North. How is this derived?
Saw you the field? came you from Shrewsbury?
L. Bard. I spake with one, my lord, that came from thence,[3271]25
A gentleman well bred and of good name,
That freely render'd me these news for true.
North. Here comes my servant Travers, whom I sent[3272]
On Tuesday last to listen after news.
Enter Travers.[3273]
L. Bard. My lord, I over-rode him on the way;30
And he is furnish'd with no certainties
More than he haply may retail from me.[3274]
North. Now, Travers, what good tidings comes with you?[3275]
Tra. My lord, Sir John Umfrevile turn'd me back[3276]
With joyful tidings; and, being better horsed,35
Out-rode me. After him came spurring hard[3277]
A gentleman, almost forspent with speed,
That stopp'd by me to breathe his bloodied horse.
He ask'd the way to Chester; and of him
I did demand what news from Shrewsbury:40
He told me that rebellion had bad luck[3278]
And that young Harry Percy's spur was cold.
With that, he gave his able horse the head,
And bending forward struck his armed heels[3279]
Against the panting sides of his poor jade45
Up to the rowel-head, and starting so
He seem'd in running to devour the way,
Staying no longer question.
North. Ha! Again:
Said he young Harry Percy's spur was cold?
Of Hotspur Coldspur? that rebellion[3280]50
Had met ill luck?[3280]
L. Bard. My lord, I'll tell you what;[3281]
If my young lord your son have not the day,
Upon mine honour, for a silken point
I'll give my barony: never talk of it.[3282]
North. Why should that gentleman that rode by Travers[3283]55
Give then such instances of loss?