipp'd  and  fcourg'd 
with  rods. 
Needed,  and  ftung  with  pifmires,  when  I  hear 
Of  diis  vile  politician,  Bolingbroke. 
In  Richard's  time— what  do  ye  call  the  place  ?— 
A  plague  upon't ! — it  is  in  Glofterfhire — 
'Twas  where  the  mad-cap  duke  his  uncle  kept. 
His  uncle  York — where  I  firft  bow'd  my  knee 
Unto  this  king  of  fmiles,  this  Bolingbroke, 
When  you  and  he  came  back  from  Ravenlpurg, 

North.  At  Berkley-caftle. 

Hot.  You  fay  true — 
Why  what  a  candy'd  deal  of  courtefy 
This  fawning  greyhound  then  did  proffer  me ! 
Look,  when  his  '  infant  fortune  came  to  age--^    ' 
And,  gentle  Harry  Percy — and,  kind  couftn-^ 
The  devil  take  luch  cozeners  ! — God  forgive  me  !  — 
Good  uncle,  tell  your  tale,  for  I  have  done. 

Wor.  Nay,  if  you  have  not,  to't  again  -, 
Well  day  your  leifare. 

Hot.  I  have  done,  i'faith. 

Wot.  Then  once  more  to  your  Scottifh  prifoners. 

\t:o  Hotffur. 
Dclhrrthem  without  their  ranfom  ftraight. 
And  make  the  Douglas'  fon  your  only  mean 
For  powers  in  Scotland  -,  which,  for  divers  reafons 
Which  I  Ihall  fend  you  written,  be  affur'd. 
Will  eafily  be  granted. — You,  my  lord —  {To  North. 
Your  fon  in  Scotland  being  thus  employed — 
Shall  fecretly  into  the  bofom  creep 
Of  that  fame  noble  prelate,  well  belov'd. 
The  archbifhop. 

*  —  infant  fortune  came  to  a^e,-^  Alluding  to  what  pafTed  in 
l^iiig  RicbarJf  a^  2.   fc.  3,     Johnson. 

IhL 


254     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Hot.  Of  York,  is*t  not  ? 

Wor.  True,  who  bears  hard 
His  brother's  death  at  Briftol,  the  lord  Scroop. 
*  I  fpeak  not  this  in  eftimation. 
As  what,  I  think,  might  be ;  but  what,  I  know. 
Is  ruminated,  plotted,  and  fet  down ; 
And  only  (lays  but  to  behold  the  face 
Of  that  occafion  that  fhall  bring  it  on. 

Hot.  I  fmell  it :  upon  my  life,  it  will  do  well. 

North.  Before  the  game's  a-foot,  thou  ftill  s  letfit 
flip. 

Hot.  Why,  it  cannot  chufe  but  be  a  noble  plot-^ 
And  then  the  power  of  Scotland,  and  of  York, 
1  o  join  with  Mortimer — Ha  ! 

JVor.  And  fo  they  fliall. 

Hot.  In  faith,  it  is  exceedingly  well-aimM. 

IVor.  And  'tis  no  little  reafon  bids  us  fpeed 
To  fave  our  heads,  ♦  by  raifing  of  a  head : 
For,  bear  ourfelves  as  even  as  we  can, 
5  The  king  will  always  think  him  in  our  debt ; 

And 

*  /  /peak  n$t  this  in  tfiimatjon^']  Eftimation  for  conjeAore. 
But  between  this  and  the  foregoing  verfc  it  appears  there  were 
fome  lines  which  are  now  loll.  For,  confidcr  the  fenie.  What 
was  it  that  was  ruminated,  plotted,  and  fet  dcwn  P  Why,  as 
the  text  ftands  at  prefent,  that  the  archbiihop  h9rt  his  hretber^s 
death  hardly.  It  is  plain  then  that  they  were  fomc  confequences 
of  that  reicntment  which  the  fpeaker  informs  Hotipur  of,  and 
to  which  his  conclufion  of,  /  Jptak  not  this  by  conjeSure  int  om 
good  prQof,  muft  he  referred.  But  fome  player,  I  fappofc, 
thinking  the  fpeech  too  long,  ilruck  them  out.     Warbv&ton. 

U  the  editor  had,  before  he  wrote  his  note,  read  ten  lines 
forward,  he  would  have  fccn  that  nothing  is  omitted.  Wor- 
ccftcr  gives  a  dark  hint  of  a  confpiracy.  Hotfpur  fmells  it» 
that  is,  gucfles  it.  Northumberland  reproves  him  for  not  fuf- 
fering  Worcellcr  to  tell  his  dcfign.  Hotfpur,  according  to  the  ve- 
hemence of  hi:>  temper,  iHll  follows  his  own  conjedore.  Johns* 

^  kit' J}  flip. '\  To  let  flip  is,  to  loofe  the  greyhound. 

Johnson. 

♦  ■  by  raifing  of  a  head  ;]  A  head  is  a  body  of  forces. 

Johnson. 
'  The  kihg  ivill  always,  ^c]   Thij  is  a  natural  defcriptioii 

of 


KING    HENRY    IV.  255 

And  think,  we  think  ourfelves  unfatisfy'd. 
Till  he  hath  found  a  time  to  pay  us  home. 
And  fee  already,  how  he  doth  begin 
To  make  us  ftrangers  to  his  looks  of  love. 

Hot.  He  does,  he  does  •,  we'll  be  reveng'd  on  him. 

Wor.  Coufin,  farewell. — No  further  go  in  this. 
Than  I  by  letters  fhall  direft  your  courfe. 
When  time  is  ripe  (which  will  be  fuddcnly) 
rU  ftcal  to  Glendower,  and  lord  Mortimer ; 
Where  you  and  Douglas,  and  our  powers  at  once 
(As  I  will  fafliion  it)  Ihall  happily  meet. 
To  bear  our  fortunes  in  our  own  ftrong  arms. 
Which  now  we  hold  at  much  uncertainty. 

Nirtb.  Farewell,  good  brother :  we  fliall  thrive,  I 
truft. 

Hot.  Uncle,  adieu  ! — O  let  the  hours  be  (hort. 
Till  fields,  and  blows,  and  groans  applaud  our  fport ! 

[Exeunt. 


A  C  T     il.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

An  inn  at  Rocbefter^ 

Enter  a  carrier  with  a  lantborn  in  bis  band. 

I  Carrier. 

HEIGH  ho!  an't  be  not  four  by  the  day,  I'll  be 
hang'd.    Charles*  wain  is  over  the  new  chimney, 
and  yet  our  horfe  not  pavlic     What,  oftler ! 
Ojl.  [within.']  Anon,  anon. 

of  the  ftateof  mind  between  thofe  that  have  conferred,  and  thofc 
that  have  received,  obligations  too  great  to  be  fatisficd. 

That  this  would  be  the  event  of  Northumberland's  difloyalty 
waspredidicd  by  kirig Richard  in  the  formrrplay.      Johnson. 

I  Cary^ 


255THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

1  Car.  I  pr'ythee,  Tom,  beat  Cut's  faddle,  put  a 
few  flocks  in  the  point :  the  poor  jade  is  wrung  in  the 
witliers,  '  out  of  all  cefs. 

Enter  another  carrier. 

2  Car.  Peafe  and  beans  are  *  as  dank  here  as  a  dog, 
and  that  is  the  next  way  to  give  poor  jades  the  3  bots: 
this  houfe  is  turn'd  upfide  down,  fmce  Robin  oftler 
dyM. 

1  Car.  Poor  fellow  never  joy'd  fmce  the  price  of 
oats  rofe  :  it  was  the  death  of  him. 

2  Car.  I  think  this  be  the  moft  villainous  houfe  in 
all  London  road  for  fleas :  I  am  ftung  like  a  tench. 

1  Car.  Like  a  tench?  by  the  mafs,  there's  ne'er 
a  king  in  Chriflendom  could  be  better  bit  than  I  have 
been  (ince  the  firft  cock. 

2  Car.  Why,  they  will  allow  us  ne'er  a  jourden, 
and  then  we  leak  in  your  chimney :  and  your  cham- 
ber-lie breeds  fleas  4  like  a  loach. 

1  Car.  What,  ofl:ler! — Come  away,  and  be  hang'd, 
come  away. 

2  Car.  I  have  a  gammon  of  bacon,  5  and  two  razes 
.of  ginger,  to  be  delivered  as  far  as  Charing-crofs. 

'  — ott/  cf  all  cefs.']  The  Oxford  Editor  not  underflanding 
this  phrafc,  has  altcr'd  it  to — out  of  all  cafe.  As  if  it  were 
likely  that  a  blundering  tranfcriber  (hould  change  fo  commoa 
a  word  as  cafe  for  cefs :  which,  it  is  probable,  he  underftood  no 
more  than  this  critic;  but  it  means  out  of  all  meafure :  the 
phrafe  being  taken  from  a  cefs^  tax,  or  fubfidy ;  which  being  by 
regular  and  moderate  rates,  when  any  .thing  was  exorbitant,  or 
out  of  meafure,  it  was  faid  to  be,  out  of  all  cefs.     Warburt. 

*  as  dank — ]  i.e.  wet,  rotten.     Pope. 

3  — hots: — ]  Are  worms  in  the  ftomach  of  a  horfe.  Johnsok. 
A  hots  light  upon  you  is  an  imprecation  frequently  repeated  in 

the  play  of //(tv/ry /^.  already   quoted.   -  Steevens. 

♦  like  a  leach.]  A  loch  (Scotch)  a  lake.     Warburt. 

5  a7id  t'-MO  razes  of  ginger, — ]    As  our  author  in  feveral 

pnfFages  mentions  a  race  of  ginger,  I  thought  proper  to  diftin- 
guifh  it  from  the  raze  mentioned  here.  The  former  fignifies 
ro  more  than  a  fmgle  root  of  it;  but  a  raze  is  the  Indian  term 
for  a  ^tf/f  of  it.     Theobald. 

I  Car. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  257 

t  Car.  'Odfbody !  the  turkies  in  my  panniers  are 
Duite  ftarv'd. — "What,  oftler !  a  plague  on  thee!  haft 
thou  never  an  eye  in  thy  head  ?  canft  not  hear  ?  an 
'twere  not  as  good  a  deed  as  drink,  to  break  the  pate 
of  thee,  I  am  a  very  villain. — Come,  and  behang'd:— 
Haft  no  faith  in  thee  ? 

Enter  Gads-bill. 

Gads.  Good  morrow,  carriers.     What's  o'clock  ? 
Car.  ^  I  think  it  be  two  o'clock. 
Gads.  I  pr'ythee  lend  me  thy  lanthorn,  to  fee  my 
gelding  in  the  ftable. 

1  Car.  Nay,  foft,  I  pray  ye ;  I  know  a  trick  worth 
two  of  that,  i'faith. 

Gads.  I  pr'ythee  lend  me  thine. 
^  2  Car.  Ay,  when  ?  canft  tell  ? — lend  me  thy  lanthorn, 
quoth  a ! — marry,  I'll  fee  thee  hang'd  firft. 

Gads.  Sirrah,  carrier,  what  time  do  you  mean  to 
come  to  London  ? 

2  Car.  Time  enough  to  go  to  bed  with  a  candle,  I 
wan^t  thee. — Come,  neighbour  Mugges,  we'll  call' 
up  the  gentlemen ;  they  will  along  with  company,  for 
they  have  great  charge.  [Exeunt  Carriers. 

Enter  Chamberlain. 

Gads.  What,  ho,  chamberlain!—— 

Cham.  7  At  hand,  quoth  pick-purfe. 

Gads.  That's  even  as  fair,  as  at  hand,  quoth  the 
duunbcrlain :  for  thou  varieft  no  more  from  picking 
of  purfes,  than  giving  direftion  doth  from  labouring. 
Thou  la/ft  the  plot  how. 

•  I  think  it  be  t*ivo  o* clock."]  The  carrier,  who  fufpefted  Gads- 
luUy  ftrives  to  roiflead  him  as  to  the  hour,  bccaufe  the  firfl  ob- 
fenmtioQ  made  in  this  fcene  is,  that  it  was  four  o'clock. 

Steevens; 
^  At  hand^  quoth  pick-purfe,]     This  is  a  proverbial  expreflion 
often  ufcd  by  Green,  Na(h,  and  other  writers  of  the  time,  in 
whofe  works  the  cant  of  low  converfation  is  preferred. 

Steevens. 

VoL.V,  R  Cham. 


258      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Cham.  Good-morrow,  mafterGads-hilL  It  holds  cur- 
rent, that  I  told  you  yeftcrnight.  There's  a  *  Franklins, 
in  the  wild  of  Kent,  hath  brought  three  hundred  marlc^ 
with  him  in  gold  :  I  heard  him  tell  it  to  one  of  his 
company  laft  night  at  fupper -,  a  kind  of  auditor;  one 
that  hath  abundance  of  charge  too,  God  knows  wha-r. 
They  are  up  already,  and  call  for  eggs  and  butter. 
They  will  away  prefently. 

Gads.  Sirrah,  if  they  meet  not  with  9  St.  Nicholas* 
clarks,  I'll  give  thee  this  neck. 

Cham.  No,  I'll  none  of  it:  I  ppythee  keep  that  for 
the  hangman ;  for  I  know  thou  worlhipp'ft  St.  Ni- 
cholas as  truly  as  a  man  of  falfhood  may. 

Gads.  What  talk'ft  thou  tome  of  the  hangman? 
if  I  hang,  I'll  malce  a  fat  pair  of  gallows  :  for,  if  I 
hang,  old  Sir  John  hangs  with  me;  and,  thou  knowH; 

•  Fra:tkliti]   Is  a  little  gentleman.     Johnson. 

5  St,  Mchclas*  clarks^ ]     St.  Nicholas  was  the  patron  fiuat 

of  fckolnrs :  and  Nicholas,  or  Old  Nick,  is  a  cant  name  fbrtbe 
devil.     Hence  he  equivocally  calls  robbers,  5/.  Nickoiat^s  cJarb* 

Warbuetok- 
Highwaymen  or  robSers  were  fo  called,  or  St.  Nichch^ 
kni^bts. 

'*  A  mandrake  grown  under  fome  leavy  tree^ 

**  There,  where  6V.  Nicholases  knights  not  long  before 

•*  Had  drcpt  their  iiR  axungia  to  the  lee." 

Clareunus  Vadianus*%  Panegyric  upon  Tom.  Cuysi' 

Dr.  Geat. 

In  the  old  tragedy  of  Soli  man  andPcrfeda  I  met  with  tkcfM- 

lowing  pafTage,  which  confirms  Dr.  Gray's  obfervation.   Piftw* 

a  fcrvimt,  wTio  is  taken  in  the  adl  of  picking  a  dead  lU*** 

pocket,  apologizes  for  himfclf  in  this  manner: 

**  thro'  pure  good  will, 

'*  Seeing  he  was  ooing  towards  heaven,  I  thought 
•*  To  fee  if  he  had  a  paflport  fro:n4S/.  Nicbolast  or  not" 
Again  in  Shirley's  Match  at  Midnight,   1633. 

**  1  think  yonder  come  prancing  dovvn   the  hills  froi» 
•*  Ki.igllon,  a  couple  of  ^/.  Nicholas's  darks** 
Again  in  The  He! I  under, 

"  to  v.it,  divers  books,  and  St,  Nicholat^j  cUarks.^ 

So  in  J  Chrifiian  turnd  Turk,    161 2. 

"   We  are  prevented  ; — 

•*  St,  Nicholas's  darks  arc  llcpp'd  up  before  os." 


\ 


KING    HENRY    IV.  259 

hcJi  no  ftanreling.  Tut!  there  are  other  Trojans  that 
thou  drcam*ft  not  of,  the  which,  for  fport-iake,  are 
content  to  do  the  profeffion  fome  grace  ;  that  would, 
if  matters  fliould  be  looked  into,  for  their  own  credit 
lake,  make  all  whole.  *  I  am  join'd  with  no  foot- 
land-rakers,  no  long-ftafF,  fix-penny-ftrikers ;  none  of 
thofe  mad  Muftachio-purple-hu'd-mak-worms:  but 
with  nobility  and  tranquillity;  *  burgomaftcrs,  and 
great  one-yers  5  fuch  as  can  hold  in ;  3  fuch  as  will 
ftrikc  fooner  than  fpcak;  and  fpeak  fooncr  than 
u  think  J 

* /  am  jcind  ivith  no foot-land-r ethers^ ]     That  is,  with 

Ho  padders,  no  wanderers   on   foot.      No   lon^-finj'^  /-x-penny 

:     ^'■iAt/,— no  fellows  that  infcft  the  roaJs  with  Icn^  llufFs  and 

^     knock  men  down  for  fix-pence.     None  of  thofc  mad  inuftachic- 

ftrpli'bu^d'mah''worn:sy — none  of  thofe  whofc  faces  are  red  with 

'      drinking  ale.     Johnson. 

*  —  hurgo-mafterSi  and  great  onc-eyers, — ]  **  Perhaps, 
**  9neraires9  truftecs,  or  commilTioncrs ;"  fays  Mr.  Pope.  But 
how  this  word  comes  to  admit  of  any  fuch  conftruftion,  I  am  at 
*  lofs  to  know.  To  Mr.  Pope's  fecond  conjecture,  •*  of  cun- 
**  ning  men  that  look  (harp  and  aim  wey,"  I  have  nothing  to 
•*ply  fcrioufly :  but  choofe  to  drop  it.  The  reading  which  I 
^vcfabftitoted,  I  owe  to  the  friendftiip  of  the  ingenious  Nicholas 
Hardingc,  Efq;  A  money er  is  an  officer  of  the  mint,  which 
'^^es  coin,  and  delivers  out  the  king's  money.  Monejers  are 
^fo  taken  for  banquers,  or  thofe  that  make  it  their  trade  to  turn 
•^d  retain  money.  Either  of  thefe  acceptations  will  admirabl/ 
% uare  with  our  author's  context.     Theobald. 

Tills  if  a  very  acute  and  judicious  attempt  at  emendation, 
te^  is  not  ondefcrvedly  adopted  by  Dr.  Warburton.  Sir  Thomaj 
naunei'  reads  great  owners,  not  without  equal  or  greater  like- 
Vhood  of  tmf h.  I  know  not  however  whether  any  change  is 
^cceflaiy;  Gads-hill  tells  the  chamberlain  that  he  is  joined  with 
^O  mean  wretches,  but  with  hurgomajiers  and  great  ones^  or  as 
^c  terms  them  in  merriment  by  a  cant  termination,  great  one^ 
•J**"/,  or  greatone-eerSf  as  we  fay  privateer,  auSHoneer,  circuiteer, 
*  ilis  is  1  fancy  the  whole  of  the  matter.     Johnson. 

^  fuch  as  nuitt  ftrike  fooner  than  fpeak  ;  and  fpeak  fooner 

'^«  D  n  I N  K  ;  and  drink  fooner  than  pray  ;— ]  According  to 
^he  fpecimen  given  us  in  this  play,  of  this  diflblute  gang,  we 
^^ve  no  reafon  to  think  they  were  Ufs  ready  to  drink  than  fpeak. 
^^des,  it  IS  plain,  a  natural  gradation  was  here  intended  to 
**^  given  of  their  anions,  relative  to  one  another.  But  what 
^^^  fPeakinr,  drinking,  and  praying  to  do  with  one  another  ?  We 

R  2  fliouM 


26o    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

think-,  and  think  fooner  than  pray :  and  yet  I  lie,  foi 
they  pray  continually  unto  their  faint  the  common- 
wealth; or,  rather,  not  pray  to  her,  but  prey  on  her: 
for  they  ride  up  and  down  on  her,  and  niake  her  theii 
boots. 

Cbam.  What,  the  common-wealth  their  boots?  wil 
(he  hold  out  water  in  foul  way? 

Gads.  4  She  will,  fhe  will  -,  juftice  hath  liquor'c 
her.  We  fteal  as  in  a  caftle,  cock-fure  •,  s  we  have  th 
receipt  of  fern-feed,  we  walk  invifible. 

(hould  certainly  read  think  in  both  places  inflead  of  i/r/iii 
sind  then  we  have  a  very  regular  and  humourous  climax.  Thi^ 
ijcill  firike  fooner  than /peak  \  end  /peak  fooner^tban  THiVL  il  \  am 
THINK  yhcner  than  pray.  By  which  lad  wgrds  is  meant,  tha 
•*  though  perhaps  they  may  now  and  then  reflect  on  their  crimes 
"  they  will  never  repent  of  them."  The  Oxford  Editor  ha 
dignified  this  corredtion  by  his  adoption  of  it.  War  burton 
I  am  in  doubt  about  this  pafTage.  There  is  yet  a  part  unex 
plained.  What  is  the  meaning  o{/uch  as  can  hold  in?  It  canno 
meanyi^^i^  as  can  keep  their  oiun  /ecret^  for  they  will,  he  fitys 
/peak  fooner  than  think:  it  cannot  mcsLn/uch  as  wili go  calmly  t 
<ivork  ivithout  unnece/fary  'violence^  fuch  as  is  ufed  by  long-Jtai 
ftrikers^  for  the  following  part  will  not  fuit  with  this  meaning 
and  though  we  (hould  read  by  tranfpofition  /uch  as  tuill^a* 
/ooner  tban/irikcy  the  climax  will  not  proceed  regularly.  I  mai 
leave  it  as  it  is.     Johnson. 

♦  ^he  ivilly  /he  *will',  juftice  hath  liquored  hcr.'\  A  fa  tire  01 
chicane  in  courts  of  juiHce ;  which  fupports  ill  men  in  the! 
violations  of  the  law,  under  the  very  cover  of  it. 

Warburtoh. 

'  lie  ha^ve  the  receipt  of  /ern'/eed,'^'\     Fern   is  one  C 

thcfe  plants  \\hich  have  their  feed  on  the  back  of  the  leaf  ( 
fmall  as  to  efcape  the  fight.  Thofe  who  perceived  that  ftr 
was  propagated  by  femination,  and  yet  could  never  fee  the  feec 
were  much  at  a  lofs  for  a  folution  of  the  difficulty ;  and  as  won 
der  always  endeavours  to  augment  itfelf,  they  afcribed  to  fern 
/etd  many  ilrange  properties,  fome  of  which  the  ruftick  virgii 
have  not  ^et  forgotten  or  exploded.     Johnson. 

This  circumflance  relative  to /ern'/eed  is  alluded  to  in  B.  an 
Fletcher's  Fair  Maid  of  the  Inn. 

had  you  Gyges*  ring. 


**  Or  the  herb  that  gives  invifibility? 
Again  in  B.  Jonfon's  Neiv  Inn. 

"  1  had 

"  No  medicine.  Sir,  to  go  invifible, 

"  ^ofm-fud  iu  my  pocket."       Stiivins. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  261 

Cham.  Nay,  I  tliink  rather,  you  are  more  beholden 
to  the  night,  than  the  fern-feed,  for  your  walking  in- 
vifible. 

Gads.  Give  me  thy  hand :  thou  fhalt  have  a  (hare 
in  our  purchafe  ^,  as  I  am  a  true  man. 

Cbam.  Nay,  rather  let  me  have  it,  as  you  are  a 
falfe  thief. 

Gads.  Go  to ;  7  Homo  is  a  common  name  to  all 
men. — Bid  the  oftler  bring  my  gelding  out  of  the 
ftable.     Farewell,  you  muddy  knave.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

The  road  by  Gads-bill 

Enter  prince  Henry^  Poins^  and  Peto. 

Poins.   Come,  Ihelter,  Ihelter.      I  have  removed 
FalftafPs  horfe,  and  he  frets  like  a  gumm'd  velvet. 
P.  Henry.  Stand  clofe. 

Enter  Falftaff. 

Pal.  Poins!  Poins!  and  be  hang'd,  Poijis! 

P.  Henry.  Peace,  ye  fat-kidney'd  rafcal;  what  a 
brawling  doft  thou  keep  ? 

Fal.  What,  Poins!  Hal! 

P.  Henry.  He  is  walked  up  to  the  top  of  the  hill  -, 
rU  go  feek  him. 

*  Purcha/ey—']  Is  the  term  ufed  in  law  for  any  thing  not  in- 
herited but  acquired.     Johnson. 

in  our  purchafcy — ]     Purchafe  was  anciently  the  cant 

term  for  ftolen  goods.     So  in  Henry  V.  aft  3. 

**  They  will  ileal  any  thing,  and  call  ix.  purchafe.*^ 

So  Chaucer, 

'*  And  robbery  is  holde  purcha/eJ*^     Steevens. 

'  —  Homo  is  a  namty  &c.]  Cads-hill  had  promifed  as  he  was 
a  true  maiiy  the  chamberlain  wills  him  to  promife  rather  as  a 
falje  thief  \  to  which  Gads-hill  anfwers,  that  though  he  might 
have  reafon  to  change  the  word  true^  he  might  have  fpared  titans 
for  homo  is  a  name  common  to  all  men,  and  among  others  to 
thieves.     Johnson. 

R  3  Fal 


2(52-    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Fal  I  am  accurft  to  rob  in  that  thief's  company : 
the  rafcal  hath  remov'd  my  horfe,  and  ty'd  him,  I 
know  not  where.  If  I  travel  but  ^  four  foot  by  the 
fquare  further  afoot,  I  (hall  break  my  wind.  Well,  I 
doubr  not  but  to  die  a  fair  death  for  all  this,  if  I  Tcape 
hanging  for  Jcilling  that  rogue.  I  have  foriwom  his 
company  hourly  any  time  this  two-and-twenty  year, 
and  yet  I  am  bev/itch'd  with  the  rogue's  company.  If 
the  rafc?.I  h.ave  not  given  me  9  medicines  to  make  mc 
love  him,  rU  be  hang'd ;  it  could  not  be  clfe-,  I  have 
drank  medicines.  Poins !  Hal !  a  plague  upon  you 
bodi!  Burclolph!  Pcto!  rilftarve  ere  PIP  rob  a  foot 
further.  An  'twere  not  as  good  a  deed  as  to  drink,  to 
turn  true-man,  and  to  leave  thefe  rogues,  I  am  the 
veriefi:  \'arlet  that  ever  chew'd  with  a  tooth.  Eight 
yards  of  uneven  ground  is  threefcore  and  ten  miles 
afoot  with  me  ;  and  the  ftony-hearted  villains  know  it 
well  enough.  A  plague  upon't,  when  thieves  cannot 
be  true  one  to  another!  [^tkey  'xbijile,']  Whew!r— a 
plague  upon  you  all !  Give  me  m.y  horfe,  you  rogues ; 
give  me  my  horfe,  and  be  hang'd. 

p.  Henry,  Peace,  ye  fat-guts!  lye  down;  lay  thine 
car  clofe  to  the  ground,  and  lift  if  thou  canft  hear  the 
tread  of  travellers. 

FaL  Have  you  any  levers  to  lift  me  up  again,  be- 
ing down  ?  'Sblood,  I'll  not  bear  mine  own  flelh  fo  far- 

-four fact  hy  the fquare — ]   The  thought  is  humoar- 


ous,  and  alludes  to  his  bulk  :  infinuating,  that  his  legs  being 
four  foot  afunder,  when  he  advanced  four  foot,  this  put  togcr 
thcr  Ti\:\d.t  four  foot  fquare,     Warburton. 

I  am  in  doubt  whctiier  there  is  fo  much  humour  here  ai  it 
fiifpcfl^d  :  Four  foot  hy  the  fquare  is  probably  no  more  thanybwr 
foot  by  a  rule.     Johnson. 

^  medicine:;  to  inake  me  lo've  him^ ]   Alluding  to  the 

vulgar  notion  oi  lo^oe-porjuder,     Johnson. 

*  rob  a  fact  further, '\     This  is  only  a  flieht  error, 

which  yet  has  run  through  all  the  copies.  We  ihould  read  rui 
afoot.     So  we  now  fay  r«^  on.     Johnsox. 

Why  may  it  not  mean,  1  ^mHI  not  go  a  foot  further  to  rob? 

Steevens. 

afoot 


KING    HENRY    IV- 


263 


afoot  again,  for  all  the  coin  in  thy  father's  exchequer. 
What  a  plague  mean  ye,  *  to  colt  me  thus  ? 

P.  Henry.  Thou  lieft,  thou  art  not  coked,  thou  art 
uncolted. 

Fal.  I  pr'ythce,  good  prince  Hal,  help  me  to  my 
horfe ;  good  king's  Ibn. 

P.  Hen.  Out,  you  rogue  !  fhall  I  be  your  oftler  ? 

Fal.  Go  hang  thyfclf  in  thy  own  5  heir-apparent  gar- 
ters! if  I  betaken,  Y\\  peach  for  this.  An  I  have  not 
ballads  made  on  you  all,  and  fung  to  filthy  tunes,  let 
a  cup  of  fack  be  my  poifon.  When  a  jeft  is  fo  forward, 
and  afoot  too ! — I  hate  it. 

Enter  Gads-hill. 

Gfds.  Stand. 

Fal.  So  I  do,  againft  my  will. 

Poins.  O,  *tis  our  fetter  j  I  know  his  voice. 

♦  Bard.  What  news  ? 

Gads.  Cafe  ye,  cafe  ye ;  on  with  your  vifors  •,  there's 
money  of  the  king's  coming  down  the  hill  •,  'tis  going 
to  the  king's  exchequer. 

FaL  You  lie,  you  rogue ;  'tis  going  to  the  king's 
tavern. 

*  r#  c^It — ]  Is,  to  fool,  to  trick  ;  but  the  prince  taking  it  in 
tnother  fenfe,  oppofes  it  by  uncolt^  that  is,  unborje.     Johnsok. 

*  ■    *       heir-apparent  garters  / ]  Alluding  to  the  order  of 

^c  garter,  in  which  he  was  enrolled  as  heir-apparent. 

Johnson. 

♦  Bardolph.  What  ne<ws  ? — ]  In  all  the  copies  that  I  have  fccn 
^oins  iimsuie  to  fpeak  upon  the  entrance  of  Gads-hill  thus  :' 

0,  V//  our  fetter ;  /  knoiu  his  i;^/V*.— Bardolph,  luhai  tf/av/  ^ 
This  is  abfurd ;  he  knows  Gads-hill  to  be  the  fetter,  and  a(ks 
Bardolph  *what  ne<ws.  To  countenance  this  impropriety,  the 
^ter  editions  have  made  Gads-hill  and  Bardolph  enter  together, 
but  the  old  copies  bring  in  G:ids-hill  alone,  and  we  find  that 
F^il&aff',  who  knew  their  (lations,  calls  to  Bardolph  among 
others  for  his  horfe,  but  n 'it  to  Gads-hill,  who  was  polled  at  a 
^iftance.     We  fliould  therefore  read, 

Poins.  O,  Uis  our  fetter  J  Sec. 

Bard,  ^hat  nrws  ? 

Qads.  Cafeje,  &:c.     Johnson. 

R  4  Gadjk 


a64     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Gads.  There's  enoug^h  to  make  us  all, 

Fal  To  be  hang'd. 

P.  Henry.  Sirs,  you  four  fhall  fix)nt  them  in 
jiarrow  lane ;  Ned  Poins  and  I  will  walk  lower ; 
they  'fcape  from  your  encounter,  then  they  light  on 

Peto.  But  how  many  be  there  of  them  ? 

Cads.  Some  eight  or  ten. 

Fal  Zounds !  will  they  not  rob  us  ? 

P.  Hen.  What,  a  coward.  Sir  John  Paunch  ? 

Fal  Indeed,  I  am  not  John  of  Gaunt,  your  grai 
father;  but  yet  no  coward,  Hal. 

P.  Hen.  Well,  we'll  leave  that  to  the  proof. 

Pcins.  Sirrah,  Jack,  thy  horfe  (lands  behind 
hedge ;  when  thou  need'ft  him,  there  (halt  thou  f 
him.     Farewell,  and  (land  fad. 

Fal.  Now  cannot  I  (Irikc  him,   if  I  fliouid 
hang'd. 

P.  Hen.  Ned,  where  are  our  difguifes  } 

Poins.  Here,  hard  by.     Stand  clofe. 

Fal.  Now,  my  ma(lers,  happy  man  be  his  d( 
fay  I  i  every  man  to  his  bufinds. 

Enter  Travellers. 

Trav.  Come,  neighbour ;  the  boy  (hall  lead  i 
hor(cs  down  the  hill :  we'll  walk  afoot  a  while,  f 
cafe  our  legs. 

Thieves.  Stand. 

Trav.  Jefu  blefs  us  ! 

Fal.  Strike  \  down  with  them  ;  cut  the  villai 
throats  •,  ah !  whorfon  caterpillars  !  bacon-fed  knav 
they  hate  us  youth  :  down  with  them  •,  fleece  then: 

Trav.  O,  we  are  undone,  both  we  and  ours,  ; 
^er. 

Fal.  Hang  ye,  5  gorbcllied  knaves,  are  yoy  \ 
done  ?'  no,  yc  fat  chuffs,  I  would  your  (lore  wi 

ha 

^  g.orhctlfed — ]  i.  e.  fat  and  corpulent. 

Sec  the  GlofTary  to  Kennci's  ParoebialJtUtquitU. 
'  Ti 


KING    HENRY    IV.  265 

.here !  On,  bacons,  on !  what,  ye  knaves  ?  young  men 
muftlive;  you  are  grand  jurors,  are  ye?  we'll  jure 
ye,  i'faith.  [Here  they  rob  and  bind  them.    Exeunt. 

Enter  prince  Henry  and  Poins. 

P.  Henry.  The  thieves  have  bound  the  true  men. 
Now  could  thou  and  I  rob  the  thieves,  and  go  merrily 
to  London,  it  would  be  ar^ment  for  a  week,  laughter 
for  a  month,  and  a  good  jeft  for  ever. 

Poins.  Stand  clofe,  I  hear  them  coming. 

Enter  thieves  again  at  the  other  part  of  the /I  age. 

Pal  Come,  my  mailers,  let  us  (hare,  and  then  to 
horfc  before  day.    An  the  prince  and  Poins  be  not  two 
an^t  cowards,  there's  no  equity  ftirring.    There's  no 
more  valour  in  that  Poins,  than  in  a  wild  duck. 
P.  Henry.  Your  money. 
Poins.  Villains! 
\^As  they  are  Jbaring^  the  prince  and  Poins  fet  upon 
them,     ^hey  all  run  awayj  and  Falftaff  after  a 
blow  or  two  rum  away  too^  leaving  the  booty 
behind  them.] 
P.  Henry.  Got  with  much  eafe.     Now  merrily  to 
horfe: 
The  thieves  are  fcatter'd,  and  poffeft  with  fear 
So  ftrongly,  that  they  dare  not  meet  each  other ; 
Each  takes  his  fellow  for  an  officer. 
Away,  good  Ned.     Falftaff  fweats  to  death. 
And  lards  the  lean  earth  as  he  walks  along : 
Were't  not  for  laughing,  I  fhould  pity  him. 
Pdns.  How  the  rogue  roar'd!  [Exeunt. 

This  word  is  likewifc  ufed  by  Sir  Thomas  North  in  his  tranfla- 
^on  of  Piutarc/;. 

Naih,  in  his  Have  wiihyou  to  Saffron  IfaUen^  ^S9^*  fays— • 
*'  0  'tis  an  unconfcionable  gor Bellied  volume,  bigger  bulk*d 
'*  than  a  Dutch  hoy,  and  far  more  boiderous  and  cumberfome 
*•  than  a  payre  of  Swiffcrs  omnipotent  galcaze  breeches." 

Steevens. 

SCENE 


266     THE    FIRST    PART    O 

SCENE    III. 
JVarkwortb.    '  A  room  in  the  caftk. 

^  Enter  Hotfpur^  reading  a  letter. 

— —  But  for  mine  own  part^  my  lordj  I  coul 
contented  to  be  tbere^  in  refpeS  of  the  love  1  I 
houfe. — He  could  be  contented ;  why  is  he  n 
in  refpeS  of  the  love  be  bears  our  boufe! — he  : 
this,  he  loves  his  own  barn  better  than  he  1< 
houfe.  Let  me  fee  fome  more,  ^be  purpofi 
dertake  is  dangerous^ — Why,  that's  certain :  *ti5 
ous  to  take  a  cold,  to  fleep,  to  drink :  bi 
you,  my  lord  fool,  out  of  this  nettle,  danger,  i 
this  flower,  fafety.  7be  purpofe  ycu  undertake^  i 
eus'j  tbe  friends  ycu  bavenamed^  uncertain  \  tb 
felfy  unforted  ;  and  your  whole  plot  too  Ugh 
counterpoize  of  fo  great  an  oppcfition. — Say  yoi 
you  fo  ?  I  fay  unto  you  again,  you  are  a  (hall 
ardly  hind,  and  you  lie.  What  a  lack-brain 
By  the  Lord,  our  plot  is  a  good  plot  as  ever  v 
our  friends  true  and  conftant:  a  good  pi 
friends,  and  full  of  expeftation :  an  excellent  p 
good  friends.  What  a  frofty-fpirited  rogue 
Why,  my  lord  of  York  commends  the  plot, 
general  courfe  of  the  aftion.  By  this  hand, 
now  by  this  rafcal,  7  I  could  brain  hini  with } 
fan.     Is  there  not  my  father,  my  uncle,  and 


•  Enter  Hot/pur  folus^  reading  a  tetter,"]     This  IcttcJ 
George  Duabar,  earl  of  March,  in  Scotland. 

Mr.  Edwards*s  M 

^  ■ /  could  hraiu   bim  nvith  his  lady* s /an.'} 

wards  obfcrves,  in  his  Canons  of  Criticifm^  that  the  lac 
author's  time  wore  fans  made  of  feathers.  Sec  Ben 
Every  Man  out  of  bis  Humour  ^  aft.  ii.  fc.  2. 

**  This  feather  grew  in  her  fwcct  fan  fometi 
•<  »ow  it  be  my  poor  fortune  to  wear  it." 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ^(^^ 

Lord  Edmund  Mortimer,  my  lord  of  York,  and  Owen 
Glendower?  Is  there  not,  befides,  the  Douglas?  Have 
I  not  all  their  letters,  to  meet  me  in  arms  by  the  ninth 
of  die  next  month  ?  and  are  there  not  fome  of  them 
fet  forward  already  ?  What  a  pagan  rafcal  is  this  ? 
an  infidel  ?  Ha  !  you  fhall  fee  now,  in  very  fincerity 
of  fear  and  cold  heart,  will  he  to  the  king,  and  lay 
open  all  cur  proceedings.  O,  I  could  divide  myfelf, 
and  go  to  bullets,  for  moving  fuch  a  difli  of  fkimm'd 
milk  with  fo  honourable  an  aftion !  Hang  him !  let 
him  cell  the  king  j  we  are  prepared  :  I  will  fet  for- 
ward to-night. 

Enter  lady  Percy. 

How  now,  Kate !  I  muft  leave  you  within  thefe  two 
hours. 
L&dy.  O  my  good  lord,  why  are  you  thus  alone  ? 
For  what  offence  have  I  this  fortnight  been 
A  banifh'd  woman  from  my  Harry's  bed  ? 
Tell  me,  fweet  lord,  what  is't  that  takes  from  thee  , 
Thy  ftomach,  plcafure,  and  thy  golden  fleep  ? 
Why  doft  thou  bend  thy  eyes  upon  the  earth, 
Andftart  fo  often,  when  thou  fit'ft  alone? 
Why  haft  thou  loft  the  frelh  blood  in  thy  cheeks; 
And  ^iven  my  treafurcs,  and  my  rights  of  thee. 
To  thick-ey'd  mufmg,  and  curs'd  melancholy  ? 
In  thy  faint  flumbers,  I  by  thee  have  watch*d. 
And  heard  thee  murmur  tales  of  iron  wars ; 
jSpeak  tdhns  of  manage  to  thy  bounding  fteed  \ 

Soigain^  in  Cynthia* s  Re'vcls,  a£l  iii.  fc.  4. 

"  for  a  garter, 

**  Or  the  \t2i^  feather  in  her  bounteous  yk«." 
jSoin  The  fine  Companion,  a  comedy,  by  S.  Marmion, 

f * (he  fet  as  light  by  me,  as  by  the  leaft  feathtr. 

«*  in  her /««.'* 
^g«n,  in  Chapman's  Afflx-</tfj^,  a  comedy,  1610, 

**  I  will  bring  thee  (ome  fpecial  favour  from  her,   a«  a 
f*  ftathir  from  hcr/an,  &c."  Steevbn*. 

Cry, 


268    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Ciy,  Courage!  to  the  field!  and  thou  haft  talked 

Or  fallies,  and  retires ;  of  trenches,  tents. 

Of  palifadocs,  frontiers  ^,  parapets ; 

Of  bafilifks,  of  cannon,  culverin  •, 

Of  prifoners  ranfom,  and  of  foldiers  (lain. 

And  all  the  current  of  a  heady  fight. 

Thy  fpirit  within  thee  hath  been  fo  at  war,. 

And  thus  hath  fo  beftir*d  thee  in  thy  fleep. 

That  beads  of  fweat  have  ftood  upon  thy  brow. 

Like  bubbles  in  a  late-difturbed  ftream : 

And  in  thy  face  ftrange  motions  have  appeared. 

Such  as  we  fee  when  men  reftrain  their  breath 

On  fome  great  fudden  hafte.     O,  w|iat  portents 

thefe? 
Some  heavy  bufinefs  hath  my  lord  in  hand. 
And  I  muft  know  it;  elfe  he  loves  me  not. 

Hot.  What,  ho!  is  Gilliams  with  the  packet  go 

Enter  Servant. 

Serv.  He  is,  my  lord,  an  hour  ago. 

Hot.  Hath  Butler  brought  thofe  horfes  from 

fherifF? 
Serv.  One  horfe,  my  lord,  he  brought  even  now 
Hot.  What  horfe?  a  roan,  a  crop-car  ?  is  it  not 

'  Y  or  frontiers  Sir  Thomas  Hanmer,  and  after  him  Dr.  V 
burton,  read  very  plaufibly/brZ/Vij.     Johnson. 

Plaufible  as  this  is,  it  is  apparently  erroneous,  and  tlieit 
unneceflary.  Frontiers  formerly  meant  non  only  the  boui 
ries  of  different  territories,  but  alfo  the  forts  bailMloiig 
near  thofe  limits.  In  I've^s  PraSice  of  Fortification^  printe 
1589,  p.  I,  it  is  faid,  *'  A  forte  not  placed  where  it  ' 
*'  needful,  might  flcantly  be  accounted  for  frontier.**  Ag 
p.  21.  *•  In  the  frontiers  made  by  the  late  emperor  Charle* 
"  Fifth,  divers  of  their  walles  having  given  way,"  i^c,  P 
*f  It  fhall  not  be  neceflary  to  make  the  bulwarkes  in  town 
**  great  as  thofe  in  royM  frontiers.*'  P.  40.  ••  When  as 
'*  open  towne  or  other  inhabited  place  is  to  be  fortified,  \ 
**  ther  the  fame  be  to  be  made  z  toy sl\  frontier,  or  to  be  me 
**  defended,"  £5fr.     This  account  of  the  wo.rd  will,  I  hop< 


thought  fufiicicnt.     Stebveics. 


S 


KING    HENRY    IV.  2C9 

Serv,  It  is,  my  lord. 

Hoi.  That  roan  ftiall  be  my  throne. 
Well,  I  will  back  him  ftrait. — O  Efperance ! — 
Bid  Butler  lead  him  forth  into  the  park.     [Exil  Serv. 

Lady.  But  hear  you,  my  lord. 

Hot.  What  fay'ft  thou,  my  lady.? 

Lady.  What  is  it  carries  you  away  ? 

Hot.  Why,  my  horfe,  my  love,  my  horfe. 

Lady.  9 Out,  you  mad-headed  ape! 
A  weazle  hath  not  fuch  a  deal  of  Ipleen 
As  vou  are  toft  with. 

In  faithy  Pll  know  your  bufinefs,  Harry,  that  I  will. 
I  fear,  my  brother  Mortimer  doth  ftir 
About  his  title ;  and  hath  fent  for  you 
To  line  his  enterprize :  but  if  you  go 

Hot.  So  far  afoot,  I  fhall  be  weary,  love. 

Lady.  Come,  come,  you  paraquito,  anfwer  me 
Direftly  to  this  queftion  that  I  afk. 
In  faith,  TU  break  thy  little  finger,  Harry, 
An  if  thou  wilt  not  tell  me  all  things  true^ 

Hot.  'Away, 
Away,  you  triflcr!  Love?  I  love  thee  not, 
I  <:are  not  for  thee,  Kate :  this  is  no  world 
To  play  with  *  mammets,  and  to  tilt  with  lips : 

We 

»  0«f,  you  mad-headed  ape  !'\  This  and  the  following  fpcech 
of  the  lady  are  in  the  early  editions  printed  as  profe  ;  thofe  edi- 
don^ave  indeed  in  fuch  cafes  of  no  great  authority,  but  perhaps 
uicy  were  right  in  this  place,  for  fome  words  have  been  left  out 
to  make  the  metre.  J  o  h  n  so  n  . 
*    ■  Hot.  A'W/vff  aiAjayy  you  trifler ! 

— —  love!  I  lo^ve  thee  not,]    This  I  think  would  be  bet- 
ter thus. 

Hot.  Aiuay^  you  trifler  ! 
Lady.  Love! 
Hot.  /  love  thee  not. 
This  is  no  time^  go.     Johnson. 

*" mammetsy — ]     Puppets.     Johnson. 

SoStnbbs,  fpcaking  of  ladies  dreft  in  the  fafhion,  fays,  "  they 
^*  are  not  natural,  but  artificial  women,  not  women  of  Refh  and 

«*  blood. 


ijo     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

We  muft  have  bloody  nofes,  and  3  crack'd  crowns, 
And  pafs  them  current  too. — Gods  me!  my  horfe!— 
What  fay'ft  thou,  Kate  ?  what  would'ft  thou  have  with 
me? 

Lady.  Do  ye  not  love  rne?  do  you  not,  indpcd? 
Well,  do  not  then : — for,  fmce  you  love  me  not, 
I  will  not  love  myfelf.     Do  you  not  love  me  ? 
Nay,  tell  me,  if  you  fpeak  in  jeft,  or  no  ? 

Hot.  Come,  wilt  thou  fee  me  ride  ? 
And  when  I  am  o'horfeback,  I  will  fwcar 
I  love  thee  infinitely.     But  hark  you,  Kate, 
I  muft  not  have  you  henceforth  queftion  mc. 
Whither  I  go  •,  nor  reafon,  where  about : 
Whither  I  muit,  I  muft ;  and,  to  conclude. 
This  evening  muft  I  leave  thee,  gentle  Kate. 
I  know  you  wife  •,  but  yet  no  further  wife 
Than  Harry  Percy's  wife.     Conftant  you  are. 
But  yet  a  woman :  and  for  fecrefy 
No  lady  clofer  •,  for  I  well  believe, 
4Thou  wilt  not  ucter  what  thou  doft  notknow} 
And  fo  far  I  will  truft  thee,  gentle  Kate. 

Lady.  How!  fofar? 

Hot.  Not  an  inch  further.     But  hark  you,  Kate: 
Whither  I  go,  thither  (hall  you  go  too  •, 
To-day  will  I  fet  forth,  to-morrow  you.— 
Will  this  content  you,  Kate  ? 

Lad^.  It  muft  of  force.  {Exeimi. 

*'  blood,  but  rather  puppets  or  mammets,  confiding  of  nggn 
"  and  clowts  compadl  together." 

So  in  the  eld  comedy  of  E'vcrj  Woman  in  her  Humour ^  1609, 

• •*  I  have  fecn  the  city  of  :new  Nineveh,  and  Jalius  Caefar, 

**  adled  hy  mammets.^*     Steevens. 

'  crack* d  cro'wtiSj']     Signifies  at  once   crocked  m9nej 

and  a  broken  head.  Current  will  apply  to  both  ;  as  it  refers  to 
money,  its  fenfe  is  well  known ;  as  it  is  applied  to  a  broken 
head,  it  infinuatcs  that  a  foldier's  wounds  entitle  him  to  uni- 
verfal  reception.     Johnson. 

♦  Thou  ivi/t  not  utter  nvhat  thou  dofi  not  know ;]     This  Unc  is 

borrow'd  from  a  proverbial  fentencc **  A  woman  conceals 

••  what  ihc  knows  not."     Sec  Rty^s  Proverbs.    Steevens. 

SCEN^ 


JS 


KING    HENRY    IV.  271 

S  C  E  N  E    IV. 

TJbe  Boards-bead  tavern  in  Eajt-cheap. 

Enter  prince  Henry  and  Poins. 

P.  Henry.  Ned,  ppythee  come  out  of  that  fat  room> 
and  lend  me  thy  hand  to  laugh  a  little, 

Poins.  Where  haft  been,  Hal? 

P.  Henry.  With  three  or  four  loggerheads,  amongft 
three  or  fourfcore  hogfheads.  I  have  founded  the  very 
bafe  ftring  of  huihility.  Sirrah,  I  am  fworn  brother 
10  a  leafli  of  drawers ;  and  can  call  them  all  by  their 
Chriftian  names,  as  Tom,  Dick,  and  Francis.  They 
take  it  already  upon  their  confcience,  that  though  I 
be  but  prince  of  Wales,  yet  I  am  the  king  of  cour- 
tcfy;  and  tell  me  flatly,  I  am  no  proud  Jack,  like 
FalftafF;  but  a  5  Corinthian,  a  lad  of  mettle,  a  good 
boy:  (by  the  Lord,  fo  they  call  me;)  and  when  I  am 
king  of  England,  I  fhall  command  all  the  good  lads 
in  Eaft  cheap.  They  call  drinking  deep,  dying  fcar- 
Ict;  and  when  you  breathe  in  your  watering,  they  cry, 

hem!  and  bid  you  play  it  off. To  conclude,  I  am 

fo  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  haft  loft  much  honour, 

* -~- Cor//?/iJ/42«, — ]     A  wenchcr.     Johnson. 
This  ctnt  expreflion  is  common  in  old  plays.    So  Randolph 
^TkjiaUmj  Levers,  1632, 

"  —  let  him  ivencbf 


<< 


Bay  me  all  Corinth  for  him." 
"  Non  cttivis  homini  contingit  adire  CorintbumJ'^ 
?  io  in  the  tragedy  of  Nero,  1633, 

^  "  Nor  usy  tho*  Romans,  Lais  will  rcfufe, 

•*  To  Corinth  any  man  may  go." 
Again,  in  Mailinger's  Gnat  Duke  of  Florence y 

"  Or  the;,  cold  Cynic  whom  Corinthian  Lais,"  &c. 
^  Stebvkns, 


) 


that 


272     THE    FIRST    P  ARt    OF 

that  thou  wert  not  with  me  in  this  aftion.  But,  fweet 
Ned, — to  fweeten  which  name  of  Ned,  I  give  thee 
this  pennyworth  of  fugar,  clapt  even  now  into  my 
hand  by  an  ^  under-fkinker,  one  that  never  fpake 
other  Englifti  in  his  life,  than  Eagbijhillings  avdjix- 
pence^  and  Tou  are  welcome^  Sir :  with  this  fhrill  addi- 
tion, jinon^  anon^  Sir :  Score  a  pint  of  bastard  in  the 
Half-moon^  or  fo.  But,  Ned,  to  drive  away  the  time 
till  FalftafF  come,  I  pr'ythee  do  thou  ftand  in  fome 
bye-room,  while  I  queftion  my  puny  drawer,  to  what 
end  he  gave  me  the  fugar ;  and  do  thou  never  leave 
calling  Francis,  that  his  tale  to  me  may  be  nothing 
but,  Anon.  Step  afide,  and  PU  fhew  thee  a  prece- 
dent. \^Poins  retires. 

Poim.  Francis! 

P.  Henry.  Thou  art  perfcft. 

Poins.  Francis! 

7  Enter  Francis  the  drawer. 

Fran.  Anon,  anon^  Sir. — Look  down  into  the  Pom- 
granate,  Ralph. 

P.  Henry.  Come  hither,  Francis. 

Fran   My  lord. 

P.  Henry.  How  long  haft  thou  to  ferve,  Francis? 

Fran.  Forfooth,  five  years,  and  as  much  as  to— 

Poins.  Francis! 

Fran.  Anon,  anon,  Sir. 

P.  Henry.  Five  years !  b/rlady,  a  long  Icafc  for  the 
clinking  of  pewter.  But,  Francis,  dareft  thou  be  fo 
valiant  as  to  play  the  coward  with  thy  indenture,  and 
Ihew  it  a  fair  pair  of  heels,  and  run  from  it? 

*  under-Jkinker^—'\  A  tapfter ;  an  under-drawer.   SktMl 

is  </r/W,  and  2ijiinker  is  one  tbatfemjes  drink  at  table. 

JORKSON. 

^  Enter  Francis  the  dra<wer.]  This  fcene,  helped  by  thcdif 
tradionof  the  drawer,  and  grimaces  of  the  prince,  may  enter 
tain  upon  the  ftage,  but  afibrds  not  much  delight  to  thereadei 
The  author  has  judicioufly  made  it  ihort.  Jobnsok. 

2  FroM 


KING    HENRY    IV.  273 

Fran.  O  lord.  Sir,  Pll  be  fworn  upon  all  the  books 
in  England,  I  could  find  in  my  heart-^ — — 

Poins.  Francis  !-^^ — 

Fran.  Anon,  anon,  Sir. 

P.  Henry.  How  old  art  thou,  Francis  ? 

Fran.  Let  me  fee— about  Michaelmas  next  I  fhall 
be — 

Poins.  Francis! 

Fran.  Anon,  Sir. — Pray  you  flay  a  little,  my  lord. 

P.  Henry.  Nay,  but  hark  you,  Francis,  for  the  fugar 
thou  gaveft  me  5  *twas  a  pennyworth,  was't  not  ? 

Fran.  O  lord,  Sir !  I  would,  it  had  been  two. 

P.  Henry.  I  will  give  thee  for  it  a  thoufand  pound  i 
aflc  me  when  thou  wilt,  and  thqu  fhalt  have  it* 

Poins.  Francis! 

Fran.  Anon,  anon. 

P.Henry.  Anon,  Francis.?  no,  Francis  -,  but  to-mor- 
row, Francis;  or,  Francis,  on  Thurfd ay ;  or,  indeed, 
Francis,  when  thou  wilt.     But,  Francis  . 

Fran.  My  lord? 

P.  Henry.  Wilt  thou  rob  this  leathern-jerkin,  cry*  • 
ftal-button,  ^  knot-pated,  agat-ring,  9  puke-ftocking, 

caddice* 

• knot-pated  J — ]     It  fhould  be  printed  as  in  the  old 

folio's,  nott-pated.     So  in  Chaucer's  Cant.  Tales  the  teman  is 
thus  defcribedy 

"  A  noti  head  had  he  with  a  brown  vifage." 
A  perfon  is  faid  to  be  nott-patedy  whem  the  hair  was  cut  fhort 
and  round.     Ray  fays,  the  word  is  flill  ufed  in  EfTeXj  for  polled 
tut  porn.     Vid.  Ray.  Coll.  p.    lo8.  Morell's  Chaucer ^  8vo,  p. 
Ji.  vid.  Jun.  Etynii  ad  verb.     Percy. 
So  in  The  fFido*w*s  Tears,  by  Chapman,   16.12, 

*«  your  nott'headed  country  gentleman.'* 

Steevens* 
9        •'      puke-ftockingy — ]     The  prince   intends  to  a(k  the 
drawer  whether  he  will  rob  his  mafter,  whom  he  denotes   by 
many  contemptuous  diflinidlons,  of  which  all  are  eafily  intelli- 
gible but /«ir-^/7f>^//»g',  which  I  cannot  explain.  Johnson. 

In  a  fmall  book  entitled,  The  Order  of  my  horde  Maior^  l£cm 

far  their  Meetinges  and  Wearing  of  theyr  Apparel  throughout  the 

Tetriy  printed  m   1586,  "  the  maior,  &c.  arc  commanded  ta 

VoL.V.  S  **  appearc 


274     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

'  caddice-garter,  fmooth-tongue,  Spanifh-pouch— 
Fran.  O  lord.  Sir,  who  do  you  mean? 
P.  Henry.  Why  then  your  brown  *  baftard  is  your 

only  diink :  for  look  you,  Francis,  your  white  canvas 

doublet 


**  appcarc  on  Good  Fryday  m  their  pe^u;h  gowns,  and  withoDt 
**-  their  chaynes  and  typetes." 

Shelton,  in  his  tranflation  of  Don  fixate,  p.  2,  fays,  "  the 
**  refl  and  remnant  of  his  eilate  was  fpent  on  a  jerkin  of  £ne 
"  puie,''  Edit.  1612. 

In  Salmon's  ChymiJTs  Shop  laid  open  there  is  areceifft  to  make 
a  puke  colour.  The  ingredients  are  the  vegetable  gall  and  a 
large  proportion  of  water  ;  from  which  it  ihould  appear  that  the 
colour  was  grey. 

In  Barret's  Al'vearUj  an  old  Ladn  and  Engliih  didionary, 
printed  1580,  I  £nd  tl  puke  colour  explained  as  being  a  colour 
between  rufiet  and  black,   and  is  rendered  in  Latin  pullus. 

In  the  time  of  Shakcfpeare  the  moft  expenfivc  illk-ilockings 
wire  worn ;  and  in  King  Lear,  by  way  of  reproach,  an  attendant 
is  called  a  ivorJied-JIccking  knave.  So  that  after  all,  perhaps 
the  word  pfike  refers  to  the  quality  of  the  ftuff  rather  than  tht 
colour.      Steevens. 

*  caddice-garter y ]     Caddis  was,  I  believe,    a  kind 

of  Qo^rit  ferret.  The  garters  of  Shakcfpeare's  time  were  worn 
in  fight,  and  confequently  were  expcnfive.  He  who  would  fub- 
mit  to  wear  a  coarfcr  fort,  was  probably  called  by  this  con- 
temptuous diilindion,  which  I  meet  with  again  in  Glapthorne't 
ff'it  in  a  Confiable,   l^39> 

*'  doft  hear, 

**  My  honeft  caddis-garters,^* 
This  is  an  addrefs  to  a  fervant,     Steevens. 


*  broiun  baftard ]     Baftard  was  a  kind  of  {wttt 

wine.  The  prince  finding  the  waiter  not  able,  or  not  willing 
to  underiland  his  indigation,  puzzles  him  with  unconneded 
prattle,  and  drives  him  away.     Johnson. 

In  an  old  dramatic  piece,  entitled,   Wine^  Beer^  AU,  and  To- 
bacco, the  fecond  edition,  1630,  Beer  fays  to  Wine, 

"  Wine  well-born  ?  Did  not  every  man  call  yott  baftard 
•'   but  t'other  day?" 
So  in  Match  me  in  London,  an  old  comedy, 

*'  Love  you  baftard? 

"  No  wines  at  all." 
So  in  E'Very  Wz?ncin  in  her  Humour,  com.  1609, 

**  Canary  is  a  jewel,  and  a  Jig  for  bro-wn  baftard*^* 


KING    HENRY    IV.  275 

doublet  will  fully.     In  Barbary,  Sir,  it  cannot  come 
to  fo  much. 
Fran.  What,  Sir? 
Poins.  Francis!—— 

P.  Henry.  Away,  you  rogue ;  doft  thou  not  hear 
them  call  ? 

[Here  they  both  call\  the  drawer  ftands  amazed^ 
not  knowing  which  way  to  go. 

Enter  Vintner. 

Vint.  What!  ftancTft  thou  ftill,  and  hear'ft  fuch  a 
calling?  Look  to  the  guefts  within.  [Exit  drawer. 1 
My  lord,  old  Sir  John  with  half  a  dozen  more  are  af 
the  door;  Ihall  I  let  them  in? 

P.  Henry,  Let  them  alone  a  while,  and  then  open 
the  door.  [Exit  Vintner.']     Poins! —    * 

Enter  Poins. 

Poins.  Anon,  anon.  Sir. 

P.  Henry.  Sirrah,  Falftaff  and  the  reft  of  the  thieves 
are  at  the  door  •,  fliall  we  be  merry  ? 

Poins.  As  merry  as  crickets,  my  lad.  But  hark 
ye;  what  cunning  match  have  you  made  with  thisjeft 
of  the  drawer  ?  come,  what's  the  iffue? 

P.  Henry.  I  am  now  of  all  humours,  that  have  fheVd 
themfelves  humours,  fmce  the  old  days  of  goodman 
Adam,  to  the  pupil  age  of  this  prefent  twelve  o'clock 
at  midnight.     What's  o'clock,  Francis  ? 

Pran.  Anon,  anon.  Sir. 

P.  Hemry.  That  ever  this  fellow  Ihould  have  fewer 

So  again  in  The  Honeft  Whore ^  a  comedy,  by  Decker,  1635, 

"  -* What  wine  fent  they  for  ? 

"  Ro.  Baftard  \^\xity  for  it  had  been  truely  begotten,  it 
"  would  not  have  been  afham'd  to  come  in.     Here's  fix- 
"  pence  to  pay  for  nurfmg  the  baftard.^^ 
Again  in  The  Fair  Maid  of  the  JVefty   1 63 1 , 

•*  ril  fnrnifti  you  with  baftard  white  or  hro^wn^^^  &c, 

Stebvens. 

S  2  words 


276    THE    FIRST    PART    OF' 

words  than  a  parrot,  and  yetthefon  of  a  woman  f- 
His  induftry  is  up  ftairs  and  down  ftdrs;  his  clc 
qucnce  the  parcel  of  a  reckoning.— 3  I  am  not  yet  c 
Percy's  mind,  the  Hot-fpur  of  the  north-,  he  thj 
kills  me  fome  fix  or  feven  dozen  of  Scots  at  a  breali 
faft,  wafhes  his  hands,  and  fays  to  his  wife,  Fie  upc 
this  quiet  life!  I  want  work.  O  my  fwett  Harry ^  {a^ 
Ihe,  bow  many  baft  tbou  kilVd  to-daj/?  Give  my  roa 
borfe  a  drencb^  fays  he,  and  anfwers,  fbme  fourteen^  a 
hour  after  •,  a  trifle^  a  trifle.  I  pr'ythee,  call  in  Fa 
ftafF;  rU  play  Percy,  and  that  damn*d  brawn  flia 
play  dame  Mortimer  his  wife.  +  Rivo^  lays  tfc 
drunkard.     Call  in  ribs,  call  in  tallow. 

Enter  Falftaff^  Gads-bitt^  Bardolpby  and  Fete. 

Poins.  Welcome,  Jack  \  where  haft  thou  been  ? 
Fal.  A  plague  on  all  cowards,  I  fay,  and  a  vcr 
geancetooF  marry  and  Amen} — Give  me  a  cupc 

^  —  /  am  not  yet  of  Percy* s  mindj — "]  The  drawer's  anfw< 
lad  interrupted  the  prince's  train  of  difcourfe.  He  was  ok 
ceeding  thus,  I  am  nonv  of  all  humours  that  have  jhenjuid  toim 
Jel'ves  humours  —  /  am  not  yet  of  Percy^s  min/i, — that  is,  I  ai 
willing  to  indulge  myfelf  in  gaiety  and  frolick,  and  try  all  th 
varieties  of  human  life.  /  am  not  yet  of  Percy'* s  minJ^-^^Yi 
thinks  all  the  time  loll  that  is  not  fpent  in  bloodihed,  forget 
decency  and  civility,  and  has  nothing  but  the  barren  talk  of 
brutal  foldier.    Johnson. 

*  Ribiy — ]     Th  a  t  is ,  drink.     H  a  N  M  E  R . 

AW  the  former  editions  have  ri*vo,  which  certainly  had  n< 
meaning,  but  yet  was  perhaps  the  cant  of  Englifb  taverns. 

JOHNSOK 

This  conjedure  Mr.  Farmer  has  fupported  by  a  quotatto 
from  Marflon, 

**  If  thou  art  fad  at  others  fate, 
•*  Ri*vo,  drink  deep,  give  care  the  mate." 
I  find  the  fame  word  ufed  in  the  comedy  of  Blurt  Mafli 
Qonftahle^ 

**  Yet  to  endear  ourfelvcs  to  thy  lean  acquaint 

**  ancc,  cry  Rivo  ho !  laugh  and  be  fat,"  fc^r. 
So  in  Marfton's  What  you  luilU  '1607, 

"  Sing,  fmg,  or  Itay,  wc'U  quafFe  or  any  things 
<«  Rivo^  faint  Mark!'*    St  £  evens. 

fack 


KING    HENRY    IV.  277 

fack,  boy. — Ere  I  lead  this  life  long,  I'll  fow  nether 
(locks,  and  mend  them,  and  foot  them  too.  A  plague 
on  all  cowards ! — Give  me  a  cup  of  fack,  rogue. — Is 
there  no  virtue  extant  ?  [He  drinks. 

P.  Henry.  Didft  thou  never  fee  Titan  kifs  a  difh  of  ^ 
butter  ?   5  pitiful-hearted  Titan !  thut  melted  at  the 
fweet  tale  of  the  fun  ?  if  thou  didft,  then  behold  that 
compound. 

Fal. 

'  — —  pitiful-hearted  Titan  !  that  melted  at  the  fweet  tale  of 
the  fun?r-A  This  abfurd  reading  pofTeiTcs  all  the  copies  in  ge- 
neral ;  and  though  it  has  gaffed  through  fuch  a  number  of  im- 
preffions,  is  nonfenfe;  which  we  may  pronounce  to  have  arifeu 
at  firfl  from  the  inadvertence,  either  of  tranfcribers,  or  the  con- 
pofitors  at  prefs.  'Tis  well  known.  Titan  is  one  of  the  poetical 
names  of  the  fan  ;  but  we  have  no  authority  from  fable  for  Ti- 
tan's mcltiag  VNKf  at  his  own  fweet  tale,  as  NarciiTus  did  at 
the  reflexion  of  his  own  form.  The  poet's  meaning  was  cer- 
tainly this :  Falftaff*  enters  in  a  great  heat,  after  having  been 
robbed  bv  the  prince  and  Poins  in  dif^uife :  and  the  prince  fee- 
inghim  in fnch  a  fweat,  makes  the  following  fimile  upon  him i 
"Do  but  look  upnon  that  compound  of  ^reafe ;— his  fat  drips 
**  iway  with  the  violence  of  his  motion,  jaft  as  butter  does  with 
•*  the  heatof  theyirff-^r<imj  darting  full  upon  it."  Theobald. 

Didft  tbam  tu^er  fee  Titan  kifs  a  dijb  of  butter  f  pitiful-hearted 
Titan  !  that  melted  at  thef'weet  tale  of  the  fun  /]  This  perplexes 
Mr.  Theobald ;  he  calls  it  nonfenfe,  and,  indeed,  having  made 
nonfenfe  of  it,  changes  it  to  pitiful- hearted  butter.  But  the 
common  reading  is  right :  and  all  that  wants  reiloring  is  a  pa- ' 
renthefis,  into  which  {pitiful-hearted  Titan!)  fhould  be  put. 
Pitiful-hearted  means  only  amorous^  which  was  Titan's  charac- 
ter: the  pronoun  that  refers  to  butter.  But  the  Oxford  Editor 
goes  ftill  further,  and  not  only  takes,  without  ceremony,  Mr. 
Theobald's  bread  and  butter ^  but  xmnztale  into/arr ;  not  per- 
ceiving that  the  heat  of  the  fun  is  figuratively  reprefented  as  a 
love  t alt ^  the  poet  having  before  called  him  pitiful-hearted ^  or 
amorous.     War  burton. 

I  have  left  this  paflage  as  I  found  it,  defiring  only  that  the 
reader,  who  inclines  to  follow  Dr.  Warburton's  opinion,  will 
fnrnifli  himfelf  with  Come  proof  th2it pitiful-hearted  was  ever  ufed 
to  fignify  amorous,  before  he  pronounces  this  emendation  to  be 
juft.  I  own  I  am  unable  to  do  it  for  him ;  and  though  I  ought 
not  to  decide  in  favour  of  any  violent  proceedings  againll  the 
text,  mufl  own,  that  the  reader  who  looks  for  fenfe  as  the 
ivords  fiand  at  prefent,  muft  be  indebted  for'it  to  Mr.  Theobald. 

S  3  Shall 


278      THE    FIRST     PART    OF 

FaL  You  rogue,  ^  here's  lime  in  this,  fack  too : 
there  h  nothing  but  roguery  to  be  found  in  vil- 
lainous man  :  yet  a  coward  is  worfe  than  a  cup  of  fack 
'  with  lime  in  it  *,  a  villainous  coward. — Go  thy  ways, 
.  old  Jack ;  die  when  thou  wilt,  if  manhood,  good  man- 
hood, be  not  forgot  upon  the  face  of  the  eaith,  then 
am  I  a  fliotten  herring.  There  live  not  three  good 
men  unhang'd  in  England-,  and  one  of  them  is  fat, 
and  grows  old,  God  help,  the  while !  a  bad  world,  I 

Shall  I  offer  a  bolder  alteration  ?  In  the  oldell  copy  the  con- 
tcfted  part  of  this  paffiigc  appears  thus: 

at  the  Jhjueet  tale  of  the  fonnes. 

The  author  might  have  written  pitiful-hearted Titan ,  ivho  melted 
at  thc/weet  tale  of  his /on,  i.  e.  of  Phaeton,  who  by  a  fine  Itory 
won  on  the  cafy  nature  of  his  father  fo  far,  as  to  obtain  from 
him  the  guidance  of  his  own  chariot  for  a  day.     Steevens. 

* here^s  lime  in  this  fack  too  :  there  is  nothing  but  roguery 

to  be  found  in  ^villainous  man : — ]  Sir  Richard  PlawTcins,  one  of 
queen  Elizabeth's  fea-captains,  in  his  voyages,  p.  379,  fays^ 
**  Since  the  Spanilh  facks  have  been  common  in  our  taverns^ 
**  which  for  conicrvation  are  mingled  with  lime  in  the  making, 
**  our  nation  complains  of  calentures,  of  the  Hone,  the  dropfy, 
*'  and  infinite  other  dillempers,  not  heard  of  before  this  wine 
**  came  into  frequent  ufe.  Bcfidcs,  there  is  no  year  that  it 
•*  wailcth  not  two  millions  of  crowns  of  our  fubllancc  by  con- 
•*  vcyancc  into  foreign  countries."  This  latter,  indeed,  was 
a  fubl'iiintial  evil.  But  as  to  lime's  giving  the  (lone,  this  fare 
muftbe  only  the  g^  od  old  man's  prejudice ;  fmce  in  a  wiieragc 
by  far,  an  old  woman  made  her  fortune  by  fliewing  us  that  lime 
was  a  cure  for  the  ftonc.  Sir  John  Falftatr,  were  he  alive  again, 
would  fay  fiie  dcferved  it,  for  fatisfying  us  that  we  might  drink 
fack  in  lafety:  but  that  liquor  has  been  long  fince  out  of  date. 
I  think  Lord  Clarendon,  in  hisApokgy,  tells  us,  •*  That  fwect 
**  wines  before  the  Relloration  were  fo  much  to  the  Englifh 
**  tafle,  that  we  ciigrofl'ed  the  whole  produd  of  the  Canaries; . 
**  and  that  not  a  pipe  of  it  was  expended  in  any  other  country 
•*  in  Europe."  But  the  banidied  cavaliers  brought  home  with 
them  tiie  gonft  for  Ficnch  wines,  which  has  continued  ever 
fince ;  and  from  whence,  perhaps,  we  may  more  truly  date  the 
greater  frequency  of  the  ftone.     Warburton. 

Dr.  Warburton  does  not  ccnfidcr  i\i2Xfack  in  Shakefpearc  is 
nroft  probubly  thought  to  mean  what  we  now  callj^errj,  which 
when  it  is  drank  is  llill  drank  with  fugar.     Johnson. 

iayl 


KING     HENRY    IV.  279 

% !  —  7  I  would  I  were  a  weaver ;  I  could  fing  all 
manner  of  fongs. — A  plague  on  all  cowards,  I  fay 
ftill! 

P.  Henry.  How  now,  wool-fack,  what  mutter  you  ? 

Fal.  A  king's  fon !  if  I  do  not  beat  thee  out  of  thy 
kingdom  with  a  dagger  of  lath,  and  drive  all  thy  fub- 
jefts  afore  thee  like  a  flock  of  wild  geefe,  I'll  never 
wear  hair  on  my  face  more.     You  prince  of  Wales ! 

P.  Henry.  Why,  you  whorfon  round  man !  what's 
the  matter  ? 

Fal.  Are  you  not  a  coward  ?  anfwer  me  to  that,  and 
Poins  there  ?  [To  Poins. 

P.  Henry.  Yc  fat  paunch,  an  ye  call  me  coward,  I'll 
ftab  thee. 

^  ■  /  nvonlJ  I  fwere  aijueaver;  I  could  Jing  ffalms y  &c.] 

In  the  pcrfccutions  of  the  proteilants  in  Flanders  under  Philip 
II.  thofe  who  came  over  into  England  on  thatoccafion,  brought 
with  them  the  woollen  manufadlory.  Thefe  were  Calvinills, 
who  were  always  diflinguifhed  for  their  love  of  pfalmody. 

Warburton. 
In  the  firft  editions  tlie  pafTagc  is  read  thus,  I  could  fing  pf alms 
cr  any  thing.  In  the  firft  folio  thus,  /  could  fing  all  manner  of 
fifiii.  M^ny  cxpreflions  bordering  on  indecency  or  profaneneis 
arc  found  in  the  firft  .editions,  which  are  afterwards  corredcd. 
The  reading  of  the  three  Jaft  editions,  /  could  fing  pfalms  and  all 
9umur  of  fongs  y  is  made  without  authority  out  of  different  co- 
pies. 

I  believe  nothing  more  is  here  meant  than  to  allude  to  the 
prafticc  of  weavers,  who,  having  their  hands  more  employed 
than  their  minds,  amufe  themfelves  frequently  with  fongs  at  th« 
loom.  The  knight,  being  full  of  vexation,  wilhes  he  could 
fing  to  divert  his  thoughts. 

Weavers  arc  mentioned  as  lovers  of  mufic  in  The  Merchant  of 
^fmce.    Perhaps  **  to  fing  like  a  weaver"  might  be  proverbial. 

Johnson. 
Dr.  Warburton's.  obfervation  may  be  confirmed  by  the  fol- 
ding pafTages. 

Ben  Jonfon  makes  Cutberd  tell  Morofe  that  "  the  parfon 
"  caught  his  cold  by  fitting  up  late,  and  finging  catches  with 
**  doth-workcrs.'' 
So  in  Jafper  Maine's  City  Match,  1630, 

"  Like  a  Geneva  weaver  in  blacK,  who  left 
"  The  loom,  and  entered  in  the  miniftry, 
"  For  confi:icnce  fake.**     Steeven*. 

S4  Fal 


28o     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

FaL  I  call  the  coward !  Til  fee  thee  damn'd  ew 
I  call  thee  coward :  but  I  would  give  a  thoufand  pound 
I  could  run  as  faft  as  thou  canft.  You  are  ftrait 
enough  in  the  flioulders,  you  care  not  who  fees  your 
back.  Call  you  that  backing  of  your  friends  ?  a  plague 
/Upon  fuch  backing!  give  me  them  that  will  face  me, 
.—Give  me  a  cup  of  fack :  I  am  a  rogue,  if  I  drunk 
to-day. 

P.  Henry.  O  villain!  thy  lips  are  fcarce  wip'd  fmce 
thou  drunk'ft  laft. 

Fal  All's  one  for  that.  [//^  drinks. 

A  plague  on  all  cowards,  ftill  fay  I ! 

P.  Henry,  What's  the  matter  ? 

Fal  Wliat's  the  matter!  here  be  four  of  us  have 
ta'en  a  thoufand  pound  this  morning. 

P.  Henry.  Where  is  it,  Jack }  where  is  it  ? 

FaL  Where  is  it  ?  taken  from  us,  it  is.  A  hundred 
upon  poor  four  of  us. 

P.  Henry.  What  a  hundred,  man  ? 

Fal.  I  am  a  rogue,  if  I  were  not  at  half-fword  with  a 
dozen  of  them  two  hours  together.  I  have  efcap*d  by 
miracle.  I  am  eight  times  thruft  through  the  doublet; 
four  through  the  hofe-,  ^  my  buckler  cut  through  and 
through,  my  fword  hack'd  like  a  hand-faw,  eccejignum. 
[Shows  his /word.]  I  never  dealt  better  fince  I  was  a 
man. — All  would  not  do.  A  plague  on  all  cowards ! 
rr-Let  them  fpeak ;  if  they  fpeak  more  or  lefs  than 
truth,  they  are  villains,  and  the  fons  of  darkneis. 

my  buckler  cut  through  and  through, ]     It  appears 


from  the  old  comedy  of  The  tivo  angry  IVomen  of  Ablngton^   that 
this  method   of  defence  and  fight  was  in  Shakcfpe^rc's  time 
grovvinst  out  of  fafhion.     The  play  was  publifhed  in  1509,  and 
^ne  of  the  characters  in  it  makes  the  following  obfervation  : 
*  *  1  fee  by  this  dearth  of  good  fwords,  that  fword-and-buckler- 

Y  fight  begins  to  grow  out.  T  am  {orxy  for  it ;  I  fhall  never  fee 
<*  good  manhood  again.     If  it  be  once  gone,  this  poking  fight 

V  <f  rapier  and  dagger  will  come  up  then.  Then  a  tall  man, 
*.*  and  a  good  fword-and-bucklcr  man,  will  be  fpitted  like  a 
\\  cat,  o;:  a  coney :  then  a  boy  will  be  as  good  as  a  man/*  ^r. 

Steeveks. 

P.  Henry  ^ 


KING    HENRY    IV.  281 

/*.  Henry.  Speak,  Sirs,  how  was  it  ? 

Cads.  We  four  fet  upon  fome  dozen. 

Fal.  Sixteen,  at  leaft,  my  lord. 

Gads.  And  bound  them. 

Peto.  No,  no,  they  were  not  bound. 

Fal.  You  rogue,  they  were  bound,  every  man  of 
them,  or  I  am  a  Jew  elfe,  an  Ebrew  Jew. 

Gads.  As  we  were  (haring,  fome  fix  or  feven  frclh 
men  fet  upon  us 

Fal.  And  unbound  the  reft,  and  then  came  in  the 
other. 

P.  Henry.  What,  fought  you  with  them  all  ? 

Fal  All  ?  I  know  not  what  ye  call  all  j  but  if  I 
fought  not  with  fifty  of  them,  I  am  a  bunch  of  radilh : 
if  there  were  not  two  or  three  and  fifty  upon  poor  old 
Jack,  then  am  I  no  two-legg*d  creature. 

Poins.  Pray  heaven,  you  have  not  murther'd  fome 
of  them. 

Fal.  Nay,  that's  part  praying  for.  1  have  pepper'd 
two  of  them  :  two,  I  am  fure,  1  have  pay'd ;  two 
rogues  in  buckram  fuits.  I  tell  thee  what,  Hal  -,  if  I 
teU  thee  a  lie,  fpit  in  my  face,  call  me  horfe.  Thou 
know*ft  my  old  ward : — here  I  lay,  aud  thus  I  bore 
my  point.    Four  rogues  in  buckram  let  drive  at  me— 

P.  Henry.  What  four  ?  thou  faidft  but  two,  cvea 
now. 

Fal.  Four,  Hal  -,  I  told  thee  four. 

Pinns.  Ay,  ay,  he  faid  four. 

Fal.  Thefe  four  came  all  a-front,  and  mainly  thruft 
at  me.  I  made  no  more  ado,  but  took  all  their  feven 
points  in  my  target,  thus. 

P.  Henry.  Seven !  why,  there  were  but  four  even 
now. 

Fal.  In  buckram. 

Poins.  Ay,  four,  in  buckram  fuits. 

Fal.  Seven,  by  thefe  hilts,  or  I  am  a  villain  elfe. 

P.  Henry.  Pr*ythee,  let  him  alone  j  we  fhall  have 
inorp  anon. 


Fal.  Doll:  thou  Iicar  mc,  Ilal? 

P.  //(?;/r)'.  Ay,  and  mark  thcx'  tc^o.  Jack. 

Fal.  Do  fo,  Ibr  it  is  worth  the  lill'ning  to.     Thcij 
nine  in  buckram,  that  I  told  thee  of 

P.  Henry.  So,  two  more  already. 

Fal.  9  Their  points  being  broken — — 

Poins.  Down  fell  his  hofe. 

Fal.  Began  to  give  me  ground :  but  I  followed  mc 
clofe,  came  in  foot  and  hand  •,  and,  with  a  thought, 
feven  of  the  eleven  I  pay*d. 

P.  Henry.  O  monftrous!  eleven  buckram  men 
grown  out  of  two ! 

Fal.  But  as  the  devil  would  have  it,  three  mif-begot- 
ten  knaves,  in  *  Kendal  green,  came  at  my  back,  and 
let  drive  at  me ;  (tor  it  was  fo  dark,  Hal,  that  thou 
couldft  not  fee  thy  hand.) 

P.  Henry.  Thefe  lies  arc  like  the  father  that  b^ets 
them  5  grofs  as  a  mountain,  open,  palpable.     Why-* 

5  Their  points  being  broken — Dmvn  /ell  bis  ho/e.^     To  ondcr-^ 
Hand  Poins's  joke,  the  double  meaning  o^ point  muft  be  rcmcm.-^ 
bered,  which  fignifies  the  par p  end  of  a  iveapon^  and  thg  lact  9^' 
a  garment.     The  cleanly  phrai'e  for  letting  down  the  hofe,  a^ 
levandum  al^juniy  was  to  untrufs  a  point,     Johnson. 

*  Kendal — ]  Kcntlal  in  Weftmorland,  as  I  have  been  told  - 
is  a  place  famous  for  dying  cloths,  13 c.  with  fcveral  very  bright 
colours.  Kendal  green  is  repeatedly  mentioned  in  the  old  plaj^ 
of  Robert  Earl  of  Huntington,    1 6o  I . 

"  Off  then  I  wi(h  you  with  your  Kendal green^ 
"  Let  not  fad  grief  in  frcfh  array  be  fecn." 
Again, 

««  Bateman  of  Kendall  gave  us  Kendall  green,  ^* 
Again, 

" all  the  woods 

"  Are  full  of  outlaws,  that,  in  Kendall  green  ^ 
"  Follow  the  out-law'd  earl  of  Huntington." 
Again, 

'*  Off  then  I  wi(h  you  with  your  Kendall  green. ^* 
Again, 

"  Then  Robin  will  I  wear  thy  Kendall  green.'* 

Stbbveks. 

thoiM 


K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    IV.  283 

u  clay-brain'd  guts,  thou  knotty-patcd  fool;  thou 

orfon  obkcnc  grcaly  3  tallow-catch 

Fal.  What,  art  thou  mad  ?  art  thou  mad  ?   is  not 
truth,  the  truth  ? 

P.  l/enry.  Why,  how  could'ft  thou  know  thefe  men 
iCendal  green,  when  it  was  fo  dark,  thou  could'ft  not 
thy  hand  ?  come,  tcU  us  your  reafon.  What  fay'ft 
u  to  this  ? 

Pcm.  Come,  your  reafon.  Jack,  your  reafon. 
Fal.  What,  upon  compulfion  ?  No  ;  were  I  at  the 
ippado,  or  all  tlie  racks  in  the  world,  I  would  not 
you  on  coiripulfion.  Give  you  a  reafon  on  com- 
Ifion !  if  rcaloas  were  as  plenty  as  black-berries,  I 
uld  give  i)o  man  a  rcaibn  upcn  compulfion, — I ! 
P.  Heriry.  TU  be  no  longer  guilty  of  this  fin. — Tliis 
2[uine  coward,    this  bed-prcflTer,  this   horfe-back- 

akcr,   this  bii^^c  hill  of  flclh, 

^al.  Awi.y,  +  you  llarvcling,  you  elf-fkin,  you 
'd  neats  tongue,  hull's  pizzle,  you  ftock-filh — O 
breath  to  utter  what  is  like  thee! — You  taybr's 

■  /^//oit'-f^/fZ— —  ]     This  word  is  in  all  editions^ 

having  no  meaning,  cannot  be  undcrilood.     In  fome  parts 

le  kingdom,  a  ca/:c  or  /a^///  of  wax  or  taHow,  is  called  a 

',  which  is  doubtlefs  the  word  intended  here,  unlefs  wc 

tallow'ketch,  that  is,  tub  of  tallo<w,     Johnson. 

taller  ketch — ]  May  mean  a  fhip  loaded  with  tallov. 

lenry  Fill,  Shakefpearc  ufcs  the  word  ketch  for  a  vcflel : 
*'  That  fuch  a  ketch  cat\  with  his  very  bulk 
**  Take  up  the  rays  of  the  beneficial  fun." 
ilill  fay  a  bomb-ketch  for  a  vefTel  loaded  with  the  imple- 
ts  of  bombardment.     Stkevens. 

you  flarnjeling,  you  eJf-Jkin^ ]     For  elf-Jkin    S!r 

nas  Hanmer  and  Dr.  Warburton  rtd^  eel-Jkin.  'I  he  true 
ing,  I  believe,  is  elf-kin^  or  little  fairy :  for  though  the 
u-d  in  King  John  compares  his  brother's  two  legs  to  two 
dns  ftufF'd,  yet  an  eel-fkin  fimply  bears  no  great  refem- 
ce  to  a  man.     Johnson. 

■ you  Jlar^eling,  &c.]     Shakefpeare  had  hiHofical  aa- 

ty  for  the  Icannefs  of  the  prince  of  Wales.  Stowc,  fpeak- 
)f  him,  fays,  *'  he  exceeded  the  mean  ftature  of  men,  his 
:ck  long,  body  {lender  and  lean,  and  his  bones  fmall," 

Stebvens. 

yard. 


'^S4     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

yard,  you  fheath,  you  bow-cafe,  you  vile  (landing 
tuck 

P.  Henry,  Well,  breathe  a  while,  and  then  to't 
again  :  and  when  thou  haft  tir'd  thyfelf  in  bafc  com- 
parifons,  hear  me  fpeak  but  this. 

Poins.  Mark,  Jack. 

P.  Henry.  We  two  faw  you  four  fet  on  four  -,  yoii 
bound  them,  and  were  matters  of  their  wealth. 
Mark  now,  how  a  plain  tale  fhall  put  you  down.- 
Then  did  we  two  let  on  you  four ;  and,  with  a  word, 
out-fac'd  you  from  your  prize,  and  have  it ;  yea,  and 
can  fhew  it  you  here  in  the  houfe.  And,  FalffafF,  you 
carry'd  your  guts  away  as  nimbly,  with  as  quick  dex- 
terity, and  roar'd  for  mercy,  and  ftiU  ran  and  roar'd, 
as  ever  I  heard  bull-calf.  What  a  flave  art  thou,  to 
hack  thy  fword  as  thou  haft  done,  and  then  fay  it 
was  in  fight !  What  trick  ?  what  dev^ .?  what  ftarting 
hole,  canft  thou  now  find  out,  to  hide  thee  from  this 
open  and  apparent  ftiame } 

Poins.  Come,  let's  hear,  Jack :  what  trick  haft  thou 
now? 

Fal.  By  the  Lord,  I  knew  ye  as  well  as  he  that 
made  ye.  Why,  hear  yc,  my  mafters :  Was  it  for  me 
to  kill  the  heir  apparent  ?  Should  I  turn  upon  the 
true  prince  ?  Why,  thou  knoweft  I  am  as  valiant  as 
Hercules :  but  beware  inftinft;  the  Eon  will  not  touch 
the  true  prince.  Inftinft  is  a  great  matter ;  I  was  a 
coward  on  inftinft.  I  ihall  think  the  better  of  mjdelf, 
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.   Hoftcfs,  clap  to  the  doors; 

watch  to-night,    pray  to-morrow. Gallants,  lads, 

boys,  hearts  of  gold,  all  the  titles  of  good  fellowfhip 
come  to  you!  What,  fliall  we  be  merry?  Ihall  wc 
have  a  play  extempore  ? 

P.  Henry.  Content :— and  the  argument  Ihall  be  thy 
running  away. 

Fal  Ah!— no  more  of  that,  Hal,  an  thou  loycft 
me. 

Enter 


KING    HENRY    IV.  28^ 

Enter  Hoftefs. 

Hofi.  My  lord  the  prince ! 

P.  Henry.  How  now,  my  lady  the  hoftefs  ?  what 
fayft  thou  to  me  ? 

Hoft.  Marry,  my  lord,  ^  there  is  a  nobleman  of  the 
court  at  door,  would  fpeak  with  you  i  he  fays,  he 
comes  from  your  father. 

P.  Henry.  5  Give  him  as  much  as  will  make  him  2 
royal  man,  and  fend  him  back  again  to  my  mother, 

Fal.  What  manner  of  man  is  he  ? 

Hqfi.  An  old  man. 

Fal.  What  doth  gravity  out  of  his  bed  at  midnight? 
Shall  I  give  him  his  anfwer  ? 

P.  Henry.  Pr*ythee  do.  Jack. 

FiJ.  Faith,  and  FU  fend  him  packing.  [Exit* 

P.  Henry.  Now,  Sir&,  by'r  lady,  you  fought  fair  ; 
fodid  you,  Peto;  fo  did.  you,  Bardolph:  you  are 
lions  too ;  you  ran  away  upon  inftindt  j  you  will  not 
touch  the  true  prince ;  no, — Fie ! 

Bard.  *Faith,  I  ran  when  I  faw  others  run. 

P.  Henry.  Tell  me  now  in  earneft  ;  how  came  Fal- 
ftafPsfwordfohackM? 

Peto.  Why,  he  h'ack'd  it  with  his  dagger  -,  and  faid,. 
he  would  fwear  truth  out  of  England,  but  he  would 
make  you  believe  it  was  done  in  fight  •,  and  perfuaded 
us  to  do  the  like. 

BarJ.  Yea,  and  to  tickle  our  nofes  with  fpear-grafs, 
to  make  them  bleed ;  and  then  beflubber  our  garments 
with  it|  and  fwear  it  was  ^  the  blood  of  true  men.     I 

*  ■  there  is  a  noBleman^-Gi've  him  as  much  as  'will  mah 
him  a  r9yat marty-'^l  I  believe  here  is  a  kind  of  jeft  intended. ' 
He  tkat  received  a  noble  was,  in  cant  language,  called  a  noble- 
mom:  in  this  fenfe  the  prince  catches  the  word,  and  bids  the 
landlady  give  him  as  much  as  *will  make  him  a  royal  man^  that  \&i 
a  real  or  rtyal  man,  and  fend  him  away.     Johnson. 

•  • the  blood  of  true  men. '\     That  is,  of  the  men  with. 

whom  they  fought,  of  h^nefi  men,  oppofed  to  thieves.    Johns. 

did 


286     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

did  that  I  did  not  do  thefe  fevcn  years  before,  I  blulh'd 
to  hear  his  monftrous  dc\dces. 

P.  Henry.  O  villain,  thou  ftoleft  a  cup  of  fack  eigh- 
teen years  ago,  and  wert  7  taken  with  the  manner,  and 
ever  fince  thou  haft  blufli'd  extempore.  Thou  hadft 
^  fire  and  fword  on  thy  fide,  and  yet  thou  ranncft 
away ;  what  inftinft  hadft  thou  for  it  ? 

Bard.  My  lord,  do  you  fee  thefc  meteors  ?  do  you 
behold  thefe  exhalations  ? 

P.  Henry.  I  do. 

Bard.  What  think  you  they  portend  ? 

P.  Henry.  9  Hot  livers,  and  cold  purfes. 

Bard.  Choler,  my  lord,  if  rightly  taken. 

P.  Henry.  No,  if  rightly  taken,  halter. 

Re-enter  Faljlaff. 

Here  comes  lean  Jack,  here  comes  bare-bone.  How 
now,  my  fweet  creature  of  '  bombaft  ?  How  long  is*t 
ago.  Jack,  fince  thou  faw*ft  thy  own  knee  ? 

FaL 


'      ^  taken  in  the  mannery ]     The  quarto  and  folio 

read  iJL'ith  the  manner^  which  is  right.  Taken  ivith  the  manmr  i$ 
a  law  phrafe,  and  then  in  common  ufe,  to  fignify  taken  in  tbi 
faa.     But  the  Oxford  Editor  alters  it,  for  bettfcr  fecurity  of  the 

fenfe,  to  taken  in  the  manor. 

/.  e.  I  fuppofe,  by  the  lord  of  it,  as  a  ftray.     War  burton. 

The  expreffion — taken  in  the  manner^  or  ixjith  the  manner^  ii 
common  to  many  of  cur  old  dramatic  writers.  So  in  B.  and 
Fletcher's  Rule  a  Wife  and  ha<ve  a  V/ife, 

"  How  like  a  Iheep-biting  rogue,  taken  in  the  mrnnmer^ 
"  And  ready  for  a  halter,  doft  thou  look  now  ?** 

Steeveks. 
'  Thou  hrJJl  f^e  and /wordy  kcJ]     The  fre  was  in  his  face 
A  red  face  is  termed  a  Jierj  face. 

While  I  affirm  a  fiery  face 

Is  to  the  o-Mner  no  di/grace.     Legend  of  Capt.  Jones. 

Johnson. 
^  Hoi  li-jers  and  cold  purfes. '\     JThat  is,  dtunhenncfs  and  /«- 
'verty.     To  drink  wab,  in  the  language  of  thofc  times,  to  huit 
the  li<ver.  JoHNSON. 

*  homlaji  P]  Is  the  fluffing  of  cloaths.     Johnson. 

Stubbs,  in  his  J,tatomie  of  Abufesy  1 595,  obfcrves,  that  in 
kis  time  *'  the  doublccies  were  fo  hard  quilted,  ilu£R;d,  bom' 

**  bafta^ 


KING    HENRY    IV.  287 

Fal  My  own  knee!  When  I  was  about  thy  year^ 
HaJ,  I  was  not  an  eagle's  talon  in  the  waift ;  *  I  could 
have  crept  into  any  alderman's  thumb-ring.  A  plague 
on  fighing  and  grief!  it  bl6ws  up  a  man  like  a  blad- 
der. There's  villainous  news  abroad  \  here  was  Sir 
John  Braby  from  your  father  •,  you  muft  go  to  the 
court  in  the  morning.  That  fame  mad  fellow  of  the 
north,  Percy-,  and  he  of  Wales,  that  gave  Amaimon 
the  baftinado,  and  made  Lucifer  cuckold,  and  fwore 
the  devil  his  true  liegeman  3  upon  the  crofs  of  a 
WeKh  hook  :  what  a  plague  call  you  him— 

Poins.  O,  Glendov/cr. 

Fal.  Owen,  Owen  •,  the  fame ;  and  his  fon-in-law 
Mortimer,  and  old  Northumberland,  and  that  fpright- 
ly  Scot  of  Scots,  Douglas,  that  runs  a  horfcback  up  a 
hill  perpendicular. 

"  haftedf  and  fewed,  as  they  could  neither  worke,  nor  yet  well 
"  play  in  them."  And  again,  in  the  fame  chapter,  he  adds, 
that  they  were  *'  ftufFed  with  foure,  five,  or  fixe  pound  of  bom^^ 
•*  hafi  at  lead."      Bombaft  is  cottoyu     Steevens. 

*  '  /  could  banje  crept  into  any  alderman  s  thumb-ring^ 

Arillophanes  has  the  fame  thought. 

Am  ^ftxIt/Xitf  /Miv  li)i\yi.k  y    av  iiiX'/.j^-ai;,       PlutUS,    V.    IO37. 

RAWLirsSOW. 

'  • Upon  the  crofs  of  a  Weljh  hook  : ]     A  PFeljh  hcok 

appears  to  have  been  fome  inftrument  of  the  ofienlive  kind.  It 
is  mentioned  in  the  play  oi  Sir  John  Oldcaftle^ 

**    ■  that  no  man  prefumc  to  wear  any  weapons,  cfpe* 

•*  cially  weljh'hooks  and  foreft-bills." 
Agaioy  in  Wefiiuard  Hoe^  by  Decker  and  WcbRer,  1607, 

"  it  will  be  as  good  as  a  Welch-book  for  you,  to  keep 

"  out  the  other  at  Haves-end." 
Again,  in  Northward  Hoe^  by  the  fame,  1607,  a  captain  fays, 

** 1  know  what  kiifes  be,  as  well  as  1  know  a  Welch'-' 

''book: 
So  in  Ben  Jonfon's  Mafque  for  the  Honour  cf  Wules: 
**  ■  Owen  Glendowcr,  with  a  Welj'e  hooU^  and  agoat- 

"  Ikfti  on  his  back." 

The  Welch  hcok  is  probably  a  weapon  of  the  fame  kind  with 
^tLoehabar  axe^  which  was  ufed  in  the  late  rebellion.  Colonel 
Gardner  was  attacked  with  this  weapon  at  the  battle  uf  Preilon- 
paos.  SrEEVENs* 

P.  llotry. 


ft88     THE    FIRST    PART    OP 

P.  Henry.  He  that  rides  at  high  fpeed,  and  with  i 
4-  piftol  kills  a  fparrow  flying. 

FaL  You  have  hit  it. 

P.  Henry.  So  did  he  never  the  fparrow. 

FaL  Well  j  that  rafcal  has  good  mettle  in  him;  he 
will  not  run. 

P.  Henry.  Why,  what  a  rafcal  art  thou  then,  to 
praife  him  fo  for  running  ? 

Fat.  A  horfeback,  ye  cuckow !  but  afoot  he  will 
not  budge  a  foot. 

P.  Hen.  Yes,  Jack,  upon  inflinft. 

Fal.  I  grant  ye,  upon  inftinft !  Well,  he  is  there 
too,  and  one  Mordake,  and  a  thoufand  5  blue-caps 
more.  Worcefter  is  ftolen  away  by  night :  thy  fathers 
beard  is  turn'd  white  with  the  news.  ^  You  may  buy 
land  now  as  cheap  as  (linking  mackerel. 

P.  Henry.  Then,  'tis  like,  if  there  come  a  hot  June^ 
and  this  civil  buffeting  hold,  we  fhould  buy  maiden- 
heads as  they  buy  hob-nails,  by  the  hundreds. 

Fal  By  the  mafs,  lad,  thou  fay'ft  true ;  it  is  like 
we  Ihall  have  good  trading  that  way. — But  tell  me, 
Hal,  art  thou  not  horribly  afeard,  thou  being  heir  ap- 


♦  — i ///?c/— ]     Shakcfpcarc  never  has  any  care  to  ppe- 

fervc  the  manners  of  the  time.  Pifloh  were  not  known  in  the 
age  of  Henry.  Piftols  were,  I  believe,  about  our  authors 
time,  eminently  ufed  by  the  Scots.  Sir  Henry  Wotton  fomC- 
where  makes  mention  o^ 2l  Scottish pifloL     Johnson. 

B.  and  Fletcher  are  flill  more  mexcufablc.  In  The  Humorous 
Lieutenant  they  have  equippd  one  of  the  immediate  facceffori 
of  Alexander  the  Great  with  the  fame  weapon.     Stbbvens. 

5  — ^  blue  caps ]     A  name  of  ridicule  given  to  the  Scoti 

from  l\it\T  blue  honnets.     Johnson. 

^  You  may  buy  land^  &c.]  In  former  times  the  profperity  of 
the  nation  was  known  by  the  value  of  land,  as  now  by  the 
price  of  (locks.  Before  Henry  the  Seventh  made  it  fafc  to  ferve 
the  king  regnant,  it  was  the  pradlicc  at  every  revolution,  iR>r 
the  conqueror  to  confifcate  the  eflates  of  thofe  that  oppoied, 
and  perhaps  of  thofe  who  did  not  affift  him.  Thofe»  therefore^ 
that  forefaw  a  change  of  government,  and  thought  their  eftates 
in  danger,  were  defirous  to  fell  them  in  hafte  for  fomething 
that  might  be  carried  away.    Johnson. 

parent? 


KING    HENRY    IV.  289 

parent  ?  Could  the  world  pick  thee  out  three  fuch 
enemies  again  as  that  fiend  Douglas,  that  fpirit  Percy, 
and  that  devil  Glendower?  Art  thou  not  horribly- 
afraid  ?  doth  not  thy  blood  thrill  at  it  ? 

P.  Henry.  Not  a  whit,  i*faith ;  I  lack  fomc  of  thy 
inftinft. 

Fal.  Well,  thou  wilt  be  horribly  chid  to-morrow, 
when  thou  com*ft  to  thy  father  :  if  thou  do  love  me, 
praftife  an  anfwer. 

P.  Henry.  Do  thou  (land  for  my  father,  and  exa- 
mine me  upon  the  particulars  of  my  life. 

Fal.  Shall  I  ?  content.  This  chair  fhall  be  my  ftate, 
this  d^ger  my  fcepter,  and  7  this  cufliion  my  crown. 

P.  Henry.  ^  Thy  ftate  is  taken  for  a  joint-ftool,  thy 
golden  fcepter  for  a  leaden  dagger,  and  thy  precious 
nch  crown  for  a  pitiful  bald  crown. 

Fal.  Well,  an  the  fire  of  grace  be  not  quite  out  of 
thee,  now  fhalt  thou  be  moved. — Give  me  a  cup  of 
fack,  to  make  mine  eyes  look  red,  that  it  may  be 
thought  I  have  wept ;  for  I  muft  fpeak  in  paffion,  and 
I  will  do  it  in  9  king  Cambyfes*  vein. 

P.  Henry.  Well,  here  is  »  my  leg. 

Fal.  And  here  is  my  fpeech. — Stand  afide,  nobi- 
lity.— 

•  this  cujhion  my  fr^«iu».]    Dr.  Letherland,  In  a  MS. 


note,  obfervesy  that  the  country  people  in  Warwicklhire  ufe  a 

cujhion  for  a  cronvn^  at  their  harvcft-home  diverfions  ;  and  in  the 

play  of  King  Ednxjard  IV,  p.  2,  16 19,  is  the  following  paflage : 

**  Then  comes  a  flave,  one  of  thofe  drunken  fots, 

*•  In  with  a  tavern  rcck'ning  for  a  fuppli cation, 

*•  Diiguifed  with  a  cujhion  on  his  head."     Steevens. 

*  Thy  ft  ate  i  &c.]  This  anfwer  might,  I  think,  have  better 
been  omitted :  it  contains  only  a  repetition  of  FalftaiF's  mock- 
royalty.     Johnson. 

*  — —  king  Camhyfes — ]  A  lamentable  tragedy,  mixed 
foU  of  pleafant  mirth,  containing  the  life  of  Cambyfes  king  of 
Per£a.    By  Thomas Prefton.     Theobald. 

J  queftion  if  Shakefpeare  had  ever  feen  this  tragedy;  for  there 
IS  a  remarkable  peculiarity  of  meafure,  which,  when  he  pro- 
feffcd  to  fpeak  in  king  Camhyfes*  <vein^  he  would  hardly  have 
fflifled,  if  he  had  known  it.     Johnson. 

*  my  leg.]     That  is,  my  obeifance  to  my  father. 

Johnson. 

Vol.  V.  T  Hofl. 


290     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Hojl.  This  is  excellent  fport,  i*faith. 

Fal.   IVeep  not^  fweet  queen,  for  trickling  tears  are 
vain. 

Hoji.  O  the  father !  how  he  holds  his  countenance? 

Fal.  For  God's  fake^  lords^  convey  tny  triftful  jueetij 
For  tears  doftop  the  flood-gates  of  her  eyes. 

HoJl.  O  rare !  he  doth  it  like  one  of  thofe  harlooy 
players,  as  I  ever  fee. 

Fal.  Peace,  good  pint-pot-,    peace,  good  tiqkle- 

brain *  Harry,  I  do  not  only  marvel  where  thou 

fpendeft  thy  time,  but  alfo  how  thou  art  accompa- 
nied :  for  3  though  the  camomile,  the  more  it  is  trod- 
den on,  the  fafter  it  grows,  yet  youth,  the  more  it  is 
wafted,  the  fooner  it  wears.  Thou  art  my  fon,  I  have 
partly  thy  mother's  word,  partly  my  own  opinioQ ; 
but  chiefly  a  villainous  trick  of  thine  eye,  and  a 
foolilh  hanging  of  thy  nether  lip,  that  doth  warrant 
me.  If  then  thou  be  fon  to*me,  here  lieth  the  point; 
Why,  being  fon  to  me,  art  thou  fo  pointed  at?  Shall 
the  blefled  fun  of  heaven  prove  ♦  a  micher,  and  eat 
black-berries  ?  a  queftion  not  to  be  alk'd.     Shall  the 

Ion 

*  Harry  y  I  do  not  only  mam; el y  &c.]    A  ridicule  on  the  public 
oratory  of  that  time.     Warburton. 

'  though  the  camomili,  &c.]     This  whole  fpeech  is  fu- 

preinely  comic.  The  fimile  of  camomile  ufed  to  illalbate  a 
contrary  effect,  brings  to  my  remembrance  an  obfervation  of  a 
late  writer  of  fome  merit,  whom  the  defire  of  being  witty  has 
betrayed  into  a  like  thought.  Meaning  to  enforce  with  great 
vehemence  the  mad  temerity  of  young  foldi ers»  he  remarks^ 
that  "  though  Bedlam  be  in  the  road  to  Hogfden,  it  is  out  of 
**  the  way  to  promotion."     Johnson. 

In  The  More  the  Merrier y  a  colIedUon  of  epigrams,   16089  is 
the  following  palTage : 

*'  The  camomile  (hall  teach  thee  patience, 

«*  Which  thriveth  bcfl  when  trodden  moft  npon.*^ 

So  in  The  Fa^juncy  a  comtrdy,  by  Mar  lion,  1606  : 

"  For  indeed,  Sir,  a  reprefs'd  fame  mounts  like  tMmamile^ 
**  the  more  trod  down  the  more  it  grows."     Stebvens. 

♦ a  w/V/'ifr,— ]  /.  e.  truant ;  to  micb^  is  to  lurk  out 

of  light,  a  hedge-creeper.     Warburton. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  291 

ion  of  England  prove  a  thief,  and  take  purfes  ?  a 
queftion  to  be  afk'd.  There  is  a  thing,  Harry,  which 
thou  haft  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  ;  fo  doth  the  company 
thou  keep^ft :  for,  Harry,  now  do  I  not  fpeak  to  thee 
in  drink,  but  in  tears  j  not  in  pleafure,  but  in  paffion  -, 
not  in  words  only,  but  in  woes  alfo : — and  yet  there  is 
a  virtuous  man  whom  I  have  often'  noted  in  thy  com- 
pany, but  I  know  not  his  name. 

P. i  Henry.  What  manner  of  man,  an  it  like  your 
majcfty? 

Fal.  A  goodly  portly  man,  i'faith,  and  a  corpu- 
Joit ;  of  a  cheerful  look,  a  pleafing  eye,  and  a  moft 
nohk  carriage ;  and,  as  I  think,  his  age  fome  fifty, 
•or,  by^r  lady,  inclining  to  threefcorej  and  now,  I 
.remember  me,  his  name  is  FalftafF,  If  that  man 
.(houkl  be  lewdly  given,  he  deceiveth  me ;  for,  Harry, 
il  fee  virtue  in  his  looks.  ^  If  then  the  fruit  may  be 
known  by  the  tree,  as  the  tree  by  the  fruit,  then,  pe- 
remptorily I  fpeak  it,  there  is  virtue  in  that  Falftaff : 
him  keep  with,  the  reft  banifli.  And  tell  me  now, 
thou  naughty  varlet,  tell  me,  where  haft  thou  been 
this  monm? 

P.  Uatry.  Doft  thou  fpeak  like  a  king?  Do  thou 
ftand  for  me,  and  Til  play  my  father. 

/i«/.tDepofe  me? — If  thou  doft  it  half  fo  gravely^ 

The  allufion  is  to  a  truant-boy,  who,  unwilling,  to  go  to 
.  fehool,  and  afraid  to  go  home,  lurks  in  the  fields*  and  picks 
.wild  fruits.    Johnson. 

In  A  Comment  on  the  Ten  Commandments y  printed  at  LQndon  in 
1493,  by  Richard  Pynfon,  I  find  the  word  thus.ufed : 

"  They  make  Goddes  houfe  a  den  of  theyves ;  for  commonjy 
"  iil.fuch  feyrs  and  markets,  wherefocver  it  be  holden,  ther 
**  ben  ipany  theyves,  michers^  and  cutpurfe." 
So  in  The  DeviPs  Charter,   1607  : 

"  Pox  on  him,  micher,  I'll  make  him  pay  for  it.'* 

Steevens. 
^  If  then  the  fruity  &c.]    This  paflage  is  happily  rcflored  by 
iir ThoguM  Hanmer.     Johnson. 

\     T2  fo 


292      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

fo  majeftically,  both  in  word  and  matter,   hang  mc  up 
by  the  heels  for  a  ^  rabbet- fucker,  or  a  poulterer's  hare. 

P.  Hem-y.  Well,  here  I  am  fet. 

Fal.  And  here  I  (land :  judge,  my  mafters. 

P.  Henry,  Now  Harry,  whence  come  you  ? 

Fal  My  noble  lord,  from  Eaft-cheap. 

P.  Henry.  The  complaints  I  hear  of  thee  arc 
grievous. 

Fah  'Sblood,  my  lord,  they  are  falfe.  -^—  Nay, 
ril  tickle  ye  for  a  young  prince,  i'faith. 

-P.  Henry.  Sweareft  thou,  ungracious  boy  ?  hence- 
forth ne'er  look  on  me.  Thou  art  violently  carried 
away  from  grace :  there  is  a  devil  haunts  thee,  in  the 
likcnefs  of  a  fat  old  man  :  a  tun  of  man  is  thy  OMn- 
panion.  Why  doft  thou  converfe  with  that  trunk  of 
humours,  that  7  boulting-hutch  of  beaftlinefe,  that 
fwoln  parcel  of  dropfies,  that  huge  bombard  of  fack, 
that  (lufFt  cloak-bag  of  guts,  that  roafted  *  Manning- 
tree  ox  with  the  pudding  in  his  belly,  that  reverend 

rabbet 'fucker  y — ]     is,  I  fuppofc,  a  ftuking  rabbet. 


The  jeft'is  in  comparing  himfelf  to  fomething  thin  and  little. 
So  ^  poulterer'* 5  hare  ;  a  hare  hung  up  by  the  hind  legs  without 
a  (kin,  is  long  and  flender.     Johnson. 

Dr.  Johnfon  is  right :  for  in  the  account  of  the  (eijeant's 
feaiT,  by  Dugdale,  in  his  Orig,  Judiciales,  one  article  is  z 
do7cn  of  rabbet -fuckers. 

Again,  in  The  Tinjo  angry  Women  of  Abington^ 

**  Clofe  as  a  rabbit-fucker  from  an  old  coney.** 

Again,  in  The  Weddings  by  Shirley,   1626, 

*'  Thefe  whorfon  rabbit-fuckers  will  never  leave  the  gronnd.*' 

Steevbks. 

'  '  houlting-hutcb ]     Bolting-hutcb   is,   I   think»    a 

meal-hag,     Johnson. 

a  boulting-hutch"-^    Is  the  wooden  receptacle  into 

which  the  meal  is  boulted,     St e evens. 

»  Manning-tree  ox — ]     Of  the  Manning-tree  ex  I  can 

give  no  account,  but  the  meaning  is  clear.     JoHNSOit . 

Manning-tree  in  EfTex,  and  the  neighbourhood  of  it,  is  fa- 
mous for  the  richnefs  of  the  pallures.  The  farms  thereabouts 
arc  chiefly  tenanted  by  graziers.  Some  ox  of  an  unufual  fizc 
was,  I  fuppofc,  roafted  there  on  an  occafion  of  public  feftivity. 

Stebvens. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  293 

vice,  that  grey  iniquity,  that  father  ruffian,  that 
vanity  in  years  ?  Wherein  is  he  good,  but  to  tafte 
fack  and  drink  it  ?  wherein  neat  and  cleanly,  but  to 
carve  a  capon  and  eat  it  ?  wherein  9  cunning,  but  in 
craft  ?  wherein  crafty  but  in  villainy  ?  wherein  vil- 
lainous, but  in  all  things  ?  wherein  worthy,  but  in 
nothing  ? 

Fal.  I  would  your  grace  would  ^  take  me  with  you. 
Whom  means  your  grace  ? 

P.  Henry.  That  villainous  abominable  mif-leader  of 
youth,  FalftafF,  that  old  white-bearded  Satan. 

PaL  My  lord,  the  man  I  know. 

P.  Henry.  I  know  thou  doft. 

Fal.  But  to  fay,  I  know  more  harm  in  him  than 
in  myfelf,  were  to  fay  more  than  I  know.  That  he 
is  old  (the  more  the  pity)  his  white  hairs  do  witnefs 
it :  but  that  he  is  (faving  your  reverence)  a  whore- 
mafter,  that  I  utterly  deny.  *  If  fack  and  fugar  be 
a  fault,  God  help  the  wicked !  If  to  be  old  and 
merry  be  a  fin,  then  many  an  old  hoft  that  I  know  is 
damn*d.  If  to  be  fat  be  to  be  hated,  then  Pha- 
radi's  lean  kine  are  to  be  lov'd.     No,  my  good  lord ; 

•  —  cunning, ]     Cunning  was  not  yet  debafed  to  a  bad 

meaning:  it  iignified ^/r^oy/V?^,  or JkilfuL     Johnson, 

•  —  take  me  with  you. '\  That  is,  go  no  fafter  than  I  can 
follow  you.     Let  me  know  your  meaning.     Johnson. 

•  Iffaek  and  fugar  he  a  faulty  &c.]  Sack  and  fugar  was  a  fa- 
rourite  liquor  in  Shakefpeare's  time.  In  a  letter  defer ibing 
queen  Elizabeth's  entertainment  at  Killingworth-caftle,  I575» 
by  R.  L.  [Langham]  bl.  1.  i2mo,  the  writer  fays  (p.  86.) 
**  fipt  I  no  more  fak  and  fuger  than  I  do  Malmzey,  I  ihould 
"  not  blufli  fo  much  a  dayz  az  I  doc."  And  in  another  place, 
defcribing  a  minilrell,  who»  being  fomewhat  irafcible,  had 
been  offended  by  the  company,  he  adds,  "  at  lafl,  by  Aim  en- 
"  treaty,  and  many  fair  woords,  with  fak  and  fuger ,  we  fweeten 
**  him  a^ain."  p.  92.     Pkrcy. 

This  liquor  is  likewife  mentioned  in  The  WildGoofe  Chafe  of 
B.  and  Fletcher : 

*•   ■         You  fhall  find  us  in  the  tavern, 

•*  Lsimetitingin  fack  and  fugar  for  your  lofTes." 

Stesvbns. 

T  3  banifh 


294    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

banilh  Peto,  banirti  Bardolph,  banilh  Poins ;  but  for 
fweet  Jack  FalftafiF,  kind  Jack  Falftaff,  true  Jack  Fal- 
ftafF,  valiant  Jack  FalftafF,  and  therefore  more  va- 
liant,  being  as  he  is,  old  Jack  Falftaff,  banifh  not  him 
thy  Harry's  company  -,  banifh  plump  Jack,  ahd  banUh 
all  the  world. 

P.  Henry.  I  do,  I  will. 

[Knocking  •,  and  Hojiefs  and  Bardolfb  go  mt. 

Re-enter  Bardolpb  running. 

Bar.  O,  my  lord,  my  lord,  the  (heriff  with  a  moft 
monftrous  watch  is  at  the  door. 

FaL  Out,  you  rogue! — Play  out  the  play :  I  have 
much  to  fay  in  behalf  of  that  Falflaflf, 

Re-enter  the  Hojiefs. 

Hoji.  O,  my  lord,  my  lord ! 

Fal  Heigh,  heigh !  the  devil  rides  upon  a  fiddle- 
ftick :  what's  the  matter  ? 

HoJi.  The  fheriffand  all  the  watch  are  at  the  door: 
they  are  come  to  fearch  the  houfe.  Shall  I  kt  them 
in? 

Fal  Doft  thou  hear,  Hal  ?  never  call  a  true  piece 
of  gold  a  counterfeit ;  thou  art  eflentiaUy  mad,  with- 
out feeming  fo. 

P.  Henry.  And  thou  a  natural  coward,  vnthout  in- 
ftinft. 

Fal.  I  deny  your  major.  If  vou  will  deny  the  (heriflP, 
fo  ;  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  (hall  as  foon  ht  ftrangled  with  a  halter  as 
another. 

P.  Henry.  Go,  ^  hide  thee  behind  the  arras ;  the  reft 

walk 

^  ^—7-  i^ide  thee  Mind  the  arras  \ ]     The  bulk  of  FalftaflF 

inade  him  not  the  fitteft  to  be  concealed  behind  the  hangings^ 
but  every  poet  facrifices  foi^ctlung  to  the  fccncrj* ;   if  FaJftaflF" 


-        KING    HENRY    IV.  295 

walk  up  above.  Now,  my  mafters,  for  a  true  face, 
and  a  good  confcience. 

FaL  Bodi  which  I  have  had ;  but  their  date  is  out, 
and  therefore  I'll  hide  me. 

[Exeunt  Faljlaff^  Bardolph^  Gads-hill^  and  Pcto ; 
manent  Prince  and  Poins, 
P.  Henry.  Call  in  the  Iheriff 

Enter  Sheriff  and  Carrier. 

Now,  mafter  flierifF,  what  is  your  will  with  me  ? 

Sher.  Firft,  pardon  me,  my  lord. — A  hue  and  cry 
Hath  followed  certain  men  unto  this  houfe. 

P.  Henry.  What  men  ? 

Sher.  One  of  them  is  well  known,  my  gracious  lord, 
A  grofs  fat  man. 

Car.  As  fat  as  butter. 

P.  Henry.  ♦  The  man,  I  do  aflure  you,  is  not  here. 
For  I  myfelf  at  this  time  have  employ'd  him. 
And,  fherifF,  I  engage  my  word  to  thee. 
That  I  will,  by  to-morrow  dinner  time. 
Send  him  to  anfwer  thee,  or  any  man. 
For  any  thing  he  fhall  be  charg'd  withal : 
And  fo  let  me  intreat  you  leave  the  houfe. 

Sher.  I  will,  my  lord.     There  are  two  gentlemen 
Have  in  this  robbery  loft  three  hundred  marks. 

P.  Henry.  It  may  be  fo :  if  he  have  robb'd  thefe  men. 
He  Ihall  be  anfwerable ;  and  fo,  farewell. 

had  not  been  hidden  he  could  not  have  been  found  afleep,  nor 
had  his  pockets  fearchcd.     Johnson. 

In  old  houfes  there  were  always  large  fpaces  left  between 
the  arras  and  the  walls,  fufficient  to  contain  even  one  of  Fal- 
ftaff's  bulk.  Such  are  thofe  which  Fantomc  mentions  in  Thi 
Drummer.     Steevkns. 

♦  The  many  I  do  affure  you,  is  not  here,"]  Every  reader  muft 
regret  that  Shakefpeare  would  not  give  himfcif  the  trouble  to 
furnifh  prince  Henry  with  fome  more  pardonable  excufc  for  the 
abfence  of  FalflafF,  than  by  obliging  him  to  have  recourfe  to 
an  abfolute  falfhood,  and  that '  too  uttered  under  the  fan^ion 
of /o  ftrong  an  afTurance.     Ste evens. 

T4  Sber. 


296     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Sher.  Good  ni^ht,  my  noble  lord. 

P.  Henry.  I  think  it  be  good  morrow,  is  it  not  ? 

Sber.  Indeal,  my  lord,  I  think  it  be  two  o'clock. 

[Exit. 

P.  Henry.  This  oily  rafcal  is  known  as  well  as  Paul's ; 
^  Go,  call  him  forth. 

Poins.  Falftaff ! fall  afleep  behind  the  arras,  and 

fnorting  like  a  horfe. 

P.  Henry.    Hark,    how  hard   he   fetches  breath. 
Search  his  pockets. 

[Hefearcbes  his  pockets^  and  finds  certain  papers. 
What  haft  thou  found  ^ 

Poins.  Nothing  but  papers,  my  lord. 

p.  Henry.  Let's  fee,  what  be  they  ?  read  them. 

Poins.  Item,  a  capon,  2s.  2d. 
Item,  Sawce,  4d. 
Item,  Sack,  two  gallons,  5s.  8d. 
Item,  Anchovies  and  fack  after  fupper,  2s.  6d. 
Item,  Bread,  a  halfpenny. 

P.  Henry.  O  monftrous !  but  one  halfjpenny-worth 
of  bread  to  this  intolerable  deal  of  fack  ?  What  there 
is  elfe,  keep  clofe  -,  we*U  read  it  at  more  advantage : 
there  let  him  fleep  till  day.     PU  to  the  court  in  the 

'  Goy  call  bim  forth. 1  The  fcencry  here  is  fomcwhat  per- 
plexed. When  the  IherifF  came,  the  whole  gang  retired,  and 
FalflaiF  was  hidden.  As  foon  as  the  fherifF  is  fent  away,  the 
prince  orders  Falllaff  to  be  called  :  by  whom  ?  by  Peto.  But 
why  had  not  Peto  gone  up  ftairs  with  the  rell  ?  and  if  he  had, 
why  did  not  the  relr  come  down  with  him  ?  The  converfation 
that  follows  between  the  prince  and  Peto,  feems  to  be  apart 
from  the  others. 

I  cannot  but  fufpeft  that  for  Peto  we  fhould  read  Poins : 
what  had  Peto  done,  that  his  place  (hould  be  honourable,  or 
that  he  (hould  be  trufted  with  the  plot  againft  Falftaff?  Poins 
has  the  prince's  confidence,  and  is  a  man  of  courage. 

This  alteration  clears  the  whole  difficulty :  they  all  retired 
but  Poins,  who,  with  the  prince,  having  only,  robbed  the  rob- 
bers, had  no  need  to  conceal  himfclf  from  the  travellers.  We 
may  therefore  boldly  change  the  fcenical  direction  thus.  Exeunt 
FalJiaJ,  Bardolph^  Gads-hilU  and  Peto ;  manent  the  Prince  and 
Poins.     Johnson. 

morning: 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ^^^ 

morning :  we  muft  all  to  the  wars,  and  thy  place  ilhali 
be  honourable.  I'll  procure  this  fat  rogue  a  charge  of 
foot;  and  ^  I  know  his  death  will  be  a  march  of 
twelvefcore.  The  money  Ihall  be  paid  back  again, 
with  advantage.  Be  with  me  betimes  in  the  morning; 
and  fo  good  morrow,  Poins. 

Poins.  Good  morrow,  good  my  lord.  [Exeunt. 


ACT     III.      SCENE     !• 

^be  archdeacon  of  Bangor's  boufe  in  Wales. 

Enter  Hotfpur^  JVorcefter^  lord  Mortimer^  and  Owen 
Glendaiver. 

Mortimer. 

THESE  promifes  are  fair,  the  parties  furc. 
And  our  7  indudion  full  of  profperous  hope. 

Hot.  Lord  Mortimer,  and  coufin  Glendower-,— 
Will  you  fit  down  ? 

And,  uncle  Worcefter : a  plague  upon  it! 

I  have  forgot  the  map. 

Glend.  No,  here  it  is. 
Sit,  coufm  Percy;  fit,  good  coufin  Hotfpur: 
For,  by  that  name,  as  oft  as  Lancafter 
Doth  fpeak  of  you,  his  cheek  looks  pale ;  and,  with 
A  rifing  figh,  he  wiftieth  you  m  heaven. 

*  —  /  knonv  his  death  ivill  he  a  march  of  t'wel<vefcore. ^] 

!•  c.  It  will  kill  him  to  march  fo  far  as  twelvefcore  yards. 

JOHNSON. 

Ben  Jonfon  ufes  the  fame  cxpreffion  in  his  Sejanus : 
**  That  looked  for  falutations  twehe/core  off." 

Steevens. 

'  — —  indudlioff'^]    That  is,  entrance ;  beginning. 

Johnson. 

Hot. 


298    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Hoi.  And  you  in  hell,  as  often  as  he  hears 
Owen  Glendower  fpokc  of. 

Gknd.  I  cannot  blame  him :  *  at  my  nativity 
The  front  of  heaven  was  full  of  fiery  (hapes^ 
Of  burning  creflets  -,  and  at  my  birth 
The  frame  and  the  foundation  of  the  earth 
Shook  like  a  coward. 

Hot.  Why,  fo  it  would  have  done 
At  the  fame  feafon,  if  your  mother's  cat 
Had  kitten'd,  though  yourfelf  had  ne'er  been  bom. 

Gknd.  I  fay,  the  earth  did  Ihake  when  I  was  born. 

Hot.  And  I  fay,  the  earth  was  not  of  my  mind. 
If  you  fuppofe,  as  fearing  you  it  ftiook. 

Gknd.  The  heavens  were  all  on  fire,  the  earth  did 
tremble. 

Hot.  O,  then  the  earth  fhook  to  fee  the  heavens  on 
fire, 
And  not  in  fear  of  your  nativity. 
9  Difeafed  nature  oftentimes  breaks  forth 
In  ftrange  eruptions :  oft  the  teeming  earth 
Is  with  a  kind  of  cholic  pinch'd  and  vex'd. 
By  the  imprifoning  of  unruly  wind 
Within  her  womb ;  which,  for  enlargement  ftriving. 
Shakes  the  old  beldame  earth,  and  topples  down 
Steeples,  and  mofs-grown  to\Yers.     At  your  birth. 
Our  grandam  earth,  having  this  diftemperature. 
In  paffion  Ihook. 

Glend.  Coufin,  of  many  men 
I  do  not  bear  thefe  croffings.     Give  me  leave 

•  — -  at  tnif  nativity  9  fcc]  McH  of  thefe  prodigies  appear 
to  have  been  invented  by  Shakefpeare.  Holinfhed  (ays  only, 
**  Strange  wonders  happened  at  the  nativity  of  this  man  ;  for 
*•  the  fame  night  he  was  born,  all  his  father's  horfcs  in  the 
'*  ftable  were  round  to  fland  in  blood  up  to  their  bellies." 

Stebvens, 

5  Difeafed  nature — ]  The  poet  has  here  taken,  from  the 
pcrvcrfcnefs  and  contrarioufnefs  of  Hotfpur's  temper,  an  op- 
portunity of  raifing  his  charadler,  by  a  very  rational  and  philo- 
ibphical  confutation  of  fuperftitious  error.    Johnson, 

To 


KING    HENRY    IV.  299 

To  tcU  you  once  again,  that  at  my  birth 

The  front  of  heaven  was  full  of  fiery  fhapes ; 

The  goats  ran  from  the  mountains,  and  the  herds 

Were  ftrangely  clamorous  to  the  frighted  fields: 

Thefe  figns  have  marked  me  extraordinary  j 

And  all  the  courfes  of  my  life  do  (hew, 

I  am  not  in  the  roll  of  common  men. 

Where  is  he  living,  clipped  in  with  the  fca. 

That  chides  the  banks  of  England,  Scotland,  Wales, 

Who  calls  me  pupil,  or  hath  read  to  nie  ? 

And  bring  him  out,  that  is  but  woman's  Ion, 

Can  trace  me  in  the  tedious  ways  of  art. 

Or  hold  me  pace  in  deep  experiments. 

Hot.  I  think  there  is  no  man  fpeaks  better  Wdfli.— 
I  will  to  dinner. 

Mort.  Peace,  coufin  Percy-,  you  will  make  him 

mad. 
Glend.  I  can  call  fpirits  from  the  vafty  deep. 
Hot.  Why,  fo'can  I ;  or  fo  can  any  man : 
But  will  they  come,  when  you  do  call  for  them? 

Glend.  Why,  I  can  teach  thee,  coufin,  to  command 
The  devil. 

Hot.  And  I  can  teach  thee,  coufin,  to  fhamc  the 
devil. 
By  telling  truth :  Tdl  truth  andjhame  the  devH.--^ 
If  thou  haft  power  to  raife  him,  bring  him  hither. 
And  rU  be  fworn,  IVe  power  to  fliame  him  hence. 
O,  while  you  live,  tell  truth,  and  ftiame  the  devil. 

Mbrt.  Come,  come! 
No  more  of  this  unprofitable  chat. 
Glend.  Three  times  hath  Henry  Bolingbroke  made 
head 
Againft  niy  power :  thrice,  frcxn  the  banks  of  Wye, 
And  fandy-bottom*d  Severn,  have  I  fcnt 
Him  bootlefs  home,  and  weather-beaten,  b.ack. 
Hot.  Home,  without  boots,  and  in  foul  weather 
too! 
How  'fcapes  he  agues,  in  the  devil's  name  ? 

CUnd. 


joo    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Glend.  Come,  here's  the  map :  Ihall  we  divide  our 

right, 
According  to  our  three-fold  order  taken  ? 
Mort.  The  archdeacon  hath  divided  it 
Into  three  limits,  very  equally  : 
England,  from  Trent,  and  Severn  hitherto. 
By  fouth  and  eaft,  is  to  my  part  affign'd : 
All  weftward,  Wales,  beyond  the  Severn  fhore. 
And  all  the  fertile  land  >^ithin  that  bound. 
To  Owen  Glendower  -,  and,  dear  coz,  to  you 
The  remnant  northward,  lying  off  from  Trent. 
Arid  our  indentures  tripartite  are  drawn  : 
Which  being  fcaled  interchangeably, 
(A  bufinefs  that  this  night  may  execute) 
To-morrow,  coufin  Percy,  you  and  I, 
And  my  good  lord  of  Wor'fter,  will  fet  forth 
To  meet  your  father  and  the  Scottifh  power. 
As  is  appointed  us,  at  Shrewfbury. 
My  father  Glendower  is  not  ready  yet. 
Nor  (hall  we  need  his  help  thefe  fourteen  days : 
— Within  that  fpace,  you  may  have  drawn  together 
Your  tenants,  friends,  and  neighbouring  gentlemen, 

XTo  Glendower. 
Glend.  A  fhorter  time  fhall  fend  me  to  you,  lords. 
And  in  my  conduft  Ihall  your  ladies  come ; 
From  whom  you  now  muft  deal,  and  take  no  leave : 
For  there  will  be  a  world  of  water  Ihed, 
Upon  the  parting  of  your  wives  and  you. 

Hot.  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  bell  of  all  my  land, 
A  huge  half-moon,  a  monftrous  cantle  out. 
I'll  have  the  current  in  this  place  damm'd  up ; 
And  here  the  fmug  and  filver  Trent  (hall  run 
In  a  new  channel,  fair  and  evenly : 
It  Ihall  not  wind  with  fuch  a  deep  indent, 
To  rob  me  of  fo  rich  a  bottom  here. 

2  Glend. 


KIKG    H^NRY^    IV.  301 

^}enJ.  Not  wind  ?  it  fhall,  it  muft ;  you  fee  it  doth. 
MarL  But  mark,  he  bears  his  courfe,  a/id  runs  me  up 
'\^/'ith  like  advantage  on  the  other  fide. 
Grading  the  oppofcd  continent  as  much, 
A^s  on  the  othei-  fide  it  takes  from  you. 

JVor.  Yes,  but  a  little  charge  will  trench  him  herc^ 
Aw»d  on  this  north-fide  win  this  cape  of  land, 
A.*id  then  he  runs  ftraight  and  even. 

Hoi.  ril  have  it  fo ;  a  little  charge  will  do  it. 
Glend.  I  will  not  have  it  alter'd. 
Hoi.  Will  not  you? 
Glend.  No,  nor  you  fhall  not. 
Hot.  Who  Ihall  fay  me  nay  ? 
Glend.  Why,  that  will  I. 
Hot.  Let  mc  not  undcrftand  you  then ; 
Speak  it  in  Wellh. 

Glend.  I  can  fpeak  Englifh,  lord,  as  well  as  you  i 
Pof  I  was  train'd  up  in  the  Enriifti  court, 
M^here,  being  young,  I  framed  to  the  harp 
Many  an  EngUlh  ditty,  lovely  well. 
And  gave  *  the  tongue  a  helpful  ornament  j 
A  virtue  that  was  never  feen  in  you. 

Hot.  Marry,  and  Tm  glad  of  it  with  all  my  heart ; 
I  had  rather  be  a  kitten,  and  cry,  mew. 
Than  one  of  thefe  fame  metre-ballad-mongers  : 
I  had  rather  hear  *  a  brazen  candleftick  tum'd. 
Or  a  dry  wheel  grate  on  the  axle-tree  \ 
And  that  would  nothing  fet  my  teeth  on  edge. 
Nothing  fo  much  as  mincing  poetry  -, 
'Tis  l^kc  the  fprc'd  gait  of  a  muffling  nag, 
GlenJ.  Comae,  you  fhall  have  Trent  turn'd. 
Hot.  I  do  not  care :  Til  give  thrive  fo  much  land 
to  any  well-^deierving  friend ; 

'  — — /A#/tf«^«f— ]  The  Englifli  language.     Johnson. 

^- a  braxin  candUftick  turi%d^'\    1  he  word  caMit/eflicif 

Whkli  deftroys  the  harmonv  of  the  line,  was  anciently  written 
<a^ci.  HeywQod,  and  ieveral  of  the  old  writers,  conftantly 
^pdl  it  in  this  manner.    Steev^ns, 

But, 


3D2     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

But,  in  the  way  of  bargain,  mark  ye  me, 

rU  cavil  on  the  ninth  part  of  a  hair. 

Are  the  indentures  drawn  ?  fhall  we  be  gone  ? 

GUnd.  The  moon  ihines  fair,  you  may  away  by 
night : 
3.(ril  hafte  the  writer)  and,  withal. 
Break  with  your  wives  of  your  departure  hence. 
I  am  afraid,  my  daughter  will  run  mad. 
So  much  flie  doateth  on  her  Mortimer.  [Exit 

Mori.  Fie,  coufin  Percy,  how  you  crofs  my  father 
Hot,  I  cannot  choofe.     Sometimes  he  angers  me. 
With  telling  ♦  of  the  moldwarp  and  the  ant. 
Of  the  dreamer  Merlin,  and  his  prophecies  j 
And  of  a  dragon,  and  a  finlefs  fifh, 
A  clip-wing  ^ilEn,  and  a  moulting  raven, 
A  couching  lion,  and  a  ramping  car. 
And  fuch  a  deal  of  Ikimble-lkamble  fluff. 
As  puts  me  from  my  faith.     I  tell  you  what— 
He  held  me  the  lafl  night  at  leaft  nine  hours. 
In  reckoning  up  the  fcveral  devils  names 
That  were  his  lacqueys :  I  cry'd,  hum, — and  weHf—gi 

But  marked  him  not  a  word.     O,  he's  as  tedious 
As  is  a  tired  horle,  a  railing  wife ; 

3  (VU  hafte  the  writer  J ]   He  means  the  writer  of  tli 

articles.     Pope. 

*  of  the  mcUxvarp  and  the  «»/,]  This  alludes  to  ao  oh 

prophecy,  which  is  faid  to  have  induced  Owen  Glendower  ti 
take  arms  againll  king  Henry.     See  HaWs  Chronicle^  io.  20. 

Pope. 
So,  in  The  Mirror  of  Magiftratesy  written  by  Phaer,  the  ol 
tranflator  of  Virgil^  Owen  Glendower  is  introduced  (peakin 
rf  himfelf, 

"  And  for  to  fet  us  hereon  more  agog, 
"  A  prophet  came  (a  vengeance  take  them  all !) 
'*  Affirming  Henry  to  be  Gogmagog, 
'*  Whom  Merlin  doth  a  mouU-warpe  tv^t  call, 
*•  Accurs'd  of  God,  that  muft  be  brought  in  thral)» 
«'  By  a  wolfe,  a  dragon,  and  a  lion  ftrong, 
^*  Which  Ihould  divide  his  kingdom  them  among.** 

Steevbics* 

Wori 


KING    HENRY    IV.  303 

Worfe  than  a  fmoaky  houfe.     I  had  rather  live 
With  cheefe  and  garlick,  in  a  windmi)l/far. 
Than  feed  on  cates,  and  have  him  talk  tome. 
In  any  fummer-houfe  in  Chriftendom. 

Mort.  In  faith,  he  is  a  worthy  gentleman  j 
Exceedingly  well  read,  and  5  profited 
In  ftrange  concealments  •,  valiant  as  a  lion, 
■Arid  wond'rous  affable ;  and  as  bountiful 
As  mines  of  India.     Shall  I  tell  you,  coufin  ? 
He  holds  your  temper  in  a  high  refpeft, 
•And  curbs  himfelf,  even  of  his  natural  fcope. 
When  you  do  crofs  his  humour ;  *faith,  he  does : 
I  Warrant  you,  that  man  is  not  alive 
Might,  fo  have  tempted  him  as  you  have  done. 
Without  the  tafte  of  danger  and  reproof, 
fiut  do  not  ufe  it  oft,  let  me  intreat  you. 

Wor.  In  faith,  my  lord,  you  are  ^  too  wilful-blame ; 
And,  lince  your  coming  hither,  have  done  enough 
To  put  him  quite  bcfide  his  patience. 
You  muft  needs  learns  lord,  to  amend  this  fault : 
Though  fometim^s  it  (hews  greatnefs,  courage,  blood, 
(And  that's  the  dcareft  grace  it  renders  you) 
Yet  oftentimes  it  doth  prefent  harfli  r^c, 
Dcfeft  of  manners,  want  of  government. 
Pride,  haughtirtefs,  opinion,  and  difdain : 
The  kaft  or  which,  haunting  a  nobleman, 
Lofcth  mens'  hearts  •,  and  leaves  behind  a  ftain 
Upon  the  beauty  of  all  parts  iDefides, 
Baling  them  of  commendation. 
not.  Well,  lam  fchool'd:  good  manners  be  your 
fpeed! 
Here  come  our  wives,  and  let  us  take  our  leave. 


profited 


In  ftrange  coMcealments\-^ — ]     Skilled  in  wonderful  fecrets. 

Johnson. 
•  too  nuilfuUhlame ;]     This  is  a  mode  of  fpeech  with 

*Mch  I  am  not  acquainted.     jPcrhaps  it  might  be  read  too  wiU 
ffd'hlunt^  ovtoonuiiful-hent;  ofrhas. 

Indeed^  my  lord^  you  are  to  blarney  too  wilful.     Johns. 

Rfi-Cnt€T 


304    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Re-enter  Glendower^  with  the  ladies. 

Mort.  This  is  the  deadly  fpight  that  angers  me— - 
My  wife  can  fpeak  no  Englifh,  I  no  Welfh. 

Glend.  My  daughter  weeps ;  fhe  will  not  part  wit 
you. 
She'll  be  a  foldier  too,  Ihe'll  to  the  wars. 

Mort.    Good  father,   tell  her,  fhe  and   my  aun 
Percy 
Shall  follow  in  your  conduft  fpeedily, 

[Glendower  /peaks  to  her  in  Weljb^  and  Jhe  m 
fwers  him  in  the  fame. 
Glend.  She*s  defperate  herej  a  peevifh  felf-will*< 
harlotry. 
That  no  perfuafion  can  do  good  upon. 

iUdyfpeaksinmilL 
Mort.  I  underftand  thy  looks  :  that  pretty  Wellh, 
Which  thou  poureft  down  from  thefe  fwelling  heavens 
I  am  too  perfeft  in ;  and,  but  for  (hame. 
In  fuch  a  parly  fliould  I  anfwer  thee. 

\7be  lady  again  in  Welj^ 
I  underftand  thy  kiffes,  and  thou  mine. 
And  that's  a  feeling  difputation  ; 
But  I  will  never  be  a  truant,  love. 
Till  I  have  learn'd  thy  language  •,  for  thy  tongue 
Makes  Welfli  as  fweet  as  ditties  highly  penn'd. 
Sung  by  a  fair  queen  in  a  fummer's  bower. 
With  ravifhing  divifion,  to  her  lute. 

Glend.  Nay,  if  thou  melt,  then  will  ftie  run  mad. 

[The  lady  fpeaks  again  in  fVelfi 
Mort.  O,  I  am  ignorance  itfclf  in  this. 
Glend.  She  bids  you, 
7  Upon  the  wanton  rufhes  lay  you  down. 
And  reft  your  gentle  head  upon  her  lap, 

^  jfli  OH  the  *wanton  rujhes  lay  you  /ioivn,']  It  was  the  cufto] 
in  this  country,  for  many  ages,  to  flrevv  the  floors  with  ru(h< 
as  wc  now  cover  them  with  carpets.     Johnson. 

Ao 


KING    HENRY    IV.  305 

And  fhe  will  fing  the  fong  that  pleafeth  you, 
'  And  on  your  eye-lids  crown  the  god  of  fleep, 
Charmmg  your  blood  with  pleafing  heavinefs ; 
^  Making  fuch  difference  betwixt  wake  and  fleep. 
As  is  the  difference  betwixt  day  and  night, 
The  hour  before  the  heavenly-harnefs'd  team 
Begins  his  golden  progrefs  in  the  eafl. 

Mort.  With  all  my  heart  I'll  fit,  and  hear  her  fmg : 
By  that  time  will »  our  book,  I  think,  be  drawn* 

Glend.  Do  fo : 
*  And  thofe  muficians,  that  fhall  play  to  you, 
Hang  in  the  air  a  thoufand  leagues  from  hence  ^ 
Yetftraitthey  fhall  be  here.     Sit,  and  attend. 

Hot,  Come,  Kate,  thou  art  perfcft  in  lying  down ! 
come,  quick,  quick  -,  that  I  may  lay  my  head  in  thy 
lap. 

Lady.  Go,  ye  giddy  goofe.  [The  mufic  flays. 

Hoi.  Now  I  perceive  the  devil  underflands  Welfti : 
And  'ris  no  marvel  he  is  fo  humorous. 
B/rlady,  he's  a  good  mufician. 

Lady.  Then  would  you  be  nothing  but  mufical,  for 
you  are  altogether  governed  by  humours.  Lie  ftill, 
ye  thief,  and  hear  the  lady  fing  in  Welfh. 

'  And  on  your  eye-lids  cronv'n  the  god  ofJleep,'\  The  expreffion 
is  fine;  intimating,  that  the  god  of  fleep  Ihould  not  only  yf/  on 
iis  eye4ids>  but  that  he  fhould^/  croixn^d^  that  is,  pleai'ed  and 
delighted.     Warburton. 

*  Making /uch  difference  bettuixt  nvake  and  JleepA  She  will 
Wl  you  by  her  fong  into  foft  tranquillity,  in  which  you  ftiall 
be  fo  near  to  fleep  as  to  be  free  from  perturbation,  and  fo  much 
awake  as  to  be  ienfible  of  pleafure ;  a  ftate  partaking  of  fleep 
tod  wakefulnefs,  as  the  twilight  of  night  ind  day.  Johnson. 

*  -— our  ^M/f,— ]     Our  paper  of  conditions. 

Johnson. 

*  And  thofe  muficians y  that  Jhall  play  to  you^ 
Hang  in  the  air 

Yetf  &c.]     The  particle  j>^/  being  ufed  adverfatively,  muft 
«*vc  a  particle  of  conceflion  preceding  it.     I  read  therefore 

And  tho*  th^  muficians ■ 

Warburton. 

Vol.  V.  U  Hot. 


p6     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

FIoL  I  had  rather  hear  Lady,  my  brach,  howl  ir 
Irifh. 

Lady.  Would'ft  have  thy  head  broken  ? 

Hot.  No. 

Lcdy.  Then  be  ftill. 

Hot.  3  Neither.     'Tis  a  woman's  fault. 

Lady.  Now  God  help  thee  ! 

Hot.  To  the  Welili  lady's  bed. 

Lady.  Vv'hat'sthat? 

Hot.  Peace !  Ihe  fmgs. 

[Here  the  ladyftngs  a  Wel/hjoi^ 
Come,  ril  have  your  long  too. 

Lady.  Not  mine,  in  good  footh. 

Hoi.  Not  yours,  in  good  footh !  you  fwear  like  ; 
Comfit-maker's  wife  :  not  you,  in  good  footh  ;  and,  a 
true  as  I  live ;  and,  as  God  Jhall  mend  me  \  and^  a 
fure  as  day :  and  givcll  fuch  farcenet  furety  for  tli; 
oaths,  as  if  thou  never  walk'd'ft  further  than  Fini 
bury. 

Swear  me,  Kate,  like  a  lady,  as  thou  art, 
A  good  mouth-filling  oath  •,  and  leave  infootb^ 
And  fuch  protcfl:  of  pepper-ginger-bread. 
To  4  velvet  guards,  and  Sunday-citizens. 
Come,  fing. 

Lady.  I  will  not  fing. 

3  Neither.  ^Tis  a  iK-onians  fault. '\  I  do  not  plainly  fee  wlit 
16  a  woman 'g  fau It.     Johnson. 

*♦  <vel'-j£t  guards, ]     To  fuch  as  have  their  doath 

adorned  with  IhrcJs  of  velvet,  which  was,  I  fuppofc,  tlie  finer 
of  cockneys.     Johnson. 

**  The  cloaks,  doublets,"  &c.  (fays  Stubbs,  in  his  Anatom 
cf  Ahvfcs)  **  were  guarded  with  ^jelvet  guards,  or  clfc  laa 
•*  with  coilly  lace."  Speaking  cf  womens*  gowns,  he  fay: 
"  they  mull  be  <?;uarded  with  great  guards  of<velvet^  every  guar 
**  four  or  fix  fingers  broad  at  the  leaft." 

So  in  a  comedy  called  Hijlrioftiaftix,   i6io,  ^ 

"  0\x\f.mx\i(t{^^jclvet  guards,  and  black-lacM  flco'es, 
"  Thefe  fimpering  faffiions  iimply  followed." 

ST££V£NS. 

H9, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  307 

■  Hot.  5  ^Tis  the  next  way  to  mm  tailor,  or  be 
Robin-red-brcaft  teacher.  If  the  indentures  be  drawn, 
I'll  away  within  thefe  two  houi;^ ;  and  fo  come  in  when 
ye  will.  [Exit. 

Gknd.  Come,  come,  lord  Mortimer;  you  are  as  flow 
As  hot  lord  Percy  is  on  fire  to  go. 
By  this  our  book  is  drawn ;  we  will  but  feal. 
And  then  to  horfe  immediately. 

Mort.  With  ail  my  heart.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE    IL 

Changes  to  the  prefence-chamber  in  Windfor. 
Enter  king  Henry j  prince  offVales^  Lords^  and  others. 

K.  Henry.    Lords,  give  us  leave-;    the  prince  of 
Wales  and  I 
Muft  have  fome  private  conference :  but  be  near 
At  hand,  for  we  fh^U  prefently  have  need  of  you.— 

[Exeunt  Lords. 
I  know  not  whether  God  will  have  it  foj 
^  For  fome  difpleafmg  fervice  I  have  done. 
That,  in  his  fecret  doom,  out  of  my  blood 
He'll  iHwd  reven^ment  and  a  fcourjge  for  me  5 
But  thou  doft,  7  in  thy  paffages  of  lire. 
Make  me  believe,  that  thou  art  only  marked 
For  the  hot  vengeance  and  the  rod  of  heaven, 
TQpunifli  my  mif-treadings.     Tell  me  elfe, 
Could  fuch  inordinate,  and  low  defires, 

*  *7i/  tbi  next  luay  to  turn  tailor^  &c.]  I  fuppofc  Percy 
"Kans,  that  finging  is  a  mean  quality,  and  therefore  he  ex- 
cufc$ his  lady.     Johnson. 

f^J^mt  dt/pUafingJewice — ]     Service  for  a^ion,  fimply. 

Warburton. 
^:^  in  tiy  paffages  of  life,']    In  thie  pafTages  of  thy  life. 

•  .  St££V£N8. 

U2  Such* 


3o8     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Such  poor,  fuch  bafe,  *  fuch  lewd,  fuch  mean  attempts, 

Such  barren  plealures,  rude  fociety. 

As  thou  art  matched  withal  and  grafted  to, 

Accompany  the  greatnefs  of  thy  blood. 

And  hold  their  level  with  thy  princely  heart  ? 

P.  Henry.  So  plcafe  your  majefty,  I  would  I  could 
Quit  all  offences  with  as  clear  excufe. 
As  well  as,  I  am  doubtlefs,  I  can  purge 
Myfelf  of  many  I  am  charged  withsJ.   • 
9  Yet  luch  extenuation  Jet  me  beg. 
As,  ifi  reproof  of  many  tales  devis'd. 
Which  oft  the  ear  of  greatnefs  needs  muft  hear, 
By  fmiling  pick-thanks  and  bafe  news-mongers, 
I  may,  for  fome  things  true,  wherein  my  youth 
Hath  faulty  wander'd,  and  irregular. 
Find  pardon  on  my  true  fubmiffion. 

K.  Hem-y.  Heaven  pardon  thee.     Yet  let  me  wo^"-^' 
der,  Harry, 
At  thy  affections,  which  do  hold  a  wing 
Qiiite  from  the  flight  of  all  thy  anceftors. 
Thy  place  in  council  thou  haft  rudely  loft. 
Which  by  thy  younger  brother  is  fupply'd  j 
And  art  almoft  an  alien  to  the  hearts 
Of  all  the  court  and  princes  of  my  blood. 


'  fuch  le^jdj  fuch   mean  attempt s^'X      Shakefpeare 

tainly  wrote  attaints y  i.  e.  unlawful  actions.     Warbvutok. 

Mean  attempts  are  meauy  unnuorthy  undertakings,  Lfwd  doe^^^ 
not  in  this  place  barely  fignify  ivanton,  but  licentiomr.  So  B  -^^ 
Jonfon,  in  his  Poet  aft  er^ 

"         .     .  ■  ■>— great  a£tion  may  be  fu'd 

**  'Gainll  fuch  as  wrong  mens'  fames  with  verfes  Irwi* 
And  again,  in  Folpcne, 

" they  are  moil  /m*;^  impoftors, 

*•  Made  all  of  terms  and  flireds.*'         Stebvens. 
9  Ttt  fuch  extenuation  ht  me  hegy  &c.]      The  COnftru^lioD  V^^ 
fomevvhat  obfcurc.     Let  me  beg   fo  much  extenuation,  that^^ 
updn  cortjutation  of  many  foij'e  charges,  I  may  he  pardoned  fome  tba^ 
are  true.     I   (hould  read  on  reproof  in  (lead  of  in  reproof  i    bu^^ 
concorniLg  Shakcfpeare's  particles  there  is  no  certainty. 

JOHNSOI^. 

Ther 


KING    HENRY    IV.  509 

The  hope  and  expeftation  of  thy  time 

Is  ruiny ;  and  the  foul  of  every  man 

Prophetically  does  fore-think  thy  falL 

Had  I  fo  lavifti  o(  my  prefence.been. 

So  common  hackneyed  in  the  eyes  of  men. 

So  ftale  and  cheap  to  vulgar  company  -, 

Opinion,  that  did  help  me  to  the  crown. 

Had  ftill  kept  '  loyal  to  poffeffion  •, 

And  left  me  in  repuielefs  banifhment, 

A  fellow  of  no  mark,  nor  likelihood. 

By  being  feldom  feen,  I  could  not  ftir. 

But,  like  a  comet,  I  was  wonder'd  at ; 

That  men  would  tell  their  children,  this  isbe\ 

Others  would  fay,  where?  which  is  Bolingbroke? 

*  And  then  I  ftole  all  courtefy  from  heaven. 

And  dreft  myfelf  in  fuch  humility. 

That  I  did  pluck  allegiance  from  mens'  hearts. 

Loud  ftiouts  and  falutations  from  their  mouths, 

Even  in  the  prefence  of  the  crowned  king. 

Thus  I  did  keep  my  perfon  frelh  and  new ; 

My  prefence,  like  a  robe  pontifical. 

Ne'er  feen,  but  wonder'd  at :  and  fo  my  ftate. 

Seldom,  but  fumptuous,  fhewed  like  a  feaft, 

And  won,  by  rarenefs,  fuch  folemnity. 

The  Ikipping  king,  he  ambled  up  and  down 

With  (hallow  jefters,  and  3  rafh  bavin  wits, 

■  ""  inal  to  pofej/ion ; ]     True  to  him  that  had  then 

pofle&on  of  the  crown.     Johnson. 

^  And  then  I  ftoU  all  courtefy  from  hea'veny'\  This  is  an  allu- 
fion  to  the  ftory  of  Prometheus's  theft,  who  ftole/r^  from  thence ; 
and  as  with  tht'she  made  a  tnan,  fo  with  t/jat  Bolingbroke  made 
*  king.  As  the  gods  were  fuppofed  jealous  in  appropriating 
rea/oH  to 'themfelves»  the  getting/r^  from  thence,  which  lighted 
it  np  in  the  mind,  was  called  a  theft ;  and  as  power  is  their 
prerogative,  the  getting  courtefy  from  thence,  by  which  power 
is  bcft  procured,  is  called  a  theft.  The  thought  is  exquifitcly 
great  and  beautiful.     War  burton. 

' rafh^  ba^in  oui//,]     Rafi  is    heady,  thoughtlefs : 

havin  is  bra(hwood,  which,  fired,  burns  fiercely,  but  is  foon 
out.    Johnson. 

U  3  Soon 


310     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Soon  kindled,  and  foon  burnt :  4  carded  his  ftatt. 

Mingled  his  royalty  with  carping  fools  ; 

Had  his  gre^  name  profaned  with  their  fcoms ; 

s  And  gave  his  countenance,  againll  his  name. 

To  laugh  at  gybing  boys,  and  ftand  the  pufh 

^  Of  every  bcardlefs,  vain  comparative  : 

Grew  a  companion  to  the  common  ftreets, 

EnfcofTd  himfelf  to  popularity : 

That,  being  daily  fwallow'd  by  mens'  eyes. 

They  furfcited  with  honey,  and  began 

To  loath  the  tafte  of  fweetnefs  •,  whereof  a  littlfe 

More  than  a  little  is  by  much  too  much. 

So,  when  he  had  occafion  to  be  feen. 

He  was  but,  as  the  cuckow  is  in  June, 

Heard,  not  regarded ;  feen,  but  with  fuch  eyes, 

As,  fick  and  blunted  with  community. 

Afford  no  extraordinary  gaze. 

Such  as  is  bent  on  fun-like  majefly, 

When  it  (hines  fcldom  in  admiring  eyes : 

But  rather  drowz*d,  and  hung  their  eye-lids  down. 


carded  his  ft  ate  j"]     In  former  copies, 
CARDED  hisftate,'] 


Richard  is  here  reprefented  as  laying  afide  his  royalty,  and  mix-  ^ 
ing  himfelf  with  common  jefters.  This  will  lead  us  to  the  true  "^ 
reading,  which  I  fuppofe  is,* 

'     ■         'scARDED  bis  ft  ate  j^ 

\f  e.  difcarded,  threw  off.     Warburton. 

carded  his  ftate,']     1  he  metaphor  feems  to  be  taken 

from  mingling  coarfe  wool  with/«#,  and  rtfr^//re  them  together, 
whereby  the  value  of  the  latter  is  diminifhed.  The  king  means 
that  Richard  mingled  and  carded  together  his  royal  ftate  witji 
carping  fools,  r^,  bavin  ivits,  &c.    Steevens. 

'  And ga've  his  counteueincc^  againft  his  name, 'I     Made  his  prc» 
f'nce  injurious  to  his  reputation.     Johnson. 

*    0/  e'very    heardlefs^    <vain    comparati<ve ;]      Of  tytPf   hojr 
whofe  vanity  incited  him  to  try  his  wit  againft  the  king's. 

When  Lewis  XIV.  was  afked,  why,  with  fo  much  wit,  he- 
never  attempted  raillery,  he  anfwered,  that  he  who  pra^lifed — 
raillery  ought  to  bear  it  in  his  turn,  and  that  to  ftand  the  bat:: 
of  raillery  was  not  fuitable  to  the  dignity  of  a  king.     Scuekry'^^ 
Cotrycrfatfofi,    Johnson, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  3^ 

Slept  in  his  fape,  and  rendered  fuch  afpedt 
As  cloudy  men  uk  to  their  adverfaries ; 
Being  with  his  prcfencc  glutted,  gorg'd,  and  full. 
And  in  that  very  line,  Harry,  ftand'ft  thou : 
For  thou  haft  loft  thy  princely  privilege 
A\^ith  vile  participation ;  not  an  eye, 
JBut  is  a-weary  of  thy  common  fight. 
Save  mine,  which  hath  defir'd  to  fee  thee  more  -, 
XV^hich  now  doth,  what  I  would  not  have  it  do,    • 
^ake  blind  itfelf  with  foolifh  tendernefs.       {JVeeprng. 
P,  Heniy  I  fhall  hereafter,  my  thrice  gracious  lord. 
Be  more  myfelf. 

K.  Henry.  For  all  the  world. 
As  thou  art  at  this  hour,  was  Richard  tlien. 
When  I  from  France  fet  foot  ?t  Ravenfpurg  ; 
And  even  as  I  was  then,  is  Percy  now. 
Now  by  my  fceptre,  and  my  foul  to  boot, 
^  He  hath  more  worthy  intcreft  to  the  ftate. 
Than  thou,  the  fliadow  of  fucceflion  : 
Tor,  of  no  right,  nor  colour  like  to  right. 
He  doth  fill  fields  with  harnefs  in  the  realm; 
Turns  head  againft  the  lion's  armed  jaws ; 
And,  being  no  more  in  debt  to  years  than  thou. 
Leads  ancient  lords  and  reverend  bifhops  on 
To  bloody  battles,  and  to  bruifing  arms. 
What  never-dying  honour  hath  he  got 
Againft  renowned  Douglas  •,  whofe  high  deeds, 
Whofe  hot  incurfions,  and  great  name  in  arms. 
Holds  from  all  foldiers  chief  majority. 
And  military  title  capital. 

Through  all  the  kingdoms  that  acknowledge  Chrift ! 
Thrice  hath  this  Hotipur,  Mars  in  fwathing  cloaths^ 

'    He  bath  more  nuorthy  inter  eft  to  the  ftate. 

Than  thou,  the  Jhadon.u  of  Juccejfton :']  ^  This  is  obfcurc.  •  I 
believe  the  meaning  is — Hotfpur  hath  a  light  to  ihe  kingdom 
more  worthy  than  thou,  who  haft  only  tae  fljudc<wy  riyjjt  of 
lineal  fuccej/lon^  while  he  has  real  and  folid  power.     Johnson. 

U4      .  This 


314     THE    FIRST    PARTOF 

On  Wednefday  nejct,  Harry,  thou  (halt  fet  forward : 
On  ThurlUay,  we  ourfclves  will  march : 
Our  meeting  is  Bridgnorth ;  and,  Harry,  you 
Shall  march  through  Glo'fterfliire :  by  which  account 
Our  bufinefs  valued,  fome  twelve  days  h^ncc 
Our  general  forces  at  Bridgnorth  fhall  meet. 
Our  hands  are  full  of  bufinefs :  let's  away ;, 
Advantage  feeds  him  fat,  while  men  delay.    [Eiieuni. 

SCENE    III. 

Changes  to  the  Boards-bead  tavern  in  Eajl-cbeap, 
Enter  Faljiaff  and  Bardolph. 

Fal  Bardolph,  am  not  I  fallen  away  vilely  fincc 
this  laft  aftion  ?  Do  I  not  bate  ?  do  I  not  dwindle? 
"Why,  my  fkin  hangs  about  me  like  an  old  lady's  loofc 
gown ;  I  am  withcr'd,  like  an  old  apple  John.  Well, 
ril  repent,  and  that  fuddcnly,  while  I^.am  in  fome 
liking ;  I  fhall  be  out  of  heart  (liortly,  and  then  I 
Ihall  have  no  ftrength  to  repent.  An  I  have  not  for- 
gotten what  the  infide  of  a  church  is  made  of,  lama 
pepper-corn,  '  a  brewer's  horfe.  The  infide  of  a 
church! — Company,  villainous  company,  hath  been 
the  fpoil  of  me. 

Bard.  Sir  John,  you  are  fo  fretful,  you  cannot  live 
long.  • 

.  Fal.  Why,  there  is  it: — come,  fing  me  a  bawdy 
fong,  to  make  me  merry.  I  was  as  virtuoufly  given, 
as  a  gentleman  need  to  be-,  virtuous  enough:  fwott 
little ;  diced,  not  above  feven  times  a  week ;  went  to  a 

■  a  hreiver^s  hor/e.]     I  fuppofe  a  hre^Mers  b§rfi  Wi* 

^pt  to  be  lean  with  hard  work.     Johnson. 

A  hreiver^s  hor/e  dres  not,  perh.ips,  mean  a  dray-horfet  bflt 
|hc  crofs-beam  on  which  becr-barrcls  are  carried  into  cell*''* 
fee.    Perhaps  the  allufion  is  to  the  taper  form  of  this  nachiDe. 

SteiveM- 

ba^dy- 


KING    HEXRT    IV.  31J 

h,  wafh'd  sm^TT,  fhill  tl-^yjr  Try  JhxDC  with  k. 
h2t  (ball  be  the  dsr,  wrjcoc'cr  it  I^hxs^ 
this  izmc  ckSi  cf  honour  ind  Tcncini^ 
gallant  Hocpur,  iris  iii-pnbcJ  kn^t« 
our  uijthocg^.t-<«  Hirry,  chinoc  to  meet, 
^cry  hoTrOur  iittiiig  on  his  hcfcn. 
Id  they  wcrr  muiinudcs ;  and  on  my  head 
lames  redoubled !  tor  the  time  will  come, 
[  Ihali  make  this  northern  youth  cxchaz^ 
brious  deeds  for  rr.y  indignities, 
is  bur  iry  lisctor,  gxxxi  my  lord, 
grois  up  glorious  deeds  on  my  behalf^ 
will  call  him  to  fo  ibict  account^ 
fie  fliall  render  even-  glory  up, 
nren  the  fiighteft  wcrftiip  of  his  rime, 
all  tear  the  reckoning  from  his  heart, 
in  the  name  of  God,  I  promiic  here : 
Wch,  it  he  be  pleas'd,  I  fhdi  perform, 
efcech  your  majefty,  may  falve 
3ng-gn>wn  wounds  of  my  intemperance: 
,  the  end  of  life  cancek  all  bonds ; 
will  die  an  hundred  thoufand  deaths, 
■eak  the  fmalltft  parcel  of  this  vow. 
Henry.  A  hundred  thoufand  rebels  die  in  this : 
(halt  have  charge,  and  fovcrcign  truft,  herein* 

Enter  Blunt. 

low,  good  Blunt  ?  thy  looks  are  full  of  fpecd, 

nt.  So  is  the  bufinefs  that  I  come  to  fpeak  of 

Mortimer  of  Scotland  hath  lent  word, 

3oijglas  and  the  Englilh  rebels  met 

leventh  of  this  month  at  Shrewlbury : 

;hty  and  a  fearful  head  they  are, 

nifes  be  kept  on  every  hand, 

*r  ofFer'd  foul  play  in  a  ilate. 

ienry.  The  earl  of  Weftmorland.fet  forth  to-day  5 

him  my  fon,  lord  John  of  Lancafter  \ 

is  advertifem^nt  is  fivQ  days  old  :— 

On 


3i6     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Europe.  I  have  maintained  that  falamander  of  yo 
*  with  fire,  any  time  this  two-and-thirty  years ;  hea^ 
reward  me  for  it ! 

Bard.  'Sblood,  I  would  my  face  were  in  yc 
beUy. 

Fd.  God-a-mercy !  fo  ftiould  I  be  fure  to  be  hea 
burn'A 

Enter  Hoftefs. 

How  now,  +  dame  Partlet  the  hen,  have  you  enqui 
yet  who  pick'd  my  pocket  ? 

Hoji.  Why,  Sir  John !  what  do  you  think.  Sir  Joh 
Do  you  think  I  keep  thieves  in  my  houfe  ?  I  hj 
fearch*d,  I  have  enquired,  fo  has  my  hulband,  man 
man,  boy  by  boy,  fervant  by  fervant.  The  tithe 
a  hair  was  never  loft  in  my  houfe  before. 

Fal  You  lie,  hoftefs ;  Bardolph  was  fhav'd,  and  1 
many  a  hair ;  and  I'll  be  fworn  my  pocket  was  pick' 
go  to,  you  are  a  woman,  go. 

Hoft.  Who  I  ?  I  defy  theej  I  was  never  call'dfo 
mine  own  houfe  before. 

Fal.  Go  to,  I  know  you  well  enough. 

Hojl.  No,  Sir  John;  you  do  not  know  me,  1 
John :  I  know  you,  Sir  John :  you  owe  me  mon< 
Sir  John,  and  now  you  pick  a  quarrel  to  beguile  j 
of  it :  I  bought  you  a  dozen  of  (hirts  to  your  back. 
•  Fal.  Dowlas,  filthy  dowlas:  I  have  given  th< 
away  to  bakers'  wives,  and  they  have  made  boultx 
of  them. 

This  expreffion  is  ufcd  by  Sir  Thomas  North  in  his  tran( 
tion  of  Plutarch.  Speakine  of  the  fcarcity  of  corn  in  the  d 
of  Coriolanus,  he  fays,  **  that  they  perfuaded  themfelves  tl 
"  the  corn  they  had  bought,  fhould  be  (o\A  good  cbtapJ* 

And  again  in  thcfe  two  proverbs, 

••  They  buy  good  cheap  that  bring  nothing  home." 

•'  Ut'Wnt'cTYizycihxtig  good  cheap  that*s  afraid  to  aflc  1 
"  price."     Steevens. 

*  dame  Par/let-^]     Dame  Partlet  is  the  name  oft 

hen  in  the  old  (lory-book  of  Reynard  the  Fox.    Steevens. 

He 


KING    HENRY    IV-  317 

Hoji.  Now  as  I  am  a  true  woman,  Holland  of  eight 
Ihillings  an  ell.  You  owe  money  here  befides,  Sir 
John,  for  your  diet  and  by-drinkings  j  and  money 
lent  you,  four-and-twenty  pounds. 

FaL  He  had  his  part  of  it ;  let  him  pay. 

HoJi.  He  ?  alas !  he  is  poor  •,  he  hath  nothing. 

FaL  How !  poor  ?  look  upon  his  face :  5  what  call 
you  rich?  let  them  coin  his  nofe,  let  them  coin  hi? 
cheeks :  I'll  not  pay  a  denier.  What,  will  you  make 
^  a  younker  of  me  ?  ^  Shall  I  not  take  mine  cafe  in 
mine  inn,    but  I  Ihall  have  my  pocket  pick'd  ?    I 

have 


'  — —  <what  call  you  rich  .^]  A  face  fet  with  carbuncles 
u  called  a  rich  fac%     Legend  of  Capt,  Jones.     Johnson. 

*  a  younker  of  me  ?'\     This  contemptuous  dilHn6lion 

is  very  common  in  the  old  plays.     So  in  B.  and  Fletcher's 
EJder  Brother  : 

"  I  fear  he'll  make  an  afs  of  me,  2, younker** 

Steevens, 
'  Shall  I  not  take  mine  eafe  in  mine  inny  hut  I  Jhall  hanje  iwjr 
focket  picked ?'\  There  is  a  peculiar  force  in  the fe  words.  To 
take  mine  eafe  in  mine  inne,  was  an  ancient  proverb,  not  very 
different  in  its  application  from  that  maxim,  "  Every  man's 
"  houfe  is  his  caMe  ;*'  for  inne  originally  fignified  a  houfe  or 
kabitatiok.  [Sax.  inne,  domus,  domicilium.}  When  the  word 
inne  began  to  change  its  meaning,  and  to  be  ufed  to  fignify  a 
houfe  of  entertainment  y  the  proverb,  ftill  continuing  in  force,  was 
applied  in  the  latter  fenfe,  as  it  is  here  ufed  by  Shakefpeare ; 
or  perhaps  FalftafF  here  humoroufly  puns  upon  the  word  inne^  in 
order  to  reprefent  the  wrong  done  him  more  ftrDngly. 

In  John  Hey  wood's  Worksy  imprinted  at  London  1508,  410, 
bl,  1,  is  "  a  dialogue  wherein  are  pleafantly  contrived  the 
**  number  of  all  the  efFeflual  proverbs  in  our  Englifh  tongue, 
**  CsTr.  together  with  three  hundred  epigrams  on  three  hundred 
"  proverbs.*'     In  chap.  6,  is  the  following, 

"  Refty  welth  willeth  me  the  widow  to  winne, 
"  To  let  the  world  wag,  and  take  mine  eafe  in  mine  inne** 
And  among  the  epigrams  is  [26.  Of  E aft  in  an  InmJ] 
**  Thou  iakcji  thifie  eafe  in  thine  inne  {o  nye  thee, 
*'  That  no  man  in  his  inne  can  take  eafe  by  thee." 

Otherwifc, 
•*  Thou  takcji  thine  eafe  in  thine  inney  but  I  fee 
•*  Thinci>r/zr  taketh  neither  eafe  nor  profit  by  thee.'' 

Now 


?  A  R  T 

OF 

r^^'^~^' 

,  worth  forty 

v^  :--.-<ir. 

.      1         l-JL.     1    'St 

lin:,  I  know 

ik-cup;  and 

-rn  i-r:  -1-  a  cog,  if  he 


— :.  •    f  -r-  =--  "-—    r;-J  -"^-^."i-^  w^/J  few 
:-  -T  r-T  ^    J  i:-  V--  i  _-  ili:  ijor,  i'faith? 

-^    '--.-:   -  --   -  "^^^-^  :i^::kly:  How 
':^':^^  '  -  --   -    — -  ~  ;—   -c  :5  in  honcft 


-.e. 


TTjC. 


-«        -.^.*w 


::^  i.*rir  >.f-:   r-ehind  the 
".  J--'--  v"     ^  "-^   Hou^  is 

.T.:,   Kj.*:    thrcj  or  four 


-    ■-:-•:    -i'i  l..\::-s  :r.^  v.cri  /-;:/  U  ufei  In  iw 
-■-     -;.   :<:.-;  :r:.-;r.   b\   z  pcrior,  wKd  U   cbcut  to 
:  r  :-i  :i.<:r  z:  x  hcpc,  ir\:     In  the  v.vo  laft 
.,-:  ;:  r.  L.'tl  iz  :he  jcnie  it  bears  at  prefent. 

PfilCV. 

-  .   .   :-   .-.Mi.  rctc  to  Spc^ht's  Cr^i^.-^r,  favs, 

:-  ::.     .  --I'i  cp-.gram-,  are  fuppofed  to  be  the  conceits 

..      rrls-f-r.:  <!r  Thom?s  More." 
--  :  .._'j::.-:i.>.':,  or  rcccfs,  is  frequently  ufcJbySpen- 

•  -.  '■  t 

'-  .*' -c-r^-Z-A ••'•;.]     As  prifoncrs  arc  conveved  to 
:'-..-jiiiu  two  and  two  togctliLT.    Johnson. 

bonds 


KING    HENRY    IV.  31J 

bonds  of  forty  pound  a  piece,  and  a  feal-ring  of  my* 
grandfather's. 

P,  Henry.    A  trifle,  fome  eight-penny  matter. 

Ecjl.  So  I  told  him,  my  lord ;  and  I  faid,  I  heard  " 
your  grace  fay  fo :    and,   my  lord;  he  fpeaks  moft 
vilely  of  you,  like  a  foul-mouth'd  man  as  he  is  j  and 
laid,  he  would  cudgel  you. 

P.  Hemj.  What !  he  did  not  ? 

Uoft,  There's  neither  faith,  truth,  nor  woman-hoo4 
in  me  ellc. 

FaL  9  I'here's  no  more  faith  in  thee  than  in  a  ftew'd 

prune  9 

'  There  s  no  more  faith  in  thee  than  in  a  fte*w*J  prune ^  &C.3 
The  propriety  of  rhefe  iimilies  1  am  not  fure  that  I  fully  under* 
fiand.  AJIevj'd prune  has  the  appearance  of  a  prune,  but  has 
no  tafte.  A  draivn  fox,  that  is,  an  cxenterated  fox^  has  the 
form  of  a  fox  without  his  powers.  I  think  Dr.  Warburton'ft 
explication  wrong,  which  makes  a  dra*v:n  fox  to  mean,  a  fox 
9jitn  hunted \  though  to  dranu  is  a  hanter^s  term  for  purfuit  hf. 
tlic  track.  My  interprerati'm  m-kes  the/oA-  fuit  better  to  the 
/HM/.  Thcfe  are  very  ilcnder  difquifitions,  but  fuch  is  the  taflc 
of  a  commentator.     Johnson. 

Dr.  Lodge,  in  his  pampMet  called  Wit'*s  Miferie^  or  the 
VorWs  MadncJ/ey  1596,  dcicribcs  a  br.wd  thus :  "  This  is  fhee 
"  that  laies  wait  at  all  the  carriers  for  wenches  new  come  up 
"  to  London ;  and  you  Ihall  know  her  dwelling  by  a  dijh  of 
^  fiew'd  prunes  in  the  window,  and  two  or  three  fleering 
**  wenches  fit  knitting  or  fowing  in  her  Ihop." 

lo  Meafure  for  Meajure,  aft  ii.  the  male  bawd  excufes  himielf 
for  having  admitted  Elbow's  wife  into  his  houfe,  by  faying,, 
"  that  fhe  came  in  ereat  with  child,  and  longing  for  fte^  d 
**  prunes y  which  flood  in  a  difh,*'  ^c. 

Slender,  who  apparently  wifnes  to  recommend  himfelf  to  hiv 
mifb-efs  by  a  feeming  propcnfity  to  love  as  well  as  war,  talks  of 
*taving  meafured  weapons  with  a  fencing-mailer  for  a  diJh  of 
fetm^d  prunes, 

Jn  another  old  dramatic  piece,  entitled.  If  this  he  not  a  good- 
Play  the  Dl*vel  is  in  it,  161 2,  a  bravo  enters  with  money,  and 
lays,  **  This  is  the  penfion  of  the  llewcs,  you  need  not  untie  it; 
"  His  ftew-money.  Sir,  few  d-prune  calh.  Sir.*' 

Among  the  other  Ans  laid  to  the  charge  of  the  once  ccle- 
Icbrated Gabriel  Harvey,  by  hisantagoniflNafh,  '*  to  be  drunk 
*•'  with  the  firrop  or  liquor  Qi  ft c^\:'d prune s^^  is  net  the  leaft 
infixed  on. 

Is 


<v,    THE   Fi:<ST    PAR  T    OF 

piii/irt  no  mort  rviJ: :-.  :>.fr  zr.zr.  :n  '  a  drawn  fi:^xv 
.inJ  /»ir  vvuTL'-;-:.-::-  =  -.^i  Miriin  rr.ay  be  the     ^c- 
iMir V  ^  wifr  c-:'  r.-f  '•=  ^"i : :  ±tt.    Go,  you  thing,  ^  ^• 
'  ^  Siv,  '^-^^  "— g :  ^  iii^  thing  ? 


fn  thiK^'-  \-  i:'.-  •     2.  r:l!ir:cr.  cf  fatyrical  poems,  16      -^^» 

"  B-nT  .   -f     -  -  .'  :-.-'.'.  a  pur.k  to  folace  him.'* 

fn  TmKx^  ^i    -  i-:::.er  colleition  of  the  fame  kii '■^» 

161  ff  i*  --   "        *    -r   ---"-J""^  «^*  a  wanton  invciglin^^S  * 


young  F. 


F.ll 


"  ^  :_. '  .":  ■  . :  .-■  :.•-  -i:i«  frr  cakes, 
«     -    .       .  ^::  r  rr:-5.  calls." 

So;=i-~    '     "- -       ■••-".-.--.  a  comedy,   1619, 

M  — r  ■  .,...:  '•     v-.V  !  I  h-ve  no  varlets,  nojlcj,"^    -  ^ 

M  fntu  .  ::  .:^  :-  "       -'  ^^ 

Tltff^r  -■^■-  ^"-V— -'" --i^^.cient  to  flic>\'  that /Ti/r::—  "■:/'' 
ifirz.-  :"—  ■•  -  "-•-*-■  -'■--  -r.cient  defignation  of  a  br^^  ^^ 
id.  :--  "-  •"*  ■  •••■  -r.^"^--;^  :-^  i^ 

f-r:^  :"  -■  •  -—  '^^-..7,  written  by  W.  Clowe  -!^s» 
c»r.  r^  ^-'  •  •;■---•  •^-  :.^::*>',  and  other  books  of  tkr;^^ 
jgncr-.  :.•"-:-  '.:  ■'--  -..ire  direfted  to  be  boiled  i  ^c^n 
^flcrr.- ■-**"'-  "-  •  ■  ■  -  — •  :~:::«::eJ,  and  that  both /rrt"^  J^ 
^^jjj.  ;-  -  ..  v.  ;::  •  .-.•  ^.ri-.T.only,  though  unfuccciV-==^" 
-•  :     '  •■■•   .--:?.     So  much  forihe  infidelit         / 


ef - 


f^ 


.:-:.•:  /ox   is    a  fox  dra*i 

>.     i>o  in  B.  and  Fletcher 


..    •,  ^!c^v:o."     STHcvrN-s. 
■  "  '      •.  >.''".]     Maid  Marian  is  a  mar^ 
.  r.*  -;:..-.i.-  :hf  danc«;rs  of  the  morris. 

JOHKSO.V. 

J.    •.  ,,         •'  .    '  r:* ;.:"  frequent  mention  is  made- 

^  -    -  .'      *-v-->  :.^  hiive  bt'cn  his  concubine.    I 

^^  . .  *'    -C*^  '■'-  '"•:  old  MS.  to  this  purpofe,  buc. 

>    V.    <  .'..-'v.  vv;>  living  then, 

•  .  *  *..■.»  i.y,!::c  forc^ot, 
.     .  \:.    ■:.:.\i  M^r.-arTy''  ScC.      Pfrcy. 

>  .-.....,  udt  iii.  fc.  I.  is  the  following' 


ft 


^-&»* 


•  T  .1  witch  in  the  morricc? 
.-*s  pp.rt,  but  fxa: J  Marian  and  the 

Si  i  iVEN^. 

Fal. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  jai 

Pai.  What  thing?  why  a  thing  to  thank  God  on. 
Hoji.  I  am  no  thing  to  thank  God  on,  I  would  thou 
nild*ft  know  it.     I  ani  an  honeft  man's  wife  -,  and, 
Jng  thy  knighthood  afide,  thou  art  a  knave  to  call 
fo. 

Fd.  Setting  thy  womanhood  afide^  thou  art  a  beaft 
fay  otherwife. 

Hajl.  Say,  what  beaft,  thou  knave,  thou  ? 
FaL  What  beaft  ?  why,  an  otten 
P.  Henry.  An  otter,  Sir  John  !  why  art  otter  ? 
Fal.  Why?    fhe's  neither  fifh  nor  flelh-,    a  man 
ows  not  where  to  havfe  her. 
Hoji.  Thou  art  an  unjuft  man  in  faying  fo :  thou, 
any  man  knows  where  to  have  me,  thou  knave, 
w! 

P.  Henry.  Thou  fay*ft  true,  hoftefs  ^  and  he  flan- 
rs  thee  moft  grofsly. 

Hofi.  So  he  doth  you,  my  lord ;  artd  faid  this  other 
jT,  you  oVd  him  a  thoufand  pound. 
P.  Henry.  Sirrah,  do  I  owe  you  a  thoufand  pound  ? 
Ftf/.  A  thoufand  pound,  Hal  ?  a  million :  thy  love 
worth  a  million  -,  thou  ow*ft  me  thy  love. 
Htfi.  Nay^  my  lord,  he  call'd  you  Jack,  and -faid 
would  cudgel  vou. 
¥il:  t)id  I,  Bardolph  ? 
Bard.  Indeed,  Sir  John,  you  faid  fo. 
Fd.  Yea  •,  if  he  faid  my  ring  was  copper. 
P.  Henry.  I  fay,  *tis  copper.     Dar*ft  thou  be  as 
od  its  thy  word  now  ? 

Fd.  Why,  Hal,  thou  know'ft,  as  thou  art  but 
in,  I  dare  ;  but  as  thou  art  prince,  I  fear  thee,  as 
5ar  the  roaf  irtg  of  the  lion's  whelp. 
P.  Henry.  And  why  not  as  the  lion  ? 
Fd.  The  king  himfelf  is  to  be  fear'd  as  the  lion  : 
ift  thou  think  I'll  fear  thee,  as  I  fer.r  thy  father  ? 
ly,  an  if  I  do,  let  my  girdle  break ! 
P.  Henry.  O,  if  it  fhould,  how  would  thy  ffuts  fall 
wutthy  knees !  But,  firrah,  there's  no  room  for  faith. 
Vol.  V.  X  truth, 


:H£    FIRST    PART    OF 

A  J  T     IV.      S  C  E  N  E    L 

T'A^  camp  near  SbrtivJI^ury. 
Enter  Hcifpm\  Worcefier^  and  Douglas. 

Hotspur. 

^  ^  TELL  faid,  my  noble  Scot.     If  Ipeaking  tivithi 
^\    In  this  fine  age,  were  not  thought  flattery^ 
i;.v:-".  attribution  fliould  the  Douglas  have, 
A>  rsot  a  Ibldier  of  this  feafon's  ftamp 
>xsild  go  lb  general  current  through  the  world. 
5*.  heaven,  I  cannot  flatter  -,  I  defy 
l"Nr  tongues  of  foothers ;  but  a  braver  place 
I-  r:iy  heart's  love  hath  no  man  than  yourfelf : 
N-v/tuflc  me  to  my  word ;  approve  me,  lord. 

i\arjf.  Thou  art  the  king  or  honour : 
\\>  man  fo  potent  breathes  upon  the  ground, 
p^:t  1  will  beard  him 

iict.  Do  lb,  and  'tis  well : 

Enter  a  Mejfenger. 

What  letters  hafl:  thou  there  ? — 1  can  but  thank  jO^* 
Mejf.  Thefe  letters  come  from  your  father. 
Hot,  Letters  from  him !  why  comes  he  not  himf2^^* 
Mejf.  He  cannot  come,  my  lord ;  he's  grievous  O-^'^ 
Hot.  Heavens  !  liow  has  he  the  Icifure  to  be  fid^ 

la  fuch  a  juftling  time  ?  who  leads  his  powers  ? 

Under  whofe  government  come  they  along } 
7  Mcjf.  His  letters  bear  his  mind,  not  I. 

7   McfT.  His  L'tters  hear  his  mind^  not  I  bis  mind.}     Th^       ^ 
llLOuld  be  read  and  divided  thus, 

Mcir.  His  liffrrs  biar  lis  mind^  not  L 
Hot.  His  mind! 


KING    HENRY    IV.  325 

Hot.  His  mind ! 

U^or.  I  pr'ythee,  tell  me,  doth  he  keep  his  bed  ? 
Mejf.  He  did,  my  lord,  four  days  ere  I  fet  forth ; 
.A-nd  at  the  time  of  my  departure  thence, 
trie  was  much  fear'd  by  his  phyficians. 

Wor.  I  would  the  ftateof  time  had  firft  been  whole, 
F^K  he  by  ficknefs  had  been  vifited ; 
t^is  health  was  never  better  worth  than  now. 

Hot.  Sick  now!  droop  now!   this  ficknefs  doth 
infeft 
TC*hc  very  life-blood  of  our  enterprize ; 
^TCis  catching  hither,  even  to  our  camp. 
It^t  writes  me  here,  that  inward  ficknefs 
./Vnd  that  his  friends  by  deputation  could  not 
So  foon  be  drawn  -,  nor  did  he  think  it  meet 
To  lay  fo  dangerous  and  dear  a  truft 
*  On  any  foul  remov'd,  but  on  his  own. 
TTetdoth  he  give  us  bold  advertifement. 
That  with  our  fmall  conjundtion  we  fhould  on. 
To  fee  how  fortune  is  difpos'd  to  us : 
For,  as  he  writes,  there  is  no  quailing  now ; 
Bccaufe  the  king  is  certainly  poflefs'df 
Of  all  our  purpofes.     What  fay  you  to  it  ? 
fVor»  Your  father's  ficknefs  is  a  maim  to  us. 
Hot.  A  perilous  gafti,  a  very  limb  lopt  off: — 
And  yet,  in  faith,  'tis  not : — His  prefent  want 
Seems  more  than  we  fliall  find  it. — Were  it  good. 
To  fet  the  exaft  wealth  of  all  our  ftates 
.AH  at  one  call  ?  to  fet  fo  rich  a  main 
On  the  nice  hazard  of  one  doubtful  hour  ? 
It  were  not  good :  for  9  therein  fliould  we  read 

The 

Hotfpur  had  alkcd  nuho  leads  his  povoers  ?  The  Mcflengcr  an- 
^rs,  His  Utters  hear  his  mind.  The  other  replies,  His  mind! 
As  much  as  to  fay,  I  inquire  not  about  his  mind,  I  want  to 
know  where  his  powers  are.  This  is  natural,  and  perfeftly  in 
»T        charaaer.     Warburton. 

'  On  any  foul  remo^'* d^ — ]     On  any  lefs  near  to  himfelf;  on 
My  whofe  intcreft  is  r^/»o/^.     Johnson. 
•    •  "  therein  Jhould  nue  read 

The  *very  bottosn^  and  the  foul  of  hope ;]     To  read  the  bottom 
X  3  and 


'^ 


326    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

The  very  bottom,  and  the  foul  of  hope  ^ 
The  very  lift,  the  very  utmoft  bound 
Of  all  our  fortunes. 

Doug,  Faith,  and  fo  we  ihouid  •, 
Where  now  remains  a  Iweet  reveriioa. 
We  may  boldly  fpend  upon  the  hope  of  what 
Is  to  come  in : 

*  A  comfort  of  retirement  lives  in  thk. 

Hot.  A  rendezvous,  a  home  to  fly  unto. 
If  that  the  devil  and  mifchance  look  big 
Upon  the  maidenhead  of  our  aflfairs. 

Pf^or.  But  yet,  I  would  your  father  had  been  here, 

*  The  quality  and  hair  of  our  attempt 
Brooks  no  divifibn :  it  will  be  thought 
By  fome,  that  know  not  why  he  is  away. 
That  wifdom,  loyalty,  and  mere  diflikc 

Of  our  proceedings,  kept  the  earl  from  hence  ; 
And  think,  how  fuch  an  apprehenfion 

end  foul  of  hope,  and  the  bound  of  fortune  ^  though  all  the  c^pinr 
and  all  the  editors  have  received  it,  furely  cannot  be  right 
can  think  on  no  other  word  than  rifque. 

Therein  Jkould  ive  rifque 

The  'very  bottom^  8cc. 
The  li/i  is  the  feJ*vage;  figuratively,  the  ntmoft  line  of  .df 
cumference,  the  utmoft  extent.     If  we  ihouid  with  lefs  chug 
read  rend,  it  will  only  Aiit  with  ///f ,  not  v/ixhfottlt  or  S$ti§m» 

^OHNSOV. 

*  J  comfort  of  retirement-'''^'}  A  fupport  to  wkich  we  M 
have  recourfe.     Johnson. 

^  The  quality  and  hair  of  our  attempt]  The  hair  (eta^  to  b 
the  complexion,  the  charoBer,  The  metaphor  appears  barih  « 
to  us,  but,  perhaps,  was  familiar  in  our  author's  time.  AKT 
fliil  fay,  fomething  is  againfl  the  hair,  as  agmin/t  thtgrmm^  tlu 
U,  again ii  the  natural  tendency.     Johnson. 

In  an  old  comedy  call'd  The  Family  of  Love,  I  meet  with  a 
exprefiion  which  vtry  well  fupports  Dr.  Johnfiui's  ficft  explaM 
tion. 

" They  fay,  I  am  of  the  riglu  h^r^  and  indM 

"  they  may  iland  to't," 
Again,  in  The  Coxcomb  of  B.  andFletcher, 

**  fincc  he  will  be 

**  An  afs  againft  the  hair.**    Stebvbks. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  327 

May  turn  the  tide  of  fearful  faftion. 

And  breed  a  kind  of  queltion  in  our  caufe : 

For  well  you  know,  3  we  of  the  offering  fide 

Muft  keep  aloof  from  ftrift  arbitrement ; 

And  flop  all  fight-holes,  every  loop,  from  whence 

The  eye  of  realon  may  pry  in  upon  us. 

This  abfence  of  your  father  draws  a  curtain, 

That  fhews  the  ignorant  a  kind  of  fear 

Before  not  dreamt  of. 

Hot.  You  ftrain  too  far; 
I  rather  of  his  abfence  make  this  ufe  ;— 
It  fends  a  luflre,  and  more  great  opinion, 
A  larger  dare  to  our  great  enterprize,  v 

Than  if  the  earl  were  here :  for  men  mufl  think. 
If  we  without  his  help  can  make  a  head. 
To  pufh  againfl  the  kingdom ;  with  his  help, 
VTe  fhall  o'ertum  it  topfy-turvy  down. 
—Yet  all  goes  well,  yet  all  our  joints  are  whole. 

Boug.  As  heart  can  think :  there  is  not  fuch  a  word 
SpcAc  of  in  Scotland,  as  this  term  of  fear. 

'  — -i-^w#  ofth§  offering  fiJi-^"]  All  the  later  editions  read 
•fnuSng^  but  all  the  older  copies  which  I  have  feen,  from  the 
irft  quarto  to  the  edition  ofRowc,  read  lui  of  the  off  ring  fide. 
Of  this  reading  the  fenfe  is  obfcure,  and  therefore  the  change 
^V  been  nade ;  but  fince  neither  offering  nor  offending  are  words 
iiU]f  to  be  miilaken,  I  cannot  but  fufpedk  that  offering  is  right, 
(ipmUy  as  it  is  read  in  the  firft  copy  of  15999  which  is  more 
corredly  printed  than  any  fingle  edition,  that  I  have  yet  feen, 
if  a  play  written  by  Shakefpeare. 

The  ^firing  fide  may  fign?fy  that  party,  which,  afting  in  op- 
pofidon  to  the  law,  ftrcngthcns  itfclf  only  by  offers ;  encrcafcs 
Its  numbers  only  hypromijes.  The  king  can  raife  an  army,  and 
coQtbne  it  by  threatsof  puniihment ;  but  thofe,  whom  no  man 
M  ttndcr  any  obligation  to  obey,  can  gather  forces  only  by  offers 
if  advantage:  and  it  is  truly  remarked,  that  they,  whofeinflu- 
tnce  ayifes  from  offer s^  muft  keep  danger  out  of  fight. 

The  offering  fide  may  mean  fimply  the  affailanty  in  oppo/ition 
^^t  defendant  \  and  it  is  likewife  true  of  him  that  offers  war, 
or  makes  an  iavafioB,  that  his  caufe  ought  to  be  iccot  clear 
from  all  obje^ions.     Johnson. 

X4  Enter 


328      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Enter  Sir  Richard  Vernon. 

Hot.  My  coufin  Vernon !  welcome,  by  my  foul ! 

Ver.  Pray  God,  my  news  be  worth  a  welcome,  lo^ 
The  earl  of  Weftmorland,  feven  thoufand  ftrong. 
Is  marching  liitherwards  s  with  him  prince  John. 

Hot.  No  harm  :  what  more  ? 

Vcr.  And  further,  I  have  learn'd. 
The  king  hiinfelf  in  perfon  hath  fet  forth. 
Or  hithenvards  intended  fpeedily. 
With  ilrong  and  mighty  preparation. 

Hot.  He  fliall  be  welcome  too.     Where  is  his  foe 
♦  The  nimble-footed  mad-cap  prince  of  Wales, 
And  his  comrades,  that  daft  the  world  afide. 
And  bid  it  pafs  ? 

Ver.  5  All  furnilh'd,  all  in  arms, 

A 

♦  The  nimlle-footcd  mad- cap  prince  rf  Wales y'\  Sbakdjpeai 
rarely  bell  ws  his  epith;:ts  at  random.  Stowe  fays  of  theprino 
•*  he  was  palFing  f^^ift  in  running^  infjmuch  that  he  with  tw 
•*  other  of  his  lords,  without  hounds,  bow,  or  •ther  engin< 
**  would  take  a  wild-duck,  or  doe,   in  a  large  park." 

Steeveks, 

*  Allfurnijh^d^  all  in  arms ^ 

jltl  piicn^d  like  e/lrid^cs,  that  nvitb  the  iMini 

Baiteci  like  eagli's, ]     To  hait  njuitb  the  nuind  appears  1 

me  an  improper  exprelfion.  To  bait  is,  in  the  flylc  of  ndconr 
to  beat  the  iving^  from  ihe  French  baitre,  that  is,  ^o  flatter  i 
preparation  for  flight. 

Beiidcs,  whut  is  the  meaning  of  eftpidgesy  tlmt  baited <witb  U 
<wind  like  eagles  ?  for  the  relative  that^  in  the  ufual  conftruAioi 
inuft  relate  to  eftriJges. 

Sir  Thomas  Hanmer  reads, 

^11  plunCd  like  eftridgest  and  luith  the  'wind 
Baiting  like  eagles. 
By  which  he  has  rfcapc J  part  of  the  difficulty,  but  has  yet  ,1c 
jmpropric;y  futlicicnt  tJ  make  his  reading  qucftionable.' 
I  read, 

All  furnifif^dy  all  in  arms, 
^11  plum'd  liiic  e/:ridgcs  that  wng  the  ixind 
Br.iiCii  it  he  cables. 
Thisgivfsa  lirong  ima^c.     They  wrre  not  only  plum'd  lik 
f  Itridges,  but  :l;cir  plumes  fluttered  like  thofc  of  an  eHridgi 

|x:aui7; 


KING    HENRY    IV.  329 

^  All  plum*d  like  cftridges,  that  with  the  wind 
Baited  like  eagles,  having  lately  bath'd : 
7  Glittering  in  golden  coats  like  images ; 
As  full  of  fpirit  as  the  month  of  May, 
And  gorgeous  as  the  fun  at  Midfummer; 
'Wanton  as  youthful  goats,  wild  as  young  bulls. 

*  I  faw  young  Harry,  with  his  beaver  on, 

*  I-Iis  cuifles  on  his  thighs,  gallantly  arm'd. 

Rife 

l>eating  the  wind  with  his  wings,     A  more  lively  reprefentation    ' 
oF  ycang  men  ardent  for  cnterprize,  perhaps  no  writer  has  ever 
given.     Johnson. 

X  believe  eftridgex  never  mount  at  all,  but  only  run  before 
^he  wind,  opening  their  wings  to  receive  its  afllftance  in  orging 
^hem  forward.  They  are  generally  hunted  on  horfeback,  and 
^he  art  of  the  hunter  is  to  turn  them  from  the  wind,  by  the  help 
^^  which  they  are  too  fleet  for  the  fwiftcft  horfe  to  keep  up  witn 
^^em.  I  fiiould  have  fufpefted  a  line  to  have  been  omitted,  had 
**ot  all  the  copies  concurred  in  the  fame  reading.     St e evens. 

-I  have  little  doubt  that  inftead  of  luith^  fome  verb  ought  to 
^  fubftituted  here.  Perhaps  it  fhould  be  njobijk.  The  word  is 
Ufed  by  a  writer  of  Shakefpeare*s  age.  EnglamPs  Helicon^ 
fign.  2. 

"  This  faid,  he  lubifi^d  his  particolour'd  wings." 

T.  T. 

•  All  plum*  J  like  ejlridgesy  &c.]  All  drefled  like  the  prince 
liimfelf,  the  oftrich-feather  being  the  cognizance  of  the  prince 
«f  Wales.     Gray. 

'  Glittering  im  golden  coats  like  images  ;]  This  alludes  to  the 
manner  of  drefHng  up  images  in  the  Romilh  churches  on  holy- 
days  ;  where  they  are  bedecked  in  gilt  robes  richly  laced  and 
embroidered.     St  e  evens. 

*  I fa-w  young  Harry ^  ivitb  his  bea'ver  «»,]  We  fhould  read 
heaver  up.  It  is  an  impropriety  to  fay  on :  for  the  beaver  is 
only  the  vifiere  of  the  helmet,  which,  let  down,  covers  the  face. 
When  the  foldier  was  not  upon  adlion  he  wore  it  »/,  fo  that  his 
face  might  be  feen,  (hence  Vernon  fays  he  /aiv young  Harry,) 
But  when  upon  action,  it  was  let  down  to  cover  and  lecure  the 
face.     Hence  in  Tbe  Second  Part  of  Henry  IF,  it  is  faid, 

Tbeir  armed  jla<ves  in  charge^  tbcir  bea*vers  dotvn, 

Warburton. 
There  is  no  need  of  all  this  note ;    for  beaver  may  be  a  bel- 
met ;  or  the  prince,  trying  his  armour,  might  wear  his  beaver 
down.     Johnson. 

»  His  cuijfes  on  bis  tbigbs^^^  Quijfes^  French,  armour  for 
•Ac  thighs,    Popp, 

The 


3JO     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Rife  from  the  ^und'  like  feariicPd  Merony ; 
And  vaulted  with  fuch  eafe  into  his  feat^ 
As  if  an  angel  dropt  dawn  from  the  clouds. 
To  turn  and  wind  a  fierjr  P^afiis, 

*  And  witch  the  world  with  noble  horfemanfhip. 

Hot.  No  more,  no  more-,  worfc  than  the  fun     iw 
March, 
This  praifc  doth  nourilh  agues.    Let  them  come. 
They  come  like  facrifices  in  their  tritn. 
And  to  the  fire-ey'd  maid  of  fmoaky  war. 
All  hot,  and  bleeding,  vnW  we  offer  them. 
The  mailed  Mars  fhall  on  his  alrar  fit 
Up  to  the  ears  in  blood     I  am  on  fire. 
To  hear  this  rich  reprifal  is  fo  nigh. 
And  yet  not  ours.     Come,  let  me  take  my  horie. 
Who  is  to  bear  me,  hke  a  thunder-bolt, 
Againft  the  bofom  of  the  prince  of  Wales. 

*  Harry  to  Harry  fhall,  hot  hcMie  to  horfe— — 
Meet,  and  ne'er  part,  till  one  drop  down  a  ccwfc.— 
O,  that  Glendower  were  come! 

Ver.  There  is  more  news : 
I  learn'd  in  Worcefter,  as  I  rode  along. 
He  cannot  draw  his  power  this  fourteen  days. 

The  reafon  why  his  cuijfes  are  fo  particularly  mentioned,  X 
conceive  to  be,,  that  his  horienian(hip  is  here  praiCbd,  and  tk^ 
tuiJiis  are  that  part  of  armour  which  moll  hinders  a  horfcnian'' 
aflivity.    JoHKsoN. 

*  And'witcb  the  'world- J    For  bewitch,  charm.     PoPB. 

*  Harrj^  to  Harry  fifalU  htt  borfe  t$  horfe ^ 

Me§t  and  nt'er  part^ — ]     This  reading  I  have  reflored  from 
the  firil  edition.     The  edition  in  162  j,  reads 

Harry  to  Harry  fialU  not  borfe  to  borfe^ 

Meet^  and  ne^er  part. 
Which  has  been  followed  by  all  the  critics  except  Sir  TKomaa 
Hanmer,  who^  juflly  remarking  the  impertinence  of  eke  nega- 
tive, reads, 

Harry  to  Harry  fiall^  and  horfe  to  borfe^ 

Meet^  ^nd  ne^er  part. 
But  the  unexampltd  expreffion  o£ meeting  to  for  muting 'with ^  or 
Amply  meetings  iis  yet  left.     The  ancient  reading  is  forely  right. 

JOHKSOIf. 

Dmig. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  331 

I>Mg.  That's  the  word  tidings  that  I  hear  of  yet, 

War.  Ajr,  by  my  faith,  that  bears  a  frofty  found. 

Hot.  What  may  the  king's  whole  battle  reach  unto? 

Ver.  To  thirty  thouland. 

Hoi.  Forty  let  it  be ; 
My  father  and  Glendower  being  both  away^ 
The  powers  of  us  may  ferve  fo  great  a  day. 
Come,  let  us  talce  a  mutter  fpeedily  : 
Dooms-day  is  near  •,  die  all,  die  merrily. 

Doug.  Talk  not  of  dying ;  I  am  out  of  fear 
Of  de^,  or  death's  hand,  for  this  one  half  year. 

[^Exeum. 

SCENE    XL 

Changes  to  a  public  road  near  Coventry. 
Enter  Falftaff  and  Bardolpb. 

Fal.  Bardolph,  set  thee  before  to  Coventry;  fill 
iTic  a  bottle  of  lack.  Our  foldicrs  (hall  march 
^lirough  :  we'll  to  Sutton-Colfield  to-night. 

Bard.  Will  you  give  me  money,  captain  ? 

Fal.  Lay  out,  lay  out. 

Bard.  This  bottle  makes  an  angel. 

FaL  And  if  it  do,  take  it  for  thy  labour ;  and  if  k 
»*"uke  twenty,  take  them  all,  I'll  anfwer  the  coinage, 
^^id  my  3  lieutenant  Peto  meet  me  at  the  town's  end. 

Bard.  I  will,  captain :  farewell.  [Exit. 

Fal.  If  I  be  not  alham'd  of  my  foldiers,  I  am  a 
^^   ^uc'd  gurnet.     I  have  mif-us'd  the  king's  prels 

damnably, 

' beuunata  Pete — ]     This  paffagc  proves  that  PctO 

«-»^  not  go  with  the  prince.     Johnson. 

^      *  '' fine' d gurnet.]    This  is  a  di(h  mentioned  in  that  very 

•^•^ghable  poem  calPd  The  Counter-fcuffle^  1658, 
*'  Stuck  thick  with  cloves  upon  the  back^ 
'<  Well  ftoff'd  with  fage,  and  for  the  fmack 
"  Daintily  ftiew'd  with  pepper  black* 

*'  Souc'dgurMetJ' 

Soucd 


332     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

damnably.  I  have  got,  in  exchange  of  an  hundred 
and  fifty  foldiers,  three  hundred  and  odd  pounds.  I 
prefs  me  none  but  good  houftiolders,  yeomens  fons: 
enquire  me  out  contrafted  batchelors,  fuch  as  had 
been  aflc'd  twice  on  the  bans  •,  fuch  a  commodity  of 
warm  flaves,  as  had  as  lief  hear  the  devil  as  a  drum; 
fuch  as  fear  the  report  of  a  caliver,  5  worfe  than  a 
ftruck  fowl,  or  a  hurt  wild-duck.  I  preft  mc  none 
but  fuch  toafts  and  butter,  with  hearts  m  their  bellies 
no  bigger  than  pins'  heads,  and  they  have  bought  out 
their  fcrvices.  And  now  my  whole  charge  confifts  of 
ancients,  corporals,  lieutenants,  gentlemen  of  com- 
panies, (laves  as  ragged  as  Lazarus  in  the  painted 
cloth,  where  the  glutton's  dogs  licked  his  fores :  and 
fuch  as  indeed  were  never  foldiers ;  but  difcarded  un- 
juft  fervingmen,  ^  younger  fons  to  younger  brodiers, 
revolted  tapfters,  and  oftlers  trade-fallen  •,  the  cankers 

Souc^d  £urnct  is  an  appellation  of  contempt  very  frcqiwntly 
jcraployed  in  the  old  comedies.  So  in  Decker's  Uoneft  Wb^rt^ 
1635, 

**  Punk!  yoM  foitc^d  gurnet r*     Steevens. 

'  twor/e  iban  a  Jlruck  fotvlj  or  a  hurt  tvild  iiu(kS\    TK* 

repetition  of  the  fame  image  difpofed  Sir  Thomas  Hanmer,  af*^ 
after  him  Dr.  Warburton,  to  read,  in  oppofition  to  all  the  copir^ 
a  ftruck  deer,  which  is  indeed  a  proper  expreffion,  bat  n^ 
likely  to  have  been  corrupted.  Shakefpearc,  perhaps,  wrote 
ftruck  fortU  which,  being  negligently  read  by  a  man  notfldU^* 
in  hunter's  language,  was  eafily  changed  to  ftruck  f^wl.  5«r=^ 
is  ufcd  in  Lo've^s  Labour  loft  for  a  young  deer ;  and  the  terms  c^ 
the  cliafe  were,  in  our  author's  time,  familiar  to  the  cars  of  evcr^ 
gentleman.      Johnson. 

Both  the  quarto's  and  folio's  Tt2L^  ftruck  fooL  This  mm^ 
^  mean  a  fool  \\  ho  had  been  hurt  by  the  recoil  of  an  over-load^ 
f^un  which  he  had  inadvertently  difcharged.  Fo*wI,  howcve 
fccms  to  have  ucen  the  word  d.figned  by  the  poet,  who  migK 
have  thought  an  oppofition  between /oW,  i.e.  dome(Hc  biri- 
and  nxiild'fo-wly  fuflicient  on  this  occafion.     Steevens. 

*  younp^er  fens  to  younger  brother 5^^-^'\     Raleigh,  in  h 

Dijccurfe  on  I4^ar,  mcs  this  very  expreffion  for  men  of  dcfpera** 
fortune  and  wild  adventure.  Which  borrowed  it  from  the  oth^ 
I  know  not,  but  I  think  the  play  was  printed  before  the  dL-- 
courfe.     Johnson. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  33^ 

of  a  calm  world  and  a  long  peace ;  7  ten  times  more 
diflionourably  ragged,  than  an  old,  fac'd  ancient; 
suid  fuch  have  I  to  fill  up  the  rooms  of  them  chat  have 
l>ought  out  their  fervices  -,  that  you  would  think,  I 
Had  a  hundred  and  fifty  tatter'd  prodigals,  lately  come 
fiom  fwine-keeping,  rrom  eating  draff  and  huiks.  A 
mad  fellow  met  me  on  the  way,  and  told  me,  I  had 

^  —  ten  tim:s  more  dijhonourahlj  raggedy  than  an  oUy.  fac*d 

^jifinr/;— ]     Shakefpeare  ufes  this  word  fo  promifcuoufly,  ta 

fignify  an  cnfign  or  ftandard-bearcr,  and  alfo  the  colours  or 

fbmdard  borne,  that  I  cannot  be  at  a  certainty  for  his  alluiion 

here.    If  the  text  be  genuine,  I  think  the  meaning  mud  be^ 

as  diflionourably  ragged  as  one  that  has  been  an  enfien  all  hb 

days;  that  has  let  age  creep  upon  him,  and  never  had  merit 

enoagh  to  gain  preferment.     Mr.  Warburton,  who  undcrftands 

it  in  the  fccond  conftrudtion,  has  fufpcfled  the  text,  and  given 

^  following  ingenious  emendation.——"  How  is  an  old- 

"  fac'd  ancient y  or  enfign^  diflionourably  ragged  ?  on  the  con^ 

"  trary,  nothing  is  eSeemed  more  honourable  than  a  ragged 

"  pair  of  colours.     A  very  little  alteration  will  reflore  it  to  its 

"  original  fenfe,  which  contains  a  touch  of  the  flrongcft  atd 

•**  moft  fine-turn'd  fatire  in  the  world  ; 

Ten  times  more  dijhonourably  ragged  than  an  old  feafi  ancient  : 
"  L  e,  the  eolourt  ufcd  by  the  city-companies  in  their  fealb 
"  and  proceflions :  for  each  company  had  one  with  its  peculiar 
"  device,  which  was  ufually  di{played  and  borne  about  on 
"  fuch  occafions.  Now  nothing  could  be  more  witty  or  far- 
"  caftical  than  this  comparifon  :  for  ?.s  Falftaff's  ra^gamuffins 
"  were  reduced  to  their  tatter*d  condition  through  their  riotous 
"  excefl*es ;  fo  this  old  feaft  aticicnt  became  torn  and  fhattcr'd, 
"  not  in  any  manly  exercilc  of  arms,  but  amidft  the  revels  of 
"  drunken  bacchanals."    Theobald. 

Dr.  Warburton 's  emendntion  is  very  acute  and  judicious  ;  but 
I  know  not  whether  the  licentioufncfs  of  our  author's  diction 
may  not  allow  us  to  fuppofe  that  lie  meant  to  reprefent  his  foF- 
dicrs,  as  more  raggedy  though  Icfs  honourably  ragged,  than  an 
di  ancient,     Johnson. 

An  oldy  fac^d  ancient^  is  an  old  Handard  mended  with  a  diiPer- 
cnt  colour.  It  fliould  not  be  written  in  one  word,  as  old  and 
fa^d^it  two  diftinft  epithets.  To  face  a  gown  isto/r/jw/>; 
an  expreflion  at  prcfent  in  ufc.  In  our  aiuhor's  time  the/acings 
of  gowns  were  always  of  a  colour  different  from  the  duff  itfclf. 
So  in  this  play, 

To  face  the  garment  of  rebellion 
With  fome  fine  colour  .Steevens. 

2  unloade4 


:^.^     THE    FIRST     PART    Ot 

jtbCMiieii  an  the  gibbets,  and  pre&M  the  dead  bcxfies. 
Nu  e^  hath  fcen  fuch  fcare-crows.  Ill  not  march 
through  Cavcnay  with  thetn,  that's  flat.  Najr^  and 
Ae  v^Eains  march  wide  tetwixt  the  legs,  as  if  thcjf 
had  •  gyves  on ;  for,  indeed,  I  had  die  moft  of  them 
out  of  prifon.  Th^'s  but  a  fliirt  and  a  half  in  ail 
mycompany:  andthehalf  (hirt is  two  napkins  tackM 

Srcthcr,  and  thrown  over  the  flioulders  like  a  hc- 
d*s  coat  without  flecves  •,  and  die  fliirt,  to  fty  the 
truth,  ftolen  from  my  hofl  of  Sl  Albany  or  the  red- 
nos'd  inn-keeper  of  Daincry.  But  that's  all  oot^ 
diey'U  find  linen  enough  on  every  hedge. 

Enter  prince  Henry  and  W^fimorUmd. 

P.  Henry.  How  now,  blown  Jack?  bow  wxm^ 
.  quilt  ? 

FaL  What,  Hal  ? — How  now,  mad  wi^,  what  a 
devil  doll  thou  in  Warwickfhire  ? — My  good  lord  of 
Weftmorland,  I  cry  you  mercy  5  1  thou^t  your  h^ 
nour  had  already  been  at  Shrewibury. 

IVeJi.  Taith,  Sir  John,  'tis  more  than  time  that  I 
were  there,  and  you  too;  but  my  powers  are  xhetc 
already.  The  king,  I  can  tell  you,  looks  fornaaU  i 
we  muft  away  all  to-night. 

FaL  Tut,  never  fear  me ;  I  am  as  Vigilant  as  a  cit 
to  ileal  cream. 

P.  Henry.  I  think,  to  Ileal  cream,  indeed  %  fbrdy 
theft  hath  already  made  thee  butter.  Sut  tdl  «ie» 
Jack ;,  whofe  fellows  are  thcfe  that  come  after? 

Fal.  Mine,  Hal,  mine. 

P.  Heftry.  I  did  never  fee  fuch  pidful  raicals. 

FaL  Tut,  tut  -,  9  good  enough  to  tofe :  food  for 
powder,  food  for  powder  -,  they'll  fill  a  pk,  as  well  as 
better :  tufh,  man,  mortal  men,  mortal  men. 

■    ■  sy*^^^  ^*  J — ]  i'  ^'  ftiackles.    Popx. 

•  good  enough  to  ttf/s ;-— ]    Thait  is,  10  %ob  upon  a 

pike.    Johnson. 

Weft. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  335 

fTeft.  Ay,  but.  Sir  Jdui,  mcthink*  diey  are  ex- 
ceeding poor  and  bare  -,  too  beggarly. 

Fal.  Faith,  for  their  poverty,  I  know  not  where 
they  had  that :  and  for  their  barencfs,  1  am  fure>  they 
never  learn'd  that  of  me. 

P.  Hewry,  No,  I'll  be  fwom  •,  unlefs  you  call  three 
fingers  on  the  ribs,  bare.  But,  (irrah,  make  hafte. 
Percy  is  already  in  the  field. 

Fal.  What,  is  the  king  encamp'd  ? 

Weft.  He  is.  Sir  John  \  I  fear  we  ihall  ftay  tOQ 
long. 

Fal.  WeU, 
To  the  latter  end  of  a  fray,  and  beginning  of  a  feafl^ 
Fits  a  dull  fi^trr,  and  a  keen  gueft.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE    m. 

ChoMges  to  Sbrewjbury. 

EmUt  Hotjfur^  Worcefter^  Douglas^  and  Verwm. 

Hot.  We'll  fight  with  him  to-night. 

Wmr.  It  oiay  not  be. 

Vcug.  You  give  him  then  advantage. 

Vir.  Not  a  whit. 

Hot.  Why  fay  you  fo  ?  looks  he  not  forfupply  ? 

Ver.  So  do  we. 

Hot,  His  is  certain,  ours  is  doubtful 

Wor.  Good  coufin,  be  advis'd ;  ftir  not  to-night» 

Ver.  Do  not,  my  lord. 

Doug.  You  do  not  counfel  well ; 
YoM  fpcak  it  out  of  fear,  and  cold  heart. 

Ver.  Do  me  no  flander,  Douglas :  by  nary  life, 
(And  I  dare  weU  maintain  it  with  my  Itfc) 
If  well-refpefted  honour  bid  me  on, 
I  hold  as  little  counfel  with  weak  fear, 
Asyouy  my  k>rd,^  or  any  Scot  that  this  day  lives. 

Let 


336    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

Let  it  be  feen  to-morrow  in  the  battle 
"Whichof  us  fears. 

Doug.  Yea,  or  to-night. 

Ver.  Content. 

Hot.  To-night,  fay  I. 

Ver.  Come,  come,  it  may  not  be.    I  wonder  muchi 
Being  men  of '  fuch  great  leading  as  you  arc, 
That  you  forefee  not  what  impediments 
Drag  back  our  expedition :  certain  horfe 
Of  my  coufin  Vernon's  are  not  yet  come  up : 
Your  uncle  Worcefter's  horfe  came  but  to-<ky  j 
And  now  their  pride  and  mettle  is  afleep. 
Their  courage  with  hard  labour  tame  and  dull. 
That  not  a  horfe  is  half  the  half  of  himfelf. 

Hot.  So  are  the  horfes  of  the  enemy. 
In  general,  journey-bated,  and  brought  low ; 
The  better  part  or  ours  are  full  of  reft. 

JVor.  The  number  of  the  king's  exceedeth  ours : 
For  God's  fake,  coufin,  ftay  till  all  come  in. 

\Tbe  trumpets  found  a  parity. 

Enter  Sir  JValter  Blunt. 

Blunt.  I  come  with  gracious  offers  from  the  king, 
If  you  vouchfafe  me  hearing,  and  refpeft. 

Hot.  Welcome,  Sir  Walter  Blunt ;  and  would  to 
God, 
You  were  of  our  determination ! 
Some  of  us  love  you  well ;  and  even  thofe  fomc 
Envy  your  great  defervings,  and  good  name  ; 
Becaufe  you  are  not  of  our  quality. 
But  ftand  againft  us  like  an  enemy. 

Blunt.  And  heaven  defend,  but  ftill  I  (hould  ftand 
fo, 
So  long,  as  out  of  limit,  and  true  rule. 
You  ftand  againft  anointed  majefty  ! 

*  — ; fuch  mat  leading ]     Such  conduft,  fuch  cxpe* 

ricncc  in  martial  DufiDefs.    Johnson. 

But, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  337 

But,  to  my  charge. — The  king  hath  fent  to  know 
The  nature  of  your  griefs ;  and  whereupon 
You  conjure  from  the  breaft  of  civil  peace 
Such  bold  hoftility,  teaching  his  duteous  land 
Audacious  cruelty :  if  that  the  king 
Have  any  way  your  good  deferts  forgot,— 
Which  he  confefleth  to  be  manifold, — 
He  bids  you  name  your  griefs,  and  with  all  fpeed 
You  Ihall  have  your  defires,  with  intereft ; 
And  pardon  abfolute  for  yourfelf,  and  thefe. 
Herein  mif-led  by  your  fuggeftion. 

Hot.    The  king  is  kind,  and  well  we  know  the 
king 
Knows  at  what  time  to  promife,  when  to  pay. 
My  father,  and  my  uncle,  and  myfelf. 
Did  give  him  that  fame  royalty  he  wears : 
And,  when  he  was  not  fix-and-twenty  ftrong. 
Sick  in  the  world's  regard,  wretched  and  low, 
A  poor  unminded  out-law,  fneaking  home. 
My  father  gave  him  welcome  to  the  fhore : 
And,  when  we  heard  him  fwear,  and  vow  to  God, 
He  came  to  be  but  duke  of  Lancafter, 
To  fuc  his  livery,  and  beg  his  peace. 
With  tears  of  innocence  and  terms  of  zeal. 
My  father,  in  kind  heart  and  pity  mov*d. 
Swore  him  afliftance,  and  performed  it  too. 
Now,  when  the  lords  and  barons  of  the  realm 
Perceiv'd  Northumberland  did  lean  to  him. 
They,  more  and  lefs,  came  in  with  cap  and  knee  j 
Met  him  in  boroughs,  cities,  villages  : 
Attended  him  on  bridges,  flood  in  lanes, 
Lsud  gifts  before  him,  proffer'd  him  their  oaths. 
Gave  him  their  heirs ;  as  pages  following  him. 
Even  at  the  heels,  in  golden  multitudes. 
He  prcfently,  as  grcatnefs  knows  itfelf. 
Steps  me  a  little  higher  than  his  vow 
Made  to  my  father,  while  his  blood  was  poor. 

Vol.  V.  Y  '     Upon 


::?      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

*  L'rcr:  i-c  r.iktd  fhorr  si  Rivtriipurg. 
Ar.i  r.-:-:'^.  zzrvyot'r^  ca;<.«  on  him  to  rcfom 
S-:  -.c  zrruL-:  eicts,  iTid  loznc  tbait  dccrtts, 
Tr-i:  i=-7  t>:»  hcrj.~  en  l.\c  comrr.cawcalth : 
Crl-r5  •:-:  up.r-  ibinV=,  fcsn-^  to  w?tp 
Ov-r  /.L:  ci-^r.:-;^  •s.r:rgi ,  and,  by  thisDKC, 
T'rli  I-    ..1"--  Df  v.T  cf  i'Ji'iice,  did  he  win 
T.-.c  hein^  of  i-i  ihi:  ne  did  £ngfe  for. 
Prccrrdcd  r\:ni:er  j  cui  r:e  off  the  heads 
Of  ill  L"::  favour::e%  chat  the  ablcnt  king 
L:  ccp'JLZi'jLzr.  left  behi-id  him  here, 
WTicn  he  was  penbr-ii  b  the  Irifh  war. 

B!un:,  Tut,  I  carriC  not  to  hear  this. 

//;;.  Then  to  the  point. 
In  ihort  tLT»e  after  he  depos'd  the  king ; 
Soon  after  that,  deprived  him  of  his  life ; 
And,  in  the  neck  ot  that,  3  tafk'd  the  whole  Ihte. 
To  make  that  worfe,  fufier'd  his  kinfinan  March, 
(Who  is,  if  everj-  owner  were  right  plac'd. 
Indeed  his  king'^  to  be  incag'd  in  Wales, 
There  without  ranfom  to  lie  forfeited  : 
Dilgrac'd  mc  in  my  happy  viftories ; 
Sought  to  entrap  mc  by  intelligence ; 
Rared  my  uncle  from  the  council-board ; 
In  rage  difmifs'd  my  father  from  the  court ; 
Broke  oath  on  oath,  committed  wrong  on  wrong: 
And  in  conclufion,  drove  us  to  feck  out 
4  This  head  of  fafety  -,  and,  withal,  to  pry 
Into  his  title,  the  which  we  find 
Too  indireft  for  long  continuance. 


*o 


*  Uf0fi  the  TiakcJJhcre,  &c.]    In  this  whole  fpeech  he  alhto 
again  lo  fome  paflagcs  in  Richard  t  be  Second  *     Johnson. 

^  taji^d  the  ivhole  ftate.']    I  fuppofe  it  ihouldbe  teJi 

the  whole  ftattr.     Johnson. 

Tajk^d  ii  here  nfed  for  tax*d ;  it  wts  common  anciettdy  ^ 
employ  thcfc  words  indifcriminately.  Memoirs  %f  P.  de  Cm^ 
mines,  by  Dancrt,  folio,  4th  edit.  1674,  p.  136,  "  D»k* 
•«  Philip  by  the  fpacc  of  many  years  levied  neither  fabtdie* 
"  TiOT lajds.*^  Stek    ens. 

♦  This  head  ofjh/ity ; ]     This  army,  from  which  I  hop© 

for  protection.    Johnson. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  339 

Blunt.  Shall  I  return  this  anfwer  to  the  king  ? 

^of.  Not  fo.  Sir  Walter ;  we'll  withdraw  awhile, 

jo  to  the  kmg ;  and  let  there  be  impawned 

nc  furety  for  a  lafe  return  again, 

d  in  the  morning  early  fhall  my  uncle 

ig  him  our  purpofes.     And  fo  farewell. 

?&»/.  I  would  you  would  accept  of  grace  and  love ! 

loi.  It  may  be  fo  we  (hall. 

\lunt.  Pray  heaven,  you  do!  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

TORK.     The  arcbbijhop's palace. 

Enter  the  archbijhop  of  Tork,  and  Sir  Michael 

erk.  Hie,  good  Sir  Michael  •,  bear  this  5  fealed  brief 

h  winged  hafte  to  the  lord  Mareftial ; 

5  to  my  coufm  Scroop ;  and  all  the  reft 

whom  they  are  direfted. — If  you  knew 

V  much  they  do  import,  you  would  make  hafte. 

r  ACcb.  My  good  lord, 

ck  their  tenor. 

7rk.  Like  enough,  you  do. 

norrow,  good  Sir  Michael,  is  a  day 

ran  the  rortune  of  ten  thoufand  men 

t  bide  the  touch :  for.  Sir,  at  Shrewft)ury, 

am  truly  given  to  underftand, 

king,  with  mighty  and  quick-raifed  power, 

s  with  lord  Harry :  and  I  fear.  Sir  Michael,— 

t  with  the  ficknefs  of  Northumberland, 

ofe  power  was  *  in  the  firft  proportion) 

what  with  Owen  Glendower's  abfence  thence, 

3  with  them  was  7  a  rated  finew  too, 

fealed  brief  \     A  brief  is  iimply  a  letter.     Johns. 
'  /*  the  firft  proportion]    Whofc  quota  was  larger  than 

f  any  other  man  in  the  confederacy.     Johnson. 
—  a  rated  finew  too,]     So  the  fir  it  edition,  /.  r.  ac- 
;d  a  ftrong  aid.     Pope. 

MHdJiuenu  iignifies  a  ilrength  on  which  wc  reckoned ;  a 
»f  wnick  we  made  account.    Johnson. 

Y2  And 


340      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

And  comes  not  in,  o'er-rul'd  by  prophecies)— 
I  fear,  the  power  of  Percy  is  too  weak 
To  wage  an  inftant  trial  with  the  king. 

Sir  Mich.    Why,   my  good   lord,   you  need  not 
fear  •, 
There's  Douglas  and  lord  Mortimer. 

Tork.  No,  Mortimer  is  not  there. 

Sir  Mich,  But  there  isMordake,  Vernon,  lord  Hany 
Percy, 
And  there's  my  lord  of  Worcefter ;  and  a  head 
Of  gallant  warriors,  noble  gentlemen. 

Tork.  And  fo  there  is :  but  yet  the  king  hath  drawn 
The  fpecial  head  of  all  the  land  together  -, — 
The  prince  of  Wales,  lord  John  of  Lancafter, 
The  noble  Weftmorland,  and  warlike  Blunt ; 
And  many  more  corrivals,  and  dear  men 
Of  eftimation  and  command  in  arms. 

Sir  Mich.  Doubt  not,  my  lord,  they  ftiall  be  well 
oppos'd. 

Tork.  I  hope  no  Icfs  -,  yet,  needful  'tis  to  fear. 
And  to  prevent  the  worft.  Sir  Michael,  fpeed : 
For,  if  lord  Percy  thrive  not,  ere  the  king 
Diiinifs  his  power,  he  means  to  vifit  us  : — 
For  he  hath  heard  of  our  confederacy, — 
And  'tis  but  wifdom  to  make  ftrong  againft  him; 
Therefore  make  hafte  :  I  muft  go  write  again 
To  other  friends ;  and  fo  farewell.  Sir  Michael. 


ACT 


KING    HENRY    IV.  341 

LCT     V.      SCENE     I. 

*Tbe  camp  at  Sbrewjbury. 

ing  Henry ^  prince  of  Wales^  lord  John  of  Lcn- 
•,  earl  of  Weftmorland^  Sir  IValter  Blunt^  and 
aff. 

K.  Henry. 

W  bloodily  the  fun  begins  to  peer 

\.bove  yon  bulky  hill !  the  day  looks  pale 

diftemperature. 

^enry.  The  fouthern  wind 

lay  the  trumpet  9  to  his  purpofes ; 

•y  his  hollow  whiftling  in  the  leaves, 

5  a  tempeft,  and  a  bluilering  day. 

enry.  I'hen  with  the  lofers  let  it  fympathize ; 

hing  can  feem  foul  to  thofe  that  win. 

\l'he  trumpet  founds. 

Enter  IVorceJier  and  Sir  Richard  Vernon. 

mry.  How  now,  my  lord  of  Worcefter  ?  *tis 

not  well 
•u  and  I  ftiould  meet  upon  fuch  terms 
we  meet.     You  have  deceived  our  truft ; 
ide  us  dofF  our  eafy  robes  of  peace, 
hi  our  old  limbs  in  ungentle  ftecl : 

''.]  It  feems  proper  to  be  remarked,  that  in  the  cdi- 
ited  while  the  author  lived,  this  play  is  not  broken 
The  divifion  which  was  made  by  the  players  in  the 
feems  commodious  enough,  but,  being  without  autho- 
bc  changed  by  any  editor  who  thinks  himfelf  able  to 
;tter.     Johnson. 

—  to  bis  purpojes  ;]     That  is,  to  the   fun's,  to  that 
;  fun  portends  by  his  unufual  appearance.    Johns. 

y  3  This 


342    THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

This  is  not  well,  rry  lord,  this  is  not  well. 
What  fay  you  to't  ?  will  you  again  unknit 
This  churlifh  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  exhaW  meteor, 
A  prodigy  of  fear,  and  a  portent 
Of  broached  mifchicf,  to  the  unborn  times  ? 

Wcr.  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  protcft, 
I  have  not  fought  the  day  of  tnis  diflike. 

K.  Henry.  You  have  not  fought  it !  how  conies  it 
then  ? 

'  FaL  Rebellion  lay  in  his  way,  and  he  found  it 

P.  Henry.  Peace,  chewct,  peace. 

'    Fal.  Rebellion  lay  in  his  ivay^  and  he  found  it. 

Prince.  Peace ^  che^vetj  peace,}  This,  I  take  to  be  in  arbi- 
trary refinement  of  Mr.  Pope*s ;  nor  can  I  eaAly  agree*  that 
ehevet  is  Shakefpcare's  word  here.  Why  fhould  prince  Henry 
call  FalllafF  holjlery  for  interpofing  in  the  difcour(e  betwixt  Ae 
king  and  Worceiler  ?  With  fubmiflion,  he  does  not  take  him  up 
here  for  his  nnreafonable  fize,  but  for  his  i!l-timM  and  unfea- 
fonable  chattering,  I  therefore  have  prefcrved  the  reading  of 
the  old  books.  A  cheiuet^  or  chuety  is  a  noify  chattering  birdt 
a  pie.  This  carries  a  proper  reproach  to  Falllaff  for  his  med- 
ling  and  impertinent  jell.  Andbefides*  if  the  poet  had  intended 
that  the  prince  (hould  fleer  at  FalllafF  on  account  of  bis  corpu- 
lency, I  doubt  not  but  he  would  have  called  him  htl/ler  in 
plain  Englilh,  and  not  have  wrapp'd  up  the  abufe  in  ckeFrenck 
word  chtvct.  In  another  paiTage  of  this  play*  the  prince  ho- 
nellly  calls  him  quilt.  As  to  prince  Henry,  his  dock  in  this 
language  was  fo  fmall,  that  when  he  comes  to  be  king  he  ham- 
mers out  one  fmall  fentence  of  it  to  princefs  Catherine,  and 
tells  her,  Jt  is  as  eafy  for  him  to  conquer  the  kingddpi  0S  t§  ffuJt 
fo  much  mere  French.     Theobald. 

Peacey  chc^jtet,  peace.]  In  an  old  book  of  cookery,  printed 
in  1596,  I  find  a  receipt  to  make  cheuuets,  which  from  their  iu- 
predients  ieem  to  h^ve  been  fat  greafy  puddipgs ;  and  to  theft 
It  is  as  probable  that  the  prince  alludes.  Both  the  qnaorto's  and 
folio  fpell  the  word  as  it  now  Hands  in  the  text,  and  M I  fottii4 
it  in  ^he  book  alrpadv  ment^onedr     SriEVf  MSf 


KIMG    HENRY    IV.  343 

Wcr.  It  pkas'd  yoyr  majefly,  to  turn  your  looks 
Of  favour,  from  myfdf,  and  all  our  houfe ; 
And  yet  I  niuft  remember  you,  my  lord, 
We  were  the  firft  and  deareft  of  your  friends. 
For  you,  ?  my  ftafFof  office  I  did  break 
In  Richard's  time ;  and  pofted  day  and  night 
To  meet  you  on  the  way,  and  kife  your  hand. 
When  yet  you  were  in  place  and  in  account 
Nothing  fo  ftroog  and  fortunate  as  I. 
It  w^  myfclf,  my  brother,  and  his  fon. 
That  brought  you  home,  and  boldly  did  out-dare 
The  dangers  of  the  time.     You  fwore  to  us, 
And  you  did  fwear  f  hat  oath  at  Doncafter, 
That  you  did  nothing  purpofe  'gainil:  the  ftate ; 
Nor  claim  no  further  than  your  new-fall'n  right. 
The  feat  oi  Gaunt,  dukedom  of  Laricafter. 
To  this,  we  fwore  our  aid  :  but  in  fhort  fpace 
It  rain*d  down  fortune  ihowering  on  your  head ; 
And  fuch  a  flood  of  greatnefs^  fell  on  you — 
What  with  our  help,  what  with  the  abfent  king ; 
What  with  the  injuries  of  a  wanton  time  j 
The  feeijipii^  fufferances  that  yoy  had  borne ; 
And  the  contr^ous  winds  that  held  the  king 
So  long  in  the  unlucky  Irifh  wars, 
Tha|C  aU  in  England  did  repute  him  dead  ^— « 
And,  from  this  fwarm  of  fair  advantages 
You  took  occafion  to  be  quickly  woo'd. 
To  gripe  the  general  fway  into  your  hand ; 
Forgot  your  oath  to  «s  at  Doncafter ; 
And,  being  fed  by  us,  you  us'd  us  fo, 
'As  that  ungende guU,  the  cuckow's  bird, 
Ufeth  the  fparrow :  did  opprefs  our  neft  \ 
Grew  by  our  feeding  to  fo  great  a  bulk. 


*  — —  my  Jiaff  0/ office ]     Sec  Richard  the  Second. 

Johnson. 

'  Js  that  ungentle  gully  the  cuciow*s  lirdA  The  cuckow's 
chicken,  who,  being  hatched  and  fed  by  the  fparrow,  in  w^iofe 
aeft  the  cuckow's  egg  was  laid,  growa  in  time  able  to  devour 
her  norfe.     Johnson. 

y4  That 


344     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

That  even  our  love  durll  not  come  near  your  fight 
For  fear  ot  iVallowing  :  but  with  nimble  wing 
We  were  intcrc'd,  for  fofcty's  lake,  to  fly- 
Out  of  your  light,  and  raife  this  prefent  head. 
Whereby  ♦  we  ftand  oppofed  by  fuch  means 
As  you  yourfcif  have  torg'd  againft  yourfelf 
By  unkind  ulage,  danf?e:*cub  countenance, 
And  violation  of  all  faith  and  troth. 
Sworn  to  us  in  your  younger  enterprizc. 

K.  Henry,  Thefe  things,  indeed,  you  have  ^  articQ- 
lated, 
Prochim'd  at  market-crofles,  read  in  churches,  - 
To  face  the  garment  of  rebellion 
With  fome  fine  colour,  that  may  plcafe  the  eye 
Of  fickle  changelings  and  poor  dilcontents, 
Winch  gape,  and  rub  the  elbow,  at  the  news 
Of  hurly-burly  innovation. 
And  never  yet  did  infurreftion  want 
Such  water-colours  to  impaint  his  caufe ;  - 
Nor  moody  beggars,  ftarving  for  a  time 
Of  pell-mell  havock  and  confufion. 

P.  Henry.  In  both  our  armies  there  is  many  a  foul 
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  worlcj 
In  praife  of  llenry  Percy. — By  my  hopes. 
This  prefent  enterprize  fet  off  his  head, 
I  do  not  think,  a  braver  gentleman, 
^  More  aftivc-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  fpeak  it  to  my  fiiame, 

I'^e  fiand  oppc/edy  &'C.]     We  (land  in  oppoiitlon  to 


you.     Johnson*. 

5  '  articulate  J, '[  i.e.  Drawn  cut,  article  by  article. 

STEBVtKS. 

•  More  aflivc-'valiant^  or  mare  'valiant-young^^  Sir  Thomas 
Hanmer  reads  mare  valued  young.  I  think  the  prefenc  giiigle 
ha*  xuorc  of  Shakcfpcare.     Johnson. 

I  have 


KING    HENRY    IV.  345 

I  have  a  truant  been  to  chivalry  ; 

And  fo,  I  hear,  he  doth  account  me  too. 

Yet  this  before  my  father*s  majefly— 

I  am  content  that  he  fhall  take  the  odds 

Of  his  great  name  ^nd  eftimation, 

And  will,  to  fave  the  blood  on  either  fide. 

Try  fortune  with  him  in  a  fingle  fight. 

K.  Henry.  And,  prince  of  Wales,  fo  dare  we  ven- 
ture thee, 
Albeit,  confiderations  infinite 
Do  make  againft  it.     No,  good  Worcefter,  no, 
AVe  love  our  people  well  •,  even  thofe  we  love. 
That  are  mided  upon  your  coufin's  part : 
And,  will  they  take  the  offer  of  our  grace. 
Both  he,  and  they,  and  you,  yea,  every  man, 
Slall  be  my  friend  again,  and  I'll  be  his. 
St  tell  your  coufin,  and  bring  me  word 
Vhat  he  will  do.     But  if  he  will  not  yield, 
R;buke  and  dread  correftion  wait  on  us. 
Aid  they  Ihall  do  their  office.     So,  be  gone ; 
Ve  will  not  now  be  troubled  with  reply : 
Ve  offer  fair,  take  it  advifedly. 

[Exrl  IVorceJler^  with  Vernon. 

P.  Henry.  It  will  not  be  accepted,  on  my  life. 
Tb  Douglas  and  the  Hotfpur  both  together 
At  confident  againft  the  world  in  arms. 

r.  Henry.    Hence,  therefore,  every  leader  to   his 
charge : 
Foi  on  their  anfwer,  we  will  fet  on  them : 
An- God  befriend  us,  as  our  caufe  isjufl:!      [Exeunt. 

Manent  prince  Henry  and  Falftaff. 

K  Hal,  if  thou  fee  me  down  in  the  battle,  7  and 
bcftie  mc,  fo ;  'tis  a  point  of  friendfliip. 

^  •>—  anJ  heftride  «r^,— — ]  In  the  battle  of  Agincourt, 
Hcnrjwhen  king,  did  this  ad  of  fricndfhip  for  his  brother 
|hc  d*  of  GJouceiler.     St  e  evens. 

p.  Henry, 


.        '  >"j     FIRST    PART    OF 

*    -    -.  ?■  .c:^^/  but  a  colofllis  can  do  thee  thai 
-T    ...":..     ->»i'  ^-y  pr^.yers,  and  farewell. 

X  .'^iz  were  Ixd  ti-rc,  Hal,  and  all  well. 
-    Why,  thou  owcft  heaven  a  death. 

*  lExif  prince  Hem. 
J. .  V  .f  not  due  yet :  I  would  be  loth  to  pay  him 
^.  -.  V  ?  - -i;".  WJiat  need  I  be  lb  forward  with  him 
^r-i  .^^.  ?  2:ot  on  me  ?  Well,  'tis  no  matter,  honour 
-  •cv>  "V  on.  Bur  how  if  honour  prick  me  off,  when 
;  ,M-v  .'^. :  how  then  ?  Can  honour  let  to  a  leg?  no: 
,-  -*  i.'*'"-?  no:  or  take  away  the  grief  of  a  wound? 
-'z  * .  v^ur  hath  no  (kill  in  furj^ery  then  ?  no.  What 
>  -i.-.-.-ur:  a  word.  What  is  tliat  word,  honour?  air. 
,  ....  .,  reckoning:— Who  hath  it?  He  that  dfa  a 
\i  :•.  ::aday.  poth  he  feel  it  ?  no.  Doth  he  hear  it? 
*^\  Is  it  infenfible  then  ?  yea,  to  the  dead;  but  vill 
-:  ".^r  live  widi  the  living ?  no:  why?  detraction viB 
r».  c  iu'.tIt  it.  Therefore  I'll  none  of  it  -,  9  honour  is 
4  .:x're  fcutcheon,  and  fo  ends  my  critechiCn.     [Eat. 

SCENE    II. 

Hot/pur's  camp. 

Enter  Worccjler  and  Sir  Richard  Fernon. 

jror.  O,  no,    my  nephew   muft  not   know,  Sir 
Richard, 
The  liberal  kind  offer  of  the  king. 
Ver.  'Twere  beft  he  did. 

'  Exit  prince  Henry,^     This  exit  is  remarked  by  Mr.Jpton. 

Joi«SON. 

'  —  honour  is  a  mere /cute  been  t — ]  This  is  very  ^Ji*  The 
reward  of  brave  adtioos  formerly  was  only  fome  hoDorahle 
bearing  in  the  fhiclds  of  arms  bcilowed  upon  defervc  But 
FalilafK  having  faid  that  honour  often  came  not  till  afordeath, 
he  calls  it  very  wittily  :ii  fcutcheon,  which  is  the  painted leraldiy 
borne  in  funeral  proccffions :  and  hy  mere  fcutcheon  is  iBBttated, 
that  whether  alive  or  dead,  honour  was  but  a  name. 

WARVaTOW. 

fFor. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  347 

Wor.  Then  we  are  all  undone. 
It  is  not  poflible,  it  cannot  be. 
The  king  ihould  keep  his  word  in  loving  us ; 
He  will  fulpeft  us  ftill,  and  find  a  time 
To  punifli  this  offence  in  other  faults. 
'  Sufpicion,  all  our  lives,  ftiall  be  ftuck  full  of  eyes : 
For  treafon  is  but  trufted  like  the  fox. 
Who  ne*er  fo  tame,  fo  cherifti'd,  and  locked  up, 
Will  have  a  wild  trick  of  his  anceftors. 
Look  how  we  can,  or  fad,  or  merrily. 
Interpretation  will  mifquote  our  looks  ; 
And  we  fliall  feed  like  oxen  at  a  ftall. 
The  better  cherifh'd,  ftill  the  nearer  death. 
My  nephew's  trefpafs  may  be  well  forgot. 
It  hath  the  excufe  of  youth,  and  heat  of  blood ; 
And  »  an  adopted  name  of  privilege — 
A  hare-brain*d  Hotfpur,  governed  by  a  fpieen : 
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  tlie  fpring  of  all,  fhall  pay  for  alL 
Therefore,  ^xxi  coufin,  let  not  Harry  know. 
In  any  cafe,  the  offer  of  the  king. 

Ver.  Deliver  what  you  will,  Til  lay,  *tis  fo. 
Here  comes  your  coufin. 

Enter  Hotfpur  and  Douglas. 

Hot.  My  uncle  is  returned.— Deliver  up 
My  lord  of  Wefl:morland. — Uncle,  what  news  ? 
Wor.  The  king  will  bid  you  battle  prefently. 
Doug.  Defy  him  by  the  lord  of  Weftmorland. 

■  Su/picion^  all  our  li'veSf  /hall  he  Jiuck  full  tf  iyes  ;]  Tht 
ftme  image  of  fu/pidon  is  exhibited  in  a  Latin  tragedy,  calle4 
Maxanat  written  about  the  fame  time  byDr.  William  Alablafter, 

JOHNSOM. 

•.  -  an  aitpttd  name  of  primlege^ 

A  hare-hrain'd  Hotfpur, ]     The  name  of  Hot^ur  Wljl 

pivile^  him  from  cenfure.    Johnson. 


:^S      THE    FIRST    PART    OF 


He 


Lord  Douglas,  go  you  and  rrll  him  fo. 

Doug,  M jny,  and  (hall ;  and  very  willingly. 

[^Exit  Douglas* 

fror.  There  is  no  feeming  mercy  in  the  king. 

Hot.  Did  yoii  beg  any  ?  God  forbid  ? 

f^'cr.  I  told  him  gently  of  our  grievances. 
Of  his  oath-breaking  •,  which  he  mended  thus. 
By  now  forfwearing  that  he  is  forfworn. 
He  calls  us  rebels,  traitors ;  and  will  fcoui^ 
With  haughty  arms  this  hateful  name  in  us. 

Re-enter  Douglas. 

Doug,  Arm,  gentlemen,  to  arms !  for  I  have  thrown 
A  brave  defiance  in  king  Henry's  teeth, 

3  And  Weftmorland,  that  was  engag'd,  did  bear  it ; 
Which  cannot  choofe  but  bring  him  quickly  on. 

IFor.  I'he  prince  of  Wales  ftept  forth  before  the 
king. 
And,  nephew,  challenged  you  to  finglc  fighL 

Hot.  O,  would  the  quarrel  lay  upon  our  heads  \ 
And  that  no  man  might  draw  ftiort  brcadi  to-day. 
But  I,  and  Harry  Monmouth !  Tell  me,  tell  me, 
How  fhew'd  his  talking  ?  feem'd  it  in  contempt  ? 

Fer.  No,  by  my  foul :  I  never  in'my  life 
Did  hear  a  challenge  urg'd  more  modeftly, 
Unlefs  a  brother  (hould  a  brother  dare. 
To  gentle  exercife  and  proof  of  arms. 
He  gave  you  all  the  duties  of  a  man ; 
Trimm'd  up  your  praifes  with  a  princely  tongue ; 
Spoke  your  defervings  like  a  chronicle  ; 
Making  you  ever  better  than  his  praife 

4  By  ftill  dilpraifmg  praife,  valu'd  with  you. 

And, 

^  jf/ii/  Wcftmorlandy  that  <was  engaged y — ]  Engag'd  is  deli- 
vered as  an  hoftage,  A  few  lines  before,  upon  tne  return  of 
Worccllcr,  he  orders  Weftmorland  to  be  difmifl'ed.    Johnson. 

♦  By  ftill  difpraijtng.  praife^  ^valti^d  <with  you."]  This  fooliih 
line  is  indeed  in  the  folio  of  1623,  but  it  is  evidently  the 
player's  nonfenfc.     Warburtgn. 

This 


KING    HENRY    IV.  34^ 

And,  which  became  him  like  a  prince  indeed, 

5  He  made  a  blulhing  cital  of  himfelf, 

And  chid  his  truant  youth  with  fuch  a  grace. 

As  if  he  mattered  there  a  double  fpirit. 

Of  teaching,  and  of  learning,  inftantly. 

There  did  he  paufe  :  but  let  me  tell  the  world. 

If  he  out-live  the  envy  of  this  day, 

England  did  never  owe  fo  fweet  a  hope. 

So  much  mifconftnied  in  his  wantonnefs. 

Hoi.  Coufin,  I  think,  thou  art  enamoured 
Upon  his  follies ;  never  did  I  hear 
*  Of  any  prince,  fo  wild,  at  liberty. 
But,  be  he  as  he  will,  yet  once  ere  night 
I  will  embrace  him  with  a  foldier's  arm. 
That  he  fhall  (hrink  under  my  courtefy. 
Arm,  arm  with  fpeed.     And  fellows,  foldiers,  friends. 
Better  confider  what  you  have  to  do. 
Than  I,  that  have  not  well  the  gift  of  tongue. 
Can  lift  your  blood  up  with  perfuafion, 

Enler  a  Mejfenger. 

Mejf.  My  lord,  here  are  letters  for  you. 
Hot,  I  cannot  read  them  now. — 
C  gcndemen,  the  time  of  life  is  Ihort ; 

This  line  is  not  only  in  the  fir  ft  folio,  but  in  all  the  editions 
fcefore  it  that  I  have  feen.  Why  it  fhoulU  be  cenfured  as  non- 
Ccnic  I  know  not.  To  vilify  praife,  compared  or  'valued  with 
^erit  fupcrior  to  praife,  is  no  harfti  exprcffion.  There  is  an- 
other objedion  to  be  marie.  Prince  Henry,  in  his  challenge  of 
Jercy,  had  indeed  commended  him,  but  with  no  fuch  hyper- 
fcolcs  as  might  rcprcfcnt  him  above  pniife  ;  and  there  feems  to 
Ic  no  reafon  why  Vernon  fliould  magnify  the  prince's  candor 
leyond  the  truth.  Did  then  Shakcfp^are  forget  the  foregoing 
fccnc  ?  or  are  fome  lines  loft  from  the  princess  fpecch? 

Johnson. 
'  He  made  a  blufljtng  cital  cf  himfelf ^'\     Cital  for  taxation. 

Pope. 
•  Of  any  prince^  fo  'wildy  at  liberty,']     Of  any  prince  that 
played  fuch  pranks,  and  was  not  conhncd  as  a  madman. 

Johnson. 

To 


350     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

To  fpend  that  fhortncfs  bafcly,  'twere  too  lon^ 
Tho*  life  did  ride  upon  a  dial's  point. 
Still  ending  at  the  arrival  of  an  hour. 
And  if  we  live,  we  live  to  tread  on  kings ; 
If  die,  brave  death,  when  princes  die  with  us! 
Now  for  our  confcicnces,  the  arms  are  fair. 
When  the  intent  for  bearing  them  is  juft. 

EtUer  another  Mejfcnger. 

Mejf,  My  lord,  prepare ;  the  king  comes  on  apacc^^ 
Hot.  I  thank  him,  that  he  cuts  me  from  my  talc, 

For  I  profefs  not  talking  \  only  this — 

Let  each  man  do  his  belt. — And  here  draw  I 

A  fword,  whofe  temper  I  intend  to  ftain 

With  the  belt  blood  that  I  can  meet  withal. 

In  the  adventure  of  this  perilous  day. 

7  Now — Efperancc !— Percy ! — and  fct  on ; 

Sound  all  the  lofty  inftruments  of  war. 

And  by  that  mufic  let  us  all  embrace : 

'  For,  heaven  to  earth,  fome  of  us  never  Ihatt 

A  fecond  time  do  fuch  a  courtcfy. 

\Xi>ey  mbract^  then  exeunt.    The  trumpets  found. 

SCENE    III. 

The  King  enter etb  with  his  power,    jilarm  to  the  battk. 
Then  enter  Douglas  and  Sir  IValter  Bknt. 

Blunt.  What  is  thy  name,  that  in  the  battle  thus 
Thou  croffeft  me  ?  what  honour  doft  thou  feck 
Upon  my  head  ? 

T  NanJtf^^Ejperance  f — ]  This  was  the  word  of  battle  on 
Percy's  fide.     See  Hail's  Chronicle,  folio  22.     Pope. 

E/peranee^  or  E/peranzuy  has  always  been  the  motto  of  the 
Percy  family.  E/perMnce  in  Dieu  is  the  prefcnt  motto  of  die 
carl  of  Korthumberland,  and  has  been  long  ufcd  by  his  prcde- 
cefibrs.  Sometimes  it  was  exprefTed  Efpcranct  ma  Ccmfrrte^ 
which  is  dill  legible  at  Alnwick  caftle  over  the  great  gate. 

Percy. 

■  For^  hea^ven  to  earth,'^]  i.  c.  One  might  wagcr  heaven  to 
earth.    WARiVRTON, 

2  Doug. 


KING    HENRY    IT.  351 

Dot^.  Know,  then,  my  name  is  Douglas ; 
And  1  do  haunt  thee  in  the  battle  thus^ 
Secaufe  ibme  tell  ine  that  thou  art  a  king« 

Blunt.  They  tci?  thee  true. 

Doug.  The  lord  of  Stafford  dear  to-day  hath  bought 
Thy  hkenefs ;  for  inftead  of  thee,  king  Harry, 
Thb  Iword  hath  ended  him  :  fo  ftiall  it  thee, 
Unlefs  thou  yield  thee  as  my  prifoner. 

Blunt.  I  was  not  born  a  yielder,  thou  proud  Scot, 
And  thou  fhalt  find  a  king  that  will  revenge 
Lord  Stafford's  death. 

Fight  J  Blunt  is  Jlain  ;  then  enter  Hctfpur. 

Hot.  O  Doudas,  hadft  thou  fought  at  Holmedort 
thus, 
I  never  had  triumphed  over  a  Scot. 

Doug.  All's  done,  all's  wonj   here  brcathlefs  lies 
the  king. 

Hot.  Where? 

jy&ug.  Here. 

Hot.  This^  Douglas !  no.  I  know  hb  face  full  well : 
A  gallant  knight  he  was,  his  name  was  Blunt ; 
Semblably  fumifhM  like  the  king  himfelf. 

Domg.  Ah!  fool,  go  with  thy  foul  whither  it  goes! 
A  borrow'd  title  haft  thou  bought  too  dear. 
Why  didft  thou  tell  me  that  thou  wert  a  king  ? 

Hot.  The  king  hath  many  marching  in  his  coats. 

Doug.  Now  by  my  fword,  I  will  kill  all  his  coats  5 
PH  murder  all  his  wardrobe  piece  by  piece. 
Until  I  meet  the  king. 

Hot.  Up,  and  away; 
Our  foldiers  ftand  full  fairly  for  the  day.         [Exeunt. 

Other  alarms^  enter  Faljlaff. 

Fal.  Though  I  could  'fcape  ^  ftiot-free  at  London, 
I  fear  the  (hot  here  ;  here's  no  fcoring^  but  Upon  the 

pate.— 


•  Jhot'/ree  at  London j — ]     A  play   upon  Jhct,  as  it 

lieans  the  part  of  a  reckoning,  and  a  miifive  weapon  difcharged 
fe)ni  artillery.    Jo  h  n  s  0 n  . 


352     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

pate. Soft !  who  art  thou  ?   Sir  Walter  Blunt  ? 

there's  honour  for  you  j  '  here's  no  vanity! — I  am  as 
hot  as  molten  lead,  and  as  heavy  too :  heaven  keep 
lead  out  of  me !  I  need  no  more  weight  than  mine 
own  bowels.— I  have  led  my  raggamuffins  where  they 
are  pepper'd :  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  ? 

Enter  prince  Henry. 

P.  Henry.  What,  ftand'ft  thou  idle  here  ?  lend  mc 
thy  fword  : 
Many  a  nobleman  lies  ftark  and  ftifF 
Under  the  hoofs  of  vaunting  enemies, 
Whofe  deaths  are  unreveng'd.     Lend  me  thy  fword. 

Fal.  O  Hal,  I  pr'ythee,  give  me  leave  to  breathe  a 
while.     *  Turk  Gregory  never  did  fuch  deeds  in  arms, 

as 

So  Hey  wood,  in  his  Epigrams  on  Pronjirhs^ 

*•  And  it  is  yll  commynge,  I  have  heard  fay, 

"  To  the  end  of  a^o/,  and  beginnyng  of  a  frayl** 

Steevins. 
■  heri*s  no  'vanity  ! — ]     In  our  author's  time  the  ne- 
gative, in  a  common  ipeech,  was  ufed  to  deHgn,  ironically, 
the  excefs  of  a  thing*     Thus  Ben  Jonfon,  in  E'vety  Mam  in  bis 
Humouty  fays, 

"  O  here's  no  foppery ! 
"  'Death,  I  can  endure  the  (locks  better." 
Meaning,  as  the  paffage  Ihews,  that  the  foppery  was  cxceflivc. 
And  fo  in  many  other  places.     But  the  Oxford  Editor  not  ap- 
prehending this,  has  altered  it  to  there* s  *uunity  !     Warb. 

I  am  in  doubt  whether  this  interpretation,  though  in^nious 
and  well  fupported,  is  true.  The  words  may  mean,  Iierc  is 
real  honour,  no 'vanity y  or  no  empty  appearance,     Johnson. 

I  believe  Dr.  Warburton  is  right ;  the  fame  ironical  kind  of 
cxpreffion  occurs  in  The  Mad  Lo'ver  of  B.  and  Fletcher, 

•* Here's  no  'villainy  t 

"  I  am  glad  I  came  to  the  hearing." 
Again,  in  Ben  Jonfon's  Tale  of  a  Tuhy 

*•  Here  was  no  fubtle  device  to  get  a  wench  !** 

Steevens, 
*  Turk  Gregory  never  did  fuch  deeds  in  armsy — ]     Meaning 
Gregory  the  Seventh,  called  Hildebrand.    This  farious  frier 

furmonnted 


KING    HENRY    IV.  353 

as  I  have  done  this  day.     3  I  have  paid  Percy,  I  have 
made  him  fure. 

P.  Henry.  He  is,  indeed,  and  living  to  kill  thee : 
I  pr'ythee,  lend  me  thy  fword. 

FaL  Nay,  Hal,  if  Percy  be  alive,  thou  get'ft  not 
my  fword ;  but  take  my  piftol,  if  thou  wilt. 

P.  Henry,  Give  it  me.     What,  is  it  in  the  cafe  ? 

FaL  Ay,  Hal,  'tis  hot.     There's  that  will  4  fack  a 
city. 

[The  prince  draws  it  ouU  and  finds  it  a  bottle  of  fack. 

P.  Henry.  What,  is  it  a  time  to  jeft  and  dally  now  ? 
[Throws  it  at  him,  and  exit. 

Fal.  5  If  Percy  be  alive,  I'll  pierce  him.     If  he  do* 
come  in  my  way,  fo ;  if  he  do  not,  if  I  come  in  his, 
willingly,  let  him  make  ^  a  carbonado  of  me.     I  like 
not  fuch  grinning  honour  as  Sir  Walter  hath :  give 

farmoanted  almoft  invincible  obilacles  to  deprive  the  emperor 
of  his  right  of  inveftitureof  bifhops,  which  his  predeccHbrs  had 
long  attempted  in  vain.  Fox,  in  his  hiftory,  had  made  this 
Gregory  fo  odious,  that  I  don't  doubt  but  the  good  Protedants 
of  that  time  were  well  pleafed  to  hear  him  thus  charaderized, 
as  uniting  the  attributes  of  their  two  great  enemies,  the  Turk 
and  Pope,  in  one.     Warburton. 

*  /  have  paid  Percy^  I  ha*ve  made  him  Jure. 

P.  Henry.  He  isy  indeed y  and^  &c.]  The  prince's  anfwer, 
which  is  apparently  connected  with  FaJflafF's  laft  words,  does 
not  cohere  fo  well  as  if  the  knight  had  faid, 

/  ba*ve  made  bim  fure ;  rercy^sfafe  enough. 
Perhaps  a  word  or  two  like  thefe  may  be  loft.     Johnson. 

♦  — fack  a  cityJ\     A  quibble  on  the  word  facL 

'  Johnson. 

'  If  Percy  he  ali^vej  Pll  pierci  him.]  Certainly,  he*  II  fierce 
bim^  i.  c.  Prince  Henry  will,  who  is  juft  gone  out  to  feekhim. 
Befides,  Pll  pierce  him^  contradids  the  whole  turn  and  humour 
of  the  fpeech.     Warburton. 

I  rather  take  the  conceit  to  be  this.  To  pierce  a  veflel  is  to 
tap  it.  FalftaF  takes  up  his  bottle  which  the  prince  had  tofTed 
as  his  head,  and  being  about  to  animate  himfeff  with  a  draught, 
cries,  if  Percy  he  ali^vey  P II  pierce  him^  and  fo  draws  the  cork. 
J  do  not  propofe  this  with  much  confidence.     Johnson. 

•  ■  a  carbonado  of  me.]  A  carbonado  is  a  piece  of  meat 
cut  crofs-wife  for  the  gridiron.     Johnson, 

Vol.  V.  Z  me 


354     THE    FIRST    PART    OP 

me  life,  which  if  I  can  fave,  fo :  if  not,  honour  coincs 
unlook'd  for,  and  there's  an  end.  [Exit. 

SCENE    IV. 

jilarmy   excurjtons.     Enter  the  king^   the  priftce^  brd 
John  of  Lancajlcr^  and  the  earl  of  Wefimfirlmd, 

K.  Hairy,  Harry,  withdraw  thyfclf ;   thou  blccd'ft 
too  much: — 
Lord  John  of  l/«incrifl:er,  go  you  with  him. 

L^n.  Not  !,  tr.y  lord,  unlcis  I  did  bleed  too. 

P.  Henry.  I  bcfccch  your  inajefly,  make  up,  _ 

Left  your  rcrireii-ient  do  amaze  your  friends. 

K.  Henjy,  I  will  do  fo. 

My  lord  of  WeflmoiLini't,  lead  him  to  his  tent. 

JVcJi.  Come,  my  K^rd,  I  will  had  you  to  your  tent. 

P.  Hettry-  Lead  mc,  my  lord !  1  do  not  need  your 

hdp; 
And  heaven  forbid,  a  fhallow  fcratch  fhould  drive 
The  prince  o;  Wales  from  fuch  a  field  as  this. 
Where  ftain'd  nobiiiry  lies  trodden  on. 
And  rebels  arms  triuir.ph  in  malTacres ! 
Lan.  Wc  breiithe  too  long.     Come,  coufin  Weft- 
morland, 
Our  duty  this  w.iy  lies ;  for  heaven's  fake,  come. 

{Exeunt  P.  John  and  K^e/^^ 

P.  Henry.  By  heaven,  thou  hitft  deceived  mc,  Lan 

cafter ; 
I  did  not  rhink  thee  lord  of  fuch  a  Ipirit : 
Before,  I  lov'd  thee  as  a  brother,  John ; 
But  now,  I  do  refpcdt  thee  as  my  foul. 

K.  Henr,\  I  faw  him  hold  lord  Percy  at  the  poilit^^ 
With  lufticr  maintenance  than  I  did  look  for 
Of  fuch  an  u.igrown  warrior. 

P.  Htinry.  Cih,  this  boy 
Lends  mettle  to  us  all  |  [1 


kiNG    MENRY    IV. 

Enter  Doughs. 


355 


jyoiig.  Another  king!— they  grow,  like  Hydra's 
heads. 
I  am  the  DougLis,  fatal  to  all  thofe 
That  wear  thole  cofours  xdh  th^m.~  What  art  thou, 
Thftt  counterfeit'ft  the  pcrfon  of  a  king  ? 

K.  Henry.  The  king  himfclf  j  who,  Douglas,  grieves 
at  heart. 
So  many  of  his  Ihadows  thou  haft  met. 
And  not  the  verj'  king.     I  have  two  boys 
Seek  Percy  and  thyfelf  about  the  field  : 
But,  feeing  thou  fali'ft  on  me  fo  luckily, 
I  will  aflay  thee  •,  fo  defend  thyfelf.  ^ 

Boug.  I  fear,  thou  art  another  countefeit : 
And  yet,  in  faith,  thou  bear'ft  thee  like  a  king : 
But  mine,  I  am  furc,  tliou  art,  whoe'er  thou  be^ 
And  thtis  I  win  thee. 

\Xhey  fight y  the  king  being  in  danger. 

Enter  prince  Henry. 

P.  lienry.  Hold  up  thy  head,  vile  Scot,  or  thou  art 
like 
Never  to  hold  it  up  again  !  the  fpirits 
Of  valiant  Shirley,  Stafford,  Blunt,  are  in  my  arms. 
h  is  the  prince  of  Wales,  that  threatens  thee ; 
Who  never  promifeth,  but  he  means  to  pay. 

[X^ey  fight y  Douglas  flyetb. 
Chearly,  my  lord ;  how  fares  your  grace? 
Sir  Nkrhalas  Gawiey  hath  for  fuccour  fent. 
And  fo  hath  Clifton :  Til  to  Clifton  ftrait. 
K.  Henry,  Stay,  and  breuthe  a-while: — 
Thou  haft  redeem'd  thy  lolt  opinion  ; 
And  IheVd,  thou  mak'ft  Ibme  tender  of  my  life, 
In  this  f^ir  refcue  thou  haft  brought  to  me. 

P.  Henry.  O  heaven!  they  did  me  too  much  injury. 
That  ever  faid,  I  hearken'd  for  your  death. 

Z2  If 


356     THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

If  it  were  fo,  I  mi^ht  have  let  alone 
The  infulting  hand  of  Douglas  over  you ; 
Which  would  have  been  as  fpeedy  in  your  end, 
As  all  the  poifonous  potions  m  the  world. 
And  fav'd  the  treacherous  labour  of  your  fon. 
K.  Henry.  Make  up  to  Clifton,  I'll  to  Sir  Nicholas 
Gawfey,  [Ext. 

Enter  Hotfpur. 

Hot,  If  1  miftake  not,  thou  art  Harry  Monmouth- 

P.  Hemy.  Thou  fpeak*ft  as  if  I  would  deny  mf 
name. 

Hot.  My  name  is  Harry  Percy. 

P.  Hcjiry.  Why,  then  I  fee 
A  very  valiant  rebel  of  that  name. 
I  am  the  prince  of  Wales :  and  think  not,  Percy, 
To  fhare  with  me  in  glory  any  more. 
Two  ftars  keep  not  their  motion  in  one  fphcrc; 
Nor  can  one  England  brook  a  double  reign 
Of  Harry  Percy;  and  the  prince  of  Wales. 

Hot.  Nor  (hall  it,  Harry  •,  for  the  hour  is  come 
To  end  the  one  of  us  -,  and  would  to  heaven, 
Thy  name  in  arms  were  now  as  great  as  mine ! 

P.  Henry.  I'll  make  it  greater,  ere  I  part  from  thee  =: 
And  all  the  budding  honours  on  thy  creft 
I'll  crop,  to  make  a  garland  for  my  head. 

Hot.  I  can  no  longer  brook  thy  vanities.       \Pighf^ 

Enter  Faljlaff. 

Fal.  WcUfaid,  Hal!  to  it,  Hal!-^Nay,  youfhaM 
find  no  boy's  play  here,  I  can  tell  you. 

Znter  Douglas^  he  fights  with  Fdjiaff^  who  falls  dcvpr^ 
as  if  he  were  dead.    Percy  is  wowided,  and  falls. 

Hot.  O,  Harry,  thou  haft  robb'd  me  of  my  youth.  - 
I  better  brook  the  lofs  of  brittle  lite. 

Than 


KING    HENRY    IV.  357 

Than  7  thofe  proud  titles  thou  haft  won  of  me ; 
They  wound  my  thoughts,  worfe  than  thy  fword  my 

flefti:— 
But  thought's  the  flave  of  life,  and  life  time's  fool  •, 
And  time,  that  takes  furvey  of  all  the  world, 
Muft  have  a  ftop.     O,  I  could  prophefy. 
But  that  the  eartny  and  cold  hand  of  death 
Lies  on  my  tongue : — No,  Percy,  thou  art  duft. 

And  food  for — [Dw. 

P.  Henry.  For  worms,  brave  Percy.  I^e  thee  well, 

great  heart ! 
^  lU-weav'd  ambition,  how  much  art  thou  fhrunk! 
When  that  this  body  did  contain  a  fpirit, 
^  A  kingdom  for  it  was  too  fmall  a  bound : 
But  now,  two  paces  of  the  vileft  earth 
Is  room  enough.     This  earth,  that  bears  thee  dead. 
Bears  not  alive  fo  ftout  a  gentleman. 
If  thou  wert  fenfible  of  courtefy, 
I  fliould  not  make  fo  great  a  fhow  of  zeal : — 
"  But  let  my  favours  hide  thy  mangled  face, 
-And,  even  in  thy  behalf,  I  thank  myfelf. 


thofi  proud  titles  thou  haft  txjon  of  me ; 


They  'wound  my  thought Sy 
But  thought* s  the  Jla'veof  life f  and  life  time*:  fool  i 
And  time muft  hwve  aftop,'\  Hotfpur  in  his  lall  mo- 
ments endeavours  to  confole  himfelf.  The  glory  of  the  prince 
ivmndj  his  thoughts ;  but  thought^  being  dependent  on  life,  muft 
ceafe  with  it,  and  will  foon  be  at  an  end.  Life,  on  which 
ii&wf^^/ depends,  is  itfelf  of  no  gjeat  value,  beinig  the  fool  and 
^^n  of  time;  of  time  j  which,  with  all  its  dominion  over  fublu- 
nary  things,  muft  itfelf  at  laft  he ftopped,     Johnson. 

•  lll-ui'sa^'* d  ambition^  &c.]     A  metaphor  taken  from  cloth, 
which  Ihrinks  when  it  is  ill-weav*d,  when  its  texture  is  loofc. 

Johnson. 

*  A  kingdom y  &c.] 

Carminihus  confide  bonis — -jacet  ecce  Tibullus 
Vixmanet  e  toto pawa  quod  urna  capit,  Ovid.  Johnson. 
'  But  let  my  fauoun  hide  thy  mangled  face  y'\     We  (hbuld  read 
favouTy  face  or  countenance.     He  Hooping  down  here  to  kifs 
Hotipur.     Warburton. 

He  rather  covers  his  face  with  a  fcarf>  to  hide  the  ghaftlinefs 
o^death.    Johm^dn. 

Z3  For 


35»    THE    flKST    FA^V    QkF 

For  doing  thcfe  fair  rites  of  tcnder^efe. 
Adieu,  and  take  thy  praiJfe  with  thee  to  he^v^! 
Thy  ignominy  fleep  with  thee  in  the  gi:4ye>, 
But  pot  rei;nemjber'd  ij;i  thy  epijcaph  !■ 

— What !  old  a^quaintapce !  could  noi:  aU  thi3 1 

Keep  in  a  little  life  ?  Poor  Jack '  faj;ewell  I 

I  could  baye  better  fpar'd  a.  better  man. 

O,  I  fliould  have  a  heavy  mifs  of  thee. 

If  I  were  much  fai  love  "^rith  vanity. 

Death  hath  not  firuck  *  fo  fair  a  deer  to-day, 

Though,  ^  man,y  a  dearer  in  this  bloody  ftay  :-r? 

Imbowell'd  will  I,  fee  thee  by  aixi  by ; 

Till  then,  in.  blood  by  noblp  Percy  lie.  [£jirf/. 

Fal/hffy  rijhtg  Jlowly. 

Fal  Imboweird ! — if  thou  imbowel  me  to-day,  Ptt. 
give  you  leave  *  to  powder  me,  and  eat  me  tpo  to- 
morrow I  'Sbiood,  *twas  tirpe  tjo  counterfeit,  or  that 
hot  termagant  Scot  had  pai/:l  me  fcot  and  lot  too. 
Counterfeit  ?  I  lie,  I  am  no  counterfeit.  To  die,  is 
to  be  a  counterfeit  v  for  he  is.  but  the  counterfeit  of  ^ 
man,  who  hath  not  the  life  of  a  man :  but  to  co^n- 
tcifcit  dying,  when  a  man  thereby  liveth,  Lsl  to  be  no 
counterfeit,  but  the  true  and  perfeft  image  of  life,  in- 
deed. The  better  part  of  valour  is  difcretion ;  in  the 
wliich  better  part,  I  have  faved  my  life.  1  an>  ai^^ 
of  this  gun-powder  Percy,  though  he  be  dead.  How 
if  he  fliouId  counterfeit  too,  and  rife?  I  am  afraid)^  he 

*  Jo  fair  a  dftr ]     This  is  the  reading  pf  the  fiHi| 

edirioR,  and  of  the  other  qartos.  The  firfl  folio  has/ii/,  which 
IV  as  followed  by  all  the  editors. 

There  is  in  thefe  lines  a  -^i^xy  natural  mixture  of  the  ferioas 
nnd  ludicrous,  produced  by  tlie  view  of  Percy  ai)4-<Fal&Lff^  I 
wilh  all  pJay  on  words  had  been  forborn,     JoHNsoit. 

^  many  a  dgarer^-^]    Many  of  greaier  value, 

JOHNSOJI« 

♦  — —  topavider  «^#— ]    To  powder  is  tOsfidt. 

J5>HNS.0I^ 

would 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ssg 

would  prove  the  bettcF  counterfeit.  Therefore  I'll 
make  him  fure;  yea,  and  Pll  fwear,  I  killM  him. 
"V^^hy  may  he  not  rife  as  well  as  I  ?  Nothing  confutes 
TDC  but  eyes,  and  no  body  fees  me.  Tlicreforr,  firrah, 
-with  a  new  wound  in  your  thigh,  come  you  along 
vrith  me.  [T'akes  Hotjpur  on  his  iaci. 

Enter  prince  Henry,  and  John  ofLancaJier. 

P.  Henry.   Come,  brother  John,  full  bravely  haft 
thou  flefh'd 
Thy  maiden  fword. 

Lan.  But  foft !  whom  have  we  here  ? 
i)id  you  not  tell  me,  this  fat  man  was  dead  ? 

P.  Henry.  I  did  *,  I  iaw  him  dead,  breathlefs  and 
bleeding 
XTpon  the  ground.- 
J\.rt  thou  alive  ?  or  is  it  fantafy 
That  plays  upon  our  eye-fight  ?  I  pr'ythee,  fpeak ; 
^Wc  will  not  truft  our  eyes  without  our  ears  : 
TJiou  art  not  what  thou  feem'ft. 

Fal.  No,  that's  certain ;  I  am  not  5  a  double  man ; 
but  if  I  am  not  Jack  FalftafF,  then  am  I  a  Jack. 
There  is  Percy  [throwing  the  body  down]  ;  if  your  fa- 
ther will  do  me  any  honour,  fo ;  if  not,  let  him  kill 
the  next  Percy  himfelf.  I  look  either  to  be  earl  or 
duke,  I  can  aflure  you. 

P.  Henry.  Why,  Percy  I  kill'd  myfelf,  and  faw 
thee  dead. 

Fal.  Didft  thou?  Lord,  lord,  how  the  world  is 
pven  to  lying !  I  grant  you,  I  was  down,  and  out  of 
breath,  and  fo  was  he :  but  we  rofe  both  at  an  inftant, 
and  fought  a  long  hour  by  Shrewfbury  clock.  If  I 
may  be  believed,  fo  •,  if  not,  let  them  that  (hould  re- 
ward valour,  bear  the  fin  upon  their  own  heads.  Pll 
take  it  on  my  death,  I  gave  him  this  wound  in  the 


'  a  Jouhle  man ; — ]    That  is,  I  am  not  FalftafF  and 

Percy  together,   though  having  Percy  on   my  back,  I  feen> 

^OlUf,      JOHNSOli. 

Z  4  thigh : 


360THE    FIRST    PART    OF 

thigh :  if  the  man  were  alive,  and  would  deny  it,  I 
would  make  him  eat  a  piece  of  my  fword. 

Lan.  This  is  the  ftrangeft  tale  tnat  e'er  I  heard. 

P.  Henry.   This  is  the  ftraiigeft  fellow,    brother 
John.— 
Come  bring  your  luggage  nobly  on  your  back: 
For  my  part,  if  a  lie  may  do  thee  grace, 
m  gild  it  with  the  happieft  terms  I  have. 

[yf  retreat  is  fcundei 
The  trumpets  found  retreat,  the  day  is  ours. 
Come,  brother,  let's  to  the  higheft  of  the  field. 
To  fee  what  friends  are  living,  who  are  dead.    [Exeunt. 

Fal:  ril  follow,  as  they  lay,  for  reward.  He  that 
rewards  me,  heaven  reward  him  !  If  I  do  grow  great, 
rU  grow  lefs ;  for  Pll  purge,  and  leave  fack,  and  live 
cleanly,  as  a  nobleman  fhould  do,  [Exit. 

SCENE    V. 

The  trumpets  found.  Enter  king  Henry ^  prince  ofJValeSi 
lord  John  of  Lancafter^  earl  of  IFeftmorland^  "ojitb 
fForcefler  and  Vernon  prifoners. 

K.  Hatry.  Thus  ever  did  rebellion  find  rebuke.— 
Ill-fpirited  Worcefter !  did  we  not  fend  grace, 
Pardon,  and  terms  of  love  to  all  of  you  ? 
And  would'ft  thou  turn  our  offers  contrary  ? 
Mifufe  the  tenor  of  thy  kinfnian's  truft  ? 
Three  knights  upon  our  party  flain  to-day, 
A  noble  earl,  and  many  a  creature  elfe. 
Had  been  alive  this  hour. 
If,  like  a  chriftian,  thou  hadft  truly  borne 
Betwixt  our  armies  true  intelligence. 

fFor.  What  I  have  done,  my  fafety  urg'd  mc  taj 
And  I  embrace  this  fortune  patiently. 
Since  not  to  be  avoided  it  falls  on  me. 

K>  Henry.  Bear  Worcefter  to  the  death,  and  Vcmon 
too. 

Other 


KING    HENRY    IV.  361 

)ther  offenders  we  will  paufe  upon. — 

[Exeunt  If^orcejler  and  Vernon^  guarded. 
low  goes  the  field  ? 

P. Henry.  The  gallant  Scot,  lord  Douglas,  when  hefaw 
The  fortune  of  the  day  quite  turn'd  from  him. 
The  noble  Percy  flain,  and  all  his  men 
Jpon  the  foot  of  fear,  fled  with  the  reft ; 
!Vnd,  falling  from  a  hill,  he  was  fo  bruis'd. 
That  the  purfuers  took  him.     At  my  tent 
The  Douglas  is ;  and,  I  befeech  your  grace, 
[  may  difpofe  of  him. 

K.  Henry.  With  all  my  heart. 

P.Henry.  Then,  brother  John  of  Lancafter,  to  you 
This  honourable  bounty  Ihall  belong. 
Jo  to  the  Douglas,  and  deliver  him 
Jp  to  his  pleafure,  ranfomlefs  and  free. 
:hs  valour,  fhewn  upon  our  crefts  to-day, 
riath  taught  us  liow  to  cherifh  fuch  high  deeds, 
iven  in  the  bofom  of  our  adverfaries. 

Lan.  ^  I  thank  your  grace  for  this  high  courtefy, 
Which  I  fhall  give  away  immediately. 

K.  Henry.  Then  this  remains,  that  we  divide  our 

power. 

Jfou,  fon  John,  and  my  coufm  Weftmorland, 

Towards  York  fhall  bend  you,  with  your  deareft  fpeed. 

To  meet  Northumberland,  and  the  prelate  Scroop, 

Who,  as  we  hear,  are  bufily  in  arms. 

Myfelf,  and  you,  fon  Harry,  will  towards  Wales, 

To  fight  with  Glendower  and  the  earl  of  March. 

Rebellion  in  this  land  fhall  lofe  his  fway. 

Meeting  thr  check  of  fuch  another  J  ^y : 

And  fince  tins  bufinefs  fo  far  fair  is  done. 

Let  us  not  leave,  till  all  our  own  be  won.      [Exeunt. 

*  I  thank  your  grace,  &c.]     Thefe  two  lines  arc  added  from 
the  quarto.     Pope. 
I  fufpcdl  that  they  were  rejcdlcd  by  Shakcfpeare  himfclf. 

Johnson. 


THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

HENRY     IV. 

Containing  his  DEATH: 

AND    THE 

lORONATION 

O    F 

King  HENRY    V. 


INDUCTION. 

'  Enter  Rumour^  *  fainted  full  of  tongues. 

OPEN  your  ears ;  for  which  of  you  will  ftop 
The  vent  of  hearing,  when  loud  Rumour 
fpeaks  ? 
I,  from  the  orient  to  the  drooping  weft, 

■  Enter  Rumour,^  This  fpeech  of  Ramour  is  not  inelenat 
or  unpoetLcal,  but  is  wholly  ufelefs,  flnce  we  are  told  nothing 
-which  the  fird  fcene  does  not  clearly  and  naturally  difcover. 
The  only  end  of  fuch  prologues  is  to  inform  the  audience  of 
fome  fadts  previous  to  the  adkion,  of  which  they  can  have  no 
knowledge  from  the  perfons  of  the  drama.     Johnson. 

Enter  Rumour  y  painted  full  of  tongues, "]  This  the  author  rao- 
bably  drew  from  Holinfhed's  Defcription  of  a  Pageant^  exhibited 
in  the  court  of  Henry  VIII.  with  uncommon  coft  and  magnifi- 
cence. 

**  Then  entered  a  perfon  caXltA  Report ,  apparalled 
"  In  crimfon  fattin, /«i7tf/'/tf©»^j,  or  chronicles*'* 
Vol.  3.  p.  805.     This  however  might  be  the  common  way  of 
reprefentiug  this  perfonage  in  mafques,  which  were  frequent  in 
his  own  times.     Warton, 

Stephen  Hawes,  in  his  Paftime  of  Pleafure,  had  long  ago  ex- 
hibited her  {Rumour)  in  the  fame  manner : 
"  A  goodly  lady,  envyroned  about 

"  With  tongues  of  fyre." 

And  fo  had  Sir  Thomas  Moore,  in  one  of  his  Pageanti, 
"  /*<i/wr  I  am  called,  mervayle  you  nothing 
"  Thoughc  with  tonges  I  am  compafTedall  arounde." 
Not  to  mention  ner  elaborate  portrait  by  Chaucer,  in  TheSp&h 
of  Fame ;  and  by  John  Higgxns,  one  of  the  affiftants  in  The 
Mirror  for  Magiftrates^  in  ms  Legend  of  King  Albana3e. 

Farm  BR, 
In  a  mafque  prefented  on  St.   Stephen's  night,  1614,    ^X 
Thomas  Campion,  Rumour  comes  on  in  a  ikin-coat  fuU  if 
winged  tongues,     Steevens. 

• painted  full  of  tongues,"]     This  dire^ion,  which  is 

only  to  be  found  in  the  firft  edition  in  auarto  of  1600,  explains 
%  pafTage  in  what  follows,  otherwife  obfcure.     Popb. 

z  Making 


Per(bns  Repreiented. 

King  H  E  N  R  Y.  the  Fourth. 

Prince  Henry. 

Prince  John  of  Lancafter. 

Humphry  of  Gloucefter. 

Thomas  of  Clarence. 

Northumberland, 

The  Archbifhop  of  York, 

Mowbray, 

Lord  "lidolph,  ^^S'^"-^  '^  ^'^' 

Travers, 

Morton, 

Colevile, 

Warwick,  ^ 

Weftmorland,  / 


J 


Harcourt, 

Lord  Chief  Juftice, 

FalftafF,  Poins,  Bardolph,  Piftol,  Peto,  and  Pagt 

Shallow  and  Silence,  country  juftices. 

Davy,  fervant  to  Shallow. 

Phang  and  Snare,  two  ferjeants. 

Mouldy,      1 

Shadow,       I 

Wart,  }  country  foldiers. 

Feeble,        I 

BuUcalf,     J 


Lady  Northumberland, 
Lady  Percy. 
Hoftcfs  Quickly. 
Doll  Tear-lheet. 


Drawers^  Beadles^  Grooms^  Sec. 


5The    second    part    of 

HE   N  R  Y     IV. 

A  C  T     I.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

Northumberland's  caftk. 

Enter  lord  Bar dolph  j  the  Porter  at  the  door. 

Bardolph. 
*  "▼  T  HO  keq)s.  the  gate  here,  ho  ?  Where  is  the 

▼    ▼        Port.  What  fhall  I  fay  you  are  ? 

Bard.  Tell  thou  the  earl, 

hat  the  lord  Bardolph  doth  attend  him  here. 

^  The  Second  Part  of  Henry  IV, "l  The  tranfaftions  comprized  la 
is  hiftory  take  up  about  nine  years.  The  adion  commences 
th  the  account  of  Hotfpur's  being  defeated  and  killed;  and 
)fes  with  the  death  of  king  Henry  IV.  and  the  coronation  of 
ng  Henry  V.    Theobald. 

Mr.  Upton  thinks  thefe  two  plays  improperly  called  TbtFirJt 
.d  Second  Parts  of  Henry  the  Fourth.  The  firft  play  ends,  he 
jrs,  with  the  peaceful  fettlement  of  Henry  in  the  kingdom  by 
ic  defeat  of  the  rebels.  This  is  hardly  true ;  for  the  rebels 
e  not  yet  finally  fupprefled.  The  fecond,  he  tells  us,  Ihews 
esry  the  Fifth  in  the  various  lights  of  a  good-natured  rake, 
1,  on  his  father*s  death,  he  aflumes  a  more  manly  character, 
his  is  true ;  but  this  rcprefentation  gives  us  no  idea  of  a  dra- 
atic  adion.  Thefe  two  plays  will  appear  to  every  reader,  who 
all  perufe  them  without  ambition  of  critical  difcoveries,  to  be 
connected,  that  the  fecond  is  merely  aiequel  to  the  firH;  to  be 
ro  only  becaufe  they  are  too  long  to  be  obc.    Johnson. 

Vol.  V.  A  a  Port. 


370    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Port.  His  lordfhip  is  walkM  forth  into  the  orcharci: 
Pleale  it  your  honour,  knock  but.  at  the  gate. 
And  he  himfelf  will  anfwer. 

Enter  Northumberland. 

Bard.  Here  comes  the  earl. 

North.  What  news,  lord  Bardolph  ?  every  mims:^— * 
now 
Should  be  the  father  of  fome  ftratagcm* 
The  times  are  wild  j  contention,  like  a  horfe 
Full  of  high  feedings  madly  hath  broke  loofe, 
And  bears  down  all  before  him. 

Bard.  Noble  earl, 
I  bring  you  certain  news  from  Shrewlbury. 

North.  Good,  if  heaven  will ! 

Bard.  As  good  as  heart  can  wifti  :— 
The  king  is  almoft  wounded  to  the  death ; 
And,  in  the  fortune  of  my  lord  your  fon. 
Prince  Harry  flain  outright  -,  and  both  the  Blunts 
Kiird  by  the  hand  of  Douglas :  young  prince  John,     ^ 
And  Weftmorland^  and  Stafford,  fled  the  field ; 
And  Harry  Monmouth's  brawn,  the  hulk  Sir  Johne:  ^" 
Is  prifoner  to  your  fon.     O,  fuch  a  day. 
So  fought,  fo  followed,  and  fo  fairly  won. 
Came  not  till  now,  to  dignify  the  times, 
Sipce  Casfar's  fortunes ! 

North.  How  is  this  deriv'd  ? 
Saw  you  the  field  ?  came  you  from  Shrewlbury? 

Bard.  I  Iboke  with  onc^  my  lord,  that  came  fix)  ^ 
thence ; 
A  gentleman  well  bred,  atid  of  good  name. 
That  freely  rendered  me  thefe  news  for  true. 

North.  Here  comes  my  fcrvant  Travcrs,  whom^* 
fent 
On  Tuefday  laft  to  liften  after  news. 

Bard.  My  lord,  I  over-rode  him  on  the  way. 
And  he  is  furnifh*d  with  no  certainties. 
More  than  he,  haply,  may  retail  from  me. 

Enr^ 


KING    HENRY    IV-  371 

Enter  Gravers. 

North.  Now,   Travers,   what  good  tidings  come 

with  you  ? 
Trj.  My  lord.  Sir  John  Umfrevile  turn'd  me  back 
With  joyful  tidings ;  and,  being  better  hors'd. 
Out-rode  me.     After  him  came,  fpurring  hard, 
-A  gentleman,  almoft  fore-fpent  with  fpced. 
That  ftopp'd  by  me,  to  breathe  his  bloodied  horfc : 
He  a(k*d  the  way  to  Chefter  •,  and  of  him 
I  did  demand  what  news  from  Shrewfbury. 
He  told  me,  that  rebellion  had  bad  luck, 
J^nd  that  young  Harry  Percy's  fpur  was  cold : 
"With  that  he  gave  his  able  horfe  the  head. 
And,  bending  forward,  ftruck  his  *  armed  heels 
-Againft  the  panting  fides  of  his  ^  poor  jade 
Up  to  the  ^  rowel-head ;  and,  ftarting  lb, 

*  He  feem*d  in  running  to  devour  the  way. 

Staying  no  longer  queftion, 
Norjb.  Ha ! again  ? 

Said  he,  young  Harry  Percy's  fpur  was  cold  ? 

Of  Hotfpur,  Coldfpur  ? — that  rebellion 

Had  met  ill  luck  ? 

Bard.  My  lord,  I'll  tell  you  what 

If  my  young  lord  your  fon  have  not  the  day. 

Upon  mine  honour,  for  a  ^  filken  point 

Fll  give  my  barony.     Never  talk  of  it. 

*  armed  heels']  Thus  the  quarto  1600.  The  folia 
1623,  TtTids  able  heels  i  the  modern  editors,  without  authority, 
agile  heels.     Steevens. 

^  ■ poor  Jade]  Poor  jade  is  ufed  not  in  contempt,  but 

in  compaffion.  Poor  jade  means  the  horfe  wearied  with  his 
journey.     Steevens. 

7  ro<ivel'head \ ]    I  think  that  I  have  obferved  ia 

old  prints  the  ro-juel  of  thofe  times  to  have  been  only  a  fingie 
fpike.     Johnson. 

•  He  /eem*d  in  running  to  de*vour  the  tuay,]  So  in  The  Book 
ofjohy  chap,  xxxix.  •*  He /wallo^'eth  the  ground  in  fierccnefs 
'•  and  rage.**     Steevens. 

^  /ilken  point]  A /w>/ is  a  firing  tagged,  or  laoe. 

JoHNsorc, 

A  a  2  No7ib. 


372    THE  SECOND   PART   OF 

North.  Why  fhould  the  gentleman^  that  rode  bf 
Travcrs, 
Give  then  fuch  inftanccs  of  lofs  ? 

Bard.  Who  he? 
He  was  ■  fome  hilding  fellow,  that  had  ftoPn 
The  horic  he  rode  on ;  and,  upon  my  life. 
Spoke  at  adventure,    i-ook,  here  comes  more  news. 

Enter  Morton. 

North.  Yea,  this  man's  brow,  *  like  to  a  titie-kaf| 
Foretels  the  nature  of  a  tragic  volume* 
So  looks  the  ftrond,  whereon  the  imperious  flood 
Hath  left  a  witnefs'd  ufurpation.— — 
Say,  Morton,  did*ft  thou  come  from  Shrewlbury  ? 

Mort.  I  ran  from  Shrewlbury,  my  noble  lord  i 
Where  hateful  death  put  on  his  uglieft  malk 
To  fright  our  party. 

North.  How  doth  my  fon,  and  brother  ? 
Thou  trembleft ;  and  the  whitenefs  in  thy  che^ 
Is  apter  than  thy  tongue  to  tell  thy  errand. 
Even  fuch  a  man,  fo  faint,  fo  fpintlefs. 
So  dull,  fo  dead  in  look,  3  fo  woe-be-gone. 
Drew  Priam's  curtain  in  the  dead  of  night. 
And  would  have  told  him,  half  his  Troy  was  bum*d  t 
But  Priam  found  the  fire,  ere  he  his  tongue. 
And  I  my  Percy's  death,  ere  thou  report*ft  it. 
This  would'ft  thou  fay — ^Your  fon  did  thus,  and  thus} 


*  fome  hilding  ftllotv^ ]  Fo;-  UUerUng^  i.  c.  bife» 

degenerate.     Pope. 

*  like  to  a  titU-leafy-^  It  may  not  be  amift  to  ob- 
ferve,  that  in  the  time  of  our  poet,  the  title-pager  to  an  elegy* 
ai  well  as  every  intermediate  leaf,  was  totally  black.  I  kave 
feveral  in  my  poflefGon,  written  by  Chapman,  the  tnmflator  o£ 
Homer y  and  ornamented  in  this  manner.     Stbivins. 

^  fo  ivoe-ie-fone,]    The  word  was  common  enoogh 

amongft  the  old  Scotifh  and  Engliih  poets,  as  G.  Donglas^ 
Chaucer,  lord  Buckhujfl,  Fairfax ;   and  iignifies,  ftr  gmu  in 

woe,      WARBVaTON, 

Your 


KING    HENRY    IV.  373 

'our  brother,  thus  \  fo  fought  the  noble  Douglas ; 
Topping  my  greedy  ear  with  their  bold  deeds : 
ut  in  the  end,  to  ftop  mine  ear  indeed, 
hou  haft  a  figh  to  blow  away  this  praife, 
nding  with  brother,  fon,  and  all  are  dead ! 
MorL  Douglas  is  living,  and  your  brother,  yet : 

at  for  my  lord  your  fon 

Ncrth.  Why,  he  is  dead. 

c  what  a  ready  tongue  fufpicion  hath ! 

c  that  but  fears  the  thing  he  would  not  know, 

ath,  by  inftind,  knowledge  from  other's  eyes, 

hat  what  he  fear*d  is  chanc'd.     Yet  fpeak,  Morton, 

dl  thou  thy  earl  his  divination  lies ; 

nd  I  will  take  it  as  a  fweet  dilgrace, 

nd  make  thee  rich  for  doing  me  fuch  wrong. 

Mort.  You  are  too  great  to  be  by  me  gainfaid : 

5four  fpirit  is  too  true,  your  fears  too  certain. 

Norlh.  5  Yet,  for  all  this,  fay  not  that  Percy's  dead. 

ee  a  ftrange  confeflion  in  thine  eye : 

Thou 

^  Tour  fpirit''^-']  The  imprefllon  upon  your  xnind,  by  which 
1  conceive  the  death  of  your  fon.  Johnson. 
'  Ytt^for  all  this^  fay  not,  &c.]  The  contradidlion  in  the  firft 
t  of  this  fpcech  might  be  imputed  to  the  dillrailion  of  Nor- 
mberland's  mind ;  but  the  calmnefs  of  the  reflef\i  :n,  con- 
led  in  the  lail  lines,  feems  not  much  to  countenance  fuch 
ippofition.  I  will  venture  to  diftribute  this  paflage  in  a  man- 
which  will,  I  hope,  feem  more  commodi  .us  ;  but  do  not 
h  the  reader  to  forget,  that  the  moft  commodious  is  not  al- 
jrs  the  true  reading. 

Bard.  Tet  fpr  all  this y  fay  not  that  Pzrcfs  dead. 
North.  1  fee  a  Jl range  confejjion  in  thine  eye\ 
Tboujhak'ft  thy  bead,  and  hold* fi  it  fear  ^  or  fin  ^ 
To  fpeak  a  truth.     If  he  he  flainy  fay  fo, 
The  tongue  offends  net,  that  report j  his  death; 
And  he  doth  fin,  that  doth  belie  the  deady 
Not  he  that  faith  the  dead  is  not  ali*ve, 

Morton.  Tet  thefrft  bringer  of  unujelcome  neivs 
Hath  but  a  lofing  office,  and  his  tongue 
Sounds  ever  after  as  a  Jullcn  bell. 
Remember* dy  tolling  a  departing  friend* 

A  a  3  Here 


374    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Thou  fhak'ft  thy  head  ;  and  ^  hold*fl:  it  fear,  or  fin, 
To  fpeak  a  truth.     7  If  he  be  flain,  fay  fo. 
The  tongue  ofrends  not  that  reports  his  death  •, 
And  he  doth  fin  that  doth  belie  the  dead, 
Not  lie  which  fays  the  dead  is  not  alive. 
Yet  the  firft  bringer  of  unwelcome  news 
Hath  but  a  bfing  office  •,  and  his  tongue 
Sounds  ever  after  as  a  fuUcn  bell, 
Remeinber'd  knplling  a  departing  friend. 

Bard.  I  cannot  think,  my  lord,  your  fon  is  dead 
Mort,  I  am  forrj- 1  fliould  force  you  to  believe 
That  which  I  would  to  heaven  I  had  not  Icen : 
But  thcie  mine  eyes  faw  him  in  bloody  ftate, 
RendVing  faint  quittance,  wearied  and  out-breadiM, 
To  Henry  Monmouth  ;  whofe  fwift  wrath  beat  down 
The  never-daunted  Percy  to  the  earth. 
From  whence,  with  life,  he  never  more  fprung  up, 
In  few  ;  his  death,  whofe  fpirit  lent  a  fire 
Even  to  the  duUellpeafant  in  his  camp. 
Being  bruited  once,  took  fire  and  heat  away 
From  the  beil-temper'd  courage  in  his  troops  •, 
^  For  from  his  metal  was  his  party  ftcePd ; 
Which  once  in  him  abated,  all  the  reft 
Turn'd  on  themfelves,  like  dull  and  heavy  lead. 

And 

Here  is  a  natural  intcrpofition  of  Bardolph  at  the  beginniBgi 
who  is  not  pleafed  to  hear  his  news  confuted,  and  a  proper  prt- 
paration  •  f  Morton  for  the  talc  which  he  is  unwilling  to  tcll. 

joHirsoi. 

*  ^holiTft  it  in  fear  y  or  Jin,"]     fear  for  danger. 

Waeburton. 
^irU  lejlain,  fay  fo.']     The  words  fay  fi  are  in  the  firft 
folio,  L..it  not  in  the  quarto:  they  are  ncceflary  to  the  TcrfCf 
but  the  fenfo  proceeds  as  well  without  them.     Johnsok. 
2    r-iv  f  rem  his  metal  nxjas  his  party  J}etVd\ 

ii  vt./j  once  in  him  abated, ]     The  word  metal  is  one  of 

i!  i'  l-.v«^l:nicii  mf t:>phcric?.l  icinis,  which  rcfumcs  fomochor 
n  :  v.:i  icnlb  as  not  to  nei'd  rhcr  idea  (from  whence  the  figure 
i'  I,  •  ::)  lo  be  k(;pt  up.  S-  th.it  it  may  with  eiegance  enough 
1. 1  .aid,  hii  metal  ivas  abated ,  as  well  a;»  bis  ccurapc  was  alct*^* 

*  Sec 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ^ys 

id  as  the  thing  that's  heayy  ki  itfelf, 
pon  enforcement,  flies  with  greateft  fpeed ; 
did  our  nien,  heavy  in  Hotipur's  lofs, 
!nd  to  this  weight  luch  lightnels  with  their  fear, 
lat  arrows  fled  not  fwifter  toward  their  aim, 
lan  did  our  foldiers,  aiming  at  their  fafety, 
f  from  the  field.     Then  was  that  noble  Worccfter 
K>  foon  ta*en  prifoner :  and  that  furious  Scot, 
ic  bloody  Douglas,  whofe  well-labouring  fword 
id  three  times  (lain  the  appearance  of  the  king, 
jran  vail  his  ftomach,  and  did  grace  the  fliame 

•  thofe  that  turn*d  their  backs  ;  and  in  his  flight, 
ambling  in  fear,  was  took.     The  fum  of  all 

that  the  king  hath  won ;  and  hath  fent  out 
(peedy  power,  to  encounter  you,  my  lord, 
ider  the  conduft  of  young  Lancafter 
id  Weftmorland.     This  is  the  news  at  full. 
North.  For  this  I  fhall  have  time  enough  to  mourn, 
poifon  there  is  phyfic  •,  and  thefe  news 
lat  would,  had  I  been  well,  have  made  me  fick, 
ing  fick,  have  in  fome  mcafure  made  me  well, 
nd  as  the  wretch,  whofe  fever-weaken'd  joints, 

i  what  is  faid  on  this  fabje^l  in  Lo*ve*i  Labour  loft^  a^  v. 
t  when  the  writer  (hews,  as  here,  both  before  and  after, 

— bis  party  fteeVd 

7urn^d  on  themfel'ves  like  dull  and  hea<vy  leady 
It  his  intention  was  not  to  drop  the  idea  from  whence  he  took 
i  metaphor,  then  he  cannot  fay  with  propriety  and  elegance, 
;  Mefolnuas  abated i  becaufe  what  he  predicates  of  m/Z/z^  muft 
then  conveyed  in  a  term  conformable  to  the  metaphor, 
mce  I  conclude  thatShakefpeare  wrote, 

fTbicb  once  in  bim  rebated — J    i.  e.  blunted. 

Warburton. 
Here  is  a  great  effort  to  produce  little  eflfefk.  The  commen- 
»r  docs  not  feem  fully  to  uiiderlland  the  word  abated y  wiiich 
■ot  here  put  for  the  general  idea  of  diminijhedy  nor  for  the 
don  of  blunted^  as  applied  to  a  iingle  edge.  Abated  means 
iuced  to  a  loiuer  temper ,  or,  as  the  workmen  call  it,  let  down. 

Johnson* 

•  ^Gan  'uail  bis  ftomach y "]     Began  to  foil  his  courage,  to 

:  his  fpirits  fink  under  his  fortune.     Johnson. 

A  a  4  Like 


376    THfi    SECOND    PART    OF 

Like  ftrengthlels  hinges,  *  buckk  under  life. 
Impatient  of  his  fit,  breaks  like  a  fire 
Out  of  his  keeper's  arms  ;  even  fo  my  limbs, 
Weakened  with  grief,  being  now  enraged  with  grief, 
Are  thrice  themfelves.     Hence,  therefore,  thou  nice 

crutch ; 
A  fcaly  gauntlet  now,  with  joints  of  fteel, 
Muft  glove  this  hand :  and  hence,  thou  fickly  quoif  *• 
Thou  art  a  guard  too  wanton  for  the  head. 
Which  princes,  flefli'd  with  conqueft,  aim  to  hit. 
Now  bind  my  brows  with  iron  •,  and  approach 
*  The  rugged'ft  hour  that  time  and  fpight  dare  brings 
To  frown  upon  the  enrag'd  Northumberland ! 
Let  heaven  kifs  earth !  Now  let  not  nature's  hand 
Keep  the  wild  flood  confin'd !  let  order  die ! 
And  let  this  world  no  longer  be  a  ftage 
To  feed  contention  in  a  lingering  aft  ; 
But  let  one  fpirit  ctf  the  firu-born  Cain 
Reign  in  all  boloms,  that,  each  heart  being  fet 
On  bloody  courfes,  the  rude  fcene  may  end, 
3  And  darknefs  be  the  burier  of  the  dead  ! 

Bard.  +  This  drained  palTion  doth  you  wrong,  m^ 

lord! 
Sweet  earl,  divorce  not  wifdom  from  your  honour. 

Mart — 

■  ■  buckle ]     Bend;  yield  to  prefl'ure.     Johksov. 

*  The  rugged' ft  houvy  &c.]     The  old  edition. 

The  ragged^ ft  hour  that  time  andjpight  dare  bring 
To  frotwnj  cScc]    There  is  no  conu>nance  of  wetaphoiv 
betwixt  ragged  and  froivn ;    nor,  indeed,   any  dignity  ia  tke 
image.     C5n   both  accounts,   therefore,   I  fufpe^i  our  author 
wrote,  as  I  have  reformed  the  text, 

The  rifggcd 'ft  hour,  &c.  Theobald. 
3  j^nd  darknefs y  &c.]  The  conclufion  of  this  noble  fpeech  u 
extremely  llriking.  There  is  no  need  to  fuppofe  it  exadly  phi- 
lofophical ;  durkne/sy  in  poetry,  may  be  ab(ence  of  eyes,  as  well 
as  privation  of  light.  Yet  we  may  remark,  that  by  an  ancient 
opinion  it  has  been  held,  that  if  the  human  race,  for  whom  the 
world  was  made,  were  extirpated,  the  whole  fyilem  of  fublu* 
nary  nature  would  ceafe.  Johnson. 
♦  This  fira'iHcd  fajfton^  &c.]     This  line  is  only  in  the  \i^ 

edition, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  jyf 

Mart.  The  lives  of  all  your  loving  complices 
-can  on  your  health  ;  the  which,  if  you  give  o'er 
^o  ftormy  paffion,  muft  perforce  decay. 
You  call  the  event  of  war,  my  noble  lord. 
Old  fumm'd  the  account  of  chance,  before  you  faid, 
^t  us  make  head.     It  was  your  prefurmife, 
'hat,  in  the  dole  of  blows,  your  fon  might  drop : 
bu  knew,  he  walk'd  o*er  perils,  on  an  edge 
lore  'likely  to  fall  in,  than  to  get  o'er : 
bu  were  advis'd,  his  flefli  was  capable 
>f  wounds  and  fears ;  and  that  his  forward  fpirit 
Should  lift  him  where  moft  trade  of  danger  rang'd ; 
et  did  you  fay.  Go  forth :  and  none  of  this, 
"hough  ftrongly  apprehended,  could  reftrain 
"he  ftifF-borne  aftion.     What  hath  then  befall'n, 
>r  what  hath  this  bold  enterprize  brought  forth, 
lore  than  that  being  which  was  like  to  be  ? 

Bard.  We  all,  that  are  engaged  to  this  lofs, 
Inew,  that  we  ventur'd  on  fucn  dangerous  feas, 
That,  if  we  wrought  out  life,  'twas  ten  to  one : 
^nd  vet  we  ventur'd  for  the  gain  propos'd, 
^hoafc'd  the  refpeft  of  likely  peril  fear'd ; 
^nd,  fince  we  are  o'erfet,  venture  again. 
-ome,  we  will  all  put  forth,  body  and  goods. 

dition,  where  it  is  fpoken  by  Umfrevile,  who  fpeaks  nowhere 
Ife.     It  feems  necefTary  to  the  conne6lion.     Pope. 

Umfrevile  is  fpoken  of  in  this  very  fcene  as  abfent ;  the  line 
ras  therefore  properly  given  toBardolph,  or  perhaps  might  yet 
i6rc  properly  be  given  to  Travcrs,  who  is  prefent,  and  yet  is 
uule  to  /ay  nothing  on  tKis  very  interefting  occafion. 

Steevens. 

«  ICom  caft  the  e^ent  of  war.  Sec.']  The  fourteen  lines  from 
ence  to  Bardolph's  next  fpeech,  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  firft 
ditions  till  that  in  folio  of  1623.  A  very  great  number  of 
ther  lines  in  this  play  are  inferted  after  the  firll  edition  in  like 
laaner,  but  of  fuch  fpirit  and  maftcry  generally,  that  the  in- 
u-tions  are  plainly  by  Shakefpeare  himfelf.     Popf. 

To  this  note  I  have  nothing  to  add,  but  that  the  editor 
>cak8of  more  editions  than  I  believe  him  to  have  feen,  there 
aving  been  but  one  edition  yet  difcovered  by  me  that  precedes 
le  firft  folio.     Johnson. 

Mort. 


37«    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Mort.  'Tis  more  than  time :  and  my  moft  noble 
lord, 
I  hear  for  certain,  and  do  fpeak  the  truth : 
*  The  gentle  archbifliop  of  York  is  up. 
With  well-appointed  powers.     He  is  a  man. 
Who  with  a  double  furety  binds  his  followers. 
My  lord,  your  fon,  had  only  but  the  corps. 
But  fhadows,  and  the  fhews  of  men,  to  fighjt : 
For  that  fame  word,  rebellion,  did  divide 
The  aftion  of  their  bodies  from  their  fouls  j 
And  they  did  fight  with  queafinefs,  conftrain*d. 
As  men  drink  potions  \  that  their  weapons  only 
Seem'd  on  our  fide  ;  but,  for  their  Ipirits  and  fouls. 
This  word,  rebellion,  it  had  froze  them  up. 
As  fifh  are  in  a  pond.     But  now,  the  biftiop 
Turns  infurreftion  to  religion  : 
Suppos'd  fincere  and  holy  in  his  thoughts. 
He's  followed  both  with  body  and  with  mind ; 
And  doth  enlarge  his  rifing  with  the  blood 
Of  fair  king  Richard,  fcrap'd  from  Pomfrct  ftones: 
Derives  from  heaven  his  quarrel,  and  his  caufe; 
7  Tells  them,  he  doth  beftride  a  bleeding  land» 
Gafping  for  life  under  great  Bolingbroke ; 
^  And  more,  and  lefs,  do  flock  to  follow  him. 

North.  I  knew  of  this  before  •,  but,  to  fpeak  trudi, 
This  prefent  grief  had  wip'd  it  from  my  mmd. 
Go  in  with  me ;  and  counfel  every  man 
The  apteft  way  for  fafety,  and  revenge : 
Get  pofls,  and  letters,  and  make  friends  with  fpccd; 
Never  fo  few,  and  never  yet  more  need,         [Exeunt. 

*  The  gentle,  &c.]  Thefe  one-and-twenty  lines  were  added 
fmce  the  firft  edition.     Johnson. 

7  Tells  them,  he  doth  beftride  a  bleeding  land^']  That  is,  ftands 
over  his  country  to  defend  her  as  (he  lies  bleeding  on  the 
jjround.  So  FalftafF  before  fays  to  the  prince.  If  thorn  fei  m 
do^vn.  Half  and  hcftriJe  me,  fo  ;  //  is  an  ojffici  offriendfijif. 

Johnson. 

'  And  more,  and  lefs ^ ]     Mort  and  lefs  mean  gnater  and 

/f/}.     Steevens. 

SCENE 


KING    HENRY    IV.  379 

SCENE    11. 

Changes  to  aftreet  in  London. 

^nter  Sir  John  Falftaff^  with  his  page  bearing  hisfword 
and  buckler. 

Fal  Sirrah,  you,  giant !  9  what  fays  the  doftor  to 
my  water? 

Page.  He  faid.  Sir,  the  water  itfelf  was  a  good 
healthy  water.  But,  for  the  party  that  owed  it,  he 
might  have  more  difeafes  than  he  knew  for. 

Fal.  Men  of  all  Ibrts  take  a  pride  to  gird  at  me. 
The  brain  of  this  fooliih-compounded-clay,  man,  is 
not  able  to  invent  any  thing  that  tends  to  laughter, 
more  than  I  invent,  or  is  invented  on  me.  I  am  not 
only  witty  in  myfelf,  but  the  caufe  that  wit  is  in  other 
men.  I  do  here  walk  before  thee,  like  a  fow  that 
hath  overwhelmed  all  her  litter  but  one.  If  the  prince 
put  thee  into  my  fervicc  fcr  any  other  reafon  than  to  fet 
mc  off,  why  then  I  have  no  judgment.     Thou  whor- 


*  'wbat/ays  the  do3or  to  my  ^aferP]     The  method  of 

inveftigating  difeafes  by  the  infpedion  of  urine  only,  was  once 
fo  much  the  fafhion,  that  Caius,  the  founder  of  the  college  in 
Warwick- lane,  formed  a  llatute  to  reltrran  apothecaries  from 
carrying  the  water  of  their  patients  to  a  phyfician,  and  after- 
wards giving  medicines  in  confequenpe of  r^e  opinions  they  re- 
ceived concerning  it.  This  ftatute  was,  (oon  after,  followed  by 
another,  which  forbade  the  dodlors  themfclvcs  to  pronounce  oiji 
any  diforder  from  fuch  an  uncertain  diagnoflic. 

John  Day,  the  author  of  a  comedy  called  Lanv  Tricks^  or 
Who  ^Mould  ha*ve  thought  it?  1608,  defcribes  an  apothecary 
thus : 

**  his  houfe  is  fet  round  with  patients  twice  or  thrice 

.**  a  day,  and  becaufe  they'll  be  Aire  not  to  want  drink^  every 
.**  one  brings  his  oivn^water  in  an  urinal  with  him." 

Again,  in  B.  and  Fletcher's  Scornful  Lady : 

•'  ril  make  her  cry  fo  much,  that  tfie  phyfician, 
**  If  ihc  fall  fick  upon  it,  fhall  want  urtne 
f^  Tq  find  the  caufe  by.*'      '  Steevens. 

foil 


38o    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

fon  '  mandrake,  thou  art  fitter  to  be  worn  in  my  cap, 
than  to  wait  at  my  heels.  *  I  was  never  mann'd  with 
an  agate  till  now :  but  I  will  ncidier  fct  you  in  gold 
nor  filver,  but  in  vile  apparel,  and  fend  you  back  again 
to  your  mailer,  for  a  jewel ;  3  the  Juvenal,  the  prince 
your  mafler !  whofe  chin  is  not  yet  fledg*d.  I  will 
fooner  have  a  beard  grow  in  the  palm  of  my  hand, 
than  he  (hall  get  one  on  his  check  ;  yet  he  will  not 
(lick  to  fay,  his  face  is  a  face-royal.  Heaven  may 
finifli  it  when  it  will,  it  is  not  a  hair  amifs  yet :  ♦  he 
may  keep  it  ftill  as  a  face-royal,  for  a  barber  Ihall 
never  earn  fixpence  out  of  it ;  and  yet  he  will  be  crow-, 
ing,  as  if  he  had  writ  man  ever  fince  his  father  was  a 
batchelor.     He  may  keep  his  own  grace,  but  he  is 

■  mandrake^ — ]    Mandrake  is  a  root  fuppofed  to  hive 

the  fliape  of  a  man  ;  it  is  now  counterfeited  with  the  root  of 
briony.     Johnson, 

*  /  "Mas  rwver  matin  d ]     That  is,  I  never  before  had  an 

agate  for  my  man.     Johnson. 

I  --was  never  manned  fivith  an  agate  till  nonju  .'—■ ]  Alluding  tO 
the  little  figures  cut  in  a^ates^  and  other  hard  ftones,  for  ieals: 
and  therefore  he  fays,  f  luillfet  you  neither  in  gold  nor  filler. 
The  Oxford  Editor  alters  this  to  aglets  a  tag  to  the  points  then 
in  ufe  (a  word^  indeed  which  our  author  ufes  to  exprefs  the 
fame  thought) :  hxitagUtSj  though  they  were  fometimes  of  gold 
or  filver,  were  never  ^r  in  thofe  metals.     War  burton. 

'It  appears  from  a  pafTage  in  B.  and  Fletcher's  Coxcomb^  thit 
it  was  uiual  for  ju dices  of  peace  either  to  wear  zn  agattuit 
;-ing,  or  as  an  appendage  to  their  gold  chain : 

•*  Thou  wilt  fpit  as  formally,  and  fliew  thy  agiUe  and 

'•  hatch'd  chain,  as  well  as  the  bed  of  them. '^    Stbefems. 

3  ii^g  Jwvenal,  &c.]     This  word,  which  has  already 

occurred  in  The  Midfummer  Night^s  Dream,  and  Lovers  LaSeur 
lojiy  is  ufcd  in  many  places  by  Chaucer,  and  always  fignifies  a 
young  man.     Steevens. 

♦  he  may  keep  it  ftill  as  aface-royaU — ]     That  is,  a  fecc 

exempt  from  the  touch  of  vulgar  hands.  So  zftag-royal  is  not 
to  be  hunted,  a  mine-royal n  not  to  be  dug.     Johnson. 

Perhaps  the  poet  meant  to  quibble.  A  royal  (or  j-cal)  is  a 
Spanilhcoin  valued  at  fix-pence.  tThejeft  intended  muftconfifl 
in  the  allufion  to  the  fmalluefs  of  the  piece  of  money. 

Steevens. 

almoft 


KING    HENRY    IV.  381 

aknoft  out  of  mine,  I  can  aflurc  him. What  faid 

mafter  Dombledon  about  the  fattin  for  my  fhort  cloak^ 
and  flops  ? 

Page.  He  faid,  Sir,  you  fhould  procure  him  better 
aflurance  than  Bardolph  :  he  would  not  uke  his  bond 
and  yours  5  he  lik'd  not  the  fecurity. 

FaL  Let.  him  be  damn'd  like  the  glutton !  may  hi* 
tongue  be  hotter !  A  whorfon  Achitophel !  a  rafcally 
yca-forfooth^knavc !  5  to  bear  a  gentleman  in  hand, 
and  then  ftand  up  onfectirity  /—The  whorfon  fmooth- 
patcs  do  now  wear  nothing  but  high  fhoes,  and 
bunches  of  keys  at  their  girdles  -,  and  ^  if  a  man  is 
thorough  with  them  in  honeft  taking  up,  then  they 
muft  ftand  for  fecurity,  I  had  as  lief  they  would  put 
ratlbane  in  my  mouth,  as  offer  to  ftop  it  with  fecurity. 
I  looked  he  ftiould  have  fent  me  two-and-twenty  yards 
of  (attin,  as  I  am  a  true  knight,  and  he  fends  mey^- 
eurity.  Well,  he  may  deep  in  fecurity  -,  for  he  hatfe 
the  horn  of  abundance,  and  7  the  lightnefs  of  his  wife 
Ihines  through  it :  and  yet  can  he  not  fee,  though 

'  to  bear  in  hattJy'^']    II,  to  keep  in  expedation. 

Johnson. 
^  ■■         if  a  MUin  is  thorough  iviih  them  in  honeft  taking  a/»— } 
That  ist  if  a  man  hy  tailing  up  goods  is  in  their  debt.     To  be 
thorough  &ems  to  be  the  fame  with  the  prefent  phrafe  to  be  in 
^/^  a  tradefman.    Johnson. 
So  in  Every  Man  out  of  his  Humour ^ 

"  I  will  take  up,  and  bring  myfelf  into  credit." 

So  again,  in  Northivard  Hoe,  by  Decker  and  Webfler,  1607, 

**  They  will  take  up,  I  warrant  you,  where  they  may 

"  be  trufted.*'     Steevens. 

^  'the  lightnefs  of  his  wife  Jhines  through  it,  am/  yet  cannot. 

Ar^y  though  he  hame  his  oivn  lanthorn  to  light  him,]    This  joke 

leems  evidently  to  have  been  taken  from  that  of  Plautus  :   ^0 

wo/^uImj  tM^  qui  Fulcanum  in  ccrnu  conciufum  geris,  Amph.  adt  i. 

Itene  i.  and  much  improved.     We  need  not  doubt  that  a  joke 

«^as  hew  in  tended  hy  Plautus  ;  for  the  proverbial  term  oi  horns 

iat  euckoUom,  is  very  ancient,  as  appears  Ly  Artemidorus,  who 

ikySf   XI^Mrf7y  iuTv  In  q  yuvn  cw  iro^nxxru,    n-aX  to  Xiyo^svor,  xi^-ra  innm 
^tmkcu,  ntu  lyraaQ  avi0ii,    "Ovitpet.  lib,  2.    Cap,  12,      And   he   COpied 

from  thofe  before  him.    War  bur  ton. 

he 


jSi    THE    StCOND    f  ART    OF 

he  have  his  own  lanthom  to  light  him.— — ^Whcrc^S 
Bardolph? 

Page.  He's  gone  into  Smithfield  to  buy  your  woi^ 
(hip  a  horfe. 

Fal  ^  I  bought  him  in  Paul's,  and  he'll  buy  me  a 
horfe  in  Smithfield.  If  I  could  get  me  but  a  wife  in 
the  ftews,  I  were  mann'd,  hors*d,  and  wiv*d* 

Enter  CbiefJuJHce  and  Servants. 

Page.  Sir,  here  comes  the  nobleman  that  committed 
the  prince  for  ftriking  him  about  Bardolph. 

Fal.  Wait  clofe,  I  will  not  fee  him. 

Ch.  Juft.  What's  he  that  goes  there  ? 

Serv.  FalflafF,  an't  pleafe  your  lordfliip. 

Cb.  Jujl.  He  that  was  in  queftion  for  the  robbery? 

Serv.  He,  my  lord.  But  he  hath  fmce  done  good 
fervice  at  Shrewfbury  :  and,  as  I  hear,  is  now  going 
with  fome  charge  to  the  lord  John  of  Lancafter. 

Cb.  JuJl.  What,  to  York  ?  call  him  back  again. 

Serv.  Sir  John  FalflafF! 

Fal.  Boy,  tell  him  I  am  deaf. 

•  /  bought  him  in  PauPs^ — ]  At  that  time  the  rcfort  of  idl« 
people,  cheats,  and  knights  of  the  poft.     Warburtoh. 

In  an  old  Colkaion  of  Prcverhs^  I  find  the  following : 

**  Who  goes  to  Wellminrter  for  a  wife,  to  St.  PmuPs  for  a 
**  man,  and  to  Smithfield  for  a  horfe,  may  meet  withawkofc, 
•*  a  knave,  and  a  jade.'* 

In  a  pamphlet  by  Dr.  Lodge^  called  Wit^s  Mifirii^  mmd  ibi 
Wcrlifs  Madnejfe^  ^SS^,  the  devil  is  defcribed  thus: 

'*  In  Po^ls  hce  walketh  like  a  gallant  courtier,  where  if  he 
«•  meet  fome  rich  chufFes  worth  the  gulling,  at  every  word  he 
^'  fpcaketh,  he  makes  a  moufe  ao  elephant,  and  telleth  them 
•*  of  wonders  done  in  Spaine  by  his  anceftors,"  \ic.  kic. 

I  fhould  not  have  troubled  the  reader  with  this  quotation,  bat 
that  it  in  fome  meafure  familiarizes  the  charader  of  Piflolf 
which  (from  other  paflages  in  the  fame  pamphlet)  appears  to 
have  been  no  uncommon  one  in  the  time  of  Shakefpeare.  •  Dr. 
Lodge  concludes  his  defcription  thus :  — —  "  His  courage  if 
•*  boa  ling,  his  learning  ignorance,  his  ability  weaknefs,  and 
**  his  end  beggary."     Steevbns, 

Page. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  3?^ 

Pi^e.  You  muft  fpcak  louder,  my  tnafter  is  deaf. 

Cb.  Juft.  I  am  furc,  he  is,  to  the  hearing  of  any- 
thing good.— —Go,  pluck  him  by  the  elbow :  I  muft 
Ipeak  with  him. 
.   Serv.  Sir  John  I— — 

FaL  What !  a  young  knave,  and  beg !  are  there 
not  wars  ?  is  there  not  employment  ?  doth  not  the 
king  lack  fubjefts  ?  do  not  the  rebels  need  foldiers  ? 
.  Though  it  be  a  fhame  to  be  on  any  fide  but  one,  it  is 
worfe  Ihame  to  beg  than  to  be  on  the  worft  fide,  were 
it  worfe  than  the  name  of  rebellion  can  tell  how  to 
make  it. 

Serv.  You  miftake  me.  Sir. 

FaL  Why,  Sir,  did  I  fay  you  were  an  honeft  man  ? 
fetting  my  knighthood  and  my  foldierlhip  afide,  I 
had  lied  in  my  throat  if  I  had  faid  fo. 

Serv.  I  pray  you.  Sir,  then  fet  your  knighthood 
and  your  fokiierfliip  afide  -,  and  give  me  leave  to  tell 
you,  you  lie  in  your  throat,  if  you  fay  I  am  any  other 
than  an  honeft  man. 

FaL  I  give  thee  leave  to  tell  me  fo  ?  I  lay  afide 
that,  which  grows  to  me  ?  If  thou  gett'ft  any  leave  of 
me,  hang  me ;  if  thou  tak*ft  leave,  thou  wert  better 
be  hang'd.     You  9  hunt-counter,  hence !  avaunt ! 

Serv.  Sir,  my  lord  would  fpeak  with  you. 

Cb.  Juft.  Sir  John  FalftafF,  a  word  with  you. 

Fal.  My  good  lord !  God  give  your  lordft\ip  good 
tunc  of  day.  I  am  glad  to  fee  your  iordftiip  abroad  : 
I  heard  fay,  your  lordfliip  was  fick.  I  hope  your 
lordfhip  goes  abroad  by  advice.  Your  lordftiip,  though 

hunt'countefj — "]     That  is,    blunderer.      He   docs 


not,  I  think,  allude  to  any  relation  between  the  judge's  fervant 
and  the  counter-prifon.     Johnson. 

Dr.  Johnfon's  explanation  may  be  fuppnrted  by  the  following 
paflage  in  B.  Jonfon's  Tale  of  a  Tub: 

"  ■  Do  you  mean  to  make  a  hare 

**  Ofme,  to  hunt  counter  thus,  and  make  thefe  doubles, 

"  And  you  mean  no  fuch  thing  as  you  fend  about." 

Steevbns. 

not 


384    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

not  clean  paft  your  youth,  hath  yet  fome  fmack  of 
age  in  you ;  fomc  relifti  of  the  fakn«f$  of  rime  ;  and  I 
moll  humbly  befcech  your  lordfliip  to  have  a  wot- 
rend  care  of  your  health. 

Ck  Jujt,  Sir  John,  I  fent  for  you  before  your  ex- 
pedition to  Shrew{bury.— —  - 

Fal.  If  it  pleafe  your  lordfliip,  I  hear  his  majefty  is 
returned  with  fome  difcomfort  trom  Wales. 

Cb.  Jufi.  I  talk  not  of  his  m^efly.— You  would  not 
come  when  I  fent  for  you.      ■  ■ 

Fal.  And  1  hear  moreover,  his  highndsi  is  falkn 
into  this  fame  whorfon  apoplexy. 

Cb.  Juji.  Well,  heaven  mend  him !  I  pray,  let  me 
fpeak  with  you. 

Fal.  This  apoplexy  is,  as  I  take  it,  a  kind  of  le- 
thargy, an't  pleale  your  lordfliip  -,  a  kind  of  fleeping 
in  the  blood,  a  whorfon  tingling. 

Cb.  Jufi.  What,  tell  you  me  of  it }  be  it  as  it  k. 

Fal.  It  hath  its  original  from  much  grief-,  from 
ftudy  and  perturbation  of  the  brain.  I  have  read  die 
caufe  of  its  effe6ls  in  Galen :  it  is  a  kind  of  deafiiels. 

Cb.  Jttfi.  I  think  you  are  fallen  into  the  difeafe :  for 
you  hear  not  what  I  fay  to  you. 

» Fal.  Very  well,  my  lord,  very  well :  rather,  aii*t 
pleafe  you,  it  is  the  difeafe  of  not  liftening,  the  ma- 
lady of  not  marking,  that  I  am  troubled  withal.  • 

Cb.  Jufi.  To  punifli  you  by  the  heels,  would  amend 

■  Fal.  Very  'welU  my  lord^  'very  tvell : — ]  III  diC  quarto 
edition,  printed  in  1600,  this  fpeech  Hands  thus: 

Old.  Fcry  nuellj  my  Icrd,  'verywtll: 
I  had  not  obferved  this,  when  I  wrote  my  note  to  TheFirJt  Pmrt 
of  Henry  IF,  concerning  the  tradition  of  FalllafF's  clurader 
having  been  firft  called  Oldcaftle.  This  almoft  amountt  to  a 
fclf-evident  proof  of  the  thing  bein^  fo:  and  that  the  play  be- 
ing printed  from  the  ftage  manufcnpt,  Oldcaille  had  been  all 
along  altered  into  Falftaff,  except  in  thisiingle  place  by  anovef- 
fight;  of  which  the  printers  not  being  aware,  continued  thefe 
iiiitial  traces  of  the  origind  name.     Theobald, 

2  the 


KING    HENRY    IV.  385 

the  attention  of  your  ears  j  and  I  care  not  if  I  do  be- 
come your  phyfician. 

Fal.  I  am  as  poor  as  Job,  my  lord  \  but  not  fo  pa- 
tient. Your  lordlhip  may  minifter  the  potion  of  im- 
Srifonment  to  me,  in  rcfpeft  of  poverty  j  but  how  I 
lould  be  your  patient  to  follow  your  prefcriptions, 
die  wife  may  make  fome  drachm  or  a  fcruple,  or,  in- 
deed, a  fcruple  itfelf. 

Cb.  Juji.  I  fent  for  you,  when  there  were  matters* 
againfl  you  for  your  life,  to  come  fpeak  with  me. 

Fal.  As  I  was  then  advis*d  by  my  counfel  learned 
in  the  laws  of  this  land-fervice,  i  did  not  come* 

Cb.  Jufi.  Well,  the  truth  is.  Sir  John,  you  live  in 
great  infamy. 

Fal.  He  that  buckles  him  in  my  belt,  cannot  live 
ii\.lefs. 

Cb.  Juft.  Your  means  are  very  flender,  and  your 
wafte  is  great. 

Pal.  I  would  it  were  otherwife ;  I  would  my  means 
were  greater,  and  my  waift  flenderer. 

Cb.  Juft.  You  have  mif-led  the  youthful  prince. 

Fal.  The  young  prince  hath  mif-led  me.  I  am  the 
fdlow  with  tne  great  belly,  and  *  he  my  dog. 

Cb.  Juft.  Well,  I  am  lodi  to  gall  a  ncw-heal'd 
wound :  your  day's  fervice  at  Shrewsbury  hath  a  little 
gilded  over  your  night's  exploit  on  Gads-hill.  You 
may  thank  the  unquiet  time  for  your  quiet  o'er-pofting 
that  aftion. 

Fo/.  My  lord! 

Cb.  Juft.  But  fince  all  is  well,  keep  it  fo :  wake  not 
a  fleepmg  wolf. 

Fal.  To  wake  a  wolf  is  as  bad  as  to  fmell  a 
fox. 

Cb.  Juft.  What  ?  you  are  as  a  candle,  the  better  part 
liumt  out« 


•         '      he  my  dog.'\    I  do  toot  underdand  this  joke.    Dojs 
lead  the  blind,  bat  why  does  a  dog  lead  the  fat?    Johnson. 

VolV.  Bb  Fal, 


3«6    THE     SECOND    PAfeT    OF 

Fal.  5  A  waflcl  candle,  my  lord ;  sdl  hJlow :  bot 
if  I  did  fay  of  wax,  my  growth  would  approve  die 
truth. 

Cb.  Juft.  There  is  not  a  white  hair  on  your  firce^ 
but  Ihould  have  his  efie6t  of  gravity. 

Fal.  His  cffeft  of  gravy,  gravy,  gravy. 

Cb.  Juft.  ♦  You  follow  the  young  prince  up  aWd 
down,  like  his  ill  angel. 

Fal  Not  fo,  my  lord  ;  your  ill  angd  w  %ht ;  but» 
I  hope,  he  that  looks  upon  me,  will  tafce  me  wiA- 
out  weighmg :  and  yet,  in  ibme  relpeftsj  I  grants  I 
cannot  go.  5  1  cannot  tell :  virtue  is  of  fo  little 
i^ard  ^  in  thefe  cofter-monger  times^  that  true  vaJour 
IS  turned  bear-herd :  pregnancy  is  made  a  tapfter,  kiid 
hath  his  quick  wit  waftM  in  giving  reckonings :  all 
the  other  gifcs  appertinent  to  man,  as  the  malice  of  thii 

'  J  'wajfel  candle^  &c.]  A  ^ajftl  candle  is  a  laigc  cbldle 
lighted  up  at  a  feaft.  There  is  a  poor  quibble  upon  the  iword 
luax^  which  fignifies^increaTe  ias  well  as  die  matter  t>f  die 
honey-comb.     Johnson. 

.  ♦  You  follow'  the  young  prince  ut  and  down  liie  Bis  ill  d^L] 
What  a  precious  collator  has  Mr.  Pope  approved  hitnTelf  in  this 
pafTage!  Beiides,  if  this  were  the  true  reading,  Falftaffamld 
not  have  made  the  witty  and  humorous  evafion  he  ku  ddtie  in 
his  reply.  I  have  reflored  the  reading  of  the  oldeft  quarto. 
The  Lord  Chief  Juftice  calls  Falflaff  the  priHce's  ill  an^el^  ft^ 
nius:  which  FalllafF  turns  off  by  faying,  an  ill  angel  (meamiig 
the  coin  called  an  angel)  is  light ;  but,  furely,  it  canttOt  be 
faid  that  he  wants  weight :  rr^o— the  inference  is  obviottf  • 
Now  money  may  be  called  ///,  or  tad ;  but  it  is  never  called 
evi/f  with  regard  to  its  being  under  weight.  This  RCr.  Pftpc 
will  facetiouify  call  reftorfng  loft  puns:  but  if  the-anthm'Wrotc 
a  pun,  and  it  happens  to  be  loft  in  an  editor's  IndoleBce,  I 
fhall,  in  fpite  of  his  grimace,  venture  at  briogiag  it  ba£k  Xm 
light.     Theobald. 

"  As  light  as  a  dipt  angel,"  is  a  comparifon  freqnentl/'sftd 
in  the  old  comedies.     St e evens. 

^  /  cannot  tell: — ]  I  cannot  be  taken  in  a  reckotung;  Ic0# 
not  pafs  current.     Johnson. 

^  in  theje  co/fer-monger  times, ]      In   thefe  dmes 

when  the  prevalence  of  trade  has  produced  that  meanneA'that 
rates  the^merit  of  every  thing  by  mone]^.     Johkson. 

2  age 


KING    HENRY    IV.  387 

age  ihapes  them,  are  not  worth  a  goofeberry.  You, 
that  are  old,  confider  not  the  capacities  of  us  that  are 
young :  you  meafure  the  heat  of  our  livers  with  the 
bittcrneis  of  your  galls :  and  we  that  are  in  the  va- 
ward  of  our  youth,  I  muft  confefs,  are  wags  too. 

Cb,  Jufi.  Do  you  fet  down  your  name  in  the  fcrowl 
of  youth,  that  are  written  down  old  with  all  the  cha- 
raftefs  of  age  ?  Have  you  not  a  moift  eye  ?  adfy  hand? 
a  yeJlow  cheek  ?  a  white  beard  ?  a  decreafing  leg  ?  an 
incrcafmg  belly  ?  Is  not  your  voice  broken  ?  your  wind 
&ort?  your  chin  double  ?  ^  your  wit  fingle  ?  and  every 
part  about  you  blafted  with  antiquity  ?  and  will  you 
yet  call  yourfclf  young  ?  fie,  fie,  fie,  Sir  John ! 

Fal.  My  lord,  I  was  born  about  three  of  die  clock 
in  the  afternoon,  with  a  white  head,  and  fomething  % 
round  belly.  For  my  voice,  I  have  loft  it  with  hal- 
lowing and  finging  of  anthems.  To  approve  my 
youth  further,  I  will  not.  The  truth  is,  I  am  only 
old  in  judgment  and  underftanding  *,  and  he  that  will 
caper  with  me  for  a  thoufand  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  princ^ 
and  you  took  it  like  a  fenfible  lord.  I  have  check'd 
him  for  it  •,  and  the  young  lion  repents :  marry,  not 
in  allies  and  fack-doth,  but  in  new  filk  and  old 
iack. 

Cb.  Juji.  WeU,  heaven  fend  the  prince  a  better 
fompanion! 

»  ■  'four  nuitjtngli  f — ]  Wc  call  a  man  fingle-witted, 
who  attains  bat  one  fpecies  of  knowledge*.  This  fenfe  I  know 
not  how  to  apply  to  FalilafF*  and  rather  think  that  the  Chief 
Jnftice  hints  at  a  calamity  always  incident  to  a  grey-hair'd  wit, 
^ho{e  misfortune  is,  that  his  merriment  is  unfafhionable.  His 
alla£ons  are  to  forgotten  fa£U ;  his  illuftrations  are  drawn  from 
iwtions  obfcured  by  time  ;  his  wit  is  therefore  Jingle^  fuch  as 
none  has  any  part  in  bat  himfelf.     Johnson. 

I  believe  all  that  Shakefpeare  meant  was,  that  he  had  more 
/or  than  nuit ;  and  that  though  his  body  was  bloated  by  intem- 
Iperance  to  twice  its  original  fize,  yet  his  wit  was  not  increafed 
in  proportion  to  it.    Stebvbns. 

B  b  2  /tfi 


388     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal  Heaven  fend  the  companion  a  better  prince! 
I  cannot  rid  my  hands  of  him. 

Cb.  Juft.  Well,  the  king  hath  fever*d  you  and  prince 
Harry.  I  hear  you  are  going  with  lord  John  of  Lan- 
cafter,  againft  the  archbifhop  and  the  earl  of  Nor- 
thumberland. 

Fal.  Yea-,  I  thank  your  pretty  fwcet  wit  for  it. 
But  look  you  pray,  all  you  that  kifs  my  lady  Peace  at 
home,  that  our  armies  join  not  in  a  hot  day :  for,  by 
the  lord,  I  take  but  two  ftiirts  out  with  mc,  and  I 
mean  not  to  fweat  extraordinarily :  if  it  be  a  hot  day, 
if  I  brandifh  any  thing  but  my  bottle,  *  would  I  might 
never  fpit  white  again.  There  is  not  a  dangerous 
adion  can  peep  out  his  head,  but  I  am  thruft  upon 
it.  Well,  I  cannot  laft  for  ever —  9  But  it  was  always 
yet  the  trick  of  our  Englifti  nation,  if  they  have  a  good 
thing,  to  make  it  too  common.  If  you  will  needs 
fay,  I  am  an  old  man,  you  fliould  give  me  idt  I 
would  to  God  my  name  were  not  fo  terrible  to  the 
enemy  as  it  is !  I  were  better  to  be  eaten  to  death 
with  a  ruft,  than  to  be  fcour'd  to  nothing  with  perpe- 
tual motion. 

Ch.  Juft.  Well,  be  honed,  be  honeft ;  and  heaven 
blefs  your  expedition ! 

Fal.  Will  your  lordfliip  lend  me  a  thoufand  pound, 
to  furnifh  me  forth  ? 

Ch.  Juft.  Not  a  penny,  nor  a  penny ;  '  you  arc  too 

'  impatient 

t  ■  tvouU  I  might  newer  /pit  *wbite  againS]   i.  e.  May  I 

never  have  my  ftomach  heated  again  with  liquor;  for»  to  J^it 
nK'hite  is  the  confequence  of  inward  heat. 

So  in  Aiothir  Bombie^  a  coiiMdy>  1 504, 

«•  They  have  fed  their  livcri  in  facK  thefe  forty  years ;  that 
**  makes  thcmy///  luhite  broth  as  they  do,"     Steevens. 

•  But  it  luas  alnvaySf  &c.]  This  fpeech  in  the  folio  condodes 
at  /  tannot  laft  for  ewer.  All  the  reft  is  reilored  from  the 
quarto's.  A  clear  proof  of  the  fuperior  value  of  thole  editions, 
uhrn  conipared  with  the  publication  of  the  players.  Stisvehs. 

■  you  are  too  impatient  to  hear  croffes^'\     I  believe  a 

quibble  was  here  intended.     FaUlaff  has  juft  aflcjDl  liis  iordi^ 

to 


KING    HENRY    IV.  s^ 

impatient  to  bear  erodes.    Fare  you  well.    Commend 
me  to  my  coufin  Weftmorland.  [ExiL 

Fal.  If  I  do,  fillip  me  with  *  a  three-man  beetle.— 
A  man  can  no  more  feparate  age  and  covetoufnefs, 
than  he  can  part  young  limbs  and  letchery :  but  the 
gout  galls  the  one,  and  the  pox  pinches  the  other,  and 
lo  both  the  degrees  prevent  my  curfes.     Boy! 

Pd£e.  Sir! 

Fal.  What  money  is  in  my  purfe  ? 

Page,  Seven  groats  and  two-pence. 

Fal.  1  can  get  no  remedy  againft  this  confumption 
of  the  purfe.  Borrowing  only  lingers  and  lingers  it 
out,  but  the  difeafe  is  incurable.  Go  bear  this  letter 
to  my  lord  of  Lancafter  •,  this  to  the  prince  •,  this  to 
the  earl  of  Weftmorland  -,  and  this  to  old  Mrs.  Urfula, 
whom  I  have  weekly  fworn  to  marry  fmce  I  perceived 
the  firft  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.  It  is  no  matter,  if  I  do  halt ;  I 
have  the  wars  for  my  colour,  and  my  penfion  Ihall 
feem  the  more  reafonable.  A  good  wit  will  make  ufe 
of  any  thing :  I  will  turn  difeafcs  to  commodity. 

[ExeunL 

to  lend  him  a  tboufand  pounds  and  he  fells  him  in  return,  that 
he  is  not  to  be  entrufled  with  money.     A  crofs  is  coin  fo  called, 
becaufe  ilamped  with  a  crofs. 
So  in  Love's  Labour  loft^  adl  i.  fcene  3. 

'*  crojfes  love  him  not." 

So  in  As  you  likt  it^ 

**  If  I  Ihould  bear  you,  I  fliould  bear  no  crofs.^^ 
And  in  Hey  wood's  Epigrams  upon  Pro^verbs^  1562. 
**  Of  makyng  a  Crojfe, 
«*  I  wyll  make  a  crojfe  upon  this  gate,  ye  croffe  on 
**  Thy  cTo£ks  be  on  gates  all,  in  thy  purfe  none.'* 

ST££y£NS. 

*  — — —  a  three-man  beetle, — ]     A  beetle  wielded  by  three 
men.     Pope. 


Bbj  SCENE 


i90    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

SCENE    III. 

Changes  t$  the  arcbbijbap  of  TorVs  palace. 

Enter  archbijhop  of  Tork^  Haftings^  Thomas  MnvbrOf 
(earl  tnarjbal)  and  lord  Bardolph. 

York.  Thus  have  you  heard  our  caulc,  and  know 
our  means ; 
And,  mv  moft  noble  friends,  I  pray  you  all. 
Speak  plainly  your  opinions  of  our  hopes.— 
And  firft,  lord  marihal,  what  fay  you  to  it  ? 

Mowb.  I  well  allow  thcfoccafion  of  our  arms  5 
But  gladly  would  be  better  fatisfied 
How,  in  our  means,  we  fhould  advance  ourfelvcs. 
To  look  with  forehead  bold  and  big  enou^ 
Upon  the  power  and  puiflance  of  the  king  ? 

Haft.  Our  prefent  mufters  grow  upon  die  file 
To  five-and-twenty  thoufand  men  otchoice \ 
And  our  fupplies  live  largely  in  the  hope 
Of  great  Northumberland,  whofe  bofom  bums 
With  an  incenfed  fire  of  injuries. 

Bard.  The  queftion  then,  lord  Haftings,  flamdcth 
thus — 
Whether  our  prefent  five-and-twenty  thoufand 
May  hold  up  head  without  Northumberland  ? 

Haft.  With  him  we  may. 

Bard.  Ay,  marry,  there's  the  point : 
But  if  without  him  we  be  thought  too  feeble. 
My  judgment  is,  we  fhould  not  J  ftep  too  far 
Till  we  had  his  afliftahce  by  the  hand. 
For  in  a  theme  fo  bloody-fac'd  as  this, 
Conjefture,  expeftation,  and  furmife 
Of  aids  uncertain,  fhould  not  be  admitted.     ► 

Tork.  'Tis  very  true,  lord  Bardolph ;  for,  indeed, 
It  was  young  Hodpur's  cafe  at  Shrewlbury. 

*         ■  ■  'fiep  too  far]    The  four  following  lines  wercac|ded 
in  the  fecond  edition.    Johnson. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  j^j 

Bard.  It  w^s,  my  lord;   who  lin'd  himfclf  wit^ 

hope, 
ating  the  air  on  promife  of  fuppJy ; 
lattering  himfclf  with  projeft  ot  a  power 
luch  fmaller  than  the  finadleft  of  his  thoughts  : 
nd  fo,  with  great  imagination, 
roper  to  madmen,  led  his  powers  to  death> 
nd,  winking,  leap'd  into  deftru6tion. 
Haft.  But,  by  your  leave,  it  never  yet  did  hurt 
b  lay  down  likelihood?,  and  forms  of  hope. 
Bard.  4  Yes,  in  this  prefcnt  quality  of  war, 
ideed  qi  inflant  a6Hon ;  a  caufe  on  foot 

♦    Tesy  in  this  pn/ent  quality  oftvar^ 

Indtid  the  inftuut  a&ion ;]     Thcfc  Mi  twenty  lines   ^txt 
ft  infcrtcd  in  the  folio  of  1623. 

The  firft  claufe  of  this  paflage  is  evidently  corrupted.  All  the 
tio  editions  and  Mr.  Rowe's  concur  in  the  fame  reading,  which, 
r.  Pope  altered  thus, 

Yesy  if  this  prefent  quality  of  w^ar 
Impede  the  inftant  a3. 
Iiis  has  been  filently  followed  by  Mr.  Theobald,  Sir  Thomas 
mmer,  and  Dr.  Warburton ;  but  the  corruption  is  certainly 
Cfer;  for  in  the  prefent  reading  Bardolph  makes  the  incop- 
Qience  of  hopi  to  be  that  it  may  caufe  delay,  when  indeed  tne 
lole  tenor  of  his  argument  is  to  recommend  delay  to  the  reft 
It  are  too  forward.  I  know  not  what  to  propofe,  and  am 
aid  that  fomething  is  omitted,  and  that  the  injury  is  irrem^- 
ibje.  Yet,  perhaps, .  the  aUerati^n  reqoiiite  is  no  more  Chan 
s: 

TV/,  in  this  prefent  quality  afivar^ 

Indeed  of  infant  aSion. 
never  J  fays  Haftings,  did  harm  to  Iwf  dottsn  likelihoods  of  hope. 
r,  fays  Bardolph,  it  has  done  harm  in  this  prefent  quality  of 
ir,  in  a  ftate  of  things  fuch  ^  is  now  before  us,  of<wary  in- 
d  of  infant  aSion,  This  is  obfcnre,  but  Mr.  Pope's  reading 
ftiil  lefs  reafonable.     Johnson. 

[  have  adopted  Dr.  Johnfon's  emendation,  though  I  think 
might  read, 

if  the  prefent  quality  of  •war 

Impel  the  inftant  aSion. 
iftings  fays,  it  never  yet  did  hurt  to  lay  down  likelihoods  and 
ms  of  hope.  Yes,  fays  Bardolph,  it  has  in  every  cafe  like 
rs,  where  an  army  inferior  in  number,  and  waitin?  for  fuD- 
es,  has,  without  that  reinforcement,  impelPdox  haftiiy  brouglit 
an  immediate  action.    Stbbvbns. 

B  b  4  Lives 


592     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

4-.ives  fb  in  hope,  as  in  an  early  ipring 
We  fee  the  appearing  buds  •,  which,  to  prove  fruit, 
Hope  gives  not  fo  much  warrant,  as  delpair 
That  frofls  will  bite  them.     When  we  mean  to  build, 
We  firftfurvey  the  plot,  then  draw  the  model  j 
And  when  we  fee  the  figure  of  the  houfe. 
Then  muft  we  rate  the  coft  of  the  eredion : 
Which,  if  we  find  outweighs  ability. 
What  do  we  then  but  draw  a-new  the  model 
In  fewer  offices  ?  or,  at  leaft,  defift 
To  build  at  all  ?  Much  more,  in  this  great  work, 
(Which  is  almoft  to  pluck  a  kingdom  down. 
And  fet  another  up)  (hould  we  furvey 
The  plot  of  fituation,  and  the  model  j 
Conlent  upon  a  fure  foundation  -, 
Queftion  furveyors ;  know  our  own  eftate. 
How  able  fuch  a  work  to  undergo. 
To  weigh  againft  his  oppofite ;  or  eUe, 
We  fortify  in  paper^  and  in  figures, 
Ufing  the  names  of  men  inftead  of  men  :■ 
Like  one  that  draws  the  model  of  a  houfe 
Beyond  his  power  to  build  it  -,  who,  half  throu^. 
Gives  o'pr,  and  leaves  his  part-created  coft 
A  naked  fjbjedt  to  the  weeping  clouds. 
And  wafte  for  churlifh  winter's  tyranny. 

Haft.  Grant,  that  our  hopes,  yet  likely  erf" fair  birth. 
Should  be  ftill-born,  and  that  'we  now  poflcfe'd 
The  utmolt  man  of  expedtation, 
I  think  we  are  a  body  ftrong  enough. 
Even  as  we  are,  to  equal  with  the  king. 

Bard.  What !  is  the  kmg  but  five-and-twcnty  thou- 

fand? 
Haft.  To  us,  no  more;   nay,  not  fo  much,  lord 
Rardolph. 
f^or  his  divifions,  as  the  times  do  brawl, 
^vt\n  three  heads  :  one  power  againft  the  French, 
And  one  againft  Glendower ;  perforce  a  third 
^luft  take  yp  us :  fo  is  the  unfirm  king 

In 


KING    HENRY    IV.  393 

In  three  divided ;  and  his  coffers  found 
Widi  hollow  poverty  and  emptinefs. 

Tork.  That  he  fhould  draw  his  fevcral  ftrengths  to- 
gether. 
And  come  againft  us  in  full  puiffance. 
Need  not  be  dreaded. 

Haft.  5  If  he  /hould  do  fo. 
He  leaves  his  back  unarmed,  the  French  and  Welfh 
Baying  him  at  the  heels :  never  fear  that. 

Bard.  Who,  is  it  like,  fhould  lead  his  forces  hither? 

Haft.  The  duke  of  Lancafler  and  Weflmorland  : 
Againfl  the  Welfh,  himfelf  and  Harry  Monmouth ; 
But  who  is  fubflituted  'gainft  the  French 
I  have  no  certain  notice. 

Tork.  ^  Let  us  on ; 
And  publifh  the  occafion  of  our  arms. 
The  commonwealth  is  fick  of  their  own  choice ; 
Their  over-greedy  love  hath  furfeited. 
An  habitation  giddy  and  unfure 
Hath  he  that  buildeth  on  the  vulgar  heart. 
*0  thou  fond  many!  with  what  loud  applaulc 
Didfl  thou  beat  heaven  with  blefTing  Bolingbroke, 
Before  he  was  what  thou  wovild'fl  have  him  be  ? 
And  now,  being  trimm'd  up  in  thine  own  defires. 
Thou,  beafUy  feeder,  art  fo  full  of  him. 
That  thou  provok'fl  thyfelf  to  cafl  him  up. 
So,  fo,  thou  common  dog,  didfl  thou  difgorge 
Thy  glutton  bofom  of  the  royal  Richard ; 
And  now  thou  would'fl  eat  thy  dead  vomit  up. 
And  howl'ft  to  find  it.     What  trufl  is  in  thefe  times  ? 

'  If  be  Jhottld  d9  fo,"]  This  paflage  is  read  in  the  firft  editioa 
thus  :  If  be  Jhould  do  fof  French  and  JVelJb  be  leagues  bis  back  un" 
arnid^  tbey  baying  bim  at  tbe  beelsf  never  fear  tbat.  Thefe  lines, 
which  were  evidently  printed  from  an  interlined  copy  not  un- 
der ftood»  are  properly  regulated  in  the  next  edition,  and  are 
here  only  mentioned  to  fiicw  what  errors  may  be  fufpe^ied  to 
I'emain.     Johnson. 

•  Let  us  ont  See]     This  excellent  fpeech  of  York  was  one  of 
the  pafTag^s  added  by  Shakefpeare  after  his  firft  edition.    Pofb. 

They, 


394    THE    SECONt)    PART    OF 

They,  that  when  Richard  liv*d,  would  have  him  die, 
Are  now  become  enamoured  on  his  grave : 
Thou,  that  threw*ft  duft  upon  his  goodly  head. 
When  through  proud  London  he  came  fighing  on 
After  tlie  admired  heels  of  Bolingbroke, 
Cry'ft  now,  0  earthy  give  us  that  king  agmn^ 
And  take  thou  this !     O  thoughts  of  men  accuift  f 
Paft  and  to  come  feem  beft ;  things  preient  worft. 

Mowb.  Shall  we  go  draw  our  numbers,  and  fct  on? 

Hafi.  We  are  time's  fubjeds,  and  time  bids  be  gone. 

[ExiU 


A  C  T    II.      S  C  E  N  9    I. 

A  firttt  in  London. 

Enter  Hoftcfs^  mtb  two  officer s^  Pbatig^  bis  b$tf^  and 

Snare  following. 

Hostess. 

|i  RASTER  Phang,  have  you  entered  the  aftion  ? 
XVX      Phang^^  It  is  entered. 

Hoft.  Where  is  your  yeoman?  Is  it  a  luflyyeoman? 
Willa'ftandtoit? 

Phong.  Sirrah,  where^  Snore  ? 

Hoft.  O  lord,  ay,  good  matter  Snare. 

Snare.  Here,  here. 

Phof^.  Snare,  we  muft  arreft  Sir  John  FalftafF. 

Hoft.  Ay,  good  mafter  Snare  j  I  have  entered  him 
anddL 

Snare.  It  may  chance  coft  fome  of  us  our  lives,  fi>r 
he  will  ftab. 

Hoft.  Alas  the  day !  uke  heed  of  him  j  he  ftabb'd 
me  in  mine  own  houie»  and  that  moft  beaftly :  he  cases 

not 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ^gg 

not  what  mifchicf  he  doth,  if  his  weapon  be  out.  H« 
will  foin  like  any  devil ;  he  will  fpare  neither  man^ 
woman,  nor  child. 

Phang.  If  I  can  clofe  with  him,  I  caip  not  for  his 
thruft. 

Hoft.  No,  nor  I  neither : — I'll  be  at  your  elbow. 

Pbang.  If  I  but  fift  him  once  j  7  if  he  come  but 
within  my  vice. 

Hoft.  I  am  undone  by  his  going ;  I  warrant  you, 
he  is  an  infinitive  thing  upon  my  fcore.  Good  matter 
Phang,  hold  him  fure  -,  good  matter  Snare,  let  him  not 
'fcape.  He  comes  continuantly  to  Pye-comer,  faving 
your  manhoods,  to  buy  a  faddle-,  and  he  isindited.to 
dinner  to  the  ^  Lubbar*s-head  in  Lumbart-ttrcet,  to 
Mr.  Smoothes  the  filkman.  I  pray  ye,  fince  my  exion 
is  entered,  and  my  cafe  fo  openly  known  to  the  world, 
let  him  be  brought  in  to  his  anfwer.  9  A  hundred 
mark  is  a  long  lone  for  a  poor  lone  woman  to  bear : 
and  I  have  borne,  and  borne,  and  borne ;  and  have 
been  fub'd  off,  and  fub*d  off,  from  this  day  to  tliat 
day,  that  it  is  a  fhame  to  be  thought  on.  There  is 
no  honetty  in  fuch  dealing ;  unlefs  a  woman  ttiould 
be  made  an  als,  and  a  beaft,  to  bear  every  knave's 
wrong. 

'  \ —  if  hi  cemi  but  nvithin  my  vice.'j  Vice  or  grafp ;  a 

metaphor  taken  from  a  fmith's  vice :  there  is  another  r^uling  ia 
the  old  edition,  'view^  which  I  think  not  fo  good.     Pope.     , 

'  Lubhar's-bead-—^']  This  is,  I  fuppofe,  a  colloquial 

corruption  of  the  Lihbard's-head.     Johnson. 

•  A  hundred  mark  is  a  long  one  ]    A  long  one  ?  a  long 

what  ?  It  is  almoft  needlefs  to  obferve,  how  familiar  it  is  with 
our  poet  to  play  the  chimes  upon  words  fimilar  in  found,  and 
differing  in  fignification ;  and  therefore  I  make  no  queftion  but 
he  wrote, 

A  hundred  mark  is  a  long  lone /br  a  poor  lone  vfoman  to  hear  : 
J.  e.  too  mark  is  a  good  round  fum  for  a  poor  widow  to  ven- 
9^e  on  trull.    Theobald. 


Enter 


596    THE   SECOND  PART   OF 

Enter  Faljiaff^  Bardolph^  and  the  boy. 

Yonder  he  comes,  and  that  arrant  *  malmfcy-nofc 
knave  Bardolph  with  him.  Do  your  offices,  do  your 
offices,  mafter  Phang  and  mafter  Snare ;  do  me,  do 
me,  do  me  your  offices. 

Fal.  How  now  ?  who's  marc's  dead  ?  what's  the 
matter  ? 

Phang.  Sir  John,  1  arreft  you  at  the  fuit  of  Mrs. 
Quickly. 

Fal.  Away,  varlets  !  Draw,  Bardolph ;  cut  me  off 
the  villain's  head  •,  throw  the  quean  in  the  kennel. 

Hoji.  Throw  me  in  the  kennel  ?  I'll  throw  thee  in 
the  kennel.  Wilt  thou  ?  wilt  thou  ?  thou  baftardly 
rogue! — Murder,  murder!  O  thou  *  honey-fuckic 
villain,  wilt  thou  kill  God's  officers  and  the  king's  ? 

0  thou  honey-feed  •  ogue  !  thou  art  a  honey-feed,  ^  a ' 
man-queller,  ^n^  a  woman-queller. 

Fal.  Keep  them  off,  Bardolph. 

Phang.  A  refcue  !  a  rcfcue  ! 

Hoji.  Good  people,  bring  a  refcue  or  two  •,  *  thou 
wo't,  wo't  thou  ?  thou  wo't,  wo't  diou  ?  do,  do,  thou 
rogue  !  do,  thou  hemp-feed  ! 

'  malmfey-nofe ]    That  is,  red  nofe,  from  the  cfFeft 

of  malmfcy  wine.     Johnson. 

In  the  old  fong  of  5/r  ^imon  the  Kin^  the  burthen  of  each 
fianza  is  this : 

**  Says  old  Sir  Simon  the  kinp;, 
"  Says  old  Sir  Simon  the  king, 
*'  With  his  ale-dropt  hofc, 
•*  And  his  malm/ej-no/f, 

•'  Sing  hey  ding,  ding  a  ding."     Percy. 

*  honey-Juckle  'villain honey-feed  rcgue  ! ]    The 

landlady's  corruption  of  homicidal  and  homicide.    Theobald. 

'   a  maN-queller, ]    Wiclifi*,    in   his   Tranf.ation  vf 

the  Nenv  Tefinment^  ufes  this  word  for  carnljex^  Mark  vi.  27. 
*♦  Herod  fent  a  m^n^quelkr^  and  commanded  his  head  to  be 
♦*  brought."     Stfevi.::*;. 

♦^ thcu-^'o'iy  r'.o't  then?  &c.]    The  firft  folio  reads 

1  think,  leOprof eriy,  thou  ifjilt  not  ?  thou  'wili  not  ?    Jon n: on. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  ^gy 

5  Fal.  Away,  you  fcullion,  you  rampallion,  you 
fuftilarian !  PU  tickle  your  cataftrophc. 

Enter  Chief  Juftice  attended. 

Cb.  Juft.  What's  the  matter  ?  keep  the  peace  herc> 
ho! 

Hoft.  Good  my  lord,  be  good  to  me !  I  befeech 
you,  ftand  to  me  ! 

Cb.  Juft.   How  now.  Sir  John?    what,  are  you 
brawling  here? 
Doth  this  become  your  place,  your  time,  and  bufinefe  ? 
You  (hould  have  been  well  on  your  way  to  York. 
—Stand  from  him,  fellow ;  wherefore  hang*ft  thou  on  • 
him? 

Hoft.  O  my  moft  worfhipful  lord,  an't  pleafe  your 
grace,  I  am  a  poor  widow  of  Eaft-cheap,  and  he  is 
arrefted  at  my  fuit. 
Ch.Juft.  For  what  fum? 

Hoft.  It  is  more  than  for  fome,  my  lord ;  it  is  for  all, 
all  I  have :  he  hath  eaten  me  out  of  houfe  and  home ; 
he  hath  put  all  my  fubftance  into  that  fat  belly  of  his. 
—But  I  will  have  fome  of  it  out  again,  or  I'll  ride  thee 
o'nights,  like  the  mare. 

Fal.  I  think  I  am  as  like  to  ride  the  mare,  if  I 
have  any  Vantage  of  ground  to  get  up. 

Cb.  Juft.  How  comes  this.  Sir  John  ?  Fie,  what 
man  of  good  temper  would  endure  this  tempeft  of 
exclamation  ?  Are  you  not  a{hamM  to  inforce  a  poor 
■^vidow  to  fo  rough  a  courfe  to  come  by  her  own  ? 
Fal.  What  is  the  grofs  fum  that  I  owe  thee  ? 
Hoft.  Marry,  if  thou  wert  an  honeft  man,  thyfelf, . 
and  the  money  too.     Thou  didft  fwear  to  me  on 

'  Fal.  Jnuayy  you  fcullion  t'-^']  This  fpeech  is  given  to  the 
Page  in  all  the  editions  to  the  folio  of  1664.  It  is  more  proper 
for  FalftafF,  but  that  the  boy  mufl  not  ftand  quite  filent  and  ufe- 
lefs  on  the  ftage.    Johnson. 

a  parcel- 


398    THE    SECOND    PARI*    OF 

^  jL  parcel-gik  goblet,  fitting  in  my  Dolphin-chamber, 
at  the  round  table,  by  a  fea-coal  fire,  on  Wcdncfiby 
in  Whitfun-week,  when  the  prince  broke  thy  head 
7  for  likening  his  father  to  a  fioging-man  of  Windforj 
thou  didft  wear  to  me  then,  as  I  was  waftiing  thy 
wound,  to  marry  me,  and  make  me  my  lady  thy  wife. 
Cahft  thou  deny  it  ?  Did  not  good- wife  Kecch,  the 
butcher's  wife,  come  in  then,  and  call  me  goflip 
Quickly?  coming  in  to  borrow  a  mefs  of  vin^ar; 
te&ing  us,  fhe  had  a  good  difh  of  prawns ;  whereby 
thou  didft  defire  to  eat  fome ;  whereby  1  told  the^ 
they  were  ill  for  a  green  wound  ?  And  didft  not  thoi^ 
when  ihe  was  gone  down  ftairs,  defire  mc  to  be  no 
more  fo  familiarity  with  fuch  poor  people*,  fayii^ 
that  ere  long  they  (hould  call  me  madam  ?  and  dim 
thou  not  kifs  me,  and  bid  me  fetch  thee  diirty  fi- 
lings ?  I  put  thee  now  to  thy  bod^-oach  j  deny  it,  if 
thou  canfl:. 

Fal.  My  lord,  this  is  a  poor  mad  foul ;  and  ihe 
fays  up  arid  down  the  town,  that  her  eldeft  fon  is  fikc 


•  — —  a  parcel-grit  goblet ^'^l    A  parcel-'gilt  gohlet  is  J 
goblet  only  gilt  over,  not  of  iblid  gold. 
So  in  B.  Jonfon  s  Alcbemift^ 

««  I    ■  or  changing 

"  His  parcel-gilt  to  mafly  gold!" 
The  fame  exprefiion  occurs  in  many  other  old  plays. 
So  in  Humour. out  of  Breath,  a  comedy,  by  John  DsLy^  iCoBt 
**  She's  parcel  pott t  parcel  fidler  already*  and  they  com* 
**  monly  fing  three  parts  in  one.** 
Again,  in  Hey  wood's  Si  her  Jge,  1613, 

"  I  am  little  better  than  a  parcel-gilt  bawd.'^ 
Again,  m  AC brifi ion  turn* d Turk ^  iSiz, 

"  You  parcel  hxwd,  all  ulher,  anfwer  me." 
Holinlhed,   dcfcribing  the  arrangement  of  Wolfey's  plate, 
fays — "  and  in  the  council-chamber  was  M  white,  and  jNnrrf* 
"  1^///  plate."     Stebvens. 

-  for  likeming  bis  frther.to  a  fi^ug-wum     ■!     Such  if 


the  reading  of  the  fird  edition ;  all  the  reft  have /»r  SkemugUm 
to  a  finging-enan.  The  original  edition  is  right;  the  prince 
might  allow  familiarities  with  himfelf,  and  yet  very  properly 
break  the  knight's  head  when  he  ridiculed  his  father. 

JOHNSOK. 

you. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  J99 

you.  She  hath  been  in  good  cafe,  and  the  truth  is^ 
poverty  hath  diftraftcd  Mr.  But  for  thefe  foolifh 
officers,  I  befeech  you  I  may  have  redrcfe  againft 
diem. 

Ch.  Juft.  Sir  John,  Sir  John,  I  am  well  acquainted 
with  your  manner  of  wrenching  the  true  caufe  the  falfe 
way.  It  is  not  a  confident  brow,  nor  the  throng  of 
words  that  come  with  fuch  more  than  impudent  faw- 
cinefs  from  you,  can  thruft  me  from  a  level  conlide- 
ration.  *  I  know  you  have  praftifed  upon  the  eafy- 
yielding  fpirit  of  this  woman,  and  made  her  ferve 
your  ufes  both  in  purfe  and  perfon. 

Hoji.  Yes,  in  troth,  my  lord. 

■Ct.  Ju/i.  Pr'ythee,  peace. — Pay  her  the  debt  you 
owe  her,  and  unpay  the  villainy  you  have  done  her  ; 
the  one  you  may  do  with  ftcrling  money,  and  the 
other  with  current  repentance. 

Fal.  My  lord,  I  will  not  undergo  ^  thisiheap  with- 
out reply.  You  call  honourable  boldneis  impudent 
{awcinefs :  if  a  man  will  court'fy  and  fay  nothing,  he 
is  virtuous.  No,  my  lord,  my  humble  duty  remem- 
bered, I  will  not  be  your  fuitor ;  I  fay  to  you,  I  defire 
deliverance  from  thefe  officers,  being  upon  hafly  em- 
ployment in  the  king's  affairs. 

Cb.  Jujt.  You  fpeak  as  having  power  to  do  wrong: 
but  *  anfwer  in  the  effeft  of  your  reputation,  and  fe- 
djrf[y  the  poor  woman. 

Fd.  Come  hither,  hoftefs.  \Taldng  her  afidi. 

•  I  know  you  havi  praai/ed^']  In  the  firil  quarto  it  is  read 
thus — Tou  bavty  as  it  appears  to  me^  pradifid  upon  the  iafy  yields 
ing  fpirit  of  this  nvoman,  and  made  her  ferve  your  ufes  both  in  purfe 
and  perfon.  Without  this  the  fbllotving  exhortation  of  the  chief 
jpftice  i A  lefs  proper.     Johnson. 

»  i  ■     '    thisfneap"'^     A  Yorkshire  word  for  rebuke. 

POFI* 

Sneap  ^gnifies  to  ^hnk ;  as  children  ezSly  Jneaped ;  herbs  and 
fnais  ff^aped  «^ith  cold  weather.     See  Ray's  CoUeaiou. 

Stb«V£ns. 
■  —a —  anf*wer  in  the  effeS  of  your  reputation,^'}     That  is, 
anfwer  in  a  manner  fuiuble  to  your  character.    Johnson. 

Enter 


4OT    THE    lECOXD    PART    OF 

Cvz<^.  T'-ft  i-T^g.  ZTT  ix:^  aod  Hcttj  pciacx  of 

Arc  rcsr  ar  biTii  •  :re  rt^  fac  psccr  tcSa. 
/iil  Ai  I  irr.  i  r^ 

/r/.  Ai  I  ijr.  i  gtzdcz2=-— Carney  do  ihk 
weed:  cf  i 

f/«?.  Bt  :^i3  terymlr  grccrid  I  cead  on,  I  muft 
be  fiin  D-^  pa-»T.  bed:  rnj  plssc,  sad  due  uycflij  of 

f^fli  Gkfes,  gliiScs  is  nc  oclr  drinking:  and  fbr 
tfxT  wilh,  a  prr^  nighr  drc^cry,  or  Ac  ftocy  of  die 
prodigal,  or  rf-jc  *  Gcrrnan  hnntrrg  in  water-work,  b 
worth  a  dioufand  of  ^  Lbt!<;  bcd-hangings,  and  tfade 
ttf-biajai  tapcftries.  Let  it  be  ten^poundy  if  thou 
canft.  Conx,  if  it  were  cot  for  thy  humoiiis,  there 
is  not  a  better  ^rnch  in  England  Goi,  wafhdiyface, 
and  draw  thy  adion.  Conx,  thou  muft  not  be  in 
this  humour  with  me :  do'ft  not  know  noe  ?  C<Hn^ 
come,  I  know  thou  waft  iet  on  U)  this. 

Hoji.  Pray  rfiec.  Sir  John,  let  it  be  but  twenty  no- 
bles ;  I  am  loth  to  pawn  my  plate,  m  good  cameft,  la. 

Fal.  Let  it  alone ;  Til  make  anot&r  fliift :  youTl 
be  a  fool  ftilL 

Hoft.  Well,  you  ftiall  have  it,  though  I  pawn  my 
gown.  I  hope  you'll  come  to  fupper.  You'll  pay 
mc  all  together  ? 

•  German  bunting  in  ijuater-nvori,^'^']  i.  c.  In  water-coloQit* 

WAaBlTltTON* 

'  -^— -  tbe/i  bed' hangings i'^']  Wc  ihoald  read  dead-babg- 
ing«,  i,  e.  faded.     Warburton. 

J  think  the  prefent  reading  may  well  (land.  He  recommendf 
painted  canvas  inilead  of  tapeflry,  which  he  calls  bed-h€mpmgh 
in  contempti  a«  fitter  to  make  curtains  than  to  hang  walls. 

Johnson. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  401 

Fal.  Will  I  live  ? — Go  with  her,  with  her  :  hook 
on,  hook  on.  4  Uo  the  officers. 

Hoft.  Will  you  have  Doll  Tear-fheet  meet  you  at 
fupper  ? 

FaL  No  more  words :  let's  have  her. 

[Exeunt  Hojiefs^  Bardolphj  and  Serjeant. 

Ch.  Juji.  1  have  heard  better  news. 

FaL  What's  the  news,  my  good  lord  ? 

Cb.  Juji.  Where  lay  the  king  laft  night  ? 

Gower.  5  At  Bafingftoke,  my  lord. 

Fal.  I  hope,  my  lord,  all's  well.     What  is  the 
news,  my  lord  ? 
.  Cb.  Juft.  Come  all  his  forces  back  ? 

Gower.  No ;  fifteen  hundred  foot,  five  hundred  horfc 
Are  march'd  up  to  my  lord  of  Lancafter, 
Againft  Northumberland  and  the  archbifhop. 

Fal.  Comes  the  king  back  from  Wales,  my  noble 
lord? 

Cb.  Juft.  You  fhall  have  letters  of  me  prefently : 
Come,  go  along  with  me,  good  mafter  Gower. 

Fal.  My  lord! 

Cb.  Juft.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Fal.  Mafter  Gower,  fhall  I  intreat  you  with  me  to 
dinner  ? 

Gower.  I  muft  wait  upon  my  good  lorcf  here,  I 
thank  you,  good  Sir  John. 

Cb.  Juft.  Sir  John,  you  loiter  here  too  long,  being 
you  are  to  take  foldiers  up  in  counties  as  you  go. 

Fal.  Will  you  fup  with  me,  mafter  Gower  ? 

Cb.  Juft.  What  foolifh  mafter  taught  you  thefe 
manners.  Sir  John? 

♦  [to  the  officers,']  I  rather  fufpeft  that  the  words  book  on^ 
hook  cxf  are  addrefTed  to  Bardolph,  and  menn,  go  you  with 
her,  hang  upon  her,  and  keep  her  in  the  fame  humour.  In. 
this  fenfe  the  fame  expxcffion  is  ufed  in  TJbe  GuarJiafi,  by  Maf- 
fcnger, 

**  Hook  ortj  follow  him,  harpies."     Steevens. 

5  At  Bafingftoke^ ]     The  quarto  reads,  at  Billingfgate. 

Steevens. 

Vol.  V.  C  c  Fal 


402    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal  Matter  Gower,  if  they  become  me  not^  he  was     ' 
a  fool  that  taught  them  me.    This  is  the  nsht  fencing 
grace,  my  lord  -,  tap  for  tap,  and  fo  part  &r. 

Ch.  Juft.  Now  the  Lord  lighten  thee,  thou  art  a 
great  fool !  [ExemL 

SCENE    II. 

Continues  in  London. 
Enter  prince  Henry  and  Poins. 

P.  Henry,  Truft  me,  I  am  exceeding  weary. 

Poins.  Is  it  come  to  that  ?  I  had  thought  weari- 
nefs  durft  not  have  attach'd  one  of  fo  high  blood. 

P.  Henry.  It  doth'  me,  though  it  difcolours  the 
complexion  of  my  greatnefs  to  acknowledge  it.  Doth 
it  not  Ihew  vilely  in  me  to  defire  fmall  beer  ? 

Poins.  Why,  a  prince  fhould  not  be  fo  ioofely  ftu- 
died,  as  to  remember  fo  weak  a  compofition. 

P.  Henry.  Belike  then  my  appetite  was  not  princely 
got ;  for,  in  troth,  I  do  now  remember  the  poor  crea- 
ture, fmall  beer.  But,  indeed,  thefe  humble  confide- 
rations  make  me  out  of  love  with  my  greatneis.  What 
a  difgrade  is  it  to  me,  to  remember  thy  name  ?  or  to 
l^now  thy  face  to-morrow?  or  to  take  note  how 
many  pair  of  filk  (lockings  thou  haft  ?  {viz.  thefe^ 
and  thofe  that  were  the  peach-colour'd  ones)  or  to 
bear  the  inventory  of  thy  ftiirts ;  as,  one  for  fuper- 
fluity,  and  one  other  for  ufe  ?  But  that  the  tennis- 
court-keeper  knows  better  than  I ;  for  it  is  a  tow  ebb 
of  linen  with  thee,  when  thou  keepeft  not  racket 
there;  as  thou  haft  not  done  a  great  while,  becauic 
the  reft  of  thy  low  countries  have  made  a  (hift  to  eat 
up  thy  hoUand :   ^  and  God  knows  whether  thofe 

diat 

•  —  and  God  knonvs,  &C.3  This  paflage  Mr.  Pope  re- 
Hored  from  the  firft  edition.  I  think  it  may  as  well  be  omitted.. 
It  is  omitted  in  the  firft  folio,  and  in  all  fubfeqaent  editions  be* 


K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    IV.  403 

that  bawl  out  of  the  ruins  of  thy  linen  Ihall  inherit 
Ills  kingdom :  but  the  midwives  fay  the  children  are 
not  in  the  fault  •,  whereupon  the  world  increafes,  and 
kindreds  are  mightily  ftrengthencd. 

Pains.  How  ill  it  follows,  after  you  have  laboured 
fo  hard,  you  fhould  talk  fo  idly  ?  Tell  me  how  many 
good  young  princes  would  do  fo,  their  fathers  lying 
to  fick  as  yours  at  this  time  is  ? 

P.  Henry.  Shall  I  tell  thee  one  thing,  Poins  ? 

Pains.  Yes ;  and  let  it  be  an  excellent  good  thing. 

P.  Henry.  It  Ihall  ferve  among  wits  of  no  higher 
breeding  than  thine. 

Pains.  Go  to ;  I  ftand  the  pufh  of  your  one  thing, 
that  you'll  tell. 

P.  Henry.  Why,  I  tell  thee  it  is  not  meet  that  I 
ihould  be  fad,  now  my  father  is  fick  :  albeit  I  could 
tcU  to  thee  (as  to  one  it  pleafes  me,  for  fault  of  a 
better,  to  cail  my  friend)  I  could  be  fad,  and  fad  in- 
deed too. 

Pains.  Very  hardly  upon  fuch  a  fubjedt. 

jp.  Henry.  By  this  hand,  thou  think'ft  me  as  far  in 

fpfe  Mr.  Pope's,  and  was  perhaps  expunged  by  the  author. 
The  editors,  unwilling  to  lofe  any  thing  of  Shakefpcare's,  not 
only  infot  what  he  has  added,  bat  recall  what  he  has  rejeded. 

Johnson. 
I  have  not  met  with  poAtive  evidence  that  Shakefpeare  rejedt:- 
ed  any  paiTages  at  all.  Such  proof  may  indeed  be  inferred  from 
thofeo^the  quarto's  which  were  publiihed  in  his  life-time,  and 
are  declared  (in  their  titles)  to  have  been  enlarged  andcorreft- 
cd  by  his  own  hand.  Thefe  I  would  follow,  in  preference  to 
the  folio,  and  Aiould  at  all  times  be  cautious  of  oppoiin^  its 
aothoiity  to  that  of  the  elder  copies.  Of  the  play  in  queAion, 
there  is  no  quarto  extant  but  that  in  1600,  and  therefore  we 
have  no  tploiir  for  fuppoflng  a  iingle  pafTage  was  omitted  by 
confent  of  the  poet  himlelf.  When  the  folio  (as  it  often  docs) 
will  fopport  me  in  the  omiflion  of  a  facred  name,  I  am  happy 
to  ivail  myfelf  of  the  choice  it  offers ;  but  otherwife  do  not 
think  I  have  a  right  to  omit  what  Shakefpeare  fhould  feem  to 
have  written,  on  the  bare  authority  of  the  player  editors.  I 
have  therefore  refiored  the  paffage  in  queftion,  to  the  tex't. 

Steevens. 

C  C  2  the 


404    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

the  devirs  book  as  thou  and  FalftafF,  for  obduracy 
and  perfiftcnqr.  Let  the  end  try  the  man.  But  I 
tell  thee,  my  heart  bleeds  inwardly  that  my  father  is 
fo  fick  :  and  keeping  fuch  vile  company  as  thou  art, 
hath  in  reafon  taken  from  me  ^  all  oftcntation  of  for- 
row. 

Poins,  The  reafon  ? 

P.  Henry.  What  would'ft  thou  think  of  me,  if  I 
fhould  weep  ? 

Poi7t5.  I  would  think  thee  a  moft  princely  hypocrite. 
P.  Henry.  It  would  be  every  man's  thought :  and 
thou  art  a  blefled  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 
an  hypocrite  indeed.  And  what  accites  your  moft 
worfhipful  thought  to  think  fo  ? 

Poins.  Why,  becaufe  you  have  feemed  fo  lewd,  and 
'  fo  much  engrafted  to  FalftafF. 
P.  Henry.  And  to  thee. 

Poins.  Nay,  by  this  light,*  I  am  well  Ipoken  of,  I 
can  hear  it  with  mine  own  ears.  The  worft  they  can 
fay  of  me  is,  that  I  am  a  fecond  brother,  and  that  I 
am  a  ^  proper  fellow  of  my  hands ;  and  thofe  two 
things,  I  confefs,  I  cannot  help.  Look,  look,  here 
comes  Bardolph. 

P.  Henry.  And  the  boy  that  I  gave  FalftafF:  he 
had  him  from  me  chriftian ;  and,  fee,  if  the  fat  vil- 
lain have  not  transformed  him  ape. 

Enter  Bardolph  and  Page. 

Bard.  Save  your  grace ! 

P.  Henry.  And  yours,  moft  noble  Bardolph! 

^  allofienfationof/orrtnv.']     Often tation  is  here  not 

boaftful  iliew,  but  fimply  fhew.     Merchant  of  Fenice, 

*'  one  well  ftudied  in  a  fad  ofient 

**  Toplcafe  his  grandame,*'     Johnson. 

* f  roper  felloiv  of  my  hands ; ]     A   tall  or  proper 

fellow  of  his  hands  was  a  (lout  fighting  man.    Johnson. 

Barl 


KING    HENRY    IV.  405 

9  Bard,  [lo  the  boy.']  Come,  you  virtuous  afs,  you 
bafhful  fool,  muft  you  be  blulhing  ?  wherefore  bluftx 
you  now  ?  What  a  maidenly  man  at  arms  are  you  be- 
come ?  Is  it  fuch  a  matter  to  get  apottle-pot*s  maiden- 
head? 

Page.  He  calPd  me  even  now,  my  lord,  through  a 
red  lattice,  and  I  could  difcern  no  part  of  his  face  from 
the  window  :  at  laft  I  fpy*d  his  eyes,  and  methought 
he  had  made  two  holes  in  the  ale-wife*s  new  petticoat, 
and  peep*d  through. 

P.  Henry.  Hath  not  the  boy  profited  ? 

Bard.  Away,  you  whorfon  upright  rabbet,  away ! 

Page.  Away,  you  rafcally  Althea's  dream,  away ! 

P.  Henry.  Inftruft  us,  boy  :  what  dream,  boy  ? 

Page.  Marry,  my  lord,  ■  Althea  drcam'd  fhe  was 
delivered  of  a  firebrand ;  and  therefore  I  call  liim  her 
dream. 

P.  Henry.  A  crown's-worth  of  good  interpretation. 
—There  it  is,  boy.  [Gives  bim  money. 

Poins.  O  that  this  good  bloflbm  could  be  kept  from 
cankers !  Well,  there  is  fix-pence  to  preferve  thee. 

Bard.  An  you  do  not  make  him  be  hang'd  among 
you,  the  gallows  fhall  have  wrong. 

P.  Henry.  And  how  doth  thy  mafter,  Bardolph  ? 

Bard,  Well,  my  good  lord ;  he  heard  of  your  grace's 
coming  to  town.     There's  a  letter  for  you. 

9  Poins.  Come,  you  virtuous  a/s,  &c.]  Though  all  editions 
give  this  fpcech  to  Poins,  it  feems  evident,  by  the  page's  im- 
mediate reply,  that  it  muft  be  placed  to  Bardolph :  for  Bardolph 
had  called  to  the  boy  from  an  ale-houfc,  and,  'tis  likely,  made 
him  half-drunk  ;  and,  the  boy  being  aftiamed  of  it,  it  is  na- 
tural for  Bardolph,  a  bold  unbred  fellow,  to  banter  him  on  his 
auk  ward  b^iflifulnefs.     Theobald. 

«  — Althea  dreanCdy  &c.]  Shakefpeare  is  here  miftaken  in  his 
mythology,  and  has  confounded  Althea's  firebrand  with  Hecu- 
ba's. The  firebrand  of  Althea  was  real :  but  Hecuba,  when 
ihe  was  big  with  Paris,  dreamed  that  fhe  was  delivered  of  a 
firebrand  that  confumcd  the  kingdom.     Johnson. 

Cc3  P.Henry. 


^'A  zy.z   rzrcxD  paxt  of 

j^    ^  777    I  •tfi"'^  I  v'm  raaf  TE&ci — And  how 

rr-»r    ^l-T^-  ':^  iTimiDr^L T2ime!?35  apbyfidan: 

P  rL*:-^    r  ft:  iZi?v  '-  rn5  -w=r  r^  be  as  fiuniliar 
vnL  rx    s^   :r7  :t:*r     sTii  it  TiruTf  iii  pbcc;  for, 

r::'-:  '  ::~      /-'^"i  Juitrf^  cc^ic. Evoy  man 

r7~  jlt:-^  ' '.r,  u  itf:  je  ic  *;h^  ixtcsaao  to  name 
h-.T:L:r.  E-tn  2i^  ni:i^  -^ie:  ir^  tja  id  die  king-, 
rx  tlurr  -ir^tr  itrLik  rnr-r  £t:z^,  i«i:x  ibcy  4iy,  //vr^ 
/r  ';*E^  r"'  :cf  *^':  ri^iiz  bL:.  Srz-  rrmesibaif  fays 
h*iLr:i:/:ri  --i:r_  L:-=  r»:c  n  rroOTwe:  ^tlicanfwer 
3  £1  m-fj  ij  i  Diirr^'w'i  car  -.  I  im  iht  hmfs  ptHfr 

P.  Hry^.  Niy,  ibrr  ^rEZ  1^  kr:  r?  las,  or  they  will 


*  /  -<  M£r:lfs£ij  jnr  mz  Bf^  ^^  T^c  is,  die  a(ito]nn» 
er  rtt-ttr  ti:«  li-.iCT  fynj^g'   The  ck:  jfll»2v  wiik  nnrenik  paf* 

^  /^//  'li'f* — ]     Tbii  f*^Is  cxcrrsccace  of  a  inin. 

JOB!C$OH. 

♦  — — -  tbt  anfrxn  is  as  ready  as  a  hsrrtKed  caf  ;— ]  But 
bow  ]•  a  bcrrow'd  cap  ib  ready?  Reai  a  icrrw^r^s  cjf^  and 
thee  there  U  Come  hoisoor  in  it :  for  a  can  chat  goes  to  cxmow 
inon^,  i'.  '  f  wl!  othfn  the  moft  complaliant ;  liis  cap  is  always 
at  hand.     Waievrtok. 

^^rr^i'.Vrfl/;— ]  Wkat  is  borrowed  is  readj  to  be  re- 
curred when  the  owner  calls  for  it ;  or  when  we  coofider  chat 
the  fpeaker  b  a  thief,  by  his  own  coofefixon,  and  that  CO  itr^ 
rcw  was  the  common  cant  term  for  the  ad  of  ftealine,  it  may 
mean,  that  the  anfwer  was  as  ready  at  hand  as  any  uing  that 
lay  in  the  way  of  a  thief.     I  fee  no  crcd  of  alteration. 

Steevihs. 

Pf  Henry, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  407 

5  P.  Henry.  Peace ! 

Poins.  ^  /  will  imitate  the  honourable  Roman  in  bre- 
vity. Sure  he  means  brevity  in  breath ;  fhort-winded. 
I  commend  me  to  thee^  I  commend  tbee^  and  I  have  thee. 
Be  not  too  familiar  with  Poins  j  for  he  mifufes  thy  fa- 
vours fo  muchy  that  he  fwears  thou  art  to  marry  bis 
fifier  Nell.  Repent  at  idle  times  as  thou  mcy^fty  andfo 
farewell.  Thine^  by  yea  and  no  \  which  is  as  much  as  to 
fay  J  as  thou  ufeji  him.  Jack  Faljlaffwith  my  familiars  i 
John  with  my  brothers  andjijlers  \  and  Sir  John  with  all 
Europe. 

My  lord,  I  will  fteep  this  letter  in  fack,  and  make 
him  cat  it. 

P.  Henry.  7  That's  to  make  him  eat  twenty  of  his 
words.  But  do  you  ufe  me  thus,  Ned  ?  muft  I  mariy 
yourfifter? 

Poins.  May  the  wench  have  no  worfe  fortune !  But 
I  never  faid  fo. 

P.  Henry.  Well,  thus  we  play  the  fool  with  th^ 
time,  and  the  fpirits  of  the  wife  fit  in  the  clouds  and 
mock  us.     Is  your  mailer  here  in  London  ? 

Bard.  Yes,  my  lord. 

5  P.  Henry,]  All  the  editors,  except  Sir  Thomas  Han- 
mer,  have  le]^  this  letter  in  confufion,  making  the  prince  read 
part,  and  Poins  part.     I  have  followed  his  correftion. 

JohnsOk. 

•  I  nvill  imitate  the  honourable  Roman  in  brevity,]  The  old 
copy  reads  Romans^  which  Dr.  Warburton  very  properly  cor- 
je&ed,  though  he  is  wrong  when  he  apprppriates  the  chara&er 
to  M.  Brutus,  who  aiFedted  great  brevity  of  flile.  I  fuppofc  by 
the  honourable  Roman  is  intended  Julius  Csefar,  whofe  <veniy  mdi^ 
nnd  feems  to  be  alluded  to  in  the  beginning  of  the  letter.  / 
tommend  me  to  thee^  I  commend  thce^  and  I  leanje  thee.  The  very 
words  of^Caefar  are  afterwards  quoted  by  Faldaffl     Revisal. 

^  Thais  to  make  him  eat  twenty  of  his  luords.]  Why  juft 
twenty y  when  the  letter  contained  above  eight  times  twenty  ? 
We  (hoald  rczd  plenty ;  and  in  this  word  the  joke,  as  flender  as 
i^is,  confifts.     Warburton. 

It  is  not  furely  uncommon  to  put  a  certain  number  for  an 
uncertain  one,    St  £  evens. 

C  c  4  P.  Henry. 


4o8    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

P.  Henry.  Where  fups  he  ?  doth  the  old  boar  feed 
■in  the  old  ^  frank? 

Bard.  At  the  old  place,  my  lord ;  in  Eaft-cheap. 

P.  Henry.  What  company? 

Page.  9  Ephcfians,  my  lord ;  of  the  old  church. 

P.  Henry.  Sup  any  women  with  him  ? 

Page.  None,  my  lord,  but  old  miftrefs  Quickly  and 
miftreis  Doll  Tear-fhcet. 

P.  Henry.  ^  WJiat  Pagan  may  that  be  ? 

Page,  A  proper  gentlewomr.n.  Sir,  and  a  kinfwo- 
man  of  my  mailer's. 

P.  Henry.  Even  fuch  kin  as  the  parifh  heifers  arc 
to  the  town  bull.  Shall  we  (leal  upon  them,  Ned, 
at  fupper  ? 

Pcins.  I  am  your  Ihadow,  my  lord;  PU  follow 
you. 

P.  Henry.  Sirrah,  you  boy,  and  Bardolph ; — no 
word  to  your  mailer  that  I  am  yet  come  to  town. 
There's  for  your  filence. 

Bard.  I  have  no  tongue.  Sir. 

Page.  And  for  mine,  Sir,  I  will  govern  it. 

P.  Henry.  Fare  ye  well :  go.  This  Doll  Tear-lhcct 
fhould  be  fome  road. 

Poins.  I  warrant  you,  as  common  as  the  way  be- 
tween St.  Albans  and  London. 

P.  Henry.  How  might  we  fee  Falftaff  beftow  him- 
fclf  to-night  in  his  true  colours,  and  not  ouriclvcs  be 
lien  ? 

^  frank  P]     Frank  is  fty.     Popb. 

^  5  Ephcftansy  &€.]     Ephefian  was  a  term  in  the  cant  of  thcfc 
times,  ot  which  I  know  not  the  precife  notion :  it  was,  per- 
haps, a  toper.     So  the  holl  in  The  Merry  JViies  of  Wimdfirt 
"  It  is  thine  hoft,  x\\mt  Ephefian  calls."     Johnson. 
•  What  Pagan  may  that  be  ?'\     Pagan  fcems  to  have  been  a 
cant  term,  implying  irregularity  either  of  birth  or  manners. 
So  in  The  Captain^  a  comedy,  by  B.  and  Fletcher, 
**  Three  little  children;  one  of  them  was  mine 
f  ♦  Upon  my  cc  nfcicnce ;  the  other  two  were  Pa^ant.'* 

Steevbns. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  409 

Poins.  •Put  on  two  leather  jerkins  ahd  aprons,  and 
wait  upon  him  at  his  table  as  drawers. 

P.  Henry.  From  a  god  to  a  bull  ?  3  a  heavy  defcen- 
fion !  It  was  Jove's  cafe.  From  a  prince  to  a  pren- 
tice ?  a  low  transformation !  that  fhall  be  mine  :  for 
in  every  thing  the  purpofe  muft  weigh  with  the  folly. 
Follow  me,  Ned,  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    III. 

JVarkworth  caftle. 

Enter  Northumberland^  lady  Northumberland^  and  lady 

Percy, 

North.  I  pray  thee,  loving  wife,  and  gentle  daugh- 
ter. 
Give  even  way  unto  my  rough  affairs  : 
Put  not  you  on  the  vifagc  of  the  times. 
And  be,  like  them,  to  Percy,  troublefome. 

L.  North.  I  have  given  over,  I  will  fpeak  no  more : 
Do  what  you  will  \  your  wifdom  be  your  guide. 

*  Put  on  tnvo  leather  jerkins — ]  This  was  a  plot  very  un- 
likely to  fucce.d  where  the  prince  and  the  drawers  were  all 
known,  but  it  produces  merriment,  which  our  author  foand 
nore  ufeful  than  probability.     Johnson. 

^  a  hea<vy  dtfcenjion .']     Other   readings  have  it  de^ 

€^lenfion.  Mr.  Pope  chofe  the  firft.  On  which  Mr.  Theobald 
fays,  **  But  why  not  declenfion  ?  are  not  the  terms  properly 
•*  fyjionimous?"  Iffo,  might  not  Mr.  Pope  i'ay,  in  his  turn, 
xYkCTi  vAiy  not  iiefcenjion  ?  But  it  is  not  fo;  and  defcenfion  was 
preferred  with  judgment :  for  defcenjton  (ignifies  a  voluntary  go- 
ing down  I  declenfion^  a  natural  and  necclTary,  Thus  when  we 
ipcak  of  the  fun  p<?etically,  as  a  charioteer,  we  ihould  fay  his 
^ejcenfion  :  if  phyfically,  as  a  mere  globe  of  light,  his  decUnfion* 

Warburton. 

Defcenfion  is  the  reading  of  the  firft  edition. 

Mr.  Upton  prcpofes  thatwefhould  read  thus  by  tranfpofition. 
From  a  god  to  a  bull,  a  Io^m  transformation  I — from  a  prince  t9 
a  prenticcy  a  hea*vy  declenfion !  This  reading  is  elegant,  and 
perhaps  right.     Johnson. 

^North. 


4IO    THE    SE;C0ND    PART    OF 

North.  Alas,  fweet  wife!  my  honour  is  at  pawn; 
.  And,  but  my  going,  nothing  can  redeem  it. 

L.  Percy.  Oh,  yet,   for  heaven's  fake,  go  not  to 
thefe  wars ! 
The  time  was,  father,  that  you  broke  your  word, 
When  you  were  more  endeaPd  tp  it  than  now; 
When  your  own  Percy,  when  niy  heart-dear  Harry, 
Threw  many  a  northward  look,  to  fee  his  father 
Bring  up  his  powers ;  ♦  but  he  did  long  in  vain ! 
Who  then  perfuaded  you  to  ftay  at  home  ? 
There  were  two  honours  loft  -,  yours  and  your  fon's. 
For  yours,  may  heavenly  glory  brighten  it ! 
For  his,  it  ftruck  upon  him,  as  the  fun 
In  the  grey  vault  of  heaven :  and  by  his  light 
Did  all  the  chivalry  of  England  move 
To  do  brave  afts.     He  was,  indeed,  the  glals 
Wherein  the  noble  youths  did  drefs  themfdves. 
5  He  had  no  legs,  that  praftis'd  not  his  gait  : 
And  fpeaking  thick,  which  nature  made  his  blcmifh. 
Became  the  accents  of  the  vaUant ; 
For  thofe  that  could  fpeak  low,  and  tardily. 
Would  turn  their  own  perfeftion  to  abuie. 
To  feem  like  him  :  fo  that,  in  fpeech,  in  gait. 
In  diet,  in  affeAions  of  delight. 
In  military  rules,  humours  of  blood. 
He  was  the  mark  andglafs,  copy  and  book. 
That  faftiion'd  others.     And  him,  O  wondrous  him! 
O  miracle  of  men !  him  did  you  leave 
(Second  to  none,  unfeconded  by  you) 
To  look  upon  the  hideous  god  of  war  • 

In  difadvantage ;  to  abide  a  field 
Where  nothing  but  the  found  of  Hotfpur*$  name 
Did  feem  defenfible.     So  you  left  him. 

*  hut  be  did  long  in  qfainf]     Theobald  very  elegantl)^ 

conjedures  that  the  poet  wrote 

— —  hut  be  did  look  in  vain f     Steevens. 

5  He  bad  no  legs^  &c.]     The  twentv-two  following  lines  ar*^ 
of  thofe  added  by  Shakefpeare  after  his  firft  edition.     Popi. 

2  Ncvcc^ 


KING    HENRY    IV.  411 

Mcvcr,  O  never  do  his  ghoft  the  wrong. 
To  hold  your  honour  more  precifc  and  nice 
With  others,  than  with  him.     Let  them  alone : 
The  marih^  and  the  archbifliop  are  ftrong. 
Had  my  fweet  Harry  had  but  half  their  numbers. 
To-day  might  I  (hanging  on  Hotfpur's  neck) 
Have  talked  of  Monmouth's  grave. 

North.  Bcftirew  your  heart. 
Fair  daughter,  you  do  draw  my  fpirits  from  me. 
With  new-lamenting  ancient  overfights ! 
But  I  muft  go  and  meet  with  danger  there  j 
Or  it  will  feek  me  in  another  place. 
And  find  me  worfe  provided. 

L.  North.  Fly  to  Scotland, 
Till  that  the  nobles  and  the  armed  commons 
Have  of  their  puiflance  made  a  little  taftc. 

L.  Percy,  It  they  get  ground  and  Vantage  of  the 
king. 
Then  join  you  with  them,  like  a  rib  of  fteel. 
To  make  ftrength  ftronger  : — Bue,  for  all  our  loves, 
Firft  let  them  try  themlelvcs.     So  did  your  Ion  -, 
He  was  fo  fuffer'd  •,  fo  came  I  a  widow  •, 
And  never  (hall  have  length  of  life  enough 
^  To  rain,  upon  remembrance,  with  mine  eyes. 
That  it  may  grow  and  fprout  as  high  as  heaven. 
For  recordation  to  my  noble  hufband. 

North.  Come,  come,  go  in  with  me.     *Tis  with 
my  mind 
As  with  the  tide  fwelPd  up  unto  his  height. 
That  makes  a  ftill-ftand,  ninning  neither  way. 

*  T0  rainy  upon  remembrance, ]     Alluding  to   the  plants 

rofemary,  fo  called,  and  ufed  in  funerals. 
Thus  in  The  IVinier's  Tale, 

*'  For  you  tlicre's  rofemary  and  rue,  thefe  keep 
**  Seeming  and  favour  all  the  winter  long, 
*«  Grace  and  rememhrance  be  unto  you  both,"  l^c. 
For  as  rue  was  called  herb  of  grace,  from  its  being  ufed  in  cxor- 
dfms ;  fo  rofemary  was  called  remembrance^  from  its  being  a 
<:r|>h^ic,    WA^Pvaxcji, 

Fain 


412    THE    SECOND     PART    OF 

Fain  would  I  go  to  meet  the  archbilhop. 

But  many  thoufand  reafons  hold  me  back: 

I  will  refolve  for  Scotland  -,  there  am  I, 

Till  time  and  Vantage  crave  my  company.     [Exeuni. 

SCENE    IV. 

The  Boards-bead  tavern  in  Eaft-cbeap. 
Enter  two  Drawers. 

1  Draw.  What  the  devil  haft  thou  brought  there  ? 
Apple- Johns  ?  thou  know'ft  Sir  John  cannot  endure 
an  apple- John. 

2  Draw.  Mafs !  thou  fayeft  true.  The  prince  once 
fet  a  diih  of  apple- Johns  before  him,  and  told  him 
there  were  five  more  Sir  Johns  -,  and,  putting  off  his 
hat,  faid,  /  will  now  take  my  leave  of  tbefe  fix  dry^ 
rounds  old^  withered  knigbts.  It  anger'd  him  to  the 
heart ;  but  he  hath  forgot  that. 

I  Draw.  Why  then,  cover,  and  fet  them  down:  and 
fee  if  thou  can'ft  find  out  ^  Sneak's  noifc ;  miftrcfe 

Tear-fheet 


7  — Sneak's  noi/e ;— ]     Sneak  was  a  ftrcet  minftrel,  and 

therefore  the  drawer  goes  out  to  liften  if  he  can  hear  him  in  the 
neighbourhood.     Johnson. 

A  noi/e  of  muficians  anciently  fignified  a  concert  or  company 
of  them.  Ill  the  old  play  o^  Henry  V.  (not  that  of  Shakefpeare) 
there  is  this  paflhge  : 

"  there  came  the  young  prince,  and  two  or  three 

**  more  of  his  companioni,  and  called  for  wine  good  flore»  and 
**  then  they  fent  for  a  noy/e  of  muJitiansC^  &c. 

FalllafF  addrefles  them  as  a  company  in  the  tenth  fcene  of 
this  play. 

So  again  in  The  Blind  Beggar  of  AUxandriay  a  comedy,  print- 
ed 1598,  the  count  fays, 

"  Oh  that  we  had  a  noife  ofmuficiansi  to  play  to  this  antick 
••  as  we  go.** 

Again  in  The  Merry  De'vil  of  Edmonton, 

'*  Why,  Sir  George  fend  for  Spindle's  noife  prefcntly." 

Again  in  the  comedy  of  All  Fools y  byCh.ipman,   1602, 

"  J—  you  muft  get  us  mufic  too, 

^*  Call  in  a  cleanly  noife^  the  rogues  grow  loufy." 

Again 


KING    HENRY    IV.  413 

Tear-lheet  would  fain  hear  fome  mufic.  *  Difpatch ! 
— The  room  where  they  fupp'd  is  too  hot;  they'll 
come  in  ftraight. 

2  Draw.  Sirrah,  here  will  be  the  prince  and  mafter 
Poins  anon :  and  they  will  put  on  two  of  our  jerkins 
and  aprons,  and  Sir  John  muft  not  know  of  it.  .  Bar- 
dolph  hath  brought  word. 

1  Draw.  Then  ^  here  will  be  old  Utis :  it  will  be 
an  excellent  ftratagem. 

2  Draw,  ril  fee  if  I  can  find  out  Sneak.        [Exit. 

Enter  Hojlefs  and  Dol. 

Hqft.  Sweet  heart,  methinks.now  you  are  in  an  ex- 
cellent good  temporality :  your  pulfidge  beats  as  ex- 
traordinarily as  heart  would  defire  -,  and  your  colour^ 
I  warrant  you,  is  as  red  as  any  rofe :  but,  i'faith,  you 
have  drank  too  much  Canaries  ;  and  that's  a  marvel- 
lous fearching  wine,  and  it  perfumes  the  blood  ere 
we  can  fay,  wbafs  this  ?  How  do  you  now  ? 

Dot.  Better  than  I  was.     Hem  ! 

Hoft.  Why,  that  was  well  faid.  A  good  heart's  worth 
gold.     Look,  here  comes  Sir  John. 

Again  in  IVeftward Hoe^  by  Decker  and  Webfter,  1607, 
**  — •  All  the  noi/e  that  went  with  him,  poor  fellows,  have 
**  had  their  fiddle-cafes  pull'd  over  their  ears.**     Steevens. 

•  Difpatch!  &c.]     This  period  is  from  the  firfl  edition. 

Pope. 

•  ^ —  here  luill  he  old  Utis : "]     Utis,  an  old  word  yet 

in  ufe  in  fome  countries,  fignifying  a  merry  feftival,  from  the 
French  huit,  oiioy  ab  A.  S.  eahta.  OSa'va  fefti  alicujus,^--^ 
Skinner.     Pope. 

Old,  in  this  place,  does  not  mean  ancient,  but  was  formerly 
a  common  augmentative  in  colloquial  language.     Old  Utis  iig- 
nifies  felHvity  in  a  great  degree. 
•    So  in  Lingua,   1607, 

**  there's  old  moving  among  them.*? 

So  in  Decker's  comedy,  called,  If  this  he  not  a  good  Pi jy  tht 
Devil  is  in  it, 

*•  Wc  (hall  have  old  brcakbg  of  necks  then." 

Steevens. 

E}iter 


414    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Enter  Falfidff. 

Fal.  When  Arthur  firfi  in  court— empty  the  Jordan— 
^nd  was  a  worthy  king :  how  now,  miftrcfs  Dol. 

lExit  Drawer. 

Hoft.  *  Sick  of  a  calm :  yea,  good  footh. 

Fal.  *  So  is  all  her  fed :  if  they  be  once  in  a  calm, 
they  are  fick. 

Dol  You  muddy  rafcal,  is  that  all  the^comfort  you 
give  me  ? 

Fal.  3  You  make  fat  rafcals,  miftrefs  Dol. ' 

Dol.  I  make  them!  gluttony  and  dileafes  make 
them  ;  I  make  them  not. 

Fal.  If  the  cook  help  to  make  the  ^uttony,  ycMi 
help  to  make  the  difeafes,  Dol :  we  catch  of  you,  Dol, 
we  catch  of  you :  grant  that,  my  poor  virtue,  gmt 
that. 

Dol.  Ay,  marry,  our  chains  and  our  jewels. 

Fal.  4  Tour  brooches^  pearls^  and  owcbes.—Yoc  to 
ferye  bravely,  is  to  conr^e  halting  off,  you  know :  to 
come  oflf  the  breach  with  his  pike  bent  bravely,  and  to 

furgery 

*  Sick  ef  a  calm: — ]     I  foppofe  ihe  means  to  {zj  of  a  fiutim. 

Steevbhs. 

*  So  is  all  herfea : ]     I  know  not  why  fiB  is  printed  in 

all  the  copies:  I  believe y^^  is  meant.     Johnson. 

Sed  is,  I  believe,  right.  FalilafF  means  all  of  her  prdfeffion. 
In  Mother  Bomiie,  a  comedy,  1594,  the  Word  h  irequendy 
ufed, 

*'  Sil.  I  am  none  of  thaty^^ff. 

**  Can.  Thy  loving^f^  is  an  ancient y^<!?,  and  an  honoimb- 
'*  ble/'  Wr.     Steevens. 

3  Tou  make  fat  rafcals^ ]     Falftaff  alludes  to  a  phrafe  of 

the  foreil.     Lean  deer  are  called  rafcal  deer.     He  tells  her  flie 
calls  him  wrong,  being/^/  he  canrot  be  a  rafcal.     Tohnsoit. 
So  in  B.  ?|id  Fletcher's  Knight  of  the  Burning  PeftU^ 

**  The  heavy  hart,  the  blowing  buck,  the  ra/caU  ^^ 
"  the  pricket."     Steevens. 

*  Tour  brooches  f  pearls^  and  otvches.!^  Broochtt  were  chains 
of  gold  that  women  wore  formerly  about  their  necks.  Owcha 
were  bofiesof  gold  fet  with  diamonds.    Pope. 

I  believe 


KING    HENRY    IV.  415 

ery  bravely ;  to  venture  upon  5  the  charg'd  cham* 
bravely  ■ 

W.  Hang  yourfelf,  you  muddy  conger,  hang 
rfclf! 

Joji.  By  my  troth,  this  is  the  old  fafliion  ;  you  two 
:r  meet,  but  you  fall  to  fome  difcord :  you  are 
I,  in  good  truth,  as  ^  rheumatic  7  as  two  dry  toafts ; 
cannot  bear  with  one  another's  confirmities.  What 
good-jer !  one  muft  bear,  and  that  muft  be  you  : 
are  the  weaker  veffel,  as  they  fay,  the  emptier 
±  [To  DoL 

)ol  Can  a  weak  empty  veflel  bear  fuch  a  huge  full 
[head  ?  there's  a  whole  merchant's  venture  ofBour- 

)elieve  Falftaff  gives  thefe  fplendid  names  as  we  give  that 
rhuMcU,  to  fomething  very  different  from  gems  and  orna- 
j :  but  the  pafTage  deferves  not  a  laborious  refearch. 

Johnson. 
ur  broocbtSf  pearls^  and  owcbesf']     Is  a  line  in  an  old  fong,. 
[  forget  where  I  met  with  it.    Dr.  Jobnfon  may  be  fup- 
rd  in  his  conjefture  by  a  paffage  m  The  Wid(nv*s  Tears^ 
nedy,  by  Chapman,  1612, 

**  —  As  many  aches  in  his  bones  as  there  are  oucbis 
"  in  his  ikin."     Stbevens.  ^ 

—•  tbe  cbar£d  chambers — ]   To  undcrftand  this  qnibble^ 
necefTary  to  fay,  that  a  chamber  fignifies  not  only  an  apart- 
t,  but  a  piece  of  ordnance. 
» in  The  Fieire,  a  comedy,  1610, 

■  he  has  taught  my  ladies  to  make  fireworks ;  they 

m  deal  in  chambers  already,  as  well  as  all  the  gunners  that 
ake  them  fly  off*  with  a  train  at  Lambeth,  when  the  mayor 
id  aldermen  land  at  Wcftminllcr.'*    Stebvens. 

—  rheumatic — ]     She  would  fay  fplenetic.     Hanmbr. 
[>elieve  (he  means  what  fhe  fays.     So  Jonfon's  E^*jery  Man  iu 
fmmourf 

«'  Cob,  Why,  I  have  my  rewme^  and  can  be  angry.'' 
►  in  Henry  F. 

**  He  did  in  fome  fort  handle  women ;  but  then  he  was 
"  rheumatic  J**  &c. 
heumaticy  in  the  cant  language  of  the  times,  fignified  ca- 
ous,  humourfome.    In  this  fenfe  it  appears  to  be  ufed  in 
y  of  the  old  plays.     Steevens.  * 

—  tf/  t*wo  dry  toafts ; — ]  Which  cannot  mcfet  but  they  grate 
another,    Johnson. 

deaux 


4t6    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

dcaux  (hiff  in  him  -,  you  have  not  feen  a  hulk  bettd: 
ftufPci  in  the  holJ.  Come,  VU  be  friends  with  thee, 
Jack. — Thou  art  going  to  the  wars,  and  whether  I 
Ihall  ever  iee  tliee  again,  or  no,  there  is  no  body  cares. 

Re-enter  Drawer. 

Draw.  Sir,  ^  ancient  Piftol  is  below,  and  would 
(peak  with  you. 

Del  Hang  him,  fwaggering  rafcal!  let  him  not 
come  hither :  it  is  the  foul-mouth'dft  rogue  in  Eng- 
land. 

Heft.  If  he  fwagger,  let  him  not  come  here.  No, 
by  my  faith,  I  muft  live  amongfl:  my  neighbours ; 
I'll  no  fwaggerers.  I  am  in  good  name  and  tame  with 
the  very  bed.  Shut  the  door  j  there  comes  no  fwag- 
gerers here :  I  have  not  liv'd  aU  this  while  to  have 
Iwaggering  now.     Shut  the  door,  I  pray  you. 

Fal.  Doft  thou  hear,  hoftefs  ? 

Hcjl.  Pray  you  pacify  yourfelf.  Sir  John ;  there 
comes  no  fwaggerers  here. 

Fal.  Doft  thou  hear  ? — it  is  mine  ancient. 
•  Hoji.  Tilly-fally,  Sir  John,  never  tell  me:  your  an- 
cient fwaggerer  comes  ^  not  in  my  doors.  I  was  be- 
fore mafter  Tifick,  the  deputy,  the  other  day :  and,  as 
he  faid  to  me, — it  was  no  longer  ago  than  Wcdncfday 
laft,  —  Neighbour  ^(ickly\  fays  he ;  —  mafter  Dumb, 
our  minifter,  was  by  then ;  —  Neighbour  ^ickfyy  lays 
he,  receive  thofe  thai  are  civil ;  for^  faith  he,  you  are 
in  an  ill  name\  (now  he  faid  fo,  I  can  tell  where- 
upon) for^  fays  he,  you  are  an  boneft  woman^  and  weU 
thought  077  \  therefore  take  heed  what  guefts  you  receive. 
Receive^  fays  he,  no  fwaggering  companions. -^--^Hh^T^ 
comes  none  here.  You  would  blels  you  to  hear  what 
he  faid.— No,  I'll  no  fwaggerers. 

^  —  cncien:  Piftol ]     Is  the  fame  as  enfign  Piftol.     Fal- 

flafi*  was  captain,  Peto  lieutenant,  and  Piftol  enfign,  or  «««>*/. 

JOHNSOH. 

Fal 


KING    HENRY    IV.  417 

Fal.  He's  no  fwaggerer,  hoftefs ;  *  a  tame  cheater, 
^c :  you  may  ftroaknim  as  gently  as  a  puppy-grey- 
i^ound :  he  will  not  fwagger  with  a  Barbary  hen,  if 
hier  feathers  turn  back  in  any  (hew  of  refiftance.  Call 
him  up,  drawer. 

Hoft.  Cheater,  call  you  him  ?  9  I  will  bar  no  honeft 
man  my  houfe,  nor  no  cheater :  but  I  do  not  love 
Twaggering,  by  my  troth ;  I  am  the  worfe  when  one 
fays,  fwagger.  Feel,  matters,  how  I  Ihake  j  look  you, 
I  warrant  you. 

Dol  So  you  do,  hoftefs. 

Hoft.  Do  I  ?  yea,  in  very  truth,  do  I,  an  if  it  were 
an  afpen  leaf.     I  cannot  abide  fwaggerers. 

Enter  PiJloU  Bardolph^  and  Page. 

Pift.  Save  you,  Sir  John  I 

Fal.  Welcome,  Ancient  PiftoL  Here,  Piftol,  I 
charge  you  with  a  cup  of  fack ;  do  you  difcharge  upon 
mine  hoftefs. 

Pift.  I  will  difcharge  upon  her.  Sir  John,  with  two 
bullets.  ^ 

Fal  She  is  piftol-proof.  Sir;  you  (hall  hardly  of- 
fend her. 

Hoft.  Come,  I'll  drink  no  proofs,  nor  no  bullets:  I 
will  drink  no  more  than  will  do  me  good,  for  no 
man's  pleafure.     I 

Pift.  Then  to  you,  miftrefs  Dorothy  •,  I  will  charge 
you. 

DoL  Charge  me !  I  fcorn  you,  fcurvy  companion ! 

•  —  a  tame  cheater, — ]  Gamefler  and  cheater  were,  in 
Shakefpeare's  age,  fynonimous  terms.  Ben  Jonfon  has  an  epi* 
gram  on  Captain  Hazard  the  cheater,     St b evens. 

*  /  fwill  bar  no  honeft  man  my  houfe^  nor  no  cheater  ;^-]  The 
hamour  of  this  confills  in  the  woman's  miftaking  the  title  of 
theater  (which  our  anceilors  gave  to  him  whom  we  now,  with 
better  manners,  call  a  gamefler)  for  that  officer  of  the  exche- 
Quer  called  an  efcbeator,  well  known  to  the  common  people  of 
that  time  ;  and  named,  either  corruptly  or  fatirically,  a  cheater. 

Warburtoh. 

Vol.  V.  D  d  What, 


(i8     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

What,  you  pcx)r,  bafc,  nLfcally,  cheating,  lack-1 
mate!  Away,  you  mouldy  rogue,  away!  I  am  r 
For  your  matter ! 

Pift.  I  know  you,  miftrefe  Dorothy. 

Del.  Away,  you  cut-purfe  rafcal !  you  filthy  bi 
away !  By  this  wine,  Y\\  thruft  my  knife  in  ] 
mouliiy  chaps  '  if  you  play  the  faucy  cuttk  with 
Awav,  you  bottle-ale  rafcal!  you  baflcet-hilt  \ 
iuirler,  you!— Since  when,  I  pray  you.  Sir?— *w 
Vah  r»'o  s  pc^ts  on  your  (houlder  ?  much! 

P;/f ,  I  will  murther  your  ruflF  for  this. 

fi;  ♦  Xo  tnote,  Rltol ;  I  would  not  have  yw 

^^5  ^^     Diiciurge  youriclf  of  our  company,  Pifl 

ZLUiK   No>  good  captain  Piftol ;    not  here,  iy 

captain. 

Del.  Captain?  thou  abominable  damn*d  che 
art  thou  not  afliam'd  to  be-call'd  captain  ?  If  capi 
wcrcof  my  mind,  they  would  truncheon  youou 

»  — —  iff^  P^ay  the  faucy  cuttU  *with  me.'}  It  appean 
Greene's  Jrt  of  Conny-catcbing^  that  cuttle  and  cuttle-inptg 
the  cant  terms  for  the  knife  with  which  the  (harpers  of  tha 
cat  out  the  bottoms  of  purfes,  which  were  then  worn  ban 
at  the  girdle.  Or  the  allufion  may  be  to  the  foul  lang 
throwA  out  by  Pillol,  which  fhe  means  to  compare  with  : 
iUth  as  thefcMffle-ffi  ejefts.     Steevens. 

*  '^-^^<wbaty'withtiOo  points  on  your  fhouUer?  miub!\  1 
was  a  common  exprelTion  of  difdain  at  that  time,  of  the 
knfe  with  that  more  modem  one,  Marty  come  up.     The  Oa 
Editor,  not  apprehending  this,  alters  it  to  marcb.  Warbur 

I  cannot  but  think  the  emendation  right.     This  vie  of. 
I  do  not  remember ;  nor  is  it  here  proved  by  any  example 

JOHMS 

Dr.  Warborton  is  right.    Mucb!  is  afed  thos  in  B.  Jon 

"  But  you  (hall  cat  it.     MucbP* 

Again  in  E'very  Man  in  bis  Hameur^ 

•*  Mucbj  wench !  or  mucb^  fon  !'* 
hiucb  is  frequently  nfed  as  an  expreffion  of  difdun. 

Steitb 

*  — —  points — ]  Asa  mark  of  his  commiffion.     Johvsc 
^  Ko  more  J  PifioU  &c.]     This  is  from  the  old  editio: 

1600.    Pope. 


KING    HENRY    iVi  4*9 

taking  their  names  upon  you  before  you  have  carn*d 
them.  You  a*  captain  !  you  flave  !  for  what  ?  for 
tearing  a  poor  whore's  ruff  in  a  bawdy- houfe  ? — He  a 
captain  !  hang  him,  rogue  !  ^  He  lives  upon  mouldy 
ftew*d  prunes  and  dry*d  cakes.  A  captain  !  thcfe  viU 
lains  will  make  the  word  captain  ^  as  odious  as  the 
word  occupy ;  which  was  an  excellent  good  word  be- 
fore it  was  ill  Torted ;  therefore  captains  had  need  look 
to  it. 

Bard.  Pray  thee,  go  down,  good  Ancient. 

Fal.  Hark  thee  hither,  miftrefs  Dol. 

Pift.  Not  I.     I  tell  thee  what,  corporal  Bardolpfi^ 
>•— 1  could  tear  her :— ril  be  revenged  on  her* 

Page.  Prav  thee,  go  down* 

Pift.  rU  fee  her  damn'd  firit ;  to  Pluto*s  damA^d 
lake,  to  the  infernal  deep ;  where  Erebus  and  tortures 
vile  alfo.  ^  Hold  hook  and  line,  fay  I ;  down !  down, 
dogs !  down,  faitors !  *  have  we  not  Hiren  here  ?    ' 

Hoft. 

'  He  lives  lipott  nfuldjf  ftew^ d prunes  and  dry*d  cakes ^  That  if^ 
lie  lives  at  other  mens  cod,  hue  is  not  admitted  to  their  tables, 
and  gets  only  what  is  too  ftale  to  be  eaten  in  the  houfe. 

JOHNSOlf. 

It  means  rather,  that  he  lives  on  the  refufe  proviiions  tt 
bawdy-houfes  and  paftry-cooks  (hops.  Ste^^d  prunett  when 
mouldy,  were  perhaps  formerly  fold  at  a  cheap  rate,  as  ftal« 
py^s  and  cakes  are  at  prefent.  The  allufion  to  fteiu^d  prunes^ 
and  ail  that  is  neceffary  to  be  known  on  that  fubjedl,  has  been 
already  explained  in  the  fird  part  of  this  hillorical  play. 

STfiEVSNS, 

•  as  odious  as  the  nuord  occupy ;  ]  So  B.  Jonfoa 
in  his  Di/coverieSf 

•*  Many  out  of  their  own  obfcene  apprehcnfions  refufe  pro-r/ 
per  and  fit  words;  as,  occupy^  nature,"  &:c.     Stebvens. 

'  Hold  hook  and  line,  ■  ]  Thcfc  words  are  introduced  in 
ridicule,  by  B.  Jonfon  in  The  Cafe  is  alter* d^  1609.     St  e  evens* 

*  ha've  lAje  not  Hiren  here  /*]  I  have  been  told,  that 

the  words— >^««i'^  ive  not  Hiren  here,  are  taken  from  a  very  old 
play,  entitled,  Hiren*  or  the  Fayre  Greeke^  and  are  fpoken  by 
Mahomet  wlfen  his  Baffas  upbraided  him  with  having  loH  fo 
many  provinces  through  an  attachment  to  effeminate  pleafures. 
Piftol«  with  fomc  humour,  is  made  to  repeat  them  before  Fal* 

Od  a  iUff 


—  ^r..       .  :  :   ^  2    7A7vT   OF 

-  "       --*  -    :nr:--:.T  j-'^z:.  zc  quier,  it  is  verj-  htc; 
'    -  ~    ~"        ■     :z:rv'xz^  your  cholcr. 

~  1-    -T  -...:  :iir:cur7,  indeed.    Shall  pack- 

-  :      _     r:ili.^-_r     -  ;/  r—r  :t  Doll  Tear- Jhce:,  ir.  th- 
r:-    T_     '  -- :  ^  rrr.--i^r::r.rrd  to //»«rfl   .^/mr- 

-    -::^    -  -  '-T       .1  =  cramatic  piece*  I  n::v- 
-i       22^  -.    .    ziz^'L.-.i.^  :i  T  :-   -Jjat  very  uierul  ;i:.i 
-  -^— -~    -      ".  _-.-  -r.i,:,  L&  the  won:  .: 
— 1-^: *-i —  1-   ::     :...     v^ :  rr^is  p!*)',  howevr:. 

_  J.  .^  rr=;:r"  :r^:-  "r  »^z  ^szv  Tricksy  or^  Jf'c:  -ivntr 
I.  -  -:  —  -  ---  i^-  riius^n  ii  like  A  i  reintroduce-.  :.!^ 
:l  .  -:= :    '-^^^  —      -^  rr.ice  Poly  metes  fays, 

-  ^   mirrL.  xrv?  cis  Polymetes  daunt  r 

"    v""-*  -  ■"""  ^^^?  fcrme,  we  have  Siren  her.. 

-  ......    r   ::i .  'z^i^z  H:ren  the  fair  C  J  reek,  ma:.  ' 

StEI"!  -.. 

■  "  -/^^  -  -.•-■---   r"  ^^-^»  &'C.]   Thefe  line,  i-;  j 

-.-    .    ..   "---'-    — :   ::  ir^  c;d  abfurd  fuflian  pJav,  en::-- 

,  - .    •     .  r ;     -   :  f -^  T^ :»  Scythian  Shipherei,     T h  FCI ... .  :- 

■  ..  -.    .:■:..   u;  i-i.-eJed  by  Taniburlainc  to  the   c::t:jit 
^- .-jt-.   vT     --"1-   ■-:i  c:.£r:ot : 

-    r.    1.  ■-.:  Pimper'd  jades  of  A/In, 
V  : .:     cir.  you  draw  but  twenty  miles  a  dav  =" 
^  '■>-■  -- ■  r--'^^^-  --^  L-^rlcfqucd  by  Beaumont  and  Yltich^  k 

*  -  •''"'*":  *^''  "•■^  ^  fimile,  much  celebrated  by  tiie  si- 
-.  V-  ■•  -V  :  y:  F^:.o  ^':z^,  inferted  almoft  word  for  wrri 
-  -  >  r  j-cv-;.  v»  hich  tr.joycd  at  once  the  good  fortune  of  b-^-r 
.  ■  .  V.  :.  1  h.-cbald,  and  praifed  by  Ben  Jonfon.  Thel^ 
,•■  :^ -jT  r^ck-5  of  The  Fairy  ^nen,  in  which  it  is  to  hr 
,..-...  *..»>  pu.Milhed  m  1590,  and  famhurlai^te  m2L^e  m  sp- 
■V  -^  ■-■-•  ■=  'y\  ^-'"f  >'^?'"-  ?'*^!'y  one  who  is  acquainted  w::h 
>>.  1  •.  .:^  cr  >prr.icr'5  ;magination,  mull  fuppofc  the  draznaiii 
^.:t    :.*  Kave  b-.en  the  piagiarift. 

••  Like  to  an  almcnd-trec  vmounted  high 

-  On  top  of  green  Selinis',  all  alone, 

••  With  bloifoms  brave  bedecked  daintily, 
■•  Whofe  tender  locks  do  tremble  cverv  one 
••  M  every  little  breath  that  under  heaven  is  blown.** 

Spemfer. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  421 

PTbicb  cannot  go  but  thirty  miles  a  daj^ 
Compare  with  Caefars,  and  with  9  Cannibals, 
And  Trojan  Greeks  ?  nay,  rather  damn  them  with 
King  Cerberus,  and  let  the  welkin  roar. 
Shall  we  iPaU  foul  for  toys  ? 

Hoft.  By  my  troth,  captain,  thefe  are  very  bitter 
words. 

Bard.  Begone,  good  Ancient.  This  will  grow  to  a 
brawl  anon. 

Pift.  Die  men,  like  dogsj  give  crowns  like  pins  ; 
'  have  we  not  Hiren  here  } 

**  Like  to  an  almond-sree  ymounted  high 

**  Upon  the  lofty  and  celellial  mount 

*•  Of  ever-green  Selinis,  quaintly  deck'd 

**  With  bloom  more  bright  than  Erycina's  brows  ; 

**  Whofe  tender  blofToms  tremble  every  one 

*•  At  every  little  breath  from  heaven  is  blown.** 

Marloe^s  Tamerlaine. 

Steevkns. 

»  — -*  Cannibalsil  Cannibal  is  ufed  by  a  blunder  ior  HanfiihaL 

This  was   afterwards  copied  by  Congreve's  BlufF  and  Wittol. 

BlnfF  is  a  charader  apparently  uken  from  this  of  Ancient  Piflol. 

Johnson. 

Perhaps  the  charadier  of  a  bully  on  the  Englifh  ftage  might 

have  been  originally  taken  from  Piflol ;  but  Congreve  feems  to 

have  copied  his  ^fol   Bluff  more  immediately  from  Jonfon's 

Captain  Bobadil.     Steevbns. 

■   —  have  njoe  not  Hiren  here  ? 

Hoft.  0^  my  vjprtif  captain^  there* s  none  fuch  here.'\  i.  e.  Shall 
I  fear,  that  have  this  trufty  and  invincible  fword  by  my  fide? 
For,  as  king  Artliur's  fwords  were  called  Caliburne  and  Ron  ; 
as  Edward  the  Confeffors,  Curtana  ;  as  Charlemagne's,  Joy- 
cufe ;  Orlando's,  Durindana  ;   Rinaldo's,   Fufberta  ;  and  Ro- 

fero's,  Balifarda  ;  fo  Piflol,  in  imitation  of  thefe  heroes,  calls 
is  fword  Hiren.  I  have  been  told,  Amadis  du  Gaul  had  a 
iword  of  this  name.  Hirir  is  to  flrike :  from  hence  it  feems 
probable  that  Hiren  may  be  derived ;  and  fo  fignify  a  fwaihing, 

cutting  fword. But  what  wonderful  humour  is  there  in  the 

good  hoflefs  fo  innocently  miftaking  Piftol's  drift,  fancying  that 
he  meant  to  fight  for  a  whore  in  the  houfe,  and  therefore  telling 
him,  O'  my  lAjord^  captain y  t berets  none/uch  here ;  lubat  the  good^ 
Jer  !  do  you  thinks  I  would  deny  her  F   Theobald. 

D  d  3  Heji. 


422    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Hoft.  O*  my  word,  captain,  there's  none  fuch  hcrr, 
What  the  good-jer  ?  do  you  diink  I  would  deny  her? 
I  pray,  be  quiet. 

Pijl.  Then  *  feed^  and  be  fat^  my  fair  CalipoSs : 
come,  give  me  fome  fack.  3  ^i  fortuna  me  tormentai 
fpero  me  contenta. 

Fear  we  broad  fides  ?  no,  let  the  fiend  give  fire: 
Give  me  fome  fack  •,  and,  fweet-heart,  lye  thou  there. 

[£tf>'/»f  down  bisfuml 
♦  Come  we  to  full  points  here ;  and  are  (if  cater tl%  no- 
thing ? 

Fal.  Piftol,  I  would  be  quiet. 

Pift.  5  Sweet  knight,  I  kifs  thy  neif.  What !  we 
have  feen  the  feven  ftars. 

»  feed,  and  he  fat,  my  fair  Calipolis  .*]  Tlds  is  a  burlcfqu^ 

on  a  line  in  an  old  play  called  The  Battel  of  Alcazar,  kc^ 
printed  in  1594,  in  which  Muley  Mahomet  enters  to  his  wif5^ 
with  lyon  s  flefli  on  his  fword  : 

«*  Feed  then,  and  faint  not,  my  faire  Calypolis.** 

And  again,  in  the  fame  play, 

"  Hold  thee,  Calipolis,  feed,  and  faint  no  more.*' 

The  part  of  Piftol  is  almoft  made  up  of  quotations  from  ol<f 
abfurd  plays,  This  line  is  quoted  in  f  veral  of  the  old  plays  } 
and  DecIccT,  in  his  Satiromtiftix,  1602,  has  introduced  Shake- 
fpcare's  burlefque  of  it.     Ste evens. 

'  Si  fortuna  me  torment  a,  fpero  me  ccntenta,^  Sir  Tho.  Htnmer 
reads,  "  Si  fortuna  me  tormcnta,  il  fperare  me  contenta,**  which 
is  undoubtedly  the  true  reading,  but  perhaps  it  was  intended 
that  Piftol  (hould  torrupt  it.    Johnson. 

Piftol  is  only  a  copy  of  Hannibal  Gonfaga,  who  vaunted  on 
yieldirg  himfelf  a  prifoner,  as  you  may  readm  an  oldcoUedion 
of  tales,  called  Wits,  Fits,  and  Fancies, 
"  Si  fortuna  me  tormenta 
"  II  fperanza  me  contenta.** 
And  Sir  Richard  Hawkins,  in  his  Voyage  to  the  South  Sea,  15931 
throws  out  the  famegingling  diftich  on  the  lofs  of  his  pinnace. 

Farmer. 

♦  Come  ive  to  full  points  here,  &c.]  That  is,  fliall  we  ftop 
here,  ihall  wc  have  no  farther  entertainment.     Johnson. 

5  SrMcet  knight,  I  kifs  thy  neif]  i.  e.  I  kifs  thy  M,     Mr.  Pope 
will  have  it,  that  neifhtrz  is  from  nativa;  i.  e.  a  woman-flave 
that  is  born  in  one's  houfe  ;  and  that  Piftol  would  kifs  FalftaiPs 
domeftic  miftrefs  Dol  Tear-fliect.     Theobald. 
Wi 


KING    HENRY    IV.  423 

DoL  Thnift  him  down  ftairs !  I  cannot  endure  fuch 
a  fuftian  rafcal. 

Piji.  Thruft  him  down  ftairs !  know  we  not  ^  gal- 
loway nags  ? 

Fal.  Quoit  him  down,  Bardolph,  ^  like  a  Ihovc- 
groat  fhilling.  Nay,  if  he  do  nothing  but  fpeak  no- 
thing, he  fhall  be  nothing  here. 

Bard.  Come,  get  you  down  ftairs. 

Pifi.  What,  fhall  we  have  incifioil  ?  (hall  we  im- 
brcw  ?  then  death 

Rock  me  afleep,  abridge  my  doleful  days ! 
Why,  then  let  grievous,  ghailly,  gaping  wounds 
Untwine  the  fifters  three !  Come,  Atropos,  I  fay  ! 

[Snatching  up  bis /word. 

H(fi.  Here's  goodly  ftufF  toward  ! 

Fal.  Give  me  my  rapier,  boy. 

DoL  I  pray  thee.  Jack,  I  pray  thee,  do  not  draw, 

Fal.  Get  you  down  ftairs. 

[Drawings  and  driving  Piftolout. 

Hoft.  Here's  a  goodly  tumult !  Til  forfwear  keep- 
ing houfe,  before  FU  be  in  dicfe  tirrits  and  frights.  So ; 
murther,  I  warrant  now.     Alas,  alas,  put  up  your  , 
naked  weapons,  put  up  your  naked  weapons. 

Nie/f  nei/f  and  na/t  are  certainly  law-terms  for  a  worn  an - 

flave.     So  in  Tborotons  Antiq.    of  Nottingham/hire **  Evcrv 

**.naifOT  fhe- villain,  that  took  a  hufband  or  committed  form- 
«<  cationy  paid  marcbet  for  redemption  of  her  blood  5  s.  and 

I  believe  neif\%  here  ufcd  for  ffi.    It  is  dill  ufed  in  that  fenfc 
in  the  northern  counties,  and  by  B.  Jonfon  in  his  Poetafter, 
"  Reach  me  thy  ««/." 
Again,  in  The  Witch  of  Edmonton^  by  Rowley. 

**  Oh,  fweet  Ningle,  thy  »«/oncc  again." 

Stebvfhs. 

•  gallonvay nags ?^  That  is,   common  hackneys.    Johns. 

^  —  like  a  Jhove-groat  Jhilling^  This  expreflion  occurs  in 
E'vtry  Man  in  his  Humour y  **  made  it  run  as  fmooth  ofr  the 
"  tongue  as  z  fl?o<ve'groat  fiilUng,**  I  fuppofe  it  to  have  been  a 
piece  of  polifhed  metal  made  ufe  of  in  the  play  of  (hovel-board. 

St££V£NS. 

D  d  4  DoL 


424    THE     SECOND    PART    OF 

D>/.  I  pray  thee.  Jack,  be  quiet ;  the  raical  is  gone. 
Ah,  ycu  whonbn,  l::tle  valiant  villain,  you !  ] 

Hcfi.  Are  you  not  hurt  i'thc  grcir  ?  methoi^ht  he 
made  a  fnre^d  thruft  at  your  tx^liy.      \^Rjt-aitcr  Bari* 

Fal.  Have  you  turn'd  him  out  of  doors  ? 

Bard.  Yes,  Sir,  the  rafcal's  drunk.     You  have  hurt 
him.  Sir,  in  the  Ihoulder. 

Fal.  A  rafcal,  to  brave  me ! 

DoL  Ah,  you  fweet  little  rogue,  you !  Alas,  po(^^ 
ape,  how  thou  fweat'ft?  Come,  let  me  wipe  thj^ 
fice  ;— come  on,  you  whorfon  chops  : — ah,  rogue!  '^ 
love  thee — thou  art  as  valorous  as  Hector  of  Troy.^ 
worth  five  of  Agamemnon  ;  and  ten  times  betcerthai* 
the  nine  worthies.     Ah,  villain  ! 

FaL  A  rafcally  flave  !  I  will  tois  the  rogue  in  7m 
blanket. 

Vol.  Do,  if  thou  dar^ft  for  thy  heart :  if  thou  do*ft, 
I'll  canvai's  thee  between  a  pair  of  (hects. 

Enter  mufick. 

Page.  The  mufick  is  come.  Sir. 

Fal.  Let  them  play  •,  play.  Sirs.  Sit  on  my  knee, 
Doll.  A  rafcal,  bragging  flave !  the  rogue  fled  from 
me  like  quickfilver. 

Doll,  rfaith,  and  thou  follow*d'fl  him  like  a  church. 
Thou  whorfon  *  little  tidy  Bartholomew  boar-pig,  when 
wilt  thou  leave  fighting  o'  days,  and  foining  o*  ni^ts, 
and  begin  to  patch  up  thine  old  body  for  heaven  ? 

■  — /r///(f  tidy  Bartholomew  boar^pigy — ]  For  tiJj  SirThomis 
Hanmer  reads  tiny ;  but  they  are  both  words  of  endearment,  and 
equally  proper.  BartboUme<w  hoar^htF  is  a  little  pig  made  of 
pafle,  fold  at  Bartholomew  fair,  ana  given  to  cliil£vo  for  a 
fairing.    Johnson^ 


Sfi^tr 


KING    HENRY    IV.  425 

Enter  prince  Henry  andPoins. 

Fal.  Peace,  good  Doll,  do  not  fpeak  7  like  a  death's 
lead  ;  do  not  bid  me  remember  mine  end. 

Dol.  Sirrah,  what  humour  is  the  prince  of  ? 

Fal.  A  good  {hallow  young  fellow :  he  would  have 
nade  a  good  pantler,  he  would  have  chipp*d  bread 
veil. 

Dol.  They  fay,  Poins  has  a  good  wit. 

Fal.  He  a  good  wit  ?  hang  him,  baboon ! — his  wit 
s  ^  thick  as  ^  Tewklbury  muftard,  there  is  no  more 
ronceit  in  him,  than  is  in  a  mallet. 

DoL  Why  doth  the  prince  love  him  fo  then  ? 

Sal.  Becaufe  their  legs  are  both  of  a  bignefs ;  and 
le  plays  at  quoits  well,  and  '  eats  conger  and  fennel ; 

and 

^  — ///f^tf  deathi^i  bead\\  It  appears  from  the  following  paf^ 
age  in  Marfton'b  Dutch  Courte^atiy  1605,  that  it  was  thecuftom 
"or  the  bawds  of  that  age  to  wear  a  death's  bead  in  a  ring,  very 
>robably  with  the  common  motto,  memento  mori.  Cocledemoy^ 
peaking  of  fome  of  theie,  fays, **  as  for  their  death,  how 

*  can  it  be  bad,  fmce  their  wickednefs  is  always  before  their 

*  eyes,  and  a  death's  head  mod  commonly  on   their  middle 

*  finger."     Again,  inMaffinger's  Old  La<Wy **  fell  fome  of 

'  my  deaths  to  buy  thee  a  death's  bead  and  put  upon  thy  mid- 

*  die  finger  :  your  leall  confidering  bawds  do  fo  much." 

Steevens. 

■  —  Trwkjbury  muftard^  &c.]  Tewkfbury  is  t  market- town 
11  the  county  of  Gloucefter,  formerly  noted  for  mullard-ballt 
nade  there,  and  fent  into  other  parts.     Dr.  Gk  ay. 

*  — •  eats  conger  and  fennel ;  and  drinks  off  candles*  tnds^ .  &C.] 
rheie  qualifications  I  do  not  underfland.     Johnson. 

Conger  ivitb  fennel  was  formerly  regarded  as  a  provocative, 
t  is  mentioned  by  B.  Jonfon  in  his  BartbolomewFair,^^**  like 

*  a  long  lac*d  conger  with  green  fennel  in  the  joU  of  it.*' 

The  qualification  that  follows  ;  viz.  that  of  fwallowing 
andles  ends  hj  nvaj  of  flap-dragons^  feems  to  indicate  no  more 
han  that  the  prince  loved  him,  becaufe  he  was  always  ready  to 
lo  any  thing  for  his  amufement,  however  abfurd  or  unnatural. 
!^a(h,  in  Pierce  Pennylefs  bis  Supplication  to  the  Devil,  advifes 
lard  drinkers,—'*  to  have  iome  ihooing  home  to  pull  on 
'  their  wine,  as  a  rafher  on  the  coals,  or  a  red  herring ;  or  to 

*  ftir  it  about  with  a  candle's  end  to  make  it  taftc  better,"  lie. 


:t£     SECOND    PART    OF 

.    .  .i^-^  oir'  candles'  ends  for  flap-dr^ons  -,  and 

,..'  ^.c  »vild  mare  with  the  boys;  and  jumps  upon 
.  .i..  J:ooiS ;  and  Iwears  with  a  good  grace;  and  wears 
■  .:>  joo£  very  finooth  like  unto  the  fign  of  the  leg ; 
.:..u  orccds  no  bate  with  telling  of  '  dHocct  ftories : 
u..;ki  i'uch  other  gambol  faculdes  he  hath,  that  (hew  a 
vncak  mind  and  an  able  body,  for  the  which  the  prince 
admits  him :  for  the  prince  himfelf  is  fuch  another, 
the  weight  of  an  hair  will  turn  the  fcales  between  their 
averdupois. 

P.  Henry.  Would  not  this  *  nave  of  a  wheel  have 
his  ears  cut  off  ? 

Poins.  Let  us  beat  him  before  his  whore. 

P.  Henry.  Look,  if  the  withered  elder  hath  not  his 
poll  claw'd  like  a  parrot. 

Poins.  Is  it  not  ftrange,  that  defu-e  fhould  fo  many 
years  out-live  performance  ? 

Fal.  Kifsme,  Doll. 

In  Rowley's  Match  at  Midnight j  1653,  a  captain  fays,  that 
his  <*  corporal  was  lately  choak'd  atDelf  by  fwallowing  ^fiap- 
"  dragon.** 

So  in  Shirley's  Confiant  Maidy  1640, — "  or  he  might  fpit 
jlaP'dragons  from  his  fire  of  fack,  to  light  us." 

Again,  in  TF  KNOFAMIA  ;  «r,  TheMarriagts  •ftheArti^  1618, 

**  like  ?iJlap-dragont  or  a  piece  of  bread  fop'd  in  aquavitae^ 

«*  and  fet  a  fire." 

Again,  in  Marfton's  Dutch  Courtezan,  1605,  —  «*  have  I  not 
•*  been  drunk  to  your  health,  fwallow'd  flap-dragons^  eat 
*'  glaflcs,  drank  urine,  ftab'd  arms,  and  done  all  the  offices  of 
**  protefted  gallantry  for  your  fake  ?" 

So  in  TheChriflian  turned  Turk^  16 12, "  as  familiarly  as 

•*  pikes  do  gudgeons,  and  with  as  much  facility  as  Dotchmen 
**  (wzWow flap-dragons.^'    St E evens. 

A  flap-dragon  is  fome  fmall  combuilible  body,  fired  at  one 
end,  and  put  afloat  in  a  glafs  of  liquor.  It  is  an  ad  of  topers* 
dexterity  to  tofs  off  the  glafs  in  fuch  a  manner  as  to  prevent  the 
flap-dragon  from  doing  mifchief.     Johnson. 

*  —  difcreet flories  : — ]   We  (hould  read  indi/creet.     Warb. 

• nave  of  a  ivheel ]  Na*ve  and  knave  arc  eaiily  re- 
conciled, but  wny  nave  of  a  voheel?  I  fuppofe  from  his  round- 
nefs.     He  was  called  round  man  in  contempt  before.    Johnson. 

P.Henry. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  427 

P.  Henry.  *  Saturn  and  Venus  this  year  in  con- 
unftion  !  what  fays  the  almanack  to  that  ? 

Poins.  And,  look,  whether  the  fiery  Trigon,  his 
nan,  be  not  3  lifping  to  his  mafter's  old  tables  •,  his 
lote-book,  his  coi)nfel-keeper  f 

FaL  Thou  doft  give  me  flattering  bufles. 

Dol.  By  my  trom,  I  kifs  thee  with  a  moft  conftant 
learc 

FaL  I  am  old,  I  am  old. 

Dol  I  love  thee  better  than  I  love  e*er  a  fcurvy 
foung  boy  of  them  ail. 

FaL  What  IhifFwilt  thou  have  a  kirtle  of?  I  fliall 
receive  money  on  Thurfday.  Thou  (halt  have  a  cap 
to-morrow,  A  merry  fong,  come : — it  grows  late, 
fft  will  to  bed.     Thou  wilt  forget  me  when  I  am 

Dol.  By  my  troth,  thou  wilt  fet  me  a  weeping  if 
thou  fay's  fo.  Prove,  that  ever  I  drefs  myfelf  hand- 
fome  till  thy  return.— —Well,  hearken  the  end. 

Fal.  Somefack,  Francis. 

P.  Henry.  Poins.    Anon,  anon.  Sir. 

Fal.  +  Ha !  a  baftard  fon  of  the  king's  !  and  art  not 
thou  Poins  his  brother  ? 

P.  Henry.  Why,  thou  globe  of  finful  continents, 
what  a  life  doft  thou  lead  ? 

^  Saturn  and  Venui  this  year  in  conjunBion  /]  This  was  indeed 
a  prodigy.  The  ailrologers,  fays  Ficinus,  remark,  that  Saturn 
and  Venus  are  never  conjoined.     Johnson. 

»  —  lifping  to  bis  mafter^s  old  tables^  &€.]  We  (hould  read, 
<lajj>ing  too  bis  mafiers  old  tables^  &c.  i.  e.  embracing  his  mailer's 
caft-ott  whore,  and  now  his  bawd  [bis  note-booi,  bis  coun/tl- 


keeper].     We  have  the  fame  phrafc  again  in  Cymbeline, 

**  You  clafp  young  Cupid*s  tables.'     Warbus 
This  emendation  is  very  fpecious.     I  think  it  ngbt.     Johns 
I  believe  the  old  reading  to  be  the  true  one.     Bardolph  wa 


7RTON. 

rs. 

_  was 

ftty  probably  drunk,  and^might  li/p  a  little  in  his  courtfliip. 

Steevens. 
^  Ha!  a  haftard^  &c.]    The  improbability  of  this  fccnc  is 
fcarcely  balanced  by  the  humour.    Johnson. 

Fal 


428      THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal.  A  better  than  thou  :  I  am  a  g^tkman,  thou 
art  a  drawer. 

P.  Henry.  Very  true,  Sir ;  and  I  come  to  draw  you 
out  by  the  ears. 

Hojl.  Oh,  the  Lord  preferve  thy  good  grace !  Wel- 
come to  London. — ^Now  heaven  blefs  that  fweet  face 
of  thine !   What,  are  you  come  from  Wales  ? 

FaL  Thou  whorfon  mad  compound  of  majefty,  by 
this  light  flefh  and  corrupt  blood,  thou  art  welcome. 

[Leaning  bis  band  upon  DoL 

Dot.  How !  you  fat  fool,  I  fcom  you. 

Pains.  My  lord,  he  will  drive  you  out  of  your  re- 
venge, and  turn  all  to  a  merriment,  if  you  take  not 
the  heat. 

P.  Henry.  You  whorfon  5  candle-mine,  you;  how 
vilely  did  you  fpeak  of  me  even  now,  before  this  ho- 
neft,  virtuous,  civil  gentlewoman  ? 

Hoft.  Blefling  on  your  good  heart,  and  fo  £he  is, 
by  my  troth. 

Fal.  Didft  thou  hear  me  ? 

P.  Henry.  Yes  -,  and  you  knew  me,  as  you  did 
when  you  ran  away  by  Gads-hill :  you  knew  I  was  at 
your  back,  and  fpoke  it  on  purpofe  to  try  my  pati- 
ence. 

Fal.  No,  no,  no ;  not  fo ;  I  did  not  think  thou 
waft  within  hearing. 

P.  Henry.  I  (hall  drive  you  tten  to  confcfe  the  wil- 
'  ful  abufe,  and  then  I  know  how  to  handle  you. 

Fal  No  abufe,  Hal,  on  my  honour;  no  abufe. 

P.  Henry.  No !  to  difpraife  me,  and  call  mip  pantkr, 
and  bread  chipper,  and  I  know  not  what ! 

Fal.  No  abufe,  Hal. 

Poins.  No  abufe ! 

Fal.  No  abufe,  Ned,  in  the  world ;  honeft  Ned, 
none.     I  difprais'd  him  before  thie  wicked,  that  the 

'  candU-minet^"^'^    Thou  inexhauflible  magazine  of 

tallow.    Johnson. 

wicked 


KING    HENRY     IV.  429 

wicked  might  not  fall  in  love  with  him  :  in  which 
doing,  I  have  done  the  part  of  a  careful  friend,  and  a 
true  fubjeft. — And  thy  father  is  to  give  me  thanks  for 
it.  No  abufe,  Hal ;  none,  Ned,  none ;  no,  boys, 
none. 

P.  Henry.  See  now,  whether  pure  fear  and  entire 
cowardice  doth  not  make  thee  wrong  this  virtuous 
^ntlewoman,  to  clofe  with  us  ?  Is  fhe  of  the  vnckcd  ? 
IS  thine  hoftefs  here  of  the  wicked  ?  or  is  the  boy  of 
the  vdcked  ?  or  honeft  Bardolph,  whofe  zeal  burns  in 
his  nofc,  of  the  wicked  ? 

Poins.  Anfwer,  thou  dead  elm,  anfwer. 

Fal.  The  fiend  hath  prick'd  down  Bardolph  irre- 
coverable ;  and  his  face  is  Lucifer's  privy  kitchen, 
where  he  doth  nothing  but  roaft  malt  worms.  For 
the  boy,  there  is  a  good  angel  about  him,  but  the 
devil  out-bids  him  too. 

P.  Henry.  For  the  women 

FaL  For  one  of  them,  (he  is  in  hell  already,  ^  and 
bums,  poor  foul !  For  the  other,  I  owe  her  money  ; 
and  whether  Ihe  be  damn'd  for  that,  I  know  not. 

Hoft.  No,  I  warrant  you. 

Fal.  No,  I  think  thou  art  not ;  I  think  thou  art 
quit  for  that.  Marry,  there  is  another  indiftment  up- 
on thee,  for  fuffering  flefh  to  be  eaten  in  thy  houfe 
contrary  to  the  law ;  for  the  which,  I  think,  thou  wilt 
howL 

Hoji.  Allviftuallers  do  fo.  Whatisa  joint  of  mut- 
ton or  two  in  a  whole  Lent  ? 

P.  Henry.  You,  gentlewoman 

DoL  What  fays  your  grace  ? 

Fal.  His  grace  fays  that  which  his  flefh  rebels 
againft. 

*  ■  an//  hurnsy  poor  foul !'\  This   is   Sir  T.  Hanmcr'aL 

reading.  Undoubtedly  right.  The  other  editions  had,  Jhe  is 
in  bdl  already  y  and  burns  poor  fouls.  The  venereal  difeafe  was 
called  in  thefe  times  hrtnnynge  or  burning.     Johnson. 

HoJL 


430    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Hoft.  Who  knocks  fo  loud  at  door  ?   Look  to  the 
door  there,  Francis. 

Enter  Peto. 

P.  Henry.  Peto,  how  now  ?  what  news  ? 
Peto.  The  king  your  father  is  at  Wcftmirtfter ; 
And  there  are  twenty  weak  and  wearied  pofts 
Come  from  the  north :  and,  as  I  came  along, 
I  met  and  overtook  a  dozen  captains. 
Bare-headed,  fweating,  knocking  at  the  taverns. 
And  afking  every  one  for  Sir.  John  FalftafF. 

P.Henry.  By  heaven,  Poins,   I  feel  me  much  to 
blame, 
So  idly  to  profane  the  precious  time ; 
When  tempeft  of  commotion,  like  the  fouth 
Borne  with  black  vapour,  doth  begin  to  melt 
And  drop  upon  our  bare  unarmed  heads. 
Give  me  my  fword  and  cloak.     FalftafF,  good  night. 

[Exeunt  Prince  and  Fms, 
FaU  Now  comes  in  the  fweeteft  morfcl  of  the  mrfit, 
and  we  muft  hence,  and  leave  it  unpluck*d.    More 
knocking  at  the  door  ?— How  how  ?  what*3  the  mat- 
ter ? 

Bard.  You  muft  away  to  court.  Sir,  prcfently }  a 
dozen  captains  ftay  at  door  for  you. 

Fal.  Pay  the  muficians,  Sirrah.  Farewell,  hoftcfs  j 
farewell,  Doll.  You  fee,  my  good  wenches,  how  men 
of  merit  are  fought  after :  the  undeferver  may  flcq>, 
when  the  man  of  aftion  is  called.  Farewell,  good 
wenches  :  if  I  be  not  fent  away  poft,  I  will  fee  you 
again  ere  I  go. 

Dol.  I  cannot  fpeak  •,  if  my  heart  be  not  ready  to 

burft  : well,  Iweet  Jack,  have  a  care  of  thyfelf. 

Fal.  Farewell,  farewell.  [£xi/. 

Hoji.  Well,  fare  thee  well.  I  have  known  thee  theft 
twenty-nine  years,  come  pcafcod-time ;  but  an  honefter 
and  truer-hearted  man — Well,  fare  thee  well. 
Bard.  Miftrcfs  Tear-Iheet— . 

Hcjt. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  431 

Hoft.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Bard.  Bid  Miftrcfc  Tcar-fheet  come  to  my  mafter. 

Hoft.  f  O  run,  DoU,  run ;  run,  good  Doll.  [Exeunt. 


ACT     III.      »  S  C  E  N  E     L 

I'be  fdaci  in  London. 
Enter  hng  Henry  in  bis  tdgbt-gown^  witb  a  Page. 

K.  Henry. 

GO,  call  the  carls  of  Surrey  and  of  Warwick ; 
But,  ere  they  come,  bid  them  o'er-read  thefc 
letters. 
And  well  confider  of  them/    Make  good  fpeed. 

[Exit  page. 
How  many  thoufands  of  my  pooreft  fubjefts 
Are  at  this  hour  afleep  !  O  gentle  fleep. 
Nature's  foft  nurfe,  how  have  I  frighted  thee. 
That  thou  no  more  wilt  weigh  my  eye-lids  down. 
And  fteep  my  fenfes  in  for^tfulnels  ? 
Why  rather.  Sleep,  ly*ft  thou  in  finoaky  cribs,. 
Upon  uneafy  pallets  ftretching  thee. 
And  hufh'd  with  buzzing  night-flies  to  thy  flumbcr  j 
Than  in  the  perfum*d  chambers  of  the  great. 
Under  the  canopies  of  coftly  ftatc. 
And  lulled  with  Ibunds  of  fweeteft  melody  ? 
O  thou  dull  god,  why  ly'ft  thou  with  the  vile 
In  loathfome  beds ;  and  leav*ft  the  kingly  couch 

^  O  rttn^  Dolly  run ;  run  g9od,  good  Doll.]  Thus  the  folio. 
The  quarto  reads,  O  run,  Doll  rufif  run  goo  J  Doll^  conu  :  Jhe 
comes  iluhher^d.     Tea  'will you  comCf  Doll ?     St ebvbns. 

'  This  firfl  fcene  is  not  in  my  copy  of  the  firfl  edition. 

Johnson. 

A  watch- 


432    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

*  A  watch-cafe,  or  a  common  larum  bell  ? 
Wilt  thou,  upon  the  high  and  giddy  maft. 
Seal  up  the  fhip-boy's  eyes,  and  rock  his  brains. 
In  cradle  of  the  rude  imperious  furge ; 
And  in  the  vifitation  of  the  winds. 
Who  take  the  ruffian  billows  by  the  top. 
Curling  their  monftrous  heads,  and  hanging  them 
With  deaf  ning  clamours  in  the  3  flippery  Sux>uds, 
That,  with  the  hurly,  death  itfelf  awakes  ? 
Can*ft  thou,  O  partial  Sleep  !  give  thy  repofe 
To  the  wet  fea-boy  in  an  hour  fo  rude ; 
And  in  the  calmeft  and  the  ftilleft  night, 
With  all  appliances  and  means  to  boot. 
Deny  it  to  a  king  ?  +  then,  happy  low,  lie  down  I 
Uneafy  lies  the  head  that  wears  a  crown. 

Enier  Warwick  and  Surrey. 

War.  Many  good  morrows  to  your  majefty! 
K.  Henry.  Is  it  good  morrow,  lords  ? 

*  A  'watcb-cafey  &c.]  Thb  alludes  to  the  watchmen  fiitin 
gairifon-towns  upon  fome  eminence  attending  upon  an  alarum- 
bell,  which  he  was  to  ring  out  in  cafe  of  fire,  or  any  approach- 
ing danger.  He  had  a  cafe  or  box  to  ihelter  him  from  the  wea- 
ther,  but  at  his  utmoil  peril  he  was  not  to  fleep  whilfl  he  was 
upon  duty.  Thefe  alarum-bells  are  mentioned  in  feveral  other 
places  of  Shakefpcarc.    Hanmbr. 

'  Jlippery  Jhroudsy']  Thus  the  modern  editors.    The 

old  copy  reads, in  tbejlifpery  clouds.     Stbevens. 

♦  then^  happy  lonv^  lie  dotjon  /]   Evidently  corrupted  from 

happy  lonuly  clonvn,  Thefe  two  lines  making  the  juil  concln£on 
from  what  preceded.  "  If  fleep  will  fly  a  king  and  confort  it- 
'*  felf  with  beggars,  then  happy  the  lowly  cTo«wn,  and  uneafy 
**  the  crown'd  head,"     Warburton. 

Dr.  Warburton  has  not  admitted  this  emendation  into  his 
text :  I  am  glad  to  do  it  the  juftice  which  its  author  has  negled- 
ed.     Johnson. 

The  fcnfe  of  the  old  reading  feems  to  be  this,  •*  You,  who 
•*  are  happy  in  your  humble  fltuations,  hy  down  your  heads  to 
**  reft :  the  head  that  wears  a  crown  lies  too  uneafy  to  ^xped 
*•  fuch  a  blefline.**  Had  not  Shakefpcare  thought  it  necefltry 
to  fobjed  him  felf  to  the  tyranny  of  rnime,  he  would  probably 
have  faid,  — -  **  then  happy  low,  fleep  on!     Stebveks. 

War. 


K  I  N  G    H  E  N  ft  Y    IV.         433 

iVar.  'Tis  one  o'clock,  arid  paftw 

K,  Henry.  9  Why,  then,  good  morrow  to  ycu.  Well, 
my  lords. 
Have  you  read  o'er  the"  letters  that  I  fcnt  you  ? 

JVar.  We  have^  my  liege. 

Jt.  Henry.  Then  you  perceive  the  body  of  our  king-* 
dom. 
How  foul  it  is  -,  what  rank  difeafcs  grow. 
And  with  what  danger,  near  the  heart  of  it. 

War.  '  It  is  but  as  a  body,  yet,  diftcmpcr*d. 
Which  to  its  former  ftrength  may  be  reftor*d. 
With  good  advice  and  little  medicine : 
^  My  lord  Northumberland  will  foon  be  cooPd. 

JC  Henry *>  O  heaven,  that  one  might  read  the  book 
of  fate  \ 
And  fee  the  revolution  of  the  times 
Make  mountains  level,  and  the  continent 
(Weary  of  folid  firmnefs)  melt  itfelf 
into  the  fea  I  and^  other  times,  to  fee 

^  In  the  old  edition  : 

Ulfj  then  good  morrotv  to  you  all^  my  Urd^  : 
Ha<ve  ytiu  read  o*er,  &c.]  The  king  fends  letters  to  SurWjr 
tad  Watwick,  with  charge  that  they  fhould  read  tkem  and  at« 
tend  him.  Accordingly  here  Surrey  and  Warwick  come,  and 
no  body  elfe.  The  king  would  hardly  have  faid,  ''  Good  mor* 
•*  row  to  you  all,**  to  two  p^rs.     Theobald. 

Sir  Thomas  Hanmer  and  Dr.  Warburton  have  rQ|eiVed  this 
emendation,  and  read  'weli  for  all.  The  reading  eilnex  way  ii 
of  no  importance.     Johnson. 

*  //  //  but  as  a  hodjt  yety  diftmper'dy\  What  woiild  he  have 
more?  We  fhould  read, 

li  is  hut  as  a  hody  flight  diftemfer*d.  W a  R  b  u  R  T oN  . 
The  prefent  reading  is  right.  DijUm^ir^  that  is,  according 
to  the  oki  phyiic,  a  difproportionate  mixture  of  humours,  or 
inequality  of  innate  heat  and  radical  humidity,  is  lefs  thaa 
adual  difcafe^  being  only  the  flate  which  foreruns  or  produces 
diieafes.  The  difference  between  diftempet  and  di/ra/e  feems  tO 
be  much  the  fame  as  between  dijpofition  and  habit.     Johnson. 

*  My  lord  Narthumberiand  nkill  foon  be  cool*d.]  I  believe 
Shakefpeare  vitott/tbotPd^  tutor*d,  and  brought  to  fubniffion* 

WARBvaroN* 
Cool*d  is  certainly  right.    J  o  h  n  s  o  ir . 

Vol.  V.  E  e  The 


434    THE    SECOND   PART    OF 

The  bcachy  girdle  of  the  ocean 

Too  wide  for  Neptune's  hips  1  how  chances  mock^. 

And  changes  fill  the  cup  of  alteration 

With  divers  liquors  !  3  O,  if  this  were  feen. 

The  htppieft  youth,  viewing  his  progrefs  througlv- 

What  perils  paft,  what  crofles  to  enfue, 

Would  fhut  th«  book,  and  fit  him  down  and  die. 

'Tis  not  ten  years  gone 

Since  Richard  and  Northumberland,  great  fiicnds,- 

Did  feaft  together  j  and  in  two  years  after 

Were  they  at  wars.     It  is  but  eight  years  fince 

This  Percy  was  the  man  neareft  my  foul ; 

Who,  like  a  brother,  toiPd  in  my  affairs. 

And  laid  his  love  and  life  under  my  foot ; 

Yea,  for  my  fake,  even  to  the  eyes  of  Richard 

Gave  him  defiance.     ^  But  which  of  you  was  by 

(Tou,  coufin  Nevil,  as  I  may  remember)    [To  War. 

When  Richard,  with  his  eye  brim-fuU  of  tears, 

Then  checked  and  rated  by  Northumberland,- 

Did  fpcak  thefe  words,  now  prov'd  a  prophecy  ^ 

Northumberland^  thou  ladder  hj  the  which 

My  coufin  Bolingbroke  afcends  my  throne  : 

Though  then,  heaven  knows,  I  had  no  fuch  intent  ;• 

But  thit  neceflity  fo  bow*d  the  ftate. 

That  I  and  greatnefs  were  compelled  to  kifs  : 

The  timejwill  come^  thus  did  he  follow  it, 

The  thnFwiU  come^  that  foul  Jin^  gathering  head^ 

Shall  break  into  corruption :  fo  went  on,. 


^  -; O*  rf  this  nvere  fetn^    &c.]    Thefe  four  lines  are 

Aipplied  from^he  edition  of  i6oo<     Warburton. 

My  copy  wanes  the  whole  fccne,  and  therefore  thefe  lines. 

There  is  feme  difficulty  in  the  line. 

What  perils  pafi^  fjchmt  crofes  t9  enfut ; 
becaufe  it  feems  to  make  paft  perils  equally  terrible  with  cnfu- 
ing  crofles.     Johnson. 

*  But  <wbhb  of  you  'was  by^  &c.]  He  refers  to  King  Richard, 
aft  V.  fcene  f[  But  whether  the  king's  or  the  author's  memory 
fails  him,  mit  was,  that  Warwick  was  not  prefent  at  that  con- 
vcrfation,  Wohnson, 

'      ,  '        .  Fort>- 


KING    HENRY    IV.  435 

lUin^  this  fame  time's  condition, 

he  divifion  of  our  amity. 

r.  There  is  a  hiftory  in  all  mens'  lives, 

n^  the  nature  of  the  times  deceased ; 

ihich  obferv'd,  a  man  may  prophefy, 

a  near  aim,  of  the  main  cnance  of  things    . 

t  not  come  to  life ;  which  in  their  feeds, 

veak  beginnings,  lie  intreafured. 

:hings  become  the  hatch  and  brood  of  time; 

,  by  the  neceflary  form  of  this, 

iichard  might  create  a'^erfeft  guels, 

great  Northumberland,  then  falfe  to  him, 

5,  of  that  feed,  grow  to  a  greater  falfenefs ; 

1  fhould  not  find  a  ground  to  root  upon, 

;  on  you. 

^nry.  ^  Are  thefe  things  then  neceflities  ? 

let  us  meet  them  like  neceflities  : — 

hat  fame  word  even  now  cries  out  on  us. 

fay,  the  bilhop  and  Northumberland 

fty  thoufand  ftrong. 

r.  It  cannot  be,  my  lord : 

ur  doth  double,  like  the  voice  and  echo, 

umbers  of  the  fear'd.     Pleafe  it  your  grace 

>  to  bed.     Upon  my  life,  my  lord, 

owers  that  you  already  have  fent  forth 

Dring  this  prize  in  very  eafily. 

mfort  you  the  more,  I  have  received 

ain  inftance  that  Glendower  is  dead. 

</,  fy  the  necejfary  form  of  this,']    I  think  wc  might  better 

The  nee ej/ary  form  £/* things, 
►rd  this  has  no  very  evident  antecedent.     Johnson^ 
'e  thefe  things  then  neceffities  ? 
en  let  us  meet  them  like  necejffities :— ]     I  am  inclined  to 

Then  let  us  meet  them  like  neceffity. 
,  with  the  reiiftlefs  violence  of  neceffity;  then  cozres 
nly  the  following  line  : 

And  that  fame  luord  e<ven  noiv  cries  cut  on  ut* 
,  the  word  »/fir^(y.     Johnson. 

Eje  2  Your 


43^    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Your  majefty  hath  been  this  fortnight  ill ; 
And  thck  unfeafon*d  hours,  perforce,  mull  add 
Unto  your  ficknefs. 

K.  Ilemy.  I  will  take  your  counfel : 
And  were  thefe  inward  wars  once  out  of  hand. 
We  would,  dear  lords,  7  unto  the  Holy  Land.  [ExtmU. 

SCENE    II. 

Changes  tojujiice  Shallow's  feat  in  Gloucefierfinrt. 

Enter  Shallow  and  Silence^  jujiices ;   with  Moukfyy  Sba- 
dowy  Warty  Feeble^  and  Bull-calf ^  Servants^  &c. 

ShaL  Come  on,  come  on,  come  on ;  give  mc  your 
hand.  Sir :  an  early  ftirrer,  *  by  the  rood. 
And  how  doth  my  good  coufin  Silence  ? 

Sil.  Good  morrow,  good  coufin  Shallow. 

ShaL  And  how  doth  my  coufin,  your  bed-fdlow? 
and  your  faireft  daughter,  and  mine,  my  god-daughter 
Ellen  ? 

Sil.  Alas,  a  black  ouzel,  coufin  Shallow. 

ShaL  By  yea  and  nay.  Sir,  I  dare  fay,  my  coufin 
William  is  become  a  good  fcholar.  He  is  at  Oxford 
ftill,  is  he  not  ? 

SfL  Indeed,  Sir;  to  my  coft. 

ShiiL  He  muil  then  to  the  inns  of  court  (hortly.  I 
was  once  of  Clement's  Inn ;  where,  I  think,  they  will 
talk  of  mad  Shallow  yet. 

^  ;—  unfo  tie  Holy  Lam/,]     This  play,  like  the  former^ 

procecils  in  one  unbroken  tenor  through  the  firil  edition,  and 
there  i>  therefore  no  evidence  that  the  tiivilion  of  the  ads  was 
made  by  the  autl.or.  Since,  then,  every  editor  has  the  fame 
right  to  mark  the  intervals  of  aftion  as  the  players,  who  made 
the  pn^ftnt  dillrihuiion,  I  Ihould  propnfe  that  this  fcene  may  be 
add;<l  lo  the  foregoing  a6l,  and  the  remove  from  London  to 
Cilrrc  lierftiire  be  made  in  the  intermediate  time,  but  that  it 
v.oulJ  diorten  tlie  next  a«5l  too  much,  which  has  not  even  now 
it.    ^V'V  prnjvTti<^n  to  the  relL     Johnson. 

*  oj  il*:  ti-.iL]  i.  e.  The  crofs.    Pope. 

Sil. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  437 

5/7.  You  were  callM' lufty  Shallow  then,  coufin. 

Sbal  I  was  calPd  any  thing  -,  and  I  would  have  done 
any  thing,  indeed,  too,  and  roundly  too.  There  was 
I,  and  little  John  Doit  of  StafFordlhire,  and  black 
9  George  Bare,  and  Francis  Pickbone,  and  "  Will 
Squele  a  Cotfwold  man,  you  had  not  four  fuch 
*  fwinge-bucklers  in  all  the  inns  of  court  again  :  and, 
I  may  fay  to  you,  we  knew  where  the  Bona-roba's 
were ;  and  had  the  befl  of  them  all  at  commandment. 
Then  was  Jack  FalftafF,  now  Sir  John,  a  boy,  and 
page  to  Thomas  Mowbray,  duke  of  Norfolk. 

4S/7.  This  Sir  John,  coufm,  that  comes  hither  anon 
about  foldiers  ? 

Sbal.  The  fame  Sir  John,  the/very  fame.  I  faw  him 
break  Skogan*s  head  at  the  court-gate,  when  he  was 
a  crack,  not  thus  high :  and  the  very  fame  day  I  did 
fight  with  one  Sampfon  Stockfilh,  a  fruiterer,  behind 
Gray's-Inn.  ^  O  the  mad  days  that  I  have  fpent !  and 
to  fee  how  many  of  mine  old  acquaintance  are  dead  ? 

Sil  We  Ihall  all  follow,  coufm. 

Sbal.  Certain,  'tis  certain;  very  fure,  very  fure^ 
Death  (as  the  Pfahnift  faith)  is  certain  to  all  s  all  fhall 
die.    How  a  good  yoke  of  bullocks  at  Stamford  fair  ? 

9  ««.«  George  Bare^ ]     The  quarto  reads  George  Barr^s. 

St  E  EVENS. 

'  ^^-^  Will  Squele  a  Cot/iuolii  man y ]  The  games  at  Cotf- 
wold were,  in  the  time  of  our  author,  very  famous.  Of  thefe 
I  have  feen  accounts  in  feveral  old  pamplilcts ;  and  Shallow,  by 
diftinguifhing  Will  Squele  as  a  Cotfwold  man,  meant  to  hnvc 
him  underdood  to  be  one  who  was  well  verfed  inthofe  exercifcs, 
and  confequently  of  a  daring  fpirit,  and  an  athletic  conllitu- 
tion.     St  E  EVENS. 

*  ^-^—  fwinge-bucklerss — ]  Z^winge-hticklers  and  f^Mnp.->huck^ 
len  were  words  implying  rakes  or  rioters  in  the  time  of  Shakc- 
ipeare. 

Nafli,  addreiTing  himfclf  to  his  old  opponent  Gabriel  Har- 
vey, 1598,  fays,  **  Turpe  fenex  rnilesy  'tis  time  for  fuch  an  olde 
"  foole  to  leave  playing  xhc  fivaJJj-huckUr.** 

So  in  The  De^viPs  Charter^   1607,  CarafFafiys,  •* when 

"  I  was  a  fcholar  in  Padua,  faith,  then  I  could  have/xv//-^^/  a 
*•  /word  and  buckler^'*  &c.     Steevens. 

E  e  3  Sil 


438    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

iS/7.  Truly,  coufin,  I  was  not  there. 

SbaL  Death  is  cenain.  Is  old  Double  of  your  town 
living  yet  ? 

Sil.  Dead,  Sir. 

SbaL  Dead! — fee,  fee! — he  drew  a  good  bow:— 
and  dead !  —  he  fhot  a  fine  fhoot.  John  of  Gaunt 
lov'd  him  well,  and  betted  much  money  on  his  head, 
Dead ! — he  would  have  3  clapped  in  the  clout  at  twelve 
fcore,  and  carried  you  a  fore-hand  Ihaft  a  ♦  fourteen 
and  fourteen  and  a  half,  that  it  would  have  done  a 

man's  heart  good  to  fee. How  a  fcore  of  ewes 

now? 

Sil  Thereafter  as  they  be.  A  fcore  of  good  ewes 
may  be  worth  ten  pounds. 

Shal.  And  is  old  Double  dead  ? 

Enter  Bardolpb  and  Page, 

Sil.  Here  come  two  of  Sir  John  Falftaff*s  men,  ai 
I  think. 

Bard.  5  Good  morrow,  honeft  gentlemen : 
I  befcech  you,  which  is  juftice  Shallow  ? 

SbaL  I  am  Robert  Shallow,  Sir ;  a  poor  efquire  of 
this  counQr,  and  one  of  the  king's  juftices  of  the  peace. 
What  is  your  good  pleafure  with  me  ? 

Bard.  My  captain.  Sir,  commends  him  to  you  5 
my  captain  Sir  John  FalftafF:  a  tall  gentleman,  by 
heaven  !   and  a  moft  gallant  leader. 

SbaL  He  greets  me  well.  Sir:  I  knew  him  a  good 
back-fword  man.  How  doth  the  good  knight  ?  may 
I  aflc  how  my  lady  his  wife  doth  ? 

'  ■  clapp'd  in  the  clout — ]  i.  c.  Hit  the  white  mark. 

Warburtom. 
♦  fourteen  and  fourteen  and  a  balfy — ]     That  is,  four- 

teen fcore  of  yards.     Johnson. 

\  G:cd  mcrrcWf  See.']  The  quarto  gives  this  as  well  as  the 
following  line  to  Bardolph.  The  folio  divides  them  between 
Shallow  I  nd  Bardolph.    I  have  followed  the  quarto. 

Steevens. 

Bard. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  435 

"Bard,  Sir,  pardon;  a  foldier  is  better  accommo- 
dated  than  with  a  wife. 

Sbal.  It  is  well  faid.  Sir ;  and  it  is  well  faid  indeed 

tXK).  Better  accommodated  J it  is  good ;  yea,  indeed, 

is  it :  good  phrafes,  furely,  are,  and  ever  were,  very 
commendable.  Accommodated !  it  comes  of  accom- 
mode :  *  very  good,  a  good  phrafe. 

Bard.  Pardon  me,  Sir ;  I  have  heard  the  word. 
Phrafe,  call  you  it?  By  this  day,  I  know  not  the 
phrafe :  but  I  will  mamtain  the  word  with  my  fword, 
€0  be  a  foldier-like  word,  and  a  word  of  exceeding 
good  command.  Accommodated 'y  that  is,  when  a  man 
IS,  as  they  fay,  accommodated :  or,  when  a  man  is, 
being  whereby  he  may  be  thought  to  be  accommo- 
dated, which  is  an  excellent  thing. 

Enter  Faljiaff. 

Sbal,  It  is  very  juft. — Look,  here  comes  good  Sir 
John.  Give  me  your  good  hand,  give  me  your  wor- 
ship's good  hand.  By  my  troth,  you  look  well,  and 
bear  your  years  very  well.     Welcome,  good  Sir  John. 

FaL  I  am  glad  to  fee  you  well,  good  matter  Robert 
Shallow. — Mafter  Sure-card,  as  I  think- 

Sbal  No,  Sir  John;  it  is  my  coufm  Silence,  in 
commiffion  with  me. 


•  "  *very  good^  a  good  phrafe, '\  Accommodate  vtz.%z,TSio6j^ 

term  of  that  time,  as  Ben  Jonfon  informs  us:  "  You  are  not 
*•  to  caft  or  wring  for  the  perfumed  terms  of  the  time,  as  ac^ 
"  commodation,  complement,  fpirit,  l^c,  but  ufe  them  properly 
"  in  their  places  as  others/'  Difcoverics.  Hence  Bardolph 
czWs  it  B,  word  of  exceeding  good  command.  His  definition  of  it 
is  admirable,  and  highly  fatirical :  nothing  being  more  common 
than  for  inaccurate  fpeakers  or  writers,  when  they  fhould  define, 
to  put  their  hearers  off*  with  a  fynonimous  term  ;  or,  for  want 
of  that,  even  with  the  fame  term  differently  accommodated;  as  in 
the  inftance  before  us.     Warburton. 

The  fame  word  occurs  in  Jonibn's  Every  Man  in  his  Humour^ 
"  Hoftefs,  accommodate  us  with  another  bed-ftaff: 
''  The  woman  docs  not  underftand  the  words  of  a£iion,V 

E  e  4  Fal. 


440    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal  Good  mafter  Silence,  it  well  befits  you  fliould 
be  of  the  peace. 

Sil.  Your  good  worfliip  is  welcome. 

FaL  Fie!  this  is  hot  weather. — Gentlemen,  have 
you  provided  ine  here  half  a  dozen  fufficient  men  ? 

SbaL  Marry,  have  we,  Sir.     Will  you  fit? 

Fal  Let  me  fee  them,  I  befeech  you. 

SbaL  Where's  the  roll  ?  where's  the  roll  ?  wherc's 
the  roll  ?  Let  me  fee,  let  me  fee,  let  me  fee.  So,  fo, 
fo,  fo.  Yea,  marry.  Sir.  Ralph  Mouldy ! — let  them 
appear  as  I  call.  Let  them  do  fo,  let  them  do  fo. 
Let  me  fee  •,  where  is  Mouldy  ? 

MouL  Here,  an't  pleafe  you. 

Sh'aL  What  think  you.  Sir  John  ?  a  good  iimb'd 
fellow :  young,  ftrong,  and  of  good  friends. 

FaL  Is  thy  name  Mouldy  ? 

MouL  Yea,  an't  pleafe  you. 

FaL  'Tis  the  more  time  thou  wert  us'd. 

SbaL  Ha,  ha,  ha !  moft  excellent,  i^faith !  Things 
that  are  mouldy  lack  ufe.  Very  fingular  good !  Well 
faid.  Sir  John ;  very  well  faid. 

FaL  Prick  him. 

MouL  I  was  prick*d  well  enough  before,  an  you 
qould  have  let  me  alone.  My  old  dame  will  be  un- 
done now  for  one  to  do  her  hufbandry,  and  her 
drudgery :  you  need  not  to  have  prick'd  me ;  there 
arc  other  men  fitter  to  go  out  than  L 

FaL  Go  to :  }:)eace,  Mouldy,  you  fhall  go.  Mouldy, 
it  is  time  you  were  fpcnt. 

McuL  Spent ! 

o/v?/.  Peace,  fellow,  peace.  Stand  afide.  Know 
you  where  you  are  ?  For  the  other.  Sir  John  :— Let 
me  fee — Simon  Shadow! 

1\:I,  Ay  marry,  let  me  have  him  to  fit  under :  he's 
\\\w  to  be  a  cold  foldier. 

ShaL  Where's  Shadow? 

Sbad.  Here,  Sir. 

Fal^  Shadow,  whofe  fon  art  thpy  ? 

Sb(Hi. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  441 

Shad.  My  mother's  fon,  Sir. 

Fd.  Thy  mother's  fon  !  like  enough ;  and  thy  fa- 
ther's fhadow  :  fo  the  fon  of  the  female  is  the  fhadow 
of  the  male :  it  is  often  fo,  indeed  j  but  not  much  of 
the  father's  fubftance. 

Sbal.  Do  you  like  him.  Sir  John  ? 

Fal.  Shadow  will  ferve  for  fummer;  prick  him; 
for  ^  we  have  a  number  of  fliadows  do  fill  up  the 
mufter-book. 

Shal  Thomas  Wart ! 

Fal.  Where's  he? 

IVart.  Here,  Sir. 

Fal  Is  thy  name  Wart  ? 

ff^art.  Yea,  Sir. 

Fal.  Thou  art  a  very  ragged  wart. 

Shal.  Shall  I  prick  him  down.  Sir  John  ? 

Fal.  It  were  fuperfluous ;  for  his  ap^Darei  is  built 
upon  his  back,  and  the  whole  frame  ftands  upon  pins : 
prick  him  no  more. 

ShaL  Ha,  ha,  ha!-r-You  can  do  it,  Sir;  you  can 
do  it :  I  commend  you  well.     Francis  Feeble ! 

Feeble.  Here,  Sir. 

FaL  What  trade  art  thou,  Feeble  ? 

Feeble.  A  woman's  taylor.  Sir. 

Shal.  Shall  I  prick  him.  Sir  ? 

Fal.  You  may :  but  if  he  had  been  a  man's  taylor, 
he  would  have  prick'd  you.  Wilt  thou  make  as  many 
holes  in  an  enemy's  battle,  as  thou  haft  done  in  a  wo- 
man's petticoat  ? 

Feeble.  I  will  do  my  good  will.  Sir  •,  you  can  have 
no  more. 

Fal.  Well  faid,  good  woman's  taylor!  well  faid, 
courageous  Feeble!  Thou  wilt  be  as  valiant  as  the 
wrathful  dove,  or  moft  magnanimous  moufe.     Pnck 

'  ive  ha^je  a  number  of  Jbadonvs  do  fill  up  the  mufter". 


book^     That  is,  vvc  have  in  the  muller-book  many  names  tor 
^'hich  we  receive  pay,  though  we  have  not  the  men. 

Johnson. 


442    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

the  woman's  taylor   well,    mafter    Shallow;    deep, 
matter  Shallow. 

Feeble.  I  would  Wart  might  have  gone.  Sir. 

Fal.  I  wpuld  thou  wert  a  man's  taylor,  that  thou 
might'ft  mend  him,  and  make  him  fit  to  go.  I  can- 
not put  him  to  be  a  private  foldier,  that  is  the  leader 
of  fo  many  thoufands.  Let  that  fuffice,  moft  forcible 
Feeble. 

Feeble.  It  (hall  fuffice. 

Fal  I  am  bound  to  thee,  reverend  Feeble.  Who 
is  next  ? 

Shal  Peter  Bull-calf  of  the  green ! 

Fal.  Yea,  marry,  let  us  fee  Bull-calf. 

Bull.  Here,  Sir. 

Fal.  Truft  me,  a  likely  fellow.  Come,  prick  mc 
Bull-calf  till  he  roar  again. 

Bull.  Oh,  good  my  lord  captain 

Fal.  What,  dofl  thou  roar  before  thou  art  prick'd? 

Bull.  Oh,  Sir,  I  am  a  difeafed  man. 

Fal.  What  difeale  haft  thou  ? 

Bull.  A  whorfon  cold.  Sir ;  a  cough.  Sir,  which  1 
caught  with  ringing  in  the  king's  affairs,  upon  hb  co- 
ronation-day. Sir. 

Fal.  Come,  thou  ihalt  go  to  the  wars  in  a  gown : 
we  will  have  away  thy  cold ;  and  I  will  take  fuch 
order,  that  thy  friends  fhall  ring  for  thee.  Is  here  all  ? 

Shal.  There  is  two  more  called  than  your  number, 
you  muft  have  but  four  here.  Sir  -,  and  lo,  I  pray  you, 
igo  in  with  me  to  dinner. 

Fal.  Come,  I  will  go  drink  with  you,  but  I  cannot 
tarry  dinner.  I  am  glad  to  fee  you,  in  good  troth, 
mafter  Shallow. 

Shal.  O,  Sir  John,  do  you  remember  fince  we  lay 
all  night  in  the  wind-mill  in  Saint  George's  Fields  } 

Fal.  No  more  of  that,  good  mafter  Sliallow,  no 
more  of  that. 

Shal.  Ha !  it  was  a  merry  night.     And  is  Jane 


Night- work  alive  ^ 


FaL 


KING    HENRY    IV.  443 

Fal.  She  lives,  mafter  Shallow. 

SbaL  She  could  never  away  with  me, 

FaL  Never,  never :  flie  would  always  fay,  fhe  could 
not  abide  mafter  Shallow, 

SbaL  By  the  mafs,  I  could  anger  her  to  the  heart. 
She  was  then  a  *  bona-roba.  Doth  fhe  hold  her  owft 
well? 

Fal.  Old,  old,  mafter  Shallow, 

SbaL  Nay,  ftie  muft  be  old ;  flie  cannot  choofe  bi|t 
be  old ;  certain  flie's  old ;  and  had  Robin  Night- 
work  by  old  Night-work,  before  I  came  to  Clement*^ 
Inn. 

Sil.  That's  fifty-five  years  ago. 

Sbal  Ha,  coufin  Silence,  that  thou  hadft  feen  that, 
that  this  knight  and  I  have  feen !— -Hah,  Sir  John, 
faid  I  well  ? 

FaL  We  have  heard  the  chimes  at  midnight,  mafter 
Shallow. 

SbaL  That  we  have,  that  we  have,  that  we  have,  in 
faith.  Sir  John,  we  have.  Our  watch-word  was, 
Hem^  boys.  —  Come,  let's  to  dinner ;  come,  let's  to 
dinner :  —  Oh,  the  days  that  we  have  feen !  Comc^ 
come ! 

BulL  [ajtde  to  Bardolpb.]  Good  mafter  corporate 
Bardolph,  ftand  my  friend  j  and  here  is  four  Harry 
ten  Ihillings  in  French  crowns  for  you.  In  very  truth^ 
Sir,  I  had  as  lief  be  hang'd,  Sir,  as  go :  and  yet,  for 
my  own  part.  Sir,  I  do  not  care,  but,  rather,  becaufe 
I  am  unwilling,  and,  for  my  own  part,  have  a  defire 
to  ftay  with  my  friends ;  elfc,  Sir,  I  did  not  care  for 
mine  own  part,  fo  much. 

Bard.  Go  to  ;  ftand  afide. 

MouL  And  good  mafter  corporal  captain,  for  my 
pld  dame's  fake,  ftand  my  friend :  ftie  hath  no-body 


'iona-roia.^     A  fine  fliowy  wanton.     Johnson. 


Bona-roha  was,  in  our  author's  time,  the  common  term  for 
a  ftrumpet.  It  is  ufed  in  that  fenfe  by  B.  Jonfon  in  his  E^ery 
Man  ouf  of  ^is  Humour,  smd  by  m^ny  others.     St£EV£ns. 

tQ 


444    THE    SECOND     PART    OF 

to  do  any  thing  about  her  when  I  am  gone ;  and  (he's 
old,  and  cannot  help  herfelf :  you  fhall  have  forty, 
Sir. 

Bard.  Go  to  ;  ftand  afide. 

Feeble.  I  care  not ;  a  man  can  die  but  once ;  wc 
owe  God  a  death ;  I  will  never  bear  a  bafe  mind ;  an*t 
be  my  deftiny,  fo  \  an  it  be  not,  fo.  No  man  is  too 
good  to  ferve  his  prince :  and  let  it  go  which  way  it 
will,  he  that  dies  this  year  is  quit  for  the  next. 

Bard.  Well  faid  -,  thou  art  a  good  fellow. 

Feeble.  Taith,  I  will  bear  no  bafe  mind. 

FaL  Come,  Sir,  which  men  (hall  I  have? 

Sbal.  Four  of  which  you  pleafe. 

Bard.  Sir,  a  word  with  you  : — ^  I  have  three  pound 
to  free  Mouldy  and  Bull-calf. 

FaL  Go  to  :  well. 

Shal.  Come,  Sir  John,  which  four  will  you  have? 

Fal.  Do  you  choofe  for  me. 

Sbal  Marry  then.  Mouldy,  Bull-calf,  Feeble,  and 
Shadow. 

Fal.  Mouldy  and  Bull-calf. For  you.  Mouldy, 

ftay  at  home  till  you  are  paft  fervice :  and,  for  your 
part.  Bull-calf,  grow  till  you  come  unto  it.  I  will 
none  of  you. 

Shal.  Sir  John,  Sir  John,  do  not  yourfelf  wrong ; 
they  are  your  likelieft  men,  and  I  would  have  you  fcrv*d 
with  the  beft. 

FaL  Will  you  tell  me,  mafter  Shallow,  hew  to 
choofe  a  man  ?  Care  I  for  the  limb,  the  thewes,  the 
ftature,  bulk  and  big  aflemblage  of  a  man  ?  give  mc 
the  fpirit,  mafter  Shallow.  Here's  Wart  -,  you  fee 
wliat  a  ragged  appearance  it  is  :  he  fhall  charge  you, 
4nd  difcharge  you  with  the  motion  of  a  pewterer's 


^  ■    /  ba^ve  three  pound — ]     Here  fcems   to  be  a  wfong 

computation.     He  had  forty  fhillings  for  each.     Perhaps  he 
incant  to  conceal  part  of  the  profit.     Johnson. 


hammer  I 


KING    HENRY    IV.  44^ 

hammer ;  come  off  and  on  '  fwifter  than  he  that  gib- 
bets on  the  brewer's  bucket.  And  this  fame  half- 
fac'd  fellow  Shadow,  give  me  this  man  •,  he  prefents 
no  mark  to  the  enemy ;  the  foe-man  may  with  as  great 
aim  level  at  the  edge  of  a  pen-knife.  And,  for  a 
retreat,  how  fwiftly  will  this  Feeble,  the  woman's 
taylor,  nin  off?  O  give  me  the  fpare  men,  and  fpare 
me  the  great  ones.  Put  me  a  *  caliver  into  Wart'g 
hand,  Bardolph. 

Bard.  Hold,  Wart,  traverfe ;  thus,  thus,  thus. 

FaL  Come,  manage  me  your  caliver.  So ;  very 
well,  go  to  i  very  good ;  exceeding  good.  O  give 
me  always  a  little,  lean,  old,  chopp'd,  3  bald,  jfhot. 
Well  faid.  Wart  •,  thou  art  a  good  fcab.  Hold,  there 
is  a  tefter  for  thee. 

Shal  He  is  not  his  craft-mafter ;  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 

ftiow) 


'  fijoifter  than  ht  that gihhets  on  the  bribers  huckttJ] 

Swifter  than  he  that  carries  beer  from  the  vat  to  the  barrel,  in 
buckets  hung  upon  a  gibbet  or  beam  crt}ffing  his  ihoulders. 

Johnson. 

*  ■       caliver "]     A  hand-gun.     Johnson. 

'  baU,  /hot.]     Shot  is  ufed  for  Jhooier,  one  who  is  to 

fight  by  (hooting.     Johnson. 

♦  (/  was  then  Sir  Dagonet  in  Arthur* s  Jhonv)-^]     The 

only  intelligence  I  have  gleaned  of  this  worthy  wight  Sir  Da- 
gonet, is  from  Beaumont  and  Fletcher  in  their  Knight  of  the 
Burning  Pefile: 

'*  Boy.  Befides,  it  will  ihew  ill-favoureJly  to  have  a  grocer's 
"  prentice  to  court  a  king's  daughter. 

•*  Cit.  Will  it  fo.  Sir?  You  are  well  read  in  hillorics;  I 
"  pray  you,  what  was  Sir  Dagonet  ?  Was  he  not  prentice  to  a 
**  grocer  in  London  ?  Read  tnc  play  of  The  Four  Prentices  cf 
**  London^  where  they  tofs  their  pikes  fo,"  ^r,     Theobald. 

The  flory  of  SirDagnnet  is  to  be  found  m  La  Mcrt  d*  JrtLure^ 
an  old  romance  much  celebrated  in  our  authors  time,  or  a  lit- 
tle before  it.  **  When  papiftr\,''  fays  Afcham  in  his  School^ 
majlery  **  as  a  ftanding  pool,  overflowed  all  England,  few  books 
**  were  read  in  our  tongue  faving  certain  books  of  chivalry,  as 
•*  they  faid,  for  paftinie  and  pleafure ;  which  booksj,  as  fome 

•*  fay. 


446    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

ihow)  there  was  a  little  quiver  fellow,  and  a*  would 
manage  you  his  piece  thus  r  and  he  would  about,  and 

aboutj 

•*  fay,  were  made  in  monafleries  by  idle  monks.  As  one  for 
**  example,  LaMori  d^Jrthurti^  In  this  romance  Sir  Dagonet 
is  king  Arthur's  fool.  Shakefpeare  would  not  have  ihewn  his 
jujlice  capable  of  reprefenting  any  higher  ckarader. 

JOHMSON. 

Arthur* s  Jhtmj  feems  to  have  been  a  theatrical  reprefentatioii 
made  out  of  the  old  romance  of  Morte  Artbure,  the  moft  popu- 
lar one  of  our  author's  age«  Sir  Dagonet  is  king  Arthur's 
fquire. 

Theobald  remarks  on  this  palTagc,  '*  The  only  intelligence 
**  I  have  gleaned  of  this  worthy  knight  (Sir  Dagonet)  is  from 
"  Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  in  their  Knight  of  the  Bmrmng  Peftle.^ 

The  commentators  on  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  Knight  of  tbi 
Burning  PeftU  have  not  obferved  that  the  defign  of  that  play  is 
founded  upon  a  comedy  called  The  Four  Prentices  of  Londoni 
Kvith  the  Confueft  ofjerufaiem ;  as  it  hatb.beewdi*uerf$  Tisnes  aSei 
at  the  Red  Bully  by  the  ^eens  Majeftfs  Servants,  Written  bj 
Tho.  Heyivocdy  1612.  For  as  in  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  play, 
a  grocer  in  the  Strand  turns  knight-errant,  making  his  appren- 
tice his  fquire,  tsfc  fo  in  Hey  wood's  play  four  apprentices  ac- 
coutre thcmfelves  as  knights,  and  go  to  Jerufalem  in  qaeft  of 
adventures.  One  of  them,  the  mod  important  chara^r,  is  a 
goldfmith,  another  a  grocer,  another  a  mercer,  and  a  fourth 
an  habcrdniher.  But  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  play,  though 
founded  upon  it,  contains  many  fatyrical  (h-okes  againft  Hey- 
wood's  comedy ;  the  force  of  which  is  entirely  loft  to  thofe  wno 
have  not  feen  that  comedy. 

Thus  in  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  prologue,  or  firfl  fcene,  a 
citizen  is  introduced  declaring  that,  in  the  play,  he  "  will 
**  have  a  grocer,  and  he  fhall  do  admirable  things." 

Again,  ad  i.  fcene  1.  Rafe  fays,  **  Amongft  all  the  worthy 
•*  books  of  atchievements,  I  do  not  call  to  mind  that  I  have  yet 
**  read  of  a  grocer-errant :  I  will  be  the  faid  knight.  Have 
"  you  heard  of  any  that  hath  wandered  unfurnifhed  of  his  fquire 
«*  and  dwarf?  My  elder  brother  Tim  (hall  be  my  trufty  fquire, 
*'  and  George  my  dwarf.'' 

In  the  following  pafiage  the  alluiion  to  Hey  wood's  comedy  is 
demonftrably  maiiifell,  ad  iv.  fcene  i. 

"  L,n\  It  will  fhew  ill-favouredly  to  have  a  grocer's  prentice 
•'  court  a  king's  daughter. 

'»  C/7.  Will  it  fo.  Sir?  Yon  are  well  read  in  hiftories;  I 
**  pray  you  who  was  Sir  Dagonet  ?  Was  he  not  prentice  to  a 
•'  grocer  in  London?  Read  the  play  of  The  Four  Prentices, 
••  \shere  they  tofs  tlieir  pikes  fo." 

In 


KING    HENRY    ir.  447 

iboxxt,  and  come  you  in,  and  come  you  in  •,  rab^  taby 
tabj  would  he  fay ;  bounce^  would  he  fay ;  and  away 
igain  would  he  go,  and  again  would  he  come.  I  fhaU 
acver  fee  fuch  a  fellow. 

Fal.  Thefe  fellows  will  do  well,  mafter  Shallow. 
Sod  keep  you,  matter  Silence :  I  will  not  ufc  many 
words  with  you  :  fare  you  well»  gentlemen  both.  I 
hank  you ;  I  mufl:  a  dozen  mile  to-night  Bardolph^ 
jive  the  foldiers  coats. 

Shat.  Sir  John,  heaven  blefs  you,  and  profper  your 
JTairs,  and  fend  us  peace  !  As  you  return,  vifit  my 
loufe.  Let  our  old  acquaintance  be  renewed  :  perad<' 
venture,  I  will  with  you  to  the  court. 

Fal.  I  would  you  would,  mafter  ShaHow. 

Sbal.  Go  to  J  I  have  fpoke  at  a  word.  Fare  you 
^1.  {Exeunt  Sbal.  and  Sil 

FaL  Fare  you  well,  gentle  gentlemen.  On,  Bar- 
olph ;  lead  the  men  away.  As  I  return,,  I  will  fetch 
ff  thefe  juftices.  I  do  fee  the  bottom  of  juftice  Shal- 
)w.  Lord,  lord,  how  fubjeft  we  old  men  are  to  this 
ice  of  lying!  This  fame  ftarv'd  juftice  hath  done 
othing  but  prate  to  me  of  the  wildnefs  of  his  youth^ 
id  the  feats  he  hath  done  5  about  TurnbuU-ftreet ; 

and 

In  Heywood^s  comedv,  Euftace  the  grocer's  prentice  is  in- 

oduced  courting  the  aaughter  of  the  king  of  France ;  and  ]&• 

e  frontifpiece  the  four  prentices  are  reprefented  in  armour 

Iting   with  javelins.      Immediately   before    the    lail  quoted 

eeches  we  have  the  following  in  fiances  of  allufion. 

"  Cit,  Let  the  Sophy  of  rerfia  come,  and  chriflen  him  a 

child. 

•*  Biy,  Believe  me.  Sir,  that  will  not  do  fo  well  ;  'tis  fiat ;    ^ 

it  has  been  before  at  the  Red  Bull." 

A  circumftancc  in  Heywood's  comedy  ;  which,  as  has  been 

-cady  fpeciiied,  was  afted  at   the  Red  Bull.     Beaumont  and 

etcher's  play  is  pure  burlefque.     Heywood's  is  a  mixture  of 

e  droll  and  ferious,  and  was  evidently  intended  to  ridicule  the 

igning  falhion  of  reading  romances.     Warton. 

*  aifout  TurnbuU-ftreet  ; ]    In  an  old  comedy  call'd 

xm-aliej,  or  Merry  Tricks^  this  ftreet  is  mentioned  again  : 

**  Sir,  get  you  gone, 

*•  You  fwaggcring,  cheating,  Turnbull-ftreet  rogue." 

Nafli, 


448     THE    SECOND     PART    OF 

and  every  third  word  a  lie,  duer  paid  to  the  hearer 
than  the  Turk's  tribute.  I  do  remember  him  at  Ck- 
ment*s-Inn,  like  a  man  made  after  fupper  of  a  checfe^ 
paring.  When  he  was  naked,  he  was  for  all  the  world 
like  a  forked  radifh,  with  a  head  fantaflically  carv*d 
upon  it  with  a  knife.  He  was  fo  forlorn,  that  his  di- 
menfions  to  any  thick  fight  ^  were  invifiUc.  He  was 
the  very  genius  of  famine  •,  yet  lecherous  as  a  mon^ 
key  •,  and  the  whores  called  him  Mandrake.  He  came 
ever  in  the  rere-ward  of  the  fafliion ;  and  fung  thofc 
tunes  to  the  ^  ovcr-fcutcht  hufwives  that  he  heard  the 
carmen  whiftle,  and  fware  they  were  his  ^  Fancies,  or 

Nafli,  in   Pierce  FenniUffd  his   Supplication^    commends  di# 
fiflers  of  Turnhull'fireet  to  the  patronage  of  the  devil* 
In  The  Inner  Temple  Mei/quey  by  Middle  ton,   l6id, 

"  'Tis  in  your  charge  to  pull  down  bawdy-houfes, 

" '—  canfe  fpoil  in  Shore-ditch, 

"  And  deface  Turnbuli:' 
Again,  in  MiddIeton*s  comedy,  called  Any  Thing  for  a  qmei 
Life  ;  a  French  bawd  fays,  — -  '*  J'ay  une  fillc  qui  parJc  xaL 
*'  pcu  Fran9  is,  elle  convcrfera  avec  vousj  a  la  FIeardeLys> 
«*  en  Turnhull-ftreet:^ 

Again,  in  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  Scornful  Lady  — !•  **  Here 
"  has  been  fuch  a  hurry,  fuch  a  din,  fuch  difmal  drinkin?, 
"  fwearing,  Ic.    we  have  all   liv'd   in  a  perpetual  Tumbm^ 
•*  fire:t.'^    Again,  in  The  Knight  of  the  Burning  Peftle^ 
<«  ,.  this  my  lady  dear, 

*'  I  dole  her  from  her  friends  in  Turnhull-flreet?* 
Turnhull  or  Turnmill  Street    is  near  Covv-crofs^    Weft  Smith- 
field.      StEEVENS. 

*  *wcre  in*viJibleJ]    The  folio  and  quarto  read,  by  an 

apparent  error  of  the  prefs,  innjincihle.     Mr.  Rowe  firft  made 
the  neceflary  alteration.     Steevens. 

7  o'ver-jcutcht ' ]  That  is  whipt,  carted.     Pope. 

I  rather  think  that  the  word  means  dirty  or  grimed.  The  word 
bufiviics  agrees  better  with  this  fenfe.  Shallow  crept  into  mean 
houfcs,and  boalled  his  accomplilliments  to ^/r/y  women.  Johns. 
The  explanation  of  either  commentator  is  fomewhat  difput- 
able.  Ray,  among  his  north  country  words,  fays,  indeed,  that 
an  cver-fvitch^d  htf'wife  is  a  ftrumpet.  Over-fcutcFdy  I  believe, 
is  derived  from  fomething  more  ancient  than  either  whips,  carts, 
OT  t\icfum us  lu panaris.     Steevens. 

'  Fancies  J  or  his  Goodnight  s,^     Fancies  and  Good- 

nights  were  the  titles   of  little  poems.     One  of  Gafcoigne's 
Goodnights  is  publiflied  among  his  Flcivers.    St ek yens. 

his 


KING    HENRY    IV.  449 

his  Goodnights.  9  And  now  is  this  vice's  dagger  be- 
come a  fquire,  and  talks  as  familiarly  of  John  of 
Gaunt)  as  if  he  had  been  fworn  brother  to  him :  artd 
ril  be  fworn,  he  never  faw  him  but  once  in  the  Tilt- 
yard  ;  and  then  '  he  burft  his  head  for  crouding 
among  the  marfhal's  men.  I  faw  it ;  and  told  John 
of  Gaunt  he  *  beat  his  own  name :  for  you  might 
have  trufs'd  him,  and  all  his  apparel,  into  an  ecl- 
flcin ;  the  cafe  of  a  treble  hoboy  was  a  manfion  for 
him — a  court : — and  now  hath  he  land  and  beeves. 
Well ;  I  will  be  acquainted  with  him,  if  I  return  : 
and  it  fhall  go  hard  but  I  will  make  him  a  3  philofo- 
pher's  two  ftones  to  me.    +  If  the  young  dace  be  a  bait 

'  jijiJ  noiv  is  this  vice^s  dagger '•"]     By  vice  here  the  poet 

means  that  droll  charafter  in  the  old  plays  (which  I  have  feve- 
ral  times  mentioned  in  the  courfe  of  theie  notes)  equipped  with 
a/Tes  ears  and  a  wooden  dagger.  It  was  very  fatirical  in  FdllafF 
to  compare  Shallow's  aftivity  and  impertinence  to  fuch  a  ma- 
chine as  a  wooden  dagger  in  the  hands  and  management  of  a 
bu0bon.     Theobald. 

■  — —  he  burft  his  head ]  Thus    the  folio  and  quarto. 

The  modern  editors  read  broke.     To  break  and  to  burft  were,  in 
our  poet's  time,   fynonimoufly  ufed.     Thus  B.  Jonfon,  in  his 
Foetafter^  tranflatcs  the  following  pafTage  in  Horace^ 
"  '  fraSia  pereuntes  cufpide  Gallos.** 

"  The  lances  burft  in  Gallia's  flaughter'd  forces." 

So  in  The  Old  Legend  of  Sir  Be*vis  of  Hampton^ 

«*  But  Syr  Bevis  fo  h*ard  him  thruft,   that  his  (houlder- 
"  bone  he  burft  J*'*     Ste  evens. 

*  —  heat  his  oivn  name:]  That  is,  hccit  gaunt,  a  fellow  fo 
(lender  that  his  name  might  have  been  gaunt.     Joh  nson. 

3  ^^ philofopher 5  tixo  ftones ]  One  of  which  was  an 

univerfal  medicine,  and  the  other  a  tranfmuter  cf  bafer  metals 
into  gold.     Warburton. 

I  believe  the  commentator  has  refined  this  pafTage  too  much. 
A  philofopher's  two  ftones  is  only  more  than  the  philofopher's 
ftone.  The  univerfal  medicine  was  never,  fo  far  as  1  tnow, 
conceived  to  be  a  ftone  before  the  time  of  Butler's  ftone. 

Johnson. 

^  If  the  youn^  dace ]     That  is,  If  the  pike  may  prey 

upon  the  dace,  if  it  be  the  law  of  nature  that  the  ftronger  may 
feize  upon  the  weaker,  Falllaff  may,  with  great  propriety,  de- 
vour Shallow.     Johnson.  • 

Vol.  v.  Ff  for 


450     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

for  the  old  pike,  I  fee  no  reafon  in  the  law  of  nature^ 
but  I  may  ihap  at  him.  Let  time  (hapc,  and  there's 
an  end.  [ExcunL 


A  C  T     IV.       S  C  E  N  E     !• 

Changes  to  a  for  eft  in  Torijhire. 

Enter  the  arcbbijbop  of  Tork^  Mowbn^  Haftings^  (mi 

Colevile. 

York. 

WH  A  T  is  this  foreft  called  ? 
Haft.  'Tis  Gualtree  foreft,  an't  fliall  plcafc 
your  grace. 
Tcrk.  Here  (land,  my  lords,  and  fend  difcorcrers 
forth 
To  know  the  Yiumbcrs  of  our  enemies^ 
Haft.  We  have  fent  forth  already. 
Tcrk.  'Tis  well  done. 
My  friends,  and  brethren  in  thefe  great  affairs, 
I  muft  acquaint  you,  that  I  kave  received 
New-dated  letters  from  Northumberland  ; 
Their  cold  intent,,  tenour,  and  fublitance,  thus.— 
Here  doth  he  wifh  his  perfon,  with  fuch  powers 
As  might  hold  fortance  with  his  quality. 
The  which  he  could  not  levy ;  whereupon 
He  is  retired,  to  ripe  his  growing  fortunes. 
To  Scotland  :  and  concludes  in  hearty  prayen 
That  your  attempts  may  over-live  the  hazjuxl 
And  fearful  meeting  of  their  oppofite- 

Mowb.  Thus  do  the  hopes  we  have  in  him,  totted 
ground. 
And  dalh  theaifclves  to  pieces. 

JbAT 


\ 


KING    HENRY    IV-  451 

Enter  a  Mejfenger. 

tiaji.  Now,  what  hews  ? 

Mejf.  Weft  of  this  foreft,  fcarcely  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  thoufand. 

Mowb.  The  juft  proportion  that  we  gave  them  out. 

*  Let  us  fway  on,  and  face  them  in  the  field. 

Enter  fVeJimorland. 

Tork.  What  well-appointed  leader  fronts  us  here  f 

Mowb.  I  think  it  is  my  lord  of  Weftmorland. 

Weft.  Health  and  fair  greeting  from  our  general. 
The  prince,  lord  John,  and  duke  of  Lancaller. 

Tark.  Say  on,  my  lord  of  Weftmorland,  in  peace : 
What  doth  concern  your  coming  ? 

Weft.  Then,  my  lord. 
Unto  your  grace  do  I  in  chief  addrefs 
The  fubftance  of  my  fpeech.     If  that  rebellion 
Came  like  itfelf,  in  bafe  and  abjeft  routs, 

*  I^ed  on  by  bloody  youth,  3  guarded  with  rage. 

And 

*  Let  MS  fway  on^ ]  Wc  ihould  read,  m>ay  on ;  /.  e,  march 

on.     Warburton. 

I  know  not  that  I  have  ever  feen  fiuay  in  this  fenfe ;  but  I 
believe  it  is  the  true  word,  and  was  intended  toexprefs  the  uni-> 
form  and  forcible  motion  of  a  compadl  body.  There  is  a  fenfe 
of  the  noun  in  Milton  kindred  to  this,  where,  fpeaking  of  a 
weighty  fword,  he  fays,  "  It  defcends  with  huge  two-handed 
**  Jh»*ay%**     Johnson. 

*  Led  on  by  bloody  youth y — ]  I  believe  Shakefpeare  wrote 
heady  youth.     Warburton. 

Bloody  yaxxxki  is  only  fanguine  youth,  or  youth  full  of  blood, 
and  of  thofe  paflions  which  blood  is  fuppofed  to  incite  or  nou* 
riih.     Johnson. 

^  guarded  njoith  rage,]  Guarded  is  an  expreflion  taken 

fromdrefs,  it  means  the  fame  2i%  faced ^  turned  up,  Mr.  Pope, 
who  has  been  followed  by  fucceeding  editors,  x^2A%  goaded, 
Quarded  is  the  reading  both  of  quarto  and  folio.  Shakefpeare 
ofes  the  fame  expreflion  in  the  former  part  of  this  play  : 

F  f  2  "  Velvcc 


452    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

And  countenanc'd  by  boys  and  beggary ; 

I  fay,  if  damn'd  commotion  fo  appeared 

In  his  true,  native,  and  moft  proper  fhape. 

You,  reverend  father,  and  thcfe  noble  lords. 

Had  not  been  here  to  drefe  the  ugly  form 

Of  bafe  and  bloody  infurreftion 

With  your  fair  honours.     You,  lord  archbifliop, 

Whofe  fee  is  by  a  civil  peace  maintained  j 

Whofe  beard  the  filver  hand  of  peace  hath  touch'd ; 

Whofe  learning  and  good  letters  peace  hath  tutor'd ; 

Whofe  white  inveftments  figure  innocence. 

The  dove  and  very  blefled  fpirit  of  peace. 

Wherefore  do  you  fo  ill  tranflate  yourfelf,  * 

Out  of  the  fpeech  of  peace,  that  bears  fuch  grace. 

Into  the  harfli  and  boift'rous  tongue  of  war  ? 

Turning  your  books  to  4  graves,  your  ink  to  blood. 

Your  pens  to  launces  ;  and  your  tongue  divine 

To  a  loud  trumpet,  and  a  point  of  war  ? 

2^ork.  5  Wherefore  do  I  this  ?  fo  the  quefiion  ftands. 
Briefly,  to  this  end.     We  are  all  difeas'd ; 
And  with  our  furfeiting  and  wanton  hours 
Have  brought  ourfelves  into  a  burning  fever, 

"  \t\vttgjmrJs  and  Sunday  citizens,"  &c. 

Again,  in  The  Merchant  of  Fenice^ 

"  Let  him  have  a  livery  more  guar^ieJ  lYizn  his  fellows." 

Steeviks. 

^ .—^ graces — ]  For  graves  Dr.  Warburton  yery  plaufibly 
xt?Ld%glaves,  and  is  followed  by  Sir  Thomas  Hanmer.   Johns. 

We  might  perhaps  as  plaufibly  re2Ldgrea*viJj  i.  e.  armour  for 
thcleg5,  a  kind  of  boots.  In  one  of  the  Difcourjes  on  the  Art 
Military,  written  by  Sir  John  Smythe,  Knight,  \rfi^^  moves 
are  mentioned  as  necefiary  to  be  worn  ;  and  Ben  Jonion  cm- 
pkys  the  fame  word  in  his  Hymemci  : 

**  —  upon  their  legs  they  wore  {iWcr  greaves.**     Steeveks. 

5  Wher.fire,  &c.]  In  this  fpeech,  aher  the  firil  two  lines, 
the  next  twenty-five  are  either  omitted  in  the  firft  edition,  or 
addcni  in  the  fecond.  The  anfwer,  in  which  both  the  editions 
aprec,  apparently  refers  to  feme  of  thcfe  lines,  which  there- 
iore  may  be  probably  fuppofed  rather  to  have  been  dropped  by 
n  pLycr  defirous  to  fliortcn  his  fpeech,  than  added  by  the  fe- 
cund i^ibour  of  ihc  author.     Johnso.n. 

And 


KING    HENRY    IV.  453 

And  we  muft  bleed  for  it :  of  which  difeafe 

Our  late  king,  Richard,  being  infefted,  dy*d. 

But,  my  moft  noble  lord  of  Weftmorland, 

I  take  not  on  me  here  as  a  phyfician ; 

Nor  do  I,  as  an  enemy  to  peace. 

Troop  in  the  throngs  of  military  men  : 

But,  rather,  fhew  a  while  like  fearful  war. 

To  diet  rank  minds,  fick  of  happinefs  ; 

And  purge  the  obftruftions,  which  begin  to  Hop 

Our  very  veins  of  life.     Hear  me  more  plainly. 

I  have  in  equal  balance  juftlyweigh'd 

What  wrongs  our  arms  may  do,  what  wrongs  we  fuffer ; 

And  find  our  griefs  heavier  than  our  offences. 

We  fee  which  way  the  ftream  of  time  doth  run, 

^  And  are  enforced  from  our  mc^  quiet  fphere. 

By  the  rough  torrent  of  occafion  : 

And  have  the  fummary  of  all  our  griefs. 

When  time  (hall  ferve,  to  fhew  in  articles  •, 

Which,  long  ere  this,  we  offer'd  to  the  king. 

And  might  by  no  fuit  gain  our  audience. 

When  we  are  wronged,  and  would  unfold  our  griefs. 

We  are  deny*d  accefs  unto  his  perfon. 

Even  by  thofe  men  that  moft  have  done  us  wrong. 

The  danger  of  the  days  but  newly  gone, 

( Whofe  memory  is  written  on  the  earth 

With  yet  appearing  blood)  and  the  examples 

Of  every  minute's  inftance  (prefent  now) 

Have  put  us  in  thefe  ill-befeeming  arms. 

Not  to  break  peace,  or  any  branch  of  it. 

But  to  eftablirfi  here  a  peace,  indeed. 

Concurring  both  in  name  and  quality. 

*  In  former  editions : 

And  are  inforc^dfrom  our  mojl  quiet  there,"]    This  is  faid  in  an- 
fwer  to  V/cllmorland's  upbraiding  the  archbifliop  for  engaging 
in  a  courfe  which  fo  ill  became  his  profe^on, 
—  *  yoUf  my  lord  arcboijhopf 

IVhcfcfie  is  by  a  civil  peace  maintain  d^  &C. 
So  that  the  reply  muft  be  this. 

And  are  enforced  from  cur  mofi  quiet  fphere.     W  a  r  b  y  r  t. 

F  f  3  Weft, 


454    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

PFeft.  When  ever  yet  was  your  appeal  dcny'd  ? 
Wherein  have  you  been  galled  by  the  king  ? 
What  peer  hath  been  fuborn'd  to  grate  on  you. 
That  you  fliould  feal  this  lawkfs  bloody  book 
Of  forg'd  rebellion  with  a  feal  divine, 
7  And  confecrate  commotion's  civil  edge  ? 

Tork.  ^  My  brother-general,  the  common- wcaldij 
To  brother  born  an  houfehold  cruelty, 
I  make  my  quarrel  in  particular. 

7  And  confecrate  J  &c.]  In  on^  of  my  old  quarto's  of  i6oo  (for 
I  have  two  of  the  fclf  fame  edition  ;  one  of  which,  it  i$  evi- 
dent, was  corred\cd  in  fon\e  paffages  during  the  working  off  the 
whole  imprefTion)  I  found  this  verfe.  I  havv  ventured  to  fubfli- 
xwic  ^a^e  fcr  cdge^  with  regard  to  the  uniformity  of  metaphor. 
Though  the  fvKord  of  rebellion,  drawn  by  a  hilhop,  may  in  fomc 
iort  be  faid  to  be  confccrated  by  his  reverence,      Theobald. 

And  confecrate  commotion  s  ci<vU  t^^^  r]  So  the  old  booki 
read.  But  Mr.  Theobald  changes  ri^-r  to  page ^  out  cf  regard 
to  the  uniformity  (as  he  calls  it)  of  the  metaphor.  But  he  did 
not  undcrliand  what  was  meant  by  edge.  It  was  an  old  cu/lomi 
continued  frrm  the  time  of  the  firft  croifades,  for  the  pope  to  con- 
fecrate the  gentJiaTs  fword,  which  was  employed  in  the  fervic© 
of  the  church.  To  thiscuilom  the  line  in  queilion  alludes.  As 
to  the  cant  cf  uniformity  of  metaphor  in  writing,  this  is  to  be 
obfcrved,  that  changing  the  allufion  in  the  fame  fentence  is  in- 
deed vicious,  and  what  (iuintilian  condemns,  ««  Maiti  quum 
"  initium  a  tcmpcilutc  fumferint,  inccndio  aut  ruini  finiunt." 
But  when  one*  comparifon  or  allufion  is  fairly  feparatcd  from  an- 
other, by  diliinft  fcntenccs,  the  cafe  is  different,  So  itishcrt  j 
in  oiic  fjrntence  we  fee  **  the  book  cf  rebellion  flampt  with  a 
**  jVal  divine  i"  i»i  ^^c  other,  "  the  fword  of  civil  difcord  con- 
•*  ftci.itcd.''  But  this  change  of  the  metaphor  is  not  only  al- 
lowable, but  fit.  For  the  dwelling  overlong  upon  one,  occaitons 
the  difcourfe  to  degenerate  into  a  dull  kind  of  allegorifm. 

Warburton. 

What  Mr,  Theobald  fays  of  two  editions  fcems  to  be  true ; 
f  r  my  copy  reads,  commotions  Wxxtr  edge\  but  ciz-il  is  un- 
drwltcdly  neht,  and  one  would  wonder  how  ^V/c-r  could  in- 
trude if  f/V/V  had  been  written  Er^*^  perhaps  the  author  himfclf 
inade  the  change.     Johnson. 

Since  I  bccjan  to  print  this  play,  I  have  fcen  both  the  copies, 
|)ut  they  both  concur  in  reading  Sitter,  Unlefs  there  be  a  third 
fopy,  Theobald  has  faid  what  is  not  true.     Steeyens, 

•  Mj^  brother  gnurcil^  Uq 

I  make  piy  quarrel  tn  particular,']  The  fenfe  is  this,  "  My 
♦♦  br€|hcr  general,  tjie  common-wealth,  whifh  ought  to  difiri- 

*♦  b»te 


KING    HENRY    IV.  455 

Weft.  There  is  no  need  of  any  fuch  redrefs  ; 
Or,  if  there  were,  it  not  belongs  to  you. 

Mowb.  Why  not  to  him,  in  part,  and  to  us  all. 
That  feel  the  bruifes  of  the  days  before; 
And  fuffer  the  condition  of  thefe  times 
To  lay  a  heavy  and  unequal  hand 
Upon  our  honours  ? 

fFeft.  O  my  good  lord  Mowbray, 
■  Conftrue  the  times  to  their  neceffities. 
And  you  fhall  fay,  indeed,  it  is  the  time. 
And  not  the  king,  that  doth  you  injuries. 
Yet,  for  your  part,  it  not  appears  to  me, 
*  Or  from  the  king,  or  in  the  prefent  time. 
That  you  fhould  have  an  inch  of  any  ground 
To  build  a  grief  on.     Were  you  not  reftor'd 
To  all  the  duke  of  Norfolk's  figniories. 
Your  noble  and  right-well-remember'd  father's  ? 

**  bate  its  benefits  equally,  is  become  an  enemy  to  thofe  of  his 
**  own  houfe,  to  brothers- born,  by  giving  feme  all,  and  others 
'*  none  ;  and  this  (fays  he)  I  make  my  quarrel  or  grievance 
"  that  honours  are  unequally  diftributed ;"  the  conftant  birth 
of  male-contents,  and  fource  of  civil  commotions. 

Warburton. 
In  the  firfl  folio  th«  fecond  line  is  omitted,  yet  that  reading, 
unintelligible  as  it  is,  has  been  followed  by  Sir  T.  Hanmer^ 
How  difficultly  fenfe  can  be  drawn  from  the  beft  reading  the  ex- 
plication of  Dr.  Warburton  may  (how.  I  believe  there  is  an 
error  in  the  firft  line,  which  perhaps  may  be  rcdliiied  thus. 

My  quarrel  generaU  the  commou-'weahbi 

To  brother  born  an  hcujchold  cruelty^ 

I  make  my  quarrel  in  particular. 
That  is,  my  ^^/r^r«/ caufe  of  difcontent  is  publick  mifmanage. 
ment;  my  particular  czn{e  a  domeftic  injury  done  to  my  natural 
brother,  wht:  had  been  beheaded  by  the  king's  order.  Johnson. 

*  Conftrue  the  times  to  their  necejptiesy']  That  is.  Judge  of  what 
is  done  in  thefe  times  according  to  the  exigencies  that  over- 
rule us.     Johnson. 

*  Or  from  the  Aing,  &c.]  Whether  the  faults  of  government  be 
imputed  to  the  time  or  the  h'ng,  it  appears  not  thkt  you  have, 
for  your  part,  been  injured  either  by  the  king  or  the  time^ 

Johnson. 

F  f  4  A&wl^. 


456    THE     SECOND    PART    OF 

Mcwb.  What  thing,  in  honour,  had  my  father  loft, 
That  need  to  be  reviv'd  and  breath'd  in  me  ? 
The  king,  that  lov'd  him,  as  the  ftatc  ftood  then. 
Was,  force  perforce,  compell'd  to  banifti  him. 
And  then,  when  Karry  Bolingbroke,  and  he 
Being  mounted,  and. both  roufed  in  their  feats. 
Their  neighing  courfes  daring  of  the  fpur, 

3  Their  armed  Haves  in  charge,  their  beavers  down, 
Their  eyes  of  fire  fparkling  through  fights  of  fteel. 
And  the  loud  trumpet  blowing  them  together ; 
Then,  then,  when  there  was  nothing  could  have  ftaid 
My  father  from  the  bread  of  Bolingbroke, 

O,  when  the  king  did  throw  his  warder  down. 
His  own  life  hung  upon  the  ftaff  he  threw : 
Then  threw  he  down  himfelf  \  and  all  their  lives, 
That,  by  indiftment,  or  by  dint  of  fword. 
Have  fince  mifcarried  under  Bolingbroke. 

IVeJl.  You  fpeak,  lord  Mowbray,  now,  you  know 

not  what : 
The  earl  of  Hereford  was  reputed  then 
In  England  the  moft  valiant  gentleman  : 
Who  knows   on   whom  fortune    would  then   have 

fmil'd  ? 
But  if  your  father  had  been  viftor  there. 
He  ne'er  had  bprpe  it  out  of  Coventry  : 
For  ail  the  countr)%  in  a  general  voice, 
Cry'd  hate  upon  him ;  and  all  their  prayers  and  love 
Were  fet  on  Hereford,  whom  they  doated  on, 

4  And  blefs'd,  and  grac'd,  indeed,  more  than  the  king. 
But  this  is  mere  digreffion  from  my  purpole. — 
Here  come  I  from  our  princely  general, 

'  Tkeir  armed Jla^ves  in  char?e^  &c.]  An  armed  ftaffb  a  lancf. 
To  be  in  charge,  is  to  be  fixed  in  the  reft  for  the  encounter. 

Johnson. 
*  And hl(fi*d  and gracd  more  than  ihc  ling  himfelf, '\     The  two 
oldeii  folio's  (which  £ril  gave  us  this  fpeech  of  Weftmorland) 
f^ad  this  line  thus ; 

Andblcfs^d  and grac*d  and  did  more  than  the  king, 
Pr.  Thi'Iby  reformed  the  text  very  near  to  the  traces  of  the 
corrupted  rcadine;.     Thsoj^ald, 

z  To 


KING    HENRY    IV.  457 

To  know  your  griefs  j  to  tell  you  from  his  grace, 
That  he  will  give  you  audience  :  and  wherein 
It  fhall  appear  that  your  demands  are  juft. 
You  fhall  enjoy  them  ;  every  thing  fet  off. 
That  might  fo  much  as  think  you  enemies. 

Mowb.  But  he  hath  forc'd  us  to  compel  this  offer; 
And  it  proceeds  from  policy,  not  love. 

fF^.  Mowbray,  you  over-ween  to  take  it  fo ; 
This  offer  comes  from  mercy,  not  from  fear. 
For,  lo !  within  a  ken,  our  army  lies  ; 
Upon  my  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  perfeft  in  the  ufe  of  arms. 
Our  armour  all  as  flrong,  our  caufe  the  befl; 
Then  reafon  wills  our  hearts  fhould  be  as  good  :— 
Say  you  not  then  our  offer  is  compeird. 

Mowb.  Well,  by  my  will,  we  fhall  admit  no  parley. 

Weft.  That  argues  but  the  fhame  of  your  offence : 
A  rotten  cafe  abides  no  handling. 

Haft.  Hath  the  prince  John  a  full  commiffion, 
In  very  ample  virtue  of  his  father. 
To  hear,  ar^d  abfolutely  to  determine 
Of  what  conditions  we  fhall  fland  upon  ? 

Weft.  5  That  is  intended  in  the  general's  name  : 
I  mufe,  you  make  fo  flight  a  queftion. 

Tork.  Then  take,   my  lord  of  Weflmorland,  this 
fchedple. 
For  this  contains  our  general  grievances. 
Each  feveral  article  herein  redrefs'd  ; 
All  members  of  our  caufe,  both  here  and  hence. 
That  areinfinew'd  to  this  aclion. 
Acquitted  by  a  true  ^  fubflantial  form  ; 

'  This  is  intended  in  the generaVs  name  :]  That  is.  This  power 
is  included  in  the  name  or  office  of  a  general.  Wc  wonder  that 
you  can  afk  a  queftion  fo  trifling.     Johnson. 

*  fuhjl  ant  ial  form  ;]  That  is.  By  a  pardon  of  due  form 

And  legal  validity.     Johnson, 

An4 


458    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

And  prcfent  execution  of  our  wiUs 
7  To  us,  and  to  our  purpofes,  cx>nfin*d ; 
*  We  come  within  our  awful  banks  again. 
And  knit  our  powers  to  the  arm  of  peace* 

H^eft.  This  will  I  fliew  the  gena^     Pleafc  you, 
lords, 
9  In  fight  of  both  our  battles  we  may  meet : 
And  either  end  in  peace,  which  heaven  fo  fr^me  ! 
Or  to  the  place  of  difference  call  the  fwords. 
Which  muft  decide  it. 

Tork.  My  lord,  we  will  do  fo.  [Exit  fVefi. 

Mowb.  There  is  a  thing  within  my  bolbm,  tells  me, 
That  no  conditions  of  our  peace  can  ftand. 

Haft.  Fear  you  not  that :  if  we  can  make  our  peace 
Upon  fuch  large  terms,  and  fo  abfblute 

7  To  usy  and  to  our  purpofisy  coftfin'd;]     This  fchedale  wc  fee 
confifls  of  three  parts,  i.  A  redrefs  of  general  gricvauccs.     2. 
A  pardon  for  thofe  in  arms.     3.  Some  demands  of  advantage 
for  them.     But  this  third  part  is  very  ftrangely  cxprcflcd. 
jfnd  prefent  execution  of  our  nuilU 
To  us  J  and  to  our  purpofes^  confined. 
The  firft  line  ihews  they  had  fomcthing  to  demand,  and  the 
fecond  expreffes  the  modefly  of  that  demand.     The  demand* 
fays  the  fpeaker,  //  confined  to  us  and  to  our  purpofes,     A  very 
modeft  kind  of  reftridtion  truly!  only  as  extenfivc  as  their  ap- 
petites and  paifions.    Without  qucHion  Shakefpeare  wrote. 

To  us  and  to  our  properties  confind\ 
i.  c.  We  defire  no  more  than  fecurity  for  our  liberties  and  pro- 
perties: and  this  was  no  unreafonable  demand.   Warburtom. 

This  paflage  is  fo  obfcure  that  I  know  not  what  to  make  of  it. 
Nothing  better  occurs  to  me  than  to  read  confirmed  for  confind* 
That  is,  let  the  execution  of  our  demands  be  put  into  our 
hands  according  to  our  declared  purpofes.     Johhson. 

I  bclie.ve  we  ihould  read  confirmed'  This  would  obviate  every 
difficulty.     Steevens. 

*  We  come  'within  our  anuful  hanks  again f"]  Anxful  hanks  arc 
ihe  proper  limits  of  reverence.     Johnson. 

^  In  fight  of  hoth  our  hat  ties  ive  may  meet,  &c,]  The  old 
copies  read, 

'  '  *we  may  meet 

At  either  end  in  peace ;  <which  hea'ven  fo  frame  ! 
That  eafy,  but  certain,  change  in  the  text,   i  owe   to  Dr. 
TThirlby.     Thbobai^d. 

As 


KING    HENRY    IV,  459 

As  our  conditions  (hall  infift  upon. 

Our  peace  Ihall  ftand  as  firm  as  rocky  mountains, 

Mowb.  Ay,  but  our  valuation  (hall  be  fuch. 
That  every  (light  and  falfe-derived  caufe. 
Yea,  every  idle,  nice,  and  wanton  reafon, 
Shall,  to  the  king,  tafte  of  this  aftion. 
'  That,  were  our  loyal  faiths  martyrs  in  love. 
We  fhall  be  winnow'd  with  fo  rough  a  wind. 
That  even  our  corn  (hall  feem  as  light  as  chaff. 
And  good  from  bad  find  no  partition. 

Tork.  No,  no,  my  lord  •,  note  this :  the  king  is  weary 
*  Of  dainty  and  fuch  picking  grievances : 
For  he  hath  found,  to  end  one  doubt  by  death. 
Revives  two  greater  in  the  heirs  of  life. 
And  therefore  will  he  3  wipe  his  tables  clean  j 
And  keep  no  tell-tale  to  his  memory. 
That  may  repeat  and  hiftory  his  lofs 
To  new  remembrance.     For  full  well  he  knows, 
He  cannot  fo  precifely  weed  this  land. 
As  his  mifdoubts  prefent  occafion : 
His  foes  are  fo  enrooted  with  his  friends. 
That,  plucking  to  unfix  an  enemy. 
He  doth  unfiiften  fo,  and  fhake  a  friend. 
So  that  this  land,  like  an  offenfive  wife. 
That  hath  enrag'd  him  on  to  oflfcr  ftrokes. 
As  he  is  ftriking,  holds  his  infant  up. 
And  hangs  refolv'd  correftion  in  the  arm 
That  was  uprear'd  to  execution. 

■  That,  nvere  our  loyal  faiths^  &c.]     In  former  editions  i 
^hat^  lAjere  our  toy zX  faiths  martyrs  in  love. 
V  royal  faiths  can  mean  faith  to  a  king,  it  yet  cannot  mean  it 
without  much  violence  done  to  the  language.     I  therefore  read, 
with  Sir  Thomas  Hanmer,  loyal  faiths  ^  wnich  is  proper,  natu- 
ral, and  fuitablc  to  the  intention  of  the  fpeaker.     Johnson. 

*  Of  dainty  and  fuch  picking  grie'vances:]     I  cannot  but  think 
that  this  line  is  corrupted,  anJ  that  we  fhould  read, 

Of  picking  out  fuch  dainty  grievances,     J  o  h  n  s  o  M  • 

/•/Vi/wg- means  piddling:,  infivnificant.     Stelvens. 

'  <wipe  his  tables  clean;]     Alluding  to  a  table-book 

of  fl^^e,  ivory,  fcfc,     Wai^^us^TOn, 

Hafi, 


46o    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Hafi.  Befides,  the  king  hath  wafted  all  his  rods 
On  latfc  offenders,  that  he  now  doth  lack 
The  very  inllruments  of  chaftifement : 
So  that  his  power,  like  to  a  fanglefs  lion. 
May  offer,  but  not  hold. 

I'ork.  'Tis  very  true  -, 
And  therefore  be  affur'd,  my  good  lord  marlhal. 
If  we  do  now  make  our  atonement  well. 
Our  peace  will,  like  a  broken  limb  united. 
Grow  ftronger  for  the  breaking. 

Mowb.  Be  it  fo. 
Here  is  returned  my  lord  of  Weftmorland. 

Enter  fVeJltnorland. 

Weft.  The  prince  is  here  at  hand,  pleafeth  your 

lordfliip 
To  meet  his  grace,  juft  diftance  'tween  our  armies  ? 
Mowb.  Your  grace  of  York  m  God*s  name  then 

fet  forward, 
Tork.  Before,  and  greet  his  grace. — My  lord,  we 

come.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

Enter  on  oneftde  Mowbray^  the  Arcbbijhop^  Haftings^  and 
others :  from  the  other  Jide  prince  John  of  Lancafter^ 
Weftmorlandj  Officers^  &c. 

Lan.   You  are  well  encountered  here,  my  coufin 
Mowbray : 
Good  day  to  you,  gentle  lord  archbifhop ;—    , 
And  fo  to  you,  lord  Haftings,  and  to  all. — 
My  lord  of  York,  it  better  fhew'd  with  you. 
When  that  your  flock,  affembled  by  the  bell. 
Encircled  you,  to  hear  with  reverence 
Your  expofition  on  the  holy  text. 
Than  now  to  fee  you  here  an  iron  man. 
Cheering  a  rout  of  rebels  with  your  drum, 

Turning 


KING    HENRY    IV.  461 

Turning  the  word  to  fword,  and  life  to  death. 

That  man  that  fits  within  a  monarch's  heart. 

And  ripens  in  the  fun-fhine  of  his  favour. 

Would  he  abufe  the  countenance  of  the  king. 

Alack,  what  mifchiefs  might  he  fet  abroach 

In  fliadow  of  fuch  greatnefs  !   With  you,  lord  bifliop^ 

It  is  even  fo.     Who  hath  not  heard  it  fpoken. 

How  deep  you  were  within  the  books  of  heaven  ? 

To  us,  the  fpeaker  in  his  parliament ; 

To  us,  the  imagined  voice  of  heaven  itfelf ; 

The  very  opener,  and  intelligencer 

Between  the  grace,  4  the  fanflities  of  heaven, 

And  our  dull  workings.     O,  who  ftiall  believe 

But  you  mifufe  the  reverence  of  your  place. 

Employ  the  countenance  and  grace  or  heaven. 

As  a  falfe  favourite  doth  his  prince's  name. 

In  deeds  diflionourable  ?  ^  You  have  taken  up, 

Under  the  counterfeited  zeal  of  God, 

The  fubjefts  of  his  fubftitute,  my  father  -, 

And  both  againft  the  peace  of  heaven  and  him 

Have  here  up-fwarm'd  them. 

Tork.  Good  my  lord  of  Lancafter, 
I  am  not  here  againft  your  father's  peace : 
But,  as  I  told  my  lord  of  Weftmorland, 
The  time  mif-order'd  doth,  ^  in  common  fenfe. 
Crowd  us,  and  crufti  us,  to  this  monftrous  form. 
To  hold  our  fafety  up.     I  fent  your  grace 
The  parcels  and  particulars  of  our  grief; 
The  which  hath  been  with  fcorn  ftiov'd  from  the  court. 


♦  /he  fanaitks  of  heai'en,]     This  expreifion  Milton 

has  copied, 

'*  Around  him  all  the  finf^ities  of  heaven 
**  Stood  thick  as  liars.'*     Johnson. 
5   Tou  ha^e  taken  «/,]     To  take  up  is  to  levy,  to  raife  in 
arms.     Johnson. 

*  in  common  fenfe y"]    I  believe  Shakefpcare  wrote  com" 

7non fence y  i.  e.  drove  by  felf-dcfcnce.     \VARBURTO^•. 

Common  fenfe  is  the  g^^n-^ral  fcnfc  of  gencr:il  danger. 

Johnson. 

Whereon 


462    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Whereon  this  Hydra  fon  of  war  is  bom : 
Whofe  dangerous  eyes  may  well  be  charmed  afleep 
With  grant  of  our  moft  juft  and  right  defines  5 
And  true  obedience,  of  this  madncls  cur*d. 
Stoop  tamely  to  the  foot  of  majefty. 

Mowb.  If  not,  weready  are  to  try  our  fortunes 
To  the  laft  man. 

Haft.  And  though  we  here  fall  down. 
We  have  fupplies  to  fecond  our  attempt ; 
If  they  mifcarry,  theirs  (hall  fecond  them  : 
7  And  fo  fuccefs  of  mifchief  fhall  be  bom. 
And  heir  from  heir  fhall  hold  this  quarrel  up, 
While  England  fhall  have  generation. 

Lan.  You  are  too  fhallow,   Haftings,  much  too 
fhallow. 
To  found  the  bottom  of  the  after-times. 

IFeft.  Pleafcth  your  grace  to  anfwer  them  dircftly, 
How  far-forth  you  do  like  their  articles  ? 

Lan.  I  like  them  all,  and  do  allow  them  wellj 
And  fwear  here,  by  the  honour  of  my  blood, 
My  father's  purpores  have  been  miftook  •, 
And  fome  about  him  have  too  laviflily 
Wrefted  his  meaning  and  authority.— 
My  lord,  thefe  grieft  fhall  be  with  fpeed  redrefsM ; 
Upon  my  life  they  fhall.     If  this  may  plerfc  you, 
Difcharge  your  powers  unto  their  feveral  counties, 
As  we  will  ours :  and  here,  between  the  armies. 
Let's  drink  together  friendly,  and  embrace  ; 
That  all  their  eyes  may  bear  thofe  tokens  home 
Of  our  reflored  love  and  amity. 

Tork.  I  take  your  princely  word  for  thefe  rcdrefTcs. 

Lan.  I  give  it  you,  and  will  maintain  my  word : 
And  thereupon  I  drink  unto  your  grace. 

Haft.  Go,  captain,  and  deliver  to  the  army 

'  And/o/ucce/s  of  mzjcbtef-'^'l     Succe/s  for  fucccflion. 

Wahburton. 

This 


KING    HENRY    IV.  465 

rhis  news  of  peace ;  let  them  have  pay,  and  part : 
I  know  it  will  well  pleafe  them.     Hie  thee,  captain. 

[Exit  CoUvile. 

Tork.  To  you,  my  noble  lordof  Weftmoriand. 

Weft.  I  pledge  your  grace :  and  if  you  knew  what 
pains 
I  have  beftoVd  to  breed  this  prefent  peace. 
You  would  drink  freely :  but  my  love  to  you 
Shall  fhew  itfelf  more  openly  hereafter. 

Tork.  I  do  not  doubt  you. 

Weft.  I  am  glad  of  it.— 
Health  to  my  lord,  and  gentle  coufm  Mowbray. 

Mowb.  You  wifh  me  health  in  very  happy  feafon. 
For,  I  am,  on  the  fudden,  fomething  ill. 

Tork.  Againft  ill  chances  men  are  ever  merry; 
But  heavinels  fore-runs  the  good  event. 

Weft.  ^  Therefore  be  merry,  coz ;  fince  fudden  for- 
row 
Serves  to  fay  thus : — fome  good  thing  comes  to-mor- 
row. 

Tork.  Believe  me,  I  am  pafling  light  in  fpirit. 

Mowb.  So  much  the  worfe,  if  your  own  rule  lie 
true.  \_Shout5^ 

Lan.  The  word  of  peace  is  rendered  -,  hark !  how 
they  fhout. 

Mowb.  This  had  been  cheerful  after  viftory. 

Tork.  A  peace  is  of  the  nature  of  a  conqueft ; 
For  then  both  parties  nobly  are  fubdu'd. 
And  neither  party  lofer. 

Lan.  Go,  my  lord. 
And  let  our  army  be  difcharged  too.         [Exil  Weft. 
— And,  good  my  lord,  fo  pleafe  you,  9  let  our  trains 

•  Therefore  he  merry y  cox ;— ]  That  is.  Therefore,  notwith- 
(landing  this  fudden  impulfe  to  heavinefs,  be  merry,  for  fuch 
fudden  dejections  forebode  good.     Johnson. 

•  let   our  trains 9  &C.J     That  is,  Our  army  on  each 

part,  that  we  may  both  fee  thofe  that  were  to  have  oppofed  us. 

Johnson. 

March 


464     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

March  by  us  •,  that  we  may  perufe  the  men 
We  Ihould  have  cop*d  withal. 

Tork.  Go,  good  lord  Haftings  -, 
And,  ere  they  be  difmifs'd,  let  them  march  by. 

[Exit  Haftings. 

Lan.  I  truft,  lords,  we  fhall  lie  to-night  together. 

Re- enter  IVeftmorland. 

Now,  coufin,  wherefore  ftands  our  army  ftill  ? 

IVeft.    The  leaders,  having  charge  from  you  to 
ftand. 
Will  not  go  off  until  they  hear  you  fpeak* 

Lan.  They  know  their  duties.  • 

Re-enter  Haftings. 

Haft.  My  lord,  our  army  is  difpers'd  already : 
Like  youthful  fleers  unyoak'd,  they  took  their  courfe 
Eaft,  weft,  north,  fouth  -,  or,  like  a  fchool  broke  up. 
Each  hurries  towards  his  home  and  fporting  place. 

IVeft.   Good  tidings,  my  lord  Haftings ;  for  the 
which 
I  do  arreft  thee,  traitor,  of  high  treafon : — 
And  you,  lord  archbifhop ;  and  you,  lord  Mowbray;— 
Of  capital  treafon  I  attach  you  both. 

Mowb.  Is  this  proceeding  juft  and  honourable  ? 

TFeft.  Is  your  affembly  fo  ? 

Tork.  Will  you  thus  break  your  faith  ? 

Lan.  I  pawn'd  thee  none  -, 
I  promised  you  redrefs  of  thefe  fame  grievances 
Whereof  you  did  complain  ;  which,  by  mine  honour, 
I  will  perform  with  a  moft  chriftian  care. 
But,  for  you,  rebels,  look  to  tafte  the  due 
Meet  for  rebellion,  and  fuch  afts  as  yours. 
Moft  fliallowly  did  you  thefe  arms  commence. 
Fondly  brought  here,  and  fooliftily  fent  hence. — 
Strike  up  our  drums,  purfue  the  fcatter*d  ftray ; 
Heaven,  and  not  wc,  have  fafely  fought  to-day. 

Some 


K  1  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    IV.  465  . 

Some  guard  thefe  traitors  to  the  block  of  death, 
Treafon's  true  bed  and  yielder  up  of  breath. »  [^ExeunU 

[Alarm.  Excurjiom* 

S  C  E  N  E    IIL 

Another  part  of  the  fonjl^ 

Enter  Falfiaff  and  Colevikj  meeting, 

Fal  What's  your  name,  Sir?  of  what  condition  al^ 
you  ?  and  of  what  place,  I  pray  ? 

*  Cok,  1  am  a  knight.  Sir  •,  and  my  i:iame  is  Cole- 
vile  of  the  Dale. 

Fal.  Well  then,  Colevile  is  your  name ;  a  knight  is 
your  degree  5  and  your  place,  the  dale.  Colevile  fliall 
ftill  be  your  name ;  a  traitor  your  degree ;  and  the 
dungeon  your  place,  a  place  deep  enough : — fo  (hall 
you  ftill  be  Colevile  of  the  Dale. 

Cole.  Are  not  you  Sir  John  Falftaff? 

Fali  As  good  a  man  as  he.  Sir,  whoe'er  I  am.  Do 
you  yield.  Sir,  or  Ihall.  I  fweat  for  you  ?  If  I  do  fweat,   . 

*  Exeunt.']  It  cannot  but  raiic  fome  indignation  to  find  this 
horrible  violation  of  faith  pafTed  ovex'  thus  (lightly  by  the  poet, 
without  any  note  of  cenfurc  or  deteftation.     Johnson* 

*  Cole.  I  am  a  knight f  Sir ;  and  my  name  is  Colevile  of  tbi 
Dale. 

Fal.  Well  then  f  Colevile  is  your  name  ;  a  knight  is  your  degree^ 
and y  cur  place ,  the  Dale.  Cole*vile  Jhall  fiill  he  your  nafne^  a  traitor 
your  degree^  and  the  dungeon  your  place^  a  place  deep  enough.  S9 
Jhall  you  ftill  he  Colevile  of  the  Dale. 

But  where  is  the  wit,  or  the  logic  of  this  concluiion  ?  I  am 
almofl  pcrfuaded  that  we  ought  to  read  thus, 

'  Colevile  pall  ftill  he  your  namcy  a  traitor  your  degree^ 

and  the  dungeon  your  place ,  a  dale  deep  enough. 
He  may  then  juflly  infer. 

So  ft?all  you  ftill  he  Colevile  of  the  Dale. 

Obfcrvations  and  Conjedlures,  ^cm 
printed  at  Oxford,  1766. 
The  fcnfe  oi dale  is  included  in  deep\  a  dale  is  a  deep  place; 
a  dungeon  is  a  deep  place :  he  that  is  in  a  dungeon  Qiay  be  there- 
fore laid  to  be  in  a  dale.    Johnson. 

Vol.  V.  G  g  !they 


466    THE    SECQKOi    PART    OF 

they  are  drops  of  thy  lovers^  and  they  iiieq>  for  thy 
death :  therefore  rouze  up.  fear  and  trembling,  and  do 
ohfervance  to.  my  mt?rcy. 

Cole.  I  think  you  are  Sir  John  FalftafFj  and,  in  that 
thought,  yield  me. 

FaL  I  have  a  whole  fchool  of  tongues  in  this  belly 
of  mine ;  and  not  a  tongue  of  them  all  fpeaks  any 
other  word  but  my  name.  An  I  had  but  a  belly  of 
any  indiffereocy,  I  were  limply  the  moft  aftivc  feUow 
in  Europe :  my  womb,  my  womb,  my  womb  undoes 
me.    Here  comes  our  general. 

Enter  prince.  John  of  Ldmafier  and:  tTeftmarland. 

Lan.  3  The  heat  is  paft,  folloiy  no  farther  now ; 
Call  in  the  powers,  good  coufin  Weftmorland. 

[Exit  fTe/f. 
Now,  FalftafF,  where  have  you  been  all  this  while  ? 
When  every  thing  is  ended,  then  you  come.— 
Thefe  tardy  tricks,  of  yours  will^  on  my  life. 
One  time  or,  other  break  fome  gallows*  back. 

FaL  I  would  be  forry,  my  lord,  but  it  fliould  be 
thus.  I  never  knew  yet  but  rebuke  and  check  was 
the  reward  of  valour.  Do  you  think  me  a  fwallow^ 
an  arrow,  or  a  bullet?  Have  I,  in  my  poor  and  old 
motion,  the  expedition  of  thought  ?  I  fpeeded  hither 
with  the  very  extremeft  inch  of  poflTibility  5  I  have 
founder'd  nine-fcore  and  odd  pofts :  ancj  here,  travel- 
tainted  as  I  am,  have,  in  my  pure  and  immaculate  va- 
loiir,  taken  Sir  John  Colevile  of  die  Dale^  a  moft 
furious  knight,  and  valorous  enemy.  But  what  of 
that.^  he  faw  me  and  yielded  ;  that  I  may  juftly  fay 
with  ♦  the  hook-nos*d  fellow  of  Rpnie  I.  carac^ 
faw,  and  overcame.. 

'  T/^e  heat  istajf,-^']  That  15,  the  violence  of  re/entment, 
the  cagernefs  of  revenge.     Johnson. 

♦  — —  the  bwpk-nosd  felioiu  of  ^^/wr,— ]  The  quarto 
reads,  "  the  hook-nos'd  fellow  of  Rome,  their  cofin."  I  havt 
fo  lowtd  the  folio.  The  modern  editors  read,  but  without  au- 
thority, *•  the  hook-nos'd  ftUow  of  Rome /^r,  C^fary 

STB^vsjrs« 


KING    HENRY    IV.  4^7 

Lan.  It  was  more  of  his  courtdy  than  your  dc- 
fcrving. 

Fal.  I  know  not ;  here  he  is,  and  here  I  yield  him : 
and  I  befeech  your  grace,  let  it  be  book'd  with  the 
reft  of  this  day's  deeds ;.  or,  by  the  lord,  I  will  have 
it  in  a  particular  ballad  elfe,  with  mine  own  pifture^ 
on  the  top  of  it,  Colevile  kiffing  my  foot :  to  the 
which  courfe  if  I  be  enforcM,  if  you  do  not  all  fhew 
like  gilt  two-pences  to  me  -,  and  I,  in  the  clear  fky  of 
fame,  o*er(hine  you  as  much  as  the  full  moon  doth 
the  cinders  of  the  element,  which  Ihew  like  pins  heads 
to  her ;  believe  not  the  word  of  the  noble.  Therefore 
let  me  have  right,  and  let  defert  mount. 

Lan.  Thine's  too  heavy  to  mount. 

FaL  Let  it  Ihine  then. 

Lan.  Thine's  too  thick  to  Ihine. 

FaU  Let  it  do  fomething,  my  good  lord,  that  may^ 
do  me  good,  and  call  it  what  you  will. 

Lan:,  Is  thy  name  Colevile  ? 

Cole.  It  is,  my  lord. 

Lan.  A  famous  rebel  art  thou,  Colevile. 

FaL  And  a  famous  true  fubjedt  took  him. 

Cole.  I  am,  my  lord,  but  as  my  betoers  are 
That  led  me  hither :  had  they  been  rul'd  by  me. 
You  Ihould  have  won  them  dearer  than  you  have. 

FaL  I  know  not  how  they  fold  themfclves:  but 
thou,  like  a  kind  fellow,  gav*ft  thyfclf  away  gratis  j 
and  I  diank  thee  for  thee. 

Re-enter  Wejimerland. 

Lan.  Now  have  you  left  purfuit  ? 
Weft.  Retreat  is  made,  and  execution  ftay*d. 
Lan.  Send  Colevile  with  his  confederates 
To  York,  to  prpfcnt  execution. 
Blunt,  lead  him  hence  \  and  fee  you  guard  him  fure. 

[Ex.  with  Colevile* 
And  now  dilpatch  wc  toward  the  court,  my  lords ; 
I  hear  the  king,  my  father,  is  fore  fick : 

Gg  2  Our 


468    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Our  news  (hall  go  before  us  to  his  majefty. 
Which,  cDufm,  you  (hall  bear,  to  comfort  him ; 
And  we  with  fober  fpced  will  foUgw  you. 

FaL  My  lord,  I  befeech  you,  give  me  leave  to  go 
through  Glo'fterfhire :  and  when  you  come  to  court, 
'pray,  5  ftand,  my  good  lord,  in  vour  good  report. 

Lan.  Fare  you  well,  FalftafF:  ^  I,  in  my  condition. 
Shall  better  fpeak  of  you  than  you  deferve.   '      [Exit. 

Fal  I  would  you  had  but  the  wit  •,  'twere  better 
than  your  dukedom.  Good  faith,  7  this  fame  young 
fober-blooded  boy  doth  not*  love  me ;  nor  a  man  can- 
not make  him  laugh ;  but  that's  no  marvel,  he  drinks 
no  wine.  There's  never  any  of  thefe  demure  boys 
come  to  any  proof:  for  thin  drink  doth  fo  over-cool 
their  blood,  and  making  riiany  fifh-meals,  that  they 
fall  into  a  kind  of  male  green-ficknefs  •,  and  then, 
when  they  marry,  they  get  wenches.  They  are  ^nc- 
rally  fools  and  cowards ;  which  fome  of  us  fhouTd  be 
too,  but  for  inflammation.    A  good  *  fherris-fack  hath 


'  ftandy  my  good  lord,  in  your  good  report,"]     We  muft 

cither  read,  pray  let  mcftandy  or,  by  a  conftrudlion  fomewhat 
harih,  underflatid  it  thus  :  Gi^ve  me  Uave  to  go^-^and  Jfattd. 
To  Jf and  in  a  report^  referred  to  the  reporter,  is  to  pcriift ;  and 
FalflaF  did  not  aik  the  prince  to  periift  in  his  prefent  opinion. 

Johnson* 

•  ■  /,  in  my  condition^ 

Shall  better /peak  of  you  than  yon  dejer^ue,"]  I  know  not  well 
the  aieaningoCthe  word  condition  in  this  place;  I  believe  it  it 
the  fame  with  temper  of  mind :  I  ihall,  in  my  good  nature, 
ipeak  better  of  you  than  you  merit.     Johnson. 

I  believe  it  means,  /,  in  my  condition^  i.  e.  in  my  place  as  a 
general  ofHcer,  who  otHrht  lo  cepFcfent  things  merely  as  they 
are,  fhall  fpeak  of  you  oetter  than  you  deferve.    Steevens. 

^  —  this  fame  young  fiher^hiooded  hoy  doth  not  lame  me ;  nor  a  nun 
cannot  make  him  laugh ; — ]  FalftafF  fpeaks  here  like  a  veteran 
in  life.  The  young  prince  did  not  love  him,  "and  he  deipaired 
to  gain  his  alFeAion,'  for  he  could  not  make  him  laugh.  Men 
only  become  friends  by  community  of  pleafures.  He  who  can- 
not be  fofrened  into  gaiety  cannot  eafily  be  melted  into  kind- 
ncfs.     Johnson. 

•  Jherris-fflck — ]     This  liqUor  is  mentiooed  in  Tbi 

Ccptain.  by  1^.  amd  Fletcher.    Stesfsns. 

ttWOf 


KING    HENRY    IV.  469 

a  two-fold  operation  in  it.  It  afcends  me  into  the 
brain,  dries  me  there  all  the  foolifh,  and  dull,  and 
crudy  vapours  which  environ  it  •,  makes  it  apprehen- 
five,  quick,  9  forgetive,  full  of  nigible,  fiery,  and 
dcledtable  fhapes ;  which  delivered  over  to  the  voice, 
the  tongue,  which  is  the  birth,  becomes  excellent  wit. 
The  fecond  property  of  your  excellent  fherris  4s,  the 
warming  of  the  blood ;  which  before  cold  and  fettled, 
left  the  liver  white  and  pale  \  which  is  the  badge  of 
pufillanimity  and  cowardice :  but  the  fherris  warms  it, 
and  makes  it  courfe  from  the  inwards  to  the  parts  ex- 
treme. It  illuminateth  the  face,  which,  as  a  beacon, 
gives  warning  to  all  the  reft  of  this  little  kingdom, 
man,  to  arm :  and  then  the  vital  commoners,  and  in- 
land petty  fpirits,  mufter  me  all  to  their  captain,  the 
heart ;  who,  great,  and  puff'd  up  with  this  retinue, 
doth  any  deed  of  courage ;  and  this  valour  comes  of 
ftierris.  So  that  fkill  in  the  weapon  is  nothing  with- 
out fack,  for  that  fets  it  a-work ;  and  Icarnin  5  a  mere 
hoard  of  gold  kept  by  a  devil,  '  till  fack  commences 
it,  and  fets  it  in  aft  and  ufe.  Hereof  comes  it  that 
prince  Harry  is  valiant :  for  the  cold  blood  he  did 
naturally  inherit  of  his  father,  he  hath,  like  lean, 
fteril,  and  bare  land,  manured,  hufbanded,  and  till'd, 
with  excellent  endeavour  of  drinking  good,  and  good 
ftore  of  fertil  fherris,  that  he  is  bcrcrmie  very  hot  and 
valiant.  If  I  had  a  thoufand  fons,  the  lirft  human  prin- 
ciple I  would  teach  them,  fhould  be — to  forfwear  thin 
potations,  and  to  addicl  themlclves  to  fack. 

Enter  Bardolpb. 

How  now,  Bardolph  ? 

Bard.  The  army  is  difcharged  all,  and  gone. 

»  ^...^~^  forget i<vey — ]  F orgei I've  (lom  forge  i  inventive.  Ima- 
ginative.    Johnson. 

*   till  fack  commences  it, — ]     I  believe,  till  facV  aivcs 

it  a  beginning,  brings  it  into  aftion.  The  author  ol  Tb:  Re* 
liifal  would  read  commerces  // .     S  r  e e v i ns • 

G  g  3  Fal 


470    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal  Let  them  go.     Til  through  Gloucefterihirc ; 
and  there  will  I  vifit  mailer  Robert  Shalkw,  cfquirc : 

*  I  have  him  abeady  tempering  between  my  finger 
and  my  thumb,  and  fhortly  will  I  feal  with  him. 
Come  away.  [£x«tftf. 

SCENE    ly. 

^be  palace  at  Weftminfter. 
Enter  king  Henry ^  IVarwick^  Clarence^  and  Gkucefter. 

K.  Henry.  Now,  lords,  if  heaven  doth  give  fuccds- 
fill  end 
To  this  debate  that  bleedeth  at  our  doors. 
We  will  our  youth  lead  on  to  higher  fields. 
And  draw  no  fwords  but  what  are  fanftify'd, 

*  Our  navy  is  addrefs'd,  our  power  coUefted, 
Our  fubftitutes  in  abfence  well  inverted. 
And  every  thing  lies  level  to  our  wifh : 
Only  we  want  a  little  perfonal  ftrength. 
And  paufc  us  till  thefe  rebels,  now  a-foot. 
Come  underneath  the  yoke  of  government, 

fFar.  Both  which  we  doubt  not  but  your  majefty 
Shall  foon  enjoy, 

K  Henry.  Humphrey,  my  fon  of  Glouceftcr, 
.Where  is  the  prince  your  brother  ? 

Glou.  I  thmk  he*s  gone  to  hunt,   my  lord,  at 
Windfor. 

JC.  Henry.  And  how  accompanied  ? 

Glou.  I  do  not  know,  my  lord. 

K'  H^nry.  Is  not  his  brother,  Thomas  of  Clarence, 
with  him  ? 

*  H  <.  /  ka*ve  him  already  temperingy  &c.]     A  very  pleaf^t 
fdJufion  to  the  old  ufc  of  fcaling  with  Toft  wax.     Ware. 

This  cullom  is  likewife  alluded  to  in  Af^  Thing  for  a  fuiif 
l^iffi  a  comedy,  by  Middleton, 

^»  yoi^  muft  temfcr  him  like  wax,  or  he'll  not  feal.'' 

Stebyens, 

•  Our  nayy  is  addr/Js^d^'m^']    i.  e.  Our  navy  U  ready,  pic» 
pjir'd.     So  in  Henry  F. 

Af  m^  for  oMf  m^^h  wc  wp  ^efs'd^^   Stiijybns. 


kl^fG    HENRt    iV.  471 

GJeu.  No>  my  good  lord ;  he  is  in  prcfencc  here. 

Cla.  What  would  my  lord  and  father  ? 

K.  IkHrj.  Nothing  but  well  to  thee,  Thomas  of 
Clarence. 
How  chance  thou  art  not  with  the  prince  thy  brother? 
He  lovel  ti^-,  and  thou  doft  negledt  him,  Thomas ; 
Thou  halt  a  better  place  in  his  affeftion 
Than  all  thy  brothers :  cherifli  it,  my  boy  5 
And  noble  offices  thou  may'ft  effcft 
Of  medkkioti,  after  I  am  dead, ' 
Betwdteft  Wi  greatnefs  and  thy  other  brethren.— - 
Therefore  omit  him  not ;  blunt  not  his  love ; 
Nor  lofe  the  good  advantage  of  his  grace 
By  feeming  cold  or  carelefs  of  his  will. 
For  he  is  gracious,  if  he  be  obferv'd  -, 
He  hath  a  tear  for  pity,  and  a  hand 
Open  as  day  for  melting  charity : 
Yet  notwithftanding,  being  incens'd,  he's  flint ; 
As  3  humorous  as  winter,  and  as  fudden 
As  flaws  4  congealed  in  the  faring  of  day. 
His  temper,  therefore,  muft:  be  well  oblerv'd  :— 
Chide  him  for  faults,  and  do  it  revenendy. 


*  "■         hunnrons  as  auinter, ]     That  is,    changeable  as 

the  weather  of  a  winter's  day.  Drydcn  fays  of  Almanzor,  that 
he  k  humorous  as  wind.     Johnson. 

So  in  Tlfi  SfanijS^  Tragedy y  1607, 

<«  •      be  not  difraay'd  for  what  is  paft, 

"  You  know  that  women  oft  are  humorous,^* 

Again,  in  Cynthia* s  Revels 9  by  Ben  Jonfon, 

f*  A  nyfnph  of «  moft  wandedng  and  giddy  di/poii- 

"  tion,  humorous  as  the  air ,**  &c.     STi.LyEUS, 

♦  congealed  in  the  ff  ring  of  day.]     Alluding  to  the 

opinion  of  fomc  philofophcrs,  that  the  vapours  being  congealed 
in  the  air  by  cold  (which  is  moll  intenfe  towards  the  morning) 
*nd  being  afterwards  rarified  ajad  let  loofe  by  the  warmth  of  the 
fun,  occafion  thofe  fudden  and  impetuous  gufls  of  wind  which 
are  called /«w/.     Warburton. 

So  Ben  Jonfon,  in  The  Cafe  is  altered,  1609, 

**  Still  wrack'd  with  winds  more  foul  and  contrary 
'*  Than  any  northern  guft.  Or  fouthcrn^flaw." 

St££VENS. 

G  g  4  When 


472    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

When  you  perceive  his  blood  inclined  to  mirth : 
But,  being  moody,  give  him  line  and  fcopc 
Till  th:it  his  paflions,  like  a  whale  on  ground^ 
Confound  themfelves  with    working.      Learn   this, 

Thomas, 
And  thou  fhalt  prove  a  fhelter  to  thy  friends  ^ 
A  hoop  of  gold,  to  bind  thy  brothers  in  j 
That  tlie  united  veffel  of  their  blood. 
Mingled  with  venom  of  fuggeftion, 
(As,  force-pcr  force,  the  age  will  pour  it  in) 
Shall  jiever  leak,  though  it  doth  work  as  ftrong 
As  Aconitum,  or  5  raih  gun-powder. 

Cla.  I  Ihall  obferve  him  with  all  care  and  love. 

K.  Henry.  Why  art  thou  not  ^t  Windfor  with  him, 
Thomas  ? 

Cla.  He  is  not  there  to-day ;  he  dines  in  London. 

K.  Henry.  And  how  accompanied  ?  canft  thou  tell 
that? 

Cla.  With  Poins,  and  other  his  continual  followers, 

K.  Henry.  Moft  fubjeft  is  the  fatteft  foil  to  weeds  j 
And.  he,  the  noble  image  of  my  youth. 
Is  overfpread  with  them :  therefore  my  grief 
Stretches  itfclf  beyond  the  hour  of  death. 
The  blood  v/eeps  from  my  heart,  when  I  do  fhapc, 
In  forms  imaginary,  the  unguided  days. 
And  rotten  times,  that  you  fliall  look  upon 
When  I  ^m  (leeping  with  my  anceftors. 
For  when  his  headftrong  riot  hath  no  curb. 
When  rage  and  hot  blood  are  his  counfellors. 
When  means  and  lavifli  manners  meet  together. 
Oh,  with  what  wings  fh:dl  ^  liis  afteftion  fly 
Toward  fronting  peril  and  oppos'd  decay ! 

'  — rcfh  p-un-pciviierJ]    jR^^^  is  quick,  violent,  fuddei^. 

This  repjcfenration  (i  the  prince   is  a.  natural   pidlure  of  a 
young  man  whoie  p;.(riops  are  yet  too  ilrong  for  his  virtues. 

Johnson, 

^  his  afc^iott'^']    His  paflions ;  his  inordinate  dc- 

||rC8,      JOHNSOW, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  473 

War.    My  gracious  lord,  you  look  beyond  him 
quite. 
The  prince  but  ftudies  his  companions 
Like  a  ftrange  tongue :  wherein  to  gain  the  language^ 
*Tis  needful  that  the  moft  immodell  word 
Be  look'd  upon  and  learn'd ;  which  once  attained, 
Yoqi"  highnefs  knows,  comes  to  no  farther  ufe, 
^  But  to  be  known  and  hated.     So,  like  grofs  terms. 
The  prince  will  in  the  perfcftnefs  of  time 
Caft  off  his  followers :  and  their  memory 
Shall  as  a  pattern  or  a  meafure  live. 
By  which  his  grace  muft  mete  the  lives  of  others ; 
Turning  pall  evils  to  advantages. 

K.Henry.  ^'Tis  feldom  when  the  bee  doth  leave 
her  comb 
In  the  dead  carrion.— ^Who's  here  ?  Weftmorland  I 

Enter  Wejlmorland^ 

IVejl.  Health  to  my  fovereign !  and  new  happinel^ 
Added  to  that  which  I  am  to  deliver ! 
Prince  John,  your  fon,  doth  kifs  your  grace's  hand: 
Mowbray,  the  biihop  Scioop,  Haftings,  and  all. 
Are  brought  to  the  correction  of  your  law ; 
There  is  not  now  a  rebel's  fword  unflieath'd. 
But  Peace  puts  forth  fier  olive  every  where. 
The  manner  how  this  aftion  hath  been  borne. 
Here,  at  more  leidire,  may  your  highnefs  read. 
With  every  courfe  ^  in  his  particular. 

K.  Hemjf. 

7  But  to  be  inoivn  and  hated.]     A  parallel  pa/Tage  occurs  im 
Terence, 

**  quo  modo  adolefcentulus 

**  Meretricum  ingenia  et  mores  poflct  nofcerc 
"  Mature  ut  cum  cognorit  perpetuo  oderit." 

Anonymous. 

■  'TV/  /eldom  tvbett  the  hee^  &c.]     As  the  bee,  having  once 

placed  her  comb  in  a  carcafe,  ftays  by  her  honey ;  fo  he  that 

has  once  taken  pleafure  in  bad  company,  will  continue  to  afFo- 

ciate  with  thofe  that  have  the  art  of  pleafing  him.    Johnson. 

9  ■■  .    I     in  his  fartifulfir*']    W^  (hould  read,   I  think,  in 

^hi^ 


476    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

K.  Henry.  Set  me  the  crown  tipon  the  pillow  here, 
Cla.  His  eye  is  hollow,  and  he  changes  much. 
fFar.  Lefs  noife,  lefs  noife. 

[Tbey  convy  the  king  to  an  inner  part  of  the  rom* 

Enter  prince  Henry. 

P.  Henry.  Who  faw  the  duke  of  Clarence  ? 

Cla.  I  am  here,  brother,  full  of  heavinefs. 

P.  Henry.  How  now !  rain  within  doors,  and  none 
abroad ! 
How  doth  the  king? 

Glou.  Exceeding  ill. 

P.  Henry.  Heard  he  the  good  news  yet  ? 
Tell  it  him. 

Glou.  He  altcr'd  much  upon  the  hearing  it. 

P.  Hmry.  If  he  be  fick 
With  joy,  he  will  recover  without  phyfic. 

fFar.  Not  fo  much  noife,  my  lords.     Sweet  prince, 
fpeak  low  -, 
The  king,  your  father,  is  difpos'd  to  fleep. 

Cla.  Let  us  withdraw  into  the  other  room. 

ff^ar.  Wiirt  pleafe  your  grace  to  go  along  with  us  ? 

P.  Henry.  No ;  I  will  fit,  and  watch  here  by  the 
king.  [Exeunt  all  but  prince  Henry. 

Why  doth  the  crown  lie  there  upon  his  pillow. 
Being  fo  troublefome  a  bed-fellow  ? 
O  polifh'd  perturbation  !  golden  care ! 
That  keep'fl:  the  ports  of  flumber  open  wide 
To  many  a  watchful  night !  Sleep  with  it  now!— 
Yet  not  fo  found  and  half  fo  deeply  fweet 
As  he,  wliofe  brow,  with  homely  biggen  bound. 
Snores  out  the  watch  of  night.     O  majefly ! 
When  thou  doft  pinch  thy  bearer,  thou  doft  fit 
Like  a  rich  armour  worn  in  heat  of  day, 
That  fcalds  with  fafety.     By  his  gates  of  breath 
There  lies  a  downy  feather,  which  ftirs  not : 
Pid  he  fufpire,  that,  light  and  weightlefe  down 
Perforce  muft  move. — My  gracious  lord !-  my  fethcr ! 

^Thk 


-r       KING    HENRY    IV.  i^^y; 

— *.Thjs  fleep  is  found,-  indeed ;  this  is  a  fleep 
That  from  *  this  golden  rigol  hath  divorc*d 
So  many  Englilh  Mngs.     Thy  due  from  mc 
Is  tears,  and  heavy  forrows  of  the  blood ; 
Which  nature,  love,  and  filial  tendernefs 
Shall,  O  dear  father,  pay  thee  plenteoufly^ 
My  due  from  thee  is  this  impenal  crown  -, 
Which,  as  immediate  from  thy  place  and  blood. 
Derives  itfelf  to  me.     Lo,  here  it  fits, 

[^Putting  it  on  bis  head^ 
Which  heaven  fliall  guard :  and  put  the  world's  whole 

lirength 
Into  one  giant  arm,  it  fliall  not  force 
This  lineal  honour  from  me.     This  from  thee 
Will  I  to  mine  leave,  as  *tis  left  to  me.  \J^^r 

K.  Henry.  Warwick !  Gloucefter !  Clarence ! 

Enter  Warwick  and  the  reft. 

Cla.  Doth  the  king  call .? 

War.  Whjt  would  your  majefty  ?  How  fares  your 

grace? 
K.  Henry.  Why  did  you  leave  mc  here  alone,  my 

lords? 
Cla.  We  left  the  prince  my  brother  here,  my  liege. 
Who  undertook  to  lit  and  watch  by  you. 

K.  Henry.  The  prince  of  Wales  ?  Where  is  he  ?  let 

me  fee  him. 
War.  Thkdoor  is  open;  he  is  gone  this  way. 
Clou.  He  came  not  through  the  chamber  where  wc 

ftay'd. 
K.  Henry.  Where  is  the  crown  ?  who  took  it  from 

'  my  pillow  ? 
War.  When  we  withdrew,   my  liege,   we  left  it 

here. 

•  — —  this  goUen  n'gci ']     Rigol  means  a  circle.    I  know 

Mot  that  it  is  ufed  by  any  other  author.     Stbb  yens. 

Jl»  Henry* 


478    l^HE    SECOND    PART   OF 

K.  Henry.  The  prince  hath  ta'cn  k  hence :  ga,  fidC 

him  our. 
Is  he  fo  hafty,  that  he  doth  fuppoftfe- 
My  fleep  my  death  ? 

Find  him,  my  ford  of  Warwick,  cRidfe  him  hither. 
This  part  of  his  conjoins  with  my^difeafe. 
And  helps  to  end  me-— Sec,  fons»  what  things  you 

are! 
How  quickly  nature  falls  inta  rtvoh. 
When  gold  becomes  her  objeft ! 
For  this  the  foolifh  over-careful  fadicrs 
Have  broke  their  fleeps  with  thought,  their  brains  widi 

care. 
Their  bones  with  induflxy ; 
For  this  they  hare  engroffed  and  pilM  up 
The  cankered  heaps  or  ftrange-atchievcd  gold  ; 
For  this  they  have  been  thoughtful  to  inveft 
Their  ibns  with  arts  and  mamaFe«rdfes  *. 
When,  like  the  bee,  7  tollingrfrom  every  flower 
The  virtuous  fwcetfi. 
Our  thighs  arc  pack'd  witli  wax,  oiu*  illouths  widi 

honey. 
We  bring  it  to  the  hive  -,  and,  like  the  \x^^ 
Are  murder'd  for  our  p»ns.     This  bitter  tafte 
*  Yield  his  cngroflments  to  the  ending  father. 

Re-enter  Warwick. 

Now,  where  is  he,  that  will  not  ftay  lb  long. 
Till  his  friend,  Sicknefr,  hath  determined  me  ? 
War.  My  lord,.!  found  the  prince  in  the  next  room^ 


^  tdling  from  ewery  flower]     This  fpeech  has  been 

contraftod,  dilated,  and  put  to  every  critical  torture,  in  ohler 
to  force  it  within  the  bounds  of  metre,  and  prevent  the  admif- 
iion  of  hcmifticks.  I  have  reftored  it  without  alteration,  but  with 
thofe  breaks  which  appeared  to  others  as  imperfedions.  The 
reading  of  the  quarto  is  tolliug;.  The  folio  reads  cuiling.  T^li^ 
tag  is  taking  toll.     Stebvsi^s. 

*  2'ieid his  engrofments — ]    His  accumulations.   Johnson. 

2  Walhing; 


KING    HENRY    IV.  473} 

Walhiog  with  kiiufiy  tears  his  gentle  cheeks ; 
With  {uph  a  deep  demeanor  in  great  forrow. 
That  tyranny,  which  never  quaff*d  but  bloodf 
Would  by  beholding  him  have  wafh'd  his  knife 
With  gentle  eye*drops.     He  is  coming  hither. 
K.  Henry.   But  wherefore  did  he  take  away  th€ 
crown  ? 

Enier  frif^cs  Henry. 

Lo,  where  he  comc«.~Come  hither  to  roe,  Harry :— • 
Depart  the  chamber;  lea^  us  here  alone. 

[Exeunt  hrds. 
P.  Henry.  I  never  thou^t  to  hear  you  fpeak.again, 
K.  Henry.  Thy  wifh  was  father,  Harry,   to  that 
thousht : 
I  (lay  too  long  oy  thee,  I  weary  thee. 
Doft  thou  fo  mui^r  for  my  empty  chair. 
That  thou  wilt  needs  inveft  thee  with  mine  honours 
Before- thy  hour  be  ripe?  O  fbolifh  youth!* 
Thou  feek'ft  the  greatnefs  that  will  overwhelm  thee. 
Stay  but  a  little ;  for  my  cloud  of  dignity 
Is  held  from  falling,  with  fo  weak  a  wind. 
That  it  will  quickly  drop  :  my  day  is  dim. 
Thou  haft.  ftoFn  that,  which,  after  fome  few  hours. 
Were  thine  without  offence ;  and  at  my  death 
Thou  haft  ^  feal'd  up  my  expeftation : 
Thy  life  did  manifeft  thou  lov*dft  me  not. 
And  thou  wilt  have  me  die  affur'd  of  it. 
Thou  hid'ft  a  thoufand  daggers  in  thy  thoughts. 
Which  thou  haft  whetted  on  thy  ftony  heart. 
To  ftab  at  '  half  an  hour  of  my  life. 

What! 

•  ■'      «     fi^d  up  my  expt^alion cl    Thoo   haft  confirmed 
ny  opinioiu    Jqhnson. 

*  -; hal/nn  b^urofmy  /i/i.]     It  (hottld  be  remembered 

:hat  Shakefpeare  ufes  the  fame  words  alternately  as  monofylla- 
sits  and  difiylables.  Mr.  Rowe,  whofe  ear  was  accuih>med  to 
iie  utmofl  harmony  of  numbers,  and  who,  at  the  fame  time, 

appcara 


4»o    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

What !  canft  thou  not  forbear  me  half  an  hour  ? 
Then  get  thee  gone,  and  dig  my  grave  thyfelf. 
And  bid  the  merry  bells  ring  to  thine  ear. 
That  thou  art  crowned,  not  that  I  am  dead, 
— Let  all  the  tears  that  (hould  bedew  my  hearie. 
Be  drops  of  balm  to  fan<9:ify  thy  head : 
Only  compound  me  with  forgotten  diift ; 
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, 
Henry  the  Fifth  is  crown'd : — Up,  vanity ! 
Down,  royal  ftate !  All  you  fage  counfellors,  hence! 
And  to  theEnglifh  court  aflemble  now. 
From  every  region,  apes  pf  idlenefe ! 
Now,  neighbour  confines,  purge  you  of  your  fcum : 
Have  you  a  ruffian  that  will  fwear,  drink,  danc^ 
Revel  the  night;  rob,  murder,  and  commit 
The  oldeft  fins  the  neweft  kind  of  ways  ? 
Be  happy,  he  will  trouble  you  no  more : 
*  England  fliall  double  gild  his  treble  guilt ; 

appears  to  have  been  unacquainted  with  the  poet's  manner,  firft 
added  the  v/ord /rail  to  fupply  the  fy liable  which  he  conceived 
to  be  wanting.  The  quarto  writes  the  word  hower.  The  other 
editors  have  followed  Rowe.     St e evens. 

*  England  Jhall  double  gild  bis  treble  guilt ;]  Evidently  the 
nonfenfe  of  fome  foolifti  player:  for  we  maft  make  a  difference 
between  what  Shake^eare  might  be  fuppofed  to  have  written  off 
hand,  and  what  he  had  correded.  Thefe  fcenes  are  of  the  lat- 
ter kind  ;  therefore  fuch  lines  by  no  means  to  be  efteemed  his. 
But  except  Mr.  Pope  (who  judiciou'-y  thr6w  out  this  line)  not 
one  of  Shakefpeare's  editors  feem  ever  to  have  had  fo  reafona- 
ble  and  neceiTary  a  rule  in  their  heads,  when  they  fet  upon  cor- 
redling  this  author.     War  burton. 

I  know  not  why  this  commentator  fhould  fpeak  with  (b  much 
confidence  what  he  cannot  know,  or  determine  fo  pofitively 
what  fo  capricious  a  writer  as  our  poet  might  either  deliberately 
or  wantonly  produce.  This  line  is  indeed  fuch  as  difgraces  a 
few  that  precede  and  follow  it,  but  it  fuits  well  enough  with 
the  daggers  bid  in  tbougbty  and  fwbetted  on  t be  flinty  bearts ;  and 
the  anfwer  which  the  prince  makes,  and  which  is  applauded 
for  wifdom,  is  not  of  a  itrain  much  higher  than  this  ejeded 
line.    JoBNSON. 

England 


KING    HENRY    IV.  481 

England  fhall  give  him  office,  honour,  might ; 
For  the  Fifth  Harry  from  curb'd  licence  plucks 
The  muzzle  of  reftraint,  and  the  wild  dog 
Shall  flelh  his  tooth  on  every  innocent. 

0  my  poor  kingdom,  fick  with  civil  blows ! 
When  that  my  care  could  not  withhold  thy  riots^ 
What  wilt  thou  do  5  when  riot  is  thy  care  ? 

O,  thou  wilt  be  a  wildernefs  again. 
Peopled  with  wolves,  thy  old  inhabitants. 
P.  Henry.  O  pardon  me,  my  liege !   but  for  my 
tears,  [Kneeling* 

The  moift  impediments  unto  my  fpeech, 

1  had  fore-ftaird  this  dear  and  deep  rebuke. 
Ere  you  with  grief  had  fpoke,  and  I  had  heard 
The  courfe  of  it  fo  fan     There  is  your  crown  ^ 
And  He  that  wears  the  crown  immortally. 
Long  guard  it  yours !  If  I  affcdt  it  more 
Than  as  your  honour  and  as  your  renown, 

♦  Let  me  no  more  from  this  obedience  rife ; 
Which  my  mofl  5  true  and  inward-duteous  fpirit 
Teacheth  this  proflrate  and  exterior  bending ! 
Heaven  witnefs  with  me,  when  I  here  came  in. 
And  found  no  courfe  of  breath  within  your  majefty. 
How  cold  it  flruck  my  heart !  If  I  do  feign, 
O  let  me  in  my  prefent  wildnefs  die. 
And  never  live  to  fhew  the  incredulous  world 
The  noble  change  that  I  have  purpofed ! 
Coming,  to  look  on  you,  thinking  you  dead, 
(And  dead  almoft,.  my  liege,  to  think  you  were) 


'  r^nvhen  riot  is   thy   care?]    i.e.    Curator,     A  bold 

figure.     So  Eumxus  is  filled  by  Ovid,  Epift  i. 

**  — —  immundae  cura  fidelis  harx."     T.  T. 

♦  Let  me  no  more.  Sec]  This  is  obfcure  in  the  conftruftion, 
though  the  general  meaning  is  clear  enough.  The  order  is, 
tkis  oheelience  nuhicb  is  taught  this  exterior  bending  by  my  duteous 
fpirit ;  or,  this  obedience  'which  teaches  this  exterior  bending  to  mty 
inwardly  duteous  /pirit.     I  know  not  which  is  right. 

JOHIISON* 

*  /ryr--']    Is  loyal.     Johnson. 

Vol.  V.  H  h  I  fpak* 


j^H     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

I  fpake  unto  the  crovm,  as  having  (eftfei 

And  dius  upbraided  it :  ^'  The  care  Wi  thM  depend* 

**  ing 
"  Hath  fed  upon  the  body  of  my  fiidier; 
"  Therefbrethoubcftofgoldart  worftof  gold: 
*'  Other,  lefe  fine  in  carra€,  is  more  precious^ 
*'  Preferving  life  •  in  med'dne  pbtable : 
"  But  thou,  moft  fine,  moft  honour'd^  ihdft  renown'd, 
"  Haft  eat  thy  bearer  up.'*    Thtts^  my  moft  royal 

liege, 
Accufing  it,  I  put  it  on  my  head ; 
To  try  with  it,  as  widi  an  enemy 
That  had  before  my  face  murder'd  my  father. 
The  Quarrel  of  a  true  inheritor. 
But  ii  it  did  infe£l  my  blood  with  joy* 
Or  fwell  my  thou^ts  to  any  ftraia  of  pridfci 
If  any  rebel  or  vain  Ipirit  or  mine 
Did,  with  die  ieaft  afiedtion  of  a  wetcome^ 
Give  entertainment  to  the  miditt^  it ; 
Let  heaven  for  ever  keep  it  nom  my  head. 
And  make  me  as  the  pooreft  vaflal  is. 
That  doth  with  awe  and  terror  kned  to  it ! 

K.  Henry.  O  my  fon ! 
Heaven  put  it  in  diy  mind  to  take  ic  henoe, 
Th^t  thou  might*ft  win  the  more  thy  father's  love. 
Pleading  fo  wifely  in  excufe  of  it. 
Come  hither,  Hany,  fit  thou  by  my  bed  ( 
And  hear,  I  think,  the  very  lateft  counfel 
That  ever  I  fhall  breathe.    Heaven  know^  my  fon. 
By  what  by-paths  and  indireft  crook'd  ways 
I  met  this  crown ;  and  I  myfelf  know  well 
How  troublefome  it  fat  upon  my  head. 
To  thee  it  (hall  dcfcend  with  better  quiet. 


*  in  meJ\ine  potable .-]    There  his  long  prerailed  la 

opinion  that  a  folution  of  gold  has  great  medkinal  virtaes,  wtA 
that  incorruptibility  of  gold  might  be  commanicated  to  the 
bodv  impregnated  with  it.  Some  have  pretended  to  make  /»- 
tabli  gold  among  other  frtods  pm&im  Oa  credolity. 

JOHMSOII. 

Better 


KING    HENRY    IV.  483 

Better  opinion,  bettef  confirmation ; 

For  all  the  ^  foil  of  the  atchievement  goes 

With  me  into  the  earth.     It  feem'd  in  me 

But  as  an  honour  fnatch'd  with  boifterous  liand. 

And  I  had  many  living,  to  upbraid 

My  gain  of  it  by  their  affiftances ; 

Which  daily  grew  to  quarrel,  and  to  blood-fhcd, 

^  Wounding  fupjtofed  peace.     9  AH  thefe  bold  fear« 

Thou  feell  with  peril  I  have  anfwered  5 

For  all  my  reign  hath  been  but  as  a  fcene 

Afting  that  argument  -,  and  now  my  death 

'  Changes  the  mode :  for  what  in  me  was  purchased. 

Falls  upon  thee  in  a  more  fairer  fort. 

So  thou  the  garland  wear*ft  *  fucceffively. 

Yet,  though  thou  ftand'ft  more  fure  than  I  could  do^ 

Thou  art  not  firm  enough,  fmce  griefs  arc  green  5 

And  all  thy  friends,  which  thou  muft  make  thy  friends^ 

Have  but  their  ftings  and  teeth  newly  ta*en  out. 

By  whofe  fell  working  I  was  firft  aavancy, 

Ajid  by  whofe  power  I  well  ;night  lodge  a  fear 

^  >//— ]    Is  fpot,  dirt,  turpitude,  reproach. 

Johnson* 
^  Wounding fuppofid feaee.'\     Suppo/ed  for  undermined. 

WARBtJRTON. 

"B^z^tT  counterfeited^  immgined^  not  real.     Johnson, 

»  ' Jll  tbefe  hold  fear  s\     We  (hould  certainly  read, 

'        All  tlieir  hold  feats, 
1.  c.  Plots,  commotions  of  con rpirators.     Warburton. 

There  is  no  need  of  alteration.     Fear  i$  here  ufed  in  the 
aftive  fenie,  for  that  which  caufes  fear.     Johnson. 

'  Chetnget  the  mode : — ]   Mode^  here,  does  not  fignify  fafhioni^ 
.  but  time  and  meafure  in  iinging,  or  the  pitch  in  (peaking : 
Modus 9  a  word  peculiar  to  the  ancient  drama :   for  the  meta- 
phor is  continued  from  the  words  immediately  preceding, 
— — — —  as  a  fcene 
ABing  that  argument^^-^    Warburton. 
Mode  is  here,  in  its  ufual  fenfe,  the  form  or  ftate  of  things. 
Nothing  is  more  eafy  than  to  make  obfcurities  and  clear  them. 

Johnson. 
•  — —  yjoT^-vf^.]    To  order  of  fucceffion.    Every  ufurpcr 
fnttches  a  claim  of  hereditary  right  as  foon  at  be  can. 

Johnson. 

H  h  2  To 


484     THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

To  be  again  difplac*d  :  which  to  avoid 

I  cut  them  off;  and  had  a  purpofe  now 

3  To  lead  out  many  to  the  Holy  Land ; 

Left  reft,  and  lying  ftill,  nntfght  make  them  look 

Too  near  into  my  ftate.     Therefore,  my  Harry, 

Be  it  thy  cpurfe  to  bufy  giddy  minds 

With  foreign  quarrels  ;  that  adion,  hence,  borne  out, 

May  wafte  the  memory  of  the  former  days. 

More  would  I,  but  my  lungs  are  wafted  fo. 

That  ftrength  of  fpeech  is  utterly  deny'd  me. 

4-  How  I  came  by  the  crown,  O  God,  forgive ! 

And  grant  it  may  with  thee  in  true  peace  live ! 

P.  Henry.  My  gracious  liege. 
You  won  it,  wore  it,  kept  it,  gave  it  me ; 
Then  plain  and  right  muft  my  poffeflion  be : 
Which  I,  with  more  than  with  a  common  pain, 
'Gainft  all  the  world  will  rightfully  maintain. 

Enter  lord  John  of  Lancafter^  Warwick^  6?^. 

K.  Henry.    Look,  look,  here  comes  my  John  of 

Lancafter. 
Lan.  Health,  peace,  and  Kappinefs  to  my  royal 

father ! 
K.  Henry.  Thou  bring'ft  me  happinefs  and  peace, 

fon  John ; 
But  health,  alack,  with  youthful  wings  is  flown 

3  To  lead  out  many  to  the  Hofy  Land\]  As  plaufible  as  this 
reading  i^  it  is  corrupt.     Shakcfpearc,  I  think,  wrote. 

To  lead  our  manji — our  many  or  meiny,  i.  c.  Our  people. 

WARBUB.rOK. 

As  plaufible  as  this  emendation  is,  I  think  it  wrong.  The 
fenfe  is :  Oftbofi  who  ajjifttd  my  ufurpaiion^  fome  /  bavt  cut  off^ 
and  mmy  I  intended  to  lead  abroad.  This  journey  to  the  Holy 
Land,  of  which  the  king  very  frequently  revives  the  mention, 
had  two  motiFes,  religion  and  policy.  He  durft  not  wear  the 
iil-gotten  crown  without  expiation,  but  in  the  ad  of  expiation 
he  contrives  to  make  his  wickcdncfs  fuccefsful.     Johnson. 

^  Havi  I  camt^  &c.]  This  is  a  true  pidure  of  a  mind  di- 
vided between  heaven  and  earth.  He  prays  for  the  profperity 
#i  guilt  while  he  deprecates  iu  poniihment.    Johnson. 

From 


KING    HENRY    IV.  485 

From  this  bare,  withcr'd  trunk.    Upon  thy  fight 
My  worldly  bufincfs  makes  a  period. 
Where  is  my  lord  of  Warwick  ? 

P.  Henry.  My  lord  of  Warwick ! 

K.  Henry.  Doth  any  name  particular  belong 
Unto  the  lodging  where  I  firft  did  fwoon  ? 

War.  *Tis  called  Jerufalem,  my  noble  lord. 

K.  Henry.  Laud  be  to  God !  even  there  my  life 
muft  end. 
It  hath  been  prophefy*d  to  me  many  years, 
I  (hould  not  die  but  in  Jerufalem  -, 
Which  vainly  I  fuppos'd  the  Holy  Land  : — 
But  bear  me  to  that  chamber ;  there  TU  lie : 
In  that  Jerufalem  IhaU  Harry  die.  {Exeunt. 


ACT     V.     SCENE     L 

Shallow's  feat  in  Glo'JlerJhire. 

Enter  Shallow j  Silence^  Faljlaffy  Bardolphy  and  Page. 

Shallow. 

*  TJY  cock  and  pye.  Sir,  you  IhaU  not  away  to- 

Jl3  ^ight. 

What !  Davy,  I  fay! 

Fal.  You  muft  excufe  me,  mafter  Robert  Shallow. 

Shal 

'  By  cock  and  pye  ^ — ]  This  adjuration,  which  feems  to  have 
been  very  popular,  is  ufed  in  Soliman  and  Ferfeda^  ^599*  ^* 
well  as  by  Shakcfpeare  in  The  Merry  Wives  of  Wind/or.  Ophe- 
lia likewife  fays, 

"  By  cock  they  are  to  blame." 

Cock  is  only  a  corruption  of  the  Sacred  Name,  as  appears  from 
many  paflages  in  the  old  interludes.  Gammer  Gurton*s  Needle^ 
&c.  viz.  Cocks'boneSi  cocks-nvoundj^  by  cock*s  motberf  and  fome 
others.  The//>  is  a  table  or  rule  in  the  old  Roman  offices, 
H  h  3  ibewing. 


486    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Shal.  *  I  will  not  excufe  you ;  you  fliall  not  bcex- 
cufed ;  excufes  fhall  not  be  admitted;  there  is  no 
excufe  (hall  ferve  j  you  fhall  not  be  exct^d.  Why, 
Davy ! 

Enter  Davy. 

Davy.  Here,  Sir. 

Shal.  Davy,  Davy,  Davy ;  let  me  fe^  Davy;  kt 
me  fee :  —  yea,  marry,  William  cook,  bid  him  come, 
hither. — Sir  John,  you  (hall  not  be  excus'd. 

Davy.  Marry,  Sir,  thus : — s  Thofc  precepts  cannot 
be  ferv*d :  and,  again,  Sir  —  Shall  we  fow  the  head- 
land with  wheat  ? 

Shal.  With  red  wheat,  Davy.  But,  for  William 
cook : Are  there  no  young  pigeons  ? 

ihcwing,  in  a  technical  way,  how  to  find  out  the  fervicc  which 
is  to  be  read  upon  each  day.  What  was  called  The  Pic  by  the 
clerjry  before  the  Reformation,  was  caUed  by  the  Greeks  n*?*^, 
or  the  index.  Though  the  word  ntwf  fignifica  a  plank  in  its 
original,  yet  in  its  metaphorical  fenfe  it  fign:fies  «•««€  if«»yf*t'«^^» 
a  painted  table  or  pidure;  and  becaufe  indexes  or  tables  of 
books  were  formed  into  iquare  figures,  refembling  pictures  or 
painter's  tables  hung  up  in  a  frame,  thefe  likewife  were  called 
n«wv(,  or,  being  marked  only  with  ihe  firii  letter  of  the  word, 
n/i  or  Pief,  Ail  other  derivations  of  the  word  arc  manifeftty 
erroneous. 

In  a  fecond  preface  Concermn?  the  Service  of  the  Churchy  pre- 
fixed to  the  Common  Prayer,  this  table  is  mentioned  as  follovs, 
—  '<  Moreover,  the  number  and  hardnefs  of  the  rules  called 
**  the  Pie,  and  the  manifold  changes,'*  &c.     Da.  Ridlet« 

A  printing  letter  of  a  particular  iize  called  the  pica^  was  pro- 
bably denominated  from  the  fie,  as  the  bre^itr  from  the  hrtvi" 
fify^  and  the  primer  from  the  primer,     Steevbns. 

*  / 14/7/  /lot  excufe you^  &c.]  The  fterility  of  judice  Shallow's 
wit  is  admirably  defcribed,  in  thus  making  him,  by^  one  of  she 
fined  ftrokes  of  nature,  fo  often  vary  his  phrafe,  to  expreis  ono 
and  the  fame  thing,  and  that  the  commoneft«    Warburtov. 

*  '  Thofe  precepts  cannot  iejirv'ii.*'^]  Precjft  is  a  juf» 
tice's  warrant.  To  the  offices  whick  FalftafF  gives  Davy  in  the 
following  (bene,  may  be  added  that  of  ju&ice's  clerk.  Davy 
has  almoft  4s  many  em^yments  4«  $cn)b  in  Tbe^ratagtm. 

JOUHSOS. 


KIWC    HENRY    IV.  48;r^ 

Davf.  Ye^  Sir.*«Mjjeit  is  now  the  fmith's  aote 
for  fhoring  and  plow-irons. 

Sbal.  Let  it  be  caft  tnd  paid.«i«-^-«Sir  John^  you  fhall 
not  be  eaccuiU  [G^es  to  the  cibirjide  ^  thiftage. 

J)av^  Now,  Sir,  anew  link  to  the  bucket  muft 
needs  be  had. — And,  Sir,  do  you  mean  to  flop  any  of 
William's  wages  about  the  fack  he  k>ft  the  cdier  day 
at  Hinckly  fair  ? 

Sbal.  He  (hall  anfwer  it.  ^-*  Socvit  pigeons,  Davy ; 
a  coupk  q£  fhort-lcgg'd  hens;  a  joint  of  mutton; 
and  any  pretty  little  tiny  kickfliaws  :  -^  tell  William 

Davy.  Doth  the  man  of  war  ftay  all  night.  Sir  ? 

Shak  Yes,  Davy.  I  will  ufe  him  well.  A  friend 
i*  the  court  is  better  than  a  penny  in  purfe.  Ufe  hit 
men  well,  Davy ;  for  they  are  arrant  knaves,  and  will 
backbite. 

Dofvy.  Noworfc  than  they  are  back-bitten.  Sir; 
for  they  have  marvellous  foul  Imen. 

Sbal.  Well  conceited,  Davy.  About  thy  bufinefs, 
Davy. 

Ba^.  I  befeech  you.  Sir,  to  countenance  William 
Vifor  of  Woncot  againft  Clement  Perkes  of  the  Hill. 

Sbal.  There  are  many  complaints,  Davy,  againft 
that  Vifor;  that  Vifor  is  an  arrant  knave  on  my 
knowledge. 

Davy.  I  grant  your  worlhip,  that  he  is  a  knave. 
Sir ;  but  yet,  God  forbid.  Sir,  but  a  knave  fhould 
have  fome  countenance  at  his  friend's  requeft.  An 
honeft  man.  Sir,  is  able  to  fpeak  for  himfelf,  when  a 
knave  is  not.  I  have  ferv'd  your  worfliip  truly.  Sir, 
thefe  eight  years  •,  and  if  I  cannot  once  or  twice  in  a 
quarter  bear  out  a  knave  againft  an  honeft  man,  I  have 
but  very  little  credit  with  your  worfhip.  The  knave 
is  mine  honeft  friend.  Sir ;  therefore,  I  befcech  your 
worihip,  let  him  be  countenanced. 

SbaL  Go  to ;  I  fay,  he  fhall  have  no  wrongs  Look 
about,  Davy.    Where  are  you.  Sir  John  ?  Come,  ofiF 

H  h  4  with 


488    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

with  your  boots.     Give  me  your  hand,  mailer  Bar- 

dolph. 

Bard.  I  am  glad  to  fee  your  worfhip. 

SbaL  I  thank  thee  with  all  my  heart,  kind  mailer 
Bardolph.  And  welcome,  my  tall  fellow  [to  the  Page\ 
Come,  Sir  John. 

Fal.  rU  follow  you,  good  maftcr  Robert  Shallow. 
[Exeunt  Shallow^  Silence^  &c.     Bardolph,  look  to  our 

horfes. If  I  were  faw'd  into  quantities,  I  (hould 

make  four  dozen  of  fuch  +  bearded  hermit's-ftayes  as 
mailer  Shallow.  It  is  a  wonderful  thing  to  fee  the 
femblable  coherence  of  his  mens'  fpirits  and  his: 
they,  by  obferving  of  him,  do  bear  dicmfelves  like 
fooliih  juftices;  he,  by  converfing  with  them,  is 
turn*d  into  a  juftice-like  ferving-man.  Their  fpirits 
are  fo  married  in  conjundion,  with  the  participation 
of  fociety,  that  they  flock  together  in  confcnt,  like 
fo  many  wild-gecfe.  If  I  had  a  fuit  to  matter  Shallow, 
I  would  humour  his  men  with  the  imputation  of  be^ 
ing  near  their  matter  :  if  to  his  men,  I  would  curry 
with  matter  Shallow,  that  no  man  could  better  comr 
mand  his  fervants.  It  is  certain,  that  either  wife 
bearing,  or  ignorant  carriage,  is  caught,  as  men  take 
difeafes,  one  of  another :  therefore  let  men  take  heed 
pf  their  compiiny.  I  will  devife  matter  enough  out 
of  this  Shallow  to  keep  prince  Harry  io  continual 
laughter  die  wearing  out  of  fix  falhions,  (which  is 
four  terms  or  s  two  aftions)  and  he  fh^ll  laugh  with- 
out intervallums.  O,  it  is  much  that  a  lie  with  a 
flight  oath,  and  a  jeft  with  a  fad  brow,  will  do  with 
fl  ^  fellow  that  never  had  the  ache  in  his  fhoulders ! 

O,  you 

^  *  ■    ' .  '  ■   bear  Jed  birmit*  s-ftaves'^T^']     He  had  before  called 
)4ni  tl^c  flarved  juilice.     His  want  of  fleih  is  a  ftanding  jell. 

JOHNSOK. 

I  t  >■■  ■  i^wQ  aSiions)'^']  There  is  fomething  humorous  in 
making  a  fpendthrift  compute  time  by  the  operation  of  an  aftion 
fpr^^bt.     Johnson. 

•  ■a,u"ii.j  ^ello<w  that  nev^  ba4  thf  a^bf'^']  That  is,  a  young 


KING    HENRY    IV.  489 

O,  yoy  ihall  fee  him  laugh  till  his  face  be  like  a  wet 
cloak  ill  laid  up. 

Sbal.  [within]  Sh-John^ — — 
.  Fd.  I  come,  maftcr  Shallow  5  I  come,  matter  Shal- 
low. {ExitFalftaff. 

S  C  E  N  E    II. 

^be  court  J  in  London. 
Enter  the  earl  of  Warwick  and  the  lord  Chief  Juftice. 

War.  How  now,  my  lord  Chief  Juftice  ?  whither 
away? 

Ch.  Juft.  How  doth  the  king  ? 

War.  Exceeding  well ;  his  cares  are  now  all  ended. 

Cb.  Juji.  I  hope  hot  dead  ? 

War.  He's  walked  the  way  of  nature ; 
And,  to  our  purpofes,  he  lives  no  more. 

Ch.  JuJl.  I  would  his  majefty  had  called  me  with 
him : 
The  fervice  that  I  truly  'did  his  life 
Hath  left  me  open  to  all  injuries^ 

War.  Indeed,  I  think,  the  young  king  loves  you 
not. 

Cb.  Jufi.  I  know  he  doth  not ;  and  do  arm  myfclf 
To  welcome  the  condition  of  the  time ; 
Which  cannot  look  more  hideoufly  on  me 
Than  I  have  drawn  it  in  my  fantafy. 

Enter  lord  John  of  Lancajlery  Ghucefterj  and  Clarence. 

War.  Here  come  the  heavy  iffue  of  dead  Harry. 
O,  that  the  living  Harry  had  the  temper 
Of  him,  the  worft  of  thefe  three  gentlemen. 
How  many  nobles  then  fhould  hold  their  places. 
That  muft  ftrike  fail  to  fpirits  of  vile  fort ! 

fellow,   one  whofe  difpofition   to  merrimejQt   time  and  pain 
>^yp  poi  yet  impaired,    JouK90Nf 

^  Cb.Juft. 


'49*    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Ck  Jufi.  Akisl  i  fear  aO  will  beovotumU 

Lan.  Good  morrow,  coufin  Wamwck. 

Gbu.  Cla.  Good  morrow,  coufliu 

Lan.  We  meet  like  men  that  had  fof^got  to  Jpaak. 

War.  We  do  remember  ^  but  our  argument 
Is  all  too  heavy  to  admit  much  talk. 

Lan.  Well,  peace  be  with  him  that  hath  made  us 
heavy! 

Ch.  Jufi.  Peace  be  widi  us,  left  we  be  heavier ! 

CUm.  0»  good  my  lord,  you  have  loft  a  friend,  in- 
deed : 
And  I  dare  fwetr  you  borrow  not  that  face 
Of  feeming  forrow-,  it  Is,  fure,  your  own, 

Lan.  Though  no  man  be  aiSur'd  what  grace  to 
find. 
You  ftand  in  coldeft  expedation : 
I  am  the  forrier  j  Vould  *twcre  otherwiie. 

Cla.  Well,  you  muft  now  fpeak  Sir  John  Falftaff 
fair. 
Which  fwims  againft  your  ftream  of  quality. 

Ch.  Jufi.  Sweet  princes,  what  I  did,  I  did  in  ho- 
nour, 
]Led  by  the  impartial  conduA  of  my  Ibul  \ 
And  never  fhall  you  fee,  that  I  will  beg 
7  A  ragged  and  foreftall'd  remi(Bon« 
If  truth  and  upright  innocency  fail  nne^ 

^  ^  ^^ggf^  oni  firtffMll^J  rmijl§n%'\  Ri^gid  has  no  fcnfe 
here.     We  ihould  read, 

J  rated  amdfwifialVd  Tem\Jli—. 
!.  e.  A  remiifion  that  maft  b«  fcught  fbr»  and  bought  widi  ftp* 
plication.     Warbvrton. 

DiflVrcnt  minds  have  different  perplexities,  I  am  more  puz- 
zled with /^r^^^/V  than  with  ratted  I  for  n^gid^  inotiraa« 
thor's  licentious  didkiop,  may  eiuiiy  fignify  beggadyy  mrM» 
bafe,  ignominious ;  hm/or^^aU*d  1  know  not  how  to  apply  to 
remijjion  in  any  ftnfe  primitive  or  figurative.  I  (hould  be  glad 
of  another  word,  but  cannot  find  it.  Perhaps  hy  firifiJtVd  tt- 
mifiion,  he  may  mean  a  pardon  begged  by  a  voluntary  confef* 
Aon  of  oQtucfy  and  aaiidpadoa  ofusr  chaigov    Jaimsoa. 

m 


KING    HENRY    IV,  491 

rU  to  the  king  my  maftcr  that  is  dead^ 
And  tell  him  who  hath  fent  me  after  him. 
U^ar.  Here  comes  the  prince. 

Enter  prince  Henry. 

Cb.  Juft.  Heaven  lave  your  majefly! 

K.  Henry.  This  new  and  gprgeous  garment,  map 
jefty. 
Sits  not  fo  caly  on  me  as  you  think. 
Brothers,  you  mix  your  fadnefs  with  fome  fear  \ 
This  is  the  Englifli,  *  not  the  Turkilh  court  i 
Not  Amurath  an  Amurath  fucceeds. 
But  Harry,  Harry.     Yet  be  fad,  good  brothers. 
For,  to  fpeak  truth,  it  very  well  becomes  you : 
Sorrow  fo  royally  in  you  appears. 
That  I  will  deeply  put  the  rafhion  on. 
And  wear  it  in  my  heart     Why  then,  be  fad  \ 
But  entertain  no  more  of  it,  good  brothers. 
Than  a  joint  burthen  laid  upon  us  all. 
For  me,  by  heaven,  I  bid  you  be  affur'd 
I'll  be  your  father  and  your  brother  too  -, 
Let  me  but  bear  your  love,  FU  bear  your  cares. 
Yet  weep  that  Harry's  dead ;  and  fo  will  I : 
But  Harry  lives,  that  fhall  convert  thofe  tcai-s, 
By  number,  into  hours  of  happinefs. 

Lan.  6f r.  We  hope  no  other  from  your  majefty. 

K.  Henry.  You  all  look  ftrangely  on  me ;  and  you 
moft:  \X0tbeCb.Juf. 

You  are,  I  think,  affurM  I  love  you  not 

Cb.  Juft.  I  am  affur'd,  if  I  be  meafur*d  rightly. 
Your  majefty  hath  no  juft  caufe  to  hate  me. 

K.  Henry.  No!  How  might  a  prince  of  my  great 
hopes  forget 
So  great  indignities  you  laid  upon  me  ? 

•  • Hdt  ihi  Twrkijh  c$urt  \\    Not  the  court  where  the 

prince  that  moaati  the  throve  puta  his  brothers  to  death. 

Johnson. 

What! 


A    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

• 

What !  rate,  rebuke,  and  roughly  fend  to  prifon 
The  immediate  heir  of  Englami !  *  Was  this  cafy  ? 
May  this  be  wafli*d  in.  Lethe  and  forgotten  ? 

Cb.  Jujl.  I  then  did  ufe  the  perfon  of  your  father; 
The  image  of  his  power  lay  then  in  me : 
And  in  the  adminiftration  of  his  law, 
While  I  was  bufy  for  the  commonwealth. 
Your  highnefs  pleafed  to  forget  my  place. 
The  majefly  and  power  of  law  and  juftice. 
The  image  of  the  king  whom  I  prefented. 
And  ftruck  me  in  my  very  feat  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  fon  fet  your  decrees  at  nought ; 
To  pluck  down  juftice  from  your  awful  bench ; 

*  To  trip  the  courfe  of  law,  and  blunt  the  fword 
That  guards  the  peace  and  fafety  of  your  perfon : 
Nay,  more :  t6  Ipurn  at  your  moft  royal  image, 

*  And  mock  your  workings  in  a  fecond  body, 
Queftion  your  royal  thoughts  •,  make  the  cafe  yours; 

.  Be  new  the  father,  and  propofe  a  fon : 
Hear  your  own  dignity  to  much  profan'd. 
See  your  moft  dreadful  laws  fo  loofely  (Hghted^ 
Behold  yourfelf  fo  by  a  fon  difdain*d ; 
And  then  imagine  me  taking  your  part. 
And  in  your  power  fo  filenclng  your  fon. 
After  this  cold  confiderance,  tentence  me ; 
And,  as  you  are  a  king,  fpeak  3  in  your  ftatc 

9  Was  this  eafy  /*]  That  is.  Was  this  not  grievous  ?  Shake- 
fpearc  has  eafy  in  this  fenfe  elfcwhcrc.     Johnson. 

'  To  trip  the  courfe  of  lawo^ — ]  To  defeat  the  proccfs  of  juf- 
tice ;  a  metaphor  taken  from  t^ie  a6i  of  tripping  a  runner. 

Johnson. 

*  To  mock  your  lAjor kings  in  a  fecond  Icdy,"}  To  treat  with  con- 
tempt yjbur  afts  executed  by  a  reprefcntative.     Joh  nson. 

3  ■  in  your  Jf ate,}  In  your  regal  charader  and  office, 
not  with  the  pafTion  of  a  man  intereHed,  but  with  the  impar- 
tiality of  a  leeiflator.    Johnson. 

What 


KING    HENRY    ly.  j  ^2 

"What  I  have  done  that  mifbecame  my  place. 
My  perfon,  or  my  liege's  fovereignty. 

K.  Henry.  You  are  right,  Juftice,  and  you  weigh 
this  well ; 
Therefore  ftill  bear  the  balance  and  the  fword: 
And  I  do  wifh  your  honours  may  increafe 
Till  you  do  live  to  fee  a  fon  of  mine 
Offend  you,  and  obey  you,  as  I  did. 
So  fhall  I  live  to  fpeak  my  father's  words  ;— 
*'  Happy  am  I,  that  have  a  man  fo  bold 
*'  That  dares  do  juftice  on  my  proper  fon ; 
"  And  no  lefs  happy,  having  fuch  a  fon, 
"  That  would  deliver  up  his  greatnels  fo 
*'  Into  the  hand  of  juftice." — +  You  did  commit  me  5 
For  which  I  do  commit  into  your  hand 
The  unftained  fword  that  you  have  us*d  to  bear ; 
With  this  5  remembrance,  that  you  ufe  the  fame 
With  a  like  bold,  juft,  and  impartial  fpirit 
As  you  have  done  'gainft  me.     There  is  my  hand ; 
You  ftiall  be  as  a  father  to  my  youth. 
My  voice  Ihall  found  as  you  do  prompt  mine  ear ; 
And  I  will  ftoop  and  humble  my  intents 

To  your  well-praftis'd,  wife  direftions. 

And,  princes  all,  believe  nie,  I  befeech  you ; 
^  My  father  is  gone  wild  into  his  grave. 
For  in  his  tomb  lie  my  afFedions ; 
And  with  his  fpirit  ^  fadly  I  furvive. 
To  mock  the  expeftations  of  the  world ; 

♦  — —  Tou  did  commit  mey  &c.]  So  in  the  play  on  this  fubjcfl, 
antecedent  to  that  of  Shakefpeare,  Henry  V, 

*«  You  fent  me  to  theFldet;  and,  for  revengement, 
"  I  have  chofen  you  to  be"  the  protestor 
"  Over  my  realm."     Steevens. 
5  remembrance, — ]     That  is,  admonition.  Johnson. 

*  My  father  is  gone  <wild — ]  Mr.  Pope,  by  fubftituting*rv«/7V 
for  ivild^  without  fufficient  confideration,  afforded  Mr.  Theo- 
bald much  matter  or  oftentatious  triumph.     Johnson. 

7  fadly  Ifttr'vi'vey]     Sadly  is  the  fame  as  fobcrly,  fc- 

rioufly,  gravply.     5^^ is oppofed  to  wild.     Johnson. 

2  To 


494    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

To  fruftrate  prophecies,  and  to  raze  out 
Rotten  opinion,  which  hath  writ  me  down 
After  my  fecming.    The  ride  of  blood  in  mt 
Hath  proudly  flow'd  in  vanity,  till  now : 
Now  doth  it  turn,  and  d3b  bade  to  the  fea. 
Where  it  (hall  mingle  with  ^  the  ftate  of  floods, 
And  flow  henceforth  in  fimnal  mi^efty. 
Now  call  we  our  high  court  of  parliament : 
And  let  us  chooie  fuch  limbs  or  noble  counfelt 
That  the  great  body  of  our  ftate  may  go 
In  equal  rank  with  the  beft  govem'd  narion  % 
That  war,  or  peace,  or  both  at  once,  nuy  be 
As  things  acquainted  and  familiar  to  us ;  ■ 
In  which  you,  father,  (hall  have  foremoft  hand.— — « 

[TsibelordCbiefyufHa. 
Our  coronation  done,  we  will  acdte. 
As  I  before  remember'd,  all  our  ftate. 
And  (heaven  configning  to  my  good  intents) 
No  prince,  nor  peer,  fhall  havejuft  caufe  to  fay. 
Heaven  fhorten  Harry's  happy  Inc  one  day,   ^Exeunt* 

SCENE    III. 
SbaUow^sfeat  in  GUmcejterfhiri. 

Enter  Faljiaffy  Shadow^  Silence,  Bardolpb,  ibePage, 
and  Davy, 

Sbal  Nay,  you  (hall  fee  mine  orchard ;  where,  in 
an  arbour,  we  will  cat  a  laft  year's  pippb  of  my  own 

'  7^ Mf/#//  9ffi9$dt;\    1. 1.  The  aflembly,  or  general 

meeting  of  the  floods :  for  all  rivers,  running  to  the  fca,  arc 
there  reprefcnted  as  holding  their  feffion*.  TWs  thought  natu- 
lally  introduced  the  following, 

A^fw  call  ive  9ur  high  court  ofpmrliamemi. 
But  the  Oxford  Editor,  much  a  ftranger  to  the  phniieology  of 
that  time  in  general,  and  to  his  author's  in  particular,  out  of 
~-  lofs  for  his  meaning,  reads  it  backwards,  thtftwds  rfjtatt. 

Warburto*. 

gntffiqg^ 


KING    H  E  N  R  Y    TV. 


495 


gaffing,  with  ^  a  difli  of  carraways,  and  Co  forth.— 
Come,  coufm  Silence — and  then  to  bed. 

Fal.  You  have  here  a  goodly  dwelling,  andariclu 

Sbal.  Barren,  barren,  barren.  Beggars  all,  beggars 
all,  Sir  John.  Marry,  good  air.  Spread,  Davy,  fprcad 
Davy ;  wdl  faid,  Davy. 

FaL  This  Davy  ferves  you  for  good  ufes ;  he  is 
your  fervingman,  and  your  hufbandman. 

SbaL  A  good  varlet,  a  good  vadet,  a  very  good 
tvarlet.  Sir  John.— By  the  mafs,  I  have  drank  too 
much  fack  «t  fuppcr/  A  good  varlet,  Now  fit 
down,  now  fit  down  :  come,  coufin, 

5/7.  Ah,  firrah,  quoth-a, 
WeJheUdo  nothtngbut  eat^  and  make  good  cheoTj  [Singing. 
Andpraife  heaven  for  the  merry  year -j 
When  flejh  is  cheap  and  females  dear^ 
And  lufiy  lads  roam  here  and  there ; 
So  merrily^  and  ever  among^  fo  merrily^  &c. 

FaL  There's  a  mernr  fieart !  Good  mafter  Silence, 
I'll  give  you  a  health  ror  that  anon. 

ShaL  Give  mafter  Bardolph  fome  wine,  Davy. 

Davy.  Sweet  Sir,  fit  j  Pll  be  with  you  anon ;  moft 
fweet  Sir,  fit.  Mafter  Page,  good  mafter  Page,  fit ; 
*  preface.     What  you  want  in  meat,  we'll  fiave  in 

drink. 

•  -a  dijb  tf  carra'way4y  &c.]    A  •cornet  or  confedion  fo 

called  in  our  author's  time.  Apajiage  in  Di  Vi^tul  MAwille* s 
Melanges  d'HiftoireetJelitt.  will  explain  this  odd  treat.  "  Dans 
*'  le  dernier  fiecle  ou  i'on  avoit  le  goCit  delicat,  on  necroioit  pas 
•**  pouvoir  vivrc  fans  Drawees.  II  n'etoit  fils  de  bonne  mere,  qui 
"  n'eut  fon  Dragier ;  et  il  ell  raportc  dans  rhiHoioe  du  due  de 
"  Guife,  que  quand  il  fat  tue  a  Bloi^  il  avoir  fon  Dragier  a  U 
••  mahi."     WARBVRroN. 

Mr.  Edwards  has  diverted  himfelf  with  this  note  of  Dr.  Waf- 
l)urton's,  but  without  producing  a  happy  illiiftration  of  the 
pafTage.  The  di(h  of  <nrr<i^ays  here  mention/ed  was  a  diih  of 
apples  of  that  name.     Goldsmith. 

■  pro/ace.']    Italian  from  profaccia ;  that  is,  much  good 

^ay  it  do  you.     Han  me  a. 

Sir  Thomas  Hanmer  (fays  Mr.  Farmer)  is  right,  yet  it  is 
910  argament  for  his  author's  Italian  knowledge. 

Old 


496    THE   SECOND    PART   OF 

drink.    But  you  muft  bear ;  » the  heart's  alL     [Exii, 

Sbal.  Be  merry,  mafter  Bardcdph  \  and,  mj  little 
folciier  there,  be  merry. 

Sil.  [Singing]  Be  mtrrj^  ie  mirrjj  mymftbas  aH-^ 
For  womm  are  fl^ewSj  both  Jbort  and  taB  : 
^Tis  merry  in  bally  when  beards  wag  aUj 
And  welcome  merry  Sbrcvetide. 
Be  merry  y  be  merry  y  &c. 

Fal  I  did  not  think  nialler  Silence  had  been  a  man 
of  this  mettle. 

5/7.  Who  I  ?  I  have  been  merry  twice  and  once, 
ere  now. 

Old  Hey  woody  the  epigrammatUl,  addreficdhis  readers  loBg 
before, 

'<  Readers,  rcade  this  thos;  for  pre^ce,  frw/met^ 
"  Much  good  may  it  do  you,"  6^r. 
So  Taylor,  the  water-poet,  in  the  ddr  of  a  poem  prefixed  to 
his  Praife  of  Hempfeed^ 

**  A  preamble,  preatrot,  jpreagallop»  pre^Mc^,  or  preface; 
*•  9ndf  re/ace f  my  matters,  if  your  ftomachs  fcnre," 

Decker,  in  his  comedy,  I/thii  be  n9t  ago^itpl^  tbe  Dtvil  is  iV 
/>,  makes  Sbackle-foule,  in  the  charaAerof  FHarRofh,  tempt  his 
brethren  wi^Ji  ♦'  choice  of  difhes/' 

"  To  which  pro/ace ;  with  l^lvthe  |ooket  fit  yee.*' 
To  thcfc  indances  produced  by  Mr.  Farmer,  I  may  add  oi^ 
jaoTC  from  Springes  for  Wocdcoeks^  an  ancient  colledion  of  epi* 
grams, 

*'  Profaee,  quoth  Fplvjus,  fill  us  t'other  quart/* 
And  another  from  Hey  wood's  "Epigra/ru^ 

•«  I  came  to  be  merry,  wherewith  merrily 
"  Profaee.     Have  among  you,**  tic. 
So,  in  The  rwife  Woman  of  fjogfdon^  1638, 

**  The  dinner's  half  done,  and  before  I  fay  gracQ 
**  And  bid  the  old  knight  and  his  ^diplroface^* 
So,  in  The Dotunfal of  Robert  £.  of  HumtingtoUf  1 60 1, 

**  • father,  troface 

*^  To  Robin  Hood  thou  art  a  welcome  man/* 

Stkevevs. 

*  the  heart* salL]  That  is,  the  intention  with  which  the 

•ntertaiiiment  is  nven.     The  humour  confifts  in  i^xaking  Dary 
A^  AS  maftcf  of  tAe  houfe.     Johnsoh- 

fie-emtr 


KINO    HENRY    IV*  497 

Re-enter  Doty. 

Davy.  There  is  a  dilh  of  leather-coats  for  you* 

SbaL  Davy—  [Setting  them  befm  Bardolpb. 

Davy.  Your  worlhip  ? — FU  ht  with  you  ftraight— 
Acupof  winc^Sir? 

5/7.  [Singing]  Acupofwine^tbafsirijkandfine^ 
And  drink  unto  the  lemanmine  ', 
And  a  merry  heart  lives  long^a. 

Fal.  Well  faid,  mafter  Silence. 

Sil.  An  we  fhall  be  merry,  now  comes  in  the  fwcct 
of  the  night. 

Fal.  Heakh  and  long  life  to  you,  mafbr  Silenca 

5/7.  3  Fill  up  the  cup^  and  let  it  come^ 
ril  pledge  you  a  mile  to  the  boUom. 

Shal.  Honeft  Bardolph,  welcome :  if  thou  want*ft 
any  thing  and  wilt  not  call,  befhrew  thy  heart.  Wel- 
come, my  little  tiny  thief;  and  welcome,  indeed,  too. 
rU  drink  to  mafter  Bardolph,  and  to  all  the  4  cavaleroes 
about  London. 

Davy.  I  hope  to  fee  London  once  ere  I  die. 

Bard.  If  I  might  fee  you  there,  Davy— — 

SbaL  You'll  crack  a  quart  together?  Ha-?-*will  you 
not,  m^r Bardolph? 

Sard.  Yes,  Sir,  in  a  pottle  pot. 

Shal.  I  thank  thee :  the  knave  will  ftick  by  thee,  I 
can  affurc  thee  that.  He  will  not  out ;  he  is  true- 
bred. 

Bard.  And  Pll  ftick  by  him.  Sir. 

[One  knocks  at  the  door. 

3  Filluf  the  cup^  &c.]  This  pafTage  has  hitherto  baen  priated 
IS  profe,  but  I  am  informed  that  it  makes  a  part  of  an  old  fong, 
and  have  therefore  reftored  it  to  its  metrical  form.     Steevbns. 

♦ — cavaleroes — ]  This  was  the  term  by  which  an  airy,  fplcn- 
did,  irregular  fellow  was  di(lingni(hed.  The  foldiers  of  king 
Charles  were  called  Cavaliers  from  the  gaiety  which  they  affed- 
ed  in  oppofition  to  the  fbur  faAion  of  the  parliament.  JoHirsdn^ 

Vol.  V.  li  Sbak 


49»    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Shal  Why,  there  fpoke  a  king.  Lack  nothing; 
be  merry.  Look,  who's  at  the  door  there:  ho — ^wha 
knocks  ? 

Fai  Why,  now  you  have  done  me  right. 

[To  Sikncij  ivbo  drinks  a  bumper. 

Sil.  [Singing]  s  Domerigbt^  anddubmc  knighiy 
*  Samingo.     Is't  not  fo  ? 

FaL  'Tisfo. 

5/7.  Is't  fo  ?  Why,  then  fay,  an  old  man  can  do 
fomewhat.  [Re-enter  Davy. 

Davy.  An  it  pleafe  your  worfhip,  there's  one  Piftol 
come  from  the  court,  with  news. 

FaL  From  the  court  ?  let  him  come  in, 

Enier  Pijlol. 

How  now,  Piftol  ? 

Fiji.  Sir  John,  Taveyou,  Sir! 

Fal.  What  wind  blew  you  hither,  Piftol  ? 

Pifi.  Not  the  ill  wind  which  blows  no  man  good. 
Sweec  knight,  thou  art  now  one  of  the  grcateft  men 
in  the  realm. 

'  Do  me  right,  5:c.]  To  ^$  a  man  right  and  /«  d^  him  rea/en 
were  formerly  the  ufual  expreflions  in  pledging  healths.  He 
who  drahlc  a  bumper  expe<5tcd  a  bumper  ihould  be  drank  to 
hisU/aih      Stkevfns. 

^ Samingo.^  He  means  to  fay,  San  Domingo.     Hammer. 

Of  Samingo f  or  San  Domingo,  I  fee  not  the  ufe  in  this  place. 

Jo/iMSOM. 

Unlefs  Silence  calls  FalHaff  St.  Dominic  from  his  fatnefs,  and 
means,  like  Drydcn,  to  fnecrat  facerdotalluxury,  lean  give  no 
acconnt  of  the  word.  In  one  of  Nafli's  plays,  intitled.  Sum- 
Mfr'j  laj}  Will  and  Tejiamenty  1604,  Bacchus  fings  the  following 
catch  : 

<<  Monfieur  Mingo,  for  quaffing  doth  forpafs 
"  In  cup,  in  can,  or  glais ; 
*'  God  Bacchus  do  me  right 
"  And  dub  me  knight. 

"  Domingo." 
Fcrhapf  Domingo  is  only  ti.e  burthen  of  feme  o!d  fong. 

StB£V£N5« 

Sil. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  499 

5/7.  Indeed  I  think  he  be,  ^  but  goodman  Puff  .of 
fiarfon. 

Pifi.  Puff? 
Puff  in  thy  teeth,  moft  recreant  coward  bafe ! 
—Sir  John,  I  am  thy  Piftol  and  thy  friend. 
And  hclter  flcelter  have  I  rode  to  thee ; 
And  tidings  do  I  bring,  and  lucky  joys, 
And  golden  times,  and  happy  news  of  price; 

Fal.  I  pr'ythee  now,  deliver  them  like  a  maft  oi 
this  world. 

Pifi.  A  foutra  for  the  world  and  worldlings  bafe ! 
I  fpeak  of  Africa  and  golden  joys. 

Fal.  O  bafe  Aflyrian  knight,  what  is  thy  news  ? 
*  Let  king  Cophetua  know  the  truth  thereof. 

Sil.  And  Robin  Hdod^  Scarlet ^  and  John.  [Sings. 

Pift.  Shall  dunghill  curs  confront  the  Helicons  ? 
And  fhall  good  news  be  baffled  ? 
Then  Piftoi,  lay  thy  head  in  Fury's  lap. 

Sbal  Honeft  gentleman,  1  know  not  your  breeding* 

Pift.  Why  then,  lament  therefore. 

Sbal.  Give  me  pardon.  Sir — If,  Sir,  you  come  with 
news  from  the  court,  I  take  it,  there  is  but  two  ways  ; 
cither  to  utter  them,  or  to  conceal  them.  I  am,  Sir, 
under  the  king,  in  fome  authority. 

Pifl.  Uncier  which  king,  ^Bezonian?  fpeak  or  die. 

7\«*.  1,^1  goodman  Puff  of  Barfing  A  Utile  before  William 
Vifor  of  Woncot  is  mentioned.  Wood mancot  and  BkrCon  (fays 
Mr.Edwards'  MSS.)  which  I  fuppofe  are  thefe  two  places,  and  are 
reprcfented  to  be  in  the  neighbourhood  of  juftice  Shallow,  are 
both  of  them  in  Berkeley  Hundred  in  Glofterfhire.  This,  I 
imagine,  was  done  to  difguife  the  fatire  a  little ;  for  Sir  Thomas 
Lucy,  who,  by  the  coat  of  arms  he  bears,  mull  be  the  real 
juflice  Shallow,  lived  atCharlecot  near  Stratfotd,  in  Warwick- 
Ihire.     Steevbks 

*  Let  king  Copketuaf  &c.]  Lines  taken  from  an  old  bombaft 
play  of  King  Cophetua  \  of  whom,  we  learn  from  Shukelpcarc, 
there  were  ballads  too.     Warburton. 

S<it  Love* s  Labour  loft.     JohA^on. 

'  Bezcftian  ?  fpeak  or  die,]  .  So  again  Suffolk   fays  in 

2d  Henry  VI. 

*«  Great  men  oft  die  bv  vile  Bezonians.*' 

i  i  2  It 


rco    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

SbaL  Under  king  Harry. 

Pift.  Harry  the  Fourth  ?  or  Fifth? 

SbaL  Harry  the  Fourth. 

Pift.  A  foutra  for  tMne  office  !— 
Sir  John,  thy  tender  lambkin  now  is  king. 
Harry  the  Fifth's  the  man.     I  fpeak  the  truth  : 
When  Piftol  lies,  do  this,  and  *  fig  me  like 
The  bragging  Spaniard. 

Fal.  What!  is  the  old  king  dead? 

Pift.  As  nail  in  door.   The  things  I  fpeak,  arc  juft. 

Fal.  Away,  Bardolph,  faddle  my  horfe. — Matter 
Robert  Shallow,  chute  what  office  thou  wilt  in  the 
land,  'tis  thine.— Piftol,  I  will  double  chsurgc  thee  with 
dignities. 

Bard.  O  joyful  day  !  I  would  not  take  a  knight- 
hood for  my  fortune. 

Pift.  What  ?  I  do  bring  good  news. 

Fal.  Carry  mafter  Silence  to  bed.«-«Mafter  Shallow, 
my  lord  Shallow,  be  what  thou  wilt ;  I  am  fortune's 
ftcward.  Get  on  thy  boots,  we'll  ride  all  ni^ht. — Oh, 
fweet Piftol ! — Away,  Bardolph.— Come,  Piftol,  utter 
more  to  me ;  and,  withal,  devife  fomcthing  to  do  thy- 
felf  good.  Boot,  boot,  mafter  Shallow.  I  know,  the 
young  king  is  Tick  for  me.     Let  us  take  any  man's 

It  is  a  term  of  reproach,  frequent  in  the  writers  contemporary 
with  our  poet.  Difognofo,  a  needy  perfon ;  thence  meupho- 
rically,  a  bafe fcoundrel.  Theobald. 
•  Nalh,  in  Pierce  Pennylejfe  bis  Supplication^  &c.  1595*  fays,— — 
*'  Proud  lords  do  tumble  from  the  towers  of  their  high  defcents, 
"  and  be  trod  under  feet  of  every  inferior  Befcniam.^* 

In  TbeWido^'^s  Tears ^  a  comedy  by  Chapman,  1612,  the 
primitive  word  is  ufed  : 

**  fpuni'd  out  by  grooms,  like  a  bafe  Befigmo  /** 

And  again,  m  Sir  Giles  Goojecap,  a  comedy,  1606, 

**  If  he  come  like  to  your  Bejogno^  your  boor,  (b  he  be 

"  rich,  they  care  not."    Steevens. 

*  — - — Jig  me  like 

The  l>ycfgging  SpaniardJ]  To j|f,  in  Spaniih,  bigas  dar^  is  to 
infult  by  putting  the  thumb  between  the  fore  and  middle  fin- 
;>;er.  From  this  Spanifh  cuftom  we  yet  fay  in  contempt,  '•  a  iig 
•*  for  you."    JoHw&ON. 

horfes ; 


KING    HENRY    IV.  501 

horRs ;  the  laws  of  England  are  at  my  command- 
ment.  Happy  are  they  which  have  been  my  friends  -, 
and  woe  to  my  lord  chief  juftice ! 

Pijl.  Let  vultures  vile  leize  on  his  lungs  alfo ! 
>  JfHi^ere  is  tbi  life  that  late  J  led^  fay  they  ? 
Why,  here  it  is,  welcome  thefe  pleafant  days.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 
A  ftreet  in  London. 

Enter  boftefs  S^uickly^  Boll  Tear-Jbeet^  and  Beadles. 

Hoft.  No,  thou  arrant  knave ;  I  would  I  might  dif , 
that  I  might  have  thee  hang'd :  thou  haft  drawn  my 
fhoulder  out  of  joint. 

Bead.  The  conftables  have  delivered  her  over  to 
me;  and  fhe  (hall  have  whipping-cheer  enough,  I 
warrant  her.  There  hath  been-  a  man  or  two  lately 
kill'd  about  her. 

Dol.  3  Nut-hook,  nut-hook,  you  lie.  Come  on.  Til 
tell  thee  what,  thou  damn'd  tripe-vifag'd  rafcal^  if 
the  child  I  go  with  do  mifcarry,  thou  hadft  better  thou 
hadft  ftruck  thy  mother,  thou  papqr-fac'd  villain. 

Hoji.  O  the  Lord,  that  Sir  John  were  come  !  he 
would  make  this  a  bloody  day  to  fome  body.  But  I 
pray  God  the  fruit  of  her  womb  mifcarry  ! 

*  If'btre  is  the  life  that  late  I  led,  &c.]  Words  of  an  old  bal- 
lad.    Waburton. 

5  Nut-hooky  &c.]  It  has  been  already  obfervcd  on  the  Merry 
IFi'ves  of  Windfor,  that  nut-hook  fecms  to  have  been  in  thofc 
times  a  name  of  reproach  for  a  catchpoll.     Johnson^. 

A  nut-ho$k  was,  I  believe,  a  perfon  who  ftole  linen^  fcfr.  ojit 
at  windows  by  means  of  a  pole  with  a  hook  at  the  end  of  it. 
Greene,  in  his  Arte  of  Conny-catching^  has  given  a  very  parti- 
cular account  of  this  kind  of  fraud  ;  fo  that  nut-hook  was  pro- 
bably as  common  a  term  of  reproach  as  rogue  is  at  prefent.  In 
an  old  comedy,  intitlcd,  Match  me  in  Londw^   163 1,  I  find  the 

following  paffage **  She's  the  king's  nut-hcoky  thiit  when  any 

^'  £lb^rt  is  ripe,  pulls  down  the  braveil  boughs  to  his  hand.'* 

Steeveks. 

I  i  3  B^aii. 


502    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Bead.  If  it  do,  you  fhall  have  ♦  a  dosen  of 
cufhions  again,  you  have  but  eleven  now.  Come,  I 
charge  you  both  go  with  me ;  for  the  man  is  dead  that 
you  and  Piftoi  beat  among  you. 

DoL  rU  tell  thee  what,  5  thou  thin  man  in  a  cenfer ! 
I  will  have  you  as  foundly  fwing'd  for  this,  you  ^  blue- 
bottle rogue  ! — You  filthy  famifli*d  corre6tioncr !  if- 
you  be  not  fwing'd,  I'll  forfwear  ^  half-kirtles. 

Bead,  Come,  come,  you  flie-knight-errant  •,  come. ' 

Hojl.  O,  that  right  ftiould  thus  o'ercome  might! 
Weil ;  of  fufFerance  comes  eafe. 

Pol.  Come,  you  rogue,  come.  Bring  me  to  a  juftice. 

Hoji.  Ay  ;  come,  you  ftary'd  blood-hound. 

Dot.  Goodman  death,  goodman  bones ! 

Hoft.  Thou  atomy,  thou ! 

DoL  Come,  you  thin  thing :  corne,  you  rafcal ! 

Bead.  Very  well.  [Exeunt. 

♦  —  a  dozen  cf  cujhio^s '^'\  That  is,  to  fluff  her  out  that  flie 
might  counterfeit  pregnancy.     So  in  MafTinger's  OU  La*w : 

<«  I  faid  I  was  with  child,  ^c.  Thoa  faidft  it  was  a  cujbiett^'* 
&c.     Steevens. 

5  thou  thin  man  in  a  cenfer  /]    Thefc  old  cenfers  of  thin 

^etal  had  generally  at  the  bottom  the  firure  of  ifome  faint  raifed 
pp  with  a  hammer,  in  a  barbarous  kind  of  imboilcd  or  chafed 
^'ork.  The  hunger- ilarved  beadle  is  compared,  in  fubilance,  to 
one  of  thefe  thin  raifed  figures,  by  the  fame  kind  of  hamoat 
that  Pillol,  in  The  Merry  Wi'ves^  calls  Slender,  a  laten  hilht. 

Warburton. 

*  —  hha  bottle  rogue  /]  A  name,  I  fuppofe,  given  to  the  beadle 
/rem  the  colour  of  his  livery.     Johnson. 

7  half-kirtles.]  Probably  the  drefs  of  the  proftitntes  of 

thattimc.     Johnson. 

A  half-kirtle  was,  1  fuppofe,  the  fame  kind  of  thing  as  we  call 
at  preicnt  a  fhcrt-gown,  Or  a  bed-gown.  There  is  a  proverbial 
cxprefnon  no\y  in  ufe  which  may  lerve  to  confirm  it.  When  a 
pcrfon  is  loofely  drefs*d  they  fay — Such  a  one  looks  like  a  w— • 
)n  a  bed-gown.     See  Wefl-ward  Hoe^  by  Decker  And  Webfter, 

,5 1 2 ««  forty  Ihillings  I  lent  her  to  redeem  two  half-fiU- 

•'  kirths.^*    Steevens. 


S  C  E  N^ 


K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    IV,         503 

SCENE      V. 

A  public  place  near  fFeJiminfter-abbtf, 
Enter  two  Grooms^  ftrewing  rujhes. 

%  Groom.  *  More  ruflics,  more  rulhes. 
2  Groom.  The  trumpets  have  founded  twice, 
I  Groom.  It  will  be  two  of  the  clock  ere  they  coin» 
from  the  coronation ;  difpatch,  diljpatch. 

[Exeunt  Grooms. 

Enter  Faljlaff^  Shallow,  Pifiol^  Bardolpb^  and  the  Bey. 

Fal  Stand  here  by  me,  mafter  Robert  Shallow;  I 
will  make  the  king  do  you  grace.  I  will  leer  upon 
him  as  he  comes  by ;  and  do  but  marl(:  tl^e  counte- 
nance that  he  will  give  me. 

Fiji.  Blefs  thy  lungs,  good  kijight ! 

Fal  Come  here,  Piftol ;  ftand  behind  ipe.  O,  if 
I  had  had  time  to  have  made  new  liveries,  I  would  have 
beftowM  the  thoqfand  pound  I  borrowed  of  you;  \To 
Skallow.]  But  it  is  no  matter ;  this  poor  fbow  doth 
\)etter :  this  doth  infer  the  zeal  I  had  to  fee  him, 

Sbal.  It  doth  fo. 

Fal.  It  fhews  my  earneftnefs  of  affcftion, 

Fiji.  It  doth  fo, 

Fal.  My  devotion. 

Fiji.  9  it  doth,  it  doth,  it  doth. 

Fal.  As  it  were,  to  ride  day  and  night,  and  not  to 
deliberate,  not  to  remember,  not  to  have  patienqe  to 
piift  me. 

Shal.  It  is  mofl:  certain, 

•  More  rujhesf  Sec]  It  has  been  already  obfcrved,  that,  at 
ceremonial  entertainments,  it  was  the  cuftom  to  ftrew  the  floor 
with  rufhes.     Caius  Je  Ephewura.     Johnson. 

»  It  dot  by  it  dothy  it  datJb.]  The  t  WO  little  an  fwers  hcrc  given 
^o  Piftol  are  transferred  by  Sir  T.  Hanmer  to  Shallow,  the  re- 
jpetition  of  //  dotb  fuits  Shallow  beft.     Johnson, 

li4  F^^^ 


5P4    'THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Fal  But  to  ftand  ftained  with  travel,  and  fweating 
with  defire  to  fee  him  :  thinking  of  nothing  elfe ; 
putting  all  affairs  ejfe  in  oblivion ;  as  if  there  were 
nothing  elfe  to  be  done,  but  to  fee  him. 

Pijl.  'Tis/mperddm-^fyralffuebocnibiUft.  'Tis 
all  in  every  part. 

ShaL  *Tis  fo,  indeed. 

Fiji.  My  knight,  I  will  enflamc  thy  noble  liver, 
Arid  make  thee  rage/ 

Thy  Doll  and  Helen  of  thy  noble  thoughts 
h  in  bafe  durance  and  contagious  prifon ; 
Haurd  thith.er 

By  moft  mechanical  and  dirty  hands. 
]R(nize  up  revenge  from  Ebon  den,  with  fell  Alefto's 

Ihake, 
For  Doll  is  in.    Piftol  (ptdks  nought  but  truth. 

Fal.  I  will  deliver  her. 

Pijt.  There  roared  the  fea ;  and  trumpet-clangor 
•   founds. 

The  trumpets  found-    Enter  the  Kingj  and  bis  train. 

•  Fal.  God  fave  thy  grace,  king  Hal !  my  royal  Hal ! 
Fiji.  The  heavens  thee  guard  and  keep,  *  moft  royal 
imp  of  fame ! 

Fal.  God  fave  thee,  my  fweet  boy ! 

King.  My  lord  chief  jullice,  fpeak  to  that  vain  man. 

*  'Tis  all  in  every  pert,]  The  fentence  alluded  to  is, 

•*  'Tis  all  in  all,  and  all  in  evcrypart." 
And  (o  doubtlefs  it  fhould  be  read.  'Tis  a  common  way  of 
rxprefling  one's  approbation  of  a  right  meafure  to  fay,  '//V  all 
4n  all.  To  which  this  phantaflic  charadler  adds,  with  fomc 
humour,  and  all  in  rvery  part :  which,  both  together,  make  up 
the  philofophic  fentence,  and  complete  the  abuirdity  of  Piftol's 
phrafeology.     Warburton. 

*  mcft  roj^l  imp  of  fame  I]  The  word  imp  is  perpetually 

fifed  byUlpian  FulweU,  and  other  ancient  writers,  for  progeny : 

•*  And  were  it  not  thy  royal  impe 
••  Did  mitigate  our  pain,"  ^c. 
Here  Fulwell  addrpfies  Anne  Bojeyrv,  apd  (peaks  of  the  young 
Elizabeth.     Sr^EYEnis. 


KING    HENRY    IV.  505 

Cb.  Jufi.  Have  you  your  wits  ?  know  you  what  'ds 
you  fpeak  ? 

FaL  My  king !  my  Jove !  I  fpcak  to  thee,  my  heart! 

King.  I  know  thee  not,  okl  man.  Fall  to  thy  praye;is ; 
How  ill  white  hairs  become  a  fool  and  jefter  ! 
I  have  long  dream'd  of  fuch  a  kind  of  man. 
So  furfeitrmeird,  ib  old,  and  fo  3  profane; 
But,  being  awake,  I  do  deipife  my  dream. 
Make  lefs  thy  body  henos,  and  more  thy  grace  ; 
Leave  gormandizing.    4- Know,  the  grave  doth  gape 
For  thee  thrice  wider  than  for  other  men  :  ■ 
Reply  not  to  me  with  a  fool-bom  jeft ; 
Prefume  not,  that  I  am  the  thing  I  was : 
For  heaven  doth  know^  fo  {hall  the  world  perceive, 
That  I  have  turned  away  my  former  fclf ; 
So  will  I  thoie  that  kept  me  company. 
When  thou  doft  hear  I  am  as  I  have  been. 
Approach  me,  and  thou  (halt  be  as  thou  wall. 
The  tutor  and  the  feeder  of  my  riots : 

3  '  '  ■  profane ;]  In  our  author  it  often  fi^ifies  love  of  talk 
without  the  particular  idea  now  given  it.  So  in  Othello^  "  Is 
'*  he  not  a  profane  and  very  liberal  counfcllor."    Johnson. 

♦  — —  KnoiWy  the  gra've  dotbgape 

For  thee  thrice  nuider  than  for  other  men. 

Reply  not  to  me  'with  afooUborn  jejl ;]  Nature  is  highly 
touched  in  this  j>aflafe.  The  kin?  having  (haken  oS  his  va- 
nities, fchools  his  old  companion  for  his  follies  with  great  fe> 
verity :  he  affumes  the  air  of  a  preacher ;  bids  him  fall  to  his 
prayers,  feek  grace,  and  leave  gormandizing.  But  that  wor4 
unluckily  prefenting  him  with  a  pleafant  idea,  he  cannot  for- 
bear purfuing  it.  Know,  thf  grave  doth  gape  fbr  thee  thrice 
nvider,  &c.  and  is  juil  falling  back  into  Hal,  by  an  humorous 
allufion  to  Falftaff's  bulk ;  but  he  perceives  it  immediately,  and 
fearing  Sir  John  (hould  take  the  advantage  of  it,  checks  bot^ 
himfelf  and  the  knight,  with 

Re^ly  not  to  me  nvith  a  fool-born  jeft  ; 
and  {o  renimes  the  thread  cf  his  difconne,  and  goes  moralizing 
on  to  the  end  of  the  chapter.  Thus  the  poet  copies  nature  with 
great  fkill,  and  (hews  us  now  apt  men  are  to  fall  back  into  their 
old  tuftoms,  when  the  change  is  not  made  by  degrees,  an4 
brought  into  a  habit,  but  determined  of  at  once  on  the  motive^ 
pf  Jioiiour,  intcreft,  or  reafom    WAHvnToyi, 

Till 


SM    THE    SECOND    PART    OF 

Lan.  The  king  hath  call'd  his  parliament^  my  lord. 

Cb.  Juft.  He  hath. 

Lan.  I  will  lay  odds,  that  ere  this  year  expire^ 
We  bear  our  civil  fwords  and  native  fire 
As  far  afi  France.     I  heard  a  bird  fo  fing, 
Whofe  mufick,  to  my  thinking,  pleased  the  king. 
Come,  will  you  hence  ^  ?  [£x^i£Kr/. 

7  I  fiincy  every  xtMAtt^  when  he  ends  this  "^Izft  cries  out 
with  Defdcmona,  **  O  mod  lame  and  impotent  concluiion  !*' 
As  thie  play  was  noc^  to  our  knowledge,  divided  into  a6b  by 
the  »uthor>  I  could  be  content  to  conclude  it  with  the  death  of 
Henry  the  Fourth. 

/«  that  Jeru/aUm  Jball  Harry  dk. 
Thcfe  fcencs  which  now  make  the  fifth  aft  of  Hinry  the  Fourth 
might  then  be  the  firft  of  Hfwy  the  Fifth ;  but  the  truth  is, 
chat  they  do  tinite  very  commodioufly  to  either  play.  When 
thefe  plays  were  reprefented,  J  believe  they  ended  as  they 
are  now  ended  in  the  books ;  but  Shakefjpeare  leems  to  have  dc- 
figned  that  the  whole  fcries  of  action  from  the  beginning  of 
JLkhAri  tbt  Sgcendp  to  the  end  of  Hinry  th$  Fifths  iboala  be 
confidered  by  the  reader  as  one  work,  upon  one  plan,  only 
broken  into  parts  by  the  neceffity  of  exhibition. 

None  of  Shakefpeare's  play*  ajpp  more  read  than  the  Firjt  and 
Sec$Hd  P4rts  of  Henry  the  Fourth,  Perhaps  no  author  has  ever  in 
two  plays  afforded  fo  much  delight.  The  great  events  are  in- 
terclling»  for  the  fate  of  kingdoms  depends  upon  them  ;  the 
flighter  occurrences  are  diverting,  and,  except  one  or  two,  fuf- 
£ciently  f  n>bable  ;  the  incidents  are  multiplied  with  wonder* 
ful  fertility  of  invention,  and  the  charft^rs  diveriified  with 
^he  utmoil  nicety  of  difcerument,  and  the  profbunde&  ikill  in  the 
mature  of  man. 

The  prince,  who  is  the  hero  both  of  the  comic  and  tragic 
part,  is  a  young  man  of  great  abilities  and  violent  paflions« 
whofe  fentiments  are  right,  though  ^  anions  are  wropg; 
whofe  virtues  are  obfcured  by  negligence,  and  whofe  undcr- 
^aoding  is  diiHpated  by  levity.  In  his  idle  hours  he  is  rather 
loofe  than  wicked ;  and  when  the  occa/ion  forces  out  his  latent 
iqualities,  he  is  great  without  e^rt,  and  brave  without  tumult. 
Thetriflcr  is  roufed  into  a  hero,  and  the  hero  a?ain  repofcs  in 
the  triflcr.     This  chara6ter  is  great,  original,  andjuft. 

Piercy  is  a  rugged  foldicr,  choleric,  and  quarrelfomc,  and 
has  only  the  foldier's  virtues,  generofity  and  courage. 

But  FalilaiF  uuimitated,  nnimitable  Fa^j^fF,  bow  ihall  I  de^ 

icribe  thee  ?     Thou  compound  of  fenfe  and  vice  {    of  fenfc 

fix,'hichmay  be  admired,  but  noteileemed,  of  vice  which  may  be 

.dd^ifed^  but  hardly  d^tefted.  falMTisapharaaer  loaded  with 

'  ^  faults, 


KING    HENRY    IV.  509 

fkultsy  and  with  thofe  faults  which  naturally  produce  contempt. 
He  is  a  thief  and  a  glutton,  a  coward  and  a  boafler,  always 
ready  to  cheat  the  we^,  and  prey  upon  the  poor  ;  to  terrify  the 
timorous,  and  iniult  the  defencelefs.  At  once  obfcquious  and 
malignant,  he  fatirizes  in  their  abience  thofe  whom  he  lives  by 
flattering.  He  is  familiar  with  the  prince  only  as  an  agent  of 
vice,  but  of  this  familiarity  he  is  lo  proud  as  not  only  to  be 
fupercilious  and  haughty  with  common  men,  but  to  think  his 
intered  of  importance  to  the  duke  of  Lancafter.  Yet  the  man 
thus  corrupt,  thus  dcfpicable,  makes  himfelf  neceflary  to  the 
prince  that  defpifes  him,  by  the  moft  pleaiing  of  all  qualities, 
perpetual  gaiety,  by  an  unfailing  power  of  exciting  laughter, 
which  is  the  more  freely  indulged,  as  his  wit  is  not  of  the  i'plen- 
did  or  ambitious  kind,  bnt  conAfts  in  eafy  efcapes /Smd  fallies  of 
levity,  which  make  fport,  but  raife  no  envy.  Jt  muft  be  ob- 
ferved,  that  he  is  ftained  with  no  enormous  or  fanguinary 
crimes,  fo  that  his  licentiouihe fs  is  not  fo  offenfive  but  that  it 
may  be  borne  for  his  mirth. 

The  moral  to  be  drawn  from  this  reprefentation  is,  that  no 
man  is  more  dangerous  than  he  that,  with  a  will  to  corrupt, 
hath  the  power  to  plea(e ;  and  that  neither  wit  nor  honefty 
ought  to  think  themfelves  fafe  with  fuch  a  companion  when  they 
fee  Henry  fcduccd  by  Falft^ff.    Johnson. 


P.?- 


EPILOGUE". 

Spoken  by  a  Dancbr. 


THIRST  J  frp  fear\  then^  my  courtly  \  laftj  myfpeecb. 
•*  Af/ fear  is^  your  difpleafure\  trty  courffy^  my  duty  \ 
and  my  fpeecb^  to  beg  your  pardons.  Ifycu  look  for  a 
good  fpeecb  nowy  you  undo  me :  for  wbat  I  bave  to  fay^ 
is  of  mine  own  makings  and  wbat^  indeed^  I  fhouldfay^ 
willy  I  douttj  prove  mine  own  marring.  But  to  tbe 
purpofey  and  fo  to  tbe  venture.  Be  it  known  to  you  (as 
it  is  very  well)  I  was  lately  bere  in  tbe  end^cf  a  dif- 
pleafingplay^  to  pray  your  patience  for  it^  and  to  promife 
you  a  better.  I  didmean^  indeed^  to  pay  ym  with  this ; 
wbicb  if  like  an  ill  venture^  it  come  unluckily  bome^  I 
break  ;  andyou^  my  gentle  credit  or s^  lofe\  Here^  J  pro- 
mi  fed  you^  1  would  be y  and  bere  I  commit  my  body  to  your 
mercies:  batemefome^  and  I  will  pay  you  fome^  and,  as 
moft  debtors  do,  promife  you  infinitely. 

If  my  tongue  cannot  entreat  you  to  acquit  me,  will  you 
command  me  to  ufe  my  legs  ?  and  yet  tbat  were  but  ligbt 
payment,  to  dance  out  of  your  debt.  But  a  good  confcience 
will  make  any  pofjible  fatisfa£lion,  and  fo  will  L  *  All 
tbe  gentlewomen  bere  bave  forgiven  me  -,  //  tbe  gentle- 
men will  not,  tben  tbe  gentlemen  do  not  agree  witb  tbe 
gentlewomen,  wbicb  was  never  feen  before  in  fucb  an 
affembly. 

One  word  more,  Ibefeecb  you  \  if  you  he  not  too  much 
cloyed  witb  fat  meat,  our  bumble  autbor  will  continue 
tbeflory  with  Sir  John  in  it,  and  make  you  merry  with 

'  This  epilogue  was  merely  occafional,  and  alludes  to  fome 
theatrical  tranfaiJiHon.     Johnson. 

*  JU  the  gentlemen,  &c.]  The  trick  of  influencing  one  part 
of  the  audience  by  the  favour  of  the  other,  hai  been  played  al- 
rciidy  in  the  epilogue  to  As  you  like  it.     JoHNrc.N. 

far 


EPILOGUE. 

fair  Qatherine  of  France  \  whert^  f^  anj^  tbingj  I  hww^ 
Falfiaffjhall  die  of  a  Jkveat^  unkfs  already  be  be  kiird 
with  your^bard  opinions \  3  for  Oldcajile  died  a  martyr^ 
end  this  iJ  not  the  num.  AJfy  tongue  is  weary  ;  when  nty 
legs  are  too^  I  will  bid  you  good  rights  andfo  kneel  down 
before  you ;  but^  indeed^  top-ay  for  the  queen. 

%  ferOUcafth  dnia  mwrtyr^  Ac]    ThMalltrdet  to  apliy 

ia  which  Sir  John  Oldcaflle  was  put  for  FalfiafF.     Pope. 

The  reader  will  find  this  a/Tcrtion  difputed  in  a  aote  on  the 
^^Vj  oi  Henry  thi  Fifth*     Stbevbns. 


KND  OF  Volume  the  Fifth, 


i 


FEB   1  7  1935