Page:Henry IV Part 1 (1917) Yale.djvu/35

King Henry the Fourth, I. iii

Hot. All studies here I solemnly defy,

Save how to gall and pinch this Bolingbroke:

And that same sword-and-buckler Prince of Wales,

But that I think his father loves him not,

And would be glad he met with some mischance,

I would have him poison'd with a pot of ale.

Wor. Farewell, kinsman: I will talk to you

When you are better temper 'd to attend.

North. Why, what a wasp-stung and impatient fool

Art thou to break into this woman's mood,

Tying thine ear to no tongue but thine own!

Hot. Why, look you, I am whipp'd and scourg'd with rods.

Nettled, and stung with pismires, when I hear

Of this vile politician, Bolingbroke.

In Richard's time,—what do ye call the place?—

A plague upon 't—it is in Gloucestershire;—

'Twas where the madcap duke his uncle kept,

His uncle York; where I first bow'd my knee

Unto this king of smiles, this Bolingbroke,

'Sblood!

When you and he came back from Ravenspurgh.

North. At Berkeley Castle.

Hot. You say true.

Why, what a candy deal of courtesy

This fawning greyhound then did proffer me!

Look, 'when his infant fortune came to age,'

And 'gentle Harry Percy,' and 'kind cousin.'

O! the devil take such cozeners. God forgive me!

Good uncle, tell your tale, for I have done.

 228 defy: renounce

230 sword and buckler: arms carried by the lower classes; hence, ruffianly

240 pismires: ants

244 kept: lived

245 York; cf. n.

251 candy deal: sugary lot

255 cozeners: swindlers 