Star'd each on other, and look'd deadly pale.
Which when I saw, I reprehended them;
And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence: 28
His answer was, the people were not us'd
To be spoke to but by the recorder.
Then he was urg'd to tell my tale again:
'Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;' 32
But nothing spoke in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own,
At lower end of the hall, hurl'd up their caps,
And some ten voices cried, 'God save King Richard!' 36
And thus I took the vantage of those few,
'Thanks, gentle citizens and friends,' quoth I;
'This general applause and cheerful shout
Argues your wisdom and your love to Richard?' 40
And even here brake off, and came away.
Rich. What tongueless blocks were they! would they not speak?
Will not the mayor, then, and his brethren come?
Buck. The mayor is here at hand. Intend some fear; 44
Be not you spoke with but by mighty suit:
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand,
And stand between two churchmen, good my lord:
For on that ground I'll make a holy descant: 48
And be not easily won to our requests;
Play the maid's part, still answer nay, and take it.
Rich. I go; and if you plead as well for them
As I can say nay to thee for myself, 52
No doubt we bring it to a happy issue.
Buck. Go, go, up to the leads! the Lord Mayor knocks.
[Exit Richard.]
30 recorder: a city official
37 vantage: advantage
38 quoth: said
40 Argues: shows
44–245 Cf. n.
45 by mighty suit: after urgent entreaty
50 maid's part; cf. n.
