heard bull-calf. What a slave art thou, to hack
thy sword as thou hast done, and then say it
was in fight! What trick, what device, what
starting-hole canst thou now find out to hide
thee from this open and apparent shame? 296
Poins. Come, let's hear, Jack; what trick
hast thou now?
Fal. By the Lord, I knew ye as well as he
that made ye. Why, hear you, my masters: was
it for me to kill the heir-apparent? Should I turn
upon the true prince? Why, thou knowest I am
as valiant as Hercules; but beware instinct: the
lion will not touch the true prince. Instinct is
a great matter, I was a coward on instinct. I
shall think the better of myself and thee during
my life; I for a valiant lion, and thou for a true
prince. But, by the Lord, lads, I am glad you
have the money. Hostess, clap to the doors:
watch to-night, pray to-morrow. Gallants, lads,
boys, hearts of gold, all the titles of good fellow-
ship come to you! What! shall we be merry?
shall we have a play extempore? 313
Prince. Content; and the argument shall be
thy running away.
Fal. Ah! no more of that, Hal, an thou lovest
me! 317
Enter Hostess.
Host. O Jesu! my lord the prince!
Prince. How now, my lady the hostess! what
sayest thou to me? 320
Host. Marry, my lord, there is a nobleman
of the court at door would speak with you: he
says he comes from your father.
295 starting-hole: subterfuge (lit. hunted animal's shelter)
