Page 221 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

LAWY ER

Unless my study and my books be false,
The argument you held was wrong in law;
In sign whereof I pluck a white rose too.

PLANT AGENET

Now, Somerset, where is your argument?

SOMERSET

Here in my scabbard, meditating that [60]
Shall dye your white rose in a bloody red.

PLANT AGENET

Meantime your cheeks do counterfeit our roses,
For pale they look with fear, as witnessing
The truth on our side.

SOMERSET

No, Plantagenet,
’Tis not for fear, but anger - that thy cheeks [65]
Blush for pure shame to counterfeit our roses,
And yet thy tongue will not confess thy error.

PLANT AGENET

Hath not thy rose a canker, Somerset?

SOMERSET

Hath not thy rose a thorn, Plantagenet?

PLANT AGENET

Ay, sharp and piercing, to maintain his truth, [70]
Whiles thy consuming canker eats his falsehood.

SOMERSET

Well, I’ll find friends to wear my bleeding roses,
That shall maintain what I have said is true,
Where false Plantagenet dare not be seen.

PLANT AGENET

Now, by this maiden blossom in my hand, [75]