Henry IV, Part 1

by: William Shakespeare

Act 4 Scene 3

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Original Text	Modern Text
Enter HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, DOUGLAS, and VERNON	HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, DOUGLAS, and VERNON enter.
HOTSPUR We’ll fight with him tonight.	HOTSPUR We’ll fight him tonight.
WORCESTER It may not be.	WORCESTER We can’t do that.
DOUGLAS You give him then advantage.	DOUGLAS Then you’re giving him the advantage.
VERNON Not a whit.	VERNON Not in the least.
HOTSPUR Why say you so? Looks he not for supply?	HOTSPUR Why do you say that? Doesn’t he have backup coming?
VERNON So do we.	VERNON So do we.
HOTSPUR 5His is certain; ours is doubtful.	HOTSPUR His is guaranteed. Ours isn’t.
WORCESTER Good cousin, be advised. Stir not tonight.	WORCESTER Nephew, I’m telling you. Don’t start the fighting tonight.
VERNON (to HOTSPUR ) Do not, my lord.	VERNON (to HOTSPUR ) Don’t, my lord.
DOUGLAS You do not counsel well. You speak it out of fear and cold heart.	DOUGLAS You’re giving poor advice, based on fear and cowardice.
VERNON Do me no slander, Douglas. By my life 10(And I dare well maintain it with my life), If well-respected honor bid me on, I hold as little counsel with weak fear As you, my lord, or any Scot that this day lives. Let it be seen tomorrow in the battle 15Which of us fears.	VERNON Don’t slander me, Douglas. I swear on my life—and I’ll prove it with my life—that if I’m roused to fight through thoughtful, careful consideration, I’m just as unafraid as you, my lord, or any Scotsman alive. In tomorrow’s battle, we’ll see which one of us is afraid.
DOUGLAS Yea, or tonight.	DOUGLAS Fine. Or tonight.

Read the Summary of Act IV, scenes iii–iv

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