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The History of Sir John Oldcastle (Folio 3, 1664)
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The History of Sir John Oldcastle,
1397Pri. Stand Thief too.
1399howsoever the world wags, the trade of thieving yet will
1400never down. What art thou?
1401Pri. A good fellow.
1403Pri. If thou be a good fellow, play the good fellowes
1404part, deliver thy purse without more adoe.
1405King. I have no money.
1408blowes as your skin can carry.
1409Kin. Is that the plain truth?
1410Pri.Sirrha, no more adoe; come, come, give me the
1413the Proverbe, one thief robs another. Where the Devil
1415cannot get on's Horse, but me thinks Poynes and Peto
1417Pri. How much is there on't of thy word?
1418Kin. A hundred pound in Angels, on my word.
1419The time has been I would have done as much
1423all my money.
1425Kin. From the Court at Eltham.
1426Pri. Art thou one of the King's Servants?
1427Kin. Yes that I am, and one of his Chamber.
1430Thief his pardon if he should have need.
1431Kin. Yes that I can.
1433occasion?
1435Pri.Nay, I am a pittifull thief, all the hurt I do a man,
1436I take but his purse, I'le kill no man.
1437Kin. Then of my word I'le do't.
1439Kin. There 'tis.
1442he be turned a true-man.
1443Kin. Faith I have heard indeed h'as had an ill name
1444that way in's youth: but how canst thou tell that he has
1445been a thief?
1447the trade my self, when that foul villanous guts, that led
1448him to all that Roguery, was in's company there, that
1453Pri. Not I, ifaith.
1455Pri. Well, if old King Harry had liv'd, this King
1456that is now, had made thieving the best trade in England.
1459pany, it's pitty that e're he should have been a King, he
1461don if need be?
1462King. Yes faith will I.
1465before thou come to Southwarke, if any man when he
1468King. Is that the word? then let me alone.
1471way, I may light on thee another time not knowing thee,
1472here I'le break this Angel, take thou half of it, this is a to-
1473ken betwixt thee and me.
1476ifaith. Now, Doll, we will revell in our Bever, this is a
1477Tythe Pig of my Vicarage. God a mercy, neighbour
1478Shooters-hill, you ha paid your Tythe honestly. Well, I
1479hear there is a company of Rebels up against the King,
1480got together in Ficket-field near Holborn, and as it is
1481thought, here in Kent, the King will be there to night
1482in's own person: well, I'le to the Kings Camp, and it
1484good boot among them.Exit.
1485Enter King Henry, Suffolk, Huntington, and
1486two with Lights.
1489What men of worth? what Lords do walk the round?
1491King. Peace, no more of that,
1493With termes nor Titles; he's at rest in bed,
1495And let rebellion and conspiracy
1496Revel and havock in the Commonwealth.
1497Is London look'd unto?
1498Hun. It is, my Lord:
1499Your noble Unckle Exeter is there.
1500Your Brother Glocester, and my Lord of Warwick,
1501Who with the Mayor and the Aldermen
1502Do guard the Gates, and keep good rule within.
1503The Earl of Cambridge, and sir Thomas Gray
1504Do walk the round, Lord Scroop and Butler scout,
1506Were you in bed, well might you take your rest.
1507King. I thank ye Lords: but you do know of old,
1508That I have been a perfect night-walker:
1510Alass, poor Rebels, there your aid must fail,
1511And the Lord Cobham Sir John Oldcastle,
1512Quiet in Kent, Acton, ye are deceiv'd:
1513Reckon again, you count without your Hoste.
1514To morrow you shall give account to us,
1515Till when, my friends, this long cold winters night
1518All friends at Foot-ball, fellowes all in field,
1519Harry, and Dick, and George, bring us a Drumme,
1520Give us square Dice, we'll keep this Court of Guard,
1521For all good fellowes companies that come.
1522Where's that mad Priest ye told me was in Armes
1523To fight, as well as pray, if need required.
1524Suf. He's in the Camp, and if he knew of this,
1525I undertake he would not be long hence.
1526King. Trip Dick, trip George.
Hun
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