Page 1074 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

WESTMORELAND

You speak, Lord Mowbray, now you know not what. [130]
The Earl of Hereford was reputed then
In England the most valiant gentleman.

Who knows on whom fortune would then have smiled?
But if your father had been victor there,
He ne’er had borne it out of Coventry. [135]
For all the country in a general voice
Cried hate upon him, and all their prayers and love

Were set on Hereford, whom they doted on
And blessed and graced indeed, more than the king.]
But this is mere digression from my purpose. [140]

Here come I from our princely general
To know your griefs, to tell you from his grace
That he will give you audience, and wherein
It shall appear that your demands are just,
You shall enjoy them, everything set off [145]

That might so much as think you enemies.

MOWBRAY
But he hath forced us to compel this offer,
And it proceeds from policy, not love.

WESTMORELAND
Mowbray, you overween to take it so.

This offer comes from mercy, not from fear. [150]
For, lo! within a ken our army lies,
Upon mine honour, all too confident
To give admittance to a thought of fear.
Our battle is more full of names than yours,

Our men more perfect in the use of arms, [155]
Our armour all as strong, our cause the best.
Then reason will our hearts should be as good.

Say you not then our offer is compelled.

MOWBRAY

Well, by my will we shall admit no parley.