King.
'Tis well, Sir John, and now what is the suit
For which you have so earnestly requested
Admittance to our person?

Fal.

My liege, you'll pardon me if I should fail in point of ceremony: it being so long since I stood on forms, that I have almost forgot the punctualities of good manners.

King.

Then to your business.

Fal.

My business is, my liege, principally to make your majesty an unworthy present.

King.
A present! needed there so much formality;
This intercession for thyself in person,
To be the bearer of a paltry present?
And to what end? think not on any terms
But those of thy repentance and amendment,
King Henry's favour ever can be purchas'd.

Fal.

Nay, my liege, this present is not properly my own, nor indeed made with a view to my particular emolument. I am employ'd herein by certain great personages of your majesty's court; who, I imagine, were afraid, or asham'd, to present so improper an offering in their own persons.

King.

Trifler! what is't?

Fal.

A—dagger, my liege.

King.

Ha!

Fal. (Kneeling.)

See, here it is. (presents it to the King, and rises.) Your majesty will doubtless pardon me, that I fail in so material a part of my commission, as that of lodging it deep in your left breast.

King.
What traitor can have sent thee upon this,
So horrible a business?

Fal.
The earl of Cambridge, Scroop, and Thomas
Grey, your majesty's most loyal friends.

King.
Good heav'n! I see 'tis true. Thou, father Paul,
Hast construed right their trait'rous correspondence.
But I will sound these hollow friends to th' bottom.
Falstaff, if this be true, I live to thank thee;
But it behoves we should have further proof:
If thou art honest, thou wilt stand the test,
And face these peers, thou dar'st to brand with treason.

Fal.
Your grace will take me in your high protection,
And I will prove it on them, to their beards.

King.
Fear naught—I will return to thee on th' instant. [Exit King Henry.

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