In Brittany, receiv'd intelligence
That Harry Duke of Hereford, Rainold Lord Cobham, 280
That late broke from the Duke of Exeter,
His brother, Archbishop late of Canterbury,
Sir Thomas Erpingham, Sir John Ramston,
Sir John Norbery, Sir Robert Waterton, and Francis Quoint, 284
All these well furnish'd by the Duke of Britaine,
With eight tall ships, three thousand men of war,
Are making hither with all due expedience,
And shortly mean to touch our northern shore. 288
Perhaps they had ere this, but that they stay
The first departing of the king for Ireland.
If then we shall shake off our slavish yoke,
Imp out our drooping country's broken wing, 292
Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown,
Wipe off the dust that hides our sceptre's gilt,
And make high majesty look like itself,
Away with me in post to Ravenspurgh; 296
But if you faint, as fearing to do so,
Stay and be secret, and myself will go.
Ross. To horse, to horse! urge doubts to them that fear.
Willo. Hold out my horse, and I will first be there. 300
282 His brother; cf. n.
285 Britaine: Brittany
286 tall: powerful
287 expedience: speed
290 first: prior
292 Imp; cf. n.
293 broking pawn: pledge
296 post: haste
300 Hold . . . and: if my horse can stand it
