Chapter XXV: Epilogue: Spoken by Julio (8)

PHIL. Frank, hark ye: brother, now your wooing's done, The next thing now you do is for a son, I prythee; for, i'faith, I should be glad To have myself called nunkle[444], and thou dad. Well, sister, if that Francis play the man, My mother must be grandam and you mam. To it, Francis--to it, sister!--God send ye joy! 'Tis fine to sing, dancey, my own sweet boy!

FRAN. Well, sir, jest on.

PHIL. Nay, sir[445], do you jest on.

MR BAR. Well, may she prove a happy wife to him!

MR GOUR. And may he prove as happy unto her!

SIR RALPH. Well, gentlemen, good hap betide them both! Since 'twas my hap thus happily to meet, To be a witness of this sweet contract, I do rejoice; wherefore, to have this joy Longer present with me, I do request That all of you will be my promis'd guests: This long night's labour doth desire some rest, Besides this wished end; therefore, I pray, Let me detain ye but a dinner time: Tell me, I pray, shall I obtain so much?

MR BAR. Gentle Sir Ralph, your courtesy is such, As may impose command unto us all; We will be thankful bold at your request.

PHIL. I pray, Sir Ralph, what cheer shall we have?

SIR RALPH. I'faith, country fare, mutton and veal, Perchance a duck or goose [upon the platter.]

MAL. O, I am sick!

ALL. How now, Mall? what's the matter?

MAL. Father and mother, if you needs would know, He nam'd a goose, which is my stomach's foe.

PHIL. Come, come, she is with child of some odd jest, And now she's sick, till that she bring[446] it forth.

MAL. A jest, quoth you! well, brother, if it be, I fear 'twill prove an earnest unto me. Goose, said ye, sir? O, that same very name Hath in it much variety of shame! Of all the birds that ever yet was seen, I would not have them graze upon this green; I hope they will not, for this crop is poor, And they may pasture upon greater store: But yet 'tis pity that they let them pass, And like a common bite the Muse's grass. Yet this I fear: if Frank and I should kiss, Some creaking goose would chide us with a hiss; I mean not that goose that Sings it knows not what; 'Tis not that hiss, when one says, "hist, come hither," Nor that same hiss that setteth dogs together, Nor that same hiss that by a fire doth stand, And hisseth T. or F.[447] upon the hand; But 'tis a hiss, and I'll unlace my coat, For I should sound[448] sure, if I heard that note, And then green ginger for the green goose cries, Serves not the turn--I turn'd the white of eyes. The _rosa-solis_ yet that makes me live Is favour[449] that these gentlemen may give; But if they be displeased, then pleas'd am I To yield myself a hissing death to die. Yet I hope here is[450] none consents to kill, But kindly take the favour of good-will. If any thing be in the pen to blame, Then here stand I to blush the writer's shame: If this be bad, he promises a better; Trust him, and he will prove a right true debtor.

[_Exeunt_.

FINIS.

LOOK ABOUT YOU.

_EDITION.

A Pleasant Commodie called Looke About you. As it was lately played by the right honourable the Lord High Admirall his seruaunts. London, Printed for William Ferbrand, and are to be solde at his shop at the signe of the Crowne neere Guildhall gate_. 1600. 4°.

This drama is now first reprinted from the original edition, which has no division into acts and scenes. Mr Halliwell ("Dict. of Old Plays," 1860, p. 149) observes: "This is a diverting play, and the plot of it is founded on the English historians of the reign of Henry II."[451]

"Look About You" is not only a _pleasant_ comedy, full of bustle and amusing episodes, and abundantly stored with illustrations of manners, but it is a piece which exhibits, on the part of the unknown writer, a considerable share of power and originality. The crazed Earl of Gloucester is not an ill-conceived character, and may have supplied a hint to Shakespeare; and the cross-purposes, stratagems, and deceptions, of which it is full, remind us of our great dramatist's own "Comedy of Errors," with which, however, it has nothing in common. It is by no means improbable, at the same time, that "Look About You," and not Shakespeare's play, was the piece performed at Gray's Inn in December 1594.[452]

Skink, who fills the part assigned to the vice in the earlier comedies, is a well-sustained and entertaining character, and the series of transformations which he and the rest undergo, even while they occasionally perplex us a little, as the plot thickens, and the figures on the stage multiply, can hardly fail to amuse.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE[453]

HENRY II., _King of England_. PRINCE HENRY, _the young usurped King_. PRINCE JOHN. PRINCE RICHARD. EARLS OF GLOUCESTER, LANCASTER, CHESTER, LEICESTER, _and_ MORTON. SIR RICHARD FAUCONBRIDGE. ROBIN HOOD, _Earl of Huntington_. SKINK, _disguised as a hermit_. THE QUEEN. LADY FAUCONBRIDGE. BLOCK. _Warden of the Fleet_. REDCAP, _a messenger_. _Constable and Watch_. _A Pursuivant_. _A Drawer_. _Music_.

A PLEASANT COMEDY CALLED LOOK ABOUT YOU.

SCENE THE FIRST.

_Enter_ ROBERT HOOD, _a young Nobleman, a Servant with him, with
riding wands in their hands, as if they had been new-lighted_.

ROB. Go, walk the horses, wait me on the hill; This is the hermit's cell; go out of sight. My business with him must not be reveal'd To any mortal creature but himself.

SERV. I'll wait your honour in the cross highway. [_Exit_.

ROB. Do so. Hermit devout and reverend, If drowsy age keep not thy stiffened joints On thy unrestful bed, or if the hours Of holy orisons detain thee not, Come forth.

_Enter_ SKINK, _like an hermit_.

SKINK. Good morrow, son, Good morrow; and God bless thee, Huntington, A brighter gleam of true nobility Shines not in any youth more than in thee. Thou shalt be rich in honour, full of speed; Thou shalt win foes by fear, and friends by meed.

ROB. Father, I come not now to know my fate; Important business urgeth princely Richard [_Deliver letters_. In these terms to salute thy reverent age. Read and be brief; I know some cause of trust Made him employ me for his messenger.

SKINK. A cause of trust indeed, true-honoured youth. Princes had need, in matters of import, To make nice choice. Fair earl, if I not err, Thou art the prince's ward?

ROB. Father, I am His ward, his chamberlain, and bed-fellow.

SKINK. Fair fall thee, honourable Robert Hood! Wend to Prince Richard: say, though I am loth To use my skill in conjuration, Yet Skink, that poisoned red-cheek'd Rosamond, Shall make appearance at the parliament; He shall be there by noon, assure his grace.

ROB. Good-morrow, father, see you fail him not, For though the villain did a horrible deed, Yet hath the young king Richard, and Earl John, Sworn to defend him from his greatest foes.

SKINK. God's benison be with thee, noble Earl!

ROB. Adieu, good father. Holla, there! my horse!
[_Exit_.

SKINK. Up, spur the kicking jade, while I make speed To conjure Skink out of his hermit's weed; Lie there, religion: keep thy master grave, And on the fair trust of these princes' word To court again, Skink. But, before I go, Let mischief take advice of villainy, Why to the hermit letters should be sent, To post Skink to the court incontinent. Is there no trick in this? ha! let me see! Or do they know already I am he? If they do so, faith, westward[454] then with Skink But what an ass am I to be thus fond! Here lies the hermit, whom I dying found Some two months since, when I was hourly charg'd With Hugh the crier and with constables. I saw him in the ready way to heaven; I help'd him forward: 'twas a holy deed; And there he lies some six foot in the ground. Since where, and since, I kept me in his weeds, O, what a world of fools have fill'd my cells! For fortunes, run-aways, stol'n goods, lost cattle! Among the number, all the faction That take the young king's part against the old, Come to myself to hearken for myself. So did the adverse party make inquire, But either fall full of contrary desire: The old king's part would kill me being stain'd; The young king's keep me from their violence. So then thou need'st not fear; go boldly on, Brave Hal, Prince Dick, and my spruce hot-spur John, Here's their safe-conduct. O, but for Rosamond! A fig for Rosamond! to this hope I'll lean, At a queen's bidding I did kill a quean.

SCENE THE SECOND.

_Sound trumpets; enter with a Herald, on the one side_,
HENRY THE SECOND, _crowned, after him_ LANCASTER, CHESTER,
SIR RICHARD FAUCONBRIDGE: _on the other part_, KING HENRY
_the son, crowned, Herald after him; after him_ PRINCE
RICHARD, JOHN, LEICESTER. _Being set, enters fantastical_
ROBERT OF GLOSTER _in a gown girt; walks up and down_.

OLD KING. Why doth not Gloster take his honoured seat?

GLO. In faith, my liege, Gloster is in a land, Where neither surety is to sit or stand. I only do appear as I am summoned, And will await without till I am call'd.

YOUNG K. Why, hear you, Gloster?

GLO. Henry, I do hear you.

YOUNG K. And why not _King_?

GLO. What's he that sits so near you?

RICH. King too.

GLO. Two kings? Ha, ha!

OLD K. Gloster, sit, we charge thee.

GLO. I will obey your charge; I will sit down, But in this house on no seat but the ground.

JOHN. The seat's too good.

GLO. I know it, brother John.

JOHN. Thy brother?

OLD K. Silence there.

YOUNG KING. Pass to the bills, Sir Richard Fauconbridge.

FAU. My lieges both, old Fauconbridge is proud Of your right honour'd charge. He that worst may Will strain his old eyes: God send peace this day! A bill for the releasement of the queen preferr'd, By Henry the young King, Richard the Prince, John, Earl Of Morton, Bohmine, Earl of Leicester, and the Commons.

OLD K. Did you prefer this bill?

ALL. We did.

CHES. and LAN. Ye did not well.

GLO. Why, this is good; now shall we have the hell.

THREE BRO. Chester and Lancaster, you wrong the king.

CHES. and LAN. Our king we do not.

YOUNG K. Do not you see me crown'd?

LAN. But whilst he lives, we to none else are bound.

LEI. Is it not wrong, think you, when all the world['s] Troubled with rumour of a captive queen, Imprisoned by her husband in a realm, Where her own son doth wear a diadem? Is like an head of people mutinous, Still murmuring at the shame done her and us? Is it not more wrong, when her mother zeal, Sounded through Europe, Afric, Asia, Tells in the hollow of news-thirsting ears, Queen Elinor lives in a dungeon, For pity and affection to her son? But when the true cause, Clifford's daughter's death, Shall be exposed to stranger nations, What volumes will be writ, what libels spread, And in each line our state dishonoured!

FAU. My lord speaks to the purpose; marry, It may be so; pray God it prove not so.

LEI. Hear me conclude, and therewithal conclude; It is an heinous and unheard-of sin: Queen Elinor, daughter to kingly France, King Henry's wife, and royal Henry's mother, Is kept close prisoner for an act of justice, Committed on an odious concubine.

KING. Thou wrong'st her, Leicester.

LEI. Lechers ever praise The cause of their confusion; she was vile.

FAU. She was ill-spoken of, it's true, [too] true.

GLO. Yonder sits one would do as much for you, Old fool; young Richard hath a gift, I know it, And on your wife my sister would bestow it. Here's a good world! men hate adulterous sin, Count it a gulf, and yet they needs will in. [_Aside_.

LEI. What answer for the queen?

LAN. The king replies, Your words are foul slanderous forgeries.

JOHN. His highness says not so.

LAN. His highness doth, Tells you it is a shame for such wild youth To smother any impiety, With shew to chastise loose adultery, Say Rosamond was Henry's concubine. Had never king a concubine but he? Did Rosamond begin the fires in France? Made she the northern borders reek with flames? Unpeopled she the towns of Picardy? Left she the wives of England husbandless? O, no. She sinn'd, I grant; so do we all; She fell herself, desiring none should fall. But Elinor, whom you so much commend, Hath been the bellows of seditious fire, Either through jealous rage or mad desire. Is't not a shame to think that she hath arm'd Four sons' right hands against their father's head, And not the children of a low-priz'd wretch, But one, whom God on earth hath deified? See, where he sits with sorrow in his eyes! Three of his sons and hers tutor'd by her: Smiles, whilst he weeps, and with a proud disdain Embrace blithe mirth, while his sad heart complain.

FAU. Ha! laugh they? nay, by the rood, that is not well; Now fie, young princes, fie!

HEN. Peace, doting fool.

JOHN. Be silent, ass.

FAU. With all my heart, my lords; my humble leave, my lords. God's mother, ass and fool for speaking truth! 'Tis terrible; but fare ye well, my lords.

RICH. Nay, stay, good Fauconbridge; impute it rage, That thus abuses your right reverend age. My brothers are too hot.

FAU. Too hot indeed! Fool, ass, for speaking truth! It's more than need.

RICH. Nay, good Sir Richard, at my kind intreat, For all the love I bear your noble house, Let not your absence kindle further wrath. Each side's at council now; sit down, I pray. I'll quit it with the kindest love I may.

GLOS. Ay, to his wife. [_Aside_.

FAU. Prince Richard, I'll sit down; But by the faith I owe fair England's crown, Had you not been, I would have left the place; My service merits not so much disgrace.

RICH. Good Fauconbridge, I thank thee.

[_Go to their places_.

GLO. And you'll think of him, If you can step into his bower at Stepney.

FAU. Prince Richard's very kind; I know his kindness. He loves me, but he loves my lady better. No more. I'll watch him; I'll prevent his game; Young lad, it's ill to halt before the lame. [_Aside.

[They break asunder, papers this while being
offered and subscribed between either_.

HEN. I'll not subscribe to this indignity; I'll not be called a king, but be a king. Allow me half the realm; give me the north, The provinces that lie beyond the seas: Wales and the Isles, that compass in the main.

GLO. Nay, give him all, and he will scant be pleased. [_Aside_.

RICH. Brother, you ask too much.

JOHN. Too much? too little! He shall have that and more; I swear he shall. I will have Nottingham and Salisbury, Stafford and Darby, and some other earldom, Or, by St John (whose blessed name I bear), I'll make these places like a wilderness. Is't not a plague, an horrible abuse, A king, a King of England, should be father To four such proper youths as Hal and Dick, My brother Geoffrey, and my proper self, And yet not give his sons such maintenance, As he consumes among his minions?

RICH. Be more respective, John.

JOHN. Respective, Richard? Are you turn'd pure? a changing weathercock! [_Aside_. I say its reason Henry should be king, Thou prince, I duke, as Geoffrey is a duke.

LAN. What shall your father do?

JOHN. Live at his prayers, Have a sufficient pension by the year, Repent his sins, because his end is near.

GLO. A gracious son, a very gracious son! [_Aside_.

KING. Will this content you? I that have sat still, Amaz'd to see my sons devoid of shame; To hear my subjects with rebellious tongues Wound the kind bosom of their sovereign; Can no more bear, but from a bleeding heart Deliver all my love for all your hate: Will this content ye?[455] Cruel Elinor, Your savage mother, my uncivil queen: The tigress, that hath drunk the purple blood Of three times twenty thousand valiant men; Washing her red chaps in the weeping tears Of widows, virgins, nurses, sucking babes; And lastly, sorted with her damn'd consorts, Ent'red a labyrinth to murther love. Will this content you? She shall be releas'd, That she may next seize me she most envies!

HEN. Our mother's liberty is some content.

KING. What else would Henry have?

HEN. The kingdom.

KING. Peruse this bill; draw near; let us confer.

JOHN. Hal, be not answered but with sovereignty, For glorious is the sway of majesty.

KING. What would content you, John?

JOHN. Five earldoms, sir.

KING. What you, son Richard?

RICH. Pardon, gracious father, And th'furtherance for my vow of penance. For I have sworn to God and all his saints, These arms erected in rebellious brawls Against my father and my sovereign, Shall fight the battles of the Lord of Hosts, In wrong'd Judaea and Palestina. That shall be Richard's penance for his pride, His blood a satisfaction for his sin, His patrimony, men, munition, And means to waft them into Syria.

KING. Thou shalt have thy desire, heroic son, As soon as other home-bred brawls are done.

LAN. Why weeps old Fauconbridge?

FAU. I am almost blind, To hear sons cruel and the fathers kind. Now, well-a-year,[456] that e'er I liv'd to see Such patience and so much impiety!

GLO. Brother, content thee; this is but the first: Worse is a-brewing, and yet not the worst.

LEI. You shall not stand to this.

HEN. And why, my lord?

LEI. The lands of Morton doth belong to John.

HEN. What's that to me? by Act of Parliament If they be mine confirm'd, he must be pleas'd.

JOHN. Be pleased, King-puppet! have I stood for thee, Even in the mouth of death? open'd my arms To circle in sedition's ugly shape? Shook hands with duty, bad adieu to virtue, Profan'd all majesty in heaven and earth; Writ in black characters on my white brow The name of _rebel John_ against his father? For thee, for thee, thou 'otomy[457] of honour, Thou worm of majesty, thou froth, thou bubble![458] And must I now be pleas'd in peace to stand, While statutes make thee owner of my land?

GLO. Good pastime, good, now will the thieves fall out! [_Aside_.

JOHN. O, if I do, let me be never held Royal King Henry's son; pardon me, father; Pull down this rebel, that hath done thee wrong. Dick, come and leave his side; assail him, lords; Let's have no parley but with bills and swords.

KING. Peace, John, lay down thy arms; hear Henry speak. He minds thee no such wrong.

JOHN. He were not best.

HEN. Why, hair-brain'd brother, can ye brook no jest? I do confirm you Earl of Nottingham.

JOHN. And Morton too?

HEN. Ay, and Morton too.

JOHN. Why so? now once more I'll sit down by you.

GLO. Blow, wind! the youngest of King Henry's stock Would fitly serve to make a weathercock.

JOHN. Gape, earth! challenge thine own, as Gloster lies; Pity such muck is cover'd with the skies?

FAU. Be quiet, good my lords; ['tis] the King's command You should be quiet, and 'tis very meet; It's most convenient--how say you, Prince Richard?

RICH. It is indeed.

FAU. Why, that is wisely said; You are a very kind, indifferent man, Marry a' God, and by my halidom, Were not I had a feeling in my head Of some suspicion 'twixt my wife and him I should affect him more than all the world. [_Aside_.

GLO. Take heed, old Richard, keep thee there, mad lad. My sisters' fair, and beauty may turn bad. [_Aside_.

SCENE THE THIRD.

_Enter_ ROBIN HOOD, _a paper in his hand_.

OFFICER. Room there, make room for young Huntington.

FAU. A gallant youth, a proper gentleman.

HEN. Richard, I have had wrong about his wardship.

RICH. You cannot right yourself.

JOHN. He can and shall.

RICH. Not with your help; but, honourable youth, Have ye perform'd the business I enjoin'd?

ROB. I have, and Skink is come; here is his bill.

HEN. No matter for his bill; let him come in.

KING. Let him not enter; his infectious breath Will poison the assembly.

GLO. Never doubt;[459] There's more infectious breaths about your throne. Leicester is there; your envious sons are there; If them you can endure, no poison fear.

KING. Content thee, Gloster.

GLO. I must be content When you, that should mend all, are patient.

_Enter_ SKINK.

HEN. Welcome, good Skink, thou justly dost complain, Thou stand'st in dread of death for Rosamond, Whom thou didst poison at our dread command And the appointment of our gracious mother. See here my father's hand unto thy pardon.

SKINK. I receive it graciously, wishing his soul sweet peace in heaven for so meritorious a work, for I fear me I have not his heart, though his hand.

KING. Be sure thou hast not, murderous bloodsucker, To jealous envy executioner.

HEN. Besides, thou suest to have some maintenance; We have bethought us how we will reward thee, Thou shalt have Rowden lordship.

GLO. Shall he so? Will you reward your murtherers with my lands?

HEN. Your lands? it is our gift; and he shall have it.

GLO. I'll give him seizure first with this and this.
[_Strike him_.

JOHN. Lay hold on Gloster.

KING. Hold that murderous Skink.

GLO. Villains, hands off; I am a prince, a peer, And I have borne disgrace, while I can bear.

FAU. Knaves, leave your rudeness; how now, brother Gloster? nay, be appeas'd, be patient, brother.

RICH. Shift for thyself, good Skink; there's gold, away: Here will be parts.[460]

SKINK. Swounds! I'll make one, and stay.

JOHN. I prythee, begone, since thus it falleth out, Take water; hence, away; thy life I doubt.

SKINK. Well, farewell [then]; get I once out of door, Skink never will put trust in warrants more. [_Exit_.

KING. Will Gloster not be bridled?

GLO. Yes, my liege; And saddled too, and rid, and spurred, and rein'd, Such misery (in your reign) 'falls your friends. Let go my arms, you dunghills; let me speak.

KING. Where's that knave, Skink? I charge you see him stay'd.

FAU. The swift-heel'd knave is fled; Body-a-me, here's rule; here's work indeed.

KING. Follow that Skink; let privy search be made; Let not one pass, except he be well-known; Let posts be every way sent speedily For ten miles' compass round about the city.

HEN. Take Gloster to you, Lieutenant of the Tower. Keep him aside, till we confer awhile. Father, you must subscribe to his committing.

LAN. Why must he, Henry?

LEI. Marry, for this cause: He hath broke peace, and violated laws.

GLO. So have you all done, rebels as you be.

FAU. Good words, good brother; hear me, gracious lords.

HEN. I prythee, Fauconbridge, be patient. Gloster must of force answer this contempt.

KING. I will not yield; he shall unto the Tower, Warden of th'Fleet, take you the charge of Gloster.

HEN. Why, be it so; yet stay with him awhile, Till we take order for the company, That shall attend him, and resort to him.

GLO. Warden of the Fleet, I see I am your charge, Befriend me thus, lest by their command I be prevented of what I intend.

KEEP. Command me any service in my power.

GLO. I pray you call some nimble-footed fellow To do a message for me to my sister.

KEEP. Call in Redcap; he waiteth with a tipstaff, [_Exit one for him_. He stammers; but he's swift and trusty, sir.

SCENE THE FOURTH.

_Enter_ REDCAP.

GLO. No matter for the stammering; is this he?

RED. Ay, I am Re-Redcap, s-s-sir.

GLO. Run. Redcap, to Stepney.

RED. I'll be at Stepney p-p-presently.

GLO. Nay, stay; go to the Lady Fauconbridge, my sister.

RED. The La-La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fauconbreech? I r-r-run, sir!

GLO. But take thy errand; tell her I am prisoner, Committed to the Fleet.

RED. I am g-g-glad of th-th-that, my fa-fa-father the p-p-porter sha-shall ge-ge-get a f-f-fee by you. [_Still runs_.

GLO. Stand still a while--desire her to make means Unto Prince Richard for my liberty; At thy return (make speed) I will reward thee.

RED. I am g-g-gone, si-sir.

RICH. Commend me to her, gentle Huntington; Tell her in these affairs I'll stand her friend, Her brother shall not long be prisoner: Say I will visit her immediately. Begone, sweet boy, to Marion Fauconbridge, Thou lookest like love: persuade her to be loving.

ROB. So far as honour will, I will persuade; I'll lay love's battery to her modest ears; Second my mild assault, you may chance win, Fair parley at the least may hap pass in. [_Exit_.

HEN. Here, take your charge; let no man speak with him, Except ourself, our brethren, or Earl Leicester.

FAU. Not I, my lord? may not I speak with him?

HEN. Yes, Fauconbridge, thou shalt.

JOHN. And why? he is his wife's brother.

FAU. Earl John, although I be, I am true unto the state, and so is he.

GLO. What, shall I have no servant of my own?

HEN. No, but the household servants of the Fleet.

GLO. I thank you, kinsman King; your father knows, Gloster may boldly give a base slave blows.

FAU. O, but not here; it was not well done here.

KING. Farewell, good Gloster, you shall hear from us.

GLO. Even what your sons will suffer you to send. Is't not a misery to see you stand, That sometime was the monarch of this land, Intreating traitors for a subject's freedom?

LEI. Let him not speak; away with him to prison.

GLO. Here's like to be a well-stay'd commonwealth, Wherein proud Leicester and licentious John Are pillars for the king to lean upon.

JOHN. We'll hear your railing lecture in the Fleet.

GLO.[461] On thy displeasure--well ye have me here. O, that I were within my fort of Bungay, Whose walls are wash'd with the clear streams of Waveney,[462] Then would not Gloster pass a halfpenny, For all these rebels and their poor king too.[463] Laughtst thou, King Henry? Thou know'st my words are true, God help thee, good old man! adieu, adieu!

JOHN. That castle shall be mine, wherein stands[464] Fauconbridge.

FAU. Far from your reach, sure, under Feckhill-ridge, Five hundred men (England hath few such wight) Keep it for Gloster's use both day and night: But you may easily win it. Wantons' words Quickly can master men, tongues out-brawl swords!

JOHN. Ye are an idiot.

RICH. I prythee, John, forbear.

JOHN. What, shall old winter with his frosty jests Cross flow'ry pleasures?

FAU. Ay, and nip you too! God Mary mother,[465] I would tickle you, Were there no more in place but I and you.

KING. Cease these contentions; forward to the Tower. Release Queen Elinor, and leave me there. Your prisoner I am, sure, if ye had power; There's nothing let's you but the Commons' fear: Keep your state, lords; we will by water go, Making the fresh Thames salt with tears of woe.

HEN. And we'll by land thorough the City ride, Making the people tremble at our pride.

[_Exeunt with trumpets two ways_.

SCENE THE FIFTH.

_Enter_ SKINK _solus_.

SKINK. Blackheath, quoth he! And I were king of all Kent, I would give it for a commodity of apron-strings, to be in my cottage again. Princes' warrants! marry, Skink finds them as sure as an obligation seal'd with batter. At King's-Bridge I durst not enter a boat. Through London the stones were fiery. I have had a good cool way through the fields, and in the highway to Ratcliffe stands a heater. Mile-end's covered with _who goes there_? 'Tis for me, sure. O Kent, O Kent, I would give my part of all Christendom[466] to feel thee, as I see thee. If I go forward, I am stayed; if I go backward, there's a rogue in a red cap, he's run from St John's after me. I were best stay here, lest if he come with hue and cry, he stop me yonder. I would slip the collar for fear of the halter; but here comes my runner, and if he run for me, his race dies, he is as sure as dead as if a Parliament of devils[467] had decreed it. [_Retires_.

SCENE THE SIXTH.

_Enter_ REDCAP.

RED. Ste-Ste-Stepney ch-church yonder; but I have forgot The La-La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fau--plague on her, I mu-must b-back to the Fle-Fle-Fleet to kn-kn-know it. The La- the La-La-Lady Fau--plague on't; G-Gloster Will go ne-near to st-stab me so for forgetting My errand, he is such a ma-ma-mad lord, the La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fau--

SKINK. Help me, device; upon my life, this fool is sent From Gloster to his sister Marian.

RED. I m-must ne-needs go back, the La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fau--

SKINK. God speed, good fellow.

RED. Go-Go-God sp-sp-speed you, sir.

SKINK. Why runn'st thou from me?

RED. Ma-Marry, sir, I have lo-lost a la-lady's name, and I am running ba-back to se-se-seek it.

SKINK. What lady? I prythee, stay.

RED. Why, the La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fau--

SKINK. Fauconbridge?

RED. Ay, the s-s-same: farewell. I th-th-thank you h-heartily.

SKINK. If thou would'st speak with her, she is in Kent. I serve her; what's thy business with my lady?

RED. I sh-sh-should do an errand to her f-f-from my Lord of Gloucester; but, a-a-and she be in K-Kent, I'll send it by you.

SKINK. Where is my lord?

RED. Marry, p-p-prisoner in the Fl-Fleet, a-a-and w-would have her speak to P-Prince R-Richard for his re-re-release.

SKINK. I have much business; hold, there's thy fare by water, my Lady lies this night--

RED. Wh-wh-where, I pray?

SKINK. At Gravesend at the Angel.

RED. 'Tis devilish co-co-cold going by water.

SKINK. Why, there's my cloak and hat to keep thee warm; Thy cap and jerkin will serve me to ride in By the way; thou hast wind and tide; take oars; My lady will reward thee royally.

RED. G-God-a-mercy, f-fa-faith; and ever th-thou co-co-come to the Fl-Fl-Fleet, I'll give the tu-tu-turning of the ke-key f-for n-no-nothing.

SKINK. Hie thee; to-morrow morning at Gravesend I'll wash thy stammering throat with a mug of ale merrily.

RED. God be w-with you till s-soo-soon. What call you the lady? O, now I re-remember: the La-Lady Fa-Fauconbridge. At what s-sign?

SKINK. At the Angel.

RED. A-Angel, the La-La-Lady Fa-Fa-Fauconbridge, Fa-Fan-Fanconbridge.

SKINK. Farewell and be hang'd, good stammering ninny, I think I have set your Redcap's heels a-running, would your pianot-chattering humour could as sa-safely se-set me fr-from the searchers' walks. Yonder comes some one. 'Hem! Skink, to your tricks this titty titty. Ah, the tongue, I believe, will fail me.[468]

SCENE THE SEVENTH.

_Enter_ CONSTABLE _and_ WATCH.

CON. Come, make up to this fellow, let th'other go, he seems a gentleman. [_Exit_ REDCAP _dressed as_ SKINK.] What are you, sir?

SKINK. Would I had kept my own suit, if the countenance carry it away.

CON. Stand, sirrah, what are you?

SKINK. The po-po-porter's son of the F-Fl-Fleet, going to Stepney about business to the La-La-Lady Fa-Fa-Fauconbridge.

CON. Well, bring him thither, some two or three of ye, honest neighbours, and so back to the Fleet; we'll show ourselves diligent above other officers.

SKINK. Wh-wh-why, le-le-let me run. I am Re-Redcap.

CON. Well, sure you shall now run no faster than I lead you, hear ye, neighbour Simmes, I leave my staff with ye; be vigilant, I pray you, search the suspicious houses at the town's end; this Skink's a trouncer. Come, will you be gone, sir?

SKINK. Yes, sir, and the devil go with you and them, Well, yet have hope, mad ha-heart; co-co-come your way.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE THE EIGHTH.

_Enter_ ROBIN HOOD _and_ BLOCK.

BLO. Sweet nobility in reversion, Block, by the commission of his head, conjures you and withal binds you, by all the tricks that pages pass in time of Parliament, as swearing to the pantable,[469] crowning with custards, paper-whiffs to the sleepers' noses, cutting of tags, stealing of torches, _cum multis aliis_--tell, Block, what block you have cast in the way of my lady's content!

ROB. Block, by the antiquity of your ancestry, I have given your lady not so much as the least cause of dislike; if she be displeased at any news I bring, it's more than I must blab.

BLO. Zounds, these pages be so proud, they care not for an old servingman; you are a ward and so an earl, and no more: you disquiet our house--that's the most; and I may be even with thee--that's the least.

_Enter the_ LADY FAUCONBRIDGE.

LADY F. What, Block, what, Block, I say! what do you there?

BLO. Making the young lord merry, madam.

LADY F. Go, attend the gate; See if you can let in more grief thereat.

BLO. Zounds, and grief come in there; and I see Him once, I'll conjure his gaberdine. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Will you be gone, sir?

BLO. Hem! these women, these women! And she be not in love either with Prince Richard or this lad, let Block's head be made a chopping-block. [_Exit BLOCK_.

ROB. Fair madam, what reply you to my suit? The prince expects[470] smiles, welcomes, loving looks.

LADY F. The prince, if he give heed to Marian's suit, Must hear heart-sighs, see sorrow in my eyes, And find cold welcome to calamities.

ROB. And why, for God's sake?

LADY F. Even for Gloster's sake.

ROB. Why, by mine honour, and Prince Richard saith, Your brother Gloster shall have liberty, Upon condition you release a prisoner, That you have long held in captivity.

LADY F. I have no prisoner.

ROB. Yes, a world of eyes Your beauty in a willing bondage ties.

LADY F. Go to, you are dispos'd to jest, my lord.

ROB. In earnest, I must be an earnest suitor To you for love; yet you must be my tutor.

LADY F. Are you in love?

ROB. I dearly love Prince Richard.

LADY F. Then do you love the loveliest man alive, The princeliest person of King Henry's sons.

ROB. I like this well. [_Aside_.

LADY F. He is virtuous in his mind, his body fair; His deeds are just, his speeches debonair.

ROB. Better and better still. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Indeed he is, what nobody can deny, All lovely, beauty all, all majesty.

ROB. I'll tell his excellence what you report; No doubt he will be very thankful for't.

LADY F. Nay, hear you, young lord! [for] God's pity, stay.

ROB. What, have you more in Richard's praise to say?

LADY F. I have said too much, if you misconstrue me. Duty bids praise him, not unchastity.

ROB. Unchastity? holy heavens forfend it, That he or I, or you should once intend it!

SCENE THE NINTH.

_Enter_ BLOCK _and_ RICHARD.

BLO. They are there, sir, close at it, I leave you, sir; the more room the less company.

RICH. Drink that; farewell. [_Gives him money_.

BLO. If that Sir Richard comes; this ties, this binds; O gold, thy power converteth servants' minds. [_Exit_.

RICH. How now, fair madam, who hath anger'd you?

LADY F. Grief at my brother's durance angers me.

RICH. I had thought my ward, young Huntington, had vex'd you.

LADY F. Who? he? alas, good gentleman, he wrong'd me not; No matter, for all this I'll tell your tale.

_A noise within, enter_ SKINK, BLOCK, CONSTABLE.

BLO. Sir, there comes no more of you in with him than the constable. Zounds, here's a beadroll of bills at the gate indeed; back, ye base!

LADY F. Now, sirrah, what's the matter?

BLO. Marry, here's a stammerer taken clipping the king's English, and the constable and his watch hath brought him to you to be examin'd.

CON. No, madam, we are commanded by the king to watch; and meeting this fellow at Mile-end, he tells us he is the porter's son of the Fleet, [and] that the Earl of Gloster sent him to you.

SKINK. Ay, f-forsooth he desire[d] you to speak to the p-prince for him.

LADY F. O, I conceive thee; bid him blithely fare, Bear him this ring in token of my care.

SKINK. If I be rid of this evil angel that haunts me, many rings, much Fleet, will Skink come unto. [_Aside_.

CON. Madam, if you know this fellow, we'll discharge him.

BLO. Madam, and you be wise, trust your honest neighbours here; let them bring this ca-ca-ca-ca-to the Fleet, and s-see your ring delivered.

SKINK. A plague upon you for a damned rogue! The porter of the Fleet will surely know me. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Good neighbours, bring this honest fellow thither; There's for his pains a crown, if he say true, And for your labour there's as much for you.

SKINK. Why, ma-ma-madam, I am Re-Re-Redcap, the porter's son.

LADY F. Thou hast no wrong in this; farewell, good fellow.

SKINK. Best speaking to Prince Richard? no, I'll try And face out Redcap, if the slave were by.

LADY F. Make them drink, Block.

BLO. Come to the buttery-bar, stitty-stitty stammerer; come, honest Constable, hey! the watch of our town; we'll drink, try-lill, i'faith.

SCENE THE TENTH.

_As they go out, enters_ SIR RICHARD FAUCONBRIDGE,
_stealing forward_, PRINCE _and_ LADY _talking_.[471]

ROB. _Lupus in fabula_, my noble Lord; See the old fox, Sir Richard Fauconbridge.

RICH. We'll fit him well enough; second us, Robin.

LADY F. I'll fit you well enough for all your hope.

[FAUC. _beckons to_ BLOCK.

FAU. Leave quaffing, sirrah, listen to their talk.

BLO. O, while you live, beware, two are sooner seen than one; besides, bear a brain, master, if Block should be now spied, my madam would not trust this sconce neither in time nor tide.

FAU. Well, leave me, now it buds; see, see, they kiss.

BLO. Adieu, good old sinner, you may recover it with a sallet of parsley and the herb patience; if not, sir, you know the worst. It's but even this.

RICH. Madam, what you desire, I not deny, But promise Gloster life and liberty. I beg but love.

FAU. When doth she give her alms? [_Aside_.

LADY F. Fair, honourable prince.

FAU. Nay, then, they speed. [_Aside_.

LADY F. My soul hath your deserts in good esteem.

FAU. Witness these goodly tines[472], that grace my head. [_Aside_.

LADY F. But were you the sole monarch of the earth, Your power were insufficient to invade My never-yielding heart of chastity.

FAU. Sayst thou so, Mall? I promise thee for this, I'll owe thy cherry lips an old man's kiss; Look, how my cockerell droops; 'tis no matter, I like it best, when women will not flatter. [_Aside_.

RICH. Nay, but sweet lady--

ROB. Nay, but gracious lord, Do not so much forget your princely worth As to tempt[473] virtue t' unchastity.

FAU. O noble youth! [_Aside_.

ROB. Let not the lady's dead grief for her brother Give life to shameless and detested sin.

FAU. Sweet child. [_Aside_.

ROB. Consider that she is of high descent.

FAU. Most virtuous earl. [_Aside_.

ROB. Wife to the noblest knight that ever breath'd.

FAU. Now, blessing on thee, blessed Huntington! [_Aside_.

ROB. And would you then first stain your princely stock, Wrong beauty, virtue, honour, chastity, And blemish Fauconbridge's untainted arms?

FAU. By adding horns unto our falcon's head? Well thought on, noble youth: 'twas well put in. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Besides, my gracious lord,--

FAU. Tickle him, Mall, Plague him on that side for his hot desire.

LADY F.--however secretly great princes sin.

FAU. O, now the spring! she'll do it secretly. [_Aside_.

LADY F. The King of all hearts will have all sins known.

FAU. Ah, then she yields not! [_Aside_.

RICH. Lady, here's my hand. I did but try your honourable faith.

FAU. He did but try her! would she have been tried, It had gone hard on this and on this side. [_Aside_.

RICH. And since I see your virtue so confirm'd, As vice can have no entrance in your heart, I vow, in sight of heaven, never again, To move like question but for love.

FAU. My heart is eased; hold, Block, take up my cloak.

BLO. And your cap, too, sir?[474]

[_Sir_ RICH. FAUC. _comes forward_.

RICH. Sir Richard!

FAU. What, sweet Prince, welcome, i'faith, I see youth quickly gets the start of age; But welcome, welcome; and, young Huntington, Sweet Robin Hood, honour's best flow'ring bloom, Welcome to Fauconbridge with all my heart! How cheers my love, how fares my Marian, ha? Be merry, chuck, and, Prince Richard, welcome. Let it go, Mall; I know thy grievances. Away, away; tut, let it pass, sweet girl. We needs must have his help about the earls. [_Aside_.

LADY F. Let it not be delay'd, dear Fauconbridge.

RICH. Sir Richard, first make suit unto my father, I'll follow you to Court, and second you.

FAU. Follow to court, ha? then I smell a rat, It's probable he'll have a bout again; Long siege makes entrance to the strongest fort. It must not be; I must not leave him here. [_Aside_. Prince Richard, if you love my brother's good, Let's ride back to the court: I'll wait on you.

RICH. He's jealous; but I must observe the time. [_Aside_. We'll ride unto the court; I'll leave my boy Till we return; are you agreed to this?

FAU. O, ay, he is an honourable youth, Virtuous and modest, Huntington's right heir, His father Gilbert was the smoothest-fac'd lord That e'er bare arms in England or in France.

RICH. Solicit,[475] Robin: Lady, give good ear, And of your brother's freedom never fear. [_Aside_.

FAU. Marian, farewell; where's Block? open the gate; Come, Prince, God send us to prove fortunate.

[_Exeunt_.

LADY F. Why do you stay,[476] sir?

ROB. Madam, as a lieger to solicit for your absent love.

LADY F. Walk in the garden; I will follow you, I'faith, i'faith, you are a noble wag.

ROB. An honourable wag and waggish earl, Even what you will, sweet lady, I must bear, Hoping of patience profit will ensue, That you will bear the Prince as I bear you.

LADY F. Well said, well said, I'll have these toys amended, Go, will you walk into the garden, sir?

ROB. But will you promise me to bring no maids, To set upon my little manship there? You threat'ned whipping, and I am in fear.

LADY F. Upon my word, I'll bring none but myself.

ROB. You see I am weapon'd, do not, I beseech thee.[477] I'll stab them, come there twenty, ere they breech me. [_Exit_.

LADY F. This youth and Richard think me easily won; But Marian rather will embrace The bony carcase of dismaying death, Than prove unchaste to noble Fauconbridge. Richard,[478] King Henry's son, is light, Wanton, and loves not humble modesty, Which makes me (much contrary to my thoughts) Flatter his humour for my brother's safety, But I protest I'll dwell among the dead, Ere I pollute my sacred nuptial bed. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE ELEVENTH.

_Enter_ GLOSTER _in his gown, calling_.

GLO. Porter, what, porter, where's this drowsy ass?

_Enter_ PORTER.

POR. Who calls? my Lord of Gloucester all alone?

GLO. Alone, and have your wisdom's company! Pray, where's the stammering chatterer, your son? He's ever running; but he makes small haste. I'll bring his lither legs in better frame, And if he serve me thus another time-- [_Knock within_. Hark, sir, your clients knock; and't be your pye, Let him[479] vouchsafe to chatter us some news, Tell him we dance attendance in our chamber. [_Exit_ PORTER. This John and Henry are so full of hate, That they will have my head by some device, Gloster hath plotted means for an escape, And if it fadge,[480] why so; if not, then well. The way to heaven is death, this life's a hell.

SCENE THE TWELFTH.

_Enter_ PORTER _and_ SKINK.

POR. Why should the watchman come along with thee?

SKINK. There's such, a que-question for yon s-same r-rogue; Skink, p-plague keep [me] far enough from him, that a-an-honest f-fellow ca-can-not w-w-walk the streets.

POR. Well, sir, dispatch your business with the earl; He's angry at your stay, I tell ye that. [_Exit_.

SKINK. 'Sblood, what a frown this Gloster casts at me; I hope he means to lend me no more cuffs, Such as he paid me at the Parliament. [_Aside_.

GLO. What mutter you? what tidings from my sister?

SKINK. Co-commendations, and s-she hath s-sent ye this r-ring.

GLO. Hold, there's two angels; shut the chamber-door, You must about some business for me straight; Come nearer, man.

SKINK. I fear I am too near. [_Aside_.

GLO. Hast thou no tidings for my liberty?

SKINK. No, b-but ye sh-shall he-hear f-from her p-p-presently.

GLO. And p-presently, sir, off with your coat. Nay, quick, uncase, I am bold to borrow it, I'll leave my gown; change is no robbery. Stutterer, it's so, ne'er flinch, ye cannot pass: Cry, and by heaven I'll cut thy coward's throat, Quickly cashier yourself: you see me stay.

SKINK. N-n-nay, b-b-but wh-wh-what m-mean ye?

GLO. To 'scape, I hope, sir, with your privilege-- [_He takes his coat off_. How now, who's this? my fine familiar Skink, Queen Beldam's minion?

SKINK. Zounds, ye see 'tis I.

GLO. Time sorts not now to know these mysteries. How thou cam'st by this ring, or stol'st this coat, They are mine now in possession, for which kindness, If I escape, I'll get thee liberty, Or fire the Fleet about the warden's ears. Mumbudget, not a word, as thou lovest thy life.

SKINK. Ay mum, mum fair, pray God may chance it, My lord, but that my case is desperate, I'd see your eyes out, ere I would be cheated.

GLO. Walk like an earl, villain; some are coming.

SCENE THE THIRTEENTH.

_Enter PRINCE JOHN and PORTER_.

JOHN. Where is this Gloster?

GLO. Y-y-yonder he walks. Fa-fa-father, l-let me out.

POR. Why, whither must you now?

GLO. To Je-Jericho, I th-think; 'tis such a h-h-humorous earl.

POR. Well, sir, will't please you hasten home again.

GLO. I-I-ll be h-here in a trice; b-but p-pray have a care of th-this madcap; if he g-give us the s-s-slip, s-s-some of us a-are like to m-make a sl-sl-slippery occupation on't.

[_This while_ JOHN _walks and stalks by_ SKINK [_disguised as_
GLO'STER], _never a word between them_.

POR. Look to your business, sir; let me alone.

GLO. Alone; never trust me, if I trouble thee.

JOHN. Mad Gloster mute, all mirth turn'd to despair? Why, now you see what 'tis to cross a king, Deal against princes of the royal blood, You'll snarl and rail, but now your tongue is bedrid, Come, caperhay[481], set all at six and seven; What, musest thou with thought of hell or heaven?

SKINK. Of neither, John; I muse at my disgrace, That I am thus kept prisoner in this place.

JOHN. O, sir, a number are here prisoners: My cousin Morton, whom I came to visit. But he (good man) is at his morrow mass; But I, that neither care to say nor sing, Come to seek that preaching hate and prayer, And while they mumble up their orisons, We'll play a game at bowls. What say'st thou, Gloster?

SKINK. I care not, if I do.

JOHN. You do not care, Let old men care for graves, we for our sports; Off with your gown, there lies my hat and cloak, The bowls there quickly, ho?

SKINK. No, my gown stirs not; it keeps sorrow warm, And she and I am not to be divorced.

_Enter_ PORTER _with bowls_.

JOHN. Yes, there's an axe must part your head and you, And with your head sorrow will leave your heart. But come, shall I begin? a pound a game?

SKINK. More pounds, and we thus heavy? well, begin.

JOHN. Rub, rub, rub, rub.

SKINK. Amen, God send it short enough, and me A safe running with these[482] clothes from thee.

JOHN. Play, Robin; run, run, run.

SKINK. Far enough and well: fly one foot more; Would I were half so far without the door.

JOHN. Now, Porter, what's the news?

POR. Your cousin Morton humbly craves, Leaving your game, you would come visit him.

JOHN. Bowl, Gloster; I'll come presently. So near, mad Robin? then have after you.

[_Ex_. PORT.

SKINK. Would I were gone, make after as you may.

JOHN. Well, sir, 'tis yours, one all; throw but the jack, While I go talk with Morton. I'll not stay, Keep coat and hat in pawn, I'll hold out play. [_Ex_. JOHN.

SKINK. I would be sorry, John, but you should stay, Until my bias run another way. Now pass and hey-pass, Skink, unto your tricks: 'Tis but a chance at hazard. There lies Gloster, And here stands Skink; now, John, play thou thy part, And if I 'scape I'll love thee with my heart. [_Puts on_ PRINCE JOHN'S _cloak, sword, and hat_. So, porter! let me forth.

_Enter_ PORTER.

POR. God bless your grace, spoke ye[483] with the Lord Morton?

SKINK. I have, and must about his business to the Court. It grieves me to break my sport with Gloster: The melancholy earl is comfortless.

POR. I would your grace would comfort him from hence, The Fleet is weary of his company.

[REDCAP _knocks_.

SKINK. Drink that, some knocks; I prythee, let me out, His head shall off ere long, never make doubt.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ JOHN _at the other door_.

JOHN. Now, madcap, thou winn'st all; where art thou, Robin? Uncased? nay, then, he means to play in earnest. But where's my cloak, my rapier, and my hat? I hold my birthright to a beggar's scrip, The bastard is escaped in my clothes. 'Tis well he left me his to walk the streets; I'll fire the city, but I'll find him out. Perchance he hides himself to try my spleen. I'll to his chamber. Gloster! hallo! Gloster! [_Exit_.

_Enter_ REDCAP.

POR. I wonder how thou cam'st so strangely chang'd! 'Tis not an hour since thou went'st from hence.

RED. By my Ch-Ch-Christendom, I ha-have not b-been h-here this three nights; a p-p-plague of him, that made me such a ch-chanting, and s-sent me such a ja-ja-jaunt! blood, I was st-stayed for Skink, that ill-fa-fa-fac'd rogue.

POR. I pray God there be no practice in this change. Now I remember these are Skink's clothes, That he wore last day at the Parl'ament.

_Knock; Enter at another door_ JOHN _in_ GLOSTER'S _gown_.

JOHN. Porter? you Porter?

POR. Do you not hear them knock? you must stay, sir.

JOHN. Blood, I could eat these rogues.

RED. Wh-wh-what, raw? 'Tis a very harsh mo-morsel, Ne-next your he-heart.

JOHN. A plague upon your jaunts! what, porter, slave?

RED. I have been at G-Gravesend, sir.

JOHN. What's that to me?

RED. And at Ca-Ca-Canterbury.

JOHN. And at the gallows! zounds, this frets my soul.

RED. But I c-could not f-find your s-s-sister the La-Lady Fau-Fauconbridge.

JOHN. You stammering slave, hence! chat among your daws. Come ye to mad me? while the rogue your father--

_Enter_ PORTER.

RED. My f-fa-father?

JOHN. Porter, you damned slave.

POR. Is't midsummer: do you begin to rave?

JOHN. Hark, how the traitor flouts me to my teeth! I would entreat your knaveship, let me forth, For fear I dash your brains out with the keys. What is become of Gloster and my garments?

POR. Alas, in your apparel Gloster's gone, I let him out even now; I am undone.

JOHN. It was your practice, and to keep me back, You sent Jack Daw your son with ka-ka-ka, To tell a sleeveless tale! lay hold on him, To Newgate with him and your tut-a-tut! Run, Redcap, and trudge about, Or bid your father's portership farewell.

[_Exeunt with_ PORTER.

RED. Eh! here's a go-good je-je-jest, by the L-Lord, to mo-mock an ape withal! my fa-fa-father has brought his ho-ho-hogs to a fa-fa-fair m-m-market. Po-po-porter, quoth you? p-po-porter that will for me; and I po-po-porter it, let them po-po-post me to heaven in this qua-quarter. But I must s-s-seek this Gl-Gl-Gloster and Sk-Sk-Skink that co-coney-catching ra-ra-rascal, a pa-pa-plague co-co-confound him. Re-Re-Redcap must ru-run, he cannot tell whi-whither. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE FOURTEENTH.

_Sound trumpets, enter_ HENRY _the younger, on one
hand of him_ QUEEN ELINOR, _on the other_ LEICESTER.

HEN. Mother and Leicester, add not oil to fire; Wrath's kindled with a word, and cannot hear The numberless persuasions you insort.

QUEEN. O, but, my son, thy father favours him. Richard, that vile abortive changeling brat, And Fauconbridge, are fallen at Henry's feet. They woo for him, but entreat my son Gloster may die for this, that he hath done.

LEI. If Gloster live, thou wilt be overthrown.

QUEEN. If Gloster live, thy mother dies in moan.

LEI. If Gloster live, Leicester will fly the realm.

QUEEN. If Gloster live, thy kingdom's but a dream.

HEN. Have I not sworn by that eternal arm, That puts just vengeance' sword in monarchs' hands, Gloster shall die for his presumption! What needs more conjuration, gracious mother? And, honourable Leicester, mark my words. I have a bead-roll of some threescore lords Of Gloster's faction.

QUEEN. Nay, of Henry's faction, Of thy false father's faction; speak the truth, He is the head of factions; were he down, Peace, plenty, glory, will impale thy crown.