University of Virginia Library

Scene III.—A Street in Northampton.

John of Oxford, Fitz-Urse.
Fitz-Urse.
They baited him two days: he's out of breath,
Not out of heart.

John of Oxf.
His mitred brethren first
Quaked for themselves. 'Twas brave to watch them later
When charge on charge was hurled on him alone
And no word uttered which impugned their order;
To mark them whispering first; then glancing round,
Like woodland creatures peering from their holes
When storms are gone. Ere long they basked and swelled
Like birds on late-drenched branches, sunshine-gilt,
And cleared their throats for song.

Fitz-Urse.
The king observed them:
He said, ‘They nought had grudged it had my voice
Vouchsafed them John of Oxford for their primate;
Ay, or yourself, Fitz-Urse!’

John of Oxf.
That's you, not Henry!
The storm they feared rolls back. At noon this day
We reach the Royal Customs.