Page 2866 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Deep malice makes too deep incision. [155]
Forget, forgive, conclude, and be agreed;
Our doctors say this is no month to bleed.
Good uncle, let this end where it begun;
We’ll calm the Duke of Norfolk, you your son.

GAUNT

To be a make-peace shall become my age. [160]
Throw down, my son, the Duke of Norfolk’s gage.

RICHARD

And, Norfolk, throw down his.

GAUNT

When, Harry, when?
Obedience bids I should not bid again.

RICHARD

Norfolk, throw down, we bid: there is no boot.

MOWBRAY

Myself I throw, dread sovereign, at thy foot. [165]
My life thou shalt command, but not my shame.
The one my duty owes, but my fair name,
Despite of death that lives upon my grave,
To dark dishonour’s use thou shalt not have.
I am disgraced, impeached, and baffled here, [170]
Pierced to the soul with slander’s venomed spear,
The which no balm can cure but his heart-blood
Which breath’d this poison.

RICHARD

Rage must be withstood.
Give me his gage. Lions make leopards tame.

MOWBRAY

Yea, but not change his spots. Take but my shame [175]
And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation; that away,