Page:Henry IV Part 1 (1917) Yale.djvu/116

102

If life did ride upon a dial's point,

Still ending at the arrival of an hour.

An if we live, we live to tread on kings;

If die, brave death, when princes die with us!

Now, for our consciences, the arms are fair,

When the intent of bearing them is just.

Mess. My lord, prepare; the king comes on apace.

Hot. I thank him that he cuts me from my tale,

For I profess not talking. Only this,—

Let each man do his best: and here draw I

A sword, whose temper I intend to stain

With the best blood that I can meet withal

In the adventure of this perilous day.

Now, Esperance! Percy! and set on.

Sound all the lofty instruments of war,

And by that music let us all embrace;

For, heaven to earth, some of us never shall

A second time do such a courtesy.

Here they embrace; the trumpets sound.

[Exeunt.]

Blunt. What is thy name, that in the battle thus

Thou crossest me? what honour dost thou seek

Upon my head?

Doug. Know then, my name is Douglas;

 83 dial's point: hand of a clock 