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Enter HOTSPUR ,WORCESTER , Lord MORTIMER , and Owen GLENDOWER
Enter HOTSPUR ,WORCESTER , Lord MORTIMER , and Owen GLENDOWER

MORTIMER

These promises are fair, the parties sure,
And our induction full of prosperous hope.

MORTIMER

These promises are fair, the parties sure,
And our induction full of prosperous hope.

HOTSPUR

Lord Mortimer and cousin Glendower,
Will you sit down? And Uncle Worcester—
5 A plague upon it, I have forgot the map.

HOTSPUR

Lord Mortimer and cousin Glendower,
Will you sit down? And Uncle Worcester—
A plague upon it, I have forgot the map.

GLENDOWER

No, here it is. Sit, cousin Percy
Sit, good cousin Hotspur, for by that name
As oft as Lancaster doth speak of you
His cheek looks pale and with a rising sigh
10 He wisheth you in heaven.

GLENDOWER

No, here it is. Sit, cousin Percy
Sit, good cousin Hotspur, for by that name
As oft as Lancaster doth speak of you
His cheek looks pale and with a rising sigh
He wisheth you in heaven.

HOTSPUR

   And you in hell,
As oft as he hears Owen Glendower spoke of.

HOTSPUR

   And you in hell,
As oft as he hears Owen Glendower spoke of.

GLENDOWER

I cannot blame him. At my nativity
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Of burning cressets, and at my birth
15 The frame and huge foundation of the earth
Shaked like a coward.

GLENDOWER

I cannot blame him. At my nativity
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Of burning cressets, and at my birth
The frame and huge foundation of the earth
Shaked like a coward.

HOTSPUR

   Why, so it would have done
At the same season if your mother’s cat
Had but kittened, though yourself had never been born.

HOTSPUR

   Why, so it would have done
At the same season if your mother’s cat
Had but kittened, though yourself had never been born.

GLENDOWER

I say the earth did shake when I was born.

GLENDOWER

I say the earth did shake when I was born.

HOTSPUR

20 And I say the earth was not of my mind,
If you suppose as fearing you it shook.

HOTSPUR

And I say the earth was not of my mind,
If you suppose as fearing you it shook.

GLENDOWER

The heavens were all on fire; the earth did tremble.

GLENDOWER

The heavens were all on fire; the earth did tremble.

HOTSPUR

O, then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire,
And not in fear of your nativity.
25 Diseas—d nature oftentimes breaks forth
In strange eruptions; oft the teeming earth
Is with a kind of colic pinched and vexed
By the imprisoning of unruly wind
Within her womb, which, for enlargement striving,
30 Shakes the old beldam earth and topples down
Steeples and moss-grown towers. At your birth
Our grandam earth, having this distemperature,
In passion shook.

HOTSPUR

O, then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire,
And not in fear of your nativity.
Diseas—d nature oftentimes breaks forth
In strange eruptions; oft the teeming earth
Is with a kind of colic pinched and vexed
By the imprisoning of unruly wind
Within her womb, which, for enlargement striving,
Shakes the old beldam earth and topples down
Steeples and moss-grown towers. At your birth
Our grandam earth, having this distemperature,
In passion shook.

GLENDOWER

   Cousin, of many men
I do not bear these crossings. Give me leave
35 To tell you once again that at my birth
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
The goats ran from the mountains, and the herds
Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields.
These signs have marked me extraordinary,
40 And all the courses of my life do show
I am not in the roll of common men.
Where is he living, clipped in with the sea
That chides the banks of England, Scotland, Wales,
Which calls me pupil or hath read to me?
45 And bring him out that is but woman’s son
Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
And hold me pace in deep experiments.

GLENDOWER

   Cousin, of many men
I do not bear these crossings. Give me leave
To tell you once again that at my birth
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
The goats ran from the mountains, and the herds
Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields.
These signs have marked me extraordinary,
And all the courses of my life do show
I am not in the roll of common men.
Where is he living, clipped in with the sea
That chides the banks of England, Scotland, Wales,
Which calls me pupil or hath read to me?
And bring him out that is but woman’s son
Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
And hold me pace in deep experiments.

HOTSPUR

I think there’s no man speaks better Welsh.
I’ll to dinner.

HOTSPUR

I think there’s no man speaks better Welsh.
I’ll to dinner.

MORTIMER

50 Peace, cousin Percy. You will make him mad.

MORTIMER

Peace, cousin Percy. You will make him mad.

GLENDOWER

I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

GLENDOWER

I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

HOTSPUR

Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?

HOTSPUR

Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?

GLENDOWER

Why, I can teach you, cousin, to command the devil.

GLENDOWER

Why, I can teach you, cousin, to command the devil.

HOTSPUR

55 And I can teach thee, coz, to shame the devil
By telling truth. Tell truth and shame the devil.
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
And I’ll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.
O, while you live, tell truth and shame the devil!

HOTSPUR

And I can teach thee, coz, to shame the devil
By telling truth. Tell truth and shame the devil.
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
And I’ll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.
O, while you live, tell truth and shame the devil!

MORTIMER

60 Come, come, no more of this unprofitable chat.

MORTIMER

Come, come, no more of this unprofitable chat.

GLENDOWER

Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye
And sandy-bottomed Severn have I sent him
Bootless home and weather-beaten back.

GLENDOWER

Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye
And sandy-bottomed Severn have I sent him
Bootless home and weather-beaten back.

HOTSPUR

65 Home without boots, and in foul weather too!
How ’scapes he agues, in the devil’s name?

HOTSPUR

Home without boots, and in foul weather too!
How ’scapes he agues, in the devil’s name?

GLENDOWER

Come, here’s the map. Shall we divide our right
According to our threefold order ta'en?

GLENDOWER

Come, here’s the map. Shall we divide our right
According to our threefold order ta'en?

MORTIMER

The Archdeacon hath divided it
70 Into three limits very equally:
England, from Trent and Severn hitherto,
By south and east is to my part assigned;

MORTIMER

The Archdeacon hath divided it
Into three limits very equally:
England, from Trent and Severn hitherto,
By south and east is to my part assigned;
All westward, Wales beyond the Severn shore,
And all the fertile land within that bound
75 To Owen Glendower; and, dear coz, to you
The remnant northward, lying off from Trent.
And our indentures tripartite are drawn,
Which being sealèd interchangeably—
A business that this night may execute—
80 Tomorrow, cousin Percy, you and I
And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
To meet your father and the Scottish power,
As is appointed us, at Shrewsbury.
My father Glendower is not ready yet,
85 Not shall we need his help these fourteen days.
(to GLENDOWER ) Within that space you may have drawn together
Your tenants, friends, and neighboring gentlemen.
All westward, Wales beyond the Severn shore,
And all the fertile land within that bound
To Owen Glendower; and, dear coz, to you
The remnant northward, lying off from Trent.
And our indentures tripartite are drawn,
Which being sealèd interchangeably—
A business that this night may execute—
Tomorrow, cousin Percy, you and I
And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
To meet your father and the Scottish power,
As is appointed us, at Shrewsbury.
My father Glendower is not ready yet,
Not shall we need his help these fourteen days.
(to GLENDOWER ) Within that space you may have drawn together
Your tenants, friends, and neighboring gentlemen.

GLENDOWER

A shorter time shall send me to you, lords,
And in my conduct shall your ladies come,
90 From whom you now must steal and take no leave,
For there will be a world of water shed
Upon the parting of your wives and you.

GLENDOWER

A shorter time shall send me to you, lords,
And in my conduct shall your ladies come,
From whom you now must steal and take no leave,
For there will be a world of water shed
Upon the parting of your wives and you.

HOTSPUR

Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here,
In quantity equals not one of yours.
95 See how this river comes me cranking in
And cuts me from the best of all my land
A huge half-moon, a monstrous cantle out.
I’ll have the current in this place dammed up,
And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
100 In a new channel, fair and evenly.
It shall not wind with such a deep indent,
To rob me of so rich a bottom here.

HOTSPUR

Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here,
In quantity equals not one of yours.
See how this river comes me cranking in
And cuts me from the best of all my land
A huge half-moon, a monstrous cantle out.
I’ll have the current in this place dammed up,
And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
In a new channel, fair and evenly.
It shall not wind with such a deep indent,
To rob me of so rich a bottom here.

GLENDOWER

Not wind? It shall, it must. You see it doth.

GLENDOWER

Not wind? It shall, it must. You see it doth.

MORTIMER

Yea, but Mark how he bears his course, and runs me up
105 With like advantage on the other side,
Gelding the opposèd continent as much
As on the other side it takes from you.

MORTIMER

Yea, but Mark how he bears his course, and runs me up
With like advantage on the other side,
Gelding the opposèd continent as much
As on the other side it takes from you.

WORCESTER

Yea, but a little charge will trench him here
And on this north side win this cape of land,
110 And then he runs straight and even.

WORCESTER

Yea, but a little charge will trench him here
And on this north side win this cape of land,
And then he runs straight and even.

HOTSPUR

I’ll have it so. A little charge will do it.

HOTSPUR

I’ll have it so. A little charge will do it.

GLENDOWER

I’ll not have it altered.

GLENDOWER

I’ll not have it altered.

HOTSPUR

   Will not you?

HOTSPUR

   Will not you?

GLENDOWER

No, nor you shall not.

GLENDOWER

No, nor you shall not.

HOTSPUR

   Who shall say me nay?

HOTSPUR

   Who shall say me nay?

GLENDOWER

Why, that will I.

GLENDOWER

Why, that will I.

HOTSPUR

115 Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.

HOTSPUR

Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.

GLENDOWER

I can speak English, lord, as well as you,
For I was trained up in the English court,
Where being but young I framèd to the harp
Many an English ditty lovely well
120 And gave the tongue a helpful ornament—
A virtue that was never seen in you.

GLENDOWER

I can speak English, lord, as well as you,
For I was trained up in the English court,
Where being but young I framèd to the harp
Many an English ditty lovely well
And gave the tongue a helpful ornament—
A virtue that was never seen in you.

HOTSPUR

Marry,
And I am glad of it with all my heart:
I had rather be a kitten and cry “mew”
125 Than one of these same meter balladmongers.

HOTSPUR

Marry,
And I am glad of it with all my heart:
I had rather be a kitten and cry “mew”
Than one of these same meter balladmongers.
I had rather hear a brazen can’stick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the axletree,
And that would set my teeth nothing an edge,
Nothing so much as mincing poetry.
130 'Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.
I had rather hear a brazen can’stick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the axletree,
And that would set my teeth nothing an edge,
Nothing so much as mincing poetry.
'Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.

GLENDOWER

Come, you shall have Trent turned.

GLENDOWER

Come, you shall have Trent turned.

HOTSPUR

I do not care. I’ll give thrice so much land
To any well-deserving friend;
But in the way of bargain, mark you me,
135 I’ll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
Are the indentures drawn? Shall we be gone?

HOTSPUR

I do not care. I’ll give thrice so much land
To any well-deserving friend;
But in the way of bargain, mark you me,
I’ll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
Are the indentures drawn? Shall we be gone?

GLENDOWER

The moon shines fair. You may away by night.
I’ll haste the writer, and withal
Break with your wives of your departure hence.
140 I am afraid my daughter will run mad,
So much she doteth on her Mortimer.

GLENDOWER

The moon shines fair. You may away by night.
I’ll haste the writer, and withal
Break with your wives of your departure hence.
I am afraid my daughter will run mad,
So much she doteth on her Mortimer.
Exit GLENDOWER
Exit GLENDOWER

MORTIMER

Fie, cousin Percy, how you cross my father!

MORTIMER

Fie, cousin Percy, how you cross my father!

HOTSPUR

I cannot choose. Sometime he angers me
With telling me of the moldwarp and the ant,
145 Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,
And of a dragon and a finless fish,
A clip-winged griffin and a moulten raven,
A couching lion and a ramping cat,
And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
150 As puts me from my faith. I tell you what—
He held me last night at least nine hours
In reckoning up the several devils' names
That were his lackeys. I cried “Hum,” and “Well, go to,”
But marked him not a word. O, he is as tedious

HOTSPUR

I cannot choose. Sometime he angers me
With telling me of the moldwarp and the ant,
Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,
And of a dragon and a finless fish,
A clip-winged griffin and a moulten raven,
A couching lion and a ramping cat,
And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
As puts me from my faith. I tell you what—
He held me last night at least nine hours
In reckoning up the several devils' names
That were his lackeys. I cried “Hum,” and “Well, go to,”
But marked him not a word. O, he is as tedious
155 As a tired horse, a railing wife,
Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live
With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,
Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
In any summerhouse in Christendom.
As a tired horse, a railing wife,
Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live
With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,
Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
In any summerhouse in Christendom.

MORTIMER

160 In faith, he is a worthy gentleman,
Exceedingly well read and profited
In strange concealments, valiant as a lion,
And as wondrous affable, and as bountiful
As mines of India. Shall I tell you, cousin?
165 He holds your temper in a high respect
And curbs himself even of his natural scope
When you come cross his humor. Faith, he does.
I warrant you that man is not alive
Might so have tempted him as you have done
170 Without the taste of danger and reproof.
But do not use it oft, let me entreat you.

MORTIMER

In faith, he is a worthy gentleman,
Exceedingly well read and profited
In strange concealments, valiant as a lion,
And as wondrous affable, and as bountiful
As mines of India. Shall I tell you, cousin?
He holds your temper in a high respect
And curbs himself even of his natural scope
When you come cross his humor. Faith, he does.
I warrant you that man is not alive
Might so have tempted him as you have done
Without the taste of danger and reproof.
But do not use it oft, let me entreat you.

WORCESTER

(to HOTSPUR) In faith, my lord, you are too willful-blame,
And, since your coming hither, have done enough
To put him quite beside his patience.
175 You must needs learn, lord, to amend this fault.
Though sometimes it show greatness, courage, blood—
And that’s the dearest grace it renders you—
Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage,
Defect of manners, want of government,
180 Pride, haughtiness, opinion, and disdain,
The least of which, haunting a nobleman,
Loseth men’s hearts and leaves behind a stain
Upon the beauty of all parts besides,
Beguiling them of commendation.

WORCESTER

(to HOTSPUR) In faith, my lord, you are too willful-blame,
And, since your coming hither, have done enough
To put him quite beside his patience.
You must needs learn, lord, to amend this fault.
Though sometimes it show greatness, courage, blood—
And that’s the dearest grace it renders you—
Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage,
Defect of manners, want of government,
Pride, haughtiness, opinion, and disdain,
The least of which, haunting a nobleman,
Loseth men’s hearts and leaves behind a stain
Upon the beauty of all parts besides,
Beguiling them of commendation.

HOTSPUR

185 Well, I am schooled. Good manners be your speed!
Here come our wives, and let us take our leave.

HOTSPUR

Well, I am schooled. Good manners be your speed!
Here come our wives, and let us take our leave.
Enter GLENDOWER with the LADIES PERCY AND MORTIMER
Enter GLENDOWER with the LADIES PERCY AND MORTIMER

MORTIMER

This is the deadly spite that angers me:
My wife can speak no English, I no Welsh.

MORTIMER

This is the deadly spite that angers me:
My wife can speak no English, I no Welsh.

GLENDOWER

My daughter weeps; she’ll not part with you.
190 She’ll be a soldier too, she’ll to the wars.

GLENDOWER

My daughter weeps; she’ll not part with you.
She’ll be a soldier too, she’ll to the wars.

MORTIMER

Good father, tell her that she and my aunt Percy
Shall follow in your conduct speedily.

MORTIMER

Good father, tell her that she and my aunt Percy
Shall follow in your conduct speedily.
GLENDOWER speaks to THE LADY in Welsh, and she answers him in the same
GLENDOWER speaks to THE LADY in Welsh, and she answers him in the same

GLENDOWER

She is desperate here, a peevish self-willed harlotry,
One that no persuasion can do good upon.

GLENDOWER

She is desperate here, a peevish self-willed harlotry,
One that no persuasion can do good upon.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh

MORTIMER

195 I understand thy looks. That pretty Welsh
Which thou pourest down from these swelling heavens
I am too perfect in, and but for shame
In such a parley should I answer thee.

MORTIMER

I understand thy looks. That pretty Welsh
Which thou pourest down from these swelling heavens
I am too perfect in, and but for shame
In such a parley should I answer thee.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
I understand thy kisses and thou mine,
200 And that’s a feeling disputation;
But I will never be a truant, love,
Till I have learned thy language; for thy tongue
Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penned,
Sung by a fair queen in a summer’s bower,
205 With ravishing division, to her lute.
I understand thy kisses and thou mine,
And that’s a feeling disputation;
But I will never be a truant, love,
Till I have learned thy language; for thy tongue
Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penned,
Sung by a fair queen in a summer’s bower,
With ravishing division, to her lute.

GLENDOWER

Nay, if you melt, then will she run mad.

GLENDOWER

Nay, if you melt, then will she run mad.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh

MORTIMER

O, I am ignorance itself in this!

MORTIMER

O, I am ignorance itself in this!

GLENDOWER

She bids you on the wanton rushes lay you down
And rest your gentle head upon her lap,
210 And she will sing the song that pleaseth you
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep,
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness,
Making such difference ’twixt wake and sleep
As is the difference betwixt day and night
215 The hour before the heavenly harnessed team
Begins his golden progress in the east.

GLENDOWER

She bids you on the wanton rushes lay you down
And rest your gentle head upon her lap,
And she will sing the song that pleaseth you
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep,
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness,
Making such difference ’twixt wake and sleep
As is the difference betwixt day and night
The hour before the heavenly harnessed team
Begins his golden progress in the east.

MORTIMER

With all my heart I’ll sit and hear her sing.
By that time will our book, I think, be drawn

MORTIMER

With all my heart I’ll sit and hear her sing.
By that time will our book, I think, be drawn

GLENDOWER

Do so and those musicians that shall play to you
220 Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence,
And straight they shall be here. Sit, and attend.

GLENDOWER

Do so and those musicians that shall play to you
Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence,
And straight they shall be here. Sit, and attend.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down.
Come, quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down.
Come, quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.

LADY PERCY

Go, you giddy goose.

LADY PERCY

Go, you giddy goose.
The music plays
The music plays

HOTSPUR

225 Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh,
And ’tis no marvel he is so humorous.
By 'r Lady, he is a good musician.

HOTSPUR

Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh,
And ’tis no marvel he is so humorous.
By 'r Lady, he is a good musician.

LADY PERCY

Then should you be nothing but musical, for you are altogether governed by humors. Lie still, you thief, and hear the lady sing in Welsh.

LADY PERCY

Then should you be nothing but musical, for you are altogether governed by humors. Lie still, you thief, and hear the lady sing in Welsh.

HOTSPUR

I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.

HOTSPUR

I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.

LADY PERCY

Wouldst thou have thy head broken?

LADY PERCY

Wouldst thou have thy head broken?

HOTSPUR

No.

HOTSPUR

No.

LADY PERCY

Then be still.

LADY PERCY

Then be still.

HOTSPUR

235 Neither;’tis a woman’s fault.

HOTSPUR

Neither;’tis a woman’s fault.

LADY PERCY

Now God help thee!

LADY PERCY

Now God help thee!

HOTSPUR

To the Welsh lady’s bed.

HOTSPUR

To the Welsh lady’s bed.

LADY PERCY

What’s that?

LADY PERCY

What’s that?

HOTSPUR

Peace, she sings.

HOTSPUR

Peace, she sings.
Here THE LADY sings a Welsh song
Here THE LADY sings a Welsh song

HOTSPUR

240 Come, Kate, I’ll have your song too.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, I’ll have your song too.

LADY PERCY

Not mine, in good sooth.

LADY PERCY

Not mine, in good sooth.

HOTSPUR

Not yours, in good sooth! Heart, you swear like a comfit-maker’s wife! “Not you, in good sooth,” and “as true as I live,” and “as God shall mend me,” and “as sure as day”—
245 And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths
As if thou never walk’st further than Finsbury.
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
A good mouth-filling oath, and leave “in sooth,”
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
250 To velvet-guards and Sunday citizens.
Come, sing.

HOTSPUR

Not yours, in good sooth! Heart, you swear like a comfit-maker’s wife! “Not you, in good sooth,” and “as true as I live,” and “as God shall mend me,” and “as sure as day”—
And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths
As if thou never walk’st further than Finsbury.
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
A good mouth-filling oath, and leave “in sooth,”
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
To velvet-guards and Sunday citizens.
Come, sing.

LADY PERCY

I will not sing.

LADY PERCY

I will not sing.

HOTSPUR

'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be red-breast teacher. An the indentures be drawn, I’ll away within these two hours, and so come in when ye will.

HOTSPUR

'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be red-breast teacher. An the indentures be drawn, I’ll away within these two hours, and so come in when ye will.
Exit HOTSPUR
Exit HOTSPUR

GLENDOWER

Come, come, Lord Mortimer; you are as slow
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go.
By this our book is drawn. We’ll but seal,
And then to horse immediately.

GLENDOWER

Come, come, Lord Mortimer; you are as slow
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go.
By this our book is drawn. We’ll but seal,
And then to horse immediately.

MORTIMER

   With all my heart.

MORTIMER

   With all my heart.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter HOTSPUR ,WORCESTER , Lord MORTIMER , and Owen GLENDOWER
Enter HOTSPUR ,WORCESTER , Lord MORTIMER , and Owen GLENDOWER

MORTIMER

These promises are fair, the parties sure,
And our induction full of prosperous hope.

MORTIMER

These promises are fair, the parties sure,
And our induction full of prosperous hope.

HOTSPUR

Lord Mortimer and cousin Glendower,
Will you sit down? And Uncle Worcester—
5 A plague upon it, I have forgot the map.

HOTSPUR

Lord Mortimer and cousin Glendower,
Will you sit down? And Uncle Worcester—
A plague upon it, I have forgot the map.

GLENDOWER

No, here it is. Sit, cousin Percy
Sit, good cousin Hotspur, for by that name
As oft as Lancaster doth speak of you
His cheek looks pale and with a rising sigh
10 He wisheth you in heaven.

GLENDOWER

No, here it is. Sit, cousin Percy
Sit, good cousin Hotspur, for by that name
As oft as Lancaster doth speak of you
His cheek looks pale and with a rising sigh
He wisheth you in heaven.

HOTSPUR

   And you in hell,
As oft as he hears Owen Glendower spoke of.

HOTSPUR

   And you in hell,
As oft as he hears Owen Glendower spoke of.

GLENDOWER

I cannot blame him. At my nativity
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Of burning cressets, and at my birth
15 The frame and huge foundation of the earth
Shaked like a coward.

GLENDOWER

I cannot blame him. At my nativity
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
Of burning cressets, and at my birth
The frame and huge foundation of the earth
Shaked like a coward.

HOTSPUR

   Why, so it would have done
At the same season if your mother’s cat
Had but kittened, though yourself had never been born.

HOTSPUR

   Why, so it would have done
At the same season if your mother’s cat
Had but kittened, though yourself had never been born.

GLENDOWER

I say the earth did shake when I was born.

GLENDOWER

I say the earth did shake when I was born.

HOTSPUR

20 And I say the earth was not of my mind,
If you suppose as fearing you it shook.

HOTSPUR

And I say the earth was not of my mind,
If you suppose as fearing you it shook.

GLENDOWER

The heavens were all on fire; the earth did tremble.

GLENDOWER

The heavens were all on fire; the earth did tremble.

HOTSPUR

O, then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire,
And not in fear of your nativity.
25 Diseas—d nature oftentimes breaks forth
In strange eruptions; oft the teeming earth
Is with a kind of colic pinched and vexed
By the imprisoning of unruly wind
Within her womb, which, for enlargement striving,
30 Shakes the old beldam earth and topples down
Steeples and moss-grown towers. At your birth
Our grandam earth, having this distemperature,
In passion shook.

HOTSPUR

O, then the earth shook to see the heavens on fire,
And not in fear of your nativity.
Diseas—d nature oftentimes breaks forth
In strange eruptions; oft the teeming earth
Is with a kind of colic pinched and vexed
By the imprisoning of unruly wind
Within her womb, which, for enlargement striving,
Shakes the old beldam earth and topples down
Steeples and moss-grown towers. At your birth
Our grandam earth, having this distemperature,
In passion shook.

GLENDOWER

   Cousin, of many men
I do not bear these crossings. Give me leave
35 To tell you once again that at my birth
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
The goats ran from the mountains, and the herds
Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields.
These signs have marked me extraordinary,
40 And all the courses of my life do show
I am not in the roll of common men.
Where is he living, clipped in with the sea
That chides the banks of England, Scotland, Wales,
Which calls me pupil or hath read to me?
45 And bring him out that is but woman’s son
Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
And hold me pace in deep experiments.

GLENDOWER

   Cousin, of many men
I do not bear these crossings. Give me leave
To tell you once again that at my birth
The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,
The goats ran from the mountains, and the herds
Were strangely clamorous to the frighted fields.
These signs have marked me extraordinary,
And all the courses of my life do show
I am not in the roll of common men.
Where is he living, clipped in with the sea
That chides the banks of England, Scotland, Wales,
Which calls me pupil or hath read to me?
And bring him out that is but woman’s son
Can trace me in the tedious ways of art
And hold me pace in deep experiments.

HOTSPUR

I think there’s no man speaks better Welsh.
I’ll to dinner.

HOTSPUR

I think there’s no man speaks better Welsh.
I’ll to dinner.

MORTIMER

50 Peace, cousin Percy. You will make him mad.

MORTIMER

Peace, cousin Percy. You will make him mad.

GLENDOWER

I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

GLENDOWER

I can call spirits from the vasty deep.

HOTSPUR

Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?

HOTSPUR

Why, so can I, or so can any man,
But will they come when you do call for them?

GLENDOWER

Why, I can teach you, cousin, to command the devil.

GLENDOWER

Why, I can teach you, cousin, to command the devil.

HOTSPUR

55 And I can teach thee, coz, to shame the devil
By telling truth. Tell truth and shame the devil.
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
And I’ll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.
O, while you live, tell truth and shame the devil!

HOTSPUR

And I can teach thee, coz, to shame the devil
By telling truth. Tell truth and shame the devil.
If thou have power to raise him, bring him hither,
And I’ll be sworn I have power to shame him hence.
O, while you live, tell truth and shame the devil!

MORTIMER

60 Come, come, no more of this unprofitable chat.

MORTIMER

Come, come, no more of this unprofitable chat.

GLENDOWER

Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye
And sandy-bottomed Severn have I sent him
Bootless home and weather-beaten back.

GLENDOWER

Three times hath Henry Bolingbroke made head
Against my power; thrice from the banks of Wye
And sandy-bottomed Severn have I sent him
Bootless home and weather-beaten back.

HOTSPUR

65 Home without boots, and in foul weather too!
How ’scapes he agues, in the devil’s name?

HOTSPUR

Home without boots, and in foul weather too!
How ’scapes he agues, in the devil’s name?

GLENDOWER

Come, here’s the map. Shall we divide our right
According to our threefold order ta'en?

GLENDOWER

Come, here’s the map. Shall we divide our right
According to our threefold order ta'en?

MORTIMER

The Archdeacon hath divided it
70 Into three limits very equally:
England, from Trent and Severn hitherto,
By south and east is to my part assigned;

MORTIMER

The Archdeacon hath divided it
Into three limits very equally:
England, from Trent and Severn hitherto,
By south and east is to my part assigned;
All westward, Wales beyond the Severn shore,
And all the fertile land within that bound
75 To Owen Glendower; and, dear coz, to you
The remnant northward, lying off from Trent.
And our indentures tripartite are drawn,
Which being sealèd interchangeably—
A business that this night may execute—
80 Tomorrow, cousin Percy, you and I
And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
To meet your father and the Scottish power,
As is appointed us, at Shrewsbury.
My father Glendower is not ready yet,
85 Not shall we need his help these fourteen days.
(to GLENDOWER ) Within that space you may have drawn together
Your tenants, friends, and neighboring gentlemen.
All westward, Wales beyond the Severn shore,
And all the fertile land within that bound
To Owen Glendower; and, dear coz, to you
The remnant northward, lying off from Trent.
And our indentures tripartite are drawn,
Which being sealèd interchangeably—
A business that this night may execute—
Tomorrow, cousin Percy, you and I
And my good Lord of Worcester will set forth
To meet your father and the Scottish power,
As is appointed us, at Shrewsbury.
My father Glendower is not ready yet,
Not shall we need his help these fourteen days.
(to GLENDOWER ) Within that space you may have drawn together
Your tenants, friends, and neighboring gentlemen.

GLENDOWER

A shorter time shall send me to you, lords,
And in my conduct shall your ladies come,
90 From whom you now must steal and take no leave,
For there will be a world of water shed
Upon the parting of your wives and you.

GLENDOWER

A shorter time shall send me to you, lords,
And in my conduct shall your ladies come,
From whom you now must steal and take no leave,
For there will be a world of water shed
Upon the parting of your wives and you.

HOTSPUR

Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here,
In quantity equals not one of yours.
95 See how this river comes me cranking in
And cuts me from the best of all my land
A huge half-moon, a monstrous cantle out.
I’ll have the current in this place dammed up,
And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
100 In a new channel, fair and evenly.
It shall not wind with such a deep indent,
To rob me of so rich a bottom here.

HOTSPUR

Methinks my moiety, north from Burton here,
In quantity equals not one of yours.
See how this river comes me cranking in
And cuts me from the best of all my land
A huge half-moon, a monstrous cantle out.
I’ll have the current in this place dammed up,
And here the smug and silver Trent shall run
In a new channel, fair and evenly.
It shall not wind with such a deep indent,
To rob me of so rich a bottom here.

GLENDOWER

Not wind? It shall, it must. You see it doth.

GLENDOWER

Not wind? It shall, it must. You see it doth.

MORTIMER

Yea, but Mark how he bears his course, and runs me up
105 With like advantage on the other side,
Gelding the opposèd continent as much
As on the other side it takes from you.

MORTIMER

Yea, but Mark how he bears his course, and runs me up
With like advantage on the other side,
Gelding the opposèd continent as much
As on the other side it takes from you.

WORCESTER

Yea, but a little charge will trench him here
And on this north side win this cape of land,
110 And then he runs straight and even.

WORCESTER

Yea, but a little charge will trench him here
And on this north side win this cape of land,
And then he runs straight and even.

HOTSPUR

I’ll have it so. A little charge will do it.

HOTSPUR

I’ll have it so. A little charge will do it.

GLENDOWER

I’ll not have it altered.

GLENDOWER

I’ll not have it altered.

HOTSPUR

   Will not you?

HOTSPUR

   Will not you?

GLENDOWER

No, nor you shall not.

GLENDOWER

No, nor you shall not.

HOTSPUR

   Who shall say me nay?

HOTSPUR

   Who shall say me nay?

GLENDOWER

Why, that will I.

GLENDOWER

Why, that will I.

HOTSPUR

115 Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.

HOTSPUR

Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.

GLENDOWER

I can speak English, lord, as well as you,
For I was trained up in the English court,
Where being but young I framèd to the harp
Many an English ditty lovely well
120 And gave the tongue a helpful ornament—
A virtue that was never seen in you.

GLENDOWER

I can speak English, lord, as well as you,
For I was trained up in the English court,
Where being but young I framèd to the harp
Many an English ditty lovely well
And gave the tongue a helpful ornament—
A virtue that was never seen in you.

HOTSPUR

Marry,
And I am glad of it with all my heart:
I had rather be a kitten and cry “mew”
125 Than one of these same meter balladmongers.

HOTSPUR

Marry,
And I am glad of it with all my heart:
I had rather be a kitten and cry “mew”
Than one of these same meter balladmongers.
I had rather hear a brazen can’stick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the axletree,
And that would set my teeth nothing an edge,
Nothing so much as mincing poetry.
130 'Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.
I had rather hear a brazen can’stick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the axletree,
And that would set my teeth nothing an edge,
Nothing so much as mincing poetry.
'Tis like the forced gait of a shuffling nag.

GLENDOWER

Come, you shall have Trent turned.

GLENDOWER

Come, you shall have Trent turned.

HOTSPUR

I do not care. I’ll give thrice so much land
To any well-deserving friend;
But in the way of bargain, mark you me,
135 I’ll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
Are the indentures drawn? Shall we be gone?

HOTSPUR

I do not care. I’ll give thrice so much land
To any well-deserving friend;
But in the way of bargain, mark you me,
I’ll cavil on the ninth part of a hair.
Are the indentures drawn? Shall we be gone?

GLENDOWER

The moon shines fair. You may away by night.
I’ll haste the writer, and withal
Break with your wives of your departure hence.
140 I am afraid my daughter will run mad,
So much she doteth on her Mortimer.

GLENDOWER

The moon shines fair. You may away by night.
I’ll haste the writer, and withal
Break with your wives of your departure hence.
I am afraid my daughter will run mad,
So much she doteth on her Mortimer.
Exit GLENDOWER
Exit GLENDOWER

MORTIMER

Fie, cousin Percy, how you cross my father!

MORTIMER

Fie, cousin Percy, how you cross my father!

HOTSPUR

I cannot choose. Sometime he angers me
With telling me of the moldwarp and the ant,
145 Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,
And of a dragon and a finless fish,
A clip-winged griffin and a moulten raven,
A couching lion and a ramping cat,
And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
150 As puts me from my faith. I tell you what—
He held me last night at least nine hours
In reckoning up the several devils' names
That were his lackeys. I cried “Hum,” and “Well, go to,”
But marked him not a word. O, he is as tedious

HOTSPUR

I cannot choose. Sometime he angers me
With telling me of the moldwarp and the ant,
Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,
And of a dragon and a finless fish,
A clip-winged griffin and a moulten raven,
A couching lion and a ramping cat,
And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff
As puts me from my faith. I tell you what—
He held me last night at least nine hours
In reckoning up the several devils' names
That were his lackeys. I cried “Hum,” and “Well, go to,”
But marked him not a word. O, he is as tedious
155 As a tired horse, a railing wife,
Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live
With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,
Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
In any summerhouse in Christendom.
As a tired horse, a railing wife,
Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live
With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,
Than feed on cates and have him talk to me
In any summerhouse in Christendom.

MORTIMER

160 In faith, he is a worthy gentleman,
Exceedingly well read and profited
In strange concealments, valiant as a lion,
And as wondrous affable, and as bountiful
As mines of India. Shall I tell you, cousin?
165 He holds your temper in a high respect
And curbs himself even of his natural scope
When you come cross his humor. Faith, he does.
I warrant you that man is not alive
Might so have tempted him as you have done
170 Without the taste of danger and reproof.
But do not use it oft, let me entreat you.

MORTIMER

In faith, he is a worthy gentleman,
Exceedingly well read and profited
In strange concealments, valiant as a lion,
And as wondrous affable, and as bountiful
As mines of India. Shall I tell you, cousin?
He holds your temper in a high respect
And curbs himself even of his natural scope
When you come cross his humor. Faith, he does.
I warrant you that man is not alive
Might so have tempted him as you have done
Without the taste of danger and reproof.
But do not use it oft, let me entreat you.

WORCESTER

(to HOTSPUR) In faith, my lord, you are too willful-blame,
And, since your coming hither, have done enough
To put him quite beside his patience.
175 You must needs learn, lord, to amend this fault.
Though sometimes it show greatness, courage, blood—
And that’s the dearest grace it renders you—
Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage,
Defect of manners, want of government,
180 Pride, haughtiness, opinion, and disdain,
The least of which, haunting a nobleman,
Loseth men’s hearts and leaves behind a stain
Upon the beauty of all parts besides,
Beguiling them of commendation.

WORCESTER

(to HOTSPUR) In faith, my lord, you are too willful-blame,
And, since your coming hither, have done enough
To put him quite beside his patience.
You must needs learn, lord, to amend this fault.
Though sometimes it show greatness, courage, blood—
And that’s the dearest grace it renders you—
Yet oftentimes it doth present harsh rage,
Defect of manners, want of government,
Pride, haughtiness, opinion, and disdain,
The least of which, haunting a nobleman,
Loseth men’s hearts and leaves behind a stain
Upon the beauty of all parts besides,
Beguiling them of commendation.

HOTSPUR

185 Well, I am schooled. Good manners be your speed!
Here come our wives, and let us take our leave.

HOTSPUR

Well, I am schooled. Good manners be your speed!
Here come our wives, and let us take our leave.
Enter GLENDOWER with the LADIES PERCY AND MORTIMER
Enter GLENDOWER with the LADIES PERCY AND MORTIMER

MORTIMER

This is the deadly spite that angers me:
My wife can speak no English, I no Welsh.

MORTIMER

This is the deadly spite that angers me:
My wife can speak no English, I no Welsh.

GLENDOWER

My daughter weeps; she’ll not part with you.
190 She’ll be a soldier too, she’ll to the wars.

GLENDOWER

My daughter weeps; she’ll not part with you.
She’ll be a soldier too, she’ll to the wars.

MORTIMER

Good father, tell her that she and my aunt Percy
Shall follow in your conduct speedily.

MORTIMER

Good father, tell her that she and my aunt Percy
Shall follow in your conduct speedily.
GLENDOWER speaks to THE LADY in Welsh, and she answers him in the same
GLENDOWER speaks to THE LADY in Welsh, and she answers him in the same

GLENDOWER

She is desperate here, a peevish self-willed harlotry,
One that no persuasion can do good upon.

GLENDOWER

She is desperate here, a peevish self-willed harlotry,
One that no persuasion can do good upon.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh

MORTIMER

195 I understand thy looks. That pretty Welsh
Which thou pourest down from these swelling heavens
I am too perfect in, and but for shame
In such a parley should I answer thee.

MORTIMER

I understand thy looks. That pretty Welsh
Which thou pourest down from these swelling heavens
I am too perfect in, and but for shame
In such a parley should I answer thee.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
I understand thy kisses and thou mine,
200 And that’s a feeling disputation;
But I will never be a truant, love,
Till I have learned thy language; for thy tongue
Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penned,
Sung by a fair queen in a summer’s bower,
205 With ravishing division, to her lute.
I understand thy kisses and thou mine,
And that’s a feeling disputation;
But I will never be a truant, love,
Till I have learned thy language; for thy tongue
Makes Welsh as sweet as ditties highly penned,
Sung by a fair queen in a summer’s bower,
With ravishing division, to her lute.

GLENDOWER

Nay, if you melt, then will she run mad.

GLENDOWER

Nay, if you melt, then will she run mad.
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh
THE LADY speaks again in Welsh

MORTIMER

O, I am ignorance itself in this!

MORTIMER

O, I am ignorance itself in this!

GLENDOWER

She bids you on the wanton rushes lay you down
And rest your gentle head upon her lap,
210 And she will sing the song that pleaseth you
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep,
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness,
Making such difference ’twixt wake and sleep
As is the difference betwixt day and night
215 The hour before the heavenly harnessed team
Begins his golden progress in the east.

GLENDOWER

She bids you on the wanton rushes lay you down
And rest your gentle head upon her lap,
And she will sing the song that pleaseth you
And on your eyelids crown the god of sleep,
Charming your blood with pleasing heaviness,
Making such difference ’twixt wake and sleep
As is the difference betwixt day and night
The hour before the heavenly harnessed team
Begins his golden progress in the east.

MORTIMER

With all my heart I’ll sit and hear her sing.
By that time will our book, I think, be drawn

MORTIMER

With all my heart I’ll sit and hear her sing.
By that time will our book, I think, be drawn

GLENDOWER

Do so and those musicians that shall play to you
220 Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence,
And straight they shall be here. Sit, and attend.

GLENDOWER

Do so and those musicians that shall play to you
Hang in the air a thousand leagues from hence,
And straight they shall be here. Sit, and attend.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down.
Come, quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down.
Come, quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.

LADY PERCY

Go, you giddy goose.

LADY PERCY

Go, you giddy goose.
The music plays
The music plays

HOTSPUR

225 Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh,
And ’tis no marvel he is so humorous.
By 'r Lady, he is a good musician.

HOTSPUR

Now I perceive the devil understands Welsh,
And ’tis no marvel he is so humorous.
By 'r Lady, he is a good musician.

LADY PERCY

Then should you be nothing but musical, for you are altogether governed by humors. Lie still, you thief, and hear the lady sing in Welsh.

LADY PERCY

Then should you be nothing but musical, for you are altogether governed by humors. Lie still, you thief, and hear the lady sing in Welsh.

HOTSPUR

I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.

HOTSPUR

I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.

LADY PERCY

Wouldst thou have thy head broken?

LADY PERCY

Wouldst thou have thy head broken?

HOTSPUR

No.

HOTSPUR

No.

LADY PERCY

Then be still.

LADY PERCY

Then be still.

HOTSPUR

235 Neither;’tis a woman’s fault.

HOTSPUR

Neither;’tis a woman’s fault.

LADY PERCY

Now God help thee!

LADY PERCY

Now God help thee!

HOTSPUR

To the Welsh lady’s bed.

HOTSPUR

To the Welsh lady’s bed.

LADY PERCY

What’s that?

LADY PERCY

What’s that?

HOTSPUR

Peace, she sings.

HOTSPUR

Peace, she sings.
Here THE LADY sings a Welsh song
Here THE LADY sings a Welsh song

HOTSPUR

240 Come, Kate, I’ll have your song too.

HOTSPUR

Come, Kate, I’ll have your song too.

LADY PERCY

Not mine, in good sooth.

LADY PERCY

Not mine, in good sooth.

HOTSPUR

Not yours, in good sooth! Heart, you swear like a comfit-maker’s wife! “Not you, in good sooth,” and “as true as I live,” and “as God shall mend me,” and “as sure as day”—
245 And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths
As if thou never walk’st further than Finsbury.
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
A good mouth-filling oath, and leave “in sooth,”
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
250 To velvet-guards and Sunday citizens.
Come, sing.

HOTSPUR

Not yours, in good sooth! Heart, you swear like a comfit-maker’s wife! “Not you, in good sooth,” and “as true as I live,” and “as God shall mend me,” and “as sure as day”—
And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths
As if thou never walk’st further than Finsbury.
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
A good mouth-filling oath, and leave “in sooth,”
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
To velvet-guards and Sunday citizens.
Come, sing.

LADY PERCY

I will not sing.

LADY PERCY

I will not sing.

HOTSPUR

'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be red-breast teacher. An the indentures be drawn, I’ll away within these two hours, and so come in when ye will.

HOTSPUR

'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be red-breast teacher. An the indentures be drawn, I’ll away within these two hours, and so come in when ye will.
Exit HOTSPUR
Exit HOTSPUR

GLENDOWER

Come, come, Lord Mortimer; you are as slow
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go.
By this our book is drawn. We’ll but seal,
And then to horse immediately.

GLENDOWER

Come, come, Lord Mortimer; you are as slow
As hot Lord Percy is on fire to go.
By this our book is drawn. We’ll but seal,
And then to horse immediately.

MORTIMER

   With all my heart.

MORTIMER

   With all my heart.
Exeunt
Exeunt
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