Page:Henry VI Part 2 (1923) Yale.djvu/95

King Henry the Sixth, IV. ii

Weav. [Aside.] He need not fear the sword,

for his coat is of proof.

Butch. [Aside.] But methinks he should stand

in fear of fire, being burnt i' the hand for steal-

ing of sheep.

Cade. Be brave, then; for your captain is

brave, and vows reformation. There shall be

in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a

penny; the three-hooped pot shall have ten

hoops; and I will make it felony to drink small

beer. All the realm shall be in common, and in

Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass. And

when I am king,—as king I will be,—

All. God save your majesty!

Cade. I thank you, good people:—there shall

be no money; all shall eat and drink on my

score; and I will apparel them all in one livery,

that they may agree like brothers, and worship

me their lord.

Butch. The first thing we do, let's kill all the

lawyers.

Cade. Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this

a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an inno-

cent lamb should be made parchment? that

parchment, being scribbled o'er, should undo a

man? Some say the bee stings; but I say, 'tis

the bee's wax, for I did but seal once to a thing,

and I was never mine own man since. How

now! who's there?

 68 of proof: tried by long service

73 reformation: alteration of government

75 three-hooped pot: wooden quart-pot

82, 83 on my score: at my expense

86, 87 kill lawyers; cf. n. 