Volume Vii Part 78 (1/2)

He stammers; but he's swift and trusty, sir.

SCENE THE FOURTH.

_Enter_ REDCAP.

GLO. No matter for the stammering; is this he?

RED. Ay, I am Re-Redcap, s-s-sir.

GLO. Run. Redcap, to Stepney.

RED. I'll be at Stepney p-p-presently.

GLO. Nay, stay; go to the Lady Fauconbridge, my sister.

RED. The La-La-Lady Fau-Fau-Fauconbreech?

I r-r-run, sir!

GLO. But take thy errand; tell her I am prisoner, Committed to the Fleet.

RED. I am g-g-glad of th-th-that, my fa-fa-father the p-p-porter sha-shall ge-ge-get a f-f-fee by you.

[_Still runs_.

GLO. Stand still a while--desire her to make means Unto Prince Richard for my liberty; At thy return (make speed) I will reward thee.

RED. I am g-g-gone, si-sir.

RICH. Commend me to her, gentle Huntington; Tell her in these affairs I'll stand her friend, Her brother shall not long be prisoner: Say I will visit her immediately.

Begone, sweet boy, to Marion Fauconbridge, Thou lookest like love: persuade her to be loving.

ROB. So far as honour will, I will persuade; I'll lay love's battery to her modest ears; Second my mild a.s.sault, you may chance win, Fair parley at the least may hap pa.s.s in.

[_Exit_.

HEN. Here, take your charge; let no man speak with him, Except ourself, our brethren, or Earl Leicester.

FAU. Not I, my lord? may not I speak with him?

HEN. Yes, Fauconbridge, thou shalt.

JOHN. And why? he is his wife's brother.

FAU. Earl John, although I be, I am true unto the state, and so is he.

GLO. What, shall I have no servant of my own?

HEN. No, but the household servants of the Fleet.

GLO. I thank you, kinsman King; your father knows, Gloster may boldly give a base slave blows.