Page:Henry IV Part 2 (1921) Yale.djvu/16

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A gentleman well bred and of good name,

That freely render'd me these news for true.

North. Here comes my servant Travers, whom I sent

On Tuesday last to listen after news.

L. Bard. My lord, I over-rode him on the way;

And he is furnish'd with no certainties

More than he haply may retail from me.

North. Now, Travers, what good tidings comes with you?

Tra. My lord, Sir John Umfrevile turn'd me back

With joyful tidings; and, being better hors'd,

Out-rode me. After him came spurring hard

A gentleman, almost forspent with speed,

That stopp'd by me to breathe his bloodied horse.

He ask'd the way to Chester; and of him

I did demand what news from Shrewsbury.

He told me that rebellion had bad luck,

And that young Harry Percy's spur was cold.

With that he gave his able horse the head,

And, bending forward, struck his armed heels

Against the panting sides of his poor jade

Up to the rowel-head, and, starting so,

He seem'd in running to devour the way,

Staying no longer question.

North.Ha! Again:

Said he young Harry Percy's spur was cold?

Of Hotspur, Coldspur? that rebellion

Had met ill luck?

L. Bard. My lord, I'll tell you what:

If my young lord your son have not the day,

 30 over-rode: passed

37 forspent: exhausted

43 able: active

48 Staying: awaiting

question: talk 