Page 591 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Better ten thousand base-born Cades miscarry
Than you should stoop unto a Frenchman’s mercy.
To France, to France, and get what you have lost!
Spare England, for it is your native coast.
Henry hath money, you are strong and manly; [50]
God on our side, doubt not of victory.

[They forsake Cade again.]

ALL

A Clifford! A Clifford! We’ll follow the king and Clifford.

CADE

Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as this multitude? The name of
Henry the Fifth hales them [55] to an hundred mischiefs, and makes them
leave me desolate. I see them lay their heads together to surprise me. My
sword make way for me, for here is no staying. In despite of the devils and
hell, have through the very midst of you, and heavens and honour be
witness that no want of [60] resolution in me but only my followers’ base
and ignominious treasons makes me betake me to my heels!

[He runs through them with his staff and flies away.]

BUCKINGHAM

What, is he fled? Go, some, and follow him;
And he that brings his head unto the king
Shall have a thousand crowns for his reward. [65]

Exeunt some of them.
Follow me, soldiers: we’ll devise a mean
To reconcile you all unto the king. Exeunt.

Scene IX IT

Sound trumpets. Enter King, Queen, and Somerset on the terrace.

KING HENRY

Was ever king that joyed an earthly throne
And could command no more content than I?
No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
But I was made a king at nine months old.
Was never subject longed to be a king [5]
As I do long and wish to be a subject?