Page 2862 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

BOLINGBROKE

Many years of happy days befall [20]
My gracious sovereign, my most loving liege!

MOWBRAY

Each day still better other’s happiness
Until the heavens, envying earth’s good hap,
Add an immortal title to your crown!

RICHARD

We thank you both, yet one but flatters us, [25]
As well appeareth by the cause you come,
Namely, to appeal each other of high treason.
Cousin of Hereford, what dost thou object
Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray?

BOLINGBROKE

First, heaven be the record to my speech, [30]
In the devotion of a subject’s love,
Tend’ring the precious safety of my prince,
And free from other misbegotten hate,
Come I appellant to this princely presence.
Now, Thomas Mowbray, do I turn to thee; [35]
And mark my greeting well, for what I speak
My body shall make good upon this earth
Or my divine soul answer it in heaven.
Thou art a traitor and a miscreant,
Too good to be so, and too bad to live, [40]
Since the more fair and crystal is the sky,
The uglier seem the clouds that in it fly.
Once more, the more to aggravate the note,
With a foul traitor’s name stuff I thy throat,
And wish - so please my sovereign - ere I move [45]
What my tongue speaks my right-drawn sword may prove.

MOWBRAY

Let not my cold words here accuse my zeal.
’Tis not the trial of a woman’s war,
The bitter clamour of two eager tongues,
Can arbitrate this cause betwixt us twain. [50]