No Fear Shakespeare: Henry IV Part 1: Act 1, scene iii

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Enter the KING, NORTHUMBERLAND, WORCESTER, HOTSPUR, Sir Walter BLUNT, with others

The KING, NORTHUMBERLAND, WORCESTER, HOTSPUR, Sir Walter BLUNT and others enter.

	KING
	My blood hath been too cold and temperate,
	Unapt to stir at these indignities,
	And you have found me, for accordingly
	You tread upon my patience. But be sure
5	I will from henceforth rather be myself,
	Mighty and to be feared, than my condition,
	Which hath been smooth as oil, soft as young down,
	And therefore lost that title of respect
	Which the proud soul ne'er pays but to the proud.

KING

I've been too calm and even-tempered, unwilling to react angrily to these indignities. You have discovered this, and so you've walked all over my patience. Know this: from now on, I'm going to be my royal self again, powerful and frightening. My natural condition, which was as smooth as oil and soft as feathers, has lost me the respect that powerful people only pay to the similarly powerful.

	WORCESTER
10	Our house, my sovereign liege, little deserves
	The scourge of greatness to be used on it,
	And that same greatness too which our own hands
	Have holp to make so portly.

WORCESTER

My lord, the Percy family does not deserve to bear the brunt of your anger and power, especially since we helped you become so powerful in the first place.

	NORTHUMBERLAND
	My lord—

NORTHUMBERLAND

Your Highness —

	KING
	Worcester, get thee gone; for I do see
15	Danger and disobedience in thine eye.
	O sir, your presence is too bold and peremptory,
	And majesty might never yet endure
	The moody frontier of a servant brow.
	You have good leave to leave us. When we need
20	Your use and counsel, we shall send for you.

KING

Worcester, get out. I see danger and disobedience in your eyes. You carry yourself too boldly and proudly, and royalty should never have to endure a servant's frowning face. You have my permission to leave now. When I need you or your advice, I'll call for you.

Exit WORCESTER

WORCESTER exits.

(to NORTHUMBERLAND)You were about to speak.


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