John. Then we are like to have biting statutes, unless his teeth be pulled out. [Aside. Cade. And henceforward all things shall be in common. Enter a Messenger. Mess. My lord, a prize, a prize! Here's the lord Say, which sold the towns in France; he that made us pay oneand-twenty fifteens, and one shilling to the pound, the last subsidy. Enter GEORGE BEVIS, with the LORD SAY. Cade. Well, he shall be beheaded for it ten times.-Ay, thou say, thou serge, nay, thou buckram lord! now art thou within point-blank of our jurisdiction regal. What canst thou answer to my majesty, for giving up of Normandy unto monsieur Basimecu, the dauphin of France? Be it known unto thee, by these presence, even the presence of lord Mortimer, that I am the besom that must sweep the court clean of such filth as thou art. Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm, in erecting a grammarschool; and whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used; and, contrary to the king, his crown, and dignity, thou hast built a paper-mill. It will be proved to thy face, that thou hast men about thee, that usually talk of a noun, and a verb, and such abominable words, as no Christian ear can endure to hear. Thou hast appointed justices of peace, to call poor men before them about matters they were not able to answer. Moreover, thou hast put them in prison; and because they could not read, thou hast hanged them; when, indeed, only for that cause, they have been most worthy to live. Thou dost ride on a foot-cloth, dost thou not? Say. What of that? Cade. Marry, thou oughtest not to let thy horse wear a cloak, when honester men than thou go in their hose and doublets. Dick. And work in their shirt too; as myself, for example, that am a butcher. Say. You men of Kent, Dick. What say you of Kent? Say. Nothing but this: 'Tis bona terra, mala gens. Cade. Away with him, away with him! he speaks Latin. Say. Hear me but speak, and bear me where you will. Kent, in the commentaries Cæsar writ, Is termed the civil'st place of all this isle. Sweet is the country, because full of riches; Prayers and tears have moved me; gifts could never. This tongue hath parleyed unto foreign kings Cade. Tut! when struck'st thou one blow in the field? Say. Great men have reaching hands; oft have I struck Those that I never saw, and struck them dead. Geo. O monstrous coward! what, to come behind folks? Say. These cheeks are pale for watching for your good. Cade. Give him a box o' the ear, and that will make 'em red again. Say. Long sitting to determine poor men's causes Hath made me full of sickness and diseases. Cade. Ye shall have a hempen caudle then, and the pap of a hatchet. Dick. Why dost thou quiver, man? Say. The palsy, and not fear, provoketh me. Cade. Nay, he nods at us; as who should say, I'll be even with you. I'll see if his head will stand steadier on a pole, or no. Take him away, and behead him. Say. Tell me wherein I have offended most? Whom have I injured, that ye seek my death? Cade. I feel remorse in myself with his words; but I'll bridle it; he shall die, an it be but for pleading so well for his life. Away with him! he has a familiar under his tongue; he speaks not o' God's name. Go, take him away, I say, and strike off his head presently; and then break into his son-in-law's house, sir James Cromer, and strike off his head, and bring them both upon two poles hither. All. It shall be done. your prayers, Say. Ah! countrymen! if, when you make God should be so obdurate as yourselves, How would it fare with your departed souls? And therefore yet relent, and save my life. Cade. Away with him, and do as I command ye. [Exeunt some, with LORD SAY. The proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head on his shoulders, unless he pay me tribute. There shall not a maid be married, but she shall pay to me her maidenhead ere they have it. Men shall hold of me in capite; and we charge and command, that their wives be as free as heart can wish, or tongue can tell. Dick. My lord, when shall we go to Cheapside, and take up commodities upon our bills? Cade. Marry, presently. All. O brave! Re-enter Rebels, with the heads of LORD SAY and his Son in-law. Cade. But is not this braver ?-Let them kiss one another, for they loved well, when they were alive. Now part them again, lest they consult about the giving up of some more towns in France. Soldiers, defer the spoil of the city until night; for with these borne before us, instead of maces, will we ride through the streets; and, at every corner, have them kiss.-Away! [Exeunt. SCENE VIII. Southwark. Alarum. Enter CADE, and all his Rabblement. Cade. Up Fish street! down Saint Magnus' corner! kill and knock down! throw them into Thames!-[A parley sounded, then a retreat.] What noise is this I hear? dare any be so bold to sound retreat or parley, when I command them kill? Enter BUCKINGHAM, and Old CLIFFORD, with Forces. Buck. Ay, here they be that dare and will disturb thee. Know, Cade, we come ambassadors from the king Unto the commons whom thou hast misled; And here pronounce free pardon to them all, That will forsake thee, and go home in peace. Clif. What say ye, countrymen? will you relent, Who loves the king, and will embrace his pardon, All. God save the king! God save the king! Cade. What, Buckingham, and Clifford, are ye so brave? -And you, base peasants, do ye believe him? Will you needs be hanged with your pardons about your necks? Hath my sword therefore broke through London gates, that you should leave me at the White Hart in Southwark? I thought ye would never have given out these arms, till you had recovered your ancient freedom; but you are all recreants, and dastards; and delight to live in slavery to the nobility. Let them break your backs with burdens, take your houses over your heads, ravish your wives and daughters before your faces. For me, I will make shift for one; and SO- God's curse 'light upon you all! All. We'll follow Cade, we'll follow Cade. I see them lording it in London streets, All. A Clifford! a Clifford! We'll follow the king, and Clifford. Cade. Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro, as this multitude? The name of Henry the Fifth hales them to a hundred mischiefs, and makes them leave me desolate. 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 midst of you! And Heavens and honor be witness, that no want of resolution in me, but only my followers' base and ignominious treasons, makes me betake me to my heels. [Exit. 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 SCENE IX. Kenelworth Castle. [Exeunt. Enter KING HENRY, QUEEN MARGARET, and SOMERSET, on the terrace of the castle. K. Hen. Was ever king that joyed an earthly throne, 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. As I do long and wish to be a subject. Enter BUCKINGHAM and CLIFFORD. Buck. Health, and glad tidings, to your majesty! K. Hen. Why, Buckingham, is the traitor, Cade, surprised? Or is he but retired to make him strong? Enter, below, a great number of CADE's Followers, with halters about their necks. Clif. He's fled, my lord, and all his powers do yield; K. Hen. Then, Heaven, set ope thy everlasting gates, And showed how well you love your prince and country. And Henry, though he be infortunate, |