K. John. A good blunt fellow :- Why, being younger born, Doth he lay claim to thine inheritance? Bast. I know not why, except to get the land. And were our father, and this son like him I give heaven thanks, I was not like to thee. Eli. He hath a trick3 of Cœur-de-lion's face, Do you not read some tokens of my son K. John. Mine eye hath well examined his parts, And finds them perfect Richard. Sirrah, speak, What doth move you to claim your brother's land? Bast. Because he hath a half-face, like my father: With that half-face would he have all my land: Your brother did employ my father much; 3 Trace, outline. But truth is truth; large lengths of seas and shores K. John. Sirrah, your brother is legitimate; In sooth, he might: then, if he were my brother's, My brother might not claim him; nor your father, Being none of his, refuse him: This concludes, Your father's heir must have your father's land. Rob. Shall then my father's will be of no force, To dispossess that child which is not his? Bast. Of no more force to dispossess me, sir, Than was his will to get me, as I think. Eli. Whether hadst thou rather, be a Faulcon bridge, And like thy brother, to enjoy thy land; Lord of thy presence, and no land beside? Bast. Madam, an if my brother had my shape, And I had his, sir Robert his, like him : And if my legs were two such riding-rods, My arms such eel-skins stuff'd; my face so thin, That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose, Lest men should say, Look, where three-farthings goes! And, to his shape, were heir to all this land, Eli. I like thee well; Wilt thou forsake thy for- Bequeath thy land to him, and follow me? Bast. Brother, take you my land, I'll take my chance : Your face hath got five hundred pounds a year; Yet sell your face for five pence, and 'tis dear, Madam, I'll follow you unto the death. Eli. Nay, I would have you go before me thither. Bast. Our country manners give our betters way. K. John. What is thy name? Bast. Philip, my liege; so is my name begun; Kneel thou down Philip, but arise more great : Bast. Brother, by the mother's side, give me your hand; My father gave me honour, yours gave land :— Eli. The very spirit of Plantagenet! I am thy grandame, Richard; call me so. Bast. Madam, by chance, but not by truth; What though? K. John. Go, Faulconbridge; now hast thou thy desire, A landless knight makes thee a landed 'squire. Come, madam, and come, Richard; we must speed For France, for France; for it is more than need. Bast. Brother, adieu; good fortune come to thee! For thou wast got i'the way of honesty. [Exeunt all but the Bastard. A foot of honour better than I was; Well, now can I make any Joan a lady : Good den, sir Richard, God-a-mercy, fellow;- For your conversion. Now your traveller, - My dear sir, And talking of the Alps, and Appenines, It draws toward supper in conclusion so. And fits the mounting spirit, like myself: Good evening. Enter Lady FAULCONBRIDGE and JAMES O me! it is my How now, good lady? What brings you here to court so hastily? is he? That holds in chase mine honour up and down? Lady F. Sir Robert's son! Ay, thou unreverend Sir Robert's son: Why scorn'st thou at sir Robert? He is sir Robert's son; and so art thou. Bast. James Gurney, wilt thou give us leave a while? Gur. Good leave, good Philip. Bast. Philip ?-sparrow! - James, There's toys abroad; anon I'll tell thee more. [Exit GURNEY. Madam, I was not old sir Robert's son. Lady F. Hast thou conspired with thy brother too, That for thine own gain should'st defend mine ho nour? What means this scorn, thou most untoward knave? Bast. Knight, knight, good mother, - Basilisco like: 8 What! I am dubb'd; I have it on my shoulder. I have disclaim'd sir Robert, and my land; Then, good my mother, let me know my father; 7 Idle reports. character in an old Drama called Soliman and Perseda. |