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  • Title: Henry VI, Part 1 (Folio 1, 1623)

    • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Henry VI, Part 1 (Folio 1, 1623)

    The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
    1Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
    Dead March.
    Enter the Funerall of King Henry the Fift, attended on by
    the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France; the Duke
    5of Gloster, Protector; the Duke of Exeter War-
    wicke, the Bishop of Winchester, and
    the Duke of Somerset.
    Bedford.
    HVng be ye heauens with black, yield day to night;
    10Comets importing change of Times and States,
    Brandish your crystall Tresses in the Skie,
    And with them scourge the bad reuolting Stars,
    That haue consented vnto Henries death:
    King Henry the Fift, too famous to liue long,
    15England ne're lost a King of so much worth.
    Glost. England ne're had a King vntill his time:
    Vertue he had, deseruing to command,
    His brandisht Sword did blinde men with his beames,
    His Armes spred wider then a Dragons Wings:
    20His sparkling Eyes, repleat with wrathfull fire,
    More dazled and droue back his Enemies,
    Then mid-day Sunne, fierce bent against their faces.
    What should I say? his Deeds exceed all speech:
    He ne're lift vp his Hand, but conquered.
    25 Exe. We mourne in black, why mourn we not in blood?
    Henry is dead, and neuer shall reuiue:
    Vpon a Woodden Coffinwe attend;
    And Deaths dishonourable Victorie,
    We with our stately presence glorifie,
    30Like Captiues bound to a Triumphant Carre.
    What? shall we curse the Planets of Mishap,
    That plotted thus our Glories ouerthrow?
    Or shall we thinke the subtile-witted French,
    Coniurers and Sorcerers, that afraid of him,
    35By Magick Verses haue contriu'd his end.
    Winch. He was a King, blest of the King of Kings.
    Vnto the French, the dreadfull Iudgement-Day
    So dreadfull will not be, as was his sight.
    The Battailes of the Lord of Hosts he fought:
    40The Churches Prayers made him so prosperous.
    Glost. The Church? where is it?
    Had not Church-men pray'd,
    His thred of Life had not so soone decay'd.
    None doe you like, but an effeminate Prince,
    45Whom like a Schoole-boy you may ouer-awe.
    Winch. Gloster, what ere we like, thou art Protector,
    And lookest to command the Prince and Realme.
    Thy Wife is prowd, she holdeth thee in awe,
    More then God or Religious Church-men may.
    50 Glost. Name not Religion, for thou lou'st the Flesh,
    And ne're throughout the yeere to Church thou go'st,
    Except it be to pray against thy foes.
    Bed. Cease, cease these Iarres, & rest your minds in peace:
    Let's to the Altar: Heralds wayt on vs;
    55In stead of Gold, wee'le offer vp our Armes,
    Since Armes auayle not, now that Henry's dead,
    Posteritie await for wretched yeeres,
    When at their Mothers moistned eyes, Babes shall suck,
    Our Ile be made a Nourish of salt Teares,
    60And none but Women left to wayle the dead.
    Henry the Fift, thy Ghost I inuocate:
    Prosper this Realme, keepe it from Ciuill Broyles,
    Combat with aduerse Planets in the Heauens;
    A farre more glorious Starre thy Soule will make,
    65Then Iulius Caesar, or bright----
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. My honourable Lords, health to you all:
    Sad tidings bring I to you out of France,
    Of losse, of slaughter, and discomfiture:
    70Guyen, Champaigne, Rheimes, Orleance,
    Paris, Guysors, Poictiers, are all quite lost.
    Bedf. What say'st thou man, before dead Henry's Coarse?
    Speake softly, or the losse of those great Townes
    Will make him burst his Lead, and rise from death.
    75 Glost. Is Paris lost? is Roan yeelded vp?
    If Henry were recall'd to life againe,
    These news would cause him once more yeeld the Ghost.
    Exe. How were they lost? what trecherie was vs'd?
    Mess. No trecherie, but want of Men and Money.
    80Amongst the Souldiers this is muttered,
    That here you maintaine seuerall Factions:
    And whil'st a Field should be dispatcht and fought,
    You are disputing of your Generals.
    One would haue lingring Warres, with little cost;
    85Another would flye swift, but wanteth Wings:
    A third thinkes, without expence at all,
    By guilefull faire words, Peace may be obtayn'd.
    Awake, awake, English Nobilitie,
    Let not slouth dimme your Honors, new begot;
    90Cropt are the Flower-de-Luces in your Armes
    Of Englands Coat, one halfe is cut away.
    Exe. Were our Teares wanting to this Funerall,
    These Tidings would call forth her flowing Tides.
    Bedf. Me they concerne, Regent I am of France:
    95Giue me my steeled Coat, Ile fight for France.
    Away with these disgracefull wayling Robes;
    Wounds will I lend the French, in stead of Eyes,
    To weepe their intermissiue Miseries.
    Enter to them another Messenger.
    100 Mess. Lords view these Letters, full of bad mischance.
    France is reuolted from the English quite,
    Except some petty Townes, of no import.
    The Dolphin Charles is crowned King in Rheimes:
    The Bastard of Orleance with him is ioyn'd:
    105Reynold, Duke of Aniou, doth take his part,
    The Duke of Alanson flyeth to his side. Exit.
    Exe. The Dolphin crown'd King? all flye to him?
    O whither shall we flye from this reproach?
    Glost. We will not flye, but to our enemies throats.
    110Bedford, if thou be slacke, Ile fight it out.
    Bed. Gloster, why doubtst thou of my forwardnesse?
    An Army haue I muster'd in my thoughts,
    Wherewith already France is ouer-run.
    Enter another Messenger.
    115 Mes. My gracious Lords, to adde to your laments,
    Wherewith you now bedew King Henries hearse,
    I must informe you of a dismall fight,
    Betwixt the stout Lord Talbot, and the French.
    Win. What? wherein Talbot ouercame, is't so?
    120 3. Mes. O no: wherein Lord Talbot was o'rethrown:
    The circumstance Ile tell you more at large.
    The tenth of August last, this dreadfull Lord,
    Retyring from the Siege of Orleance,
    Hauing full scarce six thousand in his troupe,
    125By three and twentie thousand of the French
    Was round incompassed, and set vpon:
    No leysure had he to enranke his men.
    He wanted Pikes to set before his Archers:
    In stead whereof, sharpe Stakes pluckt out of Hedges
    130They pitched in the ground confusedly,
    To keepe the Horsemen off, from breaking in.
    More then three houres the fight continued:
    Where valiant Talbot, aboue humane thought,
    Enacted wonders with his Sword and Lance.
    135Hundreds he sent to Hell, and none durst stand him:
    Here, there, and euery where enrag'd, he slew.
    The French exclaym'd, the Deuill was in Armes,
    All the whole Army stood agaz'd on him.
    His Souldiers spying his vndaunted Spirit,
    140A Talbot, a Talbot, cry'd out amaine,
    And rusht into the Bowels of the Battaile.
    Here had the Conquest fully been seal'd vp,
    If Sir Iohn Falstaffe had not play'd the Coward.
    He being in the Vauward, plac't behinde,
    145With purpose to relieue and follow them,
    Cowardly fled, not hauing struck one stroake.
    Hence grew the generall wrack and massacre:
    Enclosed were they with their Enemies.
    A base Wallon, to win the Dolphins grace,
    150Thrust Talbot with a Speare into the Back,
    Whom all France, with their chiefe assembled strength,
    Durst not presume to looke once in the face.
    Bedf. Is Talbot slaine then? I will slay my selfe,
    For liuing idly here, in pompe and ease,
    155Whil'st such a worthy Leader, wanting ayd,
    Vnto his dastard foe-men is betray'd.
    3. Mess. O no, he liues, but is tooke Prisoner,
    And Lord Scales with him, and Lord Hungerford:
    Most of the rest slaughter'd, or tooke likewise.
    160 Bedf. His Ransome there is none but I shall pay.
    Ile hale the Dolphin headlong from his Throne,
    His Crowne shall be the Ransome of my friend:
    Foure of their Lords Ile change for one of ours.
    Farwell my Masters, to my Taske will I,
    165Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make,
    To keepe our great Saint Georges Feast withall.
    Ten thousand Souldiers with me I will take,
    Whose bloody deeds shall make all Europe quake.
    3. Mess. So you had need, for Orleance is besieg'd,
    170The English Army is growne weake and faint:
    The Earle of Salisbury craueth supply,
    And hardly keepes his men from mutinie,
    Since they so few, watch such a multitude.
    Exe. Remember Lords your Oathes to Henry sworne:
    175Eyther to quell the Dolphin vtterly,
    Or bring him in obedience to your yoake.
    Bedf. I doe remember it, and here take my leaue,
    To goe about my preparation. Exit Bedford.
    Glost. Ile to the Tower with all the hast I can,
    180To view th'Artillerie and Munition,
    And then I will proclayme young Henry King.
    Exit Gloster.
    Exe. To Eltam will I, where the young King is,
    Being ordayn'd his speciall Gouernor,
    185And for his safetie there Ile best deuise. Exit.
    Winch. Each hath his Place and Function to attend:
    I am left out; for me nothing remaines:
    But long I will not be Iack out of Office.
    The King from Eltam I intend to send,
    190And sit at chiefest Sterne of publique Weale.
    Exit.
    Sound a Flourish.
    Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir, marching
    with Drum and Souldiers.
    195 Charles. Mars his true mouing, euen as in the Heauens,
    So in the Earth, to this day is not knowne.
    Late did he shine vpon the English side:
    Now we are Victors, vpon vs he smiles.
    What Townes of any moment, but we haue?
    200At pleasure here we lye, neere Orleance:
    Otherwhiles, the famisht English, like pale Ghosts,
    Faintly besiege vs one houre in a moneth.
    Alan. They want their Porredge, & their fat Bul Beeues:
    Eyther they must be dyeted like Mules,
    205And haue their Prouender ty'd to their mouthes,
    Or pitteous they will looke, like drowned Mice.
    Reigneir. Let's rayse the Siege: why liue we idly here?
    Talbot is taken, whom we wont to feare:
    Remayneth none but mad-brayn'd Salisbury,
    210And he may well in fretting spend his gall,
    Nor men nor Money hath he to make Warre.
    Charles. Sound, sound Alarum, we will rush on them.
    Now for the honour of the forlorne French:
    Him I forgiue my death, that killeth me,
    215When he sees me goe back one foot, or flye. Exeunt.
    Here Alarum, they are beaten back by the
    English, with great losse.
    Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir.
    Charles. Who euer saw the like? what men haue I?
    220Dogges, Cowards, Dastards: I would ne're haue fled,
    But that they left me 'midst my Enemies.
    Reigneir. Salisbury is a desperate Homicide,
    He fighteth as one weary of his life:
    The other Lords, like Lyons wanting foode,
    225Doe rush vpon vs as their hungry prey.
    Alanson. Froysard, a Countreyman of ours, records,
    England all Oliuers and Rowlands breed,
    During the time Edward the third did raigne:
    More truly now may this be verified;
    230For none but Samsons and Goliasses
    It sendeth forth to skirmish: one to tenne?
    Leane raw-bon'd Rascals, who would e're suppose,
    They had such courage and audacitie?
    Charles. Let's leaue this Towne,
    235For they are hayre-brayn'd Slaues,
    And hunger will enforce them to be more eager:
    Of old I know them; rather with their Teeth
    The Walls they'le teare downe, then forsake the Siege.
    Reigneir. I thinke by some odde Gimmors or Deuice
    240Their Armes are set, like Clocks, still to strike on;
    Else ne're could they hold out so as they doe:
    By my consent, wee'le euen let them alone.
    Alanson. Be it so.
    Enter the Bastard of Orleance.
    245 Bastard. Where's the Prince Dolphin? I haue newes
    for him.
    Dolph. Bastard of Orleance, thrice welcome to vs.
    Bast. Me thinks your looks are sad, your chear appal'd.
    Hath the late ouerthrow wrought this offence?
    250Be not dismay'd, for succour is at hand:
    A holy Maid hither with me I bring,
    Which by a Vision sent to her from Heauen,
    Ordayned is to rayse this tedious Siege,
    And driue the English forth the bounds of France:
    255The spirit of deepe Prophecie she hath,
    Exceeding the nine Sibyls of old Rome:
    What's past, and what's to come, she can descry.
    Speake, shall I call her in? beleeue my words,
    For they are certaine, and vnfallible.
    260 Dolph. Goe call her in: but first, to try her skill,
    Reignier stand thou as Dolphin in my place;
    Question her prowdly, let thy Lookes be sterne,
    By this meanes shall we sound what skill she hath.
    Enter Ioane Puzel.
    265 Reigneir. Faire Maid, is't thou wilt doe these won-
    drous feats?
    Puzel. Reignier, is't thou that thinkest to beguile me?
    Where is the Dolphin? Come, come from behinde,
    I know thee well, though neuer seene before.
    270Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me;
    In priuate will I talke with thee apart:
    Stand back you Lords, and giue vs leaue a while.
    Reigneir. She takes vpon her brauely at first dash.
    Puzel. Dolphin, I am by birth a Shepheards Daughter,
    275My wit vntrayn'd in any kind of Art:
    Heauen and our Lady gracious hath it pleas'd
    To shine on my contemptible estate.
    Loe, whilest I wayted on my tender Lambes,
    And to Sunnes parching heat display'd my cheekes,
    280Gods Mother deigned to appeare to me,
    And in a Vision full of Maiestie,
    Will'd me to leaue my base Vocation,
    And free my Countrey from Calamitie:
    Her ayde she promis'd, and assur'd successe.
    285In compleat Glory shee reueal'd her selfe:
    And whereas I was black and swart before,
    With those cleare Rayes, which shee infus'd on me,
    That beautie am I blest with, which you may see.
    Aske me what question thou canst possible,
    290And I will answer vnpremeditated:
    My Courage trie by Combat, if thou dar'st,
    And thou shalt finde that I exceed my Sex.
    Resolue on this, thou shalt be fortunate,
    If thou receiue me for thy Warlike Mate.
    295 Dolph. Thou hast astonisht me with thy high termes:
    Onely this proofe Ile of thy Valour make,
    In single Combat thou shalt buckle with me;
    And if thou vanquishest, thy words are true,
    Otherwise I renounce all confidence.
    300 Puzel. I am prepar'd: here is my keene-edg'd Sword,
    Deckt with fine Flower-de-Luces on each side,
    The which at Touraine, in S. Katherines Church-yard,
    Out of a great deale of old Iron, I chose forth.
    Dolph. Then come a Gods name, I feare no woman.
    305 Puzel. And while I liue, Ile ne're flye from a man.
    Here they fight, and Ioane de Puzel ouercomes.
    Dolph. Stay, stay thy hands, thou art an Amazon,
    And fightest with the Sword of Debora.
    Puzel. Christs Mother helpes me, else I were too
    310weake.
    Dolph. Who e're helps thee, 'tis thou that must help me:
    Impatiently I burne with thy desire,
    My heart and hands thou hast at once subdu'd.
    Excellent Puzel, if thy name be so,
    315Let me thy seruant, and not Soueraigne be,
    'Tis the French Dolphin sueth to thee thus.
    Puzel. I must not yeeld to any rights of Loue,
    For my Profession's sacred from aboue:
    When I haue chased all thy Foes from hence,
    320Then will I thinke vpon a recompence.
    Dolph. Meane time looke gracious on thy prostrate
    Thrall.
    Reigneir. My Lord me thinkes is very long in talke.
    Alans. Doubtlesse he shriues this woman to her smock,
    325Else ne're could he so long protract his speech.
    Reigneir. Shall wee disturbe him, since hee keepes no
    meane?
    Alan. He may meane more then we poor men do know,
    These women are shrewd tempters with their tongues.
    330 Reigneir. My Lord, where are you? what deuise you on?
    Shall we giue o're Orleance, or no?
    Puzel. Why no, I say: distrustfull Recreants,
    Fight till the last gaspe: Ile be your guard.
    Dolph. What shee sayes, Ile confirme: wee'le fight
    335it out.
    Puzel. Assign'd am I to be the English Scourge.
    This night the Siege assuredly Ile rayse:
    Expect Saint Martins Summer, Halcyons dayes,
    Since I haue entred into these Warres.
    340Glory is like a Circle in the Water,
    Which neuer ceaseth to enlarge it selfe,
    Till by broad spreading, it disperse to naught.
    With Henries death, the English Circle ends,
    Dispersed are the glories it included:
    345Now am I like that prowd insulting Ship,
    Which Caesar and his fortune bare at once.
    Dolph. Was Mahomet inspired with a Doue?
    Thou with an Eagle art inspired then.
    Helen, the Mother of Great Constantine,
    350Nor yet S. Philips daughters were like thee.
    Bright Starre of Venus, falne downe on the Earth,
    How may I reuerently worship thee enough?
    Alanson. Leaue off delayes, and let vs rayse the
    Siege.
    355 Reigneir. Woman, do what thou canst to saue our honors,
    Driue them from Orleance, and be immortaliz'd.
    Dolph. Presently wee'le try: come, let's away about it,
    No Prophet will I trust, if shee proue false. Exeunt.
    Enter Gloster, with his Seruing-men.
    360 Glost. I am come to suruey the Tower this day;
    Since Henries death, I feare there is Conueyance:
    Where be these Warders, that they wait not here?
    Open the Gates, 'tis Gloster that calls.
    1. Warder. Who's there, that knocks so imperiously?
    365 Glost. 1. Man. It is the Noble Duke of Gloster.
    2. Warder. Who ere he be, you may not be let in.
    1. Man. Villaines, answer you so the Lord Protector?
    1. Warder. The Lord protect him, so we answer him,
    We doe no otherwise then wee are will'd.
    370 Glost. Who willed you? or whose will stands but mine?
    There's none Protector of the Realme, but I:
    Breake vp the Gates, Ile be your warrantize;
    Shall I be flowted thus by dunghill Groomes?
    Glosters men rush at the Tower Gates, and Wooduile
    375 the Lieutenant speakes within.
    Wooduile. What noyse is this? what Traytors haue
    wee here?
    Glost. Lieutenant, is it you whose voyce I heare?
    Open the Gates, here's Gloster that would enter.
    380 Wooduile. Haue patience Noble Duke, I may not open,
    The Cardinall of Winchester forbids:
    From him I haue expresse commandement,
    That thou nor none of thine shall be let in.
    Glost. Faint-hearted Wooduile, prizest him 'fore me?
    385Arrogant Winchester, that haughtie Prelate,
    Whom Henry our late Soueraigne ne're could brooke?
    Thou art no friend to God, or to the King:
    Open the Gates, or Ile shut thee out shortly.
    Seruingmen. Open the Gates vnto the Lord Protector,
    390Or wee'le burst them open, if that you come not quickly.
    Enter to the Protector at the Tower Gates, Winchester
    and his men in Tawney Coates.
    Winchest. How now ambitious Vmpheir, what meanes
    this?
    395 Glost. Piel'd Priest, doo'st thou command me to be
    shut out?
    Winch. I doe, thou most vsurping Proditor,
    And not Protector of the King or Realme.
    Glost. Stand back thou manifest Conspirator,
    400Thou that contriued'st to murther our dead Lord,
    Thou that giu'st Whores Indulgences to sinne,
    Ile canuas thee in thy broad Cardinalls Hat,
    If thou proceed in this thy insolence.
    Winch. Nay, stand thou back, I will not budge a foot:
    405This be Damascus, be thou cursed Cain,
    To slay thy Brother Abel, if thou wilt.
    Glost. I will not slay thee, but Ile driue thee back:
    Thy Scarlet Robes, as a Childs bearing Cloth,
    Ile vse, to carry thee out of this place.
    410 Winch. Doe what thou dar'st, I beard thee to thy
    face.
    Glost. What? am I dar'd, and bearded to my face?
    Draw men, for all this priuiledged place,
    Blew Coats to Tawny Coats. Priest, beware your Beard,
    415I meane to tugge it, and to cuffe you soundly.
    Vnder my feet I stampe thy Cardinalls Hat:
    In spight of Pope, or dignities of Church,
    Here by the Cheekes Ile drag thee vp and downe.
    Winch. Gloster, thou wilt answere this before the
    420Pope.
    Glost. Winchester Goose, I cry, a Rope, a Rope.
    Now beat them hence, why doe you let them stay?
    Thee Ile chase hence, thou Wolfe in Sheepes array.
    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.
    Maior. Fye Lords, that you being supreme Magistrates,
    Thus contumeliously should breake the Peace.
    430 Glost. Peace Maior, thou know'st little of my wrongs:
    Here's Beauford, that regards nor God nor King,
    Hath here distrayn'd the Tower to his vse.
    Winch. Here's Gloster, a Foe to Citizens,
    One that still motions Warre, and neuer Peace,
    435O're-charging your free Purses with large Fines;
    That seekes to ouerthrow Religion,
    Because he is Protector of the Realme;
    And would haue Armour here out of the Tower,
    To Crowne himselfe King, and suppresse the Prince.
    440 Glost. I will not answer thee with words, but blowes.
    Here they skirmish againe.
    Maior. Naught rests for me, in this tumultuous strife,
    But to make open Proclamation.
    Come Officer, as lowd as e're thou canst, cry:
    445 All manner of men, assembled here in Armes this day,
    against Gods Peace and the Kings, wee charge and command
    you, in his Highnesse Name, to repayre to your seuerall dwel-
    ling places, and not to weare, handle, or vse any Sword, Wea-
    pon, or Dagger hence-forward, vpon paine of death.
    450 Glost. Cardinall, Ile be no breaker of the Law:
    But we shall meet, and breake our minds at large.
    Winch. Gloster, wee'le meet to thy cost, be sure:
    Thy heart-blood I will haue for this dayes worke.
    Maior. Ile call for Clubs, if you will not away:
    455This Cardinall's more haughtie then the Deuill.
    Glost. Maior farewell: thou doo'st but what thou
    may'st.
    Winch. Abhominable Gloster, guard thy Head,
    For I intend to haue it ere long. Exeunt.
    460 Maior. See the Coast clear'd, and then we will depart.
    Good God, these Nobles should such stomacks beare,
    I my selfe fight not once in fortie yeere. Exeunt.
    Enter the Master Gunner of Orleance, and
    his Boy.
    465 M.Gunner. Sirrha, thou know'st how Orleance is besieg'd,
    And how the English haue the Suburbs wonne.
    Boy. Father I know, and oft haue shot at them,
    How e're vnfortunate, I miss'd my ayme.
    M.Gunner. But now thou shalt not. Be thou rul'd by me:
    470Chiefe Master Gunner am I of this Towne,
    Something I must doe to procure me grace:
    The Princes espyals haue informed me,
    How the English, in the Suburbs close entrencht,
    Went through a secret Grate of Iron Barres,
    475In yonder Tower, to ouer-peere the Citie,
    And thence discouer, how with most aduantage
    They may vex vs with Shot or with Assault.
    To intercept this inconuenience,
    A Peece of Ordnance 'gainst it I haue plac'd,
    480And euen these three dayes haue I watcht,
    If I could see them. Now doe thou watch,
    For I can stay no longer.
    If thou spy'st any, runne and bring me word,
    And thou shalt finde me at the Gouernors. Exit.
    485 Boy. Father, I warrant you, take you no care,
    Ile neuer trouble you, if I may spye them. Exit.
    Enter Salisbury and Talbot on the Turrets,
    with others.
    Salisb. Talbot, my life, my ioy, againe return'd?
    490How wert thou handled, being Prisoner?
    Or by what meanes got's thou to be releas'd?
    Discourse I prethee on this Turrets top.
    Talbot. The Earle of Bedford had a Prisoner,
    Call'd the braue Lord Ponton de Santrayle,
    495For him was I exchang'd, and ransom'd.
    But with a baser man of Armes by farre,
    Once in contempt they would haue barter'd me:
    Which I disdaining, scorn'd, and craued death,
    Rather then I would be so pil'd esteem'd:
    500In fine, redeem'd I was as I desir'd.
    But O, the trecherous Falstaffe wounds my heart,
    Whom with my bare fists I would execute,
    If I now had him brought into my power.
    Salisb. Yet tell'st thou not, how thou wert enter-
    505tain'd.
    Tal. With scoffes and scornes, and contumelious taunts,
    In open Market-place produc't they me,
    To be a publique spectacle to all:
    Here, sayd they, is the Terror of the French,
    510The Scar-Crow that affrights our Children so.
    Then broke I from the Officers that led me,
    And with my nayles digg'd stones out of the ground,
    To hurle at the beholders of my shame.
    My grisly countenance made others flye,
    515None durst come neere, for feare of suddaine death.
    In Iron Walls they deem'd me not secure:
    So great feare of my Name 'mongst them were spread,
    That they suppos'd I could rend Barres of Steele,
    And spurne in pieces Posts of Adamant.
    520Wherefore a guard of chosen Shot I had,
    That walkt about me euery Minute while:
    And if I did but stirre out of my Bed,
    Ready they were to shoot me to the heart.
    Enter the Boy with a Linstock.
    525 Salisb. I grieue to heare what torments you endur'd,
    But we will be reueng'd sufficiently.
    Now it is Supper time in Orleance:
    Here, through this Grate, I count each one,
    And view the Frenchmen how they fortifie:
    530Let vs looke in, the sight will much delight thee:
    Sir Thomas Gargraue, and Sir William Glansdale,
    Let me haue your expresse opinions,
    Where is best place to make our Batt'ry next?
    Gargraue. I thinke at the North Gate, for there stands
    535Lords.
    Glansdale. And I heere, at the Bulwarke of the
    Bridge.
    Talb. For ought I see, this Citie must be famisht,
    Or with light Skirmishes enfeebled. Here they shot, and
    540 Salisbury falls downe.
    Salisb. O Lord haue mercy on vs, wretched sinners.
    Gargraue. O Lord haue mercy on me, wofull man.
    Talb. What chance is this, that suddenly hath crost vs?
    Speake Salisbury; at least, if thou canst, speake:
    545How far'st thou, Mirror of all Martiall men?
    One of thy Eyes, and thy Cheekes side struck off?
    Accursed Tower, accursed fatall Hand,
    That hath contriu'd this wofull Tragedie.
    In thirteene Battailes, Salisbury o'recame:
    550Henry the Fift he first trayn'd to the Warres.
    Whil'st any Trumpe did sound, or Drum struck vp,
    His Sword did ne're leaue striking in the field.
    Yet liu'st thou Salisbury? though thy speech doth fayle,
    One Eye thou hast to looke to Heauen for grace.
    555The Sunne with one Eye vieweth all the World.
    Heauen be thou gracious to none aliue,
    If Salisbury wants mercy at thy hands.
    Beare hence his Body, I will helpe to bury it.
    Sir Thomas Gargraue, hast thou any life?
    560Speake vnto Talbot, nay, looke vp to him.
    Salisbury cheare thy Spirit with this comfort,
    Thou shalt not dye whiles----
    He beckens with his hand, and smiles on me:
    As who should say, When I am dead and gone,
    565Remember to auenge me on the French.
    Plantaginet I will, and like thee,
    Play on the Lute, beholding the Townes burne:
    Wretched shall France be onely in my Name.
    Here an Alarum, and it Thunders and Lightens.
    570What stirre is this? what tumult's in the Heauens?
    Whence commeth this Alarum,} nd the noyse?
    Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. My Lord, my Lord, the French haue gather'd head.
    The Dolphin, with one Ioane de Puzel ioyn'd,
    575A holy Prophetesse, new risen vp,
    Is come with a great Power, to rayse the Siege.
    Here Salisbury lifteth himselfe vp, and groanes.
    Talb. Heare, heare, how dying Salisbury doth groane,
    It irkes his heart he cannot be reueng'd.
    580Frenchmen, Ile be a Salisbury to you.
    Puzel or Pussel, Dolphin or Dog-fish,
    Your hearts Ile stampe out with my Horses heeles,
    And make a Quagmire of your mingled braines.
    Conuey me Salisbury into his Tent,
    585And then wee'le try what these dastard Frenchmen dare.
    Alarum. Exeunt.
    Here an Alarum againe, and Talbot pursueth the Dolphin,
    and driueth him: Then enter Ioane de Puzel,
    driuing Englishmen before her.
    590 Then enter Talbot.
    Talb. Where is my strength, my valour, and my force?
    Our English Troupes retyre, I cannot stay them,
    A Woman clad in Armour chaseth them.
    Enter Puzel.
    595Here, here shee comes. Ile haue a bowt with thee:
    Deuill, or Deuils Dam, Ile coniure thee:
    Blood will I draw on thee, thou art a Witch,
    And straightway giue thy Soule to him thou seru'st.
    Puzel. Come, come, 'tis onely I that must disgrace
    600thee. Here they fight.
    Talb. Heauens, can you suffer Hell so to preuayle?
    My brest Ile burst with straining of my courage,
    And from my shoulders crack my Armes asunder,
    But I will chastise this high-minded Strumpet.
    605 They fight againe.
    Puzel. Talbot farwell, thy houre is not yet come,
    I must goe Victuall Orleance forthwith:
    A short Alarum: then enter the Towne
    with Souldiers.
    610O're-take me if thou canst, I scorne thy strength.
    Goe, goe, cheare vp thy hungry-starued men,
    Helpe Salisbury to make his Testament,
    This Day is ours, as many more shall be. Exit.
    Talb. My thoughts are whirled like a Potters Wheele,
    615I know not where I am, nor what I doe:
    A Witch by feare, not force, like Hannibal,
    Driues back our troupes, and conquers as she lists:
    So Bees with smoake, and Doues with noysome stench,
    Are from their Hyues and Houses driuen away.
    620They call'd vs, for our fiercenesse, English Dogges,
    Now like to Whelpes, we crying runne away.
    A short Alarum.
    Hearke Countreymen, eyther renew the fight,
    Or teare the Lyons out of Englands Coat;
    625Renounce your Soyle, giue Sheepe in Lyons stead:
    Sheepe run not halfe so trecherous from the Wolfe,
    Or Horse or Oxen from the Leopard,
    As you flye from your oft-subdued slaues.
    Alarum. Here another Skirmish.
    630It will not be, retyre into your Trenches:
    You all consented vnto Salisburies death,
    For none would strike a stroake in his reuenge.
    Puzel is entred into Orleance,
    In spight of vs, or ought that we could doe.
    635O would I were to dye with Salisbury,
    The shame hereof, will make me hide my head.
    Exit Talbot.
    Alarum, Retreat, Flourish.
    Enter on the Walls, Puzel, Dolphin, Reigneir,
    640 Alanson, and Souldiers.
    Puzel. Aduance our wauing Colours on the Walls,
    Rescu'd is Orleance from the English.
    Thus Ioane de Puzel hath perform'd her word.
    Dolph. Diuinest Creature, Astrea's Daughter,
    645How shall I honour thee for this successe?
    Thy promises are like Adonis Garden,
    That one day bloom'd, and fruitfull were the next.
    France, triumph in thy glorious Prophetesse,
    Recouer'd is the Towne of Orleance,
    650More blessed hap did ne're befall our State.
    Reigneir. Why ring not out the Bells alowd,
    Throughout the Towne?
    Dolphin command the Citizens make Bonfires,
    And feast and banquet in the open streets,
    655To celebrate the ioy that God hath giuen vs.
    Alans. All France will be repleat with mirth and ioy,
    When they shall heare how we haue play'd the men.
    Dolph. 'Tis Ioane, not we, by whom the day is wonne:
    For which, I will diuide my Crowne with her,
    660And all the Priests and Fryers in my Realme,
    Shall in procession sing her endlesse prayse.
    A statelyer Pyramis to her Ile reare,
    Then Rhodophe's or Memphis euer was.
    In memorie of her, when she is dead,
    665Her Ashes, in an Vrne more precious
    Then the rich-iewel'd Coffer of Darius,
    Transported, shall be at high Festiuals
    Before the Kings and Queenes of France.
    No longer on Saint Dennis will we cry,
    670But Ioane de Puzel shall be France's Saint.
    Come in, and let vs Banquet Royally,
    After this Golden Day of Victorie.
    Flourish. Exeunt.
    Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
    675 Enter a Sergeant of a Band, with two Sentinels.
    Ser. Sirs, take your places, and be vigilant:
    If any noyse or Souldier you perceiue
    Neere to the walles, by some apparant signe
    Let vs haue knowledge at the Court of Guard.
    680 Sent. Sergeant you shall. Thus are poore Seruitors
    (When others sleepe vpon their quiet beds)
    Constrain'd to watch in darknesse, raine, and cold.
    Enter Talbot, Bedford, and Burgundy, with scaling
    Ladders: Their Drummesbeating a
    685 Dead March.
    Tal. Lord Regent, and redoubted Burgundy,
    By whose approach, the Regions of Artoys,
    Wallon, and Picardy, are friends to vs:
    This happy night, the Frenchmen are secure,
    690Hauing all day carows'd and banquetted,
    Embrace we then this opportunitie,
    As fitting best to quittance their deceite,
    Contriu'd by Art, and balefull Sorcerie.
    Bed. Coward of France, how much he wrongs his fame,
    695Dispairing of his owne armes fortitude,
    To ioyne with Witches, and the helpe of Hell.
    Bur. Traitors haue neuer other company.
    But what's that Puzell whom they tearme so pure?
    Tal. A Maid, they say.
    700 Bed. A Maid? And be so martiall?
    Bur. Pray God she proue not masculine ere long:
    If vnderneath the Standard of the French
    She carry Armour, as she hath begun.
    Tal. Well, let them practise and conuerse with spirits.
    705God is our Fortresse, in whose conquering name
    Let vs resolue to scale their flinty bulwarkes.
    Bed. Ascend braue Talbot, we will follow thee.
    Tal. Not altogether: Better farre I guesse,
    That we do make our entrance seuerall wayes:
    710That if it chance the one of vs do faile,
    The other yet may rise against their force.
    Bed. Agreed; Ile to yond corner.
    Bur. And I to this.
    Tal. And heere will Talbot mount, or make his graue.
    715Now Salisbury, for thee and for the right
    Of English Henry, shall this night appeare
    How much in duty, I am bound to both.
    Sent. Arme, arme, the enemy doth make assault.
    Cry, S. George, A Talbot.
    720 The French leape ore the walles in their shirts. Enter
    seuerall wayes, Bastard, Alanson, Reignier,
    halfe ready, and halfe vnready.
    Alan. How now my Lords? what all vnreadie so?
    Bast. Vnready? I and glad we scap'd so well.
    725 Reig. 'Twas time (I trow) to wake and leaue our beds,
    Hearing Alarums at our Chamber doores.
    Alan. Of all exploits since first I follow'd Armes,
    Nere heard I of a warlike enterprize
    More venturous, or desperate then this.
    730 Bast. I thinke this Talbot be a Fiend of Hell.
    Reig. If not of Hell, the Heauens sure fauour him.
    Alans. Here commeth Charles, I maruell how he sped?
    Enter Charles and Ioane.
    Bast. Tut, holy Ioane was his defensiue Guard.
    735 Charl. Is this thy cunning, thou deceitfull Dame?
    Didst thou at first, to flatter vs withall,
    Make vs partakers of a little gayne,
    That now our losse might be ten times so much?
    Ioane. Wherefore is Charles impatient with his friend?
    740At all times will you haue my Power alike?
    Sleeping or waking, must I still preuayle,
    Or will you blame and lay the fault on me?
    Improuident Souldiors, had your Watch been good,
    This sudden Mischiefe neuer could haue falne.
    745 Charl. Duke of Alanson, this was your default,
    That being Captaine of the Watch to Night,
    Did looke no better to that weightie Charge.
    Alans. Had all your Quarters been as safely kept,
    As that whereof I had the gouernment,
    750We had not beene thus shamefully surpriz'd.
    Bast. Mine was secure.
    Reig. And so was mine, my Lord.
    Charl. And for my selfe, most part of all this Night
    Within her Quarter, and mine owne Precinct,
    755I was imploy'd in passing to and fro,
    About relieuing of the Centinels.
    Then how, or which way, should they first breake in?
    Ioane. Question (my Lords) no further of the case,
    How or which way; 'tis sure they found some place,
    760But weakely guarded, where the breach was made:
    And now there rests no other shift but this,
    To gather our Souldiors, scatter'd and disperc't,
    And lay new Plat-formes to endammage them.
    Exeunt.
    765 Alarum. Enter a Souldier, crying, a Talbot, a Talbot:
    they flye, leauing their Clothes behind.
    Sould. Ile be so bold to take what they haue left:
    The Cry of Talbot serues me for a Sword,
    For I haue loaden me with many Spoyles,
    770Vsing no other Weapon but his Name. Exit.
    Enter Talbot, Bedford, Burgundie.
    Bedf. The Day begins to breake, and Night is fled,
    Whose pitchy Mantle ouer-vayl'd the Earth.
    Here sound Retreat, and cease our hot pursuit. Retreat.
    775 Talb. Bring forth the Body of old Salisbury,
    And here aduance it in the Market-Place,
    The middle Centure of this cursed Towne.
    Now haue I pay'd my Vow vnto his Soule:
    For euery drop of blood was drawne from him,
    780There hath at least fiue Frenchmen dyed to night.
    And that hereafter Ages may behold
    What ruine happened in reuenge of him,
    Within their chiefest Temple Ile erect
    A Tombe, wherein his Corps shall be interr'd:
    785Vpon the which, that euery one may reade,
    Shall be engrau'd the sacke of Orleance,
    The trecherous manner of his mournefull death,
    And what a terror he had beene to France.
    But Lords, in all our bloudy Massacre,
    790I muse we met not with the Dolphins Grace,
    His new-come Champion, vertuous Ioane of Acre,
    Nor any of his false Confederates.
    Bedf. 'Tis thought Lord Talbot, when the fight began,
    Rows'd on the sudden from their drowsie Beds,
    795They did amongst the troupes of armed men,
    Leape o're the Walls for refuge in the field.
    Burg. My selfe, as farre as I could well discerne,
    For smoake, and duskie vapours of the night,
    Am sure I scar'd the Dolphin and his Trull,
    800When Arme in Arme they both came swiftly running,
    Like to a payre of louing Turtle-Doues,
    That could not liue asunder day or night.
    After that things are set in order here,
    Wee'le follow them with all the power we haue.
    805 Enter a Messenger.
    Mess. All hayle, my Lords: which of this Princely trayne
    Call ye the Warlike Talbot, for his Acts
    So much applauded through the Realme of France?
    Talb. Here is the Talbot, who would speak with him?
    810 Mess. The vertuous Lady, Countesse of Ouergne,
    With modestie admiring thy Renowne,
    By me entreats (great Lord) thou would'st vouchsafe
    To visit her poore Castle where she lyes,
    That she may boast she hath beheld the man,
    815Whose glory fills the World with lowd report.
    Burg. Is it euen so? Nay, then I see our Warres
    Will turne vnto a peacefull Comick sport,
    When Ladyes craue to be encountred with.
    You may not (my Lord) despise her gentle suit.
    820 Talb. Ne're trust me then: for when a World of men
    Could not preuayle with all their Oratorie,
    Yet hath a Womans kindnesse ouer-rul'd:
    And therefore tell her, I returne great thankes,
    And in submission will attend on her.
    825Will not your Honors beare me company?
    Bedf. No, truly, 'tis more then manners will:
    And I haue heard it sayd, Vnbidden Guests
    Are often welcommest when they are gone.
    Talb. Well then, alone (since there's no remedie)
    830I meane to proue this Ladyes courtesie.
    Come hither Captaine, you perceiue my minde.
    Whispers.
    Capt. I doe my Lord, and meane accordingly.
    Exeunt.
    835 Enter Countesse.
    Count. Porter, remember what I gaue in charge,
    And when you haue done so, bring the Keyes to me.
    Port. Madame, I will. Exit.
    Count. The Plot is layd, if all things fall out right,
    840I shall as famous be by this exploit,
    As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus death.
    Great is the rumour of this dreadfull Knight,
    And his atchieuements of no lesse account:
    Faine would mine eyes be witnesse with mine eares,
    845To giue their censure of these rare reports.
    Enter Messenger and Talbot.
    Mess. Madame, according as your Ladyship desir'd,
    By Message crau'd, so is Lord Talbot come.
    Count. And he is welcome: what? is this the man?
    850 Mess. Madame, it is.
    Count. Is this the Scourge of France?
    Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad?
    That with his Name the Mothers still their Babes?
    I see Report is fabulous and false.
    855I thought I should haue seene some Hercules,
    A second Hector, for his grim aspect,
    And large proportion of his strong knit Limbes.
    Alas, this is a Child, a silly Dwarfe:
    It cannot be, this weake and writhled shrimpe
    860Should strike such terror to his Enemies.
    Talb. Madame, I haue beene bold to trouble you:
    But since your Ladyship is not at leysure,
    Ile sort some other time to visit you.
    Count. What meanes he now?
    865Goe aske him, whither he goes?
    Mess. Stay my Lord Talbot, for my Lady craues,
    To know the cause of your abrupt departure?
    Talb. Marry, for that shee's in a wrong beleefe,
    I goe to certifie her Talbot's here.
    870 Enter Porter with Keyes.
    Count. If thou be he, then art thou Prisoner.
    Talb. Prisoner? to whom?
    Count. To me, blood-thirstie Lord:
    And for that cause I trayn'd thee to my House.
    875Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me,
    For in my Gallery thy Picture hangs:
    But now the substance shall endure the like,
    And I will chayne these Legges and Armes of thine,
    That hast by Tyrannie these many yeeres
    880Wasted our Countrey, slaine our Citizens,
    And sent our Sonnes and Husbands captiuate.
    Talb. Ha, ha, ha.
    Count. Laughest thou Wretch?
    Thy mirth shall turne to moane.
    885 Talb. I laugh to see your Ladyship so fond,
    To thinke, that you haue ought but Talbots shadow,
    Whereon to practise your seueritie.
    Count. Why? art not thou the man?
    Talb. I am indeede.
    890 Count. Then haue I substance too.
    Talb. No, no, I am but shadow of my selfe:
    You are deceiu'd, my substance is not here;
    For what you see, is but the smallest part,
    And least proportion of Humanitie:
    895I tell you Madame, were the whole Frame here,
    It is of such a spacious loftie pitch,
    Your Roofe were not sufficient to contayn't.
    Count. This is a Riddling Merchant for the nonce,
    He will be here, and yet he is not here:
    900How can these contrarieties agree?
    Talb. That will I shew you presently.
    Winds his Horne, Drummes strike vp, a Peale
    of Ordenance: Enter Souldiors.
    How say you Madame? are you now perswaded,
    905That Talbot is but shadow of himselfe?
    These are his substance, sinewes, armes, and strength,
    With which he yoaketh your rebellious Neckes,
    Razeth your Cities, and subuerts your Townes,
    And in a moment makes them desolate.
    910 Count. Victorious Talbot, pardon my abuse,
    I finde thou art no lesse then Fame hath bruited,
    And more then may be gathered by thy shape.
    Let my presumption not prouoke thy wrath,
    For I am sorry, that with reuerence
    915I did not entertaine thee as thou art.
    Talb. Be not dismay'd, faire Lady, nor misconster
    The minde of Talbot, as you did mistake
    The outward composition of his body.
    What you haue done, hath not offended me:
    920Nor other satisfaction doe I craue,
    But onely with your patience, that we may
    Taste of your Wine, and see what Cates you haue,
    For Souldiers stomacks alwayes serue them well.
    Count. With all my heart, and thinke me honored,
    925To feast so great a Warrior in my House. Exeunt.
    Enter Richard Plantagenet, Warwick, Somerset,
    Poole, and others.
    Yorke. Great Lords and Gentlemen,
    What meanes this silence?
    930Dare no man answer in a Case of Truth?
    Suff. Within the Temple Hall we were too lowd,
    The Garden here is more conuenient.
    York. Then say at once, if I maintain'd the Truth:
    Or else was wrangling Somerset in th'error?
    935 Suff. Faith I haue beene a Truant in the Law,
    And neuer yet could frame my will to it,
    And therefore frame the Law vnto my will.
    Som. Iudge you, my Lord of Warwicke, then be-
    tweene vs.
    940 War. Between two Hawks, which flyes the higher pitch,
    Between two Dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,
    Between two Blades, which beares the better temper,
    Between two Horses, which doth beare him best,
    Between two Girles, which hath the merryest eye,
    945I haue perhaps some shallow spirit of Iudgement:
    But in these nice sharpe Quillets of the Law,
    Good faith I am no wiser then a Daw.
    York. Tut, tut, here is a mannerly forbearance:
    The truth appeares so naked on my side,
    950That any purblind eye may find it out.
    Som. And on my side it is so well apparrell'd,
    So cleare, so shining, and so euident,
    That it will glimmer through a blind-mans eye.
    York. Since you are tongue-ty'd, and so loth to speake,
    955In dumbe significants proclayme your thoughts:
    Let him that is a true-borne Gentleman,
    And stands vpon the honor of his birth,
    If he suppose that I haue pleaded truth,
    From off this Bryer pluck a white Rose with me.
    960 Som. Let him that is no Coward, nor no Flatterer,
    But dare maintaine the partie of the truth,
    Pluck a red Rose from off this Thorne with me.
    War. I loue no Colours: and without all colour
    Of base insinuating flatterie,
    965I pluck this white Rose with Plantagenet.
    Suff. I pluck this red Rose, with young Somerset,
    And say withall, I thinke he held the right.
    Vernon. Stay Lords and Gentlemen, and pluck no more
    Till you conclude, that he vpon whose side
    970The fewest Roses are cropt from the Tree,
    Shall yeeld the other in the right opinion.
    Som. Good Master Vernon, it is well obiected:
    If I haue fewest, I subscribe in silence.
    York. And I.
    975 Vernon. Then for the truth, and plainnesse of the Case,
    I pluck this pale and Maiden Blossome here,
    Giuing my Verdict on the white Rose side.
    Som. Prick not your finger as you pluck it off,
    Least bleeding, you doe paint the white Rose red,
    980And fall on my side so against your will.
    Vernon. If I, my Lord, for my opinion bleed,
    Opinion shall be Surgeon to my hurt,
    And keepe me on the side where still I am.
    Som. Well, well, come on, who else?
    985 Lawyer. Vnlesse my Studie and my Bookes be false,
    The argument you held, was wrong in you;
    In signe whereof, I pluck a white Rose too.
    Yorke. Now Somerset, where is your argument?
    Som. Here in my Scabbard, meditating, that
    990Shall dye your white Rose in a bloody red.
    York Meane time your cheeks do counterfeit our Roses:
    For pale they looke with feare, as witnessing
    The truth on our side.
    Som. No Plantagenet:
    995'Tis not for feare, but anger, that thy cheekes
    Blush for pure shame, to counterfeit our Roses,
    And yet thy tongue will not confesse thy error.
    Yorke. Hath not thy Rose a Canker, Somerset?
    Som. Hath not thy Rose a Thorne, Plantagenet?
    1000 Yorke. I, sharpe and piercing to maintaine his truth,
    Whiles thy consuming Canker eates his falsehood.
    Som. Well, Ile find friends to weare my bleeding Roses,
    That shall maintaine what I haue said is true,
    Where false Plantagenet dare not be seene.
    1005 Yorke. Now by this Maiden Blossome in my hand,
    I scorne thee and thy fashion, peeuish Boy.
    Suff. Turne not thy scornes this way, Plantagenet.
    Yorke. Prowd Poole, I will, and scorne both him and
    thee.
    1010 Suff. Ile turne my part thereof into thy throat.
    Som. Away, away, good William de la Poole,
    We grace the Yeoman, by conuersing with him.
    Warw. Now by Gods will thou wrong'st him, Somerset:
    His Grandfather was Lyonel Duke of Clarence,
    1015Third Sonne to the third Edward King of England:
    Spring Crestlesse Yeomen from so deepe a Root?
    Yorke. He beares him on the place's Priuiledge,
    Or durst not for his crauen heart say thus.
    Som. By him that made me, Ile maintaine my words
    1020On any Plot of Ground in Christendome.
    Was not thy Father Richard, Earle of Cambridge,
    For Treason executed in our late Kings dayes?
    And by his Treason, stand'st not thou attainted,
    Corrupted, and exempt from ancient Gentry?
    1025His Trespas yet liues guiltie in thy blood,
    And till thou be restor'd, thou art a Yeoman.
    Yorke. My Father was attached, not attainted,
    Condemn'd to dye for Treason, but no Traytor;
    And that Ile proue on better men then Somerset,
    1030Were growing time once ripened to my will.
    For your partaker Poole, and you your selfe,
    Ile note you in my Booke of Memorie,
    To scourge you for this apprehension:
    Looke to it well, and say you are well warn'd.
    1035 Som. Ah, thou shalt finde vs ready for thee still:
    And know vs by these Colours for thy Foes,
    For these, my friends in spight of thee shall weare.
    Yorke. And by my Soule, this pale and angry Rose,
    As Cognizance of my blood-drinking hate,
    1040Will I for euer, and my Faction weare,
    Vntill it wither with me to my Graue,
    Or flourish to the height of my Degree.
    Suff. Goe forward, and be choak'd with thy ambition:
    And so farwell, vntill I meet thee next. Exit.
    1045 Som. Haue with thee Poole: Farwell ambitious Ri-
    chard. Exit.
    Yorke. How I am brau'd, and must perforce endure
    it?
    Warw. This blot that they obiect against your House,
    1050Shall be whipt out in the next Parliament,
    Call'd for the Truce of Winchester and Gloucester:
    And if thou be not then created Yorke,
    I will not liue to be accounted Warwicke.
    Meane time, in signall of my loue to thee,
    1055Against prowd Somerset, and William Poole,
    Will I vpon thy partie weare this Rose.
    And here I prophecie: this brawle to day,
    Growne to this faction in the Temple Garden,
    Shall send betweene the Red-Rose and the White,
    1060A thousand Soules to Death and deadly Night.
    Yorke. Good Master Vernon, I am bound to you,
    That you on my behalfe would pluck a Flower.
    Ver. In your behalfe still will I weare the same.
    Lawyer. And so will I.
    1065 Yorke. Thankes gentle.
    Come, let vs foure to Dinner: I dare say,
    This Quarrell will drinke Blood another day.
    Exeunt.
    Enter Mortimer, brought in a Chayre,
    1070and Iaylors.
    Mort. Kind Keepers of my weake decaying Age,
    Let dying Mortimer here rest himselfe.
    Euen like a man new haled from the Wrack,
    So fare my Limbes with long Imprisonment:
    1075And these gray Locks, the Pursuiuants of death,
    Nestor-like aged, in an Age of Care,
    Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer.
    These Eyes, like Lampes, whose wasting Oyle is spent,
    Waxe dimme, as drawing to their Exigent.
    1080Weake Shoulders, ouer-borne with burthening Griefe,
    And pyth-lesse Armes, like to a withered Vine,
    That droupes his sappe-lesse Branches to the ground.
    Yet are these Feet, whose strength-lesse stay is numme,
    (Vnable to support this Lumpe of Clay)
    1085Swift-winged with desire to get a Graue,
    As witting I no other comfort haue.
    But tell me, Keeper, will my Nephew come?
    Keeper. Richard Plantagenet, my Lord, will come:
    We sent vnto the Temple, vnto his Chamber,
    1090And answer was return'd, that he will come.
    Mort. Enough: my Soule shall then be satisfied.
    Poore Gentleman, his wrong doth equall mine.
    Since Henry Monmouth first began to reigne,
    Before whose Glory I was great in Armes,
    1095This loathsome sequestration haue I had;
    And euen since then,hath Richard beene obscur'd,
    Depriu'd of Honor and Inheritance.
    But now, the Arbitrator of Despaires,
    Iust Death, kinde Vmpire of mens miseries,
    1100With sweet enlargement doth dismisse me hence:
    I would his troubles likewise were expir'd,
    That so he might recouer what was lost.
    Enter Richard.
    Keeper. My Lord, your louing Nephew now is come.
    1105 Mor. Richard Plantagenet, my friend, is he come?
    Rich. I, Noble Vnckle, thus ignobly vs'd,
    Your Nephew, late despised Richard, comes.
    Mort. Direct mine Armes, I may embrace his Neck,
    And in his Bosome spend my latter gaspe.
    1110Oh tell me when my Lippes doe touch his Cheekes,
    That I may kindly giue one fainting Kisse.
    And now declare sweet Stem from Yorkes great Stock,
    Why didst thou say of late thou wert despis'd?
    Rich. First, leane thine aged Back against mine Arme,
    1115And in that ease, Ile tell thee my Disease.
    This day in argument vpon a Case,
    Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me:
    Among which tearmes, he vs'd his lauish tongue,
    And did vpbrayd me with my Fathers death;
    1120Which obloquie set barres before my tongue,
    Else with the like I had requited him.
    Therefore good Vnckle, for my Fathers sake,
    In honor of a true Plantagenet,
    And for Alliance sake, declare the cause
    1125My Father, Earle of Cambridge, lost his Head.
    Mort. That cause (faire Nephew) that imprison'd me,
    And hath detayn'd me all my flowring Youth,
    Within a loathsome Dungeon, there to pyne,
    Was cursed Instrument of his decease.
    1130 Rich. Discouer more at large what cause that was,
    For I am ignorant, and cannot guesse.
    Mort. I will, if that my fading breath permit,
    And Death approach not, ere my Tale be done.
    Henry the Fourth, Grandfather to this King,
    1135Depos'd his Nephew Richard, Edwards Sonne,
    The first begotten, and the lawfull Heire
    Of Edward King, the Third of that Descent.
    During whose Reigne, the Percies of the North,
    Finding his Vsurpation most vniust,
    1140Endeuour'd my aduancement to the Throne.
    The reason mou'd these Warlike Lords to this,
    Was, for that (young Richard thus remou'd,
    Leauing no Heire begotten of his Body)
    I was the next by Birth and Parentage:
    1145For by my Mother, I deriued am
    From Lionel Duke of Clarence, third Sonne
    To King Edward the Third; whereas hee,
    From Iohn of Gaunt doth bring his Pedigree,
    Being but fourth of that Heroick Lyne.
    1150But marke: as in this haughtie great attempt,
    They laboured, to plant the rightfull Heire,
    I lost my Libertie, and they their Liues.
    Long after this, when Henry the Fift
    (Succeeding his Father Bullingbrooke) did reigne;
    1155Thy Father, Earle of Cambridge, then deriu'd
    From famous Edmund Langley, Duke of Yorke,
    Marrying my Sister, that thy Mother was;
    Againe, in pitty of my hard distresse,
    Leuied an Army, weening to redeeme,
    1160And haue install'd me in the Diademe:
    But as the rest, so fell that Noble Earle,
    And was beheaded. Thus the Mortimers,
    In whom the Title rested, were supprest.
    Rich. Of which, my Lord, your Honor is the last.
    1165 Mort. True; and thou seest, that I no Issue haue,
    And that my fainting words doe warrant death:
    Thou art my Heire; the rest, I wish thee gather:
    But yet be wary in thy studious care.
    Rich. Thy graue admonishments preuayle with me:
    1170But yet me thinkes, my Fathers execution
    Was nothing lesse then bloody Tyranny.
    Mort. With silence, Nephew, be thou pollitick,
    Strong fixed is the House of Lancaster,
    And like a Mountaine, not to be remou'd.
    1175But now thy Vnckle is remouing hence,
    As Princes doe their Courts, when they are cloy'd
    With long continuance in a setled place.
    Rich. O Vnckle, would some part of my young yeeres
    Might but redeeme the passage of your Age.
    1180 Mort. Thou do'st then wrong me, as yt slaughterer doth,
    Which giueth many Wounds, when one will kill.
    Mourne not, except thou sorrow for my good,
    Onely giue order for my Funerall.
    And so farewell, and faire be all thy hopes,
    1185And prosperous be thy Life in Peace and Warre. Dyes.
    Rich. And Peace, no Warre, befall thy parting Soule.
    In Prison hast thou spent a Pilgrimage,
    And like a Hermite ouer-past thy dayes.
    Well, I will locke his Councell in my Brest,
    1190And what I doe imagine, let that rest.
    Keepers conuey him hence, and I my selfe
    Will see his Buryall better then his Life. Exit.
    Here dyes the duskie Torch of Mortimer,
    Choakt with Ambition of the meaner sort.
    1195And for those Wrongs, those bitter Iniuries,
    Which Somerset hath offer'd to my House,
    I doubt not, but with Honor to redresse.
    And therefore haste I to the Parliament,
    Eyther to be restored to my Blood,
    1200Or make my will th'aduantage of my good. Exit.
    Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
    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?
    With written Pamphlets, studiously deuis'd?
    Humfrey of Gloster, if thou canst accuse,
    Or ought intend'st to lay vnto my charge,
    Doe it without inuention, suddenly,
    1210As I with sudden, and extemporall speech,
    Purpose to answer what thou canst obiect.
    Glo. Presumptuous Priest, this place cōmands my patiēce,
    Or thou should'st finde thou hast dis-honor'd me.
    Thinke not, although in Writing I preferr'd
    1215The manner of thy vile outragious Crymes,
    That therefore I haue forg'd, or am not able
    Verbatim to rehearse the Methode of my Penne.
    No Prelate, such is thy audacious wickednesse,
    Thy lewd, pestiferous, and dissentious prancks,
    1220As very Infants prattle of thy pride.
    Thou art a most pernitious Vsurer,
    Froward by nature, Enemie to Peace,
    Lasciuious, wanton, more then well beseemes
    A man of thy Profession, and Degree.
    1225And for thy Trecherie, what's more manifest?
    In that thou layd'st a Trap to take my Life,
    As well at London Bridge, as at the Tower.
    Beside, I feare me, if thy thoughts were sifted,
    The King, thy Soueraigne, is not quite exempt
    1230From enuious mallice of thy swelling heart.
    Winch. Gloster, I doe defie thee. Lords vouchsafe
    To giue me hearing what I shall reply.
    If I were couetous, ambitious, or peruerse,
    As he will haue me: how am I so poore?
    1235Or how haps it, I seeke not to aduance
    Or rayse my selfe? but keepe my wonted Calling.
    And for Dissention, who preferreth Peace
    More then I doe? except I be prouok'd.
    No, my good Lords, it is not that offends,
    1240It is not that, that hath incens'd the Duke:
    It is because no one should sway but hee,
    No one, but hee, should be about the King;
    And that engenders Thunder in his breast,
    And makes him rore these Accusations forth.
    1245But he shall know I am as good.
    Glost. As good?
    Thou Bastard of my Grandfather.
    Winch. I, Lordly Sir: for what are you, I pray,
    But one imperious in anothers Throne?
    1250 Glost. Am I not Protector, sawcie Priest?
    Winch. And am not I a Prelate of the Church?
    Glost. Yes, as an Out-law in a Castle keepes,
    And vseth it, to patronage his Theft.
    Winch. Vnreuerent Glocester.
    1255 Glost. Thou art reuerent,
    Touching thy Spirituall Function, not thy Life.
    Winch. Rome shall remedie this.
    Warw. Roame thither then.
    My Lord, it were your dutie to forbeare.
    1260 Som. I, see the Bishop be not ouer-borne:
    Me thinkes my Lord should be Religious,
    And know the Office that belongs to such.
    Warw. Me thinkes his Lordship should be humbler,
    It fitteth not a Prelate so to plead.
    1265 Som. Yes, when his holy State is toucht so neere.
    Warw. State holy, or vnhallow'd, what of that?
    Is not his Grace Protector to the King?
    Rich. Plantagenet I see must hold his tongue,
    Least it be said, Speake Sirrha when you should:
    1270Must your bold Verdict enter talke with Lords?
    Else would I haue a fling at Winchester.
    King. Vnckles of Gloster, and of Winchester,
    The speciall Watch-men of our English Weale,
    I would preuayle, if Prayers might preuayle,
    1275To ioyne your hearts in loue and amitie.
    Oh, what a Scandall is it to our Crowne,
    That two such Noble Peeres as ye should iarre?
    Beleeue me, Lords, my tender yeeres can tell,
    Ciuill dissention is a viperous Worme,
    1280That gnawes the Bowels of the Common-wealth.
    A noyse within, Downe with the
    Tawny-Coats.
    King. What tumult's this?
    Warw. An Vprore, I dare warrant,
    1285Begun through malice of the Bishops men.
    A noyse againe, Stones, Stones.
    Enter Maior.
    Maior. Oh my good Lords, and vertuous Henry,
    Pitty the Citie of London, pitty vs:
    1290The Bishop, and the Duke of Glosters men,
    Forbidden late to carry any Weapon,
    Haue fill'd their Pockets full of peeble stones;
    And banding themselues in contrary parts,
    Doe pelt so fast at one anothers Pate,
    1295That many haue their giddy braynes knockt out:
    Our Windowes are broke downe in euery Street,
    And we,for feare,compell'd to shut our Shops.
    Enter in skirmish with bloody Pates.
    King. We charge you, on allegeance to our selfe,
    1300To hold your slaughtring hands, and keepe the Peace:
    Pray' Vnckle Gloster mittigate this strife.
    1. Seruing. Nay, if we be forbidden Stones, wee'le fall
    to it with our Teeth.
    2. Seruing. Doe what ye dare, we are as resolute.
    1305 Skirmish againe.
    Glost. You of my household, leaue this peeuish broyle,
    And set this vnaccustom'd fight aside.
    3. Seru. My Lord, we know your Grace to be a man
    Iust, and vpright; and for your Royall Birth,
    1310Inferior to none, but to his Maiestie:
    And ere that we will suffer such a Prince,
    So kinde a Father of the Common-weale,
    To be disgraced by an Inke-horne Mate,
    Wee and our Wiues and Children all will fight,
    1315And haue our bodyes slaughtred by thy foes.
    1. Seru. I, and the very parings of our Nayles
    Shall pitch a Field when we are dead.
    Begin againe.
    Glost. Stay, stay, I say:
    1320And if you loue me, as you say you doe,
    Let me perswade you to forbeare a while.
    King. Oh, how this discord doth afflict my Soule.
    Can you, my Lord of Winchester, behold
    My sighes and teares, and will not once relent?
    1325Who should be pittifull, if you be not?
    Or who should study to preferre a Peace,
    If holy Church-men take delight in broyles?
    Warw. Yeeld my Lord Protector, yeeld Winchester,
    Except you meane with obstinate repulse
    1330To slay your Soueraigne, and destroy the Realme.
    You see what Mischiefe, and what Murther too,
    Hath beene enacted through your enmitie:
    Then be at peace, except ye thirst for blood.
    Winch. He shall submit, or I will neuer yeeld.
    1335 Glost. Compassion on the King commands me stoupe,
    Or I would see his heart out, ere the Priest
    Should euer get that priuiledge of me.
    Warw. Behold my Lord of Winchester, the Duke
    Hath banisht moodie discontented fury,
    1340As by his smoothed Browes it doth appeare:
    Why looke you still so sterne, and tragicall?
    Glost. Here Winchester, I offer thee my Hand.
    King. Fie Vnckle Beauford, I haue heard you preach,
    That Mallice was a great and grieuous sinne:
    1345And will not you maintaine the thing you teach?
    But proue a chiefe offendor in the same.
    Warw. Sweet King: the Bishop hath a kindly gyrd:
    For shame my Lord of Winchester relent;
    What, shall a Child instruct you what to doe?
    1350 Winch. Well, Duke of Gloster, I will yeeld to thee
    Loue for thy Loue, and Hand for Hand I giue.
    Glost. I, but I feare me with a hollow Heart.
    See here my Friends and louing Countreymen,
    This token serueth for a Flagge of Truce,
    1355Betwixt our selues, and all our followers:
    So helpe me God, as I dissemble not.
    Winch. So helpe me God, as I intend it not.
    King. Oh louing Vnckle, kinde Duke of Gloster,
    How ioyfull am I made by this Contract.
    1360Away my Masters, trouble vs no more,
    But ioyne in friendship, as your Lords haue done.
    1. Seru. Content, Ile to the Surgeons.
    2. Seru. And so will I.
    3. Seru. And I will see what Physick the Tauerne af-
    1365fords. Exeunt.
    Warw. Accept this Scrowle, most gracious Soueraigne,
    Which in the Right of Richard Plantagenet,
    We doe exhibite to your Maiestie.
    Glo. Well vrg'd, my Lord of Warwick: for sweet Prince,
    1370And if your Grace marke euery circumstance,
    You haue great reason to doe Richard right,
    Especially for those occasions
    At Eltam Place I told your Maiestie.
    King. And those occasions, Vnckle, were of force:
    1375Therefore my louing Lords, our pleasure is,
    That Richard be restored to his Blood.
    Warw. Let Richard be restored to his Blood,
    So shall his Fathers wrongs be recompenc't.
    Winch. As will the rest, so willeth Winchester.
    1380 King. If Richard will be true, not that all alone,
    But all the whole Inheritance I giue,
    That doth belong vnto the House of Yorke,
    From whence you spring, by Lineall Descent.
    Rich. Thy humble seruant vowes obedience,
    1385And humble seruice, till the point of death.
    King. Stoope then, and set your Knee against my Foot,
    And in reguerdon of that dutie done,
    I gyrt thee with the valiant Sword of Yorke:
    Rise Richard, like a true Plantagenet,
    1390And rise created Princely Duke of Yorke.
    Rich. And so thriue Richard, as thy foes may fall,
    And as my dutie springs, so perish they,
    That grudge one thought against your Maiesty.
    All. Welcome high Prince, the mighty Duke of Yorke.
    1395 Som. Perish base Prince, ignoble Duke of Yorke.
    Glost. Now will it best auaile your Maiestie,
    To crosse the Seas, and to be Crown'd in France:
    The presence of a King engenders loue
    Amongst his Subiects, and his loyall Friends,
    1400As it dis-animates his Enemies.
    King. When Gloster sayes the word, King Henry goes,
    For friendly counsaile cuts off many Foes.
    Glost. Your Ships alreadie are in readinesse.
    Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.
    1405 Manet Exeter.
    Exet. I, we may march in England, or in France,
    Not seeing what is likely to ensue:
    This late dissention growne betwixt the Peeres,
    Burnes vnder fained ashes of forg'd loue,
    1410And will at last breake out into a flame,
    As festred members rot but by degree,
    Till bones and flesh and sinewes fall away,
    So will this base and enuious discord breed.
    And now I feare that fatall Prophecie,
    1415Which in the time of Henry, nam'd the Fift,
    Was in the mouth of euery sucking Babe,
    That Henry borne at Monmouth should winne all,
    And Henry borne at Windsor, loose all:
    Which is so plaine, that Exeter doth wish,
    1420His dayes may finish, ere that haplesse time. Exit.
    Scoena Secunda.
    Enter Pucell disguis'd, with foure Souldiors with
    Sacks vpon their backs.
    Pucell. These are the Citie Gates, the Gates of Roan,
    1425Through which our Pollicy must make a breach.
    Take heed, be wary how you place your words,
    Talke like the vulgar sort of Market men,
    That come to gather Money for their Corne.
    If we haue entrance, as I hope we shall,
    1430And that we finde the slouthfull Watch but weake,
    Ile by a signe giue notice to our friends,
    That Charles the Dolphin may encounter them.
    Souldier. Our Sacks shall be a meane to sack the City
    And we be Lords and Rulers ouer Roan,
    1435Therefore wee'le knock. Knock.
    Watch. Che la.
    Pucell. Peasauns la pouure gens de Fraunce,
    Poore Market folkes that come to sell their Corne.
    Watch. Enter, goe in, the Market Bell is rung.
    1440 Pucell. Now Roan, Ile shake thy Bulwarkes to the
    ground. Exeunt.
    Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson.
    Charles. Saint Dennis blesse this happy Stratageme,
    And once againe wee'le sleepe secure in Roan.
    1445 Bastard. Here entred Pucell, and her Practisants:
    Now she is there, how will she specifie?
    Here is the best and safest passage in.
    Reig. By thrusting out a Torch from yonder Tower,
    Which once discern'd, shewes that her meaning is,
    1450No way to that (for weaknesse) which she entred.
    Enter Pucell on the top, thrusting out a
    Torch burning.
    Pucell. Behold, this is the happy Wedding Torch,
    That ioyneth Roan vnto her Countreymen,
    1455But burning fatall to the Talbonites.
    Bastard. See Noble Charles the Beacon of our friend,
    The burning Torch in yonder Turret stands.
    Charles. Now shine it like a Commet of Reuenge,
    A Prophet to the fall of all our Foes.
    1460 Reig. Deferre no time, delayes haue dangerous ends,
    Enter and cry, the Dolphin, presently,
    And then doe execution on the Watch. Alarum.
    An Alarum. Talbot in an Excursion.
    Talb. France, thou shalt rue this Treason with thy teares,
    1465If Talbot but suruiue thy Trecherie.
    Pucell that Witch, that damned Sorceresse,
    Hath wrought this Hellish Mischiefe vnawares,
    That hardly we escap't the Pride of France. Exit.
    An Alarum: Excursions. Bedford brought
    1470in sicke in a Chayre.
    Enter Talbot and Burgonie without: within, Pucell,
    Charles, Bastard, and Reigneir on the Walls.
    Pucell. God morrow Gallants, want ye Corn for Bread?
    I thinke the Duke of Burgonie will fast,
    1475Before hee'le buy againe at such a rate.
    'Twas full of Darnell: doe you like the taste?
    Burg. Scoffe on vile Fiend, and shamelesse Curtizan,
    I trust ere long to choake thee with thine owne,
    And make thee curse the Haruest of that Corne.
    1480 Charles. Your Grace may starue (perhaps) before that
    time.
    Bedf. Oh let no words, but deedes, reuenge this Trea-
    son.
    Pucell. What will you doe, good gray-beard?
    1485Breake a Launce, and runne a-Tilt at Death,
    Within a Chayre.
    Talb. Foule Fiend of France, and Hag of all despight,
    Incompass'd with thy lustfull Paramours,
    Becomes it thee to taunt his valiant Age,
    1490And twit with Cowardise a man halfe dead?
    Damsell, Ile haue a bowt with you againe,
    Or else let Talbot perish with this shame.
    Pucell. Are ye so hot, Sir: yet Pucell hold thy peace,
    If Talbot doe but Thunder, Raine will follow.
    1495 They whisper together in counsell.
    God speed the Parliament: who shall be the Speaker?
    Talb. Dare yee come forth, and meet vs in the field?
    Pucell. Belike your Lordship takes vs then for fooles,
    To try if that our owne be ours, or no.
    1500 Talb. I speake not to that rayling Hecate,
    But vnto thee Alanson, and the rest.
    Will ye, like Souldiors, come and fight it out?
    Alans. Seignior no.
    Talb. Seignior hang: base Muleters of France,
    1505Like Pesant foot-Boyes doe they keepe the Walls,
    And dare not take vp Armes, like Gentlemen.
    Pucell. Away Captaines, let's get vs from the Walls,
    For Talbot meanes no goodnesse by his Lookes.
    God b'uy my Lord, we came but to tell you
    1510That wee are here. Exeunt from the Walls.
    Talb. And there will we be too, ere it be long,
    Or else reproach be Talbots greatest fame.
    Vow Burgonie, by honor of thy House,
    Prickt on by publike Wrongs sustain'd in France,
    1515Either to get the Towne againe, or dye.
    And I, as sure as English Henry liues,
    And as his Father here was Conqueror;
    As sure as in this late betrayed Towne,
    Great Cordelions Heart was buryed;
    1520So sure I sweare, to get the Towne, or dye.
    Burg. My Vowes are equall partners with thy
    Vowes.
    Talb. But ere we goe, regard this dying Prince,
    The valiant Duke of Bedford: Come my Lord,
    1525We will bestow you in some better place,
    Fitter for sicknesse, and for crasie age.
    Bedf. Lord Talbot, doe not so dishonour me:
    Here will I sit, before the Walls of Roan,
    And will be partner of your weale or woe.
    1530 Burg. Couragious Bedford, let vs now perswade you.
    Bedf. Not to be gone from hence: for once I read,
    That stout Pendragon, in his Litter sick,
    Came to the field, and vanquished his foes.
    Me thinkes I should reuiue the Souldiors hearts,
    1535Because I euer found them as my selfe.
    Talb. Vndaunted spirit in a dying breast,
    Then be it so: Heauens keepe old Bedford safe.
    And now no more adoe, braue Burgonie,
    But gather we our Forces out of hand,
    1540And set vpon our boasting Enemie. Exit.
    An Alarum: Excursions. Enter Sir Iohn
    Falstaffe, and a Captaine.
    Capt. Whither away Sir Iohn Falstaffe, in such haste?
    Falst. Whither away? to saue my selfe by flight,
    1545We are like to haue the ouerthrow againe.
    Capt. What? will you flye, and leaue Lord Talbot?
    Falst. I, all the Talbots in the World, to saue my life.
    Exit.
    Capt. Cowardly Knight, ill fortune follow thee.
    1550 Exit.
    Retreat. Excursions. Pucell, Alanson, and
    Charles flye.
    Bedf. Now quiet Soule, depart when Heauen please,
    For I haue seene our Enemies ouerthrow.
    1555What is the trust or strength of foolish man?
    They that of late were daring with their scoffes,
    Are glad and faine by flight to saue themselues.
    Bedford dyes, and is carryed in by two in his Chaire.
    An Alarum. Enter Talbot, Burgonie, and
    1560 the rest.
    Talb. Lost, and recouered in a day againe,
    This is a double Honor, Burgonie:
    Yet Heauens haue glory for this Victorie.
    Burg. Warlike and Martiall Talbot, Burgonie
    1565Inshrines thee in his heart, and there erects
    Thy noble Deeds, as Valors Monuments.
    Talb. Thanks gentle Duke: but where is Pucel now?
    I thinke her old Familiar is asleepe.
    Now where's the Bastards braues, and Charles his glikes?
    1570What all amort? Roan hangs her head for griefe,
    That such a valiant Company are fled.
    Now will we take some order in the Towne,
    Placing therein some expert Officers,
    And then depart to Paris, to the King,
    1575For there young Henry with his Nobles lye.
    Burg. What wills Lord Talbot, pleaseth Burgonie.
    Talb. But yet before we goe, let's not forget
    The Noble Duke of Bedford, late deceas'd,
    But see his Exequies fulfill'd in Roan.
    1580A brauer Souldier neuer couched Launce,
    A gentler Heart did neuer sway in Court.
    But Kings and mightiest Potentates must die,
    For that's the end of humane miserie. Exeunt.
    Scaena Tertia.
    1585 Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson, Pucell.
    Pucell. Dismay not (Princes) at this accident,
    Nor grieue that Roan is so recouered:
    Care is no cure, but rather corrosiue,
    For things that are not to be remedy'd.
    1590Let frantike Talbot triumph for a while,
    And like a Peacock sweepe along his tayle,
    Wee'le pull his Plumes, and take away his Trayne,
    If Dolphin and the rest will be but rul'd.
    Charles. We haue been guided by thee hitherto,
    1595And of thy Cunning had no diffidence,
    One sudden Foyle shall neuer breed distrust.
    Bastard. Search out thy wit for secret pollicies,
    And we will make thee famous through the World.
    Alans. Wee'le set thy Statue in some holy place,
    1600And haue thee reuerenc't like a blessed Saint.
    Employ thee then, sweet Virgin, for our good.
    Pucell. Then thus it must be, this doth Ioane deuise:
    By faire perswasions, mixt with sugred words,
    We will entice the Duke of Burgonie
    1605To leaue the Talbot, and to follow vs.
    Charles. I marry Sweeting, if we could doe that,
    France were no place for Henryes Warriors,
    Nor should that Nation boast it so with vs,
    But be extirped from our Prouinces.
    1610 Alans. For euer should they be expuls'd from France,
    And not haue Title of an Earledome here.
    Pucell. Your Honors shall perceiue how I will worke,
    To bring this matter to the wished end.
    Drumme sounds a farre off.
    1615Hearke, by the sound of Drumme you may perceiue
    Their Powers are marching vnto Paris-ward.
    Here sound an English March.
    There goes the Talbot, with his Colours spred,
    And all the Troupes of English after him.
    1620 French March.
    Now in the Rereward comes the Duke and his:
    Fortune in fauor makes him lagge behinde.
    Summon a Parley, we will talke with him.
    Trumpets sound a Parley.
    1625 Charles. A Parley with the Duke of Burgonie.
    Burg. Who craues a Parley with the Burgonie?
    Pucell. The Princely Charles of France, thy Countrey-
    man.
    Burg. What say'st thou Charles? for I am marching
    1630hence.
    Charles. Speake Pucell, and enchaunt him with thy
    words.
    Pucell. Braue Burgonie, vndoubted hope of France,
    Stay, let thy humble Hand-maid speake to thee.
    1635 Burg. Speake on, but be not ouer-tedious.
    Pucell. Looke on thy Country, look on fertile France,
    And see the Cities and the Townes defac't,
    By wasting Ruine of the cruell Foe,
    As lookes the Mother on her lowly Babe,
    1640When Death doth close his tender-dying Eyes.
    See, see the pining Maladie of France:
    Behold the Wounds, the most vnnaturall Wounds,
    Which thou thy selfe hast giuen her wofull Brest.
    Oh turne thy edged Sword another way,
    1645Strike those that hurt, and hurt not those that helpe:
    One drop of Blood drawne from thy Countries Bosome,
    Should grieue thee more then streames of forraine gore.
    Returne thee therefore with a floud of Teares,
    And wash away thy Countries stayned Spots.
    1650 Burg. Either she hath bewitcht me with her words,
    Or Nature makes me suddenly relent.
    Pucell. Besides, all French and France exclaimes on thee,
    Doubting thy Birth and lawfull Progenie.
    Who ioyn'st thou with, but with a Lordly Nation,
    1655That will not trust thee, but for profits sake?
    When Talbot hath set footing once in France,
    And fashion'd thee that Instrument of Ill,
    Who then, but English Henry, will be Lord,
    And thou be thrust out, like a Fugitiue?
    1660Call we to minde, and marke but this for proofe:
    Was not the Duke of Orleance thy Foe?
    And was he not in England Prisoner?
    But when they heard he was thine Enemie,
    They set him free, without his Ransome pay'd,
    1665In spight of Burgonie and all his friends.
    See then, thou fight'st against thy Countreymen,
    And ioyn'st with them will be thy slaughter-men.
    Come, come, returne; returne thou wandering Lord,
    Charles and the rest will take thee in their armes.
    1670 Burg. I am vanquished:
    These haughtie wordes of hers
    Haue batt'red me like roaring Cannon-shot,
    And made me almost yeeld vpon my knees.
    Forgiue me Countrey, and sweet Countreymen:
    1675And Lords accept this heartie kind embrace.
    My Forces and my Power of Men are yours.
    So farwell Talbot, Ile no longer trust thee.
    Pucell. Done like a Frenchman: turne and turne a-
    gaine.
    1680 Charles. Welcome braue Duke, thy friendship makes
    vs fresh.
    Bastard. And doth beget new Courage in our
    Breasts.
    Alans. Pucell hath brauely play'd her part in this,
    1685And doth deserue a Coronet of Gold.
    Charles. Now let vs on, my Lords,
    And ioyne our Powers,
    And seeke how we may preiudice the Foe. Exeunt.
    Scoena Quarta.
    1690 Enter the King, Gloucester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke,
    Somerset, Warwicke, Exeter: To them, with
    his Souldiors, Talbot.
    Talb. My gracious Prince, and honorable Peeres,
    Hearing of your arriuall in this Realme,
    1695I haue a while giuen Truce vnto my Warres,
    To doe my dutie to my Soueraigne.
    In signe whereof, this Arme, that hath reclaym'd
    To your obedience, fiftie Fortresses,
    Twelue Cities, and seuen walled Townes of strength,
    1700Beside fiue hundred Prisoners of esteeme;
    Lets fall his Sword before your Highnesse feet:
    And with submissiue loyaltie of heart
    Ascribes the Glory of his Conquest got,
    First to my God, and next vnto your Grace.
    1705 King. Is this the Lord Talbot, Vnckle Gloucester,
    That hath so long beene resident in France?
    Glost. Yes, if it please your Maiestie, my Liege.
    King. Welcome braue Captaine, and victorious Lord.
    When I was young (as yet I am not old)
    1710I doe remember how my Father said,
    A stouter Champion neuer handled Sword.
    Long since we were resolued of your truth,
    Your faithfull seruice, and your toyle in Warre:
    Yet neuer haue you tasted our Reward,
    1715Or beene reguerdon'd with so much as Thanks,
    Because till now, we neuer saw your face.
    Therefore stand vp, and for these good deserts,
    We here create you Earle of Shrewsbury,
    And in our Coronation take your place.
    1720 Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.
    Manet Vernon and Basset.
    Vern. Now Sir, to you that were so hot at Sea,
    Disgracing of these Colours that I weare,
    In honor of my Noble Lord of Yorke
    1725Dar'st thou maintaine the former words thou spak'st?
    Bass. Yes Sir, as well as you dare patronage
    The enuious barking of your sawcie Tongue,
    Against my Lord the Duke of Somerset.
    Vern. Sirrha, thy Lord I honour as he is.
    1730 Bass. Why, what is he? as good a man as Yorke.
    Vern. Hearke ye: not so: in witnesse take ye that.
    Strikes him.
    Bass. Villaine, thou knowest
    The Law of Armes is such,
    1735That who so drawes a Sword, 'tis present death,
    Or else this Blow should broach thy dearest Bloud.
    But Ile vnto his Maiestie, and craue,
    I may haue libertie to venge this Wrong,
    When thou shalt see, Ile meet thee to thy cost.
    1740 Vern. Well miscreant, Ile be there as soone as you,
    And after meete you, sooner then you would.
    Exeunt.
    Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
    Enter King, Glocester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke, Somer-
    1745set, Warwicke, Talbot, and Gouernor Exeter.
    Glo. Lord Bishop set the Crowne vpon his head.
    Win. God saue King Henry of that name the sixt.
    Glo. Now Gouernour of Paris take your oath,
    That you elect no other King but him;
    1750Esteeme none Friends, but such as are his Friends,
    And none your Foes, but such as shall pretend
    Malicious practises against his State:
    This shall ye do, so helpe you righteous God.
    Enter Falstaffe.
    1755 Fal. My gracious Soueraigne, as I rode from Calice,
    To haste vnto your Coronation:
    A Letter was deliuer'd to my hands,
    Writ to your Grace, from th'Duke of Burgundy.
    Tal. Shame to the Duke of Burgundy, and thee :
    1760I vow'd (base Knight) when I did meete the next,
    To teare the Garter from thy Crauens legge,
    Which I haue done, because (vnworthily)
    Thou was't installed in that High Degree.
    Pardon me Princely Henry, and the rest:
    1765This Dastard, at the battell of Poictiers,
    When (but in all) I was sixe thousand strong,
    And that the French were almost ten to one,
    Before we met, or that a stroke was giuen,
    Like to a trustie Squire, did run away.
    1770In which assault, we lost twelue hundred men.
    My selfe, and diuers Gentlemen beside,
    Were there surpriz'd, and taken prisoners.
    Then iudge (great Lords) if I haue done amisse:
    Or whether that such Cowards ought to weare
    1775This Ornament of Knighthood, yea or no?
    Glo. To say the truth, this fact was infamous,
    And ill beseeming any common man;
    Much more a Knight, a Captaine, and a Leader.
    Tal. When first this Order was ordain'd my Lords,
    1780Knights of the Garter were of Noble birth;
    Valiant, and Vertuous, full of haughtie Courage,
    Such as were growne to credit by the warres:
    Not fearing Death, nor shrinking for Distresse,
    But alwayes resolute, in most extreames.
    1785He then, that is not furnish'd in this sort,
    Doth but vsurpe the Sacred name of Knight,
    Prophaning this most Honourable Order,
    And should (if I were worthy to be Iudge)
    Be quite degraded, like a Hedge-borne Swaine,
    1790That doth presume to boast of Gentle blood.
    K. Staine to thy Countrymen, thou hear'st thy doom:
    Be packing therefore, thou that was't a knight:
    Henceforth we banish thee on paine of death.
    And now Lord Protector, view the Letter
    1795Sent from our Vnckle Duke of Burgundy.
    Glo. What meanes his Grace, that he hath chaung'd
    his Stile?
    No more but plaine and bluntly? (To the King.)
    Hath he forgot he is his Soueraigne?
    1800Or doth this churlish Superscription
    Pretend some alteration in good will?
    What's heere?
    I haue vpon especiall cause,
    Mou'd with compassion of my Countries wracke,
    Together with the pittifull complaints
    1805Of such as your oppression feedes vpon,
    Forsaken your pernitious Faction,
    And ioyn'd with Charles, the rightfull king of France.
    O monstrous Treachery: Can this be so?
    That in alliance, amity, and oathes,
    1810There should be found such false dissembling guile?
    King. What? doth my Vnckle Burgundy reuolt?
    Glo. He doth my Lord, and is become your foe.
    King. Is that the worst this Letter doth containe?
    Glo. It is the worst, and all (my Lord) he writes.
    1815 King. Why then Lord Talbot there shal talk with him,
    And giue him chasticement for this abuse.
    How say you (my Lord) are you not content?
    Tal. Content, my Liege? Yes: But yt I am preuented,
    I should haue begg'd I might haue bene employd.
    1820 King. Then gather strength, and march vnto him
    straight:
    Let him perceiue how ill we brooke his Treason,
    And what offence it is to flout his Friends.
    Tal. I go my Lord, in heart desiring still
    1825You may behold confusion of your foes.
    Enter Vernon and Bassit.
    Ver. Grant me the Combate, gracious Soueraigne.
    Bas. And me (my Lord) grant me the Combate too.
    Yorke. This is my Seruant, heare him Noble Prince.
    1830 Som. And this is mine (sweet Henry) fauour him.
    King. Be patient Lords, and giue them leaue to speak.
    Say Gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaime,
    And wherefore craue you Combate? Or with whom?
    Ver. With him (my Lord) for he hath done me wrong.
    1835 Bas. And I with him, for he hath done me wrong.
    King. What is that wrong, wherof you both complain
    First let me know, and then Ile answer you.
    Bas. Crossing the Sea, from England into France,
    This Fellow heere with enuious carping tongue,
    1840Vpbraided me about the Rose I weare,
    Saying, the sanguine colour of the Leaues
    Did represent my Masters blushing cheekes:
    When stubbornly he did repugne the truth,
    About a certaine question in the Law,
    1845Argu'd betwixt the Duke of Yorke, and him:
    With other vile and ignominious tearmes.
    In confutation of which rude reproach,
    And in defence of my Lords worthinesse,
    I craue the benefit of Law of Armes.
    1850 Uer. And that is my petition (Noble Lord:)
    For though he seeme with forged queint conceite
    To set a glosse vpon his bold intent,
    Yet know (my Lord) I was prouok'd by him,
    And he first tooke exceptions at this badge,
    1855Pronouncing that the palenesse of this Flower,
    Bewray'd the faintnesse of my Masters heart.
    Yorke. Will not this malice Somerset be left?
    Som. Your priuate grudge my Lord of York, wil out,
    Though ne're so cunningly you smother it.
    1860 King. Good Lord, what madnesse rules in braine-
    sicke men,
    When for so slight and friuolous a cause,
    Such factious aemulations shall arise?
    Good Cosins both of Yorke and Somerset,
    1865Quiet your selues (I pray) and be at peace.
    Yorke. Let this dissention first be tried by fight,
    And then your Highnesse shall command a Peace.
    Som. The quarrell toucheth none but vs alone,
    Betwixt our selues let vs decide it then.
    1870 Yorke. There is my pledge, accept it Somerset.
    Ver. Nay, let it rest where it began at first.
    Bass. Confirme it so, mine honourable Lord.
    Glo. Confirme it so? Confounded be your strife,
    And perish ye with your audacious prate,
    1875Presumptuous vassals, are you not asham'd
    With this immodest clamorous outrage,
    To trouble and disturbe the King, and Vs?
    And you my Lords, me thinkes you do not well
    To beare with their peruerse Obiections:
    1880Much lesse to take occasion from their mouthes,
    To raise a mutiny betwixt your selues.
    Let me perswade you take a better course.
    Exet. It greeues his Highnesse,
    Good my Lords, be Friends.
    1885 King. Come hither you that would be Combatants:
    Henceforth I charge you, as you loue our fauour,
    Quite to forget this Quarrell, and the cause.
    And you my Lords: Remember where we are,
    In France, amongst a fickle wauering Nation:
    1890If they perceyue dissention in our lookes,
    And that within our selues we disagree;
    How will their grudging stomackes be prouok'd
    To wilfull Disobedience, and Rebell?
    Beside, What infamy will there arise,
    1895When Forraigne Princes shall be certified,
    That for a toy, a thing of no regard,
    King Henries Peeres, and cheefe Nobility,
    Destroy'd themselues, and lost the Realme of France?
    Oh thinke vpon the Conquest of my Father,
    1900My tender yeares, and let vs not forgoe
    That for a trifle, that was bought with blood.
    Let me be Vmper in this doubtfull strife:
    I see no reason if I weare this Rose,
    That any one should therefore be suspitious
    1905I more incline to Somerset, than Yorke:
    Both are my kinsmen, and I loue them both.
    As well they may vpbray'd me with my Crowne,
    Because (forsooth) the King of Scots is Crown'd.
    But your discretions better can perswade,
    1910Then I am able to instruct or teach:
    And therefore, as we hither came in peace,
    So let vs still continue peace, and loue.
    Cosin of Yorke, we institute your Grace
    To be our Regent in these parts of France:
    1915And good my Lord of Somerset, vnite
    Your Troopes of horsemen, with his Bands of foote,
    And like true Subiects, sonnes of your Progenitors,
    Go cheerefully together, and digest
    Your angry Choller on your Enemies.
    1920Our Selfe, my Lord Protector, and the rest,
    After some respit, will returne to Calice;
    From thence to England, where I hope ere long
    To be presented by your Victories,
    With Charles, Alanson, and that Traiterous rout.
    1925 Exeunt. Manet Yorke, Warwick, Exeter, Vernon.
    War. My Lord of Yorke, I promise you the King
    Prettily (me thought) did play the Orator.)
    Yorke. And so he did, but yet I like it not,
    In that he weares the badge of Somerset.
    1930 War. Tush, that was but his fancie, blame him not,
    I dare presume (sweet Prince) he thought no harme.
    York. And if I wish he did. But let it rest,
    Other affayres must now be managed. Exeunt.
    Flourish. Manet Exeter.
    1935 Exet. Well didst thou Richard to suppresse thy voice:
    For had the passions of thy heart burst out,
    I feare we should haue seene decipher'd there
    More rancorous spight, more furious raging broyles,
    Then yet can be imagin'd or suppos'd:
    1940But howsoere, no simple man that sees
    This iarring discord of Nobilitie,
    This shouldering of each other in the Court,
    This factious bandying of their Fauourites,
    But that it doth presage some ill euent.
    1945'Tis much, when Scepters are in Childrens hands:
    But more, when Enuy breeds vnkinde deuision,
    There comes the ruine, there begins confusion. Exit.
    Enter Talbot with Trumpe and Drumme,
    before Burdeaux.
    1950 Talb. Go to the Gates of Burdeaux Trumpeter,
    Summon their Generall vnto the Wall. Sounds.
    Enter Generall aloft.
    English Iohn Talbot (Captaines) call you forth,
    Seruant in Armes to Harry King of England,
    1955And thus he would. Open your Citie Gates,
    Be humble to vs, call my Soueraigne yours,
    And do him homage as obedient Subiects,
    And Ile withdraw me, and my bloody power.
    But if you frowne vpon this proffer'd Peace,
    1960You tempt the fury of my three attendants,
    Leane Famine, quartering Steele, and climbing Fire,
    Who in a moment, eeuen with the earth,
    Shall lay your stately, and ayre-brauing Towers,
    If you forsake the offer of their loue.
    1965 Cap. Thou ominous and fearefull Owle of death,
    Our Nations terror, and their bloody scourge,
    The period of thy Tyranny approacheth,
    On vs thou canst not enter but by death:
    For I protest we are well fortified,
    1970And strong enough to issue out and fight.
    If thou retire, the Dolphin well appointed,
    Stands with the snares of Warre to tangle thee.
    On either hand thee, there are squadrons pitcht,
    To wall thee from the liberty of Flight;
    1975And no way canst thou turne thee for redresse,
    But death doth front thee with apparant spoyle,
    And pale destruction meets thee in the face:
    Ten thousand French haue tane the Sacrament,
    To ryue their dangerous Artillerie
    1980Vpon no Christian soule but English Talbot:
    Loe, there thou standst a breathing valiant man
    Of an inuincible vnconquer'd spirit:
    This is the latest Glorie of thy praise,
    That I thy enemy dew thee withall:
    1985For ere the Glasse that now begins to runne,
    Finish the processe of his sandy houre,
    These eyes that see thee now well coloured,
    Shall see thee withered, bloody, pale, and dead.
    Drum a farre off.
    1990Harke, harke, the Dolphins drumme, a warning bell,
    Sings heauy Musicke to thy timorous soule,
    And mine shall ring thy dire departure out. Exit
    Tal. He Fables not, I heare the enemie:
    Out some light Horsemen, and peruse their Wings.
    1995O negligent and heedlesse Discipline,
    How are we park'd and bounded in a pale?
    A little Heard of Englands timorous Deere,
    Maz'd with a yelping kennell of French Curres.
    If we be English Deere, be then in blood,
    2000Not Rascall-like to fall downe with a pinch,
    But rather moodie mad: And desperate Stagges,
    Turne on the bloody Hounds with heads of Steele,
    And make the Cowards stand aloofe at bay:
    Sell euery man his life as deere as mine,
    2005And they shall finde deere Deere of vs my Friends.
    God, and S. George, Talbot and Englands right,
    Prosper our Colours in this dangerous fight.
    Enter a Messenger that meets Yorke. Enter Yorke
    with Trumpet, and many Soldiers.
    2010 Yorke. Are not the speedy scouts return'd againe,
    That dog'd the mighty Army of the Dolphin?
    Mess. They are return'd my Lord, and giue it out,
    That he is march'd to Burdeaux with his power
    To fight with Talbot as he march'd along.
    2015By your espyals were discouered
    Two mightier Troopes then that the Dolphin led,
    Which ioyn'd with him, and made their march for (Burdeaux
    Yorke. A plague vpon that Villaine Somerset,
    That thus delayes my promised supply
    2020Of horsemen, that were leuied for this siege.
    Renowned Talbot doth expect my ayde,
    And I am lowted by a Traitor Villaine,
    And cannot helpe the noble Cheualier:
    God comfort him in this necessity:
    2025If he miscarry, farewell Warres in France.
    Enter another Messenger.
    2. Mes. Thou Princely Leader of our English strength,
    Neuer so needfull on the earth of France,
    Spurre to the rescue of the Noble Talbot,
    2030Who now is girdled with a waste of Iron,
    And hem'd about with grim destruction:
    To Burdeaux warlike Duke, to Burdeaux Yorke,
    Else farwell Talbot, France, and Englands honor.
    Yorke. O God, that Somerset who in proud heart
    2035Doth stop my Cornets, were in Talbots place,
    So should wee saue a valiant Gentleman,
    By forfeyting a Traitor, and a Coward:
    Mad ire, and wrathfull fury makes me weepe,
    That thus we dye, while remisse Traitors sleepe.
    2040 Mes. O send some succour to the distrest Lord.
    Yorke. He dies, we loose: I breake my warlike word:
    We mourne, France smiles: We loose, they dayly get,
    All long of this vile Traitor Somerset.
    Mes. Then God take mercy on braue Talbots soule,
    2045And on his Sonne yong Iohn, who two houres since,
    I met in trauaile toward his warlike Father;
    This seuen yeeres did not Talbot see his sonne,
    And now they meete where both their liues are done.
    Yorke. Alas, what ioy shall noble Talbot haue,
    2050To bid his yong sonne welcome to his Graue:
    Away, vexation almost stoppes my breath,
    That sundred friends greete in the houre of death.
    Lucie farewell, no more my fortune can,
    But curse the cause I cannot ayde the man.
    2055Maine, Bloys, Poytiers, and Toures, are wonne away,
    Long all of Somerset, and his delay. Exit
    Mes. Thus while the Vulture of sedition,
    Feedes in the bosome of such great Commanders,
    Sleeping neglection doth betray to losse:
    2060The Conquest of our scarse-cold Conqueror,
    That euer-liuing man of Memorie,
    Henrie the fift: Whiles they each other crosse,
    Liues, Honours, Lands, and all, hurrie to losse.
    Enter Somerset with his Armie.
    2065 Som. It is too late, I cannot send them now:
    This expedition was by Yorke and Talbot,
    Too rashly plotted. All our generall force,
    Might with a sally of the very Towne
    Be buckled with: the ouer-daring Talbot
    2070Hath sullied all his glosse of former Honor
    By this vnheedfull, desperate, wilde aduenture:
    Yorke set him on to fight, and dye in shame,
    That Talbot dead, great Yorke might beare the name.
    Cap. Heere is Sir William Lucie, who with me
    2075Set from our ore-matcht forces forth for ayde.
    Som. How now Sir William, whether were you sent?
    Lu. Whether my Lord, from bought & sold L. Talbot,
    Who ring'd about with bold aduersitie,
    Cries out for noble Yorke and Somerset,
    2080To beate assayling death from his weake Regions,
    And whiles the honourable Captaine there
    Drops bloody swet from his warre-wearied limbes,
    And in aduantage lingring lookes for rescue,
    You his false hopes, the trust of Englands honor,
    2085Keepe off aloofe with worthlesse emulation:
    Let not your priuate discord keepe away
    The leuied succours that should lend him ayde,
    While he renowned Noble Gentleman
    Yeeld vp his life vnto a world of oddes.
    2090Orleance the Bastard, Charles, Burgundie,
    Alanson, Reignard, compasse him about,
    And Talbot perisheth by your default.
    Som. Yorke set him on, Yorke should haue sent him
    ayde.
    2095 Luc. And Yorke as fast vpon your Grace exclaimes,
    Swearing that you with-hold his leuied hoast,
    Collected for this expidition.
    Som. York lyes: He might haue sent, & had the Horse:
    I owe him little Dutie, and lesse Loue,
    2100And take foule scorne to fawne on him by sending.
    Lu. The fraud of England, not the force of France,
    Hath now intrapt the Noble-minded Talbot:
    Neuer to England shall he beare his life,
    But dies betraid to fortune by your strife.
    2105 Som. Come go, I will dispatch the Horsemen strait:
    Within sixe houres, they will be at his ayde.
    Lu. Too late comes rescue, he is tane or slaine,
    For flye he could not, if he would haue fled:
    And flye would Talbot neuer though he might.
    2110 Som. If he be dead, braue Talbot then adieu.
    Lu. His Fame liues in the world. His Shame in you.
    Exeunt.
    Enter Talbot and his Sonne.
    Tal. O yong Iohn Talbot, I did send for thee
    2115To tutor thee in stratagems of Warre,
    That Talbots name might be in thee reuiu'd,
    When saplesse Age, and weake vnable limbes
    Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire.
    But O malignant and ill-boading Starres,
    2120Now thou art come vnto a Feast of death,
    A terrible and vnauoyded danger:
    Therefore deere Boy, mount on my swiftest horse,
    And Ile direct thee how thou shalt escape
    By sodaine flight. Come, dally not, be gone.
    2125 Iohn. Is my name Talbot? and am I your Sonne?
    And shall I flye? O, if you loue my Mother,
    Dishonor not her Honorable Name,
    To make a Bastard, and a Slaue of me:
    The World will say, he is not Talbots blood,
    2130That basely fled, when Noble Talbot stood.
    Talb. Flye, to reuenge my death, if I be slaine.
    Iohn. He that flyes so, will ne're returne againe.
    Talb. If we both stay, we both are sure to dye.
    Iohn. Then let me stay, and Father doe you flye:
    2135Your losse is great, so your regard should be;
    My worth vnknowne, no losse is knowne in me.
    Vpon my death, the French can little boast;
    In yours they will, in you all hopes are lost.
    Flight cannot stayne the Honor you haue wonne,
    2140But mine it will, that no Exploit haue done.
    You fled for Vantage, euery one will sweare:
    But if I bow, they'le say it was for feare.
    There is no hope that euer I will stay,
    If the first howre I shrinke and run away:
    2145Here on my knee I begge Mortalitie,
    Rather then Life, preseru'd with Infamie.
    Talb. Shall all thy Mothers hopes lye in one Tombe?
    Iohn. I, rather then Ile shame my Mothers Wombe.
    Talb. Vpon my Blessing I command thee goe.
    2150 Iohn. To fight I will, but not to flye the Foe.
    Talb. Part of thy Father may be sau'd in thee.
    Iohn. No part of him, but will be shame in mee.
    Talb. Thou neuer hadst Renowne, nor canst not lose it.
    Iohn. Yes, your renowned Name: shall flight abuse it?
    2155 Talb. Thy Fathers charge shal cleare thee from yt staine.
    Iohn. You cannot witnesse for me, being slaine.
    If Death be so apparant, then both flye.
    Talb. And leaue my followers here to fight and dye?
    My Age was neuer tainted with such shame.
    2160 Iohn. And shall my Youth be guiltie of such blame?
    No more can I be seuered from your side,
    Then can your selfe, your selfe in twaine diuide:
    Stay, goe, doe what you will, the like doe I;
    For liue I will not, if my Father dye.
    2165 Talb. Then here I take my leaue of thee, faire Sonne,
    Borne to eclipse thy Life this afternoone:
    Come, side by side, together liue and dye,
    And Soule with Soule from France to Heauen flye. Exit.
    Alarum: Excursions, wherein Talbots Sonne
    2170 is hemm'd about, and Talbot
    rescues him.
    Talb. Saint George, and Victory; fight Souldiers, fight:
    The Regent hath with Talbot broke his word,
    And left vs to the rage of France his Sword.
    2175Where is Iohn Talbot? pawse, and take thy breath,
    I gaue thee Life, and rescu'd thee from Death.
    Iohn. O twice my Father, twice am I thy Sonne:
    The Life thou gau'st me first, was lost and done,
    Till with thy Warlike Sword, despight of Fate,
    2180To my determin'd time thou gau'st new date.
    Talb. When frō the Dolphins Crest thy Sword struck fire,
    It warm'd thy Fathers heart with prowd desire
    Of bold-fac't Victorie. Then Leaden Age,
    Quicken'd with Youthfull Spleene, and Warlike Rage,
    2185Beat downe Alanson, Orleance, Burgundie,
    And from the Pride of Gallia rescued thee.
    The irefull Bastard Orleance, that drew blood
    From thee my Boy, and had the Maidenhood
    Of thy first fight, I soone encountred,
    2190And interchanging blowes, I quickly shed
    Some of his Bastard blood, and in disgrace
    Bespoke him thus: Contaminated, base,
    And mis-begotten blood, I spill of thine,
    Meane and right poore, for that pure blood of mine,
    2195Which thou didst force from Talbot, my braue Boy.
    Here purposing the Bastard to destroy,
    Came in strong rescue. Speake thy Fathers care:
    Art thou not wearie, Iohn? How do'st thou fare?
    Wilt thou yet leaue the Battaile, Boy, and flie,
    2200Now thou art seal'd the Sonne of Chiualrie?
    Flye, to reuenge my death when I am dead,
    The helpe of one stands me in little stead.
    Oh, too much folly is it, well I wot,
    To hazard all our liues in one small Boat.
    2205If I to day dye not with Frenchmens Rage,
    To morrow I shall dye with mickle Age.
    By me they nothing gaine, and if I stay,
    'Tis but the shortning of my Life one day.
    In thee thy Mother dyes, our Households Name,
    2210My Deaths Reuenge, thy Youth, and Englands Fame:
    All these, and more, we hazard by thy stay;
    All these are sau'd, if thou wilt flye away.
    Iohn. The Sword of Orleance hath not made me smart,
    These words of yours draw Life-blood from my Heart.
    2215On that aduantage, bought with such a shame,
    To saue a paltry Life, and slay bright Fame,
    Before young Talbot from old Talbot flye,
    The Coward Horse that beares me, fall and dye:
    And like me to the pesant Boyes of France,
    2220To be Shames scorne, and subiect of Mischance.
    Surely, by all the Glorie you haue wonne,
    And if I flye, I am not Talbots Sonne.
    Then talke no more of flight, it is no boot,
    If Sonne to Talbot, dye at Talbots foot.
    2225 Talb. Then follow thou thy desp'rate Syre of Creet,
    Thou Icarus, thy Life to me is sweet:
    If thou wilt fight, fight by thy Fathers side,
    And commendable prou'd, let's dye in pride. Exit.
    Alarum. Excursions. Enter old
    2230Talbot led.
    Talb. Where is my other Life? mine owne is gone.
    O, where's young Talbot? where is valiant Iohn?
    Triumphant Death, smear'd with Captiuitie,
    Young Talbots Valour makes me smile at thee.
    2235When he perceiu'd me shrinke, and on my Knee,
    His bloodie Sword he brandisht ouer mee,
    And like a hungry Lyon did commence
    Rough deeds of Rage, and sterne Impatience:
    But when my angry Guardant stood alone,
    2240Tendring my ruine, and assayl'd of none,
    Dizzie-ey'd Furie, and great rage of Heart,
    Suddenly made him from my side to start
    Into the clustring Battaile of the French:
    And in that Sea of Blood, my Boy did drench
    2245His ouer-mounting Spirit; and there di'de
    My Icarus, my Blossome, in his pride.
    Enter with Iohn Talbot, borne.
    Seru. O my deare Lord, loe where your Sonne is borne.
    Tal. Thou antique Death, which laugh'st vs here to scorn,
    2250Anon from thy insulting Tyrannie,
    Coupled in bonds of perpetuitie,
    Two Talbots winged through the lither Skie,
    In thy despight shall scape Mortalitie.
    O thou whose wounds become hard fauoured death,
    2255Speake to thy father, ere thou yeeld thy breath,
    Braue death by speaking, whither he will or no:
    Imagine him a Frenchman, and thy Foe.
    Poore Boy, he smiles, me thinkes, as who should say,
    Had Death bene French, then Death had dyed to day.
    2260Come, come, and lay him in his Fathers armes,
    My spirit can no longer beare these harmes.
    Souldiers adieu: I haue what I would haue,
    Now my old armes are yong Iohn Talbots graue. Dyes
    Enter Charles, Alanson, Burgundie, Bastard,
    2265and Pucell.
    Char. Had Yorke and Somerset brought rescue in,
    We should haue found a bloody day of this.
    Bast. How the yong whelpe of Talbots raging wood,
    Did flesh his punie-sword in Frenchmens blood.
    2270 Puc. Once I encountred him, and thus I said:
    Thou Maiden youth, be vanquisht by a Maide.
    But with a proud Maiesticall high scorne
    He answer'd thus: Yong Talbot was not borne
    To be the pillage of a Giglot Wench:
    2275So rushing in the bowels of the French,
    He left me proudly, as vnworthy fight.
    Bur. Doubtlesse he would haue made a noble Knight:
    See where he lyes inherced in the armes
    Of the most bloody Nursser of his harmes.
    2280 Bast. Hew them to peeces, hack their bones assunder,
    Whose life was Englands glory, Gallia's wonder.
    Char. Oh no forbeare: For that which we haue fled
    During the life, let vs not wrong it dead.
    Enter Lucie.
    2285 Lu. Herald, conduct me to the Dolphins Tent,
    To know who hath obtain'd the glory of the day.
    Char. On what submissiue message art thou sent?
    Lucy. Submission Dolphin? Tis a meere French word:
    We English Warriours wot not what it meanes.
    2290I come to know what Prisoners thou hast tane,
    And to suruey the bodies of the dead.
    Char. For prisoners askst thou? Hell our prison is.
    But tell me whom thou seek'st?
    Luc. But where's the great Alcides of the field,
    2295Valiant Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury?
    Created for his rare successe in Armes,
    Great Earle of Washford, Waterford, and Valence,
    Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Vrchinfield,
    Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord Verdon of Alton,
    2300Lord Cromwell of Wingefield, Lord Furniuall of Sheffeild,
    The thrice victorious Lord of Falconbridge,
    Knight of the Noble Order of S. George,
    Worthy S. Michael, and the Golden Fleece,
    Great Marshall to Henry the sixt,
    2305Of all his Warres within the Realme of France.
    Puc. Heere's a silly stately stile indeede:
    The Turke that two and fiftie Kingdomes hath,
    Writes not so tedious a Stile as this.
    Him that thou magnifi'st with all these Titles,
    2310Stinking and fly-blowne lyes heere at our feete.
    Lucy. Is Talbot slaine, the Frenchmens only Scourge,
    Your Kingdomes terror, and blacke Nemesis?
    Oh were mine eye-balles into Bullets turn'd,
    That I in rage might shoot them at your faces.
    2315Oh, that I could but call these dead to life,
    It were enough to fright the Realme of France.
    Were but his Picture left amongst you here,
    It would amaze the prowdest of you all.
    Giue me their Bodyes, that I may beare them hence,
    2320And giue them Buriall, as beseemes their worth.
    Pucel. I thinke this vpstart is old Talbots Ghost,
    He speakes with such a proud commanding spirit:
    For Gods sake let him haue him, to keepe them here,
    They would but stinke, and putrifie the ayre.
    2325 Char. Go take their bodies hence.
    Lucy. Ile beare them hence: but from their ashes shal
    be reard
    A Phoenix that shall make all France affear'd.
    Char. So we be rid of them, do with him what yu wilt.
    2330And now to Paris in this conquering vaine,
    All will be ours, now bloody Talbots slaine. Exit.
    Scena secunda.
    SENNET.
    Enter King, Glocester, and Exeter.
    2335 King. Haue you perus'd the Letters from the Pope,
    The Emperor, and the Earle of Arminack?
    Glo. I haue my Lord, and their intent is this,
    They humbly sue vnto your Excellence,
    To haue a godly peace concluded of,
    2340Betweene the Realmes of England, and of France.
    King. How doth your Grace affect their motion?
    Glo. Well (my good Lord) and as the only meanes
    To stop effusion of our Christian blood,
    And stablish quietnesse on euery side.
    2345 King. I marry Vnckle, for I alwayes thought
    It was both impious and vnnaturall,
    That such immanity and bloody strife
    Should reigne among Professors of one Faith.
    Glo. Beside my Lord, the sooner to effect,
    2350And surer binde this knot of amitie,
    The Earle of Arminacke neere knit to Charles,
    A man of great Authoritie in France,
    Proffers his onely daughter to your Grace,
    In marriage, with a large and sumptuous Dowrie.
    2355 King. Marriage Vnckle? Alas my yeares are yong:
    And fitter is my studie, and my Bookes,
    Than wanton dalliance with a Paramour.
    Yet call th'Embassadors, and as you please,
    So let them haue their answeres euery one:
    2360I shall be well content with any choyce
    Tends to Gods glory, and my Countries weale.
    Enter Winchester, and three Ambassadors.
    Exet. What, is my Lord of Winchester install'd,
    And call'd vnto a Cardinalls degree?
    2365Then I perceiue, that will be verified
    Henry the Fift did sometime prophesie.
    If once he come to be a Cardinall,
    Hee'l make his cap coequall with the Crowne.
    King. My Lords Ambassadors, your seuerall suites
    2370Haue bin consider'd and debated on,
    Your purpose is both good and reasonable:
    And therefore are we certainly resolu'd,
    To draw conditions of a friendly peace,
    Which by my Lord of Winchester we meane
    2375Shall be transported presently to France.
    Glo. And for the proffer of my Lord your Master,
    I haue inform'd his Highnesse so at large,
    As liking of the Ladies vertuous gifts,
    Her Beauty, and the valew of her Dower,
    2380He doth intend she shall be Englands Queene.
    King. In argument and proofe of which contract,
    Beare her this Iewell, pledge of my affection.
    And so my Lord Protector see them guarded,
    And safely brought to Douer, wherein ship'd
    2385Commit them to the fortune of the sea. Exeunt.
    Win. Stay my Lord Legate, you shall first receiue
    The summe of money which I promised
    Should be deliuered to his Holinesse,
    For cloathing me in these graue Ornaments.
    2390 Legat. I will attend vpon your Lordships leysure.
    Win. Now Winchester will not submit, I trow,
    Or be inferiour to the proudest Peere;
    Humfrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceiue,
    That neither in birth, or for authoritie,
    2395The Bishop will be ouer-borne by thee:
    Ile either make thee stoope, and bend thy knee,
    Or sacke this Country with a mutiny. Exeunt
    Scoena Tertia.
    Enter Charles, Burgundy, Alanson, Bastard,
    2400 Reignier, and Ione.
    Char. These newes (my Lords) may cheere our droo-
    ping spirits:
    'Tis said, the stout Parisians do reuolt,
    And turne againe vnto the warlike French.
    2405 Alan. Then march to Paris Royall Charles of France,
    And keepe not backe your powers in dalliance.
    Pucel. Peace be amongst them if they turne to vs,
    Else ruine combate with their Pallaces.
    Enter Scout.
    2410 Scout. Successe vnto our valiant Generall,
    And happinesse to his accomplices.
    Char. What tidings send our Scouts? I prethee speak.
    Scout. The English Army that diuided was
    Into two parties, is now conioyn'd in one,
    2415And meanes to giue you battell presently.
    Char. Somewhat too sodaine Sirs, the warning is,
    But we will presently prouide for them.
    Bur. I trust the Ghost of Talbot is not there:
    Now he is gone my Lord, you neede not feare.
    2420 Pucel. Of all base passions, Feare is most accurst.
    Command the Conquest Charles, it shall be thine:
    Let Henry fret, and all the world repine.
    Char. Then on my Lords, and France be fortunate.
    Exeunt. Alarum. Excursions.
    2425Enter Ione de Pucell.
    Puc. The Regent conquers, and the Frenchmen flye.
    Now helpe ye charming Spelles and Periapts,
    And ye choise spirits that admonish me,
    And giue me signes of future accidents. Thunder.
    2430You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
    Vnder the Lordly Monarch of the North,
    Appeare, and ayde me in this enterprize.
    Enter Fiends.
    This speedy and quicke appearance argues proofe
    2435Of your accustom'd diligence to me.
    Now ye Familiar Spirits, that are cull'd
    Out of the powerfull Regions vnder earth,
    Helpe me this once, that France may get the field.
    They walke, and speake not.
    2440Oh hold me not with silence ouer-long:
    Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
    Ile lop a member off, and giue it you,
    In earnest of a further benefit:
    So you do condiscend to helpe me now.
    2445 They hang their heads.
    No hope to haue redresse? My body shall
    Pay recompence, if you will graunt my suite.
    They shake their heads.
    Cannot my body, nor blood-sacrifice,
    2450Intreate you to your wonted furtherance?
    Then take my soule; my body, soule, and all,
    Before that England giue the French the foyle.
    They depart.
    See, they forsake me. Now the time is come,
    2455That France must vale her lofty plumed Crest,
    And let her head fall into Englands lappe.
    My ancient Incantations are too weake,
    And hell too strong for me to buckle with:
    Now France, thy glory droopeth to the dust. Exit.
    2460 Excursions. Burgundie and Yorke fight hand to
    hand. French flye.
    Yorke. Damsell of France, I thinke I haue you fast,
    Vnchaine your spirits now with spelling Charmes,
    And try if they can gaine your liberty.
    2465A goodly prize, fit for the diuels grace.
    See how the vgly Witch doth bend her browes,
    As if with Circe, she would change my shape.
    Puc. Chang'd to a worser shape thou canst not be:
    Yor. Oh, Charles the Dolphin is a proper man,
    2470No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
    Puc. A plaguing mischeefe light on Charles, and thee,
    And may ye both be sodainly surpriz'd
    By bloudy hands, in sleeping on your beds.
    Yorke. Fell banning Hagge, Inchantresse hold thy
    2475 tongue.
    Puc. I prethee giue me leaue to curse awhile.
    Yorke. Curse Miscreant, when thou comst to the stake
    Exeunt.
    Alarum. Enter Suffolke with Margaret
    2480 in his hand.
    Suff. Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
    Gazes on her.
    Oh Fairest Beautie, do not feare, nor flye:
    For I will touch thee but with reuerend hands,
    2485I kisse these fingers for eternall peace,
    And lay them gently on thy tender side.
    Who art thou, say? that I may honor thee.
    Mar. Margaret my name, and daughter to a King,
    The King of Naples, who so ere thou art.
    2490 Suff. An Earle I am, and Suffolke am I call'd.
    Be not offended Natures myracle,
    Thou art alotted to be tane by me:
    So doth the Swan her downie Signets saue,
    Keeping them prisoner vnderneath his wings:
    2495Yet if this seruile vsage once offend,
    Go, and be free againe, as Suffolkes friend. She is going
    Oh stay: I haue no power to let her passe,
    My hand would free her, but my heart sayes no.
    As playes the Sunne vpon the glassie streames,
    2500Twinkling another counterfetted beame,
    So seemes this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
    Faine would I woe her, yet I dare not speake:
    Ile call for Pen and Inke, and write my minde:
    Fye De la Pole, disable not thy selfe:
    2505Hast not a Tongue? Is she not heere?
    Wilt thou be daunted at a Womans sight?
    I: Beauties Princely Maiesty is such,
    'Confounds the tongue, and makes the senses rough.
    Mar. Say Earle of Suffolke, if thy name be so,
    2510What ransome must I pay before I passe?
    For I perceiue I am thy prisoner.
    Suf. How canst thou tell she will deny thy suite,
    Before thou make a triall of her loue?
    M. Why speak'st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
    2515 Suf. She's beautifull; and therefore to be Wooed:
    She is a Woman; therefore to be Wonne.
    Mar, Wilt thou accept of ransome, yea or no?
    Suf. Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife,
    Then how can Margaret be thy Paramour?
    2520 Mar. I were best to leaue him, for he will not heare.
    Suf. There all is marr'd: there lies a cooling card.
    Mar. He talkes at randon: sure the man is mad.
    Suf. And yet a dispensation may bee had.
    Mar. And yet I would that you would answer me.
    2525 Suf. Ile win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
    Why for my King: Tush, that's a woodden thing.
    Mar. He talkes of wood: It is some Carpenter.
    Suf. Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
    And peace established betweene these Realmes.
    2530But there remaines a scruple in that too:
    For though her Father be the King of Naples,
    Duke of Aniou and Mayne, yet is he poore,
    And our Nobility will scorne the match.
    Mar. Heare ye Captaine? Are you not at leysure?
    2535 Suf. It shall be so, disdaine they ne're so much:
    Henry is youthfull, and will quickly yeeld.
    Madam, I haue a secret to reueale.
    Mar. What though I be inthral'd, he seems a knight
    And will not any way dishonor me.
    2540 Suf. Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
    Mar. Perhaps I shall be rescu'd by the French,
    And then I need not craue his curtesie.
    Suf. Sweet Madam, giue me hearing in a cause.
    Mar. Tush, women haue bene captiuate ere now.
    2545 Suf. Lady, wherefore talke you so?
    Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo.
    Suf. Say gentle Princesse, would you not suppose
    Your bondage happy, to be made a Queene?
    Mar. To be a Queene in bondage, is more vile,
    2550Than is a slaue, in base seruility:
    For Princes should be free.
    Suf. And so shall you,
    If happy Englands Royall King be free.
    Mar. Why what concernes his freedome vnto mee?
    2555 Suf. Ile vndertake to make thee Henries Queene,
    To put a Golden Scepter in thy hand,
    And set a precious Crowne vpon thy head,
    If thou wilt condiscend to be my----
    Mar. What?
    2560 Suf. His loue.
    Mar. I am vnworthy to be Henries wife.
    Suf. No gentle Madam, I vnworthy am
    To woe so faire a Dame to be his wife,
    And haue no portion in the choice my selfe.
    2565How say you Madam, are ye so content?
    Mar. And if my Father please, I am content.
    Suf. Then call our Captaines and our Colours forth,
    And Madam, at your Fathers Castle walles,
    Wee'l craue a parley, to conferre with him.
    2570Sound. Enter Reignier on the Walles.
    See Reignier see, thy daughter prisoner.
    Reig. To whom?
    Suf. To me.
    Reig. Suffolke, what remedy?
    2575I am a Souldier, and vnapt to weepe,
    Or to exclaime on Fortunes ficklenesse.
    Suf. Yes, there is remedy enough my Lord,
    Consent, and for thy Honor giue consent,
    Thy daughter shall be wedded to my King,
    2580Whom I with paine haue wooed and wonne thereto:
    And this her easie held imprisonment,
    Hath gain'd thy daughter Princely libertie.
    Reig. Speakes Suffolke as he thinkes?
    Suf. Faire Margaret knowes,
    2585That Suffolke doth not flatter, face, or faine.
    Reig. Vpon thy Princely warrant, I descend,
    To giue thee answer of thy iust demand.
    Suf. And heere I will expect thy comming.
    Trumpets sound. Enter Reignier.
    2590 Reig. Welcome braue Earle into our Territories,
    Command in Aniou what your Honor pleases.
    Suf. Thankes Reignier, happy for so sweet a Childe,
    Fit to be made companion with a King:
    What answer makes your Grace vnto my suite?
    2595 Reig. Since thou dost daigne to woe her little worth,
    To be the Princely Bride of such a Lord:
    Vpon condition I may quietly
    Enioy mine owne, the Country Maine and Aniou,
    Free from oppression, or the stroke of Warre,
    2600My daughter shall be Henries, if he please.
    Suf. That is her ransome, I deliuer her,
    And those two Counties I will vndertake
    Your Grace shall well and quietly enioy.
    Reig. And I againe in Henries Royall name,
    2605As Deputy vnto that gracious King,
    Giue thee her hand for signe of plighted faith.
    Suf. Reignier of France, I giue thee Kingly thankes,
    Because this is in Trafficke of a King.
    And yet me thinkes I could be well content
    2610To be mine owne Atturney in this case.
    Ile ouer then to England with this newes.
    And make this marriage to be solemniz'd:
    So farewell Reignier, set this Diamond safe
    In Golden Pallaces as it becomes.
    2615 Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
    The Christian Prince King Henrie were he heere.
    Mar. Farewell my Lord, good wishes, praise, & praiers,
    Shall Suffolke euer haue of Margaret. Shee is going.
    Suf. Farwell sweet Madam: but hearke you Margaret,
    2620No Princely commendations to my King?
    Mar. Such commendations as becomes a Maide,
    A Virgin, and his Seruant, say to him.
    Suf. Words sweetly plac'd, and modestie directed,
    But Madame, I must trouble you againe,
    2625No louing Token to his Maiestie?
    Mar. Yes, my good Lord, a pure vnspotted heart,
    Neuer yet taint with loue, I send the King.
    Suf. And this withall. Kisse her.
    Mar. That for thy selfe, I will not so presume,
    2630To send such peeuish tokens to a King.
    Suf. Oh wert thou for my selfe: but Suffolke stay,
    Thou mayest not wander in that Labyrinth,
    There Minotaurs and vgly Treasons lurke,
    Solicite Henry with her wonderous praise.
    2635Bethinke thee on her Vertues that surmount,
    Mad naturall Graces that extinguish Art,
    Repeate their semblance often on the Seas,
    That when thou com'st to kneele at Henries feete,
    Thou mayest bereaue him of his wits with wonder. Exit
    2640 Enter Yorke, Warwicke, Shepheard, Pucell.
    Yor. Bring forth that Sorceresse condemn'd to burne.
    Shep. Ah Ione, this kils thy Fathers heart out-right,
    Haue I sought euery Country farre and neere,
    And now it is my chance to finde thee out,
    2645Must I behold thy timelesse cruell death:
    Ah Ione, sweet daughter Ione, Ile die with thee.
    Pucel. Decrepit Miser, base ignoble Wretch,
    I am descended of a gentler blood.
    Thou art no Father, nor no Friend of mine.
    2650 Shep. Out, out: My Lords, and please you, 'tis not so
    I did beget her, all the Parish knowes:
    Her Mother liueth yet, can testifie
    She was the first fruite of my Bach'ler-ship.
    War. Gracelesse, wilt thou deny thy Parentage?
    2655 Yorke. This argues what her kinde of life hath beene,
    Wicked and vile, and so her death concludes.
    Shep. Fye Ione, that thou wilt be so obstacle:
    God knowes, thou art a collop of my flesh,
    And for thy sake haue I shed many a teare:
    2660Deny me not, I prythee, gentle Ione.
    Pucell. Pezant auant. You haue suborn'd this man
    Of purpose, to obscure my Noble birth.
    Shep. 'Tis true, I gaue a Noble to the Priest,
    The morne that I was wedded to her mother.
    2665Kneele downe and take my blessing, good my Gyrle.
    Wilt thou not stoope? Now cursed be the time
    Of thy natiuitie: I would the Milke
    Thy mother gaue thee when thou suck'st her brest,
    Had bin a little Rats-bane for thy sake.
    2670Or else, when thou didst keepe my Lambes a-field,
    I wish some rauenous Wolfe had eaten thee.
    Doest thou deny thy Father, cursed Drab?
    O burne her, burne her, hanging is too good. Exit.
    Yorke. Take her away, for she hath liu'd too long,
    2675To fill the world with vicious qualities.
    Puc. First let me tell you whom you haue condemn'd;
    Not me, begotten of a Shepheard Swaine,
    But issued from the Progeny of Kings.
    Vertuous and Holy, chosen from aboue,
    2680By inspiration of Celestiall Grace,
    To worke exceeding myracles on earth.
    I neuer had to do with wicked Spirits.
    But you that are polluted with your lustes,
    Stain'd with the guiltlesse blood of Innocents,
    2685Corrupt and tainted with a thousand Vices:
    Because you want the grace that others haue,
    You iudge it straight a thing impossible
    To compasse Wonders, but by helpe of diuels.
    No misconceyued, Ione of Aire hath beene
    2690A Virgin from her tender infancie,
    Chaste, and immaculate in very thought,
    Whose Maiden-blood thus rigorously effus'd,
    Will cry for Vengeance, at the Gates of Heauen.
    Yorke. I, I: away with her to execution.
    2695 War. And hearke ye sirs: because she is a Maide,
    Spare for no Faggots, let there be enow:
    Place barrelles of pitch vpon the fatall stake,
    That so her torture may be shortned.
    Puc. Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts?
    2700Then Ione discouer thine infirmity,
    That warranteth by Law, to be thy priuiledge.
    I am with childe ye bloody Homicides:
    Murther not then the Fruite within my Wombe,
    Although ye hale me to a violent death.
    2705 Yor. Now heauen forfend, the holy Maid with child?
    War. The greatest miracle that ere ye wrought.
    Is all your strict precisenesse come to this?
    Yorke. She and the Dolphin haue bin iugling,
    I did imagine what would be her refuge.
    2710 War. Well go too, we'll haue no Bastards liue,
    Especially since Charles must Father it.
    Puc. You are deceyu'd, my childe is none of his,
    It was Alanson that inioy'd my loue.
    Yorke. Alanson that notorious Macheuile?
    2715It dyes, and if it had a thousand liues.
    Puc. Oh giue me leaue, I haue deluded you,
    'Twas neyther Charles, nor yet the Duke I nam'd,
    But Reignier King of Naples that preuayl'd.
    War. A married man, that's most intollerable.
    2720 Yor. Why here's a Gyrle: I think she knowes not wel
    (There were so many) whom she may accuse.
    War. It's signe she hath beene liberall and free.
    Yor. And yet forsooth she is a Virgin pure.
    Strumpet, thy words condemne thy Brat, and thee.
    2725Vse no intreaty, for it is in vaine.
    Pu. Then lead me hence: with whom I leaue my curse.
    May neuer glorious Sunne reflex his beames
    Vpon the Countrey where you make abode:
    But darknesse, and the gloomy shade of death
    2730Inuiron you, till Mischeefe and Dispaire,
    Driue you to break your necks, or hang your selues. Exit
    Enter Cardinall.
    Yorke. Breake thou in peeces, and consume to ashes,
    Thou fowle accursed minister of Hell.
    2735 Car. Lord Regent, I do greete your Excellence
    With Letters of Commission from the King.
    For know my Lords, the States of Christendome,
    Mou'd with remorse of these out-ragious broyles,
    Haue earnestly implor'd a generall peace,
    2740Betwixt our Nation, and the aspyring French;
    And heere at hand, the Dolphin and his Traine
    Approacheth, to conferre about some matter.
    Yorke. Is all our trauell turn'd to this effect,
    After the slaughter of so many Peeres,
    2745So many Captaines, Gentlemen, and Soldiers,
    That in this quarrell haue beene ouerthrowne,
    And sold their bodyes for their Countryes benefit,
    Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
    Haue we not lost most part of all the Townes,
    2750By Treason, Falshood, and by Treacherie,
    Our great Progenitors had conquered:
    Oh Warwicke, Warwicke, I foresee with greefe
    The vtter losse of all the Realme of France.
    War. Be patient Yorke, if we conclude a Peace
    2755It shall be with such strict and seuere Couenants,
    As little shall the Frenchmen gaine thereby.
    Enter Charles, Alanson, Bastard, Reignier.
    Char. Since Lords of England, it is thus agreed,
    That peacefull truce shall be proclaim'd in France,
    2760We come to be informed by your selues,
    What the conditions of that league must be.
    Yorke. Speake Winchester, for boyling choller chokes
    The hollow passage of my poyson'd voyce,
    By sight of these our balefull enemies.
    2765 Win. Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus:
    That in regard King Henry giues consent,
    Of meere compassion, and of lenity,
    To ease your Countrie of distressefull Warre,
    And suffer you to breath in fruitfull peace,
    2770You shall become true Liegemen to his Crowne.
    And Charles, vpon condition thou wilt sweare
    To pay him tribute, and submit thy selfe,
    Thou shalt be plac'd as Viceroy vnder him,
    And still enioy thy Regall dignity.
    2775 Alan. Must he be then as shadow of himselfe?
    Adorne his Temples with a Coronet,
    And yet in substance and authority,
    Retaine but priuiledge of a priuate man?
    This proffer is absurd, and reasonlesse.
    2780 Char. 'Tis knowne already that I am possest
    With more then halfe the Gallian Territories,
    And therein reuerenc'd for their lawfull King.
    Shall I for lucre of the rest vn-vanquisht,
    Detract so much from that prerogatiue,
    2785As to be call'd but Viceroy of the whole?
    No Lord Ambassador, Ile rather keepe
    That which I haue, than coueting for more
    Be cast from possibility of all.
    Yorke. Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret meanes
    2790Vs'd intercession to obtaine a league,
    And now the matter growes to compremize,
    Stand'st thou aloofe vpon Comparison.
    Either accept the Title thou vsurp'st,
    Of benefit proceeding from our King,
    2795And not of any challenge of Desert,
    Or we will plague thee with incessant Warres.
    Reig. My Lord, you do not well in obstinacy,
    To cauill in the course of this Contract:
    If once it be neglected, ten to one
    2800We shall not finde like opportunity.
    Alan. To say the truth, it is your policie,
    To saue your Subiects from such massacre
    And ruthlesse slaughters as are dayly seene
    By our proceeding in Hostility,
    2805And therefore take this compact of a Truce,
    Although you breake it, when your pleasure serues.
    War. How sayst thou Charles?
    Shall our Condition stand?
    Char. It Shall:
    2810Onely reseru'd, you claime no interest
    In any of our Townes of Garrison.
    Yor. Then sweare Allegeance to his Maiesty,
    As thou art Knight, neuer to disobey,
    Nor be Rebellious to the Crowne of England,
    2815Thou nor thy Nobles, to the Crowne of England.
    So, now dismisse your Army when ye please:
    Hang vp your Ensignes, let your Drummes be still,
    For heere we entertaine a solemne peace. Exeunt
    Actus Quintus.
    2820 Enter Suffolke in conference with the King,
    Glocester, and Exeter.
    King. Your wondrous rare description (noble Earle)
    Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me:
    Her vertues graced with externall gifts,
    2825Do breed Loues setled passions in my heart,
    And like as rigour of tempestuous gustes
    Prouokes the mightiest Hulke against the tide,
    So am I driuen by breath of her Renowne,
    Either to suffer Shipwracke, or arriue
    2830Where I may haue fruition of her Loue.
    Suf. Tush my good Lord, this superficiall tale,
    Is but a preface of her worthy praise:
    The cheefe perfections of that louely Dame,
    (Had I sufficient skill to vtter them)
    2835Would make a volume of inticing lines,
    Able to rauish any dull conceit.
    And which is more, she is not so Diuine,
    So full repleate with choice of all delights,
    But with as humble lowlinesse of minde,
    2840She is content to be at your command:
    Command I meane, of Vertuous chaste intents,
    To Loue, and Honor Henry as her Lord.
    King. And otherwise, will Henry ne're presume:
    Therefore my Lord Protector, giue consent,
    2845That Marg'ret may be Englands Royall Queene.
    Glo. So should I giue consent to flatter sinne,
    You know (my Lord) your Highnesse is betroath'd
    Vnto another Lady of esteeme,
    How shall we then dispense with that contract,
    2850And not deface your Honor with reproach?
    Suf. As doth a Ruler with vnlawfull Oathes,
    Or one that at a Triumph, hauing vow'd
    To try his strength, forsaketh yet the Listes
    By reason of his Aduersaries oddes.
    2855A poore Earles daughter is vnequall oddes,
    And therefore may be broke without offence.
    Gloucester. Why what (I pray) is Margaret more
    then that?
    Her Father is no better than an Earle,
    2860Although in glorious Titles he excell.
    Suf. Yes my Lord, her Father is a King,
    The King of Naples, and Ierusalem,
    And of such great Authoritie in France,
    As his alliance will confirme our peace,
    2865And keepe the Frenchmen in Allegeance.
    Glo. And so the Earle of Arminacke may doe,
    Because he is neere Kinsman vnto Charles.
    Exet. Beside, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower,
    Where Reignier sooner will receyue, than giue.
    2870 Suf. A Dowre my Lords? Disgrace not so your King,
    That he should be so abiect, base, and poore,
    To choose for wealth, and not for perfect Loue.
    Henry is able to enrich his Queene,
    And not to seeke a Queene to make him rich,
    2875So worthlesse Pezants bargaine for their Wiues,
    As Market men for Oxen, Sheepe, or Horse.
    Marriage is a matter of more worth,
    Then to be dealt in by Atturney-ship:
    Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects,
    2880Must be companion of his Nuptiall bed.
    And therefore Lords, since he affects her most,
    Most of all these reasons bindeth vs,
    In our opinions she should be preferr'd.
    For what is wedlocke forced? but a Hell,
    2885An Age of discord and continuall strife,
    Whereas the contrarie bringeth blisse,
    And is a patterne of Celestiall peace.
    Whom should we match with Henry being a King,
    But Margaret, that is daughter to a King:
    2890Her peerelesse feature, ioyned with her birth,
    Approues her fit for none, but for a King.
    Her valiant courage, and vndaunted spirit,
    (More then in women commonly is seene)
    Will answer our hope in issue of a King.
    2895For Henry, sonne vnto a Conqueror,
    Is likely to beget more Conquerors,
    If with a Lady of so high resolue,
    (As is faire Margaret) he be link'd in loue.
    Then yeeld my Lords, and heere conclude with mee,
    2900That Margaret shall be Queene, and none but shee.
    King. Whether it be through force of your report,
    My Noble Lord of Suffolke: Or for that
    My tender youth was neuer yet attaint
    With any passion of inflaming Ioue,
    2905I cannot tell: but this I am assur'd,
    I feele such sharpe dissention in my breast,
    Such fierce alarums both of Hope and Feare,
    As I am sicke with working of my thoughts.
    Take therefore shipping, poste my Lord to France,
    2910Agree to any couenants, and procure
    That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come
    To crosse the Seas to England, and be crown'd
    King Henries faithfull and annointed Queene.
    For your expences and sufficient charge,
    2915Among the people gather vp a tenth.
    Be gone I say, for till you do returne,
    I rest perplexed with a thousand Cares.
    And you (good Vnckle) banish all offence:
    If you do censure me, by what you were,
    2920Not what you are, I know it will excuse
    This sodaine execution of my will.
    And so conduct me, where from company,
    I may reuolue and ruminate my greefe. Exit.
    Glo. I greefe I feare me, both at first and last.
    2925 Exit Glocester.
    Suf. Thus Suffolke hath preuail'd, and thus he goes
    As did the youthfull Paris once to Greece,
    With hope to finde the like euent in loue,
    But prosper better than the Troian did:
    2930Margaret shall now be Queene, and rule the King:
    But I will rule both her, the King, and Realme. Exit
    FINIS.
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