William Shakespeare: King Henry IV Part I

ACT II. 4. Scene IV. Eastcheap. A Room in the Boar's-Head Tavern. (continued)

[Enter Francis.]

FRAN.
Anon, anon, sir.--Look down into the Pomegranate, Ralph.

PRINCE.
Come hither, Francis.

FRAN.
My lord?

PRINCE.
How long hast thou to serve, Francis?

FRAN.
Forsooth, five years, and as much as to--

POINTZ.
[within.] Francis!

FRAN.
Anon, anon, sir.

PRINCE.
Five year! by'r Lady, a long lease for the clinking of
pewter. But, Francis, darest thou be so valiant as to play
the coward with thy indenture and show it a fair pair of heels
and run from it?

FRAN.
O Lord, sir, I'll be sworn upon all the books in England,
I could find in my heart--

POINTZ.
[within.] Francis!

FRAN.
Anon, anon, sir.

PRINCE.
How old art thou, Francis?

FRAN.
Let me see,--about Michaelmas next I shall be--

POINTZ.
[within.] Francis!

FRAN.
Anon, sir.--Pray you, stay a little, my lord.

PRINCE.
Nay, but hark you, Francis: for the sugar thou gavest
me, 'twas a pennyworth, was't not?

FRAN.
O Lord, sir, I would it had been two!

PRINCE.
I will give thee for it a thousand pound: ask me when
thou wilt, and thou shalt have it.

POINTZ.
[within.] Francis!

FRAN.
Anon, anon.

PRINCE.
Anon, Francis? No, Francis; but to-morrow, Francis; or,
Francis, a Thursday; or, indeed, Francis, when thou wilt. But,
Francis,--