Weav. [Aside.] He need not fear the sword,
for his coat is of proof. 68
Butch. [Aside.] But methinks he should stand
in fear of fire, being burnt i' the hand for steal-
ing of sheep.
Cade. Be brave, then; for your captain is 72
brave, and vows reformation. There shall be
in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a
penny; the three-hooped pot shall have ten
hoops; and I will make it felony to drink small 76
beer. All the realm shall be in common, and in
Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass. And
when I am king,—as king I will be,—
All. God save your majesty! 80
Cade. I thank you, good people:—there shall
be no money; all shall eat and drink on my
score; and I will apparel them all in one livery,
that they may agree like brothers, and worship 84
me their lord.
Butch. The first thing we do, let's kill all the
lawyers.
Cade. Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this 88
a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an inno-
cent lamb should be made parchment? that
parchment, being scribbled o'er, should undo a
man? Some say the bee stings; but I say, 'tis 92
the bee's wax, for I did but seal once to a thing,
and I was never mine own man since. How
now! who's there?
Enter a Clerk.
68 of proof: tried by long service
73 reformation: alteration of government
75 three-hooped pot: wooden quart-pot
82, 83 on my score: at my expense
86, 87 kill . . . lawyers; cf. n.
