Page 996 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

LORD BARDOLPH

My lord, I overrode him on the way, [30]
And he is furnished with no certainties
More than he haply may retail from me.

NORTHUMBERLAND
Now, Travers, what good tidings comes with you?

TRAVERS

My lord, Sir John Umfrevile turned me back
With joyful tidings, and, being better horsed, [35]
Outrode me. After him came spurring hard
A gentleman, almost forspent with speed,
That stopped by me to breathe his bloodied horse.

He asked the way to Chester, and of him
I did demand what news from Shrewsbury. [40]
He told me that rebellion had bad luck

And that young Harry Percy’s spur was cold.
With that, he gave his able horse the head,
And bending forward struck his armèd heels
Against the panting sides of his poor jade [45]
Up to the rowel-head, and starting so

He seemed in running to devour the way,
Staying no longer question.

NORTHUMBERLAND
Ha! Again.
Said he young Harry Percy’s spur was cold?

Of Hotspur Coldspur? That rebellion [50]
Had met ill luck?

LORD BARDOLPH
My lord, I’ll tell you what.
If my young lord your son have not the day,
Upon mine honour, for a silken point

I’ll give my barony. Never talk of it.

NORTHUMBERLAND