Henry V (Folio 1, 1623)
Peer Reviewed
¶
Actus Tertius.
¶
Chorus.
1790Now entertaine coniecture of a time,
¶When creeping Murmure and the poring Darke
¶From Camp to Camp, through the foule Womb of Night
1795That the fixt Centinels almost receiue
¶Fire answers fire, and through their paly flames
¶Each Battaile sees the others vmber'd face.
¶Steed threatens Steed, in high and boastfull Neighs
1800Piercing the Nights dull Eare: and from the Tents,
¶The Armourers accomplishing the Knights,
¶Giue dreadfull note of preparation.
¶The Countrey Cocks doe crow, the Clocks doe towle:
1805And the third howre of drowsie Morning nam'd,
¶Prowd of their Numbers, and secure in Soule,
¶The confident and ouer-lustie French,
¶Doe the low-rated English play at Dice;
¶And chide the creeple-tardy-gated Night,
1810Who like a foule and ougly Witch doth limpe
¶Like Sacrifices, by their watchfull Fires
¶Sit patiently, and inly ruminate
1815Inuesting lanke-leane Cheekes, and Warre-worne Coats,
¶Presented them vnto the gazing Moone
¶So many horride Ghosts. O now, who will behold
¶The Royall Captaine of this ruin'd Band
¶Walking from Watch to Watch, from Tent to Tent;
1820Let him cry, Prayse and Glory on his head:
¶Bids them good morrow with a modest Smyle,
¶And calls them Brothers, Friends, and Countreymen.
¶Vpon his Royall Face there is no note,
1825How dread an Army hath enrounded him;
¶Nor doth he dedicate one iot of Colour
¶Vnto the wearie and all-watched Night:
¶But freshly lookes, and ouer-beares Attaint,
1830That euery Wretch, pining and pale before,
¶Beholding him, plucks comfort from his Lookes.
¶His liberall Eye doth giue to euery one,
¶Thawing cold feare, that meane and gentle all
¶A little touch of Harry in the Night,
¶With foure or fiue most vile and ragged foyles,
1840(Right ill dispos'd, in brawle ridiculous)
¶Minding true things, by what their Mock'ries bee.
¶
Exit._
