West. There is no need of any such redress; Or, if there were, it not belongs to you. Mowb. Why not to him, in part; and to us all, That feel the bruises of the days before; And suffer the condition of these times To lay a heavy and unequal hand Upon our honours? West. Your noble and right-well-remember'd father's? Mowb. What thing, in honour, had my father lost, That need to be reviv'd, and breath'd in me? then, Was, force perforce, compell'd to banish him: benefits equally, is become an enemy to those of his own house, to brothers born, by giving all to some, and others none; and this (says he) I make my quarrel or grievance that honours are unequally distributed;" the constant birth of male-contents, and the source of civil commotions. WARBURTON. Other senses have been attempted by other commentators, but none more probable. 9 Construe the times to their necessities,] That is,-Judge of what is done in these times, according to the exigencies that overrule us. 1 Either from the king, &c.] Whether the faults of government be imputed to the time or the king, it appears not that you have, for your part, been injured either by the king or the time. 2 Their armed staves in charge, their beavers down,3 West. You speak, lord Mowbray, now you know not what: The earl of Hereford was reputed then But, if your father had been victor there, Cried hate upon him; and all their prayers, and love, To know your griefs; to tell you from his grace, You shall enjoy them; every thing set off, 2 Their armed staves in charge, &c.] An armed staff is a lance. To be in charge, is to be fixed in the rest for the encounter. 3 their beavers down,] Beaver meant properly that part of the helmet which let down, to enable the wearer to drink; but is confounded both here and in Humlet with visiere, or used for helmet in general. sights of steel,] i. e. the perforated part of their helmets, through which they could see to direct their aim. The earl of Hereford -] This is a mistake of our author's. He was Duke of Hereford. That might so much as think you enemies. West. Mowbray, you overween, to take it so; Mowb. Well, by my will, we shall admit no parley. West. That argues but the shame of your offence: A rotten case abides no handling. Hast. Hath the prince John a full commission, In very ample virtue of his father, To hear, and absolutely to determine Of what conditions we shall stand upon? West. That is intended in the general's name: I muse, you make so slight a question. Arch. Then take, my lord of Westmoreland, this schedule;. For this contains our general grievances: Each several article herein redress'd; All members of our cause, both here and hence, 6- substantial form;] That is, by a pardon of due form and legal validity. 7 awful banks again,] i. e. the proper limits of reverence. West. This will I show the general. Please yoù, lords, In sight of both our battles we may meet: And either end in peace, which heaven so frame! Or to the place of difference call the swords Which must decide it. Arch. My lord, we will do so. [Exit WEST. Mowb. There is a thing within my bosom, tells me, That no conditions of our peace can stand. Hast. Fear you not that: if we can make our peace Upon such large terms, and so absolute, As our conditions shall consist upon,* 8 Our peace shall stand as firm as rocky moun tains. Mowb. Ay, but our valuation shall be such, Arch. No, no, my lord; Note this,—the king is weary Of dainty and such picking grievances:2 — consist upon,] Perhaps the meaning is, as our conditions shall stand upon, shall make the foundation of the treaty. A Latin sense. 9 nice,] i. e. trivial. 'That, were our royal faiths martyrs in love,] Royal faith means, the faith due to a king. 2 cant. -picking grievances:] Picking means piddling, insignifi And therefore will he wipe his tables clean;3 To new remembrance: For full well he knows, Hast. Besides, the king hath wasted all his rods Arch. 'Tis very true; And therefore be assur'd, my good lord marshal, Mowb. Be it so. Here is return'd my lord of Westmoreland. Re-enter WESTMORELAND. West. The prince is here at hand: Pleaseth your lordship, To meet his grace just distance 'tween our armies? Mowb. Your grace of York, in God's name then set forward. ivory, &c. wipe his tables clean;] Alluding to a table-book of slate, |