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King Henry the Fourth, I. iii
21

Hot. All studies here I solemnly defy, 228
Save how to gall and pinch this Bolingbroke:
And that same sword-and-buckler Prince of Wales,
But that I think his father loves him not,
And would be glad he met with some mischance,
I would have him poison'd with a pot of ale. 233

Wor. Farewell, kinsman: I will talk to you
When you are better temper 'd to attend.

North. Why, what a wasp-stung and impatient fool 236
Art thou to break into this woman's mood,
Tying thine ear to no tongue but thine own!

Hot. Why, look you, I am whipp'd and scourg'd with rods.
Nettled, and stung with pismires, when I hear
Of this vile politician, Bolingbroke. 241
In Richard's time,—what do ye call the place?—
A plague upon 't—it is in Gloucestershire;—
'Twas where the madcap duke his uncle kept,
His uncle York; where I first bow'd my knee
Unto this king of smiles, this Bolingbroke,
'Sblood!
When you and he came back from Ravenspurgh.

North. At Berkeley Castle. 249

Hot. You say true.
Why, what a candy deal of courtesy
This fawning greyhound then did proffer me!
Look, 'when his infant fortune came to age,' 253
And 'gentle Harry Percy,' and 'kind cousin.'
O! the devil take such cozeners. God forgive me!
Good uncle, tell your tale, for I have done. 256


228 defy: renounce
230 sword and buckler: arms carried by the lower classes; hence, ruffianly
240 pismires: ants
244 kept: lived
245 York; cf. n.
251 candy deal: sugary lot
255 cozeners: swindlers