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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
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    Henry VI, Part 1 (Folio 1, 1623)

    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.