Suf. I'll see it truly done, my Lord of York.
York. Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts,
And change misdoubt to resolution: 332
Be that thou hop'st to be, or what thou art
Resign to death; it is not worth th' enjoying.
Let pale-fac'd fear keep with the mean-born man,
And find no harbour in a royal heart. 336
Faster than spring-time showers comes thought on thought,
And not a thought but thinks on dignity.
My brain, more busy than the labouring spider,
Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies. 340
Well, nobles, well; 'tis politicly done,
To send me packing with an host of men:
I fear me you but warm the starved snake,
Who, cherish'd in your breasts, will sting your hearts. 344
'Twas men I lack'd, and you will give them me:
I take it kindly; yet be well assur'd
You put sharp weapons in a madman's hands.
Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, 348
I will stir up in England some black storm
Shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hell;
And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage
Until the golden circuit on my head, 352
Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams,
Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw.
And, for a minister of my intent,
331, 332 Cf. n.
342 send me packing: pack me off
343 starved: frozen
350 Shall: which shall
352 circuit: circlet, crown
354 mad-bred: due to mad policies of Henry and his counselors
flaw: squall of wind
355 minister: agent
