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King Henry the Fourth, I. iii
13

Scene Three

[The Same]

Enter the King, Northumberland, Worcester, Hotspur, Sir Walter Blunt, and others.

King. My blood hath been too cold and temperate,
Unapt to stir at these indignities.
And you have found me; for accordingly
You tread upon my patience: but, be sure, 4
I will from henceforth rather be myself,
Mighty, and to be fear'd, than my condition,
Which hath been smooth as oil, soft as young down,
And therefore lost that title of respect 8
Which the proud soul ne'er pays but to the proud.

Wor. Our house, my sovereign liege, little deserves
The scourge of greatness to be us'd on it;
And that same greatness too which our own hands 12
Have holp to make so portly.

North. My lord,—

King. Worcester, get thee gone; for I do see
Danger and disobedience in thine eye. 16
O, sir, your presence is too bold and peremptory,
And majesty might never yet endure
The moody frontier of a servant brow.
You have good leave to leave us; when we need
Your use and counsel we shall send for you. 21

Exit Worcester.

[To Northumberland.] You were about to speak.

North. Yea, my good lord.
Those prisoners in your highness' name demanded,
Which Harry Percy here at Holmedon took, 24

3 found me: guessed my character
6 condition: natural disposition
13 portly: stately
19 moody: angry
frontier: the outworks of a fort, used figuratively