Page:Henry IV Part 2 (1921) Yale.djvu/121

King Henry the Fourth, V. ii

Behold yourself so by a son disdain'd;

And then imagine me taking your part,

And in your power soft silencing your son:

After this cold considerance, sentence me;

And, as you are a king, speak in your state

What I have done that misbecame my place,

My person, or my liege's sovereignty.

Prince. You are right, justice; and you weigh this well;

Therefore still bear the balance and the sword:

And I do wish your honours may increase

Till you do live to see a son of mine

Offend you and obey you, as I did.

So shall I live to speak my father's words:

'Happy am I, that have a man so bold

That dares do justice on my proper son;

And not less happy, having such a son,

That would deliver up his greatness so

Into the hands of justice.' You did commit me:

For which, I do commit into your hand

The unstained sword that you have us'd to bear;

With this remembrance, that you use the same

With the like bold, just, and impartial spirit

As you have done 'gainst me. There is my hand:

You shall be as a father to my youth;

My voice shall sound as you do prompt mine ear,

And I will stoop and humble my intents

To your well-practis'd wise directions.

And, princes all, believe me, I beseech you;

My father is gone wild into his grave,

For in his tomb lie my affections;

And with his spirit sadly I survive,

 98 considerance: consideration

103 balance and the sword: emblems of Justice

109 proper: own

115 remembrance: admonition

123, 124 Cf. n.

125 sadly: soberly 