Gow. Why, this is an arrant counterfeit rascal; I remember
him now; a bawd, a cutpurse.60
Flu. I'll assure you, a' uttered as brave words at the[4978]
bridge as you shall see in a summer's day. But it is very
well; what he has spoke to me, that is well, I warrant
you, when time is serve.
Gow. Why, 'tis a gull, a fool, a rogue, that now and65
then goes to the wars, to grace himself at his return into
London under the form of a soldier. And such fellows are[4979]
perfect in the great commanders' names: and they will learn[4980]
you by rote where services were done; at such and such a
sconce, at such a breach, at such a convoy; who came off70
bravely, who was shot, who disgraced, what terms the enemy
stood on; and this they con perfectly in the phrase of war,[4981]
which they trick up with new-tuned oaths: and what a[4982]
beard of the general's cut and a horrid suit of the camp[4983]
will do among foaming bottles and ale-washed wits, is wonderful75
to be thought on. But you must learn to know such
slanders of the age, or else you may be marvellously mistook.
Flu. I tell you what, Captain Gower; I do perceive he
is not the man that he would gladly make show to the
world he is: if I find a hole in his coat, I will tell him80
my mind. [Drum heard.] Hark you, the king is coming,[4984]
and I must speak with him from the pridge.[4985]
Drum and Colours. Enter King Henry, Gloucester, and Soldiers.[4986]
God pless your majesty!
K. Hen. How now, Fluellen! camest thou from the[4987]
bridge?
Flu. Ay, so please your majesty. The Duke of Exeter85
has very gallantly maintained the pridge: the French is gone
off, look you; and there is gallant and most prave passages:
marry, th' athversary was have possession of the pridge; but
he is enforced to retire, and the Duke of Exeter is master of
the pridge: I can tell your majesty, the duke is a prave man.90
K. Hen. What men have you lost, Fluellen?