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Enter NYM , BARDOLPH , PISTOL , and BOY
Enter NYM , BARDOLPH , PISTOL , and BOY

BARDOLPH

On, on, on, on, on! To the breach, to the breach!

BARDOLPH

On, on, on, on, on! To the breach, to the breach!

NYM

Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too hot, and, for mine own part, I have not a case of lives. The humor of it is too hot; that is the very plainsong of it.

NYM

Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too hot, and, for mine own part, I have not a case of lives. The humor of it is too hot; that is the very plainsong of it.

PISTOL

5 “The plainsong” is most just, for humors do abound.
(sings)
   Knocks go and come. God’s vassals drop and die,
   And sword and shield
   In bloody field
   Doth win immortal fame.

PISTOL

“The plainsong” is most just, for humors do abound.
(sings)
   Knocks go and come. God’s vassals drop and die,
   And sword and shield
   In bloody field
   Doth win immortal fame.

BOY

Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.

BOY

Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.

PISTOL

And I.
(sings)
   If wishes would prevail with me,
   My purpose should not fail with me,
   But thither would I hie.

PISTOL

And I.
(sings)
   If wishes would prevail with me,
   My purpose should not fail with me,
   But thither would I hie.

BOY

(sings)
   As duly,
   But not as truly,
   As bird doth sing on bough.

BOY

(sings)
   As duly,
   But not as truly,
   As bird doth sing on bough.
Enter FLUELLEN
Enter FLUELLEN

FLUELLEN

Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you cullions!

FLUELLEN

Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you cullions!

PISTOL

Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage, abate thy rage, great duke. Good bawcock, 'bate thy rage. Use lenity, sweet chuck.

PISTOL

Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage, abate thy rage, great duke. Good bawcock, 'bate thy rage. Use lenity, sweet chuck.

NYM

These be good humors. Your Honor wins bad humors.

NYM

These be good humors. Your Honor wins bad humors.
Exeunt all but BOY
Exeunt all but BOY

BOY

As young as I am, I have observed these three swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they three, though they would serve me, could not be man to me. For indeed three such antics do not amount to a man: for Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced, by the means whereof he faces it out but fights not; for Pistol, he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword, by the means whereof he breaks words and keeps whole weapons; for Nym, he hath heard that men of few words are the best men, and therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest he should be thought a coward, but his few bad words are matched with as few good deeds, for he never broke any man’s head but his own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They will steal anything and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence. Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching, and in Calais they stole a fire shovel. I knew by that piece of service the men would carry coals. They would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as their gloves or their handkerchers, which makes much against my manhood, if I should take from another’s pocket to put into mine, for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them and seek some better service. Their villainy goes against my weak stomach, and therefore I must cast it up.

BOY

As young as I am, I have observed these three swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they three, though they would serve me, could not be man to me. For indeed three such antics do not amount to a man: for Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced, by the means whereof he faces it out but fights not; for Pistol, he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword, by the means whereof he breaks words and keeps whole weapons; for Nym, he hath heard that men of few words are the best men, and therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest he should be thought a coward, but his few bad words are matched with as few good deeds, for he never broke any man’s head but his own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They will steal anything and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence. Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching, and in Calais they stole a fire shovel. I knew by that piece of service the men would carry coals. They would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as their gloves or their handkerchers, which makes much against my manhood, if I should take from another’s pocket to put into mine, for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them and seek some better service. Their villainy goes against my weak stomach, and therefore I must cast it up.
Exit
Exit
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER

GOWER

Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to the mines; the duke of Gloucester would speak with you.

GOWER

Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to the mines; the duke of Gloucester would speak with you.

FLUELLEN

To the mines? Tell you the duke it is not so good to come to the mines, for, look you, the mines is not according to the disciplines of the war. The concavities of it is not sufficient, for, look you, th' athversary, you may discuss unto the duke, look you, is digt himself four yard under the countermines. By Cheshu, I think he will plow up all if there is not better directions.

FLUELLEN

To the mines? Tell you the duke it is not so good to come to the mines, for, look you, the mines is not according to the disciplines of the war. The concavities of it is not sufficient, for, look you, th' athversary, you may discuss unto the duke, look you, is digt himself four yard under the countermines. By Cheshu, I think he will plow up all if there is not better directions.

GOWER

The duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of the siege is given, is altogether directed by an Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i' faith.

GOWER

The duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of the siege is given, is altogether directed by an Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i' faith.

FLUELLEN

It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?

FLUELLEN

It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?

GOWER

I think it be.

GOWER

I think it be.

FLUELLEN

By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I will verify as much in his beard. He has no more directions in the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the Roman disciplines, than is a puppy dog.

FLUELLEN

By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I will verify as much in his beard. He has no more directions in the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the Roman disciplines, than is a puppy dog.
Enter Captain MACMORRIS and Captain JAMY
Enter Captain MACMORRIS and Captain JAMY

GOWER

Here he comes, and the Scots captain, Captain Jamy, with him.

GOWER

Here he comes, and the Scots captain, Captain Jamy, with him.

FLUELLEN

Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous gentleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and knowledge in th' aunchient wars, upon my particular knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will maintain his argument as well as any military man in the world in the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans.

FLUELLEN

Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous gentleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and knowledge in th' aunchient wars, upon my particular knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will maintain his argument as well as any military man in the world in the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans.

JAMY

I say gudday, Captain Fluellen.

JAMY

I say gudday, Captain Fluellen.

FLUELLEN

Godden to your Worship, good Captain James.

FLUELLEN

Godden to your Worship, good Captain James.

GOWER

How now, Captain Macmorris, have you quit the mines?
70 Have the pioneers given o'er?

GOWER

How now, Captain Macmorris, have you quit the mines?
Have the pioneers given o'er?

MACMORRIS

By Chrish, la, ’tish ill done. The work ish give over. The trompet sound the retreat. By my hand I swear, and my father’s soul, the work ish ill done. It ish give over. I would have blowed up the town, so Chrish save me, la, in an hour. Oh, ’tish ill done, ’tish ill done, by my hand, ’tish ill done.

MACMORRIS

By Chrish, la, ’tish ill done. The work ish give over. The trompet sound the retreat. By my hand I swear, and my father’s soul, the work ish ill done. It ish give over. I would have blowed up the town, so Chrish save me, la, in an hour. Oh, ’tish ill done, ’tish ill done, by my hand, ’tish ill done.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now, will you voutsafe me, look you, a few disputations with you as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of the war, the Roman wars? In the way of argument, look you, and friendly communication, partly to satisfy my opinion, and partly for the satisfaction, look you, of my mind, as touching the direction of the military discipline, that is the point.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now, will you voutsafe me, look you, a few disputations with you as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of the war, the Roman wars? In the way of argument, look you, and friendly communication, partly to satisfy my opinion, and partly for the satisfaction, look you, of my mind, as touching the direction of the military discipline, that is the point.

JAMY

It sall be vary gud, gud feith, gud captens bath, and I sall quit you with gud leve, as I may pick occasion, that sall I, marry.

JAMY

It sall be vary gud, gud feith, gud captens bath, and I sall quit you with gud leve, as I may pick occasion, that sall I, marry.

MACMORRIS

It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save me. The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars, and the king, and the dukes. It is no time to discourse. The town is beseeched, and the trumpet call us to the breach, and we talk and, be Chrish, do nothing, ’tis shame for us all. So God sa' me, ’tis shame to stand still. It is shame, by my hand. And there is throats to be cut and works to be done, and there ish nothing done, so Chrish sa' me, la.

MACMORRIS

It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save me. The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars, and the king, and the dukes. It is no time to discourse. The town is beseeched, and the trumpet call us to the breach, and we talk and, be Chrish, do nothing, ’tis shame for us all. So God sa' me, ’tis shame to stand still. It is shame, by my hand. And there is throats to be cut and works to be done, and there ish nothing done, so Chrish sa' me, la.

JAMY

By the mess, ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slomber, ay’ll de gud service, or I’ll lig i' th' grund for it, ay, or go to death. And I’ll pay ’t as valorously as I may, that sall I suerly do, that is the breff and the long. Marry, I wad full fain heard some question ’tween you tway.

JAMY

By the mess, ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slomber, ay’ll de gud service, or I’ll lig i' th' grund for it, ay, or go to death. And I’ll pay ’t as valorously as I may, that sall I suerly do, that is the breff and the long. Marry, I wad full fain heard some question ’tween you tway.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, under your correction, there is not many of your nation—

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, under your correction, there is not many of your nation—

MACMORRIS

Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a villain and a basterd and a knave and a rascal. What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?

MACMORRIS

Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a villain and a basterd and a knave and a rascal. What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?

FLUELLEN

Look you, if you take the matter otherwise than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I shall think you do not use me with that affability as, in discretion, you ought to use me, look you, being as good a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of war and in the derivation of my birth and in other particularities.

FLUELLEN

Look you, if you take the matter otherwise than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I shall think you do not use me with that affability as, in discretion, you ought to use me, look you, being as good a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of war and in the derivation of my birth and in other particularities.

MACMORRIS

I do not know you so good a man as myself. So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.

MACMORRIS

I do not know you so good a man as myself. So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.

GOWER

Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.

GOWER

Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.

JAMY

Ah, that’s a foul fault.

JAMY

Ah, that’s a foul fault.
A parley sounds
A parley sounds

GOWER

The town sounds a parley.

GOWER

The town sounds a parley.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, when there is more better opportunity to be required, look you, I will be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of war, and there is an end.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, when there is more better opportunity to be required, look you, I will be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of war, and there is an end.
Exeunt
Exeunt

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter NYM , BARDOLPH , PISTOL , and BOY
Enter NYM , BARDOLPH , PISTOL , and BOY

BARDOLPH

On, on, on, on, on! To the breach, to the breach!

BARDOLPH

On, on, on, on, on! To the breach, to the breach!

NYM

Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too hot, and, for mine own part, I have not a case of lives. The humor of it is too hot; that is the very plainsong of it.

NYM

Pray thee, corporal, stay. The knocks are too hot, and, for mine own part, I have not a case of lives. The humor of it is too hot; that is the very plainsong of it.

PISTOL

5 “The plainsong” is most just, for humors do abound.
(sings)
   Knocks go and come. God’s vassals drop and die,
   And sword and shield
   In bloody field
   Doth win immortal fame.

PISTOL

“The plainsong” is most just, for humors do abound.
(sings)
   Knocks go and come. God’s vassals drop and die,
   And sword and shield
   In bloody field
   Doth win immortal fame.

BOY

Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.

BOY

Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale, and safety.

PISTOL

And I.
(sings)
   If wishes would prevail with me,
   My purpose should not fail with me,
   But thither would I hie.

PISTOL

And I.
(sings)
   If wishes would prevail with me,
   My purpose should not fail with me,
   But thither would I hie.

BOY

(sings)
   As duly,
   But not as truly,
   As bird doth sing on bough.

BOY

(sings)
   As duly,
   But not as truly,
   As bird doth sing on bough.
Enter FLUELLEN
Enter FLUELLEN

FLUELLEN

Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you cullions!

FLUELLEN

Up to the breach, you dogs! Avaunt, you cullions!

PISTOL

Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage, abate thy rage, great duke. Good bawcock, 'bate thy rage. Use lenity, sweet chuck.

PISTOL

Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold. Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage, abate thy rage, great duke. Good bawcock, 'bate thy rage. Use lenity, sweet chuck.

NYM

These be good humors. Your Honor wins bad humors.

NYM

These be good humors. Your Honor wins bad humors.
Exeunt all but BOY
Exeunt all but BOY

BOY

As young as I am, I have observed these three swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they three, though they would serve me, could not be man to me. For indeed three such antics do not amount to a man: for Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced, by the means whereof he faces it out but fights not; for Pistol, he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword, by the means whereof he breaks words and keeps whole weapons; for Nym, he hath heard that men of few words are the best men, and therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest he should be thought a coward, but his few bad words are matched with as few good deeds, for he never broke any man’s head but his own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They will steal anything and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence. Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching, and in Calais they stole a fire shovel. I knew by that piece of service the men would carry coals. They would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as their gloves or their handkerchers, which makes much against my manhood, if I should take from another’s pocket to put into mine, for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them and seek some better service. Their villainy goes against my weak stomach, and therefore I must cast it up.

BOY

As young as I am, I have observed these three swashers. I am boy to them all three, but all they three, though they would serve me, could not be man to me. For indeed three such antics do not amount to a man: for Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced, by the means whereof he faces it out but fights not; for Pistol, he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword, by the means whereof he breaks words and keeps whole weapons; for Nym, he hath heard that men of few words are the best men, and therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest he should be thought a coward, but his few bad words are matched with as few good deeds, for he never broke any man’s head but his own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They will steal anything and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a lute case, bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three halfpence. Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching, and in Calais they stole a fire shovel. I knew by that piece of service the men would carry coals. They would have me as familiar with men’s pockets as their gloves or their handkerchers, which makes much against my manhood, if I should take from another’s pocket to put into mine, for it is plain pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them and seek some better service. Their villainy goes against my weak stomach, and therefore I must cast it up.
Exit
Exit
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER
Enter FLUELLEN and GOWER

GOWER

Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to the mines; the duke of Gloucester would speak with you.

GOWER

Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to the mines; the duke of Gloucester would speak with you.

FLUELLEN

To the mines? Tell you the duke it is not so good to come to the mines, for, look you, the mines is not according to the disciplines of the war. The concavities of it is not sufficient, for, look you, th' athversary, you may discuss unto the duke, look you, is digt himself four yard under the countermines. By Cheshu, I think he will plow up all if there is not better directions.

FLUELLEN

To the mines? Tell you the duke it is not so good to come to the mines, for, look you, the mines is not according to the disciplines of the war. The concavities of it is not sufficient, for, look you, th' athversary, you may discuss unto the duke, look you, is digt himself four yard under the countermines. By Cheshu, I think he will plow up all if there is not better directions.

GOWER

The duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of the siege is given, is altogether directed by an Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i' faith.

GOWER

The duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of the siege is given, is altogether directed by an Irishman, a very valiant gentleman, i' faith.

FLUELLEN

It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?

FLUELLEN

It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?

GOWER

I think it be.

GOWER

I think it be.

FLUELLEN

By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I will verify as much in his beard. He has no more directions in the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the Roman disciplines, than is a puppy dog.

FLUELLEN

By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world. I will verify as much in his beard. He has no more directions in the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the Roman disciplines, than is a puppy dog.
Enter Captain MACMORRIS and Captain JAMY
Enter Captain MACMORRIS and Captain JAMY

GOWER

Here he comes, and the Scots captain, Captain Jamy, with him.

GOWER

Here he comes, and the Scots captain, Captain Jamy, with him.

FLUELLEN

Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous gentleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and knowledge in th' aunchient wars, upon my particular knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will maintain his argument as well as any military man in the world in the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans.

FLUELLEN

Captain Jamy is a marvelous falorous gentleman, that is certain, and of great expedition and knowledge in th' aunchient wars, upon my particular knowledge of his directions. By Cheshu, he will maintain his argument as well as any military man in the world in the disciplines of the pristine wars of the Romans.

JAMY

I say gudday, Captain Fluellen.

JAMY

I say gudday, Captain Fluellen.

FLUELLEN

Godden to your Worship, good Captain James.

FLUELLEN

Godden to your Worship, good Captain James.

GOWER

How now, Captain Macmorris, have you quit the mines?
70 Have the pioneers given o'er?

GOWER

How now, Captain Macmorris, have you quit the mines?
Have the pioneers given o'er?

MACMORRIS

By Chrish, la, ’tish ill done. The work ish give over. The trompet sound the retreat. By my hand I swear, and my father’s soul, the work ish ill done. It ish give over. I would have blowed up the town, so Chrish save me, la, in an hour. Oh, ’tish ill done, ’tish ill done, by my hand, ’tish ill done.

MACMORRIS

By Chrish, la, ’tish ill done. The work ish give over. The trompet sound the retreat. By my hand I swear, and my father’s soul, the work ish ill done. It ish give over. I would have blowed up the town, so Chrish save me, la, in an hour. Oh, ’tish ill done, ’tish ill done, by my hand, ’tish ill done.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now, will you voutsafe me, look you, a few disputations with you as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of the war, the Roman wars? In the way of argument, look you, and friendly communication, partly to satisfy my opinion, and partly for the satisfaction, look you, of my mind, as touching the direction of the military discipline, that is the point.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I beseech you now, will you voutsafe me, look you, a few disputations with you as partly touching or concerning the disciplines of the war, the Roman wars? In the way of argument, look you, and friendly communication, partly to satisfy my opinion, and partly for the satisfaction, look you, of my mind, as touching the direction of the military discipline, that is the point.

JAMY

It sall be vary gud, gud feith, gud captens bath, and I sall quit you with gud leve, as I may pick occasion, that sall I, marry.

JAMY

It sall be vary gud, gud feith, gud captens bath, and I sall quit you with gud leve, as I may pick occasion, that sall I, marry.

MACMORRIS

It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save me. The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars, and the king, and the dukes. It is no time to discourse. The town is beseeched, and the trumpet call us to the breach, and we talk and, be Chrish, do nothing, ’tis shame for us all. So God sa' me, ’tis shame to stand still. It is shame, by my hand. And there is throats to be cut and works to be done, and there ish nothing done, so Chrish sa' me, la.

MACMORRIS

It is no time to discourse, so Chrish save me. The day is hot, and the weather, and the wars, and the king, and the dukes. It is no time to discourse. The town is beseeched, and the trumpet call us to the breach, and we talk and, be Chrish, do nothing, ’tis shame for us all. So God sa' me, ’tis shame to stand still. It is shame, by my hand. And there is throats to be cut and works to be done, and there ish nothing done, so Chrish sa' me, la.

JAMY

By the mess, ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slomber, ay’ll de gud service, or I’ll lig i' th' grund for it, ay, or go to death. And I’ll pay ’t as valorously as I may, that sall I suerly do, that is the breff and the long. Marry, I wad full fain heard some question ’tween you tway.

JAMY

By the mess, ere theise eyes of mine take themselves to slomber, ay’ll de gud service, or I’ll lig i' th' grund for it, ay, or go to death. And I’ll pay ’t as valorously as I may, that sall I suerly do, that is the breff and the long. Marry, I wad full fain heard some question ’tween you tway.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, under your correction, there is not many of your nation—

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, I think, look you, under your correction, there is not many of your nation—

MACMORRIS

Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a villain and a basterd and a knave and a rascal. What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?

MACMORRIS

Of my nation? What ish my nation? Ish a villain and a basterd and a knave and a rascal. What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?

FLUELLEN

Look you, if you take the matter otherwise than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I shall think you do not use me with that affability as, in discretion, you ought to use me, look you, being as good a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of war and in the derivation of my birth and in other particularities.

FLUELLEN

Look you, if you take the matter otherwise than is meant, Captain Macmorris, peradventure I shall think you do not use me with that affability as, in discretion, you ought to use me, look you, being as good a man as yourself, both in the disciplines of war and in the derivation of my birth and in other particularities.

MACMORRIS

I do not know you so good a man as myself. So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.

MACMORRIS

I do not know you so good a man as myself. So Chrish save me, I will cut off your head.

GOWER

Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.

GOWER

Gentlemen both, you will mistake each other.

JAMY

Ah, that’s a foul fault.

JAMY

Ah, that’s a foul fault.
A parley sounds
A parley sounds

GOWER

The town sounds a parley.

GOWER

The town sounds a parley.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, when there is more better opportunity to be required, look you, I will be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of war, and there is an end.

FLUELLEN

Captain Macmorris, when there is more better opportunity to be required, look you, I will be so bold as to tell you I know the disciplines of war, and there is an end.
Exeunt
Exeunt