Posted by
Dennis Pemberton on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 12:53:07 PM
From Henry IV, pt 2; Act IV, Scene 2:
JACK CADE.
Be brave, then; for your captain is brave, and vows reformation. There shall be in England seven half-penny loaves sold for a penny: the three-hoop'd pot shall have ten hoops; and I will make it felony to drink small beer: all the realm shall be in common; and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass: and when I am king,- as king I will be,-
ALL.
God save your majesty!
JACK CADE.
I thank you, good people:- there shall be no money; all shall eat and drink on my score; and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers, and worship me their lord.
The audiences in Elizabethan England laughed long and hard at this, a fool describing how he would legislate Utopia. Now, the agenda of the Blamer in Chief is hailed as visionary, and all who dare laugh at him are mocked themselves. All hail!