Page 1175 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Very ready, sir. [35]

BARNARDINE
How now, Abhorson? What’s the news with you?

ABHORSON
Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your prayers; for look you, the
warrant’s come.

BARNARDINE
You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I [40] am not fitted for’t.

POMPEY
O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all night, and is hanged betimes in the

morning, may sleep the sounder all the next day.

Enter Duke [disguised].

ABHORSON
Look you, sir, here comes your ghostly father. [45] Do we jest now, think
you?

DUKE
Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hastily you are to depart, I am
come to advise you, comfort you, and pray with you.

BARNARDINE
Friar, not I. I have been drinking hard all [50] night, and I will have more
time to prepare me, or they shall beat out my brains with billets. I will not
consent to die this day, that’s certain.

DUKE
O sir, you must; and therefore I beseech you

Look forward on the journey you shall go. [55]

BARNARDINE

I swear I will not die today for any man’s persuasion.