_K. James._ But had not his old father, William Musgrove, Play'd twice the man, I had not now been here. A stronger man I seldom felt before; But one of more resolute valiance, Treads not, I think, upon the English ground. _K. Edw._ I wot well, Musgrove shall not lose his hire. _Cud,_ An it please your grace, my father was Five-score and three at midsummer last past: Yet had King Jamy been as good as George-a-Greene, Yet Billy Musgrove would have fought with him. _K. Edw._ As George-a-Greene! I pray thee, Cuddy, let me question thee. Much have I heard, since I came to my crown, Many in manner of a proverb say, "Were he as good as George-a-Greene, I would strike him sure:" I pray thee, tell me, Cuddy, canst thou inform me, What is that George-a-Greene? _Cud._ Know, my lord, I never saw the man, But mickle talk is of him in the country: They say he is the Pinner of Wakefield town: But for his other qualities, I let alone. _War._ May it please your grace, I know the man too well. _K. Edw._ Too well! why so, Warwick? _War._ For once he swing'd me till my bones did ache. _K. Edw._ Why, dares he strike an earl? _War._ An earl, my lord! nay, he will strike a king, Be it not King Edward. For stature he is fram'd Like to the picture of stout Hercules, And for his carriage passeth Robin Hood. The boldest earl or baron of your land, That offereth scath unto the town of Wakefield, George will arrest his pledge unto the pound; And whoso resisteth bears away the blows, For he himself is good enough for three. _K. Edw._ Why, this is wondrous: my Lord of Warwick, Sore do I long to see this George-a-Greene. But leaving him, what shall we do, my lord, For to subdue the rebels in the north? They are now marching up to Doncaster.-- _Enter one with the_ EARL OF KENDAL _prisoner._ Soft! who have we there? _Cud._ Here is a traitor, the Earl of Kendal. _K. Edw._ Aspiring traitor! how darest thou Once cast thine eyes upon thy sovereign That honour'd thee with kindness, and with favour? But I will make thee buy this treason dear. _Ken._ Good my lord,-- _K. Edw._ Reply not, traitor.-- Tell me, Cuddy, whose deed of honour Won the victory against this rebel? _Cud._ George-a-Greene, the Pinner of Wakefield. _K. Edw._ George-a-Greene! now shall I hear news Certain, what this Pinner is. Discourse it briefly, Cuddy, how it befell. _Cud._ Kendal and Bonfield, with Sir Gilbert Armstrong, Came to Wakefield town disguis'd, And there spoke ill of your grace; Which George but hearing, fell'd them at his feet, And, had not rescue come into the place, George had slain them in his close of wheat.