_K. Rich._ Thanks, noble peer;[1917] The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.[1917][1918] What art thou? and how comest thou hither,[1919] Where no man never comes, but that sad dog[1920] 70 That brings me food to make misfortune live?
_Groom._ I was a poor groom of thy stable, king, When thou wert king; who, travelling towards York, With much ado at length have gotten leave To look upon my sometimes royal master's face.[1921] 75 O, how it yearn'd my heart when I beheld[1922] In London streets, that coronation-day, When Bolingbroke rode on roan Barbary, That horse that thou so often hast bestrid,[1923] That horse that I so carefully have dress'd! 80
_K. Rich._ Rode he on Barbary? Tell me, gentle friend, How went he under him?
_Groom._ So proudly as if he disdain'd the ground.[1924]
_K. Rich._ So proud that Bolingbroke was on his back! That jade hath eat bread from my royal hand; 85 This hand hath made him proud with clapping him. Would he not stumble? would he not fall down, Since pride must have a fall, and break the neck Of that proud man that did usurp his back? Forgiveness, horse! why do I rail on thee, 90 Since thou, created to be awed by man, Wast born to bear? I was not made a horse; And yet I bear a burthen like an ass, Spurr'd, gall'd and tired by jauncing Bolingbroke.
_Keep._ Fellow, give place; here is no longer stay.[1926] 95
_K. Rich._ If thou love me, 'tis time thou wert away.
_Groom._ What my tongue dares not, that my heart shall say.
_Keep._ My lord, will't please you to fall to?[1928]
_K. Rich._ Taste of it first, as thou art wont to do.[1929]
_Keep._ My lord, I dare not: sir Pierce of Exton, who[1930][1931] 100 lately came from the king, commands the contrary.[1930][1932]
_K. Rich._ The devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee![1933] Patience is stale, and I am weary of it. [_Beats the Keeper._[1934]
_Enter_ EXTON _and_ Servants, _armed_.[1935]
_K. Rich._ How now! what means death in this rude assault?[1936] 105 Villain, thy own hand yields thy death's instrument.
[_Snatching an axe from a Servant and killing him._[1937]
[_He kills another. Then Exton strikes him down._[1938]
That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire That staggers thus my person. Exton, thy fierce hand[1939] Hath with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land. 110 Mount, mount, my soul! thy seat is up on high; Whilst my gross flesh sinks downward, here to die. [_Dies._[1940]