Page 753 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

And think how such an apprehension
May turn the tide of fearful faction
And breed a kind of question in our cause.
For well you know we of the off’ring side

Must keep aloof from strict arbitrement, [70]
And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence
The eye of reason may pry in upon us.
This absence of your father’s draws a curtain

That shows the ignorant a kind of fear
Before not dreamt of.

HOTSPUR
You strain too far. [75]
I rather of his absence make this use:
It lends a lustre and more great opinion,

A larger dare to our great enterprise,
Than if the earl were here; for men must think,
If we, without his help, can make a head [80]

To push against a kingdom, with his help
We shall o’erturn it topsy-turvy down.
Yet all goes well; yet all our joints are whole.

DOUGLAS
As heart can think. There is not such a word
Spoke of in Scotland as this term of fear. [85]

Enter Sir Richard Vernon.

HOTSPUR

My cousin Vernon! welcome, by my soul.

VERNON
Pray God my news be worth a welcome, lord.
The Earl of Westmoreland, seven thousand strong,
Is marching hitherwards; with him Prince John.

HOTSPUR
No harm. What more?