KING RICHARD II We will ourself in person to this war:
And, for our coffers, with too great a court
And liberal largess, are grown somewhat light,
We are inforced to farm our royal realm;
The revenue whereof shall furnish us
For our affairs in hand: if that come short,
Our substitutes at home shall have blank charters;
Whereto, when they shall know what men are rich,
They shall subscribe them for large sums of gold
And send them after to supply our wants;
For we will make for Ireland presently.
[Enter BUSHY]
Bushy, what news?
BUSHY Old John of Gaunt is grievous sick, my lord,
Suddenly taken; and hath sent post haste
To entreat your majesty to visit him.
KING RICHARD II Where lies he?
BUSHY At Ely House.
KING RICHARD II Now put it, God, in the physician's mind
To help him to his grave immediately!
The lining of his coffers shall make coats
To deck our soldiers for these Irish wars.
Come, gentlemen, let's all go visit him:
Pray God we may make haste, and come too late!
All Amen.
[Exeunt]
KING RICHARD II
ACT II
SCENE I Ely House.
[Enter JOHN OF GAUNT sick, with the DUKE OF YORK,
&c]
JOHN OF GAUNT Will the king come, that I may breathe my last
In wholesome counsel to his unstaid youth?
DUKE OF YORK Vex not yourself, nor strive not with your breath;
For all in vain comes counsel to his ear.
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