Page 773 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

DOUGLAS

Arm, gentlemen! to arms! for I have thrown
A brave defiance in King Henry’s teeth,
And Westmoreland, that was engaged, did bear it;

Which cannot choose but bring him quickly on.

WORCESTER

The Prince of Wales stepped forth before the king [45]
And, nephew, challenged you to single fight.

HOTSPUR
O, would the quarrel lay upon our heads,
And that no man might draw short breath to-day
But I and Harry Monmouth! Tell me, tell me,

How showed his tasking? Seemed it in contempt? [50]

VERNON
No, by my soul. I never in my life
Did hear a challenge urged more modestly,
Unless a brother should a brother dare

To gentle exercise and proof of arms.
He gave you all the duties of a man; [55]
Trimmed up your praises with a princely tongue;
Spoke your deservings like a chronicle;

Making you ever better than his praise
By still dispraising praise valued with you;
And, which became him like a prince indeed, [60]
He made a blushing cital of himself,

And chid his truant youth with such a grace
As if he mast’red there a double spirit
Of teaching and of learning instantly.
There did he pause; but let me tell the world, [65]

If he outlive the envy of this day,
England did never owe so sweet a hope,
So much misconstrued in his wantonness.

HOTSPUR
Cousin, I think thou art enamorèd