Page 2901 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Believe me, noble lord,
I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire.
These high wild hills and rough uneven ways
Draws out our miles and makes them wearisome. [5]
And yet your fair discourse hath been as sugar,
Making the hard way sweet and delectable.
But I bethink me what a weary way
From Ravenspurgh to Cotshall will be found
In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company, [10]
Which I protest hath very much beguil’d
The tediousness and process of my travel.
But theirs is sweeten’d with the hope to have
The present benefit which I possess;
And hope to joy is little less in joy [15]
Than hope enjoy’d. By this the weary lords
Shall make their way seem short as mine hath done
By sight of what I have - your noble company.

BOLINGBROKE

Of much less value is my company
Than your good words. But who comes here? [20]

Enter Harry Percy.

NORT HUMBERLAND

It is my son, young Harry Percy,
Sent from my brother Worcester whencesoever.
Harry, how fares your uncle?

PERCY

I had thought, my lord, to have learn’d his health of you.

NORT HUMBERLAND

Why, is he not with the Queen? [25]

PERCY

No, my good lord, he hath forsook the court,
Broken his staff of office, and dispers’d
The household of the King.