Page 577 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

BROT HER

That’s false. [135]

CADE

Ay, there’s the question; but I say, ’tis true:
The elder of them, being put to nurse,
Was by a beggar-woman stolen away;
And, ignorant of his birth and parentage,
Became a bricklayer when he came to age. [140]
His son am I: deny it if you can.

DICK

Nay, ’tis too true, therefore he shall be king.

WEAVER

Sir, he made a chimney in my father’s house, and the bricks are alive at
this day to testify it; therefore deny it not. [145]

ST AFFORD

And will you credit this base drudge’s words,
That speaks he knows not what?

ALL

Ay, marry, will we; therefore get ye gone.

BROT HER

Jack Cade, the Duke of York hath taught you this. [150]

CADE

[aside]
He lies, for I invented it myself. - Go to, sirrah, tell the king from me that
for his father’s sake, Henry the Fifth, in whose time boys went to span-
counter for French crowns, I am content he shall reign, but I’ll be Protector
over him. [155]

DICK

And, furthermore, we’ll have the Lord Say’s head, for selling the dukedom
of Maine.

CADE