_K. Rich._ We are amazed; and thus long have we stood To watch the fearful bending of thy knee, [_To North._[1445] Because we thought ourself thy lawful king:[1446] And if we be, how dare thy joints forget[1447] 75 To pay their awful duty to our presence?[1448] If we be not, show us the hand of God That hath dismiss'd us from our stewardship; For well we know, no hand of blood and bone Can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptre, 80 Unless he do profane, steal, or usurp. And though you think that all, as you have done, Have torn their souls by turning them from us, And we are barren and bereft of friends; Yet know, my master, God omnipotent,[1449] 85 Is mustering in his clouds on our behalf Armies of pestilence; and they shall strike Your children yet unborn and unbegot, That lift your vassal hands against my head And threat the glory of my precious crown. 90 Tell Bolingbroke--for yond methinks he stands--[1450] That every stride he makes upon my land[1451] Is dangerous treason: he is come to open[1452] The purple testament of bleeding war; But ere the crown he looks for live in peace,[1453] 95 Ten thousand bloody crowns of mothers' sons Shall ill become the flower of England's face,[1454][1455] Change the complexion of her maid-pale peace[1455][1456] To scarlet indignation and bedew Her pastures' grass with faithful English blood.[1457] 100 _North._ The king of heaven forbid our lord the king Should so with civil and uncivil arms Be rush'd upon! Thy thrice noble cousin[1458] Harry Bolingbroke doth humbly kiss thy hand;[1459] And by the honourable tomb he swears, 105 That stands upon your royal grandsire's bones, And by the royalties of both your bloods, Currents that spring from one most gracious head, And by the buried hand of warlike Gaunt,[1460] And by the worth and honour of himself, 110 Comprising all that may be sworn or said, His coming hither hath no further scope Than for his lineal royalties and to beg Enfranchisement immediate on his knees: Which on thy royal party granted once, 115 His glittering arms he will commend to rust, His barbed steeds to stables, and his heart To faithful service of your majesty. This swears he, as he is a prince, is just;[1461] And, as I am a gentleman, I credit him.[1462] 120