HENRY IV, PART I

A monologue from Act II, Scene ii

by: William Shakespeare

NOTE: Henry IV, Part I was originally published in 1598. It is now a public domain work and may be performed without royalties.

FALSTAFF: I am accursed to rob in that theive's company. The rascal hath removed my horse and tied him I know not where. If I travel but four foot by the squire [1] further afoot, I shall break my wind. Well, I doubt not but to die a fair death for all this, if I scape hanging for killing that rogue. I have forsworn his company hourly any time this two-and-twenty years, and yet I am bewitched with the rogue's company. If the rascal have not given me medicines to make me love him, I'll be hanged. It could not be else: I have drunk medicines. Poins! Hal! A plague upon you both! Bardolph! Peto! I'll starve ere I'll rob a foot further. An 'twere not as good a deed as drink to turn true man and to leave these rogues, I am the veriest varlet [2] that ever chewed a tooth. Eight yards of uneven ground is threescore and ten miles afoot with me, and the stony-hearted villains know it well enough. A plague upon it when thieves cannot be true one to another! A plague upon you all! Give me my horse, you rogues! Give me my horse and be hanged!


1 foot-rule

2 scamp

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