NORTHUMBERLAND            But I bethink me what a weary way

From Ravenspur to Cotswold will be found

In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company,

Which I protest hath very much beguiled

The tediousness and process of my travel.

But theirs is sweetened with the hope to have

The present benefit which I possess,

And hope to joy is little less in joy

Than hope enjoyed. By this the weary lords

Shall make their way seem short, as mine hath done

By sight of what I have, your noble company.

BOLINGBROKE                      Of much less value is my company

Than your good words.                    (2.3.8-20).

Northumberland is sucking up to Bolingbroke quite revoltingly, and perhaps with an additional sense of satisfaction that he’s got ahead of his supposed friends and allies Ross and Willoughby in the race to ingratiate himself with Bolingbroke. (The previous scene has just ended with Bushy, Bagot, and Green more or less abandoning Richard as his fall becomes more likely; here, Northumberland is doing his best to attach himself firmly to the man whose fortunes are rising. He’s even reminding Bolingbroke, perhaps: I got to you first, don’t you forget it.) But poor Willoughby and Ross; they don’t have the pleasure of Bolingbroke’s company, they’ll be having a very dull journey. Your company, he tells Bolingbroke, hath very much beguiled the tediousness and process of my travel: being able to hang out with you on the road has made it just fly by! And then he makes it even sicklier: mind you, they have the sweet consolation of anticipation; they’re filled with hope that they will soon enjoy the present benefit which I possess (your company) and in the meantime that’s almost as much of a warm fuzzy feeling as actually getting what you’re looking forward to! Like me! Their journey to meet us will seem short because of that anticipatory glow—just like mine, in your noble company. You’re too kind, replies Bolingbroke (or, possibly, oh do shut up, you sycophantic creep).