Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Henry VI, Part One (1623 First Folio Edition)
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About the electronic version
Henry VI, Part One (1623 First Folio Edition)
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Creation of machine-readable version: Hugh Craig, University of Newcastle
Conversion to TEI.2-conformant markup: University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center. ca. 198 kilobytes
This version available from the University of Virginia Library.
Charlottesville, Va.
Available from: Oxford Text Archive
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/modeng/modeng0.browse.html
1992
About the print version
Henry VI, Part One
The First Folio of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare Editor Charlton Hinman The Norton Facsimile
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
New York
1968 Prepared for the University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center.
Published: 1623
1589-1590
English drama LCSH
Revisions to the electronic version
July 1996 corrector Catherine Tousignant, Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Added TEI header; updated tagging to conform to local practices
etext@virginia.edu. Commercial use prohibited; all usage governed by our Conditions of Use: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/conditions.html
Act I
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
Scene i
674: Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
675: [ Enter a Sergeant of a Band, with two Sentinels.]
676:
Ser.
Sirs, take your places, and be vigilant:
677: If any noyse or Souldier you perceiue
678: Neere to the walles, by some apparant signe
679: Let vs haue knowledge at the Court of Guard.
680:
Sent.
Sergeant you shall. Thus are poore Seruitors
681: (When others sleepe vpon their quiet beds)
682: Constrain'd to watch in darknesse, raine, and cold.
683: [ Enter Talbot, Bedford, and Burgundy, with scaling
Ladders: Their Drummes beating a
Dead March.]
686:
Tal.
Lord Regent, and redoubted Burgundy,
687: By whose approach, the Regions of Artoys,
688: Wallon, and Picardy, are friends to vs:
689: This happy night, the Frenchmen are secure,
690: Hauing all day carows'd and banquetted,
691: Embrace we then this opportunitie,
692: As fitting best to quittance their deceite,
693: Contriu'd by Art, and balefull Sorcerie.
694:
Bed.
Coward of France, how much he wrongs his fame,
695: Dispairing of his owne armes fortitude,
696: To ioyne with Witches, and the helpe of Hell.
697:
Bur.
Traitors haue neuer other company.
698: But what's that Puzell whom they tearme so pure?
699:
Tal.
A Maid, they say.
700:
Bed.
A Maid? And be so martiall?
701:
Bur.
Pray God she proue not masculine ere long:
702: If vnderneath the Standard of the French
703: She carry Armour, as she hath begun.
704:
Tal.
Well, let them practise and conuerse with spirits.
705: God is our Fortresse, in whose conquering name
706: Let vs resolue to scale their flinty bulwarkes.
707:
Bed.
Ascend braue Talbot, we will follow thee.
708:
Tal.
Not altogether: Better farre I guesse,
709: That we do make our entrance seuerall wayes:
710: That if it chance the one of vs do faile,
711: The other yet may rise against their force.
712:
Bed.
Agreed; Ile to yond corner.
713:
Bur.
And I to this.
714:
Tal.
And heere will Talbot mount, or make his graue.
715: Now Salisbury, for thee and for the right
716: Of English Henry, shall this night appeare
717: How much in duty, I am bound to both.
718:
Sent.
Arme, arme, the enemy doth make assault.
719: [ Cry, S[aint]. George, A Talbot.]
720: [ The French leape ore the walles in their shirts. Enter
seuerall wayes, Bastard, Alanson, Reignier,
halfe ready, and halfe vnready.]
723:
Alan.
How now my Lords? what all vnreadie so?
724:
Bast.
Vnready? I and glad we scap'd so well.
725:
Reig.
'Twas time (I trow) to wake and leaue our beds,
726: Hearing Alarums at our Chamber doores.
727:
Alan.
Of all exploits since first I follow'd Armes,
728: Nere heard I of a warlike enterprize
729: More venturous, or desperate then this.
730:
Bast.
I thinke this Talbot be a Fiend of Hell.
731:
Reig.
If not of Hell, the Heauens sure fauour him.
732:
Alans.
Here commeth Charles, I maruell how he sped?
733: [ Enter Charles and Ioane.]
734:
Bast.
Tut, holy Ioane was his defensiue Guard.
735:
Charl.
Is this thy cunning, thou deceitfull Dame?
736: Didst thou at first, to flatter vs withall,
737: Make vs partakers of a little gayne,
738: That now our losse might be ten times so much?
739:
Ioane.
Wherefore is Charles impatient with his friend?
740: At all times will you haue my Power alike?
741: Sleeping or waking, must I still preuayle,
742: Or will you blame and lay the fault on me?
743: Improuident Souldiors, had your Watch been good,
744: This sudden Mischiefe neuer could haue falne.
745:
Charl.
Duke of Alanson, this was your default,
746: That being Captaine of the Watch to Night,
747: Did looke no better to that weightie Charge.
748:
Alans.
Had all your Quarters been as safely kept,
749: As that whereof I had the gouernment,
750: We had not beene thus shamefully surpriz'd.
751:
Bast.
Mine was secure.
752:
Reig.
And so was mine, my Lord.
753:
Charl.
And for my selfe, most part of all this Night
754: Within her Quarter, and mine owne Precinct,
755: I was imploy'd in passing to and fro,
756: About relieuing of the Centinels.
757: Then how, or which way, should they first breake in?
758:
Ioane.
Question (my Lords) no further of the case,
759: How or which way; 'tis sure they found some place,
760: But weakely guarded, where the breach was made:
761: And now there rests no other shift but this,
762: To gather our Souldiors, scatter'd and disperc't,
763: And lay new Plat-formes to endammage them.
764: [ Exeunt.]
765: [ Alarum. Enter a Souldier, crying, a Talbot, a Talbot:
they flye, leauing their Clothes behind.]
767:
Sould.
Ile be so bold to take what they haue left:
768: The Cry of Talbot serues me for a Sword,
769: For I haue loaden me with many Spoyles,
770: Vsing no other Weapon but his Name. [ Exit.]
771: [ Enter Talbot, Bedford, Burgundie.]
772:
Bedf.
The Day begins to breake, and Night is fled,
773: Whose pitchy Mantle ouer-vayl'd the Earth.
774: Here sound Retreat, and cease our hot pursuit. [ Retreat.]
775:
Talb.
Bring forth the Body of old Salisbury,
776: And here aduance it in the Market-Place,
777: The middle Centure of this cursed Towne.
778: Now haue I pay'd my Vow vnto his Soule:
779: For euery drop of blood was drawne from him,
780: There hath at least fiue Frenchmen dyed to night.
781: And that hereafter Ages may behold
782: What ruine happened in reuenge of him,
783: Within their chiefest Temple Ile erect
784: A Tombe, wherein his Corps shall be interr'd:
785: Vpon the which, that euery one may reade,
786: Shall be engrau'd the sacke of Orleance,
787: The trecherous manner of his mournefull death,
788: And what a terror he had beene to France.
789: But Lords, in all our bloudy Massacre,
790: I muse we met not with the Dolphins Grace,
791: His new-come Champion, vertuous Ioane of Acre,
792: Nor any of his false Confederates.
793:
Bedf.
'Tis thought Lord Talbot, when the fight began,
794: Rows'd on the sudden from their drowsie Beds,
795: They did amongst the troupes of armed men,
796: Leape o're the Walls for refuge in the field.
797:
Burg.
My selfe, as farre as I could well discerne,
798: For smoake, and duskie vapours of the night,
799: Am sure I scar'd the Dolphin and his Trull,
800: When Arme in Arme they both came swiftly running,
801: Like to a payre of louing Turtle-Doues,
802: That could not liue asunder day or night.
803: After that things are set in order here,
804: Wee'le follow them with all the power we haue.
805: [ Enter a Messenger.]
806:
Mess.
All hayle, my Lords: which of this Princely trayne
807: Call ye the Warlike Talbot, for his Acts
808: So much applauded through the Realme of France?
809:
Talb.
Here is the Talbot, who would speak with him?
810:
Mess.
The vertuous Lady, Countesse of Ouergne,
811: With modestie admiring thy Renowne,
812: By me entreats (great Lord) thou would'st vouchsafe
813: To visit her poore Castle where she lyes,
814: That she may boast she hath beheld the man,
815: Whose glory fills the World with lowd report.
816:
Burg.
Is it euen so? Nay, then I see our Warres
817: Will turne vnto a peacefull Comick sport,
818: When Ladyes craue to be encountred with.
819: You may not (my Lord) despise her gentle suit.
820:
Talb.
Ne're trust me then: for when a World of men
821: Could not preuayle with all their Oratorie,
822: Yet hath a Womans kindnesse ouer-rul'd:
823: And therefore tell her, I returne great thankes,
824: And in submission will attend on her.
825: Will not your Honors beare me company?
826:
Bedf.
No, truly, 'tis more then manners will:
827: And I haue heard it sayd, Vnbidden Guests
828: Are often welcommest when they are gone.
829:
Talb.
Well then, alone (since there's no remedie)
830: I meane to proue this Ladyes courtesie.
831: Come hither Captaine, you perceiue my minde.
832: [ Whispers.]
833:
Capt.
I doe my Lord, and meane accordingly.
834: [ Exeunt.]
835: [ Enter Countesse.]
836:
Count.
Porter, remember what I gaue in charge,
837: And when you haue done so, bring the Keyes to me.
838:
Port. Madame, I will.
[Exit.]
839:
Count.
The Plot is layd, if all things fall out right,
840: I shall as famous be by this exploit,
841: As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus death.
842: Great is the rumour of this dreadfull Knight,
843: And his atchieuements of no lesse account:
844: Faine would mine eyes be witnesse with mine eares,
845: To giue their censure of these rare reports.
846: [ Enter Messenger and Talbot.]
847:
Mess.
Madame, according as your Ladyship desir'd,
848: By Message crau'd, so is Lord Talbot come.
849:
Count.
And he is welcome: what? is this the man?
850:
Mess.
Madame, it is.
851:
Count.
Is this the Scourge of France?
852: Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad?
853: That with his Name the Mothers still their Babes?
854: I see Report is fabulous and false.
855: I thought I should haue seene some Hercules,
856: A second Hector, for his grim aspect,
857: And large proportion of his strong knit Limbes.
858: Alas, this is a Child, a silly Dwarfe:
859: It cannot be, this weake and writhled shrimpe
860: Should strike such terror to his Enemies.
861:
Talb.
Madame, I haue beene bold to trouble you:
862: But since your Ladyship is not at leysure,
863: Ile sort some other time to visit you.
864:
Count.
What meanes he now?
865: Goe aske him, whither he goes?
866:
Mess.
Stay my Lord Talbot, for my Lady craues,
867: To know the cause of your abrupt departure?
868:
Talb.
Marry, for that shee's in a wrong beleefe,
869: I goe to certifie her Talbot's here.
870: [ Enter Porter with Keyes.]
871:
Count.
If thou be he, then art thou Prisoner.
872:
Talb.
Prisoner? to whom?
873:
Count.
To me, blood-thirstie Lord:
874: And for that cause I trayn'd thee to my House.
875: Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me,
876: For in my Gallery thy Picture hangs:
877: But now the substance shall endure the like,
878: And I will chayne these Legges and Armes of thine,
879: That hast by Tyrannie these many yeeres
880: Wasted our Countrey, slaine our Citizens,
881: And sent our Sonnes and Husbands captiuate.
882:
Talb.
Ha, ha, ha.
883:
Count.
Laughest thou Wretch?
884: Thy mirth shall turne to moane.
885:
Talb.
I laugh to see your Ladyship so fond,
886: To thinke, that you haue ought but Talbots shadow,
887: Whereon to practise your seueritie.
888:
Count.
Why? art not thou the man?
889:
Talb.
I am indeede.
890:
Count.
Then haue I substance too.
891:
Talb.
No, no, I am but shadow of my selfe:
892: You are deceiu'd, my substance is not here;
893: For what you see, is but the smallest part,
894: And least proportion of Humanitie:
895: I tell you Madame, were the whole Frame here,
896: It is of such a spacious loftie pitch,
897: Your Roofe were not sufficient to contayn't.
898:
Count.
This is a Riddling Merchant for the nonce,
899: He will be here, and yet he is not here:
900: How can these contrarieties agree?
901:
Talb.
That will I shew you presently.
902: [ Winds his Horne, Drummes strike vp, a Peale
of Ordenance: Enter Souldiors.]
904: How say you Madame? are you now perswaded,
905: That Talbot is but shadow of himselfe?
906: These are his substance, sinewes, armes, and strength,
907: With which he yoaketh your rebellious Neckes,
908: Razeth your Cities, and subuerts your Townes,
909: And in a moment makes them desolate.
910:
Count.
Victorious Talbot, pardon my abuse,
911: I finde thou art no lesse then Fame hath bruited,
912: And more then may be gathered by thy shape.
913: Let my presumption not prouoke thy wrath,
914: For I am sorry, that with reuerence
915: I did not entertaine thee as thou art.
916:
Talb.
Be not dismay'd, faire Lady, nor misconster
917: The minde of Talbot, as you did mistake
918: The outward composition of his body.
919: What you haue done, hath not offended me:
920: Nor other satisfaction doe I craue,
921: But onely with your patience, that we may
922: Taste of your Wine, and see what Cates you haue,
923: For Souldiers stomacks alwayes serue them well.
924:
Count.
With all my heart, and thinke me honored,
925: To feast so great a Warrior in my House. [ Exeunt.]
926: [ Enter Richard Plantagenet, Warwick, Somerset,
Poole, and others.]
928:
Yorke.
Great Lords and Gentlemen,
929: What meanes this silence?
930: Dare no man answer in a Case of Truth?
931:
Suff.
Within the Temple Hall we were too lowd,
932: The Garden here is more conuenient.
933:
York.
Then say at once, if I maintain'd the Truth:
934: Or else was wrangling Somerset in th' error?
935:
Suff.
Faith I haue beene a Truant in the Law,
936: And neuer yet could frame my will to it,
937: And therefore frame the Law vnto my will.
938:
Som.
Iudge you, my Lord of Warwicke, then be-tweene
939: vs.
940:
War.
Between two Hawks, which flyes the higher pitch,
941: Between two Dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,
942: Between two Blades, which beares the better temper,
943: Between two Horses, which doth beare him best,
944: Between two Girles, which hath the merryest eye,
945: I haue perhaps some shallow spirit of Iudgement:
946: But in these nice sharpe Quillets of the Law,
947: Good faith I am no wiser then a Daw.
948:
York.
Tut, tut, here is a mannerly forbearance:
949: The truth appeares so naked on my side,
950: That any purblind eye may find it out.
951:
Som.
And on my side it is so well apparrell'd,
952: So cleare, so shining, and so euident,
953: That it will glimmer through a blind-mans eye.
954:
York.
Since you are tongue-ty'd, and so loth to speake,
955: In dumbe significants proclayme your thoughts:
956: Let him that is a true-borne Gentleman,
957: And stands vpon the honor of his birth,
958: If he suppose that I haue pleaded truth,
959: From off this Bryer pluck a white Rose with me.
960:
Som.
Let him that is no Coward, nor no Flatterer,
961: But dare maintaine the partie of the truth,
962: Pluck a red Rose from off this Thorne with me.
963:
War.
I loue no Colours: and without all colour
964: Of base insinuating flatterie,
965: I pluck this white Rose with Plantagenet.
966:
Suff.
I pluck this red Rose, with young Somerset,
967: And say withall, I thinke he held the right.
968:
Vernon.
Stay Lords and Gentlemen, and pluck no more
969: Till you conclude, that he vpon whose side
970: The fewest Roses are cropt from the Tree,
971: Shall yeeld the other in the right opinion.
972:
Som.
Good Master Vernon, it is well obiected:
973: If I haue fewest, I subscribe in silence.
974:
York.
And I.
975:
Vernon.
Then for the truth, and plainnesse of the Case,
976: I pluck this pale and Maiden Blossome here,
977: Giuing my Verdict on the white Rose side.
978:
Som.
Prick not your finger as you pluck it off,
979: Least bleeding, you doe paint the white Rose red,
980: And fall on my side so against your will.
981:
Vernon.
If I, my Lord, for my opinion bleed,
982: Opinion shall be Surgeon to my hurt,
983: And keepe me on the side where still I am.
984:
Som.
Well, well, come on, who else?
985:
Lawyer.
Vnlesse my Studie and my Bookes be false,
986: The argument you held, was wrong in you;
987: In signe whereof, I pluck a white Rose too.
988:
Yorke.
Now Somerset, where is your argument?
989:
Som.
Here in my Scabbard, meditating, that
990: Shall dye your white Rose in a bloody red.
991:
York.
Meane time your cheeks do counterfeit our Roses:
992: For pale they looke with feare, as witnessing
993: The truth on our side.
994:
Som.
No Plantagenet:
995: Tis not for feare, but anger, that thy cheekes
996: Blush for pure shame, to counterfeit our Roses,
997: And yet thy tongue will not confesse thy error.
998:
Yorke.
Hath not thy Rose a Canker, Somerset?
999:
Som.
Hath not thy Rose a Thorne, Plantagenet?
1000:
Yorke.
I, sharpe and piercing to maintaine his truth,
1001: Whiles thy consuming Canker eates his falsehood.
1002:
Som.
Well, Ile find friends to weare my bleeding Roses,
1003: That shall maintaine what I haue said is true,
1004: Where false Plantagenet dare not be seene.
1005:
Yorke.
Now by this Maiden Blossome in my hand,
1006: I scorne thee and thy fashion, peeuish Boy.
1007:
Suff.
Turne not thy scornes this way, Plantagenet.
1008:
Yorke.
Prowd Poole, I will, and scorne both him and
1009: thee.
1010:
Suff.
Ile turne my part thereof into thy throat.
1011:
Som.
Away, away, good William de la Poole,
1012: We grace the Yeoman, by conuersing with him.
1013:
Warw.
Now by Gods will thou wrong'st him, Somerset:
1014: His Grandfather was Lyonel Duke of Clarence,
1015: Third Sonne to the third Edward King of England:
1016: Spring Crestlesse Yeomen from so deepe a Root?
1017:
Yorke.
He beares him on the place's Priuiledge,
1018: Or durst not for his crauen heart say thus.
1019:
Som.
By him that made me, Ile maintaine my words
1020: On any Plot of Ground in Christendome.
1021: Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge,
1022: For Treason executed in our late Kings dayes?
1023: And by his Treason, stand'st not thou attainted,
1024: Corrupted, and exempt from ancient Gentry?
1025: His Trespas yet liues guiltie in thy blood,
1026: And till thou be restor'd, thou art a Yeoman.
1027:
Yorke.
My Father was attached, not attainted,
1028: Condemn'd to dye for Treason, but no Traytor;
1029: And that Ile proue on better men then Somerset,
1030: Were growing time once ripened to my will.
1031: For your partaker Poole, and you your selfe,
1032: Ile note you in my Booke of Memorie,
1033: To scourge you for this apprehension:
1034: Looke to it well, and say you are well warn'd.
1035:
Som.
Ah, thou shalt finde vs ready for thee still:
1036: And know vs by these Colours for thy Foes,
1037: For these, my friends in spight of thee shall weare.
1038:
Yorke.
And by my Soule, this pale and angry Rose,
1039: As Cognizance of my blood-drinking hate,
1040: Will I for euer, and my Faction weare,
1041: Vntill it wither with me to my Graue,
1042: Or flourish to the height of my Degree.
1043:
Suff.
Goe forward, and be choak'd with thy ambition:
1044: And so farwell, vntill I meet thee next. [ Exit.]
1045:
Som.
Haue with thee Poole: Farwell ambitious Ri-chard.
1046: [ Exit.]
1047:
Yorke.
How I am brau'd, and must perforce endure
1048: it?
1049:
Warw.
This blot that they obiect against your House,
1050: Shall be whipt out in the next Parliament,
1051: Call'd for the Truce of Winchester and Gloucester:
1052: And if thou be not then created Yorke,
1053: I will not liue to be accounted Warwicke.
1054: Meane time, in signall of my loue to thee,
1055: Against prowd Somerset, and William Poole,
1056: Will I vpon thy partie weare this Rose.
1057: And here I prophecie: this brawle to day,
1058: Growne to this faction in the Temple Garden,
1059: Shall send betweene the Red-Rose and the White,
1060: A thousand Soules to Death and deadly Night.
1061:
Yorke.
Good Master Vernon, I am bound to you,
1062: That you on my behalfe would pluck a Flower.
1063:
Ver.
In your behalfe still will I weare the same.
1064:
Lawyer.
And so will I.
1065:
Yorke.
Thankes gentle.
1066: Come, let vs foure to Dinner: I dare say,
1067: This Quarrell will drinke Blood another day.
1068: [ Exeunt.]
1069: [ Enter Mortimer, brought in a Chayre,
and Iaylors.]
1071:
Mort.
Kind Keepers of my weake decaying Age,
1072: Let dying Mortimer here rest himselfe.
1073: Euen like a man new haled from the Wrack,
1074: So fare my Limbes with long Imprisonment:
1075: And these gray Locks, the Pursuiuants of death,
1076: Nestor-like aged, in an Age of Care,
1077: Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer.
1078: These Eyes like Lampes, whose wasting Oyle is spent,
1079: Waxe dimme, as drawing to their Exigent.
1080: Weake Shoulders, ouer-borne with burthening Griefe,
1081: And pyth-lesse Armes, like to a withered Vine,
1082: That droupes his sappe-lesse Branches to the ground.
1083: Yet are these Feet, whose strength-lesse stay is numme,
1084: (Vnable to support this Lumpe of Clay)
1085: Swift-winged with desire to get a Graue,
1086: As witting I no other comfort haue.
1087: But tell me, Keeper, will my Nephew come?
1088:
Keeper.
Richard Plantagenet, my Lord, will come:
1089: We sent vnto the Temple, vnto his Chamber,
1090: And answer was return'd, that he will come.
1091:
Mort.
Enough: my Soule shall then be satisfied.
1092: Poore Gentleman, his wrong doth equall mine.
1093: Since Henry Monmouth first began to reigne,
1094: Before whose Glory I was great in Armes,
1095: This loathsome sequestration haue I had;
1096: And euen since then, hath Richard beene obscur'd,
1097: Depriu'd of Honor and Inheritance.
1098: But now, the Arbitrator of Despaires,
1099: Iust Death, kinde Vmpire of mens miseries,
1100: With sweet enlargement doth dismisse me hence:
1101: I would his troubles likewise were expir'd,
1102: That so he might recouer what was lost.
1103: [ Enter Richard.]
1104:
Keeper.
My Lord, your louing Nephew now is come.
1105:
Mor.
Richard Plantagenet, my friend, is he come?
1106:
Rich.
I, Noble Vnckle, thus ignobly vs'd,
1107: Your Nephew, late despised Richard, comes.
1108:
Mort.
Direct mine Armes, I may embrace his Neck,
1109: And in his Bosome spend my latter gaspe.
1110: Oh tell me when my Lippes doe touch his Cheekes,
1111: That I may kindly giue one fainting Kisse.
1112: And now declare sweet Stem from Yorkes great Stock,
1113: Why didst thou say of late thou wert despis'd?
1114:
Rich.
First, leane thine aged Back against mine Arme,
1115: And in that ease, Ile tell thee my Disease.
1116: This day in argument vpon a Case,
1117: Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me:
1118: Among which tearmes, he vs'd his lauish tongue,
1119: And did vpbrayd me with my Fathers death;
1120: Which obloquie set barres before my tongue,
1121: Else with the like I had requited him.
1122: Therefore good Vnckle, for my Fathers sake,
1123: In honor of a true Plantagenet,
1124: And for Alliance sake, declare the cause
1125: My Father, Earle of Cambridge, lost his Head.
1126:
Mort.
That cause (faire Nephew) that imprison'd me,
1127: And hath detayn'd me all my flowring Youth,
1128: Within a loathsome Dungeon, there to pyne,
1129: Was cursed Instrument of his decease.
1130:
Rich.
Discouer more at large what cause that was,
1131: For I am ignorant, and cannot guesse.
1132:
Mort.
I will, if that my fading breath permit,
1133: And Death approach not, ere my Tale be done.
1134: Henry the Fourth, Grandfather to this King,
1135: Depos'd his Nephew Richard, Edwards Sonne,
1136: The first begotten, and the lawfull Heire
1137: Of Edward King, the Third of that Descent.
1138: During whose Reigne, the Percies of the North,
1139: Finding his Vsurpation most vniust,
1140: Endeuour'd my aduancement to the Throne.
1141: The reason mou'd these Warlike Lords to this,
1142: Was, for that (young Richard thus remou'd,
1143: Leauing no Heire begotten of his Body)
1144: I was the next by Birth and Parentage:
1145: For by my Mother, I deriued am
1146: From Lionel Duke of Clarence, third Sonne
1147: To King Edward the Third; whereas hee,
1148: From Iohn of Gaunt doth bring his Pedigree,
1149: Being but fourth of that Heroick Lyne.
1150: But marke: as in this haughtie great attempt,
1151: They laboured, to plant the rightfull Heire,
1152: I lost my Libertie, and they their Liues.
1153: Long after this, when Henry the Fift
1154: (Succeeding his Father Bullingbrooke) did reigne;
1155: Thy Father, Earle of Cambridge, then deriu'd
1156: From famous Edmund Langley, Duke of Yorke,
1157: Marrying my Sister, that thy Mother was;
1158: Againe, in pitty of my hard distresse,
1159: Leuied an Army, weening to redeeme,
1160: And haue install'd me in the Diademe:
1161: But as the rest, so fell that Noble Earle,
1162: And was beheaded. Thus the Mortimers,
1163: In whom the Title rested, were supprest.
1164:
Rich.
Of which, my Lord, your Honor is the last.
1165:
Mort.
True; and thou seest, that I no Issue haue,
1166: And that my fainting words doe warrant death:
1167: Thou art my Heire; the rest, I wish thee gather:
1168: But yet be wary in thy studious care.
1169:
Rich.
Thy graue admonishments preuayle with me:
1170: But yet me thinkes, my Fathers execution
1171: Was nothing lesse then bloody Tyranny.
1172:
Mort.
With silence, Nephew, be thou pollitick,
1173: Strong fixed is the House of Lancaster,
1174: And like a Mountaine, not to be remou'd.
1175: But now thy Vnckle is remouing hence,
1176: As Princes doe their Courts, when they are cloy'd
1177: With long continuance in a setled place.
1178:
Rich.
O Vnckle, would some part of my young yeeres
1179: Might but redeeme the passage of your Age.
1180:
Mort.
Thou do'st then wrong me, as y slaughterer doth,
1181: Which giueth many Wounds, when one will kill.
1182: Mourne not, except thou sorrow for my good,
1183: Onely giue order for my Funerall.
1184: And so farewell, and faire be all thy hopes,
1185: And prosperous be thy Life in Peace and Warre. [ Dyes.]
1186:
Rich.
And Peace, no Warre, befall thy parting Soule.
1187: In Prison hast thou spent a Pilgrimage,
1188: And like a Hermite ouer-past thy dayes.
1189: Well, I will locke his Councell in my Brest,
1190: And what I doe imagine, let that rest.
1191: Keepers conuey him hence, and I my selfe
1192: Will see his Buryall better then his Life. [ Exit.]
1193: Here dyes the duskie Torch of Mortimer,
1194: Choakt with Ambition of the meaner sort.
1195: And for those Wrongs, those bitter Iniuries,
1196: Which Somerset hath offer'd to my House,
1197: I doubt not, but with Honor to redresse.
1198: And therefore haste I to the Parliament,
1199: Eyther to be restored to my Blood,
1200: Or make my will th' aduantage of my good. [ Exit.]
Act III
Scene i
1201: Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
1202: [ Flourish. Enter King, Exeter, Gloster, Winchester, Warwick.
Somerset, Suffolk, Richard Plantagenet. Gloster offers
to put vp a Bill: Winchester snatches it, teares it.]
1205:
Winch.
Com'st thou with deepe premeditated Lines?
1206: With written Pamphlets, studiously deuis'd?
1207: Humfrey of Gloster, if thou canst accuse,
1208: Or ought intend'st to lay vnto my charge,
1209: Doe it without inuention, suddenly,
1210: As I with sudden, and extemporall speech,
1211: Purpose to answer what thou canst obiect.
1212:
Glo.
Presumptuous Priest, this place co[m]mands my patie[n]ce,
1213: Or thou should'st finde thou hast dis-honor'd me.
1214: Thinke not, although in Writing I preferr'd
1215: The manner of thy vile outragious Crymes,
1216: That therefore I haue forg'd, or am not able
1217: Verbatim to rehearse the Methode of my Penne.
1218: No Prelate, such is thy audacious wickednesse,
1219: Thy lewd, pestiferous, and dissentious prancks,
1220: As very Infants prattle of thy pride.
1221: Thou art a most pernitious Vsurer,
1222: Froward by nature, Enemie to Peace,
1223: Lasciuious, wanton, more then well beseemes
1224: A man of thy Profession, and Degree.
1225: And for thy Trecherie, what's more manifest?
1226: In that thou layd'st a Trap to take my Life,
1227: As well at London Bridge, as at the Tower.
1228: Beside, I feare me, if thy thoughts were sifted,
1229: The King, thy Soueraigne, is not quite exempt
1230: From enuious mallice of thy swelling heart.
1231:
Winch.
Gloster, I doe defie thee. Lords vouchsafe
1232: To giue me hearing what I shall reply.
1233: If I were couetous, ambitious, or peruerse,
1234: As he will haue me: how am I so poore?
1235: Or how haps it, I seeke not to aduance
1236: Or rayse my selfe? but keepe my wonted Calling.
1237: And for Dissention, who preferreth Peace
1238: More then I doe? except I be prouok'd.
1239: No, my good Lords, it is not that offends,
1240: It is not that, that hath incens'd the Duke:
1241: It is because no one should sway but hee,
1242: No one, but hee, should be about the King;
1243: And that engenders Thunder in his breast,
1244: And makes him rore these Accusations forth.
1245: But he shall know I am as good.
1246:
Glost.
As good?
1247: Thou Bastard of my Grandfather.
1248:
Winch.
I, Lordly Sir: for what are you, I pray,
1249: But one imperious in anothers Throne?
1250:
Glost.
Am I not Protector, sawcie Priest?
1251:
Winch.
And am not I a Prelate of the Church?
1252:
Glost.
Yes, as an Out-law in a Castle keepes,
1253: And vseth it, to patronage his Theft.
1254:
Winch.
Vnreuerent Glocester.
1255:
Glost.
Thou art reuerent,
1256: Touching thy Spirituall Function, not thy Life.
1257:
Winch.
Rome shall remedie this.
1258:
Warw.
Roame thither then.
1259: My Lord, it were your dutie to forbeare.
1260:
Som.
I, see the Bishop be not ouer-borne:
1261: Me thinkes my Lord should be Religious,
1262: And know the Office that belongs to such.
1263:
Warw.
Me thinkes his Lordship should be humbler,
1264: It fitteth not a Prelate so to plead.
1265:
Som.
Yes, when his holy State is toucht so neere.
1266:
Warw.
State holy, or vnhallow'd, what of that?
1267: Is not his Grace Protector to the King?
1268:
Rich.
Plantagenet I see must hold his tongue,
1269: Least it be said, Speake Sirrha when you should:
1270: Must your bold Verdict enter talke with Lords?
1271: Else would I haue a fling at Winchester.
1272:
King.
Vnckles of Gloster, and of Winchester,
1273: The speciall Watch-men of our English Weale,
1274: I would preuayle, if Prayers might preuayle,
1275: To ioyne your hearts in loue and amitie.
1276: Oh, what a Scandall is it to our Crowne,
1277: That two such Noble Peeres as ye should iarre?
1278: Beleeue me, Lords, my tender yeeres can tell,
1279: Ciuill dissention is a viperous Worme,
1280: That gnawes the Bowels of the Common-wealth.
1281: [ A noyse within, Downe with the
Tawny-Coats.]
1283:
King.
What tumult's this?
1284:
Warw.
An Vprore, I dare warrant,
1285: Begun through malice of the Bishops men.
1286: [ A noyse againe, Stones, Stones.]
1287: [ Enter Maior.]
1288:
Maior.
Oh my good Lords, and vertuous Henry,
1289: Pitty the Citie of London, pitty vs:
1290: The Bishop, and the Duke of Glosters men,
1291: Forbidden late to carry any Weapon,
1292: Haue fill'd their Pockets full of peeble stones;
1293: And banding themselues in contrary parts,
1294: Doe pelt so fast at one anothers Pate,
1295: That many haue their giddy braynes knockt out:
1296: Our Windowes are broke downe in euery Street,
1297: And we, for feare, compell'd to shut our Shops.
1298: [ Enter in skirmish with bloody Pates.]
1299:
King.
We charge you, on allegeance to our selfe,
1300: To hold your slaughtring hands, and keepe the Peace:
1301: Pray' Vnckle Gloster mittigate this strife.
1302:
1.Seruing.
Nay, if we be forbidden Stones, wee'le fall
1303: to it with our Teeth.
1304:
2.Seruing.
Doe what ye dare, we are as resolute.
1305: [ Skirmish againe.]
1306:
Glost.
You of my household, leaue this peeuish broyle,
1307: And set this vnaccustom'd fight aside.
1308:
3.Seru.
My Lord, we know your Grace to be a man
1309: Iust, and vpright; and for your Royall Birth,
1310: Inferior to none, but to his Maiestie:
1311: And ere that we will suffer such a Prince,
1312: So kinde a Father of the Common-weale,
1313: To be disgraced by an Inke-horne Mate,
1314: Wee and our Wiues and Children all will fight,
1315: And haue our bodyes slaughtred by thy foes.
1316:
1.Seru.
I, and the very parings of our Nayles
1317: Shall pitch a Field when we are dead.
1318: [ Begin againe.]
1319:
Glost.
Stay, stay, I say:
1320: And if you loue me, as you say you doe,
1321: Let me perswade you to forbeare a while.
1322:
King.
Oh, how this discord doth afflict my Soule.
1323: Can you, my Lord of Winchester, behold
1324: My sighes and teares, and will not once relent?
1325: Who should be pittifull, if you be not?
1326: Or who should study to preferre a Peace,
1327: If holy Church-men take delight in broyles?
1328:
Warw.
Yeeld my Lord Protector, yeeld Winchester,
1329: Except you meane with obstinate repulse
1330: To slay your Soueraigne, and destroy the Realme.
1331: You see what Mischiefe, and what Murther too,
1332: Hath beene enacted through your enmitie:
1333: Then be at peace, except ye thirst for blood.
1334:
Winch.
He shall submit, or I will neuer yeeld.
1335:
Glost.
Compassion on the King commands me stoupe,
1336: Or I would see his heart out, ere the Priest
1337: Should euer get that priuiledge of me.
1338:
Warw.
Behold my Lord of Winchester, the Duke
1339: Hath banisht moodie discontented fury,
1340: As by his smoothed Browes it doth appeare:
1341: Why looke you still so sterne, and tragicall?
1342:
Glost.
Here Winchester, I offer thee my Hand.
1343:
King.
Fie Vnckle Beauford, I haue heard you preach,
1344: That Mallice was a great and grieuous sinne:
1345: And will not you maintaine the thing you teach?
1346: But proue a chiefe offendor in the same.
1347:
Warw.
Sweet King: the Bishop hath a kindly gyrd:
1348: For shame my Lord of Winchester relent;
1349: What, shall a Child instruct you what to doe?
1350:
Winch.
Well, Duke of Gloster, I will yeeld to thee
1351: Loue for thy Loue, and Hand for Hand I giue.
1352:
Glost.
I, but I feare me with a hollow Heart.
1353: See here my Friends and louing Countreymen,
1354: This token serueth for a Flagge of Truce,
1355: Betwixt our selues, and all our followers:
1356: So helpe me God, as I dissemble not.
1357:
Winch.
So helpe me God, as I intend it not.
1358:
King.
Oh louing Vnckle, kinde Duke of Gloster,
1359: How ioyfull am I made by this Contract.
1360: Away my Masters, trouble vs no more,
1361: But ioyne in friendship, as your Lords haue done.
1362:
1.Seru.
Content, Ile to the Surgeons.
1363:
2.Seru.
And so will I.
1364:
3.Seru.
And I will see what Physick the Tauerne af-fords.
1365: [ Exeunt.]
1366:
Warw.
Accept this Scrowle, most gracious Soueraigne,
1367: Which in the Right of Richard Plantagenet,
1368: We doe exhibite to your Maiestie.
1369:
Glo.
Well vrg'd, my Lord of Warwick: for sweet Prince,
1370: And if your Grace marke euery circumstance,
1371: You haue great reason to doe Richard right,
1372: Especially for those occasions
1373: At Eltam Place I told your Maiestie.
1374:
King.
And those occasions, Vnckle, were of force:
1375: Therefore my louing Lords, our pleasure is,
1376: That Richard be restored to his Blood.
1377:
Warw.
Let Richard be restored to his Blood,
1378: So shall his Fathers wrongs be recompenc't.
1379:
Winch.
As will the rest, so willeth Winchester.
1380:
King.
If Richard will be true, not that all alone,
1381: But all the whole Inheritance I giue,
1382: That doth belong vnto the House of Yorke,
1383: From whence you spring, by Lineall Descent.
1384:
Rich.
Thy humble seruant vowes obedience,
1385: And humble seruice, till the point of death.
1386:
King.
Stoope then, and set your Knee against my Foot,
1387: And in reguerdon of that dutie done,
1388: I gyrt thee with the valiant Sword of Yorke:
1389: Rise Richard, like a true Plantagenet,
1390: And rise created Princely Duke of Yorke.
1391:
Rich.
And so thriue Richard, as thy foes may fall,
1392: And as my dutie springs, so perish they,
1393: That grudge one thought against your Maiesty.
1394:
All.
Welcome high Prince, the mighty Duke of Yorke.
1395:
Som.
Perish base Prince, ignoble Duke of Yorke.
1396:
Glost.
Now will it best auaile your Maiestie,
1397: To crosse the Seas, and to be Crown'd in France:
1398: The presence of a King engenders loue
1399: Amongst his Subiects, and his loyall Friends,
1400: As it dis-animates his Enemies.
1401:
King.
When Gloster sayes the word, King Henry goes,
1402: For friendly counsaile cuts off many Foes.
1403:
Glost.
Your Ships alreadie are in readinesse.
1404: [ Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.]
1405: [ Manet Exeter.]
1406:
Exet.
I, we may march in England, or in France,
1407: Not seeing what is likely to ensue:
1408: This late dissention growne betwixt the Peeres,
1409: Burnes vnder fained ashes of forg'd loue,
1410: And will at last breake out into a flame,
1411: As festred members rot but by degree,
1412: Till bones and flesh and sinewes fall away,
1413: So will this base and enuious discord breed.
1414: And now I feare that fatall Prophecie,
1415: Which in the time of Henry, nam'd the Fift,
1416: Was in the mouth of euery sucking Babe,
1417: That Henry borne at Monmouth should winne all,
1418: And Henry borne at Windsor, loose all:
1419: Which is so plaine, that Exeter doth wish,
1420: His dayes may finish, ere that haplesse time. [ Exit.]
Scene ii
1421: Scoena Secunda.
1422: [ Enter Pucell disguis'd, with foure Souldiors with
Sacks vpon their backs.]
1424:
Pucell.
These are the Citie Gates, the Gates of Roan,
1425: Through which our Pollicy must make a breach.
1426: Take heed, be wary how you place your words,
1427: Talke like the vulgar sort of Market men,
1428: That come to gather Money for their Corne.
1429: If we haue entrance, as I hope we shall,
1430: And that we finde the slouthfull Watch but weake,
1431: Ile by a signe giue notice to our friends,
1432: That Charles the Dolphin may encounter them.
1433:
Souldier.
Our Sacks shall be a meane to sack the City,
1434: And we be Lords and Rulers ouer Roan,
1435: Therefore wee'le knock. [ Knock.]
1436:
Watch.
Che la.
1437:
Pucell.
Peasauns la pouure gens de Fraunce,
1438: Poore Market folkes that come to sell their Corne.
1439:
Watch.
Enter, goe in, the Market Bell is rung.
1440:
Pucell.
Now Roan, Ile shake thy Bulwarkes to the
1441: ground. [ Exeunt.]
1442: [ Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson.]
1443:
Charles.
Saint Dennis blesse this happy Stratageme,
1444: And once againe wee'le sleepe secure in Roan.
1445:
Bastard.
Here entred Pucell, and her Practisants:
1446: Now she is there, how will she specifie?
1447: Here is the best and safest passage in.
1448:
Reig.
By thrusting out a Torch from yonder Tower,
1449: Which once discern'd, shewes that her meaning is,
1450: No way to that (for weaknesse) which she entred.
1451: [ Enter Pucell on the top, thrusting out a
Torch burning.]
1453:
Pucell.
Behold, this is the happy Wedding Torch,
1454: That ioyneth Roan vnto her Countreymen,
1455: But burning fatall to the Talbonites.
1456:
Bastard.
See Noble Charles the Beacon of our friend,
1457: The burning Torch in yonder Turret stands.
1458:
Charles.
Now shine it like a Commet of Reuenge,
1459: A Prophet to the fall of all our Foes.
1460:
Reig.
Deferre no time, delayes haue dangerous ends,
1461: Enter and cry, the Dolphin, presently,
1462: And then doe execution on the Watch. [ Alarum.]
1463: [ An Alarum. Talbot in an Excursion.]
1464:
Talb.
France, thou shalt rue this Treason with thy teares,
1465: If Talbot but suruiue thy Trecherie.
1466: Pucell that Witch, that damned Sorceresse,
1467: Hath wrought this Hellish Mischiefe vnawares,
1468: That hardly we escap't the Pride of France. [ Exit.]
1469: [ An Alarum: Excursions. Bedford brought
in sicke in a Chayre.]
1471: [ Enter Talbot and Burgonie without: within, Pucell,
Charles, Bastard, and Reigneir on the Walls.]
1473:
Pucell.
God morrow Gallants, want ye Corn for Bread?
1474: I thinke the Duke of Burgonie will fast,
1475: Before hee'le buy againe at such a rate.
1476: 'Twas full of Darnell: doe you like the taste?
1477:
Burg.
Scoffe on vile Fiend, and shamelesse Curtizan,
1478: I trust ere long to choake thee with thine owne,
1479: And make thee curse the Haruest of that Corne.
1480:
Charles.
Your Grace may starue (perhaps) before that
1481: time.
1482:
Bedf.
Oh let no words, but deedes, reuenge this Trea-son.
1483: _
1484:
Pucell.
What will you doe, good gray-beard?
1485: Breake a Launce, and runne a-Tilt at Death,
1486: Within a Chayre.
1487:
Talb.
Foule Fiend of France, and Hag of all despight,
1488: Incompass'd with thy lustfull Paramours,
1489: Becomes it thee to taunt his valiant Age,
1490: And twit with Cowardise a man halfe dead?
1491: Damsell, Ile haue a bowt with you againe,
1492: Or else let Talbot perish with this shame.
1493:
Pucell.
Are ye so hot, Sir: yet Pucell hold thy peace,
1494: If Talbot doe but Thunder, Raine will follow.
1495: [ They whisper together in counsell.]
1496: God speed the Parliament: who shall be the Speaker?
1497:
Talb.
Dare yee come forth, and meet vs in the field?
1498:
Pucell.
Belike your Lordship takes vs then for fooles,
1499: To try if that our owne be ours, or no.
1500:
Talb.
I speake not to that rayling Hecate,
1501: But vnto thee Alanson, and the rest.
1502: Will ye, like Souldiors, come and fight it out?
1503:
Alans.
Seignior no.
1504:
Talb.
Seignior hang: base Muleters of France,
1505: Like Pesant foot-Boyes doe they keepe the Walls,
1506: And dare not take vp Armes, like Gentlemen.
1507:
Pucell.
Away Captaines, let's get vs from the Walls,
1508: For Talbot meanes no goodnesse by his Lookes.
1509: God b'uy my Lord, we came but to tell you
1510: That wee are here. [ Exeunt from the Walls.]
1511:
Talb.
And there will we be too, ere it be long,
1512: Or else reproach be Talbots greatest fame.
1513: Vow Burgonie, by honor of thy House,
1514: Prickt on by publike Wrongs sustain'd in France,
1515: Either to get the Towne againe, or dye.
1516: And I, as sure as English Henry liues,
1517: And as his Father here was Conqueror;
1518: As sure as in this late betrayed Towne,
1519: Great Cordelions Heart was buryed;
1520: So sure I sweare, to get the Towne, or dye.
1521:
Burg.
My Vowes are equall partners with thy
1522: Vowes.
1523:
Talb.
But ere we goe, regard this dying Prince,
1524: The valiant Duke of Bedford: Come my Lord,
1525: We will bestow you in some better place,
1526: Fitter for sicknesse, and for crasie age.
1527:
Bedf.
Lord Talbot, doe not so dishonour me:
1528: Here will I sit, before the Walls of Roan,
1529: And will be partner of your weale or woe.
1530:
Burg.
Couragious Bedford, let vs now perswade you.
1531:
Bedf.
Not to be gone from hence: for once I read,
1532: That stout Pendragon, in his Litter sick,
1533: Came to the field, and vanquished his foes.
1534: Me thinkes I should reuiue the Souldiors hearts,
1535: Because I euer found them as my selfe.
1536:
Talb.
Vndaunted spirit in a dying breast,
1537: Then be it so: Heauens keepe old Bedford safe.
1538: And now no more adoe, braue Burgonie,
1539: But gather we our Forces out of hand,
1540: And set vpon our boasting Enemie. [ Exit.]
1541: [ An Alarum: Excursions. Enter Sir Iohn
Falstaffe, and a Captaine.]
1543:
Capt.
Whither away Sir Iohn Falstaffe, in such haste?
1544:
Falst.
Whither away? to saue my selfe by flight,
1545: We are like to haue the ouerthrow againe.
1546:
Capt.
What? will you flye, and leaue Lord Talbot?
1547:
Falst.
I, all the Talbots in the World, to saue my life.
1548: [ Exit.]
1549:
Capt.
Cowardly Knight, ill fortune follow thee.
1550: [ Exit.]
1551: [ Retreat. Excursions. Pucell, Alanson, and
Charles flye.]
1553:
Bedf.
Now quiet Soule, depart when Heauen please,
1554: For I haue seene our Enemies ouerthrow.
1555: What is the trust or strength of foolish man?
1556: They that of late were daring with their scoffes,
1557: Are glad and faine by flight to saue themselues.
1558: [ Bedford dyes, and is carryed in by two in his Chaire.]
1559: [ An Alarum. Enter Talbot, Burgonie, and
the rest.]
1561:
Talb.
Lost, and recouered in a day againe,
1562: This is a double Honor, Burgonie:
1563: Yet Heauens haue glory for this Victorie.
1564:
Burg.
Warlike and Martiall Talbot, Burgonie
1565: Inshrines thee in his heart, and there erects
1566: Thy noble Deeds, as Valors Monuments.
1567:
Talb.
Thanks gentle Duke: but where is Pucel now?
1568: I thinke her old Familiar is asleepe.
1569: Now where's the Bastards braues, and Charles his glikes?
1570: What all amort? Roan hangs her head for griefe,
1571: That such a valiant Company are fled.
1572: Now will we take some order in the Towne,
1573: Placing therein some expert Officers,
1574: And then depart to Paris, to the King,
1575: For there young Henry with his Nobles lye.
1576:
Burg.
What wills Lord Talbot, pleaseth Burgonie.
1577:
Talb.
But yet before we goe, let's not forget
1578: The Noble Duke of Bedford, late deceas'd,
1579: But see his Exequies fulfill'd in Roan.
1580: A brauer Souldier neuer couched Launce,
1581: A gentler Heart did neuer sway in Court.
1582: But Kings and mightiest Potentates must die,
1583: For that's the end of humane miserie. [ Exeunt.]
Scene iii
1584: Scaena Tertia.
1585: [ Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson, Pucell.]
1586:
Pucell.
Dismay not (Princes) at this accident,
1587: Nor grieue that Roan is so recouered:
1588: Care is no cure, but rather corrosiue,
1589: For things that are not to be remedy'd.
1590: Let frantike Talbot triumph for a while,
1591: And like a Peacock sweepe along his tayle,
1592: Wee'le pull his Plumes, and take away his Trayne,
1593: If Dolphin and the rest will be but rul'd.
1594:
Charles.
We haue been guided by thee hitherto,
1595: And of thy Cunning had no diffidence,
1596: One sudden Foyle shall neuer breed distrust.
1597:
Bastard.
Search out thy wit for secret pollicies,
1598: And we will make thee famous through the World.
1599:
Alans.
Wee'le set thy Statue in some holy place,
1600: And haue thee reuerenc't like a blessed Saint.
1601: Employ thee then, sweet Virgin, for our good.
1602:
Pucell.
Then thus it must be, this doth Ioane deuise:
1603: By faire perswasions, mixt with sugred words,
1604: We will entice the Duke of Burgonie
1605: To leaue the Talbot, and to follow vs.
1606:
Charles.
I marry Sweeting, if we could doe that,
1607: France were no place for Henryes Warriors,
1608: Nor should that Nation boast it so with vs,
1609: But be extirped from our Prouinces.
1610:
Alans.
For euer should they be expuls'd from France,
1611: And not haue Title of an Earledome here.
1612:
Pucell.
Your Honors shall perceiue how I will worke,
1613: To bring this matter to the wished end.
1614: [ Drumme sounds a farre off.]
1615: Hearke, by the sound of Drumme you may perceiue
1616: Their Powers are marching vnto Paris-ward.
1617: [ Here sound an English March.]
1618: There goes the Talbot with his Colours spred,
1619: And all the Troupes of English after him.
1620: [ French March.]
1621: Now in the Rereward comes the Duke and his:
1622: Fortune in fauor makes him lagge behinde.
1623: Summon a Parley, we will talke with him.
1624: [ Trumpets sound a Parley.]
1625:
Charles.
A Parley with the Duke of Burgonie.
1626:
Burg.
Who craues a Parley with the Burgonie?
1627:
Pucell.
The Princely Charles of France, thy Countrey-man.
1628: _
1629:
Burg.
What say'st thou Charles? for I am marching
1630: hence.
1631:
Charles.
Speake Pucell, and enchaunt him with thy
1632: words.
1633:
Pucell.
Braue Burgonie, vndoubted hope of France,
1634: Stay, let thy humble Hand-maid speake to thee.
1635:
Burg.
Speake on, but be not ouer-tedious.
1636:
Pucell.
Looke on thy Country, look on fertile France,
1637: And see the Cities and the Townes defac't,
1638: By wasting Ruine of the cruell Foe,
1639: As lookes the Mother on her lowly Babe,
1640: When Death doth close his tender-dying Eyes.
1641: See, see the pining Maladie of France:
1642: Behold the Wounds, the most vnnaturall Wounds,
1643: Which thou thy selfe hast giuen her wofull Brest.
1644: Oh turne thy edged Sword another way,
1645: Strike those that hurt, and hurt not those that helpe:
1646: One drop of Blood drawne from thy Countries Bosome,
1647: Should grieue thee more then streames of forraine gore.
1648: Returne thee therefore with a floud of Teares,
1649: And wash away thy Countries stayned Spots.
1650:
Burg.
Either she hath bewitcht me with her words,
1651: Or Nature makes me suddenly relent.
1652:
Pucell.
Besides, all French and France exclaimes on thee,
1653: Doubting thy Birth and lawfull Progenie.
1654: Who ioyn'st thou with, but with a Lordly Nation,
1655: That will not trust thee, but for profits sake?
1656: When Talbot hath set footing once in France,
1657: And fashion'd thee that Instrument of Ill,
1658: Who then, but English Henry, will be Lord,
1659: And thou be thrust out, like a Fugitiue?
1660: Call we to minde, and marke but this for proofe:
1661: Was not the Duke of Orleance thy Foe?
1662: And was he not in England Prisoner?
1663: But when they heard he was thine Enemie,
1664: They set him free, without his Ransome pay'd,
1665: In spight of Burgonie and all his friends.
1666: See then, thou fight'st against thy Countreymen,
1667: And ioyn'st with them will be thy slaughter-men.
1668: Come, come, returne; returne thou wandering Lord,
1669: Charles and the rest will take thee in their armes.
1670:
Burg.
I am vanquished:
1671: These haughtie wordes of hers
1672: Haue batt'red me like roaring Cannon-shot,
1673: And made me almost yeeld vpon my knees.
1674: Forgiue me Countrey, and sweet Countreymen:
1675: And Lords accept this heartie kind embrace.
1676: My Forces and my Power of Men are yours.
1677: So farwell Talbot, Ile no longer trust thee.
1678:
Pucell.
Done like a Frenchman: turne and turne a-gaine.
1679: _
1680:
Charles.
Welcome braue Duke, thy friendship makes
1681: vs fresh.
1682:
Bastard.
And doth beget new Courage in our
1683: Breasts.
1684:
Alans.
Pucell hath brauely play'd her part in this,
1685: And doth deserue a Coronet of Gold.
1686:
Charles.
Now let vs on, my Lords,
1687: And ioyne our Powers,
1688: And seeke how we may preiudice the Foe. [ Exeunt.]
Scene iv
1689: Scoena Quarta.
1690: [ Enter the King, Gloucester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke,
Somerset, Warwicke, Exeter: To them, with
his Souldiors, Talbot.]
1693:
Talb.
My gracious Prince, and honorable Peeres,
1694: Hearing of your arriuall in this Realme,
1695: I haue a while giuen Truce vnto my Warres,
1696: To doe my dutie to my Soueraigne.
1697: In signe whereof, this Arme, that hath reclaym'd
1698: To your obedience, fiftie Fortresses,
1699: Twelue Cities, and seuen walled Townes of strength,
1700: Beside fiue hundred Prisoners of esteeme;
1701: Lets fall his Sword before your Highnesse feet:
1702: And with submissiue loyaltie of heart
1703: Ascribes the Glory of his Conquest got,
1704: First to my God, and next vnto your Grace.
1705:
King.
Is this the Lord Talbot, Vnckle Gloucester,
1706: That hath so long beene resident in France?
1707:
Glost.
Yes, if it please your Maiestie, my Liege.
1708:
King.
Welcome braue Captaine, and victorious Lord.
1709: When I was young (as yet I am not old)
1710: I doe remember how my Father said,
1711: A stouter Champion neuer handled Sword.
1712: Long since we were resolued of your truth,
1713: Your faithfull seruice, and your toyle in Warre:
1714: Yet neuer haue you tasted our Reward,
1715: Or beene reguerdon'd with so much as Thanks,
1716: Because till now, we neuer saw your face.
1717: Therefore stand vp, and for these good deserts,
1718: We here create you Earle of Shrewsbury,
1719: And in our Coronation take your place.
1720: [ Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.]
1721: [ Manet Vernon and Basset.]
1722:
Vern.
Now Sir, to you that were so hot at Sea,
1723: Disgracing of these Colours that I weare,
1724: In honor of my Noble Lord of Yorke
1725: Dar'st thou maintaine the former words thou spak'st?
1726:
Bass.
Yes Sir, as well as you dare patronage
1727: The enuious barking of your sawcie Tongue,
1728: Against my Lord the Duke of Somerset.
1729:
Vern.
Sirrha, thy Lord I honour as he is.
1730:
Bass.
Why, what is he? as good a man as Yorke.
1731:
Vern.
Hearke ye: not so: in witnesse take ye that.
1732: [ Strikes him.]
1733:
Bass.
Villaine, thou knowest
1734: The Law of Armes is such,
1735: That who so drawes a Sword, 'tis present death,
1736: Or else this Blow should broach thy dearest Bloud.
1737: But Ile vnto his Maiestie, and craue,
1738: I may haue libertie to venge this Wrong,
1739: When thou shalt see, Ile meet thee to thy cost.
1740:
Vern.
Well miscreant, Ile be there as soone as you,
1741: And after meete you, sooner then you would.
1742: [ Exeunt.]
Act IV
Scene i
1743: Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
1744: [ Enter King, Glocester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke, Somer-set,
Warwicke, Talbot, and Gouernor Exeter.]
1746:
Glo.
Lord Bishop set the Crowne vpon his head.
1747:
Win.
God saue King Henry of that name the sixt.
1748:
Glo.
Now Gouernour of Paris take your oath,
1749: That you elect no other King but him;
1750: Esteeme none Friends, but such as are his Friends,
1751: And none your Foes, but such as shall pretend
1752: Malicious practises against his State:
1753: This shall ye do, so helpe you righteous God.
1754: [ Enter Falstaffe.]
1755:
Fal.
My gracious Soueraigne, as I rode from Calice,
1756: To haste vnto your Coronation:
1757: A Letter was deliuer'd to my hands,
1758: Writ to your Grace, from th' Duke of Burgundy.
1759:
Tal.
Shame to the Duke of Burgundy, and thee:
1760: I vow'd (base Knight) when I did meete the next,
1761: To teare the Garter from thy Crauens legge,
1762: Which I haue done, because (vnworthily)
1763: Thou was't installed in that High Degree.
1764: Pardon me Princely Henry, and the rest:
1765: This Dastard, at the battell of Poictiers,
1766: When (but in all) I was sixe thousand strong,
1767: And that the French were almost ten to one,
1768: Before we met, or that a stroke was giuen,
1769: Like to a trustie Squire, did run away.
1770: In which assault, we lost twelue hundred men.
1771: My selfe, and diuers Gentlemen beside,
1772: Were there surpriz'd, and taken prisoners.
1773: Then iudge (great Lords) if I haue done amisse:
1774: Or whether that such Cowards ought to weare
1775: This Ornament of Knighthood, yea or no?
1776:
Glo.
To say the truth, this fact was infamous,
1777: And ill beseeming any common man;
1778: Much more a Knight, a Captaine, and a Leader.
1779:
Tal.
When first this Order was ordain'd my Lords,
1780: Knights of the Garter were of Noble birth;
1781: Valiant, and Vertuous, full of haughtie Courage,
1782: Such as were growne to credit by the warres:
1783: Not fearing Death, nor shrinking for Distresse,
1784: But alwayes resolute, in most extreames.
1785: He then, that is not furnish'd in this sort,
1786: Doth but vsurpe the Sacred name of Knight,
1787: Prophaning this most Honourable Order,
1788: And should (if I were worthy to be Iudge)
1789: Be quite degraded, like a Hedge-borne Swaine,
1790: That doth presume to boast of Gentle blood.
1791:
K.
Staine to thy Countrymen, thou hear'st thy doom:
1792: Be packing therefore, thou that was't a knight:
1793: Henceforth we banish thee on paine of death.
1794: And now Lord Protector, view the Letter
1795: Sent from our Vnckle Duke of Burgundy.
1796:
Glo.
What meanes his Grace, that he hath chaung'd
1797: his Stile?
1798: No more but plaine and bluntly? (To the King.)
1799: Hath he forgot he is his Soueraigne?
1800: Or doth this churlish Superscription
1801: Pretend some alteration in good will?
1802: What's heere? I haue vpon especiall cause,
1803: Mou'd with compassion of my Countries wracke,
1804: Together with the pittifull complaints
1805: Of such as your oppression feedes vpon,
1806: Forsaken your pernitious Faction,
1807: And ioyn'd with Charles, the rightfull king of France.
1808: O monstrous Treachery: Can this be so?
1809: That in alliance, amity, and oathes,
1810: There should be found such false dissembling guile?
1811:
King.
What? doth my Vnckle Burgundy reuolt?
1812:
Glo.
He doth my Lord, and is become your foe.
1813:
King.
Is that the worst this Letter doth containe?
1814:
Glo.
It is the worst, and all (my Lord) he writes.
1815:
King.
Why then Lord Talbot there shal talk with him,
1816: And giue him chasticement for this abuse.
1817: How say you (my Lord) are you not content?
1818:
Tal.
Content, my Liege? Yes: But y I am preuented,
1819: I should haue begg'd I might haue bene employd.
1820:
King.
Then gather strength, and march vnto him
1821: straight:
1822: Let him perceiue how ill we brooke his Treason,
1823: And what offence it is to flout his Friends.
1824:
Tal.
I go my Lord, in heart desiring still
1825: You may behold confusion of your foes.
1826: [ Enter Vernon and Bassit.]
1827:
Ver.
Grant me the Combate, gracious Soueraigne.
1828:
Bas.
And me (my Lord) grant me the Combate too.
1829:
Yorke.
This is my Seruant, heare him Noble Prince.
1830:
Som.
And this is mine (sweet Henry) fauour him.
1831:
King.
Be patient Lords, and giue them leaue to speak.
1832: Say Gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaime,
1833: And wherefore craue you Combate? Or with whom?
1834:
Ver.
With him (my Lord) for he hath done me wrong.
1835:
Bas.
And I with him, for he hath done me wrong.
1836:
King.
What is that wrong, wherof you both complain
1837: First let me know, and then Ile answer you.
1838:
Bas.
Crossing the Sea, from England into France,
1839: This Fellow heere with enuious carping tongue,
1840: Vpbraided me about the Rose I weare,
1841: Saying, the sanguine colour of the Leaues
1842: Did represent my Masters blushing cheekes:
1843: When stubbornly he did repugne the truth,
1844: About a certaine question in the Law,
1845: Argu'd betwixt the Duke of Yorke, and him:
1846: With other vile and ignominious tearmes.
1847: In confutation of which rude reproach,
1848: And in defence of my Lords worthinesse,
1849: I craue the benefit of Law of Armes.
1850:
Ver.
And that is my petition (Noble Lord:)
1851: For though he seeme with forged queint conceite
1852: To set a glosse vpon his bold intent,
1853: Yet know (my Lord) I was prouok'd by him,
1854: And he first tooke exceptions at this badge,
1855: Pronouncing that the palenesse of this Flower,
1856: Bewray'd the faintnesse of my Masters heart.
1857:
Yorke.
Will not this malice Somerset be left?
1858:
Som.
Your priuate grudge my Lord of York, wil out,
1859: Though ne're so cunningly you smother it.
1860:
King.
Good Lord, what madnesse rules in braine-sicke
1861: men,
1862: When for so slight and friuolous a cause,
1863: Such factious aemulations shall arise?
1864: Good Cosins both of Yorke and Somerset,
1865: Quiet your selues (I pray) and be at peace.
1866:
Yorke.
Let this dissention first be tried by fight,
1867: And then your Highnesse shall command a Peace.
1868:
Som.
The quarrell toucheth none but vs alone,
1869: Betwixt our selues let vs decide it then.
1870:
Yorke.
There is my pledge, accept it Somerset.
1871:
Ver.
Nay, let it rest where it began at first.
1872:
Bass.
Confirme it so, mine honourable Lord.
1873:
Glo.
Confirme it so? Confounded be your strife,
1874: And perish ye with your audacious prate,
1875: Presumptuous vassals, are you not asham'd
1876: With this immodest clamorous outrage,
1877: To trouble and disturbe the King, and Vs?
1878: And you my Lords, me thinkes you do not well
1879: To beare with their peruerse Obiections:
1880: Much lesse to take occasion from their mouthes,
1881: To raise a mutiny betwixt your selues.
1882: Let me perswade you take a better course.
1883:
Exet.
It greeues his Highnesse,
1884: Good my Lords, be Friends.
1885:
King.
Come hither you that would be Combatants:
1886: Henceforth I charge you, as you loue our fauour,
1887: Quite to forget this Quarrell, and the cause.
1888: And you my Lords: Remember where we are,
1889: In France, amongst a fickle wauering Nation:
1890: If they perceyue dissention in our lookes,
1891: And that within our selues we disagree;
1892: How will their grudging stomackes be prouok'd
1893: To wilfull Disobedience, and Rebell?
1894: Beside, What infamy will there arise,
1895: When Forraigne Princes shall be certified,
1896: That for a toy, a thing of no regard,
1897: King Henries Peeres, and cheefe Nobility,
1898: Destroy'd themselues, and lost the Realme of France?
1899: Oh thinke vpon the Conquest of my Father,
1900: My tender yeares, and let vs not forgoe
1901: That for a trifle, that was bought with blood.
1902: Let me be Vmper in this doubtfull strife:
1903: I see no reason if I weare this Rose,
1904: That any one should therefore be suspitious
1905: I more incline to Somerset, than Yorke:
1906: Both are my kinsmen, and I loue them both.
1907: As well they may vpbray'd me with my Crowne,
1908: Because (forsooth) the King of Scots is Crown'd.
1909: But your discretions better can perswade,
1910: Then I am able to instruct or teach:
1911: And therefore, as we hither came in peace,
1912: So let vs still continue peace, and loue.
1913: Cosin of Yorke, we institute your Grace
1914: To be our Regent in these parts of France:
1915: And good my Lord of Somerset, vnite
1916: Your Troopes of horsemen, with his Bands of foote,
1917: And like true Subiects, sonnes of your Progenitors,
1918: Go cheerefully together, and digest
1919: Your angry Choller on your Enemies.
1920: Our Selfe, my Lord Protector, and the rest,
1921: After some respit, will returne to Calice;
1922: From thence to England, where I hope ere long
1923: To be presented by your Victories,
1924: With Charles, Alanson, and that Traiterous rout.
1925: [ Exeunt. Manet Yorke, Warwick, Exeter, Vernon.]
1926:
War.
My Lord of Yorke, I promise you the King
1927: Prettily (me thought) did play the Orator.
1928:
Yorke.
And so he did, but yet I like it not,
1929: In that he weares the badge of Somerset.
1930:
War.
Tush, that was but his fancie, blame him not,
1931: I dare presume (sweet Prince) he thought no harme.
1932:
York.
And if I wish he did. But let it rest,
1933: Other affayres must now be managed. [ Exeunt.]
1934: [ Flourish. Manet Exeter.]
1935:
Exet.
Well didst thou Richard to suppresse thy voice:
1936: For had the passions of thy heart burst out,
1937: I feare we should haue seene decipher'd there
1938: More rancorous spight, more furious raging broyles,
1939: Then yet can be imagin'd or suppos'd:
1940: But howsoere, no simple man that sees
1941: This iarring discord of Nobilitie,
1942: This shouldering of each other in the Court,
1943: This factious bandying of their Fauourites,
1944: But that it doth presage some ill euent.
1945: 'Tis much, when Scepters are in Childrens hands:
1946: But more, when Enuy breeds vnkinde deuision,
1947: There comes the ruine, there begins confusion. [ Exit.]
1948: [ Enter Talbot with Trumpe and Drumme,
before Burdeaux.]
1950:
Talb.
Go to the Gates of Burdeaux Trumpeter,
1951: Summon their Generall vnto the Wall. [ Sounds.]
1952: [ Enter Generall aloft.]
1953: English Iohn Talbot (Captaines) call you forth,
1954: Seruant in Armes to Harry King of England,
1955: And thus he would. Open your Citie Gates,
1956: Be humble to vs, call my Soueraigne yours,
1957: And do him homage as obedient Subiects,
1958: And Ile withdraw me, and my bloody power.
1959: But if you frowne vpon this proffer'd Peace,
1960: You tempt the fury of my three attendants,
1961: Leane Famine, quartering Steele, and climbing Fire,
1962: Who in a moment, eeuen with the earth,
1963: Shall lay your stately, and ayre-brauing Towers,
1964: If you forsake the offer of their loue.
1965:
Cap.
Thou ominous and fearefull Owle of death,
1966: Our Nations terror, and their bloody scourge,
1967: The period of thy Tyranny approacheth,
1968: On vs thou canst not enter but by death:
1969: For I protest we are well fortified,
1970: And strong enough to issue out and fight.
1971: If thou retire, the Dolphin well appointed,
1972: Stands with the snares of Warre to tangle thee.
1973: On either hand thee, there are squadrons pitcht,
1974: To wall thee from the liberty of Flight;
1975: And no way canst thou turne thee for redresse,
1976: But death doth front thee with apparant spoyle,
1977: And pale destruction meets thee in the face:
1978: Ten thousand French haue tane the Sacrament,
1979: To ryue their dangerous Artillerie
1980: Vpon no Christian soule but English Talbot:
1981: Loe, there thou standst a breathing valiant man
1982: Of an inuincible vnconquer'd spirit:
1983: This is the latest Glorie of thy praise,
1984: That I thy enemy dew thee withall:
1985: For ere the Glasse that now begins to runne,
1986: Finish the processe of his sandy houre,
1987: These eyes that see thee now well coloured,
1988: Shall see thee withered, bloody, pale, and dead.
1989: [ Drum a farre off.]
1990: Harke, harke, the Dolphins drumme, a warning bell,
1991: Sings heauy Musicke to thy timorous soule,
1992: And mine shall ring thy dire departure out. [ Exit]
1993:
Tal.
He Fables not, I heare the enemie:
1994: Out some light Horsemen, and peruse their Wings.
1995: O negligent and heedlesse Discipline,
1996: How are we park'd and bounded in a pale?
1997: A little Heard of Englands timorous Deere,
1998: Maz'd with a yelping kennell of French Curres.
1999: If we be English Deere, be then in blood,
2000: Not Rascall-like to fall downe with a pinch,
2001: But rather moodie mad: And desperate Stagges,
2002: Turne on the bloody Hounds with heads of Steele,
2003: And make the Cowards stand aloofe at bay:
2004: Sell euery man his life as deere as mine,
2005: And they shall finde deere Deere of vs my Friends.
2006: God, and S[aint]. George, Talbot and Englands right,
2007: Prosper our Colours in this dangerous fight.
2008: [ Enter a Messenger that meets Yorke. Enter Yorke
with Trumpet, and many Soldiers.]
2010:
Yorke.
Are not the speedy scouts return'd againe,
2011: That dog'd the mighty Army of the Dolphin?
2012:
Mess.
They are return'd my Lord, and giue it out,
2013: That he is march'd to Burdeaux with his power
2014: To fight with Talbot as he march'd along.
2015: By your espyals were discouered
2016: Two mightier Troopes then that the Dolphin led,
2017: Which ioyn'd with him, and made their march for Burdeaux
2018:
Yorke.
A plague vpon that Villaine Somerset,
2019: That thus delayes my promised supply
2020: Of horsemen, that were leuied for this siege.
2021: Renowned Talbot doth expect my ayde,
2022: And I am lowted by a Traitor Villaine,
2023: And cannot helpe the noble Cheualier:
2024: God comfort him in this necessity:
2025: If he miscarry, farewell Warres in France.
2026: [ Enter another Messenger.]
2027:
2.Mes.
Thou Princely Leader of our English strength,
2028: Neuer so needfull on the earth of France,
2029: Spurre to the rescue of the Noble Talbot,
2030: Who now is girdled with a waste of Iron,
2031: And hem'd about with grim destruction:
2032: To Burdeaux warlike Duke, to Burdeaux Yorke,
2033: Else farwell Talbot, France, and Englands honor.
2034:
Yorke.
O God, that Somerset who in proud heart
2035: Doth stop my Cornets, were in Talbots place,
2036: So should wee saue a valiant Gentleman,
2037: By forfeyting a Traitor, and a Coward:
2038: Mad ire, and wrathfull fury makes me weepe,
2039: That thus we dye, while remisse Traitors sleepe.
2040:
Mes.
O send some succour to the distrest Lord.
2041:
Yorke.
He dies, we loose: I breake my warlike word:
2042: We mourne, France smiles: We loose, they dayly get,
2043: All long of this vile Traitor Somerset.
2044:
Mes.
Then God take mercy on braue Talbots soule,
2045: And on his Sonne yong Iohn, who two houres since,
2046: I met in trauaile toward his warlike Father;
2047: This seuen yeeres did not Talbot see his sonne,
2048: And now they meete where both their liues are done.
2049:
Yorke.
Alas, what ioy shall noble Talbot haue,
2050: To bid his yong sonne welcome to his Graue:
2051: Away, vexation almost stoppes my breath,
2052: That sundred friends greete in the houre of death.
2053: Lucie farewell, no more my fortune can,
2054: But curse the cause I cannot ayde the man.
2055: Maine, Bloys, Poytiers, and Toures, are wonne away,
2056: Long all of Somerset, and his delay. [ Exit]
2057:
Mes.
Thus while the Vulture of sedition,
2058: Feedes in the bosome of such great Commanders,
2059: Sleeping neglection doth betray to losse:
2060: The Conquest of our scarse-cold Conqueror,
2061: That euer-liuing man of Memorie,
2062: Henrie the fift: Whiles they each other crosse,
2063: Liues, Honours, Lands, and all, hurrie to losse.
2064: [ Enter Somerset with his Armie.]
2065:
Som.
It is too late, I cannot send them now:
2066: This expedition was by Yorke and Talbot,
2067: Too rashly plotted. All our generall force,
2068: Might with a sally of the very Towne
2069: Be buckled with: the ouer-daring Talbot
2070: Hath sullied all his glosse of former Honor
2071: By this vnheedfull, desperate, wilde aduenture:
2072: Yorke set him on to fight, and dye in shame,
2073: That Talbot dead, great Yorke might beare the name.
2074:
Cap.
Heere is Sir William Lucie, who with me
2075: Set from our ore-matcht forces forth for ayde.
2076:
Som.
How now Sir William, whether were you sent?
2077:
Lu.
Whether my Lord, from bought & sold L[ord]. Talbot,
2078: Who ring'd about with bold aduersitie,
2079: Cries out for noble Yorke and Somerset,
2080: To beate assayling death from his weake Regions,
2081: And whiles the honourable Captaine there
2082: Drops bloody swet from his warre-wearied limbes,
2083: And in aduantage lingring lookes for rescue,
2084: You his false hopes, the trust of Englands honor,
2085: Keepe off aloofe with worthlesse emulation:
2086: Let not your priuate discord keepe away
2087: The leuied succours that should lend him ayde,
2088: While he renowned Noble Gentleman
2089: Yeeld vp his life vnto a world of oddes.
2090: Orleance the Bastard, Charles, Burgundie,
2091: Alanson, Reignard, compasse him about,
2092: And Talbot perisheth by your default.
2093:
Som.
Yorke set him on, Yorke should haue sent him
2094: ayde.
2095:
Luc.
And Yorke as fast vpon your Grace exclaimes,
2096: Swearing that you with-hold his leuied hoast,
2097: Collected for this expidition.
2098:
Som.
York lyes: He might haue sent, & had the Horse:
2099: I owe him little Dutie, and lesse Loue,
2100: And take foule scorne to fawne on him by sending.
2101:
Lu.
The fraud of England, not the force of France,
2102: Hath now intrapt the Noble-minded Talbot:
2103: Neuer to England shall he beare his life,
2104: But dies betraid to fortune by your strife.
2105:
Som.
Come go, I will dispatch the Horsemen strait:
2106: Within sixe houres, they will be at his ayde.
2107:
Lu.
Too late comes rescue, he is tane or slaine,
2108: For flye he could not, if he would haue fled:
2109: And flye would Talbot neuer though he might.
2110:
Som.
If he be dead, braue Talbot then adieu.
2111:
Lu.
His Fame liues in the world. His Shame in you.
2112: [ Exeunt.]
2113: [ Enter Talbot and his Sonne.]
2114:
Tal.
O yong Iohn Talbot, I did send for thee
2115: To tutor thee in stratagems of Warre,
2116: That Talbots name might be in thee reuiu'd,
2117: When saplesse Age, and weake vnable limbes
2118: Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire.
2119: But O malignant and ill-boading Starres,
2120: Now thou art come vnto a Feast of death,
2121: A terrible and vnauoyded danger:
2122: Therefore deere Boy, mount on my swiftest horse,
2123: And Ile direct thee how thou shalt escape
2124: By sodaine flight. Come, dally not, be gone.
2125:
Iohn.
Is my name Talbot? and am I your Sonne?
2126: And shall I flye? O, if you loue my Mother,
2127: Dishonor not her Honorable Name,
2128: To make a Bastard, and a Slaue of me:
2129: The World will say, he is not Talbots blood,
2130: That basely fled, when Noble Talbot stood.
2131:
Talb.
Flye, to reuenge my death, if I be slaine.
2132:
Iohn.
He that flyes so, will ne're returne againe.
2133:
Talb.
If we both stay, we both are sure to dye.
2134:
Iohn.
Then let me stay, and Father doe you flye:
2135: Your losse is great, so your regard should be;
2136: My worth vnknowne, no losse is knowne in me.
2137: Vpon my death, the French can little boast;
2138: In yours they will, in you all hopes are lost.
2139: Flight cannot stayne the Honor you haue wonne,
2140: But mine it will, that no Exploit haue done.
2141: You fled for Vantage, euery one will sweare:
2142: But if I bow, they'le say it was for feare.
2143: There is no hope that euer I will stay,
2144: If the first howre I shrinke and run away:
2145: Here on my knee I begge Mortalitie,
2146: Rather then Life, preseru'd with Infamie.
2147:
Talb.
Shall all thy Mothers hopes lye in one Tombe?
2148:
Iohn.
I, rather then Ile shame my Mothers Wombe.
2149:
Talb.
Vpon my Blessing I command thee goe.
2150:
Iohn.
To fight I will, but not to flye the Foe.
2151:
Talb.
Part of thy Father may be sau'd in thee.
2152:
Iohn.
No part of him, but will be shame in mee.
2153:
Talb.
Thou neuer hadst Renowne, nor canst not lose it.
2154:
Iohn.
Yes, your renowned Name: shall flight abuse it?
2155:
Talb.
Thy Fathers charge shal cleare thee from y staine.
2156:
Iohn.
You cannot witnesse for me, being slaine.
2157: If Death be so apparant, then both flye.
2158:
Talb.
And leaue my followers here to fight and dye?
2159: My Age was neuer tainted with such shame.
2160:
Iohn.
And shall my Youth be guiltie of such blame?
2161: No more can I be seuered from your side,
2162: Then can your selfe, your selfe in twaine diuide:
2163: Stay, goe, doe what you will, the like doe I;
2164: For liue I will not, if my Father dye.
2165:
Talb.
Then here I take my leaue of thee, faire Sonne,
2166: Borne to eclipse thy Life this afternoone:
2167: Come, side by side, together liue and dye,
2168: And Soule with Soule from France to Heauen flye. [ Exit.]
2169: [ Alarum: Excursions, wherein Talbots Sonne
is hemm'd about, and Talbot
rescues him.]
2172:
Talb.
Saint George, and Victory; fight Souldiers, fight:
2173: The Regent hath with Talbot broke his word,
2174: And left vs to the rage of France his Sword.
2175: Where is Iohn Talbot? pawse, and take thy breath,
2176: I gaue thee Life, and rescu'd thee from Death.
2177:
Iohn.
O twice my Father, twice am I thy Sonne:
2178: The Life thou gau'st me first, was lost and done,
2179: Till with thy Warlike Sword, despight of Fate,
2180: To my determin'd time thou gau'st new date.
2181:
Talb.
When fro[m] the Dolphins Crest thy Sword struck fire,
2182: It warm'd thy Fathers heart with prowd desire
2183: Of bold-fac't Victorie. Then Leaden Age,
2184: Quicken'd with Youthfull Spleene, and Warlike Rage,
2185: Beat downe Alanson, Orleance, Burgundie,
2186: And from the Pride of Gallia rescued thee.
2187: The irefull Bastard Orleance, that drew blood
2188: From thee my Boy, and had the Maidenhood
2189: Of thy first fight, I soone encountred,
2190: And interchanging blowes, I quickly shed
2191: Some of his Bastard blood, and in disgrace
2192: Bespoke him thus: Contaminated, base,
2193: And mis-begotten blood, I spill of thine,
2194: Meane and right poore, for that pure blood of mine,
2195: Which thou didst force from Talbot, my braue Boy.
2196: Here purposing the Bastard to destroy,
2197: Came in strong rescue. Speake thy Fathers care:
2198: Art thou not wearie, Iohn? How do'st thou fare?
2199: Wilt thou yet leaue the Battaile, Boy, and flie,
2200: Now thou art seal'd the Sonne of Chiualrie?
2201: Flye, to reuenge my death when I am dead,
2202: The helpe of one stands me in little stead.
2203: Oh, too much folly is it, well I wot,
2204: To hazard all our liues in one small Boat.
2205: If I to day dye not with Frenchmens Rage,
2206: To morrow I shall dye with mickle Age.
2207: By me they nothing gaine, and if I stay,
2208: 'Tis but the shortning of my Life one day.
2209: In thee thy Mother dyes, our Households Name,
2210: My Deaths Reuenge, thy Youth, and Englands Fame:
2211: All these, and more, we hazard by thy stay;
2212: All these are sau'd, if thou wilt flye away.
2213:
Iohn.
The Sword of Orleance hath not made me smart,
2214: These words of yours draw Life-blood from my Heart.
2215: On that aduantage, bought with such a shame,
2216: To saue a paltry Life, and slay bright Fame,
2217: Before young Talbot from old Talbot flye,
2218: The Coward Horse that beares me, fall and dye:
2219: And like me to the pesant Boyes of France,
2220: To be Shames scorne, and subiect of Mischance.
2221: Surely, by all the Glorie you haue wonne,
2222: And if I flye, I am not Talbots Sonne.
2223: Then talke no more of flight, it is no boot,
2224: If Sonne to Talbot, dye at Talbots foot.
2225:
Talb.
Then follow thou thy desp'rate Syre of Creet,
2226: Thou Icarus, thy Life to me is sweet:
2227: If thou wilt fight, fight by thy Fathers side,
2228: And commendable prou'd, let's dye in pride. [ Exit.]
2229: [ Alarum. Excursions. Enter old
Talbot led.]
2231:
Talb.
Where is my other Life? mine owne is gone.
2232: O, where's young Talbot? where is valiant Iohn?
2233: Triumphant Death, smear'd with Captiuitie,
2234: Young Talbots Valour makes me smile at thee.
2235: When he perceiu'd me shrinke, and on my Knee,
2236: His bloodie Sword he brandisht ouer mee,
2237: And like a hungry Lyon did commence
2238: Rough deeds of Rage, and sterne Impatience:
2239: But when my angry Guardant stood alone,
2240: Tendring my ruine, and assayl'd of none,
2241: Dizzie-ey'd Furie, and great rage of Heart,
2242: Suddenly made him from my side to start
2243: Into the clustring Battaile of the French:
2244: And in that Sea of Blood, my Boy did drench
2245: His ouer-mounting Spirit; and there di'de
2246: My Icarus, my Blossome, in his pride.
2247: [ Enter with Iohn Talbot, borne.]
2248:
Seru.
O my deare Lord, loe where your Sonne is borne.
2249:
Tal.
Thou antique Death, which laugh'st vs here to scorn,
2250: Anon from thy insulting Tyrannie,
2251: Coupled in bonds of perpetuitie,
2252: Two Talbots winged through the lither Skie,
2253: In thy despight shall scape Mortalitie.
2254: O thou whose wounds become hard fauoured death,
2255: Speake to thy father, ere thou yeeld thy breath,
2256: Braue death by speaking, whither he will or no:
2257: Imagine him a Frenchman, and thy Foe.
2258: Poore Boy, he smiles, me thinkes, as who should say,
2259: Had Death bene French, then Death had dyed to day.
2260: Come, come, and lay him in his Fathers armes,
2261: My spirit can no longer beare these harmes.
2262: Souldiers adieu: I haue what I would haue,
2263: Now my old armes are yong Iohn Talbots graue. [ Dyes]
2264: [ Enter Charles, Alanson, Burgundie, Bastard,
and Pucell.]
2266:
Char.
Had Yorke and Somerset brought rescue in,
2267: We should haue found a bloody day of this.
2268:
Bast.
How the yong whelpe of Talbots raging wood,
2269: Did flesh his punie-sword in Frenchmens blood.
2270:
Puc.
Once I encountred him, and thus I said:
2271: Thou Maiden youth, be vanquisht by a Maide.
2272: But with a proud Maiesticall high scorne
2273: He answer'd thus: Yong Talbot was not borne
2274: To be the pillage of a Giglot Wench:
2275: So rushing in the bowels of the French,
2276: He left me proudly, as vnworthy fight.
2277:
Bur.
Doubtlesse he would haue made a noble Knight:
2278: See where he lyes inherced in the armes
2279: Of the most bloody Nursser of his harmes.
2280:
Bast.
Hew them to peeces, hack their bones assunder,
2281: Whose life was Englands glory, Gallia's wonder.
2282:
Char.
Oh no forbeare: For that which we haue fled
2283: During the life, let vs not wrong it dead.
2284: [ Enter Lucie.]
2285:
Lu.
Herald, conduct me to the Dolphins Tent,
2286: To know who hath obtain'd the glory of the day.
2287:
Char.
On what submissiue message art thou sent?
2288:
Lucy.
Submission Dolphin? Tis a meere French word:
2289: We English Warriours wot not what it meanes.
2290: I come to know what Prisoners thou hast tane,
2291: And to suruey the bodies of the dead.
2292:
Char.
For prisoners askst thou? Hell our prison is.
2293: But tell me whom thou seek'st?
2294:
Luc.
But where's the great Alcides of the field,
2295: Valiant Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury?
2296: Created for his rare successe in Armes,
2297: Great Earle of Washford, Waterford, and Valence,
2298: Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Vrchinfield,
2299: Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord Verdon of Alton,
2300: Lord Cromwell of Wingefield, Lord Furniuall of Sheffeild,
2301: The thrice victorious Lord of Falconbridge,
2302: Knight of the Noble Order of S[aint]. George,
2303: Worthy S[aint]. Michael, and the Golden Fleece,
2304: Great Marshall to Henry the sixt,
2305: Of all his Warres within the Realme of France.
2306:
Puc.
Heere's a silly stately stile indeede:
2307: The Turke that two and fiftie Kingdomes hath,
2308: Writes not so tedious a Stile as this.
2309: Him that thou magnifi'st with all these Titles,
2310: Stinking and fly-blowne lyes heere at our feete.
2311:
Lucy.
Is Talbot slaine, the Frenchmens only Scourge,
2312: Your Kingdomes terror, and blacke Nemesis?
2313: Oh were mine eye-balles into Bullets turn'd,
2314: That I in rage might shoot them at your faces.
2315: Oh, that I could but call these dead to life,
2316: It were enough to fright the Realme of France.
2317: Were but his Picture left amongst you here,
2318: It would amaze the prowdest of you all.
2319: Giue me their Bodyes, that I may beare them hence,
2320: And giue them Buriall, as beseemes their worth.
2321:
Pucel.
I thinke this vpstart is old Talbots Ghost,
2322: He speakes with such a proud commanding spirit:
2323: For Gods sake let him haue him, to keepe them here,
2324: They would but stinke, and putrifie the ayre.
2325:
Char.
Go take their bodies hence.
2326:
Lucy.
Ile beare them hence: but from their ashes shal
2327: be reard
2328: A Phoenix that shall make all France affear'd.
2329:
Char.
So we be rid of them, do with him what y wilt.
2330: And now to Paris in this conquering vaine,
2331: All will be ours, now bloody Talbots slaine. [ Exit.]
Scene ii
2332: Scena secunda.
2333: [ SENNET.]
2334: [ Enter King, Glocester, and Exeter.]
2335:
King.
Haue you perus'd the Letters from the Pope,
2336: The Emperor, and the Earle of Arminack?
2337:
Glo.
I haue my Lord, and their intent is this,
2338: They humbly sue vnto your Excellence,
2339: To haue a godly peace concluded of,
2340: Betweene the Realmes of England, and of France.
2341:
King.
How doth your Grace affect their motion?
2342:
Glo.
Well (my good Lord) and as the only meanes
2343: To stop effusion of our Christian blood,
2344: And stablish quietnesse on euery side.
2345:
King.
I marry Vnckle, for I alwayes thought
2346: It was both impious and vnnaturall,
2347: That such immanity and bloody strife
2348: Should reigne among Professors of one Faith.
2349:
Glo.
Beside my Lord, the sooner to effect,
2350: And surer binde this knot of amitie,
2351: The Earle of Arminacke neere knit to Charles,
2352: A man of great Authoritie in France,
2353: Proffers his onely daughter to your Grace,
2354: In marriage, with a large and sumptuous Dowrie.
2355:
King.
Marriage Vnckle? Alas my yeares are yong:
2356: And fitter is my studie, and my Bookes,
2357: Then wanton dalliance with a Paramour.
2358: Yet call th' Embassadors, and as you please,
2359: So let them haue their answeres euery one:
2360: I shall be well content with any choyce
2361: Tends to Gods glory, and my Countries weale.
2362: [ Enter Winchester, and three Ambassadors.]
2363:
Exet.
What, is my Lord of Winchester install'd,
2364: And call'd vnto a Cardinalls degree?
2365: Then I perceiue, that will be verified
2366: Henry the Fift did sometime prophesie.
2367: If once he come to be a Cardinall,
2368: Hee'l make his cap coequall with the Crowne.
2369:
King.
My Lords Ambassadors, your seuerall suites
2370: Haue bin consider'd and debated on,
2371: Your purpose is both good and reasonable:
2372: And therefore are we certainly resolu'd,
2373: To draw conditions of a friendly peace,
2374: Which by my Lord of Winchester we meane
2375: Shall be transported presently to France.
2376:
Glo.
And for the proffer of my Lord your Master,
2377: I haue inform'd his Highnesse so at large,
2378: As liking of the Ladies vertuous gifts,
2379: Her Beauty, and the valew of her Dower,
2380: He doth intend she shall be Englands Queene.
2381:
King.
In argument and proofe of which contract,
2382: Beare her this Iewell, pledge of my affection.
2383: And so my Lord Protector see them guarded,
2384: And safely brought to Douer, wherein ship'd
2385: Commit them to the fortune of the sea. [ Exeunt.]
2386:
Win.
Stay my Lord Legate, you shall first receiue
2387: The summe of money which I promised
2388: Should be deliuered to his Holinesse,
2389: For cloathing me in these graue Ornaments.
2390:
Legat.
I will attend vpon your Lordships leysure.
2391:
Win.
Now Winchester will not submit, I trow,
2392: Or be inferiour to the proudest Peere;
2393: Humfrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceiue,
2394: That neither in birth, or for authoritie,
2395: The Bishop will be ouer-borne by thee:
2396: Ile either make thee stoope, and bend thy knee,
2397: Or sacke this Country with a mutiny. [ Exeunt]
Scene iii
2398: Scoena Tertia.
2399: [ Enter Charles, Burgundy, Alanson, Bastard,
Reignier, and Ione.]
2401:
Char.
These newes (my Lords) may cheere our droo-ping
2402: spirits:
2403: 'Tis said, the stout Parisians do reuolt,
2404: And turne againe vnto the warlike French.
2405:
Alan.
Then march to Paris Royall Charles of France,
2406: And keepe not backe your powers in dalliance.
2407:
Pucel.
Peace be amongst them if they turne to vs,
2408: Else ruine combate with their Pallaces.
2409: [ Enter Scout.]
2410:
Scout.
Successe vnto our valiant Generall,
2411: And happinesse to his accomplices.
2412:
Char.
What tidings send our Scouts? I prethee speak.
2413:
Scout.
The English Army that diuided was
2414: Into two parties, is now conioyn'd in one,
2415: And meanes to giue you battell presently.
2416:
Char.
Somewhat too sodaine Sirs, the warning is,
2417: But we will presently prouide for them.
2418:
Bur.
I trust the Ghost of Talbot is not there:
2419: Now he is gone my Lord, you neede not feare.
2420:
Pucel.
Of all base passions, Feare is most accurst.
2421: Command the Conquest Charles, it shall be thine:
2422: Let Henry fret, and all the world repine.
2423:
Char.
Then on my Lords, and France be fortunate.
2424: [ Exeunt. Alarum. Excursions.]
2425: [ Enter Ione de Pucell.]
2426:
Puc.
The Regent conquers, and the Frenchmen flye.
2427: Now helpe ye charming Spelles and Periapts,
2428: And ye choise spirits that admonish me,
2429: And giue me signes of future accidents. [ Thunder.]
2430: You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
2431: Vnder the Lordly Monarch of the North,
2432: Appeare, and ayde me in this enterprize.
2433: [ Enter Fiends.]
2434: This speedy and quicke appearance argues proofe
2435: Of your accustom'd diligence to me.
2436: Now ye Familiar Spirits, that are cull'd
2437: Out of the powerfull Regions vnder earth,
2438: Helpe me this once, that France may get the field.
2439: [ They walke, and speake not.]
2440: Oh hold me not with silence ouer-long:
2441: Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
2442: Ile lop a member off, and giue it you,
2443: In earnest of a further benefit:
2444: So you do condiscend to helpe me now.
2445: [ They hang their heads.]
2446: No hope to haue redresse? My body shall
2447: Pay recompence, if you will graunt my suite.
2448: [ They shake their heads.]
2449: Cannot my body, nor blood-sacrifice,
2450: Intreate you to your wonted furtherance?
2451: Then take my soule; my body, soule, and all,
2452: Before that England giue the French the foyle.
2453: [ They depart.]
2454: See, they forsake me. Now the time is come,
2455: That France must vale her lofty plumed Crest,
2456: And let her head fall into Englands lappe.
2457: My ancient Incantations are too weake,
2458: And hell too strong for me to buckle with:
2459: Now France, thy glory droopeth to the dust. [ Exit.]
2460: [ Excursions. Burgundie and Yorke fight hand to
hand. French flye.]
2462:
Yorke.
Damsell of France, I thinke I haue you fast,
2463: Vnchaine your spirits now with spelling Charmes,
2464: And try if they can gaine your liberty.
2465: A goodly prize, fit for the diuels grace.
2466: See how the vgly Witch doth bend her browes,
2467: As if with Circe, she would change my shape.
2468:
Puc.
Chang'd to a worser shape thou canst not be:
2469:
Yor.
Oh, Charles the Dolphin is a proper man,
2470: No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
2471:
Puc.
A plaguing mischeefe light on Charles, and thee,
2472: And may ye both be sodainly surpriz'd
2473: By bloudy hands, in sleeping on your beds.
2474:
Yorke.
Fell banning Hagge, Inchantresse hold thy
2475: tongue.
2476:
Puc.
I prethee giue me leaue to curse awhile.
2477:
Yorke.
Curse Miscreant, when thou comst to the stake
2478: [ Exeunt.]
2479: [ Alarum. Enter Suffolke with Margaret
in his hand.]
2481:
Suff.
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
2482: [ Gazes on her.]
2483: Oh Fairest Beautie, do not feare, nor flye:
2484: For I will touch thee but with reuerend hands,
2485: I kisse these fingers for eternall peace,
2486: And lay them gently on thy tender side.
2487: Who art thou, say? that I may honor thee.
2488:
Mar.
Margaret my name, and daughter to a King,
2489: The King of Naples, who so ere thou art.
2490:
Suff.
An Earle I am, and Suffolke am I call'd.
2491: Be not offended Natures myracle,
2492: Thou art alotted to be tane by me:
2493: So doth the Swan her downie Signets saue,
2494: Keeping them prisoner vnderneath his wings:
2495: Yet if this seruile vsage once offend,
2496: Go, and be free againe, as Suffolkes friend. [ She is going]
2497: Oh stay: I haue no power to let her passe,
2498: My hand would free her, but my heart sayes no.
2499: As playes the Sunne vpon the glassie streames,
2500: Twinkling another counterfetted beame,
2501: So seemes this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
2502: Faine would I woe her, yet I dare not speake:
2503: Ile call for Pen and Inke, and write my minde:
2504: Fye De la Pole, disable not thy selfe:
2505: Hast not a Tongue? Is she not heere?
2506: Wilt thou be daunted at a Womans sight?
2507: I: Beauties Princely Maiesty is such,
2508: 'Confounds the tongue, and makes the senses rough.
2509:
Mar.
Say Earle of Suffolke, if thy name be so,
2510: What ransome must I pay before I passe?
2511: For I perceiue I am thy prisoner.
2512:
Suf.
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suite,
2513: Before thou make a triall of her loue?
2514:
M.
Why speak'st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
2515:
Suf.
She's beautifull; and therefore to be Wooed:
2516: She is a Woman; therefore to be Wonne.
2517:
Mar,
Wilt thou accept of ransome, yea or no?
2518:
Suf.
Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife,
2519: Then how can Margaret be thy Paramour?
2520:
Mar.
I were best to leaue him, for he will not heare.
2521:
Suf.
There all is marr'd: there lies a cooling card.
2522:
Mar.
He talkes at randon: sure the man is mad.
2523:
Suf.
And yet a dispensation may bee had.
2524:
Mar.
And yet I would that you would answer me.
2525:
Suf.
Ile win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
2526: Why for my King: Tush, that's a woodden thing.
2527:
Mar.
He talkes of wood: It is some Carpenter.
2528:
Suf.
Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
2529: And peace established betweene these Realmes.
2530: But there remaines a scruple in that too:
2531: For though her Father be the King of Naples,
2532: Duke of Aniou and Mayne, yet is he poore,
2533: And our Nobility will scorne the match.
2534:
Mar.
Heare ye Captaine? Are you not at leysure?
2535:
Suf.
It shall be so, disdaine they ne're so much:
2536:
Henry
is youthfull, and will quickly yeeld.
2537: Madam, I haue a secret to reueale.
2538:
Mar.
What though I be inthral'd, he seems a knight
2539: And will not any way dishonor me.
2540:
Suf.
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
2541:
Mar.
Perhaps I shall be rescu'd by the French,
2542: And then I need not craue his curtesie.
2543:
Suf.
Sweet Madam, giue me hearing in a cause.
2544:
Mar.
Tush, women haue bene captiuate ere now.
2545:
Suf.
Lady, wherefore talke you so?
2546:
Mar.
I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo.
2547:
Suf.
Say gentle Princesse, would you not suppose
2548: Your bondage happy, to be made a Queene?
2549:
Mar.
To be a Queene in bondage, is more vile,
2550: Than is a slaue, in base seruility:
2551: For Princes should be free.
2552:
Suf.
And so shall you,
2553: If happy Englands Royall King be free.
2554:
Mar.
Why what concernes his freedome vnto mee?
2555:
Suf.
Ile vndertake to make thee Henries Queene,
2556: To put a Golden Scepter in thy hand,
2557: And set a precious Crowne vpon thy head,
2558: If thou wilt condiscend to be my===
2559:
Mar.
What?
2560:
Suf.
His loue.
2561:
Mar.
I am vnworthy to be Henries wife.
2562:
Suf.
No gentle Madam, I vnworthy am
2563: To woe so faire a Dame to be his wife,
2564: And haue no portion in the choice my selfe.
2565: How say you Madam, are ye so content?
2566:
Mar.
And if my Father please, I am content.
2567:
Suf.
Then call our Captaines and our Colours forth,
2568: And Madam, at your Fathers Castle walles,
2569: Wee'l craue a parley, to conferre with him.
2570: [ Sound. Enter Reignier on the Walles.]
2571: See Reignier see, thy daughter prisoner.
2572:
Reig.
To whom?
2573:
Suf.
To me.
2574:
Reig.
Suffolke, what remedy?
2575: I am a Souldier, and vnapt to weepe,
2576: Or to exclaime on Fortunes ficklenesse.
2577:
Suf.
Yes, there is remedy enough my Lord,
2578: Consent, and for thy Honor giue consent,
2579: Thy daughter shall be wedded to my King,
2580: Whom I with paine haue wooed and wonne thereto:
2581: And this her easie held imprisonment,
2582: Hath gain'd thy daughter Princely libertie.
2583:
Reig.
Speakes Suffolke as he thinkes?
2584:
Suf.
Faire Margaret knowes,
2585: That Suffolke doth not flatter, face, or faine.
2586:
Reig.
Vpon thy Princely warrant, I descend,
2587: To giue thee answer of thy iust demand.
2588:
Suf.
And heere I will expect thy comming.
2589: [ Trumpets sound. Enter Reignier.]
2590:
Reig.
Welcome braue Earle into our Territories,
2591: Command in Aniou what your Honor pleases.
2592:
Suf.
Thankes Reignier, happy for so sweet a Childe,
2593: Fit to be made companion with a King:
2594: What answer makes your Grace vnto my suite?
2595:
Reig.
Since thou dost daigne to woe her little worth,
2596: To be the Princely Bride of such a Lord:
2597: Vpon condition I may quietly
2598: Enioy mine owne, the Country Maine and Aniou,
2599: Free from oppression, or the stroke of Warre,
2600: My daughter shall be Henries, if he please.
2601:
Suf.
That is her ransome, I deliuer her,
2602: And those two Counties I will vndertake
2603: Your Grace shall well and quietly enioy.
2604:
Reig.
And I againe in Henries Royall name,
2605: As Deputy vnto that gracious King,
2606: Giue thee her hand for signe of plighted faith.
2607:
Suf.
Reignier of France, I giue thee Kingly thankes,
2608: Because this is in Trafficke of a King.
2609: And yet me thinkes I could be well content
2610: To be mine owne Atturney in this case.
2611: Ile ouer then to England with this newes.
2612: And make this marriage to be solemniz'd:
2613: So farewell Reignier, set this Diamond safe
2614: In Golden Pallaces as it becomes.
2615:
Reig.
I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
2616: The Christian Prince King Henrie were he heere.
2617:
Mar.
Farewell my Lord, good wishes, praise, & praiers,
2618: Shall Suffolke euer haue of Margaret. [ Shee is going.]
2619:
Suf.
Farwell sweet Madam: but hearke you Margaret,
2620: No Princely commendations to my King?
2621:
Mar.
Such commendations as becomes a Maide,
2622: A Virgin, and his Seruant, say to him.
2623:
Suf.
Words sweetly plac'd, and modestie directed,
2624: But Madame, I must trouble you againe,
2625: No louing Token to his Maiestie?
2626:
Mar.
Yes, my good Lord, a pure vnspotted heart,
2627: Neuer yet taint with loue, I send the King.
2628:
Suf.
And this withall.
[Kisse her.]
2629:
Mar.
That for thy selfe, I will not so presume,
2630: To send such peeuish tokens to a King.
2631:
Suf.
Oh wert thou for my selfe: but Suffolke stay,
2632: Thou mayest not wander in that Labyrinth,
2633: There Minotaurs and vgly Treasons lurke,
2634: Solicite Henry with her wonderous praise.
2635: Bethinke thee on her Vertues that surmount,
2636: Mad naturall Graces that extinguish Art,
2637: Repeate their semblance often on the Seas,
2638: That when thou com'st to kneele at Henries feete,
2639: Thou mayest bereaue him of his wits with wonder. [ Exit]
2640: [ Enter Yorke, Warwicke, Shepheard, Pucell.]
2641:
Yor.
Bring forth that Sorceresse condemn'd to burne.
2642:
Shep.
Ah Ione, this kils thy Fathers heart out-right,
2643: Haue I sought euery Country farre and neere,
2644: And now it is my chance to finde thee out,
2645: Must I behold thy timelesse cruell death:
2646: Ah Ione, sweet daughter Ione, Ile die with thee.
2647:
Pucel.
Decrepit Miser, base ignoble Wretch,
2648: I am am descended of a gentler blood.
2649: Thou art no Father, nor no Friend of mine.
2650:
Shep.
Out, out: My Lords, and please you, 'tis not so
2651: I did beget her, all the Parish knowes:
2652: Her Mother liueth yet, can testifie
2653: She was the first fruite of my Bach'ler-ship.
2654:
War.
Gracelesse, wilt thou deny thy Parentage?
2655:
Yorke.
This argues what her kinde of life hath beene,
2656: Wicked and vile, and so her death concludes.
2657:
Shep.
Fye Ione, that thou wilt be so obstacle:
2658: God knowes, thou art a collop of my flesh,
2659: And for thy sake haue I shed many a teare:
2660: Deny me not, I prythee, gentle Ione.
2661:
Pucell.
Pezant auant. You haue suborn'd this man
2662: Of purpose, to obscure my Noble birth.
2663:
Shep.
'Tis true, I gaue a Noble to the Priest,
2664: The morne that I was wedded to her mother.
2665: Kneele downe and take my blessing, good my Gyrle.
2666: Wilt thou not stoope? Now cursed be the time
2667: Of thy natiuitie: I would the Milke
2668: Thy mother gaue thee when thou suck'st her brest,
2669: Had bin a little Rats-bane for thy sake.
2670: Or else, when thou didst keepe my Lambes a-field,
2671: I wish some rauenous Wolfe had eaten thee.
2672: Doest thou deny thy Father, cursed Drab?
2673: O burne her, burne her, hanging is too good. [ Exit.]
2674:
Yorke.
Take her away, for she hath liu'd too long,
2675: To fill the world with vicious qualities.
2676:
Puc.
First let me tell you whom you haue condemn'd;
2677: Not me, begotten of a Shepheard Swaine,
2678: But issued from the Progeny of Kings.
2679: Vertuous and Holy, chosen from aboue,
2680: By inspiration of Celestiall Grace,
2681: To worke exceeding myracles on earth.
2682: I neuer had to do with wicked Spirits.
2683: But you that are polluted with your lustes,
2684: Stain'd with the guiltlesse blood of Innocents,
2685: Corrupt and tainted with a thousand Vices:
2686: Because you want the grace that others haue,
2687: You iudge it straight a thing impossible
2688: To compasse Wonders, but by helpe of diuels.
2689: No misconceyued, Ione of Aire hath beene
2690: A Virgin from her tender infancie,
2691: Chaste, and immaculate in very thought,
2692: Whose Maiden-blood thus rigorously effus'd,
2693: Will cry for Vengeance, at the Gates of Heauen.
2694:
Yorke.
I, I: away with her to execution.
2695:
War.
And hearke ye sirs: because she is a Maide,
2696: Spare for no Faggots, let there be enow:
2697: Place barrelles of pitch vpon the fatall stake,
2698: That so her torture may be shortned.
2699:
Puc.
Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts?
2700: Then Ione discouer thine infirmity,
2701: That warranteth by Law, to be thy priuiledge.
2702: I am with childe ye bloody Homicides:
2703: Murther not then the Fruite within my Wombe,
2704: Although ye hale me to a violent death.
2705:
Yor.
Now heauen forfend, the holy Maid with child?
2706:
War.
The greatest miracle that ere ye wrought.
2707: Is all your strict precisenesse come to this?
2708:
Yorke.
She and the Dolphin haue bin iugling,
2709: I did imagine what would be her refuge.
2710:
War.
Well go too, we'll haue no Bastards liue,
2711: Especially since Charles must Father it.
2712:
Puc.
You are deceyu'd, my childe is none of his,
2713: It was Alanson that inioy'd my loue.
2714:
Yorke.
Alanson that notorious Macheuile?
2715: It dyes, and if it had a thousand liues.
2716:
Puc.
Oh giue me leaue, I haue deluded you,
2717: 'Twas neyther Charles, nor yet the Duke I nam'd,
2718: But Reignier King of Naples that preuayl'd.
2719:
War.
A married man, that's most intollerable.
2720:
Yor.
Why here's a Gyrle: I think she knowes not wel
2721: (There were so many) whom she may accuse.
2722:
War.
It's signe she hath beene liberall and free.
2723:
Yor.
And yet forsooth she is a Virgin pure.
2724: Strumpet, thy words condemne thy Brat, and thee.
2725: Vse no intreaty, for it is in vaine.
2726:
Pu.
Then lead me hence: with whom I leaue my curse.
2727: May neuer glorious Sunne reflex his beames
2728: Vpon the Countrey where you make abode:
2729: But darknesse, and the gloomy shade of death
2730: Inuiron you, till Mischeefe and Dispaire,
2731: Driue you to break your necks, or hang your selues. [ Exit]
2732: [ Enter Cardinall.]
2733:
Yorke.
Breake thou in peeces, and consume to ashes,
2734: Thou fowle accursed minister of Hell.
2735:
Car.
Lord Regent, I do greete your Excellence
2736: With Letters of Commission from the King.
2737: For know my Lords, the States of Christendome,
2738: Mou'd with remorse of these out-ragious broyles,
2739: Haue earnestly implor'd a generall peace,
2740: Betwixt our Nation, and the aspyring French;
2741: And heere at hand, the Dolphin and his Traine
2742: Approacheth, to conferre about some matter.
2743:
Yorke.
Is all our trauell turn'd to this effect,
2744: After the slaughter of so many Peeres,
2745: So many Captaines, Gentlemen, and Soldiers,
2746: That in this quarrell haue beene ouerthrowne,
2747: And sold their bodyes for their Countryes benefit,
2748: Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
2749: Haue we not lost most part of all the Townes,
2750: By Treason, Falshood, and by Treacherie,
2751: Our great Progenitors had conquered:
2752: Oh Warwicke, Warwicke, I foresee with greefe
2753: The vtter losse of all the Realme of France.
2754:
War.
Be patient Yorke, if we conclude a Peace
2755: It shall be with such strict and seuere Couenants,
2756: As little shall the Frenchmen gaine thereby.
2757: [ Enter Charles, Alanson, Bastard, Reignier.]
2758:
Char.
Since Lords of England, it is thus agreed,
2759: That peacefull truce shall be proclaim'd in France,
2760: We come to be informed by your selues,
2761: What the conditions of that league must be.
2762:
Yorke.
Speake Winchester, for boyling choller chokes
2763: The hollow passage of my poyson'd voyce,
2764: By sight of these our balefull enemies.
2765:
Win.
Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus:
2766: That in regard King Henry giues consent,
2767: Of meere compassion, and of lenity,
2768: To ease your Countrie of distressefull Warre,
2769: And suffer you to breath in fruitfull peace,
2770: You shall become true Liegemen to his Crowne.
2771: And Charles, vpon condition thou wilt sweare
2772: To pay him tribute, and submit thy selfe,
2773: Thou shalt be plac'd as Viceroy vnder him,
2774: And still enioy thy Regall dignity.
2775:
Alan.
Must he be then as shadow of himselfe?
2776: Adorne his Temples with a Coronet,
2777: And yet in substance and authority,
2778: Retaine but priuiledge of a priuate man?
2779: This proffer is absurd, and reasonlesse.
2780:
Char.
'Tis knowne already that I am possest
2781: With more then halfe the Gallian Territories,
2782: And therein reuerenc'd for their lawfull King.
2783: Shall I for lucre of the rest vn-vanquisht,
2784: Detract so much from that prerogatiue,
2785: As to be call'd but Viceroy of the whole?
2786: No Lord Ambassador, Ile rather keepe
2787: That which I haue, than coueting for more
2788: Be cast from possibility of all.
2789:
Yorke.
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret meanes
2790: Vs'd intercession to obtaine a league,
2791: And now the matter growes to compremize,
2792: Stand'st thou aloofe vpon Comparison.
2793: Either accept the Title thou vsurp'st,
2794: Of benefit proceeding from our King,
2795: And not of any challenge of Desert,
2796: Or we will plague thee with incessant Warres.
2797:
Reig.
My Lord, you do not well in obstinacy,
2798: To cauill in the course of this Contract:
2799: If once it be neglected, ten to one
2800: We shall not finde like opportunity.
2801:
Alan.
To say the truth, it is your policie,
2802: To saue your Subiects from such massacre
2803: And ruthlesse slaughters as are dayly seene
2804: By our proceeding in Hostility,
2805: And therefore take this compact of a Truce,
2806: Although you breake it, when your pleasure serues.
2807:
War.
How sayst thou Charles?
2808: Shall our Condition stand?
2809:
Char.
It Shall:
2810: Onely reseru'd, you claime no interest
2811: In any of our Townes of Garrison.
2812:
Yor.
Then sweare Allegeance to his Maiesty,
2813: As thou art Knight, neuer to disobey,
2814: Nor be Rebellious to the Crowne of England,
2815: Thou nor thy Nobles, to the Crowne of England.
2816: So, now dismisse your Army when ye please:
2817: Hang vp your Ensignes, let your Drummes be still,
2818: For heere we entertaine a solemne peace. [ Exeunt]
Act V
2819: Actus Quintus.
2820: [ Enter Suffolke in conference with the King,
Glocester, and Exeter.]
King.
Your wondrous rare description (noble Earle)
2823: Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me:
2824: Her vertues graced with externall gifts,
2825: Do breed Loues setled passions in my heart,
2826: And like as rigour of tempestuous gustes
2827: Prouokes the mightiest Hulke against the tide,
2828: So am I driuen by breath of her Renowne,
2829: Either to suffer Shipwracke, or arriue
2830: Where I may haue fruition of her Loue.
2831:
Suf.
Tush my good Lord, this superficiall tale,
2832: Is but a preface of her worthy praise:
2833: The cheefe perfections of that louely Dame,
2834: (Had I sufficient skill to vtter them)
2835: Would make a volume of inticing lines,
2836: Able to rauish any dull conceit.
2837: And which is more, she is not so Diuine,
2838: So full repleate with choice of all delights,
2839: But with as humble lowlinesse of minde,
2840: She is content to be at your command:
2841: Command I meane, of Vertuous chaste intents,
2842: To Loue, and Honor Henry as her Lord.
2843:
King.
And otherwise, will Henry ne're presume:
2844: Therefore my Lord Protector, giue consent,
2845: That Marg'ret may be Englands Royall Queene.
2846:
Glo.
So should I giue consent to flatter sinne,
2847: You know (my Lord) your Highnesse is betroath'd
2848: Vnto another Lady of esteeme,
2849: How shall we then dispense with that contract,
2850: And not deface your Honor with reproach?
2851:
Suf.
As doth a Ruler with vnlawfull Oathes,
2852: Or one that at a Triumph, hauing vow'd
2853: To try his strength, forsaketh yet the Listes
2854: By reason of his Aduersaries oddes.
2855: A poore Earles daughter is vnequall oddes,
2856: And therefore may be broke without offence.
2857:
Gloucester.
Why what (I pray) is Margaret more
2858: then that?
2859: Her Father is no better than an Earle,
2860: Although in glorious Titles he excell.
2861:
Suf.
Yes my Lord, her Father is a King,
2862: The King of Naples, and Ierusalem,
2863: And of such great Authoritie in France,
2864: As his alliance will confirme our peace,
2865: And keepe the Frenchmen in Allegeance.
2866:
Glo.
And so the Earle of Arminacke may doe,
2867: Because he is neere Kinsman vnto Charles.
2868:
Exet.
Beside, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower,
2869: Where Reignier sooner will receyue, than giue.
2870:
Suf.
A Dowre my Lords? Disgrace not so your King,
2871: That he should be so abiect, base, and poore,
2872: To choose for wealth, and not for perfect Loue.
2873: Henry is able to enrich his Queene,
2874: And not to seeke a Queene to make him rich,
2875: So worthlesse Pezants bargaine for their Wiues,
2876: As Market men for Oxen, Sheepe, or Horse.
2877: Marriage is a matter of more worth,
2878: Then to be dealt in by Atturney-ship:
2879: Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects,
2880: Must be companion of his Nuptiall bed.
2881: And therefore Lords, since he affects her most,
2882: Most of all these reasons bindeth vs,
2883: In our opinions she should be preferr'd.
2884: For what is wedlocke forced? but a Hell,
2885: An Age of discord and continuall strife,
2886: Whereas the contrarie bringeth blisse,
2887: And is a patterne of Celestiall peace.
2888: Whom should we match with Henry being a King,
2889: But Margaret, that is daughter to a King:
2890: Her peerelesse feature, ioyned with her birth,
2891: Approues her fit for none, but for a King.
2892: Her valiant courage, and vndaunted spirit,
2893: (More then in women commonly is seene)
2894: Will answer our hope in issue of a King.
2895: For Henry, sonne vnto a Conqueror,
2896: Is likely to beget more Conquerors,
2897: If with a Lady of so high resolue,
2898: (As is faire Margaret) he be link'd in loue.
2899: Then yeeld my Lords, and heere conclude with mee,
2900: That Margaret shall be Queene, and none but shee.
2901:
King.
Whether it be through force of your report,
2902: My Noble Lord of Suffolke: Or for that
2903: My tender youth was neuer yet attaint
2904: With any passion of inflaming Loue,
2905: I cannot tell: but this I am assur'd,
2906: I feele such sharpe dissention in my breast,
2907: Such fierce alarums both of Hope and Feare,
2908: As I am sicke with working of my thoughts.
2909: Take therefore shipping, poste my Lord to France,
2910: Agree to any couenants, and procure
2911: That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come
2912: To crosse the Seas to England, and be crown'd
2913: King Henries faithfull and annointed Queene.
2914: For your expences and sufficient charge,
2915: Among the people gather vp a tenth.
2916: Be gone I say, for till you do returne,
2917: I rest perplexed with a thousand Cares.
2918: And you (good Vnckle) banish all offence:
2919: If you do censure me, by what you were,
2920: Not what you are, I know it will excuse
2921: This sodaine execution of my will.
2922: And so conduct me, where from company,
2923: I may reuolue and ruminate my greefe. [ Exit.]
2924:
Glo.
I greefe I feare me, both at first and last.
2925: [ Exit Glocester.]
2926:
Suf.
Thus Suffolke hath preuail'd, and thus he goes
2927: As did the youthfull Paris once to Greece,
2928: With hope to finde the like euent in loue,
2929: But prosper better than the Troian did:
2930: Margaret shall now be Queene, and rule the King:
2931: But I will rule both her, the King, and Realme. [ Exit]
2932: FINIS.
2933: The first Part of Henry the Sixt.