Cade.

We John Cade, so term'd of our supposed father—

Dick.

Or rather of stealing a cade of herrings.^{2 note}

Cade.

For our enemies shall fall before us,* ^note inspired with the spirit of putting down Kings and Princes. —Command silence.

Dick.

Silence.

Cade.

My father was a Mortimer—

Dick.

He was an honest man and a good bricklayer.

Cade.

My mother a Plantagenet—

Dick.

I knew her well, she was a midwife.

Cade.

My wife descended of the Lacies—

Dick.

She was indeed a pedlar's daughter, and sold many laces.

Weav.

But, now of late, not able to travel with her ^{3 note}furr'd pack, she washes bucks here at home.

Cade.

Therefore am I of an honourable house.

Dick.

Ay, by my faith, the field is honourable; and there was he born, under a hedge; for his father had never a house but the cage.

Cade.

Valiant I am.

Weav.

A' must needs, for beggary is valiant.

Cade.

I am able to endure.

Dick.

No question of that; for I have seen him whipt three market days together.

Cade.

I fear neither sword nor fire.

Weav.

He need not fear the sword, for his coat is of proof.

Dick.

But, methinks he should stand in fear of fire, being burnt i'th' hand for stealing of sheep.

Cade.

Be brave then, for your captain is brave, and vows reformation. There shall be in England seven half-penny loaves sold for a penny; the three-hoop'd pot shall have ten hoops, and I will make it felony to drink small beer. All the realm shall be in common, and in Cheapside shall my palfry go to grass; and when I am King, as King I will be—

All.

God save your Majesty!

Cade.

I thank you, good people. There shall be no money;^{4 note} all shall eat and drink upon my score; and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers, and worship me their Lord.

Dick.

The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.

Cade.

Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this a lamentable thing, that the skin of an innocent lamb should be made parchment; that parchment being scribbled o'er, should undo a man? Some say, the bee stings; but I say, 'tis bee's wax; for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was never my own man since. How now? who is there?

Weav.

The clerk of Chatham, he can write and read, and cast accompt.

Cade.

O monstrous!

Weav.

We took him setting boys copies.

Cade.

Here's a villain!

Weav.

He'as a book in his pocket with red letters in't.

Cade.

Nay, then he's a conjurer.

Dick.

Nay, he can make obligations, and write court-hand.

Cade.

I am sorry for't: the man is a proper man, on mine honour, unless I find him guilty, he shall not die. Come hither, sirrah, I must examine thee; what is thy name?

Clerk.

Emanuel.

Dick.

^{5 note}They use to write it on the top of letters. 'Twill go hard with you.

Cade.

Let me alone.—Dost thou use to write thy name? or hast thou a mark to thyself like an honest plain dealing man?

Clerk.

Sir, I thank God, I have been so well brought up, that I can write my name.

All.

He hath confest; away with him; he's a villain and a traitor.

Cade.

Away with him, I say; hang him with his pen and inkhorn about his neck.

Mich.

Where is our General?

Cade.

Here I am, thou particular fellow.

Mich.

Fly, fly, fly. Sir Humphry Stafford and his brother are hard by with the King's forces.

Cade.

Stand, villain, stand, or I'll fell thee down. He shall be encounter'd with a man as good as himself. He is but a knight, is a'?

Mich.

No.

Cade.

To equal him, I will make myself a knight presently. [kneels.] Rise up, Sir John Mortimer. Now have at him. Is there any more of them that be knights?

Mich.

Ay, his brother.

Cade.

Then kneel down, Dick Butcher. [he kneels.] Rise up, Sir Dick Butcher. Now sound up the drum.