The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Cade._ Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as [bdh053]
this multitude? The name of Henry the Fifth hales them to
an hundred mischiefs and makes them leave me desolate. ·bdh055·
I see them lay their heads together to surprise me. My
sword make way for me, for here is no staying. In despite
of the devils and hell, have through the very middest of [bdh058]
you! and heavens and honour be witness that no want of
resolution in me, but only my followers’ base and ignominious ·bdh060·
treasons, makes me betake me to my heels. [_Exit._ [bdh061]
_Buck._ What, is he fled? Go some, and follow him;
And he that brings his head unto the king
Shall have a thousand crowns for his reward.
[_Exeunt some of them._
Follow me, soldiers: we’ll devise a mean ·bdh065·
To reconcile you all unto the king. [_Exeunt._ [bdh066]
SCENE IX. _Kenilworth Castle_.
_Sound trumpets. Enter_ KING, QUEEN, _and_ SOMERSET, _on
the terrace_.
_King._ Was ever king that joy’d an earthly throne, [bdi001]
And could command no more content than I?
No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
But I was made a king, at nine months old.
Was never subject long’d to be a king ·bdi005·
As I do long and wish to be a subject. [bdi006]
_Enter_ BUCKINGHAM _and old_ CLIFFORD.
_Buck._ Health and glad tidings to your majesty!
_King._ Why, Buckingham, is the traitor Cade surprised?
Or is he but retired to make him strong? [bdi009]
_Enter, below, multitudes, with halters about their necks_.
_Clif._ He is fled, my lord, and all his powers do yield; [bdi010]
And humbly thus, with halters on their necks,
Expect your highness’ doom, of life or death.
_King._ Then, heaven, set ope thy everlasting gates,
To entertain my vows of thanks and praise!
Soldiers, this day have you redeem’d your lives ·bdi015·
And show’d how well you love your prince and country:
Continue still in this so good a mind,
And Henry, though he be infortunate, [bdi018]
Assure yourselves, will never be unkind:
And so, with thanks and pardon to you all, ·bdi020·
I do dismiss you to your several countries. [bdi021]
_All._ God save the king! God save the king! [bdi022]
_Enter a Messenger_.
_Mess._ Please it your grace to be advertised
The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland,
And with a puissant and a mighty power [bdi025]
Of gallowglasses and stout kernes [bdi026]
Is marching hitherward in proud array,
And still proclaimeth, as he comes along,
His arms are only to remove from thee [bdi029]
The Duke of Somerset, whom he terms a traitor. ·bdi030·
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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