Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son?

King Henry
Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son?
’Tis full three months since I did see him last.
If any plague hang over us, ’tis he.
I would to God, my lords, he might be found.

As dissolute as desperate. Yet through both
I see some sparks of better hope, which elder years
May happily bring forth.

Inquire at London, ’mongst the taverns there,
For there, they say, he daily doth frequent
With unrestrainèd loose companions,
Even such, they say, as stand in narrow lanes
And beat our watch and rob our passengers,
While he, young wanton and effeminate boy,
Takes on the point of honor to support
So dissolute a crew.
Percy
My lord, some two days since I saw the Prince,
And told him of those triumphs held at Oxford.
King Henry
And what said the gallant?
Percy
His answer was, he would unto the stews,
And from the common’st creature pluck a glove
And wear it as a favor, and with that
He would unhorse the lustiest challenger.
King Henry
As dissolute as desperate. Yet through both
I see some sparks of better hope, which elder years
May happily bring forth.