William Shakespeare: King Henry VI, Second Part

ACT IV. 2. SCENE II. Blackheath. (continued)

CLERK.
Emmanuel.

DICK.
They use to write it on the top of letters.--'T will go
hard with you.

CADE.
Let me alone.--Dost thou use to write thy name? or hast
thou a mark to thyself, like a honest, plain-dealing man?

CLERK.
Sir, I thank God, I have been so well brought up that I
can write my name.

ALL.
He hath confess'd; away with him! he's a villain and a
traitor.

CADE.
Away with him, I say! hang him with his pen and inkhorn
about his neck.

[Exit one with the Clerk.]

[Enter MICHAEL.]

MICHAEL.
Where's our general?

CADE.
Here I am, thou particular fellow.

MICHAEL.
Fly, fly, fly! Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother
are hard by, with the king's forces.

CADE.
Stand, villain, stand, or I'll fell thee down. He shall be
encountered with a man as good as himself; he is but a knight,
is a'?

MICHAEL.
No.

CADE.
To equal him, I will make myself a knight presently.--
[Kneels.] Rise up Sir John Mortimer.--[Rises.] Now have at him!

[Enter SIR HUMPHREY STAFFORD and his Brother, with drum
and soldiers.]

STAFFORD.
Rebellious hinds, the filth and scum of Kent,
Mark'd for the gallows, lay your weapons down;
Home to your cottages, forsake this groom.
The king is merciful, if you revolt.

BROTHER.
But angry, wrathful, and inclin'd to blood,
If you go forward; therefore yield, or die.