Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Rosemary Gaby
Not Peer Reviewed

Henry IV, Part 1 (Quarto 1, 1598)

The History
He made a blushing citall of himselfe,
And chid his truant youth with such a grace
As if he mastred there a double spirit
2850Of teaching and of learning instantly,
There did he pause, but let me tel the world
If he outliue the enuie of this day,
England did neuer owe so sweete a hope
So much misconstrued in his wantonnesse.
2855Hotsp. Coosen I thinke thou art enamored
On his follies, neuer did I heare
Of any prince so wilde a libertie,
But be he as he will, yet once ere night
I will imbrace him with a souldiours arme,
2860That he shall shrinke vnder my curtesie,
Arme, arme with speed, and fellowes, soldiors, friends,
Better consider what you haue to do
Then I that haue not wel the gift of tongue
Can lift your blood vp with perswasion.
Enter a Messenger.
Mes. My Lord, here are letters for you.
Hot. I cannot read them now,
O Gentlemen the time of life is short,
To spend that shortnes basely were too long
2870If life did ride vpon a dials point,
Still ending at the arriuall of an houre,
And if we liue we liue to tread on kings,
If die, braue death when princes die with vs,
Now for our consciences, the armes are faire
2875When the intent of bearing them is iust.
Enter another.
Mes. My Lord, prepare the king comes on a pace.
Hot. I thanke him that he cuts me from my tale,
For I professe not talking onely this,
2880Let each man do his best, and here draw I a sword,
Whose temper I intend to staine
With the best bloud that I can meet withall.
In the aduenture of this perillous day,
Now esperance Percy and set on,
2885Sound all the loftie instruments of war,
And by that Musicke let vs all embrace,
For