William Shakespeare: King Henry IV Part II

ACT V. 3. SCENE III. Gloucestershire. Shallow's orchard. (continued)

[Exit Davy.]

FALSTAFF.
Why, now you have done me right.

[To Silence, seeing him take off a bumper.]

SILENCE.
Do me right,

[Singing.]

And dub me knight:
Samingo.
Is't not so?

FALSTAFF.
'Tis so.

SILENCE.
Is't so? Why then, say an old man can do somewhat.

[Re-enter Davy.]

DAVY.
An't please your worship, there 's one Pistol come from the
court with news.

FALSTAFF.
From the court? Let him come in.

[Enter Pistol.]

How now, Pistol!

PISTOL.
Sir John, God save you!

FALSTAFF.
What wind blew you hither, Pistol?

PISTOL.
Not the ill wind which blows no man to good. Sweet knight,
thou art now one of the greatest men in this realm.

SILENCE.
By'r lady, I think a' be, but goodman Puff of Barson.

PISTOL.
Puff!
Puff in thy teeth, most recreant coward base!
Sir John, I am thy Pistol and thy friend,
And helter-skelter have I rode to thee,
And tidings do I bring and lucky joys
And golden times and happy news of price.

FALSTAFF.
I pray thee now, deliver them like a man of this world.

PISTOL.
A foutre for the world and worldlings base!
I speak of Africa and golden joys.

FALSTAFF.
O base Assyrian knight, what is thy news?
Let King Cophetua know the truth thereof.

SILENCE.
And Robin Hood, Scarlet, and John. [Singing.]

PISTOL.
Shall dunghill curs confront the Helicons?
And shall good news be baffled?
Then, Pistol, lay thy head in Furies' lap.