Page 769 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

PRINCE

In both your armies there is many a soul
Shall pay full dearly for this encounter,
If once they join in trial. Tell your nephew [85]

The Prince of Wales doth join with all the world
In praise of Henry Percy. By my hopes,
This present enterprise set off his head,
I do not think a braver gentleman,
More active-valiant or more valiant-young, [90]

More daring or more bold, is now alive
To grace this latter age with noble deeds.
For my part, I may speak it to my shame,

I have a truant been to chivalry;
And so I hear he doth account me too. [95]
Yet this before my father’s majesty −
I am content that he shall take the odds
Of his great name and estimation,

And will, to save the blood on either side,
Try fortune with him in a single fight. [100]

KING
And, Prince of Wales, so dare we venture thee,
Albeit considerations infinite

Do make against it. No, good Worcester, no!
We love our people well; even those we love
That are misled upon your cousin’s part; [105]
And, will they take the offer of our grace,

Both he, and they, and you, yea, every man
Shall be my friend again, and I’ll be his.
So tell your cousin, and bring me word
What he will do. But if he will not yield, [110]

Rebuke and dread correction wait on us,
And they shall do their office. So be gone.
We will not now be troubled with reply.
We offer fair; take it advisedly.

Exit Worcester [with Vernon].

PRINCE