Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: Anonymous
Editor: Andrew Griffin
Peer Reviewed

The History of King Leir (Modern)

2475.1[Scene 29] [Video Sc.29]
Alarum, with men and women half-naked
Enter two Captains without doublets, with swords
1 Captain
Where are these villains -- that were set to watch
And fire the beacon, if occasion served --
2480That thus have suffered us to be surprised,
And never given notice to the town?
We are betrayed and quite devoid of hope
By any means to fortify ourselves.
2 Captain
'Tis ten to one the peasants are o'ercome
With drink 2485and sleep, and so neglect their charge.
1 Captain
A whirlwind carry them quick to a whirlpool,
That there the slaves may drink their bellies full.
2 Captain
This 'tis to have the beacon so near the ale house.
Enter the Watchmen drunk, with each a pot.
24901 Captain
Out on ye, villains! Whither run you now?
First Watchman
To fire the town and call up the beacon.
Second Watchman
No, no, sir, to fire the beacon.
He drinks.
2 Captain
What, with a pot of ale, you drunken rogues?
1 Captain
You'll fire the beacon when the town is lost!
2495I'll teach you how to tend your office better.
Draw[s] to stab them
Enter Mumford
Captains run away.
Mumford
Yield, yield, yield!
He kicks down their pots.
First Watchman
Reel? No, we do not reel. You may lack a pot of ale ere you die.
2500Mumford
But in meanspace, I answer, you want none. Well, there's no dealing with you, y'are tall men and well weaponed. I would there were no worse than you in the town.
Exit [Mumford].
Second Watchman
'A speaks like an honest man. My choler's passed already. Come, neighbor, let's go.
2505First Watchman
Nay, first let's see an we can stand.
Exeunt.
Alarum, excursions, Mumford after them, and some half-naked