Page:Richard II (1921) Yale.djvu/19

King Richard the Second, I. i

Throw down, my son, the Duke of Norfolk's gage.

K. Rich. And, Norfolk, throw down his.

Gaunt. When, Harry, when?

Obedience bids I should not bid again.

K. Rich. Norfolk, throw down, we bid; there is no boot.

Mow. Myself I throw, dread sovereign, at thy foot.

My life thou shalt command, but not my shame:

The one my duty owes; but my fair name,—

Despite of death, that lives upon my grave,—

To dark dishonour's use thou shalt not have.

I am disgrac'd, impeach'd, and baffled here,

Pierc'd to the soul with slander's venom'd spear,

The which no balm can cure but his heart-blood

Which breath'd this poison.

K. Rich. Rage must be withstood:

Give me his gage: lions make leopards tame.

Mow. Yea, but not change his spots: take but my shame,

And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord,

The purest treasure mortal times afford

Is spotless reputation; that away,

Men are but gilded loam or painted clay.

A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest

Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast.

Mine honour is my life; both grow in one;

Take honour from me, and my life is done:

Then, dear my liege, mine honour let me try;

In that I live and for that will I die.

K. Rich. Cousin, throw down your gage: do you begin.

Boling. O God, defend my soul from such deep sin!

 162 When: exclamation of impatience

164 boot: help for it

170 impeach'd: disparaged

baffled; cf. n.

174 lions; cf. n.

