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  • Title: Henry IV, Part 1 (Quarto 1, 1598)
  • Editor: Rosemary Gaby
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-371-7

    Copyright Rosemary Gaby. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Rosemary Gaby
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Henry IV, Part 1 (Quarto 1, 1598)

    of Henrie the fourth.
    In praise of Henrie Percy, by my hopes
    2725This present enterprise set of his head,
    I do not thinke a brauer Gentleman,
    More actiue, valiant, or more valiant yong,
    More daring, or more bold is now aliue
    To grace this latter age with noble deedes,
    2730For my part I may speake it to my shame,
    I haue a truant beene to Chiualrie,
    And so I heare he doth account me too;
    Yet this before my fathers maiestie,
    I am content that he shall take the oddes
    2735Of his great name and estimation,
    And will to saue the blood on either side
    Trie fortune with him in a single fight.
    King. And prince of Wales, so dare we venture thee,
    Albeit, considerations infinite
    2740Do make against it: no good Worcester no,
    We loue our people well, euen those we loue
    That are misled vpon your coosens part,
    And will they take the offer of our grace,
    Both he, and they, and you, yea euery man
    2745Shall be my friend againe, and ile be his,
    So tell your coosen, and bring me word
    What he will do. But if he will not yeeld,
    Rebuke and dread correction waight on vs,
    And they shall do their office. So be gone:
    2750We will not now be troubled with replie,
    We offer faire, take it aduisedly.
    Exit Worcester.
    Prin. It will not be accepted on my life,
    The Dowglas and the Hotspur both togither,
    2755Are confident against the world in armes.
    King. Hence therefore, euery leader to his charge,
    For on their answere will we set on them,
    And God befriend vs as our cause is iust. Exeunt: manentPrince, Falst
    2760Falst. Hal, if thou see me downe in the battel
    And bestride me, so, tis a poynt of friendship.
    Prin. Nothing but a Colossus can do thee that friendship,
    Say thy prayers, and farewell.
    I3 Fal.