William Shakespeare: King Henry VI, Second Part

ACT II 1. SCENE I. Saint Alban's. (continued)

KING.
Why, then, thou know'st what colour jet is of?

SUFFOLK.
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.

GLOSTER.
But cloaks and gowns before this day, a many.

WIFE.
Never before this day in all his life.

GLOSTER.
Tell me, sirrah, what's my name?

SIMPCOX.
Alas, master, I know not.

GLOSTER.
What's his name?

SIMPCOX.
I know not.

GLOSTER.
Nor his?

SIMPCOX.
No, indeed, master.

GLOSTER.
What's thine own name?

SIMPCOX.
Saunder Simpcox, an if it please you, master.

GLOSTER.
Then, Saunder, sit there, the lyingest knave in
Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind, thou mightst as well
have known all our names as thus to name the several colours we
do wear. Sight may distinguish of colours; but suddenly to
nominate them all, it is impossible.--My lords, Saint Alban here
hath done a miracle; and would ye not think his cunning to be
great that could restore this cripple to his legs again?

SIMPCOX.
O master, that you could!

GLOSTER.
My masters of Saint Alban's, have you not beadles in
your town, and things called whips?

MAYOR.
Yes, my lord, if it please your grace.

GLOSTER.
Then send for one presently.

MAYOR.
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.

[Exit an Attendant.]

GLOSTER.
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.--Now, sirrah,
if you mean to save yourself from whipping, leap me over this
stool and run away.