And if I were thy nurse, thy tongue to teach, ‘Pardon’ should be the first word of thy speech. I never long’d to hear a word till now, Say “pardon,” King, let pity teach thee how. The word is short, but not so short as sweet, No word like ‘pardon’ for kings’ mouths so meet. York. Speak it in French, King, say “pardonne moy.” Duch. Dost thou teach pardon pardon to destroy? Ah, my sour husband, my hard-hearted lord, That sets the word itself against the word! Speak “pardon” as ’tis current in our land, The chopping French we do not understand.
