No Fear Shakespeare

Henry IV Part 1

William Shakespeare

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Act 4, Scene 1

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter HOTSPUR, WORCESTER, and DOUGLAS
HOTSPUR, WORCESTER , and DOUGLAS enter.





5



HOTSPUR
Well said, my noble Scot. If speaking truth
In this fine age were not thought flattery,
Such attribution should the Douglas have
As not a soldier of this season’s stamp
Should go so general current through the world.
By God, I cannot flatter. I do defy
The tongues of soothers. But a braver place
In my heart’s love hath no man than yourself.
Nay, task me to my word; approve me, lord.
HOTSPUR
Well said, you excellent Scotsman. If people these days didn’t confuse the truth with flattery, I would praise you highly. No other soldier so newly tested in battle would have gained such a widespread reputation. God knows, I don’t flatter: I hate people who give out praise too easily. But you have a place in my heart that no other man has. Make me prove it; try me.

10

DOUGLAS
Thou art the king of honor.
No man so potent breathes upon the ground
But I will beard him.
DOUGLAS
You are the most honorable man alive, and if any man challenges that—no matter how powerful—I’ll defy him.

HOTSPUR
   Do so, and ’tis well.
HOTSPUR
You do that. Well done.
Enter a MESSENGER with letters
A MESSENGER enters with letters.
What letters hast thou there? (to DOUGLAS) I can but thank you.
What letters have you got there? (to DOUGLAS ) All I can do is thank you.

MESSENGER
These letters come from your father.
MESSENGER
These letters come from your father.

15
HOTSPUR
Letters from him! Why comes he not himself?
HOTSPUR
Letters from him? Why isn’t he here in person?

MESSENGER
He cannot come, my lord. He is grievous sick.
MESSENGER
He can’t come, my lord; he’s terribly sick.

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