Page 2873 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Add proof unto mine armour with thy prayers,
And with thy blessings steel my lance’s point
That it may enter Mowbray’s waxen coat [75]
And furbish new the name of John o’ Gaunt
Even in the lusty haviour of his son!

GAUNT

God in thy good cause make thee prosperous!
Be swift like lightning in the execution,
And let thy blows, doubly redoubled, [80]
Fall like amazing thunder on the casque
Of thy adverse pernicious enemy!
Rouse up thy youthful blood, be valiant, and live.

BOLINGBROKE

Mine innocence and Saint George to thrive!

MOWBRAY

However God or fortune cast my lot [85]
There lives or dies true to King Richard’s throne
A loyal, just, and upright gentleman.
Never did captive with a freer heart
Cast off his chains of bondage and embrace
His golden uncontroll’d enfranchisement [90]
More than my dancing soul doth celebrate
This feast of battle with mine adversary.
Most mighty liege, and my companion peers,
Take from my mouth the wish of happy years.
As gentle and as jocund as to jest [95]
Go I to fight. Truth hath a quiet breast.

RICHARD

Farewell, my lord. Securely I espy
Virtue with valour couchèd in thine eye.
Order the trial, Marshal, and begin.

MARSHAL

Harry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby, [100]
Receive thy lance; and God defend the right.