Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Henry VI, Part One (1623 First Folio Edition)
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Scene i
1: Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
2: [ Dead March.]
3: [ Enter the Funerall of King Henry the Fift, attended on by
the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France; the Duke of Gloster, Protector; the Duke of Exeter War-wicke,
the Bishop of Winchester, and
the Duke of Somerset.]
8:
Bedford.
9: Hung be y heauens with black, yield day to night;
10: Comets importing change of Times and States,
11: Brandish your crystall Tresses in the Skie,
12: And with them scourge the bad reuolting Stars,
13: That haue consented vnto Henries death:
14: King Henry the Fift, too famous to liue long,
15: England ne're lost a King of so much worth.
16:
Glost.
England ne're had a King vntill his time:
17: Vertue he had, deseruing to command,
18: His brandisht Sword did blinde men with his beames,
19: His Armes spred wider then a Dragons Wings:
20: His sparkling Eyes, repleat with wrathfull fire,
21: More dazled and droue back his Enemies,
22: Then mid-day Sunne, fierce bent against their faces.
23: What should I say? his Deeds exceed all speech:
24: He ne're lift vp his Hand, but conquered.
25:
Exe.
We mourne in black, why mourn we not in blood?
26: Henry is dead, and neuer shall reuiue:
27: Vpon a Woodden Coffin we attend;
28: And Deaths dishonourable Victorie,
29: We with our stately presence glorifie,
30: Like Captiues bound to a Triumphant Carre.
31: What? shall we curse the Planets of Mishap,
32: That plotted thus our Glories ouerthrow?
33: Or shall we thinke the subtile-witted French,
34: Coniurers and Sorcerers, that afraid of him,
35: By Magick Verses haue contriu'd his end.
36:
Winch.
He was a King, blest of the King of Kings.
37: Vnto the French, the dreadfull Iudgement-Day
38: So dreadfull will not be, as was his sight.
39: The Battailes of the Lord of Hosts he fought:
40: The Churches Prayers made him so prosperous.
41:
Glost.
The Church? where is it?
42: Had not Church-men pray'd,
43: His thred of Life had not so soone decay'd.
44: None doe you like, but an effeminate Prince,
45: Whom like a Schoole-boy you may ouer-awe.
46:
Winch.
Gloster, what ere we like, thou art Protector,
47: And lookest to command the Prince and Realme.
48: Thy Wife is prowd, she holdeth thee in awe,
49: More then God or Religious Church-men may.
50:
Glost.
Name not Religion, for thou lou'st the Flesh,
51: And ne're throughout the yeere to Church thou go'st,
52: Except it be to pray against thy foes.
53:
Bed.
Cease, cease these Iarres, & rest your minds in peace:
54: Let's to the Altar: Heralds wayt on vs;
55: In stead of Gold, wee'le offer vp our Armes,
56: Since Armes auayle not, now that Henry's dead,
57: Posteritie await for wretched yeeres,
58: When at their Mothers moistned eyes, Babes shall suck,
59: Our Ile be made a Nourish of salt Teares,
60: And none but Women left to wayle the dead.
61: Henry the Fift, thy Ghost I inuocate:
62: Prosper this Realme, keepe it from Ciuill Broyles,
63: Combat with aduerse Planets in the Heauens;
64: A farre more glorious Starre thy Soule will make,
65: Then Iulius Caesar, or bright===
66: [ Enter a Messenger.]
67:
Mess.
My honourable Lords, health to you all:
68: Sad tidings bring I to you out of France,
69: Of losse, of slaughter, and discomfiture:
70: Guyen, Champaigne, Rheimes, Orleance,
71: Paris Guysors, Poictiers, are all quite lost.
72:
Bedf.
What say'st thou man, before dead Henry's Coarse?
73: Speake softly, or the losse of those great Townes
74: Will make him burst his Lead, and rise from death.
75:
Glost.
Is Paris lost? is Roan yeelded vp?
76: If Henry were recall'd to life againe,
77: These news would cause him once more yeeld the Ghost.
78:
Exe.
How were they lost? what trecherie was vs'd?
79:
Mess.
No trecherie, but want of Men and Money.
80: Amongst the Souldiers this is muttered,
81: That here you maintaine seuerall Factions:
82: And whil'st a Field should be dispatcht and fought,
83: You are disputing of your Generals.
84: One would haue lingring Warres, with little cost;
85: Another would flye swift, but wanteth Wings:
86: A third thinkes, without expence at all,
87: By guilefull faire words, Peace may be obtayn'd.
88: Awake, awake, English Nobilitie,
89: Let not slouth dimme your Honors, new begot;
90: Cropt are the Flower-de-Luces in your Armes
91: Of Englands Coat, one halfe is cut away.
92:
Exe.
Were our Teares wanting to this Funerall,
93: These Tidings would call forth her flowing Tides.
94:
Bedf.
Me they concerne, Regent I am of France:
95: Giue me my steeled Coat, Ile fight for France.
96: Away with these disgracefull wayling Robes;
97: Wounds will I lend the French, in stead of Eyes,
98: To weepe their intermissiue Miseries.
99: [ Enter to them another Messenger.]
100:
Mess.
Lords view these Letters, full of bad mischance.
101: France is reuolted from the English quite,
102: Except some petty Townes, of no import.
103: The Dolphin Charles is crowned King in Rheimes:
104: The Bastard of Orleance with him is ioyn'd:
105: Reynold, Duke of Aniou, doth take his part,
106: The Duke of Alanson flyeth to his side. [ Exit.]
107:
Exe.
The Dolphin crown'd King? all flye to him?
108: O whither shall we flye from this reproach?
109:
Glost.
We will not flye, but to our enemies throats.
110: Bedford, if thou be slacke, Ile fight it out.
111:
Bed.
Gloster, why doubtst thou of my forwardnesse?
112: An Army haue I muster'd in my thoughts,
113: Wherewith already France is ouer-run.
114: [ Enter another Messenger.]
115:
Mes.
My gracious Lords, to adde to your laments,
116: Wherewith you now bedew King Henries hearse,
117: I must informe you of a dismall fight,
118: Betwixt the stout Lord Talbot, and the French.
119:
Win.
What? wherein Talbot ouercame, is't so?
120:
3.Mes.
O no: wherein Lord Talbot was o'rethrown:
121: The circumstance Ile tell you more at large.
122: The tenth of August last, this dreadfull Lord,
123: Retyring from the Siege of Orleance,
124: Hauing full scarce six thousand in his troupe,
125: By three and twentie thousand of the French
126: Was round incompassed, and set vpon:
127: No leysure had he to enranke his men.
128: He wanted Pikes to set before his Archers:
129: In stead whereof, sharpe Stakes pluckt out of Hedges
130: They pitched in the ground confusedly,
131: To keepe the Horsemen off, from breaking in.
132: More then three houres the fight continued:
133: Where valiant Talbot, aboue humane thought,
134: Enacted wonders with his Sword and Lance.
135: Hundreds he sent to Hell, and none durst stand him:
136: Here, there, and euery where enrag'd, he slew.
137: The French exclaym'd, the Deuill was in Armes,
138: All the whole Army stood agaz'd on him.
139: His Souldiers spying his vndaunted Spirit,
140: A Talbot, a Talbot, cry'd out amaine,
141: And rusht into the Bowels of the Battaile.
142: Here had the Conquest fully been seal'd vp,
143: If Sir Iohn Falstaffe had not play'd the Coward.
144: He being in the Vauward, plac't behinde,
145: With purpose to relieue and follow them,
146: Cowardly fled, not hauing struck one stroake.
147: Hence grew the generall wrack and massacre:
148: Enclosed were they with their Enemies.
149: A base Wallon, to win the Dolphins grace,
150: Thrust Talbot with a Speare into the Back,
151: Whom all France, with their chiefe assembled strength,
152: Durst not presume to looke once in the face.
153:
Bedf.
Is Talbot slaine then? I will slay my selfe,
154: For liuing idly here, in pompe and ease,
155: Whil'st such a worthy Leader, wanting ayd,
156: Vnto his dastard foe-men is betray'd.
157:
3.Mess.
O no, he liues, but is tooke Prisoner,
158: And Lord Scales with him, and Lord Hungerford:
159: Most of the rest slaughter'd, or tooke likewise.
160:
Bedf.
His Ransome there is none but I shall pay.
161: Ile hale the Dolphin headlong from his Throne,
162: His Crowne shall be the Ransome of my friend:
163: Foure of their Lords Ile change for one of ours.
164: Farwell my Masters, to my Taske will I,
165: Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make,
166: To keepe our great Saint Georges Feast withall.
167: Ten thousand Souldiers with me I will take,
168: Whose bloody deeds shall make all Europe quake.
169:
3.Mess.
So you had need, for Orleance is besieg'd,
170: The English Army is growne weake and faint:
171: The Earle of Salisbury craueth supply,
172: And hardly keepes his men from mutinie,
173: Since they so few, watch such a multitude.
174:
Exe.
Remember Lords your Oathes to Henry sworne:
175: Eyther to quell the Dolphin vtterly,
176: Or bring him in obedience to your yoake.
177:
Bedf.
I doe remember it, and here take my leaue,
178: To goe about my preparation. [ Exit Bedford.]
179:
Glost.
Ile to the Tower with all the hast I can,
180: To view th' Artillerie and Munition,
181: And then I will proclayme young Henry King.
182: [ Exit Gloster.]
183:
Exe.
To Eltam will I, where the young King is,
184: Being ordayn'd his speciall Gouernor,
185: And for his safetie there Ile best deuise. [ Exit.]
186:
Winch.
Each hath his Place and Function to attend:
187: I am left out; for me nothing remaines:
188: But long I will not be Iack out of Office.
189: The King from Eltam I intend to send,
190: And sit at chiefest Sterne of publique Weale.
191: [ Exit.]
192: [ Sound a Flourish.]
193: [ Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir, marching
with Drum and Souldiers.]
195:
Charles.
Mars his true mouing, euen as in the Heauens,
196: So in the Earth, to this day is not knowne.
197: Late did he shine vpon the English side:
198: Now we are Victors, vpon vs he smiles.
199: What Townes of any moment, but we haue?
200: At pleasure here we lye, neere Orleance:
201: Otherwhiles, the famisht English, like pale Ghosts,
202: Faintly besiege vs one houre in a moneth.
203:
Alan.
They want their Porredge, & their fat Bul Beeues:
204: Eyther they must be dyeted like Mules,
205: And haue their Prouender ty'd to their mouthes,
206: Or pitteous they will looke, like drowned Mice.
207:
Reigneir.
Let's rayse the Siege: why liue we idly here?
208: Talbot is taken, whom we wont to feare:
209: Remayneth none but mad-brayn'd Salisbury,
210: And he may well in fretting spend his gall,
211: Nor men nor Money hath he to make Warre.
212:
Charles.
Sound, sound Alarum, we will rush on them.
213: Now for the honour of the forlorne French:
214: Him I forgiue my death, that killeth me,
215: When he sees me goe back one foot, or flye. [ Exeunt.]
216: [ Here Alarum, they are beaten back by the English, with great losse.]
218: [ Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir.]
219:
Charles.
Who euer saw the like? what men haue I?
220: Dogges, Cowards, Dastards: I would ne're haue fled,
221: But that they left me 'midst my Enemies.
222:
Reigneir.
Salisbury is a desperate Homicide,
223: He fighteth as one weary of his life:
224: The other Lords, like Lyons wanting foode,
225: Doe rush vpon vs as their hungry prey.
226:
Alanson.
Froysard, a Countreyman of ours, records,
227: England all Oliuers and Rowlands breed,
228: During the time Edward the third did raigne:
229: More truly now may this be verified;
230: For none but Samsons and Goliasses
231: It sendeth forth to skirmish: one to tenne?
232: Leane raw-bon'd Rascals, who would e'er suppose,
233: They had such courage and audacitie?
234:
Charles.
Let's leaue this Towne,
235: For they are hayre-brayn'd Slaues,
236: And hunger will enforce them to be more eager:
237: Of old I know them; rather with their Teeth
238: The Walls they'le teare downe, then forsake the Siege.
239:
Reigneir.
I thinke by some odde Gimmors or Deuice
240: Their Armes are set, like Clocks, still to strike on;
241: Else ne're could they hold out so as they doe:
242: By my consent, wee'le euen let them alone.
243:
Alanson.
Be it so.
244: [ Enter the Bastard of Orleance.]
245:
Bastard.
Where's the Prince Dolphin? I haue newes
246: for him.
247:
Dolph.
Bastard of Orleance, thrice welcome to vs.
248:
Bast.
Me thinks your looks are sad, your chear appal'd.
249: Hath the late ouerthrow wrought this offence?
250: Be not dismay'd, for succour is at hand:
251: A holy Maid hither with me I bring,
252: Which by a Vision sent to her from Heauen,
253: Ordayned is to rayse this tedious Siege,
254: And driue the English forth the bounds of France:
255: The spirit of deepe Prophecie she hath,
256: Exceeding the nine Sibyls of old Rome:
257: What's past, and what's to come, she can descry.
258: Speake, shall I call her in? beleeue my words,
259: For they are certaine, and vnfallible.
260:
Dolph.
Goe call her in: but first, to try her skill,
261: Reignier stand thou as Dolphin in my place;
262: Question her prowdly, let thy Lookes be sterne,
263: By this meanes shall we sound what skill she hath.
264: [ Enter Ioane Puzel.]
265:
Reigneir.
Faire Maid, is't thou wilt doe these won-drous
266: feats?
267:
Puzel.
Reignier, is't thou that thinkest to beguile me?
268: Where is the Dolphin? Come, come from behinde,
269: I know thee well, though neuer seene before.
270: Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me;
271: In priuate will I talke with thee apart:
272: Stand back you Lords, and giue vs leaue a while.
273:
Reigneir.
She takes vpon her brauely at first dash.
274:
Puzel.
Dolphin, I am by birth a Shepheards Daughter,
275: My wit vntrayn'd in any kind of Art:
276: Heauen and our Lady gracious hath it pleas'd
277: To shine on my contemptible estate.
278: Loe, whilest I wayted on my tender Lambes,
279: And to Sunnes parching heat display'd my cheekes,
280: Gods Mother deigned to appeare to me,
281: And in a Vision full of Maiestie,
282: Will'd me to leaue my base Vocation,
283: And free my Countrey from Calamitie:
284: Her ayde she promis'd, and assur'd successe.
285: In compleat Glory shee reueal'd her selfe:
286: And whereas I was black and swart before,
287: With those cleare Rayes, which shee infus'd on me,
288: That beautie am I blest with, which you may see.
289: Aske me what question thou canst possible,
290: And I will answer vnpremeditated:
291: My Courage trie by Combat, if thou dar'st,
292: And thou shalt finde that I exceed my Sex.
293: Resolue on this, thou shalt be fortunate,
294: If thou receiue me for thy Warlike Mate.
295:
Dolph.
Thou hast astonisht me with thy high termes:
296: Onely this proofe Ile of thy Valour make,
297: In single Combat thou shalt buckle with me;
298: And if thou vanquishest, thy words are true,
299: Otherwise I renounce all confidence.
300:
Puzel.
I am prepar'd: here is my keene-edg'd Sword,
301: Deckt with fine Flower-de-Luces on each side,
302: The which at Touraine, in S[aint]. Katherines Church-yard,
303: Out of a great deale of old Iron, I chose forth.
304:
Dolph.
Then come a Gods name, I feare no woman.
305:
Puzel.
And while I liue, Ile ne're flye from a man.
306: [ Here they fight, and Ioane de Puzel ouercomes.]
307:
Dolph.
Stay, stay thy hands, thou art an Amazon,
308: And fightest with the Sword of Debora.
309:
Puzel.
Christs Mother helpes me, else I were too
310: weake.
311:
Dolph.
Who e're helps thee, 'tis thou that must help me:
312: Impatiently I burne with thy desire,
313: My heart and hands thou hast at once subdu'd.
314: Excellent Puzel, if thy name be so,
315: Let me thy seruant, and not Soueraigne be,
316: 'Tis the French Dolphin sueth to thee thus.
317:
Puzel.
I must not yeeld to any rights of Loue,
318: For my Profession's sacred from aboue:
319: When I haue chased all thy Foes from hence,
320: Then will I thinke vpon a recompence.
321:
Dolph.
Meane time looke gracious on thy prostrate
322: Thrall.
323:
Reigneir.
My Lord me thinkes is very long in talke.
324:
Alans.
Doubtlesse he shriues this woman to her smock,
325: Else ne're could he so long protract his speech.
326:
Reigneir.
Shall wee disturbe him, since hee keepes no
327: meane?
328:
Alan.
He may meane more then we poor men do know,
329: These women are shrewd tempters with their tongues.
330:
Reigneir.
My Lord, where are you? what deuise you on?
331: Shall we giue o're Orleance, or no?
332:
Puzel.
Why no, I say: distrustfull Recreants,
333: Fight till the last gaspe: Ile be your guard.
334:
Dolph.
What shee sayes, Ile confirme: wee'le fight
335: it out.
336:
Puzel.
Assign'd am I to be the English Scourge.
337: This night the Siege assuredly Ile rayse:
338: Expect Saint Martins Summer, Halcyons dayes,
339: Since I haue entred into these Warres.
340: Glory is like a Circle in the Water,
341: Which neuer ceaseth to enlarge it selfe,
342: Till by broad spreading, it disperse to naught.
343: With Henries death, the English Circle ends,
344: Dispersed are the glories it included:
345: Now am I like that prowd insulting Ship,
346: Which Caesar and his fortune bare at once.
347:
Dolph.
Was Mahomet inspired with a Doue?
348: Thou with an Eagle art inspired then.
349: Helen, the Mother of Great Constantine,
350: Nor yet S[aint]. Philips daughters were like thee.
351: Bright Starre of Venus, falne downe on the Earth,
352: How may I reuerently worship thee enough?
353:
Alanson.
Leaue off delayes, and let vs rayse the
354: Siege.
355:
Reigneir.
Woman, do what thou canst to saue our honors,
356: Driue them from Orleance, and be immortaliz'd.
357:
Dolph.
Presently wee'le try: come, let's away about it,
358: No Prophet will I trust, if shee proue false. [ Exeunt.]
359: [ Enter Gloster, with his Seruing-men.]
360:
Glost.
I am come to suruey the Tower this day;
361: Since Henries death, I feare there is Conueyance:
362: Where be these Warders, that they wait not here?
363: Open the Gates, 'tis Gloster that calls.
364:
1.Warder.
Who's there, that knocks so imperiously?
365:
Glost.1.Man.
It is the Noble Duke of Gloster.
366:
2.Warder.
Who ere he be, you may not be let in.
367:
1.Man.
Villaines, answer you so the Lord Protector?
368:
1.Warder.
The Lord protect him, so we answer him,
369: We doe no otherwise then wee are will'd.
370:
Glost.
Who willed you? or whose will stands but mine?
371: There's none Protector of the Realme, but I:
372: Breake vp the Gates, Ile be your warrantize;
373: Shall I be flowted thus by dunghill Groomes?
374: [ Glosters men rush at the Tower Gates, and Wooduile
the Lieutenant speakes within.]
376:
Wooduile.
What noyse is this? what Traytors haue
377: wee here?
378:
Glost.
Lieutenant, is it you whose voyce I heare?
379: Open the Gates, here's Gloster that would enter.
380:
Wooduile.
Haue patience Noble Duke, I may not open,
381: The Cardinall of Winchester forbids:
382: From him I haue expresse commandement,
383: That thou nor none of thine shall be let in.
384:
Glost.
Faint-hearted Wooduile, prizest him 'fore me?
385: Arrogant Winchester, that haughtie Prelate,
386: Whom Henry our late Soueraigne ne're could brooke?
387: Thou art no friend to God, or to the King:
388: Open the Gates, or Ile shut thee out shortly.
389:
Seruingmen.
Open the Gates vnto the Lord Protector,
390: Or wee'le burst them open, if that you come not quickly.
391: [ Enter to the Protector at the Tower Gates, Winchester
and his men in Tawney Coates.]
393:
Winchest.
How now ambitious Vmpheir, what meanes
394: this?
395:
Glost.
Piel'd Priest, doo'st thou command me to be
396: shut out?
397:
Winch.
I doe, thou most vsurping Proditor,
398: And not Protector of the King or Realme.
399:
Glost.
Stand back thou manifest Conspirator,
400: Thou that contriued'st to murther our dead Lord,
401: Thou that giu'st Whores Indulgences to sinne,
402: Ile canuas thee in thy broad Cardinalls Hat,
403: If thou proceed in this thy insolence.
404:
Winch.
Nay, stand thou back, I will not budge a foot:
405: This be Damascus, be thou cursed Cain,
406: To slay thy Brother Abel, if thou wilt.
407:
Glost.
I will not slay thee, but Ile driue thee back:
408: Thy Scarlet Robes, as a Childs bearing Cloth,
409: Ile vse, to carry thee out of this place.
410:
Winch.
Doe what thou dar'st, I beard thee to thy
411: face.
412:
Glost.
What? am I dar'd, and bearded to my face?
413: Draw men, for all this priuiledged place,
414: Blew Coats to Tawny Coats. Priest, beware your Beard,
415: I meane to tugge it, and to cuffe you soundly.
416: Vnder my feet I stampe thy Cardinalls Hat:
417: In spight of Pope, or dignities of Church,
418: Here by the Cheekes Ile drag thee vp and downe.
419:
Winch.
Gloster, thou wilt answere this before the
420: Pope.
421:
Glost.
Winchester Goose, I cry, a Rope, a Rope.
422: Now beat them hence, why doe you let them stay?
423: Thee Ile chase hence, thou Wolfe in Sheepes array.
424: Out Tawney-Coates, out Scarlet Hypocrite.
425: [Here Glosters men beat out the Cardinalls men,
and enter in the hurly-burly the Maior
of London, and his Officers.]
428:
Maior.
Fye Lords, that you being supreme Magistrates,
429: Thus contumeliously should breake the Peace.
430:
Glost.
Peace Maior, thou know'st little of my wrongs:
431: Here's Beauford, that regards nor God nor King,
432: Hath here distrayn'd the Tower to his vse.
433:
Winch.
Here's Gloster, a Foe to Citizens,
434: One that still motions Warre, and neuer Peace,
435: O're-charging your free Purses with large Fines;
436: That seekes to ouerthrow Religion,
437: Because he is Protector of the Realme;
438: And would haue Armour here out of the Tower,
439: To Crowne himselfe King, and suppresse the Prince.
440:
Glost.
I will not answer thee with words, but blowes.
441: [ Here they skirmish againe.]
442:
Maior.
Naught rests for me, in this tumultuous strife,
443: But to make open Proclamation.
444: Come Officer, as lowd as e're thou canst, cry:
445: All manner of men, assembled here in Armes this day,
446: against Gods Peace and the Kings, wee charge and command
447: you, in his Highnesse Name, to repayre to your seuerall dwel-ling
448: places, and not to weare, handle, or vse any Sword, Wea-pon,
449: or Dagger hence-forward, vpon paine of death.
450:
Glost.
Cardinall, Ile be no breaker of the Law:
451: But we shall meet, and breake our minds at large.
452:
Winch.
Gloster, wee'le meet to thy cost, be sure:
453: Thy heart-blood I will haue for this dayes worke.
454:
Maior.
Ile call for Clubs, if you will not away:
455: This Cardinall's more haughtie then the Deuill.
456:
Glost.
Maior farewell: thou doo'st but what thou
457: may'st.
458:
Winch.
Abhominable Gloster, guard thy Head,
459: For I intend to haue it ere long. [ Exeunt.]
460:
Maior.
See the Coast clear'd, and then we will depart.
461: Good God, these Nobles should such stomacks beare,
462: I my selfe fight not once in fortie yeere. [ Exeunt.]
463: [ Enter the Master Gunner of Orleance, and
his Boy.]
465:
M.Gunner.
Sirrha, thou know'st how Orleance is besieg'd,
466: And how the English haue the Suburbs wonne.
467:
Boy.
Father I know, and oft haue shot at them,
468: How e're vnfortunate, I miss'd my ayme.
469:
M.Gunner.
But now thou shalt not. Be thou rul'd by me:
470: Chiefe Master Gunner am I of this Towne,
471: Something I must doe to procure me grace:
472: The Princes espyals haue informed me,
473: How the English, in the Suburbs close entrencht,
474: Went through a secret Grate of Iron Barres,
475: In yonder Tower, to ouer-peere the Citie,
476: And thence discouer, how with most aduantage
477: They may vex vs with Shot or with Assault.
478: To intercept this inconuenience,
479: A Peece of Ordnance 'gainst it I haue plac'd,
480: And euen these three dayes haue I watcht,
481: If I could see them. Now doe thou watch,
482: For I can stay no longer.
483: If thou spy'st any, runne and bring me word,
484: And thou shalt finde me at the Gouernors. [ Exit.]
485:
Boy.
Father, I warrant you, take you no care,
486: Ile neuer trouble you, if I may spye them. [ Exit.]
487: [ Enter Salisbury and Talbot on the Turrets,
with others.]
489:
Salisb.
Talbot, my life, my ioy, againe return'd?
490: How wert thou handled, being Prisoner?
491: Or by what meanes got's thou to be releas'd?
492: Discourse I prethee on this Turrets top.
493:
Talbot.
The Earle of Bedford had a Prisoner,
494: Call'd the braue Lord Ponton de Santrayle,
495: For him was I exchang'd, and ransom'd.
496: But with a baser man of Armes by farre,
497: Once in contempt they would haue barter'd me:
498: Which I disdaining, scorn'd, and craued death,
499: Rather then I would be so pil'd esteem'd:
500: In fine, redeem'd I was as I desir'd.
501: But O, the trecherous Falstaffe wounds my heart,
502: Whom with my bare fists I would execute,
503: If I now had him brought into my power.
504:
Salisb.
Yet tell'st thou not, how thou wert enter-tain'd.
505: _
506:
Tal.
With scoffes and scornes, and contumelious taunts,
507: In open Market-place produc't they me,
508: To be a publique spectacle to all:
509: Here, sayd they, is the Terror of the French,
510: The Scar-Crow that affrights our Children so.
511: Then broke I from the Officers that led me,
512: And with my nayles digg'd stones out of the ground,
513: To hurle at the beholders of my shame.
514: My grisly countenance made others flye,
515: None durst come neere, for feare of suddaine death.
516: In Iron Walls they deem'd me not secure:
517: So great feare of my Name 'mongst them were spread,
518: That they suppos'd I could rend Barres of Steele,
519: And spurne in pieces Posts of Adamant.
520: Wherefore a guard of chosen Shot I had,
521: That walkt about me euery Minute while:
522: And if I did but stirre out of my Bed,
523: Ready they were to shoot me to the heart.
524: [ Enter the Boy with a Linstock.]
525:
Salisb.
I grieue to heare what torments you endur'd,
526: But we will be reueng'd sufficiently.
527: Now it is Supper time in Orleance:
528: Here, through this Grate, I count each one,
529: And view the Frenchmen how they fortifie:
530: Let vs looke in, the sight will much delight thee:
531: Sir Thomas Gargraue, and Sir William Glansdale,
532: Let me haue your expresse opinions,
533: Where is best place to make our Batt'ry next?
534:
Gargraue.
I thinke at the North Gate, for there stands
535: Lords.
536:
Glansdale.
And I heere, at the Bulwarke of the
537: Bridge.
538:
Talb.
For ought I see, this Citie must be famisht,
539: Or with light Skirmishes enfeebled. [ Here they shot, and
Salisbury falls downe.]
541:
Salisb.
O Lord haue mercy on vs, wretched sinners.
542:
Gargraue.
O Lord haue mercy on me, wofull man.
543:
Talb.
What chance is this, that suddenly hath crost vs?
544: Speake Salisbury; at least, if thou canst, speake:
545: How far'st thou, Mirror of all Martiall men?
546: One of thy Eyes, and thy Cheekes side struck off?
547: Accursed Tower, accursed fatall Hand,
548: That hath contriu'd this wofull Tragedie.
549: In thirteene Battailes, Salisbury o'recame:
550: Henry the Fift he first trayn'd to the Warres.
551: Whil'st any Trumpe did sound, or Drum struck vp,
552: His Sword did ne're leaue striking in the field.
553: Yet liu'st thou Salisbury? though thy speech doth fayle,
554: One Eye thou hast to looke to Heauen for grace.
555: The Sunne with one Eye vieweth all the World.
556: Heauen be thou gracious to none aliue,
557: If Salisbury wants mercy at thy hands.
558: Beare hence his Body, I will helpe to bury it.
559: Sir Thomas Gargraue, hast thou any life?
560: Speake vnto Talbot, nay, looke vp to him.
561: Salisbury cheare thy Spirit with this comfort,
562: Thou shalt not dye whiles===
563: He beckens with his hand, and smiles on me:
564: As who should say, When I am dead and gone,
565: Remember to auenge me on the French.
566: Plantaginet I will, and like thee,
567: Play on the Lute, beholding the Townes burne:
568: Wretched shall France be onely in my Name.
569: [ Here an Alarum, and it Thunders and Lightens.]
570: What stirre is this? what tumult's in the Heauens?
571: Whence commeth this Alarum, and the noyse?
572: [ Enter a Messenger.]
573:
Mess.
My Lord, my Lord, the French haue gather'd head.
574: The Dolphin, with one Ioane de Puzel ioyn'd,
575: A holy Prophetesse, new risen vp,
576: Is come with a great Power, to rayse the Siege.
577: [ Here Salisbury lifteth himselfe vp, and groanes.]
578:
Talb.
Heare, heare, how dying Salisbury doth groane,
579: It irkes his heart he cannot be reueng'd.
580: Frenchmen, Ile be a Salisbury to you.
581: Puzel or Pussel, Dolphin or Dog-fish,
582: Your hearts Ile stampe out with my Horses heeles,
583: And make a Quagmire of your mingled braines.
584: Conuey me Salisbury into his Tent,
585: And then wee'le try what these dastard Frenchmen dare.
586: [ Alarum. Exeunt.]
587: [ Here an Alarum againe, and Talbot pursueth the Dolphin,
and driueth him: Then enter Ioane de Puzel,
driuing Englishmen before her.
Then enter Talbot.]
591:
Talb.
Where is my strength, my valour, and my force?
592: Our English Troupes retyre, I cannot stay them,
593: A Woman clad in Armour chaseth them.
594: [ Enter Puzel.]
595: Here, here shee comes. Ile haue a bowt with thee:
596: Deuill, or Deuils Dam, Ile coniure thee:
597: Blood will I draw on thee, thou art a Witch,
598: And straightway giue thy Soule to him thou seru'st.
599:
Puzel.
Come, come, 'tis onely I that must disgrace
600: thee. [ Here they fight.]
601:
Talb.
Heauens, can you suffer Hell so to preuayle?
602: My brest Ile burst with straining of my courage,
603: And from my shoulders crack my Armes asunder,
604: But I will chastise this high-minded Strumpet.
605: [ They fight againe.]
606:
Puzel.
Talbot farwell, thy houre is not yet come,
607: I must goe Victuall Orleance forthwith:
608: [ A short Alarum: then enter the Towne
with Souldiers.]
610: O're-take me if thou canst, I scorne thy strength.
611: Goe, goe, cheare vp thy hungry-starued men,
612: Helpe Salisbury to make his Testament,
613: This Day is ours, as many more shall be. [ Exit.]
614:
Talb.
My thoughts are whirled like a Potters Wheele,
615: I know not where I am, nor what I doe:
616: A Witch by feare, not force, like Hannibal,
617: Driues back our troupes, and conquers as she lists:
618: So Bees with smoake, and Doues with noysome stench,
619: Are from their Hyues and Houses driuen away.
620: They call'd vs, for our fiercenesse, English Dogges,
621: Now like to Whelpes, we crying runne away.
622: [ A short Alarum.]
623: Hearke Countreymen, eyther renew the fight,
624: Or teare the Lyons out of Englands Coat;
625: Renounce your Soyle, giue Sheepe in Lyons stead:
626: Sheepe run not halfe so trecherous from the Wolfe,
627: Or Horse or Oxen from the Leopard,
628: As you flye from your oft-subdued slaues.
629: [ Alarum. Here another Skirmish.]
630: It will not be, retyre into your Trenches:
631: You all consented vnto Salisburies death,
632: For none would strike a stroake in his reuenge.
633: Puzel is entred into Orleance,
634: In spight of vs, or ought that we could doe.
635: O would I were to dye with Salisbury,
636: The shame hereof, will make me hide my head.
637: [ Exit Talbot.]
638: [ Alarum, Retreat, Flourish.]
639: [ Enter on the Walls, Puzel, Dolphin, Reigneir,
Alanson, and Souldiers.]
641:
Puzel.
Aduance our wauing Colours on the Walls,
642: Rescu'd is Orleance from the English.
643: Thus Ioane de Puzel hath perform'd her word.
644:
Dolph.
Diuinest Creature, Astrea's Daughter,
645: How shall I honour thee for this successe?
646: Thy promises are like Adonis Garden,
647: That one day bloom'd, and fruitfull were the next.
648: France, triumph in thy glorious Prophetesse,
649: Recouer'd is the Towne of Orleance,
650: More blessed hap did ne're befall our State.
651:
Reigneir.
Why ring not out the Bells alowd,
652: Throughout the Towne?
653: Dolphin command the Citizens make Bonfires,
654: And feast and banquet in the open streets,
655: To celebrate the ioy that God hath giuen vs.
656:
Alans.
All France will be repleat with mirth and ioy,
657: When they shall heare how we haue play'd the men.
658:
Dolph.
'Tis Ioane, not we, by whom the day is wonne:
659: For which, I will diuide my Crowne with her,
660: And all the Priests and Fryers in my Realme,
661: Shall in procession sing her endlesse prayse.
662: A statelyer Pyramis to her Ile reare,
663: Then Rhodophe's or Memphis euer was.
664: In memorie of her, when she is dead,
665: Her Ashes, in an Vrne more precious
666: Then the rich-iewel'd Coffer of Darius,
667: Transported, shall be at high Festiuals
668: Before the Kings and Queenes of France.
669: No longer on Saint Dennis will we cry,
670: But Ioane de Puzel shall be France's Saint.
671: Come in, and let vs Banquet Royally,
672: After this Golden Day of Victorie.
673: [ Flourish. Exeunt.]
Act II