Internet Shakespeare Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Through Line Number
Help on texts
About this text
Print this page

About this text

  • Title: Henry VI, Part 1 (Modern)
  • Editor:

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    Not Peer Reviewed

    Henry VI, Part 1 (Modern)

    1690 [Flourish.] Enter King [Henry, the Duke of] Gloucester, [the Bishop of] Winchester, [the Duke of] Exeter; [Richard Plantagenet now Duke of] York, [the Earl of] Warwick, [and Vernon with white roses; the Earl of] Suffolk, [the Duke of] Somerset [and Basset with red roses]. To them, with his Soldiers, [enter Lord] Talbot.
    Talbot
    My gracious prince, and honorable peers,
    Hearing of your arrival in this realm
    1695I have a while given truce unto my wars
    To do my duty to my sovereign;
    In sign whereof, this arm that hath reclaimed
    To your obedience fifty fortresses,
    Twelve cities, and seven wallèd towns of strength,
    1700Beside five hundred prisoners of esteem,
    Lets fall his sword before your highness' feet,
    And with submissive loyalty of heart
    Ascribes the glory of his conquest got
    First to my God, and next unto your grace.
    [He kneels.]
    1705King
    Is this the Lord Talbot, uncle Gloucester,
    That hath so long been resident in France?
    Gloucester
    Yes, if it please your majesty, my liege.
    King
    Welcome, brave captain and victorious lord.
    When I was young, as yet I am not old,
    1710I do remember how my father said
    A stouter champion never handled sword.
    Long since we were resolvèd of your truth,
    Your faithful service and your toil in war,
    Yet never have you tasted our reward,
    1715Or been reguerdoned with so much as thanks,
    Because till now we never saw your face.
    Therefore stand up,
    [Talbot rises.]
    and for these good deserts
    We here create you Earl of Shrewsbury;
    And in our coronation take your place.
    1720 Sennet. Flourish. Exeunt. Manent Vernon and Basset.
    Vernon
    Now sir, to you that were so hot at sea,
    Disgracing of these colors that I wear
    In honor of my noble lord of York
    1725Dar'st thou maintain the former words thou spak'st?
    Basset
    Yes, sir, as well as you dare patronage
    The envious barking of your saucy tongue
    Against my lord the Duke of Somerset.
    Vernon
    Sirrah, thy lord I honor as he is.
    1730Basset
    Why, what is he? As good a man as York.
    Vernon
    Hark ye, not so. In witness, take ye that.
    [Vernon] strikes him.
    Basset
    Villain, thou knowest the law of arms is such
    1735That whoso draws a sword 'tis present death,
    Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood.
    But I'll unto his majesty and crave
    I may have liberty to venge this wrong,
    When thou shalt see I'll meet thee to thy cost.
    1740Vernon
    Well, miscreant, I'll be there as soon as you,
    And after meet you sooner than you would.
    Exeunt.
    About
    Contact us
    Content quality
    Site guide
    © Internet Shakespeare Editions
    Copyright details
    Privacy policy
    This site is supported by:
    University of Victoria
    Friends of the ISE
    SSHRC