William Shakespeare: King Henry IV Part I

ACT III. 1. Scene I. Bangor. A Room in the Archdeacon's House. (continued)

HOT.
Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down: come, quick,
quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.

LADY P.
Go, ye giddy goose.

[The music plays.]

HOT.
Now I perceive the Devil understands Welsh;
And 'tis no marvel he's so humorous.
By'r Lady, he's a good musician.

LADY P.
Then should you be nothing but musical; for you are
altogether governed by humours. Lie still, ye thief, and hear
the lady sing in Welsh.

HOT.
I had rather hear Lady, my brach, howl in Irish.

LADY P.
Wouldst thou have thy head broken?

HOT.
No.

LADY P.
Then be still.

HOT.
Neither; 'tis a woman's fault.

LADY P.
Now God help thee!

HOT.
Peace! she sings.

[A Welsh song by Lady Mortimer.]

Come, Kate, I'll have your song too.

LADY P.
Not mine, in good sooth.

HOT.
Not yours, in good sooth! 'Heart! you swear like a
comfit-maker's wife. Not mine, in good sooth; and, As true
as I live; and, As God shall mend me; and, As sure as day;
And givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths,
As if thou ne'er walk'dst further than Finsbury.
Swear me, Kate, like a lady as thou art,
A good mouth-filling oath; and leave in sooth,
And such protest of pepper-gingerbread,
To velvet-guards and Sunday-citizens. Come, sing.

LADY P.
I will not sing.

HOT.
'Tis the next way to turn tailor, or be redbreast-teacher.
An the indentures be drawn, I'll away within these two hours;
and so, come in when ye will.

[Exit.]