Arth. Oh, it's too bad—when you were taken ill,
Who was it to the chemist's ran full gallop,
To get a penny dose of salts and jalap!
And when I've seen you, after dining out,
When you've made free at some hot drinking bout,
Have I not always been extremely willing
To give for soda-water my last shilling?
And you'll take out my tooth? If you will, come—
I'll not resist,—here is my tooth, by gum!
Hub. Young boy, I've sworn to do it—do not flinch:
These instruments must help me at a pinch.
Come forth! (Stamps.)
Enter Ruffian, with a pewter basin, towel, etc.
(To Ruffian). Do as I bid you.
Arth.Hubert, stay:
My tooth is out—do send that man away. (Ruffian seizes Arthur.)
Hub. Now for the pinchers—now for one bold tug.
Arth. Why be so boisterous? I will hold my mug.
For Heaven's sake, Hubert, send that man away,
And not a word against it I will say.
Hubert, thy word indeed shall be my law;
My tooth is out: see, I will hold my jaw!
Hub. (to Ruffian). Go, stand without; I by myself will do it.
Ruffian. Indeed 'twould make me ill were I to view it.
[Exit Ruffian.
Elsewhere King John sings, to the air of "The Light of other Days," this excellent parody:—